Chapter 9- Hellos, Goodbyes, and New Beginnings
"Sure, what do you need, Rory?" Luke asked.
"Well, do you know anything at all about where Jess is? A phone number? An address or a zip code? Do you have anything?"
"Rory, I don't know if getting in touch with him is such a good idea. You have your future to think of, not the past."
"You know, Jess called me at my graduation?"
"No, I didn't know that."
"I told him it was over. I told him I had loved him, and that I wasn't going to pine over him. I promised him I wasn't going to pine over him. Then he leaves a message on my cell phone while I'm away, saying that he wants to talk to me. I don't know what to think."
"Well, I don't know either."
"You know what? Jess is not a part of my past. I want him to be a part of the present. Sure, my future is important, but I need to live in the now. Will you tell me anything, or no?"
"Let me go get Jimmy's address." Luke got up and left Rory eating her breakfast.
"Here." He said returning with a slip of paper. "Don't do anything crazy."
"I have live for myself now. You should too. By the way, what's the deal with Nicole?"
"Oh, we're over. We came back from the cruise and I thought she wanted some big commitment, but it turned out she didn't. I think I freaked her out a little. We're over."
"I'm sorry."
"You know, Mom talks about you, a lot."
"So what, I supply her coffee and she just come in here every day to get it."
"That's not the only reason she comes in here, you know. Coffee is great sure, but not the only reason."
"What are you saying, Rory?" He pressed.
"Nothing, just go with it. I know my mother. Stop denying things. That's all I'm saying. You need help here?"
"Not right now. At the dinner rush I will. Why are you volunteering?"
"Not me." She smiled.
She got up.
"Thanks, Luke. I'll see you later."
"Bye." He said in a semi puzzled fashion.
There was no denying that he was attracted to Lorelai. She was gorgeous, and she was a great mother. He loved Rory like a daughter. It seemed perfect. 'But Lorelai is so different than me.' He thought to himself as he wiped down the front counter. What made Rory think Lorelai was interested in him? 'She's always so difficult.' There was no denying that despite their differences he felt some chemistry. 'Well, whatever.' He thought. A customer nudged him out of his thoughts, and he went to attend to him.
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'This is so unlike me.' Jess thought. 'I never let a girl get this close to me before. So close that I can't stand being away from her. I guess Rory was always different though. That's why I liked her at first. She wasn't small town dull. She was stimulating and interesting.'
He put two quarters in the pay phone and dialed. It was ringing.
"Hello?"
"Rory?" He asked.
"Jess?"
"Yeah."
"Hey"
"Hey"
"I got your message." She replied trying to break the silence.
"Oh, yeah?"
"Yeah, I just thought I should wait till after my trip to answer it. We just got back this morning."
"Okay. Ah, how was it?"
"It was good."
"Good. Is Luke good?"
"He's a little shorthanded, but good."
"Look, let's not beat around the bush here. We have some things we need to talk about."
"I'd say so, yeah."
"I don't know if on the phone is the ideal way."
"Yeah, that's true." She shifted uncomfortably.
"So." He said unsure of what to do.
"Listen, are you gonna be at your Dad's on Tuesday?" She asked.
"Yeah, or around. Why?" He replied.
"Be at home, okay?"
"Why?"
"Just be there, all right?"
"Okay." He conceded.
"I'll talk to you soon." She added
"All right."
"Bye."
"Bye." She hung up the phone. Lorelai came down the stairs.
*It's been 3 days since you screamed and hung up on me
All you wanted was to hold me tight
Now you're callin' to say, "Hey" and make up with me
But I think I need a little more time*
"Who was on the phone, Rory?"
"Jess."
"Oh, how did that go?"
"I'm going to make a little road trip on Saturday night."
"I don't think that's a good idea."
"Mom! I am a big girl. I can take care of myself. I know you and everyone else in this town are just watching out for me, but the last time I checked I was 18. I am capable of making my own decisions."
"I know you are, Rory. You wanna go get something to eat? We can talk."
"Fine, let's go."
They went over to Luke's and found that it was not quite the dinner rush yet.
"Hey girls!" He smiled at Lorelai. "What can I get you?"
"What do we always have, Luke?" Lorelai replied.
"Right." He left to get their food.
"What's with him?" Lorelai asked her daughter.
"I don't know. Maybe he's just seeing this differently these days."
"He got contacts?" Lorelai asked.
"Never mind." Rory replied.
They sat there in silence looking at the street of Stars Hollow. The usual suspects were out and about. Miss Patty was distributing the gossip, Kirk was doing odd jobs, and Taylor was yelling at some poor random person.
"So, you're going to California?" Lorelai spoke up finally.
"I guess." Rory replied.
"Saturday, huh?"
"Yep, I don't know how long I'll be gone for, but I'll be fine."
"All right. You promise to be careful, right?"
"Yes. I do."
"Okay." Lorelai hugged her daughter. "My little girl is all grown up."
Luke came back with their plates.
"Here ya, go. Eat up! It's getting busy."
Rory ate faster than she ever had. It was Friday, and she needed to go find Lane.
"Mom, I'm gonna go find Lane and talk to her."
"Wouldn't she be at our house with the band, right now?"
"I don't know. I'll call Mrs. Kim."
"Okay."
"See you back at home."
"Bye." Rory opened the door to Luke's and left.
Luke came over.
"She left in a rush."
"Yeah, she had to talk to Lane. She hasn't seen her in like 6 weeks. What do you expect?"
"I'd expect that." He smiled. "So, she's really going off to college in a month or so, isn't she?" He asked as if he didn't know the answer.
"Yeah, she is. She's all grown up." Lorelai sighed.
"I've seen her grown up just as you have. You've done a great job."
"Thanks."
"Well, I'm pretty busy here. Here comes another group of people too. I gotta get going."
"Luke? Can I help?" She smiled.
"Sure." He smiled back and handed her a rag.
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Rory found Lane without too much trouble. She and Dave were sitting in the gazebo in the center of town discussing something.
"So I picked up this Sonics album, at this really great record store that Rory and I found." She showed it to him.
"Cool. Sounds like a great place. We should go sometime." Rory approached and Lane noticed her. She jumped up to greet her friend.
"Rory, I didn't know you were back yet!" She hugged Rory.
"Hey Lane" She greeted her friend. "Hey Dave" She waved at Dave.
He stood up and joined Lane.
"Hi Rory, how was your trip?"
"I had fun. How have you two been?"
"We've been fine." Dave replied.
"Yeah, it's been just us and the band hanging out. We've even met the giant gorilla."
"Really, you met him did you?" Rory laughed.
"Oh yeah, he's become one of us. We're thinking honorary member status at least. I mean sense he has no talent that is noticeable other than standing there."
"Of course." She smiled.
"Well, we'll have to catch up some more when I get back."
"You just got back, Rory." Lane replied confused.
"I know, but I am going away again."
"Where?" She asked.
"California."
"You're going to talk to Jess?"
"Yeah, it's just something I need to do."
Lane looked at her. She did look a little withdrawn. Even though she hadn't at first thought that Jess was the best influence on her, she had to say that Rory was usual pretty happy when Jess was around.
"When are you coming back?"
"I'm not sure yet. I guess we'll just see."
"Well, have fun. I'll see you sometime before school starts I hope."
"Yep, you two be good now, you hear?"
"Okay, bye." Lane said.
"Bye Rory." Dave replied.
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*This is the place where I sit
This is the part where
I love you too much
Is this as hard as it gets?
'Cause I'm getting tired
Of pretending I'm tough
I'm here if you want me
I'm yours, you can hold me
I'm empty and taken and
Tumbling and breakin'*
The diner clock read 9:35pm. Lorelai couldn't believe she'd been there like 5 hours. It seemed like 5 minutes. They finally had come to rest at the counter. Luke poured a cup of coffee for her.
"Quite a night" Lorelai remarked taking a sip of her coffee. "Is it always this busy?"
"Sometimes, there are more hungry people in Stars Hollow, than you'd think."
"You do make a mean burger."
"Thanks." He smiled.
"Remember Santa burger?" She recalled.
"Of course, I made him for you." Luke smiled sitting down at the stool next to her.
"It really meant a lot to me what you did for me that night. You've always been there. When Christopher was being an ass, when Rory needed something, and especially when I needed something. Sometimes you were a little grumpy or reluctant but that's just your way of being cute. I get it. I just thought I'd tell you I appreciate it."
"I want to be a part of your and Rory's lives. You're special to me, even if you are a little crazed." He smiled and topped off her cup with the pot that sat on the counter.
"I bet Nicole hates us being so close to you, huh?" Lorelai sipped her coffee again.
"Nicole has no say in my life anymore."
"Why?"
"We aren't together anymore." Lorelai looked shocked, but truthfully she was a little happy.
"What happened?" She asked.
"It's a long story."
"I've got some time." She nudged.
"We got back from the cruise, but it turns out she didn't want some big commitment, and I guess it came off like I thought she wanted that, or that I thought I wanted that. She basically freaked and left."
"I'm sorry, I guess I was wrong. I gave you bad advice, I'm sorry."
"It's okay. I wasn't sure she was the right one either. And sometimes I do appreciate your advice." He smiled.
"Sometimes?" She asked.
"Only sometimes." He replied and chuckled a little.
*This is the place in my heart
This is the place where
I'm falling apart
Isn't this just where we met?
And is this the last chance
That I'll ever get?*
"Luke, I've been thinking about us a lot lately actually. Especially, since I got home."
"You have?" He swallowed hard.
"Yeah, it's just that you've been there in everything that I needed you in. I've denied it until now, but I don't know if I can anymore."
"I know what you mean." He nodded."Rory talked to me too."
"She did?"
"Yeah, but regardless, she's right you know."
"She's right about what?"
"I need to stop living for tomorrow, and start ---" He stopped.
He sat there on the stool next to her, just staring into her blue eyes. He leaned in a little and pressed his lips to hers. She set down her coffee mug, stunned in mid-kiss. He stopped and pulled back.
"She was right about that."
A/N: Hello again everyone! First of all let me start out by saying that I am glad so many people are enjoying this. The compliments and emails I have gotten from people have been so nice! It makes me feel so fulfilled that it makes someone other than me happy. Thanks so much! Only one set of lyrics in this chapter. I've got some more up my sleeve though, just waiting for the right time to use them. Anyway, the lyrics are "You Don't See Me" by Josie and The Pussycats, off the movie soundtrack. Good movie, killer sweet punk soundtrack! Sorry, I just love this movie! I love Alan M.! Dave and Alan are so alike. I am a sucker for a good guy with a sweet face! Also "When I See You" by Macy Gray.
"Sure, what do you need, Rory?" Luke asked.
"Well, do you know anything at all about where Jess is? A phone number? An address or a zip code? Do you have anything?"
"Rory, I don't know if getting in touch with him is such a good idea. You have your future to think of, not the past."
"You know, Jess called me at my graduation?"
"No, I didn't know that."
"I told him it was over. I told him I had loved him, and that I wasn't going to pine over him. I promised him I wasn't going to pine over him. Then he leaves a message on my cell phone while I'm away, saying that he wants to talk to me. I don't know what to think."
"Well, I don't know either."
"You know what? Jess is not a part of my past. I want him to be a part of the present. Sure, my future is important, but I need to live in the now. Will you tell me anything, or no?"
"Let me go get Jimmy's address." Luke got up and left Rory eating her breakfast.
"Here." He said returning with a slip of paper. "Don't do anything crazy."
"I have live for myself now. You should too. By the way, what's the deal with Nicole?"
"Oh, we're over. We came back from the cruise and I thought she wanted some big commitment, but it turned out she didn't. I think I freaked her out a little. We're over."
"I'm sorry."
"You know, Mom talks about you, a lot."
"So what, I supply her coffee and she just come in here every day to get it."
"That's not the only reason she comes in here, you know. Coffee is great sure, but not the only reason."
"What are you saying, Rory?" He pressed.
"Nothing, just go with it. I know my mother. Stop denying things. That's all I'm saying. You need help here?"
"Not right now. At the dinner rush I will. Why are you volunteering?"
"Not me." She smiled.
She got up.
"Thanks, Luke. I'll see you later."
"Bye." He said in a semi puzzled fashion.
There was no denying that he was attracted to Lorelai. She was gorgeous, and she was a great mother. He loved Rory like a daughter. It seemed perfect. 'But Lorelai is so different than me.' He thought to himself as he wiped down the front counter. What made Rory think Lorelai was interested in him? 'She's always so difficult.' There was no denying that despite their differences he felt some chemistry. 'Well, whatever.' He thought. A customer nudged him out of his thoughts, and he went to attend to him.
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'This is so unlike me.' Jess thought. 'I never let a girl get this close to me before. So close that I can't stand being away from her. I guess Rory was always different though. That's why I liked her at first. She wasn't small town dull. She was stimulating and interesting.'
He put two quarters in the pay phone and dialed. It was ringing.
"Hello?"
"Rory?" He asked.
"Jess?"
"Yeah."
"Hey"
"Hey"
"I got your message." She replied trying to break the silence.
"Oh, yeah?"
"Yeah, I just thought I should wait till after my trip to answer it. We just got back this morning."
"Okay. Ah, how was it?"
"It was good."
"Good. Is Luke good?"
"He's a little shorthanded, but good."
"Look, let's not beat around the bush here. We have some things we need to talk about."
"I'd say so, yeah."
"I don't know if on the phone is the ideal way."
"Yeah, that's true." She shifted uncomfortably.
"So." He said unsure of what to do.
"Listen, are you gonna be at your Dad's on Tuesday?" She asked.
"Yeah, or around. Why?" He replied.
"Be at home, okay?"
"Why?"
"Just be there, all right?"
"Okay." He conceded.
"I'll talk to you soon." She added
"All right."
"Bye."
"Bye." She hung up the phone. Lorelai came down the stairs.
*It's been 3 days since you screamed and hung up on me
All you wanted was to hold me tight
Now you're callin' to say, "Hey" and make up with me
But I think I need a little more time*
"Who was on the phone, Rory?"
"Jess."
"Oh, how did that go?"
"I'm going to make a little road trip on Saturday night."
"I don't think that's a good idea."
"Mom! I am a big girl. I can take care of myself. I know you and everyone else in this town are just watching out for me, but the last time I checked I was 18. I am capable of making my own decisions."
"I know you are, Rory. You wanna go get something to eat? We can talk."
"Fine, let's go."
They went over to Luke's and found that it was not quite the dinner rush yet.
"Hey girls!" He smiled at Lorelai. "What can I get you?"
"What do we always have, Luke?" Lorelai replied.
"Right." He left to get their food.
"What's with him?" Lorelai asked her daughter.
"I don't know. Maybe he's just seeing this differently these days."
"He got contacts?" Lorelai asked.
"Never mind." Rory replied.
They sat there in silence looking at the street of Stars Hollow. The usual suspects were out and about. Miss Patty was distributing the gossip, Kirk was doing odd jobs, and Taylor was yelling at some poor random person.
"So, you're going to California?" Lorelai spoke up finally.
"I guess." Rory replied.
"Saturday, huh?"
"Yep, I don't know how long I'll be gone for, but I'll be fine."
"All right. You promise to be careful, right?"
"Yes. I do."
"Okay." Lorelai hugged her daughter. "My little girl is all grown up."
Luke came back with their plates.
"Here ya, go. Eat up! It's getting busy."
Rory ate faster than she ever had. It was Friday, and she needed to go find Lane.
"Mom, I'm gonna go find Lane and talk to her."
"Wouldn't she be at our house with the band, right now?"
"I don't know. I'll call Mrs. Kim."
"Okay."
"See you back at home."
"Bye." Rory opened the door to Luke's and left.
Luke came over.
"She left in a rush."
"Yeah, she had to talk to Lane. She hasn't seen her in like 6 weeks. What do you expect?"
"I'd expect that." He smiled. "So, she's really going off to college in a month or so, isn't she?" He asked as if he didn't know the answer.
"Yeah, she is. She's all grown up." Lorelai sighed.
"I've seen her grown up just as you have. You've done a great job."
"Thanks."
"Well, I'm pretty busy here. Here comes another group of people too. I gotta get going."
"Luke? Can I help?" She smiled.
"Sure." He smiled back and handed her a rag.
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Rory found Lane without too much trouble. She and Dave were sitting in the gazebo in the center of town discussing something.
"So I picked up this Sonics album, at this really great record store that Rory and I found." She showed it to him.
"Cool. Sounds like a great place. We should go sometime." Rory approached and Lane noticed her. She jumped up to greet her friend.
"Rory, I didn't know you were back yet!" She hugged Rory.
"Hey Lane" She greeted her friend. "Hey Dave" She waved at Dave.
He stood up and joined Lane.
"Hi Rory, how was your trip?"
"I had fun. How have you two been?"
"We've been fine." Dave replied.
"Yeah, it's been just us and the band hanging out. We've even met the giant gorilla."
"Really, you met him did you?" Rory laughed.
"Oh yeah, he's become one of us. We're thinking honorary member status at least. I mean sense he has no talent that is noticeable other than standing there."
"Of course." She smiled.
"Well, we'll have to catch up some more when I get back."
"You just got back, Rory." Lane replied confused.
"I know, but I am going away again."
"Where?" She asked.
"California."
"You're going to talk to Jess?"
"Yeah, it's just something I need to do."
Lane looked at her. She did look a little withdrawn. Even though she hadn't at first thought that Jess was the best influence on her, she had to say that Rory was usual pretty happy when Jess was around.
"When are you coming back?"
"I'm not sure yet. I guess we'll just see."
"Well, have fun. I'll see you sometime before school starts I hope."
"Yep, you two be good now, you hear?"
"Okay, bye." Lane said.
"Bye Rory." Dave replied.
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*This is the place where I sit
This is the part where
I love you too much
Is this as hard as it gets?
'Cause I'm getting tired
Of pretending I'm tough
I'm here if you want me
I'm yours, you can hold me
I'm empty and taken and
Tumbling and breakin'*
The diner clock read 9:35pm. Lorelai couldn't believe she'd been there like 5 hours. It seemed like 5 minutes. They finally had come to rest at the counter. Luke poured a cup of coffee for her.
"Quite a night" Lorelai remarked taking a sip of her coffee. "Is it always this busy?"
"Sometimes, there are more hungry people in Stars Hollow, than you'd think."
"You do make a mean burger."
"Thanks." He smiled.
"Remember Santa burger?" She recalled.
"Of course, I made him for you." Luke smiled sitting down at the stool next to her.
"It really meant a lot to me what you did for me that night. You've always been there. When Christopher was being an ass, when Rory needed something, and especially when I needed something. Sometimes you were a little grumpy or reluctant but that's just your way of being cute. I get it. I just thought I'd tell you I appreciate it."
"I want to be a part of your and Rory's lives. You're special to me, even if you are a little crazed." He smiled and topped off her cup with the pot that sat on the counter.
"I bet Nicole hates us being so close to you, huh?" Lorelai sipped her coffee again.
"Nicole has no say in my life anymore."
"Why?"
"We aren't together anymore." Lorelai looked shocked, but truthfully she was a little happy.
"What happened?" She asked.
"It's a long story."
"I've got some time." She nudged.
"We got back from the cruise, but it turns out she didn't want some big commitment, and I guess it came off like I thought she wanted that, or that I thought I wanted that. She basically freaked and left."
"I'm sorry, I guess I was wrong. I gave you bad advice, I'm sorry."
"It's okay. I wasn't sure she was the right one either. And sometimes I do appreciate your advice." He smiled.
"Sometimes?" She asked.
"Only sometimes." He replied and chuckled a little.
*This is the place in my heart
This is the place where
I'm falling apart
Isn't this just where we met?
And is this the last chance
That I'll ever get?*
"Luke, I've been thinking about us a lot lately actually. Especially, since I got home."
"You have?" He swallowed hard.
"Yeah, it's just that you've been there in everything that I needed you in. I've denied it until now, but I don't know if I can anymore."
"I know what you mean." He nodded."Rory talked to me too."
"She did?"
"Yeah, but regardless, she's right you know."
"She's right about what?"
"I need to stop living for tomorrow, and start ---" He stopped.
He sat there on the stool next to her, just staring into her blue eyes. He leaned in a little and pressed his lips to hers. She set down her coffee mug, stunned in mid-kiss. He stopped and pulled back.
"She was right about that."
A/N: Hello again everyone! First of all let me start out by saying that I am glad so many people are enjoying this. The compliments and emails I have gotten from people have been so nice! It makes me feel so fulfilled that it makes someone other than me happy. Thanks so much! Only one set of lyrics in this chapter. I've got some more up my sleeve though, just waiting for the right time to use them. Anyway, the lyrics are "You Don't See Me" by Josie and The Pussycats, off the movie soundtrack. Good movie, killer sweet punk soundtrack! Sorry, I just love this movie! I love Alan M.! Dave and Alan are so alike. I am a sucker for a good guy with a sweet face! Also "When I See You" by Macy Gray.
