The Maine Event

Chapter 25

The early April weather was unusually warm and sunny that Sunday as Rory and Logan were driving a rental SUV to Stars Hollow, to pack and move Rory's things from her mother's place to their new apartment. She'd called Lorelai in advance, and she'd sounded hopeful about the fact that she was coming at all. 

They could've clearly had the stuff delivered, but they both knew that this was about more than just packing up some things. This was an attempt at rebuilding relationships, and not just Rory's and Lorelai's but also Lorelai's and Logan's. If there ever was a time to roll up one's sleeves and carry some boxes on your own, this was it. It was a miracle really how few things Rory had really needed for the past half a year, essentially her basic clothing items and the tech, buying a few odd items along the way.

"Here they are!" Luke exclaimed from the driveway, "Lor, they're here!" he called towards the house. 

"I got your stuff from Lane's last night, she said she was sorry to miss you but they left for Zack's mom's place early this morning," Luke added, gesturing towards his own truck that contained a number of boxes tucked away under the tarp.

"That's too bad. I hadn't seen her since forever," Rory said disappointedly. She felt bad actually - over the last months they'd really drifted apart too, but then again she'd been too overwhelmed to really maintain what they'd had. But this wasn't the first time this had happened, and Lane had understood. Nevertheless, she made a mental note to reach out, mend what could still be mended.

"Hey!" Lorelai greeted from the porch. "Come on in," she gestured and Logan and Rory followed, glazing a look at each-other in assurance. It was obvious to the two of them, that Lorelai was seriously trying, being somewhat more withheld than usual.

"You guys want some coffee?" Lorelai asked.

"I just had one in the car, maybe just water for me," Rory lied. She craved coffee, but being as careful as she was with her pregnancy, she'd gone cold-turkey. She was prepared to lie further, saying that she had high blood pressure, if she started asking questions. 

"I wouldn't mind a cup, actually," Logan replied, feeling like it was almost like the polite thing to do in this household. 

It had been a little less than 10 years since he'd last been in this house, and a lot had changed. The place clearly had Luke's handwriting all over the place and strangely the place seemed smaller, especially Rory's room, than he remembered.

"So, you've got your new place all set up?" Lorelai asked, pouring Logan a cup of coffee. Rory hadn't hidden the fact that they'd gotten an apartment at the very house she'd come to talk to her when she had been with Paris, but she hadn't emphasized that it was the penthouse.

"Yeah, mostly, we're still waiting for the bed and some smaller items," Rory replied as she helped herself to a glass of water.

"We actually want to invite you to our housewarming party on the 21st," Logan said and took a large gulp of coffee. He couldn't deny that this house did always have exceptional coffee.

"I'll have to check to be sure, but we should probably be able to make it," Lorelai replied. She was happier than she showed, trying to keep her cool. She wasn't sure how Rory would perceive her if she just switched back to their usual banter.

"You guys could even stay for the night, drive back Sunday, we have room. We could do something for your birthday," Rory offered, surprising Lorelai. This was a turn from cold to mild.

"Sure, that'd be fun," she replied.

"So alright, I better check on my stuff," Rory stepped into her childhood bedroom, pulling open her closet.