What's Next?

Don't Leave

Looking up, she saw herself. It was a total out-of-body experience; like Freaky Friday. But instead of switching bodies with her mother, Rory felt like she was staring at her life in front of her washing away. There was no way she could live with the fact that Jess was going to be gone for two years. Her thoughts got interrupted when she heard a car honk. It was Jess. They had one day left in till he left for Sacramento.

"Did you just honk at me?" Rory jokingly hit Jess's arm.

"Maybe." He laughed.

"So, where are we going tonight?" Rory felt a pain in her chest, she didn't want this to be the last day.

"It's a surprise." Jess smiled, condescendingly.

"A surprise like a birthday or a Tom-tricked-us-we-never-had-to-take-this-journey-down-the-Mississippi- surprise?" Rory looked serious.

"Huck learned a lot from that journey, I hope you know." Jess joked back.

Rory laughed. "I'm sure."

After an hour of driving, Jess pulled into an abandoned building.

"What's this?" Rory looked a bit confused.

"Shh. Just follow me." Jess went around the car and opened the door. He reached his hand out for Rory's and she took it willingly. They ventured off into the mysterious cavern and Jess opened the door. It was dark.

"Jes-" Rory began.

"Shhhhhh." He protested.

"Fine.."

Rory heard a noise and lights when on. Rory was amazed. She looked around. The entire room was lit up with valances of white, yellow and gold; a giant chandelier hung from the ceiling with dignity. Around the walls, boas of crystal like figures danced around. Rory looked into the distance, where she saw a table and two chairs. "Jess..." She felt her eyes water. "You did all this...for me?"

"Of course, you mean the world to me." Jess placed a soft kiss upon her lips. Rory felt like the princess in Enchanted.

"Oh, Jess!" She wrapped her arms around him. "I love you!" She felt her heart flutter and she fell in love all over again.

"I love you too. Now, follow me." He gracefully waltzed across the floor and grabbed a remote from the table. He pressed a button and Hoppípolla began to play.

"My favorite song!" Rory cheered.

Jess wrapped his hands elegantly around Rory's small frame and they waltzed to the music. It was a 4 minute song, but it felt like eternity to both of them. It was going to be the best night they will have for months. The song played three times before either of them realized; they were too caught up in the comfort. Rory's head lay on Jess's shoulder and he held her close. The two of them, coveting as one.

"I'm so lucky to have you." Jess broke the silence.

"And I'm even luckier to have you." She smiled and took his hands in her own.

They ate a wonderful meal, Jess really went all out. After they were stuffed from the caviar and sushi, they enjoyed some cheesecake. "I'm so full....but it's so good." Rory wearily took a bite.

"What's this? A Gilmore who can't finish her food?"

"Oh, no. I'm definitely going to finish this, but give it time. Julius Caesar didn't conquer Rome all in one night."
  

Jess took it all in. His beautiful wife, her gracious nature, her humor. How would be able to leave her for two years?

*****************

"Rory, what do you think of a movie night? I know it's a bit late, but if you want we could?" Rory didn't reply. "Rory?" He looked over and Rory was completely out; she had fallen asleep. "I guess you're tired." Jess chuckled and continued driving. When they arrived, Rory was still asleep so Jess carefully carried her inside. He brought her up the stairs, and placed her on the bed. She stirred a little, but remained in slumber. Her ears were still holding earrings and her face was sparkled with makeup. The dress she was wearing couldn't possibly be comfortable, but Jess just removed the earrings. As he placed them on the dresser, Rory was awakened.

"Jess?" She squinted, her eyes still adjusting.

"Hello, sleepyhead." Jess sat beside her.

"When did we get home? Did you carry me up here?"

"About 10 minutes ago and yes."

"Thank you...." Rory's mouth was in a frown.

"What's wrong?"

Rory bit her bottom lip. "It's our last night together." Her voice was a hushed whisper.

Jess closed his eyes. "I know. I'm sorry." A couple minutes passed, then he spoke up again. "But hey, Haeven's going to be at your mom's in till morning, so we can make this a night to never forget." He winked and Rory squealed.

"You have a good point, mister." Rory grabbed his waist. "Our best time, alright?"

"Oh, you got it." Jess sprawled and the two entangled in love.

***************

Light glinted off a mirror, right onto Rory's face. This awakened her. She yawned and got out of bed. "Jess?" Her tired figure glazed the stairs and stumbled sleepily into the living room. "Jess." She saw him sitting there, his suitcases resting by the door and his plane ticket lay on the table beside him. There was silence filling the room. It was silence that was louder than anything she'd ever heard. Jess checked his watch, then got up.

"I should probably go..." Jess looked over at Rory, who's face was hard to read. She looked as if she was about to puke, faint and collapse all at once. "Ro-" Was all he got out before Rory flung herself at him.

"I'm gonna miss you so much." Rory was desperately trying to keep herself together.

"I'm gonna miss you more." Jess felt Rory bury her face in his neck.

Rory mumbled something inaudible.

"What?"

Rory spoke again, but Jess still couldn't understand. "Honey, I can't understand you?" He pulled back, cupping his hands on her face.

"Please...please don't forget me in Sacramento. I know there's beautiful girls, small waists..."

"No." Jess stopped her. "I don't care about Sacramento girls. I don't care about any girls. I love you. Rory, sweetheart, listen to me." He made sure he held her full attention. "You're my wife. My gorgeous, funny, loving, perfect wife. You don't need to worry about anyone." He kissed Rory strongly, full of passion.

"I'm gonna miss you." Tears began falling from her eyes. She tried to hold them in, but it just made everything worse. "I'm sorry. I can't cry, this is your dream."

Jess interrupted with a strong hug. "I'm coming home every chance I get. I'll call every night."

Rory was close to sobbing, but helped Jess with his bags. "You better call, you switch operator. Don't mix up the calls." She let out a frail laugh.

Before Jess got in the car, he hugged Rory one final time. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

They have both agreed that it would be best if Rory didn't go to the airport. She knew she would break down and Jess wouldn't leave; she couldn't be the one to crush his dreams.

Jess closed the car and waved. Rory devastatingly waved back, the tears about to overflow. She saw his car leave and ran back inside. Once she sat down, she sobbed. Sobbed and sobbed in till she couldn't sob anymore...

Thank you for reading! I know, kind of a depressing chapter but everything can't be happy, right?