Confrontational Containment

April 2017

Darien and Stars Hollow, CT

Logan could not help but be amused at the crowd. With all the screaming and enthusiasm one might have thought that they were attending a game seven NBA championship game or the NCAA final. The fact was, they were at the last game of his nephew Theo's first grade basketball season. Having moved back to the states, Logan vowed to take his role as "Uncle Logan" more seriously. He made it a point to attend as many as his niece and nephew's events as he possibly could. This meant weekend games, winter holiday pageants, and birthday parties. "It good training ground for you," Josh told him during the first event after they found out about Rory's pregnancy, "once that kid becomes school age, you can kiss your weekends goodbye."

Being the last game of the season, Theo made it a point to invite everyone in the family. So their crowd also included Josh's parents, and his brother and fiancée. Mitchum and Shira were also invited, and Logan was surprised to find them absent, "Where are mom and dad?" Logan asked Honor between plays, "I have no idea" she answered back matter-a-factly.

When the game ended, the extended family made its way to the parking lot with the intention of meeting the rest of the team at a local ice cream shop for an end of the season celebration. As they walked toward the exit, Logan spotted his parents. They seemed out of place, dressed more for a formal luncheon than a kids' basketball game. Charlotte reached them first, enthusiastically jumping into Mitchum's arms. "Hello, Logan sweetheart." Shira greeted him.

"Hi, Mom..." He greeted her, kissing her on the cheek and then nodding his head towards Mitchum "...Dad. Were you here the whole time?"

"No, no. Unfortunately, we had a prior appointment that ran late so we were only able to catch the last 10 minutes of the game. " Mitchum answered

"Well, at least you made it," Logan answered.

As the three of them made their way to the parking lot, Logan couldn't help but notice his parents giving each other knowing glances full of guilt. Sensing that his parents were up to something, Logan braced himself for the onslaught. It had been several weeks since he broke the news about his impending fatherhood. He had to admit that he was surprised and somewhat suspicious that their response was not so severe; in the past, they would have been relentlessly communicating their opinions. He was also surprised at the level of acceptance he felt from the both of them. Mitchum, now and then, would ask about Rory's progress and make comments about setting up trust and education funds, while Shira, in a completely shocking move, insisted on throwing them a baby shower. This public acknowledgment of their less than traditional situation was an action he never expected from his mother. "What do you think she's up to?" Logan asked Honor after learning about the shower, "Who knows?" Honor replied, " but don't worry I will keep her in line."

Upon reaching the parking lot, Mitchum and Shira stopped and turned to Logan. "Sweetheart, we need to tell you something. You are not going to be happy, but just remember we did it out of concern." Logan closed his eyes and let out an exasperated exhale. He knew his parents well and understood that his plea to stay out of his business would fall on deaf ears, so this conversation was not a surprise. Since informing his parents about the baby, contact between Logan and them had been sparser than before. Questions from his parents regarding Rory and the baby were always met with short, to the point, and somewhat terse answers. There were no discussions. Logan adopted this approach to keep himself sane; his parents' incessant questioning and strategizing would have surely driven him to parricide.

"Ok, what did you do?" Logan asked pointedly.

"We wanted you to hear this from us before it received the Gilmore spin. Again, we did this out of concern..." Shira stated

"...Mom, just spit it out."

"We just came from lunch with Emily, Francine, and Lorelai," Mitchum said.

Logan looked from one parent to the other, "Yes, and...?"

"Well, you have been so secretive with what is going on with you and Rory that we had to take action. So we arranged a lunch. I had lunch with Emily and Francine, and Lorelai had drinks with your father." Shira continued

"We just wanted to find out what was going on with your two, possibly encourage them to encourage Rory to accept the opportunities we are prepared to give to her."

"Opportunities? Opportunities? Like what?"

"Logan, the two of you getting married is the most ideal situation for everyone involved. We were hoping that Emily and Francine could use their influence to get Rory to see...how this could benefit her and the baby."

"And their response?"

Shira looked annoyed. "Well if you must know, they were not receptive to my plan. Francine was absolutely no help and Emily! It seems Emily not only cut ties but also she burned her bridges to the ground!" She said with a hint of snarkiness.

"You would think at least Lorelai would have been receptive to Rory taking the PR job I offered her, it's not like it's charity work. This would really bolster her career."

Logan look stricken, something that Mitchum caught right away, "Rory did tell you about the job offer right?"

"Yes, of course, she did, " Logan said, scrambling to recover, "I am just surprised that you assumed she mentioned it to Lorelai." Well, that was a pretty weak cover, Logan thought to himself.

Mitchum looked a bit smug and dismissive, "Well, Lorelai was not receptive to using her influence either."

"We did this for you sweetheart..." Shira implored

"What?!" Logan interrupted.

Shira continued, "Look, you not being married and Rory not being settled means that she is a loose cannon. She can do anything, and go anywhere and take the baby with her. What if all of a sudden she gets a golden opportunity to work on the West Coast, and she leaves and takes the baby with her? You are now based in New York Logan! Do you want that kind of life where you only see your child on weekend on alternate months and summer breaks? Do you want to go through tense custody negotiations? We figured getting Rory settled, be it you getting married or her having a job here will guarantee that you will not have to be subjected to that life."

Logan pressed his finger to his temples, trying hard to contain his emotions. "Do you realize what you have done? Rory and I have gotten to the point that we are communicating and interacting on a regular basis. We hit a point that we are comfortable with each other and progressing at a reasonable pace. After all, that's happened this past year she is very gun-shy about taking our relationship beyond parenting. There is only so much she can handle right now. I agreed to respect her boundaries. I know her well enough to know that pushing her will only make her retreat. Do you realize what you just did probably set us back to where we started, that you possibly ruined month and months of progress?"

Now Shira was angry, "Well how are we suppose to know that Logan? You haven't told us anything in regard to Rory and the baby. Plus, the way things have gone this past two years with your personal life we didn't trust that you were handling it well. You will learn Logan when you see your child going down the wrong path you have to intervene."

"Mother, I am a 35 not 16. My mistakes are my mistakes. I don't want or need you to fix things for me anymore. I said it before and I will say it again, what transpires between Rory and me is no one's business but ours. Now, if you will excuse me, I now have to do damage control. Enjoy the ice cream celebration."

Logan went to his car and took off for Stars Hallow. He had to smooth things over with not only Rory but also with Lorelai and Emily as well. He couldn't help but be frustrated with Rory. He didn't know that his father had offered her a job. In all this time she didn't mention it. Here he thought that they had turned a corner; that they were communicating and getting closer. The progress they seemingly made the past few months was now in question; she was still not being totally forthcoming with him.

Later that afternoon at Luke's Diner. Lorelai and Emily were sitting at the counter debriefing Rory, while Luke and Jess are working behind the counter listening as well.

"I can't believe they did that," the exasperated Rory exclaimed.

"Don't worry we got your back. Your grandmothers slew that Shira dragon with one parry of their swords," reported Lorelai

"Francine really stood up to Shira?" Rory asked Emily. "Yes, it was quite a significant moment," Emily replied.

"I have half a mind to skip that stupid shower. Let Shira twist in the wind." Rory threatened.

"No Rory, you can't do that. No matter what, you are linked to those people for the rest of your life, you have to play this game to stay civil. You don't have to do everything, just enough." Emily said.

"Also, think of all the presents you will be missing out on. Make sure to register for all the expensive stuff." Lorelai added.

"Okay, I will go and wear my happy face, but I won't like it." Rory lamented.

"Oh, there's my little passive-aggressive angel," Lorelai said preciously as she squeezed Rory's cheeks.

"Well," Emily said, "I would like to go back to the inn and rest up a bit before dinner. We are still meeting at the Dragonfly this evening?" Emily asked Rory.

"6 pm sharp," Rory confirmed. "Ok see you then." With that, Lorelai and Emily left the diner.

"Wow, that Huntzberger crew is unbelievable," Jess said sitting down with Rory.

"Yes, they are quite a pair. Going through my mother, and grandmothers when all they had to do was ask."

"I have a feeling that they didn't bother to ask because they knew that you would not give them the answer they wanted."

"True, they are used to getting what they want."

"People like that don't take 'no' very well."

"Well, at least mom and Grandma didn't give in. And Francine, a win for her. Oh, and now I have to tell Logan about this."

"Why?"

"Because they his parents and he should know what they are up to?"

"No, I mean what's the point? He probably already knows. He probably put them up to it."

"No, he wouldn't do that."

"Ok, well he probably planned it with them."

"No, he didn't! Logan would never do that. He has always taken great pains to keep his parents out of his business."

"Oh come on Rory, you don't think that he was in on this to manipulate you?"

"No, I don't. Why do you think that?"

"Because the man still has feelings for you. He is trying to get you to let down your guard so he can swoop in."

"Swoop? Swoop? And then what will he do next? Fly me to his nest and have his way with me?"

"Yes, in a matter of speaking."

"Jess, you don't know what you're talking about. Where is this coming from anyway?"

"I don't trust the guy ok? I don't trust that he will do right by you or this kid."

"And this is based on?"

"His past behavior. Remember how he acted when we met up when you were off of Yale? Remember how he cheated on you with the bridesmaids? He had an affair while engaged to someone else."

"Yes, I know. I was the other half of the affair."

"Yes, but you are not to blame."

"Really now?"

"He took advantage of your vulnerable state."

"Ah...ok?! And you are getting these assumptions from where?"

"Rory, you would never willingly have a relationship with another woman's man, that is not you."

"Whoa, you are way out of the loop in regards to the events of my life."

"It's not something you would do, he took advantage of the situation when you were vulnerable."

"What do you think of me? That I'm some mindless airhead who lets boys string me around?"

"No, I just think that he is not a good influence."

"You know, this is vaguely familiar. You know the last I was treated this way?"

"When?"

"When we got into that car accident in high school. People were so sure that you influenced me and I followed you around like some lovesick puppy. It was annoying then and it's annoying now! And I hate to burst your bubble Jess, but I was very well aware of what I was getting into when I restarted my relationship with Logan. It was not one of my best decisions, but it nevertheless was my decision. I own it, so don't put all of this on Logan."

"Okay, okay. I still don't trust the guy."

"Why not?"

"Just a feeling."

"A...feeling...ok."

"Look, I admit he's playing the part well. He's all into the possibilities and the prospects of having the baby, of the three of you being a family. But believe me, once this kid is out and the reality sets in he is going to bolt. I know the type."

"No Jess, that was your father."

"You know I'm right."

"No. I don't. And even if he did, it is not like I would die without him. He leaves, that's fine, I am not alone."

"He has not shown himself trustworthy in the past."

"Jess, if we are going to judge people on their past indiscretions, then you, my friend, are in big trouble."

Jess was about to answer when Logan walked in the door. His annoyance at seeing Jess and Rory together was very evident.

Logan looked directly at Rory, "I heard what happened. Can we talk?" Glancing at Jess and then back to Rory, "Alone?"

"Sure, let's go to my place." Rory offered.

Five minutes later, Rory and Logan walked in the door of Rory's apartment. "What the hell is he doing here?" the annoyed Logan asked.

"He is here visiting his family. Remember his mom does live here as does Luke." The equally annoyed Rory answered.

"It seems that he has been hanging out an awful lot lately."

"Not any more than usual."

"Really? You took him to the party in Philly, you mention him practically in every conversation we have, he showed up at Lane's party, and now he is here."

"He's my friend and practically a relative. We've known each other a long time."

"Well, I don't like him."

"Yes, I know, from the very beginning you didn't like him. I never understood why."

"Because he still has feelings for you."

"No, he doesn't"

"Yes, he does."

"Well even if he did, why do you care?"

"Because he is a threat ok? He is a threat to you and me being together. He is a threat to my kid and me having a functional relationship. You being with someone else creates another complication in an already extremely complex situation. You're unhappy about how I feel? Well, that's too bad because I don't feel like I'm being unreasonable."

"No, you're not. "

"So, do you have feelings for him?"

"No Logan I don't. When I said that I am not interested in a relationship, I mean that for anyone. I do not have the mental or emotional energy to deal with anything but this baby and how we are planning to parent. That's it."

"Well, then what is the plan? We have nothing other than the first six weeks."

"I have thought about it. I think it would only be fair if I moved to the city. I can rent an apartment near yours and we can split the time."

"Ok."

"And I will look for a job."

"So what if you can't find one then what? What if the only thing you can find is out of the city then what?"

"I don't know, we have to cross that bridge when we get there."

"See, I don't think that's fair."

"How is that not fair?"

"Because I have to live on pins and needles wondering what is going to happen to my family life. It would be much easier if you could just settle on something and we know where we are going.

"How?"

"I don't know, like taking the PR job that is being handed to you?" The one you never bothered to tell me about, Logan thought.

"I am not sure, I have my doubts that it's going to work."

"Why not? "

"Need I remind you what happened the last time I worked for your father? The resulted in 300 hours of community service, and thousands of dollars in fines and lawyers fees to get my record expunged."

"This is a totally different circumstance."

"I want to see my other options."

"Why are you making this harder on yourself? You take the job and then in a year if you don't like it then jump to something else. It's all planned out for your Rory, I don't understand why you won't take this, other people would jump at the chance."

"I never said I would not take the job, I just need to explore my options."

Logan let out a frustrated laugh

'What's so funny?"

"A secure lucrative scenario is laid out for you, handed to you on a 24 karat gold platter in fact, and you still refuse it. You are one piece of work Ace."

Rory suddenly had an epiphany, "So let me get this straight, your father and you feel I must take it because it will be good for me and our future. That taking this would be for my/our own good?"

"Yes, it's the best scenario out there."

"See? There! That's it!"

"What's it?"

"You! You and your need to take over of everything."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Have you been listening to what I've been saying the past year? Do you remember what I said when we said goodbye on New Hampshire? That I don't need saving."

"Yes, you never did need saving."

"And yet, here you are trying to save me. Wow, I used to think it was all me but I realized in just this instant, you have as much to blame as I do!"

"Again, what the hell are you talking about?"

"Logan Huntzberger, who likes to take care of everything, that way guaranteeing that everything will go the way he wants."

"I do not."

"And even worse, if it does not go the way he wants, he takes his toys and goes home."

"Now you are way off the mark."

"Really, then why can't you trust that I would commit to staying near you so you can be a parent huh? Why is it that the best situations are the ones you arrange? Is it for me and my own good, or is it so you don't have to worry about you?"

Logan is silent.

"You know with you when it comes to some of the important stuff, it's all or nothing. You're doing it now and you did it ten-years-ago. Did it ever occur to you that when you asked me to marry you all those years ago if you had given me just a little bit of space, I maybe would have said yes? But no, it had to be your plan, your timetable, despite the fact that you said I should make decisions about my future for me, remember? That didn't exactly happen now did it?"

Logan looked away as if he didn't want Rory to see the realization on his face. "So is that the way you see it now? Do you think that I am only doing this to control you? God, I've become Mitchum."

"No, you have not become your father. But your inability to trust in me, to trust that I will do right by you and our kid is not sitting well with me. There are still many questions, but that does not mean that you and your family have to answer them for me. If I need help, I will ask. To be fair, I can't blame you for just jumping in. You took care of a lot when we were together, you let me live in your apartment rent free when we were at Yale, you practically paid for everything during college, then you financed some my traveling to London. It was a weird dynamic we fell into. It's something that I don't feel comfortable doing anymore."

"It's because I love you, Rory. You never needed anything from me, and because of that, I wanted to give you everything. I still want to give you everything."

"Well, everything at this moment would mean space."

"I just need to know, are we done? Do you not love me?"

"I can't answer that question for you or anyone. Right now that door is closed. It's not locked, just closed."

"And you have no idea when it will be open again?"

"I don't know when it will open again, and when it does I can't promise it will be you that I will seek. It all a mystery now. It's your choice to wait Logan and how long you are willing to wait is entirely up to you."

"Fine. Then I have to trust that you will do the right thing."

"Yes, you do."

Letting out a frustrated sigh, "I'm scared Rory. I don't want to mess this up. How am I to know it will be ok?"

"You don't. It's called a leap of faith."

"You jump you, I jump Jack."

"Exactly."

"I am still not 100% convinced."

"You have nothing to worry about." "How do I know that? People make promises all the time."

"Yes, but I am a Gilmore. Gilmores keep their promises."