Life and Death

By blackbirdfree


Chapter Four

Rory had grown accustomed to her new school and her new class schedule by the end of her first week at Chilton. The classes were hard but Rory managed to stay a-float. She was worried about exam period, which would take place before Christmas break. But she figured that those days were months away. Rory knew that she could always plan a study group that included her and her group of her friends if she felt unsure of the new material.

Rory was determined to attend Yale University once she graduated from Chilton. Gilmore after Gilmore attended Yale University. Her family bloodline was loyal to the school. And she wanted to be one of them.

Friday night came quicker than Rory anticipated. Her grandmother informed her during the week that her mother planned to attend dinner. In fact, her grandmother stated that her mother would be attending every Friday night dinner from then on.

"Why is she interested in having dinner with us now?" questioned Rory over breakfast on Thursday morning.

Her grandmother sighed. "She moved to that new town nearby. I insisted that she attend dinner with us every Friday night. She seemed compliant."

Rory rolled-her-eyes but didn't say more.

By the time dinner rolled around, Lorelai was nowhere to be seen. Her grandmother seemed more agitated than usual.

"She's late," said Rory in an offended tone of voice. "We eat dinner at five o'clock every night. It's five-fifteen. She didn't even arrive in time for cocktails."

Her grandmother didn't respond.

Finally, at five-thirty Rory's grandmother decided that it was time to eat. As soon as Rory and her grandmother sat down to eat, the door-bell rang.

Lorelai walked into the dining area moments later. There was someone with her.

It was her father.

"Hi, Dad," said Rory.

Her father smiled. "Rory," he said in a way of greeting.

"You're here with mom?" questioned Rory.

"I am," he answered.

"Great," said Rory. "What's another surprise?"


Rory sat at the dinning room table silently. She didn't know how to feel now that her mother and father were both there for dinner. This was the first time in years that the two of her parents were in the same room together. And on top of that, now it seemed like the two of them were an item.

"So, you and Christopher have decided to work on your relationship?" questioned Rory's grandmother in the middle of dinner.

Lorelai didn't look hungry. Well, she probably was hungry (since Rory knew that her mother typically had an appetite as a big as a horse)… but Lorelai seemed content to make the carrots chase around the green beans around on her plate.

"Yes," said Christopher. "I'm living with her in Stars Hollow. We bought a house together. It's nice. It has a good, strong foundation. You'll have to come by to see it."

"That's wonderful," said Rory's grandfather. He sat at the head of the table. "I'll have to do an inspection of the property. You'll need the best insurance for your home. I can easily set-it-up."

"Why didn't you tell us that you two were living together?" blurted out Rory in a rush of uncontrolled emotion. "And why didn't you tell us you two were buying a house nearby? You didn't mention it the last time you were here."

Lorelai cleared her throat. "It was a bit of a spur-of-the-moment decision," explained Lorelai. "You know me. I fly by the seat of my pants."

"Yeah," said Rory with an eye-roll. "I think we all know that."

Christopher continued as if Rory hadn't spoken. "We have more news," he continued.

Rory glanced up from her plate. Her carrots weren't chasing after her green beans. Instead, Rory moved around the pieces of food on her plate in a random wayward pattern. "What? Are you getting a dog, too?"

Lorelai frowned. However, she continued. "Well… actually… we're getting more than a dog." She took a deep break. "I'm pregnant."

Rory dropped her fork on her plate. The loud clang rang throughout the quiet dining room.

"What?" asked Rory. "Is it yours and Dad's?"

"Who else's would it be, kid?" said Christopher in a jovial tone-of-voice.

"That's wonderful!" said Emily. "Do you two plan on getting married?"

Now, Rory was definitely all-ears. When Rory was a child, she dreamt of something like this. She dreamt of her mother and father getting back together. She dreamt of the three of them having a real relationship with one another. She waited for the two's answer silently.

"We're not planning on it," said Lorelai with a shake of her head. "We're just seeing how things go. But we're excited for the new baby."

Lorelai turned to look at Rory. "Maybe you can spend some time with your new brother or sister at our new place, Rory," she said. "We would be happy to have you there for a weekend or two."

Rory sighed. She didn't really know what to think of the situation. "Yes, all right," said Rory. "I'll clear my schedule."

Lorelai gave Rory a strained sort-of smile.