Chapter 10

Jess let himself into the pool house, quietly walking over to Rory's sleeping form. He sat next to her on the floor, brushing her hair back from her face. Judging from the puffiness around her eyes and the tears that were still wet on her face she hadn't been asleep long. Exhaused, he thought to himself, pushing herself too hard. Pushing it all away.

He had tried to tell her not to pretend like nothing happened, to let the emotions out. If there was anyone who knew what repressing your feelings did to a person it was Jess Mariano. But she was a Gilmore and a Hayden, and there wasn't any combination of stubbornness stronger than that.

Jess looked around for a pillow or blanket or something to make her more comfortable but the pool house was completely empty. Seeing no other option he stood up, squatting down to scoop Rory up in his arms. She stirred as he lifted her.

"Shh, I'm just bringing you to the main house." Jess whispered, pressing his lips to her temple.

"No, wanna stay here. Happy." Rory murmured.

"You'll be more comfortable not on the floor, Rory." She could feel his voice rumble in his chest, decided to give up the fight and snuggled into him.

"Mmmkay."

Jess carried her up the stairs and into the guest room. After he lay her on the bed he sat on the edge beside her and studied her face. She was on the edge of sleep again, hovering between sleep and consciousness. Sleep was probably the best option for her. If the circles under her eyes were any indication she hadn't been sleeping well at all.

"Get some rest, okay?I'm going to go downstairs but if you need anything just call me."

Rory stirred enough to grab onto his hand and stop him as he rose from the bed.

"Jess, will you stay? This bed is so big it feels empty. I feel empty. I need…...I need you here with me. Please?"

Jess's heart lurched in his chest. He had waited his entire adult life to hear her tell him that she needed him. Of course she would say it like this; as if it was as natural as breathing and shouldn't have ever been in question.

"Of course." He toed off his shoes and Rory pulled the covers back so he could climb in. As soon as he was settled against the headboard she wrapped herself around him like a vine. "What were you doing in the pool house, Ror? There isn't even a chair to sit on in there."

Rory took so long to answer Jess was sure she had fallen asleep, but she shifted so she could meet his eyes briefly, searching. For what he wasn't sure. She must have found her answer because she snuggled back into him and started talking quietly.

"It is the last place I remember being happy with Logan. My time here with my grandparents wasn't a great time in my life with mom or Yale, but it was the best part of my relationship with Logan. I have nothing but happy memories associated with us and that pool house. I guess I just wanted to be somewhere that made me feel happy, even if it was only for a minute." She paused, "I didn't work though. All I could think about was what would have happened if I had said yes to his proposal at graduation, or if I had agreed to another chance when he wanted it. What if we had been happy when I got pregnant. It was a dark thought process that spiraled out of control fairly quickly. I'm sorry I have been ignoring you, I think the truth is finally sinking in. That the Logan chapter of my life is finally, officially, closed. Mom is married, you are in Philly, and Grandma is in Nantucket. Everyone has moved on and I feel like I am stuck in exactly the same place, you know?"

Jess considered his answer before speaking. "Never apologize for your grief, not to me. You are entitled to some dark and twisty journeys. And I know that it might feel like you are alone, but I swear you aren't Rory. We are all here for you, literally a phone call, a train ride, a short trip away. We are in your corner, no matter what. What you need now is some sleep. Just close your eyes and rest, I'll be here when you wake up - I promise."

Rory propped herself up on her elbows and looked at him, eyes brimming with unshed tears. "Thank you, Jess. For everything, you are a great friend." Leaning forward she kissed him briefly, soft and quick, then lay back down and closed her eyes; for the first time since she got out of the hospital a small mile curved her lips. Content, she fell asleep instantly.

Meanwhile Jess was having a minor, albeit silent, freak out. His mouth was still tingling from the brief innocent kiss. He had convinced himself that he could be her friend, help her through this tough time and not let any of the other stuff get in the way. That wasn't what she needed right now - she needed a friend. Someone sturdy she could lean on. He lay his head back and closed his eyes. This should be interesting.

Author's Note: Sorry for the wait, but I hope it was worth it. Thank you so much for reading, let me know what you think!