Disclaimer: The Gilmore Girls do not belong to me. Nor do any of the mentioned movies, stores, restaurants or the mall.
Chapter 15: And Finn makes three.
When Rory woke up the following morning she felt incredibly disorientated. After blinking her eyes a few times and rubbing the sleep out of them she realized that she wasn't in her room at Yale; she was in her room at home. What was she doing there? And better yet; how did she get there? She turned her head to look out of her window in order to see if it was light yet and found a sleeping Finn on a stretcher next to her bed. Right then all the memories of the previous night came flooding back to her.
She and Logan were on a break. Wow, how 'Friends' of us. she mocked herself. When she left the pub Finn joined her and comforted her. She thought he was bringing her to her suite but instead he walked her to a small coffee shop down the street and called for a cab. He knew she needed her mom and she didn't even had to tell him. On their way to Stars Hollow Finn had cradled her in his arms and kept telling her that everything would be okay. She heard him call Paris and Steph to ask if they could take care of their notes the following day because they wouldn't be able to make it to class. He told them the Readers Digest version of the day's events and she could hear their compassioned words trough the phone. After that he called her mom and told her they were on their way over. He also informed her briefly because she got worried; she knew Rory wouldn't leave Yale on a school night unless something terrible had happened.
When Rory looked at Finn a small smile appeared on her tear-stricken face. In the last couple of weeks she had come to love him as a brother and she was grateful for his support and care.
When she got up she found her mom sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee and a magazine. She smiled at the familiar sight; it made her feel a bit more at ease. Lorelai looked up from her magazine and smiled back at her daughter. She got up and got her some coffee which she handed to Rory, accompanied with a lovingly hug. After that she closed Rory's bedroom door and usher her to a chair.
"So, are you feeling somewhat better?" Lorelai asked her after she sat down.
"A bit. At least I got some sleep." Rory replied softly. "Speaking of getting some sleep; where did that stretcher come from?" she asked referring to the improvised bed Finn was sleeping on.
"Luke had it lying around and brought it over last night."
"Ow. So, shouldn't you be at work?"
"No, I told Michel and Sookie that I'm taking some time off and that I'll be back first thing Monday morning. This way the three of us can start our weekend a day early."
" 'The three of us?' " Rory asked her mom.
"Yeah; you, me and Finn makes three." Lorelai rhymed. "Unless you don't want Finn here. If you want it to be just the two of us it's okay too." She quickly added.
"No, I like the idea of having Finn here for our crazy weekend. Between your and his craziness I won't have too much time to think about Logan." As soon as she said his name her face fell again. She knew that he was still her boyfriend, but in a way that made it even more frustrating that she wasn't supposed to see him. You see, if they had broken up the night before she probably would've been so angry with him that it would be more than easy to avoid him. Now, knowing that he wanted to be with her as much as she wanted to be with him just made her want to go to him and bury herself in his arms.
Lorelai's voice broke her reverie.
"Do you want to go and wake up Finn so we can get some much needed breakfast at Luke's? It's 9:30 and I'm starving"
"Yeah. Got any special way in mind to get him up?" Rory smiled.
"Want to do it the 'Lane –way'?" Lorelai grinned.
"No, we might break him."
"Not when it's just you, that way I can take pictures."
"Or… you talk loud enough for him to hear you and scare his daks off with your berko plans and get him up in a sec." Both girls were startled when they heard Finn coming out of the bedroom. Lorelai regained her composure fast and smiled up to the tall Australian.
"G'day mate, want to get some tucker? My shout." Lorelai asked in her best Australian accent while she poured him some coffee.
Finn chuckled; he loved the antics of Rory's mum, you never knew what to expect next.
"Well doll, that would make me as happy as a Larry." Finn said playing along. "Just give me some duds; I would be the bush telegraph if I go out in my birthdaysuit."
"Luke brought over some clothes. The jeans are his and the shirt belonged to his cousin, but you can have it. They're upstairs on my bed. You can take a shower in the upstairs bathroom, this was Rory can go to hers and you'll be ready in half the time." Lorelai rambled.
"Wow. Easy mums, don't forget to breath." Finn told her while patting her on her shoulder.
Rory had had it and decided to step in. "Nobody's going anywhere until you tell me what the two of you were talking about. And mom, when did you learn Australian slang?"
"Last week, I didn't want Finn to feel like the odd men out so I decided to get somewhat familiar with his expressions. It's a lot of fun." Lorelai answered her daughter's question.
"And about earlier; your mum asked me if I wanted to go get some food and that it would be on her. I told her that would make me happy…" Finn continued.
"And then Finn asked for some clothes because if he goes out naked he would be the talk of the town." Lorelai finished.
Rory looked at the two of them and shook her head. "Oi with the poodles already."
Lorelai, who was taking a sip of her coffee at that moment, almost chocked because a sudden outburst of laughter escaped her throat.
"I completely forgot about that!" she exclaimed laughing.
When she saw Finn's wondering expression she clarified; "A couple of years ago I told her that 'oi' and 'poodle' where funny words and together it would make a great new catchphrase. Hence, 'Oi with the poodles already'."
"The things you can come up with when you're garrulous. Wow!" Finn exclaimed amazed.
"Well, it's certainly a lot more fun than being taciturn." Rory chipped in.
"That's true, nipper. If you were taciturn we wouldn't be friends, believe me." Finn noted.
"Now that we've discussed al sorts of insignificant topics; let's get ready. Mama Bear's hungry." Lorelai said as she got up. "Finn, I'll show you where everything is. Hun, I'll get you a sheet with aussie expressions and words while you get ready and I'll meet you two at the front door in 15 minutes. So, up, up , up and hurry, hurry, hurry." She instructed them like a high school coach.
25 minutes later the three were on their way to Luke's. Surprisingly it wasn't Rory that required extra time; it was Finn. Much to the girls surprise he looked really good in the borrowed clothes. Luke's jeans were too big for him, but he wore them baggy. The black Metellica shirt fitted him very well; lucky for him Jess bought this shirt big.
The familiar bell above the door announced their arrival. The diner was particularly crowded that morning but they spotted a free table near the counter. As soon as they sat down Luke appeared with a big pot of coffee and four mugs. He placed them on the table, gave Lorelai a quick kiss on the lips, Rory an awkward kiss on her forehead and Finn a friendly slap on the back. He mumbled that he would be with them shortly and left as quickly as he appeared, leaving them stunned at the table.
Rory was the first to regain her speaking abilities. "What that Luke?"
"Yup." Lorelai responded grinning.
"Can you explain?" Rory asked her still grinning mother.
"Sure." Lorelai answered. "He kissed me because I'm his girlfriend and he missed me tonight, seeing as it was the first night in three weeks that he didn't spend at the crap shack. That wasn't because of your presence but because of the fact that he had an unnatural early delivery. Anyways, the awkward peck on your forehead was to let you know that he's here for you if you need him and that man-slap on Finn's back was to thank him for looking out for you." Lorelai rambled as she looked at Luke with loving eyes.
"Wow! And you can tell all of that from those three little gestures?" Finn asked in amazement.
"Yes. You see; when you date a man like Luke, a man of very few words, you have to learn to read gestures like that." She answered. "And his body language of course. Luke's body language can tell you way more than any of my ramblings ever will." She added seriously.
Right at that moment Luke looked up and caught Lorelai's gaze. He smiled at her from across the diner, a smile she happily returned.
Rory saw the lovingly looks between her mother and Luke and couldn't help but to smile herself. She was really happy for her mom. After all the bad luck she had with love she deserved happiness and Luke gave her that. She loved Luke like a dad and she was glad that he and her mom finally got together. He was going to spend Christmas with them this year so she wanted to get him something special to welcome him to the family, and she knew just what to get him. It was perfect.
Speaking of Christmas; "Mom, have you finished your Christmas shopping yet?"
"Nope. I was hoping to get it done while we're at the mall."
"Me too." Then she turned to Finn. "Do you have some shopping to do?"
"I still have to get Steph and Colin something. But that's about it. I already gave my mum her present before she left for New Zealand to spend the holidays with Jeremiah's family."
"Aren't you joining them Monday, after we handed in our due papers and got our grades?" Rory asked her Australian friend.
"Nope, I'd die of boredom before the day was over."
"So you'll be spending the holidays with the rest of your family then?"
Finn shook his head.
"Friends then?"
He shook his head again.
"No hun, he's spending the holidays with us." Lorelai announced out of nowhere.
Finn looked at her with big eyes. "That's really not necessarily Lorelai, I don't mind being alone. I mean, it's not like I didn't have any offers, I just didn't want to go to Australia. And as for my friends; I can't really get along with Logan's grandfather. Colin's sister has a big crush on me and is very touchy feely, something I only mind when it regards my best friend's family. And Steph's family is… well, let's just say nobody can get along with them." As he finished his dialogue Luke reappeared at the table.
"Was he talking about your parents?" he asked Lorelai.
"No, he was talking about Stephanie's parents. You know, Rory's blond friend from Yale who stayed over the other night. Speaking of staying over; Finn will be joining us this Christmas break. Unless there's also something wrong with our company?" she asked with a threatening undertone.
Finn smiled widely at her. "I would be honored to spend the break with you and your family, Lorelai." And he meant it. He felt at home with Rory and her family, it was small, but had enough love for his entire family. He already knew it was going to be great. He just hoped Logan wouldn't mind.
After Luke joined them and Lane took their orders they all fell into a comfortable conversation, discussing everything from presents to outfits and food.
Logan woke up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee and his thoughts immediately went to Rory; something that made him curse aloud. She hadn't left his mind since she left the pub last night. He could still see the pain and hurt in her eyes, the same pain and hurt that were ripping him apart; slowly but steady. If it felt like this after only 13 hours, what would it be like after 13 days? He knew it would get harder, but he would just have to deal with it. He would try to avoid her as much as possible. At least she would be at Stars Hollow until Monday; Finn had called him last night to tell him they were heading to the small town. It was a good idea; Rory needed her mom now. Monday would be a short day, just dropping off some papers and getting some grades. After that the Christmas break started so he wouldn't be confronted with her for at least three weeks. He hoped that after those three weeks things were a bit better with Colin. Probably not, but he could hope.
Logan got up and walked out of his room into the kitchen. He found Colin sitting at the bar they got from Finn's dad when they moved in here last year. He was reading a newspaper.
"Shouldn't you be in class?" Logan asked his friend.
"Goodmorning to you too, Huntz. And no, my first three classes were cancelled because the professors wanted to get a head start on traffic. Of course they didn't say that, they just called in sick." Colin answered as he poured his friend some coffee.
"Of course they did. Hypocrites."
He opened the cabinets in search of something to eat and found a box of poptarts. Poptarts? What are these things doing in here? He was just about to ask Colin when he remembered he got them for Rory. She loved those things. And there she was again, filling his thoughts. He had to find a way to stop thinking about her or else he would go insane.
Colin looked at his friend and saw him looking absentminded to a box of poptarts. He knew he was thinking of Rory and felt guilty. If it wasn't for him and his stupid feelings Logan and Rory would probably be waking up together now. But there was nothing he could do about that now. He couldn't change his feeling in an instant, but he could make sure to do everything within his power to get over her as soon as possible.
"Are you going home Monday afternoon?" Logan asked his friend to start up the conversation again.
"Yeah, they want me home when my grandparents arrive. You?"
"Me too."
Silence filled the room once again. Then Logan thought of something.
"Hey, is Finn staying with you during the break?" he asked Colin.
"No, I thought he was staying with you."
"Nah, after that debacle with my grandfather two years ago he doesn't want to spend too much time with him under one roof."
"Oh, he isn't going with Steph either. I would hate it when he has to spend the holidays alone." Colin sighed.
"Maybe he can stay with Ace. I'm sure she and Lorelai won't let him leave once they find out he'll be alone." Logan offered.
"You're probably right. We just have to make sure to ask him before we leave."
"We will. Got any hot plans for Newyear's eve?"
"No, seeing as the LDB won't be gathering this year I'll probably spend it on the roof with my sister, cousins and a couple of bottles of champagne."
"Why don't we assemble some friends and go to my family's house in Cape Cod? We'll build our own party."
"Sound like a plan to me, maybe we can invite some girls. I won't get over Rory if I don't start hooking up with other girls." Colin rambled.
Logan's face fell. "Is that really all it's going to take; hooking up with some girls? I mean, didn't you already try that with Celia?"
Colin nodded. "That's true. I…" he didn't really know what to say because he didn't have an answer. "I think it's going to take more, but I can't say what. I wish I knew it but I just don't." Colin tried to explain himself.
Logan gave him a half smile. "That's okay. I've given it some thought myself and I think we're going to need some female assistance. Stephanie. She knows a lot of girls and may be able to introduce you to some girls that go deeper than your average golddigger. I mean, you fell for Rory for a reason; not only does she have the looks, she's also very smart and funny. And if someone can introduce you to a girl with all those qualities it's Steph. What do you think?" Logan wanted to know.
"I think you're right. It's a good idea to ask Steph for some help." Colin answered while he looked into his empty coffee mug.
Logan knew he felt uncomfortable, he felt the same way. "Look, Colin, I know this is a very strange situation. I mean, I'm helping you to get over my girlfriend for crying out loud. But we have to get over that. This is going to sound a bit cruel and I don't mean it like that, but the sooner we fix this the sooner I can see Rory again. Okay?"
"You're right. I am really sorry about all this, Huntz. I'll give Steph a call after class."
"Great. Invite her to the Cape, she'll love to go. I'm going to get ready for class."
"Are you sure you can't come?" Rory asked her best friend for the millionth time.
"Yes, I'm sure. Sorry Rory, but I promised Zack I would go with him to drop of his present for his family. But I'll see you tonight, okay?"
"Okay." Rory conceded with a child- like pout on her face. "But you'd better bring me lots of chocolate!" she yelled after Lane as she left the diner. "Well," she started as she turned back to her table companions "I guess it'll just be the three of us then."
"Don't sound so exited, hun. We might be feeling wanted." Lorelai uttered in mock hurt.
"You know I don't mean it like that. It's just, I haven't had the time to spend a whole lot of time with her lately." Rory explained herself.
"We understand, Nipper. Now let's go and pick out some movies so we can go to the mall for some costumes and a lot of holiday shopping." Finn cheered as he got up and pulled Rory out of her chair. Lorelai got up too and kissed Luke before she joined Rory and Finn.
It took them 85 minutes to agree on a set of good and reenactment worthy movies. But all three of them were happy when they left the videostore. They chose 'Grease' because the girls wanted to wear spandex and get high from all the hairspray fumes. 'Gone with the wind' because Finn wanted to dress like Rhett Butler and knew his entire dialogue, the girls just wanted to wear those big dresses. They got 'Pretty in Pink' and 'The Breakfast Club' so they could go wild, punk style. Which was a must for Lorelai, with her being a true child of the eighties and all. Of course 'Willy Wonka' was in the stack too. Lorelai made them 'Oompa Loompa' outfits. She already knew Finn would've joined them, she just didn't suspect it would have been under the current circumstances. They also wanted a movie of the present so they got 'Troy', but only to see Finn in a skirt.
After the videostore they headed to Miss Patty's to get some props and to see if she got any costumes they could use. They were lucky, after they left the studio all they needed were the 'Gone with the Wind' costumes and the female costumes for 'Troy'. None of them wanted to know how Miss Patty got a tight leather gladiator costume, the images that flew into their minds were disturbing, to say the least.
Finally, around 2:00 PM they were on their way to the Westfarms Mall for some serious shopping.
After lunch Logan walked back into his suited and saw Stephanie sitting on the couch.
"There you are." The blond said as she got up and kissed him on his check. She turned her head and yelled; "Colin! He's here, let's go."
"Where are we going?" Logan wanted to know.
"To the mall. We have some Christmas shopping to do, and now that we're going to Cape Cod, we should get some supplies." She answered. They heard Colin yell that he needed another minute and told them to go ahead and get the car.
"So, how are you holding up?" Steph asked Logan as they walked to the parkinglot to get his car.
"Honestly? Not so great. I miss her already." When he saw she was about to say something he cut her off. "Yes, I know it sounds very sappy and all, but it's the truth."
Stephanie flashed him one of her sweetest smiles. "I wasn't going to comment on that, Logan. It's only natural for you to miss the girl you love. I was about to tell you that I'm sure she misses you too."
" 'The girl I love'? I don't love her. We've only been together for about three weeks, that way to little time to love her." Logan exclaimed rather forcefully.
"Oh Logan, love doesn't care about an appropriate amount of time or circumstances; it only cares about what's in your heart. And in your heart, buddy, is my dear friend Lorelai Leigh Gilmore."
Logan looked at her bewildered. From the corner of his eye he saw Colin approach so he asked her quickly; "Do you really think I love her?"
Steph smirked at him and took his keys out of his hand. As she walked to the drivers side she asked; "Don't you?"
Logan felt like somebody hit him in his stomach with a sledgehammer. He sat in the backseat so Colin could sit in the passenger's seat and started thinking about Stephanie's words. Did he really love Rory? He started to think back to the first time he met her. Unlike any other girl he had ever met she wasn't drooling over him from the get go; better yet, she didn't even like him. When he remembered their very first discussion he smiled to himself. He had been right; angry does work for her. Then he thought about her ability to keep up with him and even prevail over him in the numerous banters they had.
Just as he was about the recollect that night of the first snow of the year it hit him. Without him even knowing or realizing it Rory had sneaked her way into his heart and made a permanent home for herself. It had happened so inconspicuous that it felt as natural to him as smirking and dropping a lot of cash did. What a pitiable time to comprehend such a life changing fact. He couldn't tell her now for two reasons. First; it would make this whole separation even harder on her and that was the last thing he wanted. And second; he wanted the first time he told her he loved her to be special and memorable. And this way he has some more time to get used to the fact that he loved her. This was very new for him, but for some unexplainable reason it didn't frighten him.
Lorelai, Rory and Finn had been shopping for about three hours and were in dire need of food. They visited a lot of stores and got almost all of their presents. Rory wanted to pick up Finn's present before she got something to eat but told her mom and Finn to go ahead. Lorelai insisted on visiting the Rainforest café. She was craving for a Sparkling Volcano. After she told them she wanted a Rainforest burger they parted.
Logan was waiting in front of Forever 21 until Stephanie was done. Colin went to pick up their presents and they were going to meet in front of Ruby Tuesday to get some unhealthy food. He was looking around bored when he spotted her. He saw Rory walking into Crabtree & Evelyn and his heart skipped a beat. He wanted to go after her and take her in his arms but he knew he couldn't. If he did, he wouldn't be able to let her go. But on the other hand; it wasn't like Colin was in close proximity. He was still in doubt when she left the store with a little gift bag.
"Go to her." Came Stephanie's demanding voice from behind him. Logan looked at her.
"I can't do that. Wouldn't I be betraying Colin in some way?"
"Well, is she still you girlfriend?"
"Yes."
"Do you see Colin anywhere?"
"No."
"Then what are you waiting for. Hurry, before she gets out of sight."
"Right. I'll see you in front of the restaurant. Thank you." Logan said before he walked up to his girlfriend.
Rory was looking at some shoes in the window of the Casual Corner when she felt someone pull her at her arm and drag her into a corner. She was about to scream when she recognized Logan's scent. She looked at him with big eyes when he pushed her against a wall and kissed her. Once she felt the familiar feeling of his lips on hers she closed her eyes and gave in to the wonderful sensation. But then she remembered their break and the reason for it. She tore herself away from him and looked at him with an accusing and bewildered look on her face.
"Oh my God! We're not supposed to see each other. I.. I have to go. Bye." Rory tuned to leave but Logan grabbed her arm and pulled her against his body. He kissed her again before releasing her.
"Go, please, or I'll lose my mind for sure. And Rory, I... I miss you already." Logan sighed heavily.
She smiled at him and said; "I miss you too, Logan. Let's just hope this whole situation will come to an end soon." She hugged him and gave him one quick kiss before she turned and walked away from him again. He hoped it was the last time he would have to see her leave like that.
They both returned to their companions with heavy hearts. It would be hard to get into the holiday spirit again, but for the sake of their family and friends they just had to try.
A/N: I know, it's a whole lot of nothing, but I didn't want to fill every chapter with drama. Some chapters have to be fillers, right? I hope you enjoyed it anyway. And if you want to keep track of my progress on my new chapters just check my blog: allysramblingmind.blogspot. com, you can also find the link in my profile.
gilmoregirl: This chapter goes out to you. I wanted to get it done before you leave for your vacation. You're sweet. I'm glad you liked my solution. As for joining FF; it doesn't cost a thing. It has a lot of benefits, but the main thing is that you get a notification when your favorite stories get an update. Have fun on your vacation.
angeliclin: Sweet Linda, you're reviews move me the most. The fact that you've got so much confidence in me makes me feel proud and like I can do anything. You're the best.
Pink-x-Moonlight: I was sad as I wrote it, but it had to be done. I'll try not to disappoint you. I'm glad you love my story.
fairieangel: Thank you SO much for your kind words. It was hard to find a fitting solution and I'm just really glad all of you liked it. And don't worry, more drama and angst is on it's way.
beautymarked: I do realize they will be confronted from time to time, but that's actually what I want. Like you said; I want this to bring them closer.
riotgirllina: Thank you very much for your review. I'm sure they can get back together, but I can't promise it will be easy.
smartcookie816: Thank you. Don't worry; I'm a sicker for happy endings.
Michaellover101: You're too sweet. It's funny; I read stories like you too. I'm always talking to the characters and stuff, my fiancée thinks I'm nuts and I guess he's right. I'm glad that my words can touch you like that; it makes me feel really good about my work.
smile1: Thank you SOOO much for your sweet words. You made me blush.
Agus: I always do.
jess: It's so great to see I can touch people like that! Don't worry, neither of them will get a serious thing with someone else.
A/N: One more thing. Thank you so much for all your reviews, you guys ROCK! And thank you for all your suggestions, they really help.
As always: Reviews are more than appreciated.
Love,
Alaya