Rory Gilmore was going to be his downfall, he was sure of it. He
ranted and raged at the idea, but in the end he knew it was true. And
there was not a single thing he could do about it.
Stuffing his hands into his pockets, he walked through the deserted park. Sweat trickled down his back, it was hot today, and the leaves hung limply from the trees. The air was thick, so thick you could cut it with a knife. But no one was around and that's the way he liked it.
He'd come back. Everyone had whispered behind his back when they thought he couldn't hear, but he did. He knew what they were saying, scorning him, berating him; and he hated them for it. He didn't think it could hurt him but it did, in some twisted way it hit him hard. He'd left thinking that he was leaving without regrets, but there was nothing worse than leaving something behind.
He sighed and pulled a cigarette out of his shorts, lighting it he thought of his decision to come back. When he was away he'd actually missed this crummy, God damn, forsaken town. He had hated himself for that, that he had actually missed something. He took a long drag and slowly breathed the smoke out; he had finally came to realize that this was home. He accepted it. And now he was back, had been for over a month.
But tomorrow she was coming home.
He tossed the small stub of a cigarette to the ground and put it out with his sneaker. It was twilight and he was going to be late. Quickly he made his way back to work, to Luke's Diner.
* * *
"Table four needs more coffee." Luke said gruffly as he passed Jess behind the counter.
"Since when did we start using numbers for tables?" Asked Jess confused, but all he got was a grunt from Luke in return. Jess shrugged as he grabbed a coffee pot and made his way over to "Table four". And then he realized why he had said the number instead of a name, Lorelai was sitting at table four.
His insides churned as he made his way over, she still hated him of course. Although his stomach was heaving inside, he remained calm and collected outside. "More coffee ma'am?"
"Do you have to ask?" Lorelai looked up her face hopeful, but it darkened when her eyes fell upon Jess. She looked back down at her pancakes as Jess poured more coffee into her empty mug.
Frustrated he let out a sigh, it was now or never. He set the coffee pot down on the table and fell heavily on the seat across from her.
Lorelai's head snapped up in reply, her mouth set in a frown. She was about to speak when Jess started talking.
"Listen, I know you dislike me." Jess watched her eyebrows shoot up, "Ok, I know you hate me, but I need to tell you that." Jess paused, this wasn't exactly easy, "That I'm sorry, for...for everything that I've ever done to make you upset. Especially for what happened with Rory."
Lorelai took a sip of her coffee and calmly set it back down. "I hope you're not just telling me this just because she's coming home today."
Jess looked sheepish, "Actually, I apologized today because I finally got the nerve to even speak to you."
Lorelai crossed her arms over her chest and raised her eyebrows, "Is that so?"
"Well, to tell you the truth, you kind of scare me sometimes."
A trace of a smile passed Lorelai's lips but was soon gone, "I have reason to scare you."
Jess nodded, "Good reason too. I also wanted to talk to you today about Luke, he misses you like crazy. He hasn't said anything to me, but I can tell." Jess rose, "Well I better get back to work before Luke gives me hell. See ya later Ms.Gilmore."
"Call me Lorelai." She laid down her money on the table and left before Jess could say anything more.
* * *
Wiping the counters, Jess waited for the signal from Luke, it was already 15 minutes past the end of his shift. He was getting cranky. A book was waiting for him upstairs, and so was a bench in the park, needless to say he wanted to leave.
Although he didn't want to admit it to himself, Jess didn't want to be here when she was. He knew they'd come straight to Luke's before going home. She had been deprived of his coffee for weeks now, what else would a Gilmore do?
He didn't want to be there when the awkwardness set in, because he knew it would. It would creep up on them as soon the name Dean was uttered. Their friendship would be only a whisper in a matter of seconds. He didn't want that to happen, couldn't let that happen, their friendship meant too much to him. He wouldn't let it slip through his fingers. That's why he couldn't be here tonight, he would postpone their meeting for as long as he could.
The wave finally came from Luke and a sigh of relief escaped Jess's lips, freedom, he thought.
With The Color Purple held tightly in his hand, Jess made his way to his bench only a few minutes later. He settled himself comfortably, he stretched his legs, and settled back to enjoy Alice Walker. Jess loved that about books, you could get so lost in them. You didn't remember any of your problems, you become part of the book, nothing else matters when you're reading. And Jess got lost for the next two hours.
"Shit." A whispered curse escaped Jess's lips as the sky darkened, the words on the pages were no longer clear. Twilight. He skimmed through the last of his pages, only ten. He wished he could finish them out here where he had solitude and peace. Jess stayed awhile longer, not wanting to go back and find them there, laughing over their third cup of coffee. Finally, when the urge to finish his book was too great, he pulled himself up from the bench and began his slow tread back to Luke's.
He came through the back way, just in case. He found Luke in the kitchen cleaning the last of the dirty dishes.
"Where've you been?" Luke asked placing a dish in the dishwasher.
"Around." Jess told him gathering stained coffee cups and bringing them over to Luke.
Luke rolled his eyes, "Doing what?"
"Drugs."
Luke gave him a look, "Stop fooling around." He said warningly.
Jess held up his book defiantly. "Reading."
"Educational book I hope." Luke said placing the cups in soapy water.
"Always." Jess said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"She asked about you."
"Who?" Jess asked innocently. But his head jerked up to look at Luke, he was all ears.
"You want the day off tomorrow?" Luke asked looking at him, the dishes forgotten. "Caesars working extra."
"That would be great." Jess said grateful, but he was confused. Did Luke know how much he didn't want to see her? Or maybe he thought he wanted the day off to be with her. "Thanks."
"Finally, he says more than one word." Luke went back to his dishes.
Suddenly Jess felt very tired even thought it was barely 10:00. "I'm going to bed. Let me sleep in, will you?"
"Sure, whatever." Luke said not really paying attention.
With that Jess bounded up the stairs. Thankful, he made his way to his bedroom and threw himself on his bed. Avidly, he finished the last pages of The Color Purple and then turned off his light. He lay in bed thanking his lucky stars that he had the day off tomorrow.
He didn't know how unlucky they really were.
************************************************************
Stuffing his wallet and a good book into the cargo pockets of his shorts, Jess hurried out the door looking forward to his day off. He clambered down the stairs noisily, his sandals slapping the cold wooden steps. He peeked into the diner, making sure it was Gilmore-free before he made his way in.
"Luke, I'm going out." He announced to his uncle as he passed by with a plate full of pancakes.
"Where?" Luke asked setting the plate in front of Kirk who sat at a table by the window.
"Hartford. I'm gunna check out the new music store there." Jess said.
"Fine. Be back by ten." Luke hurried to the next table.
Jess caught the bus to Hartford and read one of his favorite books on the way, Oliver Twist. Half an hour later he reached his destination.
The Hartford Public Library was scrawled out neatly on a sign that was backed by a beautiful, brick building hiding thousands of books with the potential to be lost in. Smiling, Jess opened the door and captured the scent of a well used book. This was one of his favorite places in the world, he went there whenever he got a day off.
There were great, big, overstuffed chairs in which you could lose yourself in, but best of all they were placed in corners where few people went. This left a peaceful setting for any book. Jess selected one of the chairs and sat back with his book.
Hours later Jess closed Oliver Twist, he got up in search for another. He skimmed the endless shelves of books not looking for anything in particular. He reached for a book and took it down from the shelf, his heart dropped to his stomach. Through the crack in which no books lay was Rory Gilmore, staring straight back at him. What were the odds of that? Not very good, lucky him.
Regaining his senses and his composure, Jess began to breathe again. "Rory." He said calmly, "Fancy meeting you here."
A smile touched her lips, "It's been awhile Jess."
"It has. How was Washington?"
Rory grimaced, "Let's just say I'm glad to be home."
"That bad, huh?"
"One word: Paris." Her blue eyes twinkled.
He swallowed hard, he was pretty sure if he didn't stop staring into those iridescent pools of blue he would get lost in them and drown. "I'm glad your back." Liar.
She grinned, "So are we going to talk to each other through a crack in a book case, or do you want to get some coffee?"
Talking through the crack sounded like a pretty good idea to Jess, but instead he said, "You can have coffee, I'll have water."
"Works for me. Meet you at the other side?"
He forced out a yes and replaced the book, Oh God! He left Stars Hollow only to find her here, how could this have happened? He met her at the end of the shelf.
"Ya know. I don't believe I've ever talked to any one through a book shelf before." Rory said taking strides beside him.
"Can't say I have either." Jess made several side glances at her. There was something different about her. But what was it? "Are you here with anyone?" He thought of Dean, but he would never come to a library, would he?
Rory said, "Well, I was here with my mom, but she got bored and decided to leave me and go shopping. I have to catch the bus ride home." Rory abruptly stopped and turned to Jess, "Listen, about that day." She said in a hurry. "I didn't mean to...to...." . "Lead me on?" Jess supplied, "Don't worry you didn't. You have Dean and I know that. Let's just drop it okay?" He started walking again.
Rory caught up with him, "I'm sorry." She whispered it.
Jess only nodded, "Are we going to the Book Café here?" He asked changing the subject. He stole a sideways glance at her, her face showed no emotion but her eyes brimmed with sadness.
It took her a moment to answer, surprised at the abrupt change in conversation. "Yeah, surprisingly their coffee isn't half bad." She shrugged, and looked at him. "How has Stars Hollow been without me?"
"Horrible." Jess lied again. Well, he was partly telling the truth, he had missed her. But not as mush as he would miss their friendship. Angrily, he balled his fists, she was the one who was going to mess it up. She's the one who kissed.
Rory's voice interrupted his thoughts, "Hello? Earth to Jess?" Rory waved a hand in front of his face.
Jess shook his head, "Sorry. Just thinking."
"Oh, well I was just telling you that I hope Luke's not working you too hard."
"No, not that bad." Where was this conversation going anyway? They reached the café, "You sit, I'll grab the drinks."
Rory nodded and took a seat by the window. Jess sighed as he waited in line to be served, he was ready for a "Isn't the weather nice today?" conversation. He ordered a coffee and a bottled water and made his way back to Rory who looked absolutely beautiful. Her chin was rested on her hand and she was looking out the window thoughtfully, but her eyebrows furrowed.
Jess placed himself carefully across from her. "Here you go." He said handing the warm cup to her. "So, did you read."
"Jess we need to talk." Rory interrupted him. "This is stupid. It's already awkward." She scowled. "You're the only one who'll understand me when I talk about Mr. Rochester and his psycho wife." Her voice lowered to a whisper, "I don't want to lose that Jess. Just tell me honestly how you feel."
So, she knew he'd been lying? Though her words were simple, he understood every single one of them. She had noticed the lack of in their conversation too. He was silent for a moment, he just didn't know what to say. Finally, he answered, this time truthfully. "Rory, I can't just forget it, it's not that easy."
Her hands stumbled with her cup, "I can't either. But I think we both have to try." She looked him straight in the eye. "I have a boyfriend, whom I love." She said this as though she was trying to convince herself the same thing.
"Right." Jess said looking out the window.
"We have to try." She repeated. "For the sake of our friendship. Because....Because I don't know what I'd do without it."
Rory's eyes were bright when he looked back at her. He didn't say anything, he just stared into her blue eyes, and he could feel himself drowning.
"I missed you when I was gone Jess." Rory said thoughtfully, "More than I thought I would."
"Than were friends right?" Jess said not letting her finish, "Just friends."
Rory nodded, detached. "Friends."
Jess rose from his seat, "Come on. I know this brand new record shop that just opened."
Rory smiled, relieved. "Great. Let's go."
They walked out of the library together, inches apart, careful not to get to close in case, by accident, they touched.
* * *
Rory descended the steps before him as the bus dropped them off at Stars Hollow; they were the only ones at this stop. Not many people ventured very far out of Stars Hollow.
"I should probably go home. My mom will be wondering where I am." Rory said facing the wind, her hair whipping around her face.
"Walk with me till Luke's?" Jess asked.
Rory nodded and fell in step beside him. They talked on their way there but it wasn't quite the same, it hadn't been all day even after the talk. Neither of them would forget, Jess knew it wouldn't be the same, couldn't be the same.
He stopped when they finally reached the diner. "Thanks for today Rory." Jess said turning toward her.
Rory smiled, "No, thank you. If you hadn't showed me that music store I never would have found the cd. I've been looking for it everywhere." She smiled and held up a bag which held the cd.
Jess couldn't help it, he leaned toward her and embraced her, he had wanted to do this all day. He felt her arms slide around his waist, they held each other for a minute, tightly, like neither of them ever wanted to let go. He finally pulled away noticing how perfectly they fit against each other. With his lips inches away from hers he said, "Welcome home."
He released her and walked into Luke's Dinner without looking back.
Later that day Jess was sprawled across that couch watching TV, he was lacking a book. He flipped randomly through channels becoming increasingly bored by the minute. Who watched this junk anyway? Usually at times like these he would simply reread a favorite book, but all of them reminded him of Rory in some way, and became unappealing. Distantly Jess heard the phone ring as he scowled, damn TV! Why would anyone watch this crape? Frustrated he turned the TV off and threw the remote aside.
"Jess! Telephone." Luke called from downstairs. "Line two!"
Who in God's name could that be? "Okay!" Jess picked up the phone pressing the line two button which was the personal line. "Yeah?"
"Hey Jess." Rory's voice rang through clear and sharp.
Jess was startled and hesitated before he spoke, "How's it going, Rory?"
"You knew it was me!"
"What can I say? You have a very knowable voice."
"I do?"
"Sure."
"Good to know next time Mom and I make prank phone calls on Taylor."
Jess chuckled, "I'm sure he appreciates that."
"Oh he does! Especially the time we told him Doose's was ablaze at two in the morning and he ran to it in his pink stripped pajamas, we were waiting behind the bushes with a camera."
"I'd like to see that picture!"
"You could probably get it from anyone! We made copies and put them all around the town!"
"Did he ever find you out?"
"Nope! But he promised a ransom for whoever turned us in."
"Yeah? What was the award?"
"Free vegetables for a week from Doose's. Needless to say, no one ever turned us in."
Jess laughed, "He must have been pissed."
"Yeah he was." There was a lapse in conversation, and then Rory spoke. "Do you have to work tomorrow?"
"Yeah."
"When is your break?"
"Around 12:00, why?"
"Well, I'm going to be there for lunch and I wanted to discuss with you a book I recently read."
"What is it?"
"The Handmaid's Tail, very creepy but a good book. I'll see you there then?"
"Okay, sure." Jess said uncertainly.
"Great, bye!"
"Bye." Jess listened to the click as she hung up wondering what tomorrow would bring.
TBC
Stuffing his hands into his pockets, he walked through the deserted park. Sweat trickled down his back, it was hot today, and the leaves hung limply from the trees. The air was thick, so thick you could cut it with a knife. But no one was around and that's the way he liked it.
He'd come back. Everyone had whispered behind his back when they thought he couldn't hear, but he did. He knew what they were saying, scorning him, berating him; and he hated them for it. He didn't think it could hurt him but it did, in some twisted way it hit him hard. He'd left thinking that he was leaving without regrets, but there was nothing worse than leaving something behind.
He sighed and pulled a cigarette out of his shorts, lighting it he thought of his decision to come back. When he was away he'd actually missed this crummy, God damn, forsaken town. He had hated himself for that, that he had actually missed something. He took a long drag and slowly breathed the smoke out; he had finally came to realize that this was home. He accepted it. And now he was back, had been for over a month.
But tomorrow she was coming home.
He tossed the small stub of a cigarette to the ground and put it out with his sneaker. It was twilight and he was going to be late. Quickly he made his way back to work, to Luke's Diner.
* * *
"Table four needs more coffee." Luke said gruffly as he passed Jess behind the counter.
"Since when did we start using numbers for tables?" Asked Jess confused, but all he got was a grunt from Luke in return. Jess shrugged as he grabbed a coffee pot and made his way over to "Table four". And then he realized why he had said the number instead of a name, Lorelai was sitting at table four.
His insides churned as he made his way over, she still hated him of course. Although his stomach was heaving inside, he remained calm and collected outside. "More coffee ma'am?"
"Do you have to ask?" Lorelai looked up her face hopeful, but it darkened when her eyes fell upon Jess. She looked back down at her pancakes as Jess poured more coffee into her empty mug.
Frustrated he let out a sigh, it was now or never. He set the coffee pot down on the table and fell heavily on the seat across from her.
Lorelai's head snapped up in reply, her mouth set in a frown. She was about to speak when Jess started talking.
"Listen, I know you dislike me." Jess watched her eyebrows shoot up, "Ok, I know you hate me, but I need to tell you that." Jess paused, this wasn't exactly easy, "That I'm sorry, for...for everything that I've ever done to make you upset. Especially for what happened with Rory."
Lorelai took a sip of her coffee and calmly set it back down. "I hope you're not just telling me this just because she's coming home today."
Jess looked sheepish, "Actually, I apologized today because I finally got the nerve to even speak to you."
Lorelai crossed her arms over her chest and raised her eyebrows, "Is that so?"
"Well, to tell you the truth, you kind of scare me sometimes."
A trace of a smile passed Lorelai's lips but was soon gone, "I have reason to scare you."
Jess nodded, "Good reason too. I also wanted to talk to you today about Luke, he misses you like crazy. He hasn't said anything to me, but I can tell." Jess rose, "Well I better get back to work before Luke gives me hell. See ya later Ms.Gilmore."
"Call me Lorelai." She laid down her money on the table and left before Jess could say anything more.
* * *
Wiping the counters, Jess waited for the signal from Luke, it was already 15 minutes past the end of his shift. He was getting cranky. A book was waiting for him upstairs, and so was a bench in the park, needless to say he wanted to leave.
Although he didn't want to admit it to himself, Jess didn't want to be here when she was. He knew they'd come straight to Luke's before going home. She had been deprived of his coffee for weeks now, what else would a Gilmore do?
He didn't want to be there when the awkwardness set in, because he knew it would. It would creep up on them as soon the name Dean was uttered. Their friendship would be only a whisper in a matter of seconds. He didn't want that to happen, couldn't let that happen, their friendship meant too much to him. He wouldn't let it slip through his fingers. That's why he couldn't be here tonight, he would postpone their meeting for as long as he could.
The wave finally came from Luke and a sigh of relief escaped Jess's lips, freedom, he thought.
With The Color Purple held tightly in his hand, Jess made his way to his bench only a few minutes later. He settled himself comfortably, he stretched his legs, and settled back to enjoy Alice Walker. Jess loved that about books, you could get so lost in them. You didn't remember any of your problems, you become part of the book, nothing else matters when you're reading. And Jess got lost for the next two hours.
"Shit." A whispered curse escaped Jess's lips as the sky darkened, the words on the pages were no longer clear. Twilight. He skimmed through the last of his pages, only ten. He wished he could finish them out here where he had solitude and peace. Jess stayed awhile longer, not wanting to go back and find them there, laughing over their third cup of coffee. Finally, when the urge to finish his book was too great, he pulled himself up from the bench and began his slow tread back to Luke's.
He came through the back way, just in case. He found Luke in the kitchen cleaning the last of the dirty dishes.
"Where've you been?" Luke asked placing a dish in the dishwasher.
"Around." Jess told him gathering stained coffee cups and bringing them over to Luke.
Luke rolled his eyes, "Doing what?"
"Drugs."
Luke gave him a look, "Stop fooling around." He said warningly.
Jess held up his book defiantly. "Reading."
"Educational book I hope." Luke said placing the cups in soapy water.
"Always." Jess said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"She asked about you."
"Who?" Jess asked innocently. But his head jerked up to look at Luke, he was all ears.
"You want the day off tomorrow?" Luke asked looking at him, the dishes forgotten. "Caesars working extra."
"That would be great." Jess said grateful, but he was confused. Did Luke know how much he didn't want to see her? Or maybe he thought he wanted the day off to be with her. "Thanks."
"Finally, he says more than one word." Luke went back to his dishes.
Suddenly Jess felt very tired even thought it was barely 10:00. "I'm going to bed. Let me sleep in, will you?"
"Sure, whatever." Luke said not really paying attention.
With that Jess bounded up the stairs. Thankful, he made his way to his bedroom and threw himself on his bed. Avidly, he finished the last pages of The Color Purple and then turned off his light. He lay in bed thanking his lucky stars that he had the day off tomorrow.
He didn't know how unlucky they really were.
************************************************************
Stuffing his wallet and a good book into the cargo pockets of his shorts, Jess hurried out the door looking forward to his day off. He clambered down the stairs noisily, his sandals slapping the cold wooden steps. He peeked into the diner, making sure it was Gilmore-free before he made his way in.
"Luke, I'm going out." He announced to his uncle as he passed by with a plate full of pancakes.
"Where?" Luke asked setting the plate in front of Kirk who sat at a table by the window.
"Hartford. I'm gunna check out the new music store there." Jess said.
"Fine. Be back by ten." Luke hurried to the next table.
Jess caught the bus to Hartford and read one of his favorite books on the way, Oliver Twist. Half an hour later he reached his destination.
The Hartford Public Library was scrawled out neatly on a sign that was backed by a beautiful, brick building hiding thousands of books with the potential to be lost in. Smiling, Jess opened the door and captured the scent of a well used book. This was one of his favorite places in the world, he went there whenever he got a day off.
There were great, big, overstuffed chairs in which you could lose yourself in, but best of all they were placed in corners where few people went. This left a peaceful setting for any book. Jess selected one of the chairs and sat back with his book.
Hours later Jess closed Oliver Twist, he got up in search for another. He skimmed the endless shelves of books not looking for anything in particular. He reached for a book and took it down from the shelf, his heart dropped to his stomach. Through the crack in which no books lay was Rory Gilmore, staring straight back at him. What were the odds of that? Not very good, lucky him.
Regaining his senses and his composure, Jess began to breathe again. "Rory." He said calmly, "Fancy meeting you here."
A smile touched her lips, "It's been awhile Jess."
"It has. How was Washington?"
Rory grimaced, "Let's just say I'm glad to be home."
"That bad, huh?"
"One word: Paris." Her blue eyes twinkled.
He swallowed hard, he was pretty sure if he didn't stop staring into those iridescent pools of blue he would get lost in them and drown. "I'm glad your back." Liar.
She grinned, "So are we going to talk to each other through a crack in a book case, or do you want to get some coffee?"
Talking through the crack sounded like a pretty good idea to Jess, but instead he said, "You can have coffee, I'll have water."
"Works for me. Meet you at the other side?"
He forced out a yes and replaced the book, Oh God! He left Stars Hollow only to find her here, how could this have happened? He met her at the end of the shelf.
"Ya know. I don't believe I've ever talked to any one through a book shelf before." Rory said taking strides beside him.
"Can't say I have either." Jess made several side glances at her. There was something different about her. But what was it? "Are you here with anyone?" He thought of Dean, but he would never come to a library, would he?
Rory said, "Well, I was here with my mom, but she got bored and decided to leave me and go shopping. I have to catch the bus ride home." Rory abruptly stopped and turned to Jess, "Listen, about that day." She said in a hurry. "I didn't mean to...to...." . "Lead me on?" Jess supplied, "Don't worry you didn't. You have Dean and I know that. Let's just drop it okay?" He started walking again.
Rory caught up with him, "I'm sorry." She whispered it.
Jess only nodded, "Are we going to the Book Café here?" He asked changing the subject. He stole a sideways glance at her, her face showed no emotion but her eyes brimmed with sadness.
It took her a moment to answer, surprised at the abrupt change in conversation. "Yeah, surprisingly their coffee isn't half bad." She shrugged, and looked at him. "How has Stars Hollow been without me?"
"Horrible." Jess lied again. Well, he was partly telling the truth, he had missed her. But not as mush as he would miss their friendship. Angrily, he balled his fists, she was the one who was going to mess it up. She's the one who kissed.
Rory's voice interrupted his thoughts, "Hello? Earth to Jess?" Rory waved a hand in front of his face.
Jess shook his head, "Sorry. Just thinking."
"Oh, well I was just telling you that I hope Luke's not working you too hard."
"No, not that bad." Where was this conversation going anyway? They reached the café, "You sit, I'll grab the drinks."
Rory nodded and took a seat by the window. Jess sighed as he waited in line to be served, he was ready for a "Isn't the weather nice today?" conversation. He ordered a coffee and a bottled water and made his way back to Rory who looked absolutely beautiful. Her chin was rested on her hand and she was looking out the window thoughtfully, but her eyebrows furrowed.
Jess placed himself carefully across from her. "Here you go." He said handing the warm cup to her. "So, did you read."
"Jess we need to talk." Rory interrupted him. "This is stupid. It's already awkward." She scowled. "You're the only one who'll understand me when I talk about Mr. Rochester and his psycho wife." Her voice lowered to a whisper, "I don't want to lose that Jess. Just tell me honestly how you feel."
So, she knew he'd been lying? Though her words were simple, he understood every single one of them. She had noticed the lack of in their conversation too. He was silent for a moment, he just didn't know what to say. Finally, he answered, this time truthfully. "Rory, I can't just forget it, it's not that easy."
Her hands stumbled with her cup, "I can't either. But I think we both have to try." She looked him straight in the eye. "I have a boyfriend, whom I love." She said this as though she was trying to convince herself the same thing.
"Right." Jess said looking out the window.
"We have to try." She repeated. "For the sake of our friendship. Because....Because I don't know what I'd do without it."
Rory's eyes were bright when he looked back at her. He didn't say anything, he just stared into her blue eyes, and he could feel himself drowning.
"I missed you when I was gone Jess." Rory said thoughtfully, "More than I thought I would."
"Than were friends right?" Jess said not letting her finish, "Just friends."
Rory nodded, detached. "Friends."
Jess rose from his seat, "Come on. I know this brand new record shop that just opened."
Rory smiled, relieved. "Great. Let's go."
They walked out of the library together, inches apart, careful not to get to close in case, by accident, they touched.
* * *
Rory descended the steps before him as the bus dropped them off at Stars Hollow; they were the only ones at this stop. Not many people ventured very far out of Stars Hollow.
"I should probably go home. My mom will be wondering where I am." Rory said facing the wind, her hair whipping around her face.
"Walk with me till Luke's?" Jess asked.
Rory nodded and fell in step beside him. They talked on their way there but it wasn't quite the same, it hadn't been all day even after the talk. Neither of them would forget, Jess knew it wouldn't be the same, couldn't be the same.
He stopped when they finally reached the diner. "Thanks for today Rory." Jess said turning toward her.
Rory smiled, "No, thank you. If you hadn't showed me that music store I never would have found the cd. I've been looking for it everywhere." She smiled and held up a bag which held the cd.
Jess couldn't help it, he leaned toward her and embraced her, he had wanted to do this all day. He felt her arms slide around his waist, they held each other for a minute, tightly, like neither of them ever wanted to let go. He finally pulled away noticing how perfectly they fit against each other. With his lips inches away from hers he said, "Welcome home."
He released her and walked into Luke's Dinner without looking back.
Later that day Jess was sprawled across that couch watching TV, he was lacking a book. He flipped randomly through channels becoming increasingly bored by the minute. Who watched this junk anyway? Usually at times like these he would simply reread a favorite book, but all of them reminded him of Rory in some way, and became unappealing. Distantly Jess heard the phone ring as he scowled, damn TV! Why would anyone watch this crape? Frustrated he turned the TV off and threw the remote aside.
"Jess! Telephone." Luke called from downstairs. "Line two!"
Who in God's name could that be? "Okay!" Jess picked up the phone pressing the line two button which was the personal line. "Yeah?"
"Hey Jess." Rory's voice rang through clear and sharp.
Jess was startled and hesitated before he spoke, "How's it going, Rory?"
"You knew it was me!"
"What can I say? You have a very knowable voice."
"I do?"
"Sure."
"Good to know next time Mom and I make prank phone calls on Taylor."
Jess chuckled, "I'm sure he appreciates that."
"Oh he does! Especially the time we told him Doose's was ablaze at two in the morning and he ran to it in his pink stripped pajamas, we were waiting behind the bushes with a camera."
"I'd like to see that picture!"
"You could probably get it from anyone! We made copies and put them all around the town!"
"Did he ever find you out?"
"Nope! But he promised a ransom for whoever turned us in."
"Yeah? What was the award?"
"Free vegetables for a week from Doose's. Needless to say, no one ever turned us in."
Jess laughed, "He must have been pissed."
"Yeah he was." There was a lapse in conversation, and then Rory spoke. "Do you have to work tomorrow?"
"Yeah."
"When is your break?"
"Around 12:00, why?"
"Well, I'm going to be there for lunch and I wanted to discuss with you a book I recently read."
"What is it?"
"The Handmaid's Tail, very creepy but a good book. I'll see you there then?"
"Okay, sure." Jess said uncertainly.
"Great, bye!"
"Bye." Jess listened to the click as she hung up wondering what tomorrow would bring.
TBC