Chapter 8 : Virtual Reality
Date : 2007-09-05
From : Rory
To : Finn
Object : Back on the road
Hi Finn,
I tried calling you over the week-end but did not reach you. I hope everything went well at Logan's. I am pissed at him but still care a lot about him. I know you don't want to talk to me about him and it is OK. I just want you to know, I am fine. You on the other hand. I thought we were OK. Why did you not take my calls?
I am back on the road. I've been since Monday. We are going down the east coast and should be in Florida by the 5th of October. I don't really get a chance to go home again until the Christmas Holidays. Because after that, we will leave on the 9th and be on the road until December 14th. I'll probably go home during that week-end and enjoy some time with my mom.
As I am not certain where we stand, I'll let you contact me again.
Your friend
Rory.
Over the week-end, Finn had drank way too much and had woken up Sunday morning in one of Logan's house guest rooms; sleeping with Madeline. Although she was very attractive, she was not at all the kind he went for anymore. But, he had to admit that it had been enjoyable and he went back to sleep. Later though, when he woke up and went down to have breakfast with the rest, he realized that Madeline was wearing an engagement ring. Woah, how had he missed that. She had confirmed to be engaged but that it was a business agreement so that both were unfaithful. They continued to party for the next day, knowing it was for the fun of it and that nothing was expected on both sides.
Finn was back in New York on Tuesday. When he arrived at work the next day he looked at his emails and read the one Rory sent him.
"Fuck!I completely forgot to call her back."
He picked up my phone and called her, getting her voice mail I left a message.
« Hey Love, just got your email. Sorry, we ended up kind of reliving our Yale weekends with the gang. Won't go into details but let's just say that by Monday morning, I knew why I don't party much anymore. So all went OK with Logan. As for us, don't worry, we are OK. »
To be honest, he couldn't help but feel guilty over what happened over the week-end with Madeline. Rory and him were just friends but he couldn't help feeling like he somewhat betrayed her. He needed to look into this but in the meantime, he needed to build a business case to present his ideas for the development of new hotels.
Date : 2007-09-06
From : Rory
To : Finn
Object : RE : Back on the road
Hey Finn,
So big party huh! So did you go back to your Yale self? Were there any interesting red heads? Well, while you guys partied, I ended up doing a lot of cleaning in every sense of the word. I kind of wanted to end this part of my life so I completely cleaned up my old room at home and I closed my Logan Box. Quite proud of this actually. Now I can finally focus solely on my career. I just wish I could talk to him about the baby issue… knowing what it is like to have a completely absent dad, I don't wish it to any one else. On the other hand, I had it better when my dad was completely absent than when he started to show up and leave whenever he felt like it. I wish I could let him know somehow.
So on your side, what is going on? Other than partying into oblivion, anything new?
My laptop is dying and I am in a coffee shop so I'll finish here. Talk to you some other time.
Your friend, Rory.
Date : 2007-09-07
From : Finn
To : Rory
Object : New focus
Hello Love,
So, I am happy that you're so at peace with the "Logan Situation". I was able to talk to him and I might have struck a cord with him on fatherhood. I just hope that he will not back out. Honestly, I think he will regret if he does not play and active role in his kid's life. I know I would. Then again, I was not raised as he was. I did have a strong father figure in my life. If you want to write to Logan, do so, I am sure he will read it.
Well, since you ask, I am now working on a business plan for family hotel where kids will be the centre of attention. You know, some type of hotel where you have family spaces kind of like having a Giant playground in the hotel with animation and what not. Where kids will be the main clients… This is a market that we have yet to go into. Anyway, I won't bother you with this.
I talked to Daphnee, you should send her an email… it seems that she benefited from you wearing her dress. You did look amazing in it; then again, you did have such a sexy date that night. I think she is going to ask you to be her main model.
Take care Love, we'll talk later.
Finn.
A couple of days later ...
Aussie_boy81 : Rory, Love, are you busy?
Rory_GH : Just writing, how are you?
Aussie_boy81 : OK, just spending time. It is hard to go back to normal after a week with all of you. Couldn't you get a job at the NY Times to keep me company?
Rory_GH : I'd love it if you can arrange it... but it wouldn't be for the only purpose of entertaining you. You know I've always wanted to work there don't you?
Aussie_Boy81: So how are you handling getting back on the road?
Rory_GH : It is OK I guess. I am starting to go out more now with the rest of the reporters and crew.
Aussie_Boy81: Good. Rory, did you really mean you wanted to write to Logan. I think he still needs a bit of a push regarding the baby issue. Would you mind?
Rory_GH : I don't quite get why you are so concerned about what Logan does regarding the kid.
Aussie_Boy81 : I have my reasons. And trust me, this is not something to share over IM. If you want to know, I can call you. Are you alone?
Rory_GH:Yes, I'm in my hotel room.
Aussie_Boy81 : Calling.
« Hey Finn! Happy to hear your voice » Rory said answering her cell phone.
« Yes, me too. It's nice to talk to you Love »
« Thanks Finn. It is weird but I've missed you since last week. After the week we had I got used to hanging out with you. »
« I know what you mean. I feel the same ».
« So ... »
« Well... where should I start. You know that I was still at Yale last fall didn't you? » Finn started on a shaky tone.
« You told me over the summer and I still can't figure how I never saw you around... »
« Yeah, well, without Logan and Collin, I mostly stayed put or went to meet with them for parties. As I didn't have to put a front for them, I was studying and developed a close relationship with Rosemary that was also still at Yale. »
« You dated Rosemary and I never knew? »
« It was not exactly like this. Let's just say we enjoyed each others company without the relationship issues. »
« You mean you were fuck friends » Rory said surprised to feel hurt by this information.
« Love, I prefer friends with benefits. Anyhow, after a couple of month, I couldn't get a hold of her. She wouldn't see me or take my calls. I let it go for a while. »
« Did she fell for you? »
« Not exactly. Anyway. In December, we bumped into each other at a LDB gathering. As I was insisting a bit. I had been celibate for a while and came to expect it with her. She agreed to come with me to my place. Once there though, she started crying. I was trying to console her not really understanding what was going on... I never forced her. Then she explained that she had gotten pregnant earlier in the fall and had gotten an abortion. I knew the baby was mine. She did not need to say it. We had been only with one another during that time. She stayed the night crying in my arms. »
« Wow, I didn't know. I'm sorry Finn. »
« Yeah, let's just say we did not publicize it . Back then, I was OK, even relieved with the fact that she had had an abortion. I had wished she had told me and not kept this to herself all this time. I would have accompanied her through it all. I was not ready to be a father anyway. Then, during the spring, my older sister who was pregnant came to America. She was 7 month and it showed so much. Rosemary would have been 6 month by then. Something just clicked when I saw my sister and felt her baby move. At that moment, I realized that for a while, a very short while and without knowing, I was a father. I would have been a father. It all got taken away... » Finn finished his story with a shaky voice and we could hear he was crying.
« I don't know what to say Finn. »
« I know the feeling. This really made me want to find someone real and not one night stands anymore. I want to find someone with whom I can start a family and establish myself. I want what my parents have. »
« I understand. But do you really think you can make Logan understand what he is passing by? »
« I don't know. I wasn't involved in the choice before Rosemary aborted and I wouldn't have objected. It is, was her body. Still, I wish I could have mourned with her. It's weird and probably does not make any sense. »
« I kind of get it. Did you know my grand parents wished my mom had gotten an abortion? »
« You mean Richard and Emily Gilmore? » Finn asked stunned.
« No, No... » Rory quickly cut in « The Hayden's. Straub and Francine Hayden are my paternal grandparents. »
« I didn't know that. Must hurt to know they did not want you to be. »
« Yeah, and they told my mom while I was in the room... not the finest moment of my life. »
« I'm sorry. » Finn said
« Yeah, Francine apologized but still, I don't spend much time with her. My dad though, we really have a up and down relationship. I mean, he wasn't there for the first 10 years or so. I wished he had been there even though I knew I was loved more than most by my mom and our created family in Stars Hollow. But it was not the same. After those years, my dad came and went as he wished without realizing he broke my heart over and over again when he disappeared for months without a word. He missed so much of me growing up. »
« Must sucks. »
« Yes it did for a while until I realized that he just didn't get it. I kind of changed after Gigi was born. »
« That's your half sister? »
« Yes, she is now 6 years old. »
« Did you hate the fact that he was there for her but never for you? » Finn asked
« Yes, for so long. But now, I understand that he couldn't be there for me. I am OK with it now. Not that I like it. My relationship with him will always be a bit distant. He is my biological father but Luke is my father figure. »
« I was really lucky with my family. My parents were always around and pretty supportive. Not the usual Society type. Maybe it is because we were not raised here though. In Australia, we lived pretty much isolated from Society. I have 2 sisters and a brother. We are also really close. »
« What's their names? »
« Eileen is the oldest. She's the one that was pregnant. She had her baby whose name is Aurelia. She is married and is now living in Australia with her husband. Then it was me. After, it's Anthony and last was Lilyann. She's the one I am closest to. »
« Are Anthony and Lilyann both in the states? »
« Lilyann is in the states, she's in a boarding school. She is really smart. A lot like you. Anthony decided to go to Oxford University so he's in England right now and most of the year. He was thinking of doing one semester somewhere closer. »
« And you are the heir of the family... the one to take over the business? »
« Officially yes. First son and all but my parents decided to separate in equal shares. So officially, I'll take over but if Anthony and Lilyann wants in, they can share the responsibility. Eileen decided to stay at home with her kids. Her husband is a surgeon so he is often on calls. She is working from home though dealing with marketing for us. And she is still one of the shareholders so she is involved in any decisions. »
« Do you mind being obligated to take over? »
Finn laughed before answering « I wasn't obligated. I chose to take the position. I actually enjoy the business and honestly, who could complain. I am 24 and already have an Executive position. »
« Do you feel others feel you only got this because of your family? That they don't think you deserve it? »
« Gheez Love, aren't we a bit blunt? » Finn said. «But they would be right. I did have this because of my family. Although I know more about the business than most as I was always with my father when I was younger. I just need to prove them I am the man for the job. »
« And you don't mind the pressure? »
« Not at all. Only thing I mind is the gossiping. I try to stay away as much as I can. But can't escape all the time as you saw the other day. I'm sorry for that Love. »
« Sorry for what, that a picture of me looking gorgeous and making most woman jealous because of my dancing partner? » Rory added quickly « But we almost never see or hear anything regarding you... I looked. »
« I am flattered that you search for gossip about me Love. Yes, I am luckily out of it, they wouldn't know where to look for me and don't go out much anyway except when Logan or Collin are in town. »
« Changing the subject. I talked to Daphnee yesterday. I am glad for her getting the promotion. I promised I would call upon her if I end up accompanying you again. »
« Yes, she deserves it. She is now going on vacation to Australia with my friend. Meeting the family and all. »
« Wow, are you OK with them together? »
« Why wouldn't I be? I introduced them. And I love them both... so as long as they are happy, I am too»
« Yes, but you were going out with her for a while. »
« True, but it was me mixing up love and friendship. I wish it could have been more but I don't feel this way towards Daphnee. I kind of think of her as a close cousin. »
« And is there anyone on the romantic front for this Hot Aussie of mine? » Rory asked.
« What? Didn't you hear the rumours of the fairytale love between the Morgan hair and a certain Gilmore heiress? » Finn answered on a mocking tone.
« Finn seriously. You are not the poster guy for abstinence, I know you. »
« Rory » Fin said laughing « Are you asking me about my sex life, Love? You know I can share but do you really want to hear? »
« You're right, it is not of my business » Rory quickly put in... but she wanted to know.
« But I did hook up with a friend of Steph from Hartford while I was at Logan's. Not too proud though as she was engaged. »
« Well, done that and let me tell you, stay away. »
« You What? My my Gilmore, there's more to you than let on. »
« You remember the « Let's auction Rory off to the highest bidder back when I first met you guys? »
« Yes. Did you get with one of the dad's » Finn said quite not understanding where she was going.
« Remember Dean, my boyfriend that came to get me but broke up with me in front of you guys. Well, I kind of was the reason his marriage was broken up. »
« Wow Love, neither of you seemed old enough to be married and neither of you looked the type to have an elicit affair. »
« Neither of us were. He was my first love, first boyfriend. We had broken up twice before... we kind of tried to relive our early love but forgot that we weren't the same persons anymore. »
« Did you ever told Logan about his? »
« No, never. Talking of the devil, how do you think he would take me writing about my dad? »
« Not sure, but I had to ask. I believe it is worth the risk. »
« OK, I'll do so. Did you have any news about his situation. »
« No, nothing. »
« OK, well, it's getting late. We'll talk some other time? »
« Yes, sure Love. How about we resume our habit from this summer? Although I'm more working from 9 to 5 now, still, I would love to talk to you regularly. »
« Fine with me. Talk to you tomorrow then »
« Yep. Good night Love. »
« Night Finn. »
Dear Logan
I know I have no rights to meddle in your life anymore but I can't stay out and not share my thoughts with you. Don't worry, I am not angry at you anymore. I want to talk to you about my dad. Actually, about my relationship with him. I know your situation is different but read on please.
My dad was absent for most of my life as you know. I always missed him even before I met him. Fathers are part of your identity I guess. I can't blame him as my mom ran away without telling him. But once he knew where we were, it still took him so long before getting involved. When he did, it was worst in a way since he got in and out of our lives. Breaking promises and deceiving me more often than not. I know he regrets now the time he missed out on.
I want to tell you that you need to really think about what you will do regarding the baby to come. I know that if you want to, you could be a great father to him or her. But if you do get involved, do it correctly and be present for all of his life. Don't go in and out of his life. If you decide not to get involved than keep it that way. But know that he will probably hate you with all his being. Sorry to be honest but I kind of know what this kid will go through if you keep out of his life.
I do wish you the best. Please think about it and if you do get involved, I know you will be a great father. You can be the father you never had. Bobbi and your baby deserve you being there for them. And I know deep down you feel this way. At least, the Logan I was in love with would.
Take care,
Rory.
As the weeks went by, Finn and Rory kept talking every day sharing with each other their thoughts and daily lives. They had back the friendship they had developed during the summer and even got to a deeper stage. They knew each other more than most other people in their lives knew them.
On September 20th both Finn and Rory received the following :
To : Rory, Finn
cc : Collin
From : Logan H
Object : Thank you
Hi guys,
I just wanted to let you know that I have decided to go back to London. My company wanted to expand in Europe and I offered to take over our European branch. I proposed to be based from London partly because I kept a lot of good contacts there and because of Bobbie.
My decision was also made because I will try to convince Bobbie to let me be there for our kid. I have talked to her a couple of times last week. I also had my father annulled the contract we had signed concerning my baby and Bobbie. In the light of both your experience, I believe that I would have regretted not being part of my baby's life. Now I just wish I won't screw up.
I am already at the airport. I found out that the baby is due in 1 week and hopefully, I'll be able to be there for Bobbie and the baby.
I am sorry Rory for everything I have put you through. I hope the best for you and if I can do anything I will happily lend a hand. Please stay in touch.
Finn, thank you for not giving up. I hope I could be a father like yours but it's hard for me to grab how to do so. My father is not handling my decision very well but for the second time in my life, I think I saw pride in his eyes when I told him I was going back to London and take care of my baby.
Collin, please stop chastising Rory for something that is not her fault.
Finally, I just want to say that I would be happy to see any of you if you visit London.
Your friend,
Logan.
Rory_GH:Finn!
Aussie_boy81 : Love, what's going on, it's early...
Rory_GH : Yeah, I am on my way soon. Go and see your emails.
Aussie_boy81 : Hold on
Aussie_boy81 : Wow. How are you handling this.
Rory_GH : Well, honestly, I am a bit jealous but at the same time I feel this is the real Logan. I am glad he decided to go.
Aussie_boy81 : Yes, I am proud actually.
Rory_GH : So, how is your business plan going?
Aussie_boy81 : Pretty good. I'll soon be going to visit some resorts that are kid oriented for documentation and seeing the possibilities.
Rory_GH : Wow, so it's vacation paid by the company? As if you needed it:)
Aussie_boy81 : Are you saying I am taking advantage of my situation... you would be right! I actually will be leaving in about 1 week and be gone for another one.
Rory_GH : Oh! I'll miss our calls.:(
Aussie_boy81 : Rory, I'll be in hotels, not in prison. We'll talk as we do now don't worry. I also got used to talking to you everyday. So anything new I should know?
Rory_GH : Not really, except that I have a date tomorrow. It's with one of Obama's security crew.
Aussie_boy81 : A man in uniform Love? If that's all it took...
Rory_GH : Finn, I am anxious enough, don't make fun of me. It will be the first date since Logan.
Aussie_boy81 : Don't worry Love, he will love you, we all do.
Rory_GH : Anyhow, gotta go. We'll talk tonight?
Aussie_boy81 : Yeah, sure, and I'll want details...
Rory_GH : You are worst than my mom! Bye Finn
When Finn closed the conversation he felt jealous of the guy. He wished he could be the one going on the date with Rory. He sighed and closed his eyes. Then something clicked. Why wouldn't he do his research at the best place for kids. Next week is after all Rory's birthday and where will she be? In Florida... He will be able to treat her and even to organize a birthday party for her. He decided to call Lorelei to know a bit more on where Rory will be and see how he could surprise her for her 23rd birthday...