Rory entered the diner and sat down at the counter. She checked her watch.
She was early. She sighed when she saw Jess coming out of the back.
J: "I didn't know you hated me so much"
R: "I don't hate you. I just don't wanna see you"
J: "And that's why you came to the diner where I work and live? Makes sense"
R: "I'm meeting someone"
J: "A someone I know?"
Jess poured her a cup of coffee and handed it to her.
R: "Thanks. You know him, or at least you've met him. Yesterday"
J: "Oh right. That guy who's old enough to be your dad"
R: "Jess.....he's just a few older....I don't see how this is any of your bussiness anyway"
J: "I'm just worried"
Rory looked up at Jess. She didn't expect to ever hear him say that. She thought back about what Dan told her yesterday about Jess liking her more than a friend......was it true? She didn't wanna think about that. She had other things on her mind right now.
R: "I appreciate that, I really do, but I can take care of myself"
J: "I hope so"
Before Rory could respond, he went upstairs. Rory didn't know what to think of that. She decided not to think anything of it and she took a sip from her coffee. Sometimes Jess was so hard to figure out. One minute you thought you knew him and the next he did or said something you never expected. He was sweet. He really was. And he was a great friend. Most of the time at least. Only when things involved Dean, he was a jerk. Well, she could say the same thing about Dean. If she only mentioned Jess in a conversation he already thought there was something going on between her and Jess. She didn't want that anymore. She just wanted to have a normal relationship, with a guy who didn't freak when she only looked at another guy. She loved Dean, of course she did. He was one of the most important people in her life and she didn't wanna leave him, but something definitely had to change. And fast.
Dan: "What's up with the serious look?"
Rory got so caught up in her thoughts that she hadn't heard Dan coming in. He sat down next to her and looked at her.
R: "Dan!"
Dan: "Yeah, that's me"
R: "Sorry. I was a little distracted"
Dan: "Doesn't matter"
R: "You want coffee?"
Dan: "Sure"
She hesitated for a moment. There was nobody standing behind the counter and the diner was empty except for the two them. She didn't see Luke anywhere.
R: "Be right back"
She got up from her stool and ran upstairs. She took a deep breath when she stood in front of Jess' room. Then she knocked. No reaction. She knocked again, a little louder this time.
J: "Who is it?"
R: "It's me"
She heard some noise on the other side of the door. Then it opened and Jess appeared in the doorway.
J: "Rory......"
R: "Hi. Sorry to interrupt the thing you were doing, but I want to order something and I couldn't find Luke anywhere and I didn't think it would be polite if I took it myself, so......"
J: "And it is polite to just go upstairs in a strangers house?"
R: "You're not a stranger"
J: "I'll be right there. Your date has arrived?"
R: "He's not my date"
J: "If you say so"
R: "Look, I don't need your sarcastic comments, okay? I just want to order something"
J: "Like I said, I'll be right there"
He closed the door. Rory sighed. Did he really have to be so annoying? She turned around and walked downstairs.
R: "Your coffee is on its way"
She sat down next to Dan again. They sat in silence for a few minutes, then Jess came downstairs. Rory didn't look up at him.
J: "What does he want to order?"
R: "He has a name. Dan. And he wants to order a coffee"
Jess poured him the coffee and put it on the counter in front of Dan.
Dan: "Thanks"
Jess didn't react. Without saying a word he sat down at a table in the back of the diner and took a book out of his pocket. He began to read. Every little now and then he looked up at Rory and Dan. It made Rory feel uncomfortable. She tried to ignore the feeling.
Dan: "I found my glasses back"
R: "You did?"
Dan: "Yeah, turns out I lost them in my room."
R: "Well, good for you. That you found them back, I mean."
Dan: "Yeah, I guess it is"
Another awkward silence fell. Rory knew it was all because of Jess. He made her nervous. She had to get out of here.
R: "Listen, why don't we go for a walk?"
Dan: "Fine with me"
Rory finished her coffee. Then she and Dan walked outside. Rory felt a little emberrassed.
R: "I'm so sorry"
Dan: "For what?"
R: "For the way I behaved in the diner. It was just Jess......he made me feel a little bit uncomfortable. It has nothing to do with you."
Dan: "I know, and it's okay"
R: "Thanks for understanding"
Dan: "No problem"
R: "So, I know I probably should have asked this sooner, but how long are you staying?"
Dan: "Not sure yet. My friends are leaving tonight, but I'm not sure if I'm going with them"
R: "Why?"
Dan: "I like it here. The people are nice and it's great to be in a small town like this when you're only used to big cities like New York"
R: "How is the Inn?"
Dan: "Great. I have a nice room and the food is delicious"
R: "Yeah, Sookie is a great chef"
Dan: "You know her?"
R: "Yeah, my mom and Sookie practically own the Inn."
Dan: "Well, I'm sure I've met her then"
Rory hated this. They suddenly had nothing interesting to talk about. She remembered what they talked about yesterday and now...... What happened? What changed?
Dan: "Rory?"
R: "What?"
Dan: "Never mind. It seems like you have other things on your mind, right now"
R: "Oh God. I'm so sorry."
Dan laughed.
Dan: "Don't worry about it. If you want to I could walk you home and do this some other time"
R: "No! No, I'm fine."
Dan: "Are you sure?"
R: "Absolutely"
Suddenly Dan stopped walking. He looked in her eyes.
Dan: "Look, Rory. I like you. A lot"
R: "Well.....I like you too"
Dan: "And I know we just me yesterday and it's crazy to feel this way, but there's something I have to do"
Rory had no idea what he was talking about. Before she could respond Dan kissed her. His lips touched hers. He brought his hand to her cheek. Rory had no idea what to do. Her first reaction was to push him off her. She planted her hands on his chest with the intention to push him away from her, but apparantly he thought of that as a sign that she wanted this and he deepened the kiss. With all the strength she had, she pushed him off her. He looked up at her with a puzzled look on his face.
R: "I....I...I have to go"
Dan: "Rory....."
But she ignored him and walked away. She knew this was a stupid thing to do, but somehow it felt like the right thing to do right now. She heard his footsteps behind her and walked faster. Back in the direction of the diner. She opened the door and went in. Then she closed it behind her in front of Dan. There were still no visitors. Jess looked up.
R: "Jess, could you please do me a favor and lock the door?"
Dan opened the door a little.
Dan: "Rory, I'm sorry..........can't we talk about this?"
Jess got up and walked to the door.
J: "Not very good at taking hints, huh? If a girl closes a door in a guy's face, that usually means she wants him to get lost"
Dan: "But...."
J: "No buts....Just get out"
Dan sighed. Then he turned around. Jess closed the door. Then he walked back to Rory.
J: "Are you okay?"
R: "Uhuh"
J: "Sit down"
Rory sat down on a chair.
J: "What happened?"
R: "I think I just made a complete fool of myself"
J: "It can't be that bad"
He sat down next to her.
R: "Well, he kissed me"
J: "He did what?!"
R: "And I pushed him off me and then I ran"
J: "Well, that isn't that bad"
R: "Yes, it is. You can't run away when a guy kisses you"
J: "Oh believe me, I can"
Rory smiled.
R: "Alright, girls can't run away when a guy kisses them"
J: "Why not?"
R: "Well, they need an explanation"
J: "Okay, I have to admit. The whole smashing the door in his face-thing was a bit cruel, but he really doesn't need an explanation. You just met the guy and he thinks it okay to kiss you."
R: "Oh God. I really have to talk to him"
J: "There's a reason why you ran away"
R: "I was shocked"
Jess laughed.
J: "Yeah, cos you've never been kissed before"
R: "That's not what I mean. I just never expected him to kiss me. That's all"
J: "Listen, I get it. Just take this from me, whatever you do, don't tell Dean that Dan kissed you. You might not like the fact that he kissed you, but that doesn't mean you wish him dead"
R: "Thanks for the tip."
J: "You're welcome"
R: "I have to go"
She got up.
R: "Thanks for hearing me out"
Jess nodded. Then Rory left the diner and started to walk in the direction of her house. She was still a bit confused. She liked Dan, she really did, but she thought he was different. She thought that he was just a guy who was interested in what she had to tell, not in her looks, but apparantly she had been wrong. She still had to talk to him though, it was an awful thing she did by walking away after he kissed her and the smashing the door in his face-thing, like Jess called it, wasn't a great thing to do either. She just should have explained to him why she hadn't kissed him back.
She let a sigh on relieve when she Dan sitting on the grass in front of her house. He got up when he saw her and she walked towards him. She was glad he was here, so she could explain things to him.
Dan: "Rory...."
R: "Dan. I am so sorry. I didn't mean to walk away like that, I was just a bit shocked by.....what you did.....and I didn't know how to react so I did the most horrible thing possible. God, you must hate me now. I just want you to know that there's a reason why I didn't kiss you back..."
Dan: "I know"
Rory was about to continue her rambling, when it hit her what he just said.
R: "You do?"
Dan: "Yeah, totally. And you're right"
R: "I am?...I mean, yeah, I am"
Dan: "I should have thought of that before I kissed you"
Rory wasn't sure what to say.
Dan: "And I just want you to know that I can wait"
R: "Okay, stop it! I have no idea what you're talking about, but...."
Dan: "Look Rory, I understand. You first want to break up with Dean before you get involved with me...and I personally.."
R: "Dan" Rory interrupted him.
Dan: "Yeah"
R: "I think you're kind of missing the point here"
Dan: "I am?"
R: "Yes. I mean, you're a great guy, you really are and I don't want to hurt your feelings at all, cos I'm the kind of person to do that and if I do hurt you by saying this, then I'm truly sorry, but......"
Dan: "But what?"
Rory hesitated before she opened her mouth. She felt really bad about doing this.
R: "I can't be with you"
Dan seemed surprised to hear this. He put his hands in his pockets and looked at her.
Dan: "You can't be serious"
R: "I don't even know you"
Dan: "But you will, soon"
R: "Maybe, but that still doesn't change the fact that I have a boyfriend, one I really love and the fact that I don't have.....feelings....for you"
Dan: "Not yet"
R: "Not ever"
She knew this sounded cruel, but somehow this seemed the only way to make him understand that she wasn't in love with him. This whole situation was freaking her out a bit. How could he possibly have feelings for her? He didn't even know her. And the way he was behaving right now.....It didn't seem right. He sounded desperate.....almost obsessed.
Dan: "You're wrong. I am the one you want, you just don't wanna see it. Or you don't wanna admit it to yourself, cos you don't wanna hurt Dean.......but I am the One, Rory."
Rory wasn't sure how to react to this. He was scaring her now.
R: "You know, maybe it's best if you go now"
Dan: "I can't. I can't leave before you tell me that I'm right. That you do have feelings for me"
Rory thought for a minute. She was glad she was so close to her house, so she knew nothing could happen to her, but this was....weird. And she didn't know what to do.
R: "........Can I get back to you on that?"
That was pretty much the best answer she could come up with right now. She hoped it was the right one. Even though it sounded so lame. Maybe it would satisfy him.
Dan: "Of course. I understand that this isn't easy for you"
R: "You have no idea" she murmured.
Dan: "Look, I'll call you, okay. That way you have some time to think of what to say to Dean when you break up with him"
Rory nodded with an insecure look on her face. She felt relieved when he started to walk away from her.
Dan: "Bye"
Rory wasn't able to speak. She just kept staring at him. What was wrong with him? What made him think she had any feelings for him at all? How could he just assume she would break up with Dean? She turned around and started to walk to the house. What should she do now? She went in and closed the door behind her. She leaned against the door. Maybe it was best just to laugh about it. She would tell him when he called, that she didn't want this and she just wanted to be friends. He would understand. He had to. She went into the livingroom. Everything was going to be fine, but she still had a bad feeling about this.
J: "I didn't know you hated me so much"
R: "I don't hate you. I just don't wanna see you"
J: "And that's why you came to the diner where I work and live? Makes sense"
R: "I'm meeting someone"
J: "A someone I know?"
Jess poured her a cup of coffee and handed it to her.
R: "Thanks. You know him, or at least you've met him. Yesterday"
J: "Oh right. That guy who's old enough to be your dad"
R: "Jess.....he's just a few older....I don't see how this is any of your bussiness anyway"
J: "I'm just worried"
Rory looked up at Jess. She didn't expect to ever hear him say that. She thought back about what Dan told her yesterday about Jess liking her more than a friend......was it true? She didn't wanna think about that. She had other things on her mind right now.
R: "I appreciate that, I really do, but I can take care of myself"
J: "I hope so"
Before Rory could respond, he went upstairs. Rory didn't know what to think of that. She decided not to think anything of it and she took a sip from her coffee. Sometimes Jess was so hard to figure out. One minute you thought you knew him and the next he did or said something you never expected. He was sweet. He really was. And he was a great friend. Most of the time at least. Only when things involved Dean, he was a jerk. Well, she could say the same thing about Dean. If she only mentioned Jess in a conversation he already thought there was something going on between her and Jess. She didn't want that anymore. She just wanted to have a normal relationship, with a guy who didn't freak when she only looked at another guy. She loved Dean, of course she did. He was one of the most important people in her life and she didn't wanna leave him, but something definitely had to change. And fast.
Dan: "What's up with the serious look?"
Rory got so caught up in her thoughts that she hadn't heard Dan coming in. He sat down next to her and looked at her.
R: "Dan!"
Dan: "Yeah, that's me"
R: "Sorry. I was a little distracted"
Dan: "Doesn't matter"
R: "You want coffee?"
Dan: "Sure"
She hesitated for a moment. There was nobody standing behind the counter and the diner was empty except for the two them. She didn't see Luke anywhere.
R: "Be right back"
She got up from her stool and ran upstairs. She took a deep breath when she stood in front of Jess' room. Then she knocked. No reaction. She knocked again, a little louder this time.
J: "Who is it?"
R: "It's me"
She heard some noise on the other side of the door. Then it opened and Jess appeared in the doorway.
J: "Rory......"
R: "Hi. Sorry to interrupt the thing you were doing, but I want to order something and I couldn't find Luke anywhere and I didn't think it would be polite if I took it myself, so......"
J: "And it is polite to just go upstairs in a strangers house?"
R: "You're not a stranger"
J: "I'll be right there. Your date has arrived?"
R: "He's not my date"
J: "If you say so"
R: "Look, I don't need your sarcastic comments, okay? I just want to order something"
J: "Like I said, I'll be right there"
He closed the door. Rory sighed. Did he really have to be so annoying? She turned around and walked downstairs.
R: "Your coffee is on its way"
She sat down next to Dan again. They sat in silence for a few minutes, then Jess came downstairs. Rory didn't look up at him.
J: "What does he want to order?"
R: "He has a name. Dan. And he wants to order a coffee"
Jess poured him the coffee and put it on the counter in front of Dan.
Dan: "Thanks"
Jess didn't react. Without saying a word he sat down at a table in the back of the diner and took a book out of his pocket. He began to read. Every little now and then he looked up at Rory and Dan. It made Rory feel uncomfortable. She tried to ignore the feeling.
Dan: "I found my glasses back"
R: "You did?"
Dan: "Yeah, turns out I lost them in my room."
R: "Well, good for you. That you found them back, I mean."
Dan: "Yeah, I guess it is"
Another awkward silence fell. Rory knew it was all because of Jess. He made her nervous. She had to get out of here.
R: "Listen, why don't we go for a walk?"
Dan: "Fine with me"
Rory finished her coffee. Then she and Dan walked outside. Rory felt a little emberrassed.
R: "I'm so sorry"
Dan: "For what?"
R: "For the way I behaved in the diner. It was just Jess......he made me feel a little bit uncomfortable. It has nothing to do with you."
Dan: "I know, and it's okay"
R: "Thanks for understanding"
Dan: "No problem"
R: "So, I know I probably should have asked this sooner, but how long are you staying?"
Dan: "Not sure yet. My friends are leaving tonight, but I'm not sure if I'm going with them"
R: "Why?"
Dan: "I like it here. The people are nice and it's great to be in a small town like this when you're only used to big cities like New York"
R: "How is the Inn?"
Dan: "Great. I have a nice room and the food is delicious"
R: "Yeah, Sookie is a great chef"
Dan: "You know her?"
R: "Yeah, my mom and Sookie practically own the Inn."
Dan: "Well, I'm sure I've met her then"
Rory hated this. They suddenly had nothing interesting to talk about. She remembered what they talked about yesterday and now...... What happened? What changed?
Dan: "Rory?"
R: "What?"
Dan: "Never mind. It seems like you have other things on your mind, right now"
R: "Oh God. I'm so sorry."
Dan laughed.
Dan: "Don't worry about it. If you want to I could walk you home and do this some other time"
R: "No! No, I'm fine."
Dan: "Are you sure?"
R: "Absolutely"
Suddenly Dan stopped walking. He looked in her eyes.
Dan: "Look, Rory. I like you. A lot"
R: "Well.....I like you too"
Dan: "And I know we just me yesterday and it's crazy to feel this way, but there's something I have to do"
Rory had no idea what he was talking about. Before she could respond Dan kissed her. His lips touched hers. He brought his hand to her cheek. Rory had no idea what to do. Her first reaction was to push him off her. She planted her hands on his chest with the intention to push him away from her, but apparantly he thought of that as a sign that she wanted this and he deepened the kiss. With all the strength she had, she pushed him off her. He looked up at her with a puzzled look on his face.
R: "I....I...I have to go"
Dan: "Rory....."
But she ignored him and walked away. She knew this was a stupid thing to do, but somehow it felt like the right thing to do right now. She heard his footsteps behind her and walked faster. Back in the direction of the diner. She opened the door and went in. Then she closed it behind her in front of Dan. There were still no visitors. Jess looked up.
R: "Jess, could you please do me a favor and lock the door?"
Dan opened the door a little.
Dan: "Rory, I'm sorry..........can't we talk about this?"
Jess got up and walked to the door.
J: "Not very good at taking hints, huh? If a girl closes a door in a guy's face, that usually means she wants him to get lost"
Dan: "But...."
J: "No buts....Just get out"
Dan sighed. Then he turned around. Jess closed the door. Then he walked back to Rory.
J: "Are you okay?"
R: "Uhuh"
J: "Sit down"
Rory sat down on a chair.
J: "What happened?"
R: "I think I just made a complete fool of myself"
J: "It can't be that bad"
He sat down next to her.
R: "Well, he kissed me"
J: "He did what?!"
R: "And I pushed him off me and then I ran"
J: "Well, that isn't that bad"
R: "Yes, it is. You can't run away when a guy kisses you"
J: "Oh believe me, I can"
Rory smiled.
R: "Alright, girls can't run away when a guy kisses them"
J: "Why not?"
R: "Well, they need an explanation"
J: "Okay, I have to admit. The whole smashing the door in his face-thing was a bit cruel, but he really doesn't need an explanation. You just met the guy and he thinks it okay to kiss you."
R: "Oh God. I really have to talk to him"
J: "There's a reason why you ran away"
R: "I was shocked"
Jess laughed.
J: "Yeah, cos you've never been kissed before"
R: "That's not what I mean. I just never expected him to kiss me. That's all"
J: "Listen, I get it. Just take this from me, whatever you do, don't tell Dean that Dan kissed you. You might not like the fact that he kissed you, but that doesn't mean you wish him dead"
R: "Thanks for the tip."
J: "You're welcome"
R: "I have to go"
She got up.
R: "Thanks for hearing me out"
Jess nodded. Then Rory left the diner and started to walk in the direction of her house. She was still a bit confused. She liked Dan, she really did, but she thought he was different. She thought that he was just a guy who was interested in what she had to tell, not in her looks, but apparantly she had been wrong. She still had to talk to him though, it was an awful thing she did by walking away after he kissed her and the smashing the door in his face-thing, like Jess called it, wasn't a great thing to do either. She just should have explained to him why she hadn't kissed him back.
She let a sigh on relieve when she Dan sitting on the grass in front of her house. He got up when he saw her and she walked towards him. She was glad he was here, so she could explain things to him.
Dan: "Rory...."
R: "Dan. I am so sorry. I didn't mean to walk away like that, I was just a bit shocked by.....what you did.....and I didn't know how to react so I did the most horrible thing possible. God, you must hate me now. I just want you to know that there's a reason why I didn't kiss you back..."
Dan: "I know"
Rory was about to continue her rambling, when it hit her what he just said.
R: "You do?"
Dan: "Yeah, totally. And you're right"
R: "I am?...I mean, yeah, I am"
Dan: "I should have thought of that before I kissed you"
Rory wasn't sure what to say.
Dan: "And I just want you to know that I can wait"
R: "Okay, stop it! I have no idea what you're talking about, but...."
Dan: "Look Rory, I understand. You first want to break up with Dean before you get involved with me...and I personally.."
R: "Dan" Rory interrupted him.
Dan: "Yeah"
R: "I think you're kind of missing the point here"
Dan: "I am?"
R: "Yes. I mean, you're a great guy, you really are and I don't want to hurt your feelings at all, cos I'm the kind of person to do that and if I do hurt you by saying this, then I'm truly sorry, but......"
Dan: "But what?"
Rory hesitated before she opened her mouth. She felt really bad about doing this.
R: "I can't be with you"
Dan seemed surprised to hear this. He put his hands in his pockets and looked at her.
Dan: "You can't be serious"
R: "I don't even know you"
Dan: "But you will, soon"
R: "Maybe, but that still doesn't change the fact that I have a boyfriend, one I really love and the fact that I don't have.....feelings....for you"
Dan: "Not yet"
R: "Not ever"
She knew this sounded cruel, but somehow this seemed the only way to make him understand that she wasn't in love with him. This whole situation was freaking her out a bit. How could he possibly have feelings for her? He didn't even know her. And the way he was behaving right now.....It didn't seem right. He sounded desperate.....almost obsessed.
Dan: "You're wrong. I am the one you want, you just don't wanna see it. Or you don't wanna admit it to yourself, cos you don't wanna hurt Dean.......but I am the One, Rory."
Rory wasn't sure how to react to this. He was scaring her now.
R: "You know, maybe it's best if you go now"
Dan: "I can't. I can't leave before you tell me that I'm right. That you do have feelings for me"
Rory thought for a minute. She was glad she was so close to her house, so she knew nothing could happen to her, but this was....weird. And she didn't know what to do.
R: "........Can I get back to you on that?"
That was pretty much the best answer she could come up with right now. She hoped it was the right one. Even though it sounded so lame. Maybe it would satisfy him.
Dan: "Of course. I understand that this isn't easy for you"
R: "You have no idea" she murmured.
Dan: "Look, I'll call you, okay. That way you have some time to think of what to say to Dean when you break up with him"
Rory nodded with an insecure look on her face. She felt relieved when he started to walk away from her.
Dan: "Bye"
Rory wasn't able to speak. She just kept staring at him. What was wrong with him? What made him think she had any feelings for him at all? How could he just assume she would break up with Dean? She turned around and started to walk to the house. What should she do now? She went in and closed the door behind her. She leaned against the door. Maybe it was best just to laugh about it. She would tell him when he called, that she didn't want this and she just wanted to be friends. He would understand. He had to. She went into the livingroom. Everything was going to be fine, but she still had a bad feeling about this.
