Part 6: Realizing dreams costs time
After university, they went to New York because Rory got a job as a foreign correspondant for the New York Times. As for Jess, he had gotten a job at the Times with Rory's help and he was saving for the opening of his library chain. After about a year and a half of savings, he finally opened his first shop. He had it decorated as in Oliver Twist, his favorite book. A reading room and a coffee shop had been settled too. The place became quickly famous and Jess got pretty busy for the first weeks. He then took a break and spent time with Rory, who was on vacancies for a whole month. After all the trips she had done, vacancies were worth it.
The first night hadn't been worth the rest because of Jess's cell that didn't stop ringing. After a dozen of calls, he had enough: he turned it off. The employees didn't know his personnal number, so he was in peace.
It's not of all rest to make a dream come true, Rory told him while they were watching tv. Believe me, I know what I'm talking about.
I know. We didn't see much of each other, lately.
Yeah. We've been really busy: me somewhere on the globe and you here with your library. I think this break is worth it!
You're right. And what about we go on a trip for what...two weeks? What do you think?
That's a great idea. It will change from the city. What about Hawaii?
That's ok with me.
He yawned.
But for now, he said, I'm too tired to talk about it. What about we go to sleep? We'll talk about it tomorrow.
I completely agree.
They turned off everything and went to bed. They talked about their trip the next day and did the necessary reservations. They were leaving the day after and would stay in one of Hawaii's most beautiful hotel: the Colonial Hotel on Lahaina Island. They packed what they would need, bought what was missing, told their respective jobs as well as Lorelei and Luke, and they were finally ready. They left from the JFK international airport around three in the morning and arrived at their destination about eight hours later (author's note: don't ask me at what time because me and time delay aren't good friends). During their first night at the hotel, they only slept, exhausted by the time delay and the airplane trip. The next morning, they woke up around 9, Hawaii's time, but they didn't get up. Jess was the first to wake up and, while waiting for Rory to wake, he ordered breakfast. When it was done, he layed back down and looked at Rory sleeping, who stirred five minutes later.
Morning, Jess told her. Welcome to Hawaii.
Rory smiled.
Hi. I was scared it would only be a dream.
Well no, we're really there.
Mmm...great...vacancies, finally!
Yeah!
They smiled and Jess leaned in for a kiss.
You hungry? he asked.
Yup.
Good, it shouldn't be too long before it arrives.
You made it come up? That's so nice...
Someone knocked on the door.
Breakfast for mr. and mrs. Jess Mariano! a girly voice said.
One moment! Jess yelled while puuting on his last night pants.
And he went to the door. The woman handed him two silver plates that he put down on the table and gave her a tip, then reclosed the door.
Mrs. Jess Mariano? Rory inquired after the door was closed. What did you tell them?
Only our room number. They might have thought we were married.
That's not even the case...anyway, it's not grave. That's probably not the last time it'll happen.
Jess smiled at the thought that he was planning on proposing while they were there. When? He didn't know yet, but he was planning it all the same.
Sure. So, you coming?
She got up and sat down at the table. Jess took off the cover of one of the plates and handed it to her, then took the other, and they began to eat, talking about what they would do while they were there. After breakfast, they showered and then visited the hotel and the surroundings. They ate lunch at the hotel's restaurant and, in the afternoon, went on the beach, and got back for dinner. During the evening, they went for a walk on the beach, under a starry sky. They got back to their room around 9:30 and watched a little the tv before going to sleep. They weren't quite used yet to the time delay. The next day, they went on a boat trip around the island and discovered the environment that was around them. It was beautiful. It last almost all day, so they got back to the hotel for dinner. They went back on the beach for a walk again that night, but this time stayed longer. After about 45 minutes, they sat down on the sand, Rory between Jess's legs.
We're so good here, only the both of us, Rory said after a moment of silence.
Incredibly good. I would stay like this the rest of my life if I could, Jess answered.
I feel so good with you Jess, I have the impression to have another crush on you everytime I see you.
That's the same for me, Ror. I love so much that words couldn't express how I love you.
Rory looked up at him.
It's so beautiful, what you're saying, she said, touched.
Jess felt the moment had come for him.
Rory, all those things we have lived together since we first met made me realize some things: I love you more than anything in this world and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I thought about it a lot and it always seems like a good thing. Maybe we're only 23, but we've been together for six years now and I'd like us to be something more than a girlfriend/boyfriend to each other. I hope you want the same thing.
Rory looked up again, understanding where he was going.
I love you more than my own life, that's why I want to ask you something...
Rory turned around and put a finger on his lips, making him shut up.
Don't say anything. That's yes Jess.
His look lightened. The question wasn't worth asking it. He knew in the very bottom of himself that she loved him as much as he loved her, so it was of no use to ask. He took her to him, loving her even more. After a moment they stopped, haleting, and touched each other's forehead.
I love you Rory.
I love you too Jess.
They kissed again and, in a common silent agreement, they got back to the hotel. That night, it had been as if there was no one else than them. Late the next morning, Rory opened her eyes with an incredible feeling of well-being. She smiled of happiness and patiently waited for Jess to wake up. After about 30 minutes, she felt him stir, so she turned around to face him.
Morning, she told him after a kiss.
Morning, he answered, smiling. Slept well?
Couldn't do better. And you?
Same. So, how does it feel to know you'll soon be called mrs. Jess Mariano?
Rory giggled.
I love it, she answered.
I hope so 'cause that's the only name I have.
They smiled at each other. Suddenly, Jess let go of her and turned around to get something in one of his pants pockets, and refaced her. It was a little black velvet box that he put down between them and turned it in order to get Rory see what was in it. What it contained? A beautiful white gold ring with blue saphire, circled by little diamonds, all flower shaped. Rory was speechless.
You didn't give me the time to give it to you last night, so I'm giving it to you now, he said, seeing she wasn't going to say anything.
Jess...it's beautiful...
I knew you would like it. When I chose it, I fixed myself a purpose: put your eyes in even more evidence. That's why I put a blue saphire in the middle. The diamonds are there to represent the stars I have the impression to see in your eyes every time you look at me.
He took it and put it on her ring finger. Rory was still speechless from the beauty of that ring. He knew her so well...she never knew what to expect from Jess and that was just what she liked of her life with him. Even after six years, he was still surprising her, and he certainly haven't done doing it. She kissed him with all her soul strenght and her love, and he answered the same way. The rest of their trip went by as a dream and when came time to leave, they did it conterheartedly. They did the airplane hours that separated them from New York and found at their arrival, to their surprise, Lorelei and Luke that were waiting for them. Rory went to kiss her mother and Jess shook hands with his uncle.
You're so beautiful, all tanned! Lorelei said as they were going to take their luggage.
Their suitcases didn't take too long to come and Luke offered them to take them for them. Lorelei invited them to spend the rest of their break in Stars Hollow. They agreed, since they haven't gone there for a long time because of the work. Arrived there, they dropped their stuff in Luke's old appartment, since Luke had moved to Lorelei's place because they'd been together for three years, so the appartment was Rory and Jess's hotel room. That night, Rory and Jess went to bed early. Once more, time delay's fault. The next day, they woke up around 9:30 and decided to go eat breakfast in the diner after they showered and got dressed. They found there Luke, naturally, but also Lorelei, who turned to them when they sat down at her table.
Good morning travellers! Slept well?
Like a baby! Rory said.
Same here, Jess added.
Cool! So, those vacancies in Hawaii, how was it?
There's no word to describe how it was, Rory said while looking at Jess, who smiled to her. The weather had been beautiful all the time. A real paradise. Everything around was breathtaking.
Well! You're making me wanting to go, Lorelei said, envying her daughter.
We didn't even want to leave! Jess said. But you know, we have a job so...anyway, we would have gotten bored after a moment.
Yeah, Rory said.
Luke came.
Hello tourists!
Hey Luke, Rory and Jess said.
What can I get you?
Pancakes and coffe, Rory instantly answered.
Ok, Jess?
Huh...same.
Be right up!
Luke went at the back to give the order and came back with two mugs and the coffee pot. He refilled Lorelei's mug in the same time and left again, as Rory was taking Jess's hand. Lorelei suddenly noticed Rory's beautiful ring.
It's beautiful that ring, Rory! You bought it in Hawaii?
Not exactly...
Where did you get it then?
Jess gave it to me.
Really? Why?
Mom, Jess and I, we're going to get married.
Lorelei, who was drinking, nearly suffocated. She smiled.
That's true? Wow...congratulations!
Thanks, Rory and Jess answered at the same time.
Hey Luke! Lorelei yelled.
What's going on? he asked from the kitchen.
You'll never guess what I've just heard!
What have you just heard?
Rory and Jess are going to get married!
Two plates could be heard braking on the floor. Everybody in the diner shut up, surprised. Loke poked his head out of the kitchen.
What?
I said: Rory and Jess are going to get married!
Wow...let's say that I wasn't expecting such a news at this hour of the day, but...congratulations!
Thanks, Rory and Jess once again answered in unison.
Luke smiled to them and got back to work.
I wanted to tell it under other circumstances...I did it well! Rory said.
We can't have everything we want in life, sweet! Lorelei said.
I know, but until now, I've almost gotten everything I wanted: a great mother, a great best friend and a wonderful fiancé, not forgetting excellent coffee done by an excellent step-father. My summary have just gotten hit hard.
Don't worry, Jess said, I'm sure that it will rise up again soon.
Really? How do you know that?
I know it because I want to give you the wedding you've always dreamed of...
Really? So you're going to wear a pink tux?
He looked at her, horrified. She smiled triumphantly.
I was kidding, she said. I'm disgusted just by thinking about it.
Jess sighed, relieved, before taking a sip of coffee, while Luke was coming with his and Rory's breakfast, who dugged in it as if there were no tomorrow.
I'll never get used to it, Jess said while looking at Rory.
Luke put a hand on his shoulder.
Believe me, I understand.
Thanks Luke.
He went back to work.
At least I have someone who understands me!
So, what are you doing today? Lorelei asked.
No idea, Rory answered between two bites. Let's say that we hadn't really planned to come to Stars Hollow, but here we are, so let's not think about it.
You'll have to go to Hartford at least once while you're here, Lorelei said.
Of course, Rory said. I also have to see Lane.
Hey, how long are you staying? Lorelei suddenly asked?
Rory and Jess looked at each other for a moment.
We don't know, Rory answered while turning to her mother. A few days, maybe. We'd like to alone at home together before we get back to work.
That's understandable, but I hope you'll slow down a little! You have a wedding to plan!
Oh that, Jess said, wedding or not, it was out intention. In six months, we barely saw each other. If we add all the days we saw each other, I don't think it equals three weeks. Rory was always somewhere on the planet and me, the opening of the library kept me busy a lot. We talked on the phone often, but that's not the same as talking face to face. We were seeing the other shortly in the morning, then at night, when we were going to bed...the nights Rory was there. I was beginning to find the bed a little too big for me alone.
Rory smiled.
I'll be a lot more there now. I'll asked to have a maximum of one trip every two months. The rest of the time, I can do local stuff. I can live with that. Anyway, I'll never have the necessary energy to travel all the time.
Jess took her hand, that he kissed, telling her he was approving. Lorelei's cell phone rang. She took it, under Luke's threatening look, and went outside.
Hello? she answered, closing the diner's door behind her.
Lorelei?
Oh, hey mom.
Hello Lorelei. How are you?
Fine, and you?
Fine, thank you.
Why are you calling me at (she looked at her watch) 10:22 in the morning?
I wanted to know if Rory and Jess were back from their trip.
Ah, yes. They came back yesterday.
Why didn't you call me?
Mom, they were exhausted by the plane trip and the time difference. I gave them the night to come back completely!
Well, okay. You come to dinner tonight, then. You, Rory, Jess and Luke.
Okay.
At 7, and don't be late!
We'll be there, mom!
See you tonight!
Yeah, see you tonight.
Lorelei hung up with a sigh and got back in the diner.
Who was it? Rory asked before taking a sip of her coffee.
Your grandmother. Dinner tonight at 7, you, me, Jess and Luke. You could take the occasion to tell them the good news.
Yeah...
The door suddenly opened to let Lane in.
Rory! she exclaimed.
Lane! Rory said while getting up.
They hugged.
Is it true? Lane asked as they let go of each other.
What?
They sat down at the table where Lorelei and Jess had stayed.
You're kidding me? Everywhere in town they're saying that you and Jess are engaged!
Oh, that.
She showed her her ring. Lane let a little scream come out and hugged Rory again.
Congratulations! Lane said, letting go of Rory. That's amazing!
Thanks Lane, Rory and Jess said.
Wow...my best friend's getting married...wow...
Lane, breathe, Lorelei said.
Lane took a few deep breaths before turning back her attention on her best friend and her fiancé.
Is it invading your private life if I ask you how you asked her, Jess?
He blushed a little while scratching his neck.
Well, he began, we were both sitting on the beach near our hotel, and then I did...you know...
Oh, come on, say it! Rory encouraged him. There's nothing to be shy of!
You know it's a little hard for me, Ror. You, Luke and Lorelei, you are the first real family I've ever had. That's all new for me, even if I've known you for almost 10 years.
Oh...sorry...it's just...you're always so opened to me, so...
That's ok. Don't apologize. I only want you to understand that it's always a little hard for me to tell my thoughts.
I understand, Jess.
Thanks.
They kissed briefly.
Well, Lane said, with that, we still don't know what happened on that beach.
Okay, okay, I continue, Jess said. So we were sitting on the beach and I told Rory a declaration, then when I was coming to THE question, she turned to me, telling me to shut up while saying that I didn't have to ask the question and that it was yes.
Mmm...Lorelei began. I know someone who's becoming softy...
Hey, Jess answered, it's not as if it was a big deal!
And the old Jess is back! Lorelei added, proud of herself.
Jess shook his head in a desperate way, probably telling himself that he would never get to understand those two Gilmore, most of all the one he was going to marry. He thought that it had to take a guy like him to love a girl like her...well...Rory's hand in front of his face brought him back to reality.
Jess? You listening? she asked.
Huh...yes. Sorry. I was kind of lost in my thoughts. What's going on?
I'm going shopping with mom and Lane this afternoon. You'll survive without me?
I did those last month, a couple more hours won't kill me.
She smiled to him.
What will you do?
I think I'll give Luke a hand until you come back, then we'll have to get to your grandparents', so...
Ok. Until then, what about we take a walk?
Ok.
They got up.
See you later mom, 'later Lane.
See you later! Lorelei and Lane answered.
And Rory and Jess left. They went to the bridge and sat down.
This place has so much memories, Rory said after a moment.
Yeah. That's here where I first swam with all my clothes on.
What?
Yeah. Luke pushed me in once, in the first days I was here.
Oh...I would have liked to see that.
Oh you I know, you never let go of a chance to mock me!
I don't mock you!
Of course...
I don't mock you! I tease you. And I do it because I know you'll react. And because I love you.
Well there are other ways to show we love someone.
Really? Which ones?
You're kidding, right?
How did you know?
He smiled and kissed her. She laughed and then bursted in laughter when he began tickling her. They stayed there until lunch and got back to Luke's to eat, and Rory, Lorelei and Lane left, and Jess helped Luke. The dinner at the elder Gilmore's went by pretty well. Rory and Jess told them about their engagement and they took it well, then Lorelei, Luke, Rory and Jess went home. The rest of the week went by well despite the fact that Jess had avoided a fight with Dean, the last didn't take well the news of their engagement. He might had realized that Rory and him really were over and that revelation must had hurt him. Jess made him understand that it wasn't good to live in the past by telling him that it was time to turn the page, because Rory had done a long time ago. That's at that moment that Dean tried to punch Jess, but Jess avoided it and maintained his fist behind his back while Rory was talking to him.
As I can see, you haven't changed, Dean. For you, the only way to arrange things is still by fighting. You're acting like a teenager, Dean! You're 23! It's more than the time to change that! Why are you still holding onto me, huh? Why? It's been over for a long time, when will you finally understand it? I'm with Jess now, and it's been for 6 years. I'm happy with him. And I'm so happy that we're going to get married, he and I! Yes, we're going to get married, because we love each other! Get a grip, Dean. Take it as an advice.
But Rory, he doesn't love you! I know it! He's manipulating you to dump you again later! He did it once, nothing stops him from doing it again!
I let you see that, Jess said, when I «dumped» her, the last time, it didn't do any good to me. What is it if it's not love that I feel for her, huh? Tell me, because I'd like to know! Frankly, I don't have any clue on what it could be.
Dean said nothing, defeated, and Jess smiled.
See, Jess continued, all that you're saying is bullshit. So now I'll tell you one last time and slowly so you'll understand: get-a-grip, Dean! For-get Ro-ry!
Leave me alone!
Jess let him go and saw that he was going to punch him again, but the hit never came: that's Rory that got it on the nose, wanting to interfere. Jess took her immediatly before she could fall down and made her sit down on the ground, then he turned to Dean.
Go away you bastard! Jess yelled. Go away before I break your head!
Dean left without saying anything and Jess returned to Rory.
Are you okay? he asked.
What do you think? He broke my nose!
Come on, I'll get you to the hospital.
Ok. Help me.
Sure.
He helped her to get up and directed her to the car. He made her sit down and quickly to his place, and drove to the hospital. There, while Rory was having stitches, he called Lorelei.
Hello? Lorelei's voice said.
Lorelei, it's Jess.
Ah, Jess. Hi. What's going on?
Well Rory got her nose broken.
What? Why? What happened?
We had a little discussion with Dean. To make it short, Dean wanted to punch me but I never saw it coming. That's Rory that got it on the nose. She's getting stitches as we're speaking.
Ah the jerk! Lorelei yelled. I'll kill him! But what did you tell him to make him mad?
Rory and I only made him understand that it was time to forget the past.
What? He was still holding on to Rory?
Apparently. I must have realized that she was no longer his when he heard we were engaged. Anyway, Rory hasn't been accessible for a long time now. I wonder why he was holding on that hard...
Poor Dean...
Hey, a moment ago you wanted to kill him and now you're defending him?
I'm not defending him. I only have pity of him. I still what to kill him, though. His failed mariage with Lindsay definitively didn't do him any good. He should change his mind. Go away from here.
That's not to me you have to say this, but to Dean.
I know, but that's you who's on the other end of the line.
Forget it. Oh, Rory's coming back. We'll be there soon.
Ok. See you later.
See you later.
He hung up and met Rory. Then he payed and they got back. In the mean time, in Stars Hollow, Lorelei hung up.
What's going on? Luke asked.
To make a short story, Dean broke Rory's nose.
What? The bastard. I'll kill him. I swear!
Luke, calm down. Even if the idea of killing Dean pleases me, that's not the better solution. He needs to change his mind...or a shrink. His failed marriage with Lindsay did him no good.
I can see that. Hey, why did he break Rory's nose?
Actually, it was supposed to hit Jess, but Rory interfered.
What did Jess say?
Huh...he told me that he and Rory only made him understand that it was more than the time to forget about the past.
What? He was still holding on to Rory?
Seems so.
I almost feel pity for him. But I still want to rub off his head.
Me too, but let's not do it, it could turn wrong. Jess and Rory will be there soon. You can begin the dinner.
Ok.
That night was the last night Rory and Jess were spending in Stars Hollow before Thanksgiving...or maybe even Christmas, depending on their schedules. Obviously, they were saying that they wanted to slow down, but it's easier to say than to do. They had a wedding to plan, which they wanted to take care of themselves, the guests would only have to show up...So, where were we...ah, yes. So it was the last night Rory and Jess were spending in Stars Hollow. They left a few hours before noon the next day and arrived in New York for lunch. Jess made them something quickly then they put their stuff of the trip away. When it was done, Rory took the mail before going to sit down next to Jess on the couch. There were only crazy or boring stuff so she put it away and turned her attention to Jess.
Tell me, sje said after a moment of silence, why do you want so much that we plan our wedding ourselves? My mother could have helped us.
You got to the point. That's OUR wedding. I'm getting married to you. Not you AND Lorelei. That's not as if I don't like your mother, don't think that, but I don't want her to put her nose in it. She can help you with your dress if you want to, but nothing more. Ok?
I agree with you.
Good.
He kissed her on the forehead.
