Chapter 23: Emily and Christopher

Christopher was sitting in office staring at the wall—he should have been working, he had more than enough to do. Yet ever since he had returned from Stars Hollow–he had been able to think of little else but Rory and Lorelai. The look of hurt in his own daughter's eyes was an image that he was simply unable to get out of his mind. No matter how hard he had tried. Clearly, she had already formed a deep bond with Lorelai. She had never had a mother before–and Lorelai was easily filling that void in her life. But she had a father—she had no need of Christopher. She had made that perfectly clear that day. Yet, maybe a part of her still did need him–she had sought him out initially for a reason. A reason he probably never would know. A loud knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Come in."

He looked up in surprise at the woman he had come through the door.

"Emily Gilmore. What are you doing here?"

"I suppose you know about Rory."

Christopher nodded.

"The whole story?"

"You mean the part where you sold my daughter to the highest bidder? How could you Emily?"

"I don't expect you to understand what I did."

"Then why are you here?"

"Lorelai's life was being ruined. Instead of having a promising future ahead of her–she was going to give it all up to raise that baby. Thanks to me she was able to have a college education..."

"Thanks to you? You've got to be kidding me. Lorelai would have been happy without her education–all she ever wanted was her daughter back. Do you have any idea how many people's lives you have ruined?"

"Isn't that a bit harsh?"

"A bit harsh? You broke your own daughter's heart. Under the circumstances, I think I'm being extraordinarily friendly to you. So what are you doing here Emily?"

" I think we can help each other."

"Help each other? How?"

"You've been shut out of Lorelai and Rory's lives and so have I. I want back in and I think you do too."

"And you think teaming up with you will make Lorelai and Rory to want to see me again? Yeah, terrific plan there Emily. You've clearly put a lot of thought into this one. Rory will definitely be running into my open arms, saying how she couldn't stand me before but now that's all changed now since I'm friends with the woman that sold her at birth. I can just see it now Emily. GET OUT! I don't want to ever see you again. In fact, if you're not out of this office in five minutes, I will personally have security remove you."

Emily Gilmore glared at Christopher as she turned around and left his office. She sighed. She hadn't really expected Christopher to help her. In fact, it had become clear to her that she had no ally left in the world. No one could understand why she had done what she had done all those years ago–no one understood that she had done it all out of love–not hate. She wanted Lorelai to have a chance to reach her full potential–and she had nearly done so. It was unfortunate that she had chosen to marry some unknown English teacher–instead of a union between two upper-society families. However, Max was a far cry better than what Emily had feared Lorelai would end up with at one point in her life. Somehow she would become a part of Lorelai and Rory's life again–somehow.

Meanwhile Christopher was sitting in his office having similar thoughts–somehow he wanted to be a part of Lorelai's and Rory's lives again. And after today, he knew one thing–at least he had more of a shot than Emily Gilmore. He dialed the number that his secretary had tracked down quickly–he had long ago memorized it (especially after hanging up numerous times after starting to dial it previously).

The voice on the other end picked up almost immediately, "Lorelai Medina."

"Lor, it's Chris. Listen, please don't hang up on me. There's something you should know."

"What?"

"Emily was here today. She wanted my help to get to you and Rory."

"She wanted what?"

"I know it sounds crazy. I told her no but I don't think she's going to give up."

"Ok, thanks for letting me know."

"Lor, please don't shut me out."

"It's Heather's decision Chris. Right now it's a lot for her to take in. She doesn't want anyone to replace her father—Luke."

Christopher nodded. "I'll give it time Lor I swear. But please..."

"Ok Chris. I'll talk to her but not now. When the time is right."

"Thank you Lor–this means the world to me."

"I know Chris.