Chapter sixteen

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Searching

She'd decided to go back to Yale early, the wedding plans were all going underway and she might as well leave and get some extra studying done. It was nothing to do with Jess or so she told herself, she was going back for dinner with him and everyone else on Friday, anyway.

She dropped her bags to the floor and began the complicated sequence of unlocking Paris' door before entering, kicking her bags along in front of her.

"Very graceful." Said Paris.

"Thanks, Paris, I really needed that."

"Hey, Rory." Doyle said, coming out of the bedroom.

"Hello, Doyle. See, that's how normal people greet each other." She observed, looking at Paris.

"Whatever you say, Mary."

"Oh, not again."

"Believe me, it's a different Mary this time."

"Real nice, Paris." She snapped, going into her room.

She dialled a familiar number on her cell, though she hadn't used it in a while.

"Hello?"

"Hi, bride!"

"Hey!" Lane's voice changed from perky to accusatory, "You didn't visit while you were in town!"

"Sorry, I was really busy, mom's wedding preparations and all."

"Okay. Is something up?"

"I, uh, have something I need to get a second opinion on."

"Shoot."

"I kinda, um, slept with Jess."

"Oh my God!"

"And I don't want to ell mom and Jess and I've been avoiding each other and it's been so awkward, I just, I screwed up."

"I don't believe this!"

"So, what do you think?"

"About you and Jess?"

"Yes, about me and Jess."

"About you and Jess having sex?"

"Yes."

"Haven't we had this kind of conversation before?"

"Lane, please, I just need to talk."

"Okay, well, do you love him?"

"I don't know, I definitely still have feelings for him, but I- I don't know."

"Does he love you?"

"I don't know that, either, I avoided him for a while after it happened and I, he seemed hurt when I finally did call."

"Did he call you before?"

"Several times."

"He still loves you."

"Okay, so.."

"I think you should really talk to Lorelai about this, I really don't know what to say."

"Okay, thanks anyway. I promise I'll visit next time I'm in the Hollow."

"'Kay, good luck."

"Thanks, goodbye."

"Bye."

Ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg

"So, you live…here." Sheila said, glancing around Karen's apartment.

"In my home? I think I do, mom."

"Well, you can take better care of this place."

"Sorry, I'm kinda busy trying to grow a person inside of me at the moment, it keeps me a bit occupied."

"Couldn't he help out?" she asked, glaring at Logan.

"I try to help as much as I can." Logan said, uneasily.

"What's that smell?"

"My dinner."

"Oh."

"Well, I think it's a very nice space, Kar." Paul said, sending her a sympathetic look.

"Really? Do you Paul?"

"Do you want a tour of the area?" Logan cut in.

"Okay, I supposed it can't get any worse."

Karen stuck her tongue out at her mother's retreating back.

"I saw that."

Ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg

"So, the wedding will definitely be in the inn?"

"Yes, I think so."

"Have you told Emily your plans?"

"I'm waiting until I can get some more film for my camera."

Rory laughed, "Okay." She paused, "Listen, mom."

"I'm listening," she said, warily.

"I've got something to tell you…"

Lorelai tensed a bit, "Carry on."