-1A/N: Reviews are my oxygen.

Chapter 10!

P.S. I know, I know that the following events were for Rory's high school graduation, but hey I'm only 13! I don't know how to write long eloquent Valedictorian speeches, so sue me.

"Dean Fitzpatrick, faculty members, fellow students, family and friends, welcome. We never thought this day would come. We prayed for its quick delivery, crossed days off our calendars, counted hours, minutes, and seconds, and now that it's here, I'm sorry it is because it means leaving friends who inspire me and teachers who have been my mentors - so many people who have shaped my life and my fellow students' lives impermeably and forever. I live in two worlds. One is a world of books. I've been a resident of Faulkner's Yoknapatawpha County, hunted the white whale aboard the Pequod, fought alongside Napoleon, sailed a raft with Huck and Jim, committed absurdities with Ignatius J. Reilly, rode a sad train with Anna Karenina, and strolled down Swann's Way. It's a rewarding world, but my second one is by far superior. My second one is populated with characters slightly less eccentric but supremely real, made of flesh and bone, full of love, who are my ultimate inspiration for everything."

Rory took a deep breath before continuing.

"Richard and Emily Gilmore are kind, decent, unfailingly generous people. They are my twin pillars without whom I could not stand. I am proud to be their grandchild. But my ultimate inspiration comes from my best friend, the dazzling woman from whom I received my name and my life's blood, Lorelai Gilmore."

Mother and daughter shared a tearful smile.

"My mother never gave me any idea that I couldn't do whatever I wanted to do or be whomever I wanted to be. She filled our house with love and fun and books and music, unflagging in her efforts to give me role models from Jane Austen to Eudora Welty to Patti Smith. As she guided me through these incredible eighteen years, I don't know if she ever realized that the person I most wanted to be was her. Thank you, Mom. You are my guidepost for everything."

"Jess Mariano, my boyfriend, really saved me from myself last year. He lifted the wool that'd been pulled over my eyes. Jess has always been good at popping in when I least expect him too. We've had many a Ayn Rand and Ernest Hemingway discussions. He even moved to Hartford to be with me. I don't know what I did to deserve him. I love you, Jess."

Rory looked up at the audience before continuing. She noticed the tear-stained faces of Lorelai, Lane, Sookie and even Luke. She saw the smile Jess gave her, so full of pride and love.

"As we prepare ourselves today to leave. . ."

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"I can't believe it's finally over." Rory said as she and Jess made their way to her mother's house.

Rory opened the door only to be greeted by the town yelling surprise. She turned to the man beside her.

"You knew about this?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Uh-huh."

She gave him a quick peck on the lips and then went to mingle with her beloved town.

As soon as she leaves, Jess is approached by Miss Patty.

"How've you been, sugar?"

"Good."

"So any wedding bells in the future?"

"Now if I told you, it's be all over town." He flashed her a brilliant smile.

"Oh Jessie boy, you bring the rouge to my cheeks."

Miss Patty soon disappeared into the crowd, but not before she grabbed his butt.

"I saw you talking to Miss Patty. Are you okay?"

"People in this town never change."

"Aww. She grabbed your but again ,didn't she?"

Jess nodded and she giggled.

"I'm glad you find my pain funny."

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Jess was in bed reading when she came in and collapsed onto the bed.

"Today was a good day." She smiled.

"I love you little graduate."

Jess had been thinking about what Miss Patty said all night.

'Are we ready to get married?' He thought.

No matter the question, the answer was always the same.

'Rory Mariano.'

'Yeah, we're ready.'