I've been at Chilton for a week so far, and to be honest I can't complain. It's actually a relief to meet other kids that value their education.

I haven't seen Paris since my first day and she seems to have lost all interest in me. I haven't seen Tristian either, which I'm happy about. Seeing him is like watching a prostitute peruse potential clients in real time.

Anyway, today I learned there was a big physics test coming up in about a week, so I decided to hit the books. It's my worst subject, so I owe the person who created libraries my left kidney.

But I was getting tired, I had been reading for about three hours, and my brain hurt, so I checked out the textbook I was reading and made a coffee run.

I didn't quite know the lay of the land yet, so when I exited the town library of Stars Hollow, I walked around aimlessly, taking in the beautiful scenery.

If I thought the town was beautiful in daylight, at night it was absolutely stunning. The town was filled with lights from residents' porches to the outdoor dining at Al's Pancake World.

All of this light, illuminating different aspects of the town but leaving others to the imagination, never ceased to amaze me as I walked the streets of Stars Hollow.

I finally stopped by a diner I found across the street from the grocery store. I was a bit confused when I spotted the hardware sign out front, but the smell of delicious coffee made me forget all about it.

I tucked the textbook under my arm and practically skipped into the diner, too distracted by the caffeine to really care what anyone thought.

I walked up to the man at the register. He looked to be around his early thirties and was wearing a flannel shirt and a backwards baseball cap. Practical, I like that.

"Can I get a coffee, please? Black?" I asked, hopeful that I wouldn't have to wait long.

"Jeez, how old are you, like sixteen? You shouldn't be ruining your body with that crap." He said in a gruff voice.

"Yes actually, and good thing it's my body and not yours then, hmm?"

He rolled his eyes and tapped a few keys on the register, "Anything else?"

"No thanks." I replied politely. I wouldn't want him to spit in my coffee or something.

"Alright, that'll be $2.50" I ruffled through my backpack and pulled out the money to hand to him.

"Thanks." I said, low on enthusiasm in my current state of exhaustion, and he replied with a low grunt.

Ok then.

I turned around and found a nice quiet spot in the corner to sit in. I sorted through my bag once I had taken a seat and pulled out the book I was currently reading.

It's called A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It's the first original Sherlock Holmes book, and I managed to get my hands on a copy at a yard sale.

I haven't had the time to start it, but now seemed like the perfect time. In a quiet diner, with nobody around m–

"Are you stalking me or something?" I looked up and recognized Jess immediately. He's the only one in this tight-knit community that has bothered to talk to me since I moved into town.

"No, but I could probably fit that in my schedule right after offing the president and blowing up the Capitol." He smiled.

"Here's your hot chocolate." I noticed his apron, Luke's Diner embroidered on the front in a decorative font. He's a waiter, got it.

"Sorry, but I ordered–" I look over Jess's shoulder to see the man standing behind the counter sporting a smug smile. When he noticed I was glaring at him, he quickly got back to work. "You know what, nevermind."

"Luke switch out your coffee order? He does that lot, but always gets away with it. Not sure how." He laughed, and it brought a smile to my face.

I took my hot cocoa from Jess and took a sip. At least it tasted good.

Jess sat down in the chair across from me and snatched my book from the table.

"What do we have here?"

"Hey, give that back!" I demanded with laughter in my voice.

"A Study in Scarlet. Good taste. I've read this one. It's really good, you should read it." He hummed.

"Well, I was trying to, but a certain sarcastic bastard won't leave me alone." I commented snidely.

"You think I'm sarcastic? Aw, shucks you're making me blush." He smiled pretending to cover his face in embarrassment.

He flipped through the pages of my book looking for his favorite scenes.

A thought popped into my head, and I asked, "Do you know where I can find a job around here?"

"Yeah actually, don't know how you missed the giant hiring sign in the window, but we are. Also, Luke will hire anyone who doesn't have two left feet and likes to exercise common sense." He didn't look up from the book as he talked.

I looked to my left towards the window and surely a bright red sign, with the words "We're Hiring!" was on display.

How did I not see that?

"I don't think Luke would like me working here. I'm too addicted to coffee." I chuckled.

"There's an employee discount." He looked up at me with an eyebrow raised.

"Sold. Why didn't you lead with that? You got an application?" I answered a little too quickly. I would gladly accept any invitation promising discounted coffee.

"Yeah, I guess I thought my overpowering charm would win you over first."

"Sure, you did." I replied, jokingly of course.

"You can't blame me for thinking you wouldn't pass up the chance to see all of this every day." He gestured to himself.

"Believe it." I said, smirking.

"Yeah, yeah I'll go get you your application." He laughed defeatedly.

"Thank you, kind sir," I jested.

"Whatever." He said dully, but I saw a smirk make its way onto his face too.

Jess disappeared into the back, and that's when I noticed Luke was still standing behind the counter watching Jess and I interact.

He didn't look mad or anything. Just– Shit, what's the word?

Bewildered. Yeah, that's it.

He looked bewildered, as if talking to customers was out of the ordinary or unheard of.

I thought it was weird. Why did talking to customers solicit this type of attention? Maybe Jess was talking to me for too long? What time was it?

9:50pm

Shit! Mom is going to be so pissed. I should have been back 20 minutes ago!

I am so grounded.

I shoved my textbook and novel in my backpack and swung it over my shoulder. I sucked down the rest of the hot chocolate and by the time I was done Jess was just returning.

"Leaving so soon?"

"We've been talking for like half an hour and I'm way past curfew. Gotta go!" I was out the door, but before I knew it, he was calling me back.

"Forgetting something?" Jess held up a packet of papers, and I remembered the job application.

"Yes, thank you so much! See you tomorrow! Maybe!" I snatched up the papers and started running home. "I'm in such deep shit!"

"That girl is crazy," He chuckled to himself, "I like her."

Jess came in from the chilly night, but before he could start to close Luke pulled him aside.

"What was that?"

"What was what?"

"You and that girl sitting there for like half an hour. I haven't seen you smile like that since you were with Rory," Luke looked at his nephew and immediately regretted his words, "Sorry, sorry. I know you're a little touchy on that subject."

"She dumped me. There's nothing to talk about. Should've known the princess of Stars Hollow wasn't a good choice," Jess spit out bitterly, "But Cass's just a friend, and I'm not gonna have you say anything to mess it up. Ok?"

"Wouldn't dream of it, kid. You can go ahead and start closing." Luke sincerely grumbled.

He was about to do just that, but thought of something, "Luke, she's applying for a job here. You think you can overlook a crippling caffeine addiction?"

Luke looked up from the table he was wiping down, "As long as she doesn't plan on going into withdrawal anytime soon. I don't want to risk her drooling on the customers."

"Not that I know of." Jess quipped.

"Then sure, kid."

Author's Note: Hey, I'm back! I hope you liked this chapter. This is the first of many scenes with an abundance of witty banter and can I just say that I'm a sucker for it. Btw the scene where Jess SA'd Rory never happened. Next post should be next Saturday!

-taylor's version 2.0