Chapter Nine

It was a hectic Tuesday morning at the Dragonfly, and Lorelai had barely had time to breathe.

Nevermind the thoughts that were continually creeping into her head. She was in love. And when Lorelai Gilmore is head over stiletto heels, things get hilarious. Already that morning, she'd run into the kitchen door, dropped a completely full file of papers, and tripped over the entry rug-twice.

Finally, around eleven, she stumbled into the kitchen in hopes of something munchable to lift her spirits. Instead, she was surprised to find Sookie once again peering into a bubbling pot.

"Sookie! You do still have kids, right?"

"Hey Lorelai! Yep, still got 'em! Jackson had a couple of free-hours, so I stopped by and Manny…sweetie, what's wrong?" she trailed off, noticing Lorelai's face for the first time.

Lorelai sighed and perched herself on a barstool.

"Sookie, I've reached a life decision," she stated seriously.

"Oh Lorelai! You don't need highlights! Being brunette is great, you're just bored!" Sookie exclaimed, trying to lighten the mood.

"Sookie!" yelped Lorelai, losing her patience.

"Sorry, what's this major decision of yours?"

"I'minlovewithLuke," Lorelai mumbled, staring at the floor.

"What? I didn't get that…don't speak Elvish!" Sookie giggled.

"I'm in love with Luke."

Complete and utter silence.

Suddenly, Sookie began squealing with laughter, jumping up and down and making a general fool out of herself. As she lunged at Lorelai for a hug, she almost knocked her off the barstool onto the floor.

"That's awesome! I'm so happy for you! This is just great! How'd he take it? Was it romantic? I bet it was, Luke seems like a closet romantic"

"Uh, I actually haven't told him yet," Lorelai admitted.

"You haven't?" questioned Sookie, her face and spirits crestfallen.

"I mean, I plan to. In fact, if I don't tell him soon, I'll be seriously injured, what with my klutz habits" Here her eyes glittered. "Wanna know a secret?" Lorelai taunted.

"Of course," Sookie said excitedly.

"He's the only guy who has made me run into things,"revealed Lorelai.

Sookie was confused. "What?"

"He's the first guy who's ever distracted my thoughts so much that I run into things. He's the first guy I've ever loved, been head over heels for, wanted to talk to and look at every single instant of the day. He's my forever, and it doesn't scare me."

Sookie nodded knowingly. "Go on," she beckoned.

"I mean, Chris was my puppy-love, my high school escape who made me wonder. But he's just that-undefined and unreliable"

"As evidenced by his great track record of showing up to things for Rory," Sookie put in.

"Right. And then there's Max. He was just a matter of convincing myself that I loved him. I can talk myself into anything, but Luke is…Luke. He's perfect"

"That's so sweet it's killing me! I'm so happy for you Lorelai. You deserve your 'forever'"

The girls hugged again.

"Why don't you invite him over for an unoffical Tuesday night Movie night and tell him then?" Sookie suggested. "You know, subtley build up to it…"

"Sook, you're a genius. That's a great plan! I'm gonna go call him!"

Sookie smiled at her friend. Not counting big moments in Rory's life, she'd never seen Lorelai this happy. No wonder she was in a rush to tell him. These things just don't wait.

"Go call him! Scoot!"

"Mm-kay! Hey Sookie? I'm in love!" said Lorelai with relish, as she grinned from ear to ear.

"I know! Now go!"

Lorelai left the kitchen, but poked her head through the door only seconds later. "Sookie, you're on maternity leave! Go home!"

Things at the Dragonfly were hectic.