DISCLAIMER: I am not affiliated in any way with the WB network, or A.S-P. I do not own, nor have I created any of the characters except Jean.
SUMMARY: This the sequel episode to "Oh, By The Way ..." Sorry it's been so long in coming, but with our finals week I really had time for nothing but studying. Again, I'd like to thank those who volunteered to pre-read, and for all the comments I got on "Oh, By The Way ..." The basis of this story is picking up where the cliffhanger left off. The only spoilers are anything that happened at the end of second season (for those countries who experience tape delay). Pairing is R/J.
A/N: This is my third fan fic. Please R/R but don't be harsh. Constructive criticism is always welcome. Please note - I don't do Trory's, don't request them. : ) I hope you are pleased with this second helping.
"Something Like That"
(VOICE OVER: Last episode on Gilmore girls. CLIPS ROLL.)
(LORELAI and RORY are proceeding back down the aisle at SOOKIE and JACKSON's wedding and are straying from the crowd. They are talking in a hushed tone, both of them look shocked.)
LORELAI: She's pregnant, Rory. Sherry is pregnant.
---later on---
RORY: I kissed Jess!
--
(DEAN and RORY still dressed in their wedding apparel enter Luke's Diner, DEAN charging ahead, RORY close at his heels. DEAN begins to yell at the sight of JESS.)
DEAN: What in the ... (recomposes himself) What is he doing here?
(JESS pretends to be oblivious to this activity but is obviously keeping one year open.)
RORY: He moved back ... today.
--
(PARIS and RORY are walking down the halls of Chilton discussing the Washington Trip.)
PARIS: It's not mandatory. The school funds the trip, and they automatically pay for two. If you couldn't or ... didn't want to go, the space could be filled ... by the secretary, the treasurer ... or even a class representative, easily.
--
(RORY and DEAN are talking outside DOOSE'S MARKET. DEAN gets obviously angry and turns to leave.)
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 ... cause 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 ...
(He turns back into DOOSE'S MARKET.)
--
(RORY and JESS are sitting on the bridge, JESS is propping himself up with his hands behind him, one arm crossing behind RORY but not quite touching her. They are talking.)
JESS: Hey Rory?
RORY: Yea?
JESS: Thanks.
RORY: What for?
JESS: For welcoming me home.
RORY (beaming): Yea ... well, I'm sorry I ran.
(JESS smiles, and looks over at RORY, and she looks at him. They both lean in simultaneously. 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.
--
(LORELAI and LUKE are talking in the diner. Tension is obvious, but LUKE's face seems to be softening as LORELAI talks.)
LORELAI: You have done a damn good job, Luke. Somewhere, deep down in that kid we call Jess, is a really good guy that's starting to come out. It's too bad my daughter is usually the only one that sees it in him. I mean, maybe you have ... but if the rest of the town did ... they'd be organizing 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 and takes her coffee and leaves. LUKE starts to say something, but it's too late - LORELAI has already left.)
--
(LORELAI is at her front door, and opens it from the inside to find CHRISTOPHER standing on the outside, with a packed duffle bag.)
LORELAI: Christopher.
(LUKE still on the phone with LORELAI, as she puts the phone at her side hears this.)
LUKE: Christopher?
RORY (from her room): Dad! (Runs out of her room.)
--
EPISODE BEGINS
(FADE into GILMORE RESIDENCE where CHRISTOPHER is still standing at the door, LORELAI's jaw dropped. LORELAI drops the phone receiver, as RORY runs into the room, and picks up the phone.)
RORY: Hello?
LUKE: Rory?
RORY: Luke? Listen ... my dad just ...
LUKE: Showed up, I heard.
RORY: She'll have to call you back.
(She presses the off button, and the camera fades into the diner where LUKE just looks at the phone frustrated, and slams it back down in the receiver and walks up the stairs shouting down the stairs at JESS to handle business for awhile. The camera fades back to the GILMORE RESIDENCE where the two girls stand at the door, CHRISTOPHER still standing outside.)
RORY: Dad!
(RORY hugs CHRISTOPHER, and takes him by the arm inside.)
RORY: C'mon in.
(CHRISTOPHER walks in, and RORY shuts the door behind them as she leads him in the living room. RORY motions to LORELAI, who still stands there jaw dropped, frozen.)
RORY: You coming? ... (LORELAI shows no signs of moving) ... Well, whenever you're ready, we'll be in here.
(LORELAI watches as RORY follows her father into the living room. LORELAI walks in there, still standing stiff with her mouth hanging open, and she drags her feet as she walks, scuffing along.)
RORY: So, Dad ... Why are you here?
CHRISTOPHER: I had some unfinished business to take care of.
RORY: Ahh ... Well, then I guess I'll take that as my cue to leave. (RORY leans over and kisses her dad on the cheek, and gets up to leave.) Oh yea, you're looking at the new vice president of Chilton.
CHRISTOPHER: Congratulations.
RORY: Yea ... I'll see you in a little bit.
(RORY makes her way over to LORELAI and kisses her on the cheek, but she is unreactive.)
RORY: Whenever she comes out of this, tell her I went to Lane's. Maybe Luke's. I'll be home in an hour or two.
CHRISTOPHER: Will do.
(RORY makes her way out, and while the camera remains on LORELAI and CHRIS, you can hear the shutting of the door in the background.)
CHRISTOPHER: So ... Lorelai ... we need to talk.
LORELAI: Yea, that's what I was thinking while I waited up for your phone call the past three nights.
CHRISTOPHER: Lorelai ... I was trying to straighten things out.
LORELAI: So was I. I was waiting for a call, to let me know you were at least ok. Maybe an email. A carrier pigeon sent with a letter. Something to give me some sort of clue. But here you are, again, with a packed duffle bag ... and I don't know what this means. But a big part of me doesn't what to know what it means, because the more that I seem to know, the more confused I seem to get.
CHRISTOPHER: Lorelai-
LORELAI: Chris, give me a little time here. You had yours. I gotta be able to calm down before we talk. Because you aren't going to like anything that comes out my mouth if I don't get that time.
(LORELAI begins to talk up the stairs before CHRISTOPHER can reply.)
-----THEME SONG AND COMMERCIAL BREAK-----
OPEN to STARS HOLLOW STREETS
(LANE and RORY are walking in the direction of LUKE'S DINER talking.)
LANE: So he left, and then he came back?
RORY: Yep.
LANE: Any idea why he came back?
RORY: Nope. I left before they started talking. They need to work this out alone.
LANE: Good idea. You sure Lorelai won't kill him?
RORY: No, I don't think she'd kill my own dad. Plus, she's just holding a grudge right now ... he didn't call. For the past three days she's had no clue what to define her relationship with him was. She's big on labels. Usually ones like Maxwell House and Folgers, but ...
LANE: I get it.
(The two arrive at LUKE'S DINER and enter, then sit at a table not far from the counter. LUKE is no where in sight, but the crowd is pretty dull - just a few people. JESS is cleaning up at the counter when they enter. RORY smiles at him, secretively and JESS smiles, nodding at her.)
LANE: And I still can't believe you kissed him.
RORY: Lane! Dean and I just broke up yesterday - if Ms. Patti heard that I was already on the rebound ... it'd be all over town. And if Dean heard ...
LANE: Got it.
(JESS makes his way over to the table, and kneels down by RORY's seat, pulling out an order pad.)
RORY: French fries.
LANE: Make that two.
RORY: And coffee for me.
JESS: Now who says I was going to take an order?
RORY: Because that's what you get paid to do. And we're paying customers.
(JESS shakes his head at her smiling.)
JESS: Technically you aren't paying customers - half the time you and your mom don't pay. So I wouldn't really have to ...
RORY (in a long drug out tone, batting her eyelashes): Please?
(JESS seems to be stifling back a smile of weakness, but he can't resist RORY's pleading. And walks off in the direction of the counter.)
LANE: Wow. You've trained him quick.
RORY: Lane, I didn't train anyone.
LANE: Really, cause it looks to me like he'll do anything you tell him.
RORY: You make him sound like a cocker spaniel.
LANE: He's crazy about you, you know that right?
RORY: He's Jess, Lane ... I don't know that he gets crazy about anyone. We just ... like each other.
LANE: If you two "just like each other" than Jen and Brad just got a divorce.
RORY: Lane.
LANE: Ok, ok. Apparently you are just blind.
RORY: Lane.
LANE: I'm dropping it now. (JESS is making his way over with French fries and a coffee for RORY.) And just in time.
(RORY looks up at JESS as he places her food in front of her and they smile at each other, then JESS takes a couple of RORY's fries and eats them.)
RORY: Hey you.
(JESS just smiles back at her in a cocky way. RORY shakes her head and then she and LANE begin eating.)
LANE: Oh gosh.
RORY: What?
LANE: It's almost 6:00.
RORY: And?
LANE: My mom leaves for her bible study soon - and tonight's one of the nights I get to go practice on the drums. But I have to be there before my mom leaves. I better go!
(LANE gets up hurriedly and leaves, as LUKE finally comes back downstairs. JESS turns to him.)
JESS: You ok?
LUKE: Fine. Just fine.
JESS: Good. Then you wouldn't mind if I took my break.
LUKE: Jess.
JESS: Don't worry, I'll be back.
(JESS makes his way to RORY's table and taps her on the shoulder.)
JESS: Wanna go for a walk?
RORY: But my French fries ... and coffee.
JESS: And so I finally learn where I measure up on Rory's scale of importance.
(He grins at her sarcastically.)
RORY: No it's not that ...
JESS: Then bring your coffee. You CAN walk and drink coffee at the same time?
RORY: That's the only way I've ever known to walk.
JESS: Then c'mon!
(JESS pulls RORY up by the hand, almost surprised that he's done it, and lets go almost right away, but opens the door for her on the way out of the diner.)
FADE to GILMORE RESIDENCE
(It's not long after LORELAI went upstairs when she proceeds down the stairs in her pajamas, even though it isn't much later than six o'clock. She looks over the banister for CHRISTOPHER but doesn't see him there, just his bag. She continues down the stairs, and into the kitchen, where CHRISTOPHER is reading RORY's packet on Washington which was left on the table.)
CHRISTOPHER: This Washington trip is really something, huh? Six weeks in a dorm.
LORELAI: Yea. It's something.
CHRISTOPHER: So is she definitely going?
LORELAI: She's not sure yet.
CHRISTOPHER: What's holding her back?
LORELAI: Lots. Mainly Paris. Spending six weeks in a dorm room with her isn't exactly Rory's cup of tea. More like a cup of arsenic, actually.
CHRISTOPHER: Ahhh ...
LORELAI: Plus there's Jess.
CHRISTOPHER: Jess? Isn't that the kid who broke Rory's wrist? I thought he moved back to New York.
LORELAI: Well, Jess didn't really break her wrist, himself. I mean, Rory did decide to get in the car with him, and he did get in the accident in attempt to not hit an animal. So it wasn't like he was driving recklessly. Could've just as easily been me. And he did move to New York ... but he came back.
CHRISTOPHER: Lorelai, I thought we hated this guy.
LORELAI: I thought I did, too. But Rory doesn't hate him. In fact, I'd be inclined to say she loves him. And who can hate a guy who swerved to miss hitting something cute and cuddly?
CHRISTOPHER: You mean she likes this guy?
LORELAI: Well he doesn't make her gag.
CHRISTOPHER: But what about Dean?
LORELAI: Broke up. Rory kissed Jess at Sookie's wedding, so when she told him, they broke up.
CHRISTOPHER: We shouldn't be letting her date this guy Lorelai.
LORELAI: Maybe not. But ... if Rory loves, or likes, or even just sees something in this guy ... there must be a reason for it. And Rory is a result of parents who forced their children back.
CHRISTOPHER: Huh. A lot has happened in three days.
LORELAI: Yea.
CHRISTOPHER: I'm sorry I didn't call.
LORELAI: I know you are.
CHRISTOPHER: Are you ready to talk about ... the whole situation?
LORELAI: A little.
CHRISTOPHER: So ... what do you want to know? I mean, you gotta have a lot of questions.
LORELAI: Is she pregnant?
CHRISTOPHER: Yes.
LORELAI: Definitely yours?
CHRISTOPHER: Yes.
LORELAI: Are you staying with her?
CHRISTOPHER: No.
LORELAI: I thought you wanted to makeup what you hadn't had with Rory, with this kid.
CHRISTOPHER: I do.
LORELAI: Okay, please, give me a map, I'm lost.
CHRISTOPHER: I like to think ... that more mature and wiser than I was seventeen years ago. I want to think I can handle things better than I did then. And I think I can. I'm sure I can.
LORELAI: How do you know?
CHRISTOPHER: Because, I've already made the first good decision.
LORELAI: Which is?
CHRISTOPHER: Not to marry Sherry.
LORELAI: Because?
CHRISTOPHER: Because I don't love her. And it wouldn't be fair to any kid if their parents were together but yet, didn't love each other. So, I'm going to be there for Sherry, with this kid. I mean Lamaze classes, doctors appointments, and spending lots of time with the baby and giving child support - I mean, I did help bring it into this world.
LORELAI: Already seeing an improvement from seventeen years ago.
CHRISTOPHER: But ... I want to move to Stars Hollow. I want to be with you and Rory. Rory is also my child ... and I do love you.
LORELAI: Chris ... wow.
CHRISTOPHER: When I said it was going to be a pretty permanent change, I meant it Lor. And this way, I try and cover everything. It's going to be hard ... I know that. I know it's not going to be easy. But it's what I want to do ... it's what I have to do. And I don't expect you to turn around and confess your love for me either. I just want a chance.
LORELAI: ... What about your job?
CHRISTOPHER: Boston isn't that far. I can take the drive.
LORELAI: You sure pack light. (She points to his bag.)
CHRISTOPHER: I have a lot more stuff back in Boston. This is only enough for a few days, while I try and find an apartment.
LORELAI: A-an ... an apartment? (Seems shocked.)
CHRISTOPHER: Well, I do need some place to live, Lorelai.
LORELAI: I just figured ...
CHRISTOPHER: That I'd move in. But ... I think that ... just starting out, I need to have my own place.
LORELAI: Wow.
CHRISTOPHER: That is ... as long as you are ok with this?
LORELAI: I don't know Chris. I mean ... a person can only be let down so many times. And it was just 72 hours ago that I was in the living room, at four in the morning waiting for your call ... that never came. That kind of stuff can't happen. This has to be real.
CHRISTOPHER: That's why I've thought this out. That's why I'm here. That's why whether or not you are ok with this, I am moving to Stars Hollow to at least make things right with Rory. It's up to you whether or not you want things to be made right between you and I.
LORELAI: I ... I ... we're going to need to take this ...
CHRISTOPHER: Slow.
LORELAI: Yea. Slow.
CHRISTOPHER: Slow is good. Whatever makes you comfortable.
LORELAI: You continually amaze me. Are you sure you are Christopher?
CHRISTOPHER: In the flesh.
LORELAI: So where are you staying - you know, while you find an apartment?
CHRISTOPHER: You tell me.
LORELAI: ... Here is good.
FADE to STARS HOLLOW near the BRIDGE.
(RORY and JESS are walking towards the bridge, and sit down when they get there. They are obviously bantering about something literary, because JESS has pulled a book out of one of his side pockets and his pointing at it.)
RORY: I don't care what you say - I hate Catch-22.
JESS: Back off it.
RORY: It took me four days to read four chapters.
JESS: So it's a little heavy.
RORY: A little?
JESS: Says the girl that thinks The Fountainhead is a classic, wonderful piece of literature.
RORY: Do you want me to get started on Hemingway?
(JESS just smiles at her, and shakes his head.)
RORY: What?
JESS: Nothing.
RORY: What is it?
JESS: Nothing ... it's just ... you are cute when you get defensive.
RORY: I'm cute?
JESS: Well ... uh ... (stammering) Cute in the broader sense of the word.
RORY: Is there even a broader sense of the "cute."
JESS: I ... uh ...
RORY: Aw, you're blushing.
JESS: Ok, ok, so I think you're cute.
RORY: ... Only when I get defensive, right?
(JESS blushes more, and RORY smiles knowing she is pushing his buttons. JESS throws his head back shaking it, not believing that he is acting this way and feeling this way. It's foreign to him, and he tries to stifle his grin, but a goofy smile appears on his face as he looks back at RORY.)
JESS: This is not fair.
RORY: What isn't fair?
JESS: You ... you just ...
RORY: I just what?
(She cocks her head at him and flutters her eyelashes, smiling coyly.)
JESS: That.
RORY: What, that I get to see the Jess Mariano really does have a heart? That you aren't such a tough guy, but a big softie - a teddy bear, even.
JESS: Rory ...
RORY: You know, this whole multiple personalities thing isn't going to work for long, Dodger. Someone besides me is going to figure you out eventually.
JESS: Nah, only you get to see this side.
RORY: Aww ... there's a special side reserved for me?
(JESS blushes even more and smiles at her.)
JESS: Rory ... I like you, ok? I like you a lot, you know that. You are a very special person, and you are the one and only person who has ever taken a step out of the Stars Hollow box to get to know me.
RORY: Luke is getting to know you.
JESS: Because he has to. But you have never had to, you just did. You are different than anyone I know, and I like you. But just because you know that doesn't mean you need to go flaunt it, or push my buttons. As long as you know, that's all that matters. You know me. But no one else knows me ... and until they do they don't need to see-
(RORY cuts him off.)
RORY: What a sweet guy you really are?
JESS: Something like that.
(RORY puts her hand on the back of JESS's neck, gripping it lightly and pulls him in and kisses him, and he kisses her back, lightly, then they pull away. RORY, beaming, faces forward, and folds her legs that were dangling off the bridge, up to an Indian style position, and folds her hands on her lap. JESS reaches for RORY's hand and takes it and puts it in his lap, and runs his thumb over it lightly, back and forth. RORY looks at her hand, and smiles, as JESS who is looking off takes a deep breath as if to say he can't believe the way this girl has gotten to him.)
RORY: Softie.
(JESS looks back at her and suddenly grabs her around the waist and begins tickling her on the stomach, RORY dissolves into a fit of laughter. She manages to free from his grasp and gets up and runs toward the center of town.)
RORY: Come and get me, Dodger.
JESS: You better run, Gilmore.
(They grin at each other, and JESS runs up behind RORY and tickles her sides. She jumps and swats his hands away, then the two walk side by side into town.)
-----COMMERCIAL BREAK-----
OPEN to CHILTON inside a CLASSROOM.
(RORY is sitting silently in the classroom which is mostly empty, since it is passing time. A few students are filing in, when in rushes PARIS who immediately bombards RORY.)
RORY: You know, one day, someone is going to sue you for accosting them.
PARIS: So are you going?
RORY: What?
PARIS: Are you going ... to Washington?
RORY: I don't know Paris, I don't know.
PARIS: Well, are you thinking more about saying yes or no?
RORY: I don't know.
PARIS: C'mon, you had to have thought about it.
RORY: Very little.
PARIS: Rory. I need to know if I'm going to be with you, or stuck with Madeline or Louise, in which case I need to get prescription drugs.
RORY: Paris, honestly, I have no clue. School is over in two days, in the meantime, I have to study for finals. My dad just came home, again, and Dean and I just broke up and I'm kind of starting a new relationship. I really cannot even give you a guesstimate on whether or not I will go. It all depends on these next few days.
PARIS: Oh. (She waits as RORY goes back to her studying.) It's Jess, isn't it?
RORY: How did you know?
PARIS: Because you got that same goofy grin on your face that you did when Jess came over that night. I knew you liked him then. You and Dean broke up so you could be with Jess, right?
RORY: Something like that.
PARIS: Well ... he's better for you Rory.
RORY: Excuse me?
PARIS: Jess. He's better for you. He's like you. He's got some substance to him.
RORY: Oh. Well ... thank you ... I think.
(RORY goes back to her studying as PARIS moves to her seat a few seats away from RORY.)
PARIS: Saturday.
RORY: What are you talking about?
PARIS: Saturday - that's when I want to know if you are going to D.C. with me or not. The trip leave a week after that. It's as long as I can wait.
RORY (sighs): Fine. Saturday.
(RORY returns to her studying once more as a bell rings and about fifteen students quickly file in the classroom and take a seat.)
FADE to THE INDEPENDENCE INN
(LORELAI is in the kitchen pouring herself a huge mug of coffee, she takes a sip, then cocks her head, obviously thinking. She clicks her tongue against the roof of her mouth of a little then looks off into the back of the kitchen and puts her hand to the side of her mouth.)
LORELAI: Jean!
(A clatter of pots and pans are heard, but sure enough a scattered JEAN runs into the picture, straightening his clothes, and hat.)
JEAN: Ms. Lorelai.
LORELAI: The coffee.
JEAN: Two scoops this time.
LORELAI: Didn't I say something like four last time?
JEAN: Yes, but I -
LORELAI: Jean, there's a big difference between two and four. Four is two, times two.
JEAN: Precisely, Ms. Lorelai, that's why I put two. Four is so ... strong. And I know you like it strong but ... that strong?
LORELAI: Four is just, perfectly strong enough.
JEAN: Whatever you say, Ms. Lorelai.
LORELAI: Don't worry Jean, you'll get this eventually. Sookie has had years of experience. Try again tomorrow.
JEAN: Will do, Ms. Lorelai.
LORELAI: Thanks, Jean - and you do know you can just call me Lorelai if you want.
JEAN: Ah, that's alright, Ms. Lorelai.
(LORELAI giggles a little at JEAN's intimidation of her. She enters the lobby where MICHEL is handling the desk.)
LORELAI: Good morning, Michel.
MICHEL: It is not a good morning.
LORELAI: Aw, Michel - did someone replace the Herbal Essences shampoo in your shower with something less fragrant?
MICHEL: You think you are so funny. You are a hotel manager, not a stand up comedian.
LORELAI: Thanks, I missed that memo. Now really, what's up?
MICHEL: If you must know -
LORELAI: And I must, because I ALWAYS must know everything.
MICHEL: That new cook - the one Sookie hired.
LORELAI: Jean?
MICHEL: Who cares what his name is. He did not make any decaffeinated coffee. Instead I was rudely awakened by a cup of bitterly strong coffee.
(LORELAI starts to laugh.)
MICHEL: I do not see what is so funny about this.
LORELAI: That poor guy just can't get his coffee straight.
(LORELAI's cell phone begins to ring, and she looks at the caller ID smiling, because CHRISTOPHER's cell number has shown up in the ID. She presses the on button and puts the phone up to her ear.)
LORELAI: Pizza Hut, how may I take your order.
(The camera fades in and out between CHRISTOPHER on the couch at LORELAI's house, and LORELAI in the lobby of the INN.)
CHRISTOPHER: Hey, Lor.
LORELAI: What's up?
CHRISTOPHER: Nothing much - just looking at classifieds for an apartment.
LORELAI: Find anything good?
CHRISTOPHER: These don't seem very reliable. I was thinking I might just scourage the town a little - try and find something.
LORELAI: You learn quick, my friend.
CHRISTOPHER: So, how would you feel about helping me look?
LORELAI: Great, if it involved coffee. This guy Sookie hired to fill in for her is a rookie at making coffee.
CHRISTOPHER: Not many people can understand the whole four scoops thing, Lor.
LORELAI: You get it!
CHRISTOPHER: Only seventeen years later. So you'll go look with me?
LORELAI: Sure ... you wanna meet at Luke's in a couple hours?
CHRISTOPHER: Sounds like a plan ... I'm gonna go back to looking at these classifieds, just to get an idea of what I'm looking for.
LORELAI: May the force be with you.
CHRISTOPHER: See you later, Yoda.
LORELAI: That's Ms. Yoda to you, mister.
CHRISTOPHER: Bye, Lorelai.
LORELAI: ... Bye, Chris.
(The camera flashes to the two of them hanging up, and smiling.)
FADE to the outside of STARS HOLLOW HIGH
(The school is pretty much deserted, since school got out the day before, but JESS walks up the steps. The camera fades into the office where JESS stands patiently at a counter.)
SECRETARY: Can I help you?
JESS: Yea, I uh ... I need to get the paper work ... for uh ... starting summer school.
SECRETARY: Name?
JESS: Jess Mariano.
SECRETARY: I'll be right back.
(The secretary leaves momentarily, while JESS fidgets his hands in his pocket. DEAN enters the office at that moment.)
DEAN: What are you doing here?
JESS: Summer school information. But I guess it's safe to say you're not here for the same thing?
DEAN: No, I generally try to pass all my classes the first time around. I'm just here turning in my physical for sports. You know, cause I try and get involved.
JESS: I'm not sure what you are getting at, but if it's giving you an ego boost you can go ahead and keep at it, because it's not hurting me any.
(The secretary comes back, and DEAN hangs back.)
SECRETARY: Registration starts Friday morning at 8:00, and there will be a short meeting with each of your class periods, but no formal instruction. Just any pre-class assignments for over the weekend, and book pickup. Class starts Monday. Class times and all the other necessary information are in the packet.
JESS: Thanks.
(JESS takes the packet, and starts out the doors. DEAN starts to talk to him.)
DEAN: Jess ... are you and Rory ... (his voice trails off)
JESS: What? Are we what?
DEAN: You know.
JESS: No, I'm afraid I don't.
(JESS is enjoying seeing DEAN fidget, and fume, so even though he knows exactly what he is talking about, he looks at him with all seriousness, containing laughter.)
DEAN: Are you together?
JESS: With who?
DEAN: With ... Rory ...
JESS: Oh, yea ... something like that ...
(JESS turns, and walks out of the office, and the camera follows him out of the school.)
FADE to the CENTER of STARS HOLLOW
(CHRIS and LORELAI are walking through the center court of town, CHRISTOPHER holding a rolled up newspaper.)
LORELAI: It was pink.
CHRISTOPHER: I could paint it.
LORELAI: But in the meantime you'd have to look at pink.
(CHRISTOPHER looks down, smiling and shaking his head.)
LORELAI: So, where to next?
CHRISTOPHER: Ah, let's call it quits for a day. I'm tired, I'd like to go home and rest my legs.
LORELAI: I supposed you aren't in the mood for coffee then?
CHRISTOPHER: I think I'm going to head home - try and get a bit of work done, take a nap.
LORELAI: Well then, I'll meet you there - I haven't had my hourly doseage.
CHRISTOPHER: Heaven help us.
(LORELAI grabs the newspaper from his hand and swats him with it. Then they start to part directions, LORELAI towards LUKE'S DINER, CHRISTOPHER towards the GILMORE RESIDENCE. LORELAI turns back.)
LORELAI: Hey Chris!
CHRISTOPHER: Yea?
LORELAI: Dinner at my mom's Friday - you going to be around?
CHRISTOPHER: I'm always going to be around.
(They smile at each other, and LORELAI sighs.)
LORELAI: So you'll come?
CHRISTOPHER: Wouldn't miss it.
LORELAI: You'll wish you hadn't said that at about 8:30 on Friday night.
(CHRISTOPHER laughs and the two part ways again. LORELAI pulls out her cellphone and dials her mother's phone number.)
EMILY: Gilmore residence.
(Camera fades in and out between LORELAI walking towards LUKE'S, and EMILY inside the ELDER GILMORE RESIDENCE.)
LORELAI: Hi, mom.
EMILY: Lorelai, to what do I owe the pleasure?
LORELAI: Ah, is that invitation for Christopher still open on Friday.
EMILY: Always ... why, is he available?
LORELAI: Yea. He is in town for a few days, so if you'll have him ...
EMILY: We'll see you three Friday evening then - seven o'clock, remember.
LORELAI: I always remember.
EMILY: Well, I'm just reminding you.
LORELAI: If I get it tattooed backwards on my forehead, so that every time I look in the mirror I am reminded, will you stop reminding me?
EMILY: Good-bye, Lorelai, we'll see you Friday.
(The camera fades out of the ELDER GILMORE RESIDENCE and to LUKE'S DINER, where LORELAI has just entered and is taking a seat at the counter. LUKE is tending to the counter, and LORELAI approaches.)
LORELAI: Hey Luke.
LUKE: Hello, Lorelai.
LORELAI: Coffee, to go, pretty please.
LUKE: Coming up.
LORELAI: Hey Luke ... I just wanted to apologize ... for dropping the phone on you last night. It's just ... Christopher showed up ... and I was so shocked. Because well ... oh you don't want to hear the gory details ... but the bottom line is that it just shocked me.
LUKE: Well, I understand. And I mean ... if you needed someone to talk to about the gory details ... I am ... well, you know ... here ... that's what friends are for, right?
LORELAI: So we're ok?
LUKE: Yea ... we're ok.
(LORELAI immediately starts rambling about the SHERRY situation, and telling him the details, and LUKE props his hands up on the counter, listening to her, but mainly just watching her. JESS enters the diner, and JESS goes behind the counter, leaning his back against it, and waiting patiently for LORELAI to stop running her mouth. LUKE puts his hand up to LORELAI to hush her for a second.)
LUKE: Sorry, Lorelai. Jess, can I help you?
JESS (handing LUKE the packet): This ... is my summer school information. I need some guardian signatures on the stuff ... you know, emergency cards for if something silly like me getting stung by a bee happens, and a permission slip that you know I'm doing this ...
LUKE: Wait ... summer school? You voluntarily went to the school to get information so you can spend your summer locked inside hot classrooms ... to learn?
JESS: Well, sometimes they'll open the doors and windows so we can get a little cross-ventilation going.
LUKE: Jess ... you're really going to do this?
JESS: Well, I kind of have to if I want to graduate, right?
LUKE: Yea ... I guess.
JESS: So then it looks like I'm going to do this.
LUKE: Wow. Ok. I'll ... sign this stuff, then.
JESS: I need it by Friday morning - registration starts then. (JESS looks to LORELAI.) Rory's bus gets home at ... (his voice trails off).
LORELAI: Four. (She looks at the clock.) You got five minutes.
(JESS jogs lightly out the door, and down the streets to the bus stop. LORELAI smiles at LUKE.)
LORELAI: And I say it again - you're doing a damn good job.
LUKE: Yea ... something like that.
-----COMMERCIAL BREAK-----
OPEN to STARS HOLLOW BUS STOP
(It's Friday afternoon now, RORY's last day of school. This is JESS's third afternoon waiting for RORY's bus. RORY's bus arrives, but JESS is lost in a book he is reading. RORY sits down next to him softly, and arches her neck over his arm which is propped behind him on the bench and looks at the book.)
RORY: Farewell to Arms, again?
(JESS startles a little. RORY pokes him on the shoulder.)
RORY: You're a jumpy one.
JESS: Hardy har har. (He pauses as he stands up and helps RORY up.) How do you think your exams went?
RORY: I don't want to jinx myself. What did you do on your day off?
JESS: I ... uh, I registered for summer school.
RORY: You did?
JESS: Yea.
RORY: That's great, Jess. Then you'll be able to graduate.
JESS: Assuming I pass.
RORY: You will.
JESS: Don't be so sure.
RORY: Jess, you are smart - you have more intellect in your mind than half the people at Chilton put together. Plus I'll help you.
JESS (hesitating): ... What about Washington?
RORY: Well I ... wait ... how did you know about Washington?
JESS: It's the headline on the Stars Hollow newspaper. (RORY looks shocked.) Kidding, kidding. I heard your mom and dad talking about it at Luke's. Didn't want me to know?
(He smiles sarcastically at her, trying to get a reaction.)
RORY: No Jess ... it's just that I don't even know if I'm going. I don't know if I want to go. I've got plenty of reasons to stay back.
JESS: You also have plenty of reasons to go.
RORY: I know ... but I can be replaced ... and I really don't think I want to go.
JESS: Well ... just don't hold back because of me. I'd never forgive myself for being the possessive boyfriend that wouldn't let his girlfriend go have a great experience.
RORY: What did you say?
JESS (not even realizing quite what he said): ... That it'd be a great experience for you. I mean, the Library of Congress, and plenty of other great places are down there. I'm sure you'd love it.
RORY: No, not that.
JESS: Then what?
RORY: You said you were my boyfriend ... and that I was your girlfriend.
JESS: Did I?
RORY (smiles): Yes ... you did.
JESS: Hmmm ... did it have a nice ring to it?
RORY: Yea ... it did ...
JESS: Then I guess we better stick with it, right? I mean, if it sounds good ...
RORY: Yes. We should definitely stick with it.
FADE to ELDER GILMORE RESIDENCE
(LORELAI, RORY, and CHRISTOPHER are standing outside the massive ELDER GILMORE RESIDENCE as LORELAI begins to reach for the bell.)
LORELAI: Are you sure you want to do this?
CHRISTOPHER: Yes.
LORELAI: Are you sure? Because you could probably hide yourself in the bushes, and while they let Rory and I inside, you could make a run for it.
CHRISTOPHER: I'm staying, Lor.
LORELAI (rings the doorbell): Just remember, Chris, you brought this upon yourself.
(The door opens, and EMILY stands next to a maid, and excitedly greets CHRISTOPHER, completely ignoring RORY and LORELAI.)
EMILY: Christopher! It's so nice to see you again, how are you?
CHRISTOPHER: I'm ... I'm very good, Emily.
(EMILY links her arm around CHRISTOPHER and leads him into the sitting room, where RICHARD has already begun on a round of some sort of drink, but gets up to greet CHRISTOPHER and tend to his drink.)
RICHARD: Christopher! Good to see you again ... Martini?
CHRISTOPHER: Yes, thank you Richard.
(CHRISTOPHER sits down on the couch, and EMILY and RICHARD both sit on either side of them. LORELAI and RORY stand at the entrance of the sitting room, stunned.)
LORELAI (to RORY): You'd think they were teeny boppers or something ...
RORY (to LORELAI): Yea, and Dad's their Justin Timberlake.
(They proceed into the room and take a seat.)
EMILY: So, Christopher, to what do we owe the pleasure of you being in town?
CHRISTOPHER: I'm actually planning on moving to Stars Hollow.
EMILY (enthusiastically): Really?
CHRISTOPHER: Yep. I'm looking for an apartment near Lorelai and Rory.
RICHARD: That's good to hear.
EMILY: Yes it is. Lorelai wasn't sure you were going to be able to make it earlier this week - with business in Boston and all.
RICHARD: How did that business go, hm, Christopher?
CHRISTOPHER: Well, it wasn't exactly business of money sorts, Richard.
LORELAI (hushed): Oh dear Lord.
RICHARD: Well, pray tell what was it?
CHRISTOPHER: I ... uh, had to tend to some unfinished matters with my ex-girlfriend, Sherry.
EMILY (unsure of herself): Oh ... how did that go?
RORY (softly to LORELAI): Cover my ears ... I'm not old enough to hear the words that are going to come out of their mouths.
LORELAI: You? I have virgin ears. (RORY glares.) Ok, ears that really wish they were virgins and that don't want to hear this.
CHRISTOPHER: Well, you see ... Sherry ... is pregnant ...
EMILY (gasps): She cheated on you?
RICHARD: Christopher ... my condolences.
CHRISTOPHER: No, Emily ... Richard ... she didn't cheat on me ... the baby is ... mine.
(EMILY and RICHARD'S eyes widen.)
EMILY: Then how can you be moving to Stars Hollow?
RICHARD: How do you plan to support this child?
CHRISTOPHER: Sherry is staying in Boston, and my job is still there. I plan on being there for her very often, and visiting the baby after it's born and helping as much as I can.
RICHARD: But you aren't going to marry her?
CHRISTOPHER: I don't think it would be right.
EMILY (blurting out): Well then, Christopher, what are your intentions with my daughter?
CHRISTOHPER: Emily, I -
EMILY: It's just an honest question, I mean, we can't have all these un-wed women, impregnated by you, running around defenseless.
RICHARD: Emily!
LORELAI: Mom ... Chris and I are just giving this a shot.
EMILY: I don't know what to say to this, Lorelai. You are going to give your daughter's father, who has only recently become a real part of her life, another chance, when he is the father of yet another unborn child? How do you let that slide?
LORELAI: Mom, you wanted this!
EMILY: No, I wanted what was wrong in the first place to be made right. I never asked for this.
(EMILY stands up and leaves the room, and up the stairs, then shouts down the stairs.)
EMILY: Dinner can be started without me. I'm suddenly not very hungry.
(RICHARD stands up.)
RICHARD: Well, I suppose we can make our way to the dining room. Christopher, I'm really very-
CHRISTOPHER: It's ok, Richard, I understand ...
RICHARD: I can't say I'm ... enthralled with this, Christopher ...
CHRISTOPHER: Of course.
(RICHARD leads the way, CHRISTOPHER trailing behind him and LORELAI and RORY behind them. LORELAI wraps her arm around RORY and RORY wraps her arm around LORELAI.)
LORELAI: Well, that went well.
RORY: Yea ... something like that.
FADE to GILMORE RESIDENCE
(It's Saturday morning, when LORELAI wakes up to some sunlight shining through her window. She looks at the clock which flashes 8:30. She groans uncomfortably in bed, and then sits up. She makes her way down the stairs and into the kitchen where coffee has already been made. A note by the coffee pot from RORY read "Went to go tutor Jess. I'll be home by one. Love, Rory." LORELAI smiles, and goes to pour a mug of coffee, but places the pot back on the burner, and goes into the living room, where CHRISTOPHER is asleep on the couch. LORELAI looks down at him, and then peels back the blanket, and slips under it quietly and snuggles into his arms and closes her eyes. CHRISTOPHER opens his eyes a little to see LORELAI and pulls her in close.)
FADE to LUKE and JESS'S APARTMENT
(RORY and JESS are sprawled out on the floor leaning against the foot of the bed. Books are spread all over the place, and RORY is pointing back and forth between a worksheet and a book with the tip of a pencil explaining something.)
RORY: y=mx+b ... That's the slope intercept form ... m is the slope of the line, which is the rise over the run. You remember slope?
JESS: Yes ... I think. (RORY points out something on the page, and draws something.) Ok, yea, I remember that now.
RORY: Visual learner.
JESS: Hey, nothing wrong with that.
RORY: Never said there was. But if I have to start drawing former presidents, we're going to have a real problem.
JESS: I still can't believe we actually got homework when the summer school hasn't officially started.
RORY: It's just a little review. Now lets concentrate ... if you get it done now, you'll have the rest of the weekend free of homework.
(RORY moves in closer to him, so that they are side by side. His knees are folded up about a foot from his chest with the math book propped up against them. RORY is on his right side, and she folds her legs over, opposite JESS, and leans in to show him how to do the problem. JESS makes a few scratches at the paper with the pencil.)
RORY: There! That's right ... see, that's a start.
(JESS yawns and stretches his arm over, and slings it against the back of RORY's shoulders as she begins to show him something else.)
RORY: That was real sly, kid.
JESS: Hey, don't complain.
(RORY giggles a little.)
RORY: Jess, it was like something out of Saved by the Bell. Don't ever let me catch you do that again. I mean, it's not like I'm going to stop you or anything. You don't have to be all sneaky. I'm your girlfriend ... remember?
JESS: That does have a nice ring to it.
(JESS puts his arm more around her shoulder, and grasps her shoulder, lightly, and pulls her in so her head is against his shoulder.)
JESS: Better?
RORY: Yes. Now do this problem.
JESS: Drill sergeant.
(As JESS begins the problem, RORY turns her head so it is against JESS's neck, and she kisses his neck.)
JESS: You are interrupting my studying process.
(RORY kisses up his neck moving towards his mouth.)
JESS: You know, you really are a distraction.
RORY: Just five minutes.
JESS (mockingly): But if I get this done now then I'll have the rest of my weekend free from homework.
(JESS smiles slyly at her, and then leans in to kiss her. They kiss only for one brief second, and then RORY pulls away.)
RORY (teasingly): You know, you are right, you really should get your homework done.
JESS: You are cruel.
(RORY stands up.)
JESS: That is cruel and unusual punishment, and it is prohibited in the Constitution.
RORY: Ha, learning already.
JESS (in a pleading tone): Rory ...
RORY: Can I use the phone?
JESS: Rory ...
RORY: No, I really need to use the phone ... I need to call Paris.
JESS: On the end table.
(RORY takes the phone, and dials PARIS's number. Fade to PARIS inside a library somewhere, on her cellphone.)
PARIS: Hello?
RORY: Hi ... Paris ... it's-
(The camera fades in and out between PARIS on her cell phone, and RORY in LUKE and JESS's apartment, a few feet from JESS on the phone.)
PARIS: Rory! So are you going?
RORY: Well, that's why I called.
PARIS: Don't delay it any longer ... just let me know.
RORY: I can't go Paris.
PARIS: No, no, no. Don't do this to me Rory.
RORY: Paris, I can't. You wouldn't want me there, I have so much here that I need to be here for (she glances at JESS who is diligently working) ... so many things that I would miss. I wouldn't be helping the program. And as much as I would love to go to Washington - for a week, or even two weeks, I don't think I can handle six. I need some time to myself.
PARIS: But, Rory-
RORY: Paris, I promise during the school year, I will owe my life to you when you need it for school stuff.
PARIS: But the deal was that you'd come to Washington, then just sit there and look nice the rest of the year.
RORY: Well, I'll still look nice, but I won't just be sitting. I'll be doing stuff ... whatever it is that you want me to do - within reason, of course.
PARIS: But-
RORY: I've decided Paris. You have a good time.
(RORY hangs up the phone, and makes her way back over to JESS, where she sits down, and JESS wraps his arm back around her, and RORY lies her head on his shoulder.)
JESS: Please tell me you aren't staying just because of me.
RORY: Not just because of you.
(RORY snuggles her head in a little closer and JESS looks at her and smiles, then continues to work, still smiling.)
FADE to GILMORE RESIDENCE
(LORELAI is now asleep in CHRISTOPHER's arms. CHRISTOPHER is now awake, and running his fingers through LORELAI's hair. He wraps his arms around her tighter and closes his eyes. The phone rings, and CHRISTOPHER reaches over the arm of the couch to the end table for the phone. He grabs the cordless receiver turns it on.)
CHRISTOPHER (softly): Hello?
LUKE: Hi ... uh ... is Lorelai there?
(The camera fades in and out between LUKE's diner, and the living room of the GILMORE residence.)
CHRISTOPHER: Uh, she's here. But she's asleep. Can I take a message?
LUKE: Well, I was uh ... just going to ... you know, bring some coffee over or something if she needed it. Seemed kinda stressed lately. ... Is this Christopher?
CHRISTOPHER: Yea. Is this Luke?
LUKE: Uh ... yea.
CHRISTOPHER: Well, Rory made coffee before she left I think. But thanks. And uh, Luke ... thanks for you know ... taking care of my girls the past few years, when I wasn't around.
LUKE: Yea, well I'll always be around.
CHRISTOPHER: So will I.
LUKE: I better get to work.
(LUKE hangs up without so much a good-bye. LUKE looks at the phone speaking to it, even though it is on the receiver.)
LUKE: The difference is that I really WILL always be there.
A/N 2: Done and over already! : ( But never fear, there will be more. From now on, through the summer, I plan to post "episodes" on Tuesdays, kind of like the show, so be sure to check back. The "episodes" will be posted separately. Look for a new installment this Tuesday. Please R/R - be constructive, not just critical.
SUMMARY: This the sequel episode to "Oh, By The Way ..." Sorry it's been so long in coming, but with our finals week I really had time for nothing but studying. Again, I'd like to thank those who volunteered to pre-read, and for all the comments I got on "Oh, By The Way ..." The basis of this story is picking up where the cliffhanger left off. The only spoilers are anything that happened at the end of second season (for those countries who experience tape delay). Pairing is R/J.
A/N: This is my third fan fic. Please R/R but don't be harsh. Constructive criticism is always welcome. Please note - I don't do Trory's, don't request them. : ) I hope you are pleased with this second helping.
"Something Like That"
(VOICE OVER: Last episode on Gilmore girls. CLIPS ROLL.)
(LORELAI and RORY are proceeding back down the aisle at SOOKIE and JACKSON's wedding and are straying from the crowd. They are talking in a hushed tone, both of them look shocked.)
LORELAI: She's pregnant, Rory. Sherry is pregnant.
---later on---
RORY: I kissed Jess!
--
(DEAN and RORY still dressed in their wedding apparel enter Luke's Diner, DEAN charging ahead, RORY close at his heels. DEAN begins to yell at the sight of JESS.)
DEAN: What in the ... (recomposes himself) What is he doing here?
(JESS pretends to be oblivious to this activity but is obviously keeping one year open.)
RORY: He moved back ... today.
--
(PARIS and RORY are walking down the halls of Chilton discussing the Washington Trip.)
PARIS: It's not mandatory. The school funds the trip, and they automatically pay for two. If you couldn't or ... didn't want to go, the space could be filled ... by the secretary, the treasurer ... or even a class representative, easily.
--
(RORY and DEAN are talking outside DOOSE'S MARKET. DEAN gets obviously angry and turns to leave.)
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 ... cause 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 ...
(He turns back into DOOSE'S MARKET.)
--
(RORY and JESS are sitting on the bridge, JESS is propping himself up with his hands behind him, one arm crossing behind RORY but not quite touching her. They are talking.)
JESS: Hey Rory?
RORY: Yea?
JESS: Thanks.
RORY: What for?
JESS: For welcoming me home.
RORY (beaming): Yea ... well, I'm sorry I ran.
(JESS smiles, and looks over at RORY, and she looks at him. They both lean in simultaneously. 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.
--
(LORELAI and LUKE are talking in the diner. Tension is obvious, but LUKE's face seems to be softening as LORELAI talks.)
LORELAI: You have done a damn good job, Luke. Somewhere, deep down in that kid we call Jess, is a really good guy that's starting to come out. It's too bad my daughter is usually the only one that sees it in him. I mean, maybe you have ... but if the rest of the town did ... they'd be organizing 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 and takes her coffee and leaves. LUKE starts to say something, but it's too late - LORELAI has already left.)
--
(LORELAI is at her front door, and opens it from the inside to find CHRISTOPHER standing on the outside, with a packed duffle bag.)
LORELAI: Christopher.
(LUKE still on the phone with LORELAI, as she puts the phone at her side hears this.)
LUKE: Christopher?
RORY (from her room): Dad! (Runs out of her room.)
--
EPISODE BEGINS
(FADE into GILMORE RESIDENCE where CHRISTOPHER is still standing at the door, LORELAI's jaw dropped. LORELAI drops the phone receiver, as RORY runs into the room, and picks up the phone.)
RORY: Hello?
LUKE: Rory?
RORY: Luke? Listen ... my dad just ...
LUKE: Showed up, I heard.
RORY: She'll have to call you back.
(She presses the off button, and the camera fades into the diner where LUKE just looks at the phone frustrated, and slams it back down in the receiver and walks up the stairs shouting down the stairs at JESS to handle business for awhile. The camera fades back to the GILMORE RESIDENCE where the two girls stand at the door, CHRISTOPHER still standing outside.)
RORY: Dad!
(RORY hugs CHRISTOPHER, and takes him by the arm inside.)
RORY: C'mon in.
(CHRISTOPHER walks in, and RORY shuts the door behind them as she leads him in the living room. RORY motions to LORELAI, who still stands there jaw dropped, frozen.)
RORY: You coming? ... (LORELAI shows no signs of moving) ... Well, whenever you're ready, we'll be in here.
(LORELAI watches as RORY follows her father into the living room. LORELAI walks in there, still standing stiff with her mouth hanging open, and she drags her feet as she walks, scuffing along.)
RORY: So, Dad ... Why are you here?
CHRISTOPHER: I had some unfinished business to take care of.
RORY: Ahh ... Well, then I guess I'll take that as my cue to leave. (RORY leans over and kisses her dad on the cheek, and gets up to leave.) Oh yea, you're looking at the new vice president of Chilton.
CHRISTOPHER: Congratulations.
RORY: Yea ... I'll see you in a little bit.
(RORY makes her way over to LORELAI and kisses her on the cheek, but she is unreactive.)
RORY: Whenever she comes out of this, tell her I went to Lane's. Maybe Luke's. I'll be home in an hour or two.
CHRISTOPHER: Will do.
(RORY makes her way out, and while the camera remains on LORELAI and CHRIS, you can hear the shutting of the door in the background.)
CHRISTOPHER: So ... Lorelai ... we need to talk.
LORELAI: Yea, that's what I was thinking while I waited up for your phone call the past three nights.
CHRISTOPHER: Lorelai ... I was trying to straighten things out.
LORELAI: So was I. I was waiting for a call, to let me know you were at least ok. Maybe an email. A carrier pigeon sent with a letter. Something to give me some sort of clue. But here you are, again, with a packed duffle bag ... and I don't know what this means. But a big part of me doesn't what to know what it means, because the more that I seem to know, the more confused I seem to get.
CHRISTOPHER: Lorelai-
LORELAI: Chris, give me a little time here. You had yours. I gotta be able to calm down before we talk. Because you aren't going to like anything that comes out my mouth if I don't get that time.
(LORELAI begins to talk up the stairs before CHRISTOPHER can reply.)
-----THEME SONG AND COMMERCIAL BREAK-----
OPEN to STARS HOLLOW STREETS
(LANE and RORY are walking in the direction of LUKE'S DINER talking.)
LANE: So he left, and then he came back?
RORY: Yep.
LANE: Any idea why he came back?
RORY: Nope. I left before they started talking. They need to work this out alone.
LANE: Good idea. You sure Lorelai won't kill him?
RORY: No, I don't think she'd kill my own dad. Plus, she's just holding a grudge right now ... he didn't call. For the past three days she's had no clue what to define her relationship with him was. She's big on labels. Usually ones like Maxwell House and Folgers, but ...
LANE: I get it.
(The two arrive at LUKE'S DINER and enter, then sit at a table not far from the counter. LUKE is no where in sight, but the crowd is pretty dull - just a few people. JESS is cleaning up at the counter when they enter. RORY smiles at him, secretively and JESS smiles, nodding at her.)
LANE: And I still can't believe you kissed him.
RORY: Lane! Dean and I just broke up yesterday - if Ms. Patti heard that I was already on the rebound ... it'd be all over town. And if Dean heard ...
LANE: Got it.
(JESS makes his way over to the table, and kneels down by RORY's seat, pulling out an order pad.)
RORY: French fries.
LANE: Make that two.
RORY: And coffee for me.
JESS: Now who says I was going to take an order?
RORY: Because that's what you get paid to do. And we're paying customers.
(JESS shakes his head at her smiling.)
JESS: Technically you aren't paying customers - half the time you and your mom don't pay. So I wouldn't really have to ...
RORY (in a long drug out tone, batting her eyelashes): Please?
(JESS seems to be stifling back a smile of weakness, but he can't resist RORY's pleading. And walks off in the direction of the counter.)
LANE: Wow. You've trained him quick.
RORY: Lane, I didn't train anyone.
LANE: Really, cause it looks to me like he'll do anything you tell him.
RORY: You make him sound like a cocker spaniel.
LANE: He's crazy about you, you know that right?
RORY: He's Jess, Lane ... I don't know that he gets crazy about anyone. We just ... like each other.
LANE: If you two "just like each other" than Jen and Brad just got a divorce.
RORY: Lane.
LANE: Ok, ok. Apparently you are just blind.
RORY: Lane.
LANE: I'm dropping it now. (JESS is making his way over with French fries and a coffee for RORY.) And just in time.
(RORY looks up at JESS as he places her food in front of her and they smile at each other, then JESS takes a couple of RORY's fries and eats them.)
RORY: Hey you.
(JESS just smiles back at her in a cocky way. RORY shakes her head and then she and LANE begin eating.)
LANE: Oh gosh.
RORY: What?
LANE: It's almost 6:00.
RORY: And?
LANE: My mom leaves for her bible study soon - and tonight's one of the nights I get to go practice on the drums. But I have to be there before my mom leaves. I better go!
(LANE gets up hurriedly and leaves, as LUKE finally comes back downstairs. JESS turns to him.)
JESS: You ok?
LUKE: Fine. Just fine.
JESS: Good. Then you wouldn't mind if I took my break.
LUKE: Jess.
JESS: Don't worry, I'll be back.
(JESS makes his way to RORY's table and taps her on the shoulder.)
JESS: Wanna go for a walk?
RORY: But my French fries ... and coffee.
JESS: And so I finally learn where I measure up on Rory's scale of importance.
(He grins at her sarcastically.)
RORY: No it's not that ...
JESS: Then bring your coffee. You CAN walk and drink coffee at the same time?
RORY: That's the only way I've ever known to walk.
JESS: Then c'mon!
(JESS pulls RORY up by the hand, almost surprised that he's done it, and lets go almost right away, but opens the door for her on the way out of the diner.)
FADE to GILMORE RESIDENCE
(It's not long after LORELAI went upstairs when she proceeds down the stairs in her pajamas, even though it isn't much later than six o'clock. She looks over the banister for CHRISTOPHER but doesn't see him there, just his bag. She continues down the stairs, and into the kitchen, where CHRISTOPHER is reading RORY's packet on Washington which was left on the table.)
CHRISTOPHER: This Washington trip is really something, huh? Six weeks in a dorm.
LORELAI: Yea. It's something.
CHRISTOPHER: So is she definitely going?
LORELAI: She's not sure yet.
CHRISTOPHER: What's holding her back?
LORELAI: Lots. Mainly Paris. Spending six weeks in a dorm room with her isn't exactly Rory's cup of tea. More like a cup of arsenic, actually.
CHRISTOPHER: Ahhh ...
LORELAI: Plus there's Jess.
CHRISTOPHER: Jess? Isn't that the kid who broke Rory's wrist? I thought he moved back to New York.
LORELAI: Well, Jess didn't really break her wrist, himself. I mean, Rory did decide to get in the car with him, and he did get in the accident in attempt to not hit an animal. So it wasn't like he was driving recklessly. Could've just as easily been me. And he did move to New York ... but he came back.
CHRISTOPHER: Lorelai, I thought we hated this guy.
LORELAI: I thought I did, too. But Rory doesn't hate him. In fact, I'd be inclined to say she loves him. And who can hate a guy who swerved to miss hitting something cute and cuddly?
CHRISTOPHER: You mean she likes this guy?
LORELAI: Well he doesn't make her gag.
CHRISTOPHER: But what about Dean?
LORELAI: Broke up. Rory kissed Jess at Sookie's wedding, so when she told him, they broke up.
CHRISTOPHER: We shouldn't be letting her date this guy Lorelai.
LORELAI: Maybe not. But ... if Rory loves, or likes, or even just sees something in this guy ... there must be a reason for it. And Rory is a result of parents who forced their children back.
CHRISTOPHER: Huh. A lot has happened in three days.
LORELAI: Yea.
CHRISTOPHER: I'm sorry I didn't call.
LORELAI: I know you are.
CHRISTOPHER: Are you ready to talk about ... the whole situation?
LORELAI: A little.
CHRISTOPHER: So ... what do you want to know? I mean, you gotta have a lot of questions.
LORELAI: Is she pregnant?
CHRISTOPHER: Yes.
LORELAI: Definitely yours?
CHRISTOPHER: Yes.
LORELAI: Are you staying with her?
CHRISTOPHER: No.
LORELAI: I thought you wanted to makeup what you hadn't had with Rory, with this kid.
CHRISTOPHER: I do.
LORELAI: Okay, please, give me a map, I'm lost.
CHRISTOPHER: I like to think ... that more mature and wiser than I was seventeen years ago. I want to think I can handle things better than I did then. And I think I can. I'm sure I can.
LORELAI: How do you know?
CHRISTOPHER: Because, I've already made the first good decision.
LORELAI: Which is?
CHRISTOPHER: Not to marry Sherry.
LORELAI: Because?
CHRISTOPHER: Because I don't love her. And it wouldn't be fair to any kid if their parents were together but yet, didn't love each other. So, I'm going to be there for Sherry, with this kid. I mean Lamaze classes, doctors appointments, and spending lots of time with the baby and giving child support - I mean, I did help bring it into this world.
LORELAI: Already seeing an improvement from seventeen years ago.
CHRISTOPHER: But ... I want to move to Stars Hollow. I want to be with you and Rory. Rory is also my child ... and I do love you.
LORELAI: Chris ... wow.
CHRISTOPHER: When I said it was going to be a pretty permanent change, I meant it Lor. And this way, I try and cover everything. It's going to be hard ... I know that. I know it's not going to be easy. But it's what I want to do ... it's what I have to do. And I don't expect you to turn around and confess your love for me either. I just want a chance.
LORELAI: ... What about your job?
CHRISTOPHER: Boston isn't that far. I can take the drive.
LORELAI: You sure pack light. (She points to his bag.)
CHRISTOPHER: I have a lot more stuff back in Boston. This is only enough for a few days, while I try and find an apartment.
LORELAI: A-an ... an apartment? (Seems shocked.)
CHRISTOPHER: Well, I do need some place to live, Lorelai.
LORELAI: I just figured ...
CHRISTOPHER: That I'd move in. But ... I think that ... just starting out, I need to have my own place.
LORELAI: Wow.
CHRISTOPHER: That is ... as long as you are ok with this?
LORELAI: I don't know Chris. I mean ... a person can only be let down so many times. And it was just 72 hours ago that I was in the living room, at four in the morning waiting for your call ... that never came. That kind of stuff can't happen. This has to be real.
CHRISTOPHER: That's why I've thought this out. That's why I'm here. That's why whether or not you are ok with this, I am moving to Stars Hollow to at least make things right with Rory. It's up to you whether or not you want things to be made right between you and I.
LORELAI: I ... I ... we're going to need to take this ...
CHRISTOPHER: Slow.
LORELAI: Yea. Slow.
CHRISTOPHER: Slow is good. Whatever makes you comfortable.
LORELAI: You continually amaze me. Are you sure you are Christopher?
CHRISTOPHER: In the flesh.
LORELAI: So where are you staying - you know, while you find an apartment?
CHRISTOPHER: You tell me.
LORELAI: ... Here is good.
FADE to STARS HOLLOW near the BRIDGE.
(RORY and JESS are walking towards the bridge, and sit down when they get there. They are obviously bantering about something literary, because JESS has pulled a book out of one of his side pockets and his pointing at it.)
RORY: I don't care what you say - I hate Catch-22.
JESS: Back off it.
RORY: It took me four days to read four chapters.
JESS: So it's a little heavy.
RORY: A little?
JESS: Says the girl that thinks The Fountainhead is a classic, wonderful piece of literature.
RORY: Do you want me to get started on Hemingway?
(JESS just smiles at her, and shakes his head.)
RORY: What?
JESS: Nothing.
RORY: What is it?
JESS: Nothing ... it's just ... you are cute when you get defensive.
RORY: I'm cute?
JESS: Well ... uh ... (stammering) Cute in the broader sense of the word.
RORY: Is there even a broader sense of the "cute."
JESS: I ... uh ...
RORY: Aw, you're blushing.
JESS: Ok, ok, so I think you're cute.
RORY: ... Only when I get defensive, right?
(JESS blushes more, and RORY smiles knowing she is pushing his buttons. JESS throws his head back shaking it, not believing that he is acting this way and feeling this way. It's foreign to him, and he tries to stifle his grin, but a goofy smile appears on his face as he looks back at RORY.)
JESS: This is not fair.
RORY: What isn't fair?
JESS: You ... you just ...
RORY: I just what?
(She cocks her head at him and flutters her eyelashes, smiling coyly.)
JESS: That.
RORY: What, that I get to see the Jess Mariano really does have a heart? That you aren't such a tough guy, but a big softie - a teddy bear, even.
JESS: Rory ...
RORY: You know, this whole multiple personalities thing isn't going to work for long, Dodger. Someone besides me is going to figure you out eventually.
JESS: Nah, only you get to see this side.
RORY: Aww ... there's a special side reserved for me?
(JESS blushes even more and smiles at her.)
JESS: Rory ... I like you, ok? I like you a lot, you know that. You are a very special person, and you are the one and only person who has ever taken a step out of the Stars Hollow box to get to know me.
RORY: Luke is getting to know you.
JESS: Because he has to. But you have never had to, you just did. You are different than anyone I know, and I like you. But just because you know that doesn't mean you need to go flaunt it, or push my buttons. As long as you know, that's all that matters. You know me. But no one else knows me ... and until they do they don't need to see-
(RORY cuts him off.)
RORY: What a sweet guy you really are?
JESS: Something like that.
(RORY puts her hand on the back of JESS's neck, gripping it lightly and pulls him in and kisses him, and he kisses her back, lightly, then they pull away. RORY, beaming, faces forward, and folds her legs that were dangling off the bridge, up to an Indian style position, and folds her hands on her lap. JESS reaches for RORY's hand and takes it and puts it in his lap, and runs his thumb over it lightly, back and forth. RORY looks at her hand, and smiles, as JESS who is looking off takes a deep breath as if to say he can't believe the way this girl has gotten to him.)
RORY: Softie.
(JESS looks back at her and suddenly grabs her around the waist and begins tickling her on the stomach, RORY dissolves into a fit of laughter. She manages to free from his grasp and gets up and runs toward the center of town.)
RORY: Come and get me, Dodger.
JESS: You better run, Gilmore.
(They grin at each other, and JESS runs up behind RORY and tickles her sides. She jumps and swats his hands away, then the two walk side by side into town.)
-----COMMERCIAL BREAK-----
OPEN to CHILTON inside a CLASSROOM.
(RORY is sitting silently in the classroom which is mostly empty, since it is passing time. A few students are filing in, when in rushes PARIS who immediately bombards RORY.)
RORY: You know, one day, someone is going to sue you for accosting them.
PARIS: So are you going?
RORY: What?
PARIS: Are you going ... to Washington?
RORY: I don't know Paris, I don't know.
PARIS: Well, are you thinking more about saying yes or no?
RORY: I don't know.
PARIS: C'mon, you had to have thought about it.
RORY: Very little.
PARIS: Rory. I need to know if I'm going to be with you, or stuck with Madeline or Louise, in which case I need to get prescription drugs.
RORY: Paris, honestly, I have no clue. School is over in two days, in the meantime, I have to study for finals. My dad just came home, again, and Dean and I just broke up and I'm kind of starting a new relationship. I really cannot even give you a guesstimate on whether or not I will go. It all depends on these next few days.
PARIS: Oh. (She waits as RORY goes back to her studying.) It's Jess, isn't it?
RORY: How did you know?
PARIS: Because you got that same goofy grin on your face that you did when Jess came over that night. I knew you liked him then. You and Dean broke up so you could be with Jess, right?
RORY: Something like that.
PARIS: Well ... he's better for you Rory.
RORY: Excuse me?
PARIS: Jess. He's better for you. He's like you. He's got some substance to him.
RORY: Oh. Well ... thank you ... I think.
(RORY goes back to her studying as PARIS moves to her seat a few seats away from RORY.)
PARIS: Saturday.
RORY: What are you talking about?
PARIS: Saturday - that's when I want to know if you are going to D.C. with me or not. The trip leave a week after that. It's as long as I can wait.
RORY (sighs): Fine. Saturday.
(RORY returns to her studying once more as a bell rings and about fifteen students quickly file in the classroom and take a seat.)
FADE to THE INDEPENDENCE INN
(LORELAI is in the kitchen pouring herself a huge mug of coffee, she takes a sip, then cocks her head, obviously thinking. She clicks her tongue against the roof of her mouth of a little then looks off into the back of the kitchen and puts her hand to the side of her mouth.)
LORELAI: Jean!
(A clatter of pots and pans are heard, but sure enough a scattered JEAN runs into the picture, straightening his clothes, and hat.)
JEAN: Ms. Lorelai.
LORELAI: The coffee.
JEAN: Two scoops this time.
LORELAI: Didn't I say something like four last time?
JEAN: Yes, but I -
LORELAI: Jean, there's a big difference between two and four. Four is two, times two.
JEAN: Precisely, Ms. Lorelai, that's why I put two. Four is so ... strong. And I know you like it strong but ... that strong?
LORELAI: Four is just, perfectly strong enough.
JEAN: Whatever you say, Ms. Lorelai.
LORELAI: Don't worry Jean, you'll get this eventually. Sookie has had years of experience. Try again tomorrow.
JEAN: Will do, Ms. Lorelai.
LORELAI: Thanks, Jean - and you do know you can just call me Lorelai if you want.
JEAN: Ah, that's alright, Ms. Lorelai.
(LORELAI giggles a little at JEAN's intimidation of her. She enters the lobby where MICHEL is handling the desk.)
LORELAI: Good morning, Michel.
MICHEL: It is not a good morning.
LORELAI: Aw, Michel - did someone replace the Herbal Essences shampoo in your shower with something less fragrant?
MICHEL: You think you are so funny. You are a hotel manager, not a stand up comedian.
LORELAI: Thanks, I missed that memo. Now really, what's up?
MICHEL: If you must know -
LORELAI: And I must, because I ALWAYS must know everything.
MICHEL: That new cook - the one Sookie hired.
LORELAI: Jean?
MICHEL: Who cares what his name is. He did not make any decaffeinated coffee. Instead I was rudely awakened by a cup of bitterly strong coffee.
(LORELAI starts to laugh.)
MICHEL: I do not see what is so funny about this.
LORELAI: That poor guy just can't get his coffee straight.
(LORELAI's cell phone begins to ring, and she looks at the caller ID smiling, because CHRISTOPHER's cell number has shown up in the ID. She presses the on button and puts the phone up to her ear.)
LORELAI: Pizza Hut, how may I take your order.
(The camera fades in and out between CHRISTOPHER on the couch at LORELAI's house, and LORELAI in the lobby of the INN.)
CHRISTOPHER: Hey, Lor.
LORELAI: What's up?
CHRISTOPHER: Nothing much - just looking at classifieds for an apartment.
LORELAI: Find anything good?
CHRISTOPHER: These don't seem very reliable. I was thinking I might just scourage the town a little - try and find something.
LORELAI: You learn quick, my friend.
CHRISTOPHER: So, how would you feel about helping me look?
LORELAI: Great, if it involved coffee. This guy Sookie hired to fill in for her is a rookie at making coffee.
CHRISTOPHER: Not many people can understand the whole four scoops thing, Lor.
LORELAI: You get it!
CHRISTOPHER: Only seventeen years later. So you'll go look with me?
LORELAI: Sure ... you wanna meet at Luke's in a couple hours?
CHRISTOPHER: Sounds like a plan ... I'm gonna go back to looking at these classifieds, just to get an idea of what I'm looking for.
LORELAI: May the force be with you.
CHRISTOPHER: See you later, Yoda.
LORELAI: That's Ms. Yoda to you, mister.
CHRISTOPHER: Bye, Lorelai.
LORELAI: ... Bye, Chris.
(The camera flashes to the two of them hanging up, and smiling.)
FADE to the outside of STARS HOLLOW HIGH
(The school is pretty much deserted, since school got out the day before, but JESS walks up the steps. The camera fades into the office where JESS stands patiently at a counter.)
SECRETARY: Can I help you?
JESS: Yea, I uh ... I need to get the paper work ... for uh ... starting summer school.
SECRETARY: Name?
JESS: Jess Mariano.
SECRETARY: I'll be right back.
(The secretary leaves momentarily, while JESS fidgets his hands in his pocket. DEAN enters the office at that moment.)
DEAN: What are you doing here?
JESS: Summer school information. But I guess it's safe to say you're not here for the same thing?
DEAN: No, I generally try to pass all my classes the first time around. I'm just here turning in my physical for sports. You know, cause I try and get involved.
JESS: I'm not sure what you are getting at, but if it's giving you an ego boost you can go ahead and keep at it, because it's not hurting me any.
(The secretary comes back, and DEAN hangs back.)
SECRETARY: Registration starts Friday morning at 8:00, and there will be a short meeting with each of your class periods, but no formal instruction. Just any pre-class assignments for over the weekend, and book pickup. Class starts Monday. Class times and all the other necessary information are in the packet.
JESS: Thanks.
(JESS takes the packet, and starts out the doors. DEAN starts to talk to him.)
DEAN: Jess ... are you and Rory ... (his voice trails off)
JESS: What? Are we what?
DEAN: You know.
JESS: No, I'm afraid I don't.
(JESS is enjoying seeing DEAN fidget, and fume, so even though he knows exactly what he is talking about, he looks at him with all seriousness, containing laughter.)
DEAN: Are you together?
JESS: With who?
DEAN: With ... Rory ...
JESS: Oh, yea ... something like that ...
(JESS turns, and walks out of the office, and the camera follows him out of the school.)
FADE to the CENTER of STARS HOLLOW
(CHRIS and LORELAI are walking through the center court of town, CHRISTOPHER holding a rolled up newspaper.)
LORELAI: It was pink.
CHRISTOPHER: I could paint it.
LORELAI: But in the meantime you'd have to look at pink.
(CHRISTOPHER looks down, smiling and shaking his head.)
LORELAI: So, where to next?
CHRISTOPHER: Ah, let's call it quits for a day. I'm tired, I'd like to go home and rest my legs.
LORELAI: I supposed you aren't in the mood for coffee then?
CHRISTOPHER: I think I'm going to head home - try and get a bit of work done, take a nap.
LORELAI: Well then, I'll meet you there - I haven't had my hourly doseage.
CHRISTOPHER: Heaven help us.
(LORELAI grabs the newspaper from his hand and swats him with it. Then they start to part directions, LORELAI towards LUKE'S DINER, CHRISTOPHER towards the GILMORE RESIDENCE. LORELAI turns back.)
LORELAI: Hey Chris!
CHRISTOPHER: Yea?
LORELAI: Dinner at my mom's Friday - you going to be around?
CHRISTOPHER: I'm always going to be around.
(They smile at each other, and LORELAI sighs.)
LORELAI: So you'll come?
CHRISTOPHER: Wouldn't miss it.
LORELAI: You'll wish you hadn't said that at about 8:30 on Friday night.
(CHRISTOPHER laughs and the two part ways again. LORELAI pulls out her cellphone and dials her mother's phone number.)
EMILY: Gilmore residence.
(Camera fades in and out between LORELAI walking towards LUKE'S, and EMILY inside the ELDER GILMORE RESIDENCE.)
LORELAI: Hi, mom.
EMILY: Lorelai, to what do I owe the pleasure?
LORELAI: Ah, is that invitation for Christopher still open on Friday.
EMILY: Always ... why, is he available?
LORELAI: Yea. He is in town for a few days, so if you'll have him ...
EMILY: We'll see you three Friday evening then - seven o'clock, remember.
LORELAI: I always remember.
EMILY: Well, I'm just reminding you.
LORELAI: If I get it tattooed backwards on my forehead, so that every time I look in the mirror I am reminded, will you stop reminding me?
EMILY: Good-bye, Lorelai, we'll see you Friday.
(The camera fades out of the ELDER GILMORE RESIDENCE and to LUKE'S DINER, where LORELAI has just entered and is taking a seat at the counter. LUKE is tending to the counter, and LORELAI approaches.)
LORELAI: Hey Luke.
LUKE: Hello, Lorelai.
LORELAI: Coffee, to go, pretty please.
LUKE: Coming up.
LORELAI: Hey Luke ... I just wanted to apologize ... for dropping the phone on you last night. It's just ... Christopher showed up ... and I was so shocked. Because well ... oh you don't want to hear the gory details ... but the bottom line is that it just shocked me.
LUKE: Well, I understand. And I mean ... if you needed someone to talk to about the gory details ... I am ... well, you know ... here ... that's what friends are for, right?
LORELAI: So we're ok?
LUKE: Yea ... we're ok.
(LORELAI immediately starts rambling about the SHERRY situation, and telling him the details, and LUKE props his hands up on the counter, listening to her, but mainly just watching her. JESS enters the diner, and JESS goes behind the counter, leaning his back against it, and waiting patiently for LORELAI to stop running her mouth. LUKE puts his hand up to LORELAI to hush her for a second.)
LUKE: Sorry, Lorelai. Jess, can I help you?
JESS (handing LUKE the packet): This ... is my summer school information. I need some guardian signatures on the stuff ... you know, emergency cards for if something silly like me getting stung by a bee happens, and a permission slip that you know I'm doing this ...
LUKE: Wait ... summer school? You voluntarily went to the school to get information so you can spend your summer locked inside hot classrooms ... to learn?
JESS: Well, sometimes they'll open the doors and windows so we can get a little cross-ventilation going.
LUKE: Jess ... you're really going to do this?
JESS: Well, I kind of have to if I want to graduate, right?
LUKE: Yea ... I guess.
JESS: So then it looks like I'm going to do this.
LUKE: Wow. Ok. I'll ... sign this stuff, then.
JESS: I need it by Friday morning - registration starts then. (JESS looks to LORELAI.) Rory's bus gets home at ... (his voice trails off).
LORELAI: Four. (She looks at the clock.) You got five minutes.
(JESS jogs lightly out the door, and down the streets to the bus stop. LORELAI smiles at LUKE.)
LORELAI: And I say it again - you're doing a damn good job.
LUKE: Yea ... something like that.
-----COMMERCIAL BREAK-----
OPEN to STARS HOLLOW BUS STOP
(It's Friday afternoon now, RORY's last day of school. This is JESS's third afternoon waiting for RORY's bus. RORY's bus arrives, but JESS is lost in a book he is reading. RORY sits down next to him softly, and arches her neck over his arm which is propped behind him on the bench and looks at the book.)
RORY: Farewell to Arms, again?
(JESS startles a little. RORY pokes him on the shoulder.)
RORY: You're a jumpy one.
JESS: Hardy har har. (He pauses as he stands up and helps RORY up.) How do you think your exams went?
RORY: I don't want to jinx myself. What did you do on your day off?
JESS: I ... uh, I registered for summer school.
RORY: You did?
JESS: Yea.
RORY: That's great, Jess. Then you'll be able to graduate.
JESS: Assuming I pass.
RORY: You will.
JESS: Don't be so sure.
RORY: Jess, you are smart - you have more intellect in your mind than half the people at Chilton put together. Plus I'll help you.
JESS (hesitating): ... What about Washington?
RORY: Well I ... wait ... how did you know about Washington?
JESS: It's the headline on the Stars Hollow newspaper. (RORY looks shocked.) Kidding, kidding. I heard your mom and dad talking about it at Luke's. Didn't want me to know?
(He smiles sarcastically at her, trying to get a reaction.)
RORY: No Jess ... it's just that I don't even know if I'm going. I don't know if I want to go. I've got plenty of reasons to stay back.
JESS: You also have plenty of reasons to go.
RORY: I know ... but I can be replaced ... and I really don't think I want to go.
JESS: Well ... just don't hold back because of me. I'd never forgive myself for being the possessive boyfriend that wouldn't let his girlfriend go have a great experience.
RORY: What did you say?
JESS (not even realizing quite what he said): ... That it'd be a great experience for you. I mean, the Library of Congress, and plenty of other great places are down there. I'm sure you'd love it.
RORY: No, not that.
JESS: Then what?
RORY: You said you were my boyfriend ... and that I was your girlfriend.
JESS: Did I?
RORY (smiles): Yes ... you did.
JESS: Hmmm ... did it have a nice ring to it?
RORY: Yea ... it did ...
JESS: Then I guess we better stick with it, right? I mean, if it sounds good ...
RORY: Yes. We should definitely stick with it.
FADE to ELDER GILMORE RESIDENCE
(LORELAI, RORY, and CHRISTOPHER are standing outside the massive ELDER GILMORE RESIDENCE as LORELAI begins to reach for the bell.)
LORELAI: Are you sure you want to do this?
CHRISTOPHER: Yes.
LORELAI: Are you sure? Because you could probably hide yourself in the bushes, and while they let Rory and I inside, you could make a run for it.
CHRISTOPHER: I'm staying, Lor.
LORELAI (rings the doorbell): Just remember, Chris, you brought this upon yourself.
(The door opens, and EMILY stands next to a maid, and excitedly greets CHRISTOPHER, completely ignoring RORY and LORELAI.)
EMILY: Christopher! It's so nice to see you again, how are you?
CHRISTOPHER: I'm ... I'm very good, Emily.
(EMILY links her arm around CHRISTOPHER and leads him into the sitting room, where RICHARD has already begun on a round of some sort of drink, but gets up to greet CHRISTOPHER and tend to his drink.)
RICHARD: Christopher! Good to see you again ... Martini?
CHRISTOPHER: Yes, thank you Richard.
(CHRISTOPHER sits down on the couch, and EMILY and RICHARD both sit on either side of them. LORELAI and RORY stand at the entrance of the sitting room, stunned.)
LORELAI (to RORY): You'd think they were teeny boppers or something ...
RORY (to LORELAI): Yea, and Dad's their Justin Timberlake.
(They proceed into the room and take a seat.)
EMILY: So, Christopher, to what do we owe the pleasure of you being in town?
CHRISTOPHER: I'm actually planning on moving to Stars Hollow.
EMILY (enthusiastically): Really?
CHRISTOPHER: Yep. I'm looking for an apartment near Lorelai and Rory.
RICHARD: That's good to hear.
EMILY: Yes it is. Lorelai wasn't sure you were going to be able to make it earlier this week - with business in Boston and all.
RICHARD: How did that business go, hm, Christopher?
CHRISTOPHER: Well, it wasn't exactly business of money sorts, Richard.
LORELAI (hushed): Oh dear Lord.
RICHARD: Well, pray tell what was it?
CHRISTOPHER: I ... uh, had to tend to some unfinished matters with my ex-girlfriend, Sherry.
EMILY (unsure of herself): Oh ... how did that go?
RORY (softly to LORELAI): Cover my ears ... I'm not old enough to hear the words that are going to come out of their mouths.
LORELAI: You? I have virgin ears. (RORY glares.) Ok, ears that really wish they were virgins and that don't want to hear this.
CHRISTOPHER: Well, you see ... Sherry ... is pregnant ...
EMILY (gasps): She cheated on you?
RICHARD: Christopher ... my condolences.
CHRISTOPHER: No, Emily ... Richard ... she didn't cheat on me ... the baby is ... mine.
(EMILY and RICHARD'S eyes widen.)
EMILY: Then how can you be moving to Stars Hollow?
RICHARD: How do you plan to support this child?
CHRISTOPHER: Sherry is staying in Boston, and my job is still there. I plan on being there for her very often, and visiting the baby after it's born and helping as much as I can.
RICHARD: But you aren't going to marry her?
CHRISTOPHER: I don't think it would be right.
EMILY (blurting out): Well then, Christopher, what are your intentions with my daughter?
CHRISTOHPER: Emily, I -
EMILY: It's just an honest question, I mean, we can't have all these un-wed women, impregnated by you, running around defenseless.
RICHARD: Emily!
LORELAI: Mom ... Chris and I are just giving this a shot.
EMILY: I don't know what to say to this, Lorelai. You are going to give your daughter's father, who has only recently become a real part of her life, another chance, when he is the father of yet another unborn child? How do you let that slide?
LORELAI: Mom, you wanted this!
EMILY: No, I wanted what was wrong in the first place to be made right. I never asked for this.
(EMILY stands up and leaves the room, and up the stairs, then shouts down the stairs.)
EMILY: Dinner can be started without me. I'm suddenly not very hungry.
(RICHARD stands up.)
RICHARD: Well, I suppose we can make our way to the dining room. Christopher, I'm really very-
CHRISTOPHER: It's ok, Richard, I understand ...
RICHARD: I can't say I'm ... enthralled with this, Christopher ...
CHRISTOPHER: Of course.
(RICHARD leads the way, CHRISTOPHER trailing behind him and LORELAI and RORY behind them. LORELAI wraps her arm around RORY and RORY wraps her arm around LORELAI.)
LORELAI: Well, that went well.
RORY: Yea ... something like that.
FADE to GILMORE RESIDENCE
(It's Saturday morning, when LORELAI wakes up to some sunlight shining through her window. She looks at the clock which flashes 8:30. She groans uncomfortably in bed, and then sits up. She makes her way down the stairs and into the kitchen where coffee has already been made. A note by the coffee pot from RORY read "Went to go tutor Jess. I'll be home by one. Love, Rory." LORELAI smiles, and goes to pour a mug of coffee, but places the pot back on the burner, and goes into the living room, where CHRISTOPHER is asleep on the couch. LORELAI looks down at him, and then peels back the blanket, and slips under it quietly and snuggles into his arms and closes her eyes. CHRISTOPHER opens his eyes a little to see LORELAI and pulls her in close.)
FADE to LUKE and JESS'S APARTMENT
(RORY and JESS are sprawled out on the floor leaning against the foot of the bed. Books are spread all over the place, and RORY is pointing back and forth between a worksheet and a book with the tip of a pencil explaining something.)
RORY: y=mx+b ... That's the slope intercept form ... m is the slope of the line, which is the rise over the run. You remember slope?
JESS: Yes ... I think. (RORY points out something on the page, and draws something.) Ok, yea, I remember that now.
RORY: Visual learner.
JESS: Hey, nothing wrong with that.
RORY: Never said there was. But if I have to start drawing former presidents, we're going to have a real problem.
JESS: I still can't believe we actually got homework when the summer school hasn't officially started.
RORY: It's just a little review. Now lets concentrate ... if you get it done now, you'll have the rest of the weekend free of homework.
(RORY moves in closer to him, so that they are side by side. His knees are folded up about a foot from his chest with the math book propped up against them. RORY is on his right side, and she folds her legs over, opposite JESS, and leans in to show him how to do the problem. JESS makes a few scratches at the paper with the pencil.)
RORY: There! That's right ... see, that's a start.
(JESS yawns and stretches his arm over, and slings it against the back of RORY's shoulders as she begins to show him something else.)
RORY: That was real sly, kid.
JESS: Hey, don't complain.
(RORY giggles a little.)
RORY: Jess, it was like something out of Saved by the Bell. Don't ever let me catch you do that again. I mean, it's not like I'm going to stop you or anything. You don't have to be all sneaky. I'm your girlfriend ... remember?
JESS: That does have a nice ring to it.
(JESS puts his arm more around her shoulder, and grasps her shoulder, lightly, and pulls her in so her head is against his shoulder.)
JESS: Better?
RORY: Yes. Now do this problem.
JESS: Drill sergeant.
(As JESS begins the problem, RORY turns her head so it is against JESS's neck, and she kisses his neck.)
JESS: You are interrupting my studying process.
(RORY kisses up his neck moving towards his mouth.)
JESS: You know, you really are a distraction.
RORY: Just five minutes.
JESS (mockingly): But if I get this done now then I'll have the rest of my weekend free from homework.
(JESS smiles slyly at her, and then leans in to kiss her. They kiss only for one brief second, and then RORY pulls away.)
RORY (teasingly): You know, you are right, you really should get your homework done.
JESS: You are cruel.
(RORY stands up.)
JESS: That is cruel and unusual punishment, and it is prohibited in the Constitution.
RORY: Ha, learning already.
JESS (in a pleading tone): Rory ...
RORY: Can I use the phone?
JESS: Rory ...
RORY: No, I really need to use the phone ... I need to call Paris.
JESS: On the end table.
(RORY takes the phone, and dials PARIS's number. Fade to PARIS inside a library somewhere, on her cellphone.)
PARIS: Hello?
RORY: Hi ... Paris ... it's-
(The camera fades in and out between PARIS on her cell phone, and RORY in LUKE and JESS's apartment, a few feet from JESS on the phone.)
PARIS: Rory! So are you going?
RORY: Well, that's why I called.
PARIS: Don't delay it any longer ... just let me know.
RORY: I can't go Paris.
PARIS: No, no, no. Don't do this to me Rory.
RORY: Paris, I can't. You wouldn't want me there, I have so much here that I need to be here for (she glances at JESS who is diligently working) ... so many things that I would miss. I wouldn't be helping the program. And as much as I would love to go to Washington - for a week, or even two weeks, I don't think I can handle six. I need some time to myself.
PARIS: But, Rory-
RORY: Paris, I promise during the school year, I will owe my life to you when you need it for school stuff.
PARIS: But the deal was that you'd come to Washington, then just sit there and look nice the rest of the year.
RORY: Well, I'll still look nice, but I won't just be sitting. I'll be doing stuff ... whatever it is that you want me to do - within reason, of course.
PARIS: But-
RORY: I've decided Paris. You have a good time.
(RORY hangs up the phone, and makes her way back over to JESS, where she sits down, and JESS wraps his arm back around her, and RORY lies her head on his shoulder.)
JESS: Please tell me you aren't staying just because of me.
RORY: Not just because of you.
(RORY snuggles her head in a little closer and JESS looks at her and smiles, then continues to work, still smiling.)
FADE to GILMORE RESIDENCE
(LORELAI is now asleep in CHRISTOPHER's arms. CHRISTOPHER is now awake, and running his fingers through LORELAI's hair. He wraps his arms around her tighter and closes his eyes. The phone rings, and CHRISTOPHER reaches over the arm of the couch to the end table for the phone. He grabs the cordless receiver turns it on.)
CHRISTOPHER (softly): Hello?
LUKE: Hi ... uh ... is Lorelai there?
(The camera fades in and out between LUKE's diner, and the living room of the GILMORE residence.)
CHRISTOPHER: Uh, she's here. But she's asleep. Can I take a message?
LUKE: Well, I was uh ... just going to ... you know, bring some coffee over or something if she needed it. Seemed kinda stressed lately. ... Is this Christopher?
CHRISTOPHER: Yea. Is this Luke?
LUKE: Uh ... yea.
CHRISTOPHER: Well, Rory made coffee before she left I think. But thanks. And uh, Luke ... thanks for you know ... taking care of my girls the past few years, when I wasn't around.
LUKE: Yea, well I'll always be around.
CHRISTOPHER: So will I.
LUKE: I better get to work.
(LUKE hangs up without so much a good-bye. LUKE looks at the phone speaking to it, even though it is on the receiver.)
LUKE: The difference is that I really WILL always be there.
A/N 2: Done and over already! : ( But never fear, there will be more. From now on, through the summer, I plan to post "episodes" on Tuesdays, kind of like the show, so be sure to check back. The "episodes" will be posted separately. Look for a new installment this Tuesday. Please R/R - be constructive, not just critical.
