A/N: Hello Fanfiction world! Here I am…back with another chapter. Sorry it took me so long, but I've been struggling with a small bout of writer's block this week. This is why I haven't updated any of my other stories either. I'm going to try to get some more updates up this weekend…just have patience with me, please. Anyways…here ya go, ENJOY!

Disclaimer: I don't own…though in my dreams…

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April 12, 1989

Holy hell. Who knew Maddie that the presence of one Kara Duran from Long Beach, CA, history major would put such a crazy, almost unexplainable tension and strain on the Danes' household? I knew that on Saturday when Luke brought her in and introduced her as his fiancé that things weren't going to be pretty. I just didn't realize that it would set off a catastrophic war between siblings.

My thought on the situation…

Honestly, I'm not sure Maddie. I really don't know Luke very well, but from what I've gathered he's a loner, hard worker, and all around good guy. The good guy part I have problems seeing, he's been nothing but a horrible presence since he got home, but…other than that.

Liz is pissed. Like beyond pissed. Like an hour of ranting in my room Saturday night pissed…

"I can't believe he did this," Liz hissed, "engaged? He's got to be kidding…oh my god. He's not kidding is he? He's engaged…Luke is engaged. How can he do this to dad? We didn't know…not a clue that he was even seeing anyone, let alone being serious enough to get engaged. I don't know what to think…"

"Liz you have to calm down," I tried to reason, "He's a grown man…"

"You would think though he'd have the decently to warn us…at least call us a say hey, 'I'm bring a girl home this year for Easter…we're pretty serious'. But NO! Nothing! She doesn't seem like his type…"

"Liz…"

"I know Lorelai," Liz finally relented throwing herself down on my bed, "I just…I'm in shock. It took him so long to get over Rachel…he was miserable, a wreck Lorelai, completely. I just…"

"But that was high school Liz," I interrupted, shocked at myself for standing up for the idiot, "he's now a senior in college. You had to think he'd move on and settle down eventually."

"Yeah, eventually, with a girl from Connecticut. He's never wanted to live anywhere but here…or rather around here. That is one of the reasons that he and Rachel broke up to begin with. He wasn't sure he wanted to leave…"

"But he did," I countered, "for college."

"True…but it was under the common knowledge he'd be back as soon as he graduated to take over the store and settle here…not in California. Luke isn't the California type."

"Maybe he's still planning on moving back here and Kara wants too…"

"Right," Liz stopped me, her words dripping in sarcasm, "can you picture her in Stars Hollow? No way…"

"You don't know that Liz, you should give her a chance."

"I just don't want her to be my sister-in-law," she countered, "I had another…"

"Another what? Liz…"

"I wish I could pick who my sister-in-law would be, that's all."

"You have someone picked out?"

"I did, well I hoped."

"Who?"

"It doesn't matter now," Liz fumbled, "I should get to bed. Thanks for letting me rant Lorelai; I'll see you in the morning."

I'm not sure who Liz was talking about when she mentioned the whole sister-in-law thing but for some reason it made me a bit nervous. They were such a tight family. I hope that Luke doesn't let this tear his family apart.

William hasn't let on anything that he is feeling. And that has everyone nervous.

The town is in an uproar. Well, that is even placing it mildly. Whispers have been heard since Kara stepped foot in the place. Miss Patty and Babette and determined to find out all the dirt on the poor girl. I don't think I'd blame her if she ended up never wanting to come back here. Though I love the town, beyond words, the gossips can make it extremely hard to live here when they first are on their rampage.

It was ages before I really felt comfortable after moving here. I love them all now and couldn't imagine my life anywhere but here…but I don't think Kara will see it that way. There is a difference between hushed scowls and hushed inquires. Mine came as hushed inquires. Kara is getting the other…

The town is obviously very protective of Luke, their golden boy, and is cautious allowing any girl to be in his life. I think the Rachel situation made that the case. It amazes me though, because Rachel herself was a hometown girl…

It just shows you how deep roots run. Luke's family has been a part of the Stars Hollow community forever and they are very loyal to their blood line. It's commendable. I'm glad that William and Liz have that, Luke too, even. It's good for them.

I hope that they feel that way about me and Rory eventually. Rory deserves to have that same kind of devotion. I don't think that is going to be a problem really though, everyone seems to love her already. She's the little princess of this town.

She soaks that up easily too.

It makes me think about the life that I turned down for her. The life of consistency, of privilege, and of history. I think she would have flourished in the life of Hartford society. Not that I would have wanted that for her life…but…I can't decided everything can I? Well, I can now, I am her mother and she isn't old enough to know better, but…

I don't know.

I wouldn't have survived there, I couldn't have, so I didn't have any other choice but leave and there was no way in hell I was leaving her…so here we are. I'm content making our lives here the best I can. So far I haven't sensed any complaints.

Though, she still doesn't know the life I left.

Or her grandparents.

I'm starting to feel guilty about that.

Maybe…

Never mind. I'm not about to do this today. It's been a stressful enough week as it is. I'm not about to dwell on my history, family background, or anything else that will be an added frustration in my life at the moment. Not now Maddie.

Wow, I've gone on for so long about Luke, Kara, Liz and all that drama that I haven't mentioned our actual Easter at all. Fixing that now Maddie, I promise.

Jess and Rory were thrilled about their Easter baskets that were planted happily and perfectly on the kitchen table Sunday morning. This was Rory's first Easter basket and thankfully William snapped some pictures of them as they raced downstairs so we'll be able to have those memories forever. William did a great job of picking everything out for them. He told Liz and me that he wanted to take that on himself.

Both baskets had more candy than either kid has seen since Halloween, plus little trinkets and toys, and also a book for each. Rory was thrilled with the next book in her American Girl Series she's been reading, Samantha and Jess had a new Hardy Boys book. Also William put a little journal and pen set in her basket as his encouragement for her future career as a reporter. If that is what she wants to be then no one is going to argue and she'll be supported by everyone.

Miss Patty has already claimed her first interview. Rory can't write super well yet and wants to wait a bit more before she does it, but Miss Patty will be the first entry in that notebook. I'm going to make sure that we start watching CNN and channels like that. She'll need to have good influences to look up to. God I love her.

For Easter breakfast William and Luke did some serious work in the kitchen.

Luke is a God in the kitchen Maddie. An absolute God. I was in food heaven. Complete bliss. As much of an ass as he has been to me, he totally made up for it in his cooking. He should make that into a career. He'd be ridiculously successful and probably would feed me and Rory everyday. For you see, me and a kitchen just don't mix. I'm a horrible cook. If it hadn't been for William and Chef Jenkins Rory and I probably would have starved by now.

They are our life savers Maddie.

But anyways, what was I saying? Oh yeah, I was raving about Luke Danes in the kitchen…I'm not sure there are even the right words to say to give the guy an accurate review. It really is amazing.

I need to stop gushing…It doesn't sound right.

I'll agree to put up with the guy just for his food. Food is the right way into my good graces, though he probably didn't know that or I would have been given burnt pancakes and runny eggs. I'm sure he doesn't want to do anything to make a friendship between us. He's quite content it seems hating me.

I don't care anymore.

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"I think I should fly home for the rest of break," Kara told Luke suddenly as they were walking hand in hand through town. "Catch up some with my family…"

"You're just looking for an excuse to leave," Luke stated bitterly, "I thought we were going to be honest with each other."

"You're right," Kara agreed reluctantly, "I'll be honest. You need to deal with your family and I don't think my presence is helping anything."

"Deal with my family?"

"Your dad obviously doesn't like me…"

"That's not true."

"Luke, come on…"

"He doesn't hate you Kara."

"He may not hate me Luke, but he doesn't like me. I can tell in his voice, his eyes, and I can't stay here."

"What about when we are married?"

"It'll be different then."

"How Kara?"

"I'll be a member of the family and we will only have to interact a few times a year at holidays…"

"Wait," Luke interrupted, "I thought you knew I wanted to move back here when I've graduated. We talked about this."

"We did," Kara said sinking into a seat on a nearby bench, "and…I don't know. How can I live here if your dad doesn't want me around? I couldn't deal with this everyday for the rest of my life."

"Kara…"

"It's done Luke," Kara interrupted, "I'm flying home tomorrow morning. The tickets have already been bought. I talked to my parents this morning."

"You didn't give them a chance," Luke started and Kara laughed bitterly.

"You're kidding me right? I've done everything I could think to do to make your dad and sisters like me…"

"Sister."

"What?"

"I only have one sister, Liz."

"But what about Lore…"

"She isn't my sister," Luke stated firmly.

"Oh," Kara said shuffling her feet suddenly uncomfortable, "I assumed. I mean your dad made it seem…"

"I know, but she's not. Kara, please stay."

"I can't Luke," she assured him. "You need some time with your family, to explain things, to settle things. I'll come back with you another time. When things are better…"

"Kara?"

"Let me do this Luke," Kara insisted. "This has been an awkward couple of days, I need to go home."

"Okay," Luke finally relented, "I'll take you to the airport tomorrow."

"No need," Kara shrugged, "my flight is early. There should be a car at your house in about thirty minutes to take me to Hartford. I'll stay at the hotel in the airport tonight and fly out early. I'll just see you back at school."

"Kara…"

"I love you Luke," Kara whispered into his ear before kissing his cheek lightly, "and I want this to work. You though, you have to figure things out and deal with stuff here. For me. I can't live here after we're married knowing your dad and sister don't like me."

"I still wish you'd stay."

"I can't," Kara said firmly. "Bye Luke."

Luke watched as his fiancé walked away from him and into the dark night towards his childhood home. Why wasn't this as hard as it should be?

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New developments in the Danes/Duran nuptials. It seems like Miss Duran herself left tonight to fly home unexpectedly and I can tell that Luke did not take the news well. He's been in a mood all day.

Apparently they haven't broken up or called off the wedding…but she's gone. Happened about an hour ago now.

Liz and I were getting the kids ready for bed when she came back to the house tonight grabbed her bag and loaded into the car that pulled up in front of the house. She gave Luke a quick hug and kiss goodbye before climbing into the car and leaving. Luke stormed into the house, a silent anger rolling through him, and slammed the door to his room shut with ample strength.

I'm curious to find out what happened.

I'm not sure he'll offer the information up though and frankly I'm not sure I blame him. I wonder sometimes if he has a journal or something like you Maddie that he spills his feelings in. I mean, I know most guys don't, but for all the silent treatment he gives and how reserved he is, there has to be something or someone he releases his pent up emotions too, right?

Why do I feel so involved so…

"You're still up?" a voice asked and startled Lorelai from her writing. "I thought everyone had gone to bed."

Lorelai peered at Luke as he stood in the doorframe that separated the kitchen from where Lorelai was sitting with her legs curled up under her on the couch in the living room.

"I'm a night owl," she offered shrugging, "I tend not to be able to fall asleep until late."

"Oh," Luke said with a quick nod. "I'm just going to head back to bed. Night."

"Night Luke," Lorelai offered turning her head back towards her diary.

"Hey Lorelai," Luke called again quietly and Lorelai lifted her eyes to meet his, "I'm sorry I've been such a jerk to you."

Lorelai shrugged, shocked by his admission.

"It's been a stressful couple of weeks with finals and everything, and even though that doesn't make it right, I just wanted to say I'm sorry."

"Thanks Luke," Lorelai said wistfully.

"Yeah," Luke shrugged running his hands awkwardly through his hair. "I'm going to go now, gotta call Kara and make sure she made it to the hotel okay. I guess I'll see you in the morning."

Lorelai nodded and watched Luke walk up the stairs quietly. Shaking her head she looked back down towards what was becoming her final sentence before he interrupted her.

Being involved might not be so bad.

Does Luke Danes actually have a heart? Maybe he took a trip to Oz and let the wizard give him one?

I'm not going to complain though. I think that Luke with a heart could be a good friend. I'll just have to see if he keeps the heart Maddie, or decides if it was just a fluke.

Won't know until tomorrow.

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A/N: Another chapter is here and what do you think? Things are rolling around in my head…ideas and such. I'm excited to take this one all the way…I've got some major plans for it. And as long as there is interest the chapters will keep coming. You wanna know how I know this is interest…reviews! Please leave some, just to let me know that you are reading and enjoying it…actually, I'd love to know if there is anyone out there that reads it and hates it. Both views make me a better writer…hit the little purplish button and type some words! Thanks ya'll!