Chapter Eighteen

'Morning' Luke said as Lorelai walked into the diner, and flopped down of a stall at the counter.

'I just dropped Rory back at Yale' Lorelai said taking the cup of coffee that Luke poured out in front of her, and downing it in one sip.

'How's she doing?' Luke asked.

'You know she's better than she was. I don't know how to explain it. It's like the lights gone out of her eyes. She's just drifting' Lorelai said pushing her cup forward to get more coffee. Reluctantly Luke poured out more.

'Is she going to be OK? Back at school?' Luke asked.

'She wanted to go. She said it would do her good to have a distraction. This place just reminds her of Jess.' Lorelai shook her head 'Have you heard anything from him?'

'Nope. I just can't help thinking there's something more to this. Jess hasn't always been the best kid. I know that but he really seemed to love Rory. I didn't see this coming' Luke said serving a customer.

'I know but what else can we think. He took off without a word to Rory. He broke my daughters heart, as far as I'm concerned he'd better not show his face' Lorelai said angrily. 'I need to get to work' She added leaning over the counter and giving him a quick kiss.

'Alright. I'll see you at lunch' Luke smiled back at her.

***

Rory walked through the halls of Yale on her way to her next class. Carrying a pile of books in her arms. She'd just come from the library and as always had gotten out far too many. She struggled to carry them. Deciding she'd have to drop them into her dorm before class she turned quickly. Knocking into someone and sending the books scattering from her arms.

'Sorry!' Rory gasped as the blonde guy bent down to help her pick up the books.

'No problem.' He smiled confidently. 'Wow! Are there actually any books left in the library?'

'I think there might be a few.' Rory smiled taking half the pile. Waiting for the guy to hand her back the other half.

'Where too?' He asked her. Standing up with the rest of her books.

'Oh you don't have to.' Rory protested.

'What and leave you to knock into another helpless student. Come on which way?' He asked her. Rory smiled slightly and indicated the direction to go with her head.

'Is there a Hemingway book you haven't got here?' He asked looking at some of the titles. 'Big fan are you?'

'Not really. Actually I have never been able to finish a Hemingway' Rory said a little sadly 'Well there was one, but I was reading that to a friend.'

'They couldn't read?' The guy was almost laughing.

'They were in a coma' Rory said wanting to make him feel guilty.

'Oh. Are they alright now?' He asked her, watching her big blue eyes.

'He's fine. I'm not sure where he is, but he's physically fine.' Rory answered him as they reached her dorm.

'And he's the one that's got you reading all these' He said handing over the books.

'Something like that. It's complicated, anyway thanks for your help. I really have to get to class now though so I should go.' Rory said dumping the books on the sofa. Knowing Paris would yell at her for it but not caring. She closed the door behind her and started walking back down the hall.

'Hey wait! What's your name?' He called after her.

'Rory Gilmore' She answered spinning round.

'I'm Logan Huntzburger' He said with an air of superiority. His eyes gleaming with arrogance.

'Good to meet you. Thanks again' Rory said then took off down the hall.