Chapter 4 - Is That You, Rory?
Disclaimer - I don't own anything
Summary - Rory works for the NY Times and one of her assignments take her to a very familiar place (R/J eventually)
********
(Previously)
On the way home, she detoured towards the bridge so she could think. As she approached, she heard some rustling in the bushes by the bridge so she stopped and stood silently to see what was going on. Suddenly, someone came out of a path and sat on the bridge and began to read.
Rory, being as curious as she was, walked closer to see who it was. Apparently the person was watching her too.
"Rory, is that you?" Said the person on bridge.
********
(Chapter 4)
Rory slowly walked onto the bridge. She immediately recognized the voice and she smiled to herself. It had been ages since she'd talk to him; six or seven years. She was even surprised to that he was still in Stars Hollow. Maybe he really did like it there.
"Jess?" Rory asked knowingly. She could now see him perfectly with the moon shining on him. "What are you doing here?"
Jess looked up at her and saw that same twinkle in her eye that was there when she was 17. "Just thinking. How about you?"
"I was coming to do the same."
"Well what do you know?" Jess stood up and walked towards her. "So how have you been? What's it, 5 years now?"
"Just about, I'd say. I've been doing really well. How've you been?"
"Pretty good, life's treating me accordingly. I guess that's all I can ask for."
"Wow, it's so good to see you. I haven't talked to anyone except Lane since college. You and I were doing pretty well with the communicating thing for my first year of college but I guess we kind of lost touch."
Jess looked down. "Sorry about that. I moved back to the city for a while and I lost your address and at that time I wasn't really looking to come back here. So tell me, what have you been up?"
Jess moved to sit back on the bridge and Rory joined him, both their feet dangling off the side.
"Well, I graduated from Harvard and now I work for the New York Times. That's pretty much it. I could go into detail if you want."
"Well, well. Here she is folks, Christiane Amapour." Jess joked.
Rory laughed. "Not yet, but it's on my list of things to do. I'll keep in mind too that you said you'd drive at me screaming different languages while I stood in the middle of the road, just incase I needed some practice."
"You remember that?" Jess said. That was a long time ago but he remembered it like it was yesterday. It was the same night he hurt Rory, something he didn't like to think about.
"I remember everything. I have that kind of crazy mind."
"You sure do." They sat for a moment in a peaceful silence. It wasn't awkward; on the contrary it was rather comforting.
"So Jess," Rory started up again. "What have you been up to? You claim to hate Stars Hollow but you seem to have ended up here."
"It's a long story."
"I've got time," Rory said looking at her watch. "Plenty of it as a matter of fact."
*30 minutes later*
". . .and so here I am, back in Stars Hollow and things are going great."
"Wow, that's quite the story. Well, I'm glad your back. You were a very good addition to the town if I do say so myself."
"Aw, shucks, you're making me blush." Jess said sarcastically. "So, where's bag boy these days?" He suddenly asked out of the blue.
"You're asking the wrong person. When I left for college we broke up, we decided that a long distance relationship wouldn't work. Never kept in touch with him but I think he might have moved back to Chicago."
Jess smiled to himself. "So what exactly are you doing back in Stars Hollow? You know your mom isn't here, right?"
"I just came back. I got a break from work so I wanted to visit." Rory lied. She hated not telling Jess the truth but she couldn't tell him just yet.
"It's getting late. I better get back. I can walk you home if you'd like." Jess offered.
"Sure, that'd be nice."
Jess quickly popped up and offered a hand to Rory. She willingly took it and stood up as well. When they got to the road, Jess turned in the direction of the Gilmore residence.
"This way, Jess." Rory pointed in the opposite direction.
"Last time I checked, you lived down this way." Jess was confused and Rory could hear it in his voice. It was rather amusing on her part.
"Yes, but you see, my boss offered to let me stay in an apartment on Peach Street, weird I know but I decided not to ask questions, and since mom and Luke are in Europe I thought it would be cozier in an apartment than in a big house by myself, so I said yes." Wow, Rory thought, that was the most messed up response.
"Whatever you say. Peach Street it is."
*At the Apartment building.*
"Well this is it," said Rory. "It was good seeing you. Maybe we could get together sometime."
"Bye Rory, I'll see you around."
As Jess walked away, all the feelings for Jess came swarming back. She had tried as hard as she could to forget about him, all her boyfriends were just an excuse and that's why they never worked out. She always knew that there was that one other person out there. No matter how hard she tried to forget him, he would always remain a part of her. She regretted her decision to stay with 'Dull Dean,' when all they ever did was fought and talked about boring things or saw stupid action movies. Rory was more into the intellectual type, much like Jess, or should it be, exactly like Jess. Rory smiled to herself. Finally happy for once about her 'secret' destination of Stars Hollow.
********
The next morning Rory woke up from the wonderful scent of coffee that was traveling into her room. She turned over and looked at the clock and groaned.
"Sam! It's only 8:30!" She whined.
Sam stuck his head in the door. "I knew this would get you up. I have a cup ready for you. I thought we could go to the diner for breakfast and don't even try to get out of it."
"I'm sick?" Rory tried, and joked at the same time.
"Haha, very funny. Get up or I'll drink this coffee for you."
Before he could get the last words out of his mouth, Rory was practically trampling over him to get to her mug.
Sam smiled at himself. "Well, that did the trick."
Forty-five minutes later, they were showered and on their way to Luke's, or "the diner" as Sam knew it.
"You were out pretty late." Sam observed. "The town isn't really that big is it?"
"Oh I just found this nice bridge and I sat there for awhile thinking about things. You know, clear my mind."
"It's always good to start on a fresh slate."
Rory suddenly remembered that she and Sam were supposedly a couple. She remembered last night and how she and Jess hit it off great and she wanted to keep it like that.
"Sam, I have a question."
"Shoot."
"You know how we are 'getting married?' well I was wondering if we could possibly not tell anyone yet. We'll just see what kind of people they are and then let them know later."
"I already told Miss Patty and Jim." Sam said guiltily.
"Miss Patty and JIM? Who the hell is Jim anyways?"
"Jim's the guy that works at the diner. And who cares if they know?"
Only because Miss Patty will tell the whole freaking town, Rory thought to herself.
"Oh," Rory said with an upset tone. "Just don't tell anyone else, okay?"
"Why don't you go get a table, and I'll go tell Patty not to tell anyone. Will that make you happy?" Sam offered
"Yes, thank you."
**
As Rory entered the diner, she suddenly felt like all eyes were looking at her. Much to her surprise, nobody she knew was around. What a relief. Even the guy at the counter didn't know who she was. She took a seat and waited for Sam. Minutes later he arrived.
"Done," he said as he pulled up a seat.
"Thanks Sam, it means a lot."
Jim came around to take their order. "What'll it be?"
Sam was still looking through the menu.
"I'll have pancakes with a side of eggs and bacon and a large mug of coffee." Rory said with out thinking about the fact that she should look at menu, as to blend in.
"Have you ever been here?" Jim asked curiously. Sam looked up from the menu.
Rory fidgeted for a second. "No, it's just that I figured you have those."
"Well what if I told we didn't?"
"Then I'd order something else."
"Coming right up, and for you Sam?"
"Um, I'll have a bagel and cream cheese." He slid the menu back into its spot.
"A little hungry?" He asked Rory.
"This is just the start of it."
***
When they were finished breakfast, they decided to take an official walk around the town and see the sights.
Just as Rory and Sam were leaving, Jess came down stairs and saw Rory with this guy. He was a little hurt at first; she didn't mention him last night. He figured he was just a friend from college and let it go. He'd find out later probably.
"Sam I need to tell something you should know." Rory said as they stepped out of the diner.
"Alright. What is it?"
"Promise you won't get mad?"
"Cross my heart." He pretended to X out his heart.
"Don't freak, but I used to live here."
"What?" Sam had a weird look on his face.
"I used to live here. I grew up here. I can show you where I lived, what everything is and what all that good stuff. It's like my Alma Mater of where I lived instead of where I graduated."
"Why didn't you tell Boss?"
"I had no idea we were going here. It didn't even occur to me that we would go to Stars Hollow of all the small towns in America and I definitely thought there would be smaller towns than this."
"Well, Rory, what are you going to do?"
"What I was sent here to do. Write an article on small town life, except I have half the story already since I lived here. I know this town like the back of my hand."
"Are you sure you want to do this? I'm sure we could relocate."
"No, I'm sure. I think this would make the story better. Just don't tell anyone that I'm doing an undercover feature. Then I might really have to relocate. And let's still keep the marriage thing quiet. Okay?"
"Whatever you say. So, now that you know everything about this town, you can be my tour guide and let me in on the happenings."
Rory was relieved that Sam didn't get upset with this being her hometown.
She took him around the town, down all the little roads and everything she could think of. She even took him to her house and they went in to look around. Then there was the whole explanation about how her mom and Luke were in Europe and that Luke was the real owner of the diner. Once the grand tour was slowing down, they headed back to Luke's for more coffee.
"Hi Miss Patty," Rory said as they passed the studio.
"Rory darling! You never said you were coming back. It's so good to see you."
Miss Patty quickly noticed who Rory was walking with and thought that this was Rory's husband-to-be. She knew that Sam didn't want anything mentioned so didn't say anything. "That's a fine young fellow there." She pointed to Sam.
"Well it was good to see you Miss Patty." Rory ignored her comment. "We better get going."
As they were leaving, Rory saw Miss Patty wink at her. She knew exactly what that was about.
"Oh Sam, do you mind if we stop in here, I need to get some supplies for writing." Rory asked as they passed the small town's office supply store.
"Sure, go ahead.
Rory quickly bought some paper, pens and pencils, just the basics then they headed to Luke's.
This time when she walked in, the bell above the door sounded a little more comforting. Rory walked to the counter to order, while Sam was still outside looking at a flier.
"Hey Rory." Rory turned around to see Jess already pouring her some coffee.
"Oh, hey Jess, thanks." She took a sip and could feel the warmth of the coffee slowly trickle down her throat. "Mmm, so good. You have no idea how much I missed Luke's coffee."
"Well I make the coffee, now that Luke's gone."
"Well, whoever makes it; it's still considered 'Luke's Coffee' and it's only the best."
Jess saw the guy that was walking with Rory earlier.
"So who's your friend?" Jess asked as Sam was opening the door.
"How do you know he's my friend?"
"I saw you with him the morning." Jess stated
"Oh, his name - "
Sam interrupted. "Hi, I'm Sam," he said and stuck out his hand.
"Hi Sam, I'm Jess, it's nice to meet you." Jess, even though feeling a little hurt that Rory and this guy might have a 'thing' going, returned the favor and shook his hand.
HEY!!! I hope y'all like it! Please review and let me know!! Thanks!! And thanks to everyone that has reviewed! It really keeps me going! ;)
Disclaimer - I don't own anything
Summary - Rory works for the NY Times and one of her assignments take her to a very familiar place (R/J eventually)
********
(Previously)
On the way home, she detoured towards the bridge so she could think. As she approached, she heard some rustling in the bushes by the bridge so she stopped and stood silently to see what was going on. Suddenly, someone came out of a path and sat on the bridge and began to read.
Rory, being as curious as she was, walked closer to see who it was. Apparently the person was watching her too.
"Rory, is that you?" Said the person on bridge.
********
(Chapter 4)
Rory slowly walked onto the bridge. She immediately recognized the voice and she smiled to herself. It had been ages since she'd talk to him; six or seven years. She was even surprised to that he was still in Stars Hollow. Maybe he really did like it there.
"Jess?" Rory asked knowingly. She could now see him perfectly with the moon shining on him. "What are you doing here?"
Jess looked up at her and saw that same twinkle in her eye that was there when she was 17. "Just thinking. How about you?"
"I was coming to do the same."
"Well what do you know?" Jess stood up and walked towards her. "So how have you been? What's it, 5 years now?"
"Just about, I'd say. I've been doing really well. How've you been?"
"Pretty good, life's treating me accordingly. I guess that's all I can ask for."
"Wow, it's so good to see you. I haven't talked to anyone except Lane since college. You and I were doing pretty well with the communicating thing for my first year of college but I guess we kind of lost touch."
Jess looked down. "Sorry about that. I moved back to the city for a while and I lost your address and at that time I wasn't really looking to come back here. So tell me, what have you been up?"
Jess moved to sit back on the bridge and Rory joined him, both their feet dangling off the side.
"Well, I graduated from Harvard and now I work for the New York Times. That's pretty much it. I could go into detail if you want."
"Well, well. Here she is folks, Christiane Amapour." Jess joked.
Rory laughed. "Not yet, but it's on my list of things to do. I'll keep in mind too that you said you'd drive at me screaming different languages while I stood in the middle of the road, just incase I needed some practice."
"You remember that?" Jess said. That was a long time ago but he remembered it like it was yesterday. It was the same night he hurt Rory, something he didn't like to think about.
"I remember everything. I have that kind of crazy mind."
"You sure do." They sat for a moment in a peaceful silence. It wasn't awkward; on the contrary it was rather comforting.
"So Jess," Rory started up again. "What have you been up to? You claim to hate Stars Hollow but you seem to have ended up here."
"It's a long story."
"I've got time," Rory said looking at her watch. "Plenty of it as a matter of fact."
*30 minutes later*
". . .and so here I am, back in Stars Hollow and things are going great."
"Wow, that's quite the story. Well, I'm glad your back. You were a very good addition to the town if I do say so myself."
"Aw, shucks, you're making me blush." Jess said sarcastically. "So, where's bag boy these days?" He suddenly asked out of the blue.
"You're asking the wrong person. When I left for college we broke up, we decided that a long distance relationship wouldn't work. Never kept in touch with him but I think he might have moved back to Chicago."
Jess smiled to himself. "So what exactly are you doing back in Stars Hollow? You know your mom isn't here, right?"
"I just came back. I got a break from work so I wanted to visit." Rory lied. She hated not telling Jess the truth but she couldn't tell him just yet.
"It's getting late. I better get back. I can walk you home if you'd like." Jess offered.
"Sure, that'd be nice."
Jess quickly popped up and offered a hand to Rory. She willingly took it and stood up as well. When they got to the road, Jess turned in the direction of the Gilmore residence.
"This way, Jess." Rory pointed in the opposite direction.
"Last time I checked, you lived down this way." Jess was confused and Rory could hear it in his voice. It was rather amusing on her part.
"Yes, but you see, my boss offered to let me stay in an apartment on Peach Street, weird I know but I decided not to ask questions, and since mom and Luke are in Europe I thought it would be cozier in an apartment than in a big house by myself, so I said yes." Wow, Rory thought, that was the most messed up response.
"Whatever you say. Peach Street it is."
*At the Apartment building.*
"Well this is it," said Rory. "It was good seeing you. Maybe we could get together sometime."
"Bye Rory, I'll see you around."
As Jess walked away, all the feelings for Jess came swarming back. She had tried as hard as she could to forget about him, all her boyfriends were just an excuse and that's why they never worked out. She always knew that there was that one other person out there. No matter how hard she tried to forget him, he would always remain a part of her. She regretted her decision to stay with 'Dull Dean,' when all they ever did was fought and talked about boring things or saw stupid action movies. Rory was more into the intellectual type, much like Jess, or should it be, exactly like Jess. Rory smiled to herself. Finally happy for once about her 'secret' destination of Stars Hollow.
********
The next morning Rory woke up from the wonderful scent of coffee that was traveling into her room. She turned over and looked at the clock and groaned.
"Sam! It's only 8:30!" She whined.
Sam stuck his head in the door. "I knew this would get you up. I have a cup ready for you. I thought we could go to the diner for breakfast and don't even try to get out of it."
"I'm sick?" Rory tried, and joked at the same time.
"Haha, very funny. Get up or I'll drink this coffee for you."
Before he could get the last words out of his mouth, Rory was practically trampling over him to get to her mug.
Sam smiled at himself. "Well, that did the trick."
Forty-five minutes later, they were showered and on their way to Luke's, or "the diner" as Sam knew it.
"You were out pretty late." Sam observed. "The town isn't really that big is it?"
"Oh I just found this nice bridge and I sat there for awhile thinking about things. You know, clear my mind."
"It's always good to start on a fresh slate."
Rory suddenly remembered that she and Sam were supposedly a couple. She remembered last night and how she and Jess hit it off great and she wanted to keep it like that.
"Sam, I have a question."
"Shoot."
"You know how we are 'getting married?' well I was wondering if we could possibly not tell anyone yet. We'll just see what kind of people they are and then let them know later."
"I already told Miss Patty and Jim." Sam said guiltily.
"Miss Patty and JIM? Who the hell is Jim anyways?"
"Jim's the guy that works at the diner. And who cares if they know?"
Only because Miss Patty will tell the whole freaking town, Rory thought to herself.
"Oh," Rory said with an upset tone. "Just don't tell anyone else, okay?"
"Why don't you go get a table, and I'll go tell Patty not to tell anyone. Will that make you happy?" Sam offered
"Yes, thank you."
**
As Rory entered the diner, she suddenly felt like all eyes were looking at her. Much to her surprise, nobody she knew was around. What a relief. Even the guy at the counter didn't know who she was. She took a seat and waited for Sam. Minutes later he arrived.
"Done," he said as he pulled up a seat.
"Thanks Sam, it means a lot."
Jim came around to take their order. "What'll it be?"
Sam was still looking through the menu.
"I'll have pancakes with a side of eggs and bacon and a large mug of coffee." Rory said with out thinking about the fact that she should look at menu, as to blend in.
"Have you ever been here?" Jim asked curiously. Sam looked up from the menu.
Rory fidgeted for a second. "No, it's just that I figured you have those."
"Well what if I told we didn't?"
"Then I'd order something else."
"Coming right up, and for you Sam?"
"Um, I'll have a bagel and cream cheese." He slid the menu back into its spot.
"A little hungry?" He asked Rory.
"This is just the start of it."
***
When they were finished breakfast, they decided to take an official walk around the town and see the sights.
Just as Rory and Sam were leaving, Jess came down stairs and saw Rory with this guy. He was a little hurt at first; she didn't mention him last night. He figured he was just a friend from college and let it go. He'd find out later probably.
"Sam I need to tell something you should know." Rory said as they stepped out of the diner.
"Alright. What is it?"
"Promise you won't get mad?"
"Cross my heart." He pretended to X out his heart.
"Don't freak, but I used to live here."
"What?" Sam had a weird look on his face.
"I used to live here. I grew up here. I can show you where I lived, what everything is and what all that good stuff. It's like my Alma Mater of where I lived instead of where I graduated."
"Why didn't you tell Boss?"
"I had no idea we were going here. It didn't even occur to me that we would go to Stars Hollow of all the small towns in America and I definitely thought there would be smaller towns than this."
"Well, Rory, what are you going to do?"
"What I was sent here to do. Write an article on small town life, except I have half the story already since I lived here. I know this town like the back of my hand."
"Are you sure you want to do this? I'm sure we could relocate."
"No, I'm sure. I think this would make the story better. Just don't tell anyone that I'm doing an undercover feature. Then I might really have to relocate. And let's still keep the marriage thing quiet. Okay?"
"Whatever you say. So, now that you know everything about this town, you can be my tour guide and let me in on the happenings."
Rory was relieved that Sam didn't get upset with this being her hometown.
She took him around the town, down all the little roads and everything she could think of. She even took him to her house and they went in to look around. Then there was the whole explanation about how her mom and Luke were in Europe and that Luke was the real owner of the diner. Once the grand tour was slowing down, they headed back to Luke's for more coffee.
"Hi Miss Patty," Rory said as they passed the studio.
"Rory darling! You never said you were coming back. It's so good to see you."
Miss Patty quickly noticed who Rory was walking with and thought that this was Rory's husband-to-be. She knew that Sam didn't want anything mentioned so didn't say anything. "That's a fine young fellow there." She pointed to Sam.
"Well it was good to see you Miss Patty." Rory ignored her comment. "We better get going."
As they were leaving, Rory saw Miss Patty wink at her. She knew exactly what that was about.
"Oh Sam, do you mind if we stop in here, I need to get some supplies for writing." Rory asked as they passed the small town's office supply store.
"Sure, go ahead.
Rory quickly bought some paper, pens and pencils, just the basics then they headed to Luke's.
This time when she walked in, the bell above the door sounded a little more comforting. Rory walked to the counter to order, while Sam was still outside looking at a flier.
"Hey Rory." Rory turned around to see Jess already pouring her some coffee.
"Oh, hey Jess, thanks." She took a sip and could feel the warmth of the coffee slowly trickle down her throat. "Mmm, so good. You have no idea how much I missed Luke's coffee."
"Well I make the coffee, now that Luke's gone."
"Well, whoever makes it; it's still considered 'Luke's Coffee' and it's only the best."
Jess saw the guy that was walking with Rory earlier.
"So who's your friend?" Jess asked as Sam was opening the door.
"How do you know he's my friend?"
"I saw you with him the morning." Jess stated
"Oh, his name - "
Sam interrupted. "Hi, I'm Sam," he said and stuck out his hand.
"Hi Sam, I'm Jess, it's nice to meet you." Jess, even though feeling a little hurt that Rory and this guy might have a 'thing' going, returned the favor and shook his hand.
HEY!!! I hope y'all like it! Please review and let me know!! Thanks!! And thanks to everyone that has reviewed! It really keeps me going! ;)