"Hey, Dean?" Rory Gilmore picked up a paper that had fallen from her boyfriend Dean Forester's jacket. "What's this?" Dean turned whiter than a sheet. "Uh, that's, um, nothing." Dean tried unsuccessfully to snatch the pink paper from Rory. It was well-worn, as if Dean had read it over and over multiple times.
Rory dashed into Luke's Diner and behind the counter. Dean tried to follow her, but was stopped by Luke, who didn't like Dean in the first place. Rory read the note.
Dear Dean,
It seems like you have girl problems. I wanted to tell you that after our long talk the other night (my mom was ready to kill me we talked for so long!) I thought about what you said and I am glad you have decided not to cheat on your girlfriend. Hope this note helps!
Ashleigh
Rory stared in disbelief at the note. It was penned beautifully, and Rory's heart skipped a beat. Who was Ashleigh?
"Rory, it's not what you think it is." Dean said in a controlled voice.
"What is it then?"
"Well—" Dean started.
"No. Never mind—I don't want to hear some excuse. Goodbye, Dean, we are officially over. Did you think I wouldn't find out?"
"It's not like that, Rory!"
Luke grabbed Dean by the collar and dragged him out of the diner and into the street. Dean swung wildly and struck Luke in the eye. Luke returned the punch, which calmed Dean down enough for Luke to drag him all the way through town to the Forester's house. There, he told Dean's parents that Dean was no longer welcome at Luke's Diner.
