"Oh dear lord, how much stuff have you got packed in here?" Lorelai grumbled at Rory, after swiftly grabbing her luggage from the carousel.

"Well I did say I would grab it," Rory responded, "But you jumped in too quickly. Anyone would think you may have missed me."
"Oh no, no, no," The ever buzzing mother replied, "I just forgot how tidy the house was when you returned for regular visits."

"So not maternal impulses then? And the weight you are feeling may be contributed by the large total of presents for one Lorelai Victoria Gilmore."

"Oh well quick, quick, time to get you home weary traveler."

As both mother and daughter settled down into the squishy lounge, surrounded by pizza, Chinese, red vines, pop tarts and a myriad of other such junk food, Loralei readied herself for the coming conversation.

"So, Kid, are we ever going to talk about the elephant in the room?" Rory glanced at her mother and let out a sigh.

"Well his name is Thomas and he is very gentle and rarely, if ever, forgets a detail." She replied with a smirk.

"Hardy-Ha," Retorted Loralei, "C'mon Sweets. I know you haven't been completely yourself since-"

"Mum, I'm fine." Rory cut across.

"No, Rory you are not fine. Now I know that the last 3 months have been a wonderful career opportunity for you. But it's just that exactly. It's all been work, work, and work. Now, while I know that you're learning a lot, you need to have a personal life and I think we both know why you're avoiding it."

"What am I supposed to do Mum? I told you before I left that it hurt. It hurt then and it hurts now. Time is not healing this wound. But what should I do? He walked away. That was his choice."

"Oh Honey, his ego was hurt. He was embarrassed. I can guarantee that he is regretting it."

"You can't know that."

"Oh, Can't I? What kind of man wouldn't regret walking away from a Gilmore girl? Honey the real question is what do you want? Because if you want to move on, I am sure that time will heal the pain but if he is what you want then you need to go and see him. You need to talk to him and see where you stand. You need to be able to move forward one way or another."

"What if he rejects me?" Rory asked her mum, eyes looking down toward her hands. She reminded Lorelai of how vulnerable she could be.

"Well you need to know either way babe. You can't go on holding onto thoughts of what could have been forever."

Rory stared into the distance thinking about what she should do. Making one of her famed pro/con lists in her head. When she stumbled upon a particular factor she turned and looked, suspiciously, at her mother.

"Why exactly are you pushing this? You were never exactly his number one fan. Now you're here convincing me to go to him and maybe get back with him, if he would ever take me. What's your angle, Gilmore?"

"I'm bored, I need a new nemesis," Lorelai began to joke but quickly turned serious again at the look on her daughters face. "Actually it has a lot to do with that," She pointed, "that sour face. And the sour voice I hear when you call me from the road. And the sour texts and emails. Because, believe it or not, yes I can read the context of your text and they have been sour. Also, no matter what he did after, in the heat of the moment, I know that boy adores the ground you walk on. That doesn't disappear over night. I want you to be happy and if he makes you happy then you should go to him. Look you haven't even unpacked your things. Get into your car and go to him." Rory stared at Lorelai and knew she was right. She loved him. Mind, body and soul.

"Ok, I will go."

He was sitting at his desk, papers in hand, trying to read the same line over and over; he just could not make it sink in. He had been dysfunctional for months and his colleagues were well aware of what was the cause, or should they say who. They had tried talking to him about it but he shut off, putting them back in their places and making it very clear he wasn't interested in their opinion. He was so angry. How could he not be? What she had done to him. The way she had left things. But it wasn't just her he was angry at. He was furious with himself. He had just walked away. He hadn't shouted or caused a scene but he had left her there. He told her goodbye and he walked away. How could he have been so stupid? And ever since he had been in a foul mood. Snapping at everyone and unable to concentrate on work. He had moved into a new apartment. Hoping the distance would help erase the memories but still they hit him. Everyday he would be overcome with reminders of her and it would knock the wind out of him. He tried to return to the line he was previously reading, chewing on the end of his pen with increasing frustration, when there was a knock.

"Open," He yelled out to the closed door. He heard it open and turned to see who the silent visitor may be. His mouth dropped in surprise when his eyes fell on her.

"Rory?" he said, the confusion clear in his voice. She looked back at him and attempted to smile, not too awkwardly.

"Hey Jess."