Gilmore Girls: More in the Life

Chapter 95

Jess and Natalie had met all of the requirements to become foster parents. The knowledge was met with both excitement and trepidation. It all became a waiting game, anticipating that first call that a child needed a home.

Every time the phone rang, Natalie's heart rate increased as she imagined the news the call might bring. One thing the social worker had warned, though, was that they often called to line up homes for kids in the event of a removal. She said not every child they called about would end up being placed outside of the legal parents' home.

Natalie couldn't help but think that had to be a slap in the face for the foster parents who began prepping for the child. All the clothing, bedding, school supplies, etc. that would have been bought to make the child feel at home...all for nothing, just to be returned to the store.

Jess had asked Natalie if she planned to continue to work outside the home once they had a child in their care if it looked to be a long— or permanent— placement. Funny, Natalie never considered quitting to be a stay-at-home parent. She wasn't sure why, but something in her made her feel like the child they would eventually care for would be school age so there wouldn't be a need to be home all day.

It was hard to be in this position. The waiting, the wondering, it all pulled at one's emotions. On one hand, no calls could be viewed as no abuse and/or neglect— and who could rightfully be upset with that? On the other, Natalie was ready to do her part for a child in need.

Ugh, when would a call come?

*****

April picked Anna up to meet with Jill. Anna's nervousness was evident to her daughter. She sat quietly in the car for the short ride to Mud Buddies on Main Street. They were arriving only a couple minutes early but, as they strode through the front door, April realized how awkward this meeting might be.

Second thoughts crowding her mind, April worried that she had made a huge mistake by inviting Anna to join her daughters for this meeting.

Spotting Jill sitting at a secluded table near the back, April wove her way around the shop with Anna at her heels. Jill glanced up and saw that April wasn't alone. A smile lit her face, in which April felt like she shared some likeness.

Jill stood as April and Anna reached the edge of the table. "Hi April." She turned to Anna. "I'm taking a shot in the dark that you're Anna Nardini."

Anna forced a smile and nodded. "You'd be correct."

Jill extended her hand. "Hello, I'm Jill." There was no need to say more than that, as they all knew of the biological relationship the three of them had.

Dialogue was sporadic at first, mixed with the ladies busying their hands with the coffee or tea that filled their cups. Finally, April cleared her throat and spoke up.

"Look, this is silly. Jill, my mom is who you ultimately wanted to meet. And Mom, I'm guessing that you've always wondered what became of Jill. The two of you have an opportunity to engage the other and you're both looking so lost and uncomfortable. If you both want to end this now, then speak up. Otherwise, you both need to put a little more effort into this. What do you both say?"

Anna laughed, realizing that April spoke the truth. "You're right." She turned to Jill. "As April said, I've always wondered about you. I was curious about your physical appearance and about the type of person you were growing to become. I had no idea what city or state you were raised in or whether there are things you and I have in common. While this isn't exactly easy, I'm sure you have some questions for me."

Jill nodded. "I do."

*****

A week later, Rory awoke quickly at the sounds of Lora's cries. It was just after midnight which made Rory feel groggy since she had only been asleep for two hours.

Logan stirred next to her. "You stay in bed. I'll get her." Without another word, he shifted himself off of the bed and padded around the room to the baby's bassinet. Rory heard the soothing words he spoke to their daughter while picking her up from her bed.

Moments later, Logan handed Lora to Rory. It didn't take long to calm the baby down once she began to nurse. Looking down at her, Rory couldn't help but smile. "Even at midnight when I'm exhausted, she is still so perfect and I love holding her."

"I'm lucky because that's how I feel about both of you." Logan leaned over and kissed Rory's temple.

They sat in silence for a few minutes when Rory turned to face him. "You can go back to sleep. This isn't exactly something you can help with so get yourself some rest."

Logan didn't look sure but must have realized Rory was right. "If you're sure."

Rory leaned over a little to meet Logan's lips. "I love you."

Logan smiled. "I love you too."

Rory's gaze returned to Lora. I'm so lucky to be Logan's fiancée and your Mama, little girl.

Ten minutes later, Rory was climbing back into bed after returning the baby to her bassinet. It didn't take but her head hitting the pillow for sleep to overtake her once more.