AUTHORS NOTE: yes this is a very long chapter, but I wanted to get this all-in-one chapter.
enjoy
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Lorelai finished packing her bag for the weekend trip out to small town Idaho. She made sure she had everything before bringing the bag to the front door. She saw her dad's bag there already, but she knew Rachel had been putting off packing. She went to Rachel's room and knocked on the door.
"Yeah?" Rachel called out
Lorelai went in. "Hey."
"Hi." Rachel said as she was putting a few things into a duffle bag.
"How are you feeling about all this?" Lorelai asked
Rachel let out a breath. "Nervous." She admitted
"Me too." Lorelai told her
"Really?" Rachel asked
"Yes. Absolutely. But I think it will be just want I need. To get my final closure." Lorelai told her
"I hope so. For both of us." Rachel said
"I hope its what all the girls need." Lorelai said
Rachel nodded and zipped up her bag.
Aaron peaked into the room. "We need to head out or we will miss our flight." He told them
Lorelai smirked. "The jet going to leave without us?"
"Well lets get going so we don't have to find out." He said
Rachel grabbed her bag and they all headed out.
The FBI had approved the use of the jet for this since the team was all going to be together anyways and if there was a case they would have it to fly out if needed.
The three of them were the last ones to get on the jet.
Lorelai sat in a seat next to Spencer and across from Penelope and Derek. Noticing that even JJ's husband Will had come with them. He had become close with the team as well and wanted to support the girls as well.
Rachel and Aaron sat with the rest of the group.
"You ready for this?" Derek asked Lorelai
"Of course." She responded. "I'm more worried about Rachel." She said softly.
"We will all be there. For both of you." Penelope told her
Lorelai smiled and nodded. "And I am very grateful."
Spencer squeezed her shoulder. "That's what family does."
Meanwhile a similar conversation was being had with Rachel.
"I'm as ready as I am going to be." Rachel told them.
David looked at her. "You sure this is the right thing for you?" He asked her
Rachel nodded. "Yes. But doesn't mean it wont cause some feelings."
"Of course." JJ said. "But you have all these people here to help you through it."
Rachel nodded. "I know. Thank you."
The flight was uneventful. Lorelai and Rachel were both pretty quiet.
JJ made sure they all knew that the press was going to be there, and Aaron told Rachel and Lorelai they didn't have to talk to them if they didn't want to. To just walk away or say no comment.
Lorelai was used to it, but Rachel was going to be new to cameras being shoved into her face.
When they landed and got off the jet the cameras were already there. The group walked through not saying anything and shielding Rachel and Lorelai from the view of the cameras as much as they could. They all went out to taxis, and they were taking to their hotel.
The press was even outside the hotel, but hotel security was keeping them outside.
They all checked in and headed to their rooms.
Rachel flopped on the bed. "Is this what you deal with on high profile cases?" She asked
Lorelai nodded. "JJ usually handles them, but this isn't an FBI case, so its not her responsibility."
"All you have to do is ignore them." Aaron reminded her.
Rachel nodded. "I know. Its just crazy."
"The police here will try and keep them away but there is only so much they can do." Aaron nodded.
"They going to be at the teardown?" Rachel asked
"Most likely." Lorelai said.
"But you will have us all there to keep you blocked off if need be." Aaron told her
"But what about all the other girls?" Rachel asked
"We will help if we can, but the police and their families will have to do what they can." Aaron said
Rachel nodded.
"But right now, all we need to worry about is mentally preparing.
"I'm as ready as I am going to be." Lorelai said
"Have you spoken to your therapist?" He asked
"Yes, And she will have my approval to return to work when we get back home." Lorelai said
Aaron nodded. "Okay."
"I'll be ready tomorrow." Rachel said
"Anything I can do to help?" Aaron asked
"No. Just need the time." Rachel said
The three of them all stayed quiet. They had gotten into town at about 3pm. At 6 they all headed down to the restaurant in the hotel and met a large group of families who were all there for the same thing including their team.
The girls all hugged and said hello to those they remembered from their time in the home. Kelsey attached herself to Lorelai and would not let her go. Rebecca was also there of course. Everyone sat and ate. The hotel had put together a buffet since everyone staying in the hotel that weekend was connected to the foster home and knew they would be very busy.
Lorelai ate her meal with Kelsey in her lap eating her own food. She kept feeling like she was being watched and when she looked up she saw. JJ and Will were talking quietly occasionally looking up at Lorelai and Kelsey.
The meal was finished, and everyone started to head back to their rooms. Kelsey's foster parents came and took her. Kelsey was upset but she went with them knowing she didn't have a choice. Lorelai did get a bad vibe from her foster parents but there wasn't much time to think about it before they all headed back to their rooms. Before she could get to her room JJ pulled her aside. "Will and I want to talk to you about something." She said.
Lorelai told her dad she would meet them back at the room and went to JJ and Will's room.
"What's up?" Lorelai asked
"Jennifer and I have been talking about expanding out family." Will started
"And with everything I have seen with you and Rachel we were leaning towards adopting." JJ said
Lorelai nodded and smiled. "That's why you two kept looking up at Kelsey and I at dinner?"
They both nodded. "Obviously we will talk to a social worker and such, but do you know if Kelsey is available?" Will asked
"As far as I know she is." Lorelai said. "Why Kelsey?" She asked
"Well. Today was the first time I met her and interacted with her in anyway." Will started. "And for some reason I feel a connection." He said
"And I have already felt that and somewhat ignored it." JJ said
Lorelai smiled. "That's usually a good thing. Not the ignoring but the feeling."
"Well, we know you have a lot on your mind already so we can handle it from here. Just make sure you don't say anything until we know more." JJ said
"Obviously. Not my place to say anything, And I don't want you to worry, but I get a bad vibe from her foster parents." Lorelai said.
JJ nodded. "I got the same feeling. You don't worry about it. I will take care of it." She assured her
Lorelai nodded again. "Okay. I trust you."
"Now go on before your dad worries." Will told her.
Lorelai nodded. "Okay. Just want to thank you both for coming and supporting me in this."
They both nodded. "That is what families do." JJ said
Lorelai smiled and nodded getting up and heading out saying goodnight before heading back to her room and letting herself in.
She heard the shower running and saw just Rachel on the bed. "Dad showering?"
Rachel nodded. "Yup. What did JJ & Will want?"
"Just had a question for me." Lorelai said sitting on the bed next to her sister. "How are you feeling after dinner?" Lorelai asked her.
"Ready. So many people. Its everyone." She said
Lorelai nodded. "Yup."
"I noticed an older women staring at you." Rachel said
Lorelai looked at her. "Oh? Who?" She asked
"Um. Well, I don't know for sure…But um. She looked like an older version of you.." Rachel said
Lorelai took a breath. "I see, so you think its my biological mother?"
"I mean. I don't know for sure. But she was a victim of that home too." Rachel pointed out.
Lorelai nodded. "She was yes. She has every right to be here too."
"But that doesn't mean its easy for you." Rachel said
"I'm fine. I have a good life. I don't know her, and I don't want to know her. Don't tell dad." Lorelai told her younger sister.
"She already did." Aaron said as he walked into the room.
They hadn't heard him come out.
Lorelai closed her eyes and bit her lip. Rachel got up and grabbed her stuff and went to shower quickly to get out of the room and away from the awkwardness that now filled the small room.
"I just didn't need you worrying about me." Lorelai said
"Lie 1." Aaron said.
Lorelai let out and breathe and looked down.
"Lets try that again." Aaron said he wasn't angry
"It wasn't exactly a lie. I didn't want you to worry that I couldn't handle it. Also didn't want you to go alpha male and over do the protection thing." Lorelai admitted.
"Alpha male? Really?" Aaron said with a smirk.
"Yes. You all do it. David, Derek and even Spencer." Lorelai said "Ask JJ, Penelope, Emily. They will all agree."
Aaron sighed. "Fine. But doesn't mean I shouldn't be told these things."
"I can handle somethings on my own." She said
"I know. Its not that I don't trust that." Aaron said. "I'm your dad. I need to know so I can be an extra set of eyes so you can focus on your own healing process. I am not trying to be an alpha male." He said
"Sometimes men don't have to 'try' they just are." Lorelai said with a small smirk.
Aaron nodded. "Yes. I know I get it. I will try to be better about it. But you try and be more open with me about things like this?"
Lorelai nodded. "Deal."
Rachel came out of the bathroom shortly after and Lorelai took her turn in the bathroom before they all went to bed knowing it would be along day tomorrow.
They all woke up the next morning when their alarms went off. They all got ready, and they met in the restaurant. It seemed that the entire police force from Idaho were there. The police chief spoke to the group telling them they are doing everything to keep the press away but that they could all help by not speaking to them. The police would handle speaking to them and that they were all here to help the girls who went through the trauma and the best way to do that was to just be there. They had a bus to take them all there.
They all ate breakfast before heading out to the bus. The press didn't seem to be at the hotel any longer, so it was pretty straightforward to getting on the bus. When they got to the location of the old foster home thought it was a different story. The press was everywhere. The police chief got off first and told them they could be there however they needed to keep their cameras off of the people here to get the closure they need.
Everyone was let off the bus. Kelsey quickly found Lorelai and clung to her hand. Lorelai picked her up. "You okay?" She asked
Kelsey nodded. "I didn't live here." She said
Lorelai nodded. "I know. Did you not want to come?" She asked
Kelsey shook her head. "My foster mommy lived here along time ago."
Lorelai looked at her. "Oh. I didn't know. They made you come?"
Kelsey nodded. "I was told that I was part of the family and I needed to be here to support her."
Lorelai nodded and sighed. "Well. Your biologically mommy did live here too. You can be here for her too."
Kelsey nodded. "And for you." She said
Lorelai smiled and nodded.
The girls and women who had been in that home all headed to the front of the group where there was police tape far enough from the house to be safe when it was torn down. Their families stood behind them making sure they knew they all had support. Lorelai was at the end of the line she held Kelsey with one arm and took the hand of the girl to her left which was Rachel. She started a chain every girl and women who had lived in that home that was there took the hand of the person next to them. There were girls and women of all ages some knew each other some did not but it didn't matter. They all knew the trauma they had been through there is the decades that this home existed.
They watched as the bulldozer did its job and the building was demolished. There was a lot of tears both silent tears as well as audible sobs. No one broke hands though. They all just squeezed harder letting each other know that they were all there. Families who were behind placed hands on the shoulders of their loved ones to let them know. The cameras were rolling but the journalists were silent. The entire crowd was silent except for the sobs. But the noise from the machines were drowning those out. Once the building was down and the machine turned off, the group stood still for several minutes. No one was leaving till everyone of the former victims was ready to go. After about twenty minutes the group slowly started to leave. Heading to the bus.
A camera got into Lorelai's face. "You are Lorelai Davies- Hotchner. You were a big reason this place was closed down. Was this enough closure for all the victims?" She was asked.
Lorelai just walked away not saying anything. "What an FBI agent to afraid to talk to the press? Isn't that part of your job?" Was called out as the camera person followed her.
"She is not here as an FBI agent." a voice spoke loudly. Directing the camera off of her and onto someone else. Lorelai looked up wondering who that women talking was. She took one look and instantly knew. That women was her biological mother. She also saw a man standing next to her holding her hand and she could see some similarities between him and herself. She had a gut feeling that he was her biological father.
Lorelai watched her talk to the cameras for a few minutes before they went off to talk to someone else. The women looked up at Lorelai and gave her a small smile. Lorelai smiled back a-bit before getting on the bus.
She sat next to Rachel. "You okay?" Lorelai asked
Rachel nodded. "I felt every ounce of weight lifted from my body."
Lorelai nodded. "Me too. It was definitely what I needed."
Once everyone was on the bus they went back to the hotel.
When they were back at the room for a bit. Lorelai looked up. "I am going to go to the next town over. I want to get some of those cookies." She said
"You going to be okay on your own?" Aaron asked
Lorelai smiled. "Yes. I will take a cab."
Aaron nodded. "If something happens call me." He told her
Lorelai nodded and headed out. She did plan to get cookies, but she also needed to get some space. She went into a restaurant that was next to the cafe and sat at a table by herself. A waitress came over to take her order.
"Can I get the cheeseburger and fries and a beer. Whatever's on tap." She said.
The waitress gave her a look. "Do you have ID?" She asked her. Lorelai pulled out an ID and showed her. It said she was twenty-one. The waitress gave her ID back and went back to place her order in. No. Lorelai didn't drink ever. She had the fake ID for other reasons.
Her food and drink were brought out fairly quickly. Before long someone sat at the table with her she looked up and it was Will.
"Will. Hi. What are you doing here?" She said hoping he doesn't notice the beer.
"I was meeting an old friend here. But he had to cancel. I saw you. I was surprised to see you alone." Will told her. He wasn't oblivious. He was a police officer. He saw the beer.
"Oh. I'm sorry your friend had to cancel." She said
"It happens no big deal. I will see him another time." Will said
Lorelai nodded.
"You going to finish your beer?" He asked
Lorelai pinched the space between her eyebrows and looked down.
"Yes. I noticed. I am a police officer Lorelai." He said
Lorelai sighed and nodded.
"You going to answer my question?" He asked her
She looked up. "You actually going to let me?" She asked
Will shrugged. "Should I?"
Lorelai shrugged.
"No. I shouldn't. and I should tell your father." He said
"Should? Does that mean you wont?" She asked a little surprised.
"I don't know Lorelai. If it were Henry and your dad here I would hope he would tell me. Or make Henry tell me." Will told her
Lorelai nodded. She understood.
"How did you get the drink in the first place?" Will asked. "Fake ID?"
She nodded.
Will put his hand out. "Give it."
Lorelai took it out and gave it to him reluctantly.
"I cant begin to understand the trauma you have been through. And the feelings that today have brought up. But this is not the right way to handle it. I know you know that." He told her as he took the ID and looked at it. "Impressive, I wouldn't be able to tell." He said putting it away in his pocket.
Lorelai nodded. "Honestly. Today. Was closure. Till I saw someone."
"Who?" he asked
"I think she's my biological mother and biological father possibly too." She admitted
Will nodded. "I see. I don't know your story what happened with her and your biological father." He said. "If you want to share I am open to listening." He added
Lorelai didn't understand why but Will was very easy to talk to. She found herself telling him a lot of things about her past. Not everything but more than she would tell most people this easily.
Will listened and nodded when he felt it was right.
When she was finished she looked up at him. "If I promise I wont do it again. Please. Don't tell my dad." She asked.
Will shook his head. "He has to be told. I can let you tell him. I do think it would be better coming from you than anyone else. But if you do not tell him. I will." He told her. "I understand we all make mistakes sometimes, but I am a dad. I cant keep something this serious from another father."
Lorelai nodded. "I understand. I will tell him." She said
Will nodded. "Good. Are you done? I have a rented car I can drive you back." He offered.
Lorelai nodded "I just need to pay. And the place next door has the best cookies. I was planning to bring some back for everyone. If you don't want to wait its fine." She said
Will shook his head. "I can wait." He said.
Lorelai nodded and went and paid her bill and the two of them went next door. She ordered a few dozen cookies and headed back to the hotel with Will.
As they were driving Will took a breath. "I'm not saying I don't trust you. I just want to be sure. Once you tell your dad. I need him to text me that he knows alright?"
Lorelai nodded and chuckled. "Okay."
Will raised an eyebrow "Were you planning to not tell him but let me think you did?"
"I mean. It did cross my mind for a second but no. I did plan to tell him." She was honest
Will nodded. "Good."
They pulled into the hotel, and both went inside. Lorelai gave Will a few cookies for himself and to take back to JJ. Before she went to her own room and set the box down.
"Hey. You were awhile." Aaron said
Lorelai nodded and looked up.
Aaron could see something was wrong and he stood up. "What? What happened. Did the press bother you?" He asked
"No. I screwed up." She said softly. She noticed that Rachel was not in the room.
"Oh?" He asked
"I went to a restaurant next to the cookie shop. I was hungry and wanted lunch." Lorelai started
"Nothing wrong with that." Aaron said
"I um ordered a drink with it." She said
Aaron took a breath and pointed to the bed for her to sit. "An alcoholic drink?"
"Yes. A beer." She said softly sitting down and looking at her hands
"Did you drink it?" He asked
"Some. Till Will showed up and saw me." She admitted
"How did you order it?" He asked
"I have…had a fake ID." She said
"Had?" Aaron asked
"Will took it." She said
"Good." He said. "Why?" He asked placing the desk chair in front of her and sitting down.
"The demolition of the foster home. I felt everything I had been holding in just floated away. I felt a complete calm. Than out of no where a camera was shoved in my face. I ignored it and walked away. The journalist was baiting me saying an FBI agent should talk its part of their job and than a women came out of no where and defended me. Diverting the attention off me" She said
Aaron nodded. "That's a good thing isn't it?"
"Yes. But when I looked up at saw her.. I think. It was my biological mother. And there was man with her. We have the same eyes." She said
Aaron took a breath and nodded. "I thought you were okay with that."
"I thought I was. Than I saw her and him." Lorelai admitted.
"Okay." He had stayed calm though the whole conversation. "Is this the first time. Since living with me that you have drank?"
She nodded. "Yes." She looked up at him to show him she was telling the truth. "First time I have ever had a drink. Ever."
"Okay. This is your one and only free pass." He said
Lorelai let out the breathe she was holding. "Will wants you to let him know you know."
Aaron nodded. "I'll go talk to him. Stay here." He instructed.
Aaron went and spoke to Will and thanked him. He took the ID from him to deal with it himself. He went back to the room.
"Where did you get this ID?" He asked her
"A guy sells them on main street in DC." She told him
Aaron shook his head. "What is his name?" He asked
Lorelai told him the name and the name of the shop.
Aaron nodded and put the ID in his wallet.
"I'm sorry." Lorelai said
"I know. I'm not angry. Disappointed though."
Lorelai nodded and put her head in her hands.
"Do you think meeting your biological mother and father would help or make it worse?" He asked.
"I don't know." She admitted
"I can find a way and arrange it. If you want." Aaron told her
"I don't want to have to come back here again. I need the closure. Yes. I want to meet them." Lorelai said.
"Okay. I will arrange it. And I will be there." He said
Lorelai nodded. "Okay."
Rachel came back to the room soon after and took a few cookies as did Aaron before Lorelai went and brought cookies downstairs to the dining area and left them for everyone to have access to.
Aaron made some calls and found out what room her biological parents were in.
He decided to go and talk to them first make sure they were open to it to before he forced them into meeting their biological daughter. He also decided it was probably best if he didn't go alone since he didn't know what kind of people they were. He decided to bring Emily with him. They went and spoke to them both and they both said they would love to meet her. To answer her questions.
After their conversation he and Emily left and went back to their own rooms. Aaron had a decision to make now. He had told Lorelai he would arrange it and her biological parents did want to see her and speak to her daughter, but Aaron could tell when speaking to her that her mother was high. And didn't know if Lorelai could handle that if she was when they met.
When he got back to the room he was sharing with the girls. He heard Rachel in the bathroom. He sat on the side of the bed looking over at the other bed where Lorelai was. Lorelai could sense he had something to say.
"Where did you go?" She asked him
Aaron took a breath. I was arranging for you to meet with and speak with your biological parents."
"Oh. Okay. What is the problem?" She asked.
"Emily and I met with them." He said
"Oh. Why?" Lorelai asked.
"To make sure they was okay with meeting you. Only fair don't you agree?" He asked
Lorelai nodded. "Yes. They have to right to say no. Did they"
"No. they agreed to it. They want to be able to speak to you too." Aaron said
"I'm not seeing the problem." Lorelai said
"Lorelai. She was high." He told her
"Oh. I see. Well, I knew there was a drug problem in this town. And that she had either or both drug and alcohol problems." Lorelai said
"Yes. However, I need to think about your wellbeing. Aaron said
"No. You can not make this decision for me." She said firmly. "I can handle it."
"Lorelai just seeing them caused you to go to a bar and drink. What if they don't give you the answers your want?" He asked
Lorelai took a breath. "It was a restaurant, and I didn't go and get hammered. I had less than half a beer."
"And if Will hadn't shown up?" He asked
"I would have finished the beer. But that's it." She said
Aaron nodded. "Okay. I believe you. However, you are seventeen one beer is to many."
"Okay. I realize that. I made a mistake. I'm only human." She said
"I know. I don't want to penalize you for your bad choice in this situation. I just have to wonder. If you cant handle seeing them. Ten feet away how are you going to handle talking to them." He asked
"I have to ask my questions. Please dad. I know legally you get to make this decision, but you know our father daughter relationship is different. Please. I need this. I cant go any longer not knowing what really happened." She said looking up at him.
Aaron thought for a moment. "And if she is to high to give you any answers and if they don't show up?" He asked.
"Than nothing will change. But doing nothing will have the same results. I need to take the chance." Lorelai said
"Okay. You're right its your decision to make." Aaron said. "But I still need to be there."
"That's fine. I want you there." She said
Aaron nodded. Rachel came out of the bathroom and the three of them went to have dinner at the restaurant in the hotel. It was quieter. A lot of people had left right after the event. The team were all there and they all ate dinner together. After they ate most people went back to their rooms. Emily, JJ, Garcia, and Lorelai stayed to have desert and to talk.
"How are you doing?" Emily asked
"I'm okay. A lot of feelings coming up though." Lorelai said
"I can imagine. Not just the demolition but also with your bio parents." JJ said
Lorelai nodded. "I guess Will told you?"
JJ nodded. "No judgements."
Emily & Penelope looked confused.
"Did my dad not inform you about my afternoon?" Lorelai asked
Emily and Penelope shook her head.
Lorelai sighed softly and told her. Emily and Penny listened and nodded. "How much trouble you in?" Emily asked
"None really. Got a lecture but he let me of with a one-time warning." Lorelai said
"Wow. You got lucky." Emily said.
"I know. I have no intention of making that mistake again." Lorelai told the two other agents
"You know you can always come talk to any of us. About anything." Penelope told her.
"I know. I should have. Its nothing about any of you. Its just me being stupid." Lorelai said
"You are many things but stupid is not one of them." JJ told her.
"You made a mistake. We all make mistakes. We learn from them and try not to repeat them." Penelope added.
Lorelai nodded. "Sometimes I feel like I keep making mistakes and keep ending up in trouble." She said softly.
"You spent so many years not being allowed to make mistakes. You're finally at a place where you feel safe enough to make mistakes. Even if its subconsciously. You know that you have your family who will still be there for you even when you make a mistake. Yes you be in some trouble, but we all have your back. And you don't have to fear abuse when you do make a bad decision." Emily told her
"Stop profiling me." Lorelai said with a smirk
All of them chuckled. "You walked right into that one." Penelope told her
Lorelai nodded with a smile. "You're right."
They all finished their deserts before heading back to their own rooms and winding down for the night.
Lorelai laid awake that night for awhile. Thinking about the meeting she would be having the next day. She was going to actually get to sit down with her biological parents. She hoped that she would get answers. To her questions about how she ended up in that home. Why her parents didn't get her out of this town. How her mother let her stay in that home without getting help knowing she was being abused daily.
She did eventually fall asleep from pure exhaustion.
Lorelai work up the next morning to the sounds of her dad and sister getting ready for the day. She stretched a bit.
"Morning." Aaron said.
"Morning." She mumbled. She didn't like to talk much before her coffee. She could smell coffee being made which caused her to wake up a bit more. She sat up in bed and stretched again. She slipped on a pair of slippers and headed towards the coffee machine.
"Its not ready yet." Aaron told her.
She scowled and stood by the machine waiting for it to be ready.
Aaron shook his head with a smile. She clearly had a coffee addiction. It could be far worse though he thought.
When the coffee was ready. She filled up a cup and went and sat on her bed sipping it. Aaron went and got his a few minutes later.
Rachel came out of the bathroom ready for the day. When she was done her coffee, Lorelai took her turn in the bathroom.
An hour later they were all ready for the day. Aaron looked at Lorelai. We have our meeting at 11am. Are you sure this is what you want to do?" He asked her.
"Yes. I am sure." Lorelai said
"Okay. Rachel you should hang out with someone while we are gone. I don't like the idea of you being alone in a hotel room." He said
"Dad. I'm not a little girl." Rachel said.
Aaron smiled. "I know." He took a breath. "Okay, Just don't open the door unless you look through the peep hole and you know the person. Well." He said
Rachel nodded. "Okay."
Soon after that Lorelai and Aaron went to a local café. Aaron figured it was better if this conversation wasn't around the hotel.
Lorelai and Aaron sat at a table and waited.
Her bio-parents showed up just a few minutes later and went and sat down with them.
Lorelai looked up at them and had to take a breathe to keep from tearing up.
They all exchanged hellos before the conversation started
"How are you?" the older women asked
"I don't know." Lorelai answered honestly
"I can understand that. Sometimes we don't know how we feel." She was told by her biological father
Lorelai nodded. "How are you?"
"I'm.. okay." Was the response she got.
There was silence for a few minutes before her mother spoke again.
"I take it you have questions. You can ask me anything." She told the younger women.
"Ask us anything." The man added
Lorelai nodded. "I do have a few. First why did I get taken away from you both?" She asked
"We were both. Not okay. I am a recovering alcoholic; your father is still struggling with a drug addiction." She said. "When you were a baby and toddler we were both using our substances and we made some bad decisions. We left you alone. The police found you wandering the streets and you were removed from our care." She told her.
Lorelai made a face. "I don't remember that."
Her mother nodded. "You were just two."
Lorelai nodded. "You grew up in that house. You knew what went on there. You had to know at some point I would be taken away from you. Why didn't you take me and leave that town. Yes maybe I would have ended up in foster care but in a better place." She asked.
"Honestly. I was so wrapped up in my own trauma. My own addiction I was a horrible mother. There is no denying that. I did everything I could, but I needed help." She said
"What do you mean you did everything you could? To me its sounds like you didn't do anything." Lorelai said getting slightly annoyed. Aaron squeezed her hand gently under the table showing his support.
Her mother nodded. "When they found you wandering the streets and figured out who you were they brought me and your father in. They asked me how old you were… I thought if I lied… and said you were older you would get out of there sooner." She said
Lorelai's heart sank. "Wait. You are telling me -you two were the ones who made them think I was five?!" She said
Her mother nodded. "I realize now how stupid that was, but it worked right? You got out of there earlier."
"No! That is not going to change anything. I was still abused daily for most of the time I spent in that home. You didn't do anything. You are responsible for me ending up in that home. Making me seem older did not stop that. It cut it short sure. But I took more abuse that anyone in that home. Why? Because I was the presumed oldest in that home!" Lorelai said tears welling up in her eyes.
Aaron wanted everything to step in and help his daughter, but he knew she needed to do this.
"We didn't know that would happen!" Her mother pointed out
"You -knew I would be abused." Lorelai said
"Yes. But I didn't know you would be abused worse than anyone else." Her mother said
"I don't care. You lied. You made my life harder than it had to be. You maybe have created and birth me but as far as I am concerned you are not my mother. And that man is not my father." She said before looking back at her dad. "This man. The one who took me in when he could have just walked away. The man who helped me grow and become the person I am. He is my dad." She said as she stood up. "This conversation is done. Thank you for finally giving me something. The closure that I need. I don't ever want to see or speak to either of you again." She walked away.
Aaron stood up and followed Lorelai outside. She was leaning against the brick wall side of the café and sobbing. Aaron wrapped her in a tight hug and just let her sob. After several minutes Lorelai calmed down.
"You okay?" Aaron asked.
Lorelai nodded. "I am." She took a breath. "Just tired. Ready to go home and move on. I will never be coming back here. I don't care if there is another case here. I am never coming back." Lorelai said.
Aaron nodded. "Okay. Well lets go get packed and ready. We will go home today." He said he lead her to the cab he had called, and they went back to the hotel. Aaron texted everyone saying that they should leave that evening.
When Aaron and Lorelai got back to the room Rachel was not there. He texted everyone again asking if Rachel was with them. He got back messages from everyone saying no. Aaron was annoyed. He texted Rachel
'You were supposed to stay in the room. Where are you?' he texted
Rachel looked at her phone than back up at Rebecca. "Well, I thought they would be longer." She said
Rebecca shook her head. "You could just tell him you're with me. I don't think he would care." She suggested.
"Yeah but he would ask why I didn't just tell him." Rachel said
"Well why didn't you?" Rebecca asked.
"I don't know." Rachel said
"Tell him you're with me." She said firmly
Rachel texted her dad. 'I'm with Rebecca in the restaurant. I'll be back up soon.'
Aaron texted back. 'Okay."
Rebecca looked at Rachel. "Are you going to tell me why you asked me to talk?" She asked
"Well. I did a DNA test. I wanted to see if I could find any biological family." Rachel said
"Oh? Your dad let you?" Rebecca asked.
"He doesn't know. I didn't want him to think that it had anything to do with him." Rachel said
Rebecca nodded. "Okay. Well, I did one of those tests too. I didn't get anyone"
"Did you get an email saying a new match had come?" Rachel asked
Rebecca made a face. "Not that I noticed."
"You should check that. Were cousins." Rachel told her
Rebecca shook her head. "Small town. Guess I'm not surprised."
Rachel nodded. "I guess it makes sense, but I'm still surprised."
Rebecca nodded. "I understand that. It doesn't change anything. I will always see you as my sister."
Rachel smiled and nodded. "Me too it's just. As far as I know my biological parents are dead. I didn't think I had any blood family. And yes blood on its own doesn't make family. And I have an amazing dad, brother, and sister. Several people I think of as family its just.."
Rebecca nodded. "It feels different when its blood. I get that. I can imagine knowing your sister was meeting her bio-parents today and knowing that you wont be able to must me hard."
Rachel nodded. "A bit."
"Well I never knew my bio-parents either. But you can always know you have me. Not just because we share DNA but because we shared a home and DNA or not you will always been my family." Rebecca told her
Rachel smiled. "Thanks. I should probably get going before my dad comes to get me himself."
Rebecca chuckled. "Okay. You should tell him the truth."
Rachel nodded. "I will. Thanks."
The girls said their goodbye before heading to their own rooms.
Lorelai started to pack. It didn't take her long she had gotten good at packing quickly.
Aaron also packed quickly waiting for his younger daughter to come back to the room
When their conversation was done Rachel went back up to the room. When she got into the room she was met with an annoyed Aaron with his arms crossed.
"You told me to not open the door for anyone I don't know. I know Rebecca." She said
"Yes. But you left the room. Didn't text me to let me know." Aaron said
"I'm sorry. Wont happen again." Rachel said.
Aaron nodded. "Get packing we are leaving this evening."
Rachel nodded and got to packing.
Aaron was giving his girls lots of slack this weekend he knew it had been a hard weekend he didn't want to make it harder on them.
As she was packing Rachel stopped for a second. Lorelai had left the room for something giving her the opportunity. "Dad…"
Aaron looked up. "Yes?"
"I have something to tell you." She said
Aaron could tell she was beating around the bush, so he sat on the bed next to where she was packing. "Is this something that is going to get you in trouble?" He asked
"I don't know… Maybe hurt your feelings. Which was not my intent when I did this thing." She said
Aaron nodded. "Okay. Well, tell me please. I will try to keep that in mind."
Rachel nodded. "About four months ago I was really starting to wonder about biological families. When I did that family tree project for class." She started. "Not because of anything you did but just because… I was curious." She continued
Aaron nodded. "I can understand that. We all want to know where we come from." He said.
Rachel nodded. "So I. Found one of those DNA ancestry kits online and ordered it. I did all that I had to and sent in back. I got my results a couple weeks ago." She told him
Aaron let out the breathe he was holding. "How did you manage that?" He asked. You need to be eighteen… or have parental consent."
Rachel nodded. "This part might cause me to be in some trouble." She said
Aaron looked at her and waited for her to continue.
"I um. Filled out the parental consent form and sent it in as if you had consented to it." She said
"You forged my signature?" He asked
"Technically no. I just tricked you into signing it. Telling you it was a permission form for something at school. I noticed you never really check you just sign those when I ask." She told him biting her lip.
"Rachel…" Aaron said sounding really disappointed.
Rachel looked down. "I know. I'm sorry"
"Why didn't you just ask me?" He asked her
She shrugged.
Aaron took a breathe. "Look at me Rachel." He said.
Rachel shook her head. She couldn't bare to see his disappointed look.
Aaron gently took her chin and made her look at him. "I would have let you do it. I would have paid for it. "Which brings up another question. Did you use my credit card?" He asked.
"No." Rachel said. "I know you check your card statements carefully." She said
"Than how?" He asked
"I used Lorelai's credit card…" She said
Aaron shook his head. He wasn't sure who he was more annoyed with about that part. The fact that Rachel did that, or Lorelai wasn't careful enough to review her statement to see the extra charge.
"Why didn't you just ask me?" he asked again he was expecting a real answer this time.
"I didn't want to hurt your feelings or think that it was because you had been anything be kind and welcoming to me." She said
Aaron nodded. "Well for future reference you are allowed to want to know things about your genetics and where you come from. I would never interfere with that. I would even help you."
Rachel nodded. "I'm sorry I didn't just come to you." She said
Aaron nodded. "Did you find what you were looking for?" He asked
"No and Yes. My biological parents aren't on there. But I found a cousin. Rebecca actually is my cousin." She said
Aaron nodded. "Wow. You didn't know that?" He asked
Rachel shook her head. "She didn't either. I was talking to her about it today. She's the one who told me to tell you the truth." She said
Aaron nodded again. "I'm glad." Aaron thought for a moment. "There will be consequences for going behind my back and also tricking me. And you will be telling Lorelai what you did with her credit card." He said. "But I am going to need time to decide what the consequences will be." He told her
Rachel nodded. "I understand. I know I messed up."
"Was there any other family listed?" He asked
Rachel shook her head. "You can look at my account if you would like." She told him
Aaron nodded. "Maybe. We will see."
Lorelai came back to the room at the time so for now the conversation was over.
Aaron texted everyone to be at the jet for 7pm. Everyone finished packing and had dinner on their own before they all headed to the jet for the time they were told.
They all got on and sat in the same places they sat flying up there. After a bit Lorelai went to get some coffee and Spencer came up behind her a minute later. "I heard about your, adventure yesterday." He said.
Lorelai sighed. "Who told you?"
"Morgan. I think Penelope told him." Spencer said
"Great. So, the whole team knows." She said
Spencer nodded. "Probably. That's how it works in a family. Are you okay?" He asked
"Yes. Actually I am. Do you know the whole story or just the drinking part?" she asked
"Just the drinking." He said
Lorelai nodded and told him everything even meeting with her biological parents that day and how that went. "But now. I feel true closure. I hold no grudge. I wish them no harm I just have no need to see them or talk to them ever again. I have a family. I don't need them." She said
Spencer nodded. "I'm glad you got what you needed."
"Like you did with the case with your father a few months back?" She asked
"Well. I don't know if I got full closure, but I got a lot of questions answered." Spencer said
Lorelai nodded and took her cup or coffee and handed Spencer a cup before she went and sat back down. She looked up at Morgan. "You disappointed too?" She asked
Morgan looked up from his paper. "Why would I be?"
"I know Penelope told you." She said looking over at her annoyed.
"I- I didn't know it was a secret." Penelope said
Derek shook his head. "Nope. Don't be angry with her. Families don't keep secrets."
Lorelai nodded. "You're right. I'm not mad Penelope."
Penelope smiled and nodded.
Lorelai looked up at Derek. "So, are you?
Derek looked over at her. "You sure you want that answered?"
Lorelai sighed. "That means yes." She said
Derek nodded. "Not necessarily. I don't know the full story."
Lorelai looked at Penelope. "So, you don't see the need to give the full story?"
"I didn't know if you would want people to know." She was told
"But you told him I drank?" Lorelai asked
"You're right. Sorry." Penelope said.
"Its okay. I just don't want to have to tell the story ten times." Lorelai said
Penelope nodded. "I get that."
"Well, are you going to tell the story one more time?" Rossi asked from behind her.
Lorelai sighed. "No. I'm tired." She said rather snippy closing her eyes.
"Excuse me?" Rossi said surprised by the attitude.
"I don't want to." She told him with the same attitude.
Everyone on the jet looked at each other with the same look of surprise.
David looked up and Aaron who gave him a nod. David got up from his seat and went to the back of the jet tapping Lorelai's shoulder indicating for her to join him.
Lorelai opened her eyes and saw the look on his face. She knew she had stepped in it. She took a breath and got up and went to the back.
"I'm sorry. I was rude. No excuse." She said quickly.
"Did I do something to piss you off?" David asked her
"No." She looked down.
"I understand this was a hard weekend for you. Doesn't mean you get to have an attitude with me. Or anyone who is just trying to help you. If you don't want to talk about it that's fine. But you can answer without the attitude." David lectured.
"You're right. I am sorry." She said holding back tears. She hated upsetting her family
David nodded. "It's forgiven."
The two went and sat back down. Lorelai closed her eyes again. She couldn't look at anyone right now.
An hour or so later Rachel went over to where Lorelai was sitting. "Uh Lorelai. Can I talk to you?" She asked.
Lorelai opened her eyes. The other three who were sitting with Lorelai took that as a sign and went and sat elsewhere on the jet.
Lorelai made a face she could tell Rachel was upset. "You okay?" She asked
Rachel shrugged. "Yes and no." She told her big sister sitting down across from her.
"What's wrong?" Lorelai asked.
"I did something stupid." Rachel said
Lorelai smiled abit. "You just heard the way I talked to David right? We all make mistakes it cant be that bad." She said
Rachel looked down. "No. Its bad."
Lorelai took a breathe. "Tell me." She said
"Long story short but about four months ago I had a school project for a family tree. Got me wondering about my biological family. I wanted to do one of those DNA kits, but I was afraid to ask dad because I didn't want him to think it had anything to do with him or that I wasn't happy where I am because I am. So, I did the kit behind his back. I needed a credit card to pay, and I knew he checked his statements carefully and would notice the charge. I knew you wouldn't…So I um. Used your credit card to pay…" She told her.
Lorelai listened and was stunned by the end of her story. "Rachel. You did what?" She asked. She was so shocked she couldn't believe it.
Rachel looked down. "I'm sorry."
Lorelai took another breathe. She knew she had to be calm. "Rachel. I'm just so. Stunned. I don't know what to say."
Rachel nodded. "You can just say nothing. I am really sorry. I will pay you back I have the money from allowance I just needed a credit card. I promise I wont ever do it again. Dad knows all this so I can pay you back you forgive me, and we just move on?" She suggested
Lorelai took another breathe. She understood making bad choices. She had made a really stupid one this weekend when she went and drank. "Thank you for telling me the truth. I understand how hard that is. I understand making bad choices. I understand wanting to know where you come from. I don't think dad would have stopped you had you asked him though." She said
Rachel nodded. "He told me that fact when I told him the truth."
"You told dad without being caught?" Lorelai asked.
"Well kind of. Someone else to me to tell him. I don't know if she would have told him if I didn't but…" Rachel answered.
"Who?" Lorelai asked
"Rebecca…turns out she's my biological cousin." Rachel told her.
Lorelai smiled. "That's great. I am happy for you."
"Really?" Rachel asked
"Of course. I mean I'm not happy you stole my credit card. But like I said I understand wanting to know about who you are. I just met with my biological parents to get answers. You just wanted your answers." She told her
Rachel nodded. "I know. I really am sorry."
Lorelai nodded. "What is the consequence from dad?" She asked
"Don't know yet. He had to think about it." Rachel said
Lorelai made a face. "Oh."
"Yeah I know. That's bad." Rachel said
Lorelai ran her fingers through her hair. "Well since your in that much trouble with dad I think you have learned your lesson. You will be paying me back. But yes I can forgive you." She said. "However, you do that again with -anyone's credit card and I find out I will kick your butt." She told her little sister.
Rachel nodded. "I wont. I promises." The girls hugged and Rachel went back to her seat. There conversation was quiet but didn't mean that everyone else didn't hear it. Aaron took the opportunity and got up and went and sat with Lorelai.
"You okay?" He asked
Lorelai nodded. "I'm still shocked but yeah I'm okay."
"You handled that very well." Aaron told her.
"Well. I know yelling wouldn't help anything. And I also understand making mistakes. She used my credit card but just yesterday I used a fake ID." She pointed out
Aaron nodded. "I have a question." He said
Lorelai nodded. "Yes?"
"How did you not see the extra charge on the card?" He asked
"Clearly I need to pay closer attention to the statements." She said
Aaron nodded. "You know why she used yours not mine?" He asked
Lorelai nodded. "Because you always check your statements. I promise I will be better about doing that."
Aaron nodded. "Good. You work hard for your money. You get to decide where that money goes, and no one should take it." He pointed out
Lorelai nodded in agreement. Aaron squeezed her knee before going back to her own seat.
Lorelai sighed and spoke up. She told the whole jet what had happened with her that led to her drinking and about meeting her bioparents and how that went.
They all told her they were glad she got her closure and were sorry it came at her having to be hurt again.
They landed and everyone got off. Lorelai was the last off. She went with Aaron and Rachel to the car.
When they got home it was late they were all tired. They all showered and headed to bed.
