still. | a gilmore story

Chapter Five

Rory had been back in Stars Hollow for a week. A whole week of stewing over the events that happened in London. A whole week of having to keep her emotions in check in front of her mother, who was very much not Team Logan at the moment. To be honest, Rory didn't think she was either.

She had ignored several of his calls, even going as far as blocking his number. But only for a day and half. Part of her wanted to know if he was calling, a sign she felt showed he cared.

She had been trying to busy herself with writing, but every time she went to write, her clouded thoughts went straight to him.

With Lorelai busy at the inn and all of her other usual Star Hollow friends at work with their own jobs, Rory decided it would be a great day to visit her dad again.

Ever since she had told him about her pregnancy, he was texting her almost everyday to check in.  Their relationship had been on the up and up for years, even spending a few holidays with him, Lana, and Gigi.

As she strode into the very clean, white office of Hayden & Associates, she headed for the elevator, pressing the 3rd floor button when she stepped foot inside.

The doors dinged and opened to a set of doors with 'The Hayden Family Foundation' written across the top in big, bronzed letters.

Since her father wasn't a lawyer, he couldn't exactly take over the law practice. After some convincing of Straub's partners, Chris had convinced them to let him run a charitable foundation in the family's name. He mostly donated to organizations that helped single parent homes and families in need.

Rory was honestly really proud of him. Of course, he had tried to convince her to work with him there, but she really didn't feel the same familial obligation that her father did.

Walking through the doors, she was met with Grayson and Viv, the foundation's office assistants. They instantly knew who Rory was and greeted her with hello's and immediately went back to answering the phones.

Walking back to her dad's office, a wave of nausea hit Rory. She quickly turned around in the opposite direction towards the restroom and made it to a stall just in time.

After spilling out everything she had consumed that day, which was almost nothing, but a mini muffin and some decaf coffee, she collected herself and made her way back to her dad's office.

"Well great! I'll send over Viv and she'll collect all the details," was what Rory heard as she opened the door, "Sounds great, talk to you soon."

"Rory, what a surprise! How are you, kid?" Chris put down his office phone and directed all of his attention towards his eldest daughter.

"I've been better," she shrugged and put on a fake smile, hoping he wouldn't see right through her.

"Hey Ror, you don't look too good. Are you feeling okay?" He quizzed.

"Why thank you, dad. You really know how to make a woman feel good about herself," Rory half-heartedly laughed as she made her way to one of the seats in front of the desk.

"I just meant you look very pale and tired,"

"As opposed to my usual appearance?"

"You know what I mean," Chris laughed at her retort.

"Well, I did just throw up in your bathroom, but I feel much better now," she said nonchalantly.

"Are you okay? Do you need me to get you something? Water? Ginger Ale? I think I could scrounge up some saltines from the breakroom-"

"Dad, really, I am fine. I've gotten used to it. Hopefully it won't last too much longer."

"Alright, but I am going to give you my trash can just in case," he said as he reached under his desk and pulled out a small black waste bin and handed it to her.