Part 2: Where I belong
Hello miss, the woman said.
Hi. Am I at Jess Mariano's mother appartment?
Yes, that's me. Is there anything I can do for you?
Maybe. You see, I got a letter yesterday. From Jess.
Come in, I wouldn't talk through a door frame.
Thank you.
Rory came in and followed her in the living room.
Tell me, she said, can I ask you who you are?
Oh, sure, Rory answered, sorry. My name's Rory Gilmore. I dated Jess for a while.
So you are Rory. Jess told me about you. I might have loved you a lot to be feeling that bad.
You saw him?
Yes. He's actually here since he left Stars Hollow. He's really sad. Actually, I don't even know how he feels. It's been two days since the last time he left her room, he doesn't eat anymore and I think he spends most of his time sleeping.
Oh my god...
She didn't even want to imagine how he could be.
It's time that someone reacts. I tried. T.J., my boyfriend, tried to talk to him, but it didn't do anything. He doesn't even want to open the door. I think you couldn't any more good timing.
In his letter, he was asking for my help. That's why I'm here.
I'm glad to hear it. His bedroom is the one at the end, behind you.
Thanks.
During that time, I'll be in my bedroom, the one behind me. If you need anything, don't be shy to ask.
Got it. Thank you.
It's to me to thank you.
Why?
Because I think you're the only one that could do something. Now go.
Ok.
Oh, just before, my name's Liz. You can call me by my first name.
Ok. See you later.
Good luck.
Thanks.
Rory got up and went to Jess's bedroom while Liz was going to hers. Rory knocked on the closed door, but got nothing. She knocked again: still nothing. She turned the knob: the door opened. So she entered in the room slowly. She found Jess sitting on the edge of his window, eyes closed and his headphones on. She approached him and touched his shoulder. He took off one of his headphones, not opening his eyes.
I told you to leave me alone! he said, thinking it was his mother.
He replaced his headphone. Rory retouched his shoulder. This time, he stopped his walkman and turned to her, still thinking it was his mother, but he froze when he saw it was Rory. Happiness appeared on his face.
Rory? But...what are you doing here?
I got your letter.
Those simple words made him understand that she was there for him.
I was so not expecting you to come, he said after a moment of silence.
I'm here for you Jess. Your letter made me think a lot.
He suddenly began to cry. Rory didn't know how to react, so she dropped her backpack on the floor and hugged him. He held on onto her. She ever let fall a few tears, floored by all the distress he was showing.
I'm so sorry Rory, he said through his tears. I'm so mad at me! I hate myself for hurting you like that!
Rory took Jess's face in her hands and forced him to look at her.
Jess, she said, listen to me. I'm not here to tell you I hate you, of nothing like that. I'm here 'cause I want and I can help you. I'm here on my own. I'm here because I love you, Jess. I don't know how you could have doubted it, but if I hadn't loved you, I would have stayed with you that long. I wouldn't have lived so good moments, I wouldn't have had so much fun...I wouldn't have cried days long after you left.
More reason to hate me.
I hated you at the beginning. But I realized I loved you. I realized that if I hadn't loved you, I wouldn't have cried that long. I love you Jess. Believe me.
But I...
She made him shut up by kissing him. She kissed him with all her love, all her soul strength. When she stopped, she hugged him again.
If you don't believe me after that, then I don't know how I could prove you I love you.
I believe you Rory.
She was happy to hear it. They remained like this for a moment, in silence.
Rory, help me.
I'm asking for it. I'm here for it.
What do we do?
I don't know. But for now, you should sleep. It seems like you hadn't slept for days.
You stay there, huh?
I'm not going anywhere.
Jess layed down on his bed and Rory joined him and he snuggled up to her. He soon fell asleep, and Rory fell asleep not long after him. They woke up only in the next morning, in the same position. Rory first opened her eyes. The very first thing she saw was Jess's face, still asleep. She rubbed it lightly to wake him up slowly. After a few seconds, he opened his eyes.
Hi, Rory lightly said while continuing rubbing his face.
Hi, he answered with his voice a little sleepy. I was scared it could have been a dream.
Don't worry. I'm really her. You slept well?
It's been a long time since the last time I slept that well. I think you had a lot to do with it.
Rory smiled. He took her hands.
I'm so glad you're here Ror, he said. Your presence does me so good, if only you knew...if only you knew how much I regret...
I know Jess. That's past now, ok? I'm here to help you...to show you I love you, to tell you I'm not mad at you. Me too I sometimes have a tendency to run away. Now we have to focus on the present. You want to change? Then I'll help you. Maybe you'll find it hard, but I know you can do it if you put effort into it and if you have the will to do it.
I want it Rory. I promise I'll put effort in it. But without you, I can't.
How many times will I have to tell you? I'm here to help, Jess. I won't let you down. I promise you.
He looked at her in her eyes and saw she wasn't kidding.
Thank you Rory, he blurted out.
For what? she asked.
For being here for me...to love me like that. I need it so much.
That's nothing Jess.
He smiled briefly and kissed her during a moment. When they stopped, they looked at each other for a moment, Jess rubbing lightly Rory's face.
Are you hungry? Rory suddenly asked.
Huh...a little, yeah, he answered.
Coo, me too. Come on, I'll pay you some breakfast.
Huh...ok. But let me change before.
Ok. I'll be waiting in the living room.
Ok.
They quickly kissed, got off of the bed, kissed again and Rory went to the living room and Jess got changed. When she arrived there, Rory saw Liz watching the tv. Liz turned to her.
Oh, hi Rory.
Good morning Liz. You had a nice sleep?
Yes, and you?
Yes.
How's Jess?
I think he's already doing better.
Glad to hear it. I didn't know what to do.
Don't worry, that's why I'm here.
Thanks a lot.
That's nothing.
Oh no, that not nothing. You have a great heart, and this, it's not given to everyone. Jess is really lucky to have you.
Jess appeared at that moment.
I'm not making you say it mom, he said while circling Rory's waist with his arms. That girl, I love her more than anything. I lost her once, I don't want it to happen again.
Work for it, then, his mother answered. Ladys like here, there aren't so much around. She precious.
I know.
Rory felt she was blushing.
So we're leaving, Jess continued.
Where are you going? Liz asked.
Going to eat breakfast.
Ok. See you later.
'Later! Rory and Jess said at the same time.
They left. Liz saw them again only three hours later when they got back, looking calm.
So, it was good that breakfast? she asked.
Delicious, they answered.
You didn't take three hours to eat, I hope!
Oh, no, Jess said. We went for a walk after we ate.
Ah ok.
Huh...if you don't mind, I'd like to call my mother.
Just take it in my room, Jess offered.
Mmm...ok.
They went to Jess's room.
Don't do anything I wouldn't do! Liz had time to tell them before the door closed.
In Jess's bedroom, Rory took the cordless phone that Jess was handing her, sat down on the bed and composed her mother's cell number. Lorelei answered after two rings. In the mean time, Jess has sat down behind Rory and circled her waist with his arms.
Hello? Lorelei's voice said.
Hey mom!
Ah, hi sweets. How are you?
Fine, and you?
Fine too.
Tell me, did Luke tell you I was going to New York?
Yes hun. So, did you find Jess?
Yes. He's even with me now.
And how is he?
He's better since I'm here, I think.
Good. Do you have any idea on when you'll get home?
Not yet. I'll talk with Jess about it and I'll call you back, ok?
Ok. 'Later, then.
Yeah, 'later.
Rory hung up and turned to Jess.
So, what do you have to talk about with me? Jess asked.
I'll have to get back to Stars Hollow soon.
Why?
Well...I have to go to New Haven to move some of my stuff in my dorm, or I'll lose my place and God knows that I don't want to be 4 hours a day on the road. Classes only begin in two and a half month, but there are so much requests, so...I wanted to talk about it with you because I wanted to know what you were going to do.
Right now, I don't know. I'll be honnest with you, I don't really want to stay here. There's always Luke, but I don't know if he'll agree to take me a third time...and if he doesn't agree, I'll be on the street...what about we move in together, in New Haven?
Huh...I don't know Jess. I'm really feeling ready for that...I'm sorry.
That's ok, I understand.
I can always ask my mother to take you with us, we could share my room. And like that I could see if I'm ready to share a whole appartment with you.
Mmm...that's sounds fair to me. But do you think your mother will agree?
If you do an effort to be nice to her, so will she.
I'm ready to do it.
Good, but ask Luke before.
Ok. I have to do it now?
The sooner it will be done, the sooner my stuff will be moved to New Haven and the sooner I'll be able to give you all my time.
Ok. I got it.
Cool!
Rory handed him the phone and he composed his uncle number.
Hello! Luke Danes.
Hey Luke, it's Jess.
Ah, Jess. How are you?
Not bad...and you?
Very well, thank you. If you're not bad, I assume that you saw Rory recently?
Exactly. She's right beside me right now.
Ok. So, why are you calling?
Well...I coming back to Stars Hollow...again...and I was wondering if you didn't still had a place for me.
Mmm...I'm sorry Jess but I began some renovations in my appartment and I can't even sleep there myself. On the other hand, I'll be glad to take you back at the diner, if you want.
Ok. Thanks Luke.
You welcome Jess. See you soon!
Yeah, see you soon.
He hung up.
So? Rory asked.
Well, to make it short, he can't take me but he offered to take me back at the diner.
Ok. Let's just hope that my mother will agree...but I don't know why I'm worried. So...when do you think you'll be ready to leave?
What do I have to take?
What do you want to take?
Yeah...that's better...let's say...my clothes, my CDs, my books...do I have to bring something to put my clothes into it?
Oh, I should be able to give you some space in my drawers. Anyway, bring furniture in a bus is a bad idea.
You're right.
If we need something, we'll come back with my mom or Luke.
Ok. So...do you think you have space in your backpack for CDs or books?
I think. Let me see.
She took her backpack from where she had dropped it, and evaluated the space that was left.
I think there's enough space for all your CDs plus a couple of books.
Great. You can take care of it?
Sure, no problem.
While was putting clothes and books in his bag, Rory was doing the same with his CDs and other books. A couple were left but Jess put them in another bag and it was all done.
Here we are. I think I'm ready, Jess said.
Well, ok. Great. We can go? she asked.
Yeah.
They got out of the room and stopped in the living room to say goodbye to Liz.
Hey mom? You there? Jess yelled.
Yeah, yeah! she said, getting out of her room. What's going on?
She noticed their bags.
Where are you going?
Stars Hollow, Rory answered.
You sure Jess?
It'll be okay mom. I have Rory with me.
Well, ok. Good luck, honey.
Thanks. I'll give you news soon.
Ok. I'm glad to have finally met you Rory. I hope I'll see you again.
Me too, Rory answered. Bye!
Bye!
Rory and Jess left.
Those two, they're meant to be together, Liz said a moment after Rory and Jess had left.
The two got out of the building not long after they had left the appartment and went to the bus stop. They both took a ticket for Hartford but they had to wait 30 minutes, departures for Hartford being only every hours. When it was time, they sat at the bottom of the bus, far for the unwanted looks, and the bus left a few minutes later. They arrived in Hartford about two hours later, then took the bus to go to Stars Hollow and got there about 30 minutes later. Rory was glad to come back, but Jess was a little nervous. They entered the Gilmore house after a 10 minutes walk and dropped their stuff in Rory's bedroom. She quickly took a look around the house and saw that her mother wasn't there. She got back to her room and Jess.
My mom's not there. I'll call her to tell we're here.
Ok.
Rory got out again of her room and went to the living room, grabbing the phone on her way, Jess on her heels. She sat down on the couch and Jess did the same, and she called her mother.
Hello?
Hey mom, it's me.
Hey hun. What's going on?
Jess and I are home.
Huh...ok...can tell me what time it is?
Huh...
She looked down at her watch.
5 PM.
Ok. Meet me at Luke's in 10 minutes, ok?
Alright. See you in a minute!
'In a minute!
They hung up and Rory turned to Jess.
Ready to see Luke?
Why?
Because that's where we're going. We have to meet my mom there in 10 minutes.
Ok. We should leave now, it takes 10 minutes to get there by walk.
Let's go!
Rory took her keys and they got out, locking the door behind them, and they took the direction of Luke's.
