Disclaimer: This is an original story based upon the characters of Gilmore Girls. No profit will be made from this story and no copyright infringement is intended.

Author's Note: Sorry to be so long in updating. Life has been a little hectic here and I have been sick. I hope you enjoy this next installment. A reminder—this story is formed in the alternate universe of History Repeats. Some things are mentioned in this story that didn't happen in the real show. If you need a refreshing because of what happens at the end, read the first chapter of History Repeats.

"Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Rory! Happy Birthday to you!" we all sang out as Mareil brought out the cake. I couldn't believe it—twenty two years old today. She took a deep breath and blew out all the candles in one fell swoop. I shook my head as I brushed the smoke away from my face. I will never understand the appeal in blowing out candles. But I joined in and clapped as Rory smiled at us all around.

"Thank you guys," she said.

I knew she was being sincere, but I had also caught her looking at the clock in regular intervals and I knew she wanted to be some place else soon. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit hurt—she hardly ever spent any time with us anymore, but I knew she was young and spending your birthday night with your family wasn't exactly the funnest thing to do on your birthday.

Richard stood up and brought out a package from behind a vase. I watched as he handed it to her and lightly kissed her on the top of her head. I saw the look in his eyes and smiled at it. It was a look of adoration—the look he always got when he looked at Rory. Quite honestly, there were times when I felt a little jealous of that look. Not jealous of Rory, but jealous of the connection those two had. It had always been that way—ever since she could say, "Drandpa." I knew Rory loved me, and Heaven knows I adored her, but we didn't have the connection she and Richard had and that always made me a little sad. I couldn't help remembering back to that awful night—the night she had told us she wasn't coming over for dinner any more. She was siding with her mother. I'll never forget the look in Richard's eyes then as he watched her walk out the door.—the desperation, the terrible fear that he was going to go through it all over again. I shook my head, like I was trying to ward off unwelcome memories the same way I had the smoke from the candles. It was all over now. We were all together. Everything was fine.

Richard had gotten her a book—of course, and she smiled back at him with the same adoring smile she had always had for him. She looked less enthusiastic as she opened my package but my heart started doing jumping jacks as she pulled out the velvet box and saw the garnet necklace I'd gotten for her. She smiled and ran over to me, putting her arms around me. I reached up and patted her cheek.

"Thank you Grandma" she said. "I love it."

I don't know if she was humoring me or if she really did love it, and at the moment I didn't care.

Just then Alicia broke up the moment by starting to wail. We all turned and cooed at her. Lorelai picker her up off her lap and bounced her a little bit. Rory came over and scooped her little sister up, "What's the matter Licia?" she sighed, "Are you jealous of all the attention?" Alicia gave a little smile and cooed delightedly. It was clear that already, she adored her older sister.

"We really should get going Mom," Lorelai said, standing up and picking up the diaper bag. I didn't know if she really needed to go, or if she was trying to give Rory an out to go partying. Probably a little of both.

Richard and Luke started walking towards the door, talking "shop." It was amazing to watch the difference between these two. At one time, they couldn't stand each other. Now, they actually genuinely enjoyed each other's company. They still fought, arguing over insurance, and the franchising of the diner, but it was clear there was a connection growing between them.

I stayed behind and held Alicia as Lorelai picked up her toys off the floor. "How's the inn?" I asked, rubbing the baby's back.

"Oh, it's still there," she replied. "We're booked solid for the next two weeks, so that's good. It's just a lot of extra work," she said. "Luke and I hardly see each other anymore and when haven't had a night out in forever."

Alicia suddenly yawned and plopped her head on my shoulder. I smiled delightedly. I missed that feeling of a baby laying it's head on my shoulder.

"Lorelai…why don't you bring Alicia over here next Friday and you and Luke can catch a movie or something."

She stared at me, "I'm sorry Mother, did you just offer to baby sit for me?"

I nodded.

She shook her head, "I don't think so."

"Lorelai, I have raised a child—in fact, that child was you! I know what I'm doing. You and Luke deserve a night out."

"Okay," she said pensively, reaching over and taking Alicia from me. "Thanks Mom. I'll talk to Luke." She reached over to give me a quick hug and I kissed the side of her head.

"Have a good sleep," I said whispering in her ear.

We broke the hug and looked up at Rory. She was beaming at us. "What?" Lorelai asked, "Can't a girl hug her mom without everyone getting the heebeegeebees?"

Rory said nothing, just continued to smile. I put a hand on Lorelai's back and led her to the door.

"Bye Dad," she said, giving Richard a peck on the cheek.

"Bye Hon," he said back, putting one of his big hands on Alicia's head.

"Thanks Richard," Luke said, extending his hand and then put up a hand to me. "Thanks Emily."

"Thanks for coming Luke," I said smiling. Lorelai and Luke both went out the door and we turned to face Rory. She was still smiling and her eyes were shining. She grabbed a hold on my elbow and pulled me towards the stairs. I followed her, and Richard stayed behind.

"What is it?" I asked. She just smiled.

"Would you help me put on my necklace?" she asked. My heart melted and I took the necklace out of its box. I gently gathered her brown curls and she held them while I fastened the necklace. Then I turned her around to look at her.

"You look lovely." I whispered. She reached up to hug me.

"Grandma, the necklace is beautiful. Thank you." Suddenly her voice caught and there were tears in her eyes.

"What is it Sweetie?" I asked, concerned.

"When I was little, when I blew out the candles on my cake, every year I'd wish for the same thing. That you and Mom could get along and we could all be a family."

Now tears were stinging in my eyes.

You weren't the only one who wished that Rory.

"Seeing the two of you tonight, seeing how wonderfully you've been getting along lately, it's just…" she swallowed hard. "That's the best present you could have given me Grandma." She hugged me again and then went over to hug Richard. She bounded out the door, her brown curls swaying as she hurried to her car. Richard and stood and watched her go…feeling a little old, and a little sad.

"Where has it all gone Emmy?" Richard asked me, putting his arm around me. "Where has all the time gone?"

I put my head on his shoulder, "I don't know." I replied. "I don't know"

"Richard! Richard we're going to be late! Hurry up!" I yelled up the stairs.

He very non-chalantly, walked down the stairs tying his bowtie. "Emily," he replied, "In the almost eighteen years I've known my daughter, she has never been on time for anything. I doubt she will have a coronary if we are ten minutes late."

"Richard Gilmore, I swear… if you ruin this day for me." I threatened. He held up his hands in defense.

"Fine…fine we'll go," he said grabbing his wallet and leading me to the car.

We got in the car and my hands were shaking. My whole insides were shaking. I was so nervous. We merged on the highway and we didn't speak at all. I looked over though and notice that Richard's knuckles were white as he grasped onto the steering wheel. Bless his heart—he was nervous too. For a week since her phone call (she had actually called!) inviting us to Rory's birthday party, I had been on cloud nine. I called and ordered a birthday cake and a dozen roses to be delivered to the hotel. I went on a shopping spree that day and bought home dolls, baby clothes, and stuffed animals. There was a message on the answer machine when I had walked in the door. It was from Lorelai. In no uncertain terms she told me I was to bring one present and one present only. She was not going to have her daughter spoiled. She said that I would not be allowed to come if I didn't follow her wishes. She said that she didn't want us to try to have a relationship with her daughter by buying her things. I sat down in the chair and let the sacks drop to the floor. What else were you supposed to do when all you had was buying things for your granddaughter? Sighing, I picked up a white teddy bear from the sack and gave it to the maid to wrap. At least she called, I had told myself. She does want me there.

We pulled into Stars Hollow and Richard puts a hand over mine. I turned my hand around and squeezed his. "Are you ready for this?" I asked.

He didn't reply—just kept one hand on the wheel and one hand on my hand. We pulled into the inn and as we got out of the car I clasped my hand tightly around Richard's. "Please God," I prayed, "Please let this go well. I can't take any more pain."

We walk inside and Richard takes in a sharp painful breath. I clasp my arm around his. There she is—our daughter, our brilliant capable daughter, in a maid uniform dusting the coffee table.

"Miss, Miss," a man hisses rudely at her. "Can't that wait? You're very distracting to my reading."

Richard makes a move towards him, ready to hit the man who is demeaning his daughter. But Lorelai simply smiles, "I'm sorry Sir, it's my daughter's birthday today and I just wanted to finish my work. I apologize."

The man snickers with disgust and goes back to his reading. I closed my eyes in horror. This is what my baby has become.

"Mom, Dad," she says and I opened my eyes quickly. For a moment, only a moment I saw the look in her eyes, and I could tell she'd seen my disappointment. The knife in my heart turned a little more.

"Lorelai, hello," I said, moving towards her—wanting desperately to throw my arms around her. But I just gave her a little hug.

"Hi Mom, hi Dad," she said, "Let me go get Rory. One of the other maids is watching her. Then we are all set up in one of the back dining rooms. I made the cake myself. I hope you like it," she said, bounding off towards the hall. Richard took my hand again and we sat down, both of us giving the man who had insulted Lorelai the evil eye. He finally stood up and left. We both turned as we heard the sound of a baby babbling.

"There's my girl," I cooed, holding out my arms for her. Rory shied away, burying her head in her mother's shoulder. I tried not to look too disappointed. She motioned us back into the room where there was a cake and Care Bear paper plates and cups. The cake was lopsided, and looked like it was covered in a six inch layer of frosting. The criticizing words were on the tip of my tongue and I bit down hard.

"This is beautiful Lorelai." I said softly, sitting down at my seat. We lit the candle and sang Happy Birthday to Rory, tears stinging in my eyes as I watched Lorelai lovingly hold her and help her blow out the candle. I was missing so much—so much of my babies growing up. Suddenly, Rory's babble interrupted my thoughts and I turned towards her. She was reaching out towards me and I opened my arms and let her in.

"Drandma," she said as plain as day. I looked up at Lorelai, my tears dripping down my cheeks.

"I taught her that Mom," she said. "I showed her your picture and taught her to say grandma."

We had a nice time that day, Rory loved her white bear and Richard even got down on all fours and played lion with her. Lorelai and I laughed delightedly as she turned and roared imitating him. It was so easy to forget, but at the end of the day, we went out to our car and drove home—to a place that wasn't her home anymore, a place she had filled with her presence for sixteen years. It was hard to come home to that lonely house, but my heart was full. She had taught her to say grandma.

Richard slipped his arm around me, bringing me out of my daydream. We stayed up reading for awhile, and then headed to bed.

"It's been a good day," Richard said as he climbed into bed. He put his arm around me and I snuggled into him.

"I love you Richard," I said reaching my hand to his cheek. He put a hand to my cheek, "I love you too," he whispered. Life was perfect.

I slowly drifted off to sleep and I dreamed of a sunny day. Richard Lorelai and I were going on a picnic. Lorelai was three or four, and was sitting happily on Richard's shoulders. It was such a lovely day. I looked at these two people who I loved more than anything, and I was so happy. I handed them a piece of cake, and then it hit me. I had been here before. Why was I back again? The sky began to darken and I knew what was coming next but there was nothing I could do to stop it. I was going to live through this again. Why? Why was I doing this again? Richard yelled for us to take cover. I grabbed for Lorelai, but she started walking away from me.

"Lorelai stop!" I screamed. "Come to Mommy, please come to Mommy!" I jumped up and ran after her, but she just seemed to get farther and farther away. Just as it had many times before, the landscape changed and Lorelai was standing on a cliff. I ran faster and lunged for her, just as she tumbled over the side and fell down below. Horrified I watched as she tumbled down to certain death. She turned and looked up at me, her eyes filled with pain and fear.

"No!" I screamed and sat up as if I was coming up for air. "No!" Richard jolted awake and put his arms around me.

"It's just a dream. It's just a dream," he said, enfolding me in his arms. I turned to him, my heart beating wildly.

"Richard, where's the baby. Where's Lorelai? I want my baby! Richard, I want my baby!"

He reached out and took my face in his hands as if he was trying to shake me out of my trance.

"Darling, it's all right. It's just a dream!" he said forcefully.

"Richard please!" I screamed at him, "Get the baby, I want to see my baby."

Lost in the realm between nightmare and reality I started to sob, "My baby's gone, I want her! I want my baby."

I was barely conscious of Richard jumping out of bed and grabbing the phone. I could hardly hear his words as he asked Lorelai if everything was okay, then told her she needed to talk me. Through my cries for my baby, he forced the phone to my ear.

"It's Lorelai," he said. "She's alright. She's just fine."

Starting to come out of it, I grabbed the phone and held it to my ear.

"Lorelai?" I asked. "Baby, are you okay?"

"I'm just fine Mom," she said, her voice filled with concern. "Everybody is just fine."

Finally, I felt like I could breathe.

"Mom?" Lorelai whispered. "What is it? What's wrong?"

She has never known about the dream, and I don't want to tell her now.

"I just had a nightmare." I said, my voice shaking. "I'll be fine." After repeatedly telling her that, she finally hung up the phone. I collapsed into Richard's arms and he kissed me on the top of my head.

"It was the same dream again?" he asked.

I nodded

"It's just a dream. It doesn't mean anything,"

I nodded.