Chapter 5: Leprechaun Hunting
On a Sunday morning two weeks later Rory wraps herself snugly in a hand-knitted blanket and sits in the wooden rocking chair by the window of her upstairs bedroom. Gazing out onto the empty pasture covered with a delicate fog she takes a slow, cautious sip from her steaming cup of Barry's Tea.
Sundays are a treat, as there are fewer chores and they start a bit later. She enjoys taking the extra time in the morning to write, read and reflect.
Lane's been begging for a picture of Rory's window view so Rory snaps a shot on her phone and texts it to her friend.
Her message back reads: That is gorgeous! Sure beats waking up each morning to trash cans and backyard fences.
Eight months ago the Van Gerbig family moved into a small simple house only a few streets down from their most reliable babysitter – Mrs. Kim.
Since Rory arrived in Dublin, Lane's said that she is determined to visit her overseas. But as much as Rory loves the idea, she can't see it working out.
Lorelai also mentions making a trip but Rory wonders if she's just hopeful like Lane. Before Rory left her mom said she wanted to stow herself away in some unsuspecting traveler's luggage but that Luke wouldn't approve.
Thoughts of Luke lead to thoughts of Jess. Rory texted Jess late on her first night at the Walshes, thanking him for the great visit in Philly and letting him know that she arrived on the farm.
Throughout the next couple of days she looked at her phone more than she cared to admit, hoping to hear from him. Rory thought maybe the time difference threw him off and that he then forgot to respond. After a few days she figured he wasn't getting back to her because of his busy schedule with the upcoming movie release. And when almost a week passed without hearing from him she stopped coming up with excuses.
At the beginning of the following week he called and left voicemail while she was in the field helping Cody shear the sheep. Jess said that he hoped things were going well and that she made it in okay.
His voice sounded sad, even though he tried to conceal it with an air of disinterest. Rory hated that he thought she didn't let him know she made it to Ireland, but she was relieved he wasn't ignoring her.
She saved the voice message and called him right back. Her call went to voicemail and their game of phone tag continued on. Although their valiant efforts to talk haven't succeeded, Rory is grateful that her texts seem to be going through now.
Her cell starts ringing, and she takes a deep breath before looking closer. Although wishing for someone else, she isn't too disappointed to see "Mom" on the ID.
"What are you doing up so early?" Rory asks.
In her best Irish accent Lorelai says, "Well, top o' the morning to you, too."
"Sorry, Mom. You're just not usually awake at four in the morning. Has Luke finally convinced you there's life in the world before six A-M?"
"No, nothing crazy like that. Babette just found a special new interest."
Rory's voice drops. "That can't be good."
"Not unless you like waking up to roosters every morning."
"Please say she didn't."
Lorelai's sarcastic chipper tone raises several octaves. "Oh, she did. His name is Jeremiah."
"Jeremiah the Rooster? And Taylor lets her get away with that?"
"He's the one who thought it was a good idea – something about Stars Hollow needing to be more like that proverbial bird that gets up at some crazy hour of the morning to catch breakfast."
Rory shakes her head. "Taylor, Taylor."
"I know. I hope there aren't any farm animals disturbing your sleep."
"Surprisingly not," Rory replies with gratitude.
"Well, something to look forward to when you come home. That is, unless Luke takes a rifle to little Jeremiah first."
"Sometimes accidents happen."
"True, true." Lorelai's thoughts seem to be elsewhere, and Rory suspects that her mom didn't just call about roosters and potential animal fatalities.
"So," Lorelai begins, "have you talked with Jess lately?"
Rory squirms in her chair. She had told Lorelai in passing about her time in Philadelphia but tried to downplay it the best she could.
Luke was thrilled by the news, hoping it meant Rory and his nephew would get back together. His unusual enthusiasm put Lorelai more on edge.
"No, not much," Rory says, trying to sound disinterested.
Lorelai's current attitude toward Jess is similar to her previous attitude toward Logan – polite but awkward and distant. Lorelai isn't at the point of trusting Jess not to hurt Rory, saying it will just take time for her to be okay with the two keeping in close contact again.
She admits that Jess has matured and worked hard to make the most of his life. It also means a lot to Lorelai that he offered Luke a generous check to thank him for taking Jess in and believing in him.
"And your writing's going good?" Lorelai asks.
Rory releases a deep sigh, happy for no more Jess questions.
"Pretty well. I submitted a couple articles. Just waiting to hear back."
"On to London next!" Lorelai exclaims.
"I don't even want to think about London yet. There's so much more I want to see here, and it'll be impossible to get everything in with just two more weeks."
"I'm sure the fam will help with that. They're still treating you well, right?"
Rory grins, thinking about Walsh family fun and the places they've taken her already. She's danced to live Irish music at the Cobblestone Pub and learned about the city's Medieval and Viking history at the museum Dublinia.
"Rory?" Lorelai asks after a long pause.
Snapping out of her thoughts, she replies, "Yeah, they've been great."
"They're not replacing your beloved mother, are they?"
Rory smiles. "Never."
"Okay, good. Then we can hang up now. Bye," Lorelai jokes.
Catching a glimpse of the clock on her dresser Rory says, "I really do have to go now."
Lorelai quips in a Southern accent, "You best get a move on, Missy. Them cows ain't gonna milk themselves."
"I'm not in Alabama, Mom."
Struggling to get back into proper character, Lorelai attempts the phrase "drink, music, and a good time," which hangs above many of the pubs in Ireland: ól, ceol, agus craic!
But Lorelai's version comes out as, "Ohkel ugiss crack."
"That was terrible," Rory states.
"Yeah, well, my Gaelic is a little rusty."
"Bye, Mom," says Rory.
"Happy leprechaun hunting."
The next couple of weeks pass quicker than the first two. Rory and the Walshes strolled the grounds of the National Botanic Gardens, immersing themselves in the vibrant colors of nature. She even took a few days to observe the locals at the café Queen of Tarts, where she wrote for work and read for pleasure.
Although Jess kept coming to mind, he occupied her thoughts the most when her hands clutched a good book; Rory ached to discuss literature with him like she used to.
Between the time zone differences and the extra commitments Jess has with the upcoming debut of his book's feature film, Rory and he still haven't connected over the phone. She told him through text a few days ago that she is off to England soon. He wished her safe travels but also said he needed to tell her something, making Rory both curious and anxious.
She prays he isn't dating the attractive lead actress from his movie. In moments of weakness Rory admits she's jealous of the hours Jess spent on set with Kandy Jaysin and the rest of the star-studded cast.
Sitting at her gate in the Dublin Airport she recalls her bittersweet goodbye with the Walshes, who now consider her an honorary member of their family and encouraged her to visit soon.
Rory's phone vibrates, and Jess' name pops up on the screen. As much as she's looked forward to this for weeks, she freezes up.
What could he have to tell her?
A few more seconds slink by before she answers. "Hey, Jess."
"Hey, where are you?"
"Getting ready to board my flight to London, why?" she asks.
"I'll be in London in a couple days for the movie premiere – and you're coming with me."