Ok, wow, it has been a while hasn't it? Well, first let me apologize for the delay. Life happened to all of us. But we're back. Now, before we get to the story, a few people need to be mentioned.
Nicolle (Someone) unfortunately isn't a co-writer anymore, but she did such a great job with writing and story boarding, that in our hearts, she still is one.
Marissa (Avid) has been our personal cheerleader since the beginning, and without her, I probably would have given up ten times over.
Cinn (Cinnamon572), my little freelancer, who crosses the line in the sand and always finds time to help me out and pick up the slack when I'm blocked.
Raven who does such a great job of betaing and making this look as pretty as it does.
Special thanks to the people over at F4F for giving me a place to rant and inspiring me. Especially the guys at the Trory board for creating a little lit corner on their sites for me.
At the end of each chapter, I'll be listing the songs that I use in the next chapter. If you could find a way to DL them, or even just look up the lyrics that'd be cool. Music inspires me, and I pick each song for a reason. The chapter titles are all songs that, I think, fit the chapter.
Disclaimer: I don't own any character that has ever appeared on Gilmore Girls. They belong to Amy Sherman Pallidino. I do however, own any and all characters in this fic that don't appear on Gilmore Girls.
Chapter 2: Wallflower Girl
INT. GILMORE HOUSE / INT. RORY'S DORM ROOM SEQ.
Both on the phone
LORELAI: So, after I put out the fire, we just ordered Chinese.
RORY: Wow.
LORELAI: I know; I had no idea we had a fire extinguisher. Did you?
RORY: Maybe it came with the house.
LORELAI: That makes sense. Anyway, Kirk says that it wasn't his fault.
RORY: He was the one cooking when the stove caught on fire.
LORELAI: That's what I said. No, he claimed that because the stove hasn't be used, let alone cleaned, in about ten years, that the old food particles or something caught on fire.
RORY: (suspiciously) But if we haven't used it in ten years, how would there be food particles to catch on fire in the first place?
LORELAI: Good point. I think he's just trying to cover for his own mistake. Either way, he's going to stick to the microwave for while.
RORY: Sounds like you've had a busy week.
LORELAI: Besides that, it hasn't been too bad. What about you?
RORY: I've been swamped with this paper I have for my lit course.
LORELAI: What's it about?
RORY: It's a pretty flexible topic. We just have to apply Joseph Campbell's theory of the "hero's journey" to a modern piece.
LORELAI: Way over my head.
RORY: We just have to pick a book or movie and show how they relate.
LORELAI: What about Beavis and Butthead Do America?
RORY: As much as it actually applies, I chose Dante's Inferno.
LORELAI: Oooh, a smarty book.
RORY: I'm almost done.
LORELAI: Good, then you can come over on Friday instead of Saturday.
RORY: (quickly) Well, I have other stuff to do too.
LORELAI: But your birthday party is on Saturday. If you came over on Friday, we could have a pre-party bash, just the two of us.
RORY: Well, this is the first paper we're turning in, and I want it to be really good. I was planning on revising on Friday.
LORELAI: You could bring it here and revise it.
RORY: But I have all the references I need here.
LORELAI: Okay, you win. But you'll just have to party extra hardy on Saturday. Deal?
RORY: (forces a smile, but sounds perky) Deal.
LORELAI: Good, cause this is gonna be great.
RORY: I'm sure.
LORELAI: Taylor even gave us permission to rope off the Town Square.
RORY: What? Oh mom, that's not necessary...
LORELAI: Of course it is. You're not home a lot anymore and everyone wants to see you, so the town square is the obvious choice. Of course, it took a month to get the right permits for it-
RORY: Wait, everyone?
LORELAI: Well, Sookie, Jackson, Lane, Patty, Babette, Morey, Kirk, Taylor, Pete, Andrew, Bootsy, Rune...yeah, everyone.
RORY: Mom.
LORELAI: What?
RORY: I thought it was going to be something small.
LORELAI: Small...schmall. Come on, it'll be fun.
RORY: Yeah, fun.
LORELAI: That's the spirit...or not. Are you okay?
RORY: Oh, I'm fine... just tired. From this paper.
LORELAI: It sounds like it.
RORY: I just need some sleep.
LORELAI: Well, I guess I'll let you go.
RORY: Okay.
LORELAI: Have fun with Joseph Campbell...and the Inferno.
RORY: Will do.
LORELAI: See you this weekend.
RORY: Okay.
LORELAI: Coz we're gonna par-tay.
RORY: I'm looking forward to it.
LORELAI: 'Kay honey, love you.
RORY: You too.
They hang up. Rory looks at the phone and shakes her head, trying to focus on her paper. She looks around, then rises and goes to her bookshelf for a book. As she makes her way back to the desk, she opens the book and flips through the pages to find what she's looking for. She suddenly stops. Her eyes widen as she sees writing in the margins. She drops the book into the trash and then walks back to the shelf and starts to pull out all the books to check for notes in the margins and throwing them in the trash as well.
::Opening Credits::
EXT. CAMPUS
Rory walking across the quad with a few bags full of books. She's struggling. A VOICE speaks to her, but she can't see them over the stack of books.
VOICE: Hey, whoa. Here, let me help you with that
RORY: No, its ok, I got it.
Books fall again
VOICE: No, you don't
RORY: (bitterly) I said that I...
Rory looks up recognizing OLIVER
RORY: Oh, hi
OLIVER: Hi. You alright?
RORY: Yeah, I'm fine.
OLIVER: wow, they are really loading up on that freshman required reading. What class is that for, cause I don't remember having to read all that when I was a newbie
RORY: It's not for a class. This is for leisure reading
OLIVER: (sarcastic) Slow week?
Oliver takes a book from the pile
OLIVER: To The Lighthouse? This one's kind of a classic, I would have thought you'd have read it already.
RORY: I have. Actually, I've read all of these.
OLIVER: So you just suddenly decided you had to own them? How very bipolar
RORY: Well, I already own them
Oliver opens his mouth to say something, then pauses, and closes it. He tries again
OLIVER: I'm so confused
RORY: I had all these books. I decided to buy new copies
OLIVER: What happened to your old ones?
RORY: I threw them out this morning
OLIVER: (small pause) Do I wanna know?
RORY: Probably not
OLIVER: Fair enough
RORY: (small pause) You must think I'm really weird
OLIVER: No, no, no... Well, yeah; but that's ok. This kind of weird is ok. It's pins in dolls and boiling bunnies, that's where I draw the line
RORY: So I guess I should rethink joining that coven.
OLIVER: Only if my opinion counts for something. Speaking of covens, though, my frat's throwing a party this weekend.
He hands her a flyer from a stack in his bag
OLIVER: If you want to stop by, you're more than welcome.
Rory skeptically takes the flyer
RORY: frat party?
OLIVER: I know what you're thinking. That'll be a bunch of losers in togas hitting on girls, a keg, loud bad music, and drunken people just scattered all around the house...and, well that's actually pretty accurate, except for the togas. Those we only break out for special occasions, like the end of finals, or the end of mid terms, or... the end of...Tuesdays.
Rory smiles in spite of herself. She hands the flyer back
RORY: Yeah well, I tend to have bad luck at these things
Oliver accepts the flyer reluctantly
OLIVER: Ahh... freshman bookworm's also a party girl
RORY: I have many layers. But really, I don't think....
OLIVER: Come on...you know, contrary to popular belief, college parties aren't about drinking, and partying, and hooking up.
Rory does not answer
OLIVER: Ok, well, they're not just about drinking and partying and hooking up. They're actually a lot of fun. You get to meet a lot of people at once, and they're very friendly. Granted that's usually due to them being completely wasted, and while the next day they don't remember much what happened, they do remember the faces of people who stood around and watched it happen and you can sit and chat and fill in the blanks. That's how you make friends.
RORY: By telling drunken people what they missed by being drunk?
OLIVER: You'd be surprised how many life long friendships start out that way
Rory nods skeptically, but smiling
OLIVER: Besides, it's a great way to blow off steam and by the time you break in all these books, you're gonna need it. I mean, you can't read all day, every day
RORY: You obviously don't know me
OLIVER: Well, come to the party and we'll change all that
Olives gives a satisfied expectant smile while handing the flyer back to her. Rory accepts the flyer smiling.
RORY: Maybe
OLIVER: Maybe?
RORY: I'll think about it
Oliver opens his mouth to sell it a bit more but Rory beats him to it
Rory (laughing a little): It's the best you're gonna get from me ok?
Oliver puts his hands up in submission
OLIVER: Ok. Remember, Friday night.
RORY: Ok. (Remembering) Oh wait. I can't.
OLIVER: why not?
RORY: I have a... family thing
OLIVER: Oh come on, blow off the family. The whole point of college is to get away from them-to be free of familial obligations
RORY: Yeah well, my going college is contingent upon fulfilling my familial obligations. So if I blow them off, I can kiss Yale 'goodbye' altogether.
OLIVER: Oh, well we wouldn't want that. (thoughtfully) You really can't get out of it?
RORY: Normally I could. But this weekend is...(rushing through the next few words)...well, its kind of my birthday and they probably have something planned and I don't wanna....
OLIVER: It's your birthday?
RORY: Yeah
OLIVER: Happy Birthday!
RORY: Thank you
OLIVER: 18?
RORY: 19
OLIVER: Ahh, so you're already legal
RORY: Yes
OLIVER: Good to know. So listen, the party starts on Friday, who knows when its gonna end, so I'll put your name on the special "VIP" list. If you can make it, great. If not, I will be terribly, terribly disappointed
RORY: I'm sure you'll survive
OLIVER: Oh I know, but I will insist that you make it up to me.
Oliver winks at her
OLIVER: If I don't see you before Friday, happy birthday.
Oliver starts to walk away but turns again
OLIVER: Oh, and are you sure you don't need help with those books?
RORY: I'm fine
OLIVER: All rightly then. Bye.
Oliver walks away
INT. GILMORE HOUSE
Lorelai is at the kitchen tabled doing paper work. Kirk comes in through the back door with loads of bags
LORELAI: Whoa. What's all that? Might I remind you that this is a temporary arrangement.
KIRK: I did some grocery shopping. Your cupboards are completely empty.
LORELAI: It used to bother me, but then I thought they'd be good for emergency shoe storage.
KIRK: Well, I bought some things. What do you think of linguini in clam sauce with roasted steak in Dijon cheddar for dinner?
LORELAI: I'm think I finally get those "kiss the cook" aprons.
KIRK: I think it sounds good, but I don't know how to make it so I thought mac and cheese with hamburger helper would be a good alternative.
LORELAI: Well, I have to say that's not bad, but after the linguini and steak, I'm a little disappointed.
KIRK: Some people are so hard to please.
Gesturing at the papers on the table.
KIRK: What's all this?
LORELAI: Uh, just some paper work for the Inn.
KIRK: But it's on the table.
LORELAI: Good thing about paper work, it's portable.
KIRK: Mother always said no paper on the table.
LORELAI: Well, in this house, I'm the only mother and I say paper on the table all you like.
KIRK: You also don't color coordinate your bathroom towels.
LORELAI: Screw color coordination. Kirk, this is the kind of stuff you get to do when you're not living with your parents. You get to break the rules, make up your own. Live it up. Leave a dirty cup in the sink for more than an hour. Squeeze the toothpaste from the center.
KIRK: Leave the toilet seat up if I want to?
LORELAI: Come on now, Kirk. That's just a matter of common courtesy.
KIRK: Oh.
The phone rings. Lorelai grabs the phone
LORELAI: I got it. Hello.
EMILY: Lorelai, how are you?
LORELAI: Hey, mom. Okay. How are you?
EMILY: Yes, yes. I'm fine. You know why I'm calling.
LORELAI: To say you love me?
EMILY: Lorelai.
LORELAI: It's absurd, I know. So why are you calling?
EMILY: Rory's birthday.
LORELAI: Oh that's right. What of it?
EMILY: I imagine we'll celebrate it here.
LORELAI: Why?
EMILY: Because it's closer to her school. It'll be easier on her.
LORELAI: What about the guests?
EMILY: Well, I didn't think we needed to do formal invitations for her 19th birthday. I thought I'd just spread the word around at the country club.
LORELAI: Country club. Right. Uh, no.
EMILY: As for her school friends, they could just drive here like Rory. They'd have a harder time finding that little fork in the road you guys live in.
LORELAI: What about her home friends. Lane, for one.
EMILY: You can bring her, can't you?
LORELAI: Well, let's see. No. Your house is just outside the allowable Kim radius.
EMILY: What?
LORELAI: Lane's mother is very strict.
EMILY: Oh. Well, you can do something with Rory and Lane and her other town friends the next day.
LORELAI: Two parties? That's a bit rough on her. She only gets the weekend and she has work to do.
EMILY: Then I guess Stars Hollow it is.
LORELAI: Huh. That was easier than I thought.
EMILY: I'll be over tomorrow so we can go over the plans.
LORELAI: Ah. There it goes.
EMILY: There goes what?
LORELAI: Nothing. See you tomorrow, mom.
INT. NEW HAVEN – YALE LIBRARY
Rory is studying late at the library. Paris and two other girls, GIRL 1 and GIRL 2 invade her table
GIRL 1: All I'm saying is that Plato's republic is Hitler's Nazi Germany.
PARIS: I really don't think Hitler qualifies as a philosopher-king.
GIRL 2: But Hitler probably thought he did.
PARIS: Rory, what do you think?
RORY: Huh?
PARIS: Plato's Republic?
RORY: Uh, I don't want to live there.
GIRL 1: Thank you.
PARIS: You're all hopeless.
RORY: But at least we can blame it on our parents because we know who they are.
PARIS: Since we're all here, why don't we work on a required course.
RORY: Actually, I already did. And I have to go anyway.
GIRL 2: Where are you headed, Rory?
RORY: Back to my room. I have to study
PARIS: This is a library, you know.
RORY: Uh, yeah, that's right. But, see... no food allowed and the only way I'm going to get through calc is with some Twinkies.
Girl 2: I have a Zinger if you want. No one's going to catch you or anything.
RORY: Thanks, but you know, I'd still have that guilty feeling which upsets my digestion. Plus, it's only one and I'd need like twenty, and it's yours and I'm really in the mood for Twinkies anyway. But thanks.
GIRL 2: (shrugs) Okay.
Rory turns to Paris who has been looking at her very coldly
RORY: Why are you looking at me like that?
PARIS: Why am I looking at you at all. It's obvious you don't want to study with us. You're too afraid of
imparting us with your special knowledge, perhaps. Fine. So just go already.
RORY: Paris, it's not like that. (to Girls 1& 2) It's not like that.
PARIS: Whatever. So, ladies, why don't we open up to page 46?
Rory sighs, gets up, and leaves, waving goodbye to Girls 1 & 2. They smile commiseratingly and look down obediently at their books.
Everlong (acoustic) by Dave Grohl
INT. RORY'S DORM ROOM
Rory gets to her room and leans against the closed door with her eyes closed. She takes a few deep breaths followed by a few shallow ones. She calmly sits on the bed, closes her eyes and takes a few more deep breaths.
FADE OUT
INT. NEW HAVEN – YALE CLASSROOM
PROFESSOR lecturing.
PROFESSOR: So, being that this is a rather large class and it is important that you get to know each other, I'm going to pair you up for the next assignment. We'll just do this alphabetically.
PARIS: (to Rory) Ugh. I hate this. We're not in high school anymore. You know how this always ends up, too. The hardworking people like you and me always get paired up with some dumb jock who always has practice and can never work on the assignment. So you end up having to do it all yourself and they still get credit for your hard work. Doesn't it outrage you?
RORY: I wouldn't mind it. By the looks of it, I'm getting Gunther Gilmartin.
PARIS: You mean the full back who crushes cans on his head?
RORY: He's actually a tight end, not that I know the difference.
PARIS: And you're okay with that?
RORY: Gunther's very nice.
PARIS: He's one Coke can short of unconsciousness.
RORY: So it'll be good that one of us is conscious.
PARIS: Oh my God. I just realized I'm going to be with Jennifer Gellan.
RORY: My sympathies.
PARIS: That's it. I'm getting us out of this.
Paris raises her hand
RORY: Paris, what are you doing?
PARIS: Excuse me, Professor
PROFESSOR: (sighs) Yes, Paris.
PARIS: I think this arrangement is completely ridiculous. Funny, these last two and a half months I thought I was in college. And yet, here we are back in the buddy system. Now I'm sure it's fine for you because that's half the papers to grade, but for many of us, it's going to be twice the work.
Paris tilts her head toward a girl presumably Jennifer Gellan
PARIS: Therefore, I'd like to request Rory Gilmore as my partner. I know her capabilities and her work habits and I can trust that we'll be able to work as more or less equals. Unless, of course, you...
PROFESSOR: Fine, Paris. You can work with Rory.
PARIS: Thank you.
Paris sits down and nods at Rory who leans back in her chair and sighs.
INT. GILMORE RESIDENCE
LORELAI: (knocking on Rory's door.) Kirk, can I come in? I need to borrow something from Rory's closet.
Kirk opens
KIRK: Feel free. I'm going to take a bath.
LORELAI: (shocked) Oh my God. Kirk, what did you do?
Lorelai enters. The room is decorated with Animal Planet posters, space-mobiles, glow-in-the-dark star stickers on the ceiling, film posters, etc.
KIRK: I know the feng shui is off, but I'm still working on it.
LORELAI: But Kirk, you can't. This is temporary, remember? This is still Rory's room. And she's coming for her birthday this weekend.
KIRK: Let me get this straight. I'm paying four hundred dollars a month to stay here, I cook our dinners, but I can't keep my sci-fi magazines in the bathroom rack, and I can't decorate my room.
LORELAI: Exactly.
KIRK: Well, so long as we get the rules straight.
LORELAI: I'm sorry, Kirk. But it is Rory's room
KIRK: I understand.
LORELAI; And the sci-fi magazines, you know, people come over, they use the bathroom, it's embarrassing.
KIRK: Well. I see. Looks like it'll be brussel sprouts for dinner tonight.
The doorbell rings; Lorelai goes to answer while Kirk heads to the bathroom. Door opens, Emily is on the other side.
EMILE: Hello, Lorelai
LORELAI: Mom. Hey. Wow. Right on time.
EMILY: I'm sorry. I forgot to set my clock to "Lorelai Time" this morning. I can come back later if you like.
LORELAI: Somebody's in a great mood today. So um, let's go.
EMILY: Go where?
LORELAI: Um, I don't know. We'll figure it out later.
EMILY: Lorelai, stop being ridiculous. We have to plan first. May I come in?
LORELAI: (voice deflated) Sure.
EMILY: Well don't sound too enthusiastic.
Emily steps inside and makes her way to the living room. Lorelai sighs, closes the door, and follows
EMILY: New couch? It looks lovely. I'm so glad you got rid of that old ugly thing.
LORELAI: Actually, it's a new blanket to cover that old, ugly thing.
EMILY: That's nice. (pauses) Well, enough small talk. Let's get to business. I'll make us some tea.
Emily heads to the kitchen and starts looking around
LORELAI: Come on, mom. You know better than to think we keep tea in this house.
Emily lifts a tea bag from a plaster teakettle, Lorelai looks at it, dumbfounded
EMILY: Then what's this? Really Lorelai, you're being very rude.
LORELAI: Uh, yeah, I forgot what it was we kept in that teakettle. Who would have thought? Tea. Go figure.
EMILY: Did you leave the water running?
LORELAI: Huh?
EMILY: The shower.
LORELAI: Oh, no. That must be Babette next door.
EMILY: It sounds like it's in the house.
LORELAI: Yeah, they installed motorized pipes. Very loud.
EMILY: Motorized pipes?
LORELAI: Yeah, for the water pressure. I hear it smacks the dirt right off of you. And some skin, too. Sounds gruesome but it's actually orthopedic. What can I tell ya? So hey, I just thought of something. We need to get those Helium balloons.
EMILY: Oh, LORELAI. It's too early for that. They'll start to get limp.
LORELAI: That's right, but--
Kirk comes out wearing a floral silk bathrobe, a shower cap, Tweety Bird slippers and wielding a rubber duckie.
KIRK: Lorelai, it's time for my soak. Do you have any bubble bath? Oh, I'm sorry.
(Tightens robe around his neck).
KIRK: I didn't know we had company.
Emily is speechless from shock.
LORELAI: Uh, yeah. Kirk, this is my mother. Mom, this is Kirk.
Kirk lets go of his robe and extends his hand.
KIRK: Nice to meet you, Mrs. Gilmore.
EMILY: Dear God.
KIRK: (grabbing his robe again) That's a first.
EMILY: (recovering) Lorelai, I need to speak to speak with you in private. Excuse us, Kirk.
Emily grabs Lorelai and starts to pull her to Rory's room.
LORELAI: Uh, mom... that's not a good idea.
EMILY: Stop it, Lorelai. I need to speak with you.
INT. RORY'S ROOM
EMILY: Who is that man?!
LORELAI: I told you, Kirk.
EMILY: Oh well, of course. It's Kirk. Who is this Kirk?! Is he living with you?!
LORELAI: No! Well, yeah, but it's not what you think. Kirk is a friend of mine. He was in a jam and needed a place to stay. And I know what it is to be in a jam, so I told him he could crash here. It's only temporary. Very temporary.
EMILY: Are you seeing each other?
LORELAI: Geez no! Mom, come on. This is Kirk we're talking about? Give me some credit, will ya?
EMILY: And you're sure this is the truth?
LORELAI: The complete truth.
EMILY: Very well.
Emily notices her whereabouts
EMILY: Lorelai!
LORELAI: Well, I better get Kirk the bubble bath before he decides to have a seat on the new couch cover.
Lorelai exits
EMILY: Rory's room! Lorelai!
Emily follows her outside to where Kirk is
INT. GILMORE HOUSE
EMILY: That's it. I demand to know the truth.
LORELAI: (to Kirk) Kirk, please explain to my mother that this is just a temporary situation.
KIRK: Yes, just temporary.
EMILY: Are you seeing my daughter?
KIRK: No. Well, we were seeing each other for a bit a while back, but I don't know if it was that the timing wasn't right, or we just weren't at the right place emotionally for a relationship, but it didn't work. I'm over it. Lorelai's a great girl, but quite frankly, too high maintenance.
LORELAI: Hey!
KIRK: Sorry, Lorelai.
EMILY: Will someone please tell me what is going on here?
KIRK: I needed a place to stay. Your daughter was kind enough to rent me Rory's room.
EMILY: Rent?
LORELAI: (fake laugh) He doesn't mean rent like rent.
KIRK: Yes I do. Four hundred dollars a month.
EMILY: So it's a friend in a jam staying temporarily and you're charging him a monthly rent? Did you draw him a lease, too?
Lorelai sits on the couch, face in hands
LORELAI: No.
KIRK: I assure you she didn't. The arrangement--
LORELAI: Temporary arrangement
KIRK: The temporary arrangement is mutually beneficial. I needed a place to stay and she needs money for the Inn so it works out for both of us.
EMILY: You need money?
LORELAI: No, I do not need money!
KIRK: We're managing just fine. But thank you.
EMILY: And Rory's room?
KIRK: Lorelai already spoke to me about that and it will be cleared before the party. In fact, I should finish my bath so I can get right on it.
LORELAI: The bubble bath is in the medicine cabinet.
KIRK: Thank you. Nice meeting you, Mrs. Gilmore.
EMILY: Mm hm.
They shake hands and Kirk leaves
LORELAI: So, are you ready to go, mom?
EMILY: Yes. I could use the air.
LORELAI: Great.
They head to the door.
EMILY: We're not through with this, Lorelai
LORELAI: (sigh) Didn't think so.
INT. NEW HAVEN - CAFETERIA.
Rory sits in the cafeteria, eating her lunch and studying. GIRL comes over.
GIRL: Hey!
RORY: Hi.
GIRL: Mind if I sit here.
RORY: Go ahead.
GIRL: Thanks.
Girl sits and Rory returns to her book. The girl remains looking at Rory. Feeling eyes on her, Rory looks up.
RORY: Did you need something?
GIRL: I think I have a class with you. Are you in Professor Gaines politics and ethics class?
RORY: No.
GIRL: Professor Hu's history of Modern China?
RORY: No.
GIRL: Professor--
RORY: You know what? Are you taking a language class?
GIRL: Which one?
RORY: Any.
GIRL: Yeah.
RORY: That must be the class. I'll look out for you next time. I have to go now. Bye.
Rory gets up and leaves
INT. LUKE'S DINER
Lorelai enters, looking stressed.
LORELAI: Oh, Luke. Help me
LUKE: What's wrong?
LORELAI: I've been with my mother for (looks at watch) fifteen minutes, and I'm already praying for the sweet release of death.
LUKE: Uh-huh.
LORELAI: We're planning Rory's birthday party together. Not my choice, mind you, but a compromise.
LUKE: Coffee?
LORELAI: You're catching on.
LUKE: So, where is your mom now?
LORELAI: (deadpan) In the trunk. Hey, do you know of any good places to dump a body?
LUKE: I have a couple ideas, but I'm reserving those strictly for when I finally take out Taylor
LORELAI: Speaking of which, my mom's actually across the street, with Taylor.
LUKE: Really?
LORELAI: She's surveying the town square. Making sure it's... I don't know, 'up to par' for the party.
LUKE: Rory's party?
LORELAI: Yep.
LUKE: You're throwing her party in the town square?
LORELAI: Well, after the initial RSVPs, I realized that the house wasn't going to be big enough. My daughter is a very popular person. (wistfully) She gets that from me.
LUKE: I think these crazies just want an excuse to gather together and get drunk.
LORELAI: Either way, it's going to be a blow out.
LUKE: And Rory's okay with this?
LORELAI: Of course she is. Why wouldn't she be?
LUKE: Just... I dunno. With school and all...maybe it's a little much.
LORELAI: A little much? Oh it's going to be way over the top. That's how we like it.
LUKE: Okay. Just asking.
LORELAI: Well, it's fine. She's looking forward to it.
LUKE: Good. I'm glad.
LORELAI: Well, I'd better go. We still have to decide on a cake and double check the menu with Sookie... I'll probably be back later for a refill.
LUKE: I'll brew a special pot just for you.
LORELAI: Really?
LUKE: No.
LORELAI: Mean!
Lorelai sticks her tongue out and leaves
EXT. STARS HOLLOW – TOWN SQUARE
Lorelai walks across the street to where Emily and Taylor are standing
TAYLOR: I must say, I agree with you, but it would take weeks to authorize that. Since the party's in three days, I just don't think it would work.
EMILY: Pity.
LORELAI: What wouldn't work?
EMILY: Moving that gazebo.
LORELAI: Mom, not again.
EMILY: It's an eyesore, Lorelai.
LORELAI: Not with the proper Care Bears decorations.
EMILY: (to Taylor) So you see what I mean?
TAYLOR: Oh I know. Believe me.
LORELAI: Huh. It seems like I'm outnumbered here. Let's just get to Sookie's.
EMILY: Why?
LORELAI: She's doing the menu. I thought you might want to look it over.
EMILY: Lovely. Well, it was nice meeting you again, Mr. Doose.
TAYLOR: A pleasure as always, Mrs. Gilmore.
LORELAI: Bye Taylor.
Taylor smiles at Lorelai
TAYLOR: (to Emily) And good luck.
The two begin walking towards Sookie's
EMILY: So what did you get Rory?
LORELAI: Nothing, yet. I've been busy with... well, I've been busy.
EMILY: Well, I haven't done my shopping yet either. Maybe we could go together.
LORELAI: Okay. Um, sure. But, not today.
EMILY: Why?
LORELAI: I promised Kirk we could start a never-ending game of Monopoly tonight... don't ask.
EMILY: How about tomorrow?
LORELAI: Yeah. Tomorrow. Great.
EMILY: Good.
Lorelai and Emily arrive at Sookie's house.
LORELAI: Here we are.
EMILY: Well, this is nice.
LORELAI: How come that sounded so sincere?
EMILY: Because it is. Nothing like the pigsty you call a home.
LORELAI: Thanks mom. Feelin' the love.
Lorelai knocks, then enters
INT. SOOKIE'S HOUSE
EMILY: Lorelai!
LORELAI: What? Sook! You here!
EMILY: You don't just enter someone's home. You ring the bell and wait patiently for someone to answer.
LORELAI: But with Sookie that may take years. Sookie! Jackson!
SOOKIE comes out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel
SOOKIE: Hey hon. Oh, Mrs. Gilmore, hi.
EMILY: Hello Sookie.
LORELAI: We're here to double-check the menu.
SOOKIE: Oh, I was just working on the cakes.
EMILY: Cakes?
LORELAI: Coconut, chocolate-raspberry, and chocolate-chocolate.
EMILY: Rory cannot possibly eat all of that.
LORELAI: Actually, she could. And anyway, she won't be the only one doing the eating. We're having a lot of people at this thing, you know.
EMILY: I suppose you're right.
LORELAI: Sookie, mark this day on the calendar.
SOOKIE: So Mrs. Gilmore, would you like to sample?
EMILY: I'd love to.
LORELAI: I'm right and she gets to sample.
Emily smiles snidely at Lorelai
INT. RORY'S DORM ROOM
Night. Rory enters and drops her bag on the floor. She notices the answering machine blinking and punches the 'play' button Song
No Name #3-Elliot Smith
MACHINE: You have one new message...
LORELAI: (on machine) Rory? Hey, it's mom. I guess I missed ya. Well, call me when you get in. I need to know if you want cake or pie for your party. Well, Sookie needs to know. Actually, I bet she can do both. Yeah, that sounds good. Okay, I guess that's taken care of. Call me anyway though, okay? You're never going to guess who I hung out with...What? No, Kirk...Kirk, don't! You can't buy houses now...it's my turn...I said 'Time Out'....Rory, I'll call you back. Or, you call me. (click)
Rory sighs and flops on her bed. She looks at the phone then rolls over, and curls up, staring at the wall
::Second Commercial Break::
INT. LUKE'S DINER
Lorelai enters and sits at the counter.
LUKE: Hey.
LORELAI: Hi.
LUKE: Refueling for another day with Mommy Dearest?
LORELAI: We're going shopping.
LUKE: Glad I'm not you.
LORELAI: Thanks. Really.
There's a short silence
LUKE: You haven't even asked for coffee yet. You okay?
LORELAI: Oh, I'm fine. Coffee?
Luke hands her a mug of coffee
LUKE: Here. You sure you're alright?
LORELAI: It's just... I called Rory last night and she never called me back.
LUKE: She's probably just busy.
LORELAI: That's what I thought too... but she always calls back. Always. Even if it's one o'clock in the morning and B52 Bombers are outside her window dropping... bombs. She calls back.
LUKE: Well, how's Rory doing at college? How's she adjusting?
LORELAI: She's great. She's Rory. She's having the time of her life.
LUKE: Ok.
LORELAI: Why?
LUKE: It's just that sometimes when kids go to college, they've been known to get a little depressed.
LORELAI: And you would know this how..?
LUKE: I read it in a book.
LORELAI: And you would be reading books about college students and depression why?
LUKE: It's not important.
LORELAI: Were you reading it for Rory? That's so sweet.
LUKE: I wasn't reading it for Rory.
LORELAI: Well, I can only think of one other reason, but Luke, I think you're a little to old to pose as a college student.
LUKE: Lorelai...
LORELAI: A professor maybe....
LUKE: I was reading it for Jess (pause). Last year, (trying to sound casual) I thought, maybe, he would go, so I got a bunch of books....but it ended up being pointless. So, never mind.
Luke walks back to the counter, puts the coffee pot down and goes upstairs. Lorelai lets out a sigh and goes after him
INT. LUKE'S APARTMENT
LORELAI: Luke? Are you here?
There's no answer. She goes in and looks around the apartment for a second. She notices that most of Jess's stuff is gone. There is some Nicole's stuff, but not really too much
LUKE: Hey.
LORELAI:(turns) You scared me.
LUKE: You're in my apartment.
LORELAI: Yes.
LUKE: You sneak into my apartment and I scared you?
LORELAI: I knocked, and called out.
LUKE: I was in the bathroom.
LORELAI: Oh. So I see Nicole moved some of her stuff in.
LUKE: Yeah. (smiles) No dolls though.
LORELAI: Just wait for it.
LUKE: I thought you said women don't have dolls.
LORELAI: I lied.
Both smile
LORELAI: You made room.
LUKE: That I did.
LORELAI: (pause) I'm sorry about before.
LUKE: It's ok.
They smile faintly at each other
LORELAI: I'm gonna go, I'm meeting my mother.
LUKE: Yeah. Have a good time.
LORELAI: Emily Gilmore and a good time...no, its just feels wrong in the same sentence.
LUKE: (smiles) I'll see you later?
LORELAI: (deadpan) No, actually, I'm cooking a full 5 course meal for me and Kirk. Tonight's the night I finally tell him that I love him. Wish me luck.
LUKE: I'll see you later.
LORELAI: Yeah.
They smile again and Lorelai leaves
INT. NEW HAVEN
Rory is walking down the hall. Paris catches up with her.
PARIS: Rory
RORY: Paris.
PARIS: I got your message,
RORY: Oh good. I was hoping you would. Didn't want you waiting at the library forever.
PARIS: I got it after I waited at the library forever.
RORY: Oh. Sorry. I had thing.
PARIS: When are we going to do this Rory? You keep blowing it off.
RORY: I'm not blowing it off. It's just maybe we should just split the project. I do my half, you do yours, we staple it together and hand it in.
PARIS: It doesn't work that way, Rory. You know it. I can do this on my own, if that's what you want.
RORY: No, that's not what I want. (sighs) How about tonight?
PARIS: We'll meet at your room.
RORY: Actually, my room is really messy and--
PARIS: Fine. My room.
RORY: Okay.
Paris leaves. Rory goes to check her mail. She finds a copy of "Oliver Twist" in her mail box. On the inside cover is says "Happy Birthday Rory." She looks at it curiously.
INT. HARTFORD STORE
Lorelai and Emily enter.
WOMAN: Hello, Emily. Nice to see you again. Would you like some coffee?
EMILY: Why yes, Sharon. That would be lovely. Sharon, this is my daughter Lorelai.
SHARON: Hello, Lorelai. Coffee for you, too?
LORELAI: Um, yeah. Great.
SHARON: Excellent. I'll be right with you ladies.
LORELAI: So God's name is Sharon.
EMILY: Sharon's a lovely girl.
Lorelai notices a plate of chocolate biscuits
LORELAI: Oh my God! Can I take one?
EMILY: Of course, Lorelai. That's what they're there for. Take as many as you like.
LORELAI: Well I'd like to dump the whole thing in my purse.
EMILY: Take one.
LORELAI: One it is. (she takes one) Mm. So good.
Sharon returns with the coffee
SHARON: Here you go, ladies. Now, how can I help you?
EMILY: It's my granddaughter's birthday and I want to get her something special.
SHARON: How old will she be?
EMILY: Nineteen.
SHARON: (to Lorelai) Yours?
LORELAI: (mouth full) Mm hmm.
SHARON: Well, what do you say we pick her a wonderful gift and treat her beautiful mother and grandmother to something as well.
EMILY: I was thinking something in the area of jewelry.
LORELAI: For me?
EMILY: For Rory.
LORELAI: Oh.
SHARON: (laughs) Right this way.
Emily and Sharon walk away while Lorelai stuffs some biscuits in her purse. Later. Lorelai and Emily go to the car. A young man loads their packages. Emily tips him and they get in the car.
LORELAI: I have to say, that was a whole new level to the joy of shopping.
EMILY: There is a world beyond Stars Hollow flea markets.
LORELAI: And you were good. I saw the way that saleswoman thought she was working you when you were really working her. Nicely done, mom.
EMILY: Yes, well, as they say, practice makes perfect.
Lorelai nods and starts up the car.
EMILY: We should practice more often, perhaps.
LORELAI: Yeah. (smiles) Maybe.
They pull away and drive off
INT. PARIS'S DORM ROOM
Seeing things for the first time-black crows
Rory is at Paris's room door. She's about to knock but stops. She digs in her bag and pulls out some papers. Attached is a post-it, reading, "Sorry. Can't stay to work on the project. Here's my half of the assignment. -Rory." She slips it under the door and walks away.
INT. GILMORE HOUSE
Friday. Lorelai is decorating the house. Kirk comes in.
LORELAI: You're here early.
KIRK: Just delivering the mail. Thought I'd leave it on the table.
LORELAI: That's okay. Just bring it here.
KIRK: Why don't I just go put it on the table?
LORELAI: That's all right, Kirk. I'll take it.
KIRK: Okay. Just remember, don't kill the messenger.
LORELAI: What?
Kirk throws the mail at her and runs out. (Song: seeing things for the first time cont.) She picks up the envelopes from the floor. She cauciously opens a large white envelope and take out a small card that reads:
You are cordially invited to the weading of Sherry Louise Tinsdale and Christopher Andrew Hayden
Lorelai closes her eyes and takes a deep breath
INT. LUKE'S
Luke is on the phone. (song cont.)
LUKE: I'm telling you the car was stolen! Look, I don't know where he is and I can't contact him, but I know he didn't take it! Well for one, he's miles away and number two, he didn't even know I had it! He thought it was stolen! Because I told him it was to keep him from using it to cut classes! Yes, okay, I learned my lesson. I won't lie anymore. But what about "thou shalt not steal"? When's that guy going to learn his lesson?! The guy who stole my car! Fine, the guy or woman who stole my car! Fine, my estranged nephew's car! Well thanks. You've been a great help.
Luke slams the phone on the receiver.
INT. LIBRARY
Rory is at the library studying. Paris comes up to her and throws some papers in front of her.
PARIS: What is this?
RORY: My part of the project.
PARIS: You know, this is exactly what I didn't want. To end up taking up someone else's slack. I don't know what's gotten into you. I left you message after message. You don't answer your calls. You stood me up five times. I would have been better off with Jennifer Gellan. I don't know why I asked to work with you.
RORY: (on tilt) I don't know why you did either. I told you I didn't mind working with Gunther. Did it ever occur to you maybe I wanted to work with some apathetic jock who would just let me do the work alone in my room instead of a neurotic, eugenics supporting, study group planning nut case who has to meet to plan the heading on the page? Well, news flash, Paris. I didn't ask to be your partner. And I didn't want to be your partner. So if this isn't how you wanted it, get over it, because it's not the way I wanted it either.
Paris looks shocked and embarrassed as everyone in the library is looking at them. Rory realizes and immediately repents. She sighs.
RORY: Look, Paris, I--
PARIS: No. I think you said enough. I get it.
Paris leaves. All eyes remain on Rory
RORY: Show's over.
They turn away. Rory sighs and returns to her book.
INT. GILMORE HOUSE
Next day. Rory comes home.
LORELAI: Hey! Happy birthday!
They hug
RORY: Thanks.
LORELAI: Hey, didn't I say come ready to party?
RORY: Sorry. Bad week.
LORELAI: Anything you want to talk about?
RORY: Well no, it's not serious. It's just I blew up on Paris, and I'm feeling pretty bad about it.
LORELAI: Well, she had it coming.
RORY: So they say in Chicago.
LORELAI: So you're sure that's it?
RORY: That and... no, that's it.
LORELAI: Come on. I know there's something.
RORY: You do?
LORELAI: Yeah. I just got mine.
RORY: Oh no, I got mine at the beginning of the month.
LORELAI: What? What are you talking about?
RORY: I don't know. What are you talking about?
LORELAI: Your dad's wedding invitation.
RORY: Oh. He sent you one, too?
LORELAI: Weird, right?
RORY: I guess.
LORELAI: I don't know if I'm going to go.
RORY: Yeah... that's a tough one.
LORELAI: But either way, you should go. And you shouldn't feel bad about it. You know, he'll always be your dad and he'll always love you, and nothing's going to change that. You're not losing a family, you're gaining one. But just so you know, whatever you decide, I'm right behind you.
RORY: Thanks, mom.
They hug
LORELAI: So, feeling better?
RORY: (forced smile) Yeah.
LORELAI: Good. Because the party's in a half-hour. Oh, so just knock on your door and let Kirk know you're here. He'll get out of your way.
RORY: Okay.
Goes to her room and knocks on the door. Kirk opens.
RORY: Hey, Kirk.
KIRK: Rory, hello. Welcome back.
RORY: Thanks. I hope my room's been comfortable enough for you.
KIRK: Oh yes, very.
Rory stays outside her room and Kirk stays at the door. Silent.
RORY: So I'd love to be able to put my things away and change.
KIRK: Oh. You need me to get out of here.
RORY: Take your time.
Kirk takes a long "good-bye" look at the room
RORY: All right, Kirk. That's it.
Kirk leaves the room and Rory enters.
EXT. STARS HOLLOW
At the Party. Everyone is there. Rory continues to bump into people and mechanically puts on the smiley face and engages the polite conversation.
MISS PATTY: Rory, happy birthday, sweetheart.
RORY: Thank you. How are you, Miss Patty?
MISS PATTY: Oh, you know, nothing's changed around here. How's school?
RORY: Great, great.
Lorelai comes over
LORELAI: What's so great? This party, I hope.
RORY: That, and school. Miss Patty was asking me about school.
LORELAI: Well, of course that's great. This is Rory we're talking about.
MISS PATTY: Oh I know. (to Rory) So now, any cute boys over there in New Haven.
RORY: You know, I'm sure there are, but I can't say I've really noticed.
MISS PATTY: 'Cause you've got your head stuck in those books. You know, sometimes you have to stop and smell the roses, live it up a little.
LORELAI: Well, that's what tonight is for. Come on. The birthday girl must inaugurate the dancing.
Lorelai and Rory walk into the crowd. Richard and Emily are waiting by the buffet table.
EMILY: Rory!
Rory and Lorelai walk over.
RICHARD and EMILY: Happy Birthday, Rory!
RORY: Thanks, grandma, grandpa. Glad you could come.
RICHARD: So how does it feel to be a beautiful, intelligent nineteen year old young woman attending one of the finest universities in America?
RORY: Um, great.
EMILY: Lorelai, everything looks lovely.
LORELAI: Thanks, mom.
EMILY: Except that gazebo.
LORELAI: (to Rory) You see how I got that "thanks, mom" in there before it came.
RORY: You're getting good.
Kirk comes over on the gathering.
KIRK: Excuse me, Lorelai. Oh hello, Mrs. Gilmore. And you must be Mr. Gilmore.
RICHARD: Yes.
EMILY: Richard, this is Kirk.
RICHARD: Ah. The young man living with Lorelai.
LORELAI: Temporarily.
KIRK: Nice to meet you, sir.
RICHARD: And what is it you do, Kirk?
KIRK: I'm a United States Postal Worker, licensed mechanic, ordained minister for the Church of Jesus Christ and the Cyborg Saints, audiovisual media consultant at Stars Hollow's Video Store, and certified engineer in physical aesthetics at Stars Hollow Beauty Supply. I also manufacture my own line of beauty products on the side. Most of all, however, I am a filmmaker. I make small, independent films, not exactly Operation Greenlight, but worthy nevertheless. I'm working on a project right now that I hope to take to Kahn.
EMILY: Cannes Film Festival in France?
KIRK: No. Kahn, the German guy in Stamford. He converts video cassettes to DVDs. Have to keep up with the times, you know.
RICHARD: (sarcastically) Well, that's quite a resume.
LORELAI: So what's up, Kirk?
KIRK: There seems to be a problem with the mechanical bull.
RORY: Mechanical bull?!
LORELAI: (to Kirk) Shh. Be right back, sweetie.
leaves with Kirk
RICHARD: Well, that's an interesting roommate, to say the least.
EMILY: Sometimes I just don't know about that girl.
RICHARD: (to Rory, smiling) Well, I suppose not having a roommate has its benefits.
RORY: Yeah. Um, enjoy the food. Mingle. I'm going to check out that pin the tail on Bootsy game.
RICHARD: Have fun.
Rory walks through the party, on the other side of the square, Kirk, Andrew, Jackson, and Bootsy are trying to hold still an insane mechanical bull. Elsewhere, Miss Patty and Babette chase a blindfolded Bootsy in a donkey outfit with a tail. Rory shakes her head and begins heading away from the commotion.
VOICE: Rory!
Rory looks back and sees LANE running toward her.
LANE: Rory. Hey, happy birthday!
RORY: Thanks.
LANE: So where are you going?
RORY: Oh, um, I just wanted to get something from the house.
LANE: Okay. I'll go with you.
RORY: You know what, it's okay. I don't need it. Let's go back to the party.
LANE: Okay. We have to make a pit stop around the side of Luke's, though.
RORY: What for?
LANE: To meet Dave.
RORY: Why is he around the side of Luke's?
LANE: That's how we arranged to meet. Then we're going to start walking away from the Town Square, go all the way around until we get to the back of the church, and sneak over to watch the revenge of the mechanical bull. You in?
RORY: Okay. But why are we sneaking?
LANE: 'Cause it's me and Dave.
RORY: But doesn't Mrs. Kim know about you two already?
LANE: Yeah, but we kind of got used to the secret agent clandestine operations. It's what we do now.
RORY: So when are we meeting Dave?
LANE: At twenty hundred hours.
RORY: Okay.
LANE: So how's school? Is it hell all over again? Oh wait, I forgot. You go to Yale with normal people, male and female. Not Adventist college where not even the Brady Bunch is considered appropriate television.
RORY: Yeah.
LANE: Are you okay?
RORY: Yeah. Why do you ask?
LANE: I don't know. You just seem strange.
RORY: You've arranged to meet your publicly pronounced boyfriend by Luke's garbage cans and I seem strange?
They laugh and retreat around the side of Luke's At the Party. Music is playing. People are dancing. Emily and Richard are seated at a table with Miss Patty, Babette, Morey, and Kirk, finishing their meal.
EMILY: Oh, I love this song. Richard, come on, let's dance.
RICHARD: Emily, are you insane? You're the one that told me not to put my gel pads in my shoes.
EMILY: You walk ridiculously with those gel pads. Like Herman Munster.
RICHARD: Well, I'll walk just as ridiculously with foot pain from dancing all night.
BABETTE: I can't get Morey to dance with me either.
MOREY: I play the music. I don't dance to it.
MISS PATTY: You know, Kirk is my finest pupil. Why don't you take her out to dance, Kirk.
KIRK: I would be my pleasure, Mrs. Gilmore.
EMILY: No, I'm afraid that's all right.
RICHARD: No, Emily, go ahead. This I have to see.
EMILY: Fine, then.
Kirk gets up and takes Emily to the dance floor. He slips the DJ a quarter to play "Cheek to Cheek." They begin dancing. It is at first a simple side to side. Then Kirk gives Emily a graceful turn, and they're off. Like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. All the townies come to watch. Emily is in her glory. Kirk breaks into a tap dancing step, and recovers Emily, as they begin to move in waltzing pirouettes. The song ends, and they stop dancing, to great applause from all present.
KIRK: Well, I think I'm ready to face the bull again now.
He leaves as Emily returns to the table
EMILY: I must say that Kirk is a wonderful dancer.
MISS PATTY: What did I tell you? The boy has his charms.
EMILY: I guess so. (smiling) Now Richard, would that have been so hard.
RICHARD: (sunken) Well I bet he had gel pads in his shoes.
Lorelai comes over
LORELAI: So there's the dancing queen. Wow mom, you looked great out there.
EMILY: Thank you, Lorelai.
MISS PATTY: Were you a dancer, Emily?
EMILY: Well, I did take dance in high school. Top of the class.
RICHARD: Oh please.
Meanwhile, Rory, Lane, and Dave are walking through the festivities.
LANE: Oh, have you seen your cakes yet?
RORY: Uh, no. Actually, I haven't...
LANE: What do you say we sneak to the cake table and steal a finger of frosting?
RORY: What is it with you and sneaking? We don't have to sneak.
LANE: But we've got all this left over sneaking energy.
DAVE: Yeah. It's just not the same anymore when you don't have to jump out of a moving car.
LANE: So true.
They arrive at the dessert table. Sookie is still setting things up.
SOOKIE: Hey, Rory! How's the birthday girl enjoying her party.
RORY: (middling tone) Oh, it's great, Sookie. You really shouldn't have gone through all this trouble.
SOOKIE: You know it's no trouble at all. Did you see the cakes? We have your favorites.
LANE: And your not-so-favorites. That little one over there my mom made. It's tofu custard.
DAVE: Am I going to have to eat that?
LANE: Probably.
DAVE: Okay. Well, let me buy some Tums now, then. I'll be right back.
LANE: Okay.
Andrew and Kirk are carrying Jackson past Sookie
SOOKIE: Wait! What happened?
KIRK: (in near tears) Oh, you should have seen it. He was so brave.
ANDREW: Hemingway would have written about it.
KIRK: But that bull was just too much for him.
JACKSON: Would you guys cut it out! I just hurt my back. And I think I blew out my knee.
SOOKIE: That's it! That bull has thrown down its last matador.
Sookie puts down her kitchen mitts.
LANE: (to Rory) This I gotta see.
The group follow Sookie to Luke's.
LUKE: Sookie, I'm bringing out another batch of coffee right now.
SOOKIE: I need a weapon. A bat. A two-by-four. Anything.
LUKE: What?
SOOKIE: Oh, forget it.
She storms behind the counter and to the back, coming out with a baseball bat.
SOOKIE: I'll bring it back.
The group follow the armed Sookie to the raging bull. All the while, Kirk and Andrew are still carrying the injured Jackson.
JACKSON: Sookie, wait. What are you doing? You're pregnant. Don't do that. Kirk, take that away from her.
KIRK: I would but she's scaring me right now.
Sookie stands in front of it and swings the bat right into its face. It stops moving.
LANE: Way to go, Sookie! Girl power! (she looks around) Hey, wher's Rory?
Lorelai walks around the Town Square. She sees Lane getting her face painted and goes over.
LORELAI: Hey Lane, looking good. Would Mrs. Kim approve?
LANE: Dave's standing ready with the wet naps.
Dave raises a container of wet naps.
LORELAI: Ah. So listen, have you guys seen Rory?
LANE: Yeah, we were hanging out for a while, but she disappeared when Sookie killed the bull. I figured she went to get you.
LORELAI: It was Sookie! Man, I would have loved to see that.
LANE: You mean, Rory didn't tell you?
LORELAI: No, I haven't seen her.
LANE: (getting up) I'll help you look for her.
LORELAI: No, no, no. You get you face painted and unpainted. Don't worry. She's probably at the table with my parents.
At the table, Kirk and Emily are conversing while Richard's rests his face on his hand in boredom
EMILY: I can't believe your mother would drive you out of the house like that.
KIRK: Well, you just have to roll with the punches. I'm really grateful your daughter took me in. I know it's hard for her. I think she still has feelings for me.
Lorelai appears standing above Kirk
LORELAI: Yeah, I'm feeling a bit nauseous right now. Hey mom, have you seen Rory?
EMILY: No. The last I saw her she was going to watch them try to stick a tail to that poor man's rear. Really, Lorelai, where do you come up with these things.
LORELAI: It was Luke's idea, I swear.
EMILY: Is Rory missing?
LORELAI: Nah. She's probably around somewhere. We'll be cutting the cake soon, so you know. Once I find her.
Lorelai leaves. She walks around the broken bull, while scanning the area around the gazebo. With a determined look on her face, she begins to leave the square and head down the illuminated street.
SOOKIE: Lorelai!
LORELAI: (turns) Yeah.
SOOKIE: Where you heading to?
LORELAI: I was going to look for Rory
SOOKIE: Can that wait? We have a bit of a situation.
LORELAI: What kind of situation? Did Jackson try to stand up? That guy-
SOOKIE: No, it's Patty. She had a few too many and she started a conga line while singing "Copa Cabana", and she fell and twisted her ankle.
LORELAI: God, is she okay?
SOOKIE: She thinks she is. But her ankle is all puffy and swollen, and I think I can see the bone poking
out.
LORELAI: Eww.
SOOKIE: She's laying on the ground, giggling uncontrollably.
LORELAI: I'm coming.
song: Water Colors by Janis Ian
Luke walks out of the diner and takes a look around the square to see the whole town dancing and celebrating. The destroyed bull, a torn and tattered Bootsy still running from a group of kids armed with pins. Miss Patty and Babette sitting on the ground, thoroughly inebriated with a concerned Lorelai checking up on them before heading back to the festivities. Luke, shakes his head, quickly walking away before Lorelai sees him and forces him join in.
EXT. BRIDGE
Luke approaches the bridge, but someone is already there. He sits. After a few minutes...
LUKE: Some party.
RORY: Yeah.
LUKE: So how are you?
Rory (trying to cover): Me? Oh I'm—
She sees the look on Luke's face. Relaxed and open for the first time in a while, she can be honest.
RORY: not sure.
Luke nods
LUKE: Yeah.
They stay like that for a while
INT. NEW HAVEN
Rory walks down the steps of Sterling Memorial Library fumbling with books and papers, and the messenger bag across her shoulder. She drops two books and, bending over to pick them up, her papers fly out of her grasp and scatters in the breeze.
YOUNG WOMAN: Rory, do you need some help?
RORY: (looking up) Oh hi, Casey. Um, one second.
She tries quickly to snatch the papers scurrying down the steps. Casey helps. They get all of them except a one that got caught up in a particularly strong breeze and flies off. Rory gets up watching the paper go, mournfully.
RORY: Forget about that one
CASEY: Was it important?
RORY: Just my study sheet for my Comparative Politics test. No big deal.
She shrugs it off
CASEY: Oh, I was just wondering if you were going to Shapiro's talk on Friday, because a couple of us are going and we were thinking of doing a little something afterward."
RORY: Um, I was thinking about it, but I'm not sure yet.
CASEY: Okay, well, if you go, just look out for us. You can invite Paris if you want.
RORY: Okay. Thanks. I'll see.
CASEY: Great. See ya' later.
Continues up the steps
RORY: Okay.
CASEY: (calling back over her shoulder) Good luck on your test.
RORY: (almost to herself) Yeah, thanks.
Rory stoops down once again and accommodates all her books and papers in her bag. Swinging it across her shoulder, she continues down the steps. She sees Paris and sighs. Sticking her hands in her pockets, she walks over.
RORY: Hey.
PARIS: (coldly) Hello.
RORY: Paris, you know, I'm sorry about the other day. It was just a bad week, and I took it out on you. I didn't mean it. It wasn't anything personal.
PARIS: Uh, let's see, "eugenics supporting, study group planning nut case." Those were your exact words if I remember correctly.
RORY: Yeah, I don't know where that came from. I just didn't mean it.
PARIS: You know, you were lucky that I wanted to work with you.
RORY: I know that. I just didn't want to be lucky right then.
PARIS: Well, whatever. I signed you up for our study session on Tuesday. If you don't want to go, don't bother leaving messages. Just don't show.
RORY: (smiles) Okay.
They part ways. Rory continues walking when someone grabs her lightly on the arm
OLIVER: Keep walking that fast and you might speed up the arrival of your twentieth birthday. Did you get my gift?
RORY: Gift?
OLIVER: Yeah, I left a book in your mail box. Don't tell me someone took it.
RORY: Oh that was you. Yeah, I got it. Thanks.
OLIVER: I didn't realize there was a line for strange men baring gifts. Or men baring strange gifts. I haven't really decided yet.
RORY: There isn't.
OLIVER: Good to know. Yeah, I noticed you didn't have it in your stack, and it's a personal favorite--one I keep close to my heart
RORY: Yeah? Why's that?
OLIVER: I was named after it. It's what my mom was reading when she was pregnant, so it was either Oliver or Dodger. And 'Dodger' come on, lets face it (snickers)
RORY: Right
OLIVER: So how does it feel to be 19?
RORY: One step closer to death
OLIVER: Yes... but you're also one step closer to being 21, which is the magical age when all those golden doors that are closed to you now, will welcome you with open arms...and taps, and that's what you should be focusing on
Rory cracks a smile
RORY: I'll try to keep that in mind
OLIVER: You do that. You know, you didn't make it to the party
RORY: No, I didn't
OLIVER: Which means you have to make it up to me.
RORY: I do?
OLIVER: Yes, good Miss Gilmore, and make no mistake, I do plan on collecting. Have a good day.
(Chorus of Watercolors)
Oliver walks away. As he's walking away, something hits her on the side other side of her head. She looks down to find a paper airplane. She picks it up and unfolds the paper.
RORY: (gasping) My study sheet!
She and looks around, confused, for the sender. No one. She shrugs, tucks it in her bag, and continues her walk across the Green.
Songs for Next Chapter
Hard Drive by Evan Dando
White Flag by Dido