Pairing: Rory and Dean (only for the first chapter)
Rating: G
Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
Chapter 1: Ghost
I knew Rory would graduate class valedictorian from Harvard. She put all her heart and soul into her schoolwork. In fact, she even put her heart and soul into my schoolwork. I would have never graduated from Boston University without her. She was the one who showed me that school could actually be interesting if you start out not hating it. We've now ready to face the world out there. Look at her, up on the stage giving the speech of a lifetime. Even with the silly cap and gown she looks beautiful. It's amazing that after six years of ups and downs, we're still together. I love her. I love everything about her. This is it, only if I have the courage to go through with it. What if she says no? What if we're too young?
"Congratulations to the class of 2008, I hope for the best that life has to offer and hopefully our paths will meet again. Thank you." Rory beamed as the crowd gave her a standing ovation. She did it; her four years had been the best years of her life so far. She graduated as class valedictorian, had a devoted boyfriend, and everyone who knew her was so proud of her. She should be the happiest girl in the word but it felt like something in her life was missing. As she sat back down in her seat, she stared at the sea of people and wondered if Jess was still in her life, would things be different? A look of pain shot through her face and she realized that this was not the place to open old wounds. She scanned the mass of people and quickly spotted Dean, her mom, Luke, her dad, and her grandparents. Do I see tears in Luke's eyes? After Lorelia realized her feelings for Luke, he quickly became the father figure in Rory's life. Rory had the best of both worlds; she had a great mom and two fantastic dads.
Dean cut through the crowd of people surrounding Rory and whispered something in her ear. Dean pulls her aside and there, in front of Rory's graduating class and everyone who mattered to them, he got down on one knee. The place hushed in a second and the focus shifts to Rory. A thousand pairs of eyes are focused on the girl who will either break this boy's heart or make him the happiest man on earth.
"Rory, will you marry me?" Dean knew that Rory would say yes, there was no reason why she'd refuse his proposal. He had been her safety net for six years. He was the one she ran to when Jess crushed her world. He vowed to protect and care for her till the day he dies.
"Yes." It came out more flat than intended. Sure she was happy but she wasn't sure if Dean was 'the one.' He had been her protector for so long that the passion subdued and everything they did was just 'the right thing to do.' Like this for instance, everybody expected them to get married and so here they were engaged to each other. There were no fireworks for her part; this was merely another phase in their relationship, nothing more. She wished she could give Dean her whole heart but the one she had was broken into a million pieces.
They decided that the engagement would last a year so they could get a stable job, a place to live, and have enough time to prepare for the wedding. They moved to New York when a job offer at the New York Times was offered to Rory. Being a reporter for the NYTimes was dream job to have and to live in New York?! That's the best part of all. There was only one thing holding her back from total bliss. Jess. This is his hometown, what if he's still here? But New York is a big place and what are the chances of those two bumping into each other? Dean and Rory decide to rent an apartment not too far away the local high school where Dean teaches and the New York Times office. Six months have passed by and everything was going like clockwork. They both have steady jobs, their apartment had an amazing view of Manhattan, and the wedding planning was going smoothly.
******** In the NYTimes office*********
"Do you realize that you are a workaholic and you need to get a life?"
"I do have a life but my story isn't done yet." Rory grumbled. David was right although she would never admit to it. She gave him an evil look but ended up breaking into a smile. She is overworked and her mind yelling "COFFEE" couldn't be ignored any longer.
"I'm going to be the best boss in the world, Rory Gilmore, get out of here and get some rest!" said David lightly scolding her. Rory was a great reporter and such a sweet person. He hated seeing her like this. Once she sits down on her desk, you practically need a whole wrestling team to drag her away from her work. I do worry about her. Once in a while she zones out and is completely incoherent to anything that is happening around her. I hope her fiancé is treating her right. If I had a girl like that, I'll probably end my bachelor ways. But I would never do anything to jeopardize our professional relationship.
"Actually that wouldn't be such a bad idea. Do you know how long its been since I've been to the bookstore? Not to mention that it has been exactly an hour since my last cup of coffee?" Rory knew that David hated her coffee addiction. But hey, what could she say? Coffee had been in her bloodstream since the day she was conceived. Her mother didn't cut back on the caffeine when she was pregnant, sure she had a few quirky personality traits, but she turned out normal, right?
"Rory, how many times do I have to yell at you about chain-drinking?"
"I have no idea what you are talking about!" Rory smiled mischievously. Rory got up from her seat and started to pack her things. I guess I have to finish my story when I get home. ::sigh:: Home, funny even though I've been living here for six months, it still doesn't feel like home. Stars Hollow will always be "home."
"Don't forget the Galeki interview tomorrow." Like he needed to remind her. Rory never let this paper down.
"What interview?" Rory said jokingly.
"::Sigh:: just get out of here and don't come back till tomorrow!"
"Fine, but you do realize that its only 2o'clock in the afternoon. Well, see you tomorrow David."
"Take care Rory."
**************** Bookstore*************
Entering Barnes and Nobles, Rory let out a contented sigh knowing that this was the only place in the world that gave her ultimate bliss. She took a moment to scan the bookstore reveling in the fact that this whole place could be a substitute for heaven. She slowly made her way down the aisle running her fingers on the bindings of the books. Her finger stops involuntarily on "Howl." Even the little things still reminded her of Jess. She had totally forgot about that book, okay she didn't forget but it's not like it was constantly on her mind. Heading to another aisle, she turns the corner and finds herself staring at a very attractive young man completely absorbed with the book in his hand.
Almost as if he felt her presence before he heard her gasp, he knew it was her. Unable to explain how he knew without looking at her or hearing her voice, he just knew. Pretending to be absorbed in a book that meant nothing to hem, he contemplated on what to do next. It's been a long time Rory, what are we going to do? Taking a deep breath, he slowly lifted his mysterious dark eyes to the young woman he left behind so many years ago. Six years had turned this innocent girl into the most beautiful woman he ever laid his eyes on. She still had that fresh face glow, the slender built, and the most electrifying blue eyes that can rival the clearest sky. But unlike the clearest blue sky, hers were clouded with pain and fear.
Are you a ghost? If I blink, will you go away? No, he's real; a ghost couldn't make my temperature rise. After all this time, he's still the same way I remembered him to be. His hair still had that sexy tousled look and his chiseled body still looked like one owned by a god. There is a noticeable difference; he traded his favorite Metallica shirt for an impressive Armani suit. Not that this difference is a bad thing, he could rival any GQ models. Oh god, he's staring at me and to make matters worse, I'm staring right back. He's going to say something. I can't handle this. I don't want this. I'm engaged, I've moved on or have I? Rory panics and spins around trying to find the fastest route to the door.
Seeing her turn, Jess closes the gap between them and lightly grabs her arm. His touch sends shivers down her spine and for a moment the world freezes. They stop breathing and thinking; only feeling. Feeling the electricity run through their bodies. Longing to kiss her, to hold her, to say a million apologies, Jess losses the courage. Letting his hand drop from her arm, he turns around and heads out the door.
Rory watches Jess turn his back and walk out the door for the second time in her life. As quickly as he had appeared, he vanished at the same speed. She slowly sank to the floor feeling completely tired. She stares at the empty doorway hoping that he would come back. Jess, when will you stop torturing me. You left me once, why did you have to do it again?
Rating: G
Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
Chapter 1: Ghost
I knew Rory would graduate class valedictorian from Harvard. She put all her heart and soul into her schoolwork. In fact, she even put her heart and soul into my schoolwork. I would have never graduated from Boston University without her. She was the one who showed me that school could actually be interesting if you start out not hating it. We've now ready to face the world out there. Look at her, up on the stage giving the speech of a lifetime. Even with the silly cap and gown she looks beautiful. It's amazing that after six years of ups and downs, we're still together. I love her. I love everything about her. This is it, only if I have the courage to go through with it. What if she says no? What if we're too young?
"Congratulations to the class of 2008, I hope for the best that life has to offer and hopefully our paths will meet again. Thank you." Rory beamed as the crowd gave her a standing ovation. She did it; her four years had been the best years of her life so far. She graduated as class valedictorian, had a devoted boyfriend, and everyone who knew her was so proud of her. She should be the happiest girl in the word but it felt like something in her life was missing. As she sat back down in her seat, she stared at the sea of people and wondered if Jess was still in her life, would things be different? A look of pain shot through her face and she realized that this was not the place to open old wounds. She scanned the mass of people and quickly spotted Dean, her mom, Luke, her dad, and her grandparents. Do I see tears in Luke's eyes? After Lorelia realized her feelings for Luke, he quickly became the father figure in Rory's life. Rory had the best of both worlds; she had a great mom and two fantastic dads.
Dean cut through the crowd of people surrounding Rory and whispered something in her ear. Dean pulls her aside and there, in front of Rory's graduating class and everyone who mattered to them, he got down on one knee. The place hushed in a second and the focus shifts to Rory. A thousand pairs of eyes are focused on the girl who will either break this boy's heart or make him the happiest man on earth.
"Rory, will you marry me?" Dean knew that Rory would say yes, there was no reason why she'd refuse his proposal. He had been her safety net for six years. He was the one she ran to when Jess crushed her world. He vowed to protect and care for her till the day he dies.
"Yes." It came out more flat than intended. Sure she was happy but she wasn't sure if Dean was 'the one.' He had been her protector for so long that the passion subdued and everything they did was just 'the right thing to do.' Like this for instance, everybody expected them to get married and so here they were engaged to each other. There were no fireworks for her part; this was merely another phase in their relationship, nothing more. She wished she could give Dean her whole heart but the one she had was broken into a million pieces.
They decided that the engagement would last a year so they could get a stable job, a place to live, and have enough time to prepare for the wedding. They moved to New York when a job offer at the New York Times was offered to Rory. Being a reporter for the NYTimes was dream job to have and to live in New York?! That's the best part of all. There was only one thing holding her back from total bliss. Jess. This is his hometown, what if he's still here? But New York is a big place and what are the chances of those two bumping into each other? Dean and Rory decide to rent an apartment not too far away the local high school where Dean teaches and the New York Times office. Six months have passed by and everything was going like clockwork. They both have steady jobs, their apartment had an amazing view of Manhattan, and the wedding planning was going smoothly.
******** In the NYTimes office*********
"Do you realize that you are a workaholic and you need to get a life?"
"I do have a life but my story isn't done yet." Rory grumbled. David was right although she would never admit to it. She gave him an evil look but ended up breaking into a smile. She is overworked and her mind yelling "COFFEE" couldn't be ignored any longer.
"I'm going to be the best boss in the world, Rory Gilmore, get out of here and get some rest!" said David lightly scolding her. Rory was a great reporter and such a sweet person. He hated seeing her like this. Once she sits down on her desk, you practically need a whole wrestling team to drag her away from her work. I do worry about her. Once in a while she zones out and is completely incoherent to anything that is happening around her. I hope her fiancé is treating her right. If I had a girl like that, I'll probably end my bachelor ways. But I would never do anything to jeopardize our professional relationship.
"Actually that wouldn't be such a bad idea. Do you know how long its been since I've been to the bookstore? Not to mention that it has been exactly an hour since my last cup of coffee?" Rory knew that David hated her coffee addiction. But hey, what could she say? Coffee had been in her bloodstream since the day she was conceived. Her mother didn't cut back on the caffeine when she was pregnant, sure she had a few quirky personality traits, but she turned out normal, right?
"Rory, how many times do I have to yell at you about chain-drinking?"
"I have no idea what you are talking about!" Rory smiled mischievously. Rory got up from her seat and started to pack her things. I guess I have to finish my story when I get home. ::sigh:: Home, funny even though I've been living here for six months, it still doesn't feel like home. Stars Hollow will always be "home."
"Don't forget the Galeki interview tomorrow." Like he needed to remind her. Rory never let this paper down.
"What interview?" Rory said jokingly.
"::Sigh:: just get out of here and don't come back till tomorrow!"
"Fine, but you do realize that its only 2o'clock in the afternoon. Well, see you tomorrow David."
"Take care Rory."
**************** Bookstore*************
Entering Barnes and Nobles, Rory let out a contented sigh knowing that this was the only place in the world that gave her ultimate bliss. She took a moment to scan the bookstore reveling in the fact that this whole place could be a substitute for heaven. She slowly made her way down the aisle running her fingers on the bindings of the books. Her finger stops involuntarily on "Howl." Even the little things still reminded her of Jess. She had totally forgot about that book, okay she didn't forget but it's not like it was constantly on her mind. Heading to another aisle, she turns the corner and finds herself staring at a very attractive young man completely absorbed with the book in his hand.
Almost as if he felt her presence before he heard her gasp, he knew it was her. Unable to explain how he knew without looking at her or hearing her voice, he just knew. Pretending to be absorbed in a book that meant nothing to hem, he contemplated on what to do next. It's been a long time Rory, what are we going to do? Taking a deep breath, he slowly lifted his mysterious dark eyes to the young woman he left behind so many years ago. Six years had turned this innocent girl into the most beautiful woman he ever laid his eyes on. She still had that fresh face glow, the slender built, and the most electrifying blue eyes that can rival the clearest sky. But unlike the clearest blue sky, hers were clouded with pain and fear.
Are you a ghost? If I blink, will you go away? No, he's real; a ghost couldn't make my temperature rise. After all this time, he's still the same way I remembered him to be. His hair still had that sexy tousled look and his chiseled body still looked like one owned by a god. There is a noticeable difference; he traded his favorite Metallica shirt for an impressive Armani suit. Not that this difference is a bad thing, he could rival any GQ models. Oh god, he's staring at me and to make matters worse, I'm staring right back. He's going to say something. I can't handle this. I don't want this. I'm engaged, I've moved on or have I? Rory panics and spins around trying to find the fastest route to the door.
Seeing her turn, Jess closes the gap between them and lightly grabs her arm. His touch sends shivers down her spine and for a moment the world freezes. They stop breathing and thinking; only feeling. Feeling the electricity run through their bodies. Longing to kiss her, to hold her, to say a million apologies, Jess losses the courage. Letting his hand drop from her arm, he turns around and heads out the door.
Rory watches Jess turn his back and walk out the door for the second time in her life. As quickly as he had appeared, he vanished at the same speed. She slowly sank to the floor feeling completely tired. She stares at the empty doorway hoping that he would come back. Jess, when will you stop torturing me. You left me once, why did you have to do it again?