I am so sorry I haven't updated in so long!!! I haven't been able to get
onto the internet for the past two weeks. I'm using a friend's laptop to
update this chapter finally so I hope you like it! And thank you to
everyone who has reviewed!!
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Don' you draw the queen of diamonds, boy
She'll beat you if she's able
You know the queen of heats is always your best bet
.
Color Me Crimson
I wake up to the sun shining in my face, and I squint against it. My old room smiles back at me in its friendly manner. Mom had surprised me with this the first night I came back. I hadn't known the extension at the back of the house had already been finished, equipped with two rooms made for two little boys with smiling faces. She had even put all of my old things back in it. It feels really good to be home.
For the first time in years I am truly happy to be here.
Voices filter through the kitchen into my room. I can hear Luke, most likely talking to Mom, in a hushed voice as to not wake me up. But I am already awake.
I stretch myself far across the bed, my toes pointed and reaching for the bottom, my hands touching the bed board. I yawn.
My clock reads 7:30, I frown. What is Mom doing up this early? Very uncharacteristic of her. Unless Luke enjoys talking to himself.
I listen closely to the sounds coming from outside my room, I catch the sounds of early morning cartoons. Mathew and Tyler are up too.
I can still remember when they were born, four and a half years ago. Mom and Luke had been married a total of four months the day they were born. I've never seen Luke so incredibly happy or surprised, except maybe for their wedding day. I'm so glad they found each other.
I snuggle again under my covers and fall into a light morning sleep, coming in and out of random thoughts.
The next time I wake up it is 8:00. I yawn again and roll over in bed. Voices didn't make me up this time, coffee did. Its sweet aroma is wafting into my room, teasing me with its acute smell. No way am I staying in bed while coffee awaits. If only I could wake up to this everyday.
Yawning and stretching once again I open my door, my gaze falls first on the coffee pot. Blinking my eyes against the light in the kitchen I make a bee line for it, and I vaguely hear Luke telling me "good morning."
I reply with a "mmm" and a wave as I pour the elixir of life into a large mug. The first gulp is hot and refreshing, it clears my head and the room around me.
Luke is clearing his throat, "Rory."
I'm taking another sip of coffee when I turn around and see him sitting there. What the fu-the sweet taste that was once in my mouth is sprayed across the room landing on the floor, the kitchen, Luke, him, and my favorite pajamas covered in baby ducks. Baby ducks????!!! I'm wearing little girl pajamas in front of a guy that I haven't seen in six years- the guy that left without a goodbye!
Luke is staring flabbergasted down at his coffee soaked flannel shirt.
Jess is gazing at me with the most bemused expression on his face.
I just sprayed my ex boyfriend whom I haven't seen in years with my spit mixed in coffee. Holy shit.
Mother of God. Shit bucket. God damn it.
I am so moronic it makes me sick.
And than I am laughing. Clutching my stomach laughing. I can't help it. I swear if I don't stop soon I'll be snorting. I cover my mouth with my hand trying to stop the giggles that are erupting from my mouth. Oh God, my stomach hurts! I know that my face is on fire but the laughing continues.
And then I hear my Mom's voice, "What's going on?"
"I sprayed . . ."giggles, " . . .them with . . ." more giggles, "coffee." I say putting my cup down on the counter. Why can't I stop?
Mom takes one look at me clad in my duck pajamas and then at the man and the boy clad in coffee. She begins laughing too. We're holding on to each other laughing so hard. I can feel the tears streaming down my cheeks, I just can't help it.
"This . . ." Mom says between giggles, "could only happen . . . to a Gilmore."
"Okay, okay." I say letting go of her, trying to control myself. I know that part of these giggles are from nervousness and embarrassment, but the situation is funny all the same. I take a deep breath to calm myself and look around the room.
Luke is desperately trying to wipe the coffee off his flannel shirt, I can hear him muttering under his breath, something about how it's the last time he'll be nice and make coffee in the morning. And Jess is still staring at me, I feel my cheeks growing redder by the moment. Of course I had to be wearing duck pajamas this morning! Of course!
I glance at my mother and notice that she's wearing her cake pajamas. I feel a little better. But not much.
"Sorry about that." I say turning my attention back to Luke and Jess. "I, ugh, lost myself for a moment there."
Luke is muttering again and Jess gives me his familiar trademark smirk. It sends tingles down my spine.
Wait, tingles?
"Obviously." Mom says as she pours herself a cup of coffee. There's still a trace of laughter left on her lips.
I pick up my mug and take another sip, "Is it Sunday already?" I ask confused. I had already been here on week? It felt like two hours.
Mom snorts, "You got up too early this morning chicka dee."
"Look who's talking Ms. Cupcake." I say back. "Besides I can't sleep when I can smell coffee right outside my room."
Mom turns and narrows her eyes at Luke, "Yeah, what were you doing making coffee this early in the morning? Waking us up from our beauty sleep!"
Luke makes an angry grunting sound, mutters something that sounds like "women!" and stalks from the room sending Mom and I into more giggles.
"That was my fault Lorelai, I just got in."
I am taken aback by his voice, it's so familiar yet so foreign. It's deeper now. It takes me a moment to realize that it's a mans voice.
"Jess Mariano." Mom says with her eyebrows raised, "How have you been?"
"Not bad." He stands up to offer he a hand. "And yourself?"
"Spectacular!" Mom is staring at his hand, I know she's contemplating on whether or not to take it. She finally does and says, "I see you've grown up."
Jess shrugs, "It happens."
I am hoping with all my might that he won't have to look at me or even have to say anything to me. Don't look. Don't look. Keep talking to Mom. I begin to edge away from the kitchen. I'm about to call out to the twins when his gaze falls on mine and jars my entire body.
God damn it, it's like I'm seventeen again or something.
"Rory Gilmore, long time no see."
"Yeah." I say casually. Whose fault is that, Mr. Suave? I glance toward the exit and back to him. Are his eyes darker than they used to be or am I going crazy?
"How are you?" he asks quietly still holding my gaze with his.
"I've had better mornings." I offer a small smile. Yes, they are definitely darker than last time, and deeper. That one curl still touches his forehead just so. I have a sudden urge to reach up and brush it aside.
He grins and does nothing but stare at me. "You look different."
I notice Mom has left the kitchen and is most likely busying herself with the twins. Damn her for leaving me like this! "Yeah, well six years can do that." I take another sip of my coffee to keep myself from drowning in his eyes. "You're taller." I say.
"Grew an inch when I hit nineteen." He says. "Finally."
"That's nice." Could this get anymore awkward?
"I thought you'd be married by now with 1.5 kids."
I take that back, it just got worse, he just hit a very sore spot. "And I thought you'd be unemployed." I say scathingly. I regret the words as soon as they leave my mouth.
He nods as and looks away from me, "Yeah, okay." I can see the hurt etched out on his eyes, but his face remains passive. He leaves the kitchen and in minutes I can hear Mom introducing him to the twins.
I am such a moronic idiot.
***
Luke had tried to warn her, he really had. But there's no stopping a Gilmore when they've spotted coffee. He can still picture Jess' face as Rory walked through the door still half asleep heading to the coffee. Jess' gaze hadn't even faltered even when coffee was sprayed all over him.
Luke replaces his shirt with another, one that looks nearly exactly the same. He stifles a chuckle, the whole thing had been pretty funny. The look on Rory's face when she turned around. Luke grins and wonders what will happen between those two.
It had been a shock to see Jess again this morning when he arrived at 7:00. A shock to see that he had actually grown into a man, a man that had a life worth living for. Six years ago if someone had told Luke that Jess would someday run a successful business he would have laughed in their face. Well, Jess proved him wrong.
And for the first time in Luke's life he is proud of his nephew.
He walks back down the stairs in his new flannel shirt. He sees Jess playing with Mathew and Tyler, Lorelai sits on the couch idly sipping her coffee. He wonders where Rory is.
"You ready Jess?" He asks as he reaches the bottom step.
Jess looks up in the middle of swinging Tyler upside down. "What?" He says confused, a grin plastered across his face. "Oh yeah." And he swings Tyler upright.
Both of the boys are giggling hysterically around him. Mathew runs up to Luke and says, "Did you know we're cousins with Jess?"
Luke ruffles his hair, "I did."
"Where ya going?" Lorelai asks as she walks over to Luke and kisses him softly on the cheek.
"Work."
"Why does Jess have to come with you?" She asks surprised. "You're going to make him work? Slave driver!"
"No, we're putting his stuff in the apartment, he'll stay there while he visits." He looks around, "We don't exactly have room here do we?"
Ten minutes later Luke and Jess are on their way to the dinner. Jess has a duffel bag thrown carelessly over his shoulder as they trod along.
Luke stares ahead listening to the dead leaves crunch beneath his feet. "The town is gunna go nutz when they find out you're here."
"Who wouldn't?" Jess asks with a smirk.
Luke grunts and says, "How'd it go with Rory?"
"Not so good." Jess' eyes are downcast. "It was expected. I wasn't exactly boyfriend material back then."
"She'll get over it." Luke says firmly. "They always do."
"Why didn't you tell me she was going to be here?" Jess asks in an almost accusing voice.
Luke shrugs, "She came kind of unexpectedly. We rarely see Rory any more, so Lorelai always jumps at the chance of her visiting."
"You don't see her much?"
"Naw, she's working hard with her new job. I'm surprised you haven't seen her at all, she lives in the city too."
Jess nearly laughs out loud, "It's a big city Luke."
"I guess so."
They've reached the dinner and Luke unlocks the door. Jess breaths in the familiar sent of the dinner as he walks through the entryway. It feels good to be back.
He surveys his surroundings, "Looks the same."
"Yeah." Luke says flicking on one of the lights. "Hasn't changed much."
"Those are new." Jess leans over the counter looking at the pictures framed on the wall. They're from all different occasions. Luke and Lorelai on their wedding say, both looking infectiously happy. Two tiny babies. Two babies again. Twin toddlers smiling at the camera. Mathew and Tyler riding bikes with training wheels. Rory graduating from college. Jess' eyes linger on the last picture for a moment before turning away.
"Mathew and Tyler are great."
Luke immediately grins at the sound of their names and swells with pride. "Yeah, they are aren't they?"
"You happy?" Jess asks.
"Happiest I've ever been."
Jess nods and says, "I can tell."
"Let's bring your stuff up." Luke says gruffly leading the way up the stairs. He can't let it get too sentimental.
Later on Jess is standing alone in the apartment. It's even smaller than he remembers, and very dismal now that Luke has moved out. There is no furniture but a bed, a table and a chair; the walls are empty with only shadows of past hangings. He is only staying for a week, it's not as though it matters; but he feels sad all the same.
Jess sits on the edge of the bed and takes in his surroundings. Breathing in memories that for a long time he was sure he had forgotten. He can distinctly remember eating silent dinners at that table in the middle of the apartment, there had always been an occasional sarcastic comment or grunt, but mostly they were silent. The only sound that could ever be heard was the chink of forks against planks and food being chewed. Only now does he realize that this silence was never uncomfortable.
Over there he had charred the floor with a forgotten cigarette, the mark was still there. He had hid some girl in that closet. He had stored his precious books on those shelves. He had kissed Rory over there where the couch used to be. And he had stared out that window nearly every night wishing desperately for what he didn't have.
And than it hits him. Something he hasn't been able to figure for years. This had been his home. The only home he ever truly known growing up. Jess finds that he liked it here too.
He is sorrowful because what is left of his past home is a chair, a table, and a bed.
***
"So what's on the agenda for today?" I ask Mom as we set off for the dinner with the boys in tow.
"Not much, but there is a town meeting tomorrow night." She says.
My face immediately breaks into a grin, "I am so there. God, I haven't been to a town meeting in I don't know how long."
"Yeah, you've missed out on a lot too. Taylor and Babbette have been in a fight ever since the last meeting when Taylor tried to outlaw gnomes."
"What?!" I say shocked. "But he can't do that! Not to Babbette!"
"Well, he tried. Apparently he's had this childhood fear of them that's never left him. Babbette won't even look at him now." Mom says letting out a giggle. "She and Ms. Patty are boycotting Doose's, they tried to get me in too, but I'm not about to go all the way out to Hartford just for vegetables."
"Mom, you don't eat vegetables anyway," I say.
Mom rolls her eyes, "Yeah but Luke does. And he makes me pick them up for him whenever I go. It's ruining my reputation and my little boys. Look what he's done to them . . ." She calls out to Mathew and Tyler who are gallivanting in front of us and says, "Hey you two, what's you're favorite vegetable?"
"Carrots!" They both shout at the same time.
Mom shakes her head in a sad way, "It's just so disappointing. If it had been you at their age you would have said, 'ice cream'!"
I laugh, "I don't think I even knew what vegetables were back then."
"The nearest you came to veggies were the pickles on your cheeseburger."
"Mm, I think I might have one of those today." That is if I can stand to be around him at all. I have a book in my purse just in case I want to sneak off somewhere to read.
Five minutes later we reach the dinner, Tyler is riding on my back while Mathew is on Mom's. "Ugh," I say. "I'm going to collapse!" I pretend to pant and I drag my feet ever slower. "Oh my gosh! I'm going to drop you!"
Tyler laughs behind me, "No you won't Rory!"
I am trudging up the stairs now, "You're so heavy." I am still breathing heavily and my hand trembles as I reach for the door. "I don't . . .know if I . . . can make it."
"Hold on tight! Hold on tight Rory!" Tyler screams as I let my hand slip from behind me. "Don't let go!"
"Tyler you're so heavy!" I am in the dinner now. "I can't hold you anymore!" I smile, holding back my laughs.
And then Tyler is lifted off my back in such a way that surprises me. I whip around to see Jess holding Tyler, both of them grinning.
"Jess saved me!" Tyler says.
"Oh thank the lawd!" I say putting a hand up to my brow and collapsing into a chair. "You arrived just in time!"
Tyler scrambles out of his arms and goes to open the door from Mom and Mathew. "Rory almost dropped me!" He says proudly, "But I held on tight."
I grin and roll my eyes, they land on Jess. He is no longer grinning, but is staring at me in such a way that I have to avert my gaze. I can feel the tips of my fingers tingling. I wonder if he is still mad. Probably, I mean I wasn't very nice to him. And then I chide myself- it's not as though he deserves kindness.
Right?
The boys and Mom join me at the table. Mom stares up at Jess and says, "Are you going to take our order or not?"
I kick her under the table, "Mom he doesn't work here anymore." I hiss.
But Jess just laughs, "I will for old times sake."
Mom sticks her tongue out at me and then laughs. "He has to get on my good side, remember?" She whispers as he leaves.
"No he doesn't! It's not like he lives around here anymore."
Mom simply smiles at me in her secretive way and shakes her head.
"So what would you like?" Jess has returned equipped with a pad of paper and a pen.
"Chicken fingers and milk." Tyler and Mathew say together.
Mom rolls her eyes and says to me, "See what I mean! They order milk!" She turns to Jess and says, "Rory and I will both have cheeseburgers, extra fires, and coffee."
"Hey!" I say indignantly. "I can order for myself."
Mom shrugs, "Go ahead then."
I turn to Jess and say, "I'll have a cheeseburger and a cup of coffee please."
"Extra fries?"
"Yes please."
"Alright, I'll be back."
God he has a gorgeous smile. How could I have forgotten that smile?! I stare at his retreating back. Nice ass too.
I turn back to the table and Mom is grinning at me. "What?" I say.
"I saw that."
"Saw what?"
"You were checking him out!"
"Was not!"
"Were too!"
"Was not!"
"Were too!"
Tyler nods seriously, "You were Rory."
Mathew shakes his head, "No she wasn't."
"Yes she was!" Tyler says angrily.
"See, Tyler agrees."
"No!"
"Well, Mathew doesn't."
"Yeaaaah!"
"Nut ugh!"
"Yuuu huh!"
"Here's two milks." Jess is back again, he puts a milk in front of Mathew and than Tyler.
"Nut ugh!"
"They'll fight over anything when they're in the mood." Mom says yawning.
"Yu huh!"
"And two coffees."
I watch as he places a coffee in front of me. His hands are tan and worn, I wonder what they would feel like against my cheek. Stop it Rory! Just stop it!
"NUT UGH!"
"YU HUH!"
"Boys!"
"Hey, now, what's all this fighting about?"
"Rory WAS chucking you out Jess." Tyler pipes up, not even knowing what he is saying. He is pointing at me.
My life is destroyed. Someone please shoot me now.
"No she wasn't!"
"Mathew! Tyler! You better stop right now! And no pointing Tyler, it's not nice. Right? Pointing's not nice?"
"I guess not." Jess says but he is looking at me. I can feel it. I bet he's smirking too.
Oh my God. Oh my God. I can feel my entire face burning. My life is over.
"You were fighting too Mommy!"
"But I stopped babe."
Mom is trying desperately to calm the situation but I can see her holding back a smile.
I want to run out of the dinner at top speed. But I can't, so I take a sip of my coffee, letting my hair fall around my crimson face.
"That's okay, I get checked out a lot Tyler."
Can't he just go away? Does he have to make my embarrassment even worse?
"It's hard for women to escape my woes and Rory is no exception."
I snort into my coffee, "Right." I look up to see Jess staring at me with the biggest smirk I've ever seen. I should be irritated, but instead I smile. I swear to God I am going psychotic.
"What's a woe?"
"Yeah, and what's chuck, er, checked out?"
I finally look away from him by taking another sip of my scalding hot coffee. My face is still on fire, even more so from staring at him for so long. I really don't want to feel like I'm eighteen again, but I do. That's twice I have been mortally embarrassed in front of him today. Will it never end?
That's all for now!! Hopefully I will be able to update soon again on my friends computer, but if I can't it will probably be awhile until the next update. And please review!!!!!!!!!! ~Kay
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Don' you draw the queen of diamonds, boy
She'll beat you if she's able
You know the queen of heats is always your best bet
.
Color Me Crimson
I wake up to the sun shining in my face, and I squint against it. My old room smiles back at me in its friendly manner. Mom had surprised me with this the first night I came back. I hadn't known the extension at the back of the house had already been finished, equipped with two rooms made for two little boys with smiling faces. She had even put all of my old things back in it. It feels really good to be home.
For the first time in years I am truly happy to be here.
Voices filter through the kitchen into my room. I can hear Luke, most likely talking to Mom, in a hushed voice as to not wake me up. But I am already awake.
I stretch myself far across the bed, my toes pointed and reaching for the bottom, my hands touching the bed board. I yawn.
My clock reads 7:30, I frown. What is Mom doing up this early? Very uncharacteristic of her. Unless Luke enjoys talking to himself.
I listen closely to the sounds coming from outside my room, I catch the sounds of early morning cartoons. Mathew and Tyler are up too.
I can still remember when they were born, four and a half years ago. Mom and Luke had been married a total of four months the day they were born. I've never seen Luke so incredibly happy or surprised, except maybe for their wedding day. I'm so glad they found each other.
I snuggle again under my covers and fall into a light morning sleep, coming in and out of random thoughts.
The next time I wake up it is 8:00. I yawn again and roll over in bed. Voices didn't make me up this time, coffee did. Its sweet aroma is wafting into my room, teasing me with its acute smell. No way am I staying in bed while coffee awaits. If only I could wake up to this everyday.
Yawning and stretching once again I open my door, my gaze falls first on the coffee pot. Blinking my eyes against the light in the kitchen I make a bee line for it, and I vaguely hear Luke telling me "good morning."
I reply with a "mmm" and a wave as I pour the elixir of life into a large mug. The first gulp is hot and refreshing, it clears my head and the room around me.
Luke is clearing his throat, "Rory."
I'm taking another sip of coffee when I turn around and see him sitting there. What the fu-the sweet taste that was once in my mouth is sprayed across the room landing on the floor, the kitchen, Luke, him, and my favorite pajamas covered in baby ducks. Baby ducks????!!! I'm wearing little girl pajamas in front of a guy that I haven't seen in six years- the guy that left without a goodbye!
Luke is staring flabbergasted down at his coffee soaked flannel shirt.
Jess is gazing at me with the most bemused expression on his face.
I just sprayed my ex boyfriend whom I haven't seen in years with my spit mixed in coffee. Holy shit.
Mother of God. Shit bucket. God damn it.
I am so moronic it makes me sick.
And than I am laughing. Clutching my stomach laughing. I can't help it. I swear if I don't stop soon I'll be snorting. I cover my mouth with my hand trying to stop the giggles that are erupting from my mouth. Oh God, my stomach hurts! I know that my face is on fire but the laughing continues.
And then I hear my Mom's voice, "What's going on?"
"I sprayed . . ."giggles, " . . .them with . . ." more giggles, "coffee." I say putting my cup down on the counter. Why can't I stop?
Mom takes one look at me clad in my duck pajamas and then at the man and the boy clad in coffee. She begins laughing too. We're holding on to each other laughing so hard. I can feel the tears streaming down my cheeks, I just can't help it.
"This . . ." Mom says between giggles, "could only happen . . . to a Gilmore."
"Okay, okay." I say letting go of her, trying to control myself. I know that part of these giggles are from nervousness and embarrassment, but the situation is funny all the same. I take a deep breath to calm myself and look around the room.
Luke is desperately trying to wipe the coffee off his flannel shirt, I can hear him muttering under his breath, something about how it's the last time he'll be nice and make coffee in the morning. And Jess is still staring at me, I feel my cheeks growing redder by the moment. Of course I had to be wearing duck pajamas this morning! Of course!
I glance at my mother and notice that she's wearing her cake pajamas. I feel a little better. But not much.
"Sorry about that." I say turning my attention back to Luke and Jess. "I, ugh, lost myself for a moment there."
Luke is muttering again and Jess gives me his familiar trademark smirk. It sends tingles down my spine.
Wait, tingles?
"Obviously." Mom says as she pours herself a cup of coffee. There's still a trace of laughter left on her lips.
I pick up my mug and take another sip, "Is it Sunday already?" I ask confused. I had already been here on week? It felt like two hours.
Mom snorts, "You got up too early this morning chicka dee."
"Look who's talking Ms. Cupcake." I say back. "Besides I can't sleep when I can smell coffee right outside my room."
Mom turns and narrows her eyes at Luke, "Yeah, what were you doing making coffee this early in the morning? Waking us up from our beauty sleep!"
Luke makes an angry grunting sound, mutters something that sounds like "women!" and stalks from the room sending Mom and I into more giggles.
"That was my fault Lorelai, I just got in."
I am taken aback by his voice, it's so familiar yet so foreign. It's deeper now. It takes me a moment to realize that it's a mans voice.
"Jess Mariano." Mom says with her eyebrows raised, "How have you been?"
"Not bad." He stands up to offer he a hand. "And yourself?"
"Spectacular!" Mom is staring at his hand, I know she's contemplating on whether or not to take it. She finally does and says, "I see you've grown up."
Jess shrugs, "It happens."
I am hoping with all my might that he won't have to look at me or even have to say anything to me. Don't look. Don't look. Keep talking to Mom. I begin to edge away from the kitchen. I'm about to call out to the twins when his gaze falls on mine and jars my entire body.
God damn it, it's like I'm seventeen again or something.
"Rory Gilmore, long time no see."
"Yeah." I say casually. Whose fault is that, Mr. Suave? I glance toward the exit and back to him. Are his eyes darker than they used to be or am I going crazy?
"How are you?" he asks quietly still holding my gaze with his.
"I've had better mornings." I offer a small smile. Yes, they are definitely darker than last time, and deeper. That one curl still touches his forehead just so. I have a sudden urge to reach up and brush it aside.
He grins and does nothing but stare at me. "You look different."
I notice Mom has left the kitchen and is most likely busying herself with the twins. Damn her for leaving me like this! "Yeah, well six years can do that." I take another sip of my coffee to keep myself from drowning in his eyes. "You're taller." I say.
"Grew an inch when I hit nineteen." He says. "Finally."
"That's nice." Could this get anymore awkward?
"I thought you'd be married by now with 1.5 kids."
I take that back, it just got worse, he just hit a very sore spot. "And I thought you'd be unemployed." I say scathingly. I regret the words as soon as they leave my mouth.
He nods as and looks away from me, "Yeah, okay." I can see the hurt etched out on his eyes, but his face remains passive. He leaves the kitchen and in minutes I can hear Mom introducing him to the twins.
I am such a moronic idiot.
***
Luke had tried to warn her, he really had. But there's no stopping a Gilmore when they've spotted coffee. He can still picture Jess' face as Rory walked through the door still half asleep heading to the coffee. Jess' gaze hadn't even faltered even when coffee was sprayed all over him.
Luke replaces his shirt with another, one that looks nearly exactly the same. He stifles a chuckle, the whole thing had been pretty funny. The look on Rory's face when she turned around. Luke grins and wonders what will happen between those two.
It had been a shock to see Jess again this morning when he arrived at 7:00. A shock to see that he had actually grown into a man, a man that had a life worth living for. Six years ago if someone had told Luke that Jess would someday run a successful business he would have laughed in their face. Well, Jess proved him wrong.
And for the first time in Luke's life he is proud of his nephew.
He walks back down the stairs in his new flannel shirt. He sees Jess playing with Mathew and Tyler, Lorelai sits on the couch idly sipping her coffee. He wonders where Rory is.
"You ready Jess?" He asks as he reaches the bottom step.
Jess looks up in the middle of swinging Tyler upside down. "What?" He says confused, a grin plastered across his face. "Oh yeah." And he swings Tyler upright.
Both of the boys are giggling hysterically around him. Mathew runs up to Luke and says, "Did you know we're cousins with Jess?"
Luke ruffles his hair, "I did."
"Where ya going?" Lorelai asks as she walks over to Luke and kisses him softly on the cheek.
"Work."
"Why does Jess have to come with you?" She asks surprised. "You're going to make him work? Slave driver!"
"No, we're putting his stuff in the apartment, he'll stay there while he visits." He looks around, "We don't exactly have room here do we?"
Ten minutes later Luke and Jess are on their way to the dinner. Jess has a duffel bag thrown carelessly over his shoulder as they trod along.
Luke stares ahead listening to the dead leaves crunch beneath his feet. "The town is gunna go nutz when they find out you're here."
"Who wouldn't?" Jess asks with a smirk.
Luke grunts and says, "How'd it go with Rory?"
"Not so good." Jess' eyes are downcast. "It was expected. I wasn't exactly boyfriend material back then."
"She'll get over it." Luke says firmly. "They always do."
"Why didn't you tell me she was going to be here?" Jess asks in an almost accusing voice.
Luke shrugs, "She came kind of unexpectedly. We rarely see Rory any more, so Lorelai always jumps at the chance of her visiting."
"You don't see her much?"
"Naw, she's working hard with her new job. I'm surprised you haven't seen her at all, she lives in the city too."
Jess nearly laughs out loud, "It's a big city Luke."
"I guess so."
They've reached the dinner and Luke unlocks the door. Jess breaths in the familiar sent of the dinner as he walks through the entryway. It feels good to be back.
He surveys his surroundings, "Looks the same."
"Yeah." Luke says flicking on one of the lights. "Hasn't changed much."
"Those are new." Jess leans over the counter looking at the pictures framed on the wall. They're from all different occasions. Luke and Lorelai on their wedding say, both looking infectiously happy. Two tiny babies. Two babies again. Twin toddlers smiling at the camera. Mathew and Tyler riding bikes with training wheels. Rory graduating from college. Jess' eyes linger on the last picture for a moment before turning away.
"Mathew and Tyler are great."
Luke immediately grins at the sound of their names and swells with pride. "Yeah, they are aren't they?"
"You happy?" Jess asks.
"Happiest I've ever been."
Jess nods and says, "I can tell."
"Let's bring your stuff up." Luke says gruffly leading the way up the stairs. He can't let it get too sentimental.
Later on Jess is standing alone in the apartment. It's even smaller than he remembers, and very dismal now that Luke has moved out. There is no furniture but a bed, a table and a chair; the walls are empty with only shadows of past hangings. He is only staying for a week, it's not as though it matters; but he feels sad all the same.
Jess sits on the edge of the bed and takes in his surroundings. Breathing in memories that for a long time he was sure he had forgotten. He can distinctly remember eating silent dinners at that table in the middle of the apartment, there had always been an occasional sarcastic comment or grunt, but mostly they were silent. The only sound that could ever be heard was the chink of forks against planks and food being chewed. Only now does he realize that this silence was never uncomfortable.
Over there he had charred the floor with a forgotten cigarette, the mark was still there. He had hid some girl in that closet. He had stored his precious books on those shelves. He had kissed Rory over there where the couch used to be. And he had stared out that window nearly every night wishing desperately for what he didn't have.
And than it hits him. Something he hasn't been able to figure for years. This had been his home. The only home he ever truly known growing up. Jess finds that he liked it here too.
He is sorrowful because what is left of his past home is a chair, a table, and a bed.
***
"So what's on the agenda for today?" I ask Mom as we set off for the dinner with the boys in tow.
"Not much, but there is a town meeting tomorrow night." She says.
My face immediately breaks into a grin, "I am so there. God, I haven't been to a town meeting in I don't know how long."
"Yeah, you've missed out on a lot too. Taylor and Babbette have been in a fight ever since the last meeting when Taylor tried to outlaw gnomes."
"What?!" I say shocked. "But he can't do that! Not to Babbette!"
"Well, he tried. Apparently he's had this childhood fear of them that's never left him. Babbette won't even look at him now." Mom says letting out a giggle. "She and Ms. Patty are boycotting Doose's, they tried to get me in too, but I'm not about to go all the way out to Hartford just for vegetables."
"Mom, you don't eat vegetables anyway," I say.
Mom rolls her eyes, "Yeah but Luke does. And he makes me pick them up for him whenever I go. It's ruining my reputation and my little boys. Look what he's done to them . . ." She calls out to Mathew and Tyler who are gallivanting in front of us and says, "Hey you two, what's you're favorite vegetable?"
"Carrots!" They both shout at the same time.
Mom shakes her head in a sad way, "It's just so disappointing. If it had been you at their age you would have said, 'ice cream'!"
I laugh, "I don't think I even knew what vegetables were back then."
"The nearest you came to veggies were the pickles on your cheeseburger."
"Mm, I think I might have one of those today." That is if I can stand to be around him at all. I have a book in my purse just in case I want to sneak off somewhere to read.
Five minutes later we reach the dinner, Tyler is riding on my back while Mathew is on Mom's. "Ugh," I say. "I'm going to collapse!" I pretend to pant and I drag my feet ever slower. "Oh my gosh! I'm going to drop you!"
Tyler laughs behind me, "No you won't Rory!"
I am trudging up the stairs now, "You're so heavy." I am still breathing heavily and my hand trembles as I reach for the door. "I don't . . .know if I . . . can make it."
"Hold on tight! Hold on tight Rory!" Tyler screams as I let my hand slip from behind me. "Don't let go!"
"Tyler you're so heavy!" I am in the dinner now. "I can't hold you anymore!" I smile, holding back my laughs.
And then Tyler is lifted off my back in such a way that surprises me. I whip around to see Jess holding Tyler, both of them grinning.
"Jess saved me!" Tyler says.
"Oh thank the lawd!" I say putting a hand up to my brow and collapsing into a chair. "You arrived just in time!"
Tyler scrambles out of his arms and goes to open the door from Mom and Mathew. "Rory almost dropped me!" He says proudly, "But I held on tight."
I grin and roll my eyes, they land on Jess. He is no longer grinning, but is staring at me in such a way that I have to avert my gaze. I can feel the tips of my fingers tingling. I wonder if he is still mad. Probably, I mean I wasn't very nice to him. And then I chide myself- it's not as though he deserves kindness.
Right?
The boys and Mom join me at the table. Mom stares up at Jess and says, "Are you going to take our order or not?"
I kick her under the table, "Mom he doesn't work here anymore." I hiss.
But Jess just laughs, "I will for old times sake."
Mom sticks her tongue out at me and then laughs. "He has to get on my good side, remember?" She whispers as he leaves.
"No he doesn't! It's not like he lives around here anymore."
Mom simply smiles at me in her secretive way and shakes her head.
"So what would you like?" Jess has returned equipped with a pad of paper and a pen.
"Chicken fingers and milk." Tyler and Mathew say together.
Mom rolls her eyes and says to me, "See what I mean! They order milk!" She turns to Jess and says, "Rory and I will both have cheeseburgers, extra fires, and coffee."
"Hey!" I say indignantly. "I can order for myself."
Mom shrugs, "Go ahead then."
I turn to Jess and say, "I'll have a cheeseburger and a cup of coffee please."
"Extra fries?"
"Yes please."
"Alright, I'll be back."
God he has a gorgeous smile. How could I have forgotten that smile?! I stare at his retreating back. Nice ass too.
I turn back to the table and Mom is grinning at me. "What?" I say.
"I saw that."
"Saw what?"
"You were checking him out!"
"Was not!"
"Were too!"
"Was not!"
"Were too!"
Tyler nods seriously, "You were Rory."
Mathew shakes his head, "No she wasn't."
"Yes she was!" Tyler says angrily.
"See, Tyler agrees."
"No!"
"Well, Mathew doesn't."
"Yeaaaah!"
"Nut ugh!"
"Yuuu huh!"
"Here's two milks." Jess is back again, he puts a milk in front of Mathew and than Tyler.
"Nut ugh!"
"They'll fight over anything when they're in the mood." Mom says yawning.
"Yu huh!"
"And two coffees."
I watch as he places a coffee in front of me. His hands are tan and worn, I wonder what they would feel like against my cheek. Stop it Rory! Just stop it!
"NUT UGH!"
"YU HUH!"
"Boys!"
"Hey, now, what's all this fighting about?"
"Rory WAS chucking you out Jess." Tyler pipes up, not even knowing what he is saying. He is pointing at me.
My life is destroyed. Someone please shoot me now.
"No she wasn't!"
"Mathew! Tyler! You better stop right now! And no pointing Tyler, it's not nice. Right? Pointing's not nice?"
"I guess not." Jess says but he is looking at me. I can feel it. I bet he's smirking too.
Oh my God. Oh my God. I can feel my entire face burning. My life is over.
"You were fighting too Mommy!"
"But I stopped babe."
Mom is trying desperately to calm the situation but I can see her holding back a smile.
I want to run out of the dinner at top speed. But I can't, so I take a sip of my coffee, letting my hair fall around my crimson face.
"That's okay, I get checked out a lot Tyler."
Can't he just go away? Does he have to make my embarrassment even worse?
"It's hard for women to escape my woes and Rory is no exception."
I snort into my coffee, "Right." I look up to see Jess staring at me with the biggest smirk I've ever seen. I should be irritated, but instead I smile. I swear to God I am going psychotic.
"What's a woe?"
"Yeah, and what's chuck, er, checked out?"
I finally look away from him by taking another sip of my scalding hot coffee. My face is still on fire, even more so from staring at him for so long. I really don't want to feel like I'm eighteen again, but I do. That's twice I have been mortally embarrassed in front of him today. Will it never end?
That's all for now!! Hopefully I will be able to update soon again on my friends computer, but if I can't it will probably be awhile until the next update. And please review!!!!!!!!!! ~Kay
