"What's going on? Usually the two of you practically run right after dinner." Mom stated as she eyed us suspiciously from her seat at the head of the table. "Mom we have a surprise for you." I state with a smile. "Rory could you run out and get it sweets." I ask standing up and ushering my mother out of the dining room and into the den. "Honestly Lorelai, what's going on?" Mom asked as Rory came in holding a box. "Well this morning at breakfast you told me you never understood movie night, so Rory and I figured we would surprise you and bring movie night here so all three of us can participate." I say nervously wringing my hands together. "We even got you some chocolate covered raisins." Rory said holding up the box of candy. Mom was shocked for a moment, but I could see her trying not to smile. "And pray tell what ridiculous movie am I being forced to watch?" Mom asked indifferently. "That mom is a surprise, one I know you will love." I stated as I turned around to put the first movie in, as Rory set up the drinks. I flicked of the lights as all three of us settled on the couch with our candy, then I pressed play. The screen was black for a moment before an out of focus image of Stars Hollow Elementary school popped up. "Not this one!" Rory groaned as she grabbed a couch pillow to hid behind. I just smiled as a tiny four year old Rory appeared on screen dressed in a yellow t-shirt and denim overalls with jelly sandals. Her little pigtails bounced as she danced in place, a smile overtaking her face. "Tell the camera your name baby." My voice sounded over the speakers. "My name's Rory and I'm four." A squeaky high pitched Rory announced on camera as she held up tree fingers. "By mommy, by Lick!" Younger Rory called out before picking up her yellow Crayola backpack and running into the playground. "Who in the world is Lick?" Mom asked as I laughed and Rory pleaded me to fast forward the tape. "When Rory was young she couldn't pronounce Luke, so she called him Lick." I explained between my laughter. As we watched more and more of old home videos that night, I could see my mother smiling and actually looking proud of the life I lived. By the time the fourth video was over Rory was sound asleep curled up into my right side, my eyes started to close as I unknowingly leaned into my mother.
The three of us were woken up the next morning by the front door closing as my dad came home from his business trip. "Emily, I'm home!" Dad called as I heard him start walking through the house. "Honestly like I couldn't hear him slam the door shut." Mom muttered as she detangled herself from Rory and I. "Mom I think it's your turn to be in the hot seat." Rory teased as I folded the through blanket. "Rory, what a surprise! What are you doing here?" Dad asked standing in the doorway. "Well, last night mom and I surprised grandma with some old home movies; and now if you would like we can watch another one." Rory stated as she shuffled through the box of VHS tapes by the TV. And with that the four of us sat down as the movie started. On screen it was a bright sunny summer day, and a six year old Rory was being taught how to play baseball in the park curtesy of Luke. "Nice try sweets, your already doing better!" I called of screen while Lane held the camcorder. "But I didn't hit the ball mommy!" Little Rory cried as she stood by home plate. "That's okay Rory it takes practice, and we have all day." Luke said from his spot just six feet in front of her. "Just try one more time Rory and then if you want we can stop." Luke stated as he held out the bat for Rory. So with a tiny nod Rory took the bat, and got into her batting stance. "Okay Rory, I'm just going to toss this for you." Luke announced as the camera panned to me. "Chris you promised! This is Rory's birthday were talking about! What could be more important than coming to your daughters birthday party?" I ask angrily into the phone. "Mommy look I hit the ball!" Young Rory cried as the camera paned back to show Luke doubled over in pain. "Chris I got to go, at least send her a card on time please." I stated before hanging up and racing over to help Luke.
Later Rory and I were home eating take-out and doing laundry, when Paul Anka jumped into my lap as Rory came back into the kitchen. "So what's new with you?" I ask trying to put Paul Anka back on the floor. "Well let's see, Pairs is still driving everyone crazy, I've got an article for the Yale Daily News due Monday and an essay for my phycology class due Tuesday." Rory explained while she folded a pair of pants between bites of take-out. "Anything else happening?" I ask as I help fold some shirts. "Oh yhea! I ran into Tristin, apparently over the summer his dad passed away and to stay closer to home he transferred to Yale. We ran into each other as I was leaving my Lit class." Rory explained with a smile. "Is this the same Tristin that you went to Chilton with?" I ask petting Paul Anka. "Yhea he was transferred to military school as we were doing our Romeo and Juliet play." Rory stated around a mouthful of take-out. "So have the two of you talked yet?" I ask taking a sip of coffee. "We had lunch together Thursday, and we agreed to study together; which then made Pairs join our study hour." Rory grumbled. "You got to love that Paris." I joked smiling. "So what happened to your engagement ring?" Rory carefully asked while avoiding eye contact. "Luke and I got into an argument after April's birthday party, I gave him a choice to marry me or leave he left." I stated slowly.