Title: The Mariano Agenda
Author: Bent137
Rating: R
Disclaimer: Characters of Gilmore Girls(as well as anything else associated with it) aren't mine, the title is a spin of the Dark Angel episode "The Berrisford Agenda".
Spoilers: Up to the Season 2 Finale
Music References: All lyrics can be found on No Music
Authors Note: I've had this bouncing around for a little while. I finally got the chance to sit and write it out. This is the first time I've done script format. Thanks to Rea for beta reading for me.

Late, Late, Late!

Previously

Jess: I know, that you know that something is wrong. I want you to know, that I will be okay, eventually. But I need to fix this.

Luke: (nods) I figured as much. So, do you need help?

Jess: Sort of. See, summer school doesn't start for another week and a half. So I was wondering if I could have that time off from the diner (takes a deep breath) to go back to New York.

Luke: (looks up at him shocked) Really?

Jess: Yeah.

Luke: Uh, yeah, I guess that's okay. When will you leave?

Jess: First thing in the morning.

(Luke nods and Jess smiles at him briefly before turning and going up the stairs. Luke watches him go and sighs. "99 Red Balloons" fades out.)

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(Camera shows Rory coming out of the bathroom wearing a towel and walks across to a piece of paper on the desk. Cut to the note, it reads, "Rory- Went down, see you later. -Paris." Rory sighs and drops the note and walks away. The camera stays on the note a moment and then pans to the full length mirror in the room. A scuffling noise is heard off camera and soon Rory is seen hopping into view in the mirror putting on a shoe. She straightens and tugs on her dress. After smiling at her reflection she picks up a key off of her desk and walks out the door. Cut to Rory walking out of an elevator and towards the formal dining room. She enters through the double doors and all chatter stops as everyone turns and stares at her. They're seated at round tables speaking idly while waiting for Sam, whom is at a podium at the front of the room, to speak. A nearby chaperone approaches.)

Chaperone: Name, Miss?

Rory: Gilmore, Rory Gilmore.

Sam: Glad you could join us Miss. Gilmore. In the future please refrain from any more Bueller-esque shenanigans.

Rory: Yes ma'am.

(The chaperone shows Rory to her seat at one of the round tables, next to Paris. Cut to everyone at the table eating salad.)

Paris: So are you pleased with yourself?

Rory: Huh?

Paris: You've made us look bad.

Rory: Sorry.

Paris: Sorry doesn't cut it Gilmore! It won't happen again okay?

Rory: Well, I'll try.

Paris: No, you don't get it. It will NOT happen again. Okay?

(cut to Rory walking into the coffee shop from earlier, we now see it's name is Java Express. Wichita is still behind the counter.)

Wichita: Rory! Back so soon?

Rory: Yeah, bad day. So what are you still doing here?

Wichita: Filling in for a sick employee.

Rory: That sucks.

Wichita: Not so much. It's seldom busy at this time of night, most normal people come in in the morning. (Rory mock glares) Plus, it let's me catch up on my reading. (he holds up a copy of Macbeth)

Rory: Good book, for college?

Wichita: For fun.

Rory: (smiles) I knew there was a reason I liked you. Now if you give me coffee I will love you!

Wichita: (chuckles) For here or to go madam?

Rory: Here, Paris isn't too happy with me right now.

Wichita: Ah, Well then. (He turns and fills two mugs with coffee) Let's have a seat and talk it out.

Rory: (takes a coffee) And later, we can do each others hair!

Wichita: (girly voice) Don't for get the manicures!

(They both laugh and the camera begins panning out)

Rory: I wish I could stay here all night.

Wichita: Me too. (silence) Wish I could stay here all night. You can do whatever you want.

(Cut to Luke walking into Jess' room where he is packing clothes in a duffel bag.)

Luke: Uh hey, I got something for you.

Jess: Oh?

Luke: Yeah, (hands him a phone card) Don't hesitate to call if you need me, for anything.

Jess: (nods) Thanks Uncle Luke.

(They shift awkwardly before Luke envelopes Jess in a hug. The hug ends as abruptly as it happened.)

Luke: Try not and get yourself killed okay?

Jess: Okay Luke.