Title: Season 4 as it should be
Author(s): Jewls13 and Stew Pid
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: Everything up until the end of season 3. Jess left, Luke went on the cruse, Lorelai and Sookie bought the Dragonfly, Rory went to Yale....Like I said, everything until the end of season 3.
Summary: Life goes on. And so do we. Just how we do it...??With some mystery. As the Gilmore gang begins to settle back into normalcy, they discover how strongly the past is a present force to contend with.
A/N: Ok. So I was making dinner one night and bitching to my mother of all people, how I thought season 3 has gone downhill and how I have little hope for season 4. I started rattling off some ideas as to what I-the all mightily bum, would do if I were in control. So my mother, in her last attempt to get to me to shut up, told me what she always tells me when I get like that-"Write it." But I know my limitations and so I set out to find people to help me do justice to this crazy idea that I had in my head. I found a whole bunch.
Special Thanks:
Stew Pid, one of the best writers I've ever had the honor of working with. My co-writer and my very good friend. She's awesome and without her, nothing would be possible.
Nicolle (Someone) unfortunately isn't a co-writer anymore, but she did such a great job with writing and story boarding, that in our hearts, she still is one.
Marissa (Avid) has been our personal cheerleader since the beginning, and without her, I probably would have given up ten times over.
Cinn (Cinnamon572), my little freelancer, who crosses the line in the sand and always finds time to help me out and pick up the slack when I'm blocked.
Raven who does such a great job of betaing and making this look as pretty as it does.
Special thanks to the people over at F4F for giving me a place to rant and inspiring me. Especially the guys at the Trory board for creating a little lit corner on their sites for me.
With their help and talent, we'll hopefully be able to take the mess that's in my head and turn it into an alternate version of Season 4.
My god, what have we gotten ourselves into.
At the end of each chapter, I'll try to list the songs that I use in the next chapter. If you could find a way to DL them, or even just look up the lyrics that'd be cool. Music inspires me, and I pick each song for a reason. The chapter titles are all songs that, I think, fit the chapter.
Disclaimer: I don't own any character that has ever appeared on Gilmore Girls. They belong to Amy Sherman Pallidino. I do however, own any and all characters in this fic that don't appear on Gilmore Girls.
Chapter 1: Lorelai and Sookie struggle to get the new inn on ground. Meanwhile in other parts of Connecticut, Rory handles life with Yale and dinner with the grandparents. Back in Stars Hollow Luke faces the proposition of making room in his life for Nicolle...but really, this chapter is about Kirk.
Chapter One: Wide-Open Spaces
INT. NEW HAVEN
Rory is sleeping in her dorm room. She wakes up to the sound of the phone ringing. She fumbles for the clock and looks at the time. It is 7:30. She reaches over and picks up.
RORY: Hello?
LORELAI: Hey, sweets.
RORY: What do you want?
LORELAI: Uh, to talk.
RORY: It's 7:30.
LORELAI: But I have to go to work and you have to go to class.
RORY: Not until 12.
LORELAI: So?
RORY: So the benefit of having class at 12 is that you can sleep in a little.
LORELAI: But you have that review session tonight if I remember correctly, and so I won't get to talk to you later.
RORY: I had the review session last night.
LORELAI: Oh.
RORY: And I had to do homework until 5 so you just woke me up from REM sleep and I am really grumpy right now.
LORELAI: Tell me about it.
RORY: (nicer) I promise I'll call you later, but right now I need to get some sleep.
LORELAI: But I need to talk..
RORY: Call me later.
LORELAI: But I have all of these great conversation topics fresh in my mind now. If I call you later, I'll forget them.
RORY: Give me one.
LORELAI: Well, uh...the dude, with the hair, and the face was...walking yesterday.
RORY: To the envy of Stars Hollow's faceless, stationary community.
LORELAI: He...used to be in a wheelchair! It was a big scandal. One day he was crippled, the next the was jogging around the town square. Everyone's talking about it. Alien forces are undoubtedly at work!
RORY: Do you honestly expect me to believe that?
LORELAI: Maybe?
RORY: I need to go.
LORELAI: (sighs dramatically) Okay. Sleep well.
RORY: Bye.
Rory hangs up the phone and crawls back under the covers when the phone begins to ring again. She groans and picks it up
RORY: What?
LORELAI: (in a gruff voice) Hello? Is this the Pizza Factory? I need a large order with everything.
Rory hangs up and collapses back into bed. The phone rings again. Rory moans and smacks it on the floor.
Opening Credits
INT. LUKE'S DINERLorelai enters. Nicole comes down from upstairs.
NICOLE: I'll see you later.
LUKE: Let me pour you some coffee to go.
NICOLE: (shortly) No. I've gotta run. Call me later.
LORELAI: Bye.
Nicole looks a her and smiles faintly, scowling once again as she leaves.
LORELAI: What was that about?
LUKE: I don't know. Try to figure out a woman.
LORELAI: Women tend to do that really well. What happened?
LUKE: She stayed over last night and normally, you know, I have to open up so I get up earlier and she gets up a little later. This morning she overslept, and I was busy down here so I didn't notice. Now she has to rush home and get ready before she goes to work and she'll probably be a little late. She's a little obsessive about punctuality, I guess. I have to say, I normally admire that in a woman.
LORELAI: You mean when she stays over here she has to go back home in the morning?
LUKE: She does have to get ready for work, you know.
LORELAI: Why can't she do that here?
LUKE: Her stuff's in her place.
LORELAI: That's a little inconvenient, don't you think?
LUKE: Well, what do you want me to do?
LORELAI: You could be the gentleman and crash at her place once in a while.
LUKE: The diner opens at 6:00 which means I have to be here before. Remember?
LORELAI: Point taken. She couldn't move some of her stuff here?
LUKE: What are you saying? She should move in?
LORELAI: Well, that's not exactly what I was thinking, but...
LUKE: 'Cause I think she's been hinting.
LORELAI: Hinting?
LUKE: Yeah. She'll say stuff like that.
LORELAI: Like what?
LUKE: Like 'I don't have my stuff here. It would be easier if I could move in.'
LORELAI: See, that's not so much hinting anymore.
LUKE: Well, then she'll add "some of my things."
LORELAI: Huh. Sending subliminal messages. She's good.
LUKE: So you think we should?
LORELAI: That's not my shot to call. But I guess it wouldn't be unheard of.
LUKE: She can't move in. There's no room up there. I can barely live there myself.
LORELAI: Well, it wouldn't be the first time that place has held more than just you.
LUKE: (ignoring) And you know how you women have so much stuff. Clothes, makeup, hair dryers, those porcelain dolls and stuffed animals...
LORELAI: Yes, all women have that vast collection of porcelain dolls and stuffed animals. And we take it with us everywhere, and we make our boyfriends learn the names of each one of them.
LUKE: There's just no space up there.
LORELAI: If you say so.
LUKE: I do.
LORELAI: Okay.
LUKE: Stop.
LORELAI: Stop what?
LUKE: Stop that.
LORELAI: Oh, right. That.
LUKE: I can't imagine why she would want to move in here anyway. She's been complaining about noises.
LORELAI: Well, Luke, a Tums before you go to bed might help with that.
LUKE: Funny. No, she says she hears stuff at night. Rattling noises or something.
LORELAI: Maybe you have mice.
LUKE: I don't know. Strange stuff has been happening. Last night there was a half-full carton of milk in the fridge. This morning, it's empty. Nicole doesn't drink milk.
LORELAI: That's not mice, though.
LUKE: Maybe rats.
LORELAI: Mutant rats.
LUKE: You never know.
LORELAI: Uh, yeah. You know, I think I'm going to finally try Al's Pancakes today. See ya'.
Lorelai leaves. Luke watches her go, smiles, and shakes his head.
INT. YALE CLASSROOMRory walks into class. She looks around, trying to decide where to sit. The students are filing in, waiting for the professor to come. A young man, with short disheveled hair, wearing a T-shirt reading 'Descartes was here (so he thinks)' and sweat pants comes in and up to her.
YOUNG MAN: Have you ever realized the complexities of seating arrangements on the first few days of class?
RORY: (startled) excuse me?
YOUNG MAN: Yeah, it's an entire unspoken world of fierce competition. Near-blind people and ass-kissers fight for first row seats (nods his head to indicate those students), non-majors and sleep-deprived kids pray for the safety of back seats (turns her attention to those students), and frat guys attempt "surround-and-capture" techniques on sorority girls (points to those people). The worst part is that you have to weigh all your options in a span of about 5 seconds while you pretend to look for the first available seat.
Rory smiles
RORY: I actually had decided on somewhere in this area
She indicates the middle
YOUNG MAN: (Smiling) Ahh, safe choice. Mind if I join you?
RORY: Not at all.
They sit down. Rory smiles awkwardly and searches for something to say.
RORY: So Professor Kopka seems to take the whole fashionably late thing really seriously.
YOUNG MAN: (laughs) But his lateness is about as out of fashion as one of Elizabeth I's dresses.
RORY: (laughs) I still kind of like the one with all the eye-embroidery.
YOUNG MAN: Promise me you'll wear a copy to class next time and I promise I'll get Professor Kopka here on time. He's my mentor, actually.
RORY: Really?
YOUNG MAN: He's at least a half-hour late to all of our appointments, but he's really great.
Rory is about to say something, someone calls out from further back in the room
SOMEONE: Hey, Oliver. We saved you a seat.
OLIVER: (to Rory) They can barely breathe without me. Sleep-deprived numskulls. (Rory smiles) I'll catch up with you later.
RORY: Okay.
Oliver gets up and proceeds to the group he was called to. Rory frowns in disappointment.
INT. DRAGONFLY INNLorelai goes to the kitchen. Sookie is cleaning a mess.
LORELAI: Don't tell me you did it again.
SOOKIE: Well, I thought I'd make lunch for the workers again, but I just can't get used to this kitchen. I'm supposed to be able to move around it with my eyes closed.
LORELAI: But before you can do that, you're supposed to actually look at it.
SOOKIE: There's supposed to be a counter there.
LORELAI: No. There was supposed to be a counter at the Independence and there was one. This is a different place. You have to respect its individuality. If a chef and her kitchen don't get along, what have you got?
SOOKIE: Butterscotch sauce on the floor.
LORELAI: Now say you're sorry to the kitchen and let's move on.
SOOKIE: I'm sorry, kitchen.
LORELAI: 'Atta girl.
SOOKIE: So, what's up?
LORELAI: Ugh. Too much. The floors are all uneven. Had to complain about that. And then I keep getting all these calls while the drills are roaring and Floyd is yelling in my ear about veneer so much that I'm actually rhyming my sentences with it.
SOOKIE: Here have some of this. It will make you feel better.
LORELAI: (tastes and makes a face) That was supposed to make me feel better? I think you're in pregnant mode.
SOOKIE: Oh no, it must be the wine.
LORELAI: Yes, you shouldn't be drinking when you're pregnant.
SOOKIE: I didn't have the wine. You had the wine.
LORELAI: I feel a tingling, but not the tingling you get after a nice glass of wine. More like the tingling you get after a nice three bottles of wine, right before you go worshipping the porcelain goddess.
SOOKIE: I know. See, I usually add a little Merlot for the marinating, but I got a 3 dollar bottle of wine from Taylor's instead because, well, you know, I had run out of the Merlot and, well...
LORELAI: Honey, it's fine. I get it. Times are tight for you, too, huh?
SOOKIE: We're managing.
LORELAI: I'm sorry I dragged you into this.
SOOKIE: You didn't drag me. We both wanted this. And if it weren't for this, I'd be unemployed right now after what happened with the Independence.
LORELAI: You're still unemployed. We're spending money and we're not making any. I'm going to have to start making money in other ways.
SOOKIE: Jackson's been doing some side jobs. Some carpentry stuff. Maybe I could find a side job.
LORELAI: No, Sookie. You guys will be fine.
SOOKIE: What about you?
LORELAI: I can do some odd jobs. Maybe clean out some rain-gutters.
SOOKIE: (chuckles) Lorelai.
LORELAI: Everything will be fine. Just keep doing what you're doing.
SOOKIE: Spilling butterscotch sauce on the floor?
LORELAI: Well, don't waste it on that meat. But please get to know this kitchen.
INT. LUKE'S DINERKirk comes in and walks to the counter.
LUKE: What can I get you, Kirk?
KIRK: Do you think it's odd for a grown man to still be living with his mother?
LUKE: If your question is, do I think you're odd, then yes, I do.
KIRK: Well, apparently, so does my mother. She kicked me out.
Luke laughs. He meets Kirk's eye and stop. In gruff voice.
LUKE: Oh. Sorry to hear that.
KIRK: I need a place to stay.
LUKE: You can always go to the Inn.
KIRK: It burned down.
LUKE: The other Inn.
KIRK: It's not open yet.
LUKE: Go see if they have a room ready. You'll pay less for it.
KIRK: How will I sleep with all that noise?
LUKE: I don't know. Nyquil, a valium, whatever works.
KIRK: My mother used to make me warm milk. Knocked me out like a light.
LUKE: If it helps, I can knock you out.
KIRK: Have they completed the asbestos removal?
LUKE: I don't know.
KIRK: How do they rank among other inns?
LUKE: Among other un-open inns, they rank very well.
KIRK: Can't I just stay here?
LUKE: Did Lorelai put you up to this?
KIRK: What?
LUKE: Never mind. The answer is no.
KIRK: I could sleep on the floor.
LUKE: No.
KIRK: In the bathtub.
LUKE: God, no.
KIRK: I'm small; maybe a cupboard.
LUKE: That's where I tend to keep food.
KIRK: The counter.
LUKE: People eat off of that.
KIRK: I'm a surprisingly clean person.
LUKE: The answer is no.
KIRK: Fine. It's been warm these past few days. I guess I could live on the streets. I did hear it might rain tomorrow, but the body is 90 water anyway.
LUKE: Glad you thought of something.
Kirk walks to the door about to leave. He pauses waiting for Luke's sympathy to kick in. Luke says nothing. He leaves. Luke sighs and goes to the kitchen.
INT. DRAGONFLYLorelai is at the desk crunching numbers. Michel gruffly walks up to the desk
LORELAI: Well, well, well.
MICHEL: Shut up.
LORELAI: What are you doing here?
MICHEL: This place is a dump. Do I have bugs crawling on me?
LORELAI: Yes, you do, Michel.
MICHEL: Really?
LORELAI: Just saw one crawl right up your ass.
MICHEL: I was beginning to miss your wit. I don't know what got into me.
LORELAI: Well, Michel, it's nice of you to stop by and visit. Would you like a tour?
MICHEL: As much as I'd hate to sit and chat in this rat-infested place, I'm afraid I'm not here to visit.
LORELAI: (mock shocked) Really?
MICHEL: I need a job.
LORELAI: (amused) You don't say.
MICHEL: After the Independence closed I figured I could easily get a job at another inn, perhaps in Hartford, away from you. But, it turns out no one is looking for a concierge.
LORELAI: So, take another job.
MICHEL: (matter-of-factly) I refuse to work any lower than a concierge.
LORELAI: So, you came here.
MICHEL: I assure you it was a last resort.
LORELAI: I'm so touched.
MICHEL: I understand that you have no money and no workers.
LORELAI: Well, with an attitude like that...
MICHEL: Please! I haven't been able to buy my Herbal Essences Body Wash in three weeks! I've been forced to resort to... (cringes) a generic brand.
LORELAI: Wow, you are desperate.
MICHEL: You have no idea.
LORELAI: Well, I'm sorry, Michel, but we're not open yet, hence, we have no positions. We're not making any money and I can't afford to put you on the payroll because I'm not even on the payroll.
MICHEL: You couldn't work something out to help out an old friend. Come on, Lorelai. After all we've been through.
LORELAI: Despite all we've been through, I'd really like to help you, but I just can't.
MICHEL: You lie. You're relishing this moment.
LORELAI: Maybe just a little. Michel, if anything comes up, I'll let you know, but right now, there's nothing I can do.
MICHEL: Very well. But mark my words, I shall remember this day.
He turns briskly and leaves. Sookie enters.
SOOKIE: Was that Michel?
LORELAI: Uh, yeah.
SOOKIE: Oh, I missed him. What's he been up to?
LORELAI: Apparently, watching too many soap operas.
INT. DOOSE'S MARKETKirk is following Taylor around.
KIRK: Please.
TAYLOR: No. You have no credit, no money for a down payment.
KIRK: So I won't rent an apartment. I'll borrow one.
TAYLOR: You can't do that.
KIRK: I need a place to stay. I don't even have a car to live out of. I've been camping out in the gazebo for almost a week.
TAYLOR: You can't camp out in the gazebo. It's town property. You need permits and authorization, and even if you had that, it's still not registered as an allowable campground.
KIRK: So that's a no on the apartment.
Lorelai is having tea with Mrs. Kim.
LORELAI: So. How's Lane?
MRS KIM: Fine.
LORELAI: Does she like her school?
MRS KIM: It's a very good school.
Lorelai; I'm sure it is. Does she like it?
MRS KIM: I just said it's a very good school.
LORELAI: Well, yes, I know. But I was asking if she liked it.
MRS KIM: If it's a good school, why wouldn't she like it? A good school means she learns many things. What else would she go to school for?
LORELAI: Okay, well, that's great, Mrs. Kim.
MRS KIM: How is Rory?
LORELAI: She's great. Yale is a good school, too.
MRS KIM: Yes. But why didn't she go to Harvard?
LORELAI: She decided she liked Yale better.
MRS KIM: Hmm. So why are you here?
LORELAI: Just thought since our daughters are best friends and now they're away at college...
MRS KIM: Lane is not away. Lane is here.
LORELAI: Yes, I know. But she's in college, working hard, learning many things. She probably doesn't have as much time as she used to, you know, to be around the store, helping you with things.
MRS KIM: Yes. That is true.
LORELAI: You know, I just has a flash.
MRS KIM: You should go to the doctor. It's too early for you. You're so young. Why are you so young with a daughter in college?
LORELAI: Uh, Mrs. Kim, flash, focus. What I meant was, I just was thinking, maybe I could help you around here.
MRS KIM: What do you know about antiques?
LORELAI: If you break it, you buy it.
MRS KIM: That's good.
LORELAI: And I'd be cheap.
MRS KIM: You mean you want pay?
LORELAI: You paid Lane, didn't you?
MRS KIM: Yes. With food, clothes, shelter.
LORELAI: See, I'd be a whole lot cheaper than that.
MRS KIM: What happened to the Inn?
LORELAI: We're still working on it.
MRS KIM: What happens when it opens?
LORELAI: I find you a cheap replacement.
MRS KIM: I will think about it. I must go back to work. (gets up.)
LORELAI: Uh, okay. Thanks for your time, Mrs. Kim.
Mrs. Kim leaves. Lorelai takes a sip of tea, remembers it's tea, gags, and gets up to go.
INT. GILMORE HOUSELorelai is returning home. Kirk is at her doorstep.
LORELAI: Hey, Kirk. What are you doing here?
KIRK: Oh. I'm just delivering the mail. 'Cause it's my job.
LORELAI: That's nice.
KIRK: Yep. I may be homeless, but I'm employed.
LORELAI: Look at that. We're polar opposites. I hope you find somewhere.
KIRK: Taylor wouldn't rent me an apartment. Anywhere.
LORELAI: Yeah, apparently he owns half the town.
KIRK: Yes, he does. I tried asking Luke, but he said no.
LORELAI: (smiles) You should ask him again. He was just saying the other day how lonely he's been.
KIRK: Really? You think he'd reconsider?
LORELAI: Absolutely.
KIRK: I'll ask him again.
LORELAI: You do that.
Luke is serving the evening rush. The phone rings.
LUKE: Kirk, for the last time, no. I don't care what Lorelai told you, you cannot stay at my place.
NICOLE: Hey, it's me.
LUKE: Oh, hey. Sorry about that.
NICOLE: It's okay.
LUKE: So, how'd the meeting go? Were you late?
NICOLE: A little bit. My boss gave me hell for it. It was like private school all over again.
LUKE: I'm sorry.
NICOLE: It's not your fault. But it can't happen again tomorrow, so I'm not taking my chances.
LUKE: This isn't about what I said when I first picked up. Because I thought I was talking to Kirk and that's a whole different issue. You're, of course, welcome to come over, stay over, if you like, for the night.
NICOLE: Right. For the night. No, it has nothing to do with that, though it's nice to know I have special privileges. I just think it's safer I stay here, just for tonight. I'll see you tomorrow.
LUKE: Okay. Good night.
Luke hangs up and stands by the phone pensively. He looks around, goes to the kitchen and gets aspirin. Going into the fridge, he takes the pitcher of water and notices the carton of milk beside it.
LUKE: I thought I threw this out.
He picks up the carton, but realizes it is full. He stares at it bewildered, then puts it back and takes the aspirin.
EXT. STARS HOLLOWKirk searches desperately for a place in Stars Hollow to sleep. He heads to the park benches in the Town Square but Taylor has already posted signs, "Kirk, you can't sleep here." He finally finds a niche with a sign-less bench. As he gets closer, he sees a coarse pillow and blanket and adorning the bench. It seems almost like an answered prayer. He lies on the bench, rests his head on the pillow and pulls the blanket over him. Underneath the bench he notices a duffel bag and just as curiosity begins to attract him, a shadow falls on him and he sees a dark figure. Frightened, he screams, grabs the pillow and runs off. He runs to Luke's diner and bangs on the door.
LUKE: (from upstairs out the window) What is it?
KIRK: Someone's trying to kill me.
LUKE: If he needs any help, tell him to let me know.
KIRK: Please, Luke. I have nowhere to go.
Luke looks at him hesitantly, his hard face softening slightly.
LUKE: (relenting) Yeah, whatever. I'll be right down.
Sparks (acoustic) by Coldplay:
Luke sighs and goes downstairs to let Kirk in.
LUKE: You'll sleep on the door in the diner but only for tonight and you have to be out before I get down there. Understood?
KIRK: Fine. Thank you. Thank you.
Luke goes back upstairs. As he enters the apartment, he shivers and notices that he left the window open. He sighs and as he starts to walk over to close it, he steps on something and hears the sound of plastic cracking. He reaches down and picks up a Coldplay CD. He stops and looks at it. His breath catches in his throat just slightly. He looks around the room and sits on the bed that he still thinks of as Jess's. He sighs and leans forward, putting his elbows on his knees and stares at the broken CD case that he can't seem to put down.
EXT. NEW HAVENRory is reading on a bench outside. Oliver approaches
OLIVER: Hey, I didn't see you in class today. I assume you nixed the Elizabethan get up.
RORY: That and I've been terribly deprived of sleep lately so I opted for the back. Way back. Hi.
OLIVER: (sits next to her) Hello. So, whatcha reading?
RORY: "Anna Karenina."
Rory returns to the book, but notices Oliver is still there. She stops and thinks of something to say
RORY: Have you read it?
OLIVER: Once, maybe in high school. I don't worry too much about fiction. Reality is what concerns me.
RORY: (breezily) What is real?
OLIVER: That's what we philosophers have been trying to figure out for centuries.
RORY: (matter-of-factly) Maybe you guys should start with fiction.
OLIVER: Maybe. So is this leisure reading or for a class?
RORY: Leisure.
Another awkward silence as Rory thinks of something to say.
RORY: What do you read for leisure?... Don't tell me Kant?
OLIVER: (laughs) Rarely. Maybe worse, though. Unix. I'm kind of a computer geek.
RORY: Hey, that's cool.
OLIVER: So what do you think of Kopka's philosophy class?
RORY: He was only twenty minutes late instead of the usual thirty.
OLIVER: Yeah, it kind of broke the whole consistency thing he had going.
RORY: I really like it though. He's a good teacher.
OLIVER: (grins) My consistent correctness stands unchanged, then.
RORY: (at his grinning, she buries her head) But my consistent punctuality is at risk. I should get going.
OLIVER: Okay. See you around.
RORY: Uh, yeah, sure.
Rory smiles faintly and walks away
INT. LUKE'S DINERThe diner is open. Kirk is gone. Luke is serving. He begins to wipe off the tables but realizes the rag is not working as well. He discovers it is not a rag but the pillowcase Kirk had used. He drops it immediately and washes his hands. Nicole comes in.
NICOLE: Hey.
LUKE: Hey. What are you doing here?
NICOLE: The meeting finished early and I couldn't wait to see you. Sorry about last night.
LUKE: About what?
NICOLE: About...forget it.
LUKE: (hesitantly) You know, I...I was thinking...you know, maybe it would be easier if you could keep some of your stuff over here.
NICOLE: It would definitely be easier.
LUKE: I just need to clear out some space.
NICOLE: Yeah, that's fine.
LUKE: You don't have any porcelain dolls, do you?
NICOLE: What?
LUKE: Never mind.
Nicole looks at him curiously, then laughs and kisses him.
INT. ELDER GILMORE RESIDENCERory is sitting in the living room alone. She taps her thumbs together as she waits. Her eyes settle on an ugly new lamp.
RORY: You don't know how lucky you are that my mom isn't here because right now we'd be seriously mocking you. I'd do it myself but it'd be weird mocking a lamp on my own. About as weird as talking to a lamp on my own.
Richard comes into the room.
RICHARD: Rory, were you talking to someone?
RORY: Uh, just this lamp here.
RICHARD: You were talking to the lamp?
RORY: His name is Fred, by the way.
RICHARD: I'm afraid we haven't as yet made each other's acquaintance. Honestly, I can't keep track of all the new things your grandmother is buying. She thinks the house needs a new look. I can't imagine why.
RORY: It's a girl thing.
RICHARD: So I assumed.
Emily enters.
EMILY: Rory, you're here. How wonderful! Dinner is almost ready. I hope you're hungry.
RORY: Oh I'm always hungry so you're safe there.
EMILY: Well, would you like something to drink?
RORY: Um, yeah, a Coke would be great.
RICHARD: I'll get it.
Richard passes the drinks and the three sit down. There is an awkward silence as they try to think of what to say.
RICHARD: So, how's our Ivy League student doing?
RORY: Um, okay. Pretty much the same. Thank you.
RICHARD: Oh, you're not getting off that easy. Tell us.
RORY: Tell you what?
EMILY: You can start with why you didn't answer my call the other morning.
RORY: Oh, I'm sorry, grandma. I didn't know that was you. I was up really late doing homework. Then mom called and I told her I had to sleep because I didn't have class until noon. I thought that the second call was her.
EMILY: Well, why was there a dial tone?
RORY: I kind of pushed the phone off of the desk, and the phone came off the hook.
EMILY: And that is acceptable? What if it had been an important call?
RORY: Nothing mom has to say in the morning is usually very important.
EMILY: I'm serious, Rory.
RORY: I'm sorry. It was a complete accident and it won't happen again.
EMILY: I should hope so. It's very irresponsible.
RORY: It is. I'm sorry.
EMILY: And rude.
RORY: (piqued) I know. I said I was sorry. How many times do you want me to say it?
EMILY: Rory, I don't want to hear apologies. I expect that in the future, you answer my calls. A friend of mine was having her granddaughter visit the campus and it would have been nice if you two would have been able to meet.
RORY: I'm sure it would have.
EMILY: With privilege comes responsibility.
RORY: What's that supposed to mean?
EMILY: It means that the because you are receiving a Yale education you are bound to some social obligations.
RORY: Really? I don't remember reading that in the bulletin. You know, I'm not your trophy.
RICHARD: Now just one minute. What is that supposed to mean?
RORY: (sighs) Forget it. Can we just drop this? I said I was sorry.
RICHARD: Yes, Emily. It was after all just a mistake. I believe dinner should be ready now.
EMILY: I'll check with Karen.
INT. LUKE'S DINERLorelai comes in. Luke is storing a box-full of things around the diner. Lorelai watches Luke position a fishing rod on one of the shelves.
LORELAI: So you plan to revolutionize the whole concept of fresh food by having customer catch their own fish right in the diner.
LUKE: What? Oh. No. I'm just trying to bring some stuff upstairs down here. I told Nicole she could bring some stuff over and I have to make space for it.
LORELAI: So you two are moving in together?
LUKE: No. She's just bringing some stuff over, your basic essentials.
LORELAI: You underestimate the necessity of the doll collection.
LUKE: Well, let's only hope.
LORELAI: So how do you feel about this?
LUKE: I don't know. I mean, it's the only thing that makes sense. It's just so cluttered up there as it is. There's no space. I like having my space.
LORELAI: Space is overrated.
LUKE: 'The house feeling really big without Rory?
LORELAI: Like you wouldn't believe. I can hear an echo.
LUKE: You miss her.
LORELAI: She is my daughter.
LUKE: So why are you here?
LORELAI: You mean I haven't asked for coffee yet?
LUKE: Isn't today Friday?
LORELAI: Well, I don't know. That specials board still says Tuesday.
LUKE: (looking at the specials board.) Jeez. It's been so long since I've had to be the one to change it.
Lorelai smiles awkwardly
LUKE: (still looking at the specials board.) Why are you here?
LORELAI: Still don't see my coffee.
LUKE: Rory is in Hartford. You can drive there. You can see her. Why are you here?
LORELAI: My mother and father for one...
LUKE: Rory.
LORELAI: And I want to give her her space.
LUKE: I thought you said space is overrated.
LORELAI: I did, didn't I? So why am I here?
LUKE: I don't know. So, beat it.
LORELAI: (gets up and walks to the door) Thanks, Luke. (He smiles and nods.)
INT. ELDER GILMORE RESIDENCERory, Emily, and Richard sit at the table eating in strained silence. Occasionally, they look up and give awkward smiles. The doorbell rings, and the maid leaves to get it.
MAID: May I help you?
LORELAI: I'm Lorelai. I'm here for the dinner.
MAID: (looks inside) But, um, she already arrived.
LORELAI: That would be my daughter, Rory. I'm Lorelai.
MAID: (confused) Okay.
They stand there for a minute
LORELAI: You're suppose to let me in.
MAID: But she's already here.
EMILY: Karen, who is that? (comes into view) Lorelai, how nice of your to join us. What's the occasion? Is hell freezing over? Are pigs flying now?
LORELAI: Hi, mom. Always know how to make a person feel welcome.
EMILY: Well, why are you standing outside? Come in.
LORELAI: But I....she....you...
EMILY: Karen, take Lorelai's coat. (to Lorelai) Rory's already here.
LORELAI: So I was told.
The two go into the sitting room.
LORELAI: Rory!
RORY: Mom!
The two hug
EMILY: You two act as if you hadn't seen each other in a long time.
LORELAI: Well, it has been a little while.
RORY: I'm sorry. But it hasn't been that long.
LORELAI: I'd forgotten what you look like. Are you taller? I think you're taller.
RORY: It could just be the shoes.
LORELAI: A likely possibility. Very nice, by the way.
RORY: Why, thank you.
EMILY: Well, sit, sit. I'm afraid we've already started dinner? Karen will heat up a plate for you.
LORELAI: You sure about that? Because Rory's already eaten.
EMILY: What?
LORELAI: Don't trouble yourself, mom. I'll just have a drink.
RICHARD: What can I get you, Lorelai?
LORELAI: Hi, dad. A Manhattan would be nice.
RICHARD: Excellent. Good to see you Lorelai.
LORELAI: So what did I miss?
Richard, Emily, and Rory exchange looks.
EMILY: Rory was just about to tell us about her classes?
RICHARD: That's right. How are they going?
RORY: Going well.
LORELAI: Forget about classes. What's the college scene like?
RORY: Well, not much has changed since last week.
EMILY: Any new friends?
RORY: Uh...
RICHARD: Yes. You know, the relationships you establish in college can be the most wonderful, gratifying, significant friendships of your life.
RORY: Really? Um, wow.
LORELAI: Makes you think twice about who you invite to your keg parties, doesn't it?
EMILY: So come on, Rory. Tell us about your friends.
RORY: There's not much to tell. I don't know, it's too soon.
RICHARD: It's been over a month.
RORY: Oh, really. Wow. Didn't realize that.
EMILY: You mean you haven't met anybody?
RORY: Sure I have. Yeah. Um. There's...um,...well, there's...Oh, well, yeah. There's this guy in my philosophy class.
EMILY: (teasingly) A 'guy'?
RICHARD: And what is this 'guy's name?
RORY: His name is Oliver.
LORELAI: Like the cat?
RORY: Yes, mom. Like the cat.
EMILY: Well, what's he like?
RORY: He's nice, funny, smart, a little older...
LORELAI: He's not the professor is he?
RORY: No.
LORELAI: Shucks.
EMILY: It reminds me of the first day I met Richard. There he was, nice, funny, smart, a little older...
RICHARD: You forget desperately charming.
EMILY: Yes, the Yale men can be quite pretentious. You'll get used to it.
RORY: (shyly) We're just friends. Not even really friends. More like, friendishhh...friendly. That's all.
RICHARD: So which class is your favorite?
RORY: (animatedly) English with Professor Donlough is amazing.
RICHARD: Yes, I recall an article on her in the alumni newsletter. The essay she did on Emerson is quite brilliant.
RORY: She's brilliant.
Rory goes on talking animatedly about Yale and her classes while Lorelai looks on a little despondently.
FADE TO:
Later. Gilmore dining room
RORY: I thought Paris was competitive in high school. College has turned her into a raging monster. Luckily, there's more people to compete with, so the hostility is more evenly distributed.
RICHARD: That Paris has ambition. Is she your roommate? I was recalling the other day that you never told us about your roommate.
RORY: Oh, no. Paris is not my roommate.
LORELAI: Thank God.
RICHARD: Well, tell us about your roommate, then.
RORY: I actually don't know that much about her. Her name's Marissa. She's not around a lot. I think she's actually living with her boyfriend somewhere off campus, but she wants her parents to think she's staying in the dorm.
LORELAI: She sounds like my kind of girl.
EMILY: (coldly) Yes, she does.
RICHARD: You should notify the dean. It's part of the college experience to fraternize with the other students, and I don't want you to miss out on that.
RORY: I kind of like it. It gives me more time to study. Don't worry grandpa; I get enough human contact during class.
LORELAI: Plus, we're signing her up to join a sorority. The Kappa-Kappa Beta-Beta Bunnies. I hear they throw all types of parties complete Jell-O shots.
RICHARD: Yale doesn't have anything like that.
LORELAI: Oh, but they do.
EMILY: That's it. I'm going to lie down.
LORELAI: Whoa. What was that all about?
RICHARD: She's been under a lot of stress. Some DAR function they've been trying to put together. I think it's best we call it a night.
RORY: Yeah. I have to be at the library early tomorrow.
RICHARD: That's my granddaughter. Good night, Rory. Good night, Lorelai.
EXT. PORCHLorelai and Rory are walking to their respective cars.
LORELAI: So you and the grandparents seem to be getting along very nicely.
RORY: What do you mean? We've always gotten along.
LORELAI: I mean, you're really connecting with this Yale thing.
RORY: I don't know about that...Maybe.
LORELAI: Maybe? I was kind of feeling left out for a minute there.
RORY: Trust me, you saved the evening.
LORELAI: Really? What happened?
RORY: Nothing. It's just...well, grandma...we didn't really talk much until you got there. I'm glad you came.
LORELAI: Me, too. (she puts her arm around Rory) So, this Oliver...
RORY: Mm hmm.
LORELAI: How come you haven't told me about him before?
RORY: I didn't really get to know him until this week.
LORELAI: Do you like him?
RORY: He's okay.
LORELAI: But do you like him?
RORY: I wouldn't be friendly to him if I didn't.
LORELAI: But do you like him?
RORY: Now this is getting ridiculous. So, how's the second job thing going?
LORELAI: Mrs. Kim is thinking about it.
RORY: You went to Mrs. Kim?
LORELAI: I think that $3 wine was still in my system.
RORY: Wow.
LORELAI: So, you sure you don't want to crash at the house for the weekend?
RORY: Nah. I'm working on a project and I need the campus facilities.
LORELAI: Okay.
RORY: Good night, mom.
They hug
LORELAI: Good night, kiddo.
RORY: I'll call you when I get in.
LORELAI: I'll be waiting.
They get into their cars. Rory drives off first. Lorelai sits in her car and watches Rory's for a while as it goes out into the distance. She sighs and starts to pull out.
EXT. STARS HOLLOWLorelai pulls into the driveway. She exits the car and approaches the porch. Yet again, Kirk is outside on the front steps.
LORELAI: I know you're not delivering mail at this time of night.
KIRK: I needed to speak with you.
LORELAI: What's up?
KIRK: I need a place to stay.
LORELAI: So I heard.
KIRK: Any room ready at the inn?
LORELAI: Oh no.
KIRK: I'll pay good money.
LORELAI: Kirk, there's no room? All the rooms are being renovated. You just can't stay there.
KIRK: Well, how about here?
LORELAI: Here?
KIRK: There's Rory's room.
LORELAI: Rory's room.
KIRK: It wouldn't be permanent. Just a temporary boarding situation. Now, I realize that this may be difficult for you considering our history, but I know I'm over it. I hope you are.
LORELAI: Over what?
KIRK: Us.
LORELAI: Us? There was an us?
KIRK: If denial works for you...
LORELAI: You can't stay here Kirk, because...because...wait, did you say you'd pay?
KIRK: Twenty dollars from all my checks. That's 400 dollars a month.
LORELAI: (considers) Kirk, you've got yourself a room.
KIRK: Meals are included, too, right?
LORELAI: I'll think about it.
Kirk and Lorelai go inside.
INT. GILMORE HOUSELater. Rory and Lorelai are on the phone. Rory's on her cell phone as she's arriving at school.
KIRK: (O.S.) Lorelai, where are the cotton balls?
LORELAI: In the medicine cabinet.
RORY: In the medicine cabinet?
LORELAI: What?
RORY: I asked you where you were going tomorrow and you said, 'in the medicine cabinet?'
LORELAI: Oh, I was talking to Kirk.
RORY: Is there something going on I should know about?
LORELAI: Oh, yeah, Kirk's our boarder.
RORY: We have a boarder?
LORELAI: Now we do. Hey, it's easy cash.
RORY: Is he staying in my room?
LORELAI: Yep.
RORY: I've already been replaced.
LORELAI: Well, what can I tell you.
RORY: Kirk, living in our house, sleeping in my room. That's a scary thought.
LORELAI: I know. But you know what they say...what do they say? (CRASH) Kirk?!
RORY: Mom? Is everything ok?
LORELAI: Yeah...I think so. I gotta go. I'll talk to you later honey.
RORY: Alrig....(dial tone)
CUT TO:
INT. DORM ROOM(Rory comes back to her dorm. She passes people either studying or just hanging out and talking. They greet her, and she smiles and says hi back, but she doesn't stop. She politely passes them by and gets to her dorm room. She opens the door to an empty room. Her stuff is in it but everything is still and she notes that it feels vacant. She goes to her answering machine which reads 8 new messages. She plays the first few seconds of them. One from Paris, from her grandparents, from Lane. A message from Chris.)
Chris (on the machine): Rory, are you there? I guess not. It's a been a while, give me a call, ok..?
(She shuts the machine off. She goes to her desk and picks up a card that reads...)
You are cordially invited to the wedding of Christopher Hayden and Sherry Tinsdale"
(She sighs and then puts it back down again)
Blackbird by The Beatles
She sits on her bed, takes a slow glance around the room, searching for something to do. Nothing offers itself. She rests her eyes on the wall, and sits in silence.
EXT. LUKE'S DINERLuke walks out of the back door of the diner to the alley carrying a box of items. He comes to a car, Jess's car, opens the trunk, and puts the box inside. He goes back into the diner and upstairs. Going over to Jess' side of the room, he boxes a few more items. He looks around, sighs, and take the box downstairs, outside to the alley. When he goes to where he had the car, it's gone.
LUKE: What the hell?
Camera pans out on the Troubadour singing the end of Blackbird.
End Of Episode