A/N: Okay, so this chapter is VERY literati-centric. But it's pretty much my fault because I wrapped Lane and Dave up too well. They would just be boring to write about at the moment. I have an idea now though. See you soon! Enjoy!

Chapter 4- Time

"How's this place look, Rory?"

"Looks great Mom, let's see if they'll take us."

She opened the heavy wood door and entered the hostel. She approached someone who looked like they could tell her if there was room.

"Ma'am, excuse me?" She turned around.

"Yes, can I help you?"

"Well, my mother and I have been backpacking through your very fine country here, for oh, what has it been now, I think a little over three weeks. Ah, we kind of need a place to stay for the night. We were hoping here would be okay?"

"Of course, come right this way."

"Thank you." She winked at her mother and they followed the woman down a hall.

"Now, you are both under 26, correct?"

"Ahh, sure we are." Lorelai stammered.

"But that makes no sense, you are her mother, and she must be at least 16 if not older."

"I'm 18 actually. Did I say mother? She's my, my friend."

"Yes, we look very much alike. She confuses us very much."

"Oh, all right. Of course we could not turn you away, even if you were over the usual age."

"Well, in that case, I am her mother. And I'm 34."

"You look much younger, Mrs...?"

"MS. Gilmore."

"Ah, Ms. Gilmore, it'll be our little secret."

"Thanks!"

The woman left and the two were left alone in a smallish room with two beds. Rory began getting ready for bed. Lorelai did the same.

"I told you these hostel people were very nice. Not at all what their name makes them out to be."

"Mom, that's hostel, H-O-S-T-L-E. Not hostel, H-O-S-T-E-L." She smiled at Lorelai.

"Why do you have to be such a dictionary nerd?" Lorelai said, grabbing a shirt out of her bag and chasing Rory around the room, smacking her playfully all the while. They broke into giggles and went off to bed soon thereafter.

Somewhere along the line that night, Rory couldn't sleep. It'd been a little over 3 weeks since she'd talked to any of her friends. Her cell phone had been turned off since she left. It was partially because she forgot about it, and partially because she had pretty lousy service over here. It was England after all. She took it out of her bag. She had a service signal here. Wow! She thought. Wonder if I have any messages. She dialed her message service number.

A chipper woman on the other end replied. "You have *pause* 1 new voice message, and one text message."

She had a voice message from someone? Who?

"Please press 1 to play voice messages, press 2 to read text messages. Press 3 to."

She cut her off eager to see who the message was from. She pressed 1 and held the phone up to her ear. She smiled a little when she realized who it was.

"Rory, I think you know who this is. I really,I have to talk to you, okay? Call me."

Maybe I will get to patch things up with him after all, she thought. She checked the text message. It was from Lane. It read:

Ror-

How are you doing? I'm doing well. Dave and I are great. Since the prom I've been the happiest I've ever been in my entire life. We've just been hanging out. How are you holding out? Are the hostels treating you okay? I heard about Jess. I'm sorry. Talk to you soon.

She slid the phone back into her bag and suddenly couldn't wait for tomorrow to come.

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*I put your picture away

Sat down and cried today

I can't look at you *

Why hadn't she called? It's been like three weeks. Maybe she didn't want to talk to him anymore. She did say she wasn't going to pine. It's like a Gilmore to make one decision and stick to it, right when she shouldn't.

He sat alone on a quiet dock in California. It was late, very late. He never could sleep though. It was even worse though now that he had left Stars Hollow..left her.

I'd go back to Stars Hollow for her; I'd do anything for her. Maybe I should try calling again at some point. I'd rather she were IN Stars Hollow though. Three more weeks couldn't go by fast enough.

*Since you've been gone my world's been dark and gray

I found your picture today

I swear I'll change my ways

I just called to say I want you

To come back home

I just called to say I love you

Come back home*

A/N: Lyrics are "Picture" by Sheryl Crow and Kid Rock