That week, Dean had a preliminary hearing. Rory and Lorelai were present, in order to testify, if need be. Rory hoped that Dean would keep to his word and tell the truth, but only time would tell. If he didn't, Rory would have to testify against him.
As the hearing wore on, Rory wondered if Dean would admit that he had punched Jess. That he had thrown the first, last, and only punch. When the judge asked Dean if he pleaded guilty to punching Jess, causing him to fall down the hillside, strike his head, and enter a coma, Dean shook his head. "Not guilty." he said firmly, as Rory's heart constricted and her gut wrenched. What small hope she had clung to disappeared.
After the hearing, Dean was returned to his cell, and Rory visited him again. "Why didn't you tell the truth?" she asked.
"Because...." he trailed off, and then resumed. "Because it's complicated, and no one would understand. I don't want to be in prison for ten years."
"Well, maybe that would be your sentence, but maybe it wouldn't. You never know, and you need to tell the truth."
"Why?" he asked sullenly.
"Because of that saying, "The truth will set you free." Don't you believe that?"
"In my case, the truth would sentence me, so no, I don't believe that."
"It's not talking about a physical state of being. It's talking about feeling free."
"Well, I don't feel free right now, so I'd suggest leaving it alone." Dean snapped.
"I'm sorry for trying to reason with you." Rory said sarcastically. "It won't happen again." She got up to leave, but he grabbed for her hand with both of his, desperately.
"Stay." he begged.
"No."
"Why?"
"Because, I can't. I love Jess, Dean. I love him, and I have to be with him. I came to try reasoning with you, but since you won't see reason, I have no business here. I'll see you at the trial in a few months."
"Rory, wait!" Dean called after her, as she left, but she just kept walking.