Disclaimer: Here's a list of things I don't own: Gilmore Girls and its characters, Chicago and its characters, The Wizard of Oz and its characters and Grease and its characters. I'm just using some pieces of them for the good of my story which is the only thing I do own.
AN: I thought it'd be a good idea if I had a disclaimer for this chapter since I'm talking about all those movies and stuff, and using lines and songs and things. Anyway, with that being said all that is left for me to do is to thank all of you for the reviews and apologize for the time it took me to update. I had this chapter ready for some time now, but I had some trouble with my internet connection (I didn't have any) so I couldn't post this before. But you know what they say: better late than never! So here it goes, chapter 11! Hope you like it and please review!
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Chapter 11: And the Oscar goes to...
If anyone had ever said to Rory that one day she'd be standing on a stage in front of a couple hundred virtual strangers performing a scene from one of her favorite musicals she would have called that person a mental case. But, since not everything always turns out the way we plan it, there she was, backstage, waiting for their turn to act out their scene. Their chances of winning had just gone up one point, since the group that was supposed to re-enact Gigi had forfeited because they couldn't finish their wardrobe in time. At this moment group number three was performing their scene. Rory could not believe the exactness of that set, the plants, the house, the outfits, everything was right to every last detail. The set people really did an amazing job for this group.
"That's perfect, Finn," Rory commented in a half whisper. Finn was standing next to her watching as well.
"They're not gonna win."
"How can you say that? They're doing a great job!"
"They forgot Toto," he answered. Rory looked around and realized there was indeed no dog there, not that she thought that would be a problem. They even got extra people to play the rest of the Munchkins and had Dorothy in enormous heels so that the little guys would actually look little.
"Oh, come on, they can't lose just because of that!"
"Well that, my dear, is what makes a winner. Detail."
"He's right, Rory," Logan said as he approached his friends. "That's why we made such a big deal about the wigs and shoes and clothes and everything. The jury pays attention to every little thing and it's the attentiveness to detail that counts the most. And forgetting the dog, they're definitely going to be third place. The race is between us and Chicago."
Logan's comment frightened Rory. What if she did something different than in the movie? What if the group lost because she made a small mistake, like step on the cigarette with the wrong foot? Finn noticed her nervous frown and tried to calm her down.
"Love, you've done an amazing job during rehearsals. I yelled at you and pushed you because I knew you could do better and I was right. You're the perfect Sandy, no one could do her like you." He paused and considered his last remark. "Ok, now that sounded wrong, but you know what I mean, right?" he said while Rory just smiled at his joke. "Look, forget about the prize, ok? While you're up there doing your thing, try to have fun. Try to picture yourself in your dorm during one of our rehearsals. We had fun then didn't we?" he said and Rory just nodded in the affirmative. "So, imagine yourself there, forget about the audience, forget about the jury, forget about the prize and just focus on what you're doing and have fun. You'll see it's not that difficult to do. And if you do mess it up, I promise I'll be angry at you for just one month, ok?" Finn managed to get a laugh out of Rory and eased her nerves.
Everybody moved to the next set, it was time to watch Stephanie's group perform the Jailhouse Tango. It was a simple set, dark. There was a table and a doll sitting on a chair that was supposed to be Roxie watching the other prisoners sing their crimes. A spot illuminated that table and three others illuminated the rail in the back. Rory noticed a few mirrors placed along the stage at specific points and questioned Finn about it but he didn't know what that was about either, he was sure that that wasn't in the movie though. The song started and they saw that there were only the three girls but the mirrors behind the rail made the audience believe there were six of them.
"Where are the guys in the scene?" Rory asked more to herself but then she saw Colin dressed in black when the spotlight focused on him. The rail in the back opened and out came Steph in a long black wig singing the "pop" part of the song while Colin played Earnie, the guy she killed. Rory was amazed at her friend's vocal powers and even more so by her dancing skills. Not everyone can learn the Tango in just 45 days. She was going to comment that that act would be a tough one to beat when she saw Finn's confident smile.
"We've got the prize in our bags, my dear," he said to her.
"How can you say that? Look at them! They are perfect! Wardrobe, choreography, hair, make-up, everything! And the mirror play was a great idea," she affirmed.
"I agree, but that's exactly what's going to make them lose points. You see, the guys are not participating in the scene, they're like extras."
"What do you mean? Look! There! David's dancing with Jessica now! He's participating."
"He's not singing! And don't forget, the last part of the scene is just the girls. God, Stephanie should have known better."
"Well, I still think that's gonna be tough to beat and you shouldn't be acting like the winner now."
"And you shouldn't be pessimistic."
"I'm not pessimistic, I'm realistic. And the reality is Stephanie's group is doing a great job and they have as good chances of winning as we do."
"Think what you want, as long as it doesn't interfere on your performance," Finn finished and walked away to finish getting ready for their scene.
They finally moved to the last set, the Carnival from Grease. The scene started with Logan, Robert and Nathan talking, then Finn came along dressed in the school's leather jacket and they teased him about him becoming a jock.
"Oh, come on, you know you mean a lot to me, but Sandy does too. I'm gonna do anything I can do to get her." Finn said Danny's line with a perfect accent.
That was Rory's cue. She took a deep breath before she walked in dressed in black, blond wig, red shoes, lots of make-up and with a cigarette in her mouth. Wouldn't her mother be so proud of her at this moment, she thought to herself. But there she was, walking the sexy walk while all the guys in the audience cheered her. The song in the background started playing, that was Finn's cue.
"Sandy!"
"Tell me about it, stud." Rory said her line gracefully, not even a smile on her face; she was the character. Even she was surprised at how well she said her line. During rehearsals all she could do was laugh, but now there was a prize involved, a prize which they had a very good chance of winning.
Rory and Finn started to perform their song. He was very comfortable and there was absolutely no weirdness between them, it was like they had forgotten for the few minutes they sang and danced together about their own issues and focused only on the assignment. Also the cheering from the audience only made them want to give their best. By the end of the song Rory was having so much fun she thought that maybe if journalism didn't work that could be her fall back career. Or maybe not. Nevertheless their performance pleased the crowd and some were saying that they were the winners no doubt about it.
The three groups had all done their job well, but it was up to the judges to decide who would win the much wanted prize. Everybody then moved to another area where there was only a table with the three jury members up on a little raised platform, everything seemed very professional, Rory thought to herself.
"First, we'd like to congratulate all of the performing groups for their exceptional work this year and for the set people for their creativity and hard work. We know it's not easy to put together such a show in only 45 days, but you all managed and you deserve congratulations," Mick, one of the members of the jury started.
"Most of you already know how the awarding system works, but for the first timers, here's how we evaluate your work," Larry, another member started to explain. "The most important thing is accuracy. We pay attention to detail, you had to do just what the actors in the movies did. Second most important is creativity and how you manage to solve problems such as take changes or shortage of people. This year, for example, we had a very interesting solution: mirrors. And third thing your acting skills. Does it seem forced? Are they nervous? Do they have chemistry? These are just a few of the questions we ask ourselves. This year we had a very nice couple and it seemed all very natural for them to be up there singing and dancing to each other."
Rory and Finn exchanged looks and smiled at each other, they knew they were talking about them. All the lessons and yelling were apparently paying off.
"Now, enough with the talking, let's get to what you guys really want to know: who's gonna take home the big prize!" Thomas, the last member announced. "In third place comes... The Wizard of Oz!" Everybody clapped but the group looked disappointed. "You guys are going on a four-day trip to Las Vegas!" They didn't look so disappointed then.
"Now, second place. Though this group did a very good job, specially regarding the choreography and setting, we can't overlook the fact that not every member of the team had an important role in it. So, in second place comes: Chicago! Great job guys!"
Stephanie looked very disappointed but she was also kind of expecting it. Early during rehearsals she tried to teach the three guys the Tango and the whole choreography of the scene, but it seemed too hard for them. She ended up giving up and had them play the victims instead of the murderers, knowing that that could mean the end of her hopes of winning the big prize.
"You guys are taking home two invitations each to watch the Grammy Award Show next February! Congratulations!"
"Oh, my God, that is so cool! I want that! I wanna watch the Grammys! My mom would so freak if I told her one of the prizes was going to the Grammys!" Rory said excited, but Finn shushed her, apparently she hadn't noticed yet that they had won.
"Now, first place is no surprise, seeing that we had only three of the four groups presenting tonight. So, first place: Grease! And you six are all going on a two-week vacation, including New Year's, to..." Thomas wanted a little suspense and everybody was silent waiting to hear the destination of their trip. "Rio de Janeiro, Brazil! It's paradise with girls in tiny bikinis!"
Rory was in shock. She used to have posters of Brazil in her room, she always wanted to visit the country for their vast culture and beautiful places. Now she was going for two weeks and she was going to be there for one of the most famous New Year's Eve parties in the world: the Copacabana Beach fireworks.
"So, was it worth it?" Finn finally asked her.
"No doubt about it," she answered and they hugged.
There was a party after the game, but Rory could think only about going home and telling her mother all about it.
"Mom! I'm home! Where are you? I've got news!" she yelled as soon as she walked into the house.
"I'm coming, I'm coming! Keep your panties on!" Lorelai yelled back as she ran down the stairs. "What's the news? Oh, let me guess! You... got a tattoo!"
"Mom! No!"
"You... are transferring to Harvard!"
"Why would I transfer to Harvard? I'm fine where I am."
"Ok, let me think then... You... kissed Finn!"
"What? No! Where did you get an idea like that?"
"Oh, come on, people talk."
"What people? Talk about what?"
"Some of our very beloved neighbors listened to your friend's rather direct love confession at Luke's."
"Oh, right," Rory said blushing a little.
"You're blushing! You like him," Lorelai teased her daughter singing. "What happened to our dear Jess?"
"Nothing happened with Jess. We're just friends, that's all."
"So you still talk?"
"Yes, we still talk. We just haven't talked much these days since I've been so busy with The Life and Death Brigade Game," Rory said stressing the last words to try to get her mother's attention back to the news she wanted to tell. "Guess where I'm going to spend New Year's Eve?"
"Oh, that's easy. With your mommy and your soon-to-be stepdaddy in the lovely town of Stars Hollow and watch Taylor's balloon popping ceremony. Cause we all know the dangers of fireworks," Lorelai said and continued, "and if the answer is not that, mommy will not be pleased."
"Then I'm sorry, but you're about to be not pleased."
"What! Rory! How can you not spend New Year's with me!"
"Sorry, but I'll be enjoying my LDB prize."
"Your LD- oh! The game! Wait, you won!"
"Uh-hu!" Rory nodded her head.
"Oh my God, tell me all about it!"
"It was amazing! I mean, I didn't think we could win, everybody did such a great job, but then the Wizard of Oz group forgot Toto."
"How can you forget Toto?"
"I know, right? Anyway, the race was then between us and Chicago. Mom, you should've seen Stephanie dancing Tango! It was so beautiful! And she's got a great voice, she should be a singer. She could be like, I don't know, the next Shakira."
"Oh, honey, you shouldn't wish this to your friend, that's just mean."
"I guess you're right. But they made the mistake of hiding the guys and have them be extras instead of having major roles."
"Very serious mistake."
"It is at this game. So anyhow, we performed and we did it perfectly, I was so comfortable I could not believe it. Finn talked to me before we went on and he made me a little more relaxed."
"Relaxed, huh?"
"Yeah! And we won! We won the big prize!"
"Which was? You haven't told me yet!"
"I know. Well, we all got prizes, but ours was definitely the best one."
"You all got prizes? How many groups were there?"
"Participating? Only three. The third place got a four-day trip to Vegas."
"That's pretty cool. What about second?"
"This one you're gonna love: two invitations to the Grammys!"
"No?"
"Yes!"
"No?"
"Yes!"
"No?"
"Mom, I've said yes, let's move on."
"Why didn't you win this one?"
"Because I won something better. The six of us are going on a two-week trip, including New Year's Eve, all expenses paid, to... Rio de Janeiro!"
Lorelai opened her mouth but no sound came out for about 30 seconds. Rory was ready to jump and celebrate but her mother's reaction made her sit on the couch. Lorelai soon sat down too. After a minute she stood up. "Wait! You're going to Brazil?"
"Yeah!" Rory said with a big smile and stood up.
"Rory! Brazil! Land of coffee!"
"I know!" she answered and they started jumping up and down, holding hands.
"Oh, this is great! Oh, oh! We gotta go bikini shopping!"
"Mom! Where are we gonna find bikinis? It's the middle of winter!"
"We'll find it. We'll go to New York, we'll go to that street, what's the name, Little Brazil, I don't know, I'm sure they've got bikinis there."
"I don't think we'll have time. I mean, I've got exams in two weeks and then comes Christmas and we're leaving on the 28th."
"We'll make time. Or do you wanna seduce Finn in those mini-bikinis they sell in Rio?"
"Mom!"
"Cause you like him, yes you do, you like him," Lorelai continued singing and teasing Rory while Rory just rolled her eyes.
"Who pays for all this?" Lorelai asked when she was tired of making fun of her daughter.
"Well, we get some very generous donations from former members of the Brigade."
"How very convenient, huh? Guess you better start saving money now, maybe in 2020 the big prize will be a trip to Mars or something."
Again Rory just rolled her eyes.
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"So, Rio, huh?" Jess commented as he and Rory walked down a street in New Haven.
"Yeah, Rio. Can you believe that while you guys freeze your butts here I'm gonna be hanging at the beach getting a tan?"
"Wow."
"What?" she asked at his surprise.
"Wow, I never thought I'd ever hear you saying this sentence. Visiting all the historical places in Rio I could imagine. Hanging at the beach getting a tan? Never."
"Shut up," she said shoving him.
"I'm serious! I'm trying but I just cannot picture you laying on the sand in a bikini."
"Well, why not?"
"Have you ever been to the beach? Like really been to the beach?"
She thought for a while. "I went to Florida my first Spring Break at Yale."
"Oh, did you? And how did you like it?"
She thought for another while. "Well, to be completely honest the sand kind of bugged me a little. Can you believe it gets everywhere, like really everywhere. I was washing off sand from my bathing suit for like a whole week."
Jess laughed. "You're gonna enjoy Rio so much, Ror. Just imagine New Year's Eve at the beach! Fun! Fun! Fun!"
"But that'll be different, it'll be a celebration."
"The sand will still be there."
"Damn it," she answered and they kept walking.
"I'm just teasing you, I'm sure you'll love it. And there are a lot of things to do there. Make sure you go to Santa Teresa, it's this great little neighborhood and you can tour it in a streetcar and it's got all this old houses and great inns and restaurants, I'm sure you'll love it."
"Santa Teresa, got it."
"And Historic Downtown too. The Municipal Theater is kind of a version of the Opera house in Paris, you saw that one right? You're gonna see the Brazilian version and it's just as beautiful."
"Historic Downtown, Municipal Theater... how do you know about all this?"
"I googled Rio when I found out you were going. You know, in case you didn't have time to do it yourself with all your exams and Australian guys in your life now."
"Well thank you, Jess. And by the way, I know one Australian and his name's Finn please."
Jess made a face. "Sorry, Finn. So, uh, how's it gonna work in Rio? Where you gonna stay?"
"At the Copacabana Palace. See, it'll be great cause we won't have to leave the hotel to see the fireworks, we can just step out to the balcony."
"But then you won't get champagne spilled on you at midnight."
"Oh, yeah, that, I guess I'll have to go to the beach after all," she joked.
"I guess so."
"Ok, so the talk's nice but I really have to get back to campus. But first, here is your belated Christmas present. Sorry I couldn't give it to you sooner"
"Oh! That's ok. Thanks," he said taking the package. "The Alchemist? What is this?"
"It's Paulo Coelho, this really cool Brazilian writer, I'm sure you'll love it. He's like one of the most successful authors there and he's got his works translated in like 20 languages or something. I've read it, it's pretty cool."
"Well, thanks then. You're very into Brazil right now."
"I have to know what it's all about, right?" she said. They then said their good-byes and Rory went back to her dorm to finish packing since she was leaving in just two days.
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"Just one more thing before you go," Lorelai said over the phone.
"Mom, the guys will be getting here any minute now. Brevity's in order here."
"I'll be brief. I just wanted to remind you of my gift."
"What gift?"
"My souvenir! Oh, you've forgotten!"
"Did I promise to bring you something?'
"Rory! Where are you going?"
"Rio."
"And where's that?"
"Brazil."
"Which is..."
"In South America?"
"The land of coffee! We've been over this!"
"Ok, right, right, sorry. I'll bring you 20 packs of Brazilian coffee, or whatever fits into my bag."
"Thank you! I love you! Have fun!"
"I will! Happy New Year mom!"
"Happy New Year, Rory! Bye!"
As soon as Rory hang up a honk outside announced she had to go.
"Vamonos muchacha! We've got playas and fiestas waiting for nosotros," Robert said as she got into the car.
"That's Spanish, Robert," Rory pointed out.
"I know, I thought it'd come in handy."
"They speak Portuguese in Brazil."
"Damn it," was Robert's only response.
"Well, no matter what the language is, we're gonna have an amazing time. Ready for it, Ace?"
"Sure am," Rory answered and the driver started their way to the airport.
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AN2: So, did you guys like the prizes? I was going to work one day and I looked around and realized Rio is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and one of the most famous, so what's better than having Rory finally giving in to Finn's charm at the Corcovado? Or will she? You'll have to wait and see. If you want to know more about Rio, you can do like Jess and google it, you'll find tons of things about it. Or ask me! Anyway, what I'd really like was if you guys reviewed this chapter! Thanks a lot!
