Chapter 20: Merry Christmas, Baby
It was Christmas Eve, and the girls were sitting huddled next to each other trying to warm themselves inside the diner. Their boyfriends were both upstairs, theoretically getting dressed to go to Emily and Richard's Christmas party.
"It's cold in here." Rory shivered.
"No, Hitler was a cold man. A trek to the top of Mount Everest is cold; this is sub-zero arctic condition honey. Break out the emergency flashlight, coffee canteen and extra blankets." Lorelai instructed.
"But they are in the car." Rory replied. "The guys will be down in a minute, then we can go. Plus the car Grandpa and Grandma bought me has a really nice heater, so we'll be fine."
"Are you guys almost ready?" Lorelai hollered up at them.
"We're coming, just wait a second." Luke hollered down at her. Minutes later they both emerged. Luke looked good, but rather uncomfortable. Jess looked good as well, but a bit more comfortable than Luke. Neither of them were too happy to have to wear dress pants and a nice shirt. It wasn't exactly their style. "Well, here we are." Luke replied giving the girls a half smile.
Lorelai came over and adjusted the collar on his shirt a little bit. "You look very professional when you're cleaned up, you know that? I like it." She smiled.
"We were talking upstairs, and we know this means a lot to you girls. Family is a big part of you, so even though we aren't exactly happy with going to this little party, we figured it would be a good thing to do for you."
"Who came up with that?" Rory asked.
"It was an agreement." Luke replied.
"Well, I think that is about the nicest thing that you two have ever said or done." Lorelai replied. Rory noticed that Jess was holding a medium sized, flat box. She wondered what it was, although it was obviously her Christmas present. She smiled at Jess, and he walked over to her.
"I know I promised you that I'd go back, and I'm really going to try to not be as big a jerk as I was last time." He said.
"I know. That means so much to me." She moved her face slowly closer to his and kissed him.
"Are we ready to go?" Lorelai asked Rory and Jess, who were still kissing.
Rory looked a little embarrassed at getting caught up in the kiss. "Yes, let's go." She replied parting lips with Jess. He wrapped his arm around her and they walked out the door.
"Rory, are you driving?" Her mother asked.
"Of course, it is my car."
"Just checking, Luke and I call back seat." She yelled dragging him behind her as she ran to the car. Rory unlocked the doors, and they all got inside and headed out to Hartford.
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"Lorelai, Rory. Come in!" Emily seemed happily surprised to see them. The hall clock chimed 6:00 pm as they entered. Emily noticed Jess and Luke now. "Oh, this must be Luke and Jess, I presume?"
Everyone followed Lorelai inside and the maid took all the coats. "Yes, that is Jess and this is Luke." She replied putting a hand on his shoulder. Luke waved. Jess stood quietly.
"Well, come in. Richard is in with the rest of the guests now." She showed them into the brightly lit sitting room. Richard looked up and noticed his daughter and granddaughter.
"Will you excuse me?" He asked the guest he had been visiting with. The guest nodded. Richard approached them. "Lorelai, Rory. Merry Christmas, how are you?"
"We're fine, Grandpa." Rory replied.
"Yes, we're good and Merry Christmas to you, too." She replied handing him a small golden foil bag. "It's just a little something from both of us."
"How thoughtful of you," he replied taking the bag.
"I'll take that and put it underneath the tree." Emily replied. She took the present and pointed to Luke and Jess. "This is Luke, and that is Jess."
"Ah, I didn't know that you were bringing them," He told Lorelai. "But welcome, you two," he replied shaking their hands.
"It's nice to be here." Luke told him. "You have a very nice home."
"Thank you, Luke. You don't mind that I call you that do you?"
"No, Luke is fine."
"Good, Luke it is then." He replied. "Now, I must get to know this Jess fellow." Jess breathed deep and tried to hold his tongue.
"Luke and I will go mingle, all right Dad?" Lorelai asked.
"See you later, dear." He replied and turned to Jess and Rory. "So this is your boyfriend, Rory?" He asked.
"Yes Grandpa, he is." She smiled.
"Well, I think we'll have to talk somewhere private. Would you two like to join me in my study?"
"Sure." Jess replied happy to only have to say one word. The two followed him to the large study. Entering the room, they took seats in the leather furniture that was situated inside the room.
"Now, how did you meet Rory, Jess?" Richard asked.
"I moved into the diner with Luke, and since Luke knows Lorelai, we got introduced that way."
"I see. So you are the same age as Rory?"
"Yes, pretty much."
"Good, what college are you attending, may I ask?"
"Stars Hollow," he replied. Rory looked at him.
"I didn't know that Stars Hollow had a college."
"It doesn't."
"But you just said---" Richard looked confused.
"Grandpa, he's still in high school at Stars Hollow." Rory broke in.
"But I thought he was the same age as you?"
"He is. He didn't pass last year."
"Oh, I must say. That is not good." Richard replied. Jess held his tongue again, but was not sure how much longer he could do it. Rory fortunately came to his defense.
"He's smart enough to pass, Grandpa. He just had some circumstances that prevented him from completing the year, fully."
"Oh, I see. Then in that case, I applaud you for getting the full extent of your education."
"He likes books as much as I do." Rory added.
"Does he now?" Richard asked. Jess got up and looked at the fancy bookcases lining the study.
"Quite a selection, you have here." Jess said skimming the titles.
"I do attempt to be well read." Richard replied.
"Of course, you do. It's a good habit to be in."
"Your favorite author is who then?" Richard asked.
"Ah, Ernest Hemingway would be who I enjoy the most."
"Wonderful author, such pictures the man paints. Your favorite work of his, is?"
"A Farewell to Arms," he replied.
"That is a spectacular novel, with such a tragic end."
"I always thought that myself. I think things could have turned out all right for him. Life doesn't always end badly." Jess looked at Rory.
"You know, my boy. I quite enjoy ironing out the finer points of Hemingway with you. I really must get back out with my guests though, maybe another time?" He asked.
"Certainly, that sounds fine." Jess replied.
"Good." Richard turned to Rory. "I must admit, at first I was apprehensive about this boy, but it seems your judgment is not as faulty as your grandmother, made it seem. See you two later." He replied leaving the study.
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"So Lorelai, how are things with you?" Emily asked politely.
"Fine mother," she replied linking her arm through Luke's.
"Luke, what about you?" Emily added.
"I've been good, ah---very good. The diner is running fine thanks to your granddaughter and her boyfriend."
"What about Lorelai and yourself?"
"Wow, you don't hesitate a bit, do you Mom?" Lorelai replied sharply.
"Now Lorelai, let Luke answer the question. It's rude to interrupt."
"Lorelai and I are good. You have a very lovely daughter."
"I know." Emily replied. "Lorelai, I hate to say this, but I told you so." She smiled. "I am happy for you two, and may I say that you look very handsome tonight Luke?"
"Thank you." He said.
"Lorelai, did you notice that?" Emily inquired.
"Yes, mother I did."
"Oh, just checking. I really must attend to some other guests, enjoy the party." Emily replied as she sauntered off.
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The Stars Hollow Christmas church service was still in session at 7:00 pm. Lane sat there listening to the minister speak, all she could think about though was the fact that Dave was sitting there, right next to her in the pew, holding her hand. Her mother was completely oblivious of that fact. Nonetheless it was fun. She began to wonder when Rory would be back. The lighting of the tree in the square was at 8:15, so she'd better hurry back home from Hartford. She looked over at Dave. He noticed her gaze and smiled back.
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"Well, that didn't go too badly." Rory replied smiling at Jess.
"Nope, it didn't. It seems your grandfather may actually like me." He answered sarcastically.
"He has good taste. The reading thing put you over the top. I thought we were in trouble there with the failing senior year business." Jess had his hands behind his back now and did what can only be described as a semi- smile. Not really a smile, but a happier expression than usual. "What?" She asked. He pulled the present out from behind his back.
"You've had this with you the whole time?" She asked surprised.
"Yeah, I figure now is as good a time as any to give it to you." She took the box from him and they sat down next to each other again. She began to unwrap it, lifted off the top and gasped. It was the red, cashmere scarf she had seen in Hartford when they had gone on the double date.
"It's beautiful." She replied touching the soft fabric. "But it was so expensive."
"Its fine, I had money saved up from working for Luke all this time. I hope its right, I didn't know what size to buy or if there even was a different size, but the store clerk helped me a little." She smiled, looking up at him. "Unfold it." He added.
She did and to her surprise she found a very nice picture frame with a picture of the two of them in it.
"When was this taken?" She asked taken aback.
"When we were in Hartford on our outing with Lane and Dave, it's one of the photo booth shots."
"One of our serious ones," She replied smiling.
"Yeah, I took it to a portrait place and they blow it up."
"It looks lovely. It'll remind me of you, when I'm not home."
"That's what I was hoping for." He replied.
"I have your present too, since we are doing them now." She added remembering that it was in her purse. She pulled out a small, elongated box and handed it to him. He opened it.
"It's a watch." He noted.
"Yes. So you'll always know what time it is." She replied. He looked up at her. "Don't worry; there are a few books at the diner for you, as well." She smiled.
"The watch is very nice, thank you." He replied.
"You're welcome."
"Merry Christmas, Rory." He cracked another semi-smile.
"Merry Christmas, Jess." She did smile. He leaned over the arm of the chair, caressed her cheek a little and kissed her softly.
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"All in all, that did not go badly at all." Rory commented pulling into a parking spot by the diner.
"No, it didn't. Oh, it seems we are just in time for Taylor to light the tree." Lorelai replied. The two couples walked into the square and found their two other sets of friends, Dave and Lane, and Sookie and Jackson. Lane noticed Rory as soon as she approached.
"Oh hey, you made it!" Lane exclaimed.
"Yeah, we did." She replied.
"Hey Dave," Jess added.
"Hi Jess." Dave replied.
Taylor approached the microphone that had been set up. Everyone fell silent.
"Now, ladies and gentlemen, I'd like you to turn your attention to the lighting of the tree. This will be a new addition to Stars Hollow's already full line of traditions. Count down with me. 5-4---" He started.
"3-oh!" Sookie counted.
"Sookie, it's 2, not oh." Jackson corrected as the rest of the crowd finished the count and the tree lit. Sookie and Jackson, and everyone else stood there looking at the large, magnificently lit tree. They were all speechless for a moment or two. Most of the crowd smiled, thinking how beautiful it looked.
"Jackson?" Sookie turned to him.
"Yes?" He asked.
"I know it's not 3-oh! It's 3-2-1." She replied. "I said oh, because I think our baby wants to---oh, see the tree too."
"Oh!" Jackson replied. "Oh no, let's get to the hospital." He tapped Lorelai on the shoulder. "Lorelai, we're going to the hospital."
"Oh my goodness, you are going now?" Lorelai asked excitedly.
"Yes, we'll see you there."
"Okay, bye." Lorelai giggled with delight. She ran over to Rory, Jess, Lane and Dave, with Luke following her. "Rory! Sookie's having her baby!" Rory looked shocked.
"She's having it right now?" Rory asked.
"Yes, let's go wait at the hospital."
"It'll be forever before she's delivered." Rory whined.
"Oh come on, we'll drink coffee and be fine." Lorelai replied.
"Okay." She agreed perkily. She turned back to Jess. "Goodnight, Jess. Thank you for a wonderful night. I appreciate it. Merry Christmas!"
"Goodnight, see you later." He replied as Lorelai pulled Rory away.
"Goodbye Lane and bye Dave," She added as she left.
They three looked at each other and Luke joined them.
"That was odd." Jess replied.
"Anybody want food or coffee?" Luke asked. They all nodded and headed over to the diner.
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*
I wasn't built to get up at this time
I wasn't built to get up at this time
I'm not the sort of guy who rises and shines
I wasn't built to get up
*
Obviously, the coffee hadn't worked. Rory awoke in a chair next to her mother who was also sleeping. She shook Lorelai.
"Wake up." She said noticing Jackson emerging from one of the rooms. She glanced at the clock on the wall. 'It's only 7:30?' she thought. 'That's so early.'
Lorelai awoke and noticed Jackson as well. She rubbed her eyes and did the same thing that Rory had just done.
"So early---" She moaned.
"Hey girls," Jackson said approaching them. "You woke up just in time. You can go see Sookie, and the baby."
"Really, that's great!" Lorelai perked up. Rory smiled as well. They followed Jackson into her room. Sookie was holding a small bundle. She looked up and smiled.
"Lorelai, I'd like you to meet Chloe Ann." Sookie smiled. She was literally beaming. "Isn't she cute?" Lorelai looked at the tiny baby.
"She's very cute, Sookie. I'm so happy for you two."
"What a good name." Rory replied.
"It was my idea." Jackson answered.
"Yeah, it turns out we actually agreed on a name after all." Sookie added.
"Well, you get some rest and we'll see you soon." Lorelai replied.
"Bye girls," Sookie waved. She kissed Jackson, smiled again and went back to playing with Chloe.
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The next few months went by in a flash, especially for Sookie and Jackson, but for everyone else as well. Luke continued to build sets for the play, Lorelai worked her butt off at the inn, and Jess worked hard and reached a point where he was assured he would graduate, while Rory went back to Yale, and Lane and Dave were---they were Lane and Dave.
They all had such busy lives and such a fun time with Chloe, especially Lorelai and Rory that they hardly noticed that nearly four months had flown by.
A/N: Lyrics are "I wasn't built to get up" by The Supernaturals. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Exciting stuff coming up, I've decided that chapter 23 (my numbering, not ff.net's) will be the season finale. So, it's sneaking up fast on us folks and hold on, you're in for a somewhat bumpy ride.
It was Christmas Eve, and the girls were sitting huddled next to each other trying to warm themselves inside the diner. Their boyfriends were both upstairs, theoretically getting dressed to go to Emily and Richard's Christmas party.
"It's cold in here." Rory shivered.
"No, Hitler was a cold man. A trek to the top of Mount Everest is cold; this is sub-zero arctic condition honey. Break out the emergency flashlight, coffee canteen and extra blankets." Lorelai instructed.
"But they are in the car." Rory replied. "The guys will be down in a minute, then we can go. Plus the car Grandpa and Grandma bought me has a really nice heater, so we'll be fine."
"Are you guys almost ready?" Lorelai hollered up at them.
"We're coming, just wait a second." Luke hollered down at her. Minutes later they both emerged. Luke looked good, but rather uncomfortable. Jess looked good as well, but a bit more comfortable than Luke. Neither of them were too happy to have to wear dress pants and a nice shirt. It wasn't exactly their style. "Well, here we are." Luke replied giving the girls a half smile.
Lorelai came over and adjusted the collar on his shirt a little bit. "You look very professional when you're cleaned up, you know that? I like it." She smiled.
"We were talking upstairs, and we know this means a lot to you girls. Family is a big part of you, so even though we aren't exactly happy with going to this little party, we figured it would be a good thing to do for you."
"Who came up with that?" Rory asked.
"It was an agreement." Luke replied.
"Well, I think that is about the nicest thing that you two have ever said or done." Lorelai replied. Rory noticed that Jess was holding a medium sized, flat box. She wondered what it was, although it was obviously her Christmas present. She smiled at Jess, and he walked over to her.
"I know I promised you that I'd go back, and I'm really going to try to not be as big a jerk as I was last time." He said.
"I know. That means so much to me." She moved her face slowly closer to his and kissed him.
"Are we ready to go?" Lorelai asked Rory and Jess, who were still kissing.
Rory looked a little embarrassed at getting caught up in the kiss. "Yes, let's go." She replied parting lips with Jess. He wrapped his arm around her and they walked out the door.
"Rory, are you driving?" Her mother asked.
"Of course, it is my car."
"Just checking, Luke and I call back seat." She yelled dragging him behind her as she ran to the car. Rory unlocked the doors, and they all got inside and headed out to Hartford.
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"Lorelai, Rory. Come in!" Emily seemed happily surprised to see them. The hall clock chimed 6:00 pm as they entered. Emily noticed Jess and Luke now. "Oh, this must be Luke and Jess, I presume?"
Everyone followed Lorelai inside and the maid took all the coats. "Yes, that is Jess and this is Luke." She replied putting a hand on his shoulder. Luke waved. Jess stood quietly.
"Well, come in. Richard is in with the rest of the guests now." She showed them into the brightly lit sitting room. Richard looked up and noticed his daughter and granddaughter.
"Will you excuse me?" He asked the guest he had been visiting with. The guest nodded. Richard approached them. "Lorelai, Rory. Merry Christmas, how are you?"
"We're fine, Grandpa." Rory replied.
"Yes, we're good and Merry Christmas to you, too." She replied handing him a small golden foil bag. "It's just a little something from both of us."
"How thoughtful of you," he replied taking the bag.
"I'll take that and put it underneath the tree." Emily replied. She took the present and pointed to Luke and Jess. "This is Luke, and that is Jess."
"Ah, I didn't know that you were bringing them," He told Lorelai. "But welcome, you two," he replied shaking their hands.
"It's nice to be here." Luke told him. "You have a very nice home."
"Thank you, Luke. You don't mind that I call you that do you?"
"No, Luke is fine."
"Good, Luke it is then." He replied. "Now, I must get to know this Jess fellow." Jess breathed deep and tried to hold his tongue.
"Luke and I will go mingle, all right Dad?" Lorelai asked.
"See you later, dear." He replied and turned to Jess and Rory. "So this is your boyfriend, Rory?" He asked.
"Yes Grandpa, he is." She smiled.
"Well, I think we'll have to talk somewhere private. Would you two like to join me in my study?"
"Sure." Jess replied happy to only have to say one word. The two followed him to the large study. Entering the room, they took seats in the leather furniture that was situated inside the room.
"Now, how did you meet Rory, Jess?" Richard asked.
"I moved into the diner with Luke, and since Luke knows Lorelai, we got introduced that way."
"I see. So you are the same age as Rory?"
"Yes, pretty much."
"Good, what college are you attending, may I ask?"
"Stars Hollow," he replied. Rory looked at him.
"I didn't know that Stars Hollow had a college."
"It doesn't."
"But you just said---" Richard looked confused.
"Grandpa, he's still in high school at Stars Hollow." Rory broke in.
"But I thought he was the same age as you?"
"He is. He didn't pass last year."
"Oh, I must say. That is not good." Richard replied. Jess held his tongue again, but was not sure how much longer he could do it. Rory fortunately came to his defense.
"He's smart enough to pass, Grandpa. He just had some circumstances that prevented him from completing the year, fully."
"Oh, I see. Then in that case, I applaud you for getting the full extent of your education."
"He likes books as much as I do." Rory added.
"Does he now?" Richard asked. Jess got up and looked at the fancy bookcases lining the study.
"Quite a selection, you have here." Jess said skimming the titles.
"I do attempt to be well read." Richard replied.
"Of course, you do. It's a good habit to be in."
"Your favorite author is who then?" Richard asked.
"Ah, Ernest Hemingway would be who I enjoy the most."
"Wonderful author, such pictures the man paints. Your favorite work of his, is?"
"A Farewell to Arms," he replied.
"That is a spectacular novel, with such a tragic end."
"I always thought that myself. I think things could have turned out all right for him. Life doesn't always end badly." Jess looked at Rory.
"You know, my boy. I quite enjoy ironing out the finer points of Hemingway with you. I really must get back out with my guests though, maybe another time?" He asked.
"Certainly, that sounds fine." Jess replied.
"Good." Richard turned to Rory. "I must admit, at first I was apprehensive about this boy, but it seems your judgment is not as faulty as your grandmother, made it seem. See you two later." He replied leaving the study.
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"So Lorelai, how are things with you?" Emily asked politely.
"Fine mother," she replied linking her arm through Luke's.
"Luke, what about you?" Emily added.
"I've been good, ah---very good. The diner is running fine thanks to your granddaughter and her boyfriend."
"What about Lorelai and yourself?"
"Wow, you don't hesitate a bit, do you Mom?" Lorelai replied sharply.
"Now Lorelai, let Luke answer the question. It's rude to interrupt."
"Lorelai and I are good. You have a very lovely daughter."
"I know." Emily replied. "Lorelai, I hate to say this, but I told you so." She smiled. "I am happy for you two, and may I say that you look very handsome tonight Luke?"
"Thank you." He said.
"Lorelai, did you notice that?" Emily inquired.
"Yes, mother I did."
"Oh, just checking. I really must attend to some other guests, enjoy the party." Emily replied as she sauntered off.
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The Stars Hollow Christmas church service was still in session at 7:00 pm. Lane sat there listening to the minister speak, all she could think about though was the fact that Dave was sitting there, right next to her in the pew, holding her hand. Her mother was completely oblivious of that fact. Nonetheless it was fun. She began to wonder when Rory would be back. The lighting of the tree in the square was at 8:15, so she'd better hurry back home from Hartford. She looked over at Dave. He noticed her gaze and smiled back.
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"Well, that didn't go too badly." Rory replied smiling at Jess.
"Nope, it didn't. It seems your grandfather may actually like me." He answered sarcastically.
"He has good taste. The reading thing put you over the top. I thought we were in trouble there with the failing senior year business." Jess had his hands behind his back now and did what can only be described as a semi- smile. Not really a smile, but a happier expression than usual. "What?" She asked. He pulled the present out from behind his back.
"You've had this with you the whole time?" She asked surprised.
"Yeah, I figure now is as good a time as any to give it to you." She took the box from him and they sat down next to each other again. She began to unwrap it, lifted off the top and gasped. It was the red, cashmere scarf she had seen in Hartford when they had gone on the double date.
"It's beautiful." She replied touching the soft fabric. "But it was so expensive."
"Its fine, I had money saved up from working for Luke all this time. I hope its right, I didn't know what size to buy or if there even was a different size, but the store clerk helped me a little." She smiled, looking up at him. "Unfold it." He added.
She did and to her surprise she found a very nice picture frame with a picture of the two of them in it.
"When was this taken?" She asked taken aback.
"When we were in Hartford on our outing with Lane and Dave, it's one of the photo booth shots."
"One of our serious ones," She replied smiling.
"Yeah, I took it to a portrait place and they blow it up."
"It looks lovely. It'll remind me of you, when I'm not home."
"That's what I was hoping for." He replied.
"I have your present too, since we are doing them now." She added remembering that it was in her purse. She pulled out a small, elongated box and handed it to him. He opened it.
"It's a watch." He noted.
"Yes. So you'll always know what time it is." She replied. He looked up at her. "Don't worry; there are a few books at the diner for you, as well." She smiled.
"The watch is very nice, thank you." He replied.
"You're welcome."
"Merry Christmas, Rory." He cracked another semi-smile.
"Merry Christmas, Jess." She did smile. He leaned over the arm of the chair, caressed her cheek a little and kissed her softly.
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"All in all, that did not go badly at all." Rory commented pulling into a parking spot by the diner.
"No, it didn't. Oh, it seems we are just in time for Taylor to light the tree." Lorelai replied. The two couples walked into the square and found their two other sets of friends, Dave and Lane, and Sookie and Jackson. Lane noticed Rory as soon as she approached.
"Oh hey, you made it!" Lane exclaimed.
"Yeah, we did." She replied.
"Hey Dave," Jess added.
"Hi Jess." Dave replied.
Taylor approached the microphone that had been set up. Everyone fell silent.
"Now, ladies and gentlemen, I'd like you to turn your attention to the lighting of the tree. This will be a new addition to Stars Hollow's already full line of traditions. Count down with me. 5-4---" He started.
"3-oh!" Sookie counted.
"Sookie, it's 2, not oh." Jackson corrected as the rest of the crowd finished the count and the tree lit. Sookie and Jackson, and everyone else stood there looking at the large, magnificently lit tree. They were all speechless for a moment or two. Most of the crowd smiled, thinking how beautiful it looked.
"Jackson?" Sookie turned to him.
"Yes?" He asked.
"I know it's not 3-oh! It's 3-2-1." She replied. "I said oh, because I think our baby wants to---oh, see the tree too."
"Oh!" Jackson replied. "Oh no, let's get to the hospital." He tapped Lorelai on the shoulder. "Lorelai, we're going to the hospital."
"Oh my goodness, you are going now?" Lorelai asked excitedly.
"Yes, we'll see you there."
"Okay, bye." Lorelai giggled with delight. She ran over to Rory, Jess, Lane and Dave, with Luke following her. "Rory! Sookie's having her baby!" Rory looked shocked.
"She's having it right now?" Rory asked.
"Yes, let's go wait at the hospital."
"It'll be forever before she's delivered." Rory whined.
"Oh come on, we'll drink coffee and be fine." Lorelai replied.
"Okay." She agreed perkily. She turned back to Jess. "Goodnight, Jess. Thank you for a wonderful night. I appreciate it. Merry Christmas!"
"Goodnight, see you later." He replied as Lorelai pulled Rory away.
"Goodbye Lane and bye Dave," She added as she left.
They three looked at each other and Luke joined them.
"That was odd." Jess replied.
"Anybody want food or coffee?" Luke asked. They all nodded and headed over to the diner.
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*
I wasn't built to get up at this time
I wasn't built to get up at this time
I'm not the sort of guy who rises and shines
I wasn't built to get up
*
Obviously, the coffee hadn't worked. Rory awoke in a chair next to her mother who was also sleeping. She shook Lorelai.
"Wake up." She said noticing Jackson emerging from one of the rooms. She glanced at the clock on the wall. 'It's only 7:30?' she thought. 'That's so early.'
Lorelai awoke and noticed Jackson as well. She rubbed her eyes and did the same thing that Rory had just done.
"So early---" She moaned.
"Hey girls," Jackson said approaching them. "You woke up just in time. You can go see Sookie, and the baby."
"Really, that's great!" Lorelai perked up. Rory smiled as well. They followed Jackson into her room. Sookie was holding a small bundle. She looked up and smiled.
"Lorelai, I'd like you to meet Chloe Ann." Sookie smiled. She was literally beaming. "Isn't she cute?" Lorelai looked at the tiny baby.
"She's very cute, Sookie. I'm so happy for you two."
"What a good name." Rory replied.
"It was my idea." Jackson answered.
"Yeah, it turns out we actually agreed on a name after all." Sookie added.
"Well, you get some rest and we'll see you soon." Lorelai replied.
"Bye girls," Sookie waved. She kissed Jackson, smiled again and went back to playing with Chloe.
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The next few months went by in a flash, especially for Sookie and Jackson, but for everyone else as well. Luke continued to build sets for the play, Lorelai worked her butt off at the inn, and Jess worked hard and reached a point where he was assured he would graduate, while Rory went back to Yale, and Lane and Dave were---they were Lane and Dave.
They all had such busy lives and such a fun time with Chloe, especially Lorelai and Rory that they hardly noticed that nearly four months had flown by.
A/N: Lyrics are "I wasn't built to get up" by The Supernaturals. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Exciting stuff coming up, I've decided that chapter 23 (my numbering, not ff.net's) will be the season finale. So, it's sneaking up fast on us folks and hold on, you're in for a somewhat bumpy ride.
