Lorelai stood in front of Gilmore estate. The taxi that had taken her from the bus depot to here had already left after she paid them. She couldn't help but wonder if she had made the right decision accepting the invite to the Gilmore's annual Christmas party. It was a couple weeks still yet until Christmas, but her parents never stayed in town for the holiday. She wondered if they were going to see Trix this year and she nearly laughed thinking about how much her mother would hate it if her dad had chosen to.
Realizing just how freezing it was, she bundled Rory up more in the car seat she had been able to buy not long ago and knocked on the front door. A maid answered and ushered her inside once they saw the baby. "Hey thanks, it's brutally cold out there." said Lorelai, sitting down the car seat to remove her jacket. "I take it Mr and Mrs Hitler are in the living room." She sees the maid give her a funny look. "Mr and Mrs Gilmore. I'm the daughter."
"Oh, yes, they are there with some of their guests." said the maid with a nod, wandering away quickly with the jacket. Lorelai wondered what her mom had done to scare this maid as it was always something. She almost wanted to warn her she would be replaced soon, but hadn't been sure how to phrase it. Lorelai picks up Rory and carries the car seat to the little parlor no one uses to sit it and drops off the gifts she had brought before walking into the living room.
"Lorelai!" said Richard, spying his daughter walking in. "We weren't sure if you would make it."
"Yes Lorelai, what your father said." said Emily, being a little cold. She calms a little at the sight of Rory. "Everyone, this is my daughter Lorelai and her daughter Rory."
Lorelai deals with the hello's and finds a place to sit holding Rory, not wanting to let Rory get into anything as she had started walking. "Of course I made it, Mom, I got the invite." She could see her mom wanting to snap something further, but didn't want to be disgraceful in front of guests. Lorelai was glad for the distraction to be there. Richard walks over and hands Lorelai a club soda.
"So how old is she now?" said one of her mom's friends that Lorelai had already forgotten the name of. "We're always so interested in the littlest Gilmore."
"She just turned two in October." said Lorelai, almost dropping Rory in shock as she spots Christopher walking in looking nervous. "Hey Chris."
"Lorelai!" said Chris, Lorelai noticing him perk up and immediately realized he had only come in hopes to see her and Rory. "Rory's so cute in that outfit. How are you two?"
"We're good, really." said Lorelai, letting Chris pick up Rory and sit down next to her. "She's a handful, watch out."
"She's gotten so big." said Chris, bouncing Rory on his knee. "So what were her first words?" He tries not to let on he's made a few quick ventures to Stars Hollow since he got Lorelai's letter.
"Mama...and then Mia." said Lorelai, laughing. "And then she tried to say cookie, but it came out closer to coosie."
"Lorelai, you two are being rude. There are other guests." said Emily, wondering where her daughter's manners have went as her and Christopher had been tuning others out.
"Sorry Mom." said Lorelai, putting emphasis on some of the words. "Chris hasn't seen his daughter in awhile and he has a right to know what's going on in her life. I'm sorry if anyone was offended." She notices most of the guests just shrugging and smiling at her and she knew instantly it was just her mom being well her mom. "Chris, I think we should go. I wouldn't want to interrupt any more of Mom's party. It was nice to see you everyone."
Lorelai gets her jacket from the maid, collects the car seat for Rory, and walks into the kitchen to dial a taxi. Chris walks in right as she finishes dialing the phone.
"Lorelai, it's a cold night. Let me drop you guys off." said Chris. "My parents gave back the keys to the car and it would be nice to spend a little time with you...and with Rory."
"Fine, but only if we can leave now." said Lorelai. Lorelai and Chris walk to where Chris has parked and Lorelai gets the car seat settled into the backseat. Once they get in and buckle up, Chris starts the drive.
"Luckily I've been there before so I don't need directions." said Chris, as Lorelai starts to point out which roads to take.
"I'm sorry, ugh, she always puts me on edge." said Lorelai. "I knew coming would be a mistake, but I stupidly came anyways. I deserve a pan to smack me right across the face."
"You didn't want to keep Rory from her grandparents." explained Chris, knowing Lorelai. "And you will end up going back and dealing with their bull so they will know her."
"You're right." said Lorelai with a sigh, smacking the dashboard. "Thanks for coming. Oh, I finally passed the test for my GED."
"I wanted to see you guys." said Chris. "And that's awesome, Lore."
"I've always hated that nickname." said Lorelai, with a fake pout.
"I know and that's why I use it, Lore." said Chris, laughing. "At least high school is up for me in the spring and my parents can stop trying to control me as well. I am so moving out the day after graduation."
Lorelai nods along with Chris, doubting his decision however. But tonight has been nice seeing him at least. "At least Rory will get a happier Christmas in Stars Hollow. I think half the staff ended up buying her gifts." said Lorelai, changing the subject after some time has passed. "She's going to be so spoiled."
"She's adorable and that's why." said Chris, pulling up at the inn. "I have gifts for you two too. Wait here." He jumps out and walks to the trunk and comes back with two packages. "Merry Christmas Lorelai. You can open them now or on Christmas, it's up to you."
"I think we'll wait." said Lorelai, getting out of the car and getting the car seat out. "If you can get away, come visit us. I might have gotten you a gift as well."
"I'll try my best." said Chris. "Love you."
"Rory loves you too." said Lorelai, unsure of what to say. She shuts the door and walks towards the inn, the night's events still in her head.