(Luke's diner)
"You're going where?" Lorelai asked as she quickly set down her coffee cup.
"To a church revival." Rory repeated. Lorelai's mouth gaped. "What?" Rory asked. "It's not like I've never been to church before."
"You've been to church one time, when you were eight." Lorelai replied. "You said it was boring and pointless."
"So, don't you think it's time I should give it another try?"
"I think it's time you tell me what this is all about." Lorelai suggested.
"Mom, it's just a revival." Rory smiled.
Lorelai, let the argument slip away. "So, how many nights does this thing last?"
"Three."
"Three!" Lorelai gasped. "What am I supposed to do for those three nights?"
Rory glanced over her shoulder at Luke. "I can think of someone who'd love to take my place."
Lorelai's eyes drifted to Luke. "Oh, yeah." Lorelai smiled. "I have a boyfriend. Ha, you won't be missed at all." Lorelai lifted her eyebrows.
"My feelings were almost hurt by that." Rory replied. "Anyway, the revival starts tonight, so I'd better get going. I told Sheena I would come by the church early and help them set up."
Rory exited the diner, and Lorelai stared at Luke. Luke realized Lorelai was sitting alone, so he walked over.
"Hey."
"Hey." Lorelai repeated. "What do you have planned the next three nights?"
"Well, there's a football game on Sunday night that I planned on watching."
Lorelai sighed. "Want some company?"
"Since when do you like football?" Luke asked, trying keep from laughing.
"Since Rory decided she was going to a revival the next three nights."
"She's going where?" Luke asked in disbelief.
"Funny, that's the same reaction I had." Lorelai said placing her hand under her chin. "She's not been herself recently."
"Did you find anything out about the boy she's talking to?" Luke asked. He grabbed a chair and sit down, since the conversation was suddenly becoming more interesting.
"She's not talking to a boy." Lorelai answered. "She's talking to a girl." Luke's face turned pale. "No, not like that!" Lorelai scoffed. "Geeze!"
"Well, the way you said…" Luke defended.
"I know what I said." Lorelai interrupted. "This new girl at Stars Hollow High, her name is Sheena, she's invited Rory to a church revival."
"Wow, I don't remember Rory ever going to church." Luke remarked.
"She's only been once, her entire life. All she's talked about all week long is how great Sheena is, how cool Sheena is, how sweet Sheena is. Ugh, it's sickening."
Luke shrugged his shoulders. "So, she's found a new friend."
"She's more than just a new friend, Luke. She makes Rory act different."
"Well, try not to worry about it too much, and avoid saying anything to Rory for now. In time, Rory will figure out if it's for the best or not if they stay friends." Luke stood from his seat. "I have to get back to the kitchen. I'll come over later this evening." Luke bent down and kissed Lorelai gently on the cheek.
(Stars Hollow Methodist Church)
"Sheena, babe, you need to fold all the napkins on the tables." The heavy set woman replied.
"I already did."
"Well, refold them; they look very sloppy. This is an important event, and everything must look neat and clean." The woman scolded.
"Yes, Sheila." Sheena sighed as she refolded the napkins.
The door of the church opened and Rory walked in. She gazed around at all the beautiful decorations. She spotted Sheena going from table to table and folding the napkins.
Rory walked over to her. "Hey." Rory greeted. "Sorry I'm late."
"It's cool." Sheena answered. "Come on, you have to meet my aunt." Sheena grabbed Rory's hand and led her over to the other side of the fellowship hall.
"Sheila, this is Rory." Sheena said as she glanced back at her friend.
"Hey!" Sheila smiled.
Rory noticed the woman was wearing extensive make up. So much in fact, a picture of a clown came to Rory's mind. She was also covered in bogus oversized jewelry, which Rory found to be very tacky.
"Sheena Lou has told me so much about you!" Sheila leaned forward and embraced Rory. Rory stiffened her body; she wasn't prepared for that type of a greeting.
When Sheila pulled away, she put her arm around Sheena. "You'll have to introduce Rory to Tom, I would, but I have to finish up a few things. It's nearly 6:30, and I don't have the song hand outs ready." Sheila briskly walked away leaving the two girls standing.
Rory wasn't sure what to expect now. Sheila was quite the character. Sheena walked over to a tall, skinny man with white hair and glasses.
"Tom, I want you to meet somebody." Sheena announced.
Tom turned his attention to the girls and walked over. "Hello." Tom smiled. "You must be Rory."
Rory was expecting a hug, but instead received a handshake.
"Nice to meet you." Rory replied.
"Glad you could make it." Tom said.
"Tom!" A loud voice called. "Tom, I need you!"
"Coming, dear!" Tom replied. "See you girls later."
Rory couldn't believe what a difference there was between the couple. They weren't what she was expecting at all, but then again Rory had always told herself not to judge people too quickly.
Lane and Eric appeared in the doorway, and caught Rory's attention. She rushed over to them.
"Hey." Rory smiled, realizing how glad she was to see them.
"Hey, Rory." Eric greeted. "We weren't sure if this was the right place or not."
"Yeah, there's like four cars parked outside." Lane added.
"Seems to be a small congregation." Rory concluded.
"I guess they really need this revival." Lane replied, giggling.
Sheena noticed Rory was with Eric and Lane, so she walked over to them. "Guys, church is about to start."
Eric, Lane, and Rory followed Sheena from the fellowship hall into the church. Sheila and Tom were already sitting in the third row. Sheena walked over beside Sheila and sat down.
"She sits with her aunt and uncle?" Eric whispered into Lane's ear. "Weird."
"Should we sit there too?" Rory asked.
"Come on, sweethearts." Sheila called as she motioned her hand for them.
Rory, Lane, and Eric gently crept into the pew. Halfway through the service, Rory glanced over to her side and realized Sheena was holding Sheila's hand. At first she found it strange, but then later concluded that it was a rather affectionate gesture of love between the two.
Rory didn't understand most of what the preacher was talking about, but she did enjoy the singing and the atmosphere. She felt safe and light. It was an entire new feeling to her. By the end of service, Rory, Lane, and Eric were all starving and ready to eat the dinner that had been prepared in the fellowship hall.