"You graduated!"Lorelai cried happily.

"I know!"Rory was excited too. She had driven home in the car her grandparents had given her and now she and Lorelai were celebrating with chocolate milkshakes and banana splits.

"When is Lane coming over?"Lorelai asked.

"5 minutes."

"Good."

"Hey, I'll be right back, kay?"Rory said and disappeared into her room. She took the phone with her and called the airport. She had gotten a credit card a few weeks ago and was now scheduling a flight to Venice Beach. Today was May 30th. She would leave June 2nd.

"Thank you."she hung up quietly and tucked her card away. Lorelai still didn't know anything. She hurried back out to celebrate just as Lane got there.

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Rory had a large suitcase filled and she had checked it at the baggage counters. She also had a smaller rolling suitcase as a carryon. She was very nervous.

Her flight had left while Lorelai was at work. It was 10 in the morning. They usually met at Luke's for lunch. Rory left a note on the kitchen table at home and then called Luke to Lorelai she wasn't feeling well and was at home.

When Lorelai came home she'd find the long note explaining where Rory was and why. She also explained that her cell phone would be off unless she wanted to call Lorelai and that Lorelai shouldn't worry or come after her. She would be back in time for Europe.

Rory only hope she would listen to the note and not come after her or freak out.She leaned back in her seat as they took off. She had a 20 minute layover in St. Louis and then another in Colorado. Then it was nonstop to Venice Beach. She had gotten a good deal on the tickets.

Rory managed to fall asleep on each flight so she didn't have time to panic about seeing Jess.

When she arrived in Venice Beach it was warm and sunny. She shed her sweatshirt and hailed a taxi. She had reservations at a hotel right near jess's house. She went there first. She got her room. It was small and only had one bed because that was cheap and all she needed anyways. She changed into shorts and a tank top and flip flops and then went down to the desk.

"Excuse me, can you tell me how to get to Walton Boulevard?"Rory asked the man there.

"Of course. If you exit the building here, turn left. Walk three blocks and turn right on Bridge Street. Go another 6 blocks and you'll hit it straight on."he explained.

"Thanks."Rory exited the building and followed the easy directions.