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. I do not have any links to anything involving Gilmore Girls. I also do not own the following things mentioned: The Fountainhead, Trading Spaces, the song "Need to be Next to You" by Lee Nash, Volvo or Jeep, or anything else mentioned. Enjoy!

SIDE NOTE: This is the third fan fic in my series of fan fics ... it is the sequel to "Something Like That," which was the sequel to "Oh, By The Way". A recap of the last episode is at the very beginning.

SUMMARY: Summer has fallen upon Stars Hollow quickly and the town in preparation of summer festivities. Christopher finalizes the lease on an apartment which he found to be suitable. Rory and Jess's new found relationship is blossoming, and everyone in town, everywhere they go has something to say and some objection - except for the people whom Rory thought would be most opposed. Christopher is on the side of the rest of the town, believing that Rory's relationship with Jess is not a positive one. Paris continues to badger Rory about the trip, and Rory continually shoots her down.

A/N: 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. : ) Please give me as much feedback as you can - the more I get (positive or negative) the better I can write, and the more I'll write. I hope you are pleased with this third helping.

"Missed it By An Inch"

(VOICE OVER: "Last time on Gilmore girls." CLIPS ROLL.)
OPEN to LUKE'S DINER
(LANE and RORY arrive at LUKE'S DINER and enter, then sit at a table not far from the counter. LUKE is nowhere in sight, but the crowd is pretty dull - just a few people. JESS is cleaning up the counter when they enter. RORY smiles secretively at him, and he half smiles back, nodding.)

--

CUT to GILMORE RESIDENCE
(LORELAI and CHRISTOPHER are sitting in the kitchen talking.)
CHRISTOPHER: ... I've already made the first good decision.
LORELAI: Which is?
CHRISTOHER: 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 and 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.

--

CUT to BRIDGE
(RORY and JESS are sitting on the bridge, their feet hanging off.)
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 word "cute."

--

CUT back to GILMORE RESIDENCE
(LORELAI and CHRISTOPHER are still talking in the kitchen.)
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. 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 undying love for me, like I did for you. I just want a chance.

--
CUT back to BRIDGE
(RORY and JESS are still sitting on the bridge and JESS is blushing furiously as RORY smiles.)
JESS: ... 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 matter. You know me. But no one else knows me ... and until they do, they don't need to see-
RORY (cutting him off): 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 kiss him, and he kisses her back, then pulls away slowly. RORY, beaming, faces back forward, and folds her legs up Indian style, and puts her hands in her lap. JESS searches for RORY's hand and takes it and puts it in his lap and hold it, running his thumb over the back of it lightly. RORY looks at her hand, and smiles, as JESS who is looking off takes a deep breath and sighs, as if to say he can't believe the way she has gotten to him.)
RORY: Softie.

--
CUT back to GILMORE RESIDENCE
(LORELAI is smiling now as she and CHRISTOPHER talk.)
LORELAI: So ... where are you staying - you know, while you find an apartment?
CHRISTOPHER: You tell me.
LORELAI: ... Here is good.

--

CUT to CHILTON CLASSROOM
(PARIS is talking to RORY from a few seats away.)
PARIS: Saturday - that's when I want to know if you are going to D.C. with me or not. The trip leaves a week after that. It's as long as I can wait.

--

CUT to STARS HOLLOW HIGH OFFICE
(JESS is standing at a counter talking to a secretary in the deserted office.)
JESS: Ye, I uh ... I need to get the paper work ... for uh ... starting summer school.

--

CUT to STARS HOLLOW STREETS
(LORELAI and CHRISTOPHER are talking to each other from a distance.)
LORELAI: Dinner at my mom's Friday ... you going to be around?
CHRISTOPHER: I'm always going to be around.

--

CUT back to STARS HOLLOW HIGH OFFICE
(DEAN is standing in front of JESS by a few feet talking 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 knows perfectly well what he is talking about but is smirking as he enjoys watching DEAN fidget and fume.)
DEAN: Are you together?
JESS: With who, again?
DEAN: With ... Rory ...
JESS: Oh, yea ... something like that ...

--

CUT to ELDER GILMORE RESIDENCE
(All the GILMORES and CHRISTOPHER are sitting in the parlor. EMILY is wide eyed.)
CHRISTOPHER: No, Emily ... Richard .. she didn't cheat on me ... the baby is mine.

--

CUT to STARS HOLLOW STREETS
(RORY and JESS are walking down the street close together.)
RORY: You said you were my boyfriend ... and that I was your girlfriend.
JESS: Did I?
RORY (smiles): Yes ... you did.
JESS: Hmmm ... well, did it have a nice ring to it?
RORY: Yea ... it did ...
JESS: Then I guess we should stick with it, right? I mean, if it sounds good ...
RORY: We should definitely stick with it.

--

CUT back to ELDER GILMORE RESIDENCE
(EMILY has just stood up and looks angry.)
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?

--

CUT to LUKE'S APARTMENT
(RORY is on the phone with PARIS.)
RORY: I can't go Paris.

--

CUT to GILMORE RESIDENCE
(LORELAI is 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.)

--------------------

EPISODE OPEN to LUKE'S DINER
(It's a Sunday morning. JESS has just come down stairs. LUKE points at the coffee pot and snaps in the direction of the window. JESS shakes his head, but gets the coffee pot and follows LUKE'S silent orders to tend to the window seats. He refills PATTY's cup as she eyes him over. JESS looks disturbed and then peers out the window to see LORELAI and CHRISTOPHER being led in the direction of the diner by RORY. JESS smiles, and goes behind the counter, putting the coffee pot on the burner, and starting to wipe down the counter top.)

CUT to STREETS OF STARS HOLLOW
(LORELAI's arm is linked in CHRISTOPHER's and RORY walking ahead of them. The camera pans around the center of the town, where TAYLOR is directing the hanging of a banner that reads "SUMMER FESTIVAL UNDER THE STARS, WEDNESDAY 6 PM-MIDNIGHT". LORELAI cocks her head.)
LORELAI: Will the stars be out a six o'clock?
CHRISTOPHER: My guess is no.
RORY: Maybe we're supposed to imagine them.
LORELAI: Maybe ...
RORY: We go through this every year ...
LORELAI (looking to CHRISTOPHER): We tell Taylor, the summer festival can't be under the stars if the stars don't come out at that time.
RORY: But somehow, he only moves the starting time earlier.
LORELAI: And I always say we should just start it later, and let it run later.
RORY: But you know Taylor.
CHRISTOPHER: Not that well, englighten me.
LORELAI: It was a mess. I suggested it start at eight and go 'til two in the morning. It was the scandal of the summer I tell you. They might as well have sewn a scarlet letter on me.
CHRISTOPHER (puts his arm around LORELAI's waist): Well, two in the morning is pretty scandalous.
RORY: You crazy kids.
LORELAI: ... Maybe he's scared the stars into coming out early.
RORY: That is entirely possible.
LORELAI: I'm a genius.
RORY: Look out, Einstein.
(They reach the diner, and RORY pushes open the door exuberantly. She jogs up to the counter and sits down on her stool. JESS's back is turned to her.)
RORY: Coffee.
JESS (turns and smirks at her): Excuse me?
RORY: Coffee.
JESS: I hope that's not your best pick-up line.
RORY: I want coffee.
JESS: What if I don't want to give it to you?
RORY (pouting): Please?
JESS: It's not working.
RORY: Pretty, pretty please?
(JESS turns back to the counter, and RORY smiles, and gets up and goes behind the counter. She gets right next to JESS.)
RORY: I said please.
JESS: Hey, who said you were allowed back here?
RORY: Me.
JESS (jokingly): And you are above the rules?
RORY: What rules?
(LORELAI and CHRISTOPHER take a seat at the counter.)
LORELAI: Whatcha doin'?
RORY: Getting coffee.
LORELAI: That's my girl - use what I taught you!
RORY (pokes JESS in the back, since he is turned away): Jess ...
JESS: You are something, you know that?
RORY (leaning her back against the counter): Something good?
JESS (turning to her): Maybe.
RORY (tilting her head and smiling sweetly): Coffee, please.
(JESS sighs.)
RORY: Hey, you made it longer than you did last time. (JESS turns to get her coffee.) ... Hey ... (RORY puts her hand on JESS's shoulder, and gives him a little pull towards her.)
JESS: What?
(RORY puts her arms around his neck and kisses him gently. He puts the arm free from the coffee pot around her, and RORY pulls away and he kisses her cheek. The townspeople are watching raptly as the diner goes quiet. LORELAI looks around bewildered.)
LORELAI: Hey, there's nothing to see here. (No one pays attention.) HEY! (they all look at her) Didn't your parents ever teach you it's rude to stare? (RORY looks down at her feet, and JESS puts the coffee pot down, holding her protectively to him with one arm. RORY looks to the back counter and leans into JESS, putting her arm around his middle.) I mean it, go gawk at something else.
RORY: Uh ... I'm gonna go ... back to the house. Jess?
JESS: I'm coming. (Shouting through the kitchen door.) Luke?
LUKE (muffled): Yea?
JESS: I'm going to Rory's. I'll be back in a bit.
LUKE: Sure. Fine. Don't ask permission or anything.
(JESS starts to walk off, but RORY stops him with her finger and he turns around.)
JESS (sighs, but smiles at RORY): Luke ... can I go to Rory's?
LUKE: ... Uh ... yea, sure.
(The two leave the diner, everyone's eyes following them as they leave.)

-THEME SONG AND COMMERICAL BREAK-

OPEN to GILMORE RESIDENCE
(The phone is ringing in the background as the camera pans throughout the house. RORY and JESS come into view. JESS is leaned against the arm of the couch that is to his left. RORY is sitting close to him, leaned up against him, and JESS's right arm is around her shoulders, his left hand is on her face, and both RORY's hands are behind his neck, sporadically running her fingers through his hair as they kiss. The phone rings again, and RORY slowly pulls away as JESS leans toward her to keep her in place.)
RORY: Just a minute.
JESS: Bu-
(RORY places her finger tips over his lips.)
RORY: Just stay right there.
(RORY gets up and moves into the kitchen to find the phone, and answers.)
RORY: Hello?
PARIS: Are you sure?
RORY: Paris?
PARIS: Are you sure you don't want to go to Washington? I just wanted to give you a chance to reconsider - maybe you haven't looked at it from all angles.
RORY: I've looked at it from every angle.
PARIS: You're not staying just for him, are you?
RORY: Well no, not just him.
PARIS: Ha! But he does fall into the equation.
(JESS approaches RORY from behind, slowly, and quietly.)
RORY: Well, he is my boyfriend, Paris, it's kind of to be expected.
PARIS: But you would give up a great experience for him?
RORY: Again, not just for him, and it's a lot better than -and take no offense to this- spending six weeks in a dorm room with you. You won't think I'm nice at the end of six weeks, Paris. And he is kind of important to me, Paris - I know the mind REELS at the thought that a girl's boyfriend is important to her.
PARIS: But it's new!
RORY: Exactly.
PARIS: It will still be new when you get back.
RORY: Or it can be slightly worn in and comfortable, you know, like tennis shoes you've only worn a few times.
PARIS: I don't wear tennis shoes. Please Rory! Please reconsider.
(JESS comes up behind RORY at this point, and puts his arms around her snuggling her close, and burying his head into her hair and the nape of her neck, and kissing her softly.)
RORY: Leave me alone! (JESS looks up startled, and starts to pull away.) Oh, Jess, not you - Paris. (RORY balances the phone between her shoulder and her ear, and she takes JESS's hands that had started to move away, and pull his arms back around her and lean back.)
PARIS: Is he there?
RORY: No, I'm talking to invisible Jess.
JESS: Sheesh. First you want me to go away, now I'm invisible.
(RORY looks up at him with a look on her face that clearly says "Please don't make this more difficult than it already is.")
PARIS: I heard him! Put him on.
RORY (makes a disgusted face): No, Paris!
PARIS: Put him on!
(RORY looks sheepishly up at JESS.)
RORY: She uh ... wants to talk to you. (JESS lifts a hand a makes a cutting motion at his throat. RORY cocks her head at him.) She's not going to let me go until you do.
JESS (snatches the receiver and puts it to his ear): What?
PARIS: I can't believe you are holding her back.
(RORY pulls free from JESS's arms a little, and removes some of the dirty dishes from the table and puts them in the sink.)
JESS: I'm not holding her back. If she wants to stay back it's not because of anything I said or did.
PARIS: You're there, aren't you?
JESS: I was invited.
PARIS: Tell her to go.
JESS: You don't think I already did?
PARIS: You told her to go?
JESS: Yes.
PARIS: And she still decided to stay.
JESS: By George, I think she's got it.
PARIS: Hey, I don't need your wise-cracks right now, smart-allelic. My vice president is staying home from Washington because of you.
JESS: By her own choice.
PARIS: Yea, because you're a smooth-talking Casanova.
JESS: Hey Paris, listen, you know, I'd really love to stay and chat, and argue with you over why Rory is staying home. But the fact is that it's her decision, not yours, not mine, and I'm sure that if she changes her mind, you'll be the first person she calls. But don't call her again, your phone calls really have a way of ruining the moment.
PARIS (caustically): Oh, sorry my phone call about something as unimportant as a trip to our nations capital interrupted your little make-out sessions. By all means, continue.
JESS: Why thank you. Good-bye, Paris.
(JESS clicks the off button.)

CUT to LUKE'S DINER
(LUKE and LORELAI are sitting at the counter drinking coffee and eating breakfast. TAYLOR is staring at LORELAI with a look of contempt. She attempts to ignore it but finally looks over CHRISTOPHER's shoulder at him.)
LORELAI: Taylor, can I help you?
TAYLOR: Oh, nothing Lorelai ... I'm just questioning your judgment, that's all.
LORELAI: Excuse me?
TAYLOR: You know about Rory and that ... problem child.
LORELAI: He has a name.
CHRISTOPHER: I don't know, "Problem Child" seems about right to me.
LORELAI (in shock): Christopher! (Turns to TAYLOR.) What exactly are you getting at here?
TAYLOR: She broke off a relationship with my bagger for ... that?
LORELAI: Well, what can I tell you? She was tired if hearing "Paper or plastic" every time she went up to him.
TAYLOR: Lorelai, be serious here - you are really going to let your only daughter spend her free time running around and ... NECKING with that ruffian?
CHRISTOPHER (looking at her): Yea, Lorelai, are we really letting our only daughter spend her free time running around and necking with that ruffian?
LORELAI (points at CHRISTOPHER): You! Not helping! Talk to me later. (Looks at TAYLOR.) Hi, Taylor, are you Rory's father?
CHRISTOPHER (raises his hand): No, that'd be me, and I say-
LORELAI (puts her hand over CHRISTOPHER's mouth): Taylor, answer me here.
TAYLOR: Well, technically no. But I think I speak for the whole town when I say I feel the need to watch out for her.
(The crowd in the diner is now listening intently and nods their heads in agreement.)
BABETTE: He's right, doll. As much as I hate to agree with him, we all worry about Rory.
LORELAI: While you're at it, why don't you go buy her a play-pen? And hire a babysitter.
TAYLOR: Lorelai, what are you talking about?
LORELAI: Because you are treating her like a little girl - you are looking at her like she's a little girl. YOUR little girl. And the thing is she isn't a little girl anymore, and if she is anyone's little girl, it's me ... and (hesitantly) Christopher. I've raised Rory to know what's right and wrong. She's almost grown up, and I think I did a pretty damn good job. And I trust her judgment, even if I'm not entirely sure about Jess myself. And I need you all to trust mine. (LUKE is handing out orders, and she looks to him.) Luke, help me out here.
LUKE (reluctantly): He's a good kid ... Jess. Somewhere. He ... enrolled for summer school on his own. He hasn't caused any trouble since he's been back - and it's been a week, which has to be some kind of record.
LORELAI: Yea!
TAYLOR: Fine. You are both blind. Don't say we didn't warn you. Good luck, Christopher.
LORELAI: You could really be using this time to well-wish yourself, Taylor. (LORELAI stands up and approaches him.) I'm sick and tired of-
(CHRISTOPHER takes LORELAI by the shoulders and leads her out the diner, her yelling over her shoulder at TAYLOR and the whole diner.)

CUT to GILMORE RESIDENCE
(RORY and JESS have resumed their position on the couch, but are no longer kissing. They are both reading a book separately. RORY is leaning her back against JESS who is leaning his left shoulder on the arm of the couch, his right arm entire around RORY's shoulders. JESS sighs and puts down his book.)
RORY: Hmm?
JESS: They all have something to say don't they.
RORY: Who?
JESS: Paris. The whole gawking town.
RORY: Well, can you blame them?
JESS (sits upright, RORY turns to face him): What's that supposed to mean?
RORY: Well ... everyone is used to seeing me with Dean.
JESS: So they need to get unused to it.
RORY: And ... you don't have the greatest track record here, Jess.
JESS: So?
RORY: So ... they don't trust you.
JESS: Thanks for running that one by me - never occurred to me!
RORY: You don't need to get snappy Jess, I'm just telling you why.
JESS: Yea? Well you don't have to remind me! I mean, it's not like I'm not trying - I registered for summer school, I've stayed out of trouble.
RORY: I know.
JESS: I know, you know Rory.
RORY: What do you want me to say here, Jess? I'm confused.
JESS: I want to know that you are on my side, Rory.
RORY: Of course I'm on your side, Jess.
JESS (has a firm tone, but is not yelling at her): Really? When your mom stood up for you ... for us, this morning ... you completely averted the situation. When Paris called, I put up with her nonsense and got her to leave us alone. Where have you been? When are you going to stand up for this? So I know that you want it.
(JESS gets up.)
RORY: Jess!
JESS: What?
RORY: What are you doing?
JESS: Going for a walk.
RORY: Wait for me.
JESS: Rory ... I need to be by myself for awhile, ok?
RORY: Are you mad at me?
JESS: I just ... I don't get it. I don't get any of it, that's all. I just don't know.
(JESS kisses RORY on the cheek, as if to let her know he still cares and then leaves.)

COMMERCIAL BREAK

OPEN to GILMORE RESIDENCE
(It's Monday morning. The clock reads six o'clock, and RORY is sitting on the couch, looking very frustrated, and sad, but reading. LORELAI comes in the room, looking sleeopy, and plops down on the couch.)
LORELAI: Good morning.
RORY: Eh.
LORELAI: That good, huh?
RORY: Eh.
LORELAI: Well, if you are going for a record in redundancy, you might have a shot.
RORY: Eh.
LORELAI: So what is on your agenda today?
RORY: I don't know. I was thinking I might go sign up for some classes at Chilton, you know, to get some out of the way for next year to open up my schedule. I might check out volunteer projects going. Oh, and Lane wanted me to pick-up some CDs for her next time I go into Hartford, so I figured I'd probably do that.
LORELAI: Hmm. So, no Jess on the agenda for the day, then?
RORY: No. I mean, we don't spend every waking moment together.
LORELAI: Your schedule the past few days would prove that theory entirely wrong.
RORY: Then hold off.
LORELAI: Are you and Jess ... ok?
RORY: We're ok. I mean ... we just got in a little argument yesterday. And I'm not sure what to do about it, or where I stand.
LORELAI: So what happened?
RORY: Oh, Paris called, and started going off on me about Washington, and then asked to put Jess on the line, to try and get him to convince me to go, and made some wise cracks about how our relationship is new, and not worth wasting time on right now, when I could be in Washington.
LORELAI: Ouch.
RORY: But, he took it all, and he stood up for ... us ... But you know everything that happened at Luke's yesterday kind of bothered him.
LORELAI: Naturally.
RORY: And he made a point of saying that ... Paris and everyone make comments and stare, and he stands up for "us" and you even stand up for "us" ... but I haven't said anything yet.
LORELAI: Hm.
RORY: What's with the "hm"?
LORELAI: Nothing ... (RORY glares) It's just well ... you know, he has a point. (RORY opens her mouth.) Wait, wait, wait. Let me finish. JESS isn't the most secure person in the world, and something tells me he hasn't really had many serious relationships ... if any at all. And the two of you have jumped head first into this new relationship - and that's good, I'm not against it, and I don't think he is, either. But it's new ... for both of you, it's new, and foreign ... And he's been willing to take a lot of crap from everyone about being your new arm candy.
RORY: He's not just my arm candy. He's my boyfriend. I care about him, I like being with him.
LORELAI: And he needs to know that. I don't think he doubts that you care about him, or that you like being with him ... but just that you are in this as much as he is. 'Cause the boy is head over heels for you. Just give him some time to see things clear ... and be bold if you need to.
RORY: I don't know if you can be bold.
LORELAI: You, are a Gilmore - never doubt your boldness. How do you think you got on this planet anyways?
(RORY smiles, and begins to get up.)
RORY: So ... I'm going to head into Hartford. Do you think I can take the Jeep.
LORELAI: Sure ... I mean, if worse comes to worse, we've got ... the Volvo. Be careful with my baby ...
RORY: I'll be fine.
LORELAI: Not you, the Jeep. I don't want to be stuck with the Volvo forever.
(RORY shakes her head and gives a half smile as she makes her way into her room. LORELAI watches her go into her room as CHRISTOPHER ventures downstairs.)
CHRISTOPHER: Good morning!
LORELAI: You morning people make me sick.
CHRISTOPHER: Rory in a good mood too?
LORELAI: No, actually she's on the anti-peppy side today.
CHRISTOPHER: Well, you said "people" ... the plural form of "person."
LORELAI: Thanks for that nice grammatical lesson there, Professor Hayden, but it only takes on morning person to make me grouchy.
CHRISTOPHER: So that's how it works? So what's up with Ror?
LORELAI: Jess.
CHRISTOPHER: What'd he do?
LORELAI: Nothing. They just got in their first little argument, that's all.
CHRISTOPHER: Already? They've already been together like what ... three or four days? This isn't a good sign Lorelai.
LORELAI: Doesn't mean anything.
CHRISTOPHER: Sure it does. Maybe they aren't mature enough to handle this relationship.
LORELAI: Hey, you. We'd only been in a relationship about 12 hours, when you booked it to Boston, and didn't give me a call.
CHRISTOPHER: I had to go to Boston.
LORELAI: But you didn't call. And I'm not holding it against you. But don't start dogging Rory and her boyfriend's relationship, when we almost couldn't hang on to ours.
CHRISTOPHER: Whatever you say.
LORELAI: Christopher, what's up with you?
CHRISTOPHER: Nothing.
LORELAI: You lie. You've been completely against this Jess thing.
CHRISTOPHER: Well, I have a hard time seeing a guy with ... his reputation, being with my daughter.
LORELAI: So did my parents.
CHRISTOPHER: Now, Lorelai ...
LORELAI: What, Chris?
CHRISTOPHER: That was different.
LORELAI: Well, I sure hope so. I mean, I got pregnant. Hopefully Rory will satisfy for a little snuggling.
CHRISTOPHER: I just think we should set some limits, that all. Is this guy really good for Rory?
LORELAI: I trust her judgment. It's taken me a long time with this one, believe me. But I trust her judgment. And she trusts him - and he really cares for her.
CHRISTOPHER: I just don't think that this is the greatest thing for her, that's all. I mean, it was just seventeen years ago that you and I ... (trails off)
LORELAI: Yes. It was. But Rory and Jess are not you and I. They are two separate people, with a strangely similar scenario. But you know, it was also seventeen years ago, that suddenly you left without a trace. And it happened time, after time. You'd come back in, and back out, and only recently have you been somewhat stable in her life ... and my life. But while you weren't around, I raised Rory into the beautiful, smart, charming, witty girl with a great judge of character that she is today. You've always said "We did good," about Rory. Well, I ... and a little bit you, did good. I mean, great genes, sure ... but I raised her. And you trust me ... right? So you need to trust that I raised Rory well.
CHRISTOPHER: Well, now that I know where I stand.
(CHRISTOPHER gets up and heads back up the stairs.)
LORELAI: Christopher! Don't take it that way.
CHRISTOPHER: How would you like me to take it?

CUT to LUKE'S DINER.
(TAYLOR is standing on the steps arguing with LUKE as RORY pulls up to the curb in the Jeep.)
TAYLOR: But the festival is just two nights away!
LUKE: Ask me if I care.
TAYLOR: We need to advertise!
LUKE: And that giant banner on the gazebo that could be seen from the space station isn't enough?
TAYLOR: Just one flyer. On the door, right here.
LUKE: Nothing doing. This is my diner, this is my door, you put that flyer on the door, it will just get taken off.
TAYLOR: But Luke-
LUKE: Do you like to argue with me Taylor? Do you like to lose arguments? Because we go through this every time this town is having some sort of mushy-gushy celebration that I don't want to take part in. That you know I don't want to take part it. People know! Patty knows, therefore everyone knows. End of story, end of discussion, the flyer is not going on the door.
(RORY steps up the stairs.)
RORY: Excuse me Luke ... Taylor.
(RORY enters and makes he way to the counter where JESS has just rung up an order for KIRK on the cash register, and KIRK exits. JESS sees her and gives a little acknowledging smile.)
JESS: Hey.
RORY: Hey.
JESS: You want coffee?
RORY: Uh ... yea, to go please.
(An awkward silence hangs over them as JESS pours the coffee.)
RORY: So ... summer school starts today?
JESS: Yep.
RORY: Good luck.
JESS: Yea. Thanks. (Looking at RORY quickly in her uniform.) You have school?
RORY: I'm going to go register for some classes. They start tomorrow.
JESS: I see. (JESS hands her the coffee, and RORY digs in her pocket for money.) On the house.
RORY: Oh, uh ... thanks.
JESS: So ... after school? Can we you know ... hang out?
RORY (shyly): Well ... I am checking out some volunteer work after school, and picking up some CDs for Lane. And I'm going with my dad after to check out the apartment he's signing a lease on, while my mom picks up Sookie. Then we're going over there for dinner ...
JESS: So bottom line is, you're busy.
RORY: Yea ... kinda. I'm sorry.
JESS: Hey ... it's ok.
RORY: Tomorrow. Tomorrow morning, before school, I'll come by early.
JESS: That's fine.
RORY: Oh ... ok then. Tomorrow morning it is.
JESS (leans forward on the counter onto his elbows): Yep.
(RORY sets her coffee down, places her hands on his cheeks, and kisses him suddenly and passionately, then grabs her coffee and runs out the door. JESS gives a crooked smile as she runs off.)

CUT to GILMORE RESIDENCE
(LORELAI and CHRISTOPHER are both walking out of the house dressed for work, in silence. LORELAI turns to CHRISTOPHER.)
LORELAI: So, dinner at Sookie's is at 7. I'm picking up Sookie and Jackson at the airport at 5:30. You ... are still coming, right?
CHRISTOPHER: Of course. I'll be home from work in Boston about four. Rory is dropping off the car here at 4:30 for you then coming with me to the apartment at five. We'll meet you at Sookie's at seven.
LORELAI: Oh ... ok then. So it looks like we're all worked out then.
CHRISTOPHER: Looks like it.
LORELAI (walks down the driveway): Then I'll see you before I go to get them. (LORELAI turns and leaves.)

CUT to CHILTON HALLWAYS
(A clock in the hallway reads two-thirty as RORY walks quickly down the halls. PARIS is approaching her from behind.)
PARIS: What are you doing here?
RORY: Signing up for summer classes.
PARIS: Doesn't that take time away from Jess?
RORY: He has summer school during the day.
PARIS: So what, you get like six hours in the evening with him - if you aren't both busy with homework?
RORY: Yea, I guess.
PARIS: So you might as well've come to Washington with me.
RORY: Or not.
PARIS: Why?
RORY: My dad is back, ok, and it's important that I'm around, because I'm going to be a half sister in about eight and a half months. He needs me. My mom needs me.
PARIS: Jess, needs you.
RORY: Paris stop!
PARIS: Why?
RORY: ... Because I love him!
PARIS: You've been with him for four days.
RORY: And I've been friends with him for longer.
PARIS: So what, you love him like a brother?
RORY: No!
PARIS: So you love him as friends?
RORY: I don't know. All I know is that I love him in someway - definitely as my friend, first, and as a boyfriend ... maybe - maybe a little pre-evolved form of it, and I care about him, and everyone has something to say to me about it, about why it's wrong, about why he's not important - but he IS important, Paris. He's my friend, and my boyfriend, and I like spending time with him, and I don't care how silly you think it is. I'm not going to Washington, so let it go? So go pick up some anti-psychotic drugs, so you can deal with Madeline, or Louise, or whoever is coming and please, let me be. Please, try to understand, or just respect this and I swear Paris - I'm going to owe you one when the school year rolls around.
PARIS: Oh ... ok. Okay. You win.
RORY: Thank you. (RORY sighs relief, and begins to walk towards the exit.)
PARIS: You're my slave once the school year starts!
(RORY throws her head backwards, shaking it, but smirking.)

COMMERCIAL BREAK

OPEN to GILMORE RESIDENCE
(RORY is sitting on the porch when CHRISTOPHER exits the house, closing the door behind him as LORELAI comes walking up the driveway. CHRISTOPHER doesn't see LORELAI right away, but only nods to greet her when she approaches.)
LORELAI: Oh, hi.
RORY: Keys are on the table.
LORELAI: Oh. Good, good. So are you guys getting ready to take off?
CHRISTOPHER: No, we thought we'd sit here on the porch and imagine me signing the lease.
(LORELAI just raises her eyebrows.)
RORY: So, we better get going. Better to be early.
LORELAI: It's those Hayden genes.
(RORY heads towards the Volvo, as CHRISTOPHER stays back a second.)
CHRISTOPHER: Yea, well, it seems my good genes are all that matter.
LORELAI: Christopher! Don't make it be like this.
CHRISTOPHER: Later, Lor. Later. I'll see you at Sookie's.

CUT to the INSIDE OF THE VOLVO
(RORY looks at her dad who is turning on the car, silently.)
RORY: I'm glad you're ... you know, around more often.
CHRISTOPHER (smiles): Me too, kiddo.
RORY: ... So you like this apartment?
CHRISTOPHER: It'll hold me and all my stuff.
RORY: Are we talking about any interior design?
CHRISTOPHER: Nah, I don't think so. The walls are white, the floors in the main portion are hard wood, the bedroom is carpet, the bathroom is tile.
RORY: Hmm, very nice. But if you're interested in some decorating tips, let me know. I've seen a lot of Trading Spaces.
CHRISTOPHER: I'll keep that in the back of my mind.
(The car falls silent again.)
RORY: Are you and Mom fighting?
CHRISTOPHER: We had a disagreement.
RORY: About what? (CHRISTOPHER hesitates.) Dad?
CHRISTOPHER: I'm not going to lie to you Rory, it was about you ... but it wasn't your fault.
RORY: What about me?
CHRISTOPHER: ... About your relationship with Jess.
RORY: And?
CHRISTOPHER: That I'm a little on the leery side of him.
RORY: He's a good guy, Dad.
CHRISTOPHER: I trust you, and I trust your judgment ... but I don't know this kid, I can't make that conclusion for myself.
RORY: But if you spend your time hating him, you can't get to know him.
CHRISTOPHER: It's difficult, Rory.
RORY: Because?
CHRISTOPHER: He reminds me of ... me.
RORY: He's not going to get me pregnant. We've only been together four days - we haven't even decided if we're going to this summer festival yet.
CHRISTOPHER: I know ... but things happen.
RORY: Not if I don't let them.
CHRISTOPHER (smiles): So you want me to give this guy a chance, huh?
RORY: He's great, Dad.
CHRISTOPHER: Really?
RORY: He reads, and he doesn't just turn the pages to say he's finished the books. He writes in the margins, and analyzes them, and relates to them.
CHRISTOPHER: Sounds like someone else I know. (CHRISTOPHER winks at RORY.)
RORY: He knows who Bjork is.
CHRISTOPHER (smirking): Well that's always a plus ... I think.
RORY: He's got lots of plusses.
CHRISTOPHER: Well, I guess I'll have to see, huh?
RORY: Yea.

CUT to SOOKIE'S HOUSE
(SOOKIE and JACKSON are now living in SOOKIE's house. LORELAI, CHRISTOPHER, RORY, and JACKSON all sit around the kitchen table while SOOKIE begins to set appetizers and entrees down on the table.)
RORY: So, Sookie, how was the honeymoon.
SOOKIE: Beautiful, just beautiful!
RORY: Really? I've always wanted to go to Hawaii.
SOOKIE: Oh ... Hawaii was alright.
LORELAI: Sookie, what do you mean it was alright? You said the trip was beautiful.
SOOKIE: Well it was - especially the kitchens. I managed to talk a few chefs into letting me have a little peak.
JACKSON: Talked them into?
SOOKIE: Well ...
JACKSON: Followed waitresses around pleading, pounding on kitchen doors, begging through entire meals ...
SOOKIE: But I got in! And some of these kitchens were just fabulous. I have some great ideas for when we open our inn.
(CHRISTOPHER is looking out, dazedly.)
LORELAI: Sookie? Could you excuse Christopher and I for a moment? We just need to step outside.
SOOKIE (enthusiastically): Just step outside?
LORELAI (seriously): Just step outside, Sookie.
SOOKIE: Oh yea, sure sweetie.
LORELAI (motioning to CHRISTOPHER): Chris?
(CHRISTOPHER reluctantly follows her outside. The table goes silent and SOOKIE looks at RORY.)
SOOKIE: Fight?
RORY: Yep.
SOOKIE: Any idea what it's about?
RORY: Me.
SOOKIE: What? Why?
RORY: Because ... Jess and I are seeing each other, and Dad doesn't exactly like it.
SOOKIE: Oh, you and Jess!
RORY: Uh ... yea.
SOOKIE: When did that happen?
RORY: Just a few days ago.
SOOKIE: Oh that's nice for you sweetie, and nice change of pace.
RORY: Wait - you're not going lecture me on the thousand reasons why I shouldn't see him, or give me long drawn out talks about being responsible?
SOOKIE: I don't know Jess. But I know you. You're mom's raised you well, and this whole town might like to throw a fit, but it's just not their place, and it's not mine. I'm happy for you. You seemed so ... down, and sad, sometimes with Dean. Jess makes you happy, right?
RORY (beams): Yea ... Jess makes me very happy.

CUT to SOOKIE'S PORCH
(LORELAI is sitting next to CHRISTOPHER on a step.)
LORELAI: You can be mad at me all you want Christopher, but listen to me now, ok, because this doesn't happen a lot?
CHRISTOPHER: I'm all ears. (Still looking downward.)
LORELAI: Christopher ... I'm sorry that I made it seem like you are not an important part of Rory's life, that you receive no credit for upbringing ... I was ... wrong. I just don't know how to impress to you that Rory is a good kid, and that Jess ... well, I trust him with her and that I refuse to force them out of it.
CHRISTOPHER: Rory did a pretty good job talking him up.
LORELAI: You talked to Rory.
CHRISTOPHER: A little. She really does like the guy, doesn't she?
LORELAI: Like is probably an understatement.
CHRISTOPHER: Probably.
LORELAI: So you're gonna give him a chance?
CHRISTOPHER: I'm not going to go into Luke's give him a big hug, and start calling him "son" yet ... but I might be able to manage a pleasant hello in the morning, and tone down the wisecracks.
LORELAI: No more siding with Taylor?
CHRISTOPHER: No more siding with Taylor.
LORELAI: And what about me? Are you still mad at me?
CHRISTOPHER: I was never mad at you Lorelai. You pointed out a lot of things that were true, that I regret every day, and I don't like having to hear them more than necessary, because it's not like my conscience doesn't constantly remind me of my mistakes. It was just hard hearing it come from you.
LORELAI: Christopher ... I didn't mean to hurt you, or to point out things that you see as obvious. I just ... lost it. I need you to forgive me. ... 'Cause I need you around.
CHRISTOPHER: I'm not going anywhere.
LORELAI: You forgive me?
(CHRISTOPHER turns to her, smiles, and leans forward and kisses her, putting one arm around her back, and pulling her to him.)
LORELAI: I'm not sure I heard your answer ... could you say it again?
(CHRISTOPHER kisses her again as the camera fades out.)

CUT to LUKE'S DINER
(A clock reads 6:45 and JESS emerges from the apartment, to find, like promised RORY entering the diner. She sets her things down on a stool, and makes her way behind the counter. RORY taps him on the shoulder.)
JESS: Behind the counter again, what have I told you?
RORY: Jess ... just shut up.
JESS (looking at her warily): Make me ...
(RORY throws both her arms around his neck, and kisses him passionately. JESS is surprised at first, but eventually returns her kiss, and puts his hands on her sides, crushing her towards him. LUKE emerges from the kitchen.)
LUKE: No making out in my diner.
(RORY pulls away, blushes, but gives JESS another little kiss, keeping her arms around his neck. The townspeople are once again, looking strangely at her, RORY finding herself in a very similar situation.)
RORY: Hey, don't you people have anything better to do?! There's nothing to see here, move along. (TAYLOR glances rudely at them.) Taylor what are you looking at?
TAYLOR: I can't believe you let yourself, a respectable young lady, keep company with ... him!
RORY: Well what can I say, I like 'em bad. (JESS smiles broadly at her.) I also like getting to school on time, and I need to make the early bus into Chilton. So I'm afraid ... I'm going to have to go. But I'll see you ... tonight?
(JESS just nods in amazement, still holding RORY as she gives him one last kiss, pours and fixes herself a cup of coffee, places some money on the counter and exits.)

COMMERCIAL BREAK

CUT to the CENTER OF STARS HOLLOW
(RORY is sitting on a bench with her mom and dad, listening to the music being played off a stereo. People are dancing throughout the center of town, there are food carts being pushed around, TAYLOR is running around looking frazzled, people sit cuddled in the gazebo, and on the other side of the gazebo, a small bonfire is burning while SOOKIE watches on with JACKSON as little kids make S'mores. LORELAI lays her head on CHRISTOPHER's shoulder. RORY looks over to them.)
RORY: Go! Dance, do something. Don't sit here with me.
LORELAI: I don't want to leave you alone.
RORY: I won't be alone. Not for long anyways. Go ahead!
LORELAI: Thanks, "mom". (LORELAI kisses RORY on the cheek, and leads CHRISTOPHER off to dance a distance away.)
RORY: At least, I hope I won't be alone for long.
(RORY folds up her knees and wraps her arms around them. In the distance behind her JESS is approaching. She doesn't notice him, until she feels his hands on her shoulders.)
JESS: I don't suppose you could tell me where a pretty girl, with brown hair, blue eyes, with a love for The Fountainhead who would like to dance with me is, hm?
RORY: I guess you'll have to settle for me. I fill most of the requirements right - except for the pretty part?
(JESS walks to the front of RORY and takes her hand, pulling her up and walking with her to an area a little darker, but not far from the gazebo.)
JESS: You more than fill the requirements.
RORY: Oh, so I got the job? When do I start work?
JESS (pulls RORY in, wrapping his arm around her waist): Get over here.
RORY: I didn't know you dance.
JESS: I didn't know either.
RORY: Sudden impulse?
JESS: Well, you had one today - I thought it was only fair that I returned the favor.
RORY: It was an impulse ... but I wouldn't say it was sudden.
JESS: No?
RORY: No ... I missed you.
JESS: I never left.
RORY: I missed talking to you, and being with you. (RORY slings one arm around JESS's neck, and places the other flat on his chest.)
JESS: It was only a couple days.
RORY: Yea, well, I didn't like it.
JESS: Me either.
(RORY lays her head on JESS's shoulder, and closes her eyes. JESS kisses the side of RORY's neck, and RORY pulls away a little, and they kiss as "Need to be Next to You" by Lee Nash plays in the background. The camera pans to LORELAI and CHRISTOPHER who stop dancing, but go over to SOOKIE and JACKSON and start roasting marshmallows. The camera pans back to RORY and JESS who are just pulling away, but still dancing. JESS leans his forehead against RORY's as they continue dancing, eyes closed.)

FADE OUT.
THE END.

* Be sure to check back next Tuesday around 6-8 PM for the new "episode" *