CH 7

Dean was sick the next few days. Tuesday, he called early in the morning to tell me he'd be out of school at least until Thursday.

I went to the diner alone Tuesday morning. Jess wasn't downstairs yet, so I got a donut and sat down to wait. While I ate, I pulled out 'Oliver Twist', a recent favorite.

"Oliver Twist" The book was lifted frome my hands. I turned and saw Jess. "A personal favorite of mine." He looked at me and smirked. "'Surprises, like misfortunes, seldom come alone.' Good book." He handed it back. "So, you ready?"

I kept looking at him, intruiged. He was always a surprise. Even knew my favorite quote from 'Oliver Twist'. "Ready? For what?"

"School, Rory.You know, books, desks? He tapped my backpack. "Homework? Ring a bell?"

"Oh, right. Yeah, I'm ready. Let's go."

As we drove, he broke the silence.

"Where was good ol' Dean this morning? He usually at least walks by and gives me a deathglare through the window on the way to the bus."

"Um...Dean's sick. He'll probably be gone until Thursday or so."

"Interesting. So how are things with you and him, anyway?"

"Um...Things are...They're g-great..."

"Why are you lying to me? You never lie to me, Rory. Or you never used to."

"I...I'm breaking up w-with him, J-Jess..." I started shaking uncontrollably and my eyes clouded. I was crying. The harsh reality of what was happening sprung to the surface as I said it, bringing a waterfall of tears with it.

He pulled over.

"What are you doing?" I asked as he got out of the car and came around to open my door. He held out a hand.

"Let's skip today. You don't look like you can handle school."

I struggled with myself for a while, then took his hand and walked with him to the bridge, where we sat down.

"What's going on? You haven't been quite yourself lately."

"Can't you tell? You, Jess. You've completely messed up my mind." I looked up, he was smiling. "You think this is funny?"

"Kinda. What are you going to do about Prom?"

"I don't know," I thought. As I did, he put his arm around my shoulders and I buried my face into his chest, letting his warmth comfort me. "Jess?"

"Yeah?"

"Will you go to the Prom? Will you be there for me? Just in case?"

"Ok." And he kissed me gently.