Chapter 4: Confessions

Rory stalked away from Jess practically shaking with anger.

"Jess. Jess is here. In Stars Hollow. And I just yelled at him. I didn't even give him a chance. Not that I should have, but still," Rory thought to herself, her mind frantic.

"Rory? Are you okay?" Logan asked sincerely.

"Umm. Yes. No. I don't… I'm just in shock. Pure and utter shock. I think I just need some time to myself. How about you go back to the house. I'll meet you there in like twenty minutes, okay?"

"You sure?" he questioned looking worried.

"Yeah. Yes. I just need some time." Rory reached up and kissed Logan on the lips. His kisses were so warm and comforting; everything felt so perfect for that moment. "Go. I'll meet you in twenty. I promise." Logan hesitantly walked away, leaving Rory all alone. Rory wandered off toward the bridge; the bridge where she had so many memories with Jess. Eating their picnic lunch here. This was the place where their relationship truly started. Thinking about memories, Rory thought back to that night over two years ago. The night when Jess came back out of nowhere and turned everything upside down. The night he had chased her through the streets because she wanted to leave first. The night she read him the right act and he said it. When he said, "I love you" and then took off, never to be seen again. Rory never told anyone about that night. Not her mom, not Lane, nobody. Not a single soul. It was something she had chosen to forget, until today. Rory sighed heavily and sat down on the bridge, letting her feet hang over the ledge, right above the water's surface. She stared out into the trees, feeling completely secluded. She closed her eyes and let the rays of the sun warm her face. She thought of Logan; she was so lucky to have him. She couldn't ask for more. A smile flew across her face and she opened her eyes and stared at the reflection of the sun off of the pond. Suddenly a dark shadow fell over her. Rory turned around quickly and the smile rapidly vanished from her face.

"Hi Rory," he mumbled with his hands in his pockets, scuffing his toe against the dull, aged wood, "can we talk?" Rory stared at him and thought for a moment. She decided it would be good; she's always wanted closure with Jess.

"Sure. We can talk."


"Luke!" Lorelai exclaimed, barging loudly into the diner.

"What the…?" Luke's expression was that of extreme confusion.

"Luke, we need to talk. Now." Lorelai's face was determined; this was important. Luke could see that.

"Um, okay, Caesar, take over for awhile, will you?" Luke called into the back. He threw down the towel he had been using and walked towards the entrance to the stairs leading up to his apartment. "Come on let's talk upstairs. In private," he said, suddenly noticing that every customer in the diner was staring at the two. Lorelai nodded and led the way upstairs. Luke followed her up, wondering what possibly could be wrong.

Lorelai burst into Luke's apartment and began to pace.

"Lorelai? What's wrong?" Luke inquired, removing his dingy baseball cap and running his hands through his hair. Lorelai suddenly stopped and stared at Luke.

"Jess. He's here. In Stars Hollow."

"Really? Are you sure?"

"Yes I'm sure. I was so surprised. I thought he had joined the circus and become a juggler or something, but no. He's here with his leather jacket and beat up old sneakers, just like the last time I saw him. But he's here now. And I may not know why, but I do know that he still has that sarcastic mouth that I just want to slap."

"You talked to him?"

"Yes. It was impossible not to. He was about two inches away from me before I even realized he was there. I was shocked and surprised and I just snapped. We had a falling out and he took off. I didn't know what to do, so I came here. Luke I don't know what it is, but seeing him just makes me so mad. I think it's because I watched him break my daughter's heart and I'm not about to let him come back and do that again. Not this time. No way." Lorelai stopped and stared at Luke, waiting for a reaction. His eyes looked intensely at her. It seemed to him that she was going to breakdown and cry. Luke had seen that happen before and he couldn't bear to see her like that.

"Lorelai, it's okay. He's not going to get anywhere near Rory if I have anything to do with it," Luke said, suddenly feeling very protective of Lorelai.

"Thanks Luke." Lorelai smiled weakly and sat down on his couch. She leaned back, closed her eyes, and her entire face looked extremely distressed.

"Hey Lor, it's going to be fine." Lorelai's eyes popped open at Luke's affectionate nickname. Luke coughed, trying to cover up his brief moment of weakness. The two friends sat in an awkward silence, both of them staring at the ground.

"Um, well, I'm going to go. Thanks again Luke." Lorelai stood up and walked towards the door.

"Lorelai, wait," Luke called just as Lorelai reached the door. She stopped, her hand frozen on the doorknob. Luke walked towards Lorelai and placed his hand on the small of her back. Lorelai turned towards Luke, looking confused. Then Luke, feeling braver than he ever had, leaned in and kissed Lorelai lightly on the lips. He pulled away unwillingly and stared at Lorelai's soft face. She opened here eyes slowly, her face unreadable. Their eyes connected and her face broke into a smile.

"I, Luke Danes, like you, Lorelai Gilmore. And I always have," Luke whispered, staring deeply into her eyes. Lorelai stood silent for a while, studying every inch of his face.

"I like you too," Lorelai whispered back as she leaned in to kiss him again.