Thanks to Coriel, Chrissie, KarahBella, and Gilmoregirl, who reviewed chapter 7.
"Rory, this is your grandmother calling. I am appalled at the message on your answering machine, no doubt put there by your mother. Anyways, I did not call to chastise you about your telephone etiquette. I did call to enquire as to the reason for you absence at dinner Friday night. Your mother said something about a road trip, or at least that is what I understood. I demand you call me back as soon as possible to set this straight. Oh and one last thing, how is your relationship with that lovely Huntzberger boy going?"
Rory let out a loud sigh. It seemed like the "honeymoon" phase in her relationship with Logan was over even before it got fully underway. She listened to the next message on the machine play.
"Hello, this message is for Rory Gilmore.I am Mitchum Huntzberger, Logan'sfather.I heard all about dinner last night, and while I apologize for the crude and obnoxious behavior of my wife and father, I do share some of their concerns. I feel it might be prudent if you and I take some time to talk. Call my office to set something up, Logan has the number. Good day."
"Great," Rory thought, "this day is already ruined. I can't believe Logan and I are already under attack."
Just as she finished this thought, her cell phone began to ring.
"What?" Rory answered tersely. She was not in the mood to answer calls from another prying person.
"Whoa, calm down there Ace. It's just me," Logan answered soothingly.
"I'm sorry, it's just that I received some rather disturbing messages today," Rory apologized, not wanting to burden Logan with the knowledge that they would have to face the wrath of their families sooner than later.
"Well, it can't be as bad as what I received on my answering machine today. I received a call from my father, and your grandmother, not to mention my mother," Logan informed Rory.
"You have one more than me. I got a call from my grandmother, and your father. Both seemed interested in talking about our relationship."
"I guess we have to devise a plan. Should we divide and conquer? Or should we stick together?" Logan inquired.
"I don't know. Your father seemed adamant in talking to me. Plus my grandmother ordered me to call her this instant."
"Well we could buy ourselves some time by not responding this very second. How about we finish our assignments for the weekend, and then meet to devise our plan?" Logan offered.
"Good idea. I have to write a paper for my literature class, and finish some reading for psychology. That should take me a couple of hours at the very least. What do you say we meet around seven?"
"I'll see you then. Want me to come and pick you up?"
"Sure," Rory answered.
With that, the two hung up and decided to tackle the mountain of homework that the professors of Yale had bestowed upon their students.
Rory was able to finish her reading in about two hours. She took a break to get lunch, and refuel her system with coffee, before she started on her paper. She was in the middle of an analysis about the actions of the characters in the novel, when Paris barged in.
"Gilmore," Paris barked.
"Geez, keep it down will you," Rory pleaded.
"What have I told you to do if you are not planningon coming home for the night? I have made it clear that you are to call. I was worried, and even Doyle couldn't cheer me up. And believe me, he is very good in the art of cheering people up," stated Paris.
"Ewww, Paris. I did not need to know that about Doyle. Besides, I was with Logan. We went to Star's Hollow with a couple of his friends. I would have told you that if you and Doyle weren't in the process of loudly making up," Rory retorted.
"I knew that Hunztberger kid was a bad influence on you."
"He is no such thing. Paris I am in the middle of trying to write a paper. I have already been attacked by my grandmother, and Logan's father regarding our relationship. If you do not have anything constructive to say, please leave me alone. Perhaps, you should try to go bother Doyle in his dorm room."
"And I thought I had relationship problems. At least Doyle and I don't have to worry about our families interfering. I apologize profusely for my interruption. I think I will take you up on your suggestion to go find Doyle. As a courtesy to you, I will go meet him elsewhere, leaving you in peace."
"Thank you Paris," Rory replied.
With that Paris exited the room, and Rory went back to work on her paper. By the time she was done, it was nearly five o'clock. Rory took a quick shower, changed into a fresh set of clothes, and settled in the couch in the common room to wait for Logan. She took this time to mull over the various ideas she had in regards to dealing with the 'attack' from their families.
Time passed quickly, and before Rory realized it, it was seven o'clock. She was in the process of grabbing her purse and coat, when Logan's knock sounded at the door. She went and answered.
"Hey Ace, " Logan greeted.
He stepped in to her dorm, and planted a kiss on her lips. Rory slowly felt the tensions of the day ebb away.
"Mmmm. I feel better already. I should inform you that in addition to our families, Paris has seen fit to attack me," Rory informed him.
"Is that so? Well, I suppose I should tell you that the moment Finn, Colin and I returned to our dorm, they bombarded me with a torrent of questions about my inetntions towards you, how our familes are taking our relationship etc. But, the moment I saw you some of my tension seemed to float away."
"Awww, isn't that sweet," Rory cooed. "If it makes you feel any better, you have the same effect on me," she added.
"I suppose we should get started with our plan. Want to go somewhere for dinner and discuss it there?"
"Sure. I'm in the mood for Chinese, what about you?"
"Just what I was thinking," Logan replied.
The pair left Rory's dorm, and went to a Chinese restaurant that was located near the Yale campus. The restaurant was quiet, and they chose a secluded table that was perfect for their purposes. They both placed their orders, and then started their discussion.
"I think that we should meet your grandmother together. That way we could firmly tell her that we both want to take things slow. What do you think?" Logan asked.
"I agree. My grandmother is more likely to listen if you are there. Now in regards to your father, we have to meet with him separately, as he requested. I think I should go first, if you don't mind. Maybe then he will be a little easier on you," Rory responded.
"Are you sure? I don't want you walking into the lion's den first, just because you want to protect me. I have had more experience in dealing with my father, so I know how his mind works."
"I'm sure," Rory said firmly. "I think that I should meet with him as soon as possible. Tommorrow, if he is free. That way we don't give him too much time to formulate some plan."
"I agree," said Logan.
Their food arrived at this point, so their planning was momentarily halted as they consumed the food. While waiting for the dessert they ordered Rory spoke up.
"Do you think I should call your father now? If so, then I need to get the number form you," she asked.
"Yes, you can call him now. He'll still be in his office. The man has never left before eleven o'clock his whole life."
Logan dialed the number, and then handed his phone to Rory.
After a few rings, a voice answered. "Hello, Mitchum Huntzberger speaking."
"Oh, um hello Mr. Huntzberger. This is Rory Gilmore speaking sir. I was calling to see if we could set up our meeting for tomorrow?" Rory asked nervously. She wasn't expecting Logan's father to answer the phone himself.
After a moment's pause, Mitchum spoke. "Yes, that works for me. What do you say to two o'clock at the Stafford Café?" he said naming a very chic, sophisticated coffee shop.
"That would be fine," Rory quickly agreed.
"Before you go I have a question. If you don't mind my asking, why did you decide to have the meeting so soon after I called?"
"I don't believe in putting things off. Prolonging something only makes it seem more dreadful," Rory answered.
"A girl with attitude, certainly a step up from the usual sort of arm candy Logan has. Very well, good-bye. I will see you tomorrow."
Rory hung up the phone and handed it back to Logan who was looking at her expectantly.
"What?" asked Rory.
"How did it go? It is very hard to get the whole picture after hearing only one side of the conversation." Logan said.
Rory waited for the dessert to be served be fore she answered. "It was okay. Nothing too bad. We're meeting at the Stafford Café tomorrow at two o'clock."
"That's one of his favorite places, aside from the office," Logan informed Rory.
They finished their dessert, paid, and left the restaurant. Once they reached Rory's door Logan spoke.
"No matter what happened tomorrow, no matter how mean he is, and no matter how much he tries to convince that you are not worthy of me, I want you to remember that what I feel for you can not be destroyed by threats from my family. Okay Ace?"
Rory saw the worry that showed in Logan's eyes. She spoke in an effort to comfort him.
"I know Logan. I believe you. What I feel for you is stronger than what I have felt for any man before, and because of that I know it can't be destroyed easily. I don't want you to worry. I am strong, and I can hold my own."
Rory pulled Logan into her arms, and placed her lips upon his. She tried to put her feelings for him into the kiss. The result was a kiss that was full of passion and promise, unlike what either of them had experienced before. When the kiss ended, they were both breathing heavily.
"Wow. That was amazing," Logan murmured.
"It's the truth. I have very powerful feelings for you," responded Rory.
"Me too Rory. I feel things for you that I have never felt before."
"Good night Logan," Rory whispered.
"Good night Ace," Logan said softly as he placed a short, sweet kiss upon her lips.
Logan turned and walked towards his dorm, while Rory turned and entered hers. Both of the young lovers went to sleep, knowing that no matter what troubles the future had in store for them, that if they stayed together they could overcome great obstacles.
