Thoughts in italics

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Chapter 2 – Dodger, a Prick, and an Aussie

I thankfully found my locker pretty quickly, however the stupid thing wouldn't open for me. So I started to plead with it. "Come on, please open. I'll feed you lots and lots of books if you'll open for me. Pretty please open up!"

Some one must have heard my desperate pleas, cause as I threw my hands up in frustration it opened. When I turned to thank the lovely person that helped I found myself a little speechless. It was my best friend whom I hadn't seen in a little over three years.

"Jess! Oh my gosh! What are you doing here?" I jumped up into his arms and gave him the biggest hug in the world. Jess is Luke's nephew and was living with Luke for a couple of years until his mom decided she wanted him back in her life. We'd kept in touch over the years, but never got the chance to see each other. He's the male version of me. He loves books and music just as much as I do and hates all the society crap. His mom married some rich guy so now he has to go to all sorts of lovely functions. His only drawback is that he hates coffee like his uncle.

"My step dad got a job offer in Hartford and moved us out here in the middle of last school year." He said like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

I therefore punched his arm and proceeded to yell at him. "You mean to tell me that you've been living out here for almost a year and you forgot to tell me?" He started to shrink back into the locker. Maybe he was scared by the yelling or it could have been the finger I was poking into his chest while I was yelling. "I can't believe you! I thought we were supposed to be friends. Obviously I was wrong, because a friend would have told if he was coming back. Sorry my mistake, it won't happen again." I then walked away to find my first class.

Jess's POV

I stood there rubbing my chest where she was poking as she walked away. "I'm in so much trouble."

I then heard an unmistakable Australian accent teasing me. "Who was that and why was she yelling mate?"

"That my dear Finn is my best friend. I kind of forgot to mention to her that I moved back out here." I stopped rubbing my chest and leaned back against her locker.

"Wait, you've lived here before?" Finn looked extremely confused. "How come we never met you before last year then?"

"Well, I didn't live in Hartford; I lived in a small town with my uncle called Stars Hollow. That's where I met her. I lived with him for about three years until my mom wanted me back." I closed my eyes and let out a sigh. "It's going to be fun trying to make this up to her."

Finn looked rather thoughtful for a moment before saying, "Just introduce her to me mate. She'll forgive you then."

I just shook my head and Finn and I started walking towards class. All the way there he was trying to convince me what a great idea it would be while I just tried to ignore him.

Lunchtime

Rory's POV

I was sitting there eating my lunch and trying to concentrate on the notes that my teachers had so thoughtfully put together for me while listening to Lifehouse's newest c.d. when some one tapped on my shoulder.

It was no one that I recognized, but he was cute. He had blond hair and deep blue eyes. He was tall, but not overly so and looked to have a very nice body hidden under these hideous uniforms. I pulled my headphones down and spoke.

"Can I help you?"

"No, but maybe I can help you" he said while sitting down next to me.

Curiosity got the best of me and I asked, "And how could you possibly do that?"

"Well, by giving you my name, which is Tristan, and taking you out this Saturday." He replied while trying to put an arm around me.

I looked at his arm around my shoulder and then took my hand and pulled it off of me. I then stood up and said, "I'm sorry, but that wouldn't help me. You see I think that would be helping you and I just can't think of any reason as to why I would want to do that." He was staring at me open mouthed, probably surprised that I would turn him down. So I decided to continue, "I mean, why would I want to help an arrogant, cocky prick when I could have a nice peaceful evening of studying and doing laundry. That sounds like lots more fun, don't you think?"

After that was said I turned around to walk out of the cafeteria when I bumped into Jess.

"Look Rory, I'm so sorry. See I even brought you coffee and a brownie to prove it. Please forgive me." He said and handed me the cup of coffee.

I took a sip and then looked at him. "I'm not forgiving you yet." His head fell and he turned around to leave when I said, "However, it's a step in the right direction."

He looked up and smiled, God how I missed that smile. "I really am sorry Ror."

I looked at him and smiled back while taking the brownie from him. "I know you are. How bout this, you come home with me after school and we'll decide with mom just what your punishment shall be."

He looked scared for a moment while thinking of just how many things Lorelai could think up. He took a deep breath and swallowed. "If it gets you to forgive me I'll do it."

"Great then meet me at my locker after last class." He nodded. "See you later, Dodger." As I turned to walk away, I noticed a small smile at the mention of his old nickname.

The rest of the day went by quickly and all too soon I was at my locker waiting for Jess while wondering how I was ever going to catch up on all this work. You'd think that only starting a month late it wouldn't be too bad, but it is. Every teacher gave me a huge folder of notes and some of them even gave me extra credit work to 'try and help my grades a little.' I found myself wondering if I really wanted Harvard that much. You know you do so don't even think that. You can do this. Just don't expect to have a life at all.

I must have been really out of it cause all of the sudden I saw a hand waving in front of my face "Earth to Rory, come in Rory."

I pushed his hand away and scowled at him. "Come on let's go. I want Luke's coffee." It was just then that I noticed some one standing next to him. A rather good looking some one might I add. Tall, dark hair, green eyes, and a goofy, gorgeous smile plastered to his face. "Hey Dodger, who might your friend here be?"

He spoke before Jess got the chance to. "My name's Finn love, and who are you?"

As soon as he spoke I started drooling over his accent. "I'm Rory Gilmore; it's a pleasure to meet you Finn."

"Hey Rory, you mind if Finn tags along? He's staying with me for the week since his parents are out of town."

"Of course I don't mind." I said while linking my arms through both the guys' arms. We started to walk towards the exit with me singing, "Hi-ho, hi-ho it's off to Stars Hollow we go." Finn joined in and Jess just groaned.

"I have this feeling that you two are going to drive me crazy." He said as we walked out the door.

"If your mom hasn't all ready!" I said while laughing.

Maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all.

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AN - Please Review and tell me what you think. Good or bad I want to know. If you have any ideas or thoughts of what you think should happen just let me know and I'll see what I can do. Still don't know who to put Rory with though. Thanks!!!