Okay guys I'm sorry it took me soooo long to update, but this week was just so long and my teachers gave me so much crap to do so I hardly had enough time to work but, finally i know, here is the next chapter where i hope everyone is in character. SO anyway, on with it...

Disclaimer- If I owned Gilmore girls, it probably would have gone about one episode and then i would have gotten bored with it so lets all thank god that I don't have that privilege...

Chapter 7

Someone's Feeling Distant Today

After Lacey's little midnight escapade, Jess didn't come back to school for several days. This worried Lacey immensely. What if he had been hurt badly. What if she could have been the deciding factor between if that injury could have been afflicted or not. She would stay up until the early hours of morning arguing with herself about whether she should tell her mom or dad or maybe just let her brother in on the secret. Or should she keep her promise and not tell anybody at all?

On the Wednesday that Jess was finally back in school Lacey didn't know what she'd been expecting but, whatever it, was it certainly wasn't what she got. Jess got onto the bus the same way he always did and didn't even acknowledge her presence. It was as if the night they had had four days prior had never happened, as if she was just another annoying kid that he was forced to go to school with. But she wasn't right? She knew his darkest and deepest secret so she should be someone worthy to earn Jess's attention. For at least a bus ride...right?

Taking a deep breath, Lacey stood up and made her way over to the partially vacant bus seat and sat down. Looking expectingly at Jess, as if he was going to finally say something to her, Lacey finally made a small cough into her hand. Jess glanced up form his book for about a half a second but didn't quickly went back to writing notes in the margin. "Jess." Lacey finally said. She was earning weird looks from everyone on the bus now and everyone was watching their conversation like it was the most interesting thing to happen since Brad Sampson and Alice Turner's break up in front of the entire student body a month ago. Whispers were erupting from the girl's mouths as they thought of new twists to the school's latest gossip. Lacey rolled her eyes. I mean it wasn't as if no one had ever chanced to sit with Jess before right... don't answer that. "Jess." She repeated. This was weird. They were friends now, weren't they? Or, at least, people who could talk to each other and know that the other person would respond.

"What." Jess spat, obviously annoyed. Had she just imagined four nights ago? His eyes still hadn't left his book but they weren't moving so Lacey took that as her cue to talk.

"Umm.. well.." She said, suddenly at a loss for words. " Are you coming over tonight?" Lacey finally asked weakly. Jess snorted, she took that as a yes. "Because, my... my dad wants to meet you and so you can stay for dinner. I got permission and both of my parents think it would be a good idea. My mom says she likes you..."

"Huh." Was all she got as a response so she continued talking aimlessly, realizing that she had been waiting for a chance to talk to Jess ever since Thursday night. Just talk him, know that he was still the same Jess that she had known before Thursday. That things wouldn't be weird between them. Slowly, she realized, she, Lacey Montgomery, was falling in love with Jess Mariano. A boy who, though he had been out with over half of the girls in the grade, had never shown any real interest in anybody. Especially her. This new relevation shut Lacey up faster than anything Jess could have said, finally catching Jess attention.

"What?" Jess asked looking behind him at the window that Lacey was staring out. Her face completely white. She didn't even know why she was freaking out so much. I mean half the girls in the school were in love with the mystery that was Jess Mariano, so it wasn't as if it was out of the ordinary that another follower had been added. But maybe that was it, Lacey thought. She had never been one to follow the "in" things before.She had always stuck to herself and went with what was unique and now, all because of a stupid project, she was becoming a follower. Just another luster of Jess Mariano, no one special. "Lacey, what is your deal?" Jess asked, standing up to exit the bus but not being able to because of the shocked girl blocking his exit. It was obvious he didn't really want an answer, he just wanted her to move so Lacey stood up and collected her bag, her books falling all over the floor in the act.

"Great." Lacey muttered. Jess shifted impatiently but still bent down to help her pick up her school supplies. Lacey thanked him, smiling, to which he rolled her eyes. "I'll see you after school then." Lacey said. Looking at her feet.

"Looking forward to it." Jess said sarcastically, finally pushing passed Lacey and exiting the bus. Lacey hurried to get off of the bus, certain that she was going to be late for her first hour, but for some reason it did't matter. All that mattered was Jess's retreating form in front of her and the fact that, as far as she could see, he had survived the weekend with that horrible man and his useless mother. That he was ok and that he would hopefully be ok for the rest of his time with his mom, because, if he wasn't, Lacey didn't know how she would be able to forgive herself. It would be all her fault. And she would hate herself for it.

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There is chapter seven. whew. Ok so I'm thinking that I will answer reviews on my profile so that I can answer any questions or anything so tell me if you would like me to answer your review and I will answer it there. Also, to everyone who has given me suggestions, I will try to put them in somehow so if you would like to see something that would maybe make the plot thicker or more interesting and fits the story, tell me and I will try to add it in. Ok so i think that's it. ummm...oh yeah, if you have a good name for the son or daughter of Rory and Jess for me to use in a later (i won't tell you why), I would love some suggestions. Ok, that's it. Please read and review! Thanks!