Disclaimer: We all know I don't own Gilmore Girls.

Dedications: Emily Carol, strawberrygurl, bluedancer, and smile1.

A/N: This is one month after Rory and Jess got together and Dean is still mad at Rory. Lindsay and Rory are still friends, but she's not dating Dean in my story.

Chapter 1: You are Cordially Invited

"I hate my mom," Lane said to Rory as the walked down the street towards Luke's. It was December 22rd. It wasn't snowing yet, but Rory wished it did.

"So you say," said Rory.

"I really really really want to go out with Dave, but I can't because I'm Korean," said Lane. "My life totally sucks."

"I'll switch bodies with you," Rory joked.

"Oh, would you?" Lane joked back.

"RORY! LANE!" called a voice.

Lane and Rory turned around. Rory's old friend, Lindsay, was running down the street trying to catch up to them. Her shoulder length blonde her was blowing in the wind. They stopped and she finally caught up to them.

"Hey, Rory," said Lindsay, out of breath. "I haven't seen you in a long time."

"I know," said Rory. "I miss you."

"I miss you, too," said Lindsay.

"Anybody miss me?" Lane joked.

The three of them laughed.

"I'm glad I ran into the two of you," said Lindsay, handing them two invitations. "I missed Lane in school and then I saw you with her so I made an extra copy. I'm having a party tomorrow night and I would really like it if you would be there."

Rory took a look at the invitation that was given to her. The party looked like fun.

"I'll be there," said Lane. "I'll sneak Dave in if that's okay."

"It's fine," said Lindsay.

"And I'll bring Jess," said Rory.

"Oh." Suddenly a worried expression found its way across Lindsay's face.

"What?" Rory asked.

"Um.I invited Dean," said Lindsay.

"So?"

"Won't a huge fight erupt between them?"

"No. Dean can deal with it. I won't bring Jess if you don't want him there."

"No. It's okay. You can bring him."

"Thank you."

"See you guys tomorrow night!"

"Bye!"

Lindsay ran home.

"You sure you want to bring Jess?" Lane asked.

"Dean's going to have to deal with it," said Rory. "He and I aren't together anymore."

"Okay," said Lane.

THAT NIGHT

Lindsay had told Rory in advance that it was a casual party so picking out an outfit wasn't a problem. Rory wore a fancy red shirt with nice blue jeans and some earrings. Suddenly, the phone rang.

"I'll get it," Rory said to her mother who was sitting on the couch.

"You always get the phone calls," Lorelai said.

"Not my problem," said Rory, picking up the phone. "Hello?"

"Hey, Rory," said a sick-sounding voice.

"Jess, is that you?" Rory asked.

"Yeah."

"What's wrong? You sound terrible."

"That's what I feel right now. I'm sick."

"What?"

"I have laryngitis and I have a fever. I have to stay home."

"You're not just saying this to get out of coming are you."

"No. Not this time. I'm sorry."

"It's okay. You want me to come over?"

"No. Luke quarantined me. He said I can't have you over until I'm better."

"Okay. Well, feel better."

"I'm feeling a little better. Go to the party enjoy yourself."

"You sure?"

"Yeah."

"Okay. Bye."

"Bye."

Rory hung up and started to walk out the door.

"What happened?" Lorelai asked.

"Jess is sick and can't make it," said Rory. "So Lane and I are going to meet Dave there."

"You going to be okay without Jess?" Lorelai asked.

"Yeah," said Rory. "I think it would give some time for me and Lindsay to catch up."

"Okay," said Lorelai. "Have fun."

"Bye, mom."

"Bye."

To Be Continued.

A/N: Well, here's chapter 1. Chapter 2 is coming soon. Also, AU means alternate universe, right?