Rory woke with a start. She'd heard a loud bang from the lounge of the cabin. Glancing across at Lane and Lorelai to make sure they were still asleep, she slipped out of her own bed and went into the lounge.
'Sorry…did I wake you? I tripped on the rug.' Jess said as he spotted Rory.
'I don't mind.' She smiled over at him. His hair was messier than usual. He'd pulled on a creased black top and some jeans.
'I was going to take a walk down to the lake in the woods behind the cabin. It's small, with a waterfall. I was going to see if the tyre swing was still there.' Jess said taking a step towards her. 'Come with me.' He added taking her hand in his. She felt a spark. There hands fit together with ease. She curled her fingers around his.
'Let's go.' Rory smiled. 'Oh wait. I need to get dressed.' She added looking down at her nightie. Reluctant to let go of his hand.
'Go on then.' Jess smiled letting go of her hand. She looked up at his disappointed. 'Don't worry,' He whispered. 'I promise I'll hold your hand when you get back.'
She smiled brightly. How was he able to read her mind like that? She smiled at him shyly then walked quietly into her room. Pulled on a pair of jeans and a blue top. Then headed back out into the lounge. True to his promise as soon as she arrived. He took he hand. Giving it a gently squeeze. She curled her fingers round his, as they left. Making the short walk down towards the small lake.
'It's beautiful.' Rory sighed happily. Resting her head against his shoulder. He sighed slightly. Wanting to put his arms round her. Instead he pulled away.
'Rory?' Jess started as she turned to face him. 'What is this? Us? You've just broken up with Dean. I need to know what your thinking.' Jess said.
'I'm not thinking.' Rory replied honestly. 'Please. I can't make any decisions yet. I need some time to think. I just like being near you. I like holding your hand.' Rory paused looking over at him. Did he want to be with her? 'I just need a little time.'
'Take all the time you need. I'm not going anywhere.' Jess replied secretly hoping she wanted to be with him. She reached out for his hand again. He took it without hesitation.
'Tell me a secret.' Rory said after a while of silence. They were now sat at the waters edge. His legs dangling into the water. Her lying down with her head on his lap. He stroked her hair gently with one hand. Holding onto her hand with the other.
'I've been writing a book.' Jess said quietly. Rory's eyes widened in surprise.
'Really? Jess that's amazing. When did you start writing it?' Rory asked a huge smiled appearing on her face.
'The night you ran away from me at the bridge.' Jess said looking into her eyes. They were beautiful eyes.
'Can I read it?' Rory asked excitedly. Jumping up into sitting position.
'No! It's not done.' Jess replied. Dissapointed that he no longer had Rory's hair to play with.
'When it's done? I want to be the first to read it.' Rory demanded.
'Fine.' Jess said jumping to his feet. Picking her up and throwing her into the water. She screamed loudly then started laughing as he dived in next to her.
'Why'd you do that?' Rory asked hitting him playfully.
'Wanted to.' Jess shrugged his shoulders. Rory swan over to him and ducked his head under the water.
'You'll pay for this Mariano. You're going to die. A painful death.' Rory said mock angrily.
'You won't kill me.' Jess said casually. Splashing water onto her face. 'Think how dull your life would be without me.' He smiled. He couldn't resist his smile.
'Come on it's already morning we should be heading back.' Rory said pulling herself out of the water.
'You're no fun' He sighed but followed her. Linking his fingers through hers.
***
'Were you out all night?' Luke asked as they walked in through the door soaking wet.
'Almost.' Jess replied going back into his quiet mode.
'Well at least I didn't know. I would have worried.' Luke said.
'Why are you all wet?' Lane asked sleepily. Rory laughed. Lane had gotten a proper amount of sleep and was still more sleepy than her.
'Jess thought it would be a good idea to throw me into a Lake.' Rory said crashing into the couch next to Lane.
'Hey you're getting me wet.' Lane complained.
'Coffee!' Lorelai demanded of Luke as she came out of the girls room. 'Offspring. There you are. I thought you'd run off to join a travelling circus. I thought I'd lost you to the LA mafia. Or an evil drugs ring. How could you leave mommy without so much as a note. Going off with Jess and getting soaked. Next time you run off leave a note for mommy so she doesn't have a heart attack when she wakes up at 4am to find her one and only gone.' Lorelai said higging her wet daughter. 'You know,' She added swinging round to Jess. 'Everytime she's with you. She comes home really late.'
'Hey, She came of her own free will.' Jess defended. 'I'm going to change.' he added walking off to his room.
'Sounds like a good idea.' Rory agreed going into her room and flopping onto the bed. She couldn't stop flying. Two minutes later her mum and Lane walk into the room.
'Talk!' They demand together. Rory sits up and starts getting some clothes out of her bag.
'About?' Rory asked although she had a pretty good idea what.
'Jess…I just want to make sure you're not…well rushing into things. You've only just met him and you've only just broken up with Dean.' Lorelai said sitting next to her daughter.
'I know that and that's why I'm not making any decisions yet. I told him that last night. I needed time to think and that's what he's giving me.' Rory said changing clothes quickly.
'So you do like him.' Lane said. 'I knew you did after what you said at the airport.'
'What'd she say at the airport?' Lorelai demanded.
'I accidentally said that I loved Jess. I was aiming to say that I loved Dean. I just…said Jess' name.' Rory blushed.
'Whoa! You kept this from mommy! How could you. I gave birth to you and this is how you repay me.' Lorelai said mock upset. Then realised what it was Rory had said. 'Wait. Love. Rory honey don't you think it's a little soon to be talking love?'
'I don't know. That's what I'm trying to figure out. All I know is that I like his company. I like the feel of his hand in mine. I've been thinking about him non-stop since I met him. I smile every time I see him, and I've started drinking 4 cups of coffee before bed every night so I'll be awake enough to hang out with him' Rory said not meaning to say so much.
'Oi with the poodles already.' Lorelai sighed.
'What? Mum be a little more helpful.' Rory said crossing her arms over her chest.
'I think it's too soon. You hardly know him and what I've heard isn't all good. You know he stole a car right?' Lorelai asked.
'Yeah I know. But he's smart and sort of wonderful.' Rory smiled.
'Just…be careful.' Lane warned her. 'Jess isn't exactly popular at school. He doesn't pay attention in classes. That's when he turns up. I just…don't want to see you get hurt.'
'Just remember you two both loved Dean. Thought he was the best guy for me. That he would protect me and be kind and sweet. You loved him and look how that turned out. On paper Dean was perfect and he hit me. On paper Jess seems like the kind to avoid. In reality….' Rory drifted off thinking of Jess' smile. His smirk, the way he looked at her. The way he looked when he was reading.
'In reality..?' Lorelai prompted.
'He's kind of perfect.' Rory smiled getting up and brushing through her hair.
A/N- Hope you like this part. Read and Review. Let me know what you think.