On The Road


A/N- Ok first off I want to give out a huge apology for the very long gap in updates. I lost my login for this account so I couldn't access it. I'm now back in and hope to have all of my stories updated/rewritten soon.

So I really hope you like this next chapter. Please review and tell me what you think.


Chapter Eight: The Longest Drive

'So,' Rory says quietly as she slips into the passenger seat of the car, fiddling with the phone in her hands, 'I just spoke to Headmaster Charlton.'

'Oh yeah?' Jess says putting the keys in the ignition but not starting the car, he looks over to her and waits for her to continue.

'I know we'd planned on going to California and we haven't quite made it, but he said that if I don't come back to school on Monday then he'll have to consider suspension.'

'You're kidding.'

'I wish that I were.' Rory says biting her lip, 'You know how much I've loved this trip but...'

'It's time we got back to reality.' He nods his head, 'It's ok I get it. I never should have let you take this much time off from school anyway.'

'It wasn't exactly time off, I've still been doing all the work, but I guess my Grandparents called him or something and told him that I was perfectly able to attend, and so if I want to keep my place...'

'I get it, we'll go back.'

'And you haven't changed your mind about coming with me have you?' She asks nervously.

'That depends.'

'On?'

'Have you changed your mind about being my girlfriend?' He questions.

'Nope, I still very much consider myself your girlfriend.'

'Well then,' he smirks at her, 'I guess we should head home.'

Rory smiles, leaning over the center console of the car and kissing him, before dropping back down onto her seat and buckling up, preparing for the long drive home.


'Hey mom.' Rory says as she leans against the car watching Jess walk into the store to pay for the fuel they just bought, it's late and they've been driving for almost ten hours, taking turns behind the wheel after having decided to drive the whole journey in one go.

'Hello my little traveler, any chance you want to tell me where you are?'

'Actually...we're heading home.'

'Really?' Lorelai asks excitedly.

'Really,' Rory confirms, 'we should be home by Sunday evening.'

'Why the sudden return? Are you guys fighting? Did he do something? Do I need to kick his butt? Is he coming back to Stars Hollow? Are you ok?'

'Grandma told Chilton that I'm able to attend classes so they called and said I had to come home. No Jess and I aren't fighting. No he didn't do anything. No you don't need to kick his butt. Yes he's coming home too. Yes I'm fine, more than fine, I'm wonderful.'

'Wonderful?' Lorelai questions.

'Yeah.' Rory bites her lip.

'And this wonderful wouldn't happen to have something to do with the hoodlum you're on the road with would it?'

'It's a definite possibility.'

'Ok.' Lorelai takes a deep breath, 'Do I even have to ask?'

'We're dating.' Rory says quietly. 'Say something.'

'Oh boy.'

'Mom.'

'I'm sorry hun but this is...I don't know,' she sighs heavily, 'I saw it coming but I guess I just hoped that it wouldn't happen.'

'Mom I know you're not his biggest fan.'

'Ha that's an understatement.'

'But,' Rory interrupts, 'I really like him.'

'Yeah I know you do hun I just worry.'

'You don't have to worry.'

'You're my daughter of course I'm going to worry.' Lorelai says firmly. 'I don't think he's good enough for you kid.'

'He is.'

'You can see where I'm coming from though right? The kid who you ran away with is now your boyfriend, it's a little...'

'I get it but I promise you he's a great guy.'

'Are you happy?'

'Yeah,' she smiles as Jess walks back over to the car, 'more than I can say.'

'Well then I'll give him a chance.'

'Thanks mom.'

'Sure.'

'I should go we've got a lot of driving to do.'

'One more thing,'

'Yeah?'

'Now that you're headed home do you think you could tell me where you ended up?'

'We visited a bunch of colleges, and we ended up in Utah headed for California when we started heading home. I have pictures so I'll show them to you when we get back.'

'Colleges? Jess willingly took a tour of colleges?'

'Uh-huh.'

'He must really like you.'

'Yeah,' Rory smiles and gets back into the car, 'I think he does.'


The drive was long, mostly silent as one person was usually asleep while the other one drove, only talking briefly when they switched positions. They had to make a few stops for food, coffee and bathroom breaks, but as the sun started setting on a particularly warm Sunday evening, they pulled into Stars Hollow.

'I didn't think I'd ever see this place again.' Jess says as he steers the car through the town.

'Regretting coming back?' Rory asks, he takes her hand and squeezes lightly.

'Nope.' He replies, 'So do you want dropping off at your house?'

'It's nine p.m on a Sunday.' Rory replies.

'Meaning?'

'My mom will be at the diner.' Rory smiles, 'We should head there.'

'Great so I have to face your mom right away, I changed my mind I regret coming back.' Jess says with a smirk, Rory swats his arm but she's nervous as well as they pull to a stop. Both of them stay in the car for a moment, looking in at the diner which is thankfully empty apart from Luke and Lorelai.

'Ready?' Rory asks.

'I guess so.' He says opening his car door and stepping out, she follows closely to him, slipping her hand into his as they walk inside.

'Well if it isn't the two runaways.' Lorelai says catching sight of them, her eyes dropping to their joined hands.

'How much trouble are we in?' Rory questions, her eyes floating from her mom to Luke.

'Oh kid you have no idea.' Lorelai says with a small shake of the head.

'You back for good?' Luke asks Jess.

'If you'll have me.' Jess says.

'There have to be rules Jess. I won't have you pulling a stunt like this again, you'll have to go to school, get good grades, graduate.'

'I know.' Jess nods.

'Actually we've been talking about all of that.' Rory says looking to Jess for his approval, he nods his head slightly. 'Now this is just an idea because we both realize it's expensive, but would you consider sending Jess to Chilton?'

'Chilton?' Luke looks at them both wide eyed.

'Yeah.' Jess nods looking sheepishly at the floor.

'I...I don't know.' Luke shakes his head.

'Would you at least think about it?' Jess asks.

'Uh yeah I guess.' Luke nods.

'Right I think that's enough for now, Rory say goodnight we're going home.' Lorelai instructs.

'Luke would it be ok if I came over after school tomorrow to talk about Chilton?' Rory asks.

'Uh sure if it's ok with your mom.' Luke agrees.

'Thanks,' Rory smiles and then turns to Jess, kissing him quickly, 'Goodnight.'

'Night,' he smiles at her and gives her one more quick kiss.

'Ok home now.' Lorelai says sternly, pulling Rory out of the diner. Once they're outside Lorelai wraps Rory in a hug. 'I missed you kid.'

'I missed you too mom.'

'But you are in so much trouble.'


A/N- I really hope you like this, please review and tell me what you think.