Part 5: Surprise to surprise
The next day, they all woke up late in the morning. Lorelei only woke up at lunch time, but Rory and Jess had woken up earlier and gone out for a walk after they ate breakfast. They went to the bridge and sat down. After a moment of silence, Jess spoke.
What do you wanna do tomorrow? he asked.
Mmm...good question...you have an idea?
Well, I had planned a little dinner, just the two of us, to celebrate our first year as a couple...but apart of this, I don't know.
Ok...in that case, we could wake up late, then in the afternoon we'll get prepared for the evening. Where are we going?
Oh, a restaurant in Hartford. It's called...wait...the Silver Palace.
The Silever Palace? Wait, are you serious?
I'm not looking serious?
Yeah, you look serious. Did you know that it's about 40$ per person, there?
Yes, I know. Your mother offered to pay a part of it.
Oh, I see. I'm looking forward to tomorrow!
So do I.
They looked at each other for a moment then kissed. They stayed there for another couple of hours, then got home for dinner. That night, Lorelei left them alone, pretending to have a rendezvous...obviously bull for an excuse, but she left them alone. When she came back, around 00:30, she found them, curled up against each other, sleeping on the couch. She woke Jess up.
Hey Jess, she whispered. Jess, wake up.
He rubbed his eyes and turned to Lorelei.
What's wrong? he asked.
Let's go sleep in Rory's room or you'll have someting aching tomorrow, and it's no time for this, is it?
You're right. Thanks.
No problem. Good night!
'Night to you too.
Lorelei smiled to him and went upstairs to sleep. As for Jess, he woke Rory up by kissing the back of her neck.
What's going on? she asked, happily surprised, turning to him.
Let's go sleep in your room, we'll be more comfortable.
Ok.
She got up and went to her room, followed by Jess. They didn't take the time to change, they just slid under the sheets and soon got back to sleep, Jess squeezing Rory against him. They effectively woke up late the next morning and only got out of bed around 2 in the afternoon. They ate a little and, around 3, they began getting prepared for their date. Jess was wearing a white shirt and black pants, simple but effective, and Rory put on a simple black asymmetrical dress with a light make-up. When Jess saw her, he lost his voice. Rory even became a little awkward.
But say something, Jess! I feel stupid here.
You don't have anything stupid, he reassured her. It's just that...you're wonderful.
That's a simple dress.
Yes but sometimes, simplicity makes beauty, hun, her mother said. And in your case, simplicity makes you beautiful.
Well, ok...thanks.
Ok, Lorelei said, let's go now or you'll lose your table.
She almost kicked them out. They took Rory's car, which had been offered by her grandparents for her accptance at Yale. They got to Hartfort about 30 minutes later. They arrived early at the restaurant so they had to wait for their table to be free. A matter of 15 minutes. The dinner last almost three hours during which they talked about books, music and a lot of other stuff. When they got out of the restaurant, they went for a walk, hand in hand.
That's a beautiful night, Rory said after a moment.
Yeah. We're lucky.
He saw a bench a little further. The moment had come to give her her present.
Hey there's a bench over there. Let's sit down.
Ok.
She followed him there. They sat down and Jess faced Rory. He seemed to search his words for a moment.
What's going on, Jess?
I don't know how to say it.
About what?
About something I want to give you.
A gift? But in what honnor?
You know that today it's been year that we're dating. I wanted to prove you that what I feel is still strong, and that I love you as much as in the beginning.
He took something from one of the pockets of his pants and handed it to Rory.
A bracelet, Rory said. It's beautiful.
Look at the plate, I got something written on it.
Really?
She looked. There was really something written.
From the very bottom of my heart, Jess, she read. My god. Jess...that's beautiful...I don't know what to say...thank you...
Just tell me you love me. There's no more beautiful present for me.
I love you Jess. But...
No, don't say more, he cut her off. I know, I didn't have to do that.
And I would add that only your attitude, with me and my mom, prove me that you love me. That's already a lot.
I know, but you know I would do anything dor you. You don't know how much I love you.
I already have a good look on it.
They smiled at each otther and kissed briefly, then lay against the bench for a moment, Jess circling Rory's shoulders. After a couple of minutes, Jess looked at his watch and seemed to be hesitating.
Ror, he finally said.
What? she said, still watching the sky.
I have something to show you.
What is it?
For now, it's a surprise, so you have to follow me...without asking any question.
You know that when it comes to surprises, I can't stay in place?
Yes, I know. That's because I told you.
Cruel.
Jess made a grimace and brought her to the car. When she had sat down, he went on the driver's side and put a scarf on his girlfriend's eyes. He then started the engine and they went to New Haven. Rory couldn't stop herself from asking Jess about their destination, but he remained silent. After about an hour, they finally arrived. Rory wasn't mad to leave her seat. Jess made her climb the few stairs that separated them from the door of the building, then they entered, took the elevator to the third floor and Jess brought Rory to the right. He unlocked the last door on the left and made her come in in the appartment.
You ready? he asked while sirclling her waist with his arms.
You're asking if I'm ready? I was ready even before you told me that you had a surprise for me!
You're so impatient!
When it comes to surprises, you can't know how much I can be impatient!
I can see that! That will teach me...
I hope so. You take it off, that scarf?
So he did. She was in a beautiful 4 rooms and a half, full of furniture. She couldn't fin her words.
Welcome home, Jess whispered in her ear.
That's ours?
Yes.
Since when?
Tonight. The owner's supposed to come at any minute now in order to make you sign the contract. Only your signature's missing.
As if on cue, someone knocked on the door. Jess opened it.
Good evenig mr. Mariano!
Mr. Jackson. Come in.
What he did.
So this appartment pleases you, miss Gilmore?
Oh yes! I even wonder how Jess did to find something that would please me so much.
Well, I got a little help, answered the concerned.
If I remember well, mr. Jackson said, you came with your step-mother?
Exactly.
Ah, I understand, Roty said. So, where do I sign?
Well well! We can say that you are fast in business, miss Gilmore!
That depends for what, Jess couldn't stop himself from saying.
Fortunately for him, only Rory heard him. She gave him a fake scandalised look. She then sat down at the table where mr. Jackson already was, marking the spaces she had to sign on. When it was done, the owner wished them welcome and left.
Do you have other good news like that? Rory asked when mr. Jackson had gone.
There's one left.
Mmm...what is it?
Ok...where do I begin? As you may have noticed, I did again my last year of high school, this year.
That's true. And I'm proud of you.
Thank you. I then took an initiative in the biggest secret...well...at the time being, you're the only one that doesn't know, but...
What are you trying to say?
What what would you say if I was telling you that I filled in an inscription in an Ivy League college and I got in?
I would say it's great. In what branch?
Business holding.
Really? Why?
I would like to have my own library chain.
Mmm...I love that idea. And, tell me, in which college is it?
Yale.
What? Did I really hear Yale?
Yes, you really heard Yale.
Rory, excited, jumped at hid neck.
I can't believe it! We're going to the same college!
I just realized it. I'm so happy.
Wow...I really can't believe it. It seems like I'm dreaming.
Believe me, you're not dreaming.
They loked at each other deeply for a moment then kissed. After a long moment, they stopped for air.
What about you show me our bedroom? Rory whispered in Jess's ear.
With pleasure.
He took her hand and almost ran there, then the door slammed shut. The weeks, months, then years went by quickly, but Rory and Jess were still so madly in love with each other, if it wasn't more than before.
