Disclaimer: I do not own any of this show, or any of the characters, and I'm not affiliated with Warner Brothers or A.S-P. in anyway. ALTHOUGH ... I did create the character Jean (pronounced, John with a little z-sound at the beginning). : ) I also do not own "The Wonderful World of Disney," Nike, the Energizer Bunny or "Sesame Street" both which are mentioned.

Summary: This story is written as a transcript might be. (Although I'm a little rusty at some of the terms.) It picks up where the season two finale, "I Can't Get Started" leaves off. It is a revamp of the story "Rory and the Beast" (which I wrote), and which I felt was rushed, and had a poor plot line. This is taking things a little slower, and there will be sequels to come, guaranteed. The pairing is Rory and Jess.

A/N: This is my only my second fan fic. Please, read and review - but don't be harsh. Constructive criticism is always welcome. Please note - I don't do Trory's. : ) . THANK YOU, to all my pre-readers without whom, this story would not be published. I value all your opinions very much and hope you are pleased with this helping of Jory-ness.

Spoilers: The season finale "I Can't Get Started" and anything prior to it.

"Oh, By The Way ..."

(OPEN to the OUTDOORS of the INDEPENDENCE INN. SOOKIE and JACKSON are at the alter, and kiss. They proceed down the aisle, arm in arm, applause echoing behind them as they depart from the aisle way. They walk off to the left, where the wedding party is congregating, and two photographers are running around hurriedly, pointing out positions. LORELAI and RORY come into view as they make their way back down the aisle. Fake smiles are spread across their faces. RORY looks over both shoulders at the crowd, then begins to speak through her teeth, trying to keep the conversation subtle.)

RORY: Where's dad?
LORELAI (also speaking through her teeth): Not here.
RORY: You're a regular Sherlock Holmes.
LORELAI: He's on his way to Boston, ok?
(RORY stops speaking through her teeth as they are further from the crowd, but continues to speak softly.)
RORY: Why?
LORELAI: Ahh ....
RORY (in a long, exaggerated tone): Mom ...
LORELAI: To see Sherry.
RORY: But ...
LORELAI: She's pregnant, Rory. Sherry is pregnant.
(RORY's jaw drops.)
LORELAI: That's about the size of it.
(LORELAI takes a hand from her bouquet and presses RORY's chin up with her two fingers so that her mouth is closed.)
LORELAI: So, uh ... Washington?
RORY: Yea.
LORELAI: I take it you guys won then.
RORY: Yea.
LORELAI: So you are definitely going?
RORY: I don't know, I don't even know if it's mandatory.
LORELAI: But you're leaning more towards yes?
RORY (in an unsure tone): Maybe.
LORELAI: Is that more towards a no, then?
RORY: I don't know, ok?!
LORELAI: Well, I'm sorry, I'd just like to know if I'm going to be spending six weeks of the summer alone, or what. I've gotta start planning for all the wild keg parties ahead of time.
RORY: Mom!
LORELAI: What?
RORY: I kissed Jess.
LORELAI: Ha ha ... That's a good one. Now I can smile for the pictures.
(RORY raises her eyebrows at LORELAI who realizes she isn't' joking.)
LORELAI: And the hits just keep on coming.
(A photographer, grabs RORY and LORELAI by the arms and places them next to SOOKIE on the opposite side of JACKSON.)
PHOTOGRAPHER: Say cheese.
RORY and LORELAI (in unison): Oy, with the poodles already.

* OPENING THEME and FIRST COMMERCIAL BREAK. *

OPEN to the front of the INDEPENDENCE INN.
(SOOKIE and JACKSON are standing in front of a limo, and about two dozen various wedding guests are crowded around. SOOKIE is standing in front of LORELAI talking fast, and handing her two huge binders.)
SOOKIE: These are all the recipes that we use for everything we serve.
(LORELAI stumbles with the weight of the binders as SOOKIE sets them completely in her arms.)
LORELAI: You really mean everything, huh?
(SOOKIE hands her a slip of paper.)
SOOKIE: These are all the places I can be contacted if there is any trouble. The hotel, my pager ...
LORELAI: You are not bringing your pager.
SOOKIE: But what if something goes wrong?
LORELAI: Nothing will go wrong. Now give me the pager.
SOOKIE: But I ...
LORELAI: Sookie, as your best friend, I cannot let you leave for you honeymoon with your pager. You can't be bothered on your honeymoon. Everything will be fine, now hand it over.
(SOOKIE reluctantly pulls the pager out of her purse, and hands it in LORELAI's open hand. They hug, and then kiss each other on the cheek.)
SOOKIE: Thanks, sweetie. I'm just so ...
LORELAI: Worried, I know, but don't be. Plus, if anything goes wrong, I can just sent the extra business to Luke.
(JACKSON pulls SOOKIE towards the limo.)
LORELAI (calling out): Have a good time! Call in a few days!
SOOKIE: I will! Thank you!
(The limo door shuts and pulls away from the curb. Tears form in LORELAI's eyes. The crowd waves at the limo as it goes off. Soon, RORY comes up behind LORELAI an sets her head on LORELAI's shoulder.)
RORY: Mom ...
LORELAI: Hmm ...
RORY: I'm going to go for a quick walk with Dean.
LORELAI: Good luck.
RORY: I'm gonna need it.
LORELAI: Yes you are, hon.
(LORELAI smiles a little, RORY almost gets defensive, but realizes that LORELAI is just trying to make the situation a little lighter. RORY turns to leave then back.)
RORY: Are you ok? ... You know, with Dad and everything?
LORELAI: No ... but I will be. Are you ok?
RORY: You know ... I figured it was too good to be true. And I didn't have a lot of time to get used to the idea. But ... it's still not ok. And I can't believe Sherry is pregnant. I can't believe I'm going to be a sister. I can't believe that I ... well you know.
(RORY looks down, afraid that someone will hear her.)
LORELAI: This day has been full of those things that I can't seem to get through my head.
RORY: You know, if both of us weren't feeling so lousy, I'd have a great comeback for that.
LORELAI: What? That I have a thick skull?
RORY: Well, at least we know I'm not adopted.
(DEAN emerges from the crowd to RORY's side and puts his arm around her. LORELAI tries to hide her worried face, but looking around.)
RORY: I'll be home in a little bit.
(LORELAI watches RORY and DEAN walk off toward the center of town. More tears form in her eyes. LORELAI turns toward the INN and goes inside, and into the quiet kitchen, where she sets down the two giant binders on a counter, then bends over on top of them, and bangs her head on them.)

FADE to LUKE'S DINER.
(It is later in the evening but the remainders of SOOKIE's wedding party are trailing in for coffee and snacks. PATTY and BABETTE are at a table whispering loudly, MICHEL is sitting with them, sitting stiffly. KIRK is sitting alone at a table distant from the rest of the crowd. MICHEL jumps as PATTY pinches him and he moves his chair away from them by a few inches. JESS, like promised, is helping serve the closing crowd, and cleaning as well. He's actually being semi-pleasant to the customers, and smiling here and there. LUKE is looking at him suspiciously when JESS makes his way back to the counter to grab orders to deliver.)
LUKE: You went and saw her, didn't you?
JESS: I don't know what you're talking about.
LUKE: You do too. You are walking around being half-pleasant, smiling like some goofy cartoon character, being courteous to my customers. You, my friend, are happy because you went to see her, after I told you not to mess with things.
JESS: You told me things would have to be different so I could stay here. So they are. I'm being a cordial server, I'm doing what I'm being asked to do. Frankly, it's all a little too "Wonderful World of Disney" for me - but that seems to be what people like here. And if I'm liked, I stay, right? So here I am ... Mr. Sunshine, at your service.
(JESS does a little bow.)
LUKE: But she is part of the reason you want to stay.
(JESS doesn't answer.)
LUKE: She has a boyfriend, Jess. She's been with him for like, a year, or something, she's very happy with him and -
JESS: Really happy, huh? Is that why she kissed me today?
(LUKE stands, his mouth hanging open. JESS continues on with his work, smirking at LUKE'S expression.)

FADE to OUTSIDE of LUKE'S DINER
(DEAN and RORY are within ten feet of LUKE'S still in their formal apparel.)
DEAN: Coffee?
(RORY can see JESS serving inside.)
RORY: Uh ... that's ok, I'm not really in the mood for coffee.
DEAN (laughing): That's a good one.
RORY: No, really. I'm just ... tired, I'd really like to get home, go to bed.
DEAN: Just come in with me to get some coffee - to-go - then I'll walk you home.
(As they come upon the doorstep, RORY steps in front of DEAN blocking him from the door.)
DEAN: Rory, are you ok?
(DEAN tries to walk around her and she steps back in front of him. He goes to the otherside, but still she blocks him again. He then sees JESS through the window, and manages to dodge RORY.)
DEAN: What in the ... (DEAN enters the DINER, RORY close at his heels. DEAN begins to yell.) What is he ... (DEAN, obviously thinking, composes himself and speaks softer) What is he doing here?
(JESS pretends to be oblivious to this activity but is obviously keeping one ear open.)
RORY: He ... he moved back ... today.
DEAN: You knew?
RORY: Not until this afternoon.
DEAN: We were all at the wedding this afternoon.
RORY: He, kind of ... stopped by.
DEAN: And that's why you didn't want me to come in here?
RORY: I didn't want you to be upset with me.
DEAN: I'm not upset with you, just upset. Should I be upset with you?
RORY: N-No ...
DEAN: I ... better go. I need to cool off. I'll see you tomorrow, Rory. (He bends down and kisses RORY quickly on the lips.) I love you.
RORY: Good night.
(DEAN leaves, RORY looks down at her feet, and makes her way towards the counter where LUKE is still in awe by JESS's remark.)
RORY: Luke?
LUKE: Oh, hi Rory ... Rory! (He jumps, as though he has been startled.)
RORY: You ok, there?
LUKE: Uh ... yea ... you need something?
RORY: Coffee. Strong. Spike it.
LUKE: Sorry, kid, you're underage.
RORY: Pretend I'm my mom. (LUKE glares.) Or, on second thought, don't. Pain coffee is fine.
(JESS admires RORY from a distance as she talks to LUKE. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath in. LUKE notices this.)
LUKE: Hey, you, I'm not paying you to meditate.
(RORY notices JESS and quickly grabs her coffee and leaves. JESS makes his way over to LUKE.)
LUKE: ... She kissed you!?
JESS: What, do you have delayed hearing or something?

* COMMERCIAL BREAK *

OPEN to GILMORE RESIDENCE
(RORY is sleeping but hears noise and groggily wakes up. She looks at her clock which flashes 4:30 in red lights. She gets out of bed and opens the door a crack to see light from the TV coming through the hall. She proceeds to the living room to find LORELAI sitting on the couch, wide awake, but frustrated look and flipping channels. RORY sits down next to her.)
RORY: Anything good on?
LORELAI: It's four-thirty in the morning. Not once, ever, has there been anything good on at this time.
RORY: Guess that would explain why you are up.
LORELAI (hesitating): ... He hasn't called.
RORY: Dad?
LORELAI: I was sure he'd at least leave a message. Let me know he'd gotten home alive.
RORY: He will ...
LORELAI: Or he won't.
RORY: Eventually, he'll have to call.
LORELAI: Not to talk to me.
RORY: You don't know that.
LORELAI: No, but I got a pretty good hunch.
RORY: Maybe he's just trying to get used to the whole "I'm gonna be a dad, again," idea. Maybe he is trying to at least get on better terms with Sherry, so he can at least be a part of the kid's life. Maybe, it's not going ot turn out as bad as it seems right now.
LORELAI: You know, you are way to too peppy for me to wallow.
RORY: That's the point. Maybe you just need to hold off on the wallowing for a couple of days. (RORY kisses LORELAI on the head.) I love you.
(RORY turns to go to her room, enters, and shuts the door behind her.)

FADE to CHILTON HALLWAYS
(RORY is walkind with PARIS down the hallways. PARIS is rambling about something having to do with their being elected and the trip to Washington. She is talking with her hands, and waving a packet of paper around.)
PARIS: Here is your info for Washington.
(RORY sighs as she is handed the packet.)
PARIS: You are planning on going, right?
RORY: Oh ... yea ... I'm ... going ...
PARIS: Good, because you HAVE to go.
RORY: It's mandatory?
PARIS: Why does it matter? You just said you're going.
RORY: I like to know all my options, thank you.
PARIS (mumbling): It's not mandatory.
RORY: What?
PARIS: It's not mandatory. The school funds the trip, and automatically pay for two. If you couldn't or didn't want to go the space could be filled, by the secretary, treasurer ... or even a class representative easily.
RORY: Who are the secretary and treasurer?
(PARIS raises her eyebrows.)
RORY: Shouldn't have asked. So, Madeline and Louise, huh?
PARIS: They listen to me, ok? They take me seriously - that's all that matters. And, between the two of them, we do manage to get a full brain, so they aren't entirely useless.
RORY: Whatever you say ... Remember, I'm just supposed to sit here and look "nice".
PARIS: And go to Washington.
RORY (sighing heavily throughout): And ... go ... to Washington.
(PARIS makes a sharp turn down another hall way. RORY stops and leans against a nearby wall and blows her hair out of her face.

OPEN to the LOBBY of the INDEPENDENCE INN
(LORELAI enters, MICHEL is at the desk.)
LORELAI: Michel, have there been any calls.
MICHEL: I am a receptionist, there have been many calls.
LORELAI: Ok, wise guy, have there been any for me?
MICHEL: Ah, Sookie called - just checking on things. She was satisfied with my response.
LORELAI: And what was that?
MICHEL: That the kitchen was burning down. Of course I told her things were fine. I don't hold with your sarcastic nonsense.
LORELAI: That's what you think. Was that the only called.
MICHEL: I'm sorry to tell you, you are not that popular.
(LORELAI continues on to the kitchen, looking disappointed. MICHEL steps from the desk and calls after her.)
MICHEL: Oh, wait ... Your mother called. She's like you to call her back "as soon as possible".
LORELAI: Was that supposed to cheer me up?

IN THE KITCHEN
(LORELAI walks straight to the coffee pot, grabs a mug off a shelf and pours herself some steaming hot coffee. She takes a sip and spits it out right away.)
LORELAI: Ack! Blech! Who made this coffee?
(A man on the shorter side, no taller than 5'3" comes out and waves.)
THE MAN: That's be me, ma'am.
LORELAI: Are you the substitute for Sookie?
THE MAN: Yes, ma'am, I am the substitute chef for Sockie.
LORELAI: Ok, first off, her name is Sookie. What's your name?
THE MAN: I am Jean.
LORELAI: Jean, I'm Lorelai, the manager, coffee drinker extraordinare.
JEAN: Yes. The notes, Sockie left said you like your coffee strong - I added an extra scoop. Is it too strong?
LORELAI: You're kidding me, right? (JEAN looks confused.) Ok, you're not. You see, this coffee is ... well, it's on the weak side for me. Incredibly weak, actually. One scoop extra is for beginners, and I am not a beginner. No sir, I am thirty-some years past beginner stage. I drank coffee from the bottle. I could take every coffee drinker in this inn, and rink them under the table. My middle name is Starbucks. So, next time, try a few extra scoops. And - it's Sookie, not Sockie.
JEAN: But, ah, Ms. Lorelai - a few, is three. Three extra scoops?
LORELAI: You are a quick one, Jean. I think we are going to be good friends very shortly. But - you better make it four scoops, just for good measure.
(JEAN stands there bewildered by this remark as LORELAI exits the kitchen and heads into the lobby and up the stairs.)

FADE into CHRISTOPHER'S ROOM.
(The room where CHRISTOPHER stayed as it was. The "Do Not Disturb" sign is still on the door, and on the inside, the bed is still unmade, some of his things are even still lying around. LORELAI sighs heavily and pulls her cell phone out of her blazer pocket and dials a number.)

FADE to ELDER GILMORE RESIDENCE
(EMILY answers the phone from the sitting room. Camera fades between EMILY's location, and LORELAI's as they converse.)
EMILY: Gilmore Residence.
LORELAI: Hi, Mom.
EMILY: Hello, Lorelai. How are you?
LORELAI: I'm alright, Mom. Michel said you called.
EMILY: Oh yes. He's a delightful receptionist, that Michel.
LORELAI: Cut to the chase, Mom.
EMILY: I was wondering ... should we be expecting Christopher for dinner this Friday?
LORELAI: Ah ... no, Mom. I don't think so.
EMILY: What a shame. It'd be so nice to have all three of you here.
LORELAI: Yea ... well, he does still have a job, mom.
EMILY: Well another time them. I'm so glad he's going to be "visiting his daughter", more often.
LORELAI (getting teary-eyed): Yea, Mom ... me too.
EMILY: Lorelai, are you alright?
LORELAI: Yea mom, I'm fine.
EMILY: Are you sure? It sounds like you are coming down with something.
LORELAI: No Mom, it's just ... uh ... allergies. I really have to go.
EMILY: Oh, well ... alright then. Good bye, Lorelai.
LORELAI: Bye, Mom.

* COMMERCIAL BREAK *

OPEN to STARS HOLLOW BUS STOP
(DEAN is waiting on the bench for RORY's bus. Sure enough, as the next bus pulls up, RORY emerges from the stairs.)
RORY: Oh ... Dean ... hi.
DEAN: Don't sound so excited.
(DEAN smiles and approaches RORY to kiss her quickly on the lips. RORY pulls away quickly, and starts walking even faster.)
DEAN: Hey there, Energizer Bunny, slow down.
RORY: I can't - finals are next week. I have to two papers due, plus my story for the Franklin is going to be time consuming. I have stuff to do coming out my ears.
(A guilty look spreads across RORY's face, because she knows she is just trying to find someway to avoid the situation. But DEAN can't see this, because RORY's head is down and turned.)
DEAN: A five minute walk with you boyfriend won't kill you.
RORY: It might be the difference between an A, and an A-.
DEAN: Rory ...
RORY: Dean, I'm so sorry, I just ... I'm feeling so much pressure. But I swear, I'll call you the first chance I get.
(RORY kisses DEAN on the cheek, then goes off running in the direction of the GILMORE RESIDENCE.)

FADE to GILMORE PORCH
(It's early evening and RORY is sitting the wicker porch bench, reading a book. LORELAI pulls up in the Jeep, and gets out of the car. RORY is obviously absorbed in thought, so LORELAI taps her on the shoulder.)
RORY: Don't do that again.
LORELAI: My, my aren't we jumpy.
RORY: Yea, well you would be too, if ...
LORELAI: If ...?
RORY: If you had kissed another guy, but your boyfriend didn't know, and you were just waiting the gossip to seep out and get to him.
LORELAI: So, you still haven't told Dean.
RORY: How can I? What am I supposed to say? "Oh, by the way, I kissed Jess at Sookie's wedding," in any old conversation. It'll kill him.
LORELAI: I was thinking more along the lines of a sky-writer.
RORY: Mom ... we're going to break up.
LORELAI: I know you don't want to hurt Dean ... but I ... I think it's what you need right now, Rory.
RORY: No. No, I can't need Jess over Dean. Dean loves me.
LORELAI: Maybe Jess does, too.
RORY: No. No, I'm going to go to Washington, and use that time to let it all blow over, and figure it out when I get back. I'll deal with it then.
LORELAI: No, you won't. I can't let you go to Washington.
RORY: What? You aren't going to let me go to Washington? Mom, I-
LORELAI: If you really want to go to Washington, to learn, to have fun, to get a great experience, then by all means go. But if you are running from your problems, I can't let you do that. They will only be waiting for you when you get back. Hell, they might even follow you. You need to deal with this.
RORY: I'm not running.
LORELAI: You could be the new poster child for Nike.
RORY: I am not running.
LORELAI: Hey Speedy Gonzales, where ya goin'?
RORY: Not funny.
LORELAI: What's that? "Runaway Rory," in theatres this summer? You are so running.
RORY: Ok, so maybe I am. I but I don't know what to do. This will kill Dean.
LORELAI: I think the reason why you want to run is ... that you know deep down in your heart what to do, and what is right and what you want. And it scares you, because it's not going to be easy. And it's new.
RORY: Go on ...
LORELAI: You ... want to be with Jess. That's why you kissed him. You connect with him. You light up when you see him. That's why you cut school, and missed my graduation to see him. But you and Dean, have been through so much, and been together for a long time, and a part of you wants that to last forever, because he's your first love. And you do care about him. But Jess ... is what I think you need. And I know, I know - I'm supposed to hate this kid for about a zillion reasons. But you ... find something good in him, you love him. I gotta trust your judgment. You wouldn't let any old loser tear you up like this.
(LORELAI kisses RORY on the forehead, and starts to head inside.)
RORY: Mom ... I'm going for a walk.
LORELAI: That's my girl.
(RORY runs off the porch and towards the center of town. LORELAI turns around, gets in her car, and goes into town as well.)

FADE to LUKE'S DINER
(LORELAI pulls up to the curb and enters. LUKE is nowhere to be seen. The crowd is light, and JESS seems to be running things on his own at the counter, so LORELAI approaches.)
JESS: Coffee?
LORELAI: To go ... (hesitating) So ... uh, Jess, how are you?
JESS (sarcastically): Peachy.
LORELAI: Hm.
(JESS hands her the coffee)
JESS: A dollar twenty eight.
(He rings up the cash register. LORELAI digs for the money and looks out the window toward DOOSE'S MARKET and sees RORY with DEAN.)

FADE to OUTSIDE of DOOSE'S MARKET.
(RORY and DEAN are outside, RORY'S face looks frightened.)
DEAN: So ... what did you want to talk to me about? ... (silence) ... Rory?
RORY (bursts out): I kissed Jess!
DEAN: Excuse me?
RORY: Yesterday ... at Sookie's wedding ... when he ..
DEAN (said as though he is putting the pieces together): Dropped by ...
RORY: I just ...
DEAN: Kissed him. I Heard.
(Silence.)
DEAN: Rory, I don't even know where to begin.
RORY: Dean. I'm sorry, it was spur of the moment ... I'm so, so sorry.
DEAN: Ok, I'm leaving now.
(DEAN turns to go into the market.)

FADE back to LUKE'S DINER.
(LORELAI turns to JESS who is standing on the other side of the counter, hand out waiting for money. She places two dollar bills in his hand.)
LORELAI: Jess. I'm sorry.
(JESS pauses, looking down, but obviously listening.)
LORELAI: I'm sorry for all the things I've said the past few months. The things I said to Luke, that might've had something to do with you getting booted out of here a few weeks ago-
JESS: No sweat. I managed to find my way back to Sesame Street.
LORELAI: I'm sorry for some of the things I said to you, and about you. I don't know you. I never even tried, because you scared me. You still kind of do. You remind me of me ... and Rory's father, all put into one, about sixteen years ago.
JESS: I'm not going to get her pregnant, Lorelai.
LORELAI: I know. Well ... Rory knows. God, that girl is crazy about you. You, my friend, have swept her away. You must be ok, somewhere ... way, way down, or she wouldn't have let you sweep her off her feet.
JESS (trying not to look honored, or happy): So what, are you gonna brand me with the Lorelai Gilmore stamp of approval now?
(LORELAI looks back out the window at RORY and DEAN.)

FADE back to the OUTSIDE of DOOSE'S MARKET.
(DEAN and RORY are still standing there in silence.)
RORY: Dean, wait! We have to talk about this.
DEAN: What is there to talk about, Rory? You kissed another guy. I don't see there being much to talk about. There isn't any fixing this, you can't go back and change that it happened. It did happen.
RORY: I know. I'm sorry ... I never meant to -
DEAN: I know you didn't, Rory. But you did. And I better go ...
(DEAN turns around, and heads into the market, not looking back, but just hanging his head. RORY shoves her hands forcefully in her pockets, sighs, and walks in the direction of the bridge.)

FADE back to LUKE'S DINER.
(LORELAI looks back at JESS.)
LORELAI: No, you haven't quite earned the stamp yet. But ... that (points out to RORY, who is walking away) is your cue to earn some major brownie points.
(JESS's face is deep in thought at LUKE comes down from the apartment.)
JESS (as he walks quickly out the door): Luke, I'll be back in a bit.
LUKE: Jess, where are you - (JESS is already out the door.) I hate that.
LORELAI: Luke.
(LUKE grunts.)
LORELAI: I know you are still mad at me ...
LUKE: No.
LORELAI: Yes. And maybe even rightly so. But ... you have done a damn good job, Luke. Somewhere, deep down in that thing we call Jess is a really good kid that's starting to come out. It's too bad my daughter is the only one who has really ever seen it in him. I mean, maybe you have ... but if the rest of the town did ... they'd be throwing a parade. Anyways ... things are going to be ok, with you and him. With him and Rory. Even with him and the rest of this town eventually. I just hope that someday, you and I can be ok.
(LORELAI hops off her stool, takes her coffee and leaves. LUKE is about to say something, but LORELAI is already out the door.)

* COMMERICAL BREAK *

OPEN to BRIDGE
(RORY is sitting on the bridge, her feet hanging off, looking down. JESS is approaching. He stops so he is standing over her, from her right side.)
JESS: This seat taken?
RORY: Nope.
(There is silence for a few seconds.)
JESS: So you guys broke up, huh?
RORY: How'd you know?
JESS: C'mon, Rory - we live in Stars Hollow. Nothing stays a secret long.
RORY: True.
(The two sat there in silence, both looking quite comfortable with the situation, silence and all. JESS props himself up with his hands behind him, one arm crossed behind RORY, but not quite touching her.
RORY: Thanks.
JESS: What for?
RORY: For not telling anyone ... you know, about yesterday.
JESS: No problem. Hey Rory?
RORY: Yea?
JESS: Thanks.
RORY: What for?
JESS: For welcoming me home.
RORY (beaming): Yea ... well, I'm sorry I ran away.
(JESS smiles, and looks over at RORY, and she looks at him. Their faces are only a few inches apart. JESS leans in and kisses RORY very softly, putting his hands on her face, then moving one hand to the side of her waist, as RORY puts her hands behind his neck, cradling it, and returning the kiss. They pull away, and RORY sighs, leaning her forehead lightly against the bridge of his nose.)
JESS: C'mon. I'll walk you home.
(The two stand up and start walking towards the center of town. As they walk, they talk about something, unheard at first. The camera zooms in a little closer.)
RORY: So, why'd you come home?
JESS: Luke was taking a long time to get my stuff to me, so I figured I'd come pack it up and ship it back myself, and when I saw how nicely it all seemed to fit, I figured I could just say. Lot less work.
(RORY laughs, and walks closer to him as the camera fades to the next scene.)

FADE to GILMORE RESIDENCE the following afternoon.
(RORY is in her room doing homework. She and LORELAI are having a conversation, but shouting between rooms.)
LORELAI: So, Washington?
RORY: Eh, I don't know. I figure I'll torture Paris with the suspense of whether I am or I'm not for a few days. I really don't feel like six weeks in a dorm room with her would be my thing.
LORELAI: ... Or any living objects "thing".
RORY: Good point.
(The phone rings in the background.)
LORELAI: I'll get it!
(LORELAI runs into the kitchen and grabs the phone.)
LORELAI: Hello.
A VOICE: Uh, hey.
LORELAI: Luke.
LUKE: Yea ... I uh ... I just wanted to say ... thank you ... you know for what you said last night. I'm sorry I've been ... well, kinda ... stand-offish lately.
LORELAI: Awww ... Luke ...
(There is a knock at the door.)
LORELAI: Hang on a sec ... I gotta get the door.
(The knocking gets louder.)
LORELAI: Keep your pants on, I'm comin'!
(LORELAI opens the door to find ...)
LORELAI: Christopher?!
(CHRISTOPHER, sure enough is at the door, with a packed duffle bag. LUKE has heard this over the receiver.)
LUKE: Christopher?
RORY (from her room): Dad! (Runs out of her room.)

FADE TO CLOSING CREDITS.

A/N #2 : And here it is, done and over. A much better installment, don't you all think? I will be starting the next part very soon. I think it'll be called "Something Like That." Keep on the lookout for it within the next two weeks. R/R - be nice! : )