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Written by: AudiRox
Disclaimer: All characters and situations from Gilmore Girls are properties of Amy Sherman-Palladino, Dorothy Parker Drank Here Productions and Hofflund/Polone in association with Warner Bros. Television. No copyright infringement intended.
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Gilmore Girls: The Mini-Series
by AudiRox
PART TWO: Old Habits Die Hard
INT. CRAP SHACK KITCHEN — SATURDAY MORNING
Scene opens on Lorelai as she walks into the kitchen to find Luke making breakfast.
LORELAI: (Smiles as she walks up to him and gives him a peck on the lips) G’morning.
LUKE: Morning. (Goes back to his eggs on the stove). There’s coffee…
LORELAI: Bless you.
Pours some coffee into her mug and takes a seat at the table. She watches her husband as he goes about his morning routine — making breakfast for his family. After more than half a minute of silence, Luke looks over to see why Lorelai is quiet.
LUKE: What’s up? (Looks back down at the eggs)
LORELAI: (Sighs) You fell asleep before we could talk.
LUKE: (Remembers) Oh shoot! I forgot… (Stops what he’s doing and turns to her) Was it important?
LORELAI: (Ponders) Not really. Kind of. But it wasn’t important enough to wake you up for it…
LUKE: Ah. (Turns and pans out the eggs onto a plate) So? What’s it about?
LORELAI: (Sighs) Remember mom had that luncheon yesterday?
LUKE: The DAR luncheon? (Cracks a couple more eggs on the pan)
LORELAI: Uh huh.
LUKE: (A thought pops into his head which makes his quickly shoot a glance at his wife) Oh no, you didn’t join the DAR, did you?
LORELAI: God, no! Trust me, that’s never going to happen.
With a smirk, Luke goes back to preparing breakfast.
LORELAI: Remember the benefactor mom invited for dinner next Friday?
LUKE: The one I’m not going to? Yes.
LORELAI: Well, Emily was, I guess, forced to invite his daughter… (Looks cautiously at Luke) and her fiancé.
LUKE: The more the merrier.
LORELAI: (Decides to come clean) Luke… (her tone makes him look at her) her fiancé’s Max.
LUKE: (Processes by placing the spatula on the pan) Max Medina?
LORELAI: Yep, the one and only.
LUKE: (Amused, he goes back to the stove) Wow, small world.
LORELAI: (Amused, she smiles) Yeah, small world.
A few moments pass in silence as Lorelai waits for Luke to continue…
LORELAI: So…
LUKE: So, you’re wondering if I’d have a problem with us going to dinner next Friday night.
LORELAI: (With a confused smile) “Us”? I thought you said you weren’t going.
LUKE: (With mock irritation) A man has a right to change his mind.
LORELAI: (Even more amused at her husband’s reaction, she gets up from her seat and walks over to him) Uh huh. Is there a reason why you suddenly changed your mind?
LUKE: (With a subtle smirk) Not really. (Stops what he’s doing and shrugs) Must admit, I do like the thought of him seeing us together, as a family. (Flauntingly) The winner is obvious.
LORELAI: (Shocked, she slaps his arm) You are such a guy!
Luke grabs Lorelai by the waist and pulls her close to him.
LORELAI: (Softly as she moves close to him) I’m so glad we’re together.
LUKE: (Examining her face) Mm-hmm.
They kiss softly for a few seconds.
As they pull away, they hear the sound of a toddler upstairs waking up from his sleep. Luke releases his grasp on her.
LORELAI: (Smiles) Hmm, he’s up. I’ll get him ready for breakfast. (As she turns to leave) I’ll let mom know we’ll be there next week.
LUKE: Kay.
Luke watches Lorelai as she leaves the kitchen, and then he goes back to preparing their breakfast.
Scene fades.
Time skip to a few days later.
INT. GILMORE MANSION LIVING ROOM — FRIDAY EVENING
Scene fades in, in the middle of a conversation between Emily, Richard, Luke and Lorelai.
RICHARD: Well, count me in, Lorelai. I will be there at the party in the town square, even if your mother grumbles that there are too many odd characters roaming about.
LORELAI: Thank you, dad.
EMILY: I didn’t say I wasn’t going to the party. I was just making an observation about the town.
RICHARD: (To Emily) Rory was raised there and look how wonderfully she turned out.
Luke and Lorelai look at each other and smile.
EMILY: (Changes the topic by picking on Richard) Not too loud, Richard. You’ll wake the baby. (Richard rolls his eyes and goes back to his drink. Emily looks at her wristwatch) Where are they? I specifically said drinks were at 6:30. It’s 6:35 now.
LORELAI: I’m sure they’re on their way.
LUKE: Maybe they got caught in traffic.
EMILY: (Looks at Luke and smiles) How wonderful of you to join us tonight, Luke. I’m really glad you found someone to close the diner in your absence.
LORELAI: (Mockingly, repeats) Yes, me too. Really glad.
EMILY: (Catches Lorelai’s tone) What is it?
LUKE: (Blurts) Nothing.
LORELAI: (Teasingly explains) Luke didn’t find someone to close the diner tonight. (Richard and Emily curiously look at Luke as he sits there uncomfortably) Yep, the diner closed after lunch…
RICHARD: Oh, and why is that?
EMILY: (Curiously) Why would you do that? Won’t you lose money?
Just then, the doorbell rings.
EMILY: (Springs to her feet) Ah! There they are. (Richard joins her as she makes her way to the front)
LUKE: (Looks over at Lorelai and grunts) Gee, thanks.
LORELAI: (Giggles) Sorry! Saved by the bell, at least.
As Luke gets up on his feet, Lorelai joins him. She places her arm around his as they wait for the guests to arrive in the living room.
Emily leads the party into the living room. An elderly man follows her, and behind him we see his daughter, a blonde woman in her late 30s. Behind her, is Max followed by Richard.
EMILY: (With an arm stretched wide) Arthur, please meet my daughter, Lorelai and her husband Luke Danes. And this is Arthur Ridgeway.
We see a shot of Max as he sees Lorelai for the first time in ages.
LORELAI: (With a smile, greets the benefactor) Mr. Ridgeway, a pleasure to meet you.
ARTHUR: Oh no, the pleasure’s all mine! And please call me Arthur.
LUKE: (Nods, and stretches his arm to shake Arthur’s) Wonderful to meet you.
ARTHUR: (Turns and introduces his daughter) And here’s my lovely daughter, Eliza.
ELIZA: (With a sweet smile, shakes Lorelai’s hand) Nice to meet you.
ARTHUR: And here he is, my favorite future son-in-law, Max Medina.
LORELAI: (Swallows a bit and smiles genuinely) Hello Max.
MAX: (Nods nervously) Lorelai, wonderful to see you again.
ELIZA: (Catches an odd tone in his voice) Oh! That’s right; your daughter went to Chilton. That’s how the two of you know each other.
MAX: (Jumps in to answer) Yes.
Richard and Emily look at each other.
LUKE: (Nods and stretches out his arm) Max.
MAX: (Nods as well) Luke.
Eliza notices something more as silence takes over.
Everyone awkwardly stands near each other.
LORELAI: (Smiles) Umm…
Luke randomly starts to nod.
RICHARD: (Breaks the silence) Well then! Who wants a drink?
ARTHUR: I thought you’d never ask!
EMILY: (Ushers everyone to sit) Come, come.
Max sits next to Eliza, but he subtly glances at Luke and Lorelai as they sit next to each other on the couch.
CUT
Scene opens a few minutes later in the living room.
With a baby monitor in hand, Lorelai returns to the group after being upstairs.
LORELAI: (As she resumes her spot next to Luke) He fell back asleep. I’m sure he’ll be up in a few minutes and you can meet him, Arthur.
ARTHUR: Awe, the poor fella is tired, isn’t he?
LORELAI: (Notices Eliza and Max missing) Where’s…
EMILY: (Cuts in) Oh, it’s such a lovely evening outside, Eliza and Max are visiting the patio.
LORELAI: (Curiously turns to Luke and whispers) “Visiting the patio”?
LUKE: (Shrugs and whispers) Hell if I know.
EMILY: Oh, there they are. (Everyone looks up to find Eliza and Max returning to their seats)
ELIZA: (In an odd tone) It’s wonderful out there, Emily. You have a beautiful house.
EMILY: Thank you.
Lorelai catches Eliza’s irritated expression. Max isn’t too happy either.
GLADYS (The Maid from Season 8): (Arrives and stands next to Emily) Mrs. Gilmore, dinner is served.
EMILY: Oh wonderful, Gladys. Thank you. (Gets up on her feet and ushers everyone to the dining room).
CUT
Scene cuts to a few minutes later in the dining room.
Scene opens as the Gilmores, Danes’, Ridgeways and Max Medina move through dinner. Everything seems pleasant, however, the tension between Eliza and Max is now very obvious. Especially to Emily, Lorelai and Luke. Richard and Arthur are seemingly oblivious as they seem to be engaged in their own conversation.
ARTHUR: It would take more than year, at least, for us to see a turnaround. Fixing this economy is not a walk in the park.
RICHARD: (Chuckles) I don’t believe anyone thinks it’s a walk in the park, Arthur.
ARTHUR: Tax cuts! Tax cuts are the way to go.
Lorelai makes a face, and leans over to whisper to Luke.
LORELAI: (Softly) It sure has worked in the past.
Max catches the comment and tries to hold back his laugh.
RICHARD: Well, now - I don’t necessarily believe…
EMILY: (Cuts in) Oh, must we talk about politics? All of this goes right over my head.
After moments of silence, Max and Lorelai make eye contact. Lorelai is concerned that she may have unintentionally created some drama for the engaged couple.
MAX: (Swallows his food and decides to inquire) You haven’t yet told me how Rory is… Emily mentioned that she was in New York?
LORELAI: Um, yes. She is. She’s doing great. (Lorelai feels Eliza’s eyes on her) At the moment, she's working contract for the New York Times.
MAX: (Smiles) That’s great! (Looks over at Eliza) I think it was one of her dream jobs…
ELIZA: (Prompted by her fiancé, she nods) I see, that’s wonderful.
Silence takes over again.
EMILY: (Speaks up) Eliza, how about another glass of wine?
ELIZA: Yes please, Emily.
CUT
Scene cuts to about half an hour later.
Scene opens near the stairway.
Nicholas is awake and Arthur Ridgeway has just met the little guy. Lorelai holds him as Luke stands next to her.
ARTHUR: (Letting go of the child’s hand) Well, it was an absolute treat meeting you, little Nicholas. (Looks up at Lorelai and Luke) You have a wonderful boy here. Congratulations.
Max turns the corner and sees the scene with Luke, Lorelai, Arthur and the toddler. He stops to take it all in.
MAX: (Steps closer) Arthur, Eliza’s looking for you. Your coffee’s getting cold.
ARTHUR: (Jumps) Ah! I must have another slice of that iced lemon pound cake.
Everyone smiles as Arthur hurries to the living room.
MAX: (Steps even closer to introduce himself to the young man) So this must be Nicholas.
LUKE: (Sighs) It is.
Nicholas starts to find Lorelai’s necklace appealing enough to pull it off her neck.
LORELAI: Oh!
LUKE: (Chuckles and takes hold of Nicholas’ hand) Did it break?
LORELAI: (Chuckles as well) Nah, it was a magnetic snap.
Max observes the wonderful family. Luke sees that maybe Max and Lorelai need a few minutes alone.
MAX: How old is he?
LORELAI: He’s turning a year old next week.
MAX: Oh.
LUKE: Alright. Well, I’m going to join the rest in the living room.
LORELAI: (Thankfully smiles at her husband for being considerate) Okay.
Both Max and Lorelai watch as Luke leaves the area. Then they look at each other and smile.
MAX: He’s a great guy.
LORELAI: He is.
MAX: (Looks at Nicholas and remarks) I’m glad to see you happy.
LORELAI: Thanks. (With an expression of concern) Looks like you’ve found someone that makes you happy, too. Right?
MAX: (Sighs) Yes, yes — she’s great. (Uncomfortably, he tries to continue) It’s just that…
He is interrupted by Eliza.
ELIZA: (Sees the two of them) Max, there you are. I think father is ready to head back to the hotel.
MAX: Oh.
LORELAI: (Repositioning Nicholas on her arm, she smiles at Eliza) It was wonderful to meet you, Eliza.
ELIZA: (Looks at Nicholas, takes a deep breath and looks back at Lorelai) Thank you for having us.
MAX: (Looks back at Lorelai) Nice seeing you again.
LORELAI: You too, Max.
As the couple moves towards the living room, Lorelai follows them — but slowly.
The elder Gilmores, Ridgeways and Max move to the foyer.
Lorelai walks up to Luke in the living room and starts to speak softly.
LORELAI: Well, that was awkward.
LUKE: (Raises his eyes) Tell me about it.
Scene fades.
A couple of days later…
INT. NATE & RORY’S APARTMENT — NEW YORK CITY — MONDAY MORNING — EARLY MAY
Scene opens on Rory walking into the kitchen to get some much needed coffee. She pours herself a mug and moves closer to her messenger bag. She takes a moment to look at it, and then places her mug aside and pulls out an envelope. She contemplates on opening it, but Nate’s sudden appearance makes her quickly shove the envelope back in the bag.
NATE: (As he adjusts his collar) Hey.
RORY: (Smiles) Hey.
Nate gives her a quick peck on the cheek.
RORY: Breakfast?
NATE: (As he pulls his work stuff together) Nah.
RORY: Are you sure? I can whip us up something. A quick omelet? It won’t be as great as yours, but I can do it in flash speed.
NATE: (Smiles) I know you can, but I have an early meeting with Gus. I’ll get something after.
RORY: Gus? (Curiously steps closer) How is Gus? I haven’t talked to him in a while.
NATE: (Continues to go through messenger bag) He’s your boss.
RORY: Yeah, but I’ve been working from home a lot lately.
NATE: Yeah, I noticed. I miss having lunch with you.
RORY: (With a sympathetic smile) I miss it, too. (Goes back to the previous topic) He hasn’t said anything to you, has he? About me.
NATE: Who? Gus? Nope. He doesn’t talk about his employees. (Closes his bag and steps closer as he wears it around his shoulder) Why, what’s up?
RORY: N-nothing. I was just wondering if he had any problems with me working from home.
NATE: I’m pretty sure he doesn’t. (Changes back the topic) So, lunch.
RORY: (Occupied with other thoughts) What about it?
NATE: Want to meet for lunch today?
RORY: Oh. Umm, I can’t today. I was thinking of spending most of the day at the Met. You know how I love to go there at least once a month - especially now that we’re exclusively living in the city. I didn’t make it out there last month…
NATE: (Notices something odd about Rory’s behavior, but thinks nothing of it) Okay. Well, I guess I’ll see you this evening. (Leans in to give her a kiss)
RORY: You will. (With a subtle smile, she pulls away and watches as Nate walks out the door).
Scene fades.
EXT. CRAP SHACK — MONDAY — MID-MORNING
Scene opens on a taxi on the driveway. As the camera angle turns, we see Rory in the backseat paying the driver. After examining her surrounding, she gets out of the taxi and runs across the yard and up the stairs.
RORY: (Making sure no one is around, she knocks on the door and whispers to herself) Please be home.
The door opens.
LORELAI: (Gasps and holds her chest when she sees who it is) Oh my god! Rory!
RORY: Shh.
LORELAI: (Frowns) Why “Shh”?
RORY: (Quickly steps inside) Thought I saw Babette outside. I don’t want anyone to see me!
LORELAI: (Curiously looks outside — then closes the door behind them) Why not?
Rory is comfortable now that they’re inside.
RORY: Never mind. (Grins and throws her arms in the air to hug her mother) Hi mom!
LORELAI: (Chuckles but wears a curious smile) Hi. What are you doing here? I wasn’t expecting you guys till Thursday. (Tilts her head) Where’s Nate?
RORY: (Wears a nervous smile) He’s in New York.
LORELAI: (Confused) Rory…
RORY: (Cuts her off by turning around) Where’s that adorable brother of mine? (Makes her way to the kitchen)
LORELAI: (Follows her) He’s spending the morning with Luke at the diner. (Curiously) How did you know I was home and not at the inn?
RORY: I called and Michel said you had today off.
LORELAI: Ah, sneaky. (Stands by the counter) Coffee?
RORY: (As she takes off her jacket and takes a seat at the table) Yes, please.
LORELAI: (Watches Rory as she pours some coffee into two mugs) So…
RORY: So.
LORELAI: (Hands Rory her mug and takes a seat next to her) Are you going to tell me the reason for this surprise visit?
RORY: (With a forced smile) I missed my family and had to see them right away?
LORELAI: (With an equally forced smile) That’s sweet. (Quickly turns her expression to genuine concern) Honey, what’s going on?
RORY: (Takes a sip from her mug and sighs) I got a letter from HR. They’re not renewing my contract at the New York Times.
LORELAI: (Sympathetically) Oh, Rory. I’m sorry to hear that.
RORY: It makes sense… I mean, with the hiring freeze and questionable economy, it’s understandable most establishments are waiting for contracts to end. But I really thought I had it, you know? I haven’t spoken to Gus yet. (Looks at her mother and pouts) I can’t believe it’s ending in a month and a half. I have to start looking for a job. I mean, the freelance stuff is great, but it’s not permanent.
LORELAI: What does Nate say?
RORY: (Quickly looks down at her mug) Umm.
LORELAI: Rory? You did tell Nate, didn’t you?
RORY: (Looks up almost guiltily) I haven’t told him anything yet.
LORELAI: Why not?
RORY: In fact, he doesn’t know I’m here. I took the 8:30 train. (Looks at her wristwatch) Have to catch the one at 2:30 so I can be back at the apartment before he returns from work. Can you drop me off at the…
LORELAI: (Immediately responds) Of course. (Pauses for a couple of seconds) I don’t understand why you’re not sharing this with him.
RORY: Mom, trust me, I need to figure this out on my own. I will discuss it with Nate eventually. I have time - still have a month a half left on my contract.
LORELAI: (Confused, she shakes her head) But why aren’t you sharing this with him now? I mean, what’s the reason?
RORY: (Takes a moment and then sighs) I don’t know. I guess I was so certain that I’d be offered a permanent position. I know what you’re thinking, it’s like déjà vu. I was all torn up about not getting the intern program two years ago. But it’s different now; I just need to find a permanent job with no distractions. (Frowns) I never thought I’d be that person…
LORELAI: What person?
RORY: You know, the person who jumps from one job to another. There was always consistency in my life, permanency. I was that girl who could be counted on… if there was such a title in high school, I would’ve been voted the most likely to have a stable career.
LORELAI: Honey…
RORY: I mean, look at how together Nate is… how can someone be so ‘together’. I mean, yes, he’s a few years older — but…
LORELAI: (Stresses) Why are you comparing yourself to Nate?
RORY: (Closes her eyes and shakes her head) Never mind.
LORELAI: (Takes a deep breath. She tilts her head with a sympathetic smile and touches Rory’s arm) Babe, I’m on your side. No matter what you decide, I’m going to support you. You know that. But… I’m still unclear as to why you’re going through these emotions.
RORY: So am I, actually. (Shakes her head again) I’ll figure it out. Don’t worry. (Smiles) Anyway, what are you up to today?
Lorelai is not exactly comfortable changing the topic, but she obliges.
LORELAI: Not much. I was just going through some accounts earlier. Have a bit of shopping to do this afternoon for the party.
RORY: Cool.
LORELAI: We were supposed to have this “emergency” town meeting last Monday, but Taylor canceled it with no explanation. The meeting got moved to today — but I guess he didn’t want to compete with Nicholas’ party, so he moved it to next Monday — the day after the party.
RORY: He didn’t want to compete with a toddler? (Lorelai nods) What’s up with Monday night meetings? What happened to Thursdays?
LORELAI: Have no clue. I think Taylor’s going through some weird phase.
RORY: (Sarcastically) When is he not?
LORELAI: I guess we’re going to discuss this year’s summer festival. It’s all very hush hush right now.
RORY: Intrigue.
LORELAI: Indeed.
RORY: (Gets up from her chair) I need to use the restroom.
LORELAI: (Stays seated) Okay. (As Rory walks away) You’re still driving up on Thursday, right? With Nate?
RORY: (As she disappears around the corner, she raises her voice) Planning on it.
Scene fades on Lorelai’s face.
A few days later…
INT. DRAGONFLY INN — KITCHEN — THURSDAY MORNING
Scene opens with Lorelai in the kitchen chatting with her best friend, Sookie.
LORELAI: (As she plays with the fruit arrangement on the island counter) I have to confirm everything on Friday because it’s tough getting a hold of everyone on the weekend. Ooh, speaking of which, the caterer called about the cake. She needs approval on the design before Saturday.
SOOKIE: (As she chops carrots) I would’ve made the cake for you…
LORELAI: I know, but you’ve been so busy with work and your family.
Michel walks in and interrupts.
MICHEL: (In his oh-so-blunt manner) Hate to intrude, (looks at Lorelai) but you have a visitor.
LORELAI: (Gets excited) Ooh! Is it Rory and Nate?
MICHEL: I said “visitor” not plural. I walked all this way to tell you this. Must I continue to be your personal assistant on top of running the inn? (With a smirk) But I’d love to see the look on your face when you see him, so I’ll stop complaining.
LORELAI: (Frowns) Who is it, Michel?!
MICHEL: (Still wearing a smirk) I believe you were once engaged to him.
SOOKIE: (Confused) Chris?
LORELAI: Max?
MICHEL: (Rolls his eyes) This is painful.
Lorelai looks back at Sookie and then leaves the kitchen.
INT. DRAGONFLY INN — ENTRANCE — SAME TIME
Lorelai walks out to see Max pacing near the entrance of the inn.
LORELAI: (Curiously) Max?
MAX: (Stops pacing and looks up) Lorelai. Good, you’re here. Michel wasn’t clear…
LORELAI: Is everything okay?
MAX: Yeah, yeah, I just wanted to come by and apologize for Friday night. I know everyone saw the tension between Eliza and me…
LORELAI: Oh. Umm, to be honest, we did notice. Well, Luke and I did. (Adds) I’m sure Emily did as well — but I doubt Richard and Arthur saw anything…
MAX: (Sighs) Arthur sure knows now.
Not wanting to pry, Lorelai looks around.
LORELAI: (Gestures at the great room) Would you like to take a seat?
MAX: No, thanks. I just wanted to apologize.
LORELAI: (Tilts her head) Is there anything I can do?
MAX: (Chuckles) Not really. Considering you’re the reason Eliza and I were at odds.
LORELAI: (Taken back) What?
MAX: (Holds up his hands as he realizes how harsh it sounded) Oh no! I don’t mean it that way. It’s me. I’m the reason she was angry. (Lorelai listens carefully) See, I failed to tell my fiancé that we, you and I, were engaged… a long time ago. I know I should’ve told her before dinner last Friday. But I just couldn’t — and it has been so long since we’ve seen each other, I didn’t know how it would be between us. But I made the mistake of not telling Eliza sooner. Instead, she saw something at dinner and asked me about it in the patio. I explained and she was furious that I hadn’t prepared her.
LORELAI: (Not knowing what to say, she rubs her forehead) Oh.
MAX: (Shakes his head) You don’t have to say anything. I just wanted you to know why we were acting strange.
LORELAI: Thanks for explaining. Luke and I were concerned.
MAX: (Winces at the mention of Luke) So… it’s going great? You and Luke?
LORELAI: (A little uncomfortable at the question, she blinks a few times before responding) Yeah, it’s going great. Absolutely wonderful, actually.
MAX: (Nods) Yeah, the two of you look happy. And I’m happy for you.
LORELAI: (Genuinely) Thank you, Max.
Silence takes over for a few moments.
LORELAI: I didn’t know you were staying in town this long.
MAX: (Chuckles nervously) Wasn’t planning on it. (Explains) Eliza and I had a big fight. She decided to visit her sister in New Hampshire. (Shakes his head) I think the engagement is off.
Lorelai starts to feel a ton of drama on her shoulders.
LORELAI: Max, I’m so sorry to hear that. Did she say the engagement was off?
MAX: No, no… she didn’t. But she wanted to get away from me.
LORELAI: (Explains) Usually when women do that, it’s because they want you to follow them.
MAX: What?
LORELAI: (Shakes her head) Well, most of the time… we just do that to see if the guy follows.
MAX: (Makes a face) That’s twisted.
LORELAI: (Sighs) I think you should go after her, Max.
MAX: (Looks at Lorelai) Yeah?
LORELAI: (Nods) Yes.
MAX: (Nods) Okay. Alright. Well, I should get going, then.
LORELAI: (Nods as well and smiles) Okay.
MAX: (Takes a moment to look at her) Take care, Lorelai.
LORELAI: You too, Max.
Max takes a deep breath and turns around to leave.
Lorelai takes a deep breath as well as she watches him leave. And then she turns and heads back to the kitchen.
INT. DRAGONFLY INN KITCHEN — SAME TIME
LORELAI: (As she walks back in) Okay, that was “WEIRD”!
Jackson is now in the kitchen with Sookie.
LORELAI: Oh, hello Jackson.
JAC KSON: (As he sorts the vegetables he just brought in) Hey, Lorelai. What’s weird?
SOOKIE: (Seemingly annoyed at Jackson) None of your business.
LORELAI: Whoa, did I walk in on something?
SOOKIE: Nothing.
JACKSON: (Rolls his eyes) Sure.
SOOKIE: (Curiously looks at Lorelai) So, how weird was it?
LORELAI: Very weird. Max came to apologize about Friday night dinner. He hadn’t told his fiancé that we were engaged at one time.
Jackson is intrigued, but goes about his business.
SOOKIE: uh oh.
LORELAI: (Nods) Yeah, and then he told her and she got angry and ran off to her sister in New Hampshire.
SOOKIE: Ooh.
LORELAI: (Makes a face) It’s almost as if he wanted advice… from me!
SOOKIE: (Gasps) You don’t think he still has a thing for you, do you? Oh! Maybe he wanted to see if there was something there between the two of you.
LORELAI: (Makes a sour face) What? No! (Thinks) Maybe. (Annoyed, she tilts her head) You think so?
SOOKIE: (Shrugs) I don’t know.
LORELAI: (Thinks) He did look at me weird when I told him he should follow Eliza to New Hampshire. Oh no, it did seem as if he asked me permission to go after Eliza. (Makes a disgusted face) What’s wrong with guys?
SOOKIE: (Raises an eye at Jackson) Yeah, what’s wrong with you guys?
JACKSON: (Rolls his eyes again) I’m all done. I’m outta here.
LORELAI: See ya, Jackson! (Just as Jackson exists the kitchen, she looks at Sookie) Is everything okay?
SOOKIE: (Sighs) Oh, it’s nothing. He took his mother’s side on something we were arguing about. It’ll pass.
LORELAI: Okay. (Sees a bowl of fruit in front of her) Ooh, strawberries!
Scene fades.
EXT. CRAP SHACK — THURSDAY AFTERNOON
Scene fades in as Lorelai parks her new blue hybrid SUV in the driveway. In a distance, we see her jeep next to Luke’s green truck. Lorelai walks up to the house.
Luke surprises her by opening the front door from the inside.
LORELAI: (Smiles) Hey.
LUKE: Hey there. Heard the car pull up.
LORELAI: (Walks in) Have you heard from Rory or Nate? They’re late.
LUKE: (Tries to hold in a smirk) Nope. (He closes the door behind them)
LORELAI: (As she walks into the kitchen) Oh, you will never guess who came to see me at the inn today.
LUKE: (Follows her to the kitchen) Who?
Just as Lorelai enters the kitchen.
RORY: (Appearsfrom her old bedroom) Surprise!
LORELAI: (Gasps and holds her chest) Oh my god! You scared me! (Grins and gives her daughter a hug) Rory!
LUKE: (Smiles as he walks up to Nicholas in his highchair) They got here about an hour ago, but Rory wouldn’t let me call you. She wanted it to be a surprise.
LORELAI: A surprise it was. I didn’t see Nate’s car outside.
RORY: I managed to park it in the back so I could surprise you.
LORELAI: Yeah, I’m also surprised Nate let you drive.
NATE: (Appears from Rory’s old bedroom as well) Yep, that’s why we’re late. (Smirks at Rory and turns to her mother) Hey there, Lorelai.
LORELAI: (Smiles) Nate! (She reaches and gives him a hug) So awesome to see you both. Are you hungry? (Looks back at her husband) We should go to the diner.
RORY: (Explains) Actually, we made plans with Rose and Tony this afternoon. In fact, we were going to head out as soon as you arrived. They’re anxious to see us and wanted to meet for lunch. This way, we figured we could spend the whole weekend with you guys.
NATE: (Jokes sarcastically) Yeah, get the Di Luca’s out of the way.
RORY: (Taps him on the arm) It was your idea!
NATE: (Chuckles) No really, besides my parents are off to Atlanta on Saturday.
LORELAI: Say hello to them for me, Nate. I haven’t seen them in a few weeks.
NATE: (Nods) Will do.
RORY: (As she wears a light jacket) Alright, we should go.
Rory gives Lorelai, Luke and Nicholas quick kisses and heads out with Nate.
Lorelai smiles and turns to Luke.
LORELAI: (Smiles) I love having them over.
LUKE: (Nods) Me too. (Adds) Oh, Babette said the oddest thing this morning.
LORELAI: (As she takes a seat next to Nicholas) Oh yeah?
LUKE: Said she’s sorry she missed Rory on Monday. I told her she probably saw someone that looked like Rory.
LORELAI: (With a guilty tone) Oh.
LUKE: (Looks up curiously) What?
LORELAI: I can’t believe she saw her.
LUKE: Rory was here on Monday?
LORELAI: (Nods) No one’s supposed to know. I wanted to tell you, but didn’t know what to think of it myself.
LUKE: (Pulls out a chair) What’s going on?
LORELAI: The New York Times is not renewing her contract.
LUKE: What? Bastards!
LORELAI: I know. And she’s going through some weird phase right now.
LUKE: What does Nate say? He knows the place really well, I’m sure he has contacts.
LORELAI: She hasn’t told him yet.
LUKE: Why not?
LORELAI: That’s what I want to know. But she’s going through something and I want to support her as much as possible without bombarding her with questions.
LUKE: (Nods, but not entirely sure) I’m guessing Nate doesn’t know she showed up here on Monday?
LORELAI: Nope. I guess she just needed someone to talk to.
LUKE: So she traveled 125 miles instead of telling the guy a few feet away from her.
LORELAI: (Sighs) Look, I know it’s messed up… but let’s be there for her, okay?
LUKE: (Nods) Of course. I’ll always be there for her, you know that.
LORELAI: (Smiles and touches his hand) I know.
Scene fades.
And hour or two later…
INT. COURTYARD — DI LUCA MANSION — HARTFORD — THURSDAY AFTERNOON
Scene opens on Rose Di Luca and Rory as they enjoy their coffee in the courtyard. Further away, we see Nate with Tony having a little discussion of their own.
ROSE: (Looks over at the gentlemen) I think the shelter has brought them closer together.
RORY: (Smiles and looks back) Yeah. (Turns around) But they’ve always been pretty close, haven’t they?
ROSE: (Nods) They have. Both Nathan and his brother have very good relationships with their father, but I think Tony had more in common with Jon, you know? And Tony always felt hurt when Nate refused to ask us for help. He wouldn’t say it out loud, but I could always feel it. It was a big step for Nate to admit he needed help with the shelter… (Rory nods, and Rose looks keenly at her) and I know you had a lot to do with it. You’ve been a positive source of energy, Rory, and I thank you.
Rory smiles, but stays quiet.
ROSE: (Continues) I’m not one to put pressure on anyone, dear. And I hope I don’t overstep my boundary, but I really hope you’re in my son’s for a very long time.
Rory is visibly uncomfortable.
ROSE: (Sympathetically) Oh, I’m so sorry. I see that I have overstepped my boundary. I apologize. (Rory shakes her head and chuckles nervously) Let’s move on, shall we? Tell me about your baby brother’s party.
Just then Nate comes over to the table to find Rory a bit flustered. He looks at his mother and back at her… which makes her smooth a few strands of hair behind her ear to stop him from noticing.
NATE: (Catches something in Rory’s eyes) Uh, everything okay?
Rose is now concerned at how flustered Rory is looking.
RORY: Yeah, yeah… everything’s fine. Your mother was just asking about Nicholas’ party.
ROSE: (To help things along, she adds) Yes, I hear it’s going to be a grand event. I’m sorry I won’t be in town for it.
Tony comes over as well to talk to his wife. However, their dialog is secondary as the camera pans over to Rory and Nate.
TONY: Rose, did you get a confirmation e-mail about our tickets?
Scene fades as Rory looks down at her coffee to avoid Nate’s eyes.
Later that night…
INT. CRAP SHACK KITCHEN — LATE THURSDAY NIGHT
Scene opens on Rory (in her pajamas) at the table with her laptop. She seems to be occupied with something on the screen. As the camera angle turns and zooms in on the laptop screen, we see that it’s a job search website. Rory’s looking at a Editorialist Position at the Houston Chronicle.
After a few moments of reading, she sighs and turns off her laptop. She gets up and moves to her bedroom…
INT. RORY’S OLD BEDROOM
Rory is ready to turn in. Nate is already in bed reading a book. Rory closes the door behind her and walks over to the full-size bed.
RORY: (As she pulls out the hair band and lets her hair fall in her shoulders, she complains) I’m so tired.
NATE: (Closes the book and looks at her as she gets in bed) Yeah, been a long day. (Asks) Hey, do you mind if I make a trip to the Courant tomorrow?
RORY: Oh, not at all. I would go with you, but promised mom I’d help with the party stuff.
NATE: No problem, I’ll tell everyone you said hi.
RORY: Thanks. (Turns, gives him a kiss and turns back to go to sleep) Goodnight. (She reaches up and turns off the lamp as Nate watches her).
Clearly wondering about Rory’s behavior, Nate reaches over Rory and turns the lamp back on. This makes her turn around and quizzically look at him.
RORY: Oh, were you still reading? Sorry.
NATE: (Shakes his head as he sets the book on the night table) No. What’s going on with you?
RORY: (Forces a look of confusion) What do you mean?
NATE: You’ve been acting weird today.
RORY: (With a blank stare) I have?
NATE: (Sternly as he props his head on the palm of his hand) Rory?
RORY: (Dismisses it) Nothing’s up, Nate. I’m just tired. That’s all.
A little aggravated, she turns to go back to sleep.
Not wanting her to go to bed annoyed, he places an arm around her waist and cuddles her by placing his face against hers and softly continues.
NATE: Hey, you’d tell me if there’s anything, right?
Rory nods. Nate kisses her forehead.
Feeling secure in his arms, she tightens his grasp by pulling him closer. With her other arm, she reaches and turns off the light.
Scene fades.
A couple of days later…
EXT. STARS HOLLOW — TOWN SQUARE — SUNDAY AFTERNOON
Scene opens on a wide angle of the town square. Many townies including children are scattered throughout the square. As the camera pans across, a distressed Kirk is seen wearing a blindfold trying to play tag with some of the children. The camera follows him until he runs into the railing of the gazebo and falls flat on his back.
The Lala’s softly play in the background as the camera zooms in on a small group of people surrounding little Nicholas. He is seated at a big round table with his mother, father and grandma on his side. It seems the cake has already been cut and enjoyed and Nicholas proudly wears the frosting on his face to prove it.
LORELAI: (With a wipe, tries to clean the frosting off Nicholas’ nose and cheeks) Oh, look at you. You’re definitely going to be bouncing off the walls this evening.
LUKE: (As he organizes the presents on the table) And then he’ll crash around 6 P.M. And you know what that means.
LORELAI: (To her husband) One of us will be up very early tomorrow morning.
EMILY: (Admires the scene with Nicholas and Lorelai) Do you have a spare outfit with you? I think he has some frosting on his polo shirt…
LORELAI: I’m not going to change his clothes, mom. He’ll only get it dirtier. Besides, it’s just a bit of frosting. (Wipes most of it off) There.
EMILY: (Looks around and spots Richard, Nate and Rory a few feet away) How long have they been together?
LORELAI: (Looks up to see who she’s talking about) Rory and Nate? Oh, almost a year, I think.
EMILY: (Curiously) It must be longer. It has to be… it feels as if they’ve been together for much longer.
LORELAI: It does, but nope — I think they started dating around the same week Nicholas was born.
Luke is amused by their conversation.
Scene cuts to Richard, Nate and Rory.
The three characters are standing a few feet away from Nicholas chatting away about world events.
RICHARD: And what about that China? You know, they own us now.
NATE: (Chuckles) Well, at the risk of sounding unpatriotic, and I’m not… we had it coming. All the big spending and living beyond our means had to come back to haunt us.
RORY: (Adds) Naturally.
RICHARD: Oh, I agree. (Spots Patty and Babette walking toward them) Patricia!
MS. PATTY: Richard, you hunk!
RICHARD: (Chuckles heartily) I was wondering when I’d run into you. (Looks over at Babette) Hello Babette.
BABETTE: Hey there, Richard. (Looks over at Rory and Nate) Rory, sugar, how are you?!
RORY: (Nods) Hello Babette and Ms. Patty.
MS. PATTY: (Gives Nate a once over) I see you’ve brought your wonderful boyfriend.
NATE: (Amused, he nods) Hello Patty.
RICHARD: (Leans in and softly exclaims to Nate) What a charming woman.
BABETTE: (Taps Rory’s arm) Doll, I was so sure I saw you in Stars Hollow last Monday. (Nate curiously looks at Rory as she stands there frozen) Oh, my eyesight is going to the dogs! But I was sure I saw you in a taxi driving by Doose’s — but Luke mentioned it wasn’t you — so it must’ve been someone else.
RORY: N-no… (Chuckles to hide her lie) it wasn’t me, Babette. (Nate starts to wonder)
BABETTE: (Looks at Richard and Patty) I swear, I seem to be hallucinating in my old age, too. Last month, I thought I saw George Clooney crossing the street by the diner.
MS. PATTY: Ooh la la! Not a bad thing to hallucinate about, Babette.
Richard, Patty and Babette start to laugh as Rory (with a subtle smile) looks at Nate — to find him occupied with his own thoughts.
Everyone gets interrupted by Lorelai…
LORELAI: (Walks over to the small group) Hey there… I think we’re ready to open presents!
RICHARD: (Quickly turns) The best part… (Starts to follow Lorelai)
Patty and Babette follow Richard. Rory and Nate stay behind.
RORY: (Cautiously looks at him) Nate?
NATE: (Still processing his thoughts) I think we need to talk. (Adds) Later… not now.
RORY: Nate…
NATE: (Evidently disturbed by something) I don’t exactly know what we need to talk about, but I know a talk is necessary. (Looks at the group of people gathering around Nicholas) We should join them.
Nate walks over to the group. A couple of seconds later, Rory follows him.
Scene fades.
A few hours later…
INT. CRAP SHACK LIVING ROOM— SUNDAY EVENING (Around 7 P.M.)
Scene opens on a big pile of unwrapped gifts in the corner next to the stairs. Lala’s are playing in the background as the camera pans across the room to find Nicholas in the arms of Richard (who now has his bow-tie around Nicholas’ forehead). Richard and Emily are seated in the couch; Nate is comfortable on the ottoman while Lorelai sits across from her parents.
RICHARD: (Chuckles as Nicholas plays with Richard’s moustache) Your son is strangely fascinated with his grandfather’s facial hair, Lorelai.
LORELAI: I think everyone is, dad.
Luke and Rory arrive in the living room with snacks and coffee.
RORY: (Hands Emily a mug) Here you go, grandma.
EMILY: Thank you, Rory.
RICHARD: (To Nate) What time are you planning on heading back to New York, Nate?
NATE: Early tomorrow morning.
Lorelai comes around and picks up Nicholas as he starts to yawn.
LORELAI: Awe, are ready to snooze? Yeah? (To everyone) I’m going to get him ready for bed, guys. (To Nicholas) Say goodnight to everyone?
EMILY: (Smiles up at her grandson) Goodnight, Nicholas.
RICHARD: Sweet dreams, dear child.
Lorelai takes Nicholas upstairs.
Luke hands Richard his coffee.
LUKE: (Turns to Nate) Nate, coffee?
NATE: No thanks, Luke. I’m good.
Rory turns around to smile at her man, but it’s unrequited. Instead, Nate gestures for her to follow him.
EMILY: (To Luke) When is April coming to visit, Luke?
RICHARD: Oh yes, when? I miss playing chess with the young lady.
Nate and Rory excuse themselves and make their way outside — to the porch.
EXT. CRAP SHACK — A FEW MOMENTS LATER
Rory follows Nate outside. She closes the front door halfway and turns around to face him.
NATE: (Leaning against the railing, he crosses his arms) You weren’t at the Met last Monday, were you?
RORY: (Takes a deep breath) No, I wasn’t. I was here.
NATE: (Confused, he shakes his head) Why did you lie to me?
RORY: (Looks down) Because I didn’t want you to know why I was coming up here.
NATE: (Concerned, he takes a few steps closer and places his hands on her waist) You could’ve just told me you were coming up here…
RORY: I know.
NATE: I don’t understand why you lied — or why you’ve been acting weird the past few days.
RORY: (Sighs and looks up at him) They’re not renewing my contract.
NATE: What? (Subtly chuckles) This is why you’ve been acting weird?
RORY: (Shakes her head) Nate, you don’t understand…
NATE: (With a smile) Rory, you know most contracts aren’t being renewed this year — but you know you can talk to Gus. He’ll fix things.
RORY: (Pulls away) I already met with Gus on Wednesday. He said his hands were tied and couldn’t do anything. He was really sorry…
NATE: I know you won’t like it, but do you want me to speak with him?
RORY: (Holds up her hand) No, I don’t. Thanks, but I don’t think there’s anything anyone can do.
NATE: (Shakes his head) I’m sorry, Rory. (Steps closer to her) It’s okay though, we’ll start looking for jobs.
RORY: (Steps away and walks to the railing — Nate turns around to follow her) I’ve had some time to think about it, and I think I’ve figured it out.
NATE: Oh yeah? (Supportively looks down at her and smiles) Well, spill, Gilmore.
RORY: (Brushes her hair back nervously) I’ve found a lot of positions online. (Nate nods) Uh, most of them aren’t in New York.
NATE: Did you find any postings in the city?
RORY: (Shakes her head) Actually, I didn’t find anything in the city.
NATE: Well then, we’ll keep looking.
RORY: (Blurts out) I think I need to move back home.
NATE: (Taken back) What?
RORY: What if I find a job in… in Texas or something?
NATE: We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. Why do you need to move back here?
RORY: Nate, I don’t think you understand. I can’t have any distractions. I can’t let anything hold me back…
The volume of their voices gradually increases.
NATE: (Confused) You think I’m going to hold you back? What the…
RORY: No! That’s not what I meant. I know that I’m going to factor you in no matter what, and then I will never reach my potential.
NATE: (Shakes his head) That’s a load of bull crap, and you know it.
Camera quickly switches to the interior as Lorelai walks down the stairs. The Danes’ and elder Gilmores look at each other as they hear Rory and Nate outside.
Camera switches back to the exterior.
RORY: The Courant may take me back — and then I’d have to move to Hartford.
NATE: (Slightly louder than before) Again, we’ll cross that bridge when and if we get to it! (Sighs) You know you can look for jobs from New York, right? The search engines are just as good in New York as in Stars Hollow. (Aggravated) Rory, what the hell are you doing!?
Rory is taken back by how aggravated he is, but he quickly calms down.
NATE: I don’t understand your reasoning.
RORY: (Desperately, as her eyes start to water) Nate, trust me on this… I think this is the only way I’m going to reach my potential. By doing things on my own. I’ve always gotten stuff because I had connections — and that’s exactly the opposite of what I’ve wanted all my life. You’re the reason I even got the gig at the New York Times. And now I want to get something on my own…
NATE: (Rubs his forehead) I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that it’s possible for you to achieve something on your own while living in New York… (adds) with me. But I guess you’ve already made up your mind.
After a few moments of silence…
NATE: (Shakes his head and turns) I have to get out of here.
RORY: (Shouts after him) Nate!
Nate walks into the darkness as Rory watches with tears streaming down her face. She hears someone near the door. She looks over and finds Lorelai standing there with sympathetic eyes.
A few hours later…
INT. CRAP SHACK LIVING ROOM — SUNDAY NIGHT
Luke is in the living room opening a bottle of beer when Lorelai emerges from the darkly lit kitchen.
LUKE: (Softly as his wife approaches him) How is she?
LORELAI: (Softly responds) I think she cried herself to sleep. (Looks up at the clock) It’s almost mid-night, where is he?
LUKE: (Takes a sip of his beer) I’m sure he’s still walking around town. He did have a lot to process.
LORELAI: (Sighs) He sure did.
LUKE: (Gestures towards the stairs) Go to bed, I’ll wait up for him.
LORELAI: Are you sure?
LUKE: (Nods) It was a long day, you’re probably tired.
LORELAI: (Tilts her head and pouts) I am. (Sighs) I hope everything works out for both of them.
LUKE: It will.
LORELAI: (Smiles and reaches up to him a kiss) Goodnight, babe.
LUKE: Night.
Luke watches as Lorelai moves up the stairs.
A few minutes later…
EXT. CRAP SHACK PORCH — AFTER MIDNIGHT
Scene opens on Luke sitting at the top of the stairs. He takes a deep breath trying to keep himself from dozing off, but the sound of someone walking towards him makes him look up. It’s Nate.
LUKE: (Still seated) Hey there.
NATE: (Stops a few feet away from him) Are you waiting up for me? (Luke nods) Sorry, man. I just…
LUKE: (Shakes his head and looks down at the empty bottle of beer) No need to apologize.
NATE: (Takes a seat on the steps on the other end of the stairs) I just needed to take a long walk.
LUKE: (Nods) I understand.
NATE: But after a couple of laps around town, I ended up in your diner. Caesar humored me by listening to my rants about corporate greed and investment bankers.
LUKE: Good rants, I’m sure.
NATE: But then he kicked me around eleven o’clock. (Looks at Luke) I’ve never been kicked out of a diner before.
LUKE: (Amused) How does it feel?
NATE: (Looks ahead and thinks) Not as good as getting kicked out of a bar.
After a few seconds of silence, Nate reaches into his pocket and pulls out a tiny box.
LUKE: (Realizes what it is and is shocked at the revelation) Whoa!
NATE: Yep, I’m lousy with timing.
LUKE: Does Rory know?
NATE: (Shakes his head) No, I was going to ask next Saturday. (Instead of opening the box, he examines the exterior) It would’ve been a year.
LUKE: (Sympathizes with him) Look, you don’t know that it’s over… You should still ask her.
NATE: (Chuckles) So what? She goes through a crisis, and I step in with a proposal to make it all go away? We both know it doesn’t work that way, Luke.
LUKE: No, it doesn’t, but…
NATE: (Gets on his feet and cuts him off) I should turn in.
LUKE: (Nods) Night.
Nate nods and walks inside, leaving Luke to process all the drama that had occurred on the day of his son’s first birthday.
Scene fades.
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Please take a bit of time to let me know what you think of the mini-series so far. I’d really appreciate it.
As you may have already noticed, there won’t be any ‘next week’ previews for this series. However, there will be a lot more promo ads and other goodies on my LiveJournal. Please check link in the author profile.
Big thanks to dragonfly and damselfly for proofreading in flash speed. If there are any errors at all, it's my fault for taking on a project amidst a busy schedule. Speaking of which, the updates won't be as quick as I had hoped. I hope you forgive me.
Thanks for reading.
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