Disclaimer: See Chapter 1,2,&3. I'm getting bored of writing this... (yawn)...

Chapter 4

---Four weeks Later---

It was the fastest things had ever changed in Stars Hollow. At least in Rory's opinion. The small town usually buzzed about the new special in Luke's diner. You know – the one that's been the same for the last three years, and fifteen years before that. Now, though, the town buzzed with murmurings of Luke's 12 year old daughter, the post-ponement of Luke and Lorelai's wedding, and the announcement of Zach and Lane's engagement.

Rory was truly happy for her best friend. Lane and Zach were perfect for each other. Both musicians with the knowledge of the entire music industry at their fingertips. Rory was surprised there existed another person to challenge Lane's musical knowledge. She was surprised the two hadn't loved each other from the start.

"It'll be in the fall or winter," Lane explained when Rory asked about the wedding. "Hep Alien's got a performance for this record label, and Zach and I don't want anything to get in the way after the band just got back together."

"I bet your mom's really proud, huh? I hear she's on board with this whole music thing," Rory said.

Lane shrugged. "She was okay with the whole band thing, and then she got over the fact that I'm not dating a Korean, but I thought she'd have a stroke when I told her I was engaged to Zach. I think she's coming around though. She doesn't want to push her only daughter away, I guess."

"Sounds like Lorelai got to her again."

"Really. So, how's school going?"

"I've had to work my butt off twice as hard to catch myself up a semester."

"You do look a little pale, Rory," Lane noted.

"I think I caught some sort of bug or something. I've had double and triple workloads with my classes and the paper, driving back and forth from here to Hartford every morning," Rory sighed. "I'm beginning to rethink not moving back in with my grandparents."

Lane patted Rory on the shoulder.

"I had to beg Paris to come back to the paper, and make her co-editor. I think there's going to be another mutiny," Rory said darkly. "I lost three photographers due to her wrath. And one of my reporters is being held for ransom, I think."

"Sounds like fun," Lane joked.

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"Rory?" Lorelai made her way through the boxes that had taken up board in her entryway. As much as she hated the tight space, it felt good to have her daughter home. Then again, the whole retching in the toilet thing was getting to Lorelai. She was worried whether or not Rory was taking on too much, and making herself sick. "Hey kiddo, how're you feeling?"

Rory sat back on her heels and flushed the toilet. "I'm fine, Mom," she said, more for herself than for her mother. She picked herself up and straightened her shirt.

"Hun, you've been sick for weeks. Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes," Rory nodded, walking past her mom and grabbing her purse from her doorknob. "I have some things to do in Hartford. I'll call you later and maybe we can order a pizza and watch a movie? I know it's not Friday, but I really need…"

"Whatever you want, hun. Luke promised to hang out with April tonight, anyway," Lorelai said. She followed Rory to the front door.

"Are you sure you're okay with the whole April thing?" Rory asked, turning around. "I mean, it's okay if you're not. Luke did hide it from you, and…"

"And it was hidden from him for 12 years," Lorelai sighed. She forced a tired smile. "I've talked with April. She's a smart girl… so much like you. Really, I'm fine with it. I just don't want to push Luke into a life-altering decision when he's already having to deal with this one. Really."

Rory reached out and hugged her mom. "I'll call you later," she said again, before walking out the door.

AN: I have the next chapter written up already, I'm just tweaking it, and I won't be able to post it until tomorrow afternoon. My whole plan of writing the story and then posting it isn't working, because I'm excited with the good, positive reviews I'm getting. I'd like to hear from more of you though! So please Read&Review!