Chapter 2: Stick Shifts
The old Jeep lurched forward erratically before stopping with a jolt, as it turned the corner and made to pass the Gazebo.
"Ease up on the brake..." Lorelai advised her daughter, Rory.
Rory did her best to comply. In learning how to drive, she did not want to appear too eager and thus reckless. But her awkwardness and unfamiliarity behind the wheel still seemed to be getting in her way.
All at once, Lorelai began to choke up. "I can't believe this is happening... my baby girl is driving... I can't do this!" And while the car was still moving, Lorelai opened the passenger door and leapt out. Her feet made the pavement, but she stumbled forward and the only thing that saved her from taking a header was the window of Dosse's Market.
"Mom!" Rory shrieked, slamming the Jeep to a grinding halt.
Just beyond, at the Diner, Luke was washing his own windows. Witnessing the commotion, he hurried over.
"What's going on, Lorelai?"
"My little girl is driving and I can't even deal!" Lorelai sounded in tears. "I'm a horrible teacher; I'm gonna get her killed!"
"I'll tell the cops to put a warrant out for your arrest. Murder of a minor. Calm down," Luke deadpanned. "Now take a seat before you strain yourself."
Lorelai plunked down on the curb and watched as Luke clambered into the shotgun seat.
"All right, princess," Luke coached. "What's first?"
"Turn the key," Rory guessed.
"No, not yet. Foot on the brake. Always. On the brake first." He watched as Rory obeyed. "Now, ease off the brake and roll..."
The car jerked forward.
"No gas! You don't need gas yet. You're coming up to a red light. Just roll..." Luke mentored. "Now, foot back on the brake... Not too hard! You shouldn't feel the car jerk when you come to rest."
The traffic light turned from red to green after a moment.
"Turn signal. Take a left, go around the Gazebo," Luke guided. "Stop here... nice and easy braking - good! Let this truck turn in ahead of you. Driving is all about constantly planning ten steps ahead. Foot off the brake... and roll on through..."
Rory and Luke spent hours like this, circling the whole town of Stars Hollow under Lorelai's watchful and appreciative eye.