"Richard, I cannot continue to live like this!" Cecelia shrieked! "I am treated like a convict in this house." Cecelia threw her suitcase across the bed. "You can live here, and put up with that brat, but I don't have to!"

"Cecelia, please, let's talk about this…" Richard persisted.

"Haven't I made myself clear? I am leaving!" Cecelia began to toss her clothes into her suitcase. "Thank God Karl is in boarding school. At least he doesn't have to put up with this every day."

"Cecelia, sweetheart, I know you're angry, but don't leave." Richard grabbed her hands. "I love you… I can't live my life without you."

Cecelia glared into his eyes. "Then I suggest you dispose of that hideous toad."

Richard lowered his head. "Joan has been fighting me tooth and nail for the past three months for custody of Lorelai… If it will make you happy, I'll hand Lorelai over."

"Richard, that would be the most sensible thing you've done since we've been together."

"Cecelia…" Richard replied with hurt in his voice.

"Don't act like you can't see it. She doesn't belong here, Richard."

"I suppose you're right." Richard paused. "I'll call Joan in the morning."

The next morning, Joan arrived at the Gilmore house bright and early. She stood in the foyer, uncomfortable with going any further into the house. Lorelai had been packing her things since 6 am and still couldn't believe this was actually happening. She tried to pack everything as quickly as she could, afraid that the longer she took the more likely Richard was to change his mind and make her stay.

Joan's heart warmed quickly as she saw the girl lugging the suitcase down the stairs.

"I have a couple more…" Lorelai said breathlessly. "I'll be right back." Lorelai quickly ascended the stairs and returned with two more suitcases."

Richard came into the foyer and faced Joan. "Thank you, Mr. Gilmore." Joan said politely.

Richard nodded his head and turned back to Lorelai. "I'll have the driver bring Anna when you're ready. Good bye, Lorelai." Richard said coldly.

"Bye." Lorelai replied with ease.

With that, Richard turned and left the foyer. Joan and Lorelai stood alone for a moment.

"Well, are you ready?" Joan asked as she picked up one of the suitcases.

"Born ready." Lorelai smiled.

Joan laughed. "That you were. Let's go…"

Joan and Lorelai walked out of the Gilmore mansion and into an awaiting taxi cab. Lorelai felt a rush of freedom flow over her body as the cab drove off. Never again would she be a prisoner inside that dreary house. From now on, Lorelai had a second chance. A completely different life to live. She was excited… She was optimistic… she was ready.

"I know you're you used to a big house, and a big bed room, and well big everything but…"

"Joan…" Lorelai interjected. "We could live in a cardboard box and I would still be happy."

Joan's face brightened. "And you don't mind going to a public school?"

"I want to go to public school."

"Okay, then…" Joan replied. "We're good to go."

"So, where do you live now?" Lorelai asked.

"Well, the rent in Hartford is very high, so I moved to small town where the cost of living isn't so expensive. It's called Stars Hollow."

"I've never heard of it." Lorelai replied.

"Neither had I … That's how small it is. It's wonderful there, Lorelai. You'll love it. Everyone is so friendly. It's kind of like one large family living together in one town."

A few minutes later, the cab pulled into a driveway. "Well, this is it." Joan announced.

Lorelai stepped out of the cab and looked at the small townhouse apartment. It was just like a story book. A little white building with red shutters and a red roof. A small square yard with a flower bed and a white picked fence to top it off.

"We live on the bottom half." Joan said. "There's a very friendly woman named Daisy that lives on the top half."

"It's perfect." Lorelai replied as her eyes scanned over the property.

Joan opened the door and showed Lorelai around. "This here will be your room. It faces the street and the sun comes through the window every morning… the whole room has a soft orange glow. You'll love it." Joan lead her into another room. "And my room will be straight across from your's."

Lorelai was becoming overwhelmed. "This is all so amazing…"

Joan put her arm around Lorelai. "I'm glad you like it, sweetheart."

"I love it." Lorelai corrected. "I can't believe I'm actually here."

"Neither can I."

"Thank you." Lorelai embraced her mother. "Thank you for taking me away."

"Thank you for wanting to come with me." Joan countered.

Lorelai looked back at her room. "Can I decorate it any way that I want?"

"Of course, it's your room."

Lorelai became excited. She had never been allowed to decorate her room, or even have a say in it for that matter. "Oh, and can I get one of those phones that are shaped like a car?"

"You may…"

"And a Van Halen poster!" Lorelai's eyes sparkled.

"I'd be offended if you didn't."

"Come on, let's get started!" Lorelai grabbed Joan by the hand.

After several hours of unpacking, rearranging, and decorating, Lorelai had her room just the way she wanted it. For once, she looked like she was just another average teenager. There were no fancy curtains, or sheets. No expensive porcelain dolls or thousand dollar paintings. Lorelai could not be more content than she was at that very moment.

Lorelai and Joan were resting on the couch. Joan yawned. "This has definitely been an eventful day." Lorelai, who was beginning to nod off to sleep herself agreed.

"Joan?" Lorelai asked in a serious voice. "Do I remind you of my real father any?"

Joan was caught of guard by this question. "Well… you do have his deep blue eyes." Joan replied honestly. "Those eyes could get him anything he wanted." She added with a smile. "And your ambition." Joan laughed. "Anthony had so many plans and ideas."

Lorelai rested her head on Joan's shoulder. "Can you tell me about it again?"

"What's that?" Joan asked.

"How I was born… and how you came looking for me."

"Sure…" Joan smiled as she placed her arm around Lorelai. "I was sixteen… pregnant… and unmarried…" Joan began.