A/N: Hey! Thanks for checking out the story. It is based on the movie the Good Girl, so I'd say it's an Alternate Universe. I don't own Gilmore Girls or the basic plot of the story. Just go with me as far as the time frame and the things that have happened. I'll tell you what you need to know. Enjoy : )


Rory Leigh Gilmore was hired in an entry-level position at a local newspaper sometime after college, it was difficult for her to admit that this was the best she could do, but she figured it would pay off in time and eventually she would work her way up. She works as hard as she can, and gives everything to her job. The required Christmas bonus, and a barely substantial biweekly paycheck is all she has to show for it. The job is not teaching her anything she doesn't already know, but she hopes that someday someone will realize her potential and she will take this newspaper over.

She puts her heart into her job because she doesn't know what else to do with herself. At home she feels like she is in prison. In her teen years she made a married man fall in love with her. To her, the only way for her actions to be justified was to marry Dean after she had caused his marriage to fall apart.

If it were up to Dean, Rory wouldn't be working at all, but Rory did not want to be another Lindsey. She had her own mind and her own needs. She was her own woman. Although it was easier to just come home early from work, and cook Dean dinner, like she said she would never do. It was easier to stay trapped in her current job than to do anything else.

Rory wakes up, and pops two waffles in the toaster. Dean would really rather have homemade waffles, but she is not going to wake up any earlier for anybody. She starts the coffee. Dean comes out into the kitchen and kisses Rory on her head. Rory serves them each a waffle and some coffee and begins to eat in silence. Dean quickly finishes his breakfast and bids her adieu.

Rory quickly gets in the shower and ready for her day at work. She arrives right on time and checks her e-mail to find lists of things she needs to accomplish. She grabs a cup of stale coffee from the kitchenette, takes a deep breath and begins to work through her duties.

She wants to go… somewhere, she wants something to make her happy. She wishes she was homesick, but she doesn't want to be home with Dean anyway, she has nowhere to go. She feels completely isolated by society.

Rory works until midday and when she can't stand it anymore, and walks over to Lisa's cubicle. Lisa and Rory met at this job and have lunch together everyday. Although Rory is happy to have company at lunchtime, being around Lisa on most days depresses Rory. Lisa is a few years younger than Rory with just a high school diploma and a few credits from a community college as opposed to Rory's almost complete education at Yale, and they have the same job.

While Rory is waiting for Lisa to get ready to go to lunch, a man about Lisa's age walks by Rory, she watches him walk by.

Rory asks Lisa who he is.

Lisa says that he was just recently hired.

Rory accepts this and she and Lisa walk down the street to their usual lunch spot, a little Mexican restaurant with cheap and authentic tacos.

They order their usual meal, and sit at their usual table.

After Rory finishes her first taco, she sees this new hire walk in and order a burrito to go. He walks back in the direction of the office.

Rory walks back to work, and Russ, from her office approaches her and invites her to come to Bible Study with him during the week. She politely refuses and pulls any old excuse off of her list. She really doesn't like being preached to at work.

Rory pokes her head in the new guys cubicle and asks what his name is. Jess Mariano. He's reading a book, Catcher in the Rye. Jess explains that Holden Caulfield is isolated by society from the hypocrisy in the world. Rory nods in understanding and Jess goes on to tell her that he would like to eventually become a famous writer. As Rory is leaving, Jess tells her that the book concludes with Holden breaking down and going to a mental institution.

Rory heads home to find Dean and his friend Paul sitting on the couch watching football. They exchange small pleasantries, the men complain about their work in the construction business. Rory tries to feel sympathetic but finds any spot on the wall more interesting than them.

Rory needs a break in the afternoon the next day and walks outside to get some air to find Jess smoking a cigarette. She tells him she hates her job. He does too. Jess is amazed that Rory is still working at this job with all of her qualifications.

Rory is in her car ready to drive home, she sees Jess walking. She asks him where his car is, and he says he doesn't have one. She insists on driving him home. She stops in front of his parents' house waiting for Jess to get out. He invites her in. Rory is reluctant at first, and he tells her he isn't going to beg. She decides to follow him inside.


A/N: Thanks for reading. Reviews are appreciated. The story is finished so the next chapters should be up soon.