Chapter 28

Jess sat on the only decent bridge in Stars Hollow, staring at his distorted reflection. He wringed his hands uselessly, picking at the lint on his shirt, wishing he hadn't quit smoking. His headache was splitting and his hands itched for something to do.

He shouldn't have gone to the diner. He shouldn't have stayed long enough to see Rory packing up to leave him. He shouldn't have stayed in this town in the first place. It was all Rory, of course. She had a way of persuading him to do things he'd normally never do and making him break all the rules he'd set for his own self-preservation.

He could just get in his car and go buy cigarettes. He could also keep driving and not come back. Didn't his father go out to buy diapers and never come back? Different situation, of course. He wasn't sure why he would even think of that. But funny how genetics worked. He didn't know the guy, but he could already tell their minds were so much alike. He wondered how Jimmy made that decision. Was it a spur of the moment thing? Did he just snap and decide to screw it all one day? Or did he carefully plan it, the exact excuse, down to the day? Or was he only halfway sure about his decision when Liz snapped at him one day and solidified his decision? Or had Jess somehow unintentionally done that?

Not that he had any way of knowing. He knew embarrassingly little about Jimmy. The few details he did know were from the drunken ramblings of his mother, which hardly provided anything useful. He wasn't anything like Liz and he sure wasn't anything like Luke. So he had to have a little bit of Jimmy in him, right?

He closed his eyes. He could still hear it. The scoff. 'What's your life now? Walmart, full time? That's your great future?'

He never forgot the words. And judging by the way he'd stared at him today, neither did Luke. The way he'd looked at him hadn't changed either. The disappointment. The shame.

Clearly, staying in Stars Hollow was a mistake. He wanted to hate Rory for it. But it was hard to hate her when she was the only person he wanted to talk to at that moment. Run away with me, he'd say. Get me out of this shit town and come with me anywhere and everywhere and nowhere. She might laugh. Or she might find him pathetic. Or neither. She'd probably look up at him apologetically and tell him she just booked her ticket to Europe and joke's on him because she was leaving. It was only a matter of time before she realized she could do way better than him.

He could see it all play out in his head. Rory traveling away, coming back to her new fancy life without him. Who was he kidding? She was going to Yale. She had a plan, fancy and shiny and very real. And what was his plan? A life of hauling around boxes of useless crap. Luke saying, 'Hey, I tried. He still owes me for that cheque I wrote.' Always indebted, always useless. Just like Liz. Just like the father he never knew. Like some broken record. Like the empty bottles of booze back home. No one would be surprised really. It was the story ending everyone could see coming.

Pathetic. Always just pathetic.

'I can help you, you know.' His thoughts were interrupted by a voice and an awkward shuffling.

Jess gave a side glance and a scowl. 'Kirk. Where did you come from?'

'Oh, I was just in the diner. I heard your argument with Luke. I can offer you some sound advice, you know.'

'Really? Gee, thanks.' Jess said, in a fake cheery voice that dripped sarcasm.

'I don't know if Lorelai told you, but I'm actually a licensed child therapist.' Kirk went on, ignoring Jess's scowl.

He stared for a moment. Was this guy for real? Just when he thought this looney town couldn't get any loonier. 'No.'

'I got a license. It's from the World Wide Web of Internet. I took a course. And a test. It means I can provide guidance to angry teenagers, especially career counseling. I can see you might need that.' Jess's eyeroll went unnoticed by Kirk as he went on. 'I can even do it for free. Lorelai's charitable efforts with you have been very inspiring to me lately.'

Jess rolled his eyes again and looked around, contemplating leaving. But then, he decided to stand his ground. This was his one spot, his one spot of solace in this town of craziness and he wasn't about to give it up to Kirk. That idiot should be the one to leave. 'Beat it, Kirk.'

Kirk went on shamelessly. 'I think you'd be a worth-while project. By the way, can you do any gardening work? There are great career opportunities in the gardening industry.'

This guy has got to be kidding. 'Just go, Kirk.'

Kirk was unfazed. 'Well, we might need to heal some unacknowledged trauma first.'

'Why don't you get out of my face before I show you trauma?'

The idiot ignored him again. 'I would love the chance to try some hypnotherapy with you, what do you say?'

'No.'

'I think it can give some shocking results.' Kirk persuaded.

'I can punch your face if you wanna see shocking results.' Jess retorted.

'See, this kind of aggression is exactly what licensed therapists, like myself, know how to dissipate. One of the first steps is actually to touch the patient to establish trust and good –' Kirk's hand reached out to touch Jess's shoulder.

Jess can't fully explain what took over him, except that he just… snapped. Maybe it was instinct, maybe it was his experience fighting the jerks at school, maybe it was all the run-ins with the stepfathers he had over the years, maybe it was years of avoiding muggers in New York, maybe it was some of this unacknowledged trauma bullshit… But next thing he knew, he was pushing Kirk back, punching his arms, smacking his shoulders.

All things considered, his first reaction was to be proud of himself for going light on the guy; he didn't even aim for his face. Nonetheless, the skinny man let out a high-pitched noise as he panicked, trying to fight back while attempting to step away from Jess's punches. Though no one would believe him, Jess could almost swear Kirk tripped over his own feet and fell, which made the whole situation even more ridiculous. Jess had the odd urge to laugh, really laugh.

'Hey, stop, break it up! Jess, stop!' Jess was suddenly aware of rough, familiar hands pulling him back, gripping his arms behind his waist.

He stumbled forward, trying to free his arms while a terrified Kirk slid back, out of reach. He was whispering something that sounded like a prayer, or maybe an exorcism ritual. Jess's fists were still itching to punch his long neck.

'Kirk, just go home, sleep it off. Everything's fine here.' Luke coaxed Kirk, as he held his nephew's arms in a death grip.

Jess managed to wedge one arm free, just as Luke's palm came up to whack him on the back of his head.

'What the hell's wrong with you? Picking a fight with Kirk?'

Jess rubbed his head. 'Ow.'

'You think picking on Kirk is gonna solve any of your problems? The guy nearly peed his pants just now, what could he have possibly done to you?' Luke's hand pushed at his chest roughly.

'Nothing. It was nothing, okay?' He tried to duck away, and yet somehow, his uncle still managed to smack the back of his neck again.

'Hey.' Jess complained.

'What is it? Huh? You hate me that much?'

'This isn't about you!' He said through clenched teeth.

'That so? You don't set foot in the diner for two weeks. You don't answer any of my calls. You barely said two whole words to me since you move in with the Gilmores. And then you spend all of five minutes in the diner and all of a sudden, what? You decide to pull a Forrest Gump?'

'Guess I just wasn't feeling very hungry.'

'Look, I didn't expect you'd wanna – oh, what was it again? – hold hands and skip together. But I thought I'd get somethin' at least resembling a family treatment from you.'

Jess could feel the familiar temper flare again. 'Family treatment?' He scoffed. 'You're the one that kicked me out. You're wanted nothing to do with me, remember? I was just respecting your wishes, which you made so damn clear last time we talked.'

His uncle shook his head and scoffed. 'Well, that's just great. Respecting my wishes? Respecting my wishes? You think I wanted to kick you out? Or yell at you until my damn throat turned to sandpaper, huh? Respecting my wishes, is it? You think it was fun for me to call your mother and tell her I couldn't get you to graduate high school? Or that it was fun running around hospitals and police stations the night you ran off, asking where the hell you were. Telling everyone you'd run away, again.'

'Just thought I'd get a head start on that bright future, just like you told me to.'

'Hey, I did what I could to straighten you out. To get you to see some damn consequences. And I like to think I mighta done something right, seeing how you're doing so damn well now at Lorelai's place.'

'Yeah, I wouldn't give myself too much credit for that, if I were you.'

Luke shook his head and barked at him. 'I get it. You think I was a crappy uncle and an even crappier guardian to you, that's fine, but that's no reason why you should be screwing up this thing you got goin' on with Lorelai. This childish fight with Kirk, being rude to Lorelai, sulking at the diner… Grow up, Jess!'

'That's none of your business.'

'You need to start acting like a grown up. Rory deserves better.'

Jess glared at his uncle. 'Careful now, uncle Luke. Your jealousy's showing.'

'Shut up.'

'Can't be too much fun pining after a Gilmore from that far, huh? Or does it sting that I got the girl and you didn't?'

'You shut up before I kick your ass into the bottom of that lake, you hear me?' Luke warned.

'Oh-ho. Is that the family treatment you talked about?'

'I stuck out my neck for you for the past two years. I tried my damn best to help you. I was there for you before Lorelai ever came into the picture. And you threw it all back in my face!' Luke was yelling, his face red. In a way, the familiarity of the situation was comforting.

It'd been a while since he'd properly yelled, but the rush of anger came back easily. 'I didn't ask you to do any of that. I didn't ask you to try and fix me or my life. Just like I didn't ask you to tell Liz anything about me! Or Jimmy.'

'She called me! What was I supposed to say?'

'Nothing! It wasn't any of your business! Why can't you just leave well enough alone?' Jess yelled.

'You're my nephew and that makes it my business whether you like it or not.'

'You think it makes you a good person? Butting in to do the right thing? Well, it doesn't. No one wants your help! No one's asking for your help. Just get a damn dog if your life's so empty you got nothing better to –'

Next thing he knew, his shoulders were shoved back and he was falling back, very ungracefully, into the cold lake water.

Rory tugged at her t-shirt and smoothed down her hair nervously, then rang the doorbell. She tried to remind herself that this was the right thing to do. She couldn't solve everything, but there was at least one thing she could fix. She wasn't doing things her mother's way. This was her way. Her heart pounded with independence.

The door opened and Emily greeted her with a blank face. She had come unannounced of course, but she thought her grandmother would be slightly happier to see her. Instead, they stood in the foyer awkwardly.

'Oh, Rory. Good to finally see you.' Her grandmother said stiffly.

Rory smiled politely. 'Good to see you too, grandma. I'm sorry for not calling ahead.'

'Oh, well, I'm just glad you finally got my message after all. Ms. Celine just left.'

'I'm sorry I'm late, but I'm sure the dress you picked out is very beautiful, grandma.'

'Yes, well, I guess it'll have to do.' Emily sighed.

Rory was starting to feel the coldness her mother often complained about. She took a breath and tried not to let it get to her. 'I'm actually here because I have… sort of a sensitive issue I need to talk to you and grandpa about.'

As if on cue, her grandfather walked in. The coldness in the room started to dissipate. He looked as happy as always to see her.

'Oh, Rory, we missed you for the past few weeks.' He smiled warmly. 'What's this I hear about a sensitive issue? Come in. Sit, sit.' Her grandpa led her into the living room.

'We were just discussing your graduation present. You're going to be very impressed.' He smiled proudly.

'Thank you, grandpa. And thanks grandma. I won't take up too much of your time.'

'Should we be nervous?' He joked at her apparent discomfort.

'No, no. You shouldn't be. I am. A little.' She smoothed down her hair, then took a breath and said evenly. 'I need money.'

'You need money.' Her grandfather repeated.

'I need money for Yale.' Rory clarified.

'You need money for Yale.' He echoed again.

Emily sighed irritably. 'Stop repeating everything she says, Richard.'

'Look, it's a long story, but no other financing came through.' Rory explained. 'And all the other options that mom and I have are just… well, not good enough. So here's the offer. I would like for you to loan me the money for four years at Yale and in return, I will get a part-time job and pay you in instalments.'

The older Gilmores looked at each other in surprise and a hint of amusement.

'I will continue this payment schedule after graduation, increasing the payment amounts in proportion to my income. Plus, I will reinstate Friday night dinners with me.' Rory said with a smile. 'Every Friday night, I will be here, 7 o'clock on the dot.'

Emily's face broke into a wide smile, but then a strange look passed over her face. She looked away quickly in thought.

Richard Gilmore's reaction was more than welcoming. 'We've missed you, Rory. And I'm happy to pay for Yale, though we should discuss the terms of this loan in a bit more detail.'

Rory nodded enthusiastically.

Emily Gilmore cleared her throat. 'Well, Rory. Of course, we'd be happy to finance your education, but… we need a guarantee that you'll be taking your studies seriously. We'll be paying quite a lot of money for Yale and we need to make sure there are no distractions in your life.'

Rory blinked. 'Of course, grandma, I take my classes very seriously and I promise to continue doing that.'

'Yes, Emily. I think Rory's already shown a great deal of dedication at Chilton.' Richard replied to Emily in exasperation.

Her grandmother pursed her lips. 'Well, then… You should make sure you're surrounded by responsible company, people who'll keep you on the right track, don't you agree?'

Rory nodded uneasily. She knew about the partying culture at university, but she didn't see a reason why her grandparents would be concerned about that. She's never had any interest in parties. If anything, she was already planning the classes she wanted to take at Yale and knew her schedule would be more than packed. She thought she'd even start with the recommended readings during the summer.

'I won't get distracted from Yale. I promise.'

'You're going to be a Yale student soon. And you will be representing the Gilmore family at Yale. The people you keep company with will directly affect your reputation. You have to choose them well, young lady.'

'I will, grandma.' Rory reassured her.

'I'm talking about your current… friends. No matter how much you like them, you're starting a new chapter now and you have to think about what that means for your future, young lady.' Emily shook her head gently.

Something in Emily's sly look was telling her it'd been a very bad idea to come. Rory smoothed down her hair and wished the ground would swallow her whole as she began to suspect who her grandmother was really talking about. But the damage had been done and she could do nothing but wait for things to unfold.

'You met Jess once, grandma. Please don't judge him by that one time.' Rory shifted uncomfortably.

'I thought Rory was seeing the tall boy who built the car. What happened to him?' Her grandfather asked in confusion.

'She's been seeing this other boy for some time now, Richard.' Emily explained calmly, turning to Rory. 'Which is why I'm saying this. I don't believe his behavior's appropriate for you.'

'Grandma. I'm not here to talk about Jess.' Rory reasoned. This wasn't how it was supposed to go. Why was this about Jess? 'This is about me and mom and Yale. She wants to give up buying the inn to pay for –'

Emily snapped. 'Lorelai's the reason for this ridiculous attachment. Your mother isn't exactly the best decisionmaker, Rory.'

'Grandma, that's not true!'

Richard Gilmore took a deep breath. 'Rory, is it true what you grandmother is saying? Is this boy's behavior inappropriate? Where is this boy going to school?'

Emily cut in. 'Oh, I heard he won't be attending university, because he couldn't get his high school diploma.'

Her grandfather furrowed his eyebrows. 'Rory's with a high-school dropout?'

Rory jumped in, trying to stay calm. 'Grandma, grandpa. Jess is a good person. He's much more than a drop-out. He's so smart, really, and he's read every—'

'He's been running around vandalizing the town, Richard. I heard it from the town selectman.'

'Oh, dear lord.' Richard said in surprise.

Rory was also confused. 'When did you talk to Taylor?'

Emily shook her head. 'What I'm saying is that I, that we, wouldn't be comfortable financing your education when there are these negative influences in your life. Wouldn't you agree, Richard?'

Rory's heart plummeted. She suddenly couldn't breathe. 'What?'

Her grandfather looked at Emily, then back at Rory. He started gently. 'Rory, there are certain matters that you don't have enough experience to deal with. You need to listen to your grandmother.'

Rory shook her head. 'Jess is not a negative influence. I'd know if he was a negative influence! And if he was, I wouldn't be with him.'

'You think you know better, Rory –'

'I do. I do know.' Rory insisted.

'You most certainly do not. You're still a child and you know nothing about relationships.'

'I know enough and I know him!'

'We simply won't stand around and watch this boy take advantage of our only granddaughter.'

'Jess is not like that! He's done nothing but support me. You're misjudging him and it's not fair!' Rory defended. She hated how this was going, wished she could storm out, but her legs were weak and she felt tied to her chair.

Emily turned to Richard, as if Rory hadn't spoken. 'I did some digging of my own. Did you know that his mother makes her living as a bartender in some cheap club? She's unmarried and she's in a relationship with a married man!'

'Why would you spy on his mom? This isn't–'

'And she's been arrested for drug possession twice!'

Rory rose from the sofa. Enough was enough. 'Grandma, you have no right –'

'I have every right to know what kind of person my granddaughter is living with!' Emily snapped, rising to meet Rory.

Rory did a doubletake. Oh no. 'How do you know that?'

'What?' Her grandfather looked at her in shock. His disappointment burned into her.

'It's lucky that I found out before some serious damage could happen. It was just typical of Lorelai to try and hide it because she never wants anyone criticizing her absurd decisions. Not even when it's affecting her only daughter.'

'It wasn't her decision. I was mine! I offered to let Jess stay!'

Richard still looked shocked. 'Emily, what do you mean living with? Why is Rory living with this boy?'

'Oh, Richard. Lorelai took in that homeless boy –'

'He's not homeless! Why won't you let me explain?' Rory exclaimed.

'—Because apparently, she wants to turn their home into a shelter. He's living in their house, on that dirty sofa right next to Rory's room.'

'Oh, dear God.' Richard exclaimed.

'Grandma, grandpa, Jess was in a bad situation. We offered to let him stay so he can get his diploma and –'

'Rory, this is unacceptable and highly inappropriate. You will come here and stay with us.' Her grandfather's voice took on a booming quality she'd never heard before.

'What? No –'

'You will go home, pack your bags and come back here to stay in the room your grandmother's prepared for you.' He rose to his feet, looking very tall.

'No, no, no!'

'You will end your friendship with this boy and focus on your studies. Then, we can rediscuss the matter with Yale.' His voice was firm. Final.

'Rory, dear, it's what's best for you. You'll realize that.' Her grandmother touched her arm gently.

Rory felt her throat close up as she flinched away. No, no, no, no, no. She couldn't stop the tears that flowed as she walked hastily out of the room and out the front door.

A/N: Reviews made me super duper happy, so please leave me one!