Chapter 32: Christopher and Heather
Heather had been sitting nervously at the counter at the diner for close to an hour. She was pretending to read a book but Luke knew his daughter better than that. She had been spending most of the time on the same page and only turned the page when she caught Luke looking at her. Today was the day the Christopher was coming to Stars Hollow. Heather's real father. The truth of the matter was that Luke was just as nervous as his daughter. Although he didn't want his daughter to know it–he was scared about what would happen when Heather had the chance to get to know her real father. With Lorelai and Richard, he could just remind himself that they were filling a void in Heather's life. She didn't remember his parents–so she had never had grandparents. And she had never had a mother. He took a deep breath–it was important that he be there for Heather. He had to put his own fears aside and focus on his daughter.
"Dad, what time is it?"
"Only about two minutes later than the last time you asked."
"Oh, so he's not late yet then."
"No."
"Dad, are you sure about this... I mean..."
"Heather, I'm fine. This is up to you. I'll support any decision that you make."
Heather nodded and pretended to go back to reading her book.
Finally about ten minutes later, the door to the diner opened and Christopher came in.
"Hi Heather."
"Hi," she replied quietly–not really sure what to call him.
Chris immediately picked up on her uncomfortableness. "You can call me Chris or Christopher. I'll answer to either."
Heather nodded.
"So where do you want to go? We could stay here in Stars Hollow or..."
"How about Al's Pancake World? It's here in Stars Hollow."
"That sounds good. I've always liked pancakes."
"Actually, this month they're serving Mexican food only."
"At Al's Pancake World?" Christopher replied in surprise.
Heather nodded. "He has a rather eclectic menu that rarely includes pancakes."
Chris smiled. "So the name's a bit deceptive then?"
Heather nodded and followed Christopher out the door.
They walked mostly in silence to Al's Pancake World and sat down and ordered.
"So Heather, Lorelai tells me you enjoy school?"
Heather nodded.
"And you want to major in journalism?"
Heather nodded.
"So you write for Chilton's newspaper? I'd love to read some of your articles sometime."
"I could send some to you."
"I'd like that."
The conversation continued for a while in a mostly one-sided manner, until finally Chris turned the subject to music and movies.
Suddenly, Heather lit up and the two began to discover they had a lot in common.
Two hours later, Christopher walked Heather back to the diner. "I had a good time today."
"I did too." Heather admitted.
"Heather, I don't want to take you away from Luke. I understand that he will always be your father."
Heather nodded.
"I'd be happy if you could at least consider me a friend."
"I think that would be possible."
Christopher smiled.
Heather went inside the diner where Luke quickly pretended that he was busy at work and had not been pacing back and forth for the past hour like her really had been.
"How was it?" he asked.
"It went ok." Heather replied.
Heather knew that this afternoon had been really hard on her father, so she walked over and gave him a big hug. "I love you Dad."
"I love you too kid." He replied.