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Post by GilmoreChica on Oct 13, 2003 10:19:58 GMT -5
The New Guy
By: Abby
Summary: I’m the biggest trory ever, but I am tired of the same old stories of Rory picking between Tristan, jess, and/or Dean. It’s getting old. So I am inventing my new guy and starting a life for her.
Disclaimer: I don’t own Gilmore Girls or any of the characters I use except for Jinx, Meg, Jack, Jinx’s kids and Rory’s ‘new guy’. ********IN THIS FIC, LUKE AND LORELAI WERE MARRIED WHEN RORY WAS 4 AND HAD 3 CHILDREN
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
2012
“Lorelai Leigh Gilmore, just the girl I’ve been looking for.” 26 year old Rory Gilmore turned to the voice she new so well.
“What’s up, Tris?” She said to her brother-in-law, clapping a hand on his shoulder in an exaggerated way.
“I’ve got a bone to pick with you.” The tall and handsome Tristan Dugray wrapped an arm around Rory’s shoulders and leaned on her a little as they walked towards the diner.
“And what’s that?”
“I want to know how a gorgeous, successful, charming girl like you has stayed single so long.”
“It’s all part of the enigma I call me.” She said sweetly, saying the ending line of their daily banter. Then she giggled and continued walking towards Luke’s.
Tristan followed her and the bell jingled as they entered the diner. Rory led the way to the table where Lorelai was sitting with her two other daughters, one of which was Tristan’s wife, 22 year old Genevieve Emily Danes Dugray, more commonly known as Jinx. The other was 18 year old Meghan Gilmore Danes.
“Morning Mom, Jinx, Meg. Where’s Jack this morning?” Rory said, sitting down between her mother and Jinx while Tristan claimed the place between Jinx and Meghan.
“In the back with Luke.” Lorelai said, speaking of her last child, 16 year old John Lucas Danes.
“Oh, then I guess he can make me some pancakes, since he’s already there and all, right by the stove-” Rory was cut off by her brother.
“You can stop the rant, Ror, I’ll make you pancakes.” Tall, Luke-like Jack emerged from the kitchen carrying three plates. He set them in front of Lorelai, Jinx, and Meg. “What can I get you Tristan?” He said whipping out his order pad.
Rory leaned over to the bacon on Lorelai’s plate but Lorelai slapped her hands away. “I’ll have what Mom has, plus some pancakes.”
“And I’ll have French toast and scrambled eggs. And coffee.”
“Me too.” 4 other voices chimed in.
“Back in a flash.” Jack said, going into the kitchen again.
Rory sniffed the air. “What stinks?”
Tristan laughed and Jinx joined him. “That would be me.” She said, gesturing to her white racer back jogging top and pink running shorts. “I was out running this morning.”
“Well you need a shower.”
“Ok new topic.” Lorelai said, wrinkling her nose in distaste.
“Ok.” Meg said.
“I have something I need to talk about.” Lorelai said, attempting to be very serious. “Tomorrow is Rory’s 27th birthday and I would just like to let her know that tomorrow night, Friday October 8, 2012, it was our plan to have a humongous Stars Hollow Birthday Bash, but yet again your grandmother is insisting we go to her house for a stuffy socialite party. Meaning, we will have one here on Saturday.”
“You don’t have to give me two parties, Mom.” Rory said to her mother.
“Ror, have we not been giving you two parties since you were 16?”
“Yeah, but-“
“No buts….it’s fine, Rory. Besides, the Hartford party doesn’t really count. And we’re going out to dinner tonight for your birthday, too.” Lorelai said.
“Well, ok. 3 parties. I shouldn’t be complaining.”
“Hey, this is the perfect opportunity for me to set Rory up with one of my friends….what do you think, Ror?” Tristan said cleverly.
“Tristan.” Rory said in a warning tone.
“Oh c’mon, Ror, it won’t hurt anything. But :mumble mumble mumble:” Jinx spoke up.
“Jinx…what did you say? And you never side with me since you married him. What happened to sisterly bonds?” Rory said.
The couple smiled happily at each other.
“Jinx, tell me.” Silence. “Genevieve.” That got to Jinx. She couldn’t stand her name.
“I said it wouldn’t hurt anything but you probably wouldn’t want one of Tristan’s friends anyway.” She said sweetly.
“Jinx!” Tristan gasped.
Lorelai fell over laughing at the completely shocked look on Tristan’s face, and Meg and Rory joined her; soon everyone in the diner was laughing at them.
“Lorelai.” Lorelai dragged herself onto the chair and let a few giggles escape as Luke gave her a look. She heaved, out of breath, and said to Luke, “Sorry sorry. I know how you feel about disturbing the peace in the diner.”
“Well, I’ve got to run.” Tristan said, rising. “Another day at the salt mines.”
“Yes, I think your plush office in the largest building in Hartford with a TV and several couches and an extremely soft desk chair is just like a salt mine.” Meg spoke up.
“Shhh…” He said, clapping a hand over her mouth. She wriggled to get out of his grasp and her muffled giggles could be heard from behind his hand.
He laughed and Jinx stood up next to him. “I’m going to go too. See you later. Call me about party plans, ok Mom?”
“Sure, kid. Bye Jinx, bye Tristan.” Lorelai said.
“Bye Mom. Bye, Megs, Rory.”
“Bye Jinx.”
Jinx and Tristan left the diner hand in hand, fingers entwined, and started walking towards their apartment.
“T.?”
“Yeah, Jinx?” He said, pulling her across the street.
“Tristan, I need to tell you something.” She said. She pulled him down on a park bench and ran a hand over her small brown ponytail. Hair fell down on her neck because her hair was so short.
“What is it, baby?” He asked, concerned by his wife’s tone.
“Oh, it’s good Tris. Don’t worry.” She said with a small smile.
“It’s hard not to worry with you sounding so serious.” He said, grasping her hand tightly.
“Tris, it’s good, really. I…”
“Just tell me, Jinx.”
“Well it’s kind of a two parter. First, Tristan, I’m pregnant.” Jinx said with a smile.
His mouth dropped. About two feet. His jaw scraped the ground. Jinx was tempted to close his mouth, but he beat her to it.
“J….J….oh my god, Jinx, you’re pregnant!” He felt like shouting it from the roof tops, but he was silenced by a finger pressed to his lips.
“Tristan, you know how this town is….I haven’t told Mom or Dad or Rory or Meg or Jack yet, and I want them to be the first to know and hear it from me that… I’m pregnant.” She said.
He smiled. Then he wrapped her in his arms and swung her around. She laughed loudly and he put her on the ground and whispered to her. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” She said.
They continued their walk to their apartment and as they walked away, Miss Patty stepped out from behind a tree with her cell phone to her ear. “Babette? You’ll never guess what I just heard…”
Jinx wrapped her arm around Tristan’s waist and he draped his over her shoulders and pulled her close. Then he stopped suddenly.
“Wait a minute….you said there were two things.”
Jinx smiled a humongous smile. “Tristan, we’re going to be very tired. We’re having quintuplets.”
Tristan had a shocked happy smile on his face and basically threw her in the air in delight.
Jinx laughed loudly. “We have to go tell my parents and my sisters and brother.” She said, once back on the ground.
“Now? Baby, I can’t. I have to go to work, I have a meeting.”
“Ok.” Jinx said. “We’ll tell them tonight or tomorrow.”
“Yeah.” He said. Another smile broke out on his face and the happy couple continued to walk.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“I’ll go get Daddy.” Jinx said, hopping out of Lorelai’s blue Explorer when it pulled up in front of Doose’s so they could get Lorelai some marshmallows, a sudden craving. The family was headed to dinner at a restaurant for Rory’s birthday.
“I’ll go with you.” Rory said, sliding out of the front seat.
The sisters walked towards the diner and were almost to the door when Taylor stepped out from the alley. Both girls stopped suddenly and Jinx let out a yelp.
“Holy mother…Taylor, what are you doing?” Rory asked, startled.
“Oh nothing, just going for an evening stroll. Happy Early Birthday, Rory.”
“Thanks Taylor.” Rory said skeptically.
“You’re welcome. So, how are you girls tonight?” Taylor said
“In a hurry. We are going to Hartford tonight and need to pick up Daddy, so we really should go.” Jinx said. Rory sidestepped Taylor and pulled her sister along with her. Taylor followed them.
“You’ll never guess what I heard today.” They continued walking. “From a very credible source, I
might add, I heard that you, Miss Jinx, are pregnant. I just wanted to check my facts.”
Jinx cringed as Rory stopped dead in her tracks and then laughed. “Obviously your very credible source isn’t that credible because my sister is NOT pregnant.”
Taylor looked to Jinx. “You aren’t?”
“Ummm…..no.”
“No you are or no you aren’t?” Taylor pressed on.
“Jinx?” Rory questioned.
“I am. I’m pregnant. Your source was right, Taylor.” Jinx said finally.
“Yes well Patty has never failed me before. I just wanted to express to you my congratulations, Jinx.”
“Thanks Taylor.” Jinx said sheepishly under the gaze of her sister.
“Where’s Tristan? In the car? Oh I see him.” Taylor said, looking over towards the Explorer. “I’m just going to go give him my congratulations.”
“No!” Jinx screeched.
“No?” Taylor asked, confused.
“No…I’ll tell him for you. We’re really in a hurry Taylor, and you know how Mom is when she gets talking.” Jinx said.
“Ok. Well have a nice night, ladies.” Taylor took off towards Miss Patty’s and Jinx turned to face her sister.
“Jinx….you’re pregnant?” Rory asked.
“Yes.”
“And you didn’t tell me? Didn’t tell the family?” Rory asked, sounding very hurt.
“I’m sorry, Ror. I was going to yesterday, but Tristan had to go to work and I wanted to tell you with him.” Jinx said.
“Ok.” They continued walking. “Congratulations, sis.”
“Thanks.”
“When are you going to tell Mom and Luke?”
“I don’t know.”
“You do realize this will be all over town by tomorrow morning.”
“Oh no!”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
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Post by GilmoreChica on Oct 13, 2003 10:21:24 GMT -5
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The next day, Lorelai, Jinx, and Rory walked down the main street of Stars Hollow toward Doose’s.
“So I was standing there and Luke said…” Lorelai was telling the girls a story when Rory subtly nudged Jinx. Patty and Babette were charging towards them from the direction of Doose’s.
“Hey Mom…let’s get the movie first.” Jinx said, stopping on the sidewalk.
“Why?” Lorelai asked.
“Just so we can guarantee we get it--- don’t want it swiped out from under us.” Rory said sensibly.
“Nobody ever rents Willy Wonka.” Lorelai said.
“That’s not true.” Rory said.
“Yes it is. Every time we go, Kirk informs us that we are the only ones to ever get it.” Lorelai said.
“Kirk can’t be there every second. He works in every business in town. And what if today somebody decides ‘I want to see Willy Wonka.’ Let’s go to the video store.” Jinx put in, putting a hand on Lorelai’s arm and leading her the other way on the sidewalk.
“It’s just safer.” Rory said, taking Lorelai’s other arm.
“Fine fine!” Lorelai said, throwing up her hands in defeat and turning around to lead the way to the Stars Hollow Video Store. “I don’t know why we didn’t buy it a long time ago.”
Rory and Jinx smiled mischievously behind their mother’s back.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
“It’s party time!” Jinx called into the Gilmore House that evening. Tristan laughed and so did Jack as he met them in the foyer.
“Hey, Jacks.” Jinx said, hugging her younger brother.
“Hey Jinx. You’re in a good mood.”
“Yes….yes I am. Where is everyone?” Jinx asked, walking into the kitchen with the boys following her. She poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down at the table.
“Rory called a few minutes ago and said she’d be over soon and Meg and Mom are in their rooms getting ready. Dad is at the diner.” Jack said.
“You look spiffy, bro.” Jinx said, smiling at her teenage brother. He wore ironed khaki pants and a royal blue button down shirt, which emphasized his bright blue eyes, a trait every member of the family shared. He had on a yellow tie and a dark blue jacket. His short dark hair still looked wet from a shower.
“Thanks, sis. You two don’t look so bad yourselves.” He replied. Tristan wore a black suit and a mint green silk shirt with a forest green tie. Jinx sported a short swishy skirt that was a swirly mix of dark blue and turquoise, and she wore strappy heels in the same color turquoise. She opted for dark blue scoop neck three quarter sleeve shirt and her chin length dark hair was behind her ears and curled out. Silver jewelry accented the outfit and Jinx wore a fitted leather jacket.
“Wow, looking nice guys.” Lorelai said, coming into the kitchen while she hooked a bracelet onto her wrist. Lorelai wore a calf length dark blue skirt which flared out a little at the bottom and a frost blue top, which also set off her eyes. She wore navy blue pumps and her hair was in loose curls. A diamond ring glittered on her finger, and diamond earrings against her cheeks.
“Yeah, Jinx, I love the colors in that skirt.” Meg said, coming into the kitchen behind her. Meg had short hair like Jinx and today she wore it in little twists going halfway back her head. She wore a calf length pale yellow skirt and a thin yellow sleeveless turtleneck. She wore a denim jacket over the ensemble and on her feet were low heeled yellow slides.
“Oh I love that color on you, Megs.” Jinx said.
“Thanks.”
“So are we all here?” Lorelai asked, looking around at her well dressed family.
“Just waiting for Rory. Dad asked us to pick him up at the diner.” Jack said. Just then, the front door opened.
“Hello?” Rory called into the house. She stepped inside and everyone met her in the foyer.
“Hey, you all look great!” Rory said with a big smile.
“So do you, Ror. Happy Birthday!” Meg said. Rory had on a strapless black dress that ended below her knees. She had a blue sweater over the outfit and wore black Steve Madden slides. Her hair was hanging loose and she looked very mature.
“Let’s get this show on the road. I want this night to end as quickly as possible.” Lorelai said, grabbing a jacket off the rack. She picked up her keys and purse and led the way to the car.
“Very positive attitude, Lor.” Tristan commented.
A grunt was the only reply.
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Post by GilmoreChica on Oct 13, 2003 10:23:13 GMT -5
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“Lorelai.” Emily said, opening the door.
“Hi, Mom.” Lorelai, Luke, and their children stepped into the house. Servants were running around doing last minute preparations.
“Well, don’t you all look lovely.” Emily said, sizing up the family.
“Thanks, Grandma. You look great too.” Rory said, giving her grandmother a hug.
“Happy Birthday, dear.” Emily said to Rory.
“Thank you, Grandma.” Rory said to her grandmother.
“Richard! They’re here!” Richard Gilmore appeared in the doorway.
“Well hello everyone. Aren’t you looking dashing tonight.”
“Hi Grandpa.” 4 voices came back at him.
Just then the doorbell rang. Rory ran to open it and was shocked to find Paris and Jess.
“Jess? Paris? Oh my god!” Rory said, hugging her long time friends.
“It’s great to see you, Rory. Happy Birthday.” Paris said. Rory could see that over the years, Paris had changed. She was no longer so uptight but much more laid back. She wore a pale pink calf length silk skirt and a simple white sleeveless shirt and a black leather jacket. Her shoulder length hair fell in soft layers. Jess looked very put together in a nicely fitted navy blue suit and a light blue silk shirt and a navy blue tie.
“Are you two still together?” Rory asked, leading them into the house.
“Yeah, it’s about 2 years now.” Paris said with a smile.
“Oh Paris that’s great!”
“How ‘bout you, Rory? Any men in your life?” Jess asked.
“No….although my brother-in-law is trying to set me up.” Rory said with a laugh.
“Brother-in-law?” Jess asked.
“Yeah….Jinx got married. We sent you an invitation, Jess.” Rory said with a smile.
“Must have ended up in the recycling by accident. I hate when I do that.” He said.
“Jess, you don’t recycle.” Rory said.
“Wow, she knows you too well, Jess.” Paris said with a laugh, entwining her fingers in his.
“We haven’t seen you in forever, Jess. She got married 2 years ago.”
“2 years? She’s only 22!” Jess said, pulling the concerned older cousin act.
“She got married when she was 20.”
“Well I guess it’s ok if Luke approved. Who’d she marry?” Jess asked.
“Tristan Dugray.” Rory said.
Paris gasped. “She married Tristan?”
“Yup. They met when I came home on weekends from Yale and brought Tris with me, although Jinxie was only 15 then. He was my closest friend after you, Paris, during college and I brought him home on holidays and weekends because his parents were always off on business. They dated after Jinx graduated from Chilton and as she went through Yale. They were together 2 years when they got married.” Rory said.
“Jess, Paris!” Lorelai interrupted the conversation. A round of hugs went around because Paris was a close family friend and Jess was, of course, family.
Jess threw an arm around Jinx and said, “Hey, Jinxie. So I hear you got married….way to not invite your favorite cousin!”
Jinx’s mouth dropped open and Rory and Paris laughed.
“Jess---we---Mom? Jess---invite?” Jinx stammered, appalled.
“Don’t worry, Jinx. I’m sure you invited me and I just lost it. I’m sorry.” He said with a laugh. “I promise not to miss the next big event, though.”
Lorelai spoke up. “The next big event? Are you planning something big, Jess?”
“No…..the baby.” Jess said.
“Baby? Paris, you’re pregnant!?!” Lorelai gasped.
“NO!” Paris cried out. All eyes turned to Jess.
“Jessie, you got some splainin’ to do!” Lorelai said in a Ricky Ricardo impersonation.
He glanced around questioningly. “I stopped in Stars Hollow on the way here and talked to Kirk, Taylor, Patty, Al, and Babette, against my will of course. They all told me Jinx was pregnant. I thought it was weird because I didn’t know you were married, but they are all credible sources.”
“HA!” Lorelai burst out. Everyone else remained eerily silent. “Well, I always thought Taylor was on crack, but Al surprises me…although I guess it shouldn’t.”
Emily spoke up. “Jinx, can you explain this?”
Jinx glanced to Tristan. “I….I’m pregnant.”
Gasps were heard, Luke gripped his forehead, and Rory looked sympathetically at her sister.
“Jinx. Pregnant? And you didn’t tell us?” Lorelai asked, sounding injured.
“I meant to Mom, but I just haven’t had the time and I wanted to do it with Tristan and it never worked out. I was going to tell you about the babies.” Jinx said.
“How does Miss Patty know?” Meg asked.
“She must have heard Tris and me talking about it.” Jinx said.
“Babies?” Rory asked, confused.
Jinx stomped her foot in frustration, and Tristan stepped up and put her arm around her. “We’re having quintuplets.”
“Oh my god!” Rory squealed.
Lorelai just nodded her head.
“Congrats, Jinxie.” Luke said, breaking the ice. He stepped forward and wrapped his little girl in his arms.
“Thanks, Daddy.” Jinx said. One by one, everyone stepped forward and hugged Jinx and then shook Tristan’s hand. Sometime during all of this, Lorelai escaped.
“Don’t worry, Jinxie, she’ll be fine.” Rory whispered to Jinx when she hugged her.
Jess turned to Tristan. “You must be Tristan Dugray, the boasting father.”
“Yes….and you must be Jess Mariano, the delinquent cousin.” Tristan said, shaking his hand.
“Tristan.” Jinx grabbed his arm.
“Yes that would be me.” Jess said good-naturedly. “But I’m past that stage.”
“Or at least you like to think so.” Paris said, moving to his side. He put an arm around her shoulders and she put her arm around his waist.
“Mr. Dugray?” The maid, Marta, was being followed by a slim, very tall man with black hair and emerald green eyes. He looked to be about 30 and was wearing a sharp black suit.
“Ah, Steven! Glad you could make it. Thank you, Marta.” Tristan said. He shook hands with the young guy and pulled him toward the group.
“Everyone, this is my best friend Steven Cashen. He’s a business associate from way back. We actually roomed together at Yale and then for a few years after in Hartford. He was my best man, but the wedding weekend was very busy so I’m not even sure you met him. Steve lives here in Hartford, but he travels often. I thought he would enjoy a little party while he was in town. Steven, you know Jinx.”
“Yes, hi Jinx. Good to see you again, congratulations on the babies.” He said, kissing her cheek
“You know about the babies?” Jinx whispered sheepishly.
“Yeah, Tristan told me. Congratulations.”
“Thanks Steven. It’s nice to see you again, too.”
“This is Jinx’s sister, Meghan, her brother, Jack, and my father-in-law Luke Danes. This is Luke’s nephew, Jess Mariano, and his girlfriend and a friend of the family, Paris Gellar. This is Richard and Emily Gilmore, our hosts and Jinx’s grandparents. And finally, last but not least,” Steven shook hands with each person as Tristan introduced him or her, “my other sister-in-law, the birthday girl, Miss Lorelai Leigh Gilmore.”
Rory laughed and shook her head. She stuck out her hand saying, “Rory. Please call me Rory. It’s nice to see you again, Steven.”
“Nice to see you too.” He said, shaking with her.
“You two know each other?” Luke asked.
“Well Tristan was one of my best friends in college, so I met Steven a couple of times.” Paris, Tristan, and Steven began to laugh and Rory started to turn red. She smiled and winked at them, though.
“Rory?” Jinx asked, amused.
“Paris and I ended up in Steven and Tristan’s room a little….err…intoxicated more than once. Completely innocent, though. We were on the 5th floor and they were on the 2nd.” Rory said, causing more laughter from Paris, Tristan, and Steven and a little blushing from Paris.
“Rory, I can’t believe you ever got drunk, with Paris, Tristan, and Steven none-the-less, and ended up sleeping on some guy’s floor.” Jinx said, rolling with laughter.
“It wasn’t some guy!” Rory said, defending herself. The family just laughed more. “It was Tristan!”
Before this conversation could go any farther, Emily interrupted.
“Rory, I would like to get the annual picture. My photographer is here for your party and you are all looking very nice. It is a wonderful opportunity.” Emily said.
“Sure, Grandma, that’s fine.” Rory said. “I’ll go find Mom. Excuse us, Paris, Jess, Steven. We have to take a family shot every year on my birthday. A tradition started a long time ago.”
Rory found her mother in the kitchen sucking down coffee and dragged her to the living room. The photographer fussed and fumed but finally set the family up in front of the mantel. Behind them on the wall was the portrait of Lorelai, Richard, and Emily. They took Tristan out of the picture, and took another few. The kids stood in age order, height order, a Luke and Lorelai picture, a Jinx and Tristan picture, and every possible combination of siblings, and finally Emily announced they were finished.
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Post by GilmoreChica on Oct 13, 2003 10:23:59 GMT -5
Everyone chatted for a while and soon more people began to show up and the group dispersed to mingle.
“Tris, buddy, could I talk to you?” Rory was overly cheery as she approached Tristan, Jinx, and Steven.
“Sure, Ror.” He said, equally overly cheery.
Rory pulled Tristan into the library. “Tristan, you’re trying to set me up!”
Tristan laughed. “Rory I am shocked that you think I would do something like that!”
“Triscuit.”
“Alright, fine, I am. But at least give it a chance. He is successful, rich, and all around a very nice guy. I think if your sister wasn’t already married she’d give you a run for your money.” Tristan said.
“Tris, I can find guys on my own!” Rory cried, extremely frustrated.
“I know, Rory. Just cut me some slack and go talk to the guy. He doesn’t know I am doing this. I just asked if he wanted to come to the party. I know for a fact he is completely unattached and hasn’t been attached for quite some time, though.” Tristan gave her a pleading look.
“I can find my own guys.” She muttered. Tristan put an arm around her.
“I know you can.”
“It hasn’t been that long since my last date. I just haven’t found anyone I like.” She muttered some more.
“I know.”
“Fine, I’ll talk to him. But I’m not making you any promises, Tristan. I am not gonna make something work that shouldn’t just for you. This is about me, and now, him.” Rory said.
“Thanks Ror.” He said.
She turned and stalked out of the library. He followed and they arrived at Jinx and Steven around the same time.
“Sorry to steal Tristan. It just couldn’t wait.” Jinx smiled knowingly at her sister, but Steven just nodded good-naturedly.
“Steven, Tristan introduced you to my sister Rory, right?” Jinx asked.
“Actually, we’ve already met.” Rory said.
“Yes, but we haven’t had much chance to talk. Could I get you a drink, Rory?” Steven asked.
Rory smiled. “That would be great.”
Steven led Rory into the next room where drinks were set out.
“White wine, please.” Rory said. He poured her a glass and one for himself and they sat down on a sofa.
“So, tell me about yourself.” Steven said, truly interested.
“Well, as Tristan told you, my name is Lorelai Gilmore, but my mom laid claim to Lorelai first, so I go by Rory.”
“Your mom seems young.” He said conversationally.
“She is. I am the oldest and I’m 27. Jinx is 22, my sister Meg will be 19 in December, and my brother Jack just turned 16. My mom turned 43 in March.”
“43?”
“Yeah, do the math.” Rory said, taking a sip of her drink.
“She had you at 16?” He asked.
“Yeah. My grandparents wanted her to marry my father, but if Mom is anything, she’s independent. Stubborn might be a better word, actually.” Rory laughed a little. “She moved to Stars Hollow, where we all still live, and raised me there. I guess you could say we grew up together. When I was 4, she married Luke and when I was 5, Jinx was born. Three years later Meg was born, and three years after that, Jack was born. By the time Mom got to her last child, most women her age were on their first.” Rory said with a smile.
“Wow. That’s a great story.”
“Yeah. My mother is phenomenal. Luke is too. Neither had much money or college educations, but Luke converted his father’s hardware store into a very successful diner and Mom worked her way up in the inn business. She started as a maid and now she has her own inn with her best friend.” Rory stated proudly.
“That’s incredible. You should write a book about what it was like growing up in your house. It would be an inspiration to young people who find themselves caught in the position your mother was 26 years ago.” Steve said, leaning forward in his seat.
“Actually,” Rory said confidently, “I am in the process of writing a book that is just that---growing up Lorelai. I am getting my siblings to each write a part. Then I’ll just have to have someone publish it.”
“You’re a writer?”
“I was a journalism major at Yale. I worked at the Times for a few years before I moved back to Stars Hollow.”
“The New York Times?” He asked, mouth open.
“Yes.” She said with a smile. “I still write feature pieces for the Times and several other prominent papers in the US by correspondence, but my main job is editing the Stars Hollow News. I also teach at Stars Hollow High, part time English. A step down from the Times, I know, but I’m content with writing feature pieces right now. Now enough about me; tell me your story.”
“Well, I am 28 years old. I was born and raised in Chicago where my dad is a doctor. As you know, I went to Yale. I have two sisters, Beth and Brooke and a brother, Joseph, who goes by Trip. Long story. Beth is 26 and engaged to a hometown guy. Trip is 20 and he is at Harvard. He wants to be a lawyer. Brooke is 14 and not too into school. She isn’t enjoying the academic aspect of high school, although she loves socializing. Mom and Dad don’t want to force her to go to college, but she won’t go on her own.” He said with a smile.
“Mom is determined that all of her kids go to college, and for the most part we don’t mind. My sister Meg sounds a lot like your sister. Jinx, Jack, and I went to Chilton but Meg has never been into school, so she tried out Chilton, didn’t like it, and decided to go to Stars Hollow High, our local high school. She is now reluctantly taking classes at Hartford community college.” Rory said. “I did the whole college thing and I already went back for my masters. Jinx graduated last fall from Yale, which made everyone proud, and my brother is Ivy League bound.”
“That’s good. We can use more well-educated people in the business world.” He said. They smiled at each other and right then, a mutual bond was formed.
Just then, Emily walked up to them. “Rory, I’m so glad I found you. There’s someone I would like to introduce you to.” Emily said, guiding her granddaughter out of the room. Rory beckoned for Steven to follow.
“Rory, please collect your siblings and your parents and meet me back here.” Emily said.
“Ok, Grandma. C’mon, Steven.” Rory said with a smile.
“Jinx, we have to meet somebody- Grandma’s orders. Could you find Mom and Luke and I’ll get Meg and Jack.” Rory said upon reaching her sister.
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Post by GilmoreChica on Oct 13, 2003 10:24:11 GMT -5
Soon, the Danes clan along with Tristan and Steven had gathered in the hallway with Emily, who was talking to an older woman.
“Good, you’re all here.” Emily said. “Hopey, these are Lorelai’s children. Lorelai, say hello to your Aunt Hopey.”
“Hello, Aunt Hopey. It’s been a while.” Lorelai said, hugging her elderly aunt.
“Yes it has, Lorelai. It’s very nice to see you.” The woman said with an interesting accent, not quite French but not American.
“You too. Aunt Hopey, this is my husband, Luke Danes. You remember my oldest daughter, Rory, right?”
“Yes. It’s very nice to see you Rory. You sure have changed since I last saw you.”
“I must admit I don’t remember meeting you before.” Rory said sheepishly.
“You were only several months old when I last saw you, Rory. That’s completely understandable. Happy Birthday!” Hopey said with a smile.
“Aunt Hopey, these are my other children. Luke and I were married 23 years ago, and we had these three. Please meet Jinx, Meg, and Jack.” Lorelai said with a smile.
“Jinx?” Hopey said in confusion.
“Luke and Lorelai named her Genevieve, Hopey. Genevieve Emily Danes and now that she is married, Dugray. But she goes by Jinx.” Emily said. “This is her husband, Tristan Dugray, and his best friend, Steven Cashen.”
Hopey smiled a polite smile. “It is very nice to meet all of you. I live in Paris and have for the last 25 years, so I don’t get to see my family very often.” She said.
“Hopey is my sister. We have another sister, Katherine. She lives in Australia.” Emily explained to her grandchildren with a smile.
“I wish I could see all my great-nieces and nephews more often, but I don’t travel much in my old age.” Hopey said.
“Well I guess this means we will just have to take some trips to Paris and Australia to see our family.” Meg said in a very Lorelai way. Everyone laughed.
“Well actually, there is a reason that Emily brought you all to meet me, despite my being a relation and all. I would like to have a Rollins family reunion next summer, 2013, in Paris. I am taking care of everything, but I would love it if you all would join me at the beginning of the summer and stay until the end. Paris is a beautiful city; I know you would love it. I would certainly love showing it to you.” Hopey said.
Luke and Lorelai exchanged shocked glances. “Well, Aunt Hopey, Luke and I would need to talk it over and see about our schedules. But….I’m sure we could work something out. And I know the kids would love to join you even if we can’t….what am I saying, three of my ‘kids’ are adults, they can do what they want.” Lorelai said with a laugh.
“The babies are due in April, so depending on their health, Tristan and I will see what we can do.” Jinx said.
“Jinx, multiples always come early….you could have them in February. Especially with quints. You could have them in January. I bet they put you on bed rest.” Rory said.
“What is this? Babies? Multiples?” Hopey asked, confused.
“I am pregnant with quintuplets. The babies are due in April, but Rory is right, multiples are always premature. Depending on the health of the babies, we will see if we can travel.” Jinx said.
“Thank you for your invitation, Miss Hopey.” Luke said politely. “We would definitely like to take you up on it.”
“You’re quite welcome, Luke.” She said.
“Well, Aunt Hopey, we had better go mingle some more. It was so nice to see you. I can’t wait until the summer when we can go to Paris and see you.” Rory said with a smile. Each Danes kid (including Rory) hugged and kissed Hopey. Then, they spread to different areas.
:Ring ring:
Meg was walking past the phone when it rang. She picked it up.
“Hello?”
“Hi. Is this the Gilmore residence?” A feminine voice asked.
“Yes it is.” She said politely.
“I am looking for Steven Cashen. He is a friend of Tristan Dugray. I’m his sister.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
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Post by GilmoreChica on Oct 13, 2003 10:25:02 GMT -5
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“His sister?” Meg asked.
“Yes. Beth Cashen. I’d show you id, but I can’t over the phone.” She said with a flute like laugh.
Meg laughed. “I’m not sure where he is, but if you can hold on, I can get him for you.” Meg said.
“Thanks.” She said.
Meg finally found Steven with Rory in the kitchen. Rory was sitting on the counter and he was leaning against it. They both had drinks and were talking like old friends.
“Steven, your sister is on the phone.” Meg said when she found them.
“My sister?” He said.
“Yeah, Beth.” Meg said, handing him the cordless phone.
“Beth?” Steve said, speaking into the phone. He listened intently for a minute. “Oh god.” Steve put a hand to his forehead and closed his eyes. “Alright, when’s the next flight? 1 am? Ok I’ll be on it. Thanks, Bethie. Is Trip coming home? Alright. Love you, bye.” He glanced at the clock, which read 8 pm.
“Ok. I need to wrap things up here since I have time.” Steven said, hanging up the phone. He turned to Meg. “Could you go find Tristan for me? Please?”
Meg nodded in consent and ran off.
Steven turned to Rory. “My father is very sick. They don’t think he has much time left. I need to go to Chicago. It was great to meet you again, Rory. Honestly. And I would like to see you again. I hate to run out like this, but things don’t sound good at home.”
“I understand completely. But Steven…”
“What?”
“Well I really had a good time with you tonight. Do you have any idea when you might be back in town?” She asked.
“No….” He said. Rory looked at her feet and Steven looked lost in thought. “Well…”
“Well what?” Rory asked.
“You could come with me.” Steven said.
“Come with you? Steven--” Rory sputtered.
“Think about it. I don’t want to leave you and you don’t want to leave me. I could use all the support I can get with my dad being sick, and it won’t be a very long trip so it won’t send your schedule all screwy. What do you say?” Steven asked.
“I don’t know…..Steven we just met!” Rory said.
“I feel like I’ve known you forever.” He said.
“Very creative. How long did it take you to come up with that?” Rory asked with a smile.
“I’m offended.”
“Don’t be.”
“So will you?” He asked.
She took a deep breath and held it for several seconds. “Damn you. You’re very persuasive.”
“It’s part of my charm. So you’ll go?”
“I’ll go.”
“Great!”
Rory laughed. “Ha, we haven’t told Lorelai yet.”
He gave her a questioning, slightly scared look but the opening kitchen door prevented her from explaining.
“Steven. Meg said something was wrong.” Tristan strode into the kitchen in long strides, looking just like a businessman. Jinx held onto his hand and hurried behind him. Meg stood in the doorway.
“My dad is sick, Tristan. Thanks so much for your hospitality, but I need to go home and be with him. Beth said it wouldn’t be long for my dad now.” Steven said.
“Oh Steve.” Tristan said.
“Steven I’m so sorry.” Jinx said, hugging him.
“Jinx, I’m going to go with Steven.” Rory said, pulling aside her sister.
“What? Why?” Jinx asked.
“He wants me too.” Rory said, whispering to her sister and sharing a sister moment.
Jinx mouth dropped and then formed into a big smile. “Rooory! What did you do to him?”
“Worked my charms.” Rory said, causing laughter.
“Ok. Have a safe trip.” Jinx said, hugging her sister tightly. “I love you, Rory.”
“I love you too, little sister. Take good care of my nieces and nephews.” Rory said, kissing her sister’s cheek and patting her still flat stomach.
Rory and Meg quickly rounded up Luke and Lorelai while Steven said goodbye to Richard and Emily.
“Mom, Luke, I am going to Chicago.”
“Chicago? Why?” Luke said, jumping into dad role.
“Steven’s father is very sick and he asked me to go with him to Chicago.”
“Rory, you barely know him!” Lorelai protested.
“Mom, please just let me do this. I am 27 and will do it with your blessing or not, but I’d like you to wish me a good trip and say good bye. Please, Mom.” Rory pleaded.
Lorelai heaved a huge, exaggerated sigh and hugged her daughter. “Have a good trip. Bye.”
Rory pulled back and smiled. “Thanks Mom. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Rory turned to Luke. “Rory-” He started.
Rory stopped him. “Luke, please.” She pleaded.
“Take Meg with you. Take your sister. Or take Jack. Take both of them! That way you won’t have to travel alone if Steven decides to stay in Chicago.” Luke said, grabbing her arms.
“Luke, I’m 27. Just let me go. I’ll be fine. I’ve traveled alone before.”
Luke just nodded his head.
“I have to go home and pack pretty quickly. Maybe you can give me a ride home? Or Jinx could.”
“No, we’ll all leave. Let’s go say goodbye to your grandma and round up the posse.” Lorelai said. She led the way down the hall, picking up Jack and Jinx along the way.
Finally they found Emily in the living room. “Mom, can we talk to you?”
“Of course. Steven was just here, telling me he needed to leave- something about his father’s health.”
“His father is very sick Grandma, and I am going to travel with him to Chicago.”
“What?” Emily asked looking appalled. “You barely know him.”
Tristan walked up right then. “I know him, Emily, and I have for a long time. He is my best friend and completely trustworthy.”
“I don’t doubt his credibility, Tristan. I just don’t understand Rory’s need to go with him. She just met him tonight.”
“Grandma, he asked me to go with him. It’s no big deal.” Rory said.
Emily grudgingly nodded. “Alright.”
“So we need to get going, Mom.” Lorelai said.
Again, Emily looked shocked. “All of you?”
“We came in one car and we need to take Rory home to pack.” Lorelai explained.
Emily reluctantly hugged each person. “Alright, I understand.”
“Thanks, Grandma. We have really got to run, so could you give our regards to Grandpa.”
“Of course, dear.”
The family piled into the car with plans to meet Steven in Stars Hollow after he collected his things from his apartment.
They rode in silence and Rory could sense that her mom and Luke were still uneasy about her going.
“I’ll be fine.” Rory spoke, breaking the silence.
“I know.” Lorelai said. Luke just nodded.
“Please don’t be mad at me. What if my plane crashes tonight and you were mad at me?” Rory said.
Luke and Lorelai both tensed up and Rory heard Tristan mutter, “Bad move, Ror.”
“I’m sorry. Bad example. But don’t you get my point?” Rory said desperately.
“We do, Rory, and if you get on that plane tonight, we will all be on good terms. We just don’t understand why you need to fly halfway across the country with some guy you don’t know.” Luke said.
“I don’t have to explain myself to you! I’m a big girl!” Rory cried.
“No, no I refuse to go where we are going with this conversation. You’re flying to Chicago tonight with Steven. That’s it. We are happy. We are happy.” Lorelai said. She sounded like she was trying to convince herself.
“Mom, please don’t be mad. You either, Luke. I don’t want to be halfway across the country with my parents mad at me.” Rory said.
They all fell silent, but everyone knew this wasn’t over.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
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Post by GilmoreChica on Oct 13, 2003 10:26:30 GMT -5
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Rory pulled her two suitcases up the front steps of the Gilmore house and left them on the porch. She opened the door and went into the house to find Tristan and Jack on the couch watching TV with Jinx sandwiched between them. Rory heard people moving around upstairs and assumed that it was Meg and Lorelai. Luke walked out of the kitchen with two mugs of coffee and stopped when he saw her. “Hey, Rory. Coffee’s in the kitchen.”
“Lucas!” Lorelai sang in a high pitched voice.
“Coffee, dah-ling.” Meg called.
He shot her an apologetic look. “Sorry. Duty calls.”
Rory laughed. “No problem. I still know where the coffee is in this house.”
She got herself a cup of coffee and joined the gang in the living room. Jack’s eyes were focused on the sitcom on TV. His hand was steadily moving from the bag of chips to his mouth and back again. Jack had changed into jeans and a polo shirt and Tristan had taken off his coat and tie and unbuttoned his top button. Jinx wore jeans and a sweatshirt that Rory recognized as Meg’s, which led to the assumption that Tristan and Jinx hadn’t been home.
Rory wandered up the stairs with her cup of coffee and slumped onto Meg’s bed. Her sister smiled at her and continued writing in a notebook.
“How much are you taking?” Meg asked suddenly. Rory had been daydreaming but she snapped to attention.
“Well, I have two suitcases. I’m not sure, though, if Mom and Luke will let me out of the house with two suitcases. I might hide one around the corner of the house.” Rory laughed again. “They want me home in two weeks, but I’m not sure I will be.”
Meg shot her a cautioning look. “Rory, Mom and Daddy-”
Rory cut her off. “Don’t remind me. I’ll just tell them I packed what I needed.”
Meg nodded solemnly and Rory wandered out of the room. She stopped in front of Luke and Lorelai’s closed door and heard low argumentative tones coming from inside. She strained to hear what was going on.
“I just don’t understand, Lorelai. Why does she need to go?” Luke asked tensely.
“I don’t know, Luke. Honestly, I don’t know. But we have to side with her on this. She is going to do it anyway, and we have to back her or else she will go anyway and resent us for not giving our blessing.”
“Lor-”
“Luke, we raised our kids to be independent.” Lorelai didn’t let him get a word in.
“I know.” Luke said. Rory thought she heard crying. “Oh Lor don’t cry.”
“I can’t help it. My baby is leaving, and my other baby I’m not talking to. I can’t handle this right now.”
“Then put your foot down.”
“Not going to happen. It’s better for me just to accept it. I can’t fight my kids.” Lorelai said, sounding muffled. “Why didn’t she tell me, Luke?”
Rory backed away from the door and headed down the stairs as the doorbell rang. She made her way to the foyer and through the glass of the windows, she could see Steven’s tall lean frame.
“Hi.” She said, hugging the door as she opened it.
“Hi.” He said. He hesitated and then leaned down, pecking her on the lips. She smiled as he pulled back. “I’m ready.”
“Good. We have reserved tickets, but we need to check in at least an hour ahead of time. I’d like to get to the airport around midnight, but it’s only 10 now. We can relax for a little while.” He said, slipping an arm over her shoulders. She smiled and led the way into the living room.
“Hey, Steve.” Tristan spoke up, finally tearing his eyes away from the screen.
“Hey Tristan. Hi Jinx.” Jinx smiled and nodded hello. Steve and Rory sat down across from the sofa on some chairs.
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Post by GilmoreChica on Oct 13, 2003 10:26:53 GMT -5
Soon the boys were absorbed in another show and Jinx pulled her sister into the kitchen.
“So Ror…what do you think of Steven?” Jinx said, filling a glass with water while Rory filled her coffee cup. They sat down next to each other at the table and Jinx pulled her legs up under her.
“I hate to admit it, Jinx, but I really like him.”
“Why do you hate to admit it?”
“You know why—because I gave Tristan so much trouble about trying to set me up.” Rory said.
“Forget Tristan. This is about you and Steven.” Jinx said with a sisterly smile. “I’m going to miss you while you’re in Chicago, Ror.”
“I wish you could go with me, Jinxie. I wish it could be like when we were little and we all did everything together. The 4 little kids we used to be. Everyone knew when there was one Danes kid, three more weren’t far behind. Now, I’m going off on a limb and pissing off my parents and leaving my family.”
“We have to grow up sometime, Ror, and you know part of growing up is pissing off parents. You remember how Daddy wigged when I told everyone I was engaged!” Jinx said. Rory laughed, nodding her head vigorously. “We’re grown ups now, Sis. I’m married. I still can’t believe it.”
“Jinx, you’re pregnant.” Rory said, smiling at her sweet little sister.
“I’m pregnant. Wow. And Mom hates me.”
“She doesn’t hate you, Jinxie. She’s just upset that you didn’t tell her. Really upset. You, Meg, and I have always told her EVERYTHING, and I don’t think she likes the change.” Rory paused. “You’ll be a great mom, Jinx. To all five of your babies.”
“Thanks, sis. So will you….someday.” Jinx smiled.
Rory laughed and the sisters embraced.
“Don’t let him get away, Rory. He’s a refrigerator.” Jinx whispered.
Rory laughed, thinking about the origin of that joke.
**FLASHBACK TO 2009**
“It’s over! Tristan is a scumbag!” 19 year old Jinx Danes stormed into the house. 24 year old Rory, the only person home, jumped up from the kitchen table and followed Jinx into her bedroom.
“Jinx, what happened?” Rory said. Her sister was lying on the bed, curled on her side. Rory sat behind her and stroked her hair.
“We broke up.” Jinx said through tears.
“Oh sweetie why?”
“I don’t know….he yelled….then I yelled….oh I don’t know!” Jinx cried harder.
“Oh Jinx. Sweetie, you have to fix this. You love Tristan, don’t you?” Rory said.
“Yes. I just don’t know how.”
“Just tell him you love him. It’ll be ok Jinxie.”
“Thanks, Ror.” Jinx said, hugging her sister.
“Don’t let him get away. He’s a refrigerator.” Rory whispered to her sister.
Jinx pulled back. “A refrigerator?”
“Yeah, Mom told me this story once. It was around the time she and Luke were getting married. Wow, I can’t believe I remember it. I think I asked her why she was marrying Luke. And she told me, ‘Rory, I’ve caught a lot of fish in my life. Bobby, Mike, and Leo were all great catches. But now, now I’ve caught a refrigerator- Luke. When you’re fishing, isn’t it more fun to catch something interesting like a refrigerator or a tire rather than a boring old fish?’ You’ve caught a refrigerator, Jinxie. Don’t let him get away.”
**END FLASHBACK**
“Maybe you’re right, Jinx. Maybe I have caught a refrigerator. Too soon to know.” Rory said with a smile. The girls heard roars of laughter from the living room. “Must be one funny show.”
Jinx giggled.
“Hate to break up this little sister fest but I need to talk to Rory before she leaves.” Lorelai walked into the kitchen.
“Ok. I’ll be trying to tame the guys.” Jinx said with a smile. She stood with her glass and walked out of the kitchen and Lorelai sat down in her seat.
“Listen to me and listen good. Luke does NOT want you to go. I’m not too fond of it myself. But you are going and you are going with our blessing. I wish I could say you WILL be on a plane in two weeks, but….but you...” Lorelai took a deep breath. “Rory, you’re my baby. You were my first kid and I grew up with you. For the first four years of your life, it was you and me, me and you. Now don’t get me wrong, I never have and never will have a favorite kid. It’s like trying to pick a favorite ice cream. Just not possible. But you will always hold a special place in my heart because of how I got you. You’re my baby girl and I don’t want anything to happen to you. I would keep you here with me forever, except I know that can’t happen. So please just help me out and come back to me. Don’t leave me here. I don’t want any of my babies to ever leave me, but you’re the oldest Rory. You’ll start a trend.” Lorelai felt like she was off topic. She narrowed in on her point. “Please don’t leave me, Babe, ‘cause if you do, they all will.” Rory felt a few tears trickle down her cheeks as she held her mom while she cried. Finally Lorelai pulled back.
“Go get on a plane, kid.”
“I love you, Mom. And I will come back.” Rory smiled at her mom and they hugged one more time. “Now, I want to talk to you.”
“About?” Lorelai feigned innocence.
“You know about what. She didn’t mean it, Mom. She only found out herself yesterday. Miss Patty must have been hiding behind a tree or something.”
“I know.” Lorelai said unconvincingly.
“Please, Mom, this has her really upset and I know you’re really upset too so you two should just settle this.” Rory said.
“How do you know I’m upset?” Lorelai said defiantly.
“Because I know you.” Rory said with a smile. She wiped the tear stains off of Lorelai’s face and her own and went into the living room.
Steven glanced at his watch and said, “What do you say we get going?”
Rory nodded. “Sure, I’m ready.”
“Ok, I was going to insist we take you but I think it would be better if we said goodbye now.” Lorelai said, stepping forward. She hugged Steven first, to everyone’s surprise, and whispered something in his ear, making him smile. She moved on to Rory.
“We’ve done this already, kid.” Lorelai said, tears in her eyes.
“I love you Mom.” Rory said, stepping into her arms.
“I love you too. Bye, sweets.” Lorelai let go of Rory. Rory held on. “Talk to Jinx.”
Rory moved onto Luke.
“Come home soon, baby.” He whispered in her ear. Luke was really an emotional man when it came to people close to him. Luke had adopted Rory when she was 7 and she had officially become a Danes kid, despite her last name.
“I will. I promise. Make sure they talk, ok?” He kissed her cheek, nodded, and she stepped back. Meg, Tristan, Jinx, Jack, Luke, and Lorelai stood facing Steven and Rory. Steven and Tristan shook hands and Tristan said, “Take good care of them, Steve, or I’ll have to hunt you down.”
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Post by GilmoreChica on Oct 13, 2003 10:27:32 GMT -5
More goodbyes were said and finally Steven and Rory were out the door. Upon reaching the airport, they settled in for the ½ hour wait. Rory relaxed in her seat. Steven was staring around the airport, and Rory pulled out her laptop and several papers from her bag and began to type.
“What are you typing?” Steven asked.
“My book. Remember I told you about my book about growing up in my house. I asked Jinx, Meg, and Jack to write a section about specific things. Jinx did holidays, Meg did meals, and Jack did vacations. They already gave me their parts, now I just have to do the rest of the book.” She said nonchalantly.
“Can I read it?”
“Sure. I’m almost done, actually, but I am working on Jinx’s part about holidays. I’ve already done Meg’s part about meals. I am the only writer in my family.” Rory said with a laugh.
Steven smiled and reached for the papers in her hand. She handed them over and studied his reactions as he began to read.
Ever since I was a little girl, we’ve been eating at Luke’s diner. Luke is my father, so you might not find this odd, but the odd part is we NEVER ate at home. Daddy worked all day so he wasn’t home to cook, and the only member of my family who inherited Daddy’s culinary skills was Jack, who helped Daddy in the diner when he wasn’t in school. Most mornings, Jack and Daddy would wake up early and go to the diner. Therefore, on most mornings my sisters and I ate pop tarts on our way out the door. Mom knew how to work the toaster.
For lunch, I ALWAYS bought food at the cafeteria. Daddy made sure there was always food in the house, but the best I could make was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Rory tells me that when she was little, before Mom and Dad got married, there was never food in the house so they HAD to eat at Luke’s. I guess I’m lucky for that or else my parents may have never gotten together.
Dinner was always an experience. Daddy always gave Mom trouble about her coffee intake, and as my sisters and brother and I inherited her habits, he gave us trouble too. So most of our meals were spent arguing with Daddy about getting our coffee.
Our mom and dad always made sure we had food in our bellies. No matter what, no matter where we ate or what it was, all the Danes kids were always full.
-Meghan Gilmore Danes
“Wow, that’s really good.” Steven said when he finished reading.
Rory looked up from the screen and smiled. “Meg has great ideas; she just can’t always get them out on paper. I just changed some structure.”
He smiled and let her get back to work. She continued working after they boarded the plane and during the few hours to Chicago. When they finally arrived at Chicago Memorial in a rental car, Rory had finally put her laptop away.
“You know, I could take you home. My home, I mean. You don’t have to waste your time stuck in the hospital.” Steven stopped and turned around when he reached the doors.
“Don’t worry about it, I have my work. It’ll keep me busy for hours.” Rory insisted, pushing him into the hospital. He inquired at the front desk and then led them to the elevator.
“I’ll wait here.” Rory said upon reaching the 8th floor waiting room. They stood in the hall outside the room. “Come back whenever you’re done. If you want to stay all night, we can stay or get a cab home.”
“Are you sure?” He asked earnestly.
“I didn’t come to be a nuisance, Steven.”
“You came because I asked you to.” He said smugly, wrapping his arms around her waist.
“It’s fine. Go be with your family.” She leaned up to kiss him and mid kiss, Rory was interrupted by an urgent female voice.
“Stevie!” Rory looked up and saw a young girl with long wild chocolate brown hair streaming out behind her.
“Brooke! How’s Dad?” Steven said, catching her in his arms.
“Not good, Steve. He doesn’t have much longer. The doctors aren’t sure he’ll last through the night.” She said, close to tears. Finally, she noticed Rory. “Who is she?”
“Brooke, you remember Tristan right?”
The girl nodded her head.
“Well this is Tristan’s sister-in-law, Rory. Tristan married her sister, Jinx, and when she heard I was coming back here, she offered to accompany me on the trip.”
“Oh.” She said, sizing them up.
“Well, we better go see Dad. You sure you’ll be ok here, Rory?”
“Go, Steven.”
Rory settled into the waiting room, continuing to write. By the time she was there for four hours, she had written several chapters. Rory glanced at the clock and saw that it read 7 am. She glanced out the window and to her surprise, the sun was rising. She then fell asleep stretched out on a couch and a few hours later she was nudged awake by Steven. He sat on the edge of the sofa and Rory leaned up on her elbow.
“Will you come with me?” He asked.
“Where?” She asked groggily, wiping sleep out of her eyes.
“To the room. He’s dying, Rory. I need your support.” He said, his eyes clouding over with tears.
“Of course I’ll go.” She said, standing with him
They hurried down the hall to a room on the left. Rory peeked into the dark, eerily silent room. A man with gray hair was asleep in the bed and looked very pale. An older woman sat on one side of the bed, holding a rosary and his hand. Tears streamed down her cheeks and her lips were moving quickly, though no sound came out.
‘She must be praying the rosary.’ Rory thought to herself.
A younger woman, presumably Steven’s sister Beth, sat on the other side of the bed. Brooke sat behind her, leaning on the older girl’s back, and both sisters clutched the other hand and cried silently. A young man who looked a lot like Steven sat rubbing the older woman’s back.
Rory hesitated by the door, but Steven pulled her in. He sat in a chair at the foot of the bed and rested his free hand on the blanket. He pulled Rory closer and she stood behind the chair, resting her hands on his shoulders. Steven put his head down on the bed, face first, and cried.
Suddenly, the machine that had been giving off a steady beep beep began to wail. Steven’s head shot up and everyone tensed. A nurse rushed into the room and began checking things. Finally, she turned off the machine emitting the noise.
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Cashen.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
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Post by GilmoreChica on Oct 13, 2003 10:28:01 GMT -5
More goodbyes were said and finally Steven and Rory were out the door. Upon reaching the airport, they settled in for the ½ hour wait. Rory relaxed in her seat. Steven was staring around the airport, and Rory pulled out her laptop and several papers from her bag and began to type.
“What are you typing?” Steven asked.
“My book. Remember I told you about my book about growing up in my house. I asked Jinx, Meg, and Jack to write a section about specific things. Jinx did holidays, Meg did meals, and Jack did vacations. They already gave me their parts, now I just have to do the rest of the book.” She said nonchalantly.
“Can I read it?”
“Sure. I’m almost done, actually, but I am working on Jinx’s part about holidays. I’ve already done Meg’s part about meals. I am the only writer in my family.” Rory said with a laugh.
Steven smiled and reached for the papers in her hand. She handed them over and studied his reactions as he began to read.
Ever since I was a little girl, we’ve been eating at Luke’s diner. Luke is my father, so you might not find this odd, but the odd part is we NEVER ate at home. Daddy worked all day so he wasn’t home to cook, and the only member of my family who inherited Daddy’s culinary skills was Jack, who helped Daddy in the diner when he wasn’t in school. Most mornings, Jack and Daddy would wake up early and go to the diner. Therefore, on most mornings my sisters and I ate pop tarts on our way out the door. Mom knew how to work the toaster.
For lunch, I ALWAYS bought food at the cafeteria. Daddy made sure there was always food in the house, but the best I could make was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Rory tells me that when she was little, before Mom and Dad got married, there was never food in the house so they HAD to eat at Luke’s. I guess I’m lucky for that or else my parents may have never gotten together.
Dinner was always an experience. Daddy always gave Mom trouble about her coffee intake, and as my sisters and brother and I inherited her habits, he gave us trouble too. So most of our meals were spent arguing with Daddy about getting our coffee.
Our mom and dad always made sure we had food in our bellies. No matter what, no matter where we ate or what it was, all the Danes kids were always full.
-Meghan Gilmore Danes
“Wow, that’s really good.” Steven said when he finished reading.
Rory looked up from the screen and smiled. “Meg has great ideas; she just can’t always get them out on paper. I just changed some structure.”
He smiled and let her get back to work. She continued working after they boarded the plane and during the few hours to Chicago. When they finally arrived at Chicago Memorial in a rental car, Rory had finally put her laptop away.
“You know, I could take you home. My home, I mean. You don’t have to waste your time stuck in the hospital.” Steven stopped and turned around when he reached the doors.
“Don’t worry about it, I have my work. It’ll keep me busy for hours.” Rory insisted, pushing him into the hospital. He inquired at the front desk and then led them to the elevator.
“I’ll wait here.” Rory said upon reaching the 8th floor waiting room. They stood in the hall outside the room. “Come back whenever you’re done. If you want to stay all night, we can stay or get a cab home.”
“Are you sure?” He asked earnestly.
“I didn’t come to be a nuisance, Steven.”
“You came because I asked you to.” He said smugly, wrapping his arms around her waist.
“It’s fine. Go be with your family.” She leaned up to kiss him and mid kiss, Rory was interrupted by an urgent female voice.
“Stevie!” Rory looked up and saw a young girl with long wild chocolate brown hair streaming out behind her.
“Brooke! How’s Dad?” Steven said, catching her in his arms.
“Not good, Steve. He doesn’t have much longer. The doctors aren’t sure he’ll last through the night.” She said, close to tears. Finally, she noticed Rory. “Who is she?”
“Brooke, you remember Tristan right?”
The girl nodded her head.
“Well this is Tristan’s sister-in-law, Rory. Tristan married her sister, Jinx, and when she heard I was coming back here, she offered to accompany me on the trip.”
“Oh.” She said, sizing them up.
“Well, we better go see Dad. You sure you’ll be ok here, Rory?”
“Go, Steven.”
Rory settled into the waiting room, continuing to write. By the time she was there for four hours, she had written several chapters. Rory glanced at the clock and saw that it read 7 am. She glanced out the window and to her surprise, the sun was rising. She then fell asleep stretched out on a couch and a few hours later she was nudged awake by Steven. He sat on the edge of the sofa and Rory leaned up on her elbow.
“Will you come with me?” He asked.
“Where?” She asked groggily, wiping sleep out of her eyes.
“To the room. He’s dying, Rory. I need your support.” He said, his eyes clouding over with tears.
“Of course I’ll go.” She said, standing with him
They hurried down the hall to a room on the left. Rory peeked into the dark, eerily silent room. A man with gray hair was asleep in the bed and looked very pale. An older woman sat on one side of the bed, holding a rosary and his hand. Tears streamed down her cheeks and her lips were moving quickly, though no sound came out.
‘She must be praying the rosary.’ Rory thought to herself.
A younger woman, presumably Steven’s sister Beth, sat on the other side of the bed. Brooke sat behind her, leaning on the older girl’s back, and both sisters clutched the other hand and cried silently. A young man who looked a lot like Steven sat rubbing the older woman’s back.
Rory hesitated by the door, but Steven pulled her in. He sat in a chair at the foot of the bed and rested his free hand on the blanket. He pulled Rory closer and she stood behind the chair, resting her hands on his shoulders. Steven put his head down on the bed, face first, and cried.
Suddenly, the machine that had been giving off a steady beep beep began to wail. Steven’s head shot up and everyone tensed. A nurse rushed into the room and began checking things. Finally, she turned off the machine emitting the noise.
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Cashen.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
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Post by GilmoreChica on Oct 13, 2003 10:28:20 GMT -5
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Rory hung onto Steven’s arm as they walked away from the grave. She had wanted to hang at the back of the crowd, but he insisted she stay with him.
Apparently Steven’s father was a very popular man. He had been a doctor, and he must have healed a ton of people because the large church was filled to capacity. He would really be missed.
They then returned to Steven’s family’s house where she had been staying for several days and where a wake was held.
Finally, several days after the funeral, everyone went home. The house was empty except for the Cashen family and Rory.
“Steven.” Rory called softly. She walked into the living room where Steven, Trip, Beth, Brooke, and their mother, Estelle, sat in silence. He looked up at her and then stood. He came over to her and she spoke quietly.
“I’m leaving this evening, Steven. I’ve stayed too long and it’s time for me to let your family mourn alone and in peace.” Rory said, looking into his big sad eyes.
“Rory, you are welcome here as long as you would like to stay. You haven’t overstayed your welcome!” He insisted.
“Either way, it’s time for me to go. I’ve been here for a week and my parents really want me home. You and your family need to mourn and I’m just in the way.” Rory looked down at her hands and then back up at his face. “Could you take me to the airport? I know it’s a lot to ask.”
He shook his head. “Of course I will. You came to CHICAGO with me, Rory. The very least I can do is drive you to the airport. What time?”
“4.”
“Ok, just come find me.” He said. She kissed his lips quickly and left the room.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Rory and Steven stood outside the airport. Her flight would take off in 10 minutes, and it was time to say goodbye.
She turned and looked up into his green eyes. She glanced down at her hands and then back up at his face. “Steven, please come back. Take your time here, but please come back. I’ve caught a refrigerator, and I’m not willing to let go.” She suddenly leaned forward and kissed him passionately. Just as suddenly, she pulled away and walked through the security gates.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
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Post by GilmoreChica on Oct 13, 2003 10:29:06 GMT -5
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3 months later—January 7, 2013, early morning
“Rory! Rory, open the door!” Rory stirred from her sleep to the pounding on her door. She stumbled down the hall of her apartment and threw open the door. Meg and Jack tumbled into the apartment in sweatpants, long sleeve t-shirts, and fleece jackets. They looked like they just rolled out of bed.
“What? What’s wrong?” Rory asked urgently, shaking her sister’s shoulders.
“Jinx is in labor!” Rory flew into her room when she heard that and flew into a pair of jeans and a polo shirt. She shoved on her sneakers and grabbed her keys and her purse on the way out the door. Luke and Lorelai were waiting in the car when they got outside.
“Where’s Jinx?” Rory said, closing the door.
Luke zoomed out of the apartment parking lot and down the main street of Stars Hollow, towards the diner. He jumped out and stuck a sign to the door which Rory assumed explained his absence.
“She and Tristan went ahead to the hospital. They were halfway there when they called me a half an hour ago.” Lorelai said as Luke sprinted back to the car.
“She’s almost full term. 6 ½ months isn’t bad for a woman carrying 5 babies.” Rory said optimistically.
“No, she carried them for a long time. But still….” Lorelai sounded worried but didn’t want to worry her younger children. When Rory leaned forward and patted her arm, Lorelai looked into her eyes with a look Rory recognized as fear.
“Did you fix things with her Mom? I never asked.” Rory asked suddenly, halfway to the hospital.
“Yes.” Lorelai said tensely, preoccupied with thinking about the well-being of her daughter and future grandchildren.
They zipped into a parking space near the door and Luke led the way to the lobby.
“Genevieve Dugray, please.” Lorelai said upon reaching the counter. The young receptionist typed into the computer for a moment before responding.
“Room 345. Take the elevator to the 3rd floor…” The receptionist trailed off when she realized the group wasn’t waiting for her. They ran to the elevator and Rory willed it to go faster as they went to the third floor.
“I could walk faster….” Meg grumbled. Jack jabbed her in the side and she closed her mouth.
The Danes clan quickly found room 345 and their spirits were brightened when they entered to see Jinx throwing ice.
“That’s my girl.” Lorelai murmured.
“Mom! Daddy! Rory, Meg, Jack!” Jinx called. She immediately hunched in pain.
Meg, Jack, and Luke stood still in horror, but Rory and Lorelai advanced.
“It’s just a contraction. Luke you wouldn’t think you’d gone through 4 births with me.” Lorelai shook her head as she went to the other side of the bed.
“Mom, I’m scared.” Jinx whispered as she held her mother’s hand.
“You’ll be fine, baby. You’re strong and you’re going to have 5 healthy babies.” Lorelai whispered, brushing hair back from her face.
“I hope so.”
~*~*~*~*~*~
Luke paced impatiently and Meg, Jack, and Lorelai fidgeted in their seats along with Richard and Emily. Rory sat on the windowsill and watched raindrops roll down the window. Every once in a while someone would heave a huge sigh. This had been the drill for the past 6 hours since they had been kicked out of Jinx’s room.
Suddenly Rory flew from her window seat to the door and everyone looked up to see a haggard looking Tristan standing in the doorway. They all immediately crowded him and it took several minutes to calm down enough to hear the story.
“She was great. Amazing. You wouldn’t have recognized her, I sure didn’t.” He said.
“Is she ok?”
“She’s fine. She is resting now, probably sleeping, and the doctors expect she will sleep for a while.”
“Tris, what about the babies?” Rory asked hesitantly.
His face clouded over. “I guess we were lucky. All were delivered and we saw them for a few minutes before we…before we lost one.”
“Oh god.” Luke said. He wrapped his arms around Lorelai and silent tears ran down her cheeks. Rory sat and put her face in her hands. Jack sat next to her and tried to comfort her while keeping his own composure. Meg and Tristan embraced.
“Does Jinx know?” Luke finally asked.
“Yes.” Tristan said. “I knew she would want to know. She is devastated and she feels like it is her fault, but the grief counselors are working with her and she will be ok. She is happy, if you can use that word, that 4 of the babies are ok. They will have to stay here for a while and they only weighed in at about 2 ½ pounds each. Unfortunately, they aren’t out of the woods yet.” Tristan said.
“What are they? What did you lose?” Jack asked.
“There are 3 girls and 1 boy. We lost a little girl, and Jinx already decided to name her Lorelai Joy…” He took a deep breath, forcing back tears, and went on. “…for the joy she brought us for just a few minutes.” Lorelai gasped and buried her face in Luke’s shoulder.
Luke rubbed Lorelai’s back and spoke to Tristan. “Can we see her? Can we see the babies?”
“The doctor says you can see Jinx but not to wake her. She is exhausted and she needs her rest. As for the babies, they are in the baby ICU. Two people can go in at a time and see them, maybe even hold them.”
“Have you seen them yet?”
“Yeah. They are beautiful. So tiny but so beautiful.” He said, tearing up.
“Let’s go see Jinx and then the babies.”
They went down the hall to a private room and watched Jinx sleep for a few minutes. She looked gaunt and pale and the family left quickly and quietly so they didn’t wake her.
“Ok, I’ll go in first and show you which ones they are. The nurses will direct you, but just so you can see them all I’ll show you.” He disappeared behind a door and a few minutes later he reappeared inside the room in full garb. He wore a mask over his face, a gown, and a cap on his hair. He indicated a row of 4 incubators and they all stared intently at the little bundles, little bundles of hope.
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Post by GilmoreChica on Oct 13, 2003 10:29:57 GMT -5
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“Steven, it’s terrible. Jinx really blames herself for losing Joy even though the doctors say there was nothing she could do.” Rory spoke into her cell phone as she looked through the glass at her 3 week old nieces and nephew. They were out of incubators and were growing at a steady pace. Each now weighed about 5 pounds, except for the runt of the litter who still only weighed in at 4.
“It’ll get better, babe, with time.” Steven said.
“I know, and I can really see the difference from 3 weeks ago. Jinx and Tristan have finally named all of them and she is going to tell us today. Her spirits are really up.” Rory said.
“Great. Call me and tell me. We’re landing in about 10 minutes. I’ll get a cab to your apartment.”
“You should come to the hospital. We’ll still be here and you can see Jinx and meet the babies. I can’t believe they kept you on this business trip for 3 ½ weeks.”
“I know, but I’m back now. I’ll be there in half an hour. Love you, babe.”
“Love you too. Bye.”
“Bye.”
Rory hung up the phone and smiled. She and Steven had been going out for several months and they were still very happy.
“Rory. She’s gonna tell us now!” Meg said, jogging down the hall. Sure enough, Rory looked into the nursery to see several nurses and Tristan picking up the babies.
“Great. I’m so excited!” Rory said. Meg and Rory hurried down the hall to Jinx’s room.
“Jinxie, sweetie, tell tell!” Lorelai was saying urgently.
“No, Mom, not until everyone is here and the babies are here.” Jinx laughed.
Just then the babies arrive with Tristan and the nurses and were set in the 4 bassinettes around the room.
“Ok.” Jinx said, sliding off the bed and leaving her terrycloth robe untied over her pajama pants and long sleeve t-shirt. She went to the first crib and picked up a baby wrapped in a blue blanket. “This will be Wyatt Lucas Dugray.” Murmurs of approval were heard throughout the room. She removed the blue blanket to reveal a blue sleeper with ‘Wyatt’ embroidered on it. She put him back in the bassinette and continued down the line, moving on to the baby girls. “This is Madison Emily Dugray….Samantha Leigh Dugray….Penelope Meghan Dugray, our runt.” She removed the blanket for each girl and revealed Maddie in pink, Sam in yellow, and Penny in purple.
Rory clapped in excitement and Jinx smiled. “We incorporated everyone in the family, I think. Daddy, Tris, Grandma, Rory with ‘Leigh’, Megs, Jack, and me. And of course Mom and Rory with Lorelai Joy.” Everyone laughed.
“So do they have nicknames?” Meg asked.
“Yes, the ones on their sleepers. They can go by their full names, but nicknames are Maddie, Sam, and Penny. Wyatt is the only one without a nickname but I loved the name so I couldn’t pass it up.”
“Wy.” Tristan said.
“Why? Because I love the name, I told you Tristan. You loved it too.” Jinx said.
“No I mean Wy can be his nickname.” Tristan said with a laugh. “I’m just lucky I liked the names she picked.” Jinx slapped his arm and gave a disapproving look.
Rory laughed. “I love them too, Jinx.”
“Good. As for godparents, we’ve decided that Rory, you will have two and Meg you will have two. Jack you will have the same two as Meg and Rory, we decided to make Steven the godfather for your two.”
“That’s great. He’ll love that. He’s coming soon, you can tell him.” Rory said with a smile.
“Great.”
“Which two do we have?” Meg said with a smile.
“Meg, you and Jack will have Maddie and Penny. Rory and Steven will have Samantha and Wyatt. That way, you girls got your namesake.”
“Ok get to know them. It’ll take a little while to put a name with a face, but we’ll get it and you’ve got the sleepers to help. When they get older, their personalities will tell them apart. And they aren’t identical….in fact, some have light hair and some have dark hair. Coincidentally, Rory’s are the dark haired bunch and Meg and Jack’s are the blondes.” Jinx informed the family. They buzzed around, trading babies.
“Oh, Jinx, they all have blue eyes just like you and Tristan.” Rory exclaimed. Each baby had big blue eyes staring up at them.
“Knock knock knock, anyone home?” Heads swiveled to the door and Steven stood there with a dozen roses. Rory ran to him and they kissed.
“Ok, no PDAs when you’re holding my child!” Jinx called.
They broke apart and Rory blushed, hugging Sam to her. Steven strode over to Jinx and kissed her cheek. She hugged his neck and he gave her the roses.
“Did I miss the naming?”
“Yeah, but we have a surprise for you.” Jinx said, moving to Tristan’s side.
“Oh, what’s that?” Steven said, putting his arm over Rory’s shoulders.
“Steve, will you be the godfather of two of our children?” Tristan said.
Steve looked shocked. He looked for Tristan to Jinx to Rory and back again. “Are you sure?”
“Definitely. It’ll be you and Rory and Meg and Jack.”
“Of course I will! Which ones do I get?” He asked excitedly.
Everyone chuckled as Rory held up the yellow clad baby she was holding. “This is Samantha Leigh, my namesake. Wyatt Lucas, the only boy, is our other one.” Luke stepped forward with the baby and Steve cupped his cheek. “Jack and Meg have my other two beautiful nieces, Madison Emily and Penelope Meghan.”
“Wow….lots of names. Let’s see if I can get this. Madison, Samantha, Penelope, and Wyatt.”
“Good job. I think I can even identify them by color.” Lorelai said with a laugh.
“It’ll be a challenge.” Jinx said uncertainly, reaching for the closest baby, Sammie. “I’ll need a lot of babysitters. Tristan and I can’t do this on our own.”
“Don’t worry, kid. I’ve got godchildren now so I think I’ll have to stay in town more often.” Steven said, slinging an arm around Jinx and Sam.
Rory folded her arms. “I guess a girlfriend wasn’t enough.”
“Oh babe, you know you’ve got me.” He said with a smile. Rory defiantly began to walk away. He grabbed her around the waist and swung her around to face him. They kissed passionately for several minutes and after a minute of staring, the family ignored them, bustling around and sharing babies.
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Microsoft Office 2010
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Post by Microsoft Office 2010 on May 12, 2011 2:28:20 GMT -5
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