I hope everyone's thrilled that I'm starting yet another multi-chapter story! I tried to work with just one story open, but then I learned I work better with more options to add to. In realization of that, I opened up something new to work on. I'm going to be updating a lot during the week now. When I have more than one thing to concentrate on, I'm a better thinker.

The format of this story is a bit different to how I normally work. I just want to explain this now. The first chapter is centered on Rory, while the second chapter is focused on Jess. This will not be a POV story. The whole thing will be in third person. It's just how I write. However, as the title suggests, Rory and Jess will eventually meet and their chapters will merge somewhere down the line. This story is set in Boston. I live right outside of Boston, so whenever I mention a landmark or region, it does exist!

Again, I feel the need to dedicate something to Jessica. Mostly, this is because the Boston Red Sox will be mentioned quite a few times. I can't tell you why, because that would spoil the story, but I can tell you she helped spark this idea!

Disclaimer: I do NOT in any way, shape, or form own Gilmore Girls.


Rory's Decision

Yale felt so close and daunting. Rory stared at her bulletin board adorned with college paraphernalia. The burning sensation in her throat caused her to look away. Yale was never where she wanted to go to college. Not that she would ever tell anyone, but Rory chose Yale to be 22.8 miles away from Jess. Now he was gone. Rory didn't want anyone to witness mourning his departure, especially Lorelai.

"Rory?" her mother called from the kitchen.

Hastily, Rory wiped her eyes and prepared to feign a smile when she opened the door. "Morning," she said plainly as she ventured into the kitchen for some much needed coffee. Both Gilmores sat at the table before Rory asked, "Can we talk?"

"Of course!" Lorelai had been worried because Rory had become so withdrawn. She didn't want to think it had anything to do with Jess leaving, but Lorelai knew the truth. Deep down, she knew Rory was hurting badly.

"Would it…would it be okay if I went to Harvard?" Rory managed to squeak out. "Instead of Yale?"

Lorelai looked at her daughter in shock. "Why would I stop you?" she asked.

"The distance and everything. I don't know," Rory said. "I just want to get out of here and relocate. I'm sure you understand the desire for change. Going somewhere I'm unknown would be really great," Rory mentioned, making her point about leaving for Harvard.

Lorelai nodded. "I know. You're young, and we've been looking forward to Harvard for years. Let's do it," she said, shooting Rory a smile.

In return, Rory hugged her mother gratefully. "Thanks, mom. I'm going to fill out the forms and study!" As quickly as she could, Rory escaped back to her room and closed the door behind her.

Lorelai sighed. In the back of her mind, she knew Rory chose Yale to be close to Jess and not just to stay attached to "Mommy." Starring into her cup of coffee, Lorelai realized it was almost time to let Rory go. She was growing up quickly, and a mother can't pause that process. It was her life, and the next chapter was just beginning.


Every place in Stars Hollow marked a memory, a sarcastic comment, or a romantic gesture. She hated it. Crumpling her receipt from Doose's Market, she tried to avoid eye contact with any of the townspeople. They knew she was heartbroken. As much as she attempted to hide it, even she knew her heart had been completely shattered. It was a simple assumption that could be proved. With Dean, there was no wallowing needed after their final break up-just Jess. The first time they ended their relationship, she didn't know what she wanted. It was hard to go from seeing a person daily to avoiding them at all costs.

Jess was...well, he was Jess. He was a healthy opposite of Dean. Jess left her hanging and watching more. In short, she was addicted to him. And she wanted more, now. They may not have been together for as long as she dated Dean, but there was more to their relationship than frivolous romantic situations. For some reason, she found the need to wallow this time around.

Ice cream and candy in hand, Rory headed back to the Crap Shack for a night to herself. Lorelai was working late at the Independence Inn, so Rory decided to wallow alone. Ultimately, Rory decided she did not want her mother to be knowledgeable of her pain. After all, it was Rory who refused to wallow in the beginning. It wasn't that she was against wallowing; she just didn't think it was productive. When Rory evaluated her priorities, she realized she had finals to study for and papers to write. However, every time she attempted to concentrate, her mind would aimlessly wander back to Jess. This was just something she had to do.


"Do we have to go in?" Rory asked as she wrung her hands nervously.

"That is the plan," Lorelai said as she rang the bell.

"They're going to be so disappointed," Rory mentioned glumly.

"I've disappointed them for over thirty years. They'll live, hon. Remember that this is your decision, not theirs. Don't be swayed by anything they say, understand?"

Nodding, Rory turned back to the unanswered door. "I'm nervous," she admitted.

"Just wait until after drinks. A little alcohol in Emily Gilmore makes everything easier." On Rory's look, "Trust me, I know."

A meek, little maid pulled open the front door and wordlessly took their coats. As usual, she was a different maid from last time. Rarely was the same one there by the next Friday night dinner.

"Richard!" Emily called up the staircase. "They're here!" She looked at Rory and Lorelai standing by the living room. "What are you waiting for, an invitation? Get in here." Dolefully, both mother and daughter followed Emily to the couch.

"Ah, hello, Lorelai, Rory." Richard stepped into the living room and fastened the top button on his suit jacket.

"Dinner is ready," the maid announced softly, folding her hands.

"We're not done with drinks yet," Emily snapped.

"But, dinner is ready," the maid repeated, unsure of herself.

"Dinner is supposed to be served at seven o'clock!" Emily responded. "What time is it?"

"It's six fifty-eight," she squeaked.

"Wonderful. Come get us in two minutes then!" Emily turned back to the drink cart. "It's so hard to find competent help these days," she remarked. "What would you like to drink? Lorelai, the usual martini?"

"Yes, thank you."

"Rory, what about you?" Emily asked.

"Club soda, please," she answered.

Emily handed Lorelai the martini and Rory the club soda. Grabbing Richard's and her own drink, she smiled. "How are you two doing tonight?" she asked, a kinder tone seeping from her voice.

Before Lorelai or Rory could answer, the maid emerged in the doorway once more. "Dinner is served."

"Well, it's about time! It's seven oh-two," Emily snapped, looking at her watch.

The maid appeared to whimper in protest.

"Well, come along." Emily directed everyone to the dining room.

"I can't do this," Rory whispered to Lorelai.

"It will be fine," Lorelai responded, trying to convince herself as well. She allowed Rory to pass her before pausing by the frightened maid. "Run!" she whispered loudly and proceeded into the dining room.

"Rory," Richard started as they began dinner. "I called the Yale admissions office to check on your enrollment status, and I was informed that you have yet to put down the registration fee. It is extremely important to register quickly. The deadline is fast approaching."

"It's important to get the fee in on time," Emily added. "You want them to hold your spot."

Rory looked across the table at Lorelai. Quickly, Lorelai forced her eyes back to her plate.

"OW! What was that for?" Lorelai yelped as Rory kicked her underneath the table.

"Lorelai, is it too much trouble for you to behave?" Emily snapped.

Rory winced. Her grandmother had been in a questionable mood all night. It just didn't seem like the time to barrage her grandparents with her news.

"Rory needs to tell you something," Lorelai prompted. Immediately, Rory shot her a death infused glare. "OW! Not cool!" Lorelai reached down and rubbed her tender shin.

"Why, Rory, we'd be delighted to hear your good news," Richard encouraged.

Gnawing on her lip, Rory quickly constructed her thoughts. "Grandma, Grandpa, I'm going to Harvard."

A sudden stillness hung over the room. Rory couldn't tell if it was a bad thing they weren't responding.

"That is delightful news, isn't it?" Emily said curtly.

"Indeed!" Richard said, standing. He threw his napkin on the plate. "This is preposterous, Lorelai! How you dare you force your daughter to change her mind?"

Emily stood as well. "I think dinner is over."

Lorelai was stunned. "This is not my doing! Why must you be so insistent to blame me for everything?" she cried out.

"Because everything is ultimately part of your plan to bring us down," Emily replied harshly. "It was extremely inconsiderate to excite us with "Rory's going to Yale!" and then drop this bomb on us!"

"That's not what happened!" Rory yelled. Three heads whipped in her direction, surprised by her tone. "This is my decision! I want to go to Harvard! I don't want to be stuck in this place anymore! Not in Stars Hollow, not in Connecticut!" she screamed, releasing her pent up anger. "I want to go somewhere nobody knows who I am! I need a new start somewhere else!" Her face turned red as she slammed her fork down. Rory proceeded to grab her jacket, and then dashed outside to weep.

"This is your fault, you know. You raised her to speak to us like that!"

"Yeah, well, why don't you tack global warming on while you're making a list tonight. I have a disgruntled, angry kid crying out front."

Lorelai accepted her jacket from the maid and exited the estate to find Rory sobbing in the Jeep.

"That went well, kid," Lorelai said jokingly.

"I don't think Grandma had enough to drink tonight," she said through sobs.