Notes/Rants:

Okay so I have a whole new theory, it's probably just me being crazy but here goes. So my other favorite show, The West Wing, is ending this year in its 7th season and for anyone who's ever seen the show, they will agree that the 6th season was one of the worst, if not the worst. And it made me think about the similarities, assuming that the 7th season is GGs last year. Both shows lost their writer/creater of the show before the last season (WW-Aaron Sorkin, GG-ASP), leaving someone else to pick up after a huge season finale. But for me, the 7th season of WW has been fantastic, like they were trying to really make it awesome in its last season. The LL-like couple, the one everyone's wanted together, Donna and Josh, is finally together. I don't know, it just brings me hope. That even if things are sucky for Luke and Lorelai now, that they'll get it together in the 7th season, I mean they belong together. It brings me hope that next season will be a much more awesome season than the 6th, just like the last season was for WW. I think I'm just rambling now, if that was confusing I apologize, it sounded better in my head..

Here's another thought. Is there any GG fan that's actually happy with anything on this show anymore? I mean even Christopher/Lorelai people must hate this because more than anything, Lorelai's hurting and that sucks. Logan lovers and haters alike must be hating whatever that storyline that's going on with him, which has me so bored I basically zone out during those scenes. Sure, I guess Lane/Zach fans are happy, but are there many of those? I mean people who watch GG must basically be a fan of Lorelai or Rory at least and both of them are pretty much hitting rock bottom with no way out right now. Even last year with the big rift, Rory still had her 'blissful' relationship with Logan and Lorelai was proposing to Luke. You know Luke's comment about scorched earth a few chapters back, well that's what the Ps are leaving us with, scorched earth, everything destroyed, complete destruction of their creation. Great legacy, thanks guys. I loved everything you did until this moment.

End Rant. Now for a few shout outs.

scubaluver: I'm not sure why it bothers you that she hasn't been to the doctor's yet either. But she will, I believe two chapters from now, see the doctor.

squiddrude: I don't know why but your review just made me smile. I'm glad you're loving it.

dayzy27: Well any review is a good review, even if it's your first, so thank you. I'm really glad you're liking the story and I appreciate the compliments!

sapphirestar820: Everything you said is true, L/L belong together! I thank you for being my loyal reader throughout my story and reviewing!

And for everyone else: I'm glad that you're reading fics, especially this one, as your catharsis. Writing good LL stories is mine, it's how I've gotten out my frustrations. I can't imagine what this summer's going to bring.

Friday Night Dinner

Luke pulls up in the truck and turns off the car. Lorelai, who is, of course, sitting next to him, doesn't move to get out. They hear a car pull up behind them. It's Rory. Lorelai smiles, excited to see Rory, who she hasn't seen in a week, and almost jumps out of the car. "Sweetie! Baby! Honey! It's Mommy!" Lorelai shouts, running over to Rory. "Don't tell me you've forgotten me already?" Lorelai pouts.

"I'm sorry, you are…?" Rory feigns ignorance.

"The one who gave you life and would just as quickly take it away if you're not nice." Rory laughs. They hug. "You look the same just as I always remembered!"

"Mom, it's only been a week," Rory reminds her. They walk over to Luke, still arm in arm. "Hey Luke." Luke and Rory hug. "You ready to enter the twilight zone?" Luke suddenly looks unsure of himself.

"You know, I wasn't nervous because your mother tends to exaggerate, but when you say that, I'm suddenly uneasy about this whole thing," Luke responds. Rory squeezes his arm.

"Don't worry, you'll get used to that feeling Bucko," Rory teases. She and Lorelai share a knowing look. Lorelai reaches out and takes Luke's hand in hers, squeezing his as all three turn to face the door with trepidation.

"You ring it," Lorelai says to Rory.

"No, you," Rory answers.

"Somebody ring it!" Luke exclaims, looking over at Rory and Lorelai who are still staring at the door.

"You do it," Lorelai tells him. Luke glances over at Rory.

"I'm not doing it!" Rory insists. All three huff, shoving their hands in their pockets.

Everyone is quiet for a moment. "Lorelai!" Luke exclaims.

"Lu-uke!" Lorelai yells back.

But suddenly the door opens revealing Emily Gilmore. "I saw you standing out there, don't you use doorbells anymore, Lorelai?" Emily snaps.

"Huh, no Mom, I gave them up for lent," Lorelai responds. Emily rolls her eyes but steps aside to let her family in. Lorelai takes Luke's hand again as they walk in. Luke glances around, amazed at the house Lorelai grew up in, and even more astounded by the fact Lorelai is the person she is now having grown up there.

"Rory, how was your first week at Yale?" Emily asks, completely ignoring Luke and Lorelai, who is watching Luke observe her former home. Luke looks back at Lorelai and smiles nervously. Lorelai squeezes his hand to let him know that they're in it together.

"It was great Gramma, I tried out a lot of classes and I think I'm going to really be happy with my choices. They look tough but fascinating," Rory says.

"Good, you wouldn't want to just take the easy courses, that would be no fun," Emily says. "I'm sure your grandfather is dying to hear all about your first week, why don't you go on into the living room?" Rory nods. With a glance back at her mom, she walks away. Emily turns back to Luke and Lorelai, forcing a smile. "Luke, welcome to our home." Lorelai glares at Emily.

"Thank you, Mrs. Gilmore, it's nice of you to have me," Luke responds, trying to be as polite as possible.

"Oh, call me Emily, please," Emily insists. She looks over at Lorelai. "Hello Lorelai."

"Hi Mom."

"Well let's go into the living room, your father's waiting." With that Emily turns around and walks into the living room.

"For such a small woman, she sure can be scary," Luke says.

"You sure you want to stay?" Lorelai asks.

"Yes, I have to do this. I might as well see it through. But let me tell you, I'm suddenly getting your Helena Cassadine reference."

"Elizabeth Taylor or Constance Towers?"

"I think both of them were pretty scary." Lorelai smiles. She leans in and kisses him. "And that's why I'm staying," Luke murmurs. Lorelai kisses him again and then pulls him with her into the living room.

"Hi Dad," Lorelai says to Richard as she and Luke walk in the room. Rory is sitting on the couch and Emily is sitting on the chair next to her. Richard looks over at them from the minibar.

"Hello Lorelai. This must be Luke," Richard says, reaching his hand out to Luke.

"Yes, Luke Danes, Mr. Gilmore, it's nice to meet you." They shake hands. "You have a lovely house."

"Well, don't compliment me on that, it was all Emily's doing." Richard looks over his shoulder at Emily, smiling. Emily looks pleased.

"Thank you Luke," Emily says. Luke nods, sharing a look with Lorelai.

"What can I get you to drink, Luke?" Richard asks. Luke looks unsure at what to say. "You a scotch man? Christopher was always a scotch man." Lorelai glares at him, her face hardening. Emily, surprisingly enough, doesn't look pleased either. Richard swallows, realizing that he shouldn't be complimenting Christopher after what he did.

"Do you have beer?" Luke asks, trying to break the tension in the room. Richard looks back at the minibar, as if he doesn't know the answer to Luke's question.

"Yes, we have some nice beer, all the way from Amsterdam," Richard answers, recovering.

"That will be fine thanks."

"Lorelai, wine or martini?" Richard asks. Lorelai stares at him, waiting for him to realize but he doesn't. Lorelai sighs.

"Just water, thanks," she says quietly, remembering that Richard has never really been a father to her. Richard hands Luke the beer and Lorelai the water. Lorelai and Luke walk over to the couch across from Rory and sit down, Lorelai leaning against Luke as he puts his arm around her.

"So Luke, how's the diner business?" Emily asks sweetly. Luke glances over at Lorelai for help, but she's staring down at the ground, having left the conversation a long time ago, still glowering over Richard's actions. Not knowing how to help her and deal with the Gilmores, Luke decides to concentrate one on thing at a time.

"The diner's going well. The summer brought a lot of visitors to Stars Hallow, so it brought me a lot of business," Luke says while gently rubbing Lorelai's arm.

"Oh I didn't realize that it was such a tourist town," Richard comments, sitting down in the chair next to Emily.

"Oh it is, especially during the summer. But we have a lot of festivals that also seem to bring people in, Mr. Gilmore. That's why Lorelai's inn was so busy and why her new inn is going to do so well," Luke says. He glances over at Lorelai, who gives him an appreciative look, but she still seems out of it. Luke looks over at Rory for help.

"And do you think you'll be able to provide for a child based on what you make in your little restaurant?" Richard asks.

"Luke's diner is the most well known place to eat in Stars Hallow," Rory reports. But Richard ignores her comment, still waiting for an answer from Luke

"I've put away a little bit of money for the future, but I have my own daughter to provide for still," Luke says. Emily raises an eyebrow, glancing over at Lorelai.

"He has a daughter?" Emily asks, with distaste.

"Yes, April. She's smart, like Rory," Lorelai states. The maid walks in.

"Ma'am, dinner is ready," she says. Lorelai breathes a sigh of relief. The maid walks out.

"Well, I suppose we can head into the dining room," Emily says. She stands and Richard follows her into the dining room. Lorelai, Luke and Rory stand as well.

"You still doing okay Luke?" Rory asks, concerned. Luke nods, swallowing.

"I think I've sweated through my shirt," Luke admits. Rory touches his arm and walks into the dining room. Luke looks over at Lorelai. "You doing okay?" Lorelai nods. "I mean, if this is too stressful, we can leave."

"Luke, I'm a master at dealing with stress. Remember I've been attending Tea with Mussolini for a few years now. You're the novice," Lorelai comments. Luke nods. He takes her hand and they walk to their seats in the dining room.

Lorelai looks down at the food in front of her and even though she feel slightly nauseous she says, "Wow, Mom, smells good." Emily nods, picking at her food. Lorelai swallows, taking a drink of water. "Wow, I haven't heard a room this quiet since Mahmoud Ahmadinejad denied the existance of the Holocaust." Richard and Emily share a look.

"So, Luke, you and Lorelai aren't going to get married now that you're having a baby together?" Emily asks, still using her sickly sweet voice. Lorelai shakes her head, stabbing at her food. Luke clears his throat.

"Um, no, Mrs. Gilmore – uh – Emily, we decided we weren't ready for marriage," Luke stammers.

"But you are ready to raise a child together?" Richard asks. Luke suddenly realizes he's caught.

"Well, we didn't exactly plan on having a baby right now," Luke tries to explain. Lorelai and Rory are just slowly eating and drinking, having learned long ago when to stay out of the conversation.

"Don't you believe in taking responsibility for your actions, Luke?" Richard asks. Luke nods, gulping down some water.

"Yes, sir – Richard – uh – Mr. Gilmore, yes I do. But we discussed it and we just don't think marriage is right for us right now."

"Well it's wonderful that you can come to these conclusions together. I just hope your child understands when it grows up without parents together," Emily says simply. Lorelai glares at her, finally deciding to step in.

"Mom! Look at Rory, don't you think that she turned out just fine having one parent! She's happy. She's going to Yale! She's perfect! Now, Luke and I may have decided not to get married at this moment, but that's for us to decide, we don't need marriage pushed on us. We'll decide when it's right for us! We're having a baby! You're getting a second grandchild and until two seconds ago I may have actually let you see him or her! And then you just open your mouth and just destroy any hope I had that you had learned something from June Cleaver. I wish for one second you would realize that I've grown up, I'm not 16 anymore, you can't make decisions for me anymore!" Luke lays a hand on Lorelai's knee, letting her know he's with her. She closes her eyes, pressing her lips together, trying to contain herself.

"Stress," Luke whispers in her ear, quietly reminding her that stress isn't good for the baby.

"Are you finished?" Emily snaps back. Lorelai rolls her eyes. "I certainly hope you raise this child correctly, Luke, so it doesn't have her mouth."

Lorelai flies to her feet faster than Luke could have expected. "Stop it! Just stop it! Don't you realize that I'm trying my best to deal with the fact that my daughter just moved out of my house and I'm out of work and trying to put an inn together with a partner who is in her 7th month of pregnancy and I'm unexpectedly pregnant myself? Can't you ever just be happy for the good things that happen and give me room to figure things out for myself? Can't you give it a rest for a night instead of berating me in front of my daughter and the man I'm dating! Can you ever just listen to the Beatles and let it be!" Lorelai screams and then flounces out of the room. Emily and Richard share a look. Rory stands and silently follows her mother out.

Luke stands, a little in shock. "Thank you for dinner, it was…" Luke pauses trying to think of the correct word, but is unable to come up with one. "Well, I should go drive Lorelai home." He turns to walk out the door but then pauses and turns back. "You know, she loves you. If she didn't, she wouldn't have given you so many chances. Maybe you should just try giving her one. It's not just your money she's needed." With that, Luke leaves. There is silence between the Gilmores.