Disclaimer: I do not own the Gilmore Girls...I do own the new characters.

Chapter 6

Rory had been at her job for three days and up to now she loved it. Mark, the manager had paired her up with Frank so that he could teach her the ropes.

Frank was a very nice man. He was 45 years old and had a wife and two teenage sons. He liked working with miss Rory. He didn't know what her story was but it was obvious that there was something going on with her. There was this sadness about her but he didn't think he knew her well enough to ask any personal questions yet.

Then this woman came over to the counter with a travel guide for Connecticut and Rory got this far off look on her face.

"Earth to Rory."

"Uh, what Frank?"

"Where'd you go just now?"

"Nowhere Frank, it's nothing."

They left it at that. It was obvious that the girl didn't want to talk to him about what was bothering her.

Rory had to stop this and focus on her work. Everything reminded her of home and she couldn't help but feel a little home sick. It was getting kind of lonely around here. Being so used to being around her mother all the time and talking to Lane every other day. She had to make friends or something. As much as she liked time to herself to read she couldn't take it anymore. Being alone made her think too much and it only made her want to cry.


While they were putting books on the shelves before closing up Rory decided to strike up a conversation with Frank. He might be older and stuff but she had to work with him everyday so why not be friendly?

"So, Frank, what is the owner like? When is he coming back?"

"Well, he's kind of a nice guy. I mean he's pretty cool to work for and all but he seems a little cocky. He's a young guy, about your age, just out of school. I think his family's from somewhere in Connecticut. They helped him start this business but he barely has anything to do with them. Some rich folk, you know?"

"Ah, nice! Can't wait to meet him."

"How long have you been here Frank?"

"Well, it opened just a couple months ago and I was one of the first guys he hired. How do you like it so far Rory?"

"I love it. I know it's just training and it'll be different once I work on my own but I really think I've found the job for me."

"I think Mark was smart in hiring you. You really know your stuff."

"Thanks Frank."

"I couldn't help noticing earlier how sad you look sometimes. Is everything alright?"

"Kind of I guess. I just miss home a little bit."

"Where is home Rory? Why'd you leave?"

"Stars Hollow, Connecticut actually. I left because...well, that's a long story. Very complicated. Maybe I'll tell you some other time."

"Sure Rory. Anytime you want to talk." He smiled at her then.

"I'll keep that in mind Frank" and she returned the smile.

Later that night after she'd had some dinner and returned to her room she decided to check out the classifieds in the local newspaper. All the listings were way too expensive or not close enough to work. Her search was not looking too promising.

She realized that the time had come to call her mother. She picked up her cell phone and dialed the number home. She wanted to talk to her but inside she was kind of hoping that she wouldn't answer the phone.

"Hello? Rory?"

"Hi mom it's me."

"Rory, where are you? Are you ok? Are you coming home? What's going on?"

"Well, right now I'm in a hotel room and I'm fine. I'm sorry but I can't come home just yet."

"Rory you got us all freaked out. The whole town is worried sick. After I got your letter yesterday I was ready to go out and search for you."

"Don't mom, I need to do this. You don't understand do you? This isn't just about me, it's about Dean too. He has too much in his life and my being there would just be too much. He has to focus on his marriage if he still has one."

"Oh Rory! My poor Rory! I know this is hard honey. I do understand but what are you going to do all summer?"

"I got a job mom, at this great bookstore and I love it. Now all I have to do is find an apartment. I really miss you mom but I'm not coming home."

"You know, I could go join you. How about it?"

"No mom, you have the inn to think about. Plus, I have to do this on my own."

"Yeah, you're right. Now tell me where you are?"

"I'm in Raleigh, North Carolina."

"Ok."

"Did you give the letter to Dean?"

"Yes I did Ror. Well, I didn't cause I couldn't look at him but Luke did it for me."

"Thanks. What about Jess's letter. Did Luke send it to him? Do you know?"

"I'm pretty sure he did."

"Thank him for me will you? How are things at the inn and stuff mom?"

"Things are ok now that I know that you're ok. What abot the two of us?"

"I'm sorry mom about what I said. You know I love you right?"

"I love you too kiddo."

"Well, I'm gonna go to bed mom, I have work in the morning. I love you!"

"I love you Ror! Don't let it be another week before you call because I'm gonna have to go get you. Goodnight kid."

"Goodnight mom."

That call made her feel much better. She slept great that night. There were no dreams to keep her awake.

All done.

For now!! This was kind of a filler until Tristan comes back...What will be their reactions? To all of you who have read this...Should I continue or does it suck?