Chapter 4: A Full Irish Breakfast

Unusual for Rory, she sleeps for most of the six-hour flight, going in and out of Celtic music.

Before shutting off her phone in Philly she remembered to text Lane and especially Lorelai, who'd left at least five messages wondering if she arrived and what she was up to. Rory had been caught up in her short visit with Jess and didn't bother to check her phone.

And when she did respond she was still too raw from the emotional farewell that she decided to hold off on mentioning that the two had met up. Was the kiss meant as a goodbye or as the start of something new? The question haunted her even while texting her best friend and mom.

As Rory anticipates the plane's descent onto the Emerald Isle she imagines sheep hovering like clouds over lush green fields. But since it's after midnight she sees only the fireflies of Dublin's city lights glowing against the darkness.

With the late flight in, the Walsh family isn't meeting her at the airport until ten that morning so Rory stays at the nearby O'Calligan's Inn.

The tawny paint is chipping off the walls and the bed's frayed comforter is a washed-out version of a previous deeper shade of red. But with the cheap rate and free airport shuttle Rory doesn't complain about its less-than-five-star appearance.

After texting Lorelai and several others to let them know she made it she considers telling Jess but isn't sure if he expects her to check in. Rory decides to wait until she's at the Walshes. I'll have more to report then.

As she finds herself alone in Europe for the first time, her international phone plan makes her feel like her loved ones aren't an ocean away. She's more grateful for it now than when her grandparents first gifted it to her.

But Rory wasn't surprised when Richard and Emily had insisted that she keep them informed as to her whereabouts and all but said outright that a condition of their "gift" was to stay with some of their so-called friends this time. She figures it won't be too much trouble to look up just one of them and satisfy her grandparents.

Lying in bed, Rory remembers backpacking and her first introduction to Ireland. She and her mom were in London on their last stop of the trip when Lorelai overheard girls talking about going to Dublin to stalk Bono. Rory's solitary memory of Dublin consists of snacking on crackers and cheese for two days at the bar in the Clarence Hotel.

Images of Ireland in travel magazines and on travel blogs mock her, as they serve as reminders that she didn't get to see any of it: the rolling hills, majestic castles or even a flock of sheep grazing near a quaint cottage. As much as she loved traveling Europe with her mom, there's a part of Rory that's looking forward to taking a different approach to the continent – one that doesn't involve stalking musicians.

The next morning Rory makes her way back to the airport and waits at the baggage claim for the Walsh family. She spots a little girl, about four or five years old, whose thin cinnamon-brown curls lay against a golden dress. Standing with her parents, she holds a sign that reads: Roarie.

A warm smile spreads across Rory's face. Close enough.

Approaching the trio, she asks, "Excuse me, are you the Walshes?"

"We are," the father confirms in his thick Irish brogue.

Pointing to one parent and then to the other, Rory guesses, "Cody and Ashlyn, right?"

"That's right," Ashlyn replies. "And you must be Rory. So nice to meet you." Her ballerina-like voice prances on the air. "And this is our daughter Brianna."

The little girl lowers the sign and slinks behind her mother's leg, eyes still fixed on the stranger.

Rory bends down to eye level. "Hi Brianna. Thank you for the nice sign."

The corners of Brianna's mouth turn up into a shy grin.

"Let me get that for you," Cody says, reaching for Rory's backpack.

Ashlyn asks, "Are you hungry, Rory?"

Brianna's mouth hangs open as she watches Rory devour in haste a Full Irish Breakfast, including eggs, potatoes, thick red tomato slices, black and white puddings, bacon and sausage.

Besides the cheesesteak with Jess, Rory hasn't had a notable meal since the night before she left Stars Hollow and Sookie catered her going-away party in the town square.

Rory's fork dives into the eggs – warm, light, fluffy, and coming fresh from the family's chicken coop.

"Our son Nolan is out feeding the pigs but should be in soon," Ashlyn says as Rory shovels into her mouth another generous portion of the birds' contribution to her meal.

Cody comments, "We really appreciate you coming to help us with the chores. It isn't easy running a farm, but it's well worth it."

"I can get started right after breakfast, if you'd like," Rory offers through mouthfuls.

He shakes his head. "I wouldn't hear of it. Take the day off and settle in. We'll start tomorrow."

Rory believes that working the farm for a few hours each morning is well worth the benefits. Her room and board are taken care of, and she'll get most of the day to wander the city, immersing herself in Irish culture and writing her articles.

The back door screeches open and the energetic voice of a young man echoes through the foyer. "Stupid stinking swine. I can't wait to give the worst chores to the new girl." He chuckles with pleasure. "When is she coming?"

Ashlyn's face turns the color of the fresh juicy tomatoes on Rory's plate.

A teenage boy appears in the doorway, his head down as he struggles to kick off his boots. Tossing them to the corner he raises his eyes, which are met with astonished expressions from every face in the room. He recognizes all but one of them and knows he's busted.

Cody's broad frame tenses up. "Rory, this is our son, Nolan, though we don't always care to admit it."

After exchanging awkward pleasantries no other sound is heard in the house but the cat clock ticking on the wall behind Nolan.

Brianna breaks the silence, erupting with hysterical laughter.

Startled, everyone turns. This is the first sound Rory's heard come from the little Irish girl who hunches over with her arms wrapped around her stomach.

Puzzled by his sister's outburst, he asks, "What?"

She points at him with one hand while the other still holds her stomach. "You're so bad!"

"Come here." Grinning, Nolan makes the few long strides toward Brianna and scoops her up in his arms.

"No!" she screams. Her joy is infectious, spilling onto the other three.

Cody reassures Rory that Nolan will keep the smelliest jobs. He rubs his hands over Nolan's bushy red hair, causing it to stick up in every direction.

Nolan sets Brianna down and swats at his dad in playful defense.

Ashlyn joins in with the family torture session, tickling Brianna, saying, "Now who's causing trouble?"

Brianna keeps laughing.

A sense of peace engulfs Rory as she observes their interactions. For the first time she starts to wonder if – and even hope that – perhaps someday she will have a happy family of her own, beginning with a loving husband.