Rory woke up to the feeling of a large amount of weight shoving her to the side of her bed. Her eyes quickly shot open thinking she was under attack. However with a groan, she realized that her mother was trying to squeeze into bed with her.
"Mom, this is the first morning that I get to sleep past six! Why am I currently awake at seven!" Lorelai gave her a smile.
"My baby is graduating today…" she said dreamily.
"Oh god, here we go," Rory mumbled before covering her face with a pillow.
"I remember as if it were yesterday. I walked you in to your first day of kindergarten…two hours early thanks to you. Little did I know that twelve years later you would be graduating." Rory raised her eye brows.
"Wait, you didn't think I would graduate?" Lorelai thought about what she'd said, not catching the mistake.
"Don't interrupt mommy. Anyway here we are! In five hours you will say adios to that hell hole they call a school," Lorelai whispered. Rory just smirked.
"Mom, they are the reason I'm going to Yale, remember?" Lorelai gave her a curios look.
"Speaking of which, have you told Jess what you decided?" Rory squirmed.
"Um well you see I was gonna tell him but I uh...no," she sputtered out.
"Rory! I think that the kid deserves to know! It's probably killing him not knowing if you're going an hour a way or ten hours away!"
"I know! I know okay? It just hasn't been the right time!" She got out of bed pacing the room. Lorelai sat up.
"Rory, this isn't a marriage proposal. There isn't a perfect time! You just have to come out and say baby we're going to Yale!" Rory laughed at her mother's exclamation.
"I don't think they'll let him in if he didn't apply," she joked.
"Darn, you're right. So what is he doing after graduation?" Rory looked at her mom.
"I…don't actually know. We haven't really talked about it." Lorelai looked at her.
"Rory, are you telling me you guys haven't discussed the future?"
"Well, Jess is an in the moment kinda guy. For all I know, he could be deciding to take a year trip to Rome," she explained.
"And you're okay with not knowing that?" Rory let out a sigh.
"Mom, Jess and I are special. He doesn't have to tell me his plans because I know that he loves me, and wouldn't do anything without me. If something were up, I would feel it. I have this feeling that we're going to be okay, and I trust my instincts." Lorelai got off the bed, and pulled her daughter into a hug.
"My little girl is growing up…and she's graduating today," Lorelai said sweetly. Rory gave her a grin. I guess we should head to Luke's now so I can start getting ready!"
"Why so you can suck face over the counter? Luke hates that by the way."
"Um yea except when he's doing it with you," Rory retorted. Lorelai simply left the room, humming a funky tune. Rory laughed and went back into her closet pulling out a pair of shorts and a tank top. She was feeling pretty happy about today, why not tease her boyfriend a little. She left her hair down, just the way he liked it.
The bells jingled as Lorelai sauntered up to the counter with Rory right behind her. Both took a seat at the counter and waited for service. Jess came out first, coffee in hand. Seeing Rory in minimal clothing made him choke slightly as he walked up to where they were seated.
"See something you like, Mariano," She mocked him. He swallowed.
"Yea, I could name a few things actually," he replied not missing a beat. Lorelai waved him over.
"Hey when you're done playing cutesy over there could I get some coffee?" Jess walked over and poured her a mug earning him a slew of complements. He returned to his station in front of Rory.
"So, why are you doing this to me woman?" He said with a smirk. She shrugged.
"I'm just really happy today, and seeing you squirm makes me even happier," she teased.
"Aha well we could go back to your house for a little pre-graduation rendezvous?" he asked, eyebrows wiggling suggestively. Rory, in no hurry to decline, said that she and Jess were gonna go read, and quickly left hand in hand.
"So, you are coming today right?" She asked giving his hand a squeeze.
"I wouldn't miss the most important day in my girlfriend's life," he said jokingly. She knew he was serious.
"Okay good. And I promise tomorrow I will be there taking pictures of you so that after you graduate I can mock you," she said sticking her tongue out. He smirked before pulling her up the steps to his house. "Didn't you want to go to my house?"
"Yeah, but I've got something I want to give to you," he winked.
"Ooh present?" He kissed her forehead.
"Yea, a present." They walked up the stairs to his room where Rory immediate plopped on his bed, snuggling into his pillow.
"Comfy?" He asked. She bit her lip and nodded, then beckoned him with one finger. Who was he to deny her wishes? She pulled him down half on top of her so he didn't crush her.
"So, are you ready for your gift?" He whispered next to her ear, trying to ignore her wondering hands going up and down his back.
"Mm, let's just snuggle for a while?" She said dreamily. He sat up so he could look at her. Something was off.
"Rory? Are you okay?" She bit her lip.
"Yea I just wanted to…be with you," she whispered, somewhat embarrassed. He placed a kiss on her lips.
"Rory, I want you to be able to tell me things, even if it's embarrassing. I'll even close my eyes if you want," he said to lighten the mood. Rory smiled.
"Okay then, head down," she ordered playfully.
"Yes ma'am." He complied. Rory took a deep breath, running her hands through her hair to calm her nerves.
"Okay I realize that this is late notice, but I've chosen a school." At this, Jess's head shot up.
"Which school," He asked softly. Rory bit her lip.
"I'm going to Yale," she said confidently. Jess smiled before kissing her gently.
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"I don't know really…I guess telling you would make this actually real which means that in less than three months, I have to let go of seeing you everyday." He pulled her into a hug.
"Rory, not everything has to change. You never know, we might get to see each other everyday. So how bout that present?" Rory's eyes lit up once more.
"Okay, I'm ready. But then I'll have to leave you, I've got to get ready." Jess smirked before climbing off the bed over to his desk. He grabbed a long thin box with a bow wrapped around it.
"Now, don't get to excited, it's nothing big," he said modestly. Rory reached her hands out and took it from him, gingerly removing the bow and opening the box. Suddenly, her smile dropped and a shocked expression covered her face.
"Jess…this is an acceptance letter."
"Yes it is."
"It's an acceptance letter to Yale."
"Right you are," he joked.
"Jess Mariano…that's your name." Jess chuckled.
"Well would you look at that? It is my name."
"So that means that this is an acceptance letter from Yale accepting you!" Rory's face seemed to glow as she stumbled off the bed throwing herself into his arms. "Jess! You got into Yale!"
"Well you didn't actually think I would let you go alone, did you?" He held her close, enjoying the feel of her body pressed against his.
"How did you do this? You are more amazing than even I could've pictured."
"Nah, they probably just thought I was hot," Rory smacked his arm before continuing to read the letter.
"Did you see this? A partial scholarship for their writing department! You must write one hell of an essay," she joked. Jess swallowed. He hadn't told her about his semi-book. He wanted to surprise her with a published copy, not something he had thrown together.
"Uh yea, I guess so. Hey look, you better get going or they won't let you graduate." Rory looked at the clock and gasped.
"You're right, I'll see you there?" He pulled her in to a long satisfying kiss.
"I wouldn't miss it," he whispered into her ear.
"Looks like someone's going soft," She teased.
"Nah, it comes and goes," he said with a shrug. She gave him one last kiss before heading back to her house to get ready.
When both Gilmore's arrived at the ceremony, Rory was ushered to a room where all graduates where to meet as Lorelai walked over to where her grandparents had reserved seats. She saw Sookie and Jackson bickering about one thing or another. She noticed that Luke was there waiting for her. She laughed when he motioned the words 'help me' to her as her grandparents asked him multiple questions.
"Hey mom, dad could you not harass my boyfriend? Please and thank you!" she said cheerfully when she made it to her seat.
"Honestly Lorelai is it so wrong for us to want to get to know the men in your life?" Emily sneered.
"Yes actually," she replied. Emily hastily turned back to the pamphlet in her hand.
"Sorry it took as a while, Rory couldn't find her shoes."
"Let me guess, oven?" he asked.
"No, microwave."
"Oh right, my mistake," he said sarcastically. She leaned in to give him a kiss.
"Don't be mean, this is my special day!"
"I didn't know you were graduating." Lorelai swatted him with the pamphlet, and waited for the ceremony to commence. She looked behind her wear she saw Jess and Liz searching for her. She quickly waved them over motioning to the two empty seats beside her. Liz smiled as both of them took a seat.
"Hey guys! I'm so glad you made it I know Rory will be thrilled that you came." Jess smirked at her while his mother started chatting away about jewelry, and unfortunately, his graduation.
"Rory and I are so excited for you, we're gonna get foam fingers and big Jess signs," Lorelai teased.
"Ah geez, no signs. Foam fingers are okay," he said jokingly. Suddenly, the headmaster's voice boomed out over the loud speaker. Lorelai covered her ears.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Darth Vader in the house!" Everyone tried to contain their laughs except Emily who sent death rays at her. Lorelai shrugged but simply kept quiet as everyone up front fiddled with the sound.
"Ah yes there we go. Welcome proud parents and friends to Chilton's Graduation Ceremony! For four years these students have worked so hard to get where they are today. Many students don't make it, so let's give a big round of applause to this year's graduating seniors!" Everyone cheered as a row of students flowed into the reserved seating up front. Rory smiled as she saw a whole row of people there to cheer her on. After taking her seat, she turned around and caught Jess's eyes, giving him a warm smile.
"Don't they just look amazing? Now, as with tradition we have our Valedictorian come up and present a speech. However for the first time in Chilton history we have two wonderful students who have tied for the spot! I would like to welcome them up one at a time to share what they have to say. Our first Valedictorian will be Rory Gilmore!" Everyone cheered as Rory ascended the stairs to stand at the podium. She looked out to see all eyes on her, and slowly began her speech.
"Headmaster Charleston, faculty members, fellow students, family and friends, welcome. We never thought this day would come. We prayed for its quick delivery, crossed days off our calendars, counted hours, minutes, and seconds, and now that it's here, I'm sorry it is because it means leaving friends who inspire me and teachers who have been my mentors - so many people who have shaped my life and my fellow students' lives impermeably and forever. I live in two worlds. One is a world of books. I've been a resident of Faulkner's Yoknapatawpha County, hunted the white whale aboard the Pequod, fought alongside Napoleon, sailed a raft with Huck and Jim, committed absurdities with Ignatius J. Reilly, rode a sad train with Anna Karenina, and strolled down Swann's Way. It's a rewarding world, but my second one is by far superior. My second one is populated with characters slightly less eccentric but supremely real, made of flesh and bone, full of love, who are my ultimate inspiration for everything. Richard and Emily Gilmore are kind, decent, unfailingly generous people. They are my twin pillars without whom I could not stand. I am proud to be their grandchild. But my ultimate inspiration comes from my best friend, the dazzling woman from whom I received my name and my life's blood, Lorelai Gilmore. My mother never gave me any idea that I couldn't do whatever I wanted to do or be whomever I wanted to be. She filled our house with love and fun and books and music, unflagging in her efforts to give me role models from Jane Austen to Eudora Welty to Patti Smith. As she guided me through these incredible eighteen years, I don't know if she ever realized that the person I most wanted to be was her." Rory paused, looking up to see her mouth close to blubbering with Sookie and Liz. Her grandparents simply looked proud. "Last, but certainly not least I would like to thank Jess Mariano. Not only has he helped me these last few weeks, preparing for finals, writing this speech, but he has also shown me love and faith like no one else. Before he came into my life, I didn't know what love was, and because of him I can safely say that it's a wonderful thing. He's taught me so many things that you can't learn in school about books, music, and sometimes even myself. I can't wait to continue my journey through life with you, thank you. Now, let's graduate! And let the rest of our lives unfold before us." As she stepped down, the applause she received almost brought tears to her eyes. She gave Paris a hug as she went up to give her speech. She laughed lightly when she turned around and saw everyone she loved crying their eyes out, except of course, for Jess who simply gave her a genuine smile and a wink.
About fifteen minutes later she was standing in line waiting to here her name called out. She was slowly shuffling to the front, more ready then ever to get her diploma. She heard them call out Paris's name, and then finally her own. She walked slowly across the stage and then shook the headmaster's hand before taking the precious document from his hand. Before exiting, she look towards her mother and gave her the planned out facial expression that Lorelai repeated. Emily was snapping pictures, but stopped to glare at Lorelai as soon as the face was made. Lorelai just smiled.
"That's my kid," she whispered. Luke gave her hand a light squeeze, and she smiled at him.
After she took off her robe, she headed out to the courtyard where she saw Jess waiting for her. She ran to him, not caring that it was unlady like to run in heels. He pulled her in to a hug as soon as she reached him.
"Hey you," she said, slightly out of breath.
"Hey that was one hell of a speech. I liked the stuff about me," he said nuzzling her neck. She giggled.
"I'm sure you did. Where's the rest of our clan?" She asked before grabbing his hand.
"Sookie and Jackson are inspecting the food. My mom is probably trying to get some of these people to buy her stuff. Lorelai and Luke are most likely making out in the coat closet, and your grandparents are over there," he finished as she looked to wear he was pointing.
"You are such a liar; mom is with them so Luke can't be too far behind." They both walked over to where the adults were chatting in front of the parking lot. Rory got a weird feeling when she saw her grandparents look at her with huge smiles. "Are you guys okay?" she asked them.
"Rory, do you see that car over there with the purple bow?" Rory scanned the parking lot before her eyes settled on a little grey car with a shiny ribbon on it.
"Yes.." she trailed off.
"Well that is a gift from me and your grandmother." Rory's eyes went wide as she hugged both of them.
"Thank you guys so much! You got me a car!" Lorelai mouthed thank you to her mother as Rory continued to thank them herself.
"After everything was said and done, the keys were handed to her as she listened to her mom tell her that they would all meet at Luke's to celebrate. She and Jess went to her new car as the others climbed in their own vehicles and drove off.
"I can't believe they got me a car," she gushed as she started the car. It even sounded new.
"Yea, looks like you'll be driving me around for a change," he said with a smirk on his face.
"No way, I like your car," she said while adjusting the mirrors.
"The only reason you like it is because the back seat is roomy," he said suggestively. She blushed.
"I don't see you complaining," she retorted before pulling out of the school and onto the highway.
"Well we may have a contender. Your backseat looks way comfortable."
"Huh, guess we'll have to try it out, won't we?" She smiled at him.
"I guess we will." They drove to Stars Hollow in silence, just enjoying each other's company. Before they pulled into Luke's Rory spoke.
"Tomorrow is your graduation," she said with a smile.
"Yea, lucky for us it wasn't on the same day," he joked.
"I have a present for you, but you can't have it until after the ceremony, kay?" she said, completely ignoring his statement.
"Okay. Now let's go eat," he said. Both got out of the car and walked into Luke's hand in hand.
A/N Hope you enjoyed! And yes I borrowed her actual speech from the show please don't sue me! Haha of course I tweaked it a tad so I hope everyone liked it.
Don't forget to review!
Litfan1824