My greatest apologies go out now to all of you who have been disappointed with my updating skills. I know it's been a while, and i'm not sure if this chapter alone will make up for it, but it will help I hope. I have started the next chapter and unless something goes horribly wrong you should have it in a few days. Hold thumbs.
Disclaimer: I have come to terms with the fact that they are not my characters, but I love them just the same.
Luke woke up at 5:30 like he would any other day, got dressed and made his way downstairs. He found paper and a pen and wrote Lorelai a quick note explaining that he had to get to the diner to open it and that he didn't want to wake her, but that he couldn't wait to see her walk through the door of his diner again. Once the note was written he took it upstairs and placed it next to the alarm clock. He gave her a soft kiss on the forehead and headed to the diner
It was 8:00am when she finally arrived. She looked beautiful in her tight jeans and blue sweater. Luke always liked when she wore blue because it made her perfect eyes just that little bit more wonderful. She took a seat at the counter, immediately putting her head on the counter
Luke: head up
Lorelai: cant!
Luke: of course you can, now head up
Lorelai: no.
Luke: Lorelai!
Lorelai: fine! Coffee please
Luke: no
Lorelai: Luke!
Luke: the stuff will kill you
Lorelai: great then give it here cause death sounds good right about now.
Luke: Lorelai!
Lorelai: well its 8 o clock on a Saturday morning and you are refusing me coffee, I tend to get a bit morbid.
Luke: here
Luke handed her a small amount of coffee, trying to hold back his grin he watched her to see the reaction
Lorelai: do I look 2?
Luke: no, but you do….
Lorelai: don't even finish that sentence, but seriously this is the amount that you would give a 2 year old.
Luke: first of all you shouldn't be giving a 2-year-old coffee and second of all, you either take it or leave it.
Lorelai: oooh, take it
Luke: ok then.
Lorelai: hey, uh what time did you wake up?
Luke: half past five like normal
Lorelai: normal?
Luke: my normal. I hope you didn't want me to wake you cause I thought that you would prefer to sleep in. you didn't look great last night.
Lorelai: no I am glad that you let me sleep. I was so tired last night at my parents Christmas party, I had even gone up to my old room to lay down but once I actually sat there on that bed all the memories of having Rory and being pregnant came right back, therefore effectively stopping the resting process.
Luke: oh…
Lorelai: yeah, but that's not the worst bit about it all
Luke: what happened?
Lorelai: my mom found me in the room crying. She wanted to know what was wrong and obviously I didn't tell her because I tell people nothing about my life. She got angry and worried and sent Rory to talk to me.
Luke: did you tell Rory?
Lorelai: no, I told her I couldn't and she was so sweet about it. She made me promise to talk to someone about whatever was bothering me. I think it hurts her that I don't talk to her, but I cant. I wish I could because she has always helped me with my numerous problems
Luke: can I get you something to eat?
Lorelai: no its ok, I am stopping by Sookie's, I have things to straighten out with her
Luke: inn stuff?
Lorelai: no, I need to talk to her about the fact that she told Rory that I have a boyfriend.
Luke: what?
Lorelai: I don't, Sookie just assumed
Luke: ok? Coffee to go then?
Lorelai: adult size please
Luke: sure. See you later?
Lorelai: of course. Thanks for everything Luke. Especially last night, I needed that.
Luke just smiled as he watched her leave and get into her jeep. Things were finally getting back to normal. Lorelai came around for breakfast and dinner most days after that. They never spoke about having a baby or having sex, they were just friends again and honestly that is all that mattered to Luke, cause he got to see her smile again.
A few days before Christmas Lorelai and Rory stopped by the diner for breakfast.
Luke: hey Rory
Rory: hey Luke
Luke: haven't see you in here in a while, how have you been?
Rory: good thanks, busy with studying
Luke: yeah well that's Yale for you
Rory: yeah it is.
Lorelai: hey Luke can I use your bathroom for a moment
Luke: sure, you now where it is
Lorelai: thanks
Luke and Rory both watched as Lorelai disappeared behind the curtain.
Rory: hey Luke, have you noticed anything different about mom lately?
Luke: what do you mean?
Rory: she just hasn't been herself. She doesn't talk to me about her problems anymore. At my grandparents Christmas party she was in her old room crying. That's not her Luke, she doesn't cry for just any reason. It would have to be serious. I told her to speak to someone if she couldn't speak to me, but I don't think she did.
Luke: she spoke to me. You don't have to worry she was a little sad but she will get back to being her old self. It might take a little bit of time but everything is ok.
Rory: are you sure, you're not just telling me that
Luke: I'm sure. She's a lot better already
Rory: ok good. Thanks Luke
Lorelai: what you thanking Luke for?
Rory: uh
Luke: she asked me to cook Christmas dinner for you two; as she was scared you might want to try cooking it yourself
Rory: or worse yet, get from al's
Lorelai: hey, both of those meals would be great
Luke: if you say so
Lorelai: of course I do, but yours will be so much better. You are making it?
Luke: yes.
Lorelai: are you going to join us? We have people over most of the day and then we usually have dinner just the 2 of us. You want to come for the whole day?
Rory: yeah, it would be great to have more people there; you can only sit alone with your mother for so long
Lorelai: hey, I am witty and fun to be around
Rory: I know, just joking with you. But Luke it would be cool if you came
Luke: ok then, Christmas and the Gilmore's it will be.
Lorelai: good
Lorelai couldn't help but keep the smile off her face. The last few weeks being around Luke were great. They were closer than they had ever been before. She was starting to feel like her old self again. She couldn't wait to have 2 of her favourite people with her on her favourite holiday.
Lorelai's smile didn't go unnoticed. Both Rory and Luke were happy to see her smile. For Rory it had been a while since she had seen her mom like this and for Luke he knew she was getting better and that made him happy.
Rory: mom?
Lorelai: yeah
Rory: I was thinking
Lorelai: never a good thing
Rory: hey
Lorelai: sorry. Carry on
Rory: well I was thought that maybe this year we could invite a few more people around for Christmas, for the meal not just for drinks.
Lorelai: I don't know, who did you have in mind?
Rory: well maybe Sookie and Jackson, or what about grandma and grandpa.
Lorelai: well you had me at Sookie but lost me and my parents
Rory: but they always have us over for the 2 weeks before Christmas party and they didn't get to go to Martha's Vineyard this year cause of grandpa's work. Please can we invite them? They are family.
Lorelai: well….
Rory: obviously this will have to be ok with you too Luke, cause we cant cook for anyone, even ourselves.
Luke: I'm ok with whatever you mom decides. You're paying for the food so it doesn't matter to me.
Lorelai: I will think about it ok?
Rory: yeah, ok. so I'm headed back to the dorms for a bit, I left some stuff there that I think I might need and I don't want to be on the roads over the holidays.
Lorelai: ok, take a coffee to go and we will see you later.
Luke quickly pours her a to go cup and she leaves. He quickly returns his focus to Lorelai.
Luke: your parents for Christmas?
Lorelai: its one-day right? And Rory really wants them there
Luke: yeah, one day
Lorelai: and you will be there right
Luke: yeah but I don't see how that makes a difference
Lorelai: not only can you distract me but also if i'm desperate I can tell them something about you that they will just have to sit and question you for hours on.
Luke: you wouldn't?
Lorelai: I would, I do just about anything when it comes to my parents. Even subject my friends to them
Luke: well if you do that, I can't promise friendship afterwards
Lorelai: ok, so note to self don't discuss Luke with parents. Pick on another friend.
Luke: good
Lorelai: well I guess if I could get Sookie to come my mom will be to busy talking to her about Davey to care about me or my life.
Luke: sound like a plan
Lorelai: I better phone them now, they will already moan about the late invite.
Luke: you could go upstairs for privacy.
Lorelai: thanks
Upstairs Lorelai walked around remembering their previous rendezvous' before settling on the couch and getting her cellphone out.
Maid: hello Gilmore residence
Lorelai: hi, can I please speak to Mr or Mrs Gilmore
Maid: who may I say is speaking?
Lorelai: it's their daughter, Lorelai
Maid: hold on please….
Emily: hello
Lorelai: hello mom
Emily: Lorelai? How are you?
Lorelai: i'm good thanks mom.
Emily: what can I do for you?
Lorelai: well I was wondering if you and dad would like to join Rory and I and possibly a few others for Christmas dinner. I know it's a late invite but it would really be great if you could come.
Emily: it is a late invite
Lorelai: well Rory asked me earlier if we could invite you and dad, so that is what I am doing. I'm going to be inviting Sookie and Jackson when i'm finished on the phone with you so you aren't the last to be invited.
Emily: ok, well i'm sure we can make it. I will check with your father if you don't mind holding on for a moment.
Lorelai: sure
Lorelai could here her mom walking around the house, no doubt towards the study where her father spent most of his time. She could here them talking.
Richard: Emily I am trying to work
Emily: sorry, but I have your daughter on the phone, she would like us to join her for Christmas dinner. Would that be ok with you?
Richard: that's fine, we never get to spend time with them on Christmas. Do we have to eat before we go?
Emily: no we will eat there
Richard: what, those pop tart things they keep mentioning
Emily: no, hello Lorelai
Lorelai: yes mom?
Emily: what food will there be?
Lorelai: all the normal stuff mom, Luke's cooking so tell dad not to worry.
Emily: Richard she says Luke is cooking a proper meal
Richard: good, ok then we will go.
Emily: ok Lorelai; we would like to accept the invitation
Lorelai: good ok, it will be at my house around 5 if that ok
Emily: sounds great, see you there Lorelai.
Lorelai: bye mom
Lorelai hung up the phone. She made no attempt to move back downstairs. Instead she sat on the couch looking around Luke's apartment with a goofy grin on her face.
Christmas day came quickly and the regulars pitched up at the Gilmore's for a drink or 2 before heading back to their own homes for Christmas dinner. Luke had arrived early to set up and prepare the food for all the guests. Lorelai spent most of the morning and afternoon in the kitchen speaking to Luke instead of mingling with her guests like she would normally do; she was having too much fun watching Luke. She didn't help at all, which he was ok with. He was happy to see her back to her old self today. Though there was something that he could see was on her mind, but he wasn't going to ask. Tomorrow was another day.
At about four when all the food was cooking Luke and Lorelai went to get ready. Luke had bought a bag with a change of clothes in so he went into the bathroom while Lorelai retreated to her room. Rory had already gotten ready so she set up the eating area. Luke was finished dressing before Lorelai so he made his way over to the Rory and helped her with the remaining decorations and place settings.
Rory: thank you so much for doing this Luke
Luke: its my pleasure, I like cooking for lots of people and not just burgers, I love big more complicated meals
Lorelai: well we will have to remember that for next time
Rory: wow mom you look nice. You never where that dress
Lorelai: yeah well its not often you get to have friends and family over for Christmas. I love Christmas!
Luke: you do look beautiful
Lorelai: thanks
Luke began to blush when he realised that he had just said that. He couldn't help it though she did look amazing. She has on a tight black knee length dress, with a low-neck line and criss cross back straps. She definitely looked gorgeous. Luke forced his eyes off of her and concentrated on making napkin swans.
Lorelai: where did you learn to do that?
Luke: what?
Lorelai: the swans
Luke: oh, my moms old friend Maisy. She showed me a while ago, I thought I would try it and surprisingly I still remember.
Lorelai: will you show me?
Luke: yeah come sit here
Rory walked back into the kitchen, leaving Luke and her mom alone. She sat at the small kitchen table and watched. Her mom looked so happy, who would have thought that it would be one of stars hollows most grumpiest people that would cheer her up. Rory still wished that her mom had confided in her, but that didn't really matter anymore. As long as she was better.
At 5 o clock sharp there was a knock on the door. Rory got up to open the door as Luke was still trying to get her mom to make a swan correctly.
Emily: hello Rory
Rory: hello grandma, hello grandpa
Richard: hello Rory
Rory: come on in, mom and Luke are in the other room through there. Can I take your coats?
Emily: yes thank you
Rory took their coats and hung them on the coat stand. She then followed them through to where Luke and Lorelai were sitting in hysterics. Rory couldn't remember if she ever saw Luke laugh before, but it was a nice sight.
Emily: hello Lorelai. What's so funny?
Lorelai: hello mom, dad
Richard: hello Lorelai
Lorelai: it's nothing mom, Luke's just trying to teach me to make a napkin swan
Luke: she isn't too good. It nice to see you again Mr and Mrs Gilmore
Emily: yes well, thank you. Lorelai you shouldn't really play with people's napkins if you expect them to be used.
Lorelai: sorry mom. Well ok then. Can I get you something to drink?
Emily: a vodka martini please
Lorelai: ok, dad?
Richard: do you have whiskey?
Lorelai: yes I do
Richard: one of those then please
Lorelai: Luke?
Luke: I will get my own; I have to check on the food anyway.
Lorelai: ok, well make yourselves at home. Rory entertain the grandparents please. I will be right back
Luke and Lorelai made their way to the kitchen.
Lorelai: this is going to be a long evening
Luke: it will get better; they just don't get to see you in your home life often. It takes a bit of getting used too.
Lorelai: going Dr Phil on me now
Luke: no, just be nice to them and things will get easier.
Lorelai: well if that fails Sookie will be here in a few minutes. She will save me.
Luke: now get back out there, I will check the food and be there in a few minutes.
After dropping the drinks off there was a knock at the door. Instead of finding Sookie and Jackson, Lorelai found Kirk.
Kirk: hello Lorelai
Lorelai: what are you doing here on Christmas Kirk? Shouldn't you be at home with your mom?
Kirk: mom and I are fighting, so I was wondering if I could come here. I would normally go to Luke's but he isn't there. He is here and Sookie and Jackson are coming and there is the big fancy car for your other guest.
Lorelai: Kirk?
Kirk: Lorelai, please. I wont eat or drink anything. You wont know I'm here.
Lorelai: come in Kirk and you can eat and drink, we have plenty.
Kirk: thank you
Lorelai: don't mention it
Lorelai walks over into the lounge where everyone including Luke is sitting. Kirk followed behind her.
Rory: was that Sookie
Lorelai: no, mom dad this is Kirk, he will be joining us for dinner. Rory would you please set another place at the table.
Kirk: hello Mr and Mrs Gilmore
Emily: hello Kirk, Richard say hello
Richard: hello
Richard was to engrossed in his newspaper to really care.
Lorelai: well Kirk have a seat. Can I get you something to drink? A beer maybe?
Kirk: oh I don't drink, mommy say that I will get to naughty and she doesn't like it when I'm naughty
Lorelai couldn't help but laugh.
Lorelai: oh, I'm sorry Kirk. A soda then?
Kirk: yes please
Lorelai: I will be right back.
There was a knock on the door again and because both Rory and Lorelai were busy Luke went to answer. It was Sookie, Jackson and Davey. They all walked to the lounge and said their hellos. Once Lorelai sorted all the drinks out they agreed to start opening presents, as dinner was still 15 minutes off. Rory pulled Lorelai to the side.
Rory: we don't have anything for Kirk.
Lorelai: leave it to me. Start with Sookie and Jackson and your grandparents.
Lorelai walked past Luke and grabbed his hand. She dragged him to the kitchen
Luke: what are you doing?
Lorelai: I need your help; we don't have gifts for Kirk.
Luke: well it's his own fault for showing up without an invite
Lorelai: come on Luke, he's like a kid, you cant not give a kid a present.
Luke: ok, well what did you have in mind?
Lorelai: he loves his toast right
Luke: yeah
Lorelai: ok, so help me wrap the toaster
Luke: what?
Lorelai: any other suggestions?
Luke: no
Lorelai: ok then. Will you wrap it while I give my parents their presents?
Luke: sure
Lorelai: oh and hurry back, I want to give you your very special present.
With that Lorelai returned to the lounge and found her presents to her parents. After giving them theirs and receiving hers they sat there for a while opening them up. Next presents were swapped between Sookie, Jackson, Lorelai and Rory. Luke returned and handed the present to Lorelai. She gave it to Kirk telling him it was from everyone. He was ecstatic. While he was making a scene about how that was to lavish of a gift Lorelai pulled Luke over to where she thought they were out of sight. She was unaware that her mom was watching them the whole time.
Rory: what you staring at grandma
Emily: just wandering why your mom dragged Luke away from us to give him his present.
Rory became curious herself and watched her mom and Luke.
Luke: you have to stop dragging me around everywhere.
Lorelai: sorry but I wanted to give you your present while everyone was busy
Luke: ok?
Lorelai handed him a small thin present. Luke slowly opened it. Lorelai watched his face carefully as he took in what he was looking at. He smiled and pulled her into a hug.
Luke: thank you
Luke and Lorelai were still unaware that a now very confused Emily and Rory were still watching them.
Hey everyone. Again I am so sorry it took me long to update. I had waited for the laptop to get fixed so that I could access the chapter I had already written, but it seemed too short for the time you had to wait, so I made it a bit longer. I hoped you enjoyed it and I will try my best to stick to my promise and have the next chapter with you soon. Please review and let me know if my time away from the story made this chapter better or worse than the others. If worse suggestions are welcomed.
Thanks again.