Look who's talking
"Is it silly I thought they would put me in a hospital gown? I even put on my newly bought underwear for this. Now I realized it is not going to be seen, because the doctor will only lift my shirt a bit for the ultrasound," Rory walked around the examination room and sat on the bed, rambling.
"You missed the chance to go commando today, sister."
"I'd pass it anyway. My 'no underwear' days are over. That's a life experience I don't need to repeat," Rory shook her head, pushing the idea away.
It was a bit of a shock when no witty response came from Lorelai. The underwear issue has been an endless inspiration for her jokes and anecdotes. But apparently it wasn't a hot topic today.
The unusual quiet reaction drew Rory's attention to her mother, who seemed a little unease in the pale light of the room. Lorelai, always so confident, appeared to be almost as nervous as Rory. Something difficult to believe since she had been in this situation before.
"What's up with you? I know I am nervous because all this is new for me. But not for you... Though it's been a while, I don't think the ultrasound exam or prenatal care changed that much."
"Well, this is my first time in grandmother's shoes."
"Ow..." Rory observed her mother pacing in the small space.
"What if this unleashes a secret Emily Gilmore side of me, hidden somewhere deep inside? Like Dr. Jekyll turning into Mr. Hyde. I may just unconsciously become my mother. That's the most terrifying plot twist ever," Lorelai opened up.
"If it's any consolation Mr. Hyde only surfaces after Dr. Jekyll takes a mysterious serum. So, I think you can prevent the transformation if you stay away from suspicious liquids."
"My God! You are really my daughter. Exhausting just like me," Lorelai whined.
"Hey," Rory continued the mission to put her mother out of misery. "It's true we had our quarrels and fallouts over the years, but we always figure things out. No doubt we have enough training for this. I believe we are more than ready for the next chapter, granny."
A sheepish smile worked its way across Lorelai's face. Her tension was slowly fading away. "My nervous breakdown felt just like a cheesy Glee episode, huh? You should burst into a song now. The doctor and the assistant will immediately appear to join you."
"I wonder which song Ryan Murphy would write in our script?" Rory encouraged.
"Let's see... A modern cover of Love Lift Us Up Where We Belong..."
"Pass!"
"... Or a mother and daughter duet to Ain't no Mountain High Enough."
"Only if I get to be Marvin Gaye. And there's no dancing involved."
"Deal!" Lorelai nodded, her expression more relaxed. "And congratulations for the excellent pep talk."
"Well, I've been practicing."
"It paid off. You should include this in your résumé."
Rory studied her mother once more. After she was sure Lorelai calmed down, the girl carried on. "Since we are sharing and we are trapped here waiting for the doctor... Can I ask something?"
"Is it about that slice of cheesecake on the fridge?" A guilty Lorelai spoke almost in a whisper, looking at her feet.
"No..."
"Then, hit me!" Her mother clicked her tongue.
"Wait... Did you eat the cheesecake of a pregnant lady?"
"We already passed that subject... Moving on to next question"
"Okay," Rory chuckled and then proceeded cautiously. "I was thinking... Have you ever considered it would be easier for you if you didn't run away when I was born? I don't believe grandma and grandpa would really force you to marry dad at 16... And if you had stayed, you could have finished school and gone to college. Because there would've been people to help take care of a newborn baby. So..."
"... Why didn't I, huh?" Lorelai cut in. "I know it wasn't the best time to rock and roll and rebel against the man. And believe me, despite all the fighting, I love my parents... But growing up in that mansion, in that world, wasn't easy, Rory. I never got to be just a kid, never had silly birthday parties or invited girlfriends for sleepovers... I used to feel everything was about pomp and circumstance. Money. Frivolous social conventions. Pleasing obnoxious people only because of status. Most of it was... suffocating. That's why I still have such a hard time remembering the good parts - resulting in the fiasco of my speech in dad's funeral last year. Bottom line, I didn't want the same for you. I had to give you a chance to experience a life different from mine. I'm not saying I thought of the entire logistics when I left, but I don't regret it. As a bonus, I kind of lived a bit of childhood through you."
"Here I was thinking I understood you so well because I got tired of them controlling me during the six months I lived there."
"I'm not denying it was part of the equation, but, I believe, they were controlling because they wanted so bad to shape me for that world. See where I'm going?"
"Yeah... Without all the social pressure, probably they would be open to different possibilities for your life."
"Ding ding ding! We have a winner, ladies and gentlemen," Lorelai joshed. "Even after I was older, it didn't matter how I managed to build a nice life on my own and raise you. They just couldn't accept something different from their social expectations. I admit I'm pretty stubborn and impossible sometimes, but much of the drama in the past happened because they kept trying to mold me for a world I was never interested in. Or when they tried to push you into a path you were not sure about, only because it was suitable for high-society standards. Of course, when I asked money to pay for Chilton, I knew there would be some sort of clash of the clans. An epic battle between our modest Stars Hollow lifestyle and the luxury Gilmore madness. But at least you'd have perspective to make choices. I just never imagine you'd be so bewitched by the world I fought to get away."
Without knowing, Lorelai touched on the matter Rory has been trying to avoid. There was no harsh judgement in her mother's voice, just plain honesty. Something good to know. Even so, the girl was not ready to have that conversation yet.
"Can I ask another question?"
"Sure, David Letterman. I just wish I've picked a better outfit to be a guest in your talk show."
"Ha ha," Rory forced a fake laugh, before moving to the real question. "Why did you change your decision about the book? When I first told you about the idea you were 100% against it. I remember because you looked at me the same way you look at grandma. Then we talked again, I gave you veto power, you didn't even read a single page and you just said 'yes'"
"Good question. Now I feel like in a true talk show," Lorelai grinned and tapped Rory's arm.
"I may be unemployed, but I did graduate from Yale."
"Well, since we are on this talk show, I can't lie to you saying I was really mad before and cooled off after going Wild. The truth is I did look at you as you were Emily Gilmore. Because, in some way, you were acting like her." Lorelai stared at Rory and raised her eyebrows. "You announced the book. Like it was your superior right to have it. It was all about you. I had no saying in it. Exactly how my mother does sometimes. Thus, the look. My answer only changed because you were different the second time. You realized it was my story too."
The doctor finally entered the examination room, silencing mother and daughter for a moment. A woman, same age as Rory, apologized for the waiting and explained she got caught up in an emergency phone call from a patient with contractions. She assured Rory would have an equal VIP hotline in case of any questions during the pregnancy. It was enough to win the trust of both Gilmore girls.
After checking Rory's weight evolution, vital signs and blood pressure, the doctor asked a few follow up questions and required some routine tests to guarantee everything was in order with the mother and the baby.
The procedure took only 15 minutes, but Rory felt it was an eternity. She was eager for the ultrasound and the first impression of the little fellow now connected to her life. It was a relief when the doctor finally asked her to lie down and pulled up her shirt to start the exam.
As expected, looking at the monitor to identify a baby at this point was like finding shapes in clouds. A game Rory and Lorelai started to play for the amusement of the doctor. They only shut up when the woman in white coat pointed to a spot on the screen. The image resembled more a bean than a baby - what resulted in it being temporarily and lovely named Bennie until it was time to confirm the sex.
"Any doubts?" The doctor asked, bringing up a milion of responsibilities to Rory's mind.
I'm going to take care of another person's life in six months. I need to find a job. I need money. I can't wait until I finish the book. It may not sell. I'm already living rent free. I can't just let mom and Luke pay my expenses. All these thoughts rushing inside the young Gilmore's head.
Rory was still absorbed by the tiny little form on the monitor when the doctor turned up the sound and a quick heartbeat took over the room. The two chatty ladies now were holding their breaths to enjoy the moment.
"I think I need to stop calling you kid, right?" Lorelai whispered to Rory and beamed, trying to not disturb the first interaction with the new member of the Gilmore family.
A/N: I've been absent. I know. But I can explain. I wasn't going to write a chapter about the ultrasound because I thought it was too cliche. Then, I wrote a completely different chapter (totally ready for next week) and I didn't publish it because I thought the ultrasound deserved to be in the story. I just wanted the right inspiration for it. So, after rewatching a few scenes of the original show, the idea started to form in my mind.
Some of you will notice I'm giving a strong take in the social class conflicts of Gilmore Girls. Why? Because I believe there is a major plot since the beggining of the show about entitlement and privilege. It is subtly builded-up and, in my opinion, it is impossible to understand the revival without this in mind. (The reason why I loved it)
If you like this chapter, please review. If you don't agree, review it too. Maybe your point of view helps me shaping the rest of the story I have on my mind.