A/N: Thanks for continuing the reviews people. So here's the Ball. It
might not be what you're expecting. I apologise in advance for any
mistakes.
Chapter 16
Crushing on you
~~~
Jess was on his way to pick Rory up and his heart was playing a wild staccato against his ribs.
He couldn't get that morning out of his head and the thought of knowing he would be near her but surrounded by other people and not being able to do what he wanted to her was driving him absolutely insane.
He remembered the feel of her hands in his hair, the scent of her all around him and he wondered if he was going to be able to last the night.
He almost couldn't believe it. Him and Rory - finally!
He felt as if he was born for that moment, for more moments like it.
He got out of the car and his heart accelerated even further
He'd brought her flowers - roses, peach ones. Red ones were too clichéd and she deserved much better than that.
Once again he found himself on the Gilmore's doorstep and this time he hoped the third time was a charm.
Lorelai opened the door, her eyes widening.
"Wow Jess! You sure clean up well."
"Thanks." He said modestly.
"And you brought flowers too, amazing. There's hope for you yet."
"Two compliments in a row Lorelai? You better be careful, I might think you like me."
"Heaven forbid! Rory will be out in a sec."
"No rush."
"While we're alone it gives me a chance to lay down a couple of rules."
"Oh boy."
"Hey, there will be no rolling of eyes Mister. This is my daughter we're talking about. Firstly there will be no alcohol, no involving her in your pranks, no ditching her and most important of all you treat her with the respect that she's worthy of."
"Relax Lorelai, I won't break her. I promise." He said seriously.
"I'm gonna hold you to that." She said seemingly satisfied, at least for the while.
"Rory get your gorgeous butt out here! James Dean just rode in."
"I'll be right there." He heard Rory call out.
He almost dropped the roses when he first saw her, his breath caught in his throat.
"Okay Romeo, you're drooling. Come on close your mouth boy." Lorelai patted him on his arm but he barely heard her so caught was he in the vision that was Rory.
"You look amazing." He said in awe.
"Thank you. You look quite voluble yourself."
Under any other circumstances he might have been a bit amused or offended by that term. He'd never thought of himself as the sophisticated type.
But the way Rory was looking at him at that very moment made him think of himself in ways he'd never before.
Her dress was a silvery blue falling past her ankles, highlighting her eyes. And asymmetrical neckline accentuated her delicate shoulders. Her hair was piled atop her head with tendrils caressing her neck and Jess fought the urge to push them aside and kiss those sensitive spots that were beckoning him closer with each passing second.
"Hmm we'd better go."
"What about those?" she asked pointing to the flowers.
He's completely forgotten about them, he cleared his throat nervously.
"These are for you." He stepped closer to her.
She accepted them graciously, her eyes sparkling and Jess had to remind himself to breathe.
"They're beautiful." She said smelling them.
"And you're exquisite." He said softly into her ear.
He grinned as he felt her shiver. So she wasn't as unaffected as she may have wanted him to believe.
He'd had to make sure he wasn't losing his mind.
"Alright you two break it up before I get sick." Lorelai said, intruding on the moment.
But Jess was glad Lorelai was there otherwise he wouldn't have been able to stop himself from crushing her to him.
That would've ruined her outfit and Rory looked too damn good to stay in tonight.
"So we can go now right?" he asked looking at Lorelai.
"Yes, have fun and stay safe." She said with emphasis an 'safe'.
"We will mom. Bye."
"Bye sweetie. Jess."
He led Rory to the car, opening up the passenger door for her. No point in being all snazzed up if you weren't going to make an extra effort on the manners side right?
He started the engine and idled, looking at her the whole time.
"What is it Jess?"
"Have I told you how amazing you look this evening?"
"Why I believe you have but you could say it again and again." She said airily.
"Oh believe me I will, I definitely will."
He smiled at the blush his words brought to her cheeks.
"Jess?" she asked demurely.
"Yes Rory?"
"Is this, tonight still a non date? I mean it's okay but after this um morning I thought - "
"Rory," he took hold of her hand, "tonight can be whatever you'd like it to be. There's no pressure. If you think its too soon for us to be calling it anything more than what we decided then I'm cool with that. All good things are worth waiting for."
"So we'll see what happens?" she smiled happily.
"We'll see what happens."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rory was on cloud nine. She'd known he'd look hot all dressed up but her imagination in no way compared to reality.
She couldn't keep her eyes off him and she knew she wasn't the only one.
All of the girls did a double take when the two of them walked in, their expressions those of amazement.
And she couldn't blame them. Jess looked like a panther on the prowl. Dressed all in black added to his normal magnetism, the combination was potent.
"What?" he asked when he caught her staring at him - again.
"Just thinking." She said vaguely.
"About?"
"First impressions."
"Elaborate please." He asked as he tucked her arm into his, making their way across the room.
"People always say first impressions count."
"And they don't?"
"No, I'm not necessarily saying that -" she started feeling a bit inapt.
She felt Jess look at her curiously.
"What is going on in that mind of yours Rory Gilmore. You can tell me." He said softly.
"I know I can," and she did, "I just mean that hardly anyone looks deeper, to see that they can be deceiving."
"Are we speaking in general terms or something specific?"
"General, specific, does it matter?"
"Not really. But I know what you're saying. Don't judge a book by its cover."
"Exactly." She grinned at him. He was so easy to talk to.
"Come on." He pulled her across the floor.
"Where to?" she asked surprised.
"To dance of course," he said as he pulled her near. "You didn't think that we came here all dressed up just to watch other people and drink vile punch did you?"
"No, I just didn't think - "
"That I could dance." He finished for her.
She smiled, "No more like would."
"Expect the unexpected Rory." He said simply.
It was good advice she knew because with Jess you never knew what was going to happen. It was fun and emancipating.
He twirled her around and dipped her and Rory's euphoria grew as she looked into his chocolate eyes.
"What are you thinking?" she asked as he pulled her back up again, staring at her intently.
"You really wanna know?"
"Would I ask if I didn't?"
"You may not like it."
"Try me."
"Okay," he drew her closer, "I was thinking how good you feel in my arms. How intoxicating you smell and I how I want to kiss you right now."
What wasn't to like about that? Still she could feel herself get warmer as his gaze raked over her.
He was so close, all she had to do was tilt her head up and -
"Rory, there you are!" they were interrupted.
Rory wanted to scream; instead she smiled and hugged her best friend.
"Lane, wow!"
Lane smiled at her, "Rory you look positively gorgeous and you," she said turning to Jess, "you look - "
"What almost human?" he grinned at her.
"I was leaning more towards stupendous but your description works too."
They laughed.
"So," she told Lane, "you guys did a great job." She said in reference to the Ball's committee and the decorations.
"Thanks." Lane replied but it was obvious she was a bit agitated. Her eyes were darting across the gym and what she saw did nothing to calm her down.
Rory's eyes met Jess' worriedly.
"Lane what's going on?"
"Going on? What? Nothing's going on."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, no okay. Look around Rory. Do people look thrilled beyond their dreams?"
"What?" she asked a bit confused.
"Look!"
Rory did as she was told. Everyone seemed to having a good time.
"Am I missing something Lane?"
"I wanted tonight to be great."
"It is!"
"No it's okay, it's good, what it isn't is great! Nothing about tonight is gonna go down as spectacular. It'll be classes along with the rest of the dances. Okay decorations, mediocre food -"
"Don't forget the punch." Jess added.
Rory grinned at him, Lane on the other hand -
"You're not exactly helping." She told him, "Add to that the DJ totally sucks." Lane said forlornly.
Rory could see she was really upset. "Come on he's not that bad."
Although honestly, she wasn't in the position to pass judgement 'cause she hadn't really being paying attention to the music.
She and Jess shared a covert glance and she could tell by his expression he'd been thinking along the same lines.
Lane looked at her as if she's sprouted a third eye and a tinge of guilt flooded her.
"Don't worry about it Lane," Jess told her conspiratorially, "Things should liven up soon. And you'll have your dance that everyone talks about."
"What did you do?" Rory and Lane asked concurrently.
He winked at them.
"You'll see."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Her heart was on overdrive, her breathing laboured as the adrenaline coursed through her veins.
It was the same every time. One would think she'd be used to it by now.
But it was always the last fifteen minutes that threatened her calm façade and only one person knew.
She heard him come up at the back of her, hugging her from behind.
"You okay?" he whispered into her ear.
"I will be if I can get through the next ten minutes."
"You always do." He said assuringly.
"Then why does it feel like each time I might not be so lucky?"
"Luck has nothing to do with it. You were born for this. They're gonna love you."
"You're too kind."
"I speak the truth." He kissed her cheek and she smiled.
"I better go. You'll do great - as usual."
"Thanks to you." She said self-effacingly. It had been awhile since he was back stage with her but he hadn't lost his touch.
"Look out for me." He said letting go.
"Always." She said, taking some calming breaths.
She heard Brandon on the mic, the words barely registering through her calming techniques.
"STARS HOLLOW HIGH, DO I HAVE A SURPRISE FOR YOU! THE CELESTIAL BALL IS AN EVENT IN ITSELF BUT THIS YEAR IT IS EVEN MORE MAGNIFICENT BECAUSE WE HAVE A SURPRISE GUEST. IT IS MY PLEASURE TO INTRODUCE TO YOU FROM NEW YORK - BLUE SKYE!"
The curtain raised and Skye was faced with a gym full of stunned students and suddenly she was almost deafened by cheers and her nerves began to recede.
This was why she did this, it was all worth the near heart attach she gave herself every time. It was a rush - make or break.
"Thank you Stars Hollow for having me." She said above the din. She looked in front and saw Lane throw her arms around Jess. Rory was grinning ear to ear.
"I will admit I don't usually do these kinda gigs anymore but since it's such a special occasion I couldn't really resist. So," she said waving to the three of them, "please enjoy."
Jess gave her a thumbs up.
She gave Brandon the signal and she was ready.
She opened with 'Nowhere else' and it warmed her to see the majority singing along. It was an upbeat song, she figured she's keep away from the dark and twisted at least this early in the evening. They were here to have fun after all.
She completed the set with another couple of songs before taking a short break, she could hear the tongues wagging way after the curtain closed and she smiled.
So much for keeping her being here a secret. But she didn't mind that she'd been exposed.
She turned to find Jess, Rory and Lane coming towards her. Lane was gushing.
"Oh my goodness, this is so surreal. You were fantastic! Wait a sec, why are you here? Not that I'm complaining understand."
"Of course. Well Jess spoke to me about it and seeing as though I was going a bit stir-crazy I jumped at the chance."
"You sure you don't mind having it all out like this?" Rory asked.
"Not at all," she smiled. "Now you better go. The show must go on."
"Plus we've got the best seats in the house." Lane said.
"See ya later." Jess told her and she nodded.
The curtain raised again and the applause was no softer than before. Skye felt totally at home.
"Next song is one of my favourites 'cause it's deeply personal to me, so here goes - "
As she strummed the opening rift to 'Bittersweet Surrender' Skye felt all the emotion that lay behind its composition flow through her.
She didn't realised her voice had taken on an even more haunting quality which added to the poignancy of the song.
She also failed to realise that there was hardly a dry eye when she ended it.
"For the next song I'd like to try something out on you. Is that okay?"
She was met with a series of catcalls and much agreement.
"This is something I've been working on and I'm hoping to record it for my new album. You'll be the first to hear it so I hope you guys like it. Its called 'Crushing on you'."
```
You wanna know what's been on my mind
'Cause you feel that something's wrong
I wish I could tell you but then our friendship might be gone
(And that won't do)
You say and I know that I've been acting sorta strange
But the thing is I'm not so sure if I'm willing to let it all change
Because I'm
Crushing on you
I go crazy every time you get even close to me
Thing's can't stay this way
Don't even know if there's a change that you might feel the same
What can I, should I, do I do
'cause I'm going out my mind boy
I'm crushing on you
I try to figure out things to do
So we spend more time apart
Can't risk for you to see how deep you're placed within my heart
(But it hurts so)
You say and I know that we're not how we used to be
But the thing is I can't let you know how much you truly mean to me
Truth is I'm
Crushing on you
I go crazy every time you get even close to me
Thing's can't stay this way
Don't even know if there's a change that you might feel the same
What can I, should I, do I do
'cause I'm going out my mind boy
I'm crushing on you
Live for the moments when I see your face each day
Hoping that you won't push too much, wanna keep the choice to say
Thinking back on memories how did I fall for my best friend
Can't seem to let it go, have to keep it in till the end
Why did I have to be
Crushing on you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rory felt as if Skye was reading her mind, her heart beating furiously.
She peeked a look at Jess from beneath her lashes. Did he feel it too?
Did he know that her heart was being bared to him while the words were being sun, the melody played?
And yet she knew it was so much deeper than a crush.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jess felt as if he was being sent a message.
He looked at Skye and he knew she was telling him to remember.
And he did.
Could it be that Rory felt that way about him? Was that why she'd been acting so strangely?
His eyes met hers and everything else faded as cocoa connected with sapphire. He held out his hand in invitation and she entwined her fingers with his. The joining caused tingles in his fingertips.
He could've kissed her right them but he didn't want to frighten her. Jess wasn't by nature a very patient person but for Rory he would learn. He'd do anything.
He was shaken from his thoughts by the end of the song and he let go of her momentarily to applaud.
Skye had done it again, conveyed emotions into melodies and harmonies so powerful and he knew he wasn't the only one who'd felt it as he surveyed the crowd chanting her name.
His heart was filled with prided for her and what she'd achieved.
It was clear that an encore was wanted but he watched as Skye took a bow with the band and the curtain closed.
He stepped forward, taking Rory and Lane with him just as she burst through the curtain, jumping off stage making her way to them. He swept her in his arms, laughing.
"Skye that was amazing!"
"You're sure you're not just saying that?"
"Are you kidding me? Why didn't you tell me?"
"What and spoil the surprise?" her eyes twinkled.
"Well it was a surprise alright."
"A good one." Rory added.
"Thank you so much!" Lane gushed, "to both of you. This night is turning out fabulously."
"Glad I could help." Skye said smiling.
Jess turned to see most of the students make their way towards them and he knew she was about to be bombarded with questions.
He took hold of Rory's hand and wrapped his other arm around Skye's waist, resting his hand lightly on her hip. He looked at both of them and braced himself for the onslaught.
He wished he could have gotten them out of there but he knew Skye wouldn't snub any supporters and he wasn't just gonna leave her there.
He silently begged Rory to understand and she gently squeezed his hand as if reading his mind.
He lifted her hand and kissed her softly on the knuckles thanking her.
"You okay?" he said to Skye.
"Yeah, you guys don't have to stay you know."
"What and miss being seen with you?"
"Ha! Ha!"
"Besides what are friends for?" he asked as a couple of guys came to chat her up. Although a bit wearily 'cause he still had his arm around her.
He wandered again how she managed to stay so grounded. There was a jostle as one of the guys tried to grab Skye and it took Jess a split second to react. He punched the guy, causing him to fall against the crowd behind him.
"What do you think you're doing man?" the guy asked as blood oozed from his mouth.
"What do you think you're doing grabbing her like that?"
"Jess calm down." Skye told him and they both remembered a similar time in a club in Manhattan.
But it wasn't over as the friend of the guy he'd punched laid into him. He heard the rip of material but didn't know where it came from.
The fight was eventually brought under control and Jess sighed. This wasn't what he'd intended at all.
He was lost in thought so he didn't notice Rory's face pale until he heard her gasp.
"Rory?" he asked noticing her pallor. "Rory what's wrong?" he asked taking hold of her arm, his first thought that she had gotten hurt in the rough and tumble.
He was beginning to worry, she looked like a deer caught in the headlights.
He saw her gaze dart from him to Skye and back again as if seeing something she didn't before.
She didn't answer him; instead she wrenched away from him running as if the hounds of hell were after her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: So whatcha think? Wanna know why Rory ran out so fast? Read the next Chapter and please REVIEW!!!
Chapter 16
Crushing on you
~~~
Jess was on his way to pick Rory up and his heart was playing a wild staccato against his ribs.
He couldn't get that morning out of his head and the thought of knowing he would be near her but surrounded by other people and not being able to do what he wanted to her was driving him absolutely insane.
He remembered the feel of her hands in his hair, the scent of her all around him and he wondered if he was going to be able to last the night.
He almost couldn't believe it. Him and Rory - finally!
He felt as if he was born for that moment, for more moments like it.
He got out of the car and his heart accelerated even further
He'd brought her flowers - roses, peach ones. Red ones were too clichéd and she deserved much better than that.
Once again he found himself on the Gilmore's doorstep and this time he hoped the third time was a charm.
Lorelai opened the door, her eyes widening.
"Wow Jess! You sure clean up well."
"Thanks." He said modestly.
"And you brought flowers too, amazing. There's hope for you yet."
"Two compliments in a row Lorelai? You better be careful, I might think you like me."
"Heaven forbid! Rory will be out in a sec."
"No rush."
"While we're alone it gives me a chance to lay down a couple of rules."
"Oh boy."
"Hey, there will be no rolling of eyes Mister. This is my daughter we're talking about. Firstly there will be no alcohol, no involving her in your pranks, no ditching her and most important of all you treat her with the respect that she's worthy of."
"Relax Lorelai, I won't break her. I promise." He said seriously.
"I'm gonna hold you to that." She said seemingly satisfied, at least for the while.
"Rory get your gorgeous butt out here! James Dean just rode in."
"I'll be right there." He heard Rory call out.
He almost dropped the roses when he first saw her, his breath caught in his throat.
"Okay Romeo, you're drooling. Come on close your mouth boy." Lorelai patted him on his arm but he barely heard her so caught was he in the vision that was Rory.
"You look amazing." He said in awe.
"Thank you. You look quite voluble yourself."
Under any other circumstances he might have been a bit amused or offended by that term. He'd never thought of himself as the sophisticated type.
But the way Rory was looking at him at that very moment made him think of himself in ways he'd never before.
Her dress was a silvery blue falling past her ankles, highlighting her eyes. And asymmetrical neckline accentuated her delicate shoulders. Her hair was piled atop her head with tendrils caressing her neck and Jess fought the urge to push them aside and kiss those sensitive spots that were beckoning him closer with each passing second.
"Hmm we'd better go."
"What about those?" she asked pointing to the flowers.
He's completely forgotten about them, he cleared his throat nervously.
"These are for you." He stepped closer to her.
She accepted them graciously, her eyes sparkling and Jess had to remind himself to breathe.
"They're beautiful." She said smelling them.
"And you're exquisite." He said softly into her ear.
He grinned as he felt her shiver. So she wasn't as unaffected as she may have wanted him to believe.
He'd had to make sure he wasn't losing his mind.
"Alright you two break it up before I get sick." Lorelai said, intruding on the moment.
But Jess was glad Lorelai was there otherwise he wouldn't have been able to stop himself from crushing her to him.
That would've ruined her outfit and Rory looked too damn good to stay in tonight.
"So we can go now right?" he asked looking at Lorelai.
"Yes, have fun and stay safe." She said with emphasis an 'safe'.
"We will mom. Bye."
"Bye sweetie. Jess."
He led Rory to the car, opening up the passenger door for her. No point in being all snazzed up if you weren't going to make an extra effort on the manners side right?
He started the engine and idled, looking at her the whole time.
"What is it Jess?"
"Have I told you how amazing you look this evening?"
"Why I believe you have but you could say it again and again." She said airily.
"Oh believe me I will, I definitely will."
He smiled at the blush his words brought to her cheeks.
"Jess?" she asked demurely.
"Yes Rory?"
"Is this, tonight still a non date? I mean it's okay but after this um morning I thought - "
"Rory," he took hold of her hand, "tonight can be whatever you'd like it to be. There's no pressure. If you think its too soon for us to be calling it anything more than what we decided then I'm cool with that. All good things are worth waiting for."
"So we'll see what happens?" she smiled happily.
"We'll see what happens."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rory was on cloud nine. She'd known he'd look hot all dressed up but her imagination in no way compared to reality.
She couldn't keep her eyes off him and she knew she wasn't the only one.
All of the girls did a double take when the two of them walked in, their expressions those of amazement.
And she couldn't blame them. Jess looked like a panther on the prowl. Dressed all in black added to his normal magnetism, the combination was potent.
"What?" he asked when he caught her staring at him - again.
"Just thinking." She said vaguely.
"About?"
"First impressions."
"Elaborate please." He asked as he tucked her arm into his, making their way across the room.
"People always say first impressions count."
"And they don't?"
"No, I'm not necessarily saying that -" she started feeling a bit inapt.
She felt Jess look at her curiously.
"What is going on in that mind of yours Rory Gilmore. You can tell me." He said softly.
"I know I can," and she did, "I just mean that hardly anyone looks deeper, to see that they can be deceiving."
"Are we speaking in general terms or something specific?"
"General, specific, does it matter?"
"Not really. But I know what you're saying. Don't judge a book by its cover."
"Exactly." She grinned at him. He was so easy to talk to.
"Come on." He pulled her across the floor.
"Where to?" she asked surprised.
"To dance of course," he said as he pulled her near. "You didn't think that we came here all dressed up just to watch other people and drink vile punch did you?"
"No, I just didn't think - "
"That I could dance." He finished for her.
She smiled, "No more like would."
"Expect the unexpected Rory." He said simply.
It was good advice she knew because with Jess you never knew what was going to happen. It was fun and emancipating.
He twirled her around and dipped her and Rory's euphoria grew as she looked into his chocolate eyes.
"What are you thinking?" she asked as he pulled her back up again, staring at her intently.
"You really wanna know?"
"Would I ask if I didn't?"
"You may not like it."
"Try me."
"Okay," he drew her closer, "I was thinking how good you feel in my arms. How intoxicating you smell and I how I want to kiss you right now."
What wasn't to like about that? Still she could feel herself get warmer as his gaze raked over her.
He was so close, all she had to do was tilt her head up and -
"Rory, there you are!" they were interrupted.
Rory wanted to scream; instead she smiled and hugged her best friend.
"Lane, wow!"
Lane smiled at her, "Rory you look positively gorgeous and you," she said turning to Jess, "you look - "
"What almost human?" he grinned at her.
"I was leaning more towards stupendous but your description works too."
They laughed.
"So," she told Lane, "you guys did a great job." She said in reference to the Ball's committee and the decorations.
"Thanks." Lane replied but it was obvious she was a bit agitated. Her eyes were darting across the gym and what she saw did nothing to calm her down.
Rory's eyes met Jess' worriedly.
"Lane what's going on?"
"Going on? What? Nothing's going on."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, no okay. Look around Rory. Do people look thrilled beyond their dreams?"
"What?" she asked a bit confused.
"Look!"
Rory did as she was told. Everyone seemed to having a good time.
"Am I missing something Lane?"
"I wanted tonight to be great."
"It is!"
"No it's okay, it's good, what it isn't is great! Nothing about tonight is gonna go down as spectacular. It'll be classes along with the rest of the dances. Okay decorations, mediocre food -"
"Don't forget the punch." Jess added.
Rory grinned at him, Lane on the other hand -
"You're not exactly helping." She told him, "Add to that the DJ totally sucks." Lane said forlornly.
Rory could see she was really upset. "Come on he's not that bad."
Although honestly, she wasn't in the position to pass judgement 'cause she hadn't really being paying attention to the music.
She and Jess shared a covert glance and she could tell by his expression he'd been thinking along the same lines.
Lane looked at her as if she's sprouted a third eye and a tinge of guilt flooded her.
"Don't worry about it Lane," Jess told her conspiratorially, "Things should liven up soon. And you'll have your dance that everyone talks about."
"What did you do?" Rory and Lane asked concurrently.
He winked at them.
"You'll see."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Her heart was on overdrive, her breathing laboured as the adrenaline coursed through her veins.
It was the same every time. One would think she'd be used to it by now.
But it was always the last fifteen minutes that threatened her calm façade and only one person knew.
She heard him come up at the back of her, hugging her from behind.
"You okay?" he whispered into her ear.
"I will be if I can get through the next ten minutes."
"You always do." He said assuringly.
"Then why does it feel like each time I might not be so lucky?"
"Luck has nothing to do with it. You were born for this. They're gonna love you."
"You're too kind."
"I speak the truth." He kissed her cheek and she smiled.
"I better go. You'll do great - as usual."
"Thanks to you." She said self-effacingly. It had been awhile since he was back stage with her but he hadn't lost his touch.
"Look out for me." He said letting go.
"Always." She said, taking some calming breaths.
She heard Brandon on the mic, the words barely registering through her calming techniques.
"STARS HOLLOW HIGH, DO I HAVE A SURPRISE FOR YOU! THE CELESTIAL BALL IS AN EVENT IN ITSELF BUT THIS YEAR IT IS EVEN MORE MAGNIFICENT BECAUSE WE HAVE A SURPRISE GUEST. IT IS MY PLEASURE TO INTRODUCE TO YOU FROM NEW YORK - BLUE SKYE!"
The curtain raised and Skye was faced with a gym full of stunned students and suddenly she was almost deafened by cheers and her nerves began to recede.
This was why she did this, it was all worth the near heart attach she gave herself every time. It was a rush - make or break.
"Thank you Stars Hollow for having me." She said above the din. She looked in front and saw Lane throw her arms around Jess. Rory was grinning ear to ear.
"I will admit I don't usually do these kinda gigs anymore but since it's such a special occasion I couldn't really resist. So," she said waving to the three of them, "please enjoy."
Jess gave her a thumbs up.
She gave Brandon the signal and she was ready.
She opened with 'Nowhere else' and it warmed her to see the majority singing along. It was an upbeat song, she figured she's keep away from the dark and twisted at least this early in the evening. They were here to have fun after all.
She completed the set with another couple of songs before taking a short break, she could hear the tongues wagging way after the curtain closed and she smiled.
So much for keeping her being here a secret. But she didn't mind that she'd been exposed.
She turned to find Jess, Rory and Lane coming towards her. Lane was gushing.
"Oh my goodness, this is so surreal. You were fantastic! Wait a sec, why are you here? Not that I'm complaining understand."
"Of course. Well Jess spoke to me about it and seeing as though I was going a bit stir-crazy I jumped at the chance."
"You sure you don't mind having it all out like this?" Rory asked.
"Not at all," she smiled. "Now you better go. The show must go on."
"Plus we've got the best seats in the house." Lane said.
"See ya later." Jess told her and she nodded.
The curtain raised again and the applause was no softer than before. Skye felt totally at home.
"Next song is one of my favourites 'cause it's deeply personal to me, so here goes - "
As she strummed the opening rift to 'Bittersweet Surrender' Skye felt all the emotion that lay behind its composition flow through her.
She didn't realised her voice had taken on an even more haunting quality which added to the poignancy of the song.
She also failed to realise that there was hardly a dry eye when she ended it.
"For the next song I'd like to try something out on you. Is that okay?"
She was met with a series of catcalls and much agreement.
"This is something I've been working on and I'm hoping to record it for my new album. You'll be the first to hear it so I hope you guys like it. Its called 'Crushing on you'."
```
You wanna know what's been on my mind
'Cause you feel that something's wrong
I wish I could tell you but then our friendship might be gone
(And that won't do)
You say and I know that I've been acting sorta strange
But the thing is I'm not so sure if I'm willing to let it all change
Because I'm
Crushing on you
I go crazy every time you get even close to me
Thing's can't stay this way
Don't even know if there's a change that you might feel the same
What can I, should I, do I do
'cause I'm going out my mind boy
I'm crushing on you
I try to figure out things to do
So we spend more time apart
Can't risk for you to see how deep you're placed within my heart
(But it hurts so)
You say and I know that we're not how we used to be
But the thing is I can't let you know how much you truly mean to me
Truth is I'm
Crushing on you
I go crazy every time you get even close to me
Thing's can't stay this way
Don't even know if there's a change that you might feel the same
What can I, should I, do I do
'cause I'm going out my mind boy
I'm crushing on you
Live for the moments when I see your face each day
Hoping that you won't push too much, wanna keep the choice to say
Thinking back on memories how did I fall for my best friend
Can't seem to let it go, have to keep it in till the end
Why did I have to be
Crushing on you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rory felt as if Skye was reading her mind, her heart beating furiously.
She peeked a look at Jess from beneath her lashes. Did he feel it too?
Did he know that her heart was being bared to him while the words were being sun, the melody played?
And yet she knew it was so much deeper than a crush.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jess felt as if he was being sent a message.
He looked at Skye and he knew she was telling him to remember.
And he did.
Could it be that Rory felt that way about him? Was that why she'd been acting so strangely?
His eyes met hers and everything else faded as cocoa connected with sapphire. He held out his hand in invitation and she entwined her fingers with his. The joining caused tingles in his fingertips.
He could've kissed her right them but he didn't want to frighten her. Jess wasn't by nature a very patient person but for Rory he would learn. He'd do anything.
He was shaken from his thoughts by the end of the song and he let go of her momentarily to applaud.
Skye had done it again, conveyed emotions into melodies and harmonies so powerful and he knew he wasn't the only one who'd felt it as he surveyed the crowd chanting her name.
His heart was filled with prided for her and what she'd achieved.
It was clear that an encore was wanted but he watched as Skye took a bow with the band and the curtain closed.
He stepped forward, taking Rory and Lane with him just as she burst through the curtain, jumping off stage making her way to them. He swept her in his arms, laughing.
"Skye that was amazing!"
"You're sure you're not just saying that?"
"Are you kidding me? Why didn't you tell me?"
"What and spoil the surprise?" her eyes twinkled.
"Well it was a surprise alright."
"A good one." Rory added.
"Thank you so much!" Lane gushed, "to both of you. This night is turning out fabulously."
"Glad I could help." Skye said smiling.
Jess turned to see most of the students make their way towards them and he knew she was about to be bombarded with questions.
He took hold of Rory's hand and wrapped his other arm around Skye's waist, resting his hand lightly on her hip. He looked at both of them and braced himself for the onslaught.
He wished he could have gotten them out of there but he knew Skye wouldn't snub any supporters and he wasn't just gonna leave her there.
He silently begged Rory to understand and she gently squeezed his hand as if reading his mind.
He lifted her hand and kissed her softly on the knuckles thanking her.
"You okay?" he said to Skye.
"Yeah, you guys don't have to stay you know."
"What and miss being seen with you?"
"Ha! Ha!"
"Besides what are friends for?" he asked as a couple of guys came to chat her up. Although a bit wearily 'cause he still had his arm around her.
He wandered again how she managed to stay so grounded. There was a jostle as one of the guys tried to grab Skye and it took Jess a split second to react. He punched the guy, causing him to fall against the crowd behind him.
"What do you think you're doing man?" the guy asked as blood oozed from his mouth.
"What do you think you're doing grabbing her like that?"
"Jess calm down." Skye told him and they both remembered a similar time in a club in Manhattan.
But it wasn't over as the friend of the guy he'd punched laid into him. He heard the rip of material but didn't know where it came from.
The fight was eventually brought under control and Jess sighed. This wasn't what he'd intended at all.
He was lost in thought so he didn't notice Rory's face pale until he heard her gasp.
"Rory?" he asked noticing her pallor. "Rory what's wrong?" he asked taking hold of her arm, his first thought that she had gotten hurt in the rough and tumble.
He was beginning to worry, she looked like a deer caught in the headlights.
He saw her gaze dart from him to Skye and back again as if seeing something she didn't before.
She didn't answer him; instead she wrenched away from him running as if the hounds of hell were after her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: So whatcha think? Wanna know why Rory ran out so fast? Read the next Chapter and please REVIEW!!!
