A Christmas Carol – Part One
Even if the books explained that morning sickness usually fades by the end of the first trimester, Rory was one more time on the bathroom floor, leaning over the toilet seat and feeling the entire strength of her body dried out. It was never how she would picture a lovely Christmas Eve. But the arrival of the festivities was all over the kitchen, where Luke and Sookie were preparing a feast for tonight, bickering at each other every step of the recipes.
Lorelai was entertained by the live performance of Hell's Kitchen until the moment Rory rushed to the bathroom. That was enough to make her drop the Gordon Ramsay's impression, put down her cup of coffee and reach the fridge for a lemon - because some magazine said it could ease the nausea, although it was not scientifically proven yet.
Rory was already on the bathroom floor when Lorelai got to the doorway. She froze for a moment at the image. Before pregnancy, the only time she saw her daughter in this position was ages ago. An adventure fueled with many cups of Miss Patty's non-FDA-approved Founder's Day punch that ended up with Rory puking her guts out and crying because of the man who is now the father of her baby. It was hard to shake off that scene of a mother's brain, especially when Lorelai often thought of that day as a turning point to a series of decisions sending Rory further within the world of the rich and privileged. Until today, she wasn't certain if her daughter ever made the way back from that path.
Sure Rory left the Gilmore mansion, went back to Yale and never stole another yacht. But a life in boxes, rootless, condescending blow outs in job interviews, lack of steady paycheck in years... Nothing like someone who used to love planning, organization and hardworking.
Anyhow, Lorelai has been forced to remind herself that Rory was now a 33 year old woman, not a kid. Advices were given whenever requested. Yet, in the end, Rory's decisions were her decisions. As a mother, she could only worry where these choices were going to lead.
With eyes still closed, Rory didn't catch the concerned look that swiftly crossed her mother's face. The girl was doing her best gathering energy to recompose after another sickness hit.
"Are you interested in giving a contribution to science?" Lorelai joined Rory on the floor for moral support. "I read in some really substantial and accurate fashion magazine that a sniff of citrus fruit relieves the nausea." She handed her daughter the lemon. "Apparently, it works for Angelina Jolie and she's got two pregnancies on me. So, why don't you give it a go?"
Rory took half of the lemon, a little suspicious. "Now I feel like a lab rat in some experiment."
"But not an ordinary lab rat. One with a fancy Ivy League degree. You would be in your cage thinking of plans for world domination... Uh, uh, like Pinky and the Brain." Lorelai joshed.
"Probably suits me," Rory scolded. "Everything they plan ends in failure."
"Hey, don't talk like that about my daughter," Lorelai slightly shoved the girl's shoulder. "You know one thing we can learn from that cartoon? Those two little fellows never give up. They change the plan every episode. So, you try again. Come up with a new plan. You are not dead."
"Only you could find a piece of wisdom watching 90's classic animations," Rory taunted.
"One of my many talents. Maybe I should start writing down these ideas and turn them into a book someday, huh? 365 life lessons from pop culture. It is catchy, right? Daily doses of inspiration, like Oprah in 'The Wisdom of Sundays'. You ghostwrite it and make me look trustworthy and bang! We have a best seller and tons of money."
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Remember the crazy Naomi Shropshire? My last attempt to ghostwrite didn't go very well."
"Yeah... But I'm the crazy lady you know your entire life. Plus, you have half of my genes."
Rory gazed at her mother for a moment. "I missed this," she admitted. "I've been dragged by so many things... I got more distant than I realized, jumping from New York to London..."
"It is really not the same over the phone." Lorelai tilted her head.
"You can't read my face expressions and it is much easier to edit parts of the conversation I want to avoid, or just hang up with some lame excuse," Rory pressed her hand against her forehead. "I'm not saying this because I plan to live the rest of my life under your roof, okay? I don't intend to be a member of Stars Hollow's 30 something gang. I just need time to get back on my feet."
"I know. Besides, if we get tired of you, Luke and I can easily scare you away with our rollicking lovemaking," Lorelai smirked.
"I'm going to be sick again. Too much information."
Lorelai continued, now with a serious look. "You know, coming back here doesn't mean your career dreams are over, Rory. They just need adjustments. New York perhaps is not an option to raise a child if you don't have a job. But forget about the Carries Bradshaws of the fiction world. The big city is not the only place to make it."
"Well, it's not like there are jobs for me here in Stars Hollow. The Gazette doesn't pay."
"True. But Hartford, for instance, is only half an hour away. I know you remember there mostly because of the Gilmore mansion and Chilton, but that city is the capital of the great state of Connecticut. Can you believe that?" Lorelai quirked her eyebrows and gaped sarcastically. "It looks like a place with opportunities too. And don't let me get started about this crazy new technology called the internet," she stopped and gave her daughter a tender look.
New plans - good ones - to take over the world. Or her life, at least. Rory realized.
"So... Is it working?" Back to the original conversation, Lorelai examined Rory's face and stared at the fruit she was holding next to her nose.
"It seems like it, Brain... What else did you learn with Angelina and the other pregnant celebrities?"
"The experts say peppermint candies may do the trick. I bought a bag for you. Ginger is another option, but I'm not sure you would like to eat that," Lorelai shuddered.
"Maybe gingerbread?" Rory regretted the minute she said it. The image of the icings and sugar mixed with the scent of the food in the house made her stomach revolve again. She didn't forget how delicious Luke and Sookie's food tasted. Yet, the appetizing smell of honey ham became a threat to her sensitive pregnant nose.
Before another outburst, Rory brushed her teeth and decided to leave the flavored house to get some fresh air. Lorelai was helping the young Gilmore put on her jacket to face the cold weather of December when Sookie emerged from the kitchen. The chef was on a break from her organic retreat and decided to visit Stars Hollow for the Holidays.
"Hey, mommy!" Sookie teased in a cheerful tone, as usual. "All your favorites are on the menu today," she stopped, taken aback by Rory's sick looking face. Her good mood vanished. "Oh my God! Something's wrong with the food. I told it was not right to season the turkey with paprika!" She yelled the last part definitely to make a point in some argument with Luke. He grunted something back, in a language no one could comprehend.
Funny how certain things would never change. Sookie has always been a control freak in the kitchen - probably the reason why every dish was tasty. So, the chef was already obsessed with reviewing the recipes inside her head, complete ignoring the real problem. Rory reminded her.
"Sookie, of all people, you should understand what's going on. You went through this three times."
"Oh, shoot!" She raised her hands, alarmed. "The morning sickness. Our Merry Christmas cooking must be your worst nightmare. You probably want to kill us."
"I can spare your life, but only if you tell me how you got around any kind of food all day when you were pregnant? I wanna know your secret, lady."
"Sorry... I'm no help. I think only my culinary skills got sick when I was pregnant. I totally lost my touch for a couple of months. I couldn't even make a decent omelet. It was too salty, too dry, too undercooked. A mess. Terrible for business."
"That's all it takes? I am already terrible in the kitchen. I can only cook things from a can. I should be immune too," Rory claimed, stamping her foot.
"Well, technically, you also know a recipe of mashed potatoes and how to prepare a salad, as I recall from that trip to Martha's Vineyard." Lorelai mocked.
"Damned it! I can't believe I gave away my immunity for so little. My daily reenactment of the exorcist should be worth at least mastering one of Martha Steawart's cookbooks. I better check the fine print next time," Rory quipped. "Well, there's no use in crying over spilled milk now. As a matter of fact, I would probably just get sick again over the spilled milk," she paused, feeling the urge to vomit starting again. "I better hit the road before I put on another disgusting show in the bathroom. I need to breathe in an atmosphere without food condiments."
Rory grabbed her laptop and a small bag under the Christmas tree, before walking out the door. She was going to drop by Lane's house, a safe place today, free of food smells, because all the cooking for the holiday was taking place at Mrs Kim's. The young Gilmore wanted to deliver gifts for her friend's family.
Of course, with almost no funds in her bank account, Rory didn't buy anything fancy. But she managed to find a vintage Ramones's poster to decorate Lane and Zack's living room and small action figures for the twins. All for the bargain of 10 bucks in a flea market in Hartford.
The fresh air of the streets did help Rory feel better. After a short walk, a vivid colour was all over her face when she got to Lane's front door. She knocked and stood there with a bright smile. No one answered. Rory could hear Lane talking to someone - a guy? - inside the house. It wasn't Zack or any of the boys from the band. Still, it was a familiar voice. One she quite recognized.
Unaware of the audience on the other side of the door, Lane resumed the spirited conversation and finally put a face to the mystery man. "'I don't wanna grow up' doesn't save Ramone's final album. Come on! It is just an okay song on a doomed album, Dave."
Lane was inside the house talking to Dave Rygalski? The idea hit Rory so hard that she forgot her manners and opened the door without knocking again. Shockingly, her friend was alone in the living room, scared to death by Rory's dramatical entrance.
"Are you hiding secrets in the closet or under the floor again?" Rory asked, scanning the room.
"What are you talking about?" Lane snapped, totally confused.
"Dave Rygalski. You were back and forth with him just now about Ramone's last album."
"Oh... So you were eavesdropping? Already training to spy on your future tennager?" Lane reproached. "I've got to tell you I'm not as ingenious as I used to be at 16. Mama would probably discover my CD collection in less than 24 hours nowadays."
"No. I mean," Rory stammered. "I...I was only surprised for a moment."
Lane observed her response and continued. "I'm just messing with you. This is payback for the heart attack you almost gave me," she chuckled and then pressed a key on the laptop, bringing back the familiar voice. "Dave is on my computer."
"You guys keep in touch on Facetime?" Rory moved to see the screen.
"No, no. I haven't talked to Dave in years. Well, not in the traditional sense. I talk back at him while I listen to his podcast. Brian discovered it on Itunes. Apparently he's been doing this show for a few years and it is really good. However, sometimes I tend to disagree with him and that's what you heard."
Curious, Rory scrolled down Lane's page on Itunes. "Wow! You have a lot of those on your playlist. Many different themes... Music... Movies... Koreans in the USA... Oh! This one sounds great: daily tips not to kill your husband," she quirked one eyebrow.
"The last one saved Zack a couple times," Lane nodded, smiling. "They are all really informative. Some episodes have interviews with specialists, book writers or just people sharing personal stories."
The chit chat was interrupted by Zack's calling. "Hey, babe!" He appeared in the living room with some kind of recording device. "Can you read this phrase with that sexy secretary voice?"
To Rory's surprise, Lane took a piece of paper of his hands and attended the request. No questions asked. "Don't get caught in the rain. Come to Shelter. The best insurance for your family."
Zack left the room satisfied and Rory failed to hold down the curiosity. "What's that all about?"
"Zack wants to leave his day job. But we need the cash. So he started to get gigs on freelancer websites to earn extra money and make ends meet. He creates jingles and tunes for commercial ads. It is going well. Some clients now hire him directly. But we still need a little more before he quits the manager job."
See... That's how adults do. Rory reproved herself. People don't just spend a $250k trust fund waiting for a big opportunity to come around.
"There's more. Nobody knows yet, but Mama is tired of the antique shop and wants to retire. She's been talking about selling everything, closing it down. So, Zack and I thought we could turn the space into something else. Like a music school. With the twins, it is not like we can go on tour again anytime soon, but we could still make a living from music. I know it's not as exciting as travelling the world, but it's a big deal for us," Lane's eyes were sparkling with this new possibility.
"Lane, this is huge! I loved it. You should name it "School of Rock" and invite Jack Black for the opening."
"It would be a hell of a marketing strategy, huh?! If Black is not avaiable, maybe I can get Keith Richards. He has a house in a small town only 40 minutes from Stars Hollow," she chuckled. "Anyway, it's not 100% solid yet. I'll keep you posted."
"I promise if you go through with it I'll assure your first student. Even though I still don't have a clue how I'm going to pay for it."
Without further notice, the twins entered in a rush and crushed Rory between a tight hug. She kneeled to talk to them. "Did you guys pick the movie for next Friday? I want to advance in my superhero education," they engaged in a conversation about the powers of Thor's hammer and Rory took the opportunity to deliver their gifts. The wrapping was gone within seconds and two thrilled boys jumped with the new toys.
"Can you believe I actually had fun looking for presents for children?" Rory revealed, her eyes watching Kwan and Steve play. "I invented voices for the dolls... Sorry, action figures," she corrected, after an angry stare from the twins. "And I swear the seller was this close to kick me out of the fair."
"I have to say that the boys really anticipate Friday nights with you. They now call you fun aunt Rory."
"They are great, Lane. I'm sorry I didn't get more involved before. You asked me to be their Lorelai and I don't think I've fulfilled the role. But, in my defense, they didn't really need a Lorelai. You are a cool mom." Rory weighed a moment and asked. "Do you think I can do this? Am I cut out for the task?"
"You never thought of being a mother before, right?"
"Not exactly. Did you? I mean... Before the stick turned pink"
"You may don't believe me, but... No. First, I was too consumed with secret ploys to deceive my mother and hide my CDs, the three boyfriends I had and the band. Then, when Zack and I got married, my mind was set on making the band happen and go on tour again, you know? So, I never thought of kids before. I think I was as scared as you when I got the news," Lane confessed.
"Any helpful advice?"
"Motherhood is a hard job. Sometimes it requires an extra-large amount of chocolate. Better start stocking." Her friend pointed.
"Duly noted. What else?"
Lane paused, with a thoughtful look, before replying. "Kids don't come with a manual. No matter how many books you read. There's not just one right answer. Parenting is a learn-as-you-go practice, which is an incredibly challenging concept to accept when you are responsible for another life. Each child is different. Believe me, even twins! Something might work wonders for a person you know, but be a total waste for you. There's no perfect-mom mold. You are going to make mistakes basically everyday. You have to learn how to deal and grow with them... Pretty fast!"
Rory wondered if the last suggestion was only about motherhood or life in general. Because it was certainly spot on.
Lane studied her for a moment, in silence, and blurted. "Rory, are you okay now? You got yourself together?"
"What do you mean?"
"As your best friend, someone who knows you since you were little and who loves you, I was a bit worried. Before the pregnancy, remember when you came here and kept calling Logan? You seemed in the middle of a life crisis. I don't know what was going on between you two, but it wasn't helping. That's why I took the phone out of your hands."
"Yeah, I know..."
"Sorry if I overstepped."
"Lane, you didn't. I would do the same for you."
"I'm not judging. I just got concerned. You even said you wanted to be 20 years old again."
"My God! I did," Rory sighed and her shoulders sank in frustration. "I was running from my life, but running wasn't really taking me anywhere."
"So, basically you've already realized everything in your head and I am just making you feel like crap saying it out loud. I don't know why I opened my big mouth. What a lousy intervention. I apologize."
"Lane, stop it!" Rory shook her head. "You care. This is part of the best friend job description," she held her hand and a comforting silence embraced the two girls.
After a deep breath, Rory mustered enough courage up and pressed. "How about me now? Back to normal? Please, don't sugar coat it."
"You are getting there. A little more like yourself."
"Good!" Rory uttered and smiled. "I am still flat broke though... What leads me to the next question: could you write down the websites Zack is using to get freelance jobs?"
"Sure. I'll text you this moment."
In the meantime, Mrs Kim's arrival with tons of vegetarian Korean food in Lane's house was Rory alert to get on her way. It was better not to risk her sensitive stomach again. Despite the name 'morning sickness', she was experiencing it any time of the day.
Not ready to go home, Rory walked by the town square and sat at the gazebo with her laptop. The streets were very quiet today because Luke, by some miracle, convinced Taylor to cut the nativity scene short.
His argument was a solid one: it was just impractical to keep a bunch of people in the cold all night long. Moreover, no one sane would be interested in watching a group of living mute statues in costumes at 3 am. So, instead of a 24-hour reenactment of Jesus' birth, the whole thing was summed up to a 12-hour event, starting tomorrow morning.
The change of plans allowed everybody to be involved in Christmas arrangements indoors right now, giving Stars Hollow a ghost town vibe. Definitely, a perfect atmosphere for some writing.
As Rory enjoyed the peace around, she observed the places known by heart and pieces of her life sprinkled in every direction. One of them right here, in front of this gazebo, a long time ago. A traditional basket auction introducing the hurricane Jess Mariano, the bad boy who almost gave her mom a heart attack.
Lorelai and Jess's interaction have changed since then. They are amicable nowadays, but always keep a safe distance. At the wedding, it was possible to see Luke's nephew still thinking of her mother as someone in desperate need of therapy. Lorelai learned to maintain the conversation over pop culture references to avoid problems.
Funny how much has changed for Rory too. Once she went head over heels for Jess, but now all she could see in him was just a friend. No sparks, no butterflies in the stomach, no longing. Today she would never risk missing her mother's graduation to go after him in New York or anywhere else.
Looking back, Rory couldn't ignore how the whole situation made her understand a lot about love. A naive version of herself once told Paris it was about the excitement of someone unpredictable* combined with shared interests in books, music and movies. But unpredictable definitely didn't feel that great when he left town, not saying a word. They had a connection for sure, but she learned in the end that love was way beyond that*. Especially after she held her tears, watching from a distance another boy getting married. Rory wondered if she should put this particular memory in the book. Until today, no one knew about her little meltdown. She never told Lane or even her mother. Surprisingly, none of Stars Hollow's inquisitive eyes busted her vulnerable moment either. Maybe it was a sign to keep this part to herself.
As the narrative about her bumpy relationship with Jess advanced on screen, the battery ran down and her laptop was about to die. It was time to head back home and smell the Christmas buffet prepared by Luke and Sookie. Strolling down the streets, Rory only wish to Santa Claus was to not to feel sick anymore. She didn't really expect to be answered because she hasn't been a good girl lately. So, it was a surprise to get in the house and inhale nothing but clean air. No food in sight. No fights or plates in the kitchen. A blessing and a problem, since she was pregnant and also very hungry.
"Mom?" Rory called, disturbing the quiet house.
"Finally, you're back!" Lorelai's voice welcomed her from upstairs. "You took so long that I thought you were hitchhiking to Alaska to walk alone into the wilderness and get stoned in a magic bus to find the purpose of life," she joined Rory in the living room.
"For someone who hates exercise and camping, you sure have a big interest in stories about hiking in nature. The book or the movie this time?
"Both. Eddie Vedder did the whole soundtrack for the movie. I had to check it out," Lorelai shrugged.
"So, did you send out a search party after me? Where is everyone? Where did all the food go?"
"I see you are feeling better. You are already concerned about eating, like a true Gilmore."
"Hey, I asked about the people too," Rory pouted.
"Did you really? I can read you like a book and I think you just mentioned people as an excuse to get to the real subject."
"You are exhausting sometimes. I get why Luke takes at least one fishing trip every two months. He needs to recharge his sanity!"
Lorelai responded, presenting the worst imitation of Marlon Brando as the Godfather. "Bonasera. What have I ever done to make you treat me so disrespectfully?"
"I am pregnant, with crazy hormonal levels, moody and starving. Are you really going to test my nerves today?" Rory scoffed. "Because I can have a rage attack or burst in tears anytime if you push me."
"You are no fun when you are pregnant..." Lorelai tossed her head. "You've just missed Luke and Sookie. They took the food to the diner. I had the brilliant idea to set the table outside the house perimeter and leave the building scent free for the well-being of my favorite and ungrateful daughter. I stayed behind waiting for you and how did you repay me? All this hate," she dramatically closed her eyes and placed one hand on her heart.
Rory rolled her eyes and ignored the act. "Unless you have something to tell me after your last meeting with Paris, I'm still your only daughter... And thank you. I really appreciate all the trouble."
"Don't mention it." Her mother waived. "Now go take a shower and get ready. Or this will be the first time I can say I am late because of you."
-o-
The evening was perfect. A simple cozy reunion with friends and family. Sookie and Jackson shared some of the lunatic adventures from their organic farm retreat, intermingled with Lorelai's witty remarks and Luke's typical grunts. The combination assured many laughs during the meal and happy voices filling the room with warmth. It was everything Rory loved about Christmas - and missed last year, too self-absorbed in the mess she created in her life.
After dessert had been served, a super proud mode Luke was showing Jackson and Sookie the ultrasound video, now uploaded to his phone. Rory was playing a heated Monopoly match with Lorelai, Davey, Martha and Jack, but the image of her grumpy stepfather bragging and smiling about her baby completely distracted the soon-to-be mom.
Rory remembered her mother requested four copies of Bennie's ultrasound picture: one copy, obviously, was a token for the pregnant lady; another for Lorelai and Luke; one for the father, in case he decides to participate in the baby's life; and the last one for her grandmother Emily, who still hasn't heard the news.
Suddenly, Rory realized it was not even considered adding one more copy for Chistopher, who didn't have any clue about his future grandkid until now. She rang him to tell about the pregnancy a few weeks ago, but he was in a meeting and never got back to her.
Dad always had trouble calling, she thought.
In the past, Rory used to be more forgiven about Christopher's absence and even gave him many second chances to be a part of her life. But it never happened. So, over the years, she stopped bothering whether he would keep in touch or not. Sadly, their relationship reached a new level of resentment now she was a grown up woman. A collection of detached conversations, full of polite formalities.
Rory was still reminiscent of the last face to face meeting with her father, when Lorelai started a victory dance to celebrate a recent millionaire status in Monopoly. Hard evidence she's reached her limit of spiked eggnog. So, it was time to call it a night.
After Luke and Jackson cleaned the place up, everyone hugged goodbye until tomorrow. They made arrangements for brunch at The Dragonfly, where the chef's family was obviously staying. It was convenient because a more sober Lorelai intended to present the plans to expand the inn and maybe bring Sookie back to the project.
However, at the moment, enjoying an ordinary walk home was all there was left to the members of the Gilmore-Danes clan. Or so Rory thought. When they turned the corner, Lorelai suddenly broke the peace attaching a pink post-it on her forehead.
"Don't throw it away. It's a reminder," she warned before Rory could move.
"Can't you just wait for us to get home? We are almost there."
"I could, but earlier I was waiting for you to come back to tell and then we got into our traditional bantering and I completely forgot 'till now. I'm old and my brain is tired."
"You could've just said you need to tell me something."
"And trust the person who forgot a deadline with Taylor Doose? Not a chance."
"You got me there," Rory shrugged. "But, instead of carrying it like the scarlet mark, can I just hold your little reminder with my hands?"
"Oh, yeah! My action already created a memory response, like electrical shocks do with rats in experiments. So, I'm pretty sure we will remember I have something to tell as soon as we get home."
Lorelai's memory trigger apparently worked. As soon as they entered the house, she went straight upstairs and returned with a small package on her hands. It was addressed to Rory. "The mail arrived when you were out today. It's from your dad."
Luke greeted Rory with a warm good night and kissed Lorelai, before heading upstairs to give the two girls some space. In silence, Rory took the envelope from Lorelai's hands and opened it. There was a small box with a pair of earrings and a postcard inside. She left the jewelry on the table and concentrated on the card. It had a cute picture on top and Christopher's handwriting on the back, basically saying he loves her, apologizing for not being able to make plans together for the holidays and wishing "Merry Christmas, kiddo" - like he used to call her since she was a little girl.
Rory walked down the corridor with eyes fixed on her dad's message. It was not the first time Christopher has sent Rory an expensive gift attached to a generic excuse for not calling or not showing up. Some people would say it was thoughtful. For her, it was just a fancy way to try to compensate his lack of interest. Something really frustrating for a girl who used to be so interested in her father.
Rory remembered how she was easily swept away when a charming rebellious and unpredictable Christopher parked his motorcycle in Stars Hollow ages ago, telling stories about the promise of a big hit in his career. They would later discover he was in fact broke, with no credit and no job.
Much like my current situation, she admitted.
The unexpected thought slapped Rory on the face. All of the sudden, she was stunned to notice that she may have chased Christopher so much along the years that she turned out to be more like him than like her independent mother. A disturbing insight delivered from the ghost of Christmas past.
"You seem disturbed, hun... What is going on inside your pretty little head?" Lorelai's voice broke the strained silence. Rory knew it was time for the conversation she has been postponing since the news about the pregnancy.
A/N 1: I know this chapter is a bit too long, but it is necessary to show everything getting real for Rory and exploring possibilities for her (different from many people on the internet, I don't believe her career is over because she is no longer in NY).
I promised more insight about Christopher and I think ruminating about how she ended up like her father was the best way to get to the heart-to-heart conversation with Lorelai. Let's see how it goes on the next chapter.
A/N 2: I probably have an unpopular interpretation about Jess and Rory. Rewatching season 3 and 4 was an interesting experience. For what I see, Rory discovered the difference between love and attraction/passion. She felt attraction for Jess. Attraction, of course, can turn into love, but I don't believe it was the case because, well, after the honeymoon phase their relationship was a mess (even before the thing in Kyle's bedroom). And I think when he left without saying a word he burned that bridge. In the end, we don't see any sparks whatsoever from Rory towards Jess in the revival. After that fire of attraction wore out, he became just an old friend for her.
A/N 3: Thank you lovepeaceandwar for sharing information about Connecticut! And thank you 52shari for pointing it was important to bring more light in what was going on in Lorelai's mind.