The Retreat: Chapter 2

A/N: I thought I'd bring some romance into Rory's life (sorry no Tristan in this story maybe in another story. But please don't stop reading. It's not romance really, it's about Rory and the path that leads her to the finale. This means being able to deal with Jess and move on. That's what graduation is all about)! And I still don't own these characters. I guess I better work on that. Also thanks for the reviews I really hope you all like this chapter. It's a set up for the end. Don't knock it yet.   

  Things You Don't Do At A Bus Stop

:::Friday Morning Stars Hollow Bus Stop:::

            Rory sat quietly on the bench engrossed by Dostoyevsky's The Idiot, her mind elsewhere. Her upcoming graduation meant little time for frivolous activities. But her beloved books had not suffered yet. All she had been doing was studying; she had to schedule time with mother, her friends were beyond the scope of importance. And it seemed unfair to force her and other seniors on a weekend trip with finals only two weeks away.  The Russian November was not enough to keep her attention, at least not once she noticed a certain small town rebel, yet another victim of her schedule. She hadn't really been spending time with him lately. But something was up with him as well. She wished he would open up and let her in. It seemed he was more open before they started dating. Perhaps it was a facade. He was after all in pursuit of her heart. Their fight in at the party had really done damage to their relationship. He She was starting to wonder if it was all worth it, giving up on Dean, and going for Jesse. All she had gotten in the deal was heartache. But that one kiss wiped her mind of such thoughts. And the other melted it completely. Finally Jess spoke.

            "So are you planning on sleeping at school now?" asked while eyeing Rory's suitcase.

            "No, I'm going on retreat, remember I told you last week?"

            "Oh, right, I remember," Jess remarked in a very unconvincing tone.

            "Right" Rory said with an elongated tone.

            "I had other things to deal with. You should have seen how much trouble Luke got himself into this week. There were tax forms, and fires."

            "Ok, now you're just being silly."

            "Hey, I'm just saying you weren't there."

            "Well, neither were you."

            "You know what Rory, that's not my fault. I've been right here you were too busy to see me," Jess responded amongst empathetic gestures.

            "Jess, I …"

            "Rory, I'm sorry I didn't mean to upset you." Jess was upset. Rory could tell. But why was he mad at her. It wasn't her fault. He did the same thing; he left her alone without so much as a call. But in the end he came back. He came back. 

            "Jess … It's just for the weekend. I'll be back on Sunday night."

            Rory noticed his visible relief. He was worried she would leave him. After some time the silence became deafening, one of them needed to speak.         

"So what are you going to be doing on this retreat? Kumba Yaing it up with the preps, or crying about the distance between you and your classmates?"

            "Ha Ha, I didn't ask to go on retreat. Besides I don't think there will be singing, I hope not."

            "For your sake I hope not."

            "Yea Me too."

            The quiet this time wasn't so bad. They sat comfortably with the other in their thoughts. But even that was cut short as Rory's bus arrived to take her away from Jess and her home, if only for three days.

            "I guess I should be going."

            "I'll be back on Sunday."

            "I know."

            Rory left Jess with one last kiss, but no resolution.

End chapter 2

Next chapter -- A dose of Paris in the morning.

A/N: I know it seems that I am bashing Rory, but I am not. I'm expressing her stress. I know what its like to have a great deal to do with little time to spare. This chapter is a set up for the final chapter. Yes the story will be longer, but hang with me it will come full circle. I have a plot and I'm not afraid to use it. And answer the questions posed in my reviews: no, it's not a Trory, but its not a really a romance, its about growing up. Don't give up on it because it doesn't have your favorite parings. Read on. Rock on. Thanks for the reviews I love your feedback!