How did we get here - A Gilmore Girls fan fiction

Chapter 20

It's Friday night. Rory, Luke and Lorelai are in the living room for movie night. The movie tonight is "Casablanca", one of Lorelai and Rory's favorite classics.

Logan flew back to London on Thursday with promise to be back for the next appointment. Rory was sad to see him go, but it is something she has to get used to.

Rory hasn't heard back from Jess since Wednesday. Shedidn't expect to hear from him because he has so many plans in Philadelphia, but the past two days with no word from Jess leaves her longing for his voice and his presence.

As the familiar strains of "As time goes by" is being played, there is a knock at the door. Rory goes to answer it.

Standing on the porch, lit by the porch light was Jess in his signature leather jacket, giving Rory his crooked smile.

"Jess." Rory exclaims. She pulls him into a hug.

"Surprise." Jess hugs Rory tight.

Rory leads Jess into the living room. Lorelai and Luke greet Jess as he enters. "When did you get here?" Luke asks.

"I just got here. I finished all my business in Philadelphia early. Thought I would take a nice drive to Stars Hollow." Jess explains. "What are you guys watching?"

"Casablanca. Care to join us?" Lorelai says.

"No thanks. I better head to the diner and wash up. I will see you later."

"Ok. See you later, Jess." Lorelai and Luke settle back on the couch and watch the movie.

Rory puts on her coat and follows Jess out of the door.

"So you're back."

"Yeah, I'm back."

"But why?"

"Because I want to."

Rory pulls Jess closer to her, wraps her arms around his waist and kisses him. Jess caresses her face as the kiss deepens. Jess and Rory pull apart. "I better go back in. Welcome back, Jess."

Jess watches as Rory runs up the porch stairs and enters the house.

*****

Later that night, Rory is in her bedroom and calls Jess.

"Hello."

Based on Jess's voice, it sounded like he was asleep. "I'm sorry. Did I wake you?"

Jess sits up on the bed at the sound of Rory's voice. "No I'm up. I'm glad you called."

"You are?"

"I'm always happy to hear your voice, Rory. You know that."

"I am happy to hear your voice also. I missed it the past two days."

"For me to come back early, I had to turn in extra hours at the office."

"I understand. I still like hearing your voice." Rory is surprised by her own admission.

"So why did you call?" Jess asks.

"Well, I- I don't know."

"How's the baby?" Jess asks.

"Bean is great. I'm at my second trimester, and starting to show a little. Pretty soon I am going to need maternity clothing. Baggy sweaters won't cover the bump anymore."

"You will still look beautiful, Rory. Probably even more so."

"Jess, do you have plans for Christmas?" Rory asks Jess.

"No plans. I was thinking of heading to New York."

"Spend Christmas with us at Nantucket."

"Rory, I don't think that's a wise idea. Your grandma doesn't exactly think highly of me."

"Jess, you have changed. Once my grandma sees that, she will love you. You are family now. Luke will be there. I want you there also, Jess. Please." Rory pleads.

"Ok, I will come. I will try to avoid any swans."

"Swans?" That peaked Rory's curiosity.

"Oh you don't know that story."

Rory and Jess spend the rest of the night in deep conversation about dangers of swans and ways to avoid them. Ladle was also brought into the conversation. Its effectiveness as a weapon.