A/N Thanks for all the lovely reviews- please keep doing so- they are what keep me writing at the moment. I hadn't planned on writing this chapter if I'm honest- but when I read the responses to the last chapter I felt like I had to….. Please Read and Review.
Chapter 9
Luke had listened to everything that Rory had said. Until tonight he had held the belief that his broken engagement with Lorelai nearly a year ago was the result of his inaction in telling her about April and therefore his fault. Rory painted a very different picture, it was of a woman he didn't recognize at all but at the same time, he did. Lorelai did have the characteristics that Rory was describing, which was obvious in the ways that looking back, it wasn't April's existence that Lorelai had a problem with it was that Anna had the final say, not her. The same had happened with the house. He wanted to move so that they would have more room for any future kids and both Rory and April, something that didn't exist at her current property. That was vetoed though because again Lorelai didn't like change to her status-quo whatever anyone else said and she didn't like anyone else calling the shots.
This was evident in the way that she reacted when he broke up with her after her parent's vow renewal- her reaction that prompted him to run over to her house in worry now smacked of emotional blackmail. The Town residents were still in their seats; they seemed stunned that the woman so many of them had felt sorry for and for years had offered to support emotionally had lied so much. Heck, he felt stupid, maybe that was why Lorelai hadn't wanted to sell the house, Luke potentially would have been made aware that she had a lot more money than she had always made out. Sookie looked like someone had slapped her too, her best friend and business partner had lied to her. She hadn't joined the Independence until Rory was twelve, they were already in their house. She had felt so sorry for Lorelai for years. She had supported them where she could, offering food and love. They had been her bridesmaids, they had been her girls. It was now clear that there was only one side to be on anymore at least for her, Rory's.
Luke looked up at the young woman that he loved as much as he loved his own daughter who was so far away in New Mexico. He was so proud of her for standing up and he caught her eye after Lorelai had left, Logan's arm had her anchored to his side, giving support as she approached him 'sorry Luke, I didn't really want to do that in public…' Luke shook his head. 'Rory, you wanted to go somewhere private, Lorelai chose to stay, you should have heard the things people were coming up with before you came in. My favorite theory though had to be that you were pregnant causing the 'quickie' engagement.' Luke laughed at the expression on Logan's face 'I was about to reiterate that you two had been together for a total of three years. Is everything you said true, did she really essentially kidnap you from your father's family. I thought that you loved the potting shed. I remember when you would come in after school, why didn't you say anything. I could have helped…'
Rory shook her head and wiped her eyes, where tears had threatened to fall 'here's what was a genius about what Mom did Luke, I was a baby when she took me there. Mom was barely eighteen years old. She managed to convince me to not tell anyone because they would take me away from her. I had no other family relationships, and my greatest fear was that she would leave me too. She hammered into me that we didn't need anything other than each other. I need to confirm with Grandpa about the money as a bridge-building attempt, but it would make the insistence that in order to pay for Chilton they had regular contact with us, hence Friday Night Dinners make perfect sense. I have missed you though Luke and I meant what I said, it won't be your cup of tea at all but I do want you at there when I marry this one she smiled and nudged Logan in the ribs trying to smile 'don't worry you won't be the only townie, Lane and Zach will be there at least' Luke looked at her and pulled her into a hug. Even in the wake of all the pain, she had experienced that day she was thinking of his comfort. 'I'm so proud of you Rory. You graduated college today, that's huge. Congratulations! As for your wedding, I'll be there, I hope that your Dad doesn't hold a grudge though. I did punch him once...' Rory stared and shook her head at the revelation.'Ok... I'll talk to him…would it be a wedding without drama though?...there may have to be a rule though; no black eyes allowed just think of the pictures.' The trio laughed at Rory's attempt at levity and Logan kissed her hair. ' you need to talk to Colin and Finn, for that promise.' Rory laughed 'oh I'm not worried they know how scary I can be if needed. They won't dare cross me regarding the wedding.' Logan laughed and nodded. He knew she was right. Colin and Finn were a lot of things but stupid was not one of them when it came to avoiding a bride's wrath regarding a wedding.
This entire conversation had occurred in the full view of the still seated residents of the town. Taylor was sat shocked. His heavy-handed decision to attempt to blacklist Rory had been shown as so short-sighted. Patty and Babbette were rapidly conversing with each other about how Lorelai had hoodwinked them with the lies she had told for years and they had fallen for. The town outliers who were part of town events but didn't really know Rory and Lorelai decided to pick up and leave. Rory's sudden laughter had shocked several people who remained but one look at her face told them she was barely holding it together. Sookie bustled up to the trio and pulled Rory into a hug 'I'm so sorry sweetie…' Rory returned the hug 'Sookie… She is still my Mom. I love her but she needs to act like a mom, not a spoilt teenager. I'll mail you your invitations. Babe, I'll be in the car.' Then she left through the door, with Logan passing her the keys. He took a deep breath when she was out of sight. 'Sookie, this isn't my place but Lorelai is still your business partner, if you decide that you want out of that partnership here is my card, I know a few good lawyers.' He attempted to smile and looked between the pair. 'Both of you mean the world to Rory, please don't shut her out because of Lorelai's actions. I need to go, I don't want to leave her alone for too long. But I hope to see you soon, we're at the Gilmore's in the pool-house until we find somewhere in New York.' he smiled and took his leave as well. Best to leave the small town to deal with Lorelai. Karmic retribution and all that jazz.
RLRLRLRLRLRLRLRLRLR
Taylor seemed to snap to attention after Logan left, he rose to the podium, banged his gavel, and for the first time stepped in front of it and spoke to the small number of Stars Hollow town residents; Patty, Babbette, Morey, Gypsy, Andrew, Luke, Sookie, Jackson, Mrs. Kim, and Kirk. Lindsay and her mother were still there too. It was obvious that they were all angry, but the reasons obviously varied. 'I have to say that the actions that we were almost a part of earlier this evening were very short-sighted. We need to come up with a plan of how to deal with Lorelai….' Luke snorted 'Taylor I think it's fairly simple, we don't give Lorelai oxygen. We ignore her. Everyone ignores her. No ribbons for sides, if she comes into your property serve her with the bare minimum. Just ignore her. This won't work for Sookie but for the majority of you and me, it'll work. She'll do one of two things, make a scene or she will disappear.' with that he stood up and left. Sookie looked at her husband. They had to talk together, whilst the Dragonfly was doing well she didn't think she trusted Lorelai anymore.
Lindsay and her mother were still seated, 'so we just let Princess Rory off. She slept with Dean, whilst we were married. She broke up our marriage through her actions. Why does she get everything still?' Lindsay borderline screamed Patty shook her head 'Lindsay, I know that you are still bitter about that but Rory explained it. Dean told her you were over. I will say, sweetie, that there was a pool about how long your marriage would last. You were too young and your demands were too much- wanting a townhouse, not letting him finish college, he was working every hour god sent and you were barely working at all. Your relationship was doomed from the start. As far as Rory getting everything, she earned everything that she has achieved. Heck, she had nothing to do with Stars Hollow High after she left in her sophomore year. She earned her place at Yale, she earned her degree. She worked incredibly hard for it. She was lucky she found the love of her life. She made mistakes, but sweetie, everyone does as she explained.' Lindsay stared at the dance teacher but her mother's hand on her arm stopped her from responding. Patty shrugged and Taylor excused the remaining town members, with the plan to 'not give Lorelai oxygen' as Luke had suggested.
A/N So that's it- what did you think? Where do you think I can go from here- let me know.
