Disclaimer: Actually, I do own Gilmore Girls. I honestly AM Amy Sherman-Palladino. You see, someone has kidnapped my beloved hats, and I am being blackmailed to write the episodes you see airing every week.So I have taken this nom de plume and am giving you the story as it actually should be.
Disclaimer for the disclaimer: Just in case there's some nutjob out there who can't tell a joke when they see one and decides to call the police on behalf of Amy and her hats, the above disclaimer is all false. I don't own anything to do with GG. And even though the episodes are not as I would necessarily wish them, I am still firmly of the opinion that Gilmore Girls is like sex, even when it's bad, it's good.
There are rocky roads ahead….and not the good marshmallowy kind….
This chapter is in Rory's POV, thoughts in italics.
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Chapter 2: The Rain in Spain…AKA: When it Rains it Pours (Takes place approx. 2 moths after Twinkie of Death.)
Rory sighed as she stepped out of her car and shut the door.
Might as well get it over with.
She walked up to the front door and rang the bell. The maid who answered the door looked down her very long, pointy nose at Rory.
What's her problem?
"I'm Rory. My grandmother is expecting me."
The maid's expression didn't change.
"Mrs. Gilmore and Mrs. Huntzberger have been awaiting your arrival for some time," she stated in a snooty English accent, "You may join them in the garden for tea."
Oh may I? May I really….thanks ever so much. As if I don't have enough people with agendas for me to follow, now I'm being reprimanded by the maid of the week!
Out loud she simply said, "Thank you" as she walked past the woman to the doors that would lead her out to the garden.
"Rory! I'm glad you're here I was beginning to worry about you," Emily Gilmore rose and greeted her granddaughter with a warm hug.
Subtle society-speak for: 'You're embarrassingly late.'
"Sorry Grandma, the meeting with my professor ran longer than I expected, and I forgot to charge my cell last night, so it was useless," Rory turned to greet her future mother-in-law, "Mrs. Huntzberger, so sorry to keep you waiting."
"Oh Rory think nothing of it. I remember how hectic the last few weeks of college are, and please, call me Shira."
Code for: "I'm forced to politely let it slide because for some reason my son wants to marry you."
"Would you like some tea, Rory?" Emily asked. At Rory's nod, she turned to the maid, "Emma, iced tea for my granddaughter, not too much ice please, and you may bring the sandwiches out now."
When Emma was out of earshot, Rory asked, "How's the new maid working out, Grandma?"
Hah! Can't wait to hear her tear this one to shreds! It'll take the attention off me.
"Oh she's marvelous! So efficient. Does everything the correct way the first time. I never realized how much of my time was spent redoing things those incompetent maids couldn't manage properly. I almost don't know what to do with myself; I have so much spare time."
You've got to be kidding me! The one maid I'd like to see her fire, I mean actually view the act, preferably with popcorn…and Grandma's in love with her!
"That's great, Grandma," Rory tried to sound enthusiastic.
"It couldn't come at a better time, Emily, what with the wedding and all the planning and events taking place this summer," Shira said.
Oh thank God, they have events to organize this summer, maybe that'll give me a break from the wedding planning madness…
"Grandma, you're planning events this summer, that's terrific." Rory's face took on a confused look when both her grandmother and Shira began to laugh.
"Oh Rory, you're such a card! Not planning the events, planning for the events…shoes, dresses, jewelry…everything must be perfect…oh but we're getting ahead of ourselves. Rory we were actually pleased you were late, it gave us a chance to formulate a list and get a basic plan down,"
List?
"Plan?" Rory's face became even more confused.
"Yes, plan," Shira exclaimed, "for your summer….all the events you and Logan must attend. There is a diplomatic function only days after graduation and one in Europe a week after that, so we're already pressed for time to get suitable gowns made--"
Could this get any worse?
"—and trying to schedule the fittings and your training around all your Yale obligations is turning out to be a nightmare."
I had to ask…Rory thought as she brought her hands up to cover her face and took several deep breaths. Shira misinterpreting Rory's body language as worry, tried to comfort her.
"Oh don't worry, dear, we're old hats at this…we'll get everything done in time," she said laying a friendly hand on Rory's knee.
How am I going to do it all? Write, work, Mom and Luke, dress fittings, attend events, and…wait a minute—
Rory's face popped up out of her hands, "Did you say training?" she asked, looking to Shira, but it was Emily who answered.
"Yes dear, of course. You didn't exactly learn all the things necessary to be a Huntzberger wife, growing up as you did in that small town your mother spirited you away to. You'll be interacting with some very important people. You've got to learn how to address foreign dignitaries, Congressmen, and ambassadors. Oh! You'll need to learn how to dance better; I should add that to the list--"
Unbelievable! Do they think I have nothing better to do than to Eliza Doolittle-it for them all summer?
"--I'll call that lovely man we met at the Garden Ball last year—remember him, Shira—so light on his feet. He'd have given Astaire a run for his money--"
"Grandma, wait, stop!"
Emily's mouth dropped open in shock. "Rory, what's gotten into you?" she asked, her voice filled with disdain.
Whoa…déjà vu…
Rory took a deep breath. "I'm sorry Grandma, but I didn't know you were planning all these things for me. I already have plans for this summer. I found a local paper that will take me as a freelance writer, and I wanted to use the time before I start to get some profile and human interest pieces researched and started so that I am ahead of the game and can have the time to help Mom and Luke fix up the baby's room and plan the baby shower with Sookie, and so I can be there at a moment's notice when it's time to go to the hospital. I already have so many things to do and I just don't think I'll be able to attend all these events—maybe one or two if they happen to fall during times that I'm free, but--" Rory's rant drifted off as she caught the shocked, pale faces of Shira and her Grandmother. "—Grandma, are you alright?"
Suddenly Emily's face became disturbingly red.
Oh my God, is she having a stroke? Rory was about to yell for the maid to call 911 when, at the same moment, words exploded from Emily and Shira as they rose from their seats.
"A Job!"
"Emily, you said she understood what was expected!"
What's expected?
"Well naturally when she accepted his proposal, I assumed she knew what it encompassed…"
Marriage, happiness…probably kids eventually, oh and let's not forget the sparkly ring…obviously I missed something…
"You assumed? How could you assume such a thing?" shrieked Shira, collapsing into her chair.
Ok, time to get to the very murky bottom of this situation….
Rory rose from her chair, faced her grandmother, and spoke in a calm but forceful tone. "Grandma, perhaps it would be helpful if you start at the beginning and explain to me exactly what the problem is."
Emily plopped down tiredly into her seat and shook her head.
Grandma never plops…this must be worse than I thought.
"Rory, the fact that you and Logan are engaged signifies certain things to Society. It is seen as evidence that you and Logan are ready to enter and take your places as adults and assume all the responsibilities inherent to those positions--"
Dirty… Rory nodded for her Grandmother to continue.
"--Certain things are expected—that you will be seen together at all major events and a suitable number of the lesser ones as well, that you will join all the 'right' clubs--" at Rory's confused look, Emily clarified, "--the DAR, the Garden Club, the Orchestra Society to name a few."
"But Grandma, Logan and I have been engaged for over a year. We've attended the occasional event, but no one's made a big deal about it. I don't understand--"
At Emily's sigh Rory trailed off. Shira took up the conversation.
"We used the fact that you haven't graduated yet, and that Logan is still apprenticing with his father as the reason as to why the two of you weren't seen more often in the past year. It was a plausible excuse then, but now everyone will expect--" she trailed off and Emily placed her hand on Rory's and spoke earnestly.
"In a little over a year, you and Logan will be married, he will be assuming the role as partner in Mitchum's business, and you will be expected to do the things all society wives do."
Again, I say, dirty…Rory thought, but she felt the panic begin to rise in her throat.
Shira spoke from Rory's other side. "We assumed that you knew when you agreed to be Logan's wife that that meant you would not be working--"
And I assumed that they knew that even though I was accepting his proposal, I was still going to live out my own dreams…
"--that you would be planning and attending events as well as managing the household staff, and arranging for the care of any children you might have."
Oh God, Oh God…no writing…staff…children…I think I'm going to be sick….ok deep breaths…this can't be happening…this is not happening, everyone remain calm…
Mistaking the blank look on Rory's face for acceptance, Emily's voice was cheery as she dreamily whispered, "Logan will be the new King, and you'll be his Queen."
Lavender Blue Dilly Dilly….and Rory was giggling. Realizing that the panic had progressed to a stage far beyond her ability to contain it, she knew she had to get out of there fast.
"Umm, Grandma, Shira, I'm sorry…I have to go….I'll call you later grandma, I've just got to--"
She was around the corner of the house before the belly laughs broke out, but by the time she reached her car, she was sobbing.
How can this be? How could everything have gotten so turned around?
She turned on her car and managed to drive a few blocks before she could no longer see through her tears and had to pull over.
I had it all planned…I made time for everything, researching, writing, time with Mom, time with Logan. My last summer as a single woman, completely free of school and its obligations…I had plans and now they're all gone… they took them all away without even thinking of me or what I might want or need and—How could they do that? Just rearrange my life without my input—or my permission even! They can't do that! How dare they think they can do that! I am 22 years old! They can't tell me what to do! How dare they think they can tell me what to do!
Well armored in her righteous indignation, Rory again started her car and headed for home.
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Rory entered the apartment she shared with Lane and Paris and kicked the door shut behind her. She kicked her shoes in two different directions and stalked through the kitchen to the fridge to grab a bottle of water and a Kit Kat bar. Slamming the door of the fridge, she whirled and strode to her bedroom.
Still fuming, Rory stormed into her room, muttering angrily to herself and flung her purse haphazardly at her desk. She tossed the candy bar and water onto her bed while yanking the buttons on her skirt open and letting it fall to the floor as she crossed to her closet, ripped a pair of jeans from a hanger, and bent to pull them on.
"Well, Ace, not exactly, the greeting I was hoping for, but I suppose I can subject myself to being a coat rack if it includes a show like that."
Startled, Rory squeaked and lost her balance landing sideways on her bed, jeans half on and half off. She blew the hair out of her eyes and saw that Logan was sitting calmly in her desk chair, the strap of her purse hanging diagonally across his face, partially obstructing his smirk.
Oh my God—
"Logan!" Rory popped up off the bed and jerked her jeans up over her hips, not even bothering to button them as she launched herself at her Fiancé, who stood and removed the purse from his head just in time to catch her and return the very enthusiastic kiss she planted on him.
"Now that's more like it," Logan grinned when their lips parted.
"I can't believe you're really here! When did you get back? Why didn't you call me?" Rory fired questions at Logan while he was kissing every bit of her that he could comfortably reach and backing her towards her bed.
He's been gone too long! Stupid Mitchum!
"Well--" he punctuated the word with a soft kiss to her jaw, "--I got back about an hour ago--" he kissed the spot below her ear, "—and I tried to call you--" kisses on each of her eyes, "but got your voicemail. So--" he kissed her top lip, "I came over here--" her bottom lip, --to surprise you." He captured her lips just as her knees hit the side of the bed and they fell together in a practiced heap. Just as her head hit the pillow, his tongue delved in for the first taste of her that he'd had in nearly a month. They both moaned, and Logan pulled his lips away and rested his forehead against Rory's. "What were you so mad about earlier?" Logan asked, as his hand drifted down and brushed gently over her breast on its way to begin unbuttoning her blouse.
He wants to talk NOW?
"Uh Logan," Rory gasped, arching her back, "Why so chatty all of a sudden?"
Logan kissed the tip of her nose and chuckled. "Ace, it's been quite a while, and I'm very glad to see you, and--" he leaned down and whispered hotly in her ear "—the conversation helps to distract me a little, if you know what I mean." He rocked his hips against her to prove his point, and she began to giggle. "Oh well giggling, that works too," he said, grinning wryly, "Nothing works to deflate a man's …ahem…ego like giggling…" His face turned serious, "God, I missed you, Rory."
Don't Cry…Do not Cry…This is the first time in weeks that he's seen you…You will not cry!
Tears sprung to her eyes as she leaned up to kiss him gently. "I missed you too, Logan, so much." She took a deep breath, "How long before you leave again?" She tried to keep her lower lip from trembling as she waited for his answer.
Be strong Gilmore…be strong…
"I am all yours until at least after graduation," he told her, and was surprised when she burst into tears. "Again, not quite the reaction I was going for…I could be on the plane to Sacramento in 30 minutes if you'd prefer," he joked, moving as if to stand.
"Don't you dare!" Rory grabbed onto his shirt and pulled him down to her lips as her other hand tried to remove all evidence of tears. "I'm sorry, it's just been a crappy, crappy day, and I'm so glad to see you, and I don't want you to leave this room for at least a week. You are my captive, got it?"
Logan cupped her cheek with his palm and kissed her gently, "I am your willing captive. I'll even be your sex slave," he promised, making her laugh. "Now, why was your day so crappy?"
"You really want to talk about that now?" Rory demanded, running her hands through Logan's hair and pulling his head down for a slow, wet kiss.
Logan groaned and pulled away, "Got to, Ace. Yourlaugh and that kiss nearly sent me through the roof," he brushed aside her, now open, shirt and ran his and back and forth between her breasts, making her gasp and squirm.
He expects me to talk coherently while he's doing that?
"Ok, um…no coffee...Professor Melvin….meeting ran late---" she arched her back as his hand drifted down over her stomach, "—cell phone dead….snooty maid…Grandma…your mother--"
And just like that, her anger returned, at the same time Logan leaned up and away from her and exclaimed, "My mother?"
Wait till he hears...
"Yes.Your mother and my grandmother have planned my whole summer. Events we're to attend, the fittings for all the dresses I'm supposed to wear to the events, and oh..lets not forget the training, I'm to have so as not to embarrass you by mistakenly calling an ambassador a gorilla." Rory was on a roll , but paused as she noticed that Logan's face did not carry the same look of ire that she assumed her own did. In fact, his face was amazingly neutral, considering the circumstances. He was just blinking at her owlishly. "Logan, did you hear me? They planned my entire summer--crammed it full! Without any regard to plans I had or what I wanted--" she trailed off as Logan sighed and sat up on the edge of the bed, running his fingers through his hair.
Maybe it's a delayed reaction...any minute he's going to fly off the handle...
But he didn't.
"Logan? You don't seem surprised...something you'd like to share with the rest of the class?" she asked, getting even more irritated.
Logan laid a hand gently on her knee. "That's why I was allowed to come back now, so we can begin planning for these things." When Rory just looked at him blankly, mouth hanging open he continued, "It's how things are done,Ace, it's what's expected of us."
I feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone...Did everyone know but me?
SuddenlyRory vaulted from the bed and began to pace around the room,
"How could you not tell me--not give me any warning?"
"Honestly Ace, I thought you knew." Logan said scrunching up his face and scratching his head.
"You thought I knew? He thought I knew!" she exclaimed at the ceiling throwing her hands up in the air, "So all those nights we talked on the phone and I told you all about all the plans I was making, you just thought I was talking to hear my own voice? Or to fill the dead air and make the conversation more comfortable, because, you know, after being separated for weeks we obviously have absolutely nothing left to talk about other than my imaginary summer plans? Or is it just that you weren't even listening, and therefore didn't know that correction was needed?" she crossed her arms over her chest and fixed her gaze on him, waiting for his reply.
This oughtta be good...
Logan stood up and crossed the room to stand in front of her. "I thought that you knew when you agreed to marry me that this was in the cards...and to be honest, I wasn't always listening to what you were saying on the phone," Her eyes narrowed at his admission,"I was usually thinking about how much I missed you and just happy to hear your voice." he laid a hand on her arm.
Nice try, buddy, but no dice...
She jerked away from him, "How could you think that I would be ok with being to busy to participate in my mom's pregnancy...with not working...with not writing, Logan? How can you be engaged to me and not understand what's important to me? Do you know me at all?" her voice took on a pleading quality.
No...no...God what is happening? We have to stop this...this isn't right! Tell me I'm wrong...of course you know me...
Logan scowled, "Oh come off it Rory, my mother hit you with the details of your future married life at that first miserable dinner. It's not my fault that you saw the rock I was offering and chose to pull a Scarlett O'Hara, convincing yourself you didn't have to deal with reality." he accused in a biting tone.
How could he...
Rory felt the blood rush to her face and hot tears burning behind her eyes, "You Bastard," she shouted clawing the ring from her finger and whipping it at him, "You think everyone is only in it for the money! I wouldn't have cared if it was a ring out of a bubble gum machine--it was the hand that was holding it that I wanted!" she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, "I thinkit's time for you toleave."
...So I can try to wake up from this nightmare...
Logan bent and retreived the ring that was laying at his feet. The diamond caught the light and seemed to reflect in every facet the coldness of his eyes. "I've already stayed too long," he muttered, and walked out.
At the slam of the door, Rory's knees gave out and she collapsed to the floor, silently.As she reached for the phone and her eyes caught her newly naked finger, she began to tremble so violently she had trouble dialing the right numbers.
What have I done? What did we do?
Lorelai answered the phone on the second ring. "Rory! Guess what Luke just ate..."
Rory hardly recognized the raspy wavering voice as her own, "Mom...I need you...can you come--now?"
There was barely a moments hesitation before her mother answered, "I'm on my way."
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A/N: Ok, Ok, Ok! DON'T PANIC! It will all work out, I promise. But there has to be bitter with the sweet, and all that. I know it took me a long time to update, but there was the holiday and I was sick, and, well...it was a hard chapter to write. The next few chapters should come faster as I have them mostly planned out. Thanks for reading!