Disclaimer- Gilmore Girls and the characters associated with the show are not mine.

Chapter Nineteen - Mon. 5pm- Taylor

Bitch neighbor brought Jessie home tonight, said it was too cold out for him to be outside without a coat, and I needed to feed him or she'd call the cops. Little shit was playing in a garbage can. I need to get the hell out of this town. Nosy f-in neighbors.

Standing on the Mariano's porch steps, Taylor held a wiggling Snookums in his arms. He hoped, and admitted it might be in vain, the sight of his white ball of fluff would calm Jess. He hoped Jess would hear what he had to say without throwing a punch. Without tearing the missive in his pocket to shreds. Tugging his favorite, comfy, yellow and brown cardigan down over his hip, where Snookums' little feet were pulling it up, he gathered himself and his courage and rang the bell. A minute later, Garret opened the door, eyes wide at seeing Taylor and his dog on the doorstep.

"Young man, please let Jess know I'm here to see him," Taylor said, as he tried to contain Snookums wiggling body. It still amazed Taylor how drawn Snookums was to Garret and Jess, when the dog tried to eat everyone else. Garret reached out and scratched the little dog's ears, enjoying the feel of the long, soft fur. Turning toward the library, he gave a nod to Jess who was leaning in the doorway watching. With a wave of his hand, Jess allowed Taylor and Snookums into the house, and Garret watched, smirking, as Taylor squared his shoulders and took a deep breath before following Jess into the library.

Jess enjoyed Taylor's jump at the sound of the door closing, and waited for him to speak. After gathering his composure, Taylor didn't wait for an invitation to sit, but he clung to the little dog as he perched himself on the edge of the couch. He glanced at Jess, who was leaning against the door, blocking the room's only escape before sighing and looking down.

"I can't turn the clock back. I can't change what happened. I only hope, for the sake of the town, you will accept our apology. I meant what I said at the town meeting, but more than that, I apologize for—well, being me, I guess. I always saw myself following in my father and grandfather's footsteps. I thought I'd be an Elder some day, and I tried to live up to it early on. I ended up being little more than a 'Yes Man' but I'm content with my place now. I've forged past it, created something new. And I love this town. Please accept our apology, and remember, I accepted yours for all your misdeeds," Taylor said, digging an envelope out of his pocket and holding it out to Jess. Moving away from the door, Jess sat down across from Taylor without taking the envelope. Squirming under the cold, silent scrutiny, Taylor tried again. "I'm sorry for the choices which were made, for my part in it. For the way I treated you when you first came here. Please take this," he added, thrusting the envelope at Jess.

Running his fingers through his hair, Jess closed his eyes, and tried to think calming thoughts. He thought about Rory, and tried to mimic her quiet sense of purpose. He thought about how she'd take on a mission and push her way through it. The way she was now. He'd mentioned she should be healthier because she wanted a baby, and last night he caught her reading a book on fetal nutrition. Tensing, he realized the train his thoughts were taking and dragged himself back to the present. Dealing with Taylor would be easier than dealing with the thoughts of children. Despite the passive aggressive reminder about his own past. Reaching out, Jess ripped the envelope out of Taylor's hand, and sliding a finger under the edge, opened it.

Mr. Jess Mariano,

As you are aware, it is easy to make bad choices and hindsight is always twenty-twenty. Nothing we can do or say will change the past. Nor can we shed much light on the decisions which were made. The oldest of us was newly minted, out of town, and not privy to the discussions during the incident. Based on the meeting transcripts, we can surmise the Elders were scared, and at a loss. They believed the knowledge of what had happened to Elizabeth would break her father, who was already devastated by his wife's illness and death. That it would place too much on the young Luke's shoulders, as he was already taking on more at Williams Hardware. More than that, the period this occurred was during a time of upheaval nationwide, and Stars Hollow itself was struggling with its identity, with the recession, and with its political aspirations. They felt keeping it hidden would be best for the town.

You have also discovered, in your own life, the statement -only by letting go of the past can we move forward- is not necessarily a true one. Sometimes, one must act in order to move forward. Which is what we want to offer you. A chance to act, to make a difference, to keep history from ever repeating. The oldest of us would like to move away to warmer climes, which opens a position in our leadership committee.

We would like you to fill his place. We would like you to become a Town Elder.

There are many reasons for this step. Truthfully, you caught our attention before your marriage to the young Gilmore. Your statements at the town meeting when you returned, about the town, reflect the attitude we are looking for. The way you reacted to Garret's situation. The steps you initiated to help other families and children in the town. Your desire to be part of the town, going as far as initiating contact with old enemies, smoothing relationships for the good of the town. Making amends. Your past, as rough as it was, is an asset to Stars Hollow. You can help guide the town into the future.

Please consider our offer. You may speak of this to your wife, but no one else.

Let Taylor know your decision.

Thank you.

The Elders

Folding the letter, smoothing his fingers across the creases, Jess slid it back into the envelope before setting it down on the table in front of him. Standing, he walked around the library, running his fingers along the spines of his favorite volumes. He felt as if he'd somehow initiated a scam of epic proportions without knowing it. Like he was a realtor, given a section of land to sell, and lining up a buyer without realizing he was actually selling the Brooklyn Bridge. Stopping in front of the fireplace, he stared into the flames, and after a few minutes Taylor stood, catching Jess's attention.

"Tell the Elders I cannot accept at this time. My own life is too chaotic, too unsettled. Tell them I appreciate the offer. I just can't," Jess said, turning back to the fire place, entranced by the flames. Flames like those which destroyed his mother's body. Took her life. Flames which echoed the state of his own life. He understood why they were offering the position to him, but it wasn't necessarily for the right reasons. Besides how could he accept the position when he didn't know what was going to happen between him and Rory? When he felt like his life was on borrowed time. Like his happiness was smoldering away before him. Eaten by the flames.

"Are you sure? This is quite an honor young man. Hello?" Taylor said, trying to get Jess's attention. "Jess? Oh, good heavens, he's gone catatonic again. I'll just show myself out, then. If you change your mind, at any point, let me know. Goodbye Jess," Taylor said, shrugging his shoulders before heading out to track down Rory. She needed to know Jess was discombobulated. He'd better drop Snookums off at home first, though. Since the little dog wasn't needed to soothe Rory's temper, and might actually bite her. A gift of candy would work better for Rory. Twizzlers maybe, or Gummy Bears.