A couple hours later Jess made his way downstairs to help Luke. Threw the curtain he heard Lorelai and stopped. He wasn't sure if he should just walk out and say 'hey, I'm back!' So he stood there and waited for a minute. He realized suddenly that they were talking about him. He listened closer.
'What do you mean he is back, Luke, why did you take him back? After all he did to you and the town, you're letting him stay? Are you insane?'
'Listen he is family, I've said it before and I will say it again you don't turn your back on family no matter what.'
'I know you're a good guy, but can you really handle him again? I mean what did he do this time, why is he here. Is he on the run from cops is he in trouble?
'No, and don't take this the wrong way, but whatever reasons I have for taking him in are my own, and further more whatever reasons he has for being here are his own, so don't yell, or nag or do anything to him, okay? Please.
'Fine' she got a look from Luke 'I swear I won't bother the kid'
'Thank you'
Jess had heard enough so he walked out in to the diner, looking like he hadn't heard a thing and he was just coming down the stairs. He appreciated Luke telling Lorelai that it wasn't her business, he didn't really need her yelling at him.
'Jess'
'Hello, Lorelai'
'How are you?'
'Could be better, you?
'Same as you'
'Imagine that'
'Luke, need any help?'
'Take these' handing him plates 'to that table over there'
Jess nodded and left.
'Well I see his manners have improved slightly, still has the attitude.' Luke gave her another look, 'Sorry'
She watched him for a few minutes, then realized the time. 'Rory was going to meet me here half an hour ago, I wonder what could have tied her up, she doesn't have classes today so she is normally here.' She was talking to no one in particular but both Luke and Jess looked up. Luke replied 'I'm sure she is just caught up in school work'
'Convenient'
They both looked at Jess.
'Excuse me'
'Nothing'
'No there was meaning behind the way you said that, as if she is purposely not here'
'Well she is purposely not here'
'I don't understand'
'I ran into her when I got off the bus today, she will be avoiding the diner for a few days, because she is not sure what to make of my being back, if you want I can give you a cup of coffee to go because I know you are dying to go back and talk to her now' he poured her a cup, smiled and nodded and than went to take a customer's order.
'He saw Rory? Did you know this?'
'No, but it does explain why she is not here'
'Right so I am going to go home, to see her'
'See you later'
'Bye'
She left with a look at Jess, Luke was watching Jess with curiosity. He wasn't sure why he allowed Jess to stay. Maybe because he looked so lost. He had sounded sincere when he apologized, and it seemed that he had grown up a bit in the past few months. He wondered what was going through his mind.
'Jess, can you go to the market I need you to get some things'
'Yep, what do you need?'
Luke handed him a list. 'Thanks'
'No problem'
He stepped outside and walked over to Doose's. As soon as he got inside he wished he hadn't. Lorelai was in there buying some poptarts; he tried to walk by without her seeing him but no such luck.
'Jess, I know I told Luke I wouldn't bother you but I just can't help it. You have some nerve coming back here and disrupting everyone's life again, things were good, people were getting into a routine you-'
'By everyone and people you mean Rory don't you, I've already had this pleasant conversation with her, and as much as the two of you want to believe that I came back for her I'm sorry to disappoint but I didn't, before you make accusations why don't you get the full story.'
He walked away, but he could tell she was still watching him. Oh god, why am I here? I'm just going to get these looks from everyone in town, jeez I've been here a day and already I need to get out. I don't think I can handle people accusing me of things anymore. I shouldn't have come back. Another voice popped in his head telling him he had no choice what else was he going to do sleep on a park bench? He didn't think so. He got the stuff Luke needed and went back to the diner trying to ignore the stare he got from Taylor, Ms. Patty and other town members who were now aware of his being back. By tomorrow the whole town would know. He felt bad for Luke, he was going to get in a few confrontations about why he was back. Why couldn't this town just leave well enough alone and mind their own business? He shook his head, Because he said to him self it is Stars Hollow.
