A/N: Yet another installment of my story. I'm surprised how quickly this one came. It's getting a bit harder to write, not for lack of story lines, but just the way I want it to play out. Anyways, nevermind about all that. Enjoy this little diddy!
Lorelai sank down onto her bed exhausted. It had only been three days since Rory had told her the news of her impending move and it had been go, go, go ever since. She'd hardly had time to breath or really think about the change that was happening except at night and that is when the emotions would fill her. She'd cried over this several times and felt foolish every time. Rory was twenty-two, graduated from college, Yale nonetheless, and yet here was Lorelai, heartbroken over her daughter's move cross-country. Luke pulled her into his arms and just held her tight. She was so thankful for his presence in her life and vowed to never let anything separate them again, no matter what.
"Have I told you today how much I love you?" Lorelai whispered into Luke's ear. "'Cause I do you know? A lot."
"You've told me several times today, especially this morning, but I'll always be glad to hear it." Luke whispered back.
Sunday night after the big announcement, the three of them went home and crashed in the living room. They had a movie night extravaganza, like none they'd ever had before. Luke even caved and ate the junk he was always so careful to avoid. The movie list included classics, such as Pippi Longstocking (even with the memories of the disastrous double date,) Cool Hand Luke, and of course they finished with The Godfathers. Luke was out before Cool Hand was over, but the girls pressed on late into the night.
Monday was a bit more tedious, as preparations began in making sure Rory had everything she needed for her life in San Francisco. They had to buy furniture and dishes, bedding, anything you can think of for a new home. Though they didn't have the apartment information yet, she was informed that it wouldn't come furnished. They had spent hours in Hartford, going from store to store. They made time to hit the mall of course too, a new wardrobe a must as well for the working girl. Since they were in town Rory figured that it would be the best to tell the grandparents that night so they had dinner with them. Lorelai giggled at the look on her parents' faces when Rory announced the move. Both Richard and Emily Gilmore had flown into action, making preparations themselves. Richard had instantly been on the phone with a real estate office there, determined on buying the best condo money could offer in the heart of the city. Rory and Lorelai just sat there both trying to keep the laughs subsided. When they left, Rory had an address on her new condo and instructions to tell her editor not to bother renting her an apartment. Needless to say the dinner went over quite well.
Tuesday had been a complete Gilmore Girls primp day in advance to a night out on the town with the best boyfriend (described by Lorelai)/almost dad (described by Rory) they could every imagine. Luke had surprised them both at breakfast with tickets to see the musical Wicked on Broadway later that night in New York. The gift was quickly followed by appointments for a mani/pedi, facial, massage, and another trip to the mall for night out clothes. So far that had been Lorelai's favorite time.
Wednesday forced Lorelai to head to the Dragonfly for some necessary work with left Rory with all day to spend time with Lane and the boys. Rory wasn't home yet, out with Lane after Zach got home getting in some major best friend time. Lorelai was now near sleep in the arms of Luke winding down, hoping to get some sleep tonight.
"How are you doing?" Luke finally asked, she knew he had been wanting to ever since she got home.
"I'm doing okay I suppose."
"Lorelai, I know you better than that. Don't lie, let's talk." Lorelai sighed snuggling farther into Luke's embrace, elated at the thought that he really did know her best.
"I just can't believe that in less than 72 hours I'll be sending my daughter across the country," Lorelai confessed breathlessly. "It's so hard to comprehend."
"Well, I was thinking about that," Luke started and Lorelai rolled over to face him. "And I have an idea. Now understand it's not a perfect fix to your situation, but it might make you feel better."
"What is it Luke?"
"I was thinking, what if we flew out to San Francisco with Rory. We'll be able to make sure she gets settled, plus it'll be a vacation for us. We can maybe then rent a car and drive home, stopping to see all the spots you were going to see on your road trip anyways." Luke wasn't sure of the reaction he'd get so he pulled back slightly, hoping to be able to read her eyes.
"Luke you are a genius!" Lorelai gushed pulling him back to her. "That would be so great!"
"Really?"
"Of course, I'd feel better to be able to see her apartment and spend just a bit more time with her. I wouldn't be so anxious about sending her off to a place I've never seen before. Plus, a road trip with you definitely wouldn't be bad."
"Not bad huh?"
"Nope, not at all. I would have you to myself for a couple weeks. I think I can handle that."
"So you think you can handle me?" Luke teased.
"Oh yeah, and I'd be happy to show you just how I can handle you right now." Lorelai grabbed his shirt and promptly removed it. "Just think of this as practice to our trip."
"Practice does make perfect I've been told."
"Oh it does my friend and I'll be damned if we aren't already pretty close to perfect."
"It'd be my pleasure to find out." Luke responded pulling Lorelai closer. That was enough to shut her up, at least for awhile.
---
Rory couldn't sleep.
Her insomnia certainly wasn't from not being completely exhausted because she wasn't sure she could move, even if she wanted to. She and Lorelai had done so much in the past few days Rory was certain she was going to fall over. Yet on this night, after even a very eventful day with Lane all she could do was gaze at the ceiling.
It pained her to think of the reason sleep wouldn't be her friend on this night. Those eyes, those beautiful brown eyes kept appearing every time she closed her eyes. His face was now peering back at her, not mockingly like she thought it would be; it was just there.
She had stopped hoping he'd respond to her letter, god she had sent it over a week ago. No, what plagued her now was her new location. She couldn't believe she hadn't realized it before.
San Francisco.
She was moving to the place that Logan had gone, to the place where he'd wanted to start a married life with her.
She tried to convince herself that it was no grave matter. It after all was a large city. It was possible she'd never see him.
But I will, she thought, my fate will allow that. I couldn't get lucky enough not to have his new life rubbed in my face.
Rory hadn't realized the irony of it all when the Chronicle had offered her the position. She wondered now if she would have even accepted it if she had.
Would I have taken the job if I had thought about him before? She asked herself over and over. Yes, her internal voice answered, you would still have accepted it.
Rory snorted out a half laugh, half sob before thinking, at least he isn't in the newspaper business anymore.
It's a big city, right?
---
The rest of the week passed without any great catastrophe or melt down. Lorelai was finally able to relax and happily spend time with her daughter after Luke booked their plane tickets. She knew she was going to have to eventually say goodbye, but the unexpected trip bought her a few extra days.
Rory fought hard to push Logan from her mind as she completed the tasks on her to-do list before Saturday. She wasn't going to let herself get bogged down emotionally before she had to. It was hard enough saying good bye to everything and everyone around her.
Saturday morning she woke early and headed out for a stroll in town. They would be leaving for the airport within a few hours and she wanted to get one last goodbye in to the town. Rory was glad her mom and Luke were flying out with her. It would make the transition so much easier having them there to settle her in.
Her grandparents had called several times over the last few days and she had spent some time with them too. They had taken care of her condo and shipping everything she'd bought for it during that time. It would all be there ready to unpack when they arrived later that night.
Rory was growing more and more nervous with every passing minute. She was taking a large leap of faith with the move and she just prayed she could handle it. Walking back towards her childhood home she smiled, I'll be back. This doesn't have to be forever.
---
Lorelai had never been a huge one on flying. When she and Rory flew to Europe for their great backpacking adventure she had grabbed Rory's hand and refused to let it go until they were safely on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.
She knew this time she'd be holding Luke's hand.
Although this time, she thought, it might be easier as we are flying over land and not water. I can deal.
"Okay, so baggage is checked, we're checked in, and now we only have an hour before our plane takes off." Lorelai exclaimed, pushing her nerves aside and pulling out her charm. "Whatever shall we do?"
Luke simply rolled his eyes and grabbed her around the waist, pulling her into his arms.
"Luuuke, not here, we're in public." Lorelai gasped, squirming.
"Ah jeez, Lorelai."
Rory burst out laughing at the interaction and Lorelai followed suit quickly. They stood there in the middle of the aisle way bent over laughing until Luke was able to pull them off to the side to give them a chance to settle down.
"I, ok…breathe Rory, ok." Rory was stammering, trying to regain herself and she leaned back against the wall. "Man, now I'm hungry."
"Food sounds perfect!" Lorelai exclaimed pulling Luke towards the directory. "There has got to be a place here to eat."
"Nothing too junky please, Lorelai that is my only request." Luke begged, praying for something other than grease filled crap.
"Okay, okay, give me a chance to look here. Let me see…ah perfect, 'The Dugout.'"
"The what-out?" Rory exclaimed trying to push her way past Lorelai.
"It's a sports grille. Supposed to have great hamburgers and grumpy pants here can enjoy some sporty thing while eating a salad."
"Some sporty thing?" Luke asked.
"Well, how am I supposed to know what is in season right now?"
"Never mind."
The three of them walked towards the restaurant, chatting and laughing the whole way. Rory smiled. It was good to be with family.
Conversation at dinner flowed easily and they were surprised when they heard the call for their flight.
"It's time to go already?" Rory asked, the nerves creeping back in slowly.
"Sounds like it. Let me pay the bill and we'll head over to the gate, ok?" Luke replied gesturing for both girls to get up.
"Yea babe, we'll meet you outside the door here." Lorelai replied with a quick kiss, then ushered Rory out in front of her.
"Mom, I don't think…"
"Rory, stop. You can do this. I know you are paranoid about the whole bumping into Logan thing, but don't be. You are a great girl and nothing will come in your way of something you want. Besides, this could be a good thing for the two of you."
"You can't be serious mom?"
"Of course I am. I wasn't lying when I told you I thought you made the right choice by not marrying him. But, I still think breaking up was a bit rash too."
"He's the one that broke up with me." Rory spat out, the feelings she'd pushed away resurfacing.
"I know, but honey, he was heartbroken. Anyways, we are both jumping the gun here. You don't even know if you'll ever see him." Lorelai took a step back, then quietly added. "But a little advice, don't run in the opposite direction if you do. A second chance might be worth it."
"Mom…"
"Just think about it."
"Okay you two, ready?" Luke asked joining them.
"You betcha babe, let's go."
Rory stalled for a few seconds before falling in step behind her mom and Luke. Her mother's words rolling around in her head. She wanted to believe that another chance would happen, but she just didn't know.
"You coming sweets?" Rory heard her mom's voice ask over the crowd.
She nodded as she walked towards the next chapter of her life.
Author's PLEA- Please please please review. I was very disheartened with only 4 reviews for the last chapter. Does it really suck that badly? Please, please, please tell me...it means the world.
Okay, now a question...so I've started work on another story, very AU, very JJ and I'm in desperate need of a Beta for it. Please let me know if you are interested! Your help would be oh so appreciated!
