Disclaimer: The Gilmore Girls is the creation of Amy Sherman-Palladino
Chapter 8: Lorelai and Lucas
Hartford, Connecticut, St. Joseph's Hospital, Thursday, May 18, 2017, 10:10 am EST
Minutes after leaving Rory's bedside Logan found himself in an awkward procession to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with a silent Lorelai. Doubting that Rory's mother could make it all the way to the NICU without saying something, he decided to leave it up to her strike up a conversation. Knowing Lorelai as he thought he did, he was confident he knew exactly what topic she would bring up if and when she decided to speak. As for Logan, he didn't feel a need to talk with Lorelai. He was too busy doing a mental rewind of his visit with Rory. A visit that he thought had gone pretty well.
"So, how're the wedding plans coming along?"
Bemused, Logan's eyes cut to Rory's mother. If there was one thing he appreciated about Lorelai Gilmore it was her ability to not mince words.
"I'm not really planning on a wedding at the moment."
"Planning on a wedding or planning a wedding?"
"Both."
"But you're still engaged. Right?" Lorelai's head shot around as she focused her blue eyes on him. "That is what you said? Before? That you're still engaged?"
"Yes. I believe my exact words were that I was still engaged, technically."
"So... technically? What does that mean? You expecting your status to change?"
"If you're asking the question, I think you know the answer."
Lorelai came to an abrupt halt. Sighing, Logan stopped and swung around to face her.
"Got another question?"
"Yeah, Logan, I do. What exactly are you thinking? About all of this?" Lorelai waved her hands to emphasize her point. "About Rory? About Lucas?"
"Again, you're asking a question that doesn't need to be asked."
"No, I do need to ask. You were all set to marry Odette the Heiress! What happened? How does that change just like that? Why? How do you think Rory feels? I mean – it's just her - she's good enough for booty calls but not for marriage? But then –when it comes to Lucas - all your plans go out the window?"
Logan brought his hand up to his head and rubbed his temple. He focused his gaze on Lorelai.
"It seems Rory's given you the cliff notes version of our relationship. I'm gonna leave that for you two to sort out. Rory knows exactly what she means to me." Logan chuckled, momentarily lost in a memory. "I think the lucky dress was luckier for me than it was for her. Where we go from here, yes, Lucas is a big part of it. But don't think for a second that Rory's not the biggest part."
With that, Logan turned away from Lorelai and resumed his strides towards the NICU, leaving a momentarily speechless Lorelai staring after him.
While Logan could appreciate that he might've just jarred Lorelai's long held opinion of him, and maybe she needed a minute to regroup, considering how far he'd come – both physically and emotionally – to get to this point, Lorelai's delaying was killing him. Absently it crossed his mind that this was definitely a Roryism inherited from Lorelai. He paused and turned around to face her again.
"Lorelai, we're like ten feet from the NICU. You think maybe we can pick this up later? It's been a crazy twenty-four hours. I'd really like to see him before I lose it."
His plea shook Lorelai from her pensive reverie.
"Oh, yeah."
"Thanks."
Logan hastened his pace and closed the gap to the NICU nurses station ahead of Lorelai. Logan bestowed a smile on the woman at the counter. "Hi. I'm hoping you can help me."
"I'm Miss Morgan, the charge nurse. Who're you here to visit?" The nurse, attired in pink floral scrubs, was an African American woman in her mid-forties.
Lorelai, who had been a few steps behind Logan, suddenly emerged from behind him. "Hi Miss Morgan."
"Oh, Miss Lorelai," the nurse smiled. "Hello there. Your grandson's doing very well today. He has a good appetite. He's gonna be a big boy."
Logan felt his mouth suddenly go dry. His features froze in place.
"Thank you! That's so good to hear!"
"Where's Miss Rory?"
"Rory was running a slight fever this morning. Hopefully she'll be down later. Is Dr. Cleary around?"
"Dr. Clearly won't be back until tomorrow morning. Dr. Allen is here now. I'll let her know you'd like to talk to her."
"Thank you."
The nurse turned her attention back to Logan who'd been standing quietly, observing.
"And do we have another visitor for Young Mr. Gilmore?"
"Yes, he's part of the Baby Gilmore party. " Lorelai replied. "This is Logan, Lucas's father."
"Oh, is that right?" Miss Morgan's friendly demeanor chilled. "Miss Emily must be ecstatic."
"Yes," Lorelai agreed, a tight smile on her lips. "You know my mother."
"Hm-hm."
What the hell?
Logan's eyes shot back and forth between Lorelai and the nurse. There definitely seemed to be a need for some damage control. Looking at the nurse's impassive features, he figured it wouldn't hurt to turn on the charm.
"Miss Morgan," Logan smiled at the woman as he spoke. "Rory said Lucas would likely be in the hospital another two weeks. If he's doing as well as you say, might we be able to bring him home sooner?"
At the last part of his question, Lorelai's expression became stony.
"That's a question for Dr. Allen. I'll make sure she talks to you before you go back to Miss Rory." Miss Morgan turned back to Lorelai. "Did you ever get any rest?"
"Oh, me? I'm part Mayfly. I don't need to sleep." At the nurse's pointed look, a sheepish Lorelai amended her statement. "I mean yes, I went to the hotel last night."
"Good. You need to take care of yourself. You're a grandma now. Rory's gotta take care of Lucas. You need to take care of Rory."
Hearing that, Logan couldn't help but be piqued; he wanted to be the one to take care of Rory. And Lucas.
"Yeah, I know," replied Lorelai.
Miss Morgan nodded but it was obvious she didn't quite believe Lorelai. "Okay. So Miss Lorelai, you know the drill. I trust you can explain the rules?" As the nurse spoke, she quickly and efficiently placed a hospital bracelet on Logan. "You get a daddy bracelet. Gives you all day access."
"Thank you," he replied. He glanced over at Lorelai's wrist. "Is that a grandma bracelet?"
"No, it's a Lorelai bracelet." The nurse's unwavering gaze found Logan's. "Parents get all-day access bracelets – it's like your press pass. Since there was no daddy here for three days, Rory wanted her mother to be able to come down when she couldn't."
That not being there those three days -just as not being there those past seven plus months - hadn't been his decision seemed to matter little in the scheme of things. Logan conceded that Lorelai, having supported Rory every step of the way during her pregnancy, fully deserved press privileges.
"Yep, I can do the spiel, Miss Morgan." Lorelai peered at Logan. "Come on, Logan."
With that Logan followed Lorelai to the Neonatal Nursery entrance. Lorelai motioned to a washing station adjacent to the door.
"They're pretty strict with the whole keeping things sterile. We need to scrub from fingertips to elbows with surgical sponges and put on hospital gowns."
Logan noted the hands-free washing station with the automatic soap dispenser, water faucet, and towel dispenser. Taking a look around the floor he noted the unit's other amenities.
"So your grandmother paid for all this?"
Startled Lorelai looked up at Logan, and then glanced around the floor. "Well, she funded the wing when it was first built. I'm sure they've done a lot of upgrades since then." She shook her head. "I see the name every day but I guess I don't really see it."
As they started to ready themselves for entering the nursery, Logan realized he had no idea how the Gilmores had been managing the past couple of days.
"Where are you staying?" he asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Emily sold the house in Hartford, right? Where are you staying?"
"We've got a couple of rooms at the Marriott."
"How long are you planning on staying there?"
"Don't know, Logan. However long we need to."
"I was just thinking that it might be better to rent an apartment. More comfortable. Find something closer to the hospital."
"Yeah, maybe it would be better." Pausing, Lorelai faced Logan. "Honestly, we've been too worried about Rory and the baby the past couple of days to think about that. It's been enough that Rory's healthy and Lucas is doing better."
"Lorelai, I wasn't saying it as a criticism. I just meant," he paused. "I can arrange it. A place. Nearby."
Lorelai's eyes narrowed. "Where are you staying?"
"The Marriott. But I'm planning on renting a furnished place either by the week or the month. I could easily rent a second place."
"What about your parents' house? Isn't it 100,000 square feet of vaulted ceilings and rarified air, paintings from the masters, and a ten-to-one servant to Huntzberger ratio?"
"My parents' place is not exactly the Chase Mansion. It's more like 10,000 square feet but feels like a mousetrap when occupied. There is some cool artwork. I remember Rory liking the Velazquez. It's – " his words fell off. "It's not where I want to be right now."
"Oh."
Without another word they waved for admittance and were buzzed into the nursery.
"The incubators are called giraffes. Don't ask. Lucas has wires attached to his chest. It's how they monitor his heart and breathing rates. Then he's got another one taped to his toe that tracks his oxygen level."
"Got it."
Thinking about it later, Logan could pinpoint the exact moment in the nursery when the reality of the situation struck him. Following Lorelai's lead at first, Logan felt an overwhelming wave of impatience when he knew he was finally nearing his son. A large room, there were about 10 giraffes positioned along the room's perimeter. It was obvious which of the newborns had visitors by the partitions that had been pulled out to provide the families some privacy. Logan didn't know where his son was until suddenly he did. Stepping past Lorelai, he hurried forward; his breath caught when he finally saw him.
Upon catching up to him, Lorelai gave Logan a quizzical look. "Cool party trick. How'd you know that was him?"
"Just a feeling." He couldn't explain it.
"Yeah? Well, I can smell snow." At Logan's uplifted eyebrow, Lorelai clarified. "Before it actually comes down."
"Ah," he nodded.
Finally standing over Lucas, the two turned their attention to the sleeping baby. Peering into the giraffe Logan was overcome with an avalanche of emotions that seemed to tumble onto one another. Relief. Fear. Awe. Responsibility. Happiness. Leaning over the boy, who was lying on his side, Logan noted every one of his features.
A nurse appeared. "Hi, I'm Nicole, Lucas' primary nurse."
"Can I touch him?" asked Logan.
The nurse nodded. "Gently, on his hand."
Logan lightly stroked the baby's hand and wrist. "He's got ten of everything?"
"He's got ten of the stuff he's supposed to have ten of," replied the nurse.
"Everything's okay? He seems good. A little small." Logan met the nurse's eyes.
"He's doing very well. No episodes today -"
"Episodes?" Logan's eyes bore into the nurses before he turned to Lorelai.
"Dr. Allen will explain," said Lorelai.
Logan nodded absently at Lorelai's reassurance.
"Wave if you need me." The nurse checked Lucas's monitors before departing. Logan briefly watched the woman walk away before turning his attention back to the infant. Crinkling his eyes, he stared at his son.
"So I told your mom I'd talk to you about you giving her a hard time. This may not be the best time but I figure I could use the practice. And I'd like to be able to tell your mom I kept my word. So, kid, why'd you kick up a rumpus?"
Logan and Lorelai watched as the baby stretched, his eyes opening briefly.
"I'm sure your mom eased up on the coffee once she knew about you." Logan smiled as he continued to talk to his son. "Maybe you got a little too much Java before she knew?"
Lorelai stood transfixed watching Logan with Lucas.
"Were you just in a hurry to meet your mom? Can't blame you there, kid. Your mom's awesome." Glancing up at Lorelai across the crib, Logan hurriedly added, "Your Grandma Lorelai's pretty awesome, too."
Lorelai snorted. "No point in trying to sweet talk me, Logan. That ship has long since sailed. Or should I say yacht?" Her eyes settled on him, unflinching. "I will admit you're surprising me."
"Yeah? How?"
"Well, paying for the medical bills and an apartment - not so surprising. But you –here, like this - surprises me."
"I know my way around kids, Lorelai. Honor has three."
"That's your sister?"
Logan nodded, his eyes still glued to Lucas, while Lorelai continued to study Logan. The two stood in silence watching the baby, taking turns stroking him gently.
"Is he always this quiet? Doesn't he cry?"
"He does. But not much. He's a good baby. Pretty chill." Lorelai glanced at Logan. "He takes after Rory."
Logan laughed. It was almost like she was daring him to disagree. "You're probably right."
Logan sighed but didn't take his eyes from his son. They quietly continued to watch the baby.
Finally Lorelai broke the silence. "We should find Dr. Allen."
After both Logan and Lorelai caressed Lucas goodbye, they left the nursery and made their way back out to the nurses station. Once free of their gowns, Logan and Lorelai returned to Miss Morgan.
"Miss Lorelai, Dr. Allen is sitting at the other nurses station waiting for you."
"Great," she replied. "Thank you."
Logan followed Lorelai to another nurses' station located at the other end of the unit.
"Dr. Allen. Hi. Lorelai Gilmore. Lucas Gilmore's grandma."
"Yes, hi Lorelai." The doctor cast an appraising eye on Logan. "And you are?" She asked Logan.
"I'm Logan, Lucas's father."
"Oh," the doctor nodded. "That's good. Rory'll need all the support she can get- even if you two aren't together. Good you were able to get away from your wi- other commitments for a while."
"Uh, that right?" He turned to Lorelai. "Was everyone in this hospital given a copy of the cliff notes?" He directed his next comment to the doctor. "For your information, I don't have a wife."
"That's not any of my business. Sorry."
Lorelai let out a sigh. "My mother has become a little chatty of late."
"It seems that way. Am I the only topic?"
"You. The DAR. Whales."
"Whales?"
"I'll explain later. Let's talk to Dr. Allen." Lorelai smiled at the doctor. "So, Dr. Allen, Logan just got here today. Why don't you fill him in on Lucas's condition?"
The doctor smiled. "Sure. Lucas was born at just under 35 weeks. Full-term infants are born at around 40 weeks. He's what we call a near-term baby. Technically he was born early but not that early. As for the complications, it depends on the baby, the mother's health, the conditions of the birth. He was 5 lbs 6 oz at birth – he's a little more than that now. The cutoff for what's considered low-birth weight is 5 lbs 8 oz. Lucas' lungs were not developed fully so he's needed a little help breathing. The first two days he was having trouble coordinating swallowing and breathing. So we fed him through a tube. But since yesterday he's been able to suck and swallow on his own, so no more tube. He's been getting breast milk the past couple of days."
"Oh," an obviously surprised Logan shot a look at Lorelai.
"What?" she asked.
"Rory didn't mention she was breast-feeding."
"Well, she isn't. Not yet. She's been pumping."
Logan nodded, thinking over everything the doctor had said. "Dr. Allen, everything you've described so far sounds positive. What's going on that he can't go home?"
"Well, while he's doing better, Lucas is still a premature birth. We've been monitoring his breathing, which is a bit irregular. He's demonstrating periodic breathing. That's when a baby pauses between breaths. If he stops for longer than 15 seconds, that's apnea. Apnea may be accompanied by a slow heart rate called bradycardia. The sensors on his chest are to monitor his heart rate." Dr. Allen glanced at Lorelai. "He didn't have an episode while you were in with him?"
Lorelai shook her head. "No."
"What do you mean? Episode?" asked Logan.
"Apnea. When he stops breathing for longer than 15 seconds. We have to help him get started again."
Logan grimaced at that; he definitely didn't like the sound of that. Logan had been weighing something over in his mind. He knew it would probably piss off Lorelai, but it had to be done.
No better way to kill a wedding than to announce the family heir had already been born to a woman other than the bride-to-be.
"Dr. Allen, I need to ask a favor of you. Everyone in this hospital seems to be aware of the fact that Rory and I are not together. I know, obviously, that Lucas is my son -"
"He has your nose and probably your dimples but he hasn't smiled yet, so too soon to say."
The doctor's words left Logan momentarily speechless.
Finally the doctor spoke again, breaking the silence. "What was the favor? I'm sorry – was it Logan?"
"Yes," he hesitated briefly, "Logan Huntzberger. I need a DNA test to confirm paternity."
"Oh!" Dr. Allen was surprised.
"It's for insurance purposes." He quickly added.
"Yes, of course. When do you need it by?"
"Actually, I need it as soon as possible."
Sneaking a peek at Lorelai, Logan could tell his request had elicited the exact response he expected. She was furious. He wondered what she would say; he doubted he'd have long to wait.
"You know something? I can't believe I was gonna give you a chance! After everything you've put Rory through. These past few months -"
"Lorelai -"
"-I was thinking maybe he's right. Maybe I don't know the full story. But I don't need any more stories! That!" Angrily, she pointed her finger at him. "That's all I need to know! A paternity test! It's one thing to do whatever with Rory – hey, it takes two to tango and she's 32 and it seems to be a mutual thing -"
"Lorelai -"
"-that you two can't quit each other but now there's an innocent baby here! How dare you put that out there!"
Logan, after several failed attempts to interrupt Lorelai during her tirade, was finally able to respond.
"Lorelai, I swear to you. I know Lucas is my son. I have no doubts. But... there are other things going on." He let out a breath. Tired, he met Lorelai's eyes. "Believe me, I don't want to put him through anything. I don't want to put Rory through anything. But with my family and the wedding –which was supposed to happen this month -"
At Logan's confession regarding the timing of his wedding, Lorelai's jaw dropped.
"- I need the issue of paternity to be a non-issue."
Stunned, she remained silent a few moments. "What was the event you were at when I called you in London?"
Logan weighed his options on how honest to be. As incensed as Lorelai was, he doubted it could get any worse.
"The rehearsal dinner."
Lorelai glared at him, silently fuming. He waited for her to say something but she didn't. He watched as she stormed off without another word. He assumed she was going to tell Rory about the paternity test. Briefly lost in thought Logan was surprised when he looked up and saw the doctor watching him with a mix of aversion and pity.
"For the DNA test, we'll just need to take a cheek swab."
At her words, Logan nodded silently.
"But we'll need Rory's permission before we do anything."
Logan sighed. Of course they would.
"I could get your DNA sample now, though. As long as you're here."
"How long will it take to get the results?"
"Typically a week," Dr. Allen paused. "But there are private companies we can refer you to. As long as you're willing to pay, they might be able to turn it around in as little as one day."
Logan nodded. The sooner the better.
AN: Thank you for reading.
05/02/2017