EDIT 6/2/23: Idk what made me post a 40k+ story with no chapters, but that was just unkind. I don't like chapters, but in the past, when it's approached that kind of length, I've divided it up. I've updated it with chapters. Other than correcting a timeline issue, no other changes. 3

11/27/21

Disclaimer: These are my words but not my characters.

Hey, Readers! Long time, no write, right? Missed you all. I have a lot to say in this A/N so bear with me. This story has been in me since the beginning of the pandemic, so it's a long time coming. I would write a paragraph and then take a 5 month break lol. This past week has been crazy, though. I sat down, started writing and couldn't stop. And as I saw the story really take shape, I felt that maybe- just maybe – I could get this thing out by Thanksgiving weekend. And oh em gee, she did it.

I told writer-superstar DFC about my GG-restriction. Wouldn't let myself binge until I got this story written. It'd already been a year when I decided to do that…. So it's been nearly 3 years since I've seen a single show of Gilmore Girls. That was just stupid. But I'm super stubborn and hold my promises. My procrastination and writer's block caused a lot of pain, guys. I'm making my Thanksgiving rounds today and then plan to binge the living you-know-what out of my favorite show.

This story is my freedom.

In this story, Stars Hollow deals with the pandemic. It's 2005 so I fudged up the timeline a bit, but Luke and Lorelai are just friends. That is, after all, WHAT I DO! Haha.

Pandemic's a beast. We all know that. You will, of course, see variances. But combining that beast… with this beauty of a show was kinda tricky, especially when you don't want it to get too heavy. But I took a shot. I think I found a respectable balance, but I'll let you all be the judge of that. I'm pleased at the way it turned out. My vision for this story was satisfied.

There is a new character who is very central to the story. This isn't a story of jealousy or anything like that, and I didn't overuse her or make her a nuisance. However, I built a whole background for her. I created and used her (I'm so ashamed!) for a sorta shtick that helped with the LL buildup. I had fun with her character, though, and I did find other ways for her to push the story. In the end, I found that I liked her. Hopefully, you all will too.

Regarding references… man alive, 2005 was forever ago. I kept predating references, only to learn they happened years after this show. I had to keep changing things, but I did keep a couple. So when you see things like YouTube, just ignore how the only thing on there would've probably been a "Charlie bit my finger!" video lol.

It's rated M. A very big M.

Enjoy the read. And Happy Thanksgiving!