Part 4

Meet the Gilmore's

So this is Yale home of the bulldogs. I just read in USA Today that we've got ourselves a new mascot named Mugsy. I'm still kind of wondering where the ivy is being that this is the Ivy League. Maybe Mugsy ate it. Anything is possible when I'm involved. At any rate I'm early enough to get my unofficial schedule of classes. Unfortunately I'll have to wait until next week to get anything official, schedules and ID card included. But with my wile ways I have no doubt I'll be getting an in with those who will be beneficial. Now to find the newspaper because I have to admit…

As she studied the map Veronica's thoughts were interrupted by another body slamming into her. She looked up at the girl saying, "God I'm sorry. I was looking at the map…"

"It's okay. I wasn't doing any better by reading while I walk", the girl said holding a thin paperback book.

"Well since I have an unsuspecting victim. Can you tell me where I can find the newspaper?" Veronica asked smiling sweetly. Convincing! I think not.

"The newspaper? Well you're in luck I'm the editor of the Yale Daily News. I'm Rory Gilmore by the way."

"Veronica Mars."

"Hi Veronica, it's nice to meet you or bump into you. I'll to take you the office if you don't mind the company."

"The company would be great. I've been her for two days and have been lost most of it."

"Well then follow me."

They walked side by side in silence. Veronica's mind was too occupied for small talk and her companion seemed inexperienced. This is just the way she liked things. There was a kind of serenity to the campus that was beyond anything she has ever experienced. She needed the solitude and quiet to get things into some kind of perspective.

She couldn't get Wallace out of her head. Where is he? How is he surviving basic training? How long is basic training anyway? Is he going to be sent away immediately? I wish I could have talked him out going. I guess it's all selfish on my part but the truth is I need him. I feel lost without him. Was it always like this? I didn't think so. Was I this lost the last he left? I thought I like being on my own. Now I'm starting to find out that's not exactly the case.

For the second time since they met Veronica walked into Rory, "I'm sorry. I'm not usually like this. My mind is just…occupied."

"I know the feeling. I've walked into my fair share of trash cans. Anyway here we are. This is where it all happens."

Veronica walked into the office and saw what looked like a homemade structure, "uh, what the hell is that?"

"That is…that is Paris Gellar, former editor in chief. She's a bit…quirky. We're tearing it down piece by piece with her fighting every bit of it."

"Sounds interesting."

"That's one way to put it. She may take some getting use to. We've know each other since high school. I know her ways pretty well."

"Well I'm thick skinned. When you're from Neptune, California you need to be. People are ruthless."

"You're from California?"

"Yeah I drove here. How about you?"

"I'm from here. As a matter of fact I'm heading home a little later. Would you like to tag along? My mom won't mind. As a matter of fact she'll love it. Besides you don't have to be alone you first days on campus. It's pretty dismal when no one is around."

"I really don't want to intrude. I'll be okay here."

"Come on it'll be fun. I know you want to. Okay I'm going to tell you something to make you feel better. On my first day on campus I ended up calling my mom. She stayed here in the dorms with me all night. She threw a welcome to Yale party for the entire building. We rated the delivery guys it was pretty exciting. The best way to fight homesickness is to hang out with Lorelai Gilmore. Thrust me."

Veronica smiled, "okay. Fine you talked me in to it."

"Great follow me."

I can't believe I agreed to this. I'm with a total stranger driving to God knows where. This girl could be a serial axe murderer. Dainty and crazy I know the type. Hell! I AM THE TYPE! So I guess I might as well relax. I'm sure we'll both be welding axes together soon enough. Dad will be so proud. This is another truth to admit. I am lonely and Rory is right it'd be dismal back at the campus. I can't believe how much not having Wallace around is messing with my brain. When classes start my head has to be clear and in the game. I hope studying is what I need. If not this is going to be a pretty short Ivy League trip.

Rory interrupted Veronica's thoughts when they were turning into a driveway, "Well here we are Stars Hollow home of the Gilmore Girls."

"This is nice. I've been living in an apartment for the last couple of years with my Dad. Not much room to move. I love the porch."

Veronica looked up as the front door opened a pretty woman walked out to meet them. No way. This can't be a mom. She looks like Kendel.

"Hello my daughter. How was the campus my little freak? Was it still there? Paris didn't blow anything up did she?"

"Funny mom. I want you to meet someone. This is Veronica. We bumped into each other back on campus…literally", Rory said waving Veronica over.

"Hello Ms. Gilmore", Veronica stepped out from the side of the car.

Lorelai cringed, "Please call me Lorelai. Mrs. Gilmore is my mother and I'm more than happy to allow the wicked witch of the west to keep the title. I think she may even have one of those belts like the champion wrestles wear. I have to check that out. And I'm still looking for her broom…"

Veronica smiled at this then at hearing Rory yell disapprovingly at her mother, "MOM!"

"What honey I'm just being honest."

"A little too honest for a Gilmore Girls/Stars Hollow beginner don't you think? How about some small talk before we show off the town crazies."

"Honey, are you calling me crazy?"

"I would never call you crazy."

"Is that a blatant lie?"

"Uh, yes, yes it is."

Veronica stayed silent during the mother/daughter exchange. It was something she never really had with her own mother. Dad has done everything in his power to make up for mom leaving but there are time it just wasn't the same. Most days he filled the position nicely but inexplicitly there are days when mom's absence hurts as if one of my limbs or vital organs has been removed. I still can't explain it. My mom has effectively ripped heart out over and over again. She hasn't done much good most of my life but for better or for worst she is my mom.

"So daughter of mine what's the plan, Al's and a movie? It's grab bag night."

" Ooh, grab bag night…Veronica grab bag night is always exciting. In Stars Hollow that's about it", Rory said excitedly.

Veronica added playfully, "I'm up for anything you throw at me. Being scorned as the school's outcast has been a great advantage."

"Outcast huh? You'll fit in just fine here in Stars Hollow. We are nothing but outcasts. As a matter of fact I think there is a law stating all outcasts must move to Stars Hollow or at least visit", Rory told her seriously.

"I guess I'm in my element."

"That you are", Lorelai added.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's get to Al's. By the way what exactly is 'grab bag night'?" Veronica asked.

"Oh, that's a surprise", Rory told her smiling.

Veronica cringed, "surprises and I don't mix well."

"Oh Sweetie, there are a few good surprises out there."

"Uh, Mom, are you seriously implying that Al's is a good surprise?" Rory asked jokingly.

"Well Sweetie nothing has jumped out of one of those bag to eat Me for dinner. So sure it's a good surprise", Lorelai returned.

"You know this is the most trust I've ever put in anyone. This includes people I've known for years let alone someone I met an hour ago…but I'm game."

"Well your trust is well put with the Gilmore Girls."

I must be feeling desperate. Again I'm being led blind. This would disappoint dad. Then again these might be people worth knowing for a life time. Who knows about these things? After cutting a stranger off a flag pole turned out okay. I guess I'll be finding out what 'Al's grab bag night' is in due time. Dad will definitely be proud. I'm the new and improved, warm and fuzzy Veronica Mars. I'm a marshmallow.