Disclaimer: Don't own L Wish I did.

A/N- Please read and review. Sorry it took a while, but I've just started a distance learning course, so I am still trying to manage my time J

The strangest things

Chapter Four

'You invited Ally?' Rory asked, laying out bowls of junk food on the coffee table. Lorelai was in the kitchen grabbing some drinks.

'Yeah, that's ok with you isn't it. I just figured it's a new town and she doesn't really know anyone, she's your age.' Lorelai replied, whilst fighting with the oven.

'I guess. It's just that her tantrum this morning was a little strange, she seems a bit spoilt. I already put up with Paris throwing a tantrum about the Franklin.' Rory replied flopping onto the couch.

'No! Oh no!' Lorelai called, dropping the tray of pizza onto the floor. 'It's official, Gilmore's shouldn't cook, not even frozen pizza. Because it burns. Rory the oven hates me.'

'It does not, it probably just feels a little neglected. Tell you what how about I go pick up some food from Luke's.' Rory replied, getting back up from her seat.

'Sounds good, and I'm a little crabby because of the oven, so get extra coffee.' Lorelai said as the doorbell sounded. Rory pulled on her coat before opening it.

'Hi Rory! It was so nice of you and your mum to invite me tonight.' Ally smiled a sugary smile. 'Are you leaving?'

'Just going to pick up some food, but go on in, my mum's around somewhere.' Rory replied, picking up her bag and heading out the door, she walked quickly to the diner. The air was cold, so she wanted to get back as quickly as she could. A warm gush of air hit her as she entered the diner. Looking up, a smile appeared on her face as she saw Jess helping out, he was stood behind the counter arguing with Kirk.

'What's the problem?' Jess snapped.

'I asked for the bacon to be on the side.' Kirk said matter of fact.

'It is on the side, see there is the omelette., with no bacon, and there is the bacon.' Jess pointed to it, speaking to Kirk like he was five years old.

'But it's touching.' Kirk whined.

'Huh.' Jess nodded, noticing Rory standing near the door.

'I can't eat it if it's touching.' Kirk carried on, trying to make his point.

'Not my problem.' Jess said turning to face Rory.

'You just going to hover? Or could I get you something?' Jess smirked at Rory. 'You know someone really should teach you not to stare.'

Rory blushed slightly, approaching the counter.

'I have a large order, me and my mum are having a movie night, and mum invited your sister, so we need extra food.' Rory rambled. 'So I'll take three of everything I'm about to list. Burgers, fries, onion rings, coffee. Actually make it four coffee's, and three slices of cherry pie.' Rory replied.

'Ally won't eat that.' Jess said after writing it all down.

'That was just for me and mum. I was hoping you could pick something for your sister.' Rory replied. Jess smirked again.

'Coming right up.' Jess said handing the order over to Luke, who was cooking.

'I have something for you.' Rory said digging around in her bag.

'Yeah I hope so, you haven't paid yet.' Jess replied, eyeing her carefully.

'Right! Sorry, here.' She handed over some notes, the continued rummaging in her bag. 'Found it, here, it's not first edition or anything, but I saw it in a bookshop in Hartford and figured I should get it for you, since Ally ruined yours.'

'Oliver Twist.' He raised his eyebrows at her, trying too work out why she would bring him a gift. 'Thanks…' He was just about to continue when Dean walked in.

'Hey thought I'd find you here.' Dean smiled, kissing her gently.

'Hi, Dean I can't stay long I just came to grab some food for movie night, mum's expecting me.' Rory said.

'Right, I just wanted to see if you were still coming to dinner at my house tomorrow? I know we do it every Saturday but I thought I would check.' Dean said. Jess smirked behind the counter, watching the two of them.

'Uh I can't. Mum's throwing the Bracebridge dinner remember. Very last minute in the planning. I thought you were coming.' Rory said taking the food that Luke had just brought through. She struggled to carry it, but eventually balanced the box of food.

'Of course, must have slipped my mind. Ok so I'll se you then.' Dean said, kissing her again then leaving.

'Smart one there.' Jess said leaning on the counter. Rory glared at him, then turned to Luke.

'Luke, mum wanted me to check that you were coming. Are you?' Rory asked, trying to ignore Jess, who was leafing through the book she'd just given him.

'Yeah I am, so are Jess and Ally.' Luke nodded.

'Great, right I'd better get back. Bye.' Rory said, rushing out into the cold. Walking as fast as she could back to the house.

'Ooh good you're back!' Lorelai said helping Rory unload the food. 'You took forever.' She scolded.

'Sorry, I was talking to Jess, then Dean.' Rory explained.

'Ok well let's get the movie on.' Lorelai said excitedly.

Two hours later.

'I just don't see the point in reading fiction. I'd rather read real life stuff, things that matter to me, like fashion advice and beauty tips. Real life stories in the magazines, things that are happening in the entertainment world.' Ally said after Rory had started a conversation about books.

'But fiction let's us look into others imaginations, helps us to see things differently, exposes us to a world that we'd otherwise never see.' Rory cried out.

'It's just boring. I'm telling you, it's no use trying to change my mind. Jess used to try when we were younger, but it never stuck.' Ally said running her fingers through her hair.

'Come on play nice now.' Lorelai tried to calm the situation down.

'I should probably go.' Ally hopped up. 'I had a great time though.'

'Us too, and remember you're welcome anytime.' Lorelai said, seeing Ally out.

'So?' Lorelai prompted sitting down next to Rory.

'So what?' Rory sighed, knowing what her mum was about to say.

'So? What is it your not saying about her?' Lorelai asked.

'I don't like her.' Rory replied, trying not to sound too mean.

'Why? I think she's nice, not as smart as you, but then who is.' Lorelai replied. 'She seems nice though.'

'It isn't about her not being as smart as me. She's just shallow, and self centred, the whole evening there wasn't one conversation that she didn't turn around on her. She's vain and annoying.' Rory said determinedly.

'Wow! Feel that strongly huh?' Lorelai asked.

'Yeah I do. It's just so odd, because she's so unlike her brother, he reads all the time, and he's interesting and let's you talk. He's so much easier to get along with.' Rory said hugging a cushion. Suddenly alarm bells rang in Lorelai's head.

'Honey, I don't want to judge before I really know someone, but just be careful with Jess. I don't trust him, everything I've heard about him so far hasn't exactly been good, and the impression he gave when they came for dinner wasn't great either.' Lorelai replied. 'I didn't know you guys had spoken that much.'

'Just a few times, and he's not all bad.' Rory defended him.

'Just be careful.' Lorelai said. Rory nodded then headed off to bed.

A/N. Please review. The next chapter will be the bracebridge dinner.