Author's Note: See Title and Disclaimer in Chapter One. Sorry this chapter is so short. I didn't get very many reviews and this is sort of a filler chapter anyway. It's just to get from one place to another. I was going to put it at the end of the last chapter but that one got pretty long, so this is a baby-chapter. Anyway, no more teasing. The next two chapters are guaranteed to be long and filled with Lorelai/ Luke goodness. On a personal opinion note, I am so happy that ASP seems to be adding more Lorelai and Luke sweetness again. I missed the cute little moments and I really don't like Nicole. Even though the previews are more exciting than the moments turn out to be, Luke looks really good in the one for next week. Ok, weird rant over. Keep the reviews coming. I have resorted to begging for them.

P.S. Any suggestions for a good charity (real or made up) are welcome. I can't decide.

On with the story . . .

Chapter 12: Dresses and the DAR

Lorelai's thoughts were intruded on by a ringing phone. She glared at it for interrupting her and decided not to answer just to spite it. The answering machine kicked on.

"You've reached Lorelai. I'm off like a prom dress. Leave a message. BEEP!"

"Lorelai Gilmore! What kind of thing is that to leave on an answering machine?" Emily's voice blared from the speaker. Lorelai leapt at the phone.

"Mom! It's me. I'm here," she said breathlessly.

"Will you ever grow up? What happens if someone hears that greeting?"

"Well, hopefully they'll leave a message."

"It's embarrassing."

"I'm good, mom. Thanks for asking. How are you?" Lorelai said with forced cheerfulness.

"Oh, I'm just fine" Emily said brusquely.

"That's good." Lorelai was unsure of her mother's reason for calling but she didn't want to be rude. She had promised Rory she would try. "So . . . um . . . what's up?" She could almost hear her mother roll her eyes.

"I'm calling to speak to you about the fundraiser for the DAR. I've called them all and gotten them to agree to a new charity but even after brainstorming, we are having some difficulties thinking of one."

"Well, you've had an eventful morning."

"Yes, Lorelai, will you help us?" Lorelai took a deep breath and thought of Rory.

"Yes" she said barely above a whisper.

"Excuse me?" Lorelai could just picture the grin on Emily's face.

"Yes, I will help you."

"That's wonderful. We will have to come up with a charity of course but more importantly, we have certain expectations for the event."

"Expectations?" Lorelai asked warily.

"Yes. We would like dinner, dancing, and some form of entertainment."

"That's more important than the actual charity?"

"Well, of course we want to raise money, but that doesn't take much to plan."

"Right" Lorelai said chuckling to herself. Her mother could still amaze her with her different world view.

"Any ideas?" Lorelai thought for a moment.

"We could hold the event in the town square. Dancing won't be a problem. I'll have to see what I can do about entertainment. Maybe you could work on the charity thing?"

"I already told you we can't think of one." Lorelai sighed. Of course, Emily would make this difficult.

"Ok. I'll get Rory to do a little research. Maybe she can come up with a good one."

"That's sounds good."

"I'm going to get started so I'll talk to you later."

"Shouldn't we meet to plan more?" Emily said stalling.

"Um . . . sure. I'll call you later and we'll set that up. Bye!" Lorelai said quickly, hanging up before her mother could respond.