Better in cones
Chapter Eighteen
'Ok I got you three books, you're favourite movie and a whole bunch of junk food, which if you'll notice I have arranged around your bed within arms length, I also got the day off school, so I am free to hang out with you all day.' Rory said putting the film on, Jess smiled at her as she walked back over to him, taking her place in the chair next to his bed.
'You know you didn't have to do all this.' Jess said linking hands with her.
'Yes I did, because you're my boyfriend and I love you, plus it's your first day out of the hospital and the doctor said lots of rest for the next week, so I am going to make sure you don't get bored sitting around the the apartment all day. So I'll swing by tomorrow before school as well, so I can drop off some more films, and books.' Rory said turning her attention from the screen to his face.
'I don't deserve to have someone as like you Rory.' He said softly, but there was an edge to his voice, he truly didn't think he deserved her, but Rory wasn't willing to listen to him, so smiled up at him dismissively.
'Hush you.' She swatted his arm, then turned back to the screen, Jess looked down at this beautiful girl and wondered how it was he'd managed to win her love. It had been a week since he'd decided to stay and he wasn't entirely convinced he'd made the right choice, he wanted to be with Rory more than anything, but there was a part of him that was still afraid that his life would find a way of destroying hers. There was also a part of him that worried about his mother, she'd already been put in the hospital once recently by one of her boyfriends, and he'd had the same done to him a few weeks later, so he was worried that his mum wasn't safe. And despite Liz not giving him a good upbringing and being a useless mother to him, he couldn't help but worry for her. Rory noticed his thoughtful face and stood up, kissing him softly to get his attention.
'What's up?' She asked pausing the film.
'Nothing.'
'Jess, I know you, I can tell when something is bothering you.' Rory replied, holding his gaze, he stared back evenly and sighed, there was no point in trying to hide from her, he didn't want to keep secrets from Rory.
'I'm worried about Liz. She never could take care of me, and a big part of that was because she couldn't take care of herself, she was too much of a flake and drank too much...I just...When I was there I could protect her, even if it meant I got hurt in the process, then I got sent here because she couldn't handle me, so who's looking out for her now? I have my issues with Liz, but I always tried to protect her.' Jess shook his head.
'Why don't you call her?' Rory suggested. 'Make sure she's ok.'
'I haven't spoken to her since I moved here, did you know that?' Jess said an edge of anger to his voice. 'She called a few times to begin with, I was to angry to talk, so she gave up. Then remember at that Bracebridge dinner, she hadn't wanted me to come home for the break, after that she stopped calling, I didn't bother calling her. I think Luke's spoken to her a couple of times, and he went to New York when she was in hospital, but I haven't spoken to her...It would be hard.' Jess admitted.
'Jess, don't you think it might be worth a try?' Rory said softly.
'I don't even know why I care! She's never cared about me, she didn't even come see me when her ex put me in the hospital. I asked Luke about it and he went all evasive, trying to cover it up but I could tell, she knew where I was and she didn't even bother to call me, or come see me. So why is it that I'm worried about her.' Jess said angrily. Rory smiled at him softly, kissing his cheek, then moving so she could face him, holding his gaze with her own.
'Because you're a wonderful, kind person. Underneath that angry boy there's someone who's so capable of love. I know because I've known him since the first moment I saw you, you let yourself open up to me, and I saw that you're a good person. She's your mother, for all her faults, you still care about her. Maybe it's because of the family connection, maybe it's because you know she can't take care of herself, and maybe you care so much because even though she was a flake, and didn't take care of you...she stuck around.' Rory said carefully, he looked over at her with a calm expression.
'Unlike my father.' Jess scoffed, she looked at him sadly, there was so much pain and anger in his past, that he was battling with all over again, he'd tried to bury it all, but even since the attack he'd been forced to face the truth of his family, and his life before Stars Hollow. She desperately wanted to make him feel better but she didn't know how, so she just took his hand and sat in silence with him. It wasn't awkward or filling with tension, it was just her showing her support for him. Just sitting with him while he tried to figure out what he wanted to do. They stayed like that for an hour or two before Jess turned to Rory, leaned forward and kissed her.
'Hmm, what was that for?' Rory smiled at him.
'For hanging out with me, despite my bad mood. And for knowing when I need to think.' Jess replied, giving her a hug.
'You're welcome, so did you come up with any answers?' Rory asked.
'I'm going to talk to Luke, I think Liz should come live here.' Jess replied. 'She needs help to get her life together, and she can't do it if she stays in New York.'
'I'm proud of you Jess.' Rory kissed him again. 'Now, shall we watch that movie?'
A/N- Hope you like, please review and let me know. Sorry it's so short.