Chapter 1

A/N: So this is my first Fan Fic ever! Please be gentle with reviews I don't want to get too discouraged! I'm trying hard to make the characters seem like themselves but it's really difficult! So perhaps with more writing, I will get better. Enjoy!

Rory Gilmore was running late. She had an interview with the Hartford Courant at 9:30am, and it was already 9:15. After just returning home from the campaign trail yesterday, she did not feel prepared for this interview. Although she was happy to be home, it was with a heavy heart that she returned. While in Chicago, she had met and fell in love with William Brown, her boyfriend for the last year and a half. Having to leave him in Chicago had depressed her, even though they had decided to try the long distance relationship thing. She closed her eyes and shook the thought from her head.

"Focus Rory, you need this job at the paper." She told herself out loud.

She took the exit into Hartford, in her little blue Prius, and sped towards Broad Street. Glancing at the clock, it was now 9:25. She would just make it. She pulled up to a stoplight 2 blocks away from the building, when someone slammed into the back of her car, causing her to jolt forward, and hit her head on the steering wheel. The other driver got out of his car, and approached her.

"Miss, are you ok?"

She blinked a few times and glared at him.

"Today is not my day." She checked her watch. 9:29. "I'm sorry sir, I have to run. Here's my card." She handed him the card and took off running towards the building a block down.

Entering the building, she quickly located the elevator, and pushed the button for the 4th floor. Upon exiting, she noticed the receptionist.

"Excuse me, I am here to meet with Larry Stevens for an interview."

"And you are?" The women asked

"Leigh Hayden."

"Miss Leigh, do you know that your head is bleeding, and that you're five minutes late?"

"Umm, no I didn't realize my head was bleeding, although I did know I was late. I apologize, I was rear ended on my way over here." Rory replied.

"Why don't you take this first aid kit into the bathroom with you, I'll let Mr. Stevens know that you've arrived."

"Thank you."

Rory went into the bathroom and looked in the mirror. "Why is this happening to me?" She groaned. She knew she hit her head, but didn't realize it had been cut. She applied the band aid, and tried not to think of about how embarrassing this whole ordeal was. Returning from the restroom the receptionist informed her that Mr. Stevens would see her now. She walked into the large office that Mr. Stevens occupied.

"Miss Hayden?"

"You can call me Rory, Leigh Hayden is my pen name."

"Ok Rory, So first I would like to say that we take punctuality seriously here at the Courier. We have a zero tolerance policy for tardiness; we have deadlines that need to be met. Do you understand?"

"Yes sir, I'm so sorry, there was the campaign trail, and then William, and coming home yesterday, my mom was ecstatic, and then driving here from Stars Hollow, the traffic was bad, and then I was rear ended…" She rambled.

"Rear ended? Does this explain the band aid on your forehead?"

"Yes sir, I was hit from behind a block away from here, my head hit the steering wheel. I didn't want to be late so I left my car where it was and ran the rest of the way."

"Well I guess that is commendable then. So I have your resume, I see you just got back from working on Obama's Campaign?"

"I did, it was a very wonderful experience, a lot of traveling. I did a lot of reporting of statistics, and politics. It was a crazy at times, but nothing I couldn't handle. We were all so ecstatic when he was elected."

"I can imagine. So what other experience do you have in this field?" He inquired.

"Well I majored in journalism at Yale, and during my senior year I was made editor of the Yale Daily News."

"Editor, that's impressive."

"Thank you."

"So why do you want to work here?"

"Well after being on the campaign trail, I wanted a break from traveling, my entire family lives close by, and I wanted to be close to home. I also missed working in a newspaper setting. I wanted to get back down to my roots."

"I understand, I have been doing this for 20 years now. Listen Rory, I'll think this over and I will give you a call later today. Sound ok?"

"Yes sir, thank you for your time."

Rory left the office and exited the building. She walked back to her car, only to find it wasn't there. "Great, can this day get any better?" she grumbled to herself. She pulled out her cell and called her mom to pick her up.

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A few hours later Lorelai and Rory were sitting in Luke's having coffee.

"So you don't think your interview went well?" Lorelai asked.

"I don't know, I might have blew it by being late."

"Well hon, anybody would be lucky to have you, and I'm glad you're ok."

"Thanks mom, it's good to be home. I missed you."

"I think the whole town missed you."

Rory's cell phone rang, and Luke angrily pointed to his no cell phone sign. She stepped out of the diner and answered.

"Hello?"

"Hi, this is Susan James calling from Larry Steven's office. I'm transferring you now."

"Hello Rory, it was a pleasure meeting with you today."

"Hi, Mr. Stevens."

"I was calling to inform you that we decided to hire you. You will start tomorrow morning at 8:00 sharp. Do not be late."

"Oh my goodness, thank you so much Mr. Stevens! I won't be late, I promise."

"See you then."

"Goodbye!"

She rushed back into the diner. "Mom! I got the job!" They hopped up and down screaming with excitement.

"What is all the commotion about?! People are trying to eat here!" Luke grumbled.

"Luuukeee Rory got the position with the Hartford Courier!"

"That's great Rory, Congratulations." He replied with a smile. "How about some celebratory pie?"

"Oooh I'd love some!" Rory exclaimed.

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Later that evening, Rory called William to tell him the good news.

"Hello?"

"Hey Will it's me."

"Ahh babe, it's always so nice to hear from you."

"So guess what?"

"Let me guess, you got the job?"

"I did! Aren't you excited?" She squealed.

"I am, but it just means that you will be staying in Connecticut. I was hoping maybe you would look for jobs here, in Chicago." He explained.

"I thought we talked about this? You know I get homesick. Stars Hollow is the only place I've ever lived. Everyone I love is here."

"I know, I just hope I can get a transfer somewhere closer to you."

"Don't worry Wills, everything will be fine. We will only be apart for a little while."

"I know babe. I'm keeping my eye out on some law firms in Hartford that should be hiring soon."

"Good. I miss you. Keep me updated. I have to get to bed, early first day tomorrow."

"Ok, I miss you too. I love you, have a wonderful first day."

"Love you too. Goodnight."

She hung up the phone, and got ready for bed.

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The next morning Rory awoke to a brisk autumn morning. Despite the cold she picked out her best black skirt suit set. She wanted her first day to be perfect. Even if Lorelai had to drop her off at work. Swinging by Luke's, she got a coffee and a muffin to go, then she was on her way.

Upon entering the office, Susan showed Rory to her cubicle.

"Leigh, Mr. Stevens has arranged for someone to come give you a tour of the facility at 8:15. Here are the items you will need to set up your work email."

"Please, call me Rory, and thanks."

"Ok Rory, see you later."

"Bye, and thanks for the band aid yesterday!" She called.

Logging onto the computer, Rory set up her email account, and familiarized herself with their system. At exactly 8:15 there was a knock on the wall of her cubicle.

"Are you Leigh Hayden?" A male voice asked.

"Yes, but you can call me…" She turned around in her swivel chair and froze.

"Mary." Tristan Dugray finished her sentence.

A/N: So this was mainly back story and set up for what's to come. I have some ideas, so review and let me know if I should keep going!