Chapter Sixteen: Donnie Darko and the next Christiane Amanpour
Author: Gluglug
Spoiler Warning/Timing: Late-Third Season
Rating: PG -13
Disclaimer: Gilmore Girls and all characters are property of The Dubba Dubba Dubba WB, Dorothy Parker Drank Here Productions and Amy Sherman- Palladino. They don't belong to me, just borrowing.
Summary: Rory and Lorelai talk about a graduation party and their plans for the evening. Rory and Jess finally resolve their little problem.
It was Saturday afternoon at the Gilmore house. Lorelai knocked on her daughter's bedroom door. Rory looked up from her Mac; she was working on a term paper.
"Hey, hon. Have you given any thought to your graduation party?"
"No Mom. But I have a sneaking suspicion you have."
"Of course I have. The banquet room at the Inn should be finished in a few weeks, just in time for your graduation. How would you like to have it there?"
"Wow, I thought maybe I'd have a small gathering here at the house. You want to throw a fancy party for me?"
"Rory you've spent the past three years working your butt off, I think you deserve a soiree to remember. And I'd love to christen that room with a nice memory. Plus I know the owner and we could get a really good deal!"
"Sure Mom. How many people can I invite?"
"Oh as many as you like. Well, the room holds up to 200 people, but I don't imagine you'd like to invite the entire Chilton student body. Plus I'll need to ask your grandparents, your dad and Sherry and some of our lovely friends and neighbors, of course."
"Well, I'll invite Jess, of course. And Lane and Dave, Paris and Jamie. Also Madeline, Louise and whomever they're making out with this week. Hey, do you think Dean would come?"
"The only way to find out is to ask him. And give him a plus one for his new girlfriend."
"Right. Hey are you going to invite Luke? You didn't mention him."
"What's a party without Luke? I'll have to extend him a plus one as well." Lorelai tried not to make a face.
Rory noticed her mother's slight grimace but decided to ignore it.
"Well, then it's finalized, let's have it the Saturday following your graduation ceremony. I'll talk to Sookie about the menu and I'll look into getting some invitations printed."
"Printed invitations? Wow this is fancy. Does this also mean I get a new dress?"
"Nothing's too good for my baby." Lorelai sighed. "So Rory, what are your plans tonight?"
"Oh, Jess and I are going to watch 'Donnie Darko.'"
"Is that the one with Johnny Depp in the mob?"
"No, that's 'Donnie Brasco.' Donnie Darko is sort of the Gen Y version of 'Heathers.' You know, did zero at the box office, but every hipster quotes from its nihilistic yet uplifting script?"
Lorelai nodded. "Hmm, sounds right up my alley. I need a new movie to quote from; the John Hughes oeuvre is getting old. I must see it sometime."
"I'll let you know if it's worth the hype. Although I pray in ten years time, Jake Gyllenhall isn't wandering around Saks looking to shoplift wondering what happened to his once promising career. What have you got going on tonight, Mom?"
"I'm going to see Alex."
"Really? I thought you two were history."
"Well, we are. I'm sort of just reinforcing the fact. I feel really bad though, I think he's under the impression I want to get back with him."
"What gave him that impression?"
"Me."
Rory looked confused. "Huh? You're not playing mind games with him are you?"
"No, I thought I wanted to get back with him and called him. But my session with Dr. Lieberman yesterday kind of threw off my plans."
"What happened?"
"Oh, Dr. Lieberman says I'm in love with Luke." Lorelai tried to sound nonchalant.
"I see. And how does that make you feel?" Rory mirrored her mother's detached tone.
"Gee Rory, I really think you should major in Psych." She paused. "Well, I'm starting to think it makes sense."
"Wow, therapy is really working for you, Mom. Are you gonna tell Luke?"
"I don't know. I guess I want to be sure that I'm really feeling what she says I'm feeling, you know? And then there's that other tiny complication."
"Nicole."
"Yup. I think I'm just gonna wait it out, and see what happens. Has Jess mentioned anything?"
"About Luke and Nicole? Other than the occasional snide remark about Luke's sex life, no. And don't even ask because I'm not going to be a spy for you."
"I'm not asking you, Harriet. Just keep your eyes and ears open while you're there."
"But keep my knees closed, right?" Rory was sarcastic.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Lorelai was surprised by her daughter's tone.
"Well, when I told you last week that Jess and I didn't exactly finish doing the deed you seemed awfully relieved."
"I have mixed emotions about it, yes. Part of me wants it to happen and the other is hoping you'll still change your mind. But Dr. Lieberman told me something yesterday that really clarified my motives."
"What did she say?"
"She said the reason I've been obsessing over your virginity is the fear you'll get pregnant, like you pointed out before. But it goes deeper than that. You see, if you go to college and become the next Christiane Amanpour, then I will have redeemed myself to my parents for messing up my life when I was 16."
"Gee, so there's no pressure on me at all, huh? Mom, you have to know that I don't want to be successful so I can help you prove to Grandma and Grandpa that your life wasn't a waste, I want succeed for myself."
"I'm glad to hear that, honey. I just don't want you to feel like I've put all of these expectations on you to be perfect, because I didn't mean to."
"Mom, nobody's perfect, well maybe except George Clooney. We can only do our best with what we have."
"Ah, the sage child speaks."
"Mom, I'm not a child."
"Again you keep reminding me. So, what are you planning to do about Jess and the sex thing?"
"I don't know. He's been a little distant since it happened. Anytime I try anything, he freezes."
"Well, then don't be aggressive. Let him pursue you."
"What do you mean? I thought you told me that women have to take charge of their men to get anywhere?"
"Well, once you've caught them, yeah. But guys like the chase - it's their instinct, especially when it comes to sex. Maybe the reason Jess, erm, couldn't perform was that he felt a little freaked that you were pursuing him."
"But he told me it was because of the pressure of our first time and what everyone might think."
"Well, it could've been that, but I doubt it was the only reason."
"So you think I should play hard to get?"
"Yeah. Play coy with him. As much as I hate to say it, be a 'Rules' girl."
"Oh come on, that book is sooo stupid."
"Honey, the feminist in me hated it too, but you have to admit, some of it made sense. You can't fight nature."
"So you're saying I should just play it cool and coy and Jess will respond accordingly?"
"Yes, just please make sure you have the condoms handy when he does."
"Yes, Mom. Hey, if this works, is it okay if I sleep over?"
"Yeah, please just call so I won't worry. Oh hell, I'll still worry!"
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Rory and Jess were sitting on the couch in Luke's apartment, watching the credits roll on "Donnie Darko." The room was dark except for the glow of the TV.
"Wow, what a weird movie. But I really liked it. What did you think, Jess?"
"It was pretty cool. The music was great, Joy Division, The Church, the cover of 'Mad World'..."
"And don't forget Duran Duran." Rory laughed. "But I just loved the way Donnie went back in time to sacrifice his life for the girl he loved, even though at the end of the movie she never knew him."
"Yeah it was pretty romantic." Jess agreed and then was quiet for a moment. "You know, Rory, I would do the same for you."
Rory heard the quiet sincerity in his voice and turned to him. "You would?"
Jess nodded. "Definitely."
Rory's eyes filled with tears. "Oh Jess."
She wanted to kiss him so badly at that moment but remembered Lorelai's advice. A moment later, Jess claimed her mouth with his and she was thankful she had listened to her mother.
A little while later, Jess and Rory were lying in his bed, their limbs tangled under the sheets. Rory was quiet and Jess searched her face for a sign. As beautiful as she was, Rory's placid features always challenged him; he could never quite tell what was going on behind her bright blue eyes. He broke the silence.
"Hey."
Rory smiled. "Hey"
"Well you're smiling, that's a good sign."
"Of course I'm smiling, we just made love." Saying the words aloud made Rory feel a little embarrassed, but she was happy.
"So was everything to your liking?"
"Oh, yes. I liked it. And you?"
"Likewise, but most of all I'm relieved."
"Relieved? You mean because of last time."
Jess nodded and faced the ceiling. "I was so freaked about it all week that I was afraid if we tried again it would happen again."
"Well, then what changed?"
"I just remembered what you said last time, just concentrate on you, not everyone else."
"You see, it pays to listen to me."
Jess kissed her again. "So do you want to stay over? Luke's staying at Nicole's I think."
"You think?"
"Well, when I asked him if he was staying over, he kind of gave me a noncommittal grunt."
"But doesn't Luke always do that?"
"Yeah, but there was something in his body language that was kinda off."
"Hmmm, maybe things aren't so great with Nicole."
"Maybe, but Luke's love life is none of my business, unless of course it intrudes on mine."
"Well we still don't know if Luke's coming back early, but I think I'll take my chances. Hey do you have another t-shirt for me to sleep in?"
Jess got her another shirt while Rory picked up the phone to leave her mom a message. Apparently she hadn't gotten home yet from her non-date with Alex, she hoped everything was okay. A few minutes later she and Jess fell into a blissful slumber.
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A/N: Okay, R/J fans, hope that was not too sappy. Sorry if I spoiled the movie, I do recommend it highly. Some more L/L at some point, don't worry junkies. I may skip ahead again a few weeks after the next chapter.
Thanks so much for the kind reviews everyone. I'm thinking that this will probably end around chapter twenty or so. I feel the end is coming soon......
Author: Gluglug
Spoiler Warning/Timing: Late-Third Season
Rating: PG -13
Disclaimer: Gilmore Girls and all characters are property of The Dubba Dubba Dubba WB, Dorothy Parker Drank Here Productions and Amy Sherman- Palladino. They don't belong to me, just borrowing.
Summary: Rory and Lorelai talk about a graduation party and their plans for the evening. Rory and Jess finally resolve their little problem.
It was Saturday afternoon at the Gilmore house. Lorelai knocked on her daughter's bedroom door. Rory looked up from her Mac; she was working on a term paper.
"Hey, hon. Have you given any thought to your graduation party?"
"No Mom. But I have a sneaking suspicion you have."
"Of course I have. The banquet room at the Inn should be finished in a few weeks, just in time for your graduation. How would you like to have it there?"
"Wow, I thought maybe I'd have a small gathering here at the house. You want to throw a fancy party for me?"
"Rory you've spent the past three years working your butt off, I think you deserve a soiree to remember. And I'd love to christen that room with a nice memory. Plus I know the owner and we could get a really good deal!"
"Sure Mom. How many people can I invite?"
"Oh as many as you like. Well, the room holds up to 200 people, but I don't imagine you'd like to invite the entire Chilton student body. Plus I'll need to ask your grandparents, your dad and Sherry and some of our lovely friends and neighbors, of course."
"Well, I'll invite Jess, of course. And Lane and Dave, Paris and Jamie. Also Madeline, Louise and whomever they're making out with this week. Hey, do you think Dean would come?"
"The only way to find out is to ask him. And give him a plus one for his new girlfriend."
"Right. Hey are you going to invite Luke? You didn't mention him."
"What's a party without Luke? I'll have to extend him a plus one as well." Lorelai tried not to make a face.
Rory noticed her mother's slight grimace but decided to ignore it.
"Well, then it's finalized, let's have it the Saturday following your graduation ceremony. I'll talk to Sookie about the menu and I'll look into getting some invitations printed."
"Printed invitations? Wow this is fancy. Does this also mean I get a new dress?"
"Nothing's too good for my baby." Lorelai sighed. "So Rory, what are your plans tonight?"
"Oh, Jess and I are going to watch 'Donnie Darko.'"
"Is that the one with Johnny Depp in the mob?"
"No, that's 'Donnie Brasco.' Donnie Darko is sort of the Gen Y version of 'Heathers.' You know, did zero at the box office, but every hipster quotes from its nihilistic yet uplifting script?"
Lorelai nodded. "Hmm, sounds right up my alley. I need a new movie to quote from; the John Hughes oeuvre is getting old. I must see it sometime."
"I'll let you know if it's worth the hype. Although I pray in ten years time, Jake Gyllenhall isn't wandering around Saks looking to shoplift wondering what happened to his once promising career. What have you got going on tonight, Mom?"
"I'm going to see Alex."
"Really? I thought you two were history."
"Well, we are. I'm sort of just reinforcing the fact. I feel really bad though, I think he's under the impression I want to get back with him."
"What gave him that impression?"
"Me."
Rory looked confused. "Huh? You're not playing mind games with him are you?"
"No, I thought I wanted to get back with him and called him. But my session with Dr. Lieberman yesterday kind of threw off my plans."
"What happened?"
"Oh, Dr. Lieberman says I'm in love with Luke." Lorelai tried to sound nonchalant.
"I see. And how does that make you feel?" Rory mirrored her mother's detached tone.
"Gee Rory, I really think you should major in Psych." She paused. "Well, I'm starting to think it makes sense."
"Wow, therapy is really working for you, Mom. Are you gonna tell Luke?"
"I don't know. I guess I want to be sure that I'm really feeling what she says I'm feeling, you know? And then there's that other tiny complication."
"Nicole."
"Yup. I think I'm just gonna wait it out, and see what happens. Has Jess mentioned anything?"
"About Luke and Nicole? Other than the occasional snide remark about Luke's sex life, no. And don't even ask because I'm not going to be a spy for you."
"I'm not asking you, Harriet. Just keep your eyes and ears open while you're there."
"But keep my knees closed, right?" Rory was sarcastic.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Lorelai was surprised by her daughter's tone.
"Well, when I told you last week that Jess and I didn't exactly finish doing the deed you seemed awfully relieved."
"I have mixed emotions about it, yes. Part of me wants it to happen and the other is hoping you'll still change your mind. But Dr. Lieberman told me something yesterday that really clarified my motives."
"What did she say?"
"She said the reason I've been obsessing over your virginity is the fear you'll get pregnant, like you pointed out before. But it goes deeper than that. You see, if you go to college and become the next Christiane Amanpour, then I will have redeemed myself to my parents for messing up my life when I was 16."
"Gee, so there's no pressure on me at all, huh? Mom, you have to know that I don't want to be successful so I can help you prove to Grandma and Grandpa that your life wasn't a waste, I want succeed for myself."
"I'm glad to hear that, honey. I just don't want you to feel like I've put all of these expectations on you to be perfect, because I didn't mean to."
"Mom, nobody's perfect, well maybe except George Clooney. We can only do our best with what we have."
"Ah, the sage child speaks."
"Mom, I'm not a child."
"Again you keep reminding me. So, what are you planning to do about Jess and the sex thing?"
"I don't know. He's been a little distant since it happened. Anytime I try anything, he freezes."
"Well, then don't be aggressive. Let him pursue you."
"What do you mean? I thought you told me that women have to take charge of their men to get anywhere?"
"Well, once you've caught them, yeah. But guys like the chase - it's their instinct, especially when it comes to sex. Maybe the reason Jess, erm, couldn't perform was that he felt a little freaked that you were pursuing him."
"But he told me it was because of the pressure of our first time and what everyone might think."
"Well, it could've been that, but I doubt it was the only reason."
"So you think I should play hard to get?"
"Yeah. Play coy with him. As much as I hate to say it, be a 'Rules' girl."
"Oh come on, that book is sooo stupid."
"Honey, the feminist in me hated it too, but you have to admit, some of it made sense. You can't fight nature."
"So you're saying I should just play it cool and coy and Jess will respond accordingly?"
"Yes, just please make sure you have the condoms handy when he does."
"Yes, Mom. Hey, if this works, is it okay if I sleep over?"
"Yeah, please just call so I won't worry. Oh hell, I'll still worry!"
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Rory and Jess were sitting on the couch in Luke's apartment, watching the credits roll on "Donnie Darko." The room was dark except for the glow of the TV.
"Wow, what a weird movie. But I really liked it. What did you think, Jess?"
"It was pretty cool. The music was great, Joy Division, The Church, the cover of 'Mad World'..."
"And don't forget Duran Duran." Rory laughed. "But I just loved the way Donnie went back in time to sacrifice his life for the girl he loved, even though at the end of the movie she never knew him."
"Yeah it was pretty romantic." Jess agreed and then was quiet for a moment. "You know, Rory, I would do the same for you."
Rory heard the quiet sincerity in his voice and turned to him. "You would?"
Jess nodded. "Definitely."
Rory's eyes filled with tears. "Oh Jess."
She wanted to kiss him so badly at that moment but remembered Lorelai's advice. A moment later, Jess claimed her mouth with his and she was thankful she had listened to her mother.
A little while later, Jess and Rory were lying in his bed, their limbs tangled under the sheets. Rory was quiet and Jess searched her face for a sign. As beautiful as she was, Rory's placid features always challenged him; he could never quite tell what was going on behind her bright blue eyes. He broke the silence.
"Hey."
Rory smiled. "Hey"
"Well you're smiling, that's a good sign."
"Of course I'm smiling, we just made love." Saying the words aloud made Rory feel a little embarrassed, but she was happy.
"So was everything to your liking?"
"Oh, yes. I liked it. And you?"
"Likewise, but most of all I'm relieved."
"Relieved? You mean because of last time."
Jess nodded and faced the ceiling. "I was so freaked about it all week that I was afraid if we tried again it would happen again."
"Well, then what changed?"
"I just remembered what you said last time, just concentrate on you, not everyone else."
"You see, it pays to listen to me."
Jess kissed her again. "So do you want to stay over? Luke's staying at Nicole's I think."
"You think?"
"Well, when I asked him if he was staying over, he kind of gave me a noncommittal grunt."
"But doesn't Luke always do that?"
"Yeah, but there was something in his body language that was kinda off."
"Hmmm, maybe things aren't so great with Nicole."
"Maybe, but Luke's love life is none of my business, unless of course it intrudes on mine."
"Well we still don't know if Luke's coming back early, but I think I'll take my chances. Hey do you have another t-shirt for me to sleep in?"
Jess got her another shirt while Rory picked up the phone to leave her mom a message. Apparently she hadn't gotten home yet from her non-date with Alex, she hoped everything was okay. A few minutes later she and Jess fell into a blissful slumber.
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A/N: Okay, R/J fans, hope that was not too sappy. Sorry if I spoiled the movie, I do recommend it highly. Some more L/L at some point, don't worry junkies. I may skip ahead again a few weeks after the next chapter.
Thanks so much for the kind reviews everyone. I'm thinking that this will probably end around chapter twenty or so. I feel the end is coming soon......