22. Those Are Strings, Pinocchio

Complete story — includes the ending

Rory learns her mother cannot afford to buy the Dragonfly Inn since financial aid for Yale did not come through. She decides to take matters into her own hands by negotiating with grandparents to borrow money for Yale in exchange for reinstating Friday dinners. They negotiate the terms of the deal with her and are delighted with the outcome. Also, Rory meets Dean and apologizes for her reaction to his engagement: the two make up. Luke has second thoughts about a trip with Nicole after something Lorelai tells him. Rory is named valedictorian of her class and pays homage to her family, especially Lorelai, Emily and Richard, in her graduation speech. Jess calls Rory after her graduation ceremony, but he remains silent and she tells him off for leaving the way he did, declaring everything there was between them over for good. Lorelai and Rory take a moment to appreciate Chilton one last time.