A/N: I'm Back!! And let me tell you. The only reason I'm here typing this
now is because I'm not allowed to return to work for 4 days. Somehow I
contracted pink eye-apparently I had an ear infection, that I didn't know
about and it caused pink eye. So now I'm sitting in the ac, washing my
hands every 5 mins and writing this up. So I'm warning you now, I'm
diseased I'm sorry if this chapters not up to snuff.
*The clinking of keys is heard moments before the door of Rory Gilmore's apartment swings open.
"You going to be ok?" James asks in a hushed voice as they enter Rory's apartment.
Rory shrugs, " I don't know."
Jess stares at Rory, "What do you mean you don't know? Ror you've been in such a funk this last week."
"It's just....I've been doing so good with out him."
"Have you kiddo? You haven't been the same since you two broke up, who are you kidding?"
Rory smiles faintly, "Well I mean I've been doing a good job of living in denial....but tonight, well tonight I just saw how bad its gotten...I mean if I can't even give Tristan DuGrey, whose become quite attractive over the past few years I might add; the time of day there's got to be something wrong with me.....and now you've forced me to admit the truth."
"Which is that you're still madly in love with Jess," James answers raising an eyebrow at his friend.
Rory nods sadly.
"So what are you waiting for? It's 11pm here, so what does it make it there? 8?........call him."
"I-I can't."
"Why?"
"Come on James, it's the same reason why I couldn't call him last week, the same reason why I've spent every night for the past 8 days on your couch......."
"Who are you kidding missy...a gentleman never lets a lady sleep on the couch."
Rory grins, "So explain to me why I've fallen asleep on your couch and woken up on your couch every time?"
"Uh because the big strong man that I am carries you from the couch to the bed every night, paces out himself on the lumpy old couch, and then carries you back to the couch every morning before he leaves for work."
"You do not do that."
"Yes I do.......have you not noticed that I keep cracking my back----my bed is superb, it is perfect for my back---the couch however gives me a creak in my neck which causes tension in my back therefore causing me to crack it..I swear you are the soundest sleeper I have ever met."
Rory laughs, "Its hereditary."
"Is artfully changing the subject also inherited?"
Rory blushes, "I didn't change the subject you did."
"Ror, you haven't even been home to check your machine, your mom only called your cell after leaving three messages and not getting an answer."
"She's the only one who ever calls me, so why would I need to check my messages, I should just assume she called and call her back----besides I'm here now so its not like I'm a lost cause."
"You're here because you ran out of underwear at my place.....otherwise, you my friend would have kept running away from your problems."
Rory looks sternly at James, "Look James I'm not running away from anything, I just needed to be in the presence of someone who makes me happy- --and you have that effect on me---if anything I've just been a little blue this week that's all."
"A little blue? I saw you cry at a Kodak commercial, that's a sign of deep- rooted issues."
"James...."
"Rory come on don't keep this going any further, I have no problem being here for you, but you're not even trying to make things better for yourself."
"How can I? He's with Cadi, he loves her he's doing good....without me, I can't get in the way of him succeeding, he never could get his act together when he had me-----and then I'm gone and he's doing great, she's good for him James, her not me."
James sighs, as tears form in Rory's eyes.
"Come on I'm sorry, I don't want to get you upset."
Rory wipes the tears from her eyes violently, "Not your fault, I just have to get over this."
James nods sympathetically, "Look, do you want me to stay?"
"What about-"
"I'm not worried about her, you however-"
Rory nods, "Please"
"Be my pleasure.....why don't you get cleaned up...I'll check the condition of the fridge."
Rory smiles, "Ok."
James strolls towards the kitchen as Rory disappears into the bedroom.
"Hey, hun?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm just gonna play the machine make sure you didn't miss a call form Lane or work or something."
"Ok! I'll be out in five."
James presses the play button on the answering machine, and the n continues towards the kitchen.
~~~~Hey Babe it's mom, call me when you get home.~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~Ok it's been about 4 hours now, it's almost 7 which means you've had to have come home by now, I'm lonely Luke's still at work give me a call and we'll talk about all the bikers and Abercrombie models you're canoodling with, love ya call me."~~~~~~~
James laughs at the message as he pulls two Smirnoff's out of the fridge.
~~~~~Hello Rory, this is Paris, I was wondering if we could compare notes for the test in chemistry on Thursday? Ok get back to me bye.~~~~~~~~
"Does that girl ever just chill out?" James asks loudly.
"I don't think so." Rory replies reemerging wearing cotton pj pants and a worn dashboard confessional t-shirt.
James continues to laugh, handing Rory a drink. ~~~~~"Hey"~~~~~~
The entrance of Jess' voice puts an end to the laughter.
"Oh my God." Rory breathes.
~~~~~"Ror, if you're there pick up, it's me Jess........I uh, got your message last week, sorry I didn't call back sooner I've been, I've been going out of my mind actually. Well the machine's gonna cut me of so, be careful out there in the dating world, there are some real weirdoes out there and you deserve the best, ok well call me back I love-----beep!"~~~~
End Of Messages The machine announces.
"Looks like you weren't the only one feeling blue.....he sounded like death."
"He always sounds like that." Rory replies.
"So you going to call him?"
"N-not tonight."
"Why not?"
"I have to work out what to say, besides he was probably just having a bad night."
"Right and you just happened to be the first and probably only person he called to talk to about it........and hun, don't put it off.......you're much better at the improv than the planned out stuff anyway." James replies grabbing his jacket.
"Are you leaving?" Rory asks, a hint of desperation in her voice.
James scoffs, "No, but its freezing in here, does your building ever have heat?"
"You think I should call him?"
"Yeah, right now in fact....before you lose your nerve."
"My nerve's been gone for years."
James smiles at Rory, "Look, just call him talk I'm going to go pick up some sleepwear at my place I'll be back in ten ok?"
"Yeah."
"Ror, just call him get it over with." James says shoving the phone at Rory before leaving.
The front door closes, leaving Rory alone, her hand grazing the buttons on the telephone.
Taking a deep breath Rory says to herself, "Here goes everything......"
*The phone rings four times, the machine picks up.
** I'm not here; if you care leave a message and if you don't you just wasted 3 minutes of your time. Oh this is Jess** Jess' croaky message makes Rory smile.
"Uh, hi Jess it's me, Rory in case you were---"
"Hey." Jess answers, his voice more hoarse than usual.
"You sound horrible." Rory states.
"I know, that's what screaming does to the vocal cords I guess."
"Doing a lot of that lately huh?"
"Always."
"Why recently?"
"Cause."
"Jess." Rory says sternly.
"Cadi and I broke up."
"You guys bicker all the time, you'll work it out." Rory says mechanically.
"No, its kind of final this time, things just......things are just shit here Rory."
"You told me you were getting along ok with your dad and Sasha and Lily."
"I am, they're not the problem.....it's me."
"What's the matter?"
"Well I'm lonely as hell---if you can believe that, I'm just about done with school, the whole relationship front is a massacre, I can't sleep anymore....even with the clash playing on the stereo...."
"Wow that is bad." Rory replies.
"So why did you call?" jess asks airily.
"You called me first."
"A week ago, why call me now?"
"I just got your message."
"Don't you check your------oh." Jess replies grimly.
"No, I crashed at James' place."
"Yeah that's a much better scenario than what I was thinking of."
"You know it's not like that Jess." Rory replies.
Jess sighs, "I know."
"And why would you care if it was like that?" Rory replies defensively.
"What I can't still care about your well being?"
"That's not what you care about." Rory bites back.
"Whatever Rory, look despite what you think I didn't call to rehash the past or try and get your pity.....I was just having a bad night and I needed to talk to you, you the only thing that makes sense in my life."
Rory smiles, "So I'm a thing now?"
"Oh you're something alright." Jess says, the smirk on his face obvious in his voice.
Rory replies quietly, 'I'm sorry things aren't going great for you."
"Don't worry about me, how are you?"
Rory sighs, "Not much better, work's kicking my butt, school is getting really frustrating relationships----they're nonexistent, Lane is busy with the band and Dave so now I'm reduced to hanging out with James 24/7, which believe me is not as glamorous as it sounds."
Jess laughs, "Rory, I should probably tell you."
"What?" Rory asks warily?
"I'm probably going to be moving?'
"Oh so your application for the apartment was approved?"
"No....well it was but...."
"What? Oh Jess don't give the line its just time to move on---because you've used that excuse way too many times in your li---"
"Work is looking to transfer me...the company is expanding and they claim they want to send one of their best pr men, me to one of the less productive areas which would put me somewhere probably between Michigan and Florida.
"Oh."
"Yeah, so they make their decision in the morning, and I'll probably only have a few days to pack and be out of here, so just in case you call here and you get a disconnected message."
"Yeah." Rory replies quietly.
"Well I have an early morning tomorrow I should probably get going." Jess says.
"Right.....hey Jess?"
"Yeah?"
"On the machine you kind of got cut off, it sort of sounded like you said I love you....."
"I did, and I do.....you don't just stop loving someone because you break up."
"Oh right." Rory replies.
"Rory why did you really call tonight?'
"I told you."
"Come on." Jess pries. Rory sighs, "I just thought that maybe you said, well tried to say but got cut off, that maybe you meant it in a different context."
"Oh."
"Yeah, well you need to go to sleep, and James is going to be here in 5 with movies and stuff so I should get going too."
"Right, night Rory."
"Night Jess."
Rory slams the phone down, retreating to the couch.
*Cali.
Jess hangs up the phone, resting his head against the wall, taking in his conversation with Rory.
"Damnit."
*****Rory's apartment.
James enters the apartment, making special efforts to be quite in case Rory is still on the phone.
"No need for the Looney tune dance moves, I'm off the phone." Rory announces, not taking her eyes off the tv.
"Wasn't home?" James asks.
"No he was home."
"So?"
"He broke up with Cadi."
"Yes." James hisses. "So when does he arrive."
"About 20 minutes after never."
"Oh no. What happened?"
"Nothing happened, we talked a little bit agreed that both our lives are shit...."
"Hey I resent that." James replies trying to lighten the mood.
Rory glares at him.
"Sorry." He mumbles.
"And then he told me work was transferring him probably to some 3rd-world town in Alabama or Florida, and I asked him about his message and he didn't mean it like I thought it did."
"I'm sorry Rory."
"Don't be, Jess was never the sentimental mushy type, why I thought he'd changed I have no idea."
########*Skip ahead two months:*#####
Rory hasn't heard from Jess or vice versa since that night. Both are trying to deal with their feelings, the best way they know how---by avoiding them. It is now December, a week before Christmas. Rory and James are headed down to Stars Hollow to spend Christmas with Lorelai and Luke. Being the crafty mother that she is, Lorelai convinced Luke to invite Jess for Christmas and "forgot" to tell Rory.
"Well we're here!" James announces climbing out of the driving seat.
"Who would have guessed the highway would be so crowded the week before Christmas?" Rory says playfully.
"Shut up."
"Don't talk to my daughter like that!" , Lorelai's Cheerful voice greets them both.
"Mom!"
"Oh sweetie how I missed you."
"I missed you too."
"J! The son I never had, but always secretly wanted---well as long as he was willing to wear dresses and watch molly ringwald movie." Lorelai grins holding her arms out towards James.
"Hey! How's the pretend marriage life treating you?" James returns Lorelai's smile.
"Well....soon it won't be so pretend anymore." Lorelai replies waving her ring at James.
"What?!" Rory exclaims. "Where was my phone call?"
"It only happened like two weeks ago---ok maybe 3-at thanksgiving---the one year anniversary since we told you, and Luke made me promise to keep it a surprise until you got here---and you've been here an entire 5 minutes so now I can tell you!"
"Oh my God mom, I'm so happy for you!!"
Lorelai and Rory embrace.
Pulling away Rory asks, "Where is Luke?"
"Oh you know he's taking care of the diner...despite my continuing nagging and threats to withhold from sex....he still won't close it down before 9." Lorelai says grumpily.
"Well how about we put our stuff down and then we go get dinner---I'm starving, and one of Luke's burgers sounds amazing."
"Sure thing. So James how long do with have you for?"
"About 3 days, I told my mom I'd spend a few nights with her."
"Why, why would you do that....you were supposed to spend the holidays with us...you're my pretend son...plus we were going to sacrifice you to Babette and Miss. Patty at the Winter Fair on Friday."
"Yeah well I figured I'd stay with my mom and bring her along to the festivities, and to Christmas eve dinner if you don't mind."
"Not at all, I'll finally get to meet the woman who mothered my son!!"
"Better known as Peg." James replies.
"Yes. Well come on it's freezing out here."
*Streets of Stars Hollow.
Lorelai, James, and Rory are walking towards Luke's, their arms intertwined.
As they approach the diner, Lorelai hodls back.
Rory and James turn towards her.
"Mom?"
"I just remembered, Luke may have said something about me not telling you about the whole engagement thing until we were all together...."
"Ok, so I'll pretend I know nothing." Rory replies.
"No. He knows when you're "pretending.""
"Just go in there and congratulate him, first., He won't kill you if you're alone but if I'm there he may refuse us coffee---and hey no one refuses me coffee unless I'm preggers, and even then they'd have to wrestle me to the ground."
"Ok.."
"James and I will just stroll next store and pick up some film at Doose's. I told Luke I was going to be annoying and take pictures every 5 seconds that you're home." Lorelai grins pulling James across the street.
Rory rolls her eyes at her mother's dramatics and then enters the diner.
"Hey Luke!"
"Rory!" Luke grins.
"Congratulations!" Rory replies walking behind the counter to hug Luke.
They embrace.
"She couldn't wait until I got home to tell you?"
"Hey, just be thankful you got her to wait this long." Rory replies.
"So where is she?"
"Across the street with James."
"I swear she's infatuated with that guy."
"Nah, he's just like the male version of her---you know what they say, they can always smell their own."
Luke nods, "So hungry?"
"I could do with a burger."
"Fries?"
"Course."
"Coffee?"
"Do you really have to ask? I think you're slipping Luke."
Luke laughs, "Funny Jess said the same thing this morning?"
"Jess?" Rory replies, choking on her words.
"Yea-"
"Hey Luke, I'm going out." Jess' voice radiates from upstairs.
Rory face turns pail.
Luke stares at her, "She didn't tell you he was coming, did she?"
Rory shakes her head, "I got to go."
Rory turns to leave just as Jess enters the diner.
"Rory." He says quietly.
"Hi Jess." Rory replies, biting her bottom lip.
Jess goes to talk but Rory cuts him off, "I-I was just leaving."
*Rory exits the diner as Lorelai and James approach the door.
"Jess follows ropy, "Rory!"
"Uh-oh." James whispers close to Lorelai's ear, "I told you this plan was a bad one."
Lorelai nods, "We should go after her."
"Lorelai! Luke's voice booms from inside the diner."
Lorelai's eyes go wide.
"I'll go check on her---you better deal with the diner-man."
Lorelai nods.
*Streets of Stars Hollow******
Rory's steps quicken as Jess gains on her.
"I'm sorry, I thought you knew I was coming......Luke said you were ok with it." Jess calls out to her.
Rory stops walking, hands called into fists.
"It's not your fault."
"Look, I'll go back to Luke's pick up my stuff and be gone, I should have known better."
Rory turns around to face Jess, there's about 10 feet between them.
"You don't have to leave..they're your family too."
"No they're no---"
"Yes they are....and like it not a few months down the road its going to official we're going to be step siblings/cousins."
"Sounds a bit hillbilly to me." Jess smirks.
Rory looks down at her feet stifling a laugh, "Yeah well I think its great."
"Me too, they, they deserve each other."
Rory nods.
"But seriously, if this is too much I can go."
"No, I want you here.....its been to long."
"Way too long." Jess replies.
"I just wish I had gotten some warning." Rory explains, letting her hands fall to her side.
Jess approaches Rory, "I should have called you."
"How were you to know they didn't tell me?"
"Yeah well your mom certainly has Luke whipped." Jess smirked.
"No she doesn't......Luke just wants to believe my mom's telling the truth all the time...he's really bad at reading her."
"no, no he's not----I think he just wants us to believe that." Jess replies
"Yeah well, either way it was a stupid idea."
"Yeah, I mean expecting that after everything....you'd run out and I'd chase after you and then we'd get back together, it's ridiculous." Jess replies nonchalantly.
Rory laughs nervously, as Jess moves closer to her.
"Yeah it was just stupid. Rory says quietly.
"I've missed you." Jess whispers, his lips brushing Rory's cheek.
"So where did you end up? With work I mean?" Rory asks, exasperated.
Jess gives her an odd look, "Wow they really don't tell you anything do they?"
"What do you mean?"
"I've had an apartment in Hartford for about a month now."
"Oh." Rory replies, hurt. "And you never called me?"
"I heard you were doing really good---your mom said you had one of your articles printed in the paper---gave me a copy, it was good."
"Really?"
"Yeah. So I figured I shouldn't bother you, I probably would have just caused you more stress."
"No......I would have liked to hear from you." Rory replies, quietly.
"Well once again I screw up."
Rory shakes her head.
Jess shoves his hands in his pockets, "So the big guy with Lorelai, that Jake?"
"yeah." Rory replies still not looking at Jess.
"He's not your type."
"I know....I always had a thing for scrawny guys."
"Cept for bagboy."
"Dean." Rory corrects him.
"what happened to that guy anyway?"
"Married, just had a baby like 3 months ago I think."
"Man that's scary....and I thought he'd stay a virgin until he was thirty."
"At least he married her first."
"yeah." Jess replies. "So nothing's happened with this James guy?" Jess raises an eyebrow at Rory.
"Well stuff happened---but that was way before I talked to you in October....happened right after we broke up actually."
"Rebound?"
"No, not really....more like experimentation.....he's a good guy, but just a friend."
"And how does he feel about this?"
"Same way, he's been dating the same girl for almost 4 months now."
"So, what about you, are you seeing anyone."
Rory shakes her head.
"You."
"nope, work's made me a hermit."
"Oh." Rory mouths.
Jess sighs, "Well that's not the whole, reason I mean I've had no reason to go out either."
"Why?"
"Well they, who ever they may be, say that when you realize who your soul mate is you tend to stop looking for somebody else."
Rory swallows, and then croaks, "I thought you didn't believe in that stuff."
"well I didn't, but that was before I lost her."
"Jess..."
"Rory, look they wanted me to stay in California, I requested the transfer..... I told them I needed to be as close to New Have as possible."
"You can't just stand here and put all this on me....I mean you haven't called once in two months, haven't gotten an email, not a word and now you're standing here claiming me as your soul mate?"
"I tried to tell you that night...I just couldn't get the words out." Jess replies hoarsely.
"God jess, do you know how many nights I've cried myself to sleep these last few months?"
"Probably about as much as I have."
"You don't cry." Rory replies.
"I repeat, "I didn't, but that was before I lost you.""
"I don't know what to say." Rory says, sniffling.
"Just say you'll give me another chance."
Rory shrugs, "I don't know..."
"Please Rory, I can't do this by myself anymore, I'm no good with out you."
"We can't just pick up where we left off..we'd be starting form the beginning."
"I, I know."
"As long as you know." Rory replies smiling slightly.
"So we're going to give it a go?"
Rory nods.
Jess takes Rory in his arms, hugging her close to him.
Rory breaks down, burying her face in his jacket.
"Don't cry." Jess whispers.
"I just, I thought you were over me." Rory sobs, "I thought you were blowing me off..."
"I could never get over you......" Jess whispers taking Rory's face in his hands, wiping her tears away.
"Jess...."
"Yeah?"
"Wear going to be cousins...and step siblings.."
"Not by blood." Jess whispers, kissing Rory's neck.
Rory pulls away, "But if they have kids we will..."
"Don't think like that, " Jess replies. "Besides we're starting from square one so it's not even an issue, we haven't even been on our first date yet."
"you know it's impossible for us to start from the beginning, we've been through too much."
"Yeah I know." Jess grins, taking Rory's hand in his. "But you shouldn't think of it like that, just think of it as your mom finally finding mr. right."
"Yeah.."
"Now come on, let's not keep your mom in suspense any longer..it's been almost an hour."
"yeah, another ten minutes and she'll be going door to door calling my name." Rory laughs.
"You know she's never going to shut up about this----technically her plan did work."
Rory groans, "Do we really have to go back there?"
Jess laughs, "You have to see her sometime.....besides do you really want to leave your buddy in her custody?"
"He's fine, she likes him better than me anyway."
"Come on, let's get it over with."
"Can't we just wait until tomorrow."
"And how do you suppose we do that, this town is the size of a peanut." Jess replies.
"Didn't you say you had a place in Hartford?" Rory replies airily
"And what prêt ell are you suggesting Miss Gilmore?" Jess raises an eyebrow at Rory.
"Nothing..." Rory smirks.
"Wait here, I'll get my car." Jess replies with a grin.
Jess turns his back to Rory, walking towards the diner his steps quicken to a hilarious stumbled job.
Rory laughs as Jess disappears down the street.* 5 minutes later: Jess' car pulls up next to Rory.
"Hey there beautiful, going my way?"
Rory laughs.
"Get in."
Rory hops in the car and slams the door shut.
They pull away.
"So what did my mom say?" Rory gives Jess a knowing glance.
"Call her in the morning." Jess smiles shyly.**Ok. So that's it for this chapter with any luck I'll have another chapter next week. I started writing this last week actually, and now today it looks like I may be unemployed by tomorrow so who knows in that case I'll have plenty of time to write, anyway read and review would like to know where I stand with you guys.
*The clinking of keys is heard moments before the door of Rory Gilmore's apartment swings open.
"You going to be ok?" James asks in a hushed voice as they enter Rory's apartment.
Rory shrugs, " I don't know."
Jess stares at Rory, "What do you mean you don't know? Ror you've been in such a funk this last week."
"It's just....I've been doing so good with out him."
"Have you kiddo? You haven't been the same since you two broke up, who are you kidding?"
Rory smiles faintly, "Well I mean I've been doing a good job of living in denial....but tonight, well tonight I just saw how bad its gotten...I mean if I can't even give Tristan DuGrey, whose become quite attractive over the past few years I might add; the time of day there's got to be something wrong with me.....and now you've forced me to admit the truth."
"Which is that you're still madly in love with Jess," James answers raising an eyebrow at his friend.
Rory nods sadly.
"So what are you waiting for? It's 11pm here, so what does it make it there? 8?........call him."
"I-I can't."
"Why?"
"Come on James, it's the same reason why I couldn't call him last week, the same reason why I've spent every night for the past 8 days on your couch......."
"Who are you kidding missy...a gentleman never lets a lady sleep on the couch."
Rory grins, "So explain to me why I've fallen asleep on your couch and woken up on your couch every time?"
"Uh because the big strong man that I am carries you from the couch to the bed every night, paces out himself on the lumpy old couch, and then carries you back to the couch every morning before he leaves for work."
"You do not do that."
"Yes I do.......have you not noticed that I keep cracking my back----my bed is superb, it is perfect for my back---the couch however gives me a creak in my neck which causes tension in my back therefore causing me to crack it..I swear you are the soundest sleeper I have ever met."
Rory laughs, "Its hereditary."
"Is artfully changing the subject also inherited?"
Rory blushes, "I didn't change the subject you did."
"Ror, you haven't even been home to check your machine, your mom only called your cell after leaving three messages and not getting an answer."
"She's the only one who ever calls me, so why would I need to check my messages, I should just assume she called and call her back----besides I'm here now so its not like I'm a lost cause."
"You're here because you ran out of underwear at my place.....otherwise, you my friend would have kept running away from your problems."
Rory looks sternly at James, "Look James I'm not running away from anything, I just needed to be in the presence of someone who makes me happy- --and you have that effect on me---if anything I've just been a little blue this week that's all."
"A little blue? I saw you cry at a Kodak commercial, that's a sign of deep- rooted issues."
"James...."
"Rory come on don't keep this going any further, I have no problem being here for you, but you're not even trying to make things better for yourself."
"How can I? He's with Cadi, he loves her he's doing good....without me, I can't get in the way of him succeeding, he never could get his act together when he had me-----and then I'm gone and he's doing great, she's good for him James, her not me."
James sighs, as tears form in Rory's eyes.
"Come on I'm sorry, I don't want to get you upset."
Rory wipes the tears from her eyes violently, "Not your fault, I just have to get over this."
James nods sympathetically, "Look, do you want me to stay?"
"What about-"
"I'm not worried about her, you however-"
Rory nods, "Please"
"Be my pleasure.....why don't you get cleaned up...I'll check the condition of the fridge."
Rory smiles, "Ok."
James strolls towards the kitchen as Rory disappears into the bedroom.
"Hey, hun?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm just gonna play the machine make sure you didn't miss a call form Lane or work or something."
"Ok! I'll be out in five."
James presses the play button on the answering machine, and the n continues towards the kitchen.
~~~~Hey Babe it's mom, call me when you get home.~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~Ok it's been about 4 hours now, it's almost 7 which means you've had to have come home by now, I'm lonely Luke's still at work give me a call and we'll talk about all the bikers and Abercrombie models you're canoodling with, love ya call me."~~~~~~~
James laughs at the message as he pulls two Smirnoff's out of the fridge.
~~~~~Hello Rory, this is Paris, I was wondering if we could compare notes for the test in chemistry on Thursday? Ok get back to me bye.~~~~~~~~
"Does that girl ever just chill out?" James asks loudly.
"I don't think so." Rory replies reemerging wearing cotton pj pants and a worn dashboard confessional t-shirt.
James continues to laugh, handing Rory a drink. ~~~~~"Hey"~~~~~~
The entrance of Jess' voice puts an end to the laughter.
"Oh my God." Rory breathes.
~~~~~"Ror, if you're there pick up, it's me Jess........I uh, got your message last week, sorry I didn't call back sooner I've been, I've been going out of my mind actually. Well the machine's gonna cut me of so, be careful out there in the dating world, there are some real weirdoes out there and you deserve the best, ok well call me back I love-----beep!"~~~~
End Of Messages The machine announces.
"Looks like you weren't the only one feeling blue.....he sounded like death."
"He always sounds like that." Rory replies.
"So you going to call him?"
"N-not tonight."
"Why not?"
"I have to work out what to say, besides he was probably just having a bad night."
"Right and you just happened to be the first and probably only person he called to talk to about it........and hun, don't put it off.......you're much better at the improv than the planned out stuff anyway." James replies grabbing his jacket.
"Are you leaving?" Rory asks, a hint of desperation in her voice.
James scoffs, "No, but its freezing in here, does your building ever have heat?"
"You think I should call him?"
"Yeah, right now in fact....before you lose your nerve."
"My nerve's been gone for years."
James smiles at Rory, "Look, just call him talk I'm going to go pick up some sleepwear at my place I'll be back in ten ok?"
"Yeah."
"Ror, just call him get it over with." James says shoving the phone at Rory before leaving.
The front door closes, leaving Rory alone, her hand grazing the buttons on the telephone.
Taking a deep breath Rory says to herself, "Here goes everything......"
*The phone rings four times, the machine picks up.
** I'm not here; if you care leave a message and if you don't you just wasted 3 minutes of your time. Oh this is Jess** Jess' croaky message makes Rory smile.
"Uh, hi Jess it's me, Rory in case you were---"
"Hey." Jess answers, his voice more hoarse than usual.
"You sound horrible." Rory states.
"I know, that's what screaming does to the vocal cords I guess."
"Doing a lot of that lately huh?"
"Always."
"Why recently?"
"Cause."
"Jess." Rory says sternly.
"Cadi and I broke up."
"You guys bicker all the time, you'll work it out." Rory says mechanically.
"No, its kind of final this time, things just......things are just shit here Rory."
"You told me you were getting along ok with your dad and Sasha and Lily."
"I am, they're not the problem.....it's me."
"What's the matter?"
"Well I'm lonely as hell---if you can believe that, I'm just about done with school, the whole relationship front is a massacre, I can't sleep anymore....even with the clash playing on the stereo...."
"Wow that is bad." Rory replies.
"So why did you call?" jess asks airily.
"You called me first."
"A week ago, why call me now?"
"I just got your message."
"Don't you check your------oh." Jess replies grimly.
"No, I crashed at James' place."
"Yeah that's a much better scenario than what I was thinking of."
"You know it's not like that Jess." Rory replies.
Jess sighs, "I know."
"And why would you care if it was like that?" Rory replies defensively.
"What I can't still care about your well being?"
"That's not what you care about." Rory bites back.
"Whatever Rory, look despite what you think I didn't call to rehash the past or try and get your pity.....I was just having a bad night and I needed to talk to you, you the only thing that makes sense in my life."
Rory smiles, "So I'm a thing now?"
"Oh you're something alright." Jess says, the smirk on his face obvious in his voice.
Rory replies quietly, 'I'm sorry things aren't going great for you."
"Don't worry about me, how are you?"
Rory sighs, "Not much better, work's kicking my butt, school is getting really frustrating relationships----they're nonexistent, Lane is busy with the band and Dave so now I'm reduced to hanging out with James 24/7, which believe me is not as glamorous as it sounds."
Jess laughs, "Rory, I should probably tell you."
"What?" Rory asks warily?
"I'm probably going to be moving?'
"Oh so your application for the apartment was approved?"
"No....well it was but...."
"What? Oh Jess don't give the line its just time to move on---because you've used that excuse way too many times in your li---"
"Work is looking to transfer me...the company is expanding and they claim they want to send one of their best pr men, me to one of the less productive areas which would put me somewhere probably between Michigan and Florida.
"Oh."
"Yeah, so they make their decision in the morning, and I'll probably only have a few days to pack and be out of here, so just in case you call here and you get a disconnected message."
"Yeah." Rory replies quietly.
"Well I have an early morning tomorrow I should probably get going." Jess says.
"Right.....hey Jess?"
"Yeah?"
"On the machine you kind of got cut off, it sort of sounded like you said I love you....."
"I did, and I do.....you don't just stop loving someone because you break up."
"Oh right." Rory replies.
"Rory why did you really call tonight?'
"I told you."
"Come on." Jess pries. Rory sighs, "I just thought that maybe you said, well tried to say but got cut off, that maybe you meant it in a different context."
"Oh."
"Yeah, well you need to go to sleep, and James is going to be here in 5 with movies and stuff so I should get going too."
"Right, night Rory."
"Night Jess."
Rory slams the phone down, retreating to the couch.
*Cali.
Jess hangs up the phone, resting his head against the wall, taking in his conversation with Rory.
"Damnit."
*****Rory's apartment.
James enters the apartment, making special efforts to be quite in case Rory is still on the phone.
"No need for the Looney tune dance moves, I'm off the phone." Rory announces, not taking her eyes off the tv.
"Wasn't home?" James asks.
"No he was home."
"So?"
"He broke up with Cadi."
"Yes." James hisses. "So when does he arrive."
"About 20 minutes after never."
"Oh no. What happened?"
"Nothing happened, we talked a little bit agreed that both our lives are shit...."
"Hey I resent that." James replies trying to lighten the mood.
Rory glares at him.
"Sorry." He mumbles.
"And then he told me work was transferring him probably to some 3rd-world town in Alabama or Florida, and I asked him about his message and he didn't mean it like I thought it did."
"I'm sorry Rory."
"Don't be, Jess was never the sentimental mushy type, why I thought he'd changed I have no idea."
########*Skip ahead two months:*#####
Rory hasn't heard from Jess or vice versa since that night. Both are trying to deal with their feelings, the best way they know how---by avoiding them. It is now December, a week before Christmas. Rory and James are headed down to Stars Hollow to spend Christmas with Lorelai and Luke. Being the crafty mother that she is, Lorelai convinced Luke to invite Jess for Christmas and "forgot" to tell Rory.
"Well we're here!" James announces climbing out of the driving seat.
"Who would have guessed the highway would be so crowded the week before Christmas?" Rory says playfully.
"Shut up."
"Don't talk to my daughter like that!" , Lorelai's Cheerful voice greets them both.
"Mom!"
"Oh sweetie how I missed you."
"I missed you too."
"J! The son I never had, but always secretly wanted---well as long as he was willing to wear dresses and watch molly ringwald movie." Lorelai grins holding her arms out towards James.
"Hey! How's the pretend marriage life treating you?" James returns Lorelai's smile.
"Well....soon it won't be so pretend anymore." Lorelai replies waving her ring at James.
"What?!" Rory exclaims. "Where was my phone call?"
"It only happened like two weeks ago---ok maybe 3-at thanksgiving---the one year anniversary since we told you, and Luke made me promise to keep it a surprise until you got here---and you've been here an entire 5 minutes so now I can tell you!"
"Oh my God mom, I'm so happy for you!!"
Lorelai and Rory embrace.
Pulling away Rory asks, "Where is Luke?"
"Oh you know he's taking care of the diner...despite my continuing nagging and threats to withhold from sex....he still won't close it down before 9." Lorelai says grumpily.
"Well how about we put our stuff down and then we go get dinner---I'm starving, and one of Luke's burgers sounds amazing."
"Sure thing. So James how long do with have you for?"
"About 3 days, I told my mom I'd spend a few nights with her."
"Why, why would you do that....you were supposed to spend the holidays with us...you're my pretend son...plus we were going to sacrifice you to Babette and Miss. Patty at the Winter Fair on Friday."
"Yeah well I figured I'd stay with my mom and bring her along to the festivities, and to Christmas eve dinner if you don't mind."
"Not at all, I'll finally get to meet the woman who mothered my son!!"
"Better known as Peg." James replies.
"Yes. Well come on it's freezing out here."
*Streets of Stars Hollow.
Lorelai, James, and Rory are walking towards Luke's, their arms intertwined.
As they approach the diner, Lorelai hodls back.
Rory and James turn towards her.
"Mom?"
"I just remembered, Luke may have said something about me not telling you about the whole engagement thing until we were all together...."
"Ok, so I'll pretend I know nothing." Rory replies.
"No. He knows when you're "pretending.""
"Just go in there and congratulate him, first., He won't kill you if you're alone but if I'm there he may refuse us coffee---and hey no one refuses me coffee unless I'm preggers, and even then they'd have to wrestle me to the ground."
"Ok.."
"James and I will just stroll next store and pick up some film at Doose's. I told Luke I was going to be annoying and take pictures every 5 seconds that you're home." Lorelai grins pulling James across the street.
Rory rolls her eyes at her mother's dramatics and then enters the diner.
"Hey Luke!"
"Rory!" Luke grins.
"Congratulations!" Rory replies walking behind the counter to hug Luke.
They embrace.
"She couldn't wait until I got home to tell you?"
"Hey, just be thankful you got her to wait this long." Rory replies.
"So where is she?"
"Across the street with James."
"I swear she's infatuated with that guy."
"Nah, he's just like the male version of her---you know what they say, they can always smell their own."
Luke nods, "So hungry?"
"I could do with a burger."
"Fries?"
"Course."
"Coffee?"
"Do you really have to ask? I think you're slipping Luke."
Luke laughs, "Funny Jess said the same thing this morning?"
"Jess?" Rory replies, choking on her words.
"Yea-"
"Hey Luke, I'm going out." Jess' voice radiates from upstairs.
Rory face turns pail.
Luke stares at her, "She didn't tell you he was coming, did she?"
Rory shakes her head, "I got to go."
Rory turns to leave just as Jess enters the diner.
"Rory." He says quietly.
"Hi Jess." Rory replies, biting her bottom lip.
Jess goes to talk but Rory cuts him off, "I-I was just leaving."
*Rory exits the diner as Lorelai and James approach the door.
"Jess follows ropy, "Rory!"
"Uh-oh." James whispers close to Lorelai's ear, "I told you this plan was a bad one."
Lorelai nods, "We should go after her."
"Lorelai! Luke's voice booms from inside the diner."
Lorelai's eyes go wide.
"I'll go check on her---you better deal with the diner-man."
Lorelai nods.
*Streets of Stars Hollow******
Rory's steps quicken as Jess gains on her.
"I'm sorry, I thought you knew I was coming......Luke said you were ok with it." Jess calls out to her.
Rory stops walking, hands called into fists.
"It's not your fault."
"Look, I'll go back to Luke's pick up my stuff and be gone, I should have known better."
Rory turns around to face Jess, there's about 10 feet between them.
"You don't have to leave..they're your family too."
"No they're no---"
"Yes they are....and like it not a few months down the road its going to official we're going to be step siblings/cousins."
"Sounds a bit hillbilly to me." Jess smirks.
Rory looks down at her feet stifling a laugh, "Yeah well I think its great."
"Me too, they, they deserve each other."
Rory nods.
"But seriously, if this is too much I can go."
"No, I want you here.....its been to long."
"Way too long." Jess replies.
"I just wish I had gotten some warning." Rory explains, letting her hands fall to her side.
Jess approaches Rory, "I should have called you."
"How were you to know they didn't tell me?"
"Yeah well your mom certainly has Luke whipped." Jess smirked.
"No she doesn't......Luke just wants to believe my mom's telling the truth all the time...he's really bad at reading her."
"no, no he's not----I think he just wants us to believe that." Jess replies
"Yeah well, either way it was a stupid idea."
"Yeah, I mean expecting that after everything....you'd run out and I'd chase after you and then we'd get back together, it's ridiculous." Jess replies nonchalantly.
Rory laughs nervously, as Jess moves closer to her.
"Yeah it was just stupid. Rory says quietly.
"I've missed you." Jess whispers, his lips brushing Rory's cheek.
"So where did you end up? With work I mean?" Rory asks, exasperated.
Jess gives her an odd look, "Wow they really don't tell you anything do they?"
"What do you mean?"
"I've had an apartment in Hartford for about a month now."
"Oh." Rory replies, hurt. "And you never called me?"
"I heard you were doing really good---your mom said you had one of your articles printed in the paper---gave me a copy, it was good."
"Really?"
"Yeah. So I figured I shouldn't bother you, I probably would have just caused you more stress."
"No......I would have liked to hear from you." Rory replies, quietly.
"Well once again I screw up."
Rory shakes her head.
Jess shoves his hands in his pockets, "So the big guy with Lorelai, that Jake?"
"yeah." Rory replies still not looking at Jess.
"He's not your type."
"I know....I always had a thing for scrawny guys."
"Cept for bagboy."
"Dean." Rory corrects him.
"what happened to that guy anyway?"
"Married, just had a baby like 3 months ago I think."
"Man that's scary....and I thought he'd stay a virgin until he was thirty."
"At least he married her first."
"yeah." Jess replies. "So nothing's happened with this James guy?" Jess raises an eyebrow at Rory.
"Well stuff happened---but that was way before I talked to you in October....happened right after we broke up actually."
"Rebound?"
"No, not really....more like experimentation.....he's a good guy, but just a friend."
"And how does he feel about this?"
"Same way, he's been dating the same girl for almost 4 months now."
"So, what about you, are you seeing anyone."
Rory shakes her head.
"You."
"nope, work's made me a hermit."
"Oh." Rory mouths.
Jess sighs, "Well that's not the whole, reason I mean I've had no reason to go out either."
"Why?"
"Well they, who ever they may be, say that when you realize who your soul mate is you tend to stop looking for somebody else."
Rory swallows, and then croaks, "I thought you didn't believe in that stuff."
"well I didn't, but that was before I lost her."
"Jess..."
"Rory, look they wanted me to stay in California, I requested the transfer..... I told them I needed to be as close to New Have as possible."
"You can't just stand here and put all this on me....I mean you haven't called once in two months, haven't gotten an email, not a word and now you're standing here claiming me as your soul mate?"
"I tried to tell you that night...I just couldn't get the words out." Jess replies hoarsely.
"God jess, do you know how many nights I've cried myself to sleep these last few months?"
"Probably about as much as I have."
"You don't cry." Rory replies.
"I repeat, "I didn't, but that was before I lost you.""
"I don't know what to say." Rory says, sniffling.
"Just say you'll give me another chance."
Rory shrugs, "I don't know..."
"Please Rory, I can't do this by myself anymore, I'm no good with out you."
"We can't just pick up where we left off..we'd be starting form the beginning."
"I, I know."
"As long as you know." Rory replies smiling slightly.
"So we're going to give it a go?"
Rory nods.
Jess takes Rory in his arms, hugging her close to him.
Rory breaks down, burying her face in his jacket.
"Don't cry." Jess whispers.
"I just, I thought you were over me." Rory sobs, "I thought you were blowing me off..."
"I could never get over you......" Jess whispers taking Rory's face in his hands, wiping her tears away.
"Jess...."
"Yeah?"
"Wear going to be cousins...and step siblings.."
"Not by blood." Jess whispers, kissing Rory's neck.
Rory pulls away, "But if they have kids we will..."
"Don't think like that, " Jess replies. "Besides we're starting from square one so it's not even an issue, we haven't even been on our first date yet."
"you know it's impossible for us to start from the beginning, we've been through too much."
"Yeah I know." Jess grins, taking Rory's hand in his. "But you shouldn't think of it like that, just think of it as your mom finally finding mr. right."
"Yeah.."
"Now come on, let's not keep your mom in suspense any longer..it's been almost an hour."
"yeah, another ten minutes and she'll be going door to door calling my name." Rory laughs.
"You know she's never going to shut up about this----technically her plan did work."
Rory groans, "Do we really have to go back there?"
Jess laughs, "You have to see her sometime.....besides do you really want to leave your buddy in her custody?"
"He's fine, she likes him better than me anyway."
"Come on, let's get it over with."
"Can't we just wait until tomorrow."
"And how do you suppose we do that, this town is the size of a peanut." Jess replies.
"Didn't you say you had a place in Hartford?" Rory replies airily
"And what prêt ell are you suggesting Miss Gilmore?" Jess raises an eyebrow at Rory.
"Nothing..." Rory smirks.
"Wait here, I'll get my car." Jess replies with a grin.
Jess turns his back to Rory, walking towards the diner his steps quicken to a hilarious stumbled job.
Rory laughs as Jess disappears down the street.* 5 minutes later: Jess' car pulls up next to Rory.
"Hey there beautiful, going my way?"
Rory laughs.
"Get in."
Rory hops in the car and slams the door shut.
They pull away.
"So what did my mom say?" Rory gives Jess a knowing glance.
"Call her in the morning." Jess smiles shyly.**Ok. So that's it for this chapter with any luck I'll have another chapter next week. I started writing this last week actually, and now today it looks like I may be unemployed by tomorrow so who knows in that case I'll have plenty of time to write, anyway read and review would like to know where I stand with you guys.