I feel like that trip didn't really serve its purpose... Rory said to Jess on the way back to Stars Hollow, You hardly talked to Pete...

Eh... Liz still thinks she did good. It doesn't matter. Did you have fun?

Yes... I had fun.

Well then that's all that matter's, isn't it?

No, it's not.

Jess said warningly. He didn't want to discuss his family life, and she knew it.

What matters is, did you have fun?

Jess' grimace turned into a smirk. Yeah. I had fun.

Well that's all that matters. Rory smiled and turned to look at the road when she felt Jess' hand close around hers. She flipped her hand around and threaded her fingers through his.


@@@




My baby! Lorelai called from the other room. She came out with a Pop*Tart in hand. She hugged Rory with her free arm and then held her out at arms length. You got taller.

Mom, I was gone for a few days, Rory answered.

No! I swear you're taller. Or else... something's different... Lorelai squinted, observing her daughter. Rory looked away, trying not to seem guilty. Ah well, just me being crazy. So, how was your trip?

It was good... It was great actually. We did a lot of stuff.

That's good. Stuff is always good.



Yeah babe? Ooh... want to go to Al's for dinner? He's doing Cajun!

Sure... but... can we just sit down first?

Sure sweets... is something bothering you? Did you and Jess have a fight?

Rory walked over to the couch and sat, and Lorelai came and sat with her. She layed her unfinished Pop*Tart on the table. What's wrong?

Nothing's wrong... I just... Over the weekend... Rory wrung her hands uncomfortably.

Lorelai prompted, her brow furrowed, anticipating the answer to her question.

Jess and I had sex, Roryfinally blurted.

Ah. Hm... Lorelai nodded, taking in the information.

I'm sorry.

Are you? Lorelai answered.

Rory asked, confused.

Are you sorry you did it?

Rory thought back to that night. How special it was. she answered, I'm not.

Lorelai responded, That's all that matters.

Rory swallowed and nodded. she started tentatively,

Lorelai snapped back, Oh. Sure. Just... uh... let me take a shower, OK?

Sure, Mom. Come get me when you're ready.

I will.

Rory walked back into her room and closed the door. She didn't hear her mother rise. She was sure she hadn't. She sat on her bed. Her stomach was a jumble of feelings. She was sorry that her mother was upset... or surprised... or whatever it was that Lorelai was feeling, but she was also not sorry. She was happy. Elated.

And that was all that mattered.