As Jess stepped out into the sharply crisp cool night air, he broke into a half run…desperate to get away from her. He felt caught and tangled in a net, as he struggled to keep going and not look back. His legs were capable of leading him to the place he needed to be right now, while his mind and his heart strained, as if torn and bleeding. Open wounds that stung every time he pictured Dean's mocking face glaring sarcastically into his own.

Jess' POV

I f she really wants to be with him then that's fine…fine!

No problem…

None whatsoever…

Man, she looked absolutely stunning…I don't think that I can ever be just good friends with her again…

With Rory, it's either all or nothing…

Jess sighed heavily, out of breath as he slumped down onto the wooden planks of the bridge and lit a cigarette, his hand trembling ever so slightly with rage and frustration.

Jess' POV

I just made a complete dick out of myself…oh shit!

Meanwhile………………………………………………………………………………….

Rory's POV

No, no, no, no, no, no, no!

I've done it all wrong!

Why am I still standing here, with Dean's arm possessively clinging to my waist?

I don't feel anything…when Jess touched me it was like ice…no fire…

I think I melted…

"I can't tell you how much it pains me to see Jess suffer!" Dean stated sarcastically, "Finally he's gone, I mean what was he doing here in the first place?"

"The reformed bad boy with suppressed dreams of the stage…his emotional struggle as his desperate longing for dance takes over his mind and body…" Kirk mused aloud, "What a magnificent piece of inspiration for my next cinematic debut…I will play the lead!"

Lorelei couldn't help but giggle, at which Luke nudged her sternly and irritably.

Rory looked pale and faint and Luke couldn't help but feel aggravated over Jess' failure to be a man, grit his teeth and tell Rory exactly how he feels. He was not a stranger to that subject…it was all too painfully familiar, and he sneaked a brief glance at Lorelei's equally concerned face as she tried to catch Rory's eye.

Dean ignored Kirk's sleepy yet excited rambling, and continued, " I know! It was obviously some sort of pathetic attempt to win you over Rory, I mean it's so obvious!"

He leant down and kissed Rory lightly on the lips, but she pushed him away firmly and moaned hoarsely, "No…"

Lorelei stepped forwards and held on to Rory's hands, "What's up babe? Are you sick…because we can drop out if that's what you want…" Lorelei soothed as she hugged Rory.

Rory nestled into her mother and sighed deeply, Dean looked puzzled and Luke shuffled awkwardly.

He looked up at the clock, and ventured carelessly without thinking, "I'd better go and find Jess and get his ass back here because I've got to win me a trophy!"

Dean flinched at the sound of Jess' name and Rory looked up into Lorelei's eyes. The gaze that was held, like a flickering candle, between mother and daughter, was so clear, deep and meaningful that everything was understood. In that brief moment, so much was passed, that Lorelei simply smoothed down Rory's hair, gave her an encouraging smile and nodded her head.

Rory smiled back with relief and suddenly felt brave and determined.

"It's all right Luke, I'll go…I know where he'll be…" Rory assured him before she dashed out of the gym, her heart pounding.

"I'll go with her," announced Dean, controlling his annoyance as he tried to follow her.

However, Lorelei put a hand on his shoulder and said gently, "Why don't you trust her on this one. She loves you Dean…" What am I saying, I know she doesn't and so does he!

"I'm not just going to stand by and let that jerk steal her from me…"

"She's not buried treasure! No one steals her and she can make decisions for herself!" Shouted Lorelei, getting angry at his dominating attitude.

"Come on Lorelei, I've always been good to Rory… do you seriously think that Jess will just snap out of being a jerk? How do you think he'll treat her!"

Lorelei let go of his shoulder and looked unsure. It was no secret that her and Jess didn't exactly see eye to eye…and knowing Jess, he'd probably make a mess of things…he already has…but Rory loves him…maybe I should just let go…brace yourself Lorelei, this is going to be a rocky ride…

Dean walked firmly out of the gym, deadly focused on finding Rory.

Lorelei sighed, and Luke put his hand on her shoulder. "Jess isn't a bad guy you know."

"I know," Lorelei responded as she gripped his hand.