The Story of Jess and His Sister (AU) Chapter 7: Competitions and New Faces, a gilmore girls fanfic

**Chapter 7: Competitions and New Faces**

***Sorry so much for the wait! I am approaching finals in college so the professors are laying it on thick, so for the next two weeks things might be rough, but then I will be out for the summer and will update much faster again. Thanks for reading! Enjoy this chapter! ****

Bre POV~

Before I knew what was really happening two weeks had flown by and the competition was in two days. I knew that there would at least be some familiar faces in the audience at this thing; Rory, Lorelai, Lane, Luke and Jess were all going to be there and I knew that they would support me no matter what happened. I nearly had a heart attack when Taylor convinced Mrs. C to turn the simple showcase into a competition. I know he was doing it because he knew I was going to be in it, but he didn't scare me.

I was sitting in the apartment alone with some good old rock and roll to calm my nerves slightly when Luke entered. "Hey kid, how was rehearsal?"

"Good, nerve wrecking, some of those kids are great, I have some good competition, your still coming tomorrow right?" He smiled, obviously liking that I wanted him there. "You bet kid. Wouldn't miss it for anything. Jess and I will be there before seven, though I warn you, Lore will probably have signs and noise makers and all sorts of nonsense."

"I wouldn't want her there any other way Luke. She's great." Before he could answer the sound of Jess returning made Luke tense slightly. Jess had tried again to make things better after the crime scene thing, and they were getting better but Luke was always a little tense around him because he hated trying to keep up with him and attempt to pull genuine conversations out of sarcastic one-liners, the only thing J ever offered. Luke was a trooper, and Jess was trying, and I was finally starting to feel like I had a real home and a real family, people I could depend on and a place to come home to every night that was warm, and cozy, the way home should be. Of course it's me so things pretty much go to hell in a handbasket the next day.

[6 hours before show]

"I can't do this. I can't. They will laugh. I'm going to become a joke to these people, give Taylor the satisfaction of ruining me, and disappoint Luke and Lorelai! Oh god and of course Rory is brining Dean so the king himself will see my downfall. How did I get talked into this?!" I was ranting, in a very Lorelai way, to Lane who simply had asked if I was ready for tonight and was now subject to my panic.

"Calm down you will do great! You're amazing! And you could never let them down, they both care about you so they will be proud no matter what. And you're a real talent so don't worry." I smile at her feeling slightly more in control of my frantic and insecure thought process. "Thanks Lane. You're a great friend you know that?"

"Well I try."

We both giggle and then she links arms with me and drags me to the choir room since its lunch time anyway. "Let's sit you at that piano and let you play to calm down. I beam at how well she knows me, and that happy feeling lasts all of two seconds before we round a corner and are almost run over by a group of jocks, Dean at the head of the group.

That tentative peace between us was shattered when I defended my brother a few days ago and told him off for being rude to my brother, and for being a real ass and spreading things about him around school because he didn't like my brother, and he definitely didn't like the blossoming friendship between his girlfriend and said brother or me and Rory's friendship either.

"Watch it!" I snap, in no mood to play nice with him in front of his cronies today.

"Geez it was just a bump, I didn't even make you fall. What's with you?"

"Just go Dean, your one of the last people I want to see right now. Go dunk your field goals and win things why don't you?"

"It's a basket, score a basket, a field goal is for football and I play basketball."

He doesn't leave, why won't he leave? "Duh I know that bud. Wow your stupid. It was an insult. Now seriously move we were going somewhere before this oh so wonderful conversation began." He turned to face Lane, waiting for her to come to his defense, and when she didn't, he huffed and stormed away with the others on his tail.

When we finally made the music room I made a beeline for the piano and sat down thinking about what to play to let the emotions go. I had been dealing with adrenaline since this morning. It woke me up super early and had made me jumpy and high strung all day. When the perfect song came to mind I smiled a little before playing. As the first notes hit her, Lane began to laugh.

It's been a really, really messed up week
Seven days of torture, seven days of bitter
And my girlfriend went and cheating on me
She's a California dime but it's time for me to quit her

La, la, la, whatever
La, la, la, it doesn't matter
La, la, la, oh well
La, la, la

We're goin' at it tonight, tonight
There's a party on the rooftop
Top of the world tonight, tonight
And we're dancin' on the edge of the Hollywood sign

I don't know if I'll make it
But watch how good I'll fake it
It's all right, all right, tonight, tonight

I woke up with a strange tattoo
Not sure how I got it, not a dollar in my pocket
And it kinda looks just like you
Mixed with Zach Galifianakis

La, la, la, whatever
La, la, la, it doesn't matter
La, la, la, oh well
La, la, la

We're goin' at it tonight, tonight
There's a party on the rooftop
Top of the world tonight, tonight
And we're dancin' on the edge of the Hollywood sign

I don't know if I'll make it
But watch how good I'll fake it
It's all right, all right, tonight, tonight

You got me singin' like
Whoa, come on
Oh, it doesn't matter
Whoa, everybody now, oh

Just don't stop, let's keep the beat pumpin'
Keep the beat up, let's drop the beat down
It's my party, dance if I want to
We can get crazy, let it all out

It's you and me and we're runnin' this town
And it's me and you and we're shakin' the ground
And ain't nobody gonna tell us to go
'Cause this is our show

Everybody
Whoa, come on
Oh, all you animals
Whoa, let me hear you now, oh

Tonight, tonight
There's a party on the rooftop top of the world
Tonight, tonight
And we're dancin' on the edge of the Hollywood sign

I don't know if I'll make it
But watch how good I'll fake it
It's all right, all right, tonight, tonight
It's all right, all right, tonight, tonight
Yeah, it's all right, all right, tonight, tonight

Just singin' like whoa, come on
Oh, all you party people
Whoa, all you singletons
Oh, even the white kids

Just don't stop, let's keep the beat pumpin'
Keep the beat up, let's drop the beat down
It's my party, dance if I want to
We can get crazy, let it all out

We laughed together as I ended the song and then the bell rang signaling the end of lunch. "That song clam you down a little bit at least?" Lane asked as we made our way through the halls to our lockers before the class bell.

"Ya, I needed that. Thanks Lane! See you tonight right? Oh and do tell how you're getting past momma Kim!"

She giggled, "Sleepover at Rory's. She usually never asks what we do but if we do I will just say what I always do, reading and studying."

"Oh that's awesome! I'm glad you can make it, and I'm so glad that Lore and Rory got out of Friday night dinner for this."

"We will all be there! You will kill it and put Tylor in his place! And wow the town!"

"Thanks for the vote of confidence Lane! See you after the showcase!"

As I headed to my next class I couldn't take my mind off of the performance I was going to give tonight. Running notes and lyrics through my head, I didn't notice the commotion inside Luke's. All I could focus on was the showcase and how not to make a fool out of myself.

Luke POV~

I look up when the bell above the door signals a customer, thinking it would be Lorelai, she usually comes in for coffee about this time but it's not. It's Liz, as in my sister Liz. As in the mother of the children currently in my care. As in Jess and Bre's mother. What on earth was she doing here?

"What no hug for your baby sister, big brother?" And without waiting for any acknowledgement, Liz flung herself into my arms, "Oh Luke the place looks great! I can't believe this used to be dads store! And you look good! Where are my kiddos?" I look at her shocked, but mostly just annoyed.

"They are at school Liz, its Friday after all. And what are you doing here? Did they know you were coming?"

"Oh right school, silly me. Wow! Jess at school. Good job big brother! Oh no I just decided I missed my kiddos so I came to visit and maybe see when they were gonna be able to come home cause mommy misses her babies!"

I hadn't heard the bell again but the audible growl that emanated from my nephew alerted me to the complete and utterly pissed off teenage boy in the door of my dinner. "Liz. What the hell are you doing here! Today of all days! You're going to ruin this for her just like everything else! Go. Get out of here. No one wants you here. At least her and I don't."

"Now Jessie that's no way to talk to your mommy! I am here to see you and bring you home! I need you Jess! I miss my baby girl and I know she misses me! She always misses mommy!"

"No she doesn't miss you. She has everything she needs here. Me, Luke, other people. People that don't put drugs and booze above her! Above us! Here I don't have to protect her every second of every day and I don't have to worry about how to get us food because you spent everything on booze or drugs! I don't have to bribe landlords with my own savings, I don't have to deal with asshole boyfriends and I get to see my sister finally be happy!"

He was fuming, and shaking as he moved closer to her, but I knew he wouldn't hit her, that wasn't Jess. I was watching the verbal match, thanking god that no one else was in the dinner right now, and trying to jump in and calm them both down, but then the bell chimed.

Lorelai POV~

I noticed the tension the minuet I entered Luke's. Jess was shaking and glaring at a petite, grungy looking blonde, and Luke looked like he was trying to decide what to say.

"Uhm, am I interrupting something… I can come back for coffee later, and Jess, um the school bell just rang for the end of lunch…" I looked around and watched as Jess threw one last glare at the woman and turned to Luke, "I swear to god Luke get rid of her, don't let Bre see her, she doesn't need that right now. Not before tonight. Lock here until after if she won't leave but she isn't coming tonight."

I watched him storm out, and back to school, and it hit me who the woman swaying on her feet must be. I immediately felt the dread sink in, she was here, she wasn't looking great, but maybe she would try and take them back? Oh god, no! Poor Bre! I would worry about her, and I can see my own sentiment in Luke's face, but this is his sister so I play nice.

"Hi, I, uh, don't think we have met. I'm Lorelai Gilmore. My daughter is a friend of Bre's. Luke keeps me in coffee." I try and smile but I can't. I had my suspicions about the woman standing in front of me and I was terrified that she would ruin this night for Bre.

"Liz Danes! Nice to meet you! Isn't Luke just great! And I'm glad Bre bunny has friends here! She was never one to do much back in New York! Gosh Luke you did wonderful, Jess at school, though still angry and full of hate, and Bre making friends! Oh what's tonight?"

I could see Luke was frustrated, I knew that he had the same suspicions, as I did, maybe confirmed facts to. Either way he was getting upset. Put her in her place Luke! Find out if she is sober! She looks wasted right now! I'm staring at him, trying to convey those exact thoughts.

"Liz, you can't show up after only a month. I'm still trying to help them! They aren't ready to go back to New York yet, besides they just got settled here. I thought we agreed you would wait until Christmas vacation to see them again? … Liz? …Lizzie, you… I can't believe it! Your high right now aren't you! How can you think I will let them go back with you if you're not clean and sober! You know me better than that!"

"You can't keep MY kids away from me Luke! I can choose when and where to take them! And I don't care what you think! Not everyone is the perfect son who ruins his own life to take care of people! I'm not you damn it and this is the way I am! And you aren't my parent so don't try to parent me!"

Okay that was uncool, and Luke looked like he had just been punched. "I think you need to sit down and get sober Liz, and then you and Luke can talk again when you're ready. But he has a thing to be at tonight at 6:45, so you can stay here until it is over and then you all can talk as a family."

"No. I want you out Liz. You know as well as I do that if you try and get those kids back, I will do everything I can to keep them here where they are safe. I will get any rights you may have revoked. Come back again when you're the Liz I remember, not this mess in front of me trying to further ruin her children's lives." I was shocked. He actually told her to go, someone in his family and he told her to take a hike! Wow, he really loves those kids. They are so lucky!

"Luke they are my kids! Not yours! You don't like the way I am, tuff! I'm not leaving until I see my little girl! She was always nicer than Jess. She loved me. Even when that ungrateful boy didn't."

"Get out! Just get out! I will throw you out Liz! Leave them in peace and go get yourself help Lizzie. I want my real sister back." She looked absolutely furious as she marched out. Thank god Bre wasn't here. She would be a wreck right now. I hope she stays gone. She is unfit to be a mother. She was very obviously a wreck, and I wondered how long she had been that way. I now understood Jess's attitude, and the way Bre was, and still is sometimes, it all made sense now.

[3 hours before showcase]

Bre POV~

I was pacing around the music room. We had all been told to meet after school for a final run-through and then we could go home and change and get ready, as long as we were back by 6. I was trying to keep my nerves calm. Everyone was here today, not just the few that usually show up at the chosen rehearsal times. The cheer squad is doing a number, band, and at least nine other kids as well, and little old me. The outsider from New York. Boy were the cheerleaders pissed when they saw me. I don't know why, but they don't like me. They never were out right rude before though, must have something to do with the doofus jock, or something Jess did, but right now that was occupying the smallest part of my brain, the larger part still running lyrics and notes like it had been all day.

"Alright kid's thank you all for being here, I just did a head count and it looks like this is everyone so why don't we go ahead and get started. Mandy you're up first sweetie! We are going to run through the list, but not the acts themselves. Just wait backstage until I call your name, and please try to remember who you come after so that you report to the wings with plenty of time to spare tonight. As soon as I call the next group you are free to go as long as you have no further questions for me. Now Mandy you're only singing yes? Accapella?"

Mrs. C was asking people what they would need the tech crews to have where, and what chords we could provide if any did not appear in the school bucket. As the names and groups got called I got nervous again. Singers, dancers, bands, Marching Band, the Cheer Squad, they were all going to be against me…

"Dustin Riley. Poetry right? So then just a mic fabulous, you're simple." A deep laugh emanated from whoever was on stage. I hadn't been paying close enough attention to notice faces along with the names.

"Brenna Mariano."

It got deadly quite with the remaining six kids behind me, all staring at the new girl who had dared enter a showcase so soon.

"Here Mrs. C."

I walked out and stood center stage, and looked at her, waiting for the inevitable questions, anxious to get home and get calming hugs from my brother and my uncle.

"Piano correct dear?" I nod.

"Good, Good. Same number as we discussed after rehearsals last week?"

"Yes."

"Perfect. Follow the piano on tonight and then at the end, stand, bow and head off stage right. The crew will take care of the rest for you." I nod and she dismisses me with the wave of a hand and a kind smile, before calling the next group out. I headed off stage, and through the halls quickly, needing to get back to the diner so that I could shower and change before tonight.

When I reached the diner I walked in and made a beeline for the kitchen, having just seen my uncle go in there with a few plates, and seeing that the place was slow, I was going to get my hug.

"Luke, I..."

My sentence died in my mouth. He looked sad, upset, and angry. Oh god, what did Jess do now...

"Luke...What's wrong?"

He tried to smile at me, but when he realized it was more a grimace than a smile he just simply opened his arms a little, asking for a hug. I dint hesitate, not liking a sad Luke.

"Bre, you know that I love you right? And that I'm proud of how well you're doing here?"

Oh no, he's sending us home. Damn J what did you do today?! "Um, ya Luke I know…are you sending us home? What did Jess do? I might kill him!"

He stepped back, confused, "Kid this has nothing to do with Jess, well it does but he did nothing wrong, and no I'm not sending you home. The exact opposite actually. I was going to ask if you wanted to live here permanently, at least until graduation. I figured I would ask you first then tackle Jess…"

I was beaming, he wanted us to stay. He really did care!

"Yes! A million times yes!"

Maybe this is sign that tonight will be okay, I will do okay and make him and J and Lore proud.

"Now I have to go get ready! Don't wait too long to ask J! I love you Luke! You're the best!"

[1 hour until showcase]

Bre POV~

I am staring at my reflection in the mirror, thanking my lucky stars I brought a few nice things to wear from New York since good ole Liz still hasn't shipped our stuff. I am wearing my favorite and only dress. It was a strapless black dress, tight to my body, not to revealing, but it did have a cut out in the back from under my neck until my mid back was exposed in a triangle of pale skin, seemingly even paler thanks to the color. It fell to my mid-thigh and I added a red belt around my waist. I knew Luke wouldn't enjoy it, but I loved it. It showed off my tattoo because it was strapless and sleeveless, and it made me look great. My hair was curled to perfection and pinned to one side with some of my bangs framing my face and remaining uncurled as well as my favorite red bow pinned in to the back of my head above the clip. My make-up dark, but not overly so, and I was wearing my black heels with the red bows on them that I loved. The red was the only thing Mrs. C told us we had to have, otherwise she didn't care how we looked, within reason obviously. She said that since it was a school fundraiser, regardless of Taylor making it a competition we needed to promote the school by wearing red.

I headed down the diner stairs, knowing I had to get going, and was surprised at the bottom. There around a plate with a sandwich on it was Rory, Lane, Lorelai, Jess and Luke. Jess looked uncomfortable but I know this was his way of supporting me.

"Aww, thanks guys for being here! I'm glad you all are going to be there tonight! Thanks for the sandwich Luke."

They all smiled at me, whishing me luck. I grabbed the sandwich, wrapped it in a napkin, and was collecting my coat when I thought of something.

"Hey J? Walk me? I'm nervous…" He smiled slightly, "Sure B, I'll hold your sandwich while you put your jacket on."

I smiled back, "Thanks."

I slipped my arm into the same leather jacket I wore everywhere, and then I waved to everyone else and we were off. In a little under an hour they would be in an audience, I would be backstage trying not to hurl.

[10 minutes until showcase]

Bre POV~

I was trying not to hyperventilate, or hurl, or both. In 10 minutes this thing would start, and I would be on in a half an hour or so after that. It was so close, and I was beyond nervous. I was hiding in a corner of the choir room, away from everyone else, and trying to think of anything but the thing starting soon, until Mrs. C swept in and ruined that.

"Gather around everyone! In five minutes I will go greet the audience and let Principle Merton give his speech and then the MC's will have their first skit. Mandy sweetie, start warming up, and everyone in the first five acts needs to be in the wings by the time Merton finishes, okay? Good luck to everyone and thank you for helping the department raise money. Regardless of who wins tonight, you are all doing an incredible thing for this school, and for yourselves! Good luck!"

This was it, show time. I couldn't back out now. I was doing this. I watched Mandy warm up, and I watched as the other acts followed Mrs. C out to go get a spot in the wings now. I was focusing in on my breathing when I felt someone next to me.

"Hey you okay? You look pale? You nervous to?"

I froze, the deep voice was hypnotic, and calming. I turned to put a face to the voice and was greeted by the sight of a guy with emerald green eyes, brown shaggy hair, and about 6'2, so he towered over me. "Um, ya I'm nervous, first time singing in public."

He smiled, "From what I hear from Mrs. C your pretty good, so I think you will be fine, at least you have a piano to focus on, you're not looking at the audience." He laughed, and I recognized the sound. "You're Dustin aren't you?" Please don't let me be wrong, that would be awkward.

"Correct, you go right after me, and its okay I give you permission to blow me away. I'm just reading a poem so I know I won't win."

"Hey you never know! You could! It's about talent. Did you write the poem?"

He nodded, "well then I think you could win. I'm not even really sure I can place, Taylor Dosse isn't my biggest fan."

He outright laughed at that one, and my nerves were now totally gone, this guy was a calming presence.

"Taylor isn't a fan of me either, but don't worry Mrs. C controls voting and such, not him."

We both laughed together, and then realized the show was about to start, the MC's had just about finished their first skit.

"Want to go watch? That way we are already in the wings?"

"Sure sounds good, lead the way oh masterful poet."

He laughed, "You know, I think we will make fantastic friends Mrs. Bre Mariano."

"Same here Mr. Riley, same here."

[30 minutes later]

"Alright next up, we have Mr. Dustin Riley, junior here at Stars Hollow High, and honor roll student as well as a member of our schools baseball team. He is going to read his own poem, written for his mom. Let's give the fella a warm welcome!"

I whispered good luck and watched him take a deep breath before stepping away from the curtain and onto the brightly lit stage.

"Thanks for that welcome, Carter! Hey guys! So I'm going to read a poem I wrote for my mom, momma Riley, please stand up and head on up here!"

I smiled, a momma's boy, how cute.

"Ladies and gentlemen my mom, Christina Riley!"

As the audience died down, he led her to the stool on stage, and took her hand. "Mom I love you, and I'm so proud of you. As a lot of you know, my mom recently won her battle against cancer, and is still here with us, thank the lord. This woman has shaped my life from the moment I found my way into her arms at the age of five, she has given me a life I never would have had anywhere else. I love this town, and I love my adoptive family. They are the best, but mom, this one is for you."

He gave me chills as he spoke, he was good. His mom was in tears, his adoptive mom. She was beaming at him, and I could tell she loved him the way a mother should, and felt a small pang, my mother pushed me away and turned to drugs and booze... No, I'm not letting her have this night, its mine and I'm going to enjoy it. I took a deep breath to calm myself as Dustin bowed and then lead his mom off stage right. Show time!

"Wow that was great wasn't it! Well now it's time for a new member of Stars Hollow High to give us her shot! Ladies and gentlemen please welcome Brenna Mariano, Junior and honor roll student here at SHH!"

I took a deep breath and followed the two guys pushing the piano onto the stage, and sat down while they readjusted mics around me. I turned to face the audience and in the back I saw the pink neon posters that could only be a Lorelai Gilmore creation.

"Hello everyone, I'm Bre Mariano, and I'm dedicating this song to my uncle Luke, who welcomed my brother and I into his home a month ago, and has given me a life I didn't know I could have until I came here. Thank you Luke and I hope you like this! And J wipe that smug little smirk off your face or I'll let Rory smack you!"

Everyone laughed and I heard J, "Way to ruin the fun little B!"

I smiled and then turned to face the piano, placed my fingers on the keys and began my performance, any trace of nerves gone thanks to my brother.

I'm lost in her there holding that pink rod and reel.
She's doing almost everything but sitting still.
Talking bout her ballet shoes and training wheels,
and her kittens. And she thinks we're just fishin'.

I say Daddy loves you baby one more time,
she say's I know, I think I got a bite.
An all this laughing, crying, smiling, dying here inside
is what I call living

An she thinks we're just fishing on the river side,
throwing back what we could fry,
drowning worms an killing time,
nothing too ambitious
she ain't even thinking bout what's really going on right now
but I guarantee this memories a big one
and she thinks we're just fishin'

She's already pretty, like her momma is
Gonna drive the boy's all crazy
giver her daddy fits
and I better do this every chance I get
'cause time is ticking

She ain't even thinking' bout what's really going on right now
but I guarantee this memories a big one
and she thinks we're just fishin'
Yeah, she thinks we're just fishin'
We ain't only fishin'
This ain't about Fishin'

As the last notes faded into the auditorium it was silent for a few seconds before the applause started. And boy they all must have liked it because they were applauding and whistling and hollering. Good, I did well, and did Luke proud. I stood, bowed and took my leave stage right. I couldn't wait to see his face in about six acts from now!

Luke POV~

I listened to her sing, and watched her play and I couldn't help but beam. She loved me like a father. I was her father figure, that's what she was telling me with that song, and after that there is no way I'm letting her go anywhere with Liz, her and Jess will stay with me, where its safe, I know a court of law will take my side to because I'm a hermit and Liz has quite the rap sheet that has probably only gotten worse since she left here for New York. When she finishes I'm the first one to start clapping and the last one to stop. She's everything I could want for myself in a kid, and I know if I give Jess time he will be as well, I love them both, and I want them safe.

Lorelai POV~

Wow, she told me she was singing that song, and I usually don't like country, but her slower rendition of that song on the piano was amazing! She is incredibly gifted! I can see the proud smile on Luke's face, and I can't help a quite laugh when he jumps up and starts the huge round of applause she got. She is something special, and I hope she wins or at least places tonight so that she sees that to. I can see the determination in Luke's eyes and I know he won't let her go without a big fight, and I know he won't lose, Liz will. No one stands a chance when Luke gets that determined look in his eye.

Rory POV~

Wow. She's awesome! Lane said she was really good but that was just, wow. I'm speechless! I'm so proud of one of my best friends, she just proved to everyone here how much she loves to be here, and how much Luke means to her. So I'm not surprised by the small crooked smile I see on Jess's face as he watches his sister exit the stage, he' proud of her, and dang that's a cute smile! Shoot bad brain! You Have Dean! Who is right next to you, looing thoroughly bored and maybe a little annoyed. Probably because he was still stuck on the fact that I'm friends with the twins and he's siting very close to one he doesn't like at all. Which is annoying but I push it away, he will get over it.

Jess POV~

She has always had an incredible voice, no doubt, but even I was surprised tonight. She was absolutely incredible. I love that she is happy here, because I know she's safe here. If Liz doesn't back down I'll go back with her, and come see her as much as I can. I smile, knowing that my sister has a family here makes me happy and I'm incredibly proud of her. I've been her protector and savior for so long it's nice to sit here and play brother and just brother for once. I hope Liz backs off, I don't want to leave this place either. There is still things I want to do here, and someone I want to have next to me when I do. But she's still with the tool, who is sitting right next to her, and I can tell he isn't pleased by the crowd's reaction. He doesn't want us to fit in here. Poor him, she does now.

[Awards part of the night]

Bre POV~

"Well that concludes our show ladies and gentlemen! On behalf of Stars Hollow High I would like to thank all of tonight's amazing performers, they really embodied what this showcase was about. They are the reason I want to raise money for our music and theater department. I don't want these talented kids to lose out on the opportunities to learn and grow. It's not just about knowing how to play an instrument, or sing or dance. The spoken word is just as powerful and I'm happy with the way tonight turned out. Thanks to all of you generous people Stars Hollow High raised $2,000 dollars tonight! Yes, that deserves a round of applause!"

Mrs. C paused for a moment to let the crowd calm down again before continuing, "And now Taylor is passing out ballots, please write in order the top four acts and then pass them into the ushers in the isles. You will have five minutes, and thank you all again!"

I felt someone slip up next to me, and I knew from the shadow it was Dustin, my new found friend.

"So you totally kicked ass, if you don't win this town is crazy, crazier than it already is anyway. Sorry I couldn't tell you earlier, mom dragged me into the audience to sit with her and watch."

"That's totally okay, and thanks but I think you should win. By the way, I think it's cool you can call your adoptive mom, mom. I come from a troubled home so I know how huge a roll she must have played to earn that title, because it's always hardest to lose a mother or a father."

He nodded, "She was great with me, had tons of patience. My dad was cop, killed in the line of duty in D.C. when I was barely one year old and my mom died giving birth to me so I grew up in the foster system because I had no other family, and it wasn't pleasant. I was placed with Christina when I was five and she saved my life, turned me around and she adopted me. My brothers? All other foster kids she took in and ended up adopting. She couldn't have kids of her own, so she saved all of us, and now we are her boys."

"That's so sweet! You're lucky, I had friends that were put in the system, that are still in it, and it gets worse the older you get. Sometimes life really is cruel." He nodded, and I could tell he was about to ask my story when Mrs. C swept onstage and called for attention, a card in her hand with the winners on it, and I was grateful, but nervous. Grateful because I wasn't ready to share yet, and nervous because this was it, time to find out who won.

"Thank you again to all of our competitors, you all did wonderfully. The third and fourth place winners will be announced first, and they will both receive a gift card to the record store that just opened recently in Hartford. In fourth place we have… The Stars Hollow Drum Line! Congratulations you guys! Meet principle Merton afterwards and he will distribute the cards among you all."

One down three to go, I crossed my fingers and glanced sideways at the boy next to me and noticed how great he looked for the first time. He was fit, lean and muscular, and his simple black dress shirt and red tie made his hair shine, and his eyes sparkle, I remember that sparkle from earlier although now they are fully concentrated on Mrs. C, and his long legs are encased in Khakis and his feet were in some awesome looking black and red Vans. I shake myself out of it, and concentrate on Mrs. C again.

"Our third place winner is… Cassidy Hagle with her beautiful interpretive dance! Congratulations."

I watched the girl run on stage from the other wing, hug Mrs. C and thank the crowd. Here we go. The big two, the winner and second place. God I hope I placed! I crossed my fingers again and closed my eyes.

"Alright, the big two, the second place winner receives a scholarship to the University of Connecticut. If they choose to accept, they will be able to attend with all their tuition paid covered for four years as long as they choose something along the lines of what you saw tonight as their major. Alrighty, so…the second place winner with fifty-seven votes is, Dustin Riley and his poem to his mother! Congratulations Dustin!"

I smiled at the guy before gesturing to the stage. He ran on and up to Mrs. C and hugged her before accepting the mic to say a few words.

"Mom this is for you! I'm going to college! One way or the other and this proves it! Thank you for being my inspiration! Thank you all of you for this! It's totally awesome!"

He handed the mic back to Mrs. C, took the envelope from Principle Merton with the shake of his hand, and then jumped off stage and ran straight for his mom, picking her up and swinging her around, beaming. I took a deep breath because as happy as I was for my friend I had one last chance, and I was hoping I was the winner, I wanted that, not for me, but for Luke.

"Okay. The big one, the winner of tonight's Stars Hollow Showcase will receive a scholarship to attend any College in Connecticut and study in a four year program thanks to my newly founded, Macy M. Carrey Scholarship Fund for artists in the Hollow who wish to attend college and pursue and arts career. I am starting this scholarship in memory of my niece who loved music, and wanted to act when she grew up. Unfortunately Macy lost her battle with Leukemia last fall and her parents and I want this to be her legacy… Okay enough talking you want to know who won. The winner is….. Oh lord amazing! The winner is Brenna Mariano, our transfer student from New York!" I was frozen, she just said my name, she just! Oh my god! I won! Yes! I won!

I ran onto stage, loving the applause from the crowd and saw the signs in the back waving like crazy and beamed. I hugged a very surprised Mrs. C, I don't do touching, and then shook Principle Merton's hand before taking the mic being offered to me.

"Wow, thank you guys first of all! I can't believe this! I want to thank my uncle, without you Luke I wouldn't be here, I would still be the quite girl hiding in the park back in New York, thank you for welcoming us into your home! Thanks to one of my new best friends, Lane Kim, for encouraging me to join in this showcase tonight, and thanks to Rory and Lorelai Gilmore for their friendship and support! You guys rock, and Lore told you country is good!"

I paused to catch my breath as they laughed, and the plowed on, "and lastly to my brother Jess. Jess, thank you for taking care of me, protecting me, and keeping me sane. You are the best brother, and twin I could ever ask for. I did it J! I'm going to make something out of my life! I can't wait to hug you so I'm gonna stop talking now! Thanks again everyone!"

I walked off stage, staring at the envelope in my hand that meant I could go to college, and get a degree singing, and earn a living with one of my passions, it was mind blowing to think about. I followed the wave of students out into the lobby of the auditorium and plowed through people, accepting the congratulations until I saw them, my friends and family, in the corner, each and every one beaming wide, and a reluctant looking Dean. I was about to make my way to them when a hand caught my wrist.

"Told you so!"

I turned to face a smirking Dustin, and laughed, "Okay so you called it, but you also won something so I was right to! Hey I'm going to go talk with my family, but if you want we could catch up tomorrow at Luke's or something and talk about our new found futures," I looked up at him hesitantly, and waved the envelope in my hand slightly as emphasis.

He grinned, "I would love that! 11 at Luke's?"

I nod and then wave and run straight for Jess, who just opens his arms to catch me, like always.

"I did it J!" I whispered it in his ear, and he puts me down and I am rewarded with one of his rare smiles, "I'm proud of you B, you deserve this! You were amazing!" I then turn to Luke who's standing next to a beaming Lorelai, "So Uncle Luke, did you like the song?"

His only answer was pulling me close and holding on tight, "Congrats kid. You were awesome, and you deserve that scholarship. Thank you for the song, you're already like a daughter to me so that meant a lot."

He whispered it in my hair, and I let out a contented sigh, happy, finally happy. I hugged everyone else, got told I was cheeky by Lore because of my comment about country, grabbed my coat from the choir room and then we all headed for Luke's for pie, all except Dean who had to go get his sister and then head home.

As we walked I felt someone behind me and I turned, thinking it was someone telling me I forgot something. I wasn't ready for who I saw.

"Well you seemed to forget someone in that speech of yours, how could you forget mommy?"

I was frozen, the happy feelings, gone. Of course I couldn't be happy, she would always ruin it.

"What are you doing here?!"

It was the only thing I needed to know. Jess was being held back by Luke, and Lorelai was looking annoyed, and I realized Luke's reason for being upset earlier, and why he was checking to see if staying is what we wanted. She wanted us to go home, he didn't. He was going to fight for custody if she didn't go away. This must have all happened today.

"I came to see my babies, one already saw me and was mean, so I looked for my precious little girl but I couldn't find her until tonight, I heard the noises from that auditorium and snuck in, and found out I wasn't told earlier by my dear brother that you were singing tonight."

"Go away Liz, leave her alone! Leave us alone!"

Jess couldn't keep quite anymore, I was still frozen in place, until a hand landed on my shoulder and another took my hand. Lane was holding my hand and Lorelai had her hand on my shoulder, they were sharing their support.

"Liz, I don't want you here, I like it here, I'm happy here. I was happy tonight, why did you have to ruin that? Why do you always ruin things? Why are you even here? You don't want us, you shipped us away! You smoked and drank away the woman who was my mother when I was little! You lost that title the minuet you fell apart so badly after Jimmy walked away from us. You never got better, and Jess had to take care of us or we wouldn't have survived. You let your boyfriends beat him, and me once, you let the booze and drugs come first! I don't want you! You are not my mother! You haven't been since I was five! Luke and Jess are my family! Just leave us alone! Go back to asshat Dave or whatever his name was, go back to your booze and drugs and leave us alone. We are better off here than we ever were with you!"

Wow that felt good. I had finally snapped and told Liz exactly how I felt. I didn't dwell on the fact that I was going to have explaining to do, and so was Jess I just stared her in the eye willing her to go away. She looked angry, and before anyone could stop her she slapped me twice and started screaming.

"How dare you! I gave up everything! I lost your father because of you brats and this how you thank me? I should never have kept you! Your father wanted to get an abortion, but I said no! You owe your lives to me and this is how you thank me!"

I could feel the anger in the air around me, and I touched my stinging cheek for a moment and then lashed out, and slapped her back, but not nearly as hard and only once.

"Get, the. Hell. Away. From. Me! You aren't my mother!"

I was pulled into a strong hug, and I knew it was Jess.

"Go away Liz, go back to the city, send us our stuff and make yourself scarce, I will kill you if I ever see you touch her again."

Liz was about to retort back but was cut off by Luke.

"Liz! Get out of here! Do as he says! And if you come near them again I will get them a restraining order! Leave Liz, and don't come back or so help me god, sister or not, I will kill you for what you just did and said! You're not the sister I knew, and I don't think you ever will be again."

Lorelai took me from Jess while Luke yelled, and moved my hand to examine my face, "I don't think it will bruise kid, but it probably hurts, let's get you kids out of here, and let Luke handle this. Rory, Lane lets go."

We walked back the diner in silence, and a minute later I heard footsteps pounding the pavement to catch up and turned to throw myself at my uncle, who was more a father that anything now.

"Why doesn't she love us enough to get sober Luke? Why aren't we good enough? Why did she have to ruin tonight for me?"

I had lost all control and was sobbing into his chest, I heard everyone else's steps fading away and knew Lore kept them moving for me, even Jess.

"Kid I dint know, but you were amazing tonight. Don't let her take it from you. She's not ever going to hurt you or Jess again. I won't let her. She's not my Lizzie anymore. But you're still my perfect and beautiful Bre. I love you kid and nothings changing that."

I cried harder, thankful I had found this man and this town, and allowed him to lead me towards home.

Jess POV~

I was angry and pacing by the door of the diner. I knew Luke could calm her down, I was pissed at Liz, ten times more than usual. I was pacing, needing my sister to calm me down like she is so good at doing. I saw her appear behind me in the glass and shuddered, of course she had to be there and see Liz in all her fucking glory, drunk and wasted and cruel.

"I'm sorry Jess. Your mom shouldn't have said those things. You and Bre are amazing and I would not like a life that didn't have you in it like it does now. You two are good friends to me and I want to be that good friend back so I'm here for you okay?"

I was frozen in shock, and because she was touching me. Oh and it was calming me down. No one but Bre could calm me down when I'm this pissed and yet here Rory is making me calm and staring at me those eyes that seem like they can read right into my soul. She feels me relax and shocks me further, she pulls me in for a hug, only to let go a minute later before I can hug her back because Luke and Bre are walking in.

Bre and I meet eyes and silently agree. It's time to stop hiding. We would fill them in tonight, but not here. At Lorelai's. At least there we had enough space for everyone and weren't in the fishbowl of a diner, with townies staring at us. Tonight we would finally tell someone, a lot of someone's, about our past.

"Lore can we go to your place? Bre and I want to tell you all the story behind what you just witnessed, but don't want to do it with the town staring through the windows."

She nodded, we gathered food supplies, and stopped at Dosse's just to grab a few things, not talking to anyone. I had Bre under my arm and she was lost in thought, so was I. This was going to be hard, but had to be done, after tonight we both knew they deserved to know, and we trusted them enough to fill them in.

** A/N: Sorry for the cliff hanger but it had to be done. This was already pretty long. Thanks for reading and sticking with me! I hope you guys enjoy this insight into Jess and the others the way I like to think they would be. I love these characters, and this show and I hope I do it justice in this story! Hope to upload again soon, but with finals right around the corner things are crazy so I apologize in advance for any possible late updates! Thanks for reading! ****