I thought this story need a bit more telling so we could see how Lorelai and Rory's first Christmas in the potting shed went. Here is chapter two to complete this wonderful little story. I want to thank ILoveLukey for traveling back to the 80s with me to reminisce about the fabulous and totally rad fashions of the day! Ah! Good times! Thanks so much to everyone who read and reviewed the last chapter. NOW this story is complete! Lol! Enjoy and let me know how you like it. Lori
Disclaimer: I own nothing! I am only trying to entertain you and spread the Gilmore love!
Chapter 2: Reflections, Reservations, and Revelations
Lorelai stood up and took another look around the room. She couldn't believe that Mia had gotten them all those things. The woman hardly knew her! She remembered the day she showed up at the Inn. She'd had another fight with her parents the day before and she knew she couldn't stay there any longer. She waited for them to head to their bedroom to prepare for another evening out at one of their charity functions. She could hear them arguing about her through the closed door. She hastily packed a small suitcase, gathered diapers and supplies for Rory, and bundled her baby up for the cold evening. With the diaper bag slung over her shoulder, Rory hiked up on her hip, and dragging the wheeled suitcase, she headed downstairs as quietly as she could. She tucked Rory into her stroller and fled the only home she'd ever known.
She had no idea where she was going, but she knew she needed to go. She waited for the next bus that came by and struggled to lift the stroller and suitcase up the steps. A kind passenger helped her make her way down the aisle to a seat. She wedged the folded up stroller and the suitcase next to her and took a seat. Rory sat on her lap, content to look at the passing scenery out the window. Lorelai let out a sigh. She didn't realize that she'd been holding her breath until the moment the bus pulled from the curb. She looked down at Rory's smiling face, as her baby slapped the window with her chubby little hand. A grin spread across her tired features. She was free. Now what?
A strong, persistent shaking roused Lorelai. She'd fallen asleep. How long was she asleep? Where was she? She looked over at the driver who had awoken her and then at Rory, who was sleeping against her shoulder. It was the end of the line and they needed to vacate. The driver carried the stroller and suitcase, as a groggy Lorelai carried Rory down the aisle. Once off the bus, she set up the stroller and placed Rory in it.
She had no idea where she was. By the looks of things, she was in a rather small town. The sign said Stars Hollow, population 9,973. She pushed the stroller with one hand while pulling the wheeled suitcase behind her. The night air blew through her jacket causing her to shiver. The streets seemed empty as she walked, wondering where she was going to stay for the night. The realization dawned on her: she was in such a hurry to flee her parents' that she hadn't thought to take the pass book to her savings account! She stopped and retrieved her wallet from her back pocket. She found six crumpled singles, certainly not enough to get a room at a motel for the night.
Rory began to whimper as Lorelai shoved the wallet back in her pocket. The whimpering soon turned into pitiful cries. Lorelai was growing frantic. She knew her baby was hungry but there didn't seem to be any place open that she could get food from. Her own stomach was growling and she was cold too. She spotted an alley between two buildings and headed down it. Finding a secluded spot, she pulled the stroller in between two dumpsters and sat down on a crate. Rory was now wailing and Lorelai lifted her out of the stroller and onto her lap. She found the last bottle of milk in the diaper bag and gave it to her hungry baby.
This was not what she expected freedom to be like. Why hadn't she planned this better? Once she finished the bottle, Rory would most certainly be looking for something to eat. Lorelai held her baby close and began to cry softly. No, this was not what she expected. She was cold, hungry and miserable, but going back to her parents' was not an option. She had never felt so alone in her life. Rory finished off the bottle and Lorelai quickly changed the baby's wet diaper and then bundled her up on her lap again. She rocked Rory to sleep in her arms, singing softly to her to help her baby fall asleep and also to quell her own sadness. She leaned back against the wall, keeping a silent vigil, as the tears coursed down her cheeks.
Rory stirred in her mother's arms, rubbing her face against her mother's chest. The tot yawned and blinked her big blue eyes. Lorelai was keenly aware of a tiny hand brushing along her cheek. She opened her puffy eyes and gazed into the cherubic face of her baby girl. This was why she was here. This was the reason she'd endured a sleepless night, keeping watch over the most precious thing in her life. She pressed kisses to Rory's cheeks. Rory pouted and whimpered.
"Mama," Rory intoned softly, her lower lip trembling.
"I know baby, you're hungry," Lorelai whispered, cradling her girl against her chest. It was morning and Lorelai wanted to vacate that dismal alley before anyone saw them. "Let's go see if there's a store open so we can get something to eat. Then Mommy has to find a job and a place for us to live. We don't want to sleep on the street again, do we? No, that was scary. And cold. Don't you worry Sweets; Mommy is going to take good care of you. I promise."
Lorelai Gilmore was nothing if not determined to make good on her promise to her daughter. The memories of that first night on the street still haunted her. As she climbed into bed and pulled the covers up around her she thought, never again. She'd used her charm and determination to get work. Mia had been more than her employer: she'd been her mentor. And looking around that one room shed at all the gifts brought tears to her eyes yet again. She tried to place the emotion. It wasn't sadness. It was more than overwhelming joy. It was love. It was the first time in a very long time that she'd been on the receiving end of such love. And it moved her beyond all words.
She laid there for some time, staring at the blinking lights of her tiny Christmas tree, the only light in the room. One glance over at the crib told her that Rory was sleeping peacefully face down, with her butt up in the air. Lorelai chuckled through her tears. She missed snuggling with Rory at night. Maybe one more night with Mommy won't hurt. After all, it was Christmas Eve. She climbed out of bed and padded over to the crib. Rory looked so sweet and innocent. As much as her coming to be was a surprise, Lorelai loved her baby girl more than anyone, and she had no regrets over her decision to keep her.
Lorelai gently lifted the baby out of the crib and carried her back to the big bed. She tucked the covers in around them as she curled on her side. Rory cooed softly in her sleep and instinctively clutched at her mother's pajama top, rubbing her face against the soft flannel. Lorelai caressed Rory's fine hair and kissed her forehead, holding the tot close. She hoped that Rory would be able to hear her heart beating as she slept against her chest. She loved those quiet moments between them, so soft, so sweet. With a yawn, she let go and allowed herself to succumb to sweet dreams.
"Mama," a little voice cooed in her ear. Thump! A small body landed on her. Lorelai's eyes shot open.
"Oof! Hey Sweets! Merry Christmas, baby girl," Lorelai said, looking up at the toddler sprawled across her belly. "Where do you think you're going?" She gathered Rory in her arms and tickled her. The baby squealed with joy.
"Down!" Rory tried to climb off the bed.
"Oh no you don't, Snuggle bug," Lorelai laughed. "You stay here and cuddle with Mommy. We already opened Santa's presents last night."
"Down," Rory grunted, wriggling free of her mother's grip and sliding off the edge of the bed to the floor.
"Hey! You can't leave Mommy like that," Lorelai pouted. "You love Mommy!" She watched Rory toddle across the room in her footie pajamas. "How about you put on a pot of coffee for Mommy?" Rory stopped at a pile of opened gifts and plopped down on her diapered butt with a crinkly thud. "No? Can you fetch Mommy one of those Pop Tarts?" Rory picked up a picture book and opened it with fascination, chortling at the pictures. Lorelai shook her head and laughed.
Lorelai slid out of bed and padded into the kitchen area. She set up the new coffee maker that Santa had brought her and filled it with coffee from her freshly stocked new pantry. The aroma of coffee soon filled the room. It was heavenly and to Lorelai, it finally felt like home. She opened the freezer and spotted several boxes of Eggo waffles. She pulled out a box and opened it, placing four waffles in her newly acquired toaster. As the waffles cooked, she opened the pantry to find syrup and boxes of baby cereal. She grabbed the syrup and a box of oatmeal for Rory.
Lorelai was placing her first home cooked breakfast on the table next to the coffee that so happily filled her new mug, when she felt a tug on her leg. She looked down into the smiling face of her baby girl. Rory held up a book in her chubby little hand for Lorelai to see. Lorelai scooped her up and placed her into the high chair that was now a part of her new décor. She fastened the tray and sat down. Lorelai read the book to Rory as she fed her the cereal. Once Rory caught sight of the waffles that was it for the cereal.
"Some?" Rory asked pleadingly, as she leaned over and reached out to her mother's plate. "Some?"
"You want some of Mommy's Eggo?" Lorelai inquired. "I don't know if I can leggo my Eggo."
"Pease? Some?" Rory stretched her little arm out to grab a piece of waffle. "Wory some!"
"Alright, alright," Lorelai conceded, handing Rory a tiny piece of waffle. "Since you said please and all, you can have some. Boy you are your mother's daughter! If Emily saw me feeding you Eggo she'd have a fit!"
"Mmm," Rory hummed, as she chewed the piece of waffle. "More?" she inquired, jutting her sticky fingers out toward her mother's plate.
Lorelai took one look at Rory's big blue eyes and huge grin and she melted. She cut up some more waffle into small bite sized pieces and placed them on Rory's tray. Rory daintily picked up each piece between her thumb and forefinger and chewed each bite carefully, dribbling syrup and drool down her chin. Lorelai had to laugh. How could anyone think that sweet little cherub could be anything but a gift? She got up and went over to the sink to retrieve a wet washcloth for her messy baby. As she turned back toward the table, she spotted Rory stretching her little arms out, trying to reach the mug of coffee on the table.
"Oh! Rory, no! Hot!" She rushed over and grabbed the cup away from her daughter's inquisitive hands. Rory was so startled by her mother's outburst that her face crumpled, her little chin trembling. "Oh! Don't cry. Please! Mommy didn't mean to yell at you." Rory's huge eyes filled with tears and she let out a wail. "I'm sorry, baby. I didn't mean to scare you," Lorelai soothed, as she removed the tray from the high chair and gathered her sobbing daughter in her arms.
Truth be known, Lorelai herself was more than a little scared! Visions of her baby dumping hot coffee on her and scalding herself were more than she could bear. She was so new at this mothering thing! Now that Rory was walking and curious about the world around her, she worried about her safety. She rocked Rory against her shoulder, trying to quell her own tremors. That was too close. She'd have to be so much more careful now. When Rory's tears subsided, Lorelai grabbed the washcloth and wiped her baby's sticky, tear stained face. She kissed Rory's flushed cheeks and blew a raspberry on her neck, causing the baby to giggle.
"You scared Mommy," Lorelai murmured, kissing Rory's sticky hand. She cleaned both hands with the washcloth. "Mmm! You taste just as sweet as you are, Miss Sticky fingers!" She sat down to finish her now cold meal, placing Rory on her lap. "Here's your sippy cup of milk. You're too young for coffee. When you get big like Mommy, you can have some."
After breakfast, Lorelai lounged around with Rory, playing with Rory's new toys and reading lots of stories. Rory seemed to like snuggling with her mother, listening to her read, even more than the toys. Lorelai loved their cuddle time too, especially since Rory was so entranced by the pictures in her books and the sound of her mother's voice as she gave each character their own voice. Rory was such a sweet baby. She would sit for hours listening to stories. She loved to point out things on the page. Rory was so smart that she even recognized words. And that was how they spent Christmas morning; snuggled up in bed, reading book after book.
Lorelai glanced over at the alarm clock on the tiny bedside table. If they were going to be ready for Mia to pick them up for dinner, they'd better get bathed and dressed. Normally she bathed Rory in the deep sink in her makeshift kitchen because it was easier and Rory was still so small. But today, to save time, she decided to bring Rory into the bath with her. She filled the tub with warm water, gathered their clothes, and two fluffy towels, courtesy of the Independence Inn. She stripped off Rory's sleeper and diaper and quickly shed her own clothes. With Rory on her hip, she stepped into the tub, pulling the curtain closed around it.
The water was filled a bit too high for her comfort, so she placed Rory on her lap as she sat down. Rory reached for the numerous tub toys floating around in the water, grabbing the little yellow duck to show her mother. Lorelai grabbed an old orange Tupperware pitcher from the floor next to the tub and filled it with water. She doused her head causing Rory to chortle in delight. Lorelai doused Rory as well. Once they were sufficiently drenched, she poured some shampoo in her palm and began to lather her hair. Rory watched with interest, slapping at the water in her much larger play area. Lorelai poured some baby shampoo in her hand and rubbed it into Rory's fine, sparse brown hair. After rinsing, Lorelai washed herself and Rory, taking time to name body parts for Rory.
As the tub drained, concluding their bath, Lorelai carefully stood, cradling her slippery wet baby to her. She grabbed a large towel, wrapping it around her shoulders, as a shivering Rory clung to her. She placed the second towel over Rory and stepped out of the tub. Lorelai sighed, breathing in the fresh baby scent, as she kissed the top of Rory's head. There was something so primal, so incredibly nurturing, about embracing her toddler skin to skin. Rory snuggled into her, resting her head against her mother's shoulder, her breathing becoming slow and even. Lorelai knew her baby was about to fall asleep, yet she just wanted to savor that tender moment between them. She couldn't recall a time that her own mother was so attentive to her. She wanted to make sure that Rory knew she was loved.
Lorelai diapered Rory and dressed her in one of the pretty little dresses that magically appeared in her closet. The matching red tights with the ruffles on the butt complimented the simple dress. Lorelai smiled to herself. The green dress imprinted with little Santas would have appalled her mother, but Lorelai thought it was perfect. It was funny how Mia was so attentive to her that she knew Lorelai's likes and dislikes and respected her quirky traits. Her own mother, on the other hand, tried so hard to mold her into someone she wasn't. She had no respect for Lorelai's choices. Lorelai would never admit it to anyone, preferring to hide behind her wall of sarcasm, but she was deeply hurt that her mother couldn't even give her the same respect she gave her father's business associates.
Lorelai picked up her sleepy daughter and put her in her crib for a quick nap while she searched for something to wear. She chose a pair of skintight black Sassoon jeans and a long green sweater that had Christmas ornament appliqués on it. She pulled on a pair of red slouch socks, tucking her pants into them, and her black Reebok high tops. She pulled the Velcro straps across the tops of her sneakers and stood up to get a good view of herself in the mirror. She straightened her lopsided shoulder pads and smoothed down the long sweater. She walked over to her closet and searched until she found a chunky black belt, which she loosely wrapped around her waist, slinging it low over her hips. She pulled a pick through her long permed hair, applying a generous amount of Stiff Stuff to it. After blow-drying it and teasing it, she added the final touch…a coat of Aqua Net hairspray. She accessorized her ensemble with some plastic bangles and a Santa hat.
When the time came, it wasn't Mia who came to pick them up but rather her son John. Mia was in full cooking mode and didn't trust her son to keep things from burning. Lorelai slipped into her black fleece lined bomber jacket with the fringe on the sleeves and stuffed her gloves in her pockets. She wrapped a long scarf around her neck and bundled Rory up in her snowsuit with matching hat and mittens. She picked up the wrapped present she planned on giving Mia and, with Rory on her hip, headed outside, locking the door behind her.
The first thing Lorelai noticed when she entered Mia's home was how cozy it felt. Mia had taken the same care and attention to detail in decorating her home as she had at the inn. Lorelai had been in many homes during the holidays, having to begrudgingly escort her parents to innumerous holiday gatherings over the years, but as elaborately furnished and impeccably decorated as those homes were, none could compare to the warmth she felt standing in Mia's living room. As she removed her outer garments, she decided to remove her shoes as well, since they were wet from the snow. She shook her head at how some things from her upbringing still managed to stick. Her mother hated snow and mud on her floors and so removing her shoes was now imprinted in her brain during inclement weather.
"Ah! There are my girls," Mia exclaimed as she entered the room, wiping her hands on a towel. She slung the towel over her shoulder and pulled Lorelai into a warm embrace. "And where's that precious girl of yours?" Mia inquired, pretending to be oblivious to Rory's presence. Rory stood clinging to Lorelai's leg, hiding her face, a shy smile lighting up her already rosy cheeks.
"She's a bit shy around John," Lorelai replied. "She hasn't seen much of him, so he's a stranger to her." She knelt down to remove Rory's snowsuit and hat. "Now you can go say hi to Mia," she said to her still hiding daughter.
"Come here so I can cover those apple cheeks of yours with kisses," Mia said, holding her arms open for Rory to toddle into. Rory smiled up at Mia but refused to let go of her mother's leg.
"Sorry, she's kind of going through a stranger phase I guess." Lorelai shrugged as she bent down to lift Rory into her arms. When Rory was safely ensconced in her mother's embrace, she laid her head on Lorelai's shoulder and gave Mia a sweet grin.
"Oh now, you can't just give me that angelic smile and not expect me to return the sweetness," Mia laughed, taking Rory from Lorelai's arms and kissing the toddler's cheeks until she squealed and burst into a fit of giggles. "John, come and show this precious angel that you aren't the scary man you appear to be."
"Aw Mom," John smirked, blushing a bit. He came to his mother's side and took Rory's tiny hand and shook it. "See kid, I don't bite."
Rory gave John a shy smile and clung to Mia's shirt, leaning her head on Mia's shoulder.
Lorelai watched the scene before her and smiled, hoping she would be able to hide the lump forming in her throat. These people were genuinely kind and caring. Seeing Mia being so openly affectionate with Rory, and Rory responding to her, brought a pang of sadness to her heart. Why couldn't her own family be so loving? Her father was hardly around due his business obligations, and her mother was the ever so efficient hostess to her husband, and equally committed her own social and charity functions. This was her first Christmas as an independent mom, free from the restrictions of her controlling parents, and yet she missed them. Or was it that she missed what could have been, what she longed for deep in her heart…their love and attention?
"Um…Mia, I want to thank you for inviting us to dinner today," Lorelai stated shyly. She twisted the bangles on her wrist, while avoiding eye contact with the older woman.
"John, can you keep an eye on dinner for me? I'd like to chat for a bit with Lorelai," Mia replied, ushering Lorelai into the living room to sit.
"I don't have to stir anything do I?" John inquired, glancing into the kitchen.
"No honey, everything is pretty much done. We're just waiting for Denise to arrive," Mia said, taking a seat on the couch. "Denise is John's girlfriend," Mia stated to Lorelai, who nodded and smiled.
"Come on Rory. I'll get you a cookie," John said, taking the tot's hand and heading toward the kitchen. Rory glanced back at her mother for reassurance. Lorelai smiled and sat on the couch next to Mia.
"Now don't spoil her John," Mia called out.
"Actually, the way to a Gilmore girl's heart is through her stomach," Lorelai countered. "So if you give her a cookie, you'll be her best friend."
"Good to know," John called out from the kitchen. "Just don't tell Denise that I'm hanging out with a baby. She might get ideas."
"Well you certainly wouldn't want to give her the impression that you actually like kids," Mia said with a laugh. "That might cramp your style as a carefree college boy."
"Nah, she might want me to help her babysit her nephews and they drive me crazy," John retorted.
Lorelai listened to the banter between mother and son with envy. They actually got along and joked with each other. She was determined that if she couldn't have that with her own parents, she would have it with Rory. She wanted Rory to love and respect her. She had a lot to learn about being a good mom. Lorelai thought about all that Mia had done for her since she arrived in Stars Hollow, and how her generosity seemed limitless. Mia never expected more from her than her best effort and Lorelai worked hard at the Inn to show her gratitude as well as her drive toward self-sufficiency. She looked over at the woman sitting next to her and took a deep breath.
"I wanted to thank you for everything you've given Rory and me," Lorelai began, her voice trembling from nerves. "I can't believe you got us all those things."
"Well Lorelai, you needed them," Mia replied.
"Yes, but I would have found a way to save up for them," Lorelai stated. "You didn't have to go out of your way to buy so much stuff for us."
"But I didn't buy all of it," Mia reiterated. "I told you in the note that a lot of it was donated. I just wanted to make sure you had the necessities to start your new life."
Lorelai was quiet for a moment before replying, "I just feel guilty about accepting so much from you. You've done so much for me already in giving me a job and a place to live."
"It really wasn't a problem," Mia replied, placing a hand on Lorelai's arm. "I only wanted to ensure that you and Rory had the basic needs covered. Now you have more clothes and diapers for Rory. You have a crib for her to sleep in, a place to cook, and something to entertain you when you aren't working."
"It's just that all my life things were given to me," Lorelai explained. "My parents are rich. I had every material thing I could need or want, without even asking for them. I never had to work for anything. I wasn't allowed to be myself though. I had to live by my parents strict rules and expectations, and if I failed to meet them, I was grounded."
"That doesn't sound so unreasonable," Mia interjected. "Parents are supposed to set guidelines for their children."
"I understand about guidelines, but rules are one thing," Lorelai sighed. "Having every aspect of your life controlled, and being told constantly what a disappointment you are, is another. Every present, every gift, everything my parents did, had strings attached. So can you see why it's not easy for me to accept all these gifts from you?"
"Do you think there are strings attached to my gifts Lorelai?" Mia queried, a look of genuine surprise on her face.
"I…I don't know," Lorelai replied softly. "I've always tried to work hard for you. I know I had no experience when you hired me and sometimes I wonder why you did hire me."
"Honey, I hired you because I saw your potential," Mia said, taking Lorelai's hands in her own. "I hired you to give you a chance at having the life you so desired for you and Rory. I know very well how hard you work. I constantly hear from the other maids how you make them look lazy because you never stop. Personally I think they're just jealous of you. There are no strings attached to these gifts Lorelai. No conditions. I gave them to you because I believe in you and I wanted to help you give that precious angel of yours a wonderful start in life."
Lorelai felt ashamed at doubting Mia's sincere intentions and kindness. She could feel her cheeks becoming flushed from embarrassment as her eyes began to sting with unshed tears. She looked away so that Mia wouldn't see her shame.
"I'm not used to anyone doing anything for me just out of kindness," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I…I'm sorry I doubted your intentions." Lorelai's voice cracked on those words and she choked back a sob. "I really am thankful for all that you've done for me and everything you've given me."
"I've grown very fond of you Lorelai, in the two months that you've been here," Mia soothed, placing an arm around Lorelai. "I wouldn't have hired you, let alone helped you out as much as I have, if I didn't believe in you. Honey, if anyone has the drive and talent to do great things in life, it's you. I have every confidence that you will succeed in life. I want you to know that you can always turn to me for guidance. I know you're young and scared, but you have so much strength inside, and that's what makes you so special."
"Why couldn't my own mother treat me as kind as you?" Lorelai wondered, her resolve collapsing, as her shoulders shook with silent sobs. Her pain hit her like a mallet to the chest, slamming into her with such force that it took her breath away. She had been so angry with her parents, especially her mother, that she didn't stop to feel the pain they had caused as well. Granted, she was no angel. She was impetuous and strong willed. But she was also hurting inside and she didn't feel loved or supported. As Mia held her, she finally felt loved, her torrents of tears a testament to the overwhelming feelings in her heart. The more Mia caressed and consoled her, the harder she wept.
"I don't know why your mother couldn't show you her love," Mia stated plainly. "Maybe she has her reasons, her own secret pain, but please know Lorelai that you are loved. Maybe one day your parents will be able to tell you, but until then you must feel it inside you and never stop loving that baby of yours. It's Christmas. I just wanted to give you and Rory a Christmas to remember. I certainly didn't mean to make you feel incompetent in your abilities to make it own your own."
Lorelai straightened up and wiped at her eyes. Streaks of mascara and eyeliner ran down her face. She'd have to wash her face and fix her makeup before John's girlfriend arrived. She sniffled and inhaled, trying to compose herself. Her ragged sigh proved that she wasn't quite as together as she'd hoped. The lump in the throat prevented her from responding to Mia. With glassy eyes, she turned to look at the woman and managed a small smile. Mia responded by placing a tender kiss to Lorelai's wet cheek. That simple action, so sweet and unexpected, brought on another flood of tears.
"I don't want you to think I'm ungrateful Mia," Lorelai sobbed, wiping her face with a tissue Mia handed her. "It's not that. I guess it's just hard for me to believe that someone could be so kind, without expecting anything in return. Thank you so much! I…I…I can't …I'm just in awe that's all. This was the best Christmas I can remember in a long time. And you did that! You gathered all those great gifts and had everything set up for us. I never expected it! Thank you for making me and Rory feel so welcomed here and so…loved." Lorelai spoke that one word so softly, afraid that if she acknowledged it out loud she'd lose that feeling.
"You are loved," Mia said simply. "Now why don't you take care of those raccoon eyes. The bathroom is down the hall on your left."
"Ugh! Do I really look that bad?" Lorelai questioned as she stood up.
"Not to another raccoon, but Rory might not appreciate the look," Mia replied, grinning. "Speaking of Rory…it's way too quiet in there. I need to check on dinner anyway."
"Is there anything I can do?" Lorelai said, looking around.
"You can help me set the table," Mia replied, motioning to the dining room.
"Okay, I'll get right on it," Lorelai nodded. She smiled and rushed into a surprised Mia's arms, embracing her tightly. "Merry Christmas Mia."
"Merry Christmas Lorelai." Mia's smile spread even wider as she headed for the kitchen. Lorelai was definitely worth it. Seeing a happy Rory listening to John tell her stories only reaffirmed that belief. This was the beginning of what would surely be a wonderful life for that little girl. And Mia was going to make sure it happened.