The Aftermath - A Gilmore Girls Revival Fan Fiction

Chapter 7

I woke up in bed in the apartment, and I looked around the room. 

I could see that the takeout boxes from last night had been cleaned up and put away, and there were blankets and a pillow laying sloppily on the couch.  "What a gentleman" I laughed to myself.

I got dressed and went downstairs for breakfast.  I could smell the amazing smells of bacon, eggs and pancakes.  My stomach started grumbling and my mouth started watering in unison.

Jess handed me a cup of coffee as soon as he saw me.  I breathed in the smell, and the warmth, and couldn't wait to jump in.

"Enjoy it, its the only cup of regular you're getting today" he warned. 

"That's just cruel!" I pouted. 

He laughed and I sat down at the bar.

"What are you having today, Rory?" Caesar asked from the back, "I'll get it started for you real quick."

I told him my order and turned to Jess.  "Wow, the service in this place has really turned around since the new management took over" I teased.

Jess just laughed and kept working.

******

Jess' POV

"No.  NO, Luke, it's nothing like that at all...  Yes, I know she's...  She didn't tell me, I figured it out...  Of course I'm not trying to win her back, Luke, what is this!?  ...  Trust me, I'm just trying to be here for her during a time she doesn't really have anyone else she can turn to...  What do you mean WHY?  ...  Because that's what friends do, Luke, and she's the only one I've got...  Did you just call me a softy!? ...  That's it, I'm setting the diner on fire now...  Bye, Luke" he said, and hung up the phone.  "Jesus!" Jess exclaimed.  He blew a mouthful of air out, and walked back into the diner. 

*********

Rory's POV

I took a walk around town, making my way to the paper.

I watched the sign up above, wishing the word "flowers" would change once again.  Wishful thinking wouldn't get me anywhere, unfortunately.

"Good morning, Esther.  Good morning, Charlie" I said to the other two employees of the Stars Hollow Gazette as I walked in the door. 

They ignored me, as usual, and I took my seat at my desk. 

I tried to focus on the paper, but my mind was on everything else.  I kept looking out the big, picture window, willing myself to see the three men in gorilla masks.  They never came. 

I wiped a tear from my eye and forced myself to finish this edition. 

My phone rang and I about jumped out of my skin. 

"He-hello?" I asked, answering quickly.  "Hey kid, everything okay?" She asked with a laugh. It was my mom calling to check in.  "Hi, mom!  How's Hawaii!?" I asked, wishing I could have gone.  It was getting really cold these days in Stars Hollow. 

"Oh, Luke got stung by a jelly fish, so we're at the clinic waiting to get some ointment.  I offered to pee on him, but for some reason he said that would ruin the romance of the honeymoon.  And here I thought it would only bring us together" she said with a laugh. 

I laughed.   "Oh great, thanks, mom!  Now I'm picturing you peeing on his jelly fish sting!" I complained.

"So my plan has worked" she teased, laughing. 

I shuddered.  "You're terrible" I moaned, holding my stomach. 

"How's our little jelly bean treating you today?" She asked. 

"It's been very kind to me so far - which means I'm in for a world of hurt later when it decides to play catch up" I groaned. 

"It'll get better.  Drink some ginger ale when you're nauseous.  It'll help settle your stomach" she said. 

"Thanks, mom.  How come you haven't been sending me pictures of the sights?" I asked.

"Well, today's really the first day we've decided to leave the bed, and he gets stung by a jelly fish.  Something tells me it will be a few more days before I convince him to leave the room again" she teased.

I laughed.  "So many images I wish I could erase from my mind, but I'm permanently scarred" I whined. 

Mom laughed.  "So how are things going with the whole Jess situation?" She asked. 

"There's no - situation..." I said with a laugh.  

"You know what I mean.  He's not trying to weasel his way in and play daddy dearest, is he?" She asked. 

"Have you not met Jess?" I teased. 

She laughed it off.  "I'm just concerned he might be trying to win you back, and that's the last thing you need right now" she reminded. 

"Mom, where is this even coming from?  We're just friends.  Nothing has happened, and nothing's going to" I promised.

"How can you be so sure?" She asked. 

"Because mom, how could I be with anyone else, ESPECIALLY someone I care about as much as Jess, when I'm still not over Logan..." I whispered.  It was the first time I'd admitted it out loud.

"Oh.  I didn't know" she whispered. 

"I know.  And I'm not really happy about it.  It's just, I never really got over him the first time, and now - well, you know what's happened now.  I just can't help it" I whispered, sadly.

"One way or another, Rory, you'll get your happy ending.  I can promise you that" she whispered.

I nodded.  I wanted to believe it.  But how?