Chapter 16

The day of Rory graduation quickly arrived. Jess' would follow three days later. Rory and Lorelai were on there way there. "You nervous?" Lorelai asked a fidgety Rory.

"Of course."

"Who's coming again?"

"Grandma and Grandpa, Luke and Jess, and Sookie and Jackson."

"Oh, and what time will they get here?"

"At three-forty five, because they said they wanted to be here early because the ceremony starts at four."

"Okay, I'll shut up now."

"I'd appreciate it."

At three-forty five, everyone showed up as promised. The ceremony started. Rory was giving her speech, giving Jess occasional glances.

"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. My boyfriend, Jess who provides an argument about literature, who is there for me whenever I need him, and who I am given the luxury to be my own person around. 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. Thank you, Mom. You are my guidepost for everything. As we prepare ourselves today to leave. . ." Rory finished her speech with much grace and pride in the people she love for helping her mold and change into the person she is.

After graduation Paris came running up to Rory, "Rory, I'm going to Columbia!"

"You are? So am I"

"Nice, so I'll see you there."

"Bye."

After Rory's graduation party in the town square, three days later it was Jess' turn.

"Nervous?" Luke asked.

"No, okay maybe a little."

"You'll be fine. Lorelai, Rory, and the grandparents will be here at four-forty five." The ceremony started at five.

"Okay."

It was time for the ceremony and Jess was giving his speech.

"I came from a place most people would justify as poor. I started out back in New York as the kid who skipped class to go as far away from school as possible. But, I found out that by going to school and by doing something with myself that I can accomplish anything I desire with a little hard work, determination, and persistence. My dream is to write. Write like great novelists such as Hemingway and Vonnegut. I have never told anyone this, but I realized I needed to divulge this to other people to gain their guidence and support.That dream probably would never be possible without a high school diploma. I owe it all to three people. My Uncle Luke, who willingly took me in twice and who pushed me to do my best. Lorelai Gilmore, who although did not like me when I first got here got to know me, and though it might sound a little cliché, acted as the mother figure I never had. Finally, my girlfriend, Rory who I without, would not be standing here as your valedictorian today. She had faith in me when many other people did not. She gave me the motivation I needed to succeed. However and most importantly, she helped me believe in myself. Before I met her, I did not think I would be anyone or become anything and I truly thank her for that. I will be going to Columbia in the fall and I would not have been able to do this, without the help of the people and teachers here in Stars Hollow. I never really pictured myself saying that but here I am. Thank you."

Rory and Lorelai were both in tears at the mention of their names. After the ceremony, Rory walked over to Jess. "That was beautiful." She said.

"Thanks." He said giving her a kiss.

Lorelai walked up, "Jess it was sweet, you mentioning me in your speech."

"Your welcome and I meant what I said."

Jess asked the town not to throw a party. He just wanted to spend the rest of his night with Rory. They spent the night at the bridge in each other's arms. "Jess, I love you so much."

"I love you so much Rory and I want you know that I'm not going anywhere."

"I know."

"Were in this together."

"Yes we are."

A/N: I need ideas on what to do during the summer in the story because I don't want to just skiptwo and a half months. Gracias!