A few weeks passed and the trial was getting closer. However, it was Rory's Chilton graduation before that and everyone was focusing on that. Luke, Lorelai, Emily and Richard were all going. Luke had recovered well and was pretty much back to normal. Rory wanted it to be a happy day for everyone. She was not going to let her dad ruin it.

On the day on her graduation, she was standing outside with Paris waiting for it to get started. "Are you ok?" She asked.

Rory nodded. "Yeh thanks. I just want to enjoy today."

Paris nodded. "Come on, everyone's going to their seats first."

The ceremony began and soon it was time for Rory's speech. She got up and took a deep breath.

"Hi everyone, I'm Rory Gilmore. I can't believe how fast the time has gone. I have really loved it here and I want to thank the school for helping me in every way possible." She started. "I'd also like to thank a few people closer to home. Emily and Richard Gilmore are my grandparents and I could not be more proud to be their granddaughter. Without them, me being in Chilton would not even be possible so thanks." Rory said looking up and smiling at them.

Rory took a deep breath. The next thing, she tried rehearsing but kept tearing up. "I'd also like to thank Luke Danes." She said. Luke looked up shocked, honestly not expecting a mention. "Everyone knows Luke as the guy from the diner and my step-dad but to me he is much more than that." She said, her voice starting to break. "He has been in my life since we moved here and he has never failed to tell me how amazing I am and how I can be anything I want in life. He has always been there for me when I needed him. To me, Luke Danes is my dad." Rory said wiping a little tear from her face. She looked up and over to where Luke was sitting and noticed him doing the same thing. She smiled at him. "Thanks Luke." Luke smiled and nodded at her, holding a hand up to thank her.

Rory tried to gather herself. "I promised myself I wouldn't cry!" She joked, causing everyone to laugh. "The last person I would like to thank is my mom. She has and always will be my number one inspiration. She sacrificed so much for me but never failed to support me in anything I wanted to do. I am so proud to be her her daughter. She is not only my mom but my best friend too. Without her, I don't think I would have become who I am today. So thanks mom." She smiled looking up. Lorelai had tears running down her face, holding Luke's hand. "So here's to the future of our lives, whatever it may be." Rory smiled. "Thank you!" She then went and sat down on her seat.

Next came the actual graduating. "Lorelai Leigh Gilmore." Headmaster Charleston read out. Rory stood up and went up on stage. She thanked the headmaster and then heard from the audience. "Yay! Go Rory!" She looked round and saw her mom and Luke standing smiling and clapping. She smiled at them and then stuck her tongue out at her mom, who did the same thing. She laughed to herself and then sat back down.

Soon the ceremony was over. Rory said goodbye to Paris and then went to find everyone else. They were all stood together. She ran over to them and hugged Lorelai. "Oh hon, that was such a lovely speech." She smiled.

"Thanks mom."

"You even made Luke cry!" Lorelai teased.

Rory laughed. "You big softy!" She smirked looking at Luke. She then hugged him too. She then turned to her grandparents and hugged them in turn. "Thanks for coming." She said.

"We wouldn't miss it for the world." Richard smiled at his granddaughter. "Now for your present!" He said.

"Aw you didn't need to get me anything!" Rory said touched.

"Nonsense! Just follow us." Richard smiled. They led her to a car parked in the car park.

"You got me a car?" Rory said shocked. "Oh my god thank you so much!" She said hugging them again.

That afternoon, they were back home and the phone rang. Rory answered it. Luke and Lorelai saw her freeze. "D..dad?" She said quietly.

"Rory? Happy graduation day!" Christopher said as if nothing was wrong at all.

"W..Why are you ringing me? Is that even allowed?"

"I'm allowed one phone call. And I wanted to phone you."

"I don't want to talk to you." Rory said suddenly getting angry. "Today was meant to be good. You just ruined that!" She said and slammed the phone down. She was trembling slightly. She looked at her mom. "Why would he do that to me? He acted like nothing was wrong!" She said quietly.

"I don't know sweetie. Don't let it ruin your day though. We've had such a lovely day."

Rory nodded and took a deep breath. "You're right." She said quietly.

She sat down in between her mom and Luke on the sofa watching tv. It was already getting late and Rory was tired after her busy day. She had celebrated with her friends as well. She leaned onto Luke and shut her eyes and soon she found herself falling asleep.

Lorelai smiled sadly at the sight. She was so happy and touched about the relationship Rory and Luke had but she was worried about what the trial would do to her. Chris was still her dad, whether she liked it or not.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter! :) Thanks again for all the new reviews! :)