A Kiss, A blush, A Smirk, A Love
Leela Brown
Part Six
N/B Ok, I have finally finished writing part 6, and am very sorry it has taken so long, but I have been extremely busy with other commitments. But I'm on holidays now and am going to make every effort possible to finally finish this story! So, I hope you all enjoy this next chapter!
Independence Inn
Rory walked up the steps of the Independence Inn. A broad smile was spread across her glowing face. Surprisingly, she had enjoyed her week long suspension and had spent most of her time reading, drinking coffee and generally being lazy. She was however looking forward to Monday and going back to Chilton where operation Paris would unfold.
Rory made her way to the reception desk where Michelle stood, his ever present irritated look spread across his face.
"Do not talk to me you evil little child", Michelle said before Rory could even start speaking.
"But Michelle, all I was going to say was that you look very handsome in that suit." Rory replied innocently.
Michelle glanced over at Rory, "Do not patronize me".
"No, I'm serious, that pink tie is particularly classy", continued Rory.
"It is not pink, it is Maroon you idiotic, colour-blind child", Michelle replied fiercely.
"Maroon huh? Well it sure looks pink to me!" Rory answered back as she fought to control the wave of giggles that were developing in her throat.
"Go away", Michelle said irritated.
"Very feminine", Rory remarked.
"Yes, I thought I would try and get in touch with my feminine side", Michelle replied sarcastically.
"Really? Wow Michelle, I think that's great, coming out of the closet like this, that's very brave of you!" Rory said excitingly.
"What! Are you implying that I'm gay?!" asked a shocked Michelle.
"Don't worry, it's nothing to be ashamed of", replied Rory with a sweet smile.
"I am not gay!" yelled Michelle, causing a few heads to turn in their direction.
"It's no good trying to deny it Michelle. It's ok. We're all friends here." Rory said as she patted his shoulder comfortingly.
Michelle brushed her hand away, 'Get away from me you despicable little girl", he said with a disgusted tone as he walked off in a huff.
Lorelai, who had been standing at the door to the kitchen started to laugh and applaud her daughter.
"Bravo, bravo! Encore! That my dear was the funniest thing I have seen all day!" Lorelai said as she walked over to give Rory a hug.
"Well, what can I say, I learnt from the best!" Rory replied.
"You know what?" Lorelai asked.
"What?"
"The memory of this moment may just sustain me through tonight's dinner at the House of Horrors".
"Oh, I forgot about tonight", Rory replied glumly.
Really, you did? Well maybe we could both come down with Amnesia and not go?!" replied a hopeful Lorelai.
"Mom", said Rory with a stern look.
"Oh come on, you know you want to!" pleaded Lorelai.
"We have to go, the torture with be twice as worse if we don't go", Rory reasoned.
Lorelai gave Rory a pouty, puppy-dog eyes look, which Rory matched with her stern, determined stare. "Oh alright. Let's roll babe", Lorelai said, giving in to her daughter.
Lorelai and Rory headed to the front door, passing Michelle as he was walking back to the reception desk.
"Hold the fort my little Gay Queen!" Lorelai said smirking.
"Try not to break a nail", added Rory.
"I hate you. Both of you!" Michelle called back as Lorelai and Rory left amongst fits of giggles.
Elder Gilmore's House
Lorelai and Rory stood motionlessly at the front door belonging to Richard and Emily. The bell button beckoned to them, but both girls stood transfixed by their thoughts.
"So, have you come up with a good story yet?" asked Lorelai breaking the silence.
"No", replied a glum Rory. "Mom, what am I going to tell them? They are going to be so upset".
"Maybe they'll understand!" Rory looked doubtfully at her mother. "Well maybe you won't have to tell them", said Lorelai.
"What do you mean?" asked an intrigued Rory.
"Maybe they already know", Lorelai said shrugging.
"Know!" exclaimed a shocked Rory, "How could they already know?"
"Through my mother's secret Chilton Gossip Agent, that's how!" Lorelai said conspiratorially.
"Mom, what are you talking about?"
"Betty Charleston. The principle's wife. The woman who has systematically never failed to report the latest gossip to her eager chief in command known as Emily Gilmore. The woman who has every office, classroom, bathroom, student area and supply cupboard bugged with hidden cameras and microphones. What other Chilton Gossip Agent do we know of?" Lorelai answered.
"Oh no, I completely forgot all about her! That's it, I'm doomed." Rory said helplessly.
"Now honey, don't worry. Maybe they haven't had their secret Gossip Conference yet. Maybe Betty doesn't even know!" Lorelai said brightly. Rory looked doubtfully at her. "Ok, well maybe."
But Lorelai didn't get to finish her sentence as the door suddenly swung open, surprising both Lorelai and Rory.
"I thought I heard voices. What are you two doing out here? How long have you been standing there? Why haven't you come in yet?" Emily said in a rush.
"Well mom, we were just, um." Lorelai said looking at Rory for help.
"We were admiring the flowers Grandma", Rory said innocently.
"Yes we were admiring the pretty flowers" Lorelai said sarcastically, smirking at Rory.
"Well come inside" said Emily, ushering Lorelai and Rory through the open door.
"So far so good" Lorelai whispered to Rory, who answered with a grimace.
Rory and Lorelai followed Emily into the sitting room where Richard was already pouring a drink.
"Look who I found on the doorstep", Emily said to Richard.
"Who?" Asked Richard as he turned around. "Ah, Lorelai, Rory, we were beginning to think you weren't going to show up this evening".
"Dad! How could you say such a thing?" replied Lorelai in surprise, "We wouldn't miss a Gilmore Friday Night Dinner for all the dinners in the world!"
"No need to be sarcastic Lorelai", Richard replied sternly. "How are you Rory?" he asked handing her a drink.
"I'm fine thanks Grandpa".
"What about me?! Are you going to ask how I am?"
"How are you Lorelai" Richard asked sighing.
"Well, I'm beginning to think that I'm allergic to Fridays".
"Oh Lorelai, really! Of all the ridiculous things I've ever heard from your mouth, that takes the prize" Emily said irritated.
"No, I'm serious! Every Friday morning when I wake up I develop this weird achy feeling all over my body. I think I need to see a doctor, get a vaccination. Ooo, maybe I have some new weird Fridayitus disease. I could be contagious! I don't think Rory and I should risk coming over on Fridays for awhile or you could both become contaminated!"
"Lorelai stop being stupid. Your not allergic, there's no such thing as Fridayitus, and you will continue to come here every Friday evening so that we can enjoy a nice family dinner. Alright?"
"Yes mother" Lorelai said defeated.
"So Rory, how's school?" Richard asked as he sat down.
"Ah, well." Rory looked at Lorelai for help.
"School's been fine, hasn't it sweets? Lorelai answered giving Rory a wink.
"Yep school's been fine" Rory repeated, trying to sound not so guilty.
"Well, that's marvelous Rory" Emily said cheerfully.
"Of course, you probably already new that, right mom?" asked Lorelai.
"What do you mean already know? How could I know unless I asked Rory herself?" replied Emily increduously.
"Well I thought maybe you'd have had a meeting with your Chilton Spy in the secret Head Quarters" Lorelai replied simply.
"What spy? What secret Head Quarters?" answered a befuddled Emily.
"Betty Charleston, what other spy's do you have working for you?"
"Oh Lorelai!" Emily said in exasperation, "She is not a spy, she's a close friend and on the odd occasion we meet for tea, she fills me in on the latest news that's all."
"I don't know mom? Private meetings and the exchange of information, sounds like a spy to me. What do you think?" Lorelai asked turning to Rory.
"Does sound very spy-ish" Rory agreed.
"Well Betty has been out of town for the past week visiting her sick sister, so we haven't had our 'secret meeting'" Emily said. A broad smile erupted across Lorelai's face and Rory let out a slight sigh of relief. "Why, do you have some news to share with me?" asked a slightly hopeful Emily.
"Well, now that you mention it, I do have a bit of news that may shock you" answered Lorelai. Rory glared at her mother questionly.
"You do!" Emily said, the eagerness evident in her voice.
"Yes, but I'm not sure you're ready to hear it", replied Lorelai doubtfully.
"Oh for heaven's sake, just tell me!" Emily said practically jumping of her seat in anticipation.
"Very well. Rory, you're perfect Granddaughter hasn't been at school for the past week". Rory's mouth dropped open in shock as she looked at her mother mortified.
"Oh, have you been sick Rory?" asked Richard. Rory looked at him, then Emily and then at her traitorous mother, still unable to close her mouth.
"Nope, not sick", answered Lorelai for her, "Suspended" She continued watching the colour drain from Richard's face.
"Suspended! Suspended for what?" asked Emily shakily.
"Sex scandal" answered Lorelai simply as if it was a perfectly logical reason. Emily looked as if she was about to faint and Richard took a long, deep drink from his scotch glass. Rory looked at her mother flabbergasted, who in return winked as a wicked smile spread across her face. Richard looked from Lorelai to Rory and then suddenly let out a burst of laughter. Emily raised her head out from behind her hands and looked at him disgusted.
"Richard! What on earth are you laughing about? The girl was suspended! I don't see what you think is so funny!" Emily said shrilly.
"Emily, it's a joke!" Richard replied through fits of laughter, "Look at Lorelai's face", he continued pointing at Lorelai as he chuckled.
Emily turned to face Lorelai. "Is that true Lorelai? Is this another one of your silly little jokes?"
Lorelai looked at Rory, who had finally managed to close her mouth. She turned back to an irritated Emily. "Yep.and a pretty damb successful joke if you ask me!" Lorelai said brightly. "I'm such a comedic genius, aren't I?"
"No, I think that was an awful trick to tell us. Rory being suspended, what a horrible thing to say", Emily answered sternly.
"Oh Emily! Lighten up. I thought you were fantastic Lorelai, I think you even had Rory worried there for a moment!" Rory smiled at him weakly.
"Thanks Dad. I must say, I did put a few lengthy hours in to come up with it, a lot of sleepless nights worrying about whether or not I could pull it off."
"Well, enough of this nonsense", Emily said standing up, "Let's have dinner shall we?"
Richard, Lorelai, and Rory all stood to follow Emily into the dining room, with Rory giving her mother a sharp poke as they exited the sitting room.
The Drive Home
Lorelai and Rory climbed into the jeep, the dinner of endless tortures over for another week. As they headed off, Rory looked icily at her mother.
"What's wrong sweety?" Asked Lorelai innocently.
Rory glared at Lorelai for a few minutes before speaking. "I'm sorry, but who are you?"
Lorelai looked sweetly back at her daughter, "Why I'm your mother pumpkin nose!" She replied in a tacky southern accent.
Rory scoffed, "Oh, my mother."
"That's right.you're my own little creation." Lorelai replied brightly.
"No. I think you must be mistaken", replied Rory simply. "See, my mother would never hang me out to dry like you just did", accused Rory.
"Hang you out to dry! What are you, a tablecloth?" Lorelai replied, dropping the accent. Rory looked at her scornfully. "Oh, come on Rory! It's not that bad".
"You told them!" Rory yelled in exasperation.
"Yeah, and they were fine about it".
"That's because they thought it was a joke!"
"So?" asked Lorelai.
"So. so, that's like telling them a lie!"
"Oh sweety.it's not a lie, it's just the truth in disguise, that's all." Rory looked dumbfounded at her mother. "Look, it'll be ok. You know you would have felt heaps guilty if you hadn't told them because you're Saint Honest. This way if they do find out about it through another source, you can say that you hadn't kept it from them!"
Rory glared at Lorelai. "You have a very sneaky and twisted sense of logic."
"Well, we can't all be the level-headed genius" Lorelai replied winking at Rory as they both erupted into fits of giggles.
Luke's Diner
Lorelai slammed on the breaks causing the cheap to come to a screeching stop outside Luke's Diner. Mother and Daughter jumped out and raced up to the entry, flinging the door open and sending Luke flying back, closed sign in hand.
"Phew, we made it", Lorelai said puffing.
"In record time too!" Rory said looking at her watch, "8 seconds flat!"
"Right on! Give me five butterbean!" Lorelai said jumping up and down.
Rory and Lorelai slapped their hands together in a loud, painfully clap, giving both bright red hands.
"Are you two insane?" Asked an irritated Luke from the diner floor.
"Oh sweety!" Lorelai said running to his side, "What are you doing lying on the floor?"
"Oh, you know, just had an urge to get down with the dirt and germs that people have been tracking in all day. We like to have a little chat before I mop them up", replied Luke sarcastically.
"Oh, right.well that's very nice of you!" Lorelai said, a look of concern on her face. She turned to Rory, "I think all the disinfectant has gotten to his head", Lorelai said softly, "made him a little loopy", she continued as she twirled her finger around in circles next to her ear.
"I'm not crazy!" Luke said getting up, "I fell over when you came crashing through the front door!" He continued as he walked over to hang up the closed sign.
"Well, we had to get here before 'it' happened".
"Before what happened?"
"Before you put that evil sign up", Lorelai said pointing to the evilness in question.
Luke looked dumbfounded. "Why? What does the closed sign have to do with anything? It's just a sign".
Lorelai looked at Luke horrified. "It's not just a sign!" "Yes it is", Luke replied matterfactly.
"No, it's an evil barrier between me and my miracle beverage!"
"What is she talking about?" Luke asked, turning to Rory.
"Well, when the closed sign goes up, the coffee machine is turned off, meaning no more coffee will be made until the holy grail of signs goes up in the morning", Rory replied as if it was common knowledge.
"And what pray tell is the 'holy grail sign'?"
"Duh! The open sign!" Lorelai chimed in.
"Right, well you do realise that for the past 6 months or so I haven't been turning off the coffee machine when the 'evil sign' is hung up, since you two always badger me for coffee after hours anyway", Luke replied simply.
"What! Oh Luke, you're my hero!" Lorelai screamed, throwing her arms around Luke's neck and smacking a kiss on his lips. Luke's cheeks grew a deep red blush, as Rory looked on trying to hide her giggles.
"Awww, you two are so cute!" she gushed.
Luke pried himself away from Lorelai, who looked very satisfied with herself at causing him to become embarrassed.
"I suppose I better get you that coffee before you self-combust from lack of caffeine", he said as he moved behind the counter. Mother and daughter just looked at him as if he were answering their prayers, which of course he was.
The Crap Shack
Sunlight seeped through the crack in the curtains that hung in Rory's bedroom. A warm pool of light rested on her cheek as she rolled over burying her head under her pillow in an attempt to hide from the dawning day.
All of a sudden Rory sprang up, a broad smile painting her face. *Today is Monday* she thought to herself, *Today is the day Paris gets what she deserves!* Rory let out an evil little snicker as she climbed out of bed and walked into the kitchen.
"Good morning my little strawberry shortcake!" Lorelai chirped as she handed Rory a large, steaming mug of coffee, "All ready for operation Paris?"
"Absolutely! I had a dream last night about being recruited as a double agent and working for the CIA." Rory replied excitedly.
"Wow! You could be the next Jennifer Garner in Alias!"
"Oooo cool, then I'd get to date Michael Vartan!" "Oh no, that's not fair!" Lorelai whined, "I want to be Jen! I want to date Michael Vartan!"
"Sorry, I got there first!" Rory said triumphantly.
"But you've already got Tristan, so I should get Michael", Lorelai tried to reason.
"What! I don't 'have' Tristan!" Rory exclaimed, "I don't even like him in that way".
"Oh really? So are you telling me that when he looks into your eyes, you don't feel weak at the knees?" Lorelai questioned.
"No, I stand firmly on my two feet", Rory replied defiantly.
"And when he touches you, you don't feel shivers of excitement running all over your body?"
"No", Rory said weakly.
"And when he kisses you, your heart doesn't skip a beat and time doesn't cease to exist?"
"Well." Lorelai looked at Rory skeptically. "Oh my God! I'm falling for Tristan!" Rory shrieked hysterically.
"Honey, I think you've already completely fallen for him, the falling part is well and truly over!" Lorelai replied.
"But I can't fall for Tristan! He's.he's evil, and.a player. I'm just a game to him.just another possible notch on his bed post."
"Yes honey, but I think that maybe you've managed to pull away Tristan's exterior wall and have resurfaced the 'genuine' Tristan hidden inside." Explained Lorelai.
"You make it sound as if I've done some kind of human renovation or restoration on him." Rory replied.
"Yeah! Maybe you can get a spot on Martha Stuart!" Lorelai said excited.
Rory looked at her mother as if she had come from another planet. "Well, what should I do?"
"I say, go for it!"
"What if he doesn't feel the same way?"
"Rory, that boy is head-over-heals-in-love with you, I don't think that will be a problem".
"How can you tell?"
Lorelai contemplated Rory's question. "You can tell by the way he looks at you. Just look into his eyes and you'll see it."
Rory nodded, "Thank you oh wise one!" "You are very welcome my child" Lorelai replied, kissing Rory on both of her cheeks. "Now get yourself to that fiery pit they call school and get your devil!"
Rory chuckled as she waved goodbye to her mother and headed to the bus stop.
Chilton
Rory stepped off the bus, glad to be reunited with fresh air. A sudden wave of nervousness swept over her just as a cloud moved to hide the warm sun. She tried to walk, willed her legs to start moving towards the school building, but she just stood there, as if roots had grown out of the soles of her feet, anchoring her permanently to the ground.
From somewhere behind her, a gentle hand pushed her forward, uprooting her feet from the ground. She turned around to see Tristan gently pushing her into the Chilton hallways and an empty classroom. He swiftly closed the door behind them, pulling down a blind to block the view from the window into the hall.
Tristan walked towards Rory, who had backed herself up against the teacher's desk at the front of the room. He stopped a few mere inches in front of Rory, his eyes never leaving hers as he picked up her hands. He marveled at how perfectly they fitted in his own much larger ones.
"If I'm not mistaken, Ms Gilmore, I'd say you were nervous" he said huskily.
"I'm.I'm not nervous" Rory stammered.
"Your not?"
"No" Rory replied trying to sound as calm as possible.
Tristan started to lean into her, his face slowly inching closer to her own. Rory licked her lips in anticipation, surprising herself by hoping that he'd kiss her. But Tristan leaned in closer to her ear, neglecting her wanting lips.
"We don't have to go through with it if you don't want to" he whispered in her ear.
"Go through with what" Rory whispered back almost breathless.
"Operation Paris" Tristan replied.
"Rory jerked her head back from Tristan. " Are you kidding! Of course we're going through with it. That girl needs to learn her lesson!"
"And what lesson would that be?" Tristan asked taking a step back from Rory and immediately regretting the action. Being close to her was intoxicating. He was drunk with need for her and not being close to her was the worst possible hangover he had ever experienced.
"That nobody messes with a Gilmore and gets away with it." Rory replied defiantly.
Tristan chuckled, "Well I suppose we should get this mission started, Agent Gilmore".
"I think your right, Agent Dugrey".
"Ready to hate each other?"
"A feeling I'm well acquainted with." Rory replied
"But not anymore?" Tristan asked hopefully.
"No, not anymore" Rory replied with a wink as she opened the door and each headed down the hall in opposite directions.
N/B Ok, another chapter done. I hope yall have enjoyed this last offering, and remember to review! Thanx (
Part Six
N/B Ok, I have finally finished writing part 6, and am very sorry it has taken so long, but I have been extremely busy with other commitments. But I'm on holidays now and am going to make every effort possible to finally finish this story! So, I hope you all enjoy this next chapter!
Independence Inn
Rory walked up the steps of the Independence Inn. A broad smile was spread across her glowing face. Surprisingly, she had enjoyed her week long suspension and had spent most of her time reading, drinking coffee and generally being lazy. She was however looking forward to Monday and going back to Chilton where operation Paris would unfold.
Rory made her way to the reception desk where Michelle stood, his ever present irritated look spread across his face.
"Do not talk to me you evil little child", Michelle said before Rory could even start speaking.
"But Michelle, all I was going to say was that you look very handsome in that suit." Rory replied innocently.
Michelle glanced over at Rory, "Do not patronize me".
"No, I'm serious, that pink tie is particularly classy", continued Rory.
"It is not pink, it is Maroon you idiotic, colour-blind child", Michelle replied fiercely.
"Maroon huh? Well it sure looks pink to me!" Rory answered back as she fought to control the wave of giggles that were developing in her throat.
"Go away", Michelle said irritated.
"Very feminine", Rory remarked.
"Yes, I thought I would try and get in touch with my feminine side", Michelle replied sarcastically.
"Really? Wow Michelle, I think that's great, coming out of the closet like this, that's very brave of you!" Rory said excitingly.
"What! Are you implying that I'm gay?!" asked a shocked Michelle.
"Don't worry, it's nothing to be ashamed of", replied Rory with a sweet smile.
"I am not gay!" yelled Michelle, causing a few heads to turn in their direction.
"It's no good trying to deny it Michelle. It's ok. We're all friends here." Rory said as she patted his shoulder comfortingly.
Michelle brushed her hand away, 'Get away from me you despicable little girl", he said with a disgusted tone as he walked off in a huff.
Lorelai, who had been standing at the door to the kitchen started to laugh and applaud her daughter.
"Bravo, bravo! Encore! That my dear was the funniest thing I have seen all day!" Lorelai said as she walked over to give Rory a hug.
"Well, what can I say, I learnt from the best!" Rory replied.
"You know what?" Lorelai asked.
"What?"
"The memory of this moment may just sustain me through tonight's dinner at the House of Horrors".
"Oh, I forgot about tonight", Rory replied glumly.
Really, you did? Well maybe we could both come down with Amnesia and not go?!" replied a hopeful Lorelai.
"Mom", said Rory with a stern look.
"Oh come on, you know you want to!" pleaded Lorelai.
"We have to go, the torture with be twice as worse if we don't go", Rory reasoned.
Lorelai gave Rory a pouty, puppy-dog eyes look, which Rory matched with her stern, determined stare. "Oh alright. Let's roll babe", Lorelai said, giving in to her daughter.
Lorelai and Rory headed to the front door, passing Michelle as he was walking back to the reception desk.
"Hold the fort my little Gay Queen!" Lorelai said smirking.
"Try not to break a nail", added Rory.
"I hate you. Both of you!" Michelle called back as Lorelai and Rory left amongst fits of giggles.
Elder Gilmore's House
Lorelai and Rory stood motionlessly at the front door belonging to Richard and Emily. The bell button beckoned to them, but both girls stood transfixed by their thoughts.
"So, have you come up with a good story yet?" asked Lorelai breaking the silence.
"No", replied a glum Rory. "Mom, what am I going to tell them? They are going to be so upset".
"Maybe they'll understand!" Rory looked doubtfully at her mother. "Well maybe you won't have to tell them", said Lorelai.
"What do you mean?" asked an intrigued Rory.
"Maybe they already know", Lorelai said shrugging.
"Know!" exclaimed a shocked Rory, "How could they already know?"
"Through my mother's secret Chilton Gossip Agent, that's how!" Lorelai said conspiratorially.
"Mom, what are you talking about?"
"Betty Charleston. The principle's wife. The woman who has systematically never failed to report the latest gossip to her eager chief in command known as Emily Gilmore. The woman who has every office, classroom, bathroom, student area and supply cupboard bugged with hidden cameras and microphones. What other Chilton Gossip Agent do we know of?" Lorelai answered.
"Oh no, I completely forgot all about her! That's it, I'm doomed." Rory said helplessly.
"Now honey, don't worry. Maybe they haven't had their secret Gossip Conference yet. Maybe Betty doesn't even know!" Lorelai said brightly. Rory looked doubtfully at her. "Ok, well maybe."
But Lorelai didn't get to finish her sentence as the door suddenly swung open, surprising both Lorelai and Rory.
"I thought I heard voices. What are you two doing out here? How long have you been standing there? Why haven't you come in yet?" Emily said in a rush.
"Well mom, we were just, um." Lorelai said looking at Rory for help.
"We were admiring the flowers Grandma", Rory said innocently.
"Yes we were admiring the pretty flowers" Lorelai said sarcastically, smirking at Rory.
"Well come inside" said Emily, ushering Lorelai and Rory through the open door.
"So far so good" Lorelai whispered to Rory, who answered with a grimace.
Rory and Lorelai followed Emily into the sitting room where Richard was already pouring a drink.
"Look who I found on the doorstep", Emily said to Richard.
"Who?" Asked Richard as he turned around. "Ah, Lorelai, Rory, we were beginning to think you weren't going to show up this evening".
"Dad! How could you say such a thing?" replied Lorelai in surprise, "We wouldn't miss a Gilmore Friday Night Dinner for all the dinners in the world!"
"No need to be sarcastic Lorelai", Richard replied sternly. "How are you Rory?" he asked handing her a drink.
"I'm fine thanks Grandpa".
"What about me?! Are you going to ask how I am?"
"How are you Lorelai" Richard asked sighing.
"Well, I'm beginning to think that I'm allergic to Fridays".
"Oh Lorelai, really! Of all the ridiculous things I've ever heard from your mouth, that takes the prize" Emily said irritated.
"No, I'm serious! Every Friday morning when I wake up I develop this weird achy feeling all over my body. I think I need to see a doctor, get a vaccination. Ooo, maybe I have some new weird Fridayitus disease. I could be contagious! I don't think Rory and I should risk coming over on Fridays for awhile or you could both become contaminated!"
"Lorelai stop being stupid. Your not allergic, there's no such thing as Fridayitus, and you will continue to come here every Friday evening so that we can enjoy a nice family dinner. Alright?"
"Yes mother" Lorelai said defeated.
"So Rory, how's school?" Richard asked as he sat down.
"Ah, well." Rory looked at Lorelai for help.
"School's been fine, hasn't it sweets? Lorelai answered giving Rory a wink.
"Yep school's been fine" Rory repeated, trying to sound not so guilty.
"Well, that's marvelous Rory" Emily said cheerfully.
"Of course, you probably already new that, right mom?" asked Lorelai.
"What do you mean already know? How could I know unless I asked Rory herself?" replied Emily increduously.
"Well I thought maybe you'd have had a meeting with your Chilton Spy in the secret Head Quarters" Lorelai replied simply.
"What spy? What secret Head Quarters?" answered a befuddled Emily.
"Betty Charleston, what other spy's do you have working for you?"
"Oh Lorelai!" Emily said in exasperation, "She is not a spy, she's a close friend and on the odd occasion we meet for tea, she fills me in on the latest news that's all."
"I don't know mom? Private meetings and the exchange of information, sounds like a spy to me. What do you think?" Lorelai asked turning to Rory.
"Does sound very spy-ish" Rory agreed.
"Well Betty has been out of town for the past week visiting her sick sister, so we haven't had our 'secret meeting'" Emily said. A broad smile erupted across Lorelai's face and Rory let out a slight sigh of relief. "Why, do you have some news to share with me?" asked a slightly hopeful Emily.
"Well, now that you mention it, I do have a bit of news that may shock you" answered Lorelai. Rory glared at her mother questionly.
"You do!" Emily said, the eagerness evident in her voice.
"Yes, but I'm not sure you're ready to hear it", replied Lorelai doubtfully.
"Oh for heaven's sake, just tell me!" Emily said practically jumping of her seat in anticipation.
"Very well. Rory, you're perfect Granddaughter hasn't been at school for the past week". Rory's mouth dropped open in shock as she looked at her mother mortified.
"Oh, have you been sick Rory?" asked Richard. Rory looked at him, then Emily and then at her traitorous mother, still unable to close her mouth.
"Nope, not sick", answered Lorelai for her, "Suspended" She continued watching the colour drain from Richard's face.
"Suspended! Suspended for what?" asked Emily shakily.
"Sex scandal" answered Lorelai simply as if it was a perfectly logical reason. Emily looked as if she was about to faint and Richard took a long, deep drink from his scotch glass. Rory looked at her mother flabbergasted, who in return winked as a wicked smile spread across her face. Richard looked from Lorelai to Rory and then suddenly let out a burst of laughter. Emily raised her head out from behind her hands and looked at him disgusted.
"Richard! What on earth are you laughing about? The girl was suspended! I don't see what you think is so funny!" Emily said shrilly.
"Emily, it's a joke!" Richard replied through fits of laughter, "Look at Lorelai's face", he continued pointing at Lorelai as he chuckled.
Emily turned to face Lorelai. "Is that true Lorelai? Is this another one of your silly little jokes?"
Lorelai looked at Rory, who had finally managed to close her mouth. She turned back to an irritated Emily. "Yep.and a pretty damb successful joke if you ask me!" Lorelai said brightly. "I'm such a comedic genius, aren't I?"
"No, I think that was an awful trick to tell us. Rory being suspended, what a horrible thing to say", Emily answered sternly.
"Oh Emily! Lighten up. I thought you were fantastic Lorelai, I think you even had Rory worried there for a moment!" Rory smiled at him weakly.
"Thanks Dad. I must say, I did put a few lengthy hours in to come up with it, a lot of sleepless nights worrying about whether or not I could pull it off."
"Well, enough of this nonsense", Emily said standing up, "Let's have dinner shall we?"
Richard, Lorelai, and Rory all stood to follow Emily into the dining room, with Rory giving her mother a sharp poke as they exited the sitting room.
The Drive Home
Lorelai and Rory climbed into the jeep, the dinner of endless tortures over for another week. As they headed off, Rory looked icily at her mother.
"What's wrong sweety?" Asked Lorelai innocently.
Rory glared at Lorelai for a few minutes before speaking. "I'm sorry, but who are you?"
Lorelai looked sweetly back at her daughter, "Why I'm your mother pumpkin nose!" She replied in a tacky southern accent.
Rory scoffed, "Oh, my mother."
"That's right.you're my own little creation." Lorelai replied brightly.
"No. I think you must be mistaken", replied Rory simply. "See, my mother would never hang me out to dry like you just did", accused Rory.
"Hang you out to dry! What are you, a tablecloth?" Lorelai replied, dropping the accent. Rory looked at her scornfully. "Oh, come on Rory! It's not that bad".
"You told them!" Rory yelled in exasperation.
"Yeah, and they were fine about it".
"That's because they thought it was a joke!"
"So?" asked Lorelai.
"So. so, that's like telling them a lie!"
"Oh sweety.it's not a lie, it's just the truth in disguise, that's all." Rory looked dumbfounded at her mother. "Look, it'll be ok. You know you would have felt heaps guilty if you hadn't told them because you're Saint Honest. This way if they do find out about it through another source, you can say that you hadn't kept it from them!"
Rory glared at Lorelai. "You have a very sneaky and twisted sense of logic."
"Well, we can't all be the level-headed genius" Lorelai replied winking at Rory as they both erupted into fits of giggles.
Luke's Diner
Lorelai slammed on the breaks causing the cheap to come to a screeching stop outside Luke's Diner. Mother and Daughter jumped out and raced up to the entry, flinging the door open and sending Luke flying back, closed sign in hand.
"Phew, we made it", Lorelai said puffing.
"In record time too!" Rory said looking at her watch, "8 seconds flat!"
"Right on! Give me five butterbean!" Lorelai said jumping up and down.
Rory and Lorelai slapped their hands together in a loud, painfully clap, giving both bright red hands.
"Are you two insane?" Asked an irritated Luke from the diner floor.
"Oh sweety!" Lorelai said running to his side, "What are you doing lying on the floor?"
"Oh, you know, just had an urge to get down with the dirt and germs that people have been tracking in all day. We like to have a little chat before I mop them up", replied Luke sarcastically.
"Oh, right.well that's very nice of you!" Lorelai said, a look of concern on her face. She turned to Rory, "I think all the disinfectant has gotten to his head", Lorelai said softly, "made him a little loopy", she continued as she twirled her finger around in circles next to her ear.
"I'm not crazy!" Luke said getting up, "I fell over when you came crashing through the front door!" He continued as he walked over to hang up the closed sign.
"Well, we had to get here before 'it' happened".
"Before what happened?"
"Before you put that evil sign up", Lorelai said pointing to the evilness in question.
Luke looked dumbfounded. "Why? What does the closed sign have to do with anything? It's just a sign".
Lorelai looked at Luke horrified. "It's not just a sign!" "Yes it is", Luke replied matterfactly.
"No, it's an evil barrier between me and my miracle beverage!"
"What is she talking about?" Luke asked, turning to Rory.
"Well, when the closed sign goes up, the coffee machine is turned off, meaning no more coffee will be made until the holy grail of signs goes up in the morning", Rory replied as if it was common knowledge.
"And what pray tell is the 'holy grail sign'?"
"Duh! The open sign!" Lorelai chimed in.
"Right, well you do realise that for the past 6 months or so I haven't been turning off the coffee machine when the 'evil sign' is hung up, since you two always badger me for coffee after hours anyway", Luke replied simply.
"What! Oh Luke, you're my hero!" Lorelai screamed, throwing her arms around Luke's neck and smacking a kiss on his lips. Luke's cheeks grew a deep red blush, as Rory looked on trying to hide her giggles.
"Awww, you two are so cute!" she gushed.
Luke pried himself away from Lorelai, who looked very satisfied with herself at causing him to become embarrassed.
"I suppose I better get you that coffee before you self-combust from lack of caffeine", he said as he moved behind the counter. Mother and daughter just looked at him as if he were answering their prayers, which of course he was.
The Crap Shack
Sunlight seeped through the crack in the curtains that hung in Rory's bedroom. A warm pool of light rested on her cheek as she rolled over burying her head under her pillow in an attempt to hide from the dawning day.
All of a sudden Rory sprang up, a broad smile painting her face. *Today is Monday* she thought to herself, *Today is the day Paris gets what she deserves!* Rory let out an evil little snicker as she climbed out of bed and walked into the kitchen.
"Good morning my little strawberry shortcake!" Lorelai chirped as she handed Rory a large, steaming mug of coffee, "All ready for operation Paris?"
"Absolutely! I had a dream last night about being recruited as a double agent and working for the CIA." Rory replied excitedly.
"Wow! You could be the next Jennifer Garner in Alias!"
"Oooo cool, then I'd get to date Michael Vartan!" "Oh no, that's not fair!" Lorelai whined, "I want to be Jen! I want to date Michael Vartan!"
"Sorry, I got there first!" Rory said triumphantly.
"But you've already got Tristan, so I should get Michael", Lorelai tried to reason.
"What! I don't 'have' Tristan!" Rory exclaimed, "I don't even like him in that way".
"Oh really? So are you telling me that when he looks into your eyes, you don't feel weak at the knees?" Lorelai questioned.
"No, I stand firmly on my two feet", Rory replied defiantly.
"And when he touches you, you don't feel shivers of excitement running all over your body?"
"No", Rory said weakly.
"And when he kisses you, your heart doesn't skip a beat and time doesn't cease to exist?"
"Well." Lorelai looked at Rory skeptically. "Oh my God! I'm falling for Tristan!" Rory shrieked hysterically.
"Honey, I think you've already completely fallen for him, the falling part is well and truly over!" Lorelai replied.
"But I can't fall for Tristan! He's.he's evil, and.a player. I'm just a game to him.just another possible notch on his bed post."
"Yes honey, but I think that maybe you've managed to pull away Tristan's exterior wall and have resurfaced the 'genuine' Tristan hidden inside." Explained Lorelai.
"You make it sound as if I've done some kind of human renovation or restoration on him." Rory replied.
"Yeah! Maybe you can get a spot on Martha Stuart!" Lorelai said excited.
Rory looked at her mother as if she had come from another planet. "Well, what should I do?"
"I say, go for it!"
"What if he doesn't feel the same way?"
"Rory, that boy is head-over-heals-in-love with you, I don't think that will be a problem".
"How can you tell?"
Lorelai contemplated Rory's question. "You can tell by the way he looks at you. Just look into his eyes and you'll see it."
Rory nodded, "Thank you oh wise one!" "You are very welcome my child" Lorelai replied, kissing Rory on both of her cheeks. "Now get yourself to that fiery pit they call school and get your devil!"
Rory chuckled as she waved goodbye to her mother and headed to the bus stop.
Chilton
Rory stepped off the bus, glad to be reunited with fresh air. A sudden wave of nervousness swept over her just as a cloud moved to hide the warm sun. She tried to walk, willed her legs to start moving towards the school building, but she just stood there, as if roots had grown out of the soles of her feet, anchoring her permanently to the ground.
From somewhere behind her, a gentle hand pushed her forward, uprooting her feet from the ground. She turned around to see Tristan gently pushing her into the Chilton hallways and an empty classroom. He swiftly closed the door behind them, pulling down a blind to block the view from the window into the hall.
Tristan walked towards Rory, who had backed herself up against the teacher's desk at the front of the room. He stopped a few mere inches in front of Rory, his eyes never leaving hers as he picked up her hands. He marveled at how perfectly they fitted in his own much larger ones.
"If I'm not mistaken, Ms Gilmore, I'd say you were nervous" he said huskily.
"I'm.I'm not nervous" Rory stammered.
"Your not?"
"No" Rory replied trying to sound as calm as possible.
Tristan started to lean into her, his face slowly inching closer to her own. Rory licked her lips in anticipation, surprising herself by hoping that he'd kiss her. But Tristan leaned in closer to her ear, neglecting her wanting lips.
"We don't have to go through with it if you don't want to" he whispered in her ear.
"Go through with what" Rory whispered back almost breathless.
"Operation Paris" Tristan replied.
"Rory jerked her head back from Tristan. " Are you kidding! Of course we're going through with it. That girl needs to learn her lesson!"
"And what lesson would that be?" Tristan asked taking a step back from Rory and immediately regretting the action. Being close to her was intoxicating. He was drunk with need for her and not being close to her was the worst possible hangover he had ever experienced.
"That nobody messes with a Gilmore and gets away with it." Rory replied defiantly.
Tristan chuckled, "Well I suppose we should get this mission started, Agent Gilmore".
"I think your right, Agent Dugrey".
"Ready to hate each other?"
"A feeling I'm well acquainted with." Rory replied
"But not anymore?" Tristan asked hopefully.
"No, not anymore" Rory replied with a wink as she opened the door and each headed down the hall in opposite directions.
N/B Ok, another chapter done. I hope yall have enjoyed this last offering, and remember to review! Thanx (