Two days after Jess left, I accidentally sat next to Dean on the bus. By the time I realized he was beside me, I had already sat down and I figured it would be rude to move.

"Hi," I said quickly.

"Hey," Dean said curtly. He looked around. "Where's your boyfriend?"

I glared. "Away."

"Do you even know where?"

I didn't answer him.

"Rory, I warned you about that guy. I told you he was trouble. But you didn't listen to me. Then, you…" he sucked in a breath. "You know, I would have never pegged you as the cheating type. You could have at least broken up with me first."

"Dean, I -"

"I don't want to hear it," he interrupted. "This is my stop."

He stood up and walked off the bus without a glance back at me. My eyes followed his back until he rounded the corner and was out of sight.

It had been two months with no word from Jess. I was worried, I was pissed off, and I actually missed him. Dean would still avert his eyes when I would pass him on the street, but occasionally would give me a knowing, 'you got what you deserved' kind of look. Luke didn't know where Jess was, and for some unknown reason had still failed to tell Lorelai that he's caught us in bed together.

Mom never found out that I'd slept with Jess, and she didn't even know that I was dating Jess for those short two weeks. I know I should have told her, but I knew she wouldn't approve because she saw a repeat of her past when she saw me with Jess.

My mom and Luke started seeing each other, and it quickly got pretty serious. Within two months, they were making plans for Luke to move in. I didn't mind; I really liked Luke, but I was reminded of Jess every time I looked at him.

The phone rang as the three of us were watching 'Being There', my mom in a Peter Sellers mood. Since I was closest to the phone, I dragged myself off the floor and to the phone.

"Hello?" I said.

"Hey, is Luke there?"

My heart skipped as I heard the familiar voice.

"I called the diner… someone told me I could get him here,"

I couldn't speak.

"Hello?"

"Just… just a second," I stammered. "Luke,"

"What?" he called from the couch.

"Phone for you."

"Tell them I'll call back later. Who is it?"

"It's Jess."

After about a minute of uh huh's and yeah's, Luke switched to the cordless phone and walked up the stairs. Mom and I stared at each other after we heard a door shut upstairs.

He came down after about ten minutes and sat down on the couch, head in hands.

"He wants to move back," Luke said.

"What?" I was really confused. "But where is he? Where has he been?"

"Apparently he went back to New York. We didn't really get into that."

"So what did you tell him?" I demanded.

"About what?"

"About moving back," I said. "You said no, right?"

"Well…" Luke paused and looked at Lorelai, who hadn't said a word since he came back down. "I explained that things had changed since he left. That I was living with Lorelai. I told him that I didn't think it was a good idea for him to live with us, because of you, Rory,"

"And what did he say?"

"Hold on," Lorelai interrupted. "What does this have to do with Rory?"

"I'm mad at him," I said vaguely. I didn't want to get into the details.

"Anyways," said Luke, "I told him I'd talk to you guys and get back to him. Apparently he's in some kind of trouble and can't stay in New York."

"Why doesn't he stay with Liz?" Lorelai asked. "I mean, he's her flesh and blood, he's her problem, she should deal with it."

"She told him outright she doesn't want him," Luke said. "I know it would be a hassle, but I feel guilty. He's my nephew."

Lorelai sighed. "How long would he stay for?"

"Wait a second," I interjected. "You're actually considering it now?"

"Well, he is Luke's family," She said. "And it won't be too long, right? And how bad could a fight be?"

"Mom," I said. I was about to argue, but then I realized that I couldn't without telling her what happened between Jess and I. And that would admit lying to her about seeing Jess for those two weeks, and that would break her heart.

"Fine," I said. "Do whatever you want."

Luke went upstairs again and came down with the phone and a piece of paper. He dialled the number and waited.

"It's Luke," he said. Pause. "Yeah, you can come." Pause. "No, she's fine," Pause. "Tomorrow around supper? Fine. See you then." Pause. "You're welcome."

It was one in the morning and I couldn't sleep. I went into the den to watch TV, but nothing was on. I glanced at the coffee table and saw the phone and Jess's number. I bit my lip, but ended up bringing the phone and paper into my room, shutting the door after me.

My heart pounded in my chest as I dialled the number.

"Yeah?" He said, answering on the second ring.

"Did I wake you up?" I asked.

"No, I was up." He paused. "Rory?"

"Yeah."

Silence.

"Long time, no talk," he said.

"You could say that," I said. "I thought you had my number,"

"I do," he said.

"Then why the hell didn't you call me?" I said, struggling to keep my voice calm.

"I -"

"And that note?" I went on, "I'd like to thank you for that. Yeah, thanks so much for having the decency to tell me where you were going. At least now I realize how stupid I was. I actually expected you to call me. Or write a letter. But you know what my biggest mistake was? Thinking you cared."

"Rory,"

"Look, I don't want you explaining anything. I guess I'll see you tomorrow."

I hung up and let out a breath.

I fell back on my bed and let the tears stream from my eyes. I cried until I fell asleep.