Disclaimer: I don't own Gilmore Girls, I just own my mind.

A/N: I don't know if this has already been done. If it has, sorry. I'm sure it won't be the same though. This chapter is kind of short, the next one's will be longer and more exciting. I promise. Please R&R because reviews make the writer's world go round.

Chapter One: Checklists and Car Hoods

Following her daughter down the stairs, dragging a suitcase that could easily fit three years worth of clothing behind her, Lorelai called out the checklist one last time. "Ok, clothes?"

"You do realize we've gone over this list eleven and a half times already, don't you?" Rory replied, trying to hide the annoyance in her voice.

"Yes. And it would have been twelve if you hadn't locked me in my room for half an hour."

"I'm sorry, but you left me with no choice. Did you really expect me to sit here and watch you burn down the house while you attempt making portable macaroni and cheese for me to take with me on the road?"

"Are you saying you don't want portable macaroni and cheese made with love by your dear mother whom you are leaving for the entire summer to gallivant all over the country with a boy who I'm not particularly comfortable with?"

"Yes."

"Ok then, as long as we made that clear. Now please, humor me as I go through this list one last time. Clothes?"

Sighing, Rory grudgingly replied, "Check."

"Toothbrush?"

"Check."

"Shoes?"

"Check."

"All toiletries that would make you die of embarrassment if I was to actually call them out by name?"

"Check."

"Books?"

"I think this is an appropriate time for a 'Duh' don't you think?"

"Just checking. Oh! What about bottled water? Did you pack any bottled water?"

"No, but I'm sure me and Jess will pick some up on the way."

"Ok. Now are you sure you really want to do this?"

"For the hundredth time, yes. I'm sure I want to do this," Seeing the doubtful look on her mother's face she added, "Don't worry. I'll be fine." She offered a smile and a reassuring hug and together they set off for Luke's.

As Luke slammed the hood of Jess's piece of junk car shut for the last time, he looked up and saw the two Gilmore girls slowly making their way down the street. Being dragged behind them was the biggest suitcase Luke had ever seen. He instantly rushed to their side, picked up the suitcase with ease, and carried it back to the diner without saying a word, leaving them astonished.

"How does he do that?" Lorelai questioned, a hint of admiration in her voice.

The two girls made their way to the diner and upon entering found Luke and Jess in their usual form of communication: Luke yelling and Jess making sarcastic comments.

"You better be sure you have enough money," Luke informed Jess.

"You know actually, I don't think I do. But no worries, I can always stand on a street corner and play the harmonica for some spare change. I've been told I have a great singing voice too. Heck, I'll be a one man band! I'll have the crowds eating out of the palm of my hand. But don't worry, I'll be sure to call you when I make it big."

Jumping right into his bit Rory added with a smile on her face, "I can tap dance."

Luke looked at Rory and smiled. "Are you sure you actually want to spend two months traveling across the country in a tiny car with this guy?"

Rory smiled back at him and replied, "I'm positive."

"Well you guys better get going before it gets dark," Lorelai jumped in, wanting to get the goodbyes done quickly. When they got outside, Lorelai tried hard to swallow the tears that were starting to form behind her strikingly blue eyes. "Remember to call, ok?"

"I will, mom."

"And be careful."

"I will, mom."

"And remember to…"

Cutting her off before she had a chance to finish her sentence, Rory said matter-of-factly, "Mom, I'm a big girl. I know how to take care of myself, ok? Don't worry. Me and Jess will be fine. I love you."

The mother and daughter shared a hug and a secret smile. "I love you too, kid."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"So, I guess this is it," Luke said, trying not to sound too emotional.

"Aw, geez Luke, you're not gonna get all sappy on me, are you?" Jess replied with that patented smirk on his face. "I'll see you in a few months, ok?"

"You know, you can call sometime too if you want," Was his not-so-subtle reply.

Jess nodded his head and stuck out his hand. Luke took it and then pulled him into a fatherly embrace. "I'll see you around. Try to stay out of trouble."

"I'll do my best." He turned to Rory who was wrapped up in one of those random conversations her and her mother were so famous for. "You ready?"

Looking a little nervous, but excited all the same she said, "Yeah, let's go." She gave her mom one last hug, waved to Luke, and jumped in the car. Jess gave a casual wave to both of them as he started the car and drove off, leaving two worried adults behind.

Lorelai groaned as she watched them drive off.

"Coffee?" Luke asked her, already knowing the answer.

"Absolutely."