Title: Season 4 Bent Style
Episode: 4.02
Episode Title: The Lorelais' First Day At Yale
Author: Bent137
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I don't own any of it despite my acting as a writer for the show.
Author's Notes: Thanks to Roxy, who beta'd this chapter too.
Spoilers: Season Four Episode Two. Yes, I did say Season 4, as in the one not aired at all yet.

Gilmore Girls
Episode 4.02
The Lorelais' First Day At Yale

Writer: Ashley/Bent137
Executive Producer: Daniel Palladino
Director: Amy Sherman-Palladino

Starring:

Lauren Graham

Alexis Bledel

Keiko Agena

Scott Patterson

Liza Weil

and
Kelly Bishop

CLIPS

INT. YALE - DAY

RICHARD, RORY, EMILY and LORELAI are standing outside the Dean of Admissions office.

LORELAI

An interview for what, Dad?

RICHARD

An interview for Yale.

LAUREN GRAHAM (VOICEOVER)

Previously on Gilmore Girls...

INT. CHILTON GYM - DAY

PARIS chases RORY around the gym until RORY trips and falls, PARIS lowers her weapon to RORY.

PARIS (CONT.)

And the worst part is, you told her about Jamie. I can't believe I ever considered you my best friend.

INT. HARTFORD - CHILTON AUDITORIUM - DAY

PARIS is standing at a podium in the middle of a speech, she's very disheveled looking.

PARIS

I mean, can anyone here believe that I'm not going to Harvard? I can't. I'm not going to Harvard. I am not going to Harvard. I had sex, but I'm not going to Harvard.

INT. HARTFORD - GILMORE DINING ROOM - NIGHT

LORELAI, RORY, RICHARD and EMILY are gathered.

RORY

After giving it a lot of thought, I have decided. I'm going to Yale.

INT. HARTFORD - GILMORE LIVING ROOM - DAY

RICHARD and EMILY are sitting on a sofa on one side of a coffee table, RORY is on the other side.

RORY

I would like for you to loan me the money for four years at Yale, and in return I will get a part time job and pay you in installments.

INT. STARS HOLLOW - BOOKSTORE - DAY

RORY, DAVE and LANE are in an aisle.

DAVE

Um, I'm moving.

RORY

What? Where? Why?

DAVE

I'm moving to California, my dad got transferred.

INT. STARS HOLLOW - LUKE'S DINER - DAY

LORELAI is at the counter in the diner talking to LUKE.

LUKE

Nicole and I got married.

LORELAI looks thrown for a moment and a look similar to pain crosses her face.

LORELAI

Wow, uh, that was unexpected. Congratulations.

LUKE

No need. We shouldn't have done it, so we're getting a divorce.

EXT. LANE'S FRONT PORCH - NIGHT

LANE and DAVE are talking.

LANE

I don't want to break up.

DAVE

Neither do I, but I don't have a choice.

LANE

No, Dave. We don't have to. That's what I'm saying.

DAVE

You want a long distance relationship.

TEASER

1 INT. RORY'S ROOM - DAY - MUSIC: SAM PHILLIPS CUE

The camera pans across the bedroom, RORY GILMORE is in bed. The door opens silently and LORELAI GILMORE enters the room. She creeps over to RORY and shakes her.

LORELAI GILMORE

Hey kiddo, get up.

RORY moans. LORELAI shakes her again.

LORELAI

Come on, you're going to be late to Yale. It's nine o'clock.

RORY sits up suddenly.

RORY GILMORE

Oh my god, how could you let me sleep so late?

LORELAI

Chill out, it's only eight o'clock.

RORY

You lied to me.

LORELAI

For your own good.

RORY

You're so mean.

LORELAI

Hey it got you up in time right?

RORY grumbles and settles back into her pillow. LORELAI goes to leave the room.

LORELAI (CONT.)

Hurry up and we'll have time to stop at Luke's for breakfast.

LORELAI leaves and closes the door behind her. RORY gets up and wanders over to her closet.

2 EXT STARS HOLLOW DOWNTOWN - DAY

LORELAI and RORY are walking to Luke's. RORY yawns.

RORY

I can't believe we stayed up so late watching ballroom dancing competitions.

LORELAI

It does seem kind of odd, but at least we outlasted mom.

RORY

I can't believe you're so chipper. Normally you'd be dead still.

LORELAI

It is weird, must have been all that biscotti.

They arrive at Luke's and enter. The camera follows them inside. where the place is empty except for LUKE DANES behind the counter.

RORY

Morning Luke.

LUKE DANES

Good morning Rory. Excited?

RORY

Yeah, I am.

LUKE sets two cups of coffee in front of them.

LUKE

Well, good luck. What can I get you guys?

RORY

I want French Toast and sausage.

LORELAI

I'll have the same.

Luke walks away.

RORY

I am so tired.

LORELAI

I'm not.

RORY

Evil.

CREDITS

ACT ONE

3 EXT. STARS HOLLOW - GILMORE HOUSE - DAY - MUSIC: XTC - I'M THE MAN WHO MURDERED LOVE

LANE KIM is sitting on the porch steps. LORELAI and RORY are just coming back from Luke's.

LORELAI

Hey Lane.

LANE KIM

Hey guys, I was worried I missed you, but then I realized Luke's truck is still here.

RORY

We've got to leave in fifteen minutes but I am so glad you stopped by.

RORY and LANE hug.

RORY (CONT.)

What happened with Dave?

LORELAI

What about Dave?

LANE

They left this morning for California.

LORELAI

Dave moved?

LANE

Yeah, his dad got transferred.

LORELAI

Wow, that sucks.

LANE

I told him I loved him.

LORELAI and RORY

What?!

LANE

It slipped out! It's okay though, because he loves me too.

RORY

Man, this really sucks now.

LANE

It does, but we'll get through it.

LORELAI

So what are you guys doing about the relationship.

LANE

Dave wanted to break up.

RORY

No!

LANE

He didn't think it was fair to me. But we talked about it, and decided that we didn't care and wanted to try a long distance thing. So we pretty much threw caution to the wind and we're still dating. He's supposed to call me tonight. But enough about me. You guys better get going so you're not late. I'm so excited for you Rory.

RORY and LANE hug again

RORY

I'll call you as soon as I'm unpacked. When do you leave?

LANE

Next Wednesday.

LORELAI

Where are you going?

LANE

That bible college mom wants me to go to. Anyways, I better go. You guys have a safe trip.

LORELAI

We will.

RORY

Bye Lane.

LANE walks away. RORY and LORELAI look at each other.

LORELAI

We'd better go.

RORY

I just need to grab a few things from the house.

LORELAI

I'll meet you there.

RORY nods and walks into the house as LORELAI sighs and walks to LUKE'S truck.

4 EXT. NEW HAVEN - YALE PARKING LOT - DAY

LORELAI is standing in the empty parking space next to Luke's truck. Off screen a car horn honks.

LORELAI

Sorry, I'm saving this space for my daughter.

LORELAI smiles apologetically then looks shocked.

LORELAI

He flipped me off, how rude. I expected better from the Ivy League.

Her tirade is cut off by RORY pulling into the spot in her silver Prius. RORY gets out.

LORELAI

Finally! Some guy just flipped me off for saving you a spot!

RORY

Really? Huh, I'd have expected better from the Ivy League.

LORELAI

That's what I said!

A girl, TESS approaches them.

TESS

Excuse me, what are your names?

LORELAI

I'm Lorelai Gilmore, and this is my daughter, also Lorelai Gilmore, but she goes by Rory. Oh my god, is this about the parking space? I swear some guy said it was okay if I saved it for her. He was about five ten, dark hair, he was wearing a jacket-

RORY

Mom.

LORELAI

Sorry. You were saying.

TESS smiles.

TESS

It's not about the space. I'm Tess, Rory's Freshman Counselor. Pleased to meet you.

She shakes LORELAI'S hand, then goes to shake RORY'S.

LORELAI

Wait! I want to get a picture of this.

LORELAI pulls out a camera, RORY groans. TESS smiles at RORY.

TESS

Don't worry. They all do this. You should have seen my parents. They brought a regular camera, a digital camera, and a video camera.

LORELAI

Oh man, I should have brought a video camera.

RORY

Mom, take the picture.

TESS and RORY shake hands and smile for the camera as LORELAI snaps the picture.

LORELAI

That was great.

TESS

Anyway, Rory, I just wanted to tell you that I'm doing a tour for all the new Durfee girls in about 10 minutes. We're meeting on the front steps.

RORY

Oh yes, I know, I planned on attending.

TESS

You knew?

LORELAI

She memorized the schedule.

RORY

Mom. Well, only a little.

TESS

No, that's great. You'll do great here. Um, I also noticed that you brought Rory's own mattress.

LORELAI

Is that a problem? Because I was told it was okay, and-

TESS

No, it's not a problem. It's fine as long as you've made arrangements to dispose of the one that's already there.

LORELAI

Oh yeah sure.

RORY

We did that.

TESS

Great. Lorelai, if you want to get your camera ready, I'm going to give Rory the key to her dorm.

LORELAI

Oh thanks!

LORELAI gets her camera ready and takes a picture as TESS hands RORY her key.

TESS

See you at the tour, Rory.

RORY

Definitely, see you there. Thanks, Tess.

TESS smiles and walks away.

LORELAI

Let's go check out your room.

RORY

Okay let's grab some stuff.

LORELAI and RORY grab some things out of her Prius.

RORY (CONT.)

Did you really make arrangements to have the mattress disposed of?

LORELAI

I sure did.

RORY looks at her doubtfully and pulls her handbook out of a bag, turning to the page on mattress disposal.

END ACT ONE

ACT TWO

5 EXT. NEW HAVEN - YALE - DAY

RORY is on the tour TESS is providing. They are in a courtyard of some sort with booths set up all around. The booths contain various college paraphernalia, including information on clubs and sororities, rules and regulations. There is also a booth where photos are being taken for I.D.'s. RORY is taking notes in a small notepad as TESS talks.

TESS

For those of you interested in going Greek the sororities all have their booths lined up on that side.

TESS points to the side opposite where they're walking.

TESS (CONT.)

They'd be happy to provide you with any information you need to join.

TESS stops.

TESS

This booth has information on the school newspaper. I highly suggest picking one up, they're very well written.

RORY grabs a paper and a flier advertising a need for staff members. Another girl is watching her, DIANE. DIANE pokes the GIRL next to her. The GIRL looks at DIANE. DIANE smirks and gestures toward where RORY has returned to taking notes as the tour continues forward. the GIRL also smirks.

DIANE

Check out the goody two shoes.

The group has stopped.

GIRL 1

Doesn't she realize we have a student handbook?

DIANE

Who knows. Why would anyone take notes on this crap? It's either the same stuff that's in the student handbook or is common sense.

PHOTOGRAPHER

Miss?

RORY glances up to see they're are the photo booth and the PHOTOGRAPHER is motioning that she's next. Self consciously she raises a hand to her hand trying to smooth it as she takes her spot in front of a white backdrop.

RORY

Can I get a second picture done if this one doesn't turn out?

PHOTOGRAPHER

This one will turn out, honey.

He takes the picture.

PHOTOGRAPHER (CONT.)

No second pictures. Move along now.

RORY dazedly moves back into the tour group as DIANE takes her place and flashes the photographer a brilliant smile.

6 INT. STARS HOLLOW - LUKE'S DINER - DAY - MUSIC: PROZZAK - SUCKS TO BE YOU

LUKE DANES is serving a couple near the door. We follow him back to the counter as the bell jingles. As he wipes the counter a MAN approaches.

MAN 1

Excuse me, are you Lucas Danes?

LUKE DANES

I'm Luke, why?

MAN 1

I'm Nicole Leahy's attorney. I'm here concerning the divorce settlement.

LUKE

The divorce settlement?

MAN 1

Yes, I understand you and Ms. Leahy recently married and are in the process of getting a divorce.

LUKE

Yes, we are.

MAN 1

I need to know what you want.

LUKE

What I want?

MAN 1

From Nicole, I mean, Ms. Leahy.

LUKE

I don't want anything.

MAN 1

That's what they all say at first. I encourage you to do this now, it will only be harder in the future.

LUKE

I really don't want anything. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a diner to run.

MAN 1

Mr. Danes, I understand that you're a busy man. However this is important. Ms. Leahy wants to make sure you're fairly represented.

LUKE

Look, I don't want anything from Nicole, you can tell her that. I just want you to go away.

MAN 1

I can see you're going to be a troublesome one. Fine, I'll come back.

The MAN leaves before LUKE can say anything.

7 INT. NEW HAVEN - YALE - DURFEE HALL - DAY

The tour has just ended and girls are heading off in various directions. RORY heads to her suite. Another girl, TANNA, follows her. RORY notices her following her into Suite 5.

RORY

Uh, hi.

TANNA

Hi. I'm Tanna, I must be one of your suitemates.

RORY

Pleased to meet you, I'm Rory Gilmore.

RORY and TANNA shake hands.

RORY (CONT.)

Aren't you a little young to be in college?

TANNA

Well, yeah. I graduated early.

RORY

How old are you?

TANNA

I'm 16. How old are you?

RORY

I'm 18, but my birthday's in October.

TANNA

Mine's in March.

RORY

Do you like to read?

TANNA

Yeah, I do. Most of my boxes are books.

RORY

Mine too.

They smile at each other. TANNA finds a note on the stand.

TANNA

I think this is for you.

RORY takes it and reads it aloud.

RORY

Rory, I went to get Luke to help with your mattress, and your suitemate's. Be back soon! Love, Mom.

TANNA

Who's Luke?

RORY

Oh, he owns a diner in Stars Hollow, where I live. He has the best coffee.

TANNA

Really?

RORY

Yeah, I'm sure you'll get to try some. My mom will probably bring a bunch back.

TANNA

I can't wait. She sounds nice.

RORY

She is nice, a little crazy, but nice.

TANNA

Want to go explore a little while we wait?

RORY

Sure.

They head out the door.

END ACT TWO

ACT THREE

8 INT. STARS HOLLOW - LUKE'S - DAY

LORELAI walks in and walks up to the counter.

LORELAI

Luke, I need your help.

LUKE

Shouldn't you be helping Rory?

LORELAI

Yes, which is why I'm here. I need your help to help Rory.

LUKE

How?

LORELAI

I need you to come to New Haven with me and use your strong muscles to move around mattresses.

Before LUKE can say anything three men walk in, one is the MAN from earlier.

LUKE

Oh not again.

LORELAI

Huh?

She turns and sees the three men.

LUKE

Please shoot me.

LORELAI

Nah, I like you too much.

MAN 1

Mr. Danes, these are my associates Stein and Stein.

LUKE

What?

MAN 1

Stein and Stein

LUKE

You're both named Stein?

STEIN 1

Yes.

LUKE

I told you I didn't want anything. You didn't have to bring the Calvary.

STEIN 1

Mr. Danes, we're just making sure everything is taken care of during the divorce. We'd like to make a fair settlement in a timely manner.

LUKE

I don't want anything! So there's no settlement to begin with.

STEIN 2

Are you sure? You don't know how hard it is to get back something after one of these.

STEIN 1

I'm just glad there weren't kids involved. Look, we just want to make sure Nicole is treated fairly. She's been with our firm her whole career. She's a good lawyer and we've become fond of her. She's like a daughter to us. We don't want any harm to come to her.

LUKE

I don't want any harm to come to her either.

STEIN 2

Mr. Danes, perhaps you should hire a lawyer, I'm sure someone at our firm could represent you.

LUKE

I don't need a lawyer. I don't want anything! Besides, lawyers waste time and money. They're needless middlemen who slither into situations when people are at their most vulnerable so they can clamp on and suck like leeches until everyone but them is distraught and penniless."

LORELAI, MAN 1, and the two STEIN'S look at him in shock

STEIN 2

I can see why the marriage went bad. Mr. Danes, if you don't hire a lawyer you could end up with nothing.

LUKE

Nothing is exactly what I want.

STEIN 1

Maybe we should get some more of the firm down here.

LUKE looks at LORELAI

LUKE

They're going to multiply like the Matrix!

LUKE puts LORELAI between him and the lawyers.

LORELAI

Look guys, while I'm sure Luke appreciates you coming to ask, he really doesn't want anything.

MAN 1

Who are you?

LORELAI

I'm a friend of his. I can tell you he's very, I don't know, existentialist. He's a hermit with no interests besides fishing and baseball. He doesn't need any of Nicole's things. He says he doesn't want them and I know he doesn't want them because when I think of Luke I think nothing. I know he means what he says. So just, let him be. It has to be the easiest divorce settlement in the world.

STEIN 2

It would be simple.

STEIN 1

I don't know. Her defense doesn't satisfy me. Look, Mr. Danes, if you don't respond to us on this matter, we're going to have to kick it up a notch.

LUKE

Fine, there's something I want.

MAN 1

Great! How hard was that?

STEIN 1

Let's hear it.

LUKE

Under various circumstances I was forced by Nicole to see a guy playing musical drinking glasses on three separate occasions, for an hour each, while on the cruise. I want my 3 hours back.

MAN 1

We'll have to confer on this and get back to you.

The three men walk out of the diner.

9 INT. NEW HAVEN - YALE - SUITE 5 - DAY - GARBAGE - I THINK I'M PARANOID

RORY and TANNA return to the suite laughing. PARIS and a young man, TERRENCE are standing near the windows.

PARIS

Rory, surprise!

RORY

Paris? What are you doing here?

PARIS

I'm your suitemate. Aren't you shocked?

RORY

More than a little. Why did you come to Yale?

PARIS

Well, part of it was what your mother said to me about choosing my college based on what I want, and not what other people want.

RORY

Okay

PARIS

I'm so happy to see you.

PARIS hugs RORY quickly then takes a step back. RORY looks shocked.

PARIS (CONT.)

Part of it was also because of Terrance. Terrance this is Rory, Rory this is Terrance.

TERRANCE

Pleased to meet you Rory, I've heard much about you.

RORY

Likewise, except for the hearing about you thing.

PARIS

Terrance is my life coach.

RORY

Your life coach?

PARIS

I lost my Nanny when she went to Boise and opened a pupeseria I learned about life coaches in an article and so I found Terrance. He's here to assist me with whatever I need assistance in, from wardrobe, to diet to finding me a kick-ass gynecologist. I requested to share a suite with you because Terrance said our journey was not done.

RORY

Really?

TERRANCE

Paris still has plenty to learn from you, Rory.

RORY

I see.

PARIS

He's also been helpful with my people skills. For example.

PARIS points to TANNA who has been watching nearby.

PARIS (CONT.)

The old Paris would have been bothered by you penchant to hover. It would've made her want to wring your neck 'till your eyeballs popped out. But, now I accept it because I can't control everything.

TANNA'S eyes get wide and she wordlessly retreats to her room. RORY and PARIS watch her go then RORY turns back to PARIS.

END ACT THREE

ACT FOUR

10 INT. NEW HAVEN - RORY'S ROOM - NIGHT

LORELAI and RORY are sitting on her bed.

LORELAI

You're kidding me.

RORY

I'm not. She's like a pod person, but not because she was already one. It's this Terrance guy.

LORELAI

I can't believe she hired a life coach.

RORY

I can't believe she said 'kick-ass gynecologist.'

LORELAI

Gee, what else did I miss?

RORY

Tanna, the other suitemate, is 16.

LORELAI

No way!

They're interrupted by a knocking on the door.

RORY

Come in.

PARIS enters.

PARIS

I just realized you were here Lorelai. So I came to greet you.

PARIS hugs LORELAI. LORELAI exchanges a shocked glance with RORY.

LORELAI

So, Paris. Rory here was just telling me about Terrance.

PARIS

Yes, Terrance is great. He says you and I still have a bit of a journey as well.

LORELAI

I see.

RORY

What have you been up to Paris?

TANNA is in the open doorway hovering.

PARIS

I've been setting up my crafts corner. Terrance showed me how working with my hands can calm my nerves.

TANNA

Excuse me, where are we going to put the couch?

PARIS

What kind of idiot are you?

TANNA looks frightened.

PARIS (CONT.)

Of course it's going against the east wall. It's the best spot for it in order to make the most of the suite. I can't believe you even-

TERRANCE appears in the doorway.

TERRANCE

Paris.

PARIS looks at him and takes a deep breath.

PARIS

Sorry, Tanna. I believe the east wall would be the best place. What is your opinion?

TANNA

Oh, um, I'm inclined to agree.

PARIS

Great! I'll help you move it if you want.

TANNA

Thank you, Paris. That'd be great.

TERRANCE, TANNA, and PARIS leave the room. LORELAI looks at RORY open mouthed. LUKE enters.

LUKE

Sorry guys, I couldn't get rid of it. That Tess girl's been hanging around. I even had to bribe some guy to help me bring it back up. Now I gotta go help him move his things.

LUKE leaves. RORY and LORELAI get up and retrieve the mattress from the hall dragging it into the common room where PARIS is gluing macaroni to her crafts corner table.

11 INT. NEW HAVEN - RORY'S SUITE - NIGHT - MUSIC: TAL BACHMAN - SHE'S SO HIGH; THE SUPREMES - CAN'T HURRY LOVE

A party is in full swing. 15 to 20 girls are milling around as LORELAI is on the phone.

LORELAI

Right, 3 extra large, two with everything, one with pepperoni.

There's a knock at the door.

RORY

I'll get it.

RORY opens the door. A moderately cute guy is standing there with chinese.

GUY

That'll be $35.76

RORY hands him two twenties.

RORY

Keep the change.

GUY

Thanks.

He leaves and RORY shuts the door behind him.

LORELAI

Judges?

Ten girls hold up paper with numbers written on it varying between 7.5 and 10

LORELAI

Paris, the verdict?

PARIS

The delivery boy from Wang Yung's House of Pork rates an 8.5

LORELAI

Not bad.

DIANE approaches RORY.

DIANE

Hey.

RORY

Uh, hi.

DIANE

Is this your suite?

RORY

Yes.

DIANE

This party's awesome. Who pulled it all together?

RORY

My mom.

RORY points to where LORELAI is holding a hairbrush and trying to convince some girls to sing "Can't Hurry Love" along with the radio. DIANE and RORY both laugh.

12 INT. NEW HAVEN - RORY'S SUITE - NIGHT

The party is over, the only people in the common room are TANNA, PARIS, RORY and LORELAI. The Yale mattress is lying on the floor covered with a blanket and LORELAI's lying on it. PARIS is on the phone.

TANNA

Goodnight guys.

PARIS

Just a minute Jamie, goodnight Tanna.

RORY

Night Tanna.

LORELAI

Bye Tanna.

TANNA goes to her room.

PARIS

I'm back. Anyways. My student I.D. is really messed up. I look like I'm on drugs, but that's okay, I've accepted it.

RORY takes some sheets and goes to make her bed.

PARIS (CONT.)

The cafeteria has very few choices for lactose intolerant people, but I've accepted that. One of my suitemates is only 16, but that's okay, I've accepted it. Oh Jamie, don't be jealous! Terrance is just my life coach. Where is he now? He's in his room of course, what kind of question is that?

RORY reenters the room. She and Lorelai smile at each other.

13 INT. NEW HAVEN - RORY'S SUITE - DAY

RORY is sitting on the couch reading when there's a knock at the door. She gets up and answers it. DIANE and three other girls are there holding white bags and many cups of coffee placed in cup carriers.

RORY

Hi. Come on in.

DIANE and the girls enter. RORY shuts the door.

DIANE

Hi. We 'Lorelai'd' a few places and found the good coffee. We brought over coffee and muffins to say thanks for last night. It was a perfect first night at Yale.

The other girls nod eagerly.

RORY

Lorelai'd?

DIANE

Oh, it's kind of a term we came up with after last night, it means to check places out. Like last night with the delivery places.

RORY

My mom will think it's great.

GIRL 1

We also came to see if you want to go to the Freshman assembly.

RORY

Oh, sure. Maybe I can find out how to get a new I.D.

GIRL 2

You have to lose them. We're all going to lose ours.

RORY

Yours? Why? I saw you take yours Diane. You looked great.

DIANE pulls it out of her pocket and shows RORY.

DIANE

I blinked.

They all laugh. The scene fades on them laughing and chatting.

GIRL 3

So what do you do for fun?

RORY

Mostly I read, and watch movies.

14 INT. STARS HOLLOW - GILMORE HOUSE - DAY - MUSIC: SAM PHILLIPS CUE

LORELAI enters. The house is quiet. She looks very alone and sad.

END

Guest Starring:

Olivia Hack - Tanna

Joy Darash - Tess

Obi Ndefo - Terrance

Elizabeth Anne Allen - Diane

Lindsay Sloane - Girl 1

Cyndi Johnson - Girl 2

Tamara Mello - Girl 3

Beau Gravitte - Man 1

Ken Marino - Stein 1

Dean Butler - Stein 2