Sorry guys for not writing in so long.  What can I say?  Homework and a lack of inspiration.  Maybe you guys can help me out there.

By the way, Jess and Luke (and now Chris)'s apartment is going to be much larger than the one in the series. Otherwise, how are they all going to fit up there?  So, it's going to be about the size of the apartment that Luke was going to rent in the 2nd season, but found out that it was owned by Taylor.  It has 2 bathrooms and 4 bedrooms (1 for Luke, 1 for Jess, 1 for Chris and 1 guest bedroom).

Anyway, hope you like this chap.  Just to let you know, there's some swearing here.  Not anything that your average 13 year old hasn't heard, but quite a bit of intense swearing.  So if you don't like cursing etc., then please don't read the following.

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The question echoed over and over in her head, giving her an immense headache.  While massaging her head, Jacee sighed.

"I honestly have no idea."

Jess' gaze softened as he gazed at his best friend.

"Hey.  You look kind of tired.  Why don't you go upstairs and rest?"

Jacee merely nodded.

"And I'll get your stuff," offered Chris quietly.

"Blue Lincoln, has a huge bumper sticker of a deer…don't even ask.  Everything's in a blue duffel bag.  It's pretty light; I don't have much in there."

"Ok," Chris said before getting up and hugging her. 

"Thanks Chris," Jacee whispered in his ear.

"No problem," he whispered back.

"Jace, I'll bring you upstairs, ok?" said Jess, reverting back to his special nickname for Jacee. It was nice to finally say it again.  It had been quite a while since he called her that.  But then again, it had been a long time since they had talked, or even written to each other but it wasn't for his lack of trying.  He would have to ask her about that. 

Both Jacee and Jess stood up and Jess led the way upstairs to the apartment.  Just before he reached the stairs, though, he shot a look at his brother telling him not to leave yet. 

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The pair finally reached the apartment and Jess tried to figure out where Jacee could sleep.  He finally decided on the guest bedroom, and began to pray that it had clean sheets.  He opened the door and was pleasantly surprised.  The room was clean, airy and had perfectly clean sheets. 

Jacee crawled into bed, wearily, and Jess tucked her in gently.  He smiled. She was like a child, in a way.  She always looked so innocent while she slept, for that was when she let all her barriers crumble; that was when she was completely vulnerable.  He shook his head slightly.  They were so similar that it surprised him sometimes. 

"Good night, Jess," Jacee whispered, breaking into his thoughts.

Jess kissed her on the forehead and said "Good night, Jace.  Sleep tight.  Yell if you need anything.  I'm just downstairs."

"Ok," she whispered, already half-asleep.

Jess took a final look at her and then left the room, making sure to close the door gently.

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When he got back down to the diner, he found it empty with his brother sitting by the counter, looking worried.

"Where's everyone?" Jess asked, walking over to his brother.

"They left," Chris replied.

"Huh."

"Is she going to be alright?"

"I don't know.  Speaking of which…" Jess looked meaningfully at his brother.

Chris looked away, and got up from his seat.  He began to pace around, all the while avoiding eye contact with his brother.

"Chris?"

"Yeah?"

Jess had finally had enough.  He stood directly in front of Chris to prevent him from pacing anymore.

"Stop avoiding this!"

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about Jacee.  God, you know I had to leave New York.  I didn't have a choice.  So, I left you to take care of her.  And look what happens?  She gets beaten up by an abusive boyfriend?  HOW IS THAT TAKING CARE OF HER?"

"Jess, look I had my own problems ok?  I tried to take care of Jacee –"

"Well, you obviously didn't try hard enough."

"I really tried, ok?  I even met her boyfriend and to tell you the truth, I didn't like him.  I tried to talk to her about it, but I just couldn't find her.  And you know Jacee.  When she doesn't want to be found, she'll disappear."

"Oh, so now it's her fault? YOU'RE  BLAMING MY BEST FRIEND NOW?!"

"JESS, FUCKING HELL.  LOOK, I TRIED OK?  BUT I HAD MY OWN PROBLEMS.  MY WHOLE LIFE ISN'T JUST ABOUT HER!"

"AND LOOK HOW THINGS TURNED OUT!"

"WHAT?  YOU WANT ME TO DEVOTE MY WHOLE LIFE TO HER?  SHE'S NOT MY BEST FRIEND, JESS.  SHE'S YOURS."

"SO?  ISN'T SHE YOUR FRIEND TOO?"

"SHE IS.  GOD DAMN IT, JESS.  I'M JUST SAYING THAT YOU CAN'T EXPECT ME TO SPEND ALL MY TIME LOOKING OUT FOR HER."

"AND WHY NOT?"

" 'CAUSE I'M GOING THROUGH MY OWN STUFF."

"I WAS GOING THROUGH MY OWN STUFF, AND I STILL MANAGED TO LOOK AFTER HER."

Chris laughed bitterly. "Oh yeah, sure.  Do you even remember why you even got sent here, Jess?  Hm…let me see.  Oh yeah, it was because you got caught drinking and doing drugs.  Were you looking out for her then?"

Jess looked away.

"And you're her best friend, aren't you Jess?  Then why did you leave?  Why weren't you there when she needed you?  No, you just "dump" her on me, as if you didn't care about her at all.  Perhaps you should take a look at how you've treated her before you start on me," Chris snarled before storming out the door.

Jess merely stood there, staring out the door at the retreating back of his brother.

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Author's note: Hey guys.  Hope you haven't forgotten me.  Please review this chap if you have the time, cos it would really help me out.  And if you guys have any ideas about the plot, feel free to share.

dodgerluv: Hey there.  You seem majorly happy.  Thanks for the idea, but I think that things are going to be a bit different than what you suggested.  Thanks, though.  I think that the idea that I have in mind, will probably lead to longer storylines.  Btw, Jess and Rory will probably get together during my fic, but I'm not sure for how long or if they'll end up together in the end.  I'm majorly undecided but I hope you keep reading, either way.  Thanks for the support.

Trying out a different layout here, so hope this works out.  Please give me your thoughts and opinions on this chap as well as the previous ones.  Thanks everyone.