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Chapter 2

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Lorelai wanted her Hen's Night to be kid friendly so that April could attend without having to lie to her mother about what had actually gone down. When she had been engaged to Max, she and Sookie had lied to get Rory into a club. But that wasn't going to fly this time - Rory had been nearly 17, April was still only 14.

She, Sookie and Rory constantly spoke and threw ideas into the air as to what they could do. KC's had been suggested, because it was local and they knew that they could get April in. But, after her last experience there, Lorelai was a little hesitant to return.

Emily suggested a party at her house, but Lorelai quickly shot that down, saying that it wouldn't be fair. Besides, she really didn't want the women of Stars Hollow to see where she had spent the first 17 years of her life.

Babbette and Miss Patty suggested Luke's, because that was where they had met. At first the idea seemed pretty cool to Lorelai, but the more she thought about it, the more the idea seemed silly because Luke would be there, and, honestly, who really wants to party down with their fiancé?

So Luke's was out.

It wasn't until two weeks before the wedding that Lorelai settled on a location. Her house. She had thrown some pretty awesome parties there in the past, and Anna was (finally) comfortable with April being there.

It also meant that Lorelai didn't have to come up with a way to get home at the end of the night. She could drink and not be concerned with who was driving or anything like that. Nearly all the people invited lived in Stars Hollow, the only exceptions being her mother and Rory. But Rory still had her old room, and her mother could always hire a driver.

All she needed now was decorations, which were easy to get because she had to go to Hartford the Thursday before the party to pick Rory up from the airport anyway. So, she and April piled into her jeep and drove the forty-five minutes to Hartford Airport.

She liked being able to spend this time with April, without Luke around. They got along great and April was so much like Rory at the same age, yet so different. Rory hadn't had a boyfriend until she was sixteen, but April had one now. They both loved school and reading.

"So, Lorelai, what kind of decorations are you looking at getting?"

Lorelai smirked. "Dirty ones. Though, not too dirty cause you and my mother will be there, but dirty all the same. And lots of alcohol."

April laughed easily. "Don't let me spoil your dirty plans."

"Kid, there is no way you could. My mother's the reason for the dampener. Her and her stupid perfection. It's a party for God's sake."

April nodded. "How long is Rory going to be here for?"

Lorelai smiled. "Until after the wedding. The first week of our honeymoon your dad and I are staying in Stars Hollow, then, after you and Rory leave, we're going to go on a boat trip."

"Oh, where to?"

Lorelai shrugged. "Up the coast, down the coast. I'm not sure. Luke won't tell me anything. I just hope he's booked a couple of hotel rooms so I do some shopping and have a decent shower."

April giggled. "Oh, dad'll love that."

Lorelai shrugged. "He does pick my favourite clothes. Oh, we're here!" she added excitedly as she pulled into short-term parking.

The quickly exited the car and made their way inside. "I remember when Rory went to DC for the summer and I picked her up here I went into one of the gift stores and brought nearly everything. And I got into trouble off some security people. All I wanted to do was give the dogs a treat. But apparently we citizens aren't allowed to do that!"

April shot her a look and shook her head. "What gate?" she asked.

Lorelai looked around. "Um… three. This way." she said, pointing to her left.

April followed along obediently, her eyes searching for any sign of her soon-to-be step-sister. Then, with a squeal from Lorelai, they found her.

"Rory!" Lorelai shouted, running up to her and hugging her tightly.

"Hey, mom." she said, her voice wobbly.

Thankfully, this time they didn't fall to the ground, but pulled apart gracefully as April stepped forward.

"Hey, sis!" Rory smiled and pulled April into a hug.

"Hi, Rory." April replied, smiling. She loved that she was so instantly accepted by Rory. And especially Lorelai. After everything that had happened, she really was grateful that Lorelai didn't hate her.

Eventually the hugging and tears (from Lorelai and Rory) were over and they made their way to the exit, all three chatting excitedly. Rory wanted to know all the details about the party. Lorelai wanted to know all the details about Rory's love life (or lack there of, she wasn't sure). April wanted to know all the details about being a travelling journalist.

Eventually all the important information was addressed and they were on their way to the party supply store.

The three girls had a lot of fun in there, picking out decorations and generally causing havoc. Lorelai wanted to buy and endless supply of naughty games, which Rory managed to talk her out of. April was just happy to follow them around watching, listening and laughing at Lorelai's antics as she chose the decorations.

After an hour and a half of wandering around the store, they finally had everything they needed and were ready to leave. They paid for the items and headed out to the car to go home to Stars Hollow.

So, how do you like it so far? Let me know, okay?