"I want to hear your graduation speech, the one you wrote before I left," he said when they got to her house.
"Okay, it's in my room. Go sit on the couch, I'll be right back," she said, letting him in and heading for her room.
"Okay," he nodded and went into the living room.
To his surprise she came back wearing her cap and gown.
"Though I'd give you the full effect," she explained.
She stood formally in front of him with her speech and cleared her throat.
"Headmaster Charleston, faculty members, fellow students, family and friends, welcome. We never thought this day would come. We prayed for its quick delivery, crossed days off our calendars, counted hours, minutes, and seconds, and now that it's here, I'm sorry it is because it means leaving friends who inspire me and teachers who have been my mentors. So many people who have shaped my life and my fellow students' lives impermeably and forever. I live in two worlds. One is a world of books. I've been a resident of Faulkner's Yoknapatawpha County, hunted the white whale aboard the Pequod, fought alongside Napoleon, sailed a raft with Huck and Jim, committed absurdities with Ignatius J. Reilly, rode a sad train with Anna Karenina, and strolled down Swann's Way. It's a rewarding world, but my second one is by far superior. My second one is populated with characters slightly less eccentric but supremely real, made of flesh and bone, full of love, who are my ultimate inspiration for everything. Richard and Emily Gilmore are kind, decent, unfailingly generous people. They are my twin pillars, without whom, I could not stand. I am proud to be their grandchild. But my ultimate inspiration comes from my best friend, the dazzling woman from whom I received my name and my life's blood, Lorelai Gilmore. My mother never gave me any idea that I couldn't do whatever I wanted to do or be whomever I wanted to be. She filled our house with love and fun and books and music, unflagging in her efforts to give me role models from Jane Austen to Eudora Welty to Patti Smith. As she guided me through these incredible eighteen years, I don't know if she ever realized that the person I most wanted to be was her. Then there is Jess Mariano, he too lives in a world of books. One year ago he joined me in my own world of books. He challenged me to give Hemmingway another try and even endured Ayn Rand for me. This entire year he has been there for me, thank you Jess. To all my family and friends who have helped, challenged and guided me, thank you, I love you all. As we prepare ourselves today to leave let us not forget everyone who has influenced and inspired us here at Chilton. We appreciate you all." Rory recited.
Jess applauded her.
"Thank you," she said shyly.
"Your welcome," he replied, kissing her.
Rory wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back.
"Rory! I can't believe you missed it! Right after you left Miss Patty-" Lorelai stopped as soon as she got into the living room.
"Jess. What is he doing here? And why are you in your graduation robes?" Lorelai was very confused.
"Mom! Your back early!" was all Rory said.
"Hi Lorelai," Jess said.
"Hi. Rory, explain please," she said, turning her attention back to her daughter.
"Jess is back and he wanted to hear my speech, so I thought it would be more fun to do it in this. –" she was going to continue but Lorelai cut her off.
"What is that?" Lorelai demanded, pointing to the ring.
"Oh, that. Jess gave it to me," she answered.
"Why?" she asked, now to Jess.
"Oh, gee Miss Gilmore I didn't know I had to get permission from you before I gave anything to Rory," he said sarcastically.
"Mom just sit down and I'll explain. Okay?" Rory said slowly, sitting down on the couch.
"Fine," Lorelai answered, flopping onto the couch.
"Ror' I'm gonna go, I need to talk Luke into letting me crash at his place," Jess said.
"Alright, I'll come over to the diner tomorrow before I go to Europe," she replied.
He nodded and gave her a quick kiss before leaving.
"Start explaining," Lorelai demanded as soon as Jess left.
So Rory told her the whole story. Meanwhile Jess was at the now empty diner having a shouting match with his uncle. After much negotiation, Luke gave in yet again. Lorelai too wasn't very happy, but she decided to just wait and see how everything panned out.