Chapter 11
A/N: Thanks for all the reviews. Here's the next chapter, enjoy.


Luke watched as Rory was walking towards the Diner with bags in her hand.

I hope she was able to get everything. This all has to be perfect. This is important to Jess so it's important to me. I still can't believe his father left on his birthday. And my irresponsible sister didn't care at all for her own son. But this isn't the time to get angry. Right now I have to be here for Jess. I'm gonna do the best I can, because he is my family.

Luke let out a deep breath. No matter what, I'm gonna make sure this is the best birthday ever. Jess has been through a lot, including today. Just this morning he was able to open up to Rory. Then he came back here and was able to tell me. And he actually told me everything, not just some sentence answer.

Oh man, what have I gotten myself into?

Rory walked into the Diner and saw Luke. He was pacing back and forth. He looks like he's about to burn a hole through the floor. Why is he so nervous? Never mind, I know why.

She smiled at this thought, "Hey, Luke. You wanna to stop for a second?" She joked.

Luke stopped and looked up surprised. When did she get here? Wasn't the bell supposed to jingle?

"Oh, right. Sorry, I'm just nervous," he explained after he realized that he had been pacing.

"Because you care about Jess," Rory said in a singsong voice.

Luke gave her a look, but then he smiled. She's right. I do care about him. No, that doesn't sound right. I love Jess, he's like a son to me. Yeah, that sounds much better.

"Come on, we can put everything upstairs," Luke says.

So they both went upstairs to make everything perfect in the short time they had.

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Thankfully that's over with. Now I just wanna get home. Jess smiled. I'm never gonna get tired of saying that word.

I guess I love Luke. He's the father I never had. Yeah, I do love him.

Maybe I'm going soft.

Jess just shook his head. But the smile stayed in place.

Jess kept walking until he saw the Diner up ahead.

I guess Luke decided to keep it closed today. Oh well, no complaints here. I didn't feel like working today anyway.

He walked to the door and opened it. He looked around the Diner and called, "Luke?!"

Guess he went upstairs.

So Jess climbed up the stairs and opened the door.

This is weird. Why are the lights off? It's so dark in here. There isn't even light from the windows. Maybe Luke went out. He probably found something better do anyway. I really don't care. Really.

As he put the lights on two people jumped up and screamed, "Surprise!"

Jess practically jumped out of his skin. "Huh?" I definitely didn't expect this.

"What's going on?" he asked after getting over the surprise.

"It's your surprise party," Luke said.

"You like?" Rory asked hopefully.

Jess looked around to see a bunch of red and black streamers hanging around the apartment. There were even some black and red balloons.

They know me too well.

Then he looked at the table to see a cake just for him. If he weren't trying to keep his bad boy image, he would have cried. Instead a huge smile spreads across his face.

This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. This the ONLY nice thing anyone's ever done for me.

"It's wonderful," he says finally finding his voice.

"Good, I'm glad you like it," Luke says pleased with himself.

Thank the Lord. I thought I was going to go crazy. Luke thought with a sigh of relief.

Jess then looked at Rory and Luke, trying to regain control of his smile. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Jess runs to Luke and gives him the biggest hug ever.

"Thank You," Jess says quietly to Luke.

This is where I belong. He thought happily.

Luke was surprised at first, but he eagerly returned the hug.

We are definitely one odd family, but I wouldn't exchange it for the world. Luke thought with a smile.

As Rory watched, she couldn't help but smile herself.

I've never seen Jess or Luke smile this much. This is exactly what they needed. Maybe they'll be able to talk about what they're thinking from now on. I'm probably getting ahead of myself, but I don't care. This is huge step.

They can finally be a family.
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End of Chapter 11
A/N: This looks like the last chapter, but I'm going to write a chapter with the actually party. Hope you liked this chapter, please review.