So, firstly, I know that my chapter titles suck – I haven't been able to think of particularly good references, so for now, they stay as they are.

Secondly, I would really appreciate some reviews. I don't want this to be another run of the mill story, and I know that I have areas in my writing that need improvement. Don't be afraid to tell me what those areas are.

Finally, sorry this chapter is so short but I want to get the story moving along. I have a lot of ground to cover.

Chapter 4 – Got to Get Away

From the pain you drive in the heart of me.

Rory shifted uncomfortably on her feet as she stared quite unashamedly at Jess. He looks good, she silently decided. Happy. Healthy.

However, a bright blush settled into Rory's cheeks as she realized what she was doing while standing in front of Luke. "Hi," she finally murmured, quickly dropping her eyes to the ground.

However, some impulse inside of Rory itched for her to look at him again. As if she were supposed to. Raising her blue gaze to his, she was suddenly aware of all the wonderful changes taking place in her body as the two merely locked eyes.

Her skin felt hot and electrically charged in the tense air. Her heart rate jumped up to a mile a minute, pounding loud enough for her grandparents in Hartford to hear. The cramps in her stomach intensified as a thousand butterflies fluttered around excitedly.

Inhaling deeply, Rory was surprised to find that not only did she felt like the air had been knocked out of her, but she could almost taste the static in the air. The static between her and Jess. C'mon Gilmore, pull it together.

Overwhelmed, Rory abruptly realized that she had not seen Jess in Stars Hollow since the two had dated, and seeing him in her hometown once again was causing some intensely uncomfortable feelings.

"Hi," Jess replied evenly, his gaze remaining on Rory. She squirmed slightly under his intense stare, shifting on her feet once more.

A ghost of a smile reached Luke's lips. "This seems vaguely similar to another meeting you two once had."

Luke's magical words broke the tension as both Rory and Jess laughed a little, finally shifting their glances away from one another.

Clearing his throat, Luke addressed Rory. "Jess is in town for the summer. Helping me with the diner. For the summer." He raised his eyebrow, plainly gauging Rory's reaction.

Rory smiled and resisted another urge to hug Luke; at least the tension between her and Jess was serving the purpose of momentarily distracting him. She suspected, given his ragged appearance, this was the most interest he'd demonstrated in anything since the fight. She wondered when Jess had gotten in town. Probably when he heard about the fight, she thought fondly.

"That's really nice of you, Jess," she responded, flashing a quick grin at him. "So, where were the two of you heading?"

At Rory's question, both Luke and Jess shared a significant look, and their faces closed up. Rory almost laughed out loud; Luke and Jess were really more alike than they realized. After a few seconds of uncomfortable silence, Jess finally replied, "Just around."

"Why? Did you want something to eat, Rory?" Luke asked.

"Oh, that's okay. I'll just get Caesar to make me a burger."

"Oh, well I could just step back in real quick-" Luke began but was interrupted by a buzzing in Rory's purse.

"Oh, sorry," she said, frantically digging through her purse.

As she saw her mother's name flash on the retrieved cell phone, Rory paused awkwardly and glanced meaningfully at Jess.

"It's Lorelei, isn't it?" Luke asked in a low, gruff voice. The faint spark that Rory had previously noticed faded instantly; his face was more closed off than it had been a second ago.

Glancing at Luke, Rory couldn't quite get over her shock that he was taking the break-up with her mother so hard. She knew that Luke loved Lorelai, but he had always struck her as one of those people that never broke down, no matter the obstacle. He was Luke: strong, rough, and occasionally sweet. She wondered if he would take Lorelai back after hearing about Christopher; she desperately hoped so. Luke and her mother deserved to be together.

Rory desperately glanced at Jess again, not wanting to confirm Luke's suspicions but not desiring to lie either.

He nodded curtly towards Rory before smoothly saying, "Huh. Luke, we're gonna be late. Let's go." Jess placed a hand on Luke's shoulder and guided him away, leaving Rory standing in front of the diner alone.

However, before the pair made it across the street, Jess glanced back at her, his face conveying something, though she wasn't quite sure just what that something was.

Groaning, Rory pressed the 2 dial on her cell phone. "Hey Mom…" she answered when another voice picked up.