Life and Death
By blackbirdfree
Chapter Thirteen
The weekend after Paris' party was a blur. Rory did not finish all of her homework assignments that weekend because of the party. She got home late that evening and slept through most of the next morning. Her hangover continued-on into the next day and, still, by that afternoon she didn't feel like pouring over her homework assignments just to find herself with another headache.
The rest of the week followed suit. Rory missed more homework assignments. She lost her keys and her wallet. She even fell asleep in Mrs. Robinson's European History class.
However, finally, Friday arrived. Rory couldn't be happier. However, one thing crossed Rory's mind that morning that put a damper on her spirits. That evening Lorelai and Christopher would be arriving to her home for the first official Friday Night Dinner.
Emily asked Rory's parents to come by on Fridays for a dinner party every week. The new tradition wasn't in full effect yet because two weekends ago Rory had stayed with Lorelai and Christopher at the two's home in Stars Hollow. And, of course, she had an excuse not to have the weekly dinner party last Friday... it was Paris' birthday.
Now, the Gilmore Friday Night Dinner Party would be in effect. Rory wasn't looking forward to this.
The day went by slowly. That evening Rory wondered what time Lorelai and Christopher would be by. Lorelai was notorious for always being late. Rory wondered about Lorelai and Christopher's relationship as Rory dressed. She wondered whether or not the two got along now that Lorelai was pregnant… or perhaps, things were just the same as they were in the past.
It only took Rory twenty-five minutes to finish with her hair and her make-up. Then, she went downstairs to wait for estranged mother and father.
Rory, Richard, and Emily waited impatiently for the two to arrive. Just like Rory predicted, the two came to dinner late.
Dinner was served in an almost complete silence. It seemed like no one had much to talk about. However, Emily had a surprise in store for them all.
"I'm glad you're here, Lorelai. And, of course, you, too, Christopher. There's a lot that I want to discuss with you."
Rory glanced at Emily. She glanced at Richard for some help. She wondered what Emily meant. Richard looked none-the-wiser. He drank a scotch with an impassive look on his face.
"What did you want to talk to us about?" questioned Lorelai.
"Rory will be turning fifteen soon. We would like to have a debutante ball for her and for some of her friends."
Rory nearly spit-out her sparkling water. "What?"
Lorelai frowned. "Mom, don't you think debutante balls are a little passe? Rory wouldn't want to do something like that anyway."
Rory sat up straighter in her seat. "Actually, you're not really in the position to tell me what I want or don't want, Lorelai. It's true that I haven't really thought of doing something like that… but I think it might sound life fun."
Lorelai fumed. Christoper chuckled. "You're not much like your mother, Rory… I can say that. Lorelai hated things like that when the two of us were growing up."
Rory rolled-her-eyes. "Whatever," she said dismissively. "Anyway, why did you want to talk about the debutante ball with Lorelai and Christopher here, Grandma? You didn't even mention it to me until right now."
Emily nodded. "I see. Well, it's customary for a debutante ball to include your father and even your mother. You see, you will be the lead deb. That means you will be the lead debutante. Your mother and father must be there to introduce you to society when the time is right. Then, you will be the lead deb who is in charge of the dance that you must do with the other debutantes that night."
"Huh," said Lorelai. "'Deb' seems to be a very popular name in this house right now. I always thought 'Debs' were an over-looked species of woman. Why not pick on the 'Karens' instead? How about the 'Laurens?' Leave Deb Alone!"
"Knock-it-off, Lorelai," snapped Richard. "We are talking about a very important event in Rory's life. You should take this seriously."
"She will," answered Christopher. He seemed to be trying to keep the peace. "So Rory… are you definitely in? I will be happy to be there and to do my part. I'm sure your mother feels the same."
Rory didn't need to think twice. "I'm in."
"Good," said Emily with a nod. "Now who will be your escort?"
Rory put down her fork. "What?"
"Your escort. You can't be a debutante without an escort."
Rory blushed. "I'll tell you as soon as I figure it out, Grandma."
