24 Hours
Chapter 24 - 22:05
_________________
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters...
A/N Hey there, so this one's almost finished. I had a lot of fun writing it and I hope you enjoyed it as well. I greatly appreciate those of you who reviewed my story, and since it's my first try, your support had been a great motivation to keep on writing. Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!
I hope that the story's ending will not disappoint you... and I promise that if there will be a demand for a sequel, I'll try my best at writing it.
So, here goes nothing... (And if you didn't notice, it's exactly 24 days since I started with this story, yey.. I finally made a deadline, lazy me!! ;D)
Enjoy & Please Review...
LitJunkie ;D
_________________________________________________
Recap:
Rory kept laying on her bed, weighing her options, which already turned to Jess' favor.
'I love Rory'
'Oh man, I'm officially, totally, gone' he concluded with a big dumb smile on his face
_________________________________________________
Friday, 22:05
Happiness
Jess' shift at the Wal-Mart was finally over and after changing his uniform, he without any delay left and headed back home, to the diner. All through his way home, only one thing occupied his thoughts. 'Will she or won't she come to meet me?'
He arrived back to the diner at 22:10 and decided that he should better take a quick shower to clean himself, as well as to keep himself awake, since it was a really long day, and he slept for only an hour and a half or so, and although he was functioning on pure anticipation, a shower would probably be a good idea.
"Hey Luke" he called at Luke's direction. Luke was sitting on the couch, trying to watch T.V, but kept dozing off from time to time.
"What? Oh, Hi Jess" Luke answered sluggishly
Jess went into the bathroom and took a quick shower, then, towel around his waist, moved into his room to get dressed. He chose a baggy pair of khakis and a black short sleeved, well fitting t-shirt. A moment before he left his room, he put a little of his aftershave on.
It was already 22:22.
'I should be going now...'
'Hope she'll be there'
He quietly sneaked out of the apartment, without being noticed by an almost sleeping Luke. On his way out, a thought came to him and he decided to bring Rory a cup of coffee.
'It's worth another two minutes'
'She'll appreciate it'
So he brewed a pot and filled two 'to go' cups for Rory.
Meanwhile
Rory was listening to the music and reading (more like dreaming) over the copy of 'Oliver Twist' that Jess gave her. She took a look at her clock. 22:15. 'I should get ready'. She was still wearing the cloths she wore to her grandparents house, but they were too formal, so she changed into a pair of jeans and a light olive colored sleeveless shirt. She went into the bathroom, washed her face and fixed her hair in a ponytail.
Walking back to her room she suddenly noticed something.
'I'm still wearing Dean's bracelet'. She was so used to it by now, that she really wasn't aware of the fact that it was still on her wrist.
She took it off and put it in one of her drawers. Dean wasn't one of her favorite persons at the moment, he was really mean to her this morning, but then again, that bracelet was a symbol, 'The Dean's era' she half smiled to herself.
Dean was her first boyfriend and she knew that even though she felt like throwing it away right now, someday she'll look at it as a past memory, and a good one, she decided.
'But as for now, it'll be safer hidden in here'.
'Goodbye Dean' she closed the drawer, the bracelet carefully placed in it.
Rory examined herself in the mirror for a second, lightly renewed her perfume and then silently tiptoed out, using her window and trying to be as quiet as possible, not to make a noise that would wake her mother up.
* * * * * * * *
Jess arrived at the bridge at about 22:30. There was yet no sign of Rory, so he sat down, carefully placing the coffee cups beside him on the wooden floorboards and gazing at the night sky, he lay on his back, hands behind his head, and tried to be optimistic.
He took a deep breath; there was a faint flowery smell in the air and he could hear the water's relaxing rustle as the light wind feathery brushed it.
It wasn't as hot as last night
It was perfect. Well, almost.
'If she'll come, it'll be perfect'
22:35
When Rory arrived at the bridge, she saw a figure lying on it, and automatically her mouth curved into a little smile.
'He's here'
'Waiting for me'
Jess also felt a presence behind him and he too, was beginning to smile.
"Hi there" He said not looking back yet
"Hey Dodger"
Jess got up and turned to meet her
He felt a little vulnerable as he looked at her, and Rory could feel it.
"Did you even sleep before you went to work?" She asked with concern
"A little. But I don't know, this whole day has been kind of a long dream to me, sleep seemed irrelevant..."
"But you're not" Rory said in a soft voice
"Dreaming.."
And she leaned down and kissed him lightly. Jess returned the kiss, immediately pulling Rory in his arms.
As they paused to take a breath, they were both grinning at each other. Then, Jess gestured Rory to sit beside him, and surprised her with the coffee.
"I'm that predictable, ah?" She asked pouting
Jess chuckled slightly. "Well, in some aspects you are, but I can certainly say there are some issues you are totally unpredictable about..." Jess referred to last night's events, and as Rory caught up with his innuendo, her pouty face turned into an embarrassed red face as she giggled uncomfortably
"Hey, don't get me wrong here"
"I sure do like that unexpected wild side of yours" As he said that, Jess gently brushed his finger over Rory's right cheek, gazing at her eyes.
"Well" he said, breaking the 'moment'
"How was your dinner?"
"Oh, you're so going to mock me forever about it..."
Rory told Jess all about her very interesting dinner experience, getting really graphic to jess' taste, as he could almost feel the sleek, smooth texture as Rory so animatedly described it.
"Rory, you'll have to bare with me her, please, less details, he begged, his face taking an almost green shade"
"Sorry"
They sat for a few minutes in a comfortable silence, staring at the dark water.
"I talked with my mom" Rory broke the quiet
"What did you tell her?"
"I told her about us being together" Jess smiled subtly at her words
"And about last night..."
"All about..." She added intently
"Oh"
"Should I run for my life?"
"Nah, I think you're pretty safe right here by my side. You know, she kind of likes me, so if she knows I love you, she won't hurt you too much"
Jess' eyes widen as she spoke.
"You...Love me?" He asked in an almost childish voice
Rory didn't speak at first, but looked at him and softly kissed his forehead, reassuringly, and then in a rather playful voice said
"The wild side only unleashes itself on a very Very special occasions"
That made Jess' face lighten up. He took her palms in his own and looked down at their entwined hands.
A few second passed silently.
"You now Rory, I never said these words to anyone."
"I think not even to my parents"
"It always seemed too synthetic, too phony"
"But somehow, and it's going to sound very corny here, It seems very real now"
"I Love you Rory"
"I love you" he mumbled again, as if not believing the words left his mouth the first time he said them
They both took their eyes off of their linked hands and looked at each other.
They just sat there for a few minutes, gazing, their expressions gradually turning dreamy.
Jess drew one of his hands from Rory's and started tracing a path up her arm, only the tips of his fingers touching her soft, worm skin, sending little jolts through both of them. She was wearing a vest, so his journey persisted up, lightly appreciating her smooth long neck, then Jess' other hand joined, matching the same path up her left side. Rory's eyes closed as she savored the amazing sensations he made her feel. Jess' touch was so tender, yet she could tell that he was no rookie. He knew his way around and it actually felt good.
Jess continued his exploration as his hands traced Rory's features, her soft lips, her silky skin... It felt as if he was trying to memorize her face. Then, suddenly she felt his lips landing on hers, brushing them lightly, and finally, mimicking her previous actions, he reassuringly rested his lips on her forehead, and took her into an affectionate hug.
"I Love you Rory" He whispered again, enjoying the liberation the words gave him
"I always assumed I'll never use these words" he quietly told her
Rory tighten their embrace, burying her head in his chest.
"I just never thought I am going to find a use to them"
"But I found you"
"I Love you Dodger" Rory whispered back
Rory pulled back a little, and found his mouth. The kiss was more confident this time.
'This is what happiness is all about' Jess thought to himself as he recalled a poem he once read.
Happiness By Carl Sandburg
'I asked the professors who teach the meaning of life to tell me what is happiness.
And I went to famous executives who boss the work of thousands of men.
They all shook their heads and gave me a smile as though I was trying to fool with them
And then one Sunday afternoon I wandered out along the Desplaines River
And I saw a crowd of Hungarians under the trees with their women and children
and a keg of beer and an accordion.'
'Sitting here on this bridge in the middle of the night, holding the person I love and knowing she loves me too'
'This is my happiness'
'I can't believe I found it'
They were sitting there, both happy and content in each other's arms and, smiles on their faces, fell into a tranquil sleep, dreaming of a future full of promises and happiness.
-THE END-
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Well, for now anyway, I'm thinking about maybe adding an Epilogue. Hope you enjoyed the journey ;D
I sure did, and again thank to all my wonderful reviewers!!! I love you guys you really make my day.
As I mentioned I'm considering a sequel, so speak up... And PLEASE review this chapter...
LitJunkie ;D
Chapter 24 - 22:05
_________________
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters...
A/N Hey there, so this one's almost finished. I had a lot of fun writing it and I hope you enjoyed it as well. I greatly appreciate those of you who reviewed my story, and since it's my first try, your support had been a great motivation to keep on writing. Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!
I hope that the story's ending will not disappoint you... and I promise that if there will be a demand for a sequel, I'll try my best at writing it.
So, here goes nothing... (And if you didn't notice, it's exactly 24 days since I started with this story, yey.. I finally made a deadline, lazy me!! ;D)
Enjoy & Please Review...
LitJunkie ;D
_________________________________________________
Recap:
Rory kept laying on her bed, weighing her options, which already turned to Jess' favor.
'I love Rory'
'Oh man, I'm officially, totally, gone' he concluded with a big dumb smile on his face
_________________________________________________
Friday, 22:05
Happiness
Jess' shift at the Wal-Mart was finally over and after changing his uniform, he without any delay left and headed back home, to the diner. All through his way home, only one thing occupied his thoughts. 'Will she or won't she come to meet me?'
He arrived back to the diner at 22:10 and decided that he should better take a quick shower to clean himself, as well as to keep himself awake, since it was a really long day, and he slept for only an hour and a half or so, and although he was functioning on pure anticipation, a shower would probably be a good idea.
"Hey Luke" he called at Luke's direction. Luke was sitting on the couch, trying to watch T.V, but kept dozing off from time to time.
"What? Oh, Hi Jess" Luke answered sluggishly
Jess went into the bathroom and took a quick shower, then, towel around his waist, moved into his room to get dressed. He chose a baggy pair of khakis and a black short sleeved, well fitting t-shirt. A moment before he left his room, he put a little of his aftershave on.
It was already 22:22.
'I should be going now...'
'Hope she'll be there'
He quietly sneaked out of the apartment, without being noticed by an almost sleeping Luke. On his way out, a thought came to him and he decided to bring Rory a cup of coffee.
'It's worth another two minutes'
'She'll appreciate it'
So he brewed a pot and filled two 'to go' cups for Rory.
Meanwhile
Rory was listening to the music and reading (more like dreaming) over the copy of 'Oliver Twist' that Jess gave her. She took a look at her clock. 22:15. 'I should get ready'. She was still wearing the cloths she wore to her grandparents house, but they were too formal, so she changed into a pair of jeans and a light olive colored sleeveless shirt. She went into the bathroom, washed her face and fixed her hair in a ponytail.
Walking back to her room she suddenly noticed something.
'I'm still wearing Dean's bracelet'. She was so used to it by now, that she really wasn't aware of the fact that it was still on her wrist.
She took it off and put it in one of her drawers. Dean wasn't one of her favorite persons at the moment, he was really mean to her this morning, but then again, that bracelet was a symbol, 'The Dean's era' she half smiled to herself.
Dean was her first boyfriend and she knew that even though she felt like throwing it away right now, someday she'll look at it as a past memory, and a good one, she decided.
'But as for now, it'll be safer hidden in here'.
'Goodbye Dean' she closed the drawer, the bracelet carefully placed in it.
Rory examined herself in the mirror for a second, lightly renewed her perfume and then silently tiptoed out, using her window and trying to be as quiet as possible, not to make a noise that would wake her mother up.
* * * * * * * *
Jess arrived at the bridge at about 22:30. There was yet no sign of Rory, so he sat down, carefully placing the coffee cups beside him on the wooden floorboards and gazing at the night sky, he lay on his back, hands behind his head, and tried to be optimistic.
He took a deep breath; there was a faint flowery smell in the air and he could hear the water's relaxing rustle as the light wind feathery brushed it.
It wasn't as hot as last night
It was perfect. Well, almost.
'If she'll come, it'll be perfect'
22:35
When Rory arrived at the bridge, she saw a figure lying on it, and automatically her mouth curved into a little smile.
'He's here'
'Waiting for me'
Jess also felt a presence behind him and he too, was beginning to smile.
"Hi there" He said not looking back yet
"Hey Dodger"
Jess got up and turned to meet her
He felt a little vulnerable as he looked at her, and Rory could feel it.
"Did you even sleep before you went to work?" She asked with concern
"A little. But I don't know, this whole day has been kind of a long dream to me, sleep seemed irrelevant..."
"But you're not" Rory said in a soft voice
"Dreaming.."
And she leaned down and kissed him lightly. Jess returned the kiss, immediately pulling Rory in his arms.
As they paused to take a breath, they were both grinning at each other. Then, Jess gestured Rory to sit beside him, and surprised her with the coffee.
"I'm that predictable, ah?" She asked pouting
Jess chuckled slightly. "Well, in some aspects you are, but I can certainly say there are some issues you are totally unpredictable about..." Jess referred to last night's events, and as Rory caught up with his innuendo, her pouty face turned into an embarrassed red face as she giggled uncomfortably
"Hey, don't get me wrong here"
"I sure do like that unexpected wild side of yours" As he said that, Jess gently brushed his finger over Rory's right cheek, gazing at her eyes.
"Well" he said, breaking the 'moment'
"How was your dinner?"
"Oh, you're so going to mock me forever about it..."
Rory told Jess all about her very interesting dinner experience, getting really graphic to jess' taste, as he could almost feel the sleek, smooth texture as Rory so animatedly described it.
"Rory, you'll have to bare with me her, please, less details, he begged, his face taking an almost green shade"
"Sorry"
They sat for a few minutes in a comfortable silence, staring at the dark water.
"I talked with my mom" Rory broke the quiet
"What did you tell her?"
"I told her about us being together" Jess smiled subtly at her words
"And about last night..."
"All about..." She added intently
"Oh"
"Should I run for my life?"
"Nah, I think you're pretty safe right here by my side. You know, she kind of likes me, so if she knows I love you, she won't hurt you too much"
Jess' eyes widen as she spoke.
"You...Love me?" He asked in an almost childish voice
Rory didn't speak at first, but looked at him and softly kissed his forehead, reassuringly, and then in a rather playful voice said
"The wild side only unleashes itself on a very Very special occasions"
That made Jess' face lighten up. He took her palms in his own and looked down at their entwined hands.
A few second passed silently.
"You now Rory, I never said these words to anyone."
"I think not even to my parents"
"It always seemed too synthetic, too phony"
"But somehow, and it's going to sound very corny here, It seems very real now"
"I Love you Rory"
"I love you" he mumbled again, as if not believing the words left his mouth the first time he said them
They both took their eyes off of their linked hands and looked at each other.
They just sat there for a few minutes, gazing, their expressions gradually turning dreamy.
Jess drew one of his hands from Rory's and started tracing a path up her arm, only the tips of his fingers touching her soft, worm skin, sending little jolts through both of them. She was wearing a vest, so his journey persisted up, lightly appreciating her smooth long neck, then Jess' other hand joined, matching the same path up her left side. Rory's eyes closed as she savored the amazing sensations he made her feel. Jess' touch was so tender, yet she could tell that he was no rookie. He knew his way around and it actually felt good.
Jess continued his exploration as his hands traced Rory's features, her soft lips, her silky skin... It felt as if he was trying to memorize her face. Then, suddenly she felt his lips landing on hers, brushing them lightly, and finally, mimicking her previous actions, he reassuringly rested his lips on her forehead, and took her into an affectionate hug.
"I Love you Rory" He whispered again, enjoying the liberation the words gave him
"I always assumed I'll never use these words" he quietly told her
Rory tighten their embrace, burying her head in his chest.
"I just never thought I am going to find a use to them"
"But I found you"
"I Love you Dodger" Rory whispered back
Rory pulled back a little, and found his mouth. The kiss was more confident this time.
'This is what happiness is all about' Jess thought to himself as he recalled a poem he once read.
Happiness By Carl Sandburg
'I asked the professors who teach the meaning of life to tell me what is happiness.
And I went to famous executives who boss the work of thousands of men.
They all shook their heads and gave me a smile as though I was trying to fool with them
And then one Sunday afternoon I wandered out along the Desplaines River
And I saw a crowd of Hungarians under the trees with their women and children
and a keg of beer and an accordion.'
'Sitting here on this bridge in the middle of the night, holding the person I love and knowing she loves me too'
'This is my happiness'
'I can't believe I found it'
They were sitting there, both happy and content in each other's arms and, smiles on their faces, fell into a tranquil sleep, dreaming of a future full of promises and happiness.
-THE END-
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Well, for now anyway, I'm thinking about maybe adding an Epilogue. Hope you enjoyed the journey ;D
I sure did, and again thank to all my wonderful reviewers!!! I love you guys you really make my day.
As I mentioned I'm considering a sequel, so speak up... And PLEASE review this chapter...
LitJunkie ;D