Chapter 2

It has been two months since Rory started her new job. A different city every day, crappy hotels, and smelly busses. It's definitely not what she thought it would be like. But, she was learning a ton. She had a decent roommate named Rachel. Not everyone was as pleasant but she managed to avoid the big blow-ups. Eight years of friendship with Paris Geller can pretty much prepare you for anyone. She was also an expert at diffusing a heated conversation. She needed to thank Paris for that.

The campaign cadre was currently in Chicago and actually in a hotel with a lounge. A small group of reporters including Rachel were having drinks downstairs. They begged Rory to join them but she politely declined. She really just wanted to sleep. Rory was exhausted, she was just opening her door when the phone rang. "Hi, Mom."

"Well, ladies and gentlemen…my daughter is alive."

"Mom, I have been so busy. I'm sorry I haven't been able to call more. My schedule has been much more intense than I thought it would be. Most days I consider a success if I can recall the date and remember to brush my teeth."

"I hate your job, Rory. I really do. And, not just because I miss you. You don't sound happy."

"Mom, it's part of paying my dues. How will I ever become an oversees correspondent if I don't put my time in with a few crappy gigs. And, it's really not that bad."

"Really? You can fool a lot of people daughter of mine, but you cannot fool me."

"Ok, so it's bad. But, it's a job and I need to suck it up and get through it. It's only until the election next year… so 16 months to go. Now, was there a reason for your call or did you just want to remind me of how crappy my job is? I'm really exhausted and need to sleep."

"Ok then, right down to business it is. I want to know what your plans are for Christmas?"

"Really mom, it's July. I have no idea what my plans are for Christmas."

"Well, Luke and I were thinking a Christmas Eve wedding in the town square."

"What?! Really, you guys finally picked a date? Yes, I will be home for your wedding. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Will you be able to get the time off?"

"I'll worry about that. Gosh, what is grandma going to think? That's less than 6 months away. There is so much to do. That is not enough time to plan a proper wedding."

"We haven't told anyone yet, I wanted to make sure the date worked for you. If I know my mother, she will welcome the opportunity to flaunt the Gilmore name and flash her black AMEX card. But, in all actuality, it's not going to be anything she will approve of. An outdoor wedding on Christmas Eve in Connecticut, I can hear her disgust already. The reception will be at the Inn."

"Mom, it sounds perfect. It's what you have always dreamed of. There is nobody that loves Christmas more than you. It will be magical. It really is perfect."

"Ok, I'll let you get to sleep. I'll tell my parents tomorrow and I'm sure it will be full steam ahead. Don't be surprised if Miss Celine shows up at your next stop to take your measurements. Oh, did I forget to ask you to be a bridesmaid?"

"You don't have to ask me mom, frankly, I would be quite offended if it wasn't already assumed."

"Good enough. Good night, Rory. And please, call your lonely mother more. I miss you."

"I miss you too. Tell Luke I said Hi. I love you guys. Good night and I'll call soon."

"Okay, love you. Bye."

It was the 21st of December, Rory was in her hotel packing to catch her flight out in the morning. She was so excited to be going home. She had only been home once for a weekend since her graduation in May. She was homesick and looking forward to having an entire week off. There was a loud knock on the door. It was her supervisor. She was hoping he was there to wish her a Merry Christmas, but she had a bad feeling about it.

"Gilmore, there have been some unforeseen circumstances. I know I approved your time off, but I can't let you go now. We have half a dozen staff that have come down with the flu. It seems to be spreading like wildfire. I need you in route to Seattle tomorrow."

"Sir, with all due respect, I can't. My mother is getting married in 3 days. I have to be there."

"Gilmore, I don't have time for your personal drama. It's unfortunate timing, but the job comes first. You knew what you were signing up for."

Rory stood there for a moment in complete shock. She instantly wanted to cry, but she was not going to give him the satisfaction. She channeled her emotions into anger and in an instant, she knew what she had to do.

"Well Sir, if I understand you correctly, you are telling me I need to choose this job over my mother's wedding. I am telling you that I cannot and will not do that. So, if that is how you want to play this, consider this my official notice. I will be gone in the morning." With that, she slammed the door in his face. She could hear some mumbling from him, but she couldn't actually make out what he was saying. She braced herself waiting for the flood gates to open, but no tears came. She was relieved. And, for the first time, did she dare say happy?! She could have tried to compromise with him, but deep down she didn't want to. She seen an opening out and she took it.

The morning came and she was saying her goodbyes to her friends in the lobby. A small group of them had become very close and they were all sad to see her go. They understood completely, and put in the same situation they would have done the same. Her taxi pulled up and with the promise of staying in touch, she got in the cab and headed to the airport. She couldn't wait to go home.

Author Note: This is my first fanfic ever. I have never written anything before and it's harder than I thought it would be, but I am enjoying the writing. Please be kind. I would love some feedback, and always feel free to ask questions and please let me know if you need something clarified. This story is amazing in my head; I just hope I can do it justice with words. Thank you for reading.