By Stew Pid Rating: I think everyone could read it. I used the word "ass" but so does the WB. Disclaimer: I don't own the characters or anything—they're great. Whatever's mine is Stew Pid.

(Lorelai and Rory walking after Sookie's wedding.)

Rory: Wow.

Lorelai: Yep.

Rory: I'm sorry, mom.

Lorelai: Me too. (Lorelai puts an arm around Rory and kisses her head.)

Rory: Well, I'm going to be a sister.

Lorelai: Yeah, this is going to be way cool.

Rory: I hope it's a girl. I always wanted a baby sister.

Lorelai: Wouldn't it be cooler if it were a boy, and then whenever he came over to visit we could dress him like a girl and pretend he was your baby sister.

Rory: No not cooler, crueler. We can't be too mean. I'd hate to be the cruel sister no one wants to visit.

Lorelai: Well I didn't say you had to be the cruel one. I'm fully competent for the job myself.

Rory: I'm afraid that I might become jealous of him…her…it.

Lorelai: Don't worry. After I'm done with him you'll just feel sorry for him.

Rory: Mom, I'm serious now.

Lorelai: Oh, okay, right. Look, I know how you feel. I guess I'm a bit jealous myself. There's nothing wrong with wrong feelings as long as you don't act on them.

(They pass by Luke's and see Luke and Jess cleaning up.)

Lorelai: Hey, Jess is back.

Rory: (uncomfortably) I know. I bumped into him at the wedding.

Lorelai: Is that why you came running at the last minute for the ceremony?

Rory: I came in good time.

Lorelai: So how is he?

Rory: He seemed okay.

Lorelai: You didn't ask? You didn't talk to him?

Rory: Not long. I was running late, remember.

Lorelai: So what did you say?

Rory: I asked him why he came back.

Lorelai: And…

Rory: He said he just wanted to.

Lorelai: Jess wanted to come back here?

Rory: Apparently.

Lorelai: Why?

Rory: I don't know. He didn't say.

Lorelai: You didn't ask him?

Rory: No.

Lorelai: So what did you ask him?

Rory: I told you.

Lorelai: And that's it.

Rory: That's it.

Lorelai: Why'd you come back? Wanted to. Okay well, bye. Bye. Interesting conversation.

Rory: Well, I wasn't expecting to see him just then. I wasn't very verbal, and he himself said the verbal thing comes and goes with him.

Lorelai: Okay. Okay. I was just wondering. Gee.

Rory: Gee? Gee what?

Lorelai: Gee, talking to you has never been like pulling teeth. Jess must be starting to rub off on you.

Rory: Would you stop that! There's nothing between me and Jess. How many times do I have to tell you that?

Lorelai: Okay. I got it. Let's just get off the subject.

Rory: Yes. Let's.

Lorelai: You need some coffee.

Rory: No, I do not need coffee.

Lorelai: If you're turning down coffee, then yes you need some coffee.

Rory: What about your problem with Luke?

Lorelai: I don't have a problem with Luke.

Rory: Fine, Luke's problem with you.

Lorelai: He's not going to be able to resist me in this dress.

(They go into Luke's. Luke, Jess, and Rory flinch in discomfort.)

Lorelai: Hello Jess.

Jess: Miss Gilmore. (He and Luke exchange looks. Jess exhales and drops his head a little) Look. I'm really sorry about Rory's wrist and about the car and about whatever I did to you and Luke. (Luke abruptly looks up. Jess gives him a hard stare.) I'm sorry.

Lorelai: Well, I'll accept that.

(Jess nods and takes his jacket.)

Jess: I'm done here.

Luke: Where are you going?

Jess: (sighs again under his breath) I don't know, but there aren't really many options here.

Luke: Hey, this time it was your choice.

Jess: I know. I'm not complaining.

Luke: Well good. You're opening up tomorrow morning.

(Jess nods and gives a general wave.)

Lorelai: So you've been talking to Jess about us.

Luke: No. I didn't know there was anything to talk about. I told you I'm fine.

Lorelai: Whatever.

Rory: May I get some coffee please.

Luke: Coming right up.

Rory: Make that two.

Luke: Okay.

(The silence is deafening as Rory and Lorelai drink their coffee.)

Luke: So how was the wedding?

(Lorelai remains silent looking into her coffee mug as if assuming the question was directed to Rory. Rory looks at her mother warily.)

Luke: Lorelai?

(Lorelai looks up with a fake smile)

Luke: Weren't you the maid of honor?

Lorelai: Yes, I was.

Luke: So how was the wedding?

Lorelai: Great.

Rory: Jackson wore a kilt.

Luke: I'm trying to fight the visual.

Lorelai: It'll come when you've let your guard down and haunt you for the rest of your life. You'll never be able to look at him without laughing.

Rory: She literally laughed at him the whole time. Even in the middle of the ceremony she kept giggling.

Lorelai: Hey, it came at the right time.

Luke: What's that supposed to mean?

Lorelai: Nothing. Well, we better get going. Thanks Luke (she says that with extra meaning).

Luke: Good night. And if you see Jess out there tell him to get back here. I forgot I have some things for him to do.

Lorelai: Okay. You got it.

Luke: Oh and Lorelai…

Lorelai: Yes.

Luke: You look really nice.

Lorelai: Thank you.

Luke: You too, Rory. I mean, it's practically the same dress. And the differences suit you better. Not that I know much about women's dresses and how they match or anything…

Rory: Thanks, Luke.

Luke: Yeah.

(They walk out.)

Lorelai: I told you he wouldn't be able to resist me in this dress. I just might wear it tomorrow.

Rory: Oh boy. Here it goes.

Lorelai: And to your graduation. Is it too much? Maybe I'll wear it to the airport when you go to Washington. I always wanted to pick up a pilot.

Rory: She's going to keep going.

Lorelai: I can wear it to take you for your first day at Harvard. They'd be even more impressed with you if you came with me in this dress. Hey, I can wear it again to your wedding.

Rory: That might be reason enough for me never to marry.

Lorelai: Hey, I look so hot in this, I just might wear it every day.

Rory: Oh no. This starts a new train.

Lorelai: Of course, it'd start to stink. I'd have to wash it.

Rory: You know what, I don't have to listen to you. I can just tune you out. Nope. I can't hear you anymore.

Lorelai: But if I wash it too many times, it'll start to fade. It'll get thin. One day, I'll be thinking I must look really hot because all these men are staring at me, and then I'll realize the dress has become transparent.

Rory: Some people wouldn't fight that visual.

Lorelai: I'll take that as a compliment.

Rory: Suit yourself.

Lorelai: Hey, what's that supposed to mean?

Rory: Nothing.

Lorelai: I'll have you know…hey, isn't that Jess over there?

(points towards the bridge)

Rory: Oh yeah.

Lorelai: Well didn't Luke ask us to give him a message?

Rory: We could tell Luke we didn't see him.

Lorelai: Is it just me or are you avoiding him? Did something happen? Did that punk do something to hurt you?

Rory: No, no. I'm not avoiding him. Look, fine. I'll give him the message.

Lorelai: I'll be here.

Rory: Okay.

(Approaching Jess as he is reading.)

Rory: Jess.

Jess: Rory.

Rory: Luke wanted me to tell you that he needs you back at the diner. He has some things he needs you to do.

Jess: Okay. Is that all?

Rory: Look, I know we have to talk, but my mom is waiting for me over there, so now is not the time.

Jess: Okay.

Rory: I just came to give you the message.

Jess: Okay.

Rory: So what are you reading?

Jess: I thought you just came to give me the message.

Rory: Right. I did.

Jess: If you want to talk, then talk.

Rory: I can't now.

Jess: Okay then.

(He gets up and starts to walk away.)

Rory: I didn't mean to do that. It didn't mean anything.

Jess: Those sentences are very different.

Rory: I know… You caught me off guard. I was glad to see you. I had just left my dad. He and my mom were supposed to get back together, although that didn't work out but anyway. It was Sookie's wedding. I was with Dean. I wasn't thinking straight.

Jess: Okay.

Rory: So it didn't mean anything. I'm still with Dean. I love Dean.

Jess: Right. Okay.

Rory: Would you stop saying that?

Jess: What would you like me to say, Gilmore?

Rory: I don't know, but not just 'okay.' Try, I understand, Rory. Don't worry about it, really. Or then tell me I'm a horrible person, yell at me, inflict horrible physical pain on me. (Jess stares at her, unmoved)…Did it mean anything to you?

Jess: Does it matter?

Rory: You can't answer a question with a question.

Jess: I believe I just did.

Rory: Jess, don't be angry with me.

Jess: I'm not angry. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to carry out your message.

(Rory returns to Lorelai)

Lorelai: What was all that?

Rory: All what? You heard?

Lorelai: No, but I assume it was more than Luke says to get your ass back to the diner because he needs you to do some things.

Rory: We were just talking about Sookie's wedding.

Lorelai: Jess was interested in Sookie's wedding?

Rory: I don't know if he was but I can still talk about it, can't I?

Lorelai: Gee.

Rory: There it goes again. Is that the same Gee?

Lorelai: Yes it is.

Rory: So are we going to drop it again.

Lorelai: You think we should?

Rory: Yes.

Lorelai: Okay. For now.

Rory: For now?

Lorelai: For now.

(Independence Inn)

Michel: If you call one more time, I am going to cut off my hand and have the cook serve it as tonight's surprise entrée. (passes the phone to Lorelai)

Lorelai: Hi Sookie! Why aren't you enjoying your honeymoon?

Sookie: Oh I am, trust me.

Lorelai: Whoa. Don't give any more information. So why are you calling?

Sookie: Don't you guys miss me?

Lorelai: Well, you're not really giving us a chance here, are you?

Sookie: Okay, well is everything okay?

Lorelai: Couldn't be better, unless you were here.

Sookie: Chris still around?

Lorelai: Right, yeah, I'm going to have to talk to you about that one when you get back.

Sookie: Just tell me, it didn't work out?

Lorelai: No.

Sookie: Why?

Lorelai: Sherry's pregnant and now Chris has decided to do the right thing. His morality really has bad timing.

Sookie: Oh, poor thing. Are you okay?

Lorelai: Actually, yeah. So listen you, get back to your honeymoon. That's an order.

Sookie: Okay sweetie. You're going to be all right?

Lorelai: Of course, but if you call one more time and Michel does cut off his hand and gets on disability, I'm going to be very angry with you, missy.

Sookie: (giggling) Okay well, I'll see you when I get back.

Lorelai: Unless I suddenly become invisible.

Lorelai: Okay, bye.

(cut to Rory and Dean)

Dean: So when do you go to Washington?

Rory: Next week.

Dean: Wow, so soon?

Rory: Well, we still have approximately 5 days and 8 hours to be together, minus sleeping time, and mommy time, and grandma and grandpa time, and Lane time, and coffee time, and Paris time, not that I'm looking forward to that but I know she's going to overreact about this trip so I have to put in the time for it, and reading time, but I think that's about it. So that still leaves you about, what? Maybe 3 hours.

Dean: Gee, thanks.

Rory: What is it with that word?

Dean: What word?

Rory: Never mind.

Dean: Well, it's Taylor time for me right now. I gotta go. Bye. (They kiss)

Rory: That cuts your time now to 2 hours and 54 minutes.

Dean: Couldn't you cut out six minutes of reading time?

Rory: I can't believe you asked that.

Dean: My mistake. Well, this is cutting into Taylor time…

Rory: But decreasing your cut so that you now have 2 hours and 55 minutes.

Dean: Gotta go.

Rory: Okay.

(Dean leaves)

Voice: So no Jess time in Rory's schedule?

(Rory turns to Jess)

Rory: Well, my time is precious.

Jess: No argument there.

Rory: What's that supposed to mean?

Jess: What do you want it to mean?

Rory: There you go again answering a question with a question.

Jess: It's a bad habit, but they don't have any patches or gum for it.

Rory: Jess, why'd you come back?

Jess: Didn't I answer that already? Oops. I did it again.

Rory: Seriously, Jess. Why did you want to come back?

Jess: Well, either way I guess it didn't really matter, except that New York has enough juvenile delinquents and I was Stars Hollow's only one. I felt needed here.

Rory: This is impossible. You're not going to be serious.

Jess: Rory, what do you want to hear?

Rory: Why did you come back?

Jess: Now you answered a question with a question. I guess I'm rubbing off on you after all.

Rory: I love the way you can just leave without telling anyone, come back and pretend like nothing ever happened.

Jess: Well I love the way you can just walk up and kiss a guy and pretend like nothing ever happened.

Rory: (stunned) Jess, I…I…

Jess: I know already. You didn't mean to and it meant nothing. Look, forget it.

(starts to walk away)

Rory: Jess (he turns back), I'm sorry.

Jess: Are you really?

Rory: (hesitating) yes.

Jess: Well then I'm sorry too.

Rory: What's that supposed to mean?

Jess: Nothing.

(Lorelai and Rory)

Lorelai: I think I've settled the me and your dad thing throughout Stars Hollow. I had no idea news traveled so quickly here. (Rory looks at her). Well, I did, but still. Anyway, I think everyone knows now that it didn't work out and your dad is on his way home to pregnant Sherry.

Rory: I hope you don't call her that when you talk to her on the phone.

Lorelai: I don't know. It has a nice ring to it. Hello pregnant Sherry, how are you?

Rory: Why do I encourage this?

Lorelai: So I guess you're going to be out with Dean all evening since you'll be leaving in a week.

Rory: Nah. I thought this evening would be our evening and next evening would be Dean's evening.

Lorelai: Cool. So, what's on the agenda?

Rory: Well, I was thinking dinner and a movie.

Lorelai: Specifics.

Rory: Well, how about some Chinese and do you still have A Film by Kirk?

Lorelai: I lent my fall on your ass laughing copy to Sookie, but I might have saved my blackmailing copy.

Rory: Good.

Lorelai: But I don't want Chinese. Let's get some of Luke's burgers.

Rory: I was really in the mood for the Kung Pao.

Lorelai: Okay, so how 'bout we stop first at Luke's so I can get my burger and then I'll order you the Kung Pao.

Rory: The whole purpose of having dinner together is so that two people eat the same thing at the same time.

Lorelai: I'll get my burger to go. We'll still be eating at the same time. Since when did you become the writer of the rules of society?

Rory: I was authorized to do so at the DAR debutante ball.

Lorelai: Do you really want to open that can of worms, because you know I never got all those jokes out of my system.

Rory: On second thought…

Lorelai: 'Nuff said.

Rory: Fine, get your burger, but be quick.

Lorelai: Wait, you're not coming in? You know, we still have to talk about what happened between you and Jess. I definitely know something's up.

Rory: Nothing's up.

Lorelai: So prove it.

Rory: Fine. (She opens the door and goes into Luke's. She let's out a silent sigh of relief when she sees only Luke there.)

Luke: What can I get you two?

Lorelai: No, just for me. A burger to go.

Rory: No wait, I'll have a burger too. (Just as she says this, Jess comes down with a bucket, a mop, a drain snake, and a plunger, and she regrets ordering.)

Luke: Jess, we might need that plunger over here to unclog these two's arteries.

Lorelai: I think you're going to need the snake for mine.

Luke: That's just gross.

Rory: Though probably appropriate. Let me cancel that burger.

Lorelai: Oh no you don't. We're in this together now.

Luke: You still want that to go?

Rory: Yes please. (Looks at Lorelai who was looking at her) I can't wait to see that movie.

Luke: What movie?

Lorelai: Kirk's film.

Luke: I'm glad I never saw it.

Lorelai: Oh my God, you have to see it! It is the funniest thing. You have to come over tonight.

Luke: No thanks.

Lorelai: It's funny enough to make me forget about your Trekkie days.

Luke: All right. What time?

Lorelai: How 'bout when you're done with the burgers?

Jess: It's okay, Luke. I'll clean up.

Luke: Well you know, Jess hasn't seen it either. I can just close this place up early. Can he come along?

Lorelai: (uneasy) Yeah, sure. (Rory's face sinks.)

Jess: (noticing) Actually, that's okay. I already have plans for this evening.

Luke: With who?

Jess: What do you care? (catches himself) With no one. But if you're going to be leaving I'd like to have some time to myself here to play my music as loud as I want. Maybe I'll walk around in that shirt I know you love, draw chalk outlines all over the diner. I promise I'll have it all cleaned up before you get back.

Lorelai: Okay, well, suit yourself. So, are those burgers done?

Luke: Don't start rushing me.

(The Gilmore residence)

(Lorelai and Rory are laughing and Luke is getting ready to leave)

Luke: That was the most disturbing thing I have ever seen.

Lorelai: Oh come on, I saw you supressing a smile every now and then.

Luke: I'll tell you this much, that was not a smile I was supressing.

Lorelai: Gross.

Rory: Almost as bad as the snake in the arteries.

Lorelai: True.

Luke: Well, thanks for that hopefully forgettable but probably not likely experience.

Lorelai: Well, take the video because I know you're going to want to watch it again.

Luke: No thank you.

Lorelai: Well then you're just going to have to take it for Jess.

Luke: I'm not sure that's appropriate for a young man of his age. The things you expose Rory to.

Lorelai: Please, she's the president of the Kirk fan club.

Rory: I have the hat in my room. You want to see it?

Luke: Maybe some other time. Good night.

Lorelai and Rory: Good night.

Lorelai: So what are we going to do now?

Rory: I'm guessing going to bed is not an option?

Lorelai: No. Hey, I don't have a lot of time left with you as it is.

Rory: First of all, I'm coming back. Secondly, what do you want to do?

Lorelai: Well, we could talk. We've always been good at that.

Rory: Okay. So how was it at the inn today without Sookie?

Lorelai: Are you kidding me? Without Sookie? She called like every ten minutes.

Rory: She has issues with letting go. Be patient with her.

Lorelia: How very astute of you, Dr. Joyce Brothers!

Rory: Funny.

Lorelai: So, are you ever going to tell me what happened between you and Jess?

Rory: (frustrated) I told you already. Nothing happened.

Lorelai: You didn't seem so keen about him coming over. I thought you would have tried encouraging him.

Rory: He seemed to have nice plans for himself. I didn't want to interfere.

Lorelai: Right. Because he wouldn't play his music as loud as he wants to if Luke were there.

Rory: Shouldn't you be glad that I didn't encourage him? I know you don't like him.

Lorelai: Yeah, but up until recently you did. And now I get the impression you don't which leads me to believe he hurt you in some way and if he did I have the right to know so I can clobber him.

Rory: I promise you he didn't hurt me. We're still friends.

Lorelai: Okay. Fine. Well then I guess I'm going to bed. Good night.

Rory: Good night.

(Lorelai leaves and Rory collapses on the table.)

(Above the Diner)

(Jess is sitting in the room in silence, flipping cards.)

Luke: You're here.

Jess: (without looking up) In the flesh.

Luke: What happened to the music, the shirt, the chalk outlines?

Jess: I did that for a while.

Luke: Listen, I think we need to talk.

Jess: Do we?

Luke: Yes.

Jess: Okay.

Luke: Why'd you come back?

Jess: I knew you were missing me.

Luke: Seriously.

Jess: What, you weren't?

Luke: I'm not going to ask you again.

Jess: Then I guess you'll never know.

Luke: Can't you ever give a straight answer?

Jess: No I can't.

Luke: Why'd you come back?

Jess: I don't know.

Luke: You must have known if you came back.

Jess: No. I was in New York and for whatever reason, I got up and left to come back here. I didn't know why, but it didn't matter. Now I'm back here, and I don't know why I'm here and it matters because I chose it this time. I wasn't forced here. I asked for all of this.

Luke: All of what?

Jess: Nothing.

(An awkward moment of silence and Luke gets up.)

Luke: Well, I'm glad you're back anyway.

Jess: (letting out a slight chuckle in disbelief) All right.

Luke: I'm serious. I'm not just saying that. I got used to having you around.

Jess: You want to hold hands and skip tomorrow?

Luke: Don't start with that…Listen, that reason you came back that you don't know, could it possibly have anything to do with Rory?

Jess: Actually, I think I figured it out. It was you. I missed these late night chats, the flannel, the holding hands, the skipping.

Luke: Fine, fine. Play it that way. Just remember what I said. She and Dean are good now, so you should really just stay away.

Jess: I'll keep that in mind.

(Rory with Dean)

Rory: I'm going to miss you while Paris is torturing me?

Voice: She just doesn't do it the same as he does, huh?

Dean: Jess, what are you doing here?

Jess: You missed me?

Dean: (to Rory) I thought he went back to New York.

Rory: He moved back here.

Dean: Why?

Rory: I don't know.

Dean: This is just great.

Jess: And it gets even better.

Dean: What are you talking about?

(Rory gets really nervous)

Jess: Well with Rory in Washington there's no stopping the wrath of Dean, is there? I think I'm going to have fun this week.

Dean: I say for your own good, you should stay away from me.

Jess: I should feel threatened now, shouldn't I?

Dean: Look, you're really pathetic if you came back just to mess with me.

Jess: You're really egocentric if you think I came back just to mess with you.

Dean: Then why did you?

Jess: To mess with you.

Dean: We're leaving now.

Jess: Have fun.

(they leave Jess)

Dean: You knew he was back?

Rory: Yes.

Dean: Why didn't you tell me?

Rory: I figured you must have seen him around already. It's been a while.

Dean: How long has he been back?

Rory: Since Sookie's wedding.

Dean: Wow. He's been quiet up until now.

Rory: Yeah. I think Luke's working him pretty hard.

Dean: Well I haven't been to the Diner much.

Rory: Me neither.

Dean: So it's over between you two?

Rory: What do you mean?

Dean: Your friendship or whatever you want to call it?

Rory: We were always just friends. We still are friends.

Dean: Then why haven't you been in the Diner every day?

Rory: Al's was having a special.

Dean: Okay. Have it your way.

Rory: Hey, let's go visit Lane in the music store.

Dean: Actually, I have to get back to work now. (Rory pouts.)

Rory: I don't have much time left here, you know.

Dean: You're coming back. (she smiles)

Rory: I know.

Dean: And I'll be here waiting for you.

Rory: You'll stand right here and wait for me.

Dean: Yes.

Rory: You won't move at all. Not to work, not to eat, not to sleep, not to shower.

Dean: Well, I'll have to shower, otherwise it might not be such a nice welcome for you.

Rory: Point taken.

Dean: So let me get going. I'll see you tonight.

Rory: Tonight's Lane night.

Dean: I thought you already had Lane night.

Rory: I had to reschedule because it became Paris night.

Dean: Well, can't I still see you if I promise I won't steal you away from Lane.

Rory: Hmm, I'll have to check with Lane.

Dean: Well anyway, I'll definitely see you tomorrow before you leave.

Rory: Then you'll come and wait right here.

Dean: Yes.

Rory: Until I come back, leaving only for showers.

Dean: Yes.

Rory: Okay.

(They kiss. Dean leaves and Rory goes to the music store.)

Rory: Hey Lane.

Lane: Can't talk now. My mother is fuming.

Rory: uh oh. Are we still on for tonight?

Lane: Of course. I'll come by around seven.

Rory: Is it okay if Dean dropped by? Our time has been cut short these days.

Lane: Sure. That'll be fun. We'll all hang out.

(Lane leaves and Rory's cell phone rings. She takes it outside.)

Rory: Hello.

Lorelai: Hey babe. What are you up to?

Rory: Actually nothing. I feel so unloved.

Lorelai: What's the matter?

Rory: Well I'm leaving tomorrow and no one has time for me.

Lorelai: Aw, poor baby.

Rory: It's okay. I had my self-pity moment. I feel better.

Lorelai: Well, I'd tell you to come over to the inn but I don't know if I'd be able to give you much time either. It's really crazy here. I'm trying to keep Michel from beating an old lady with the guest book right now as we speak.

Rory: I'm going to miss Stars Hollow. Anyway, it's okay. I'm probably going to hang out in the bookstore for a bit. I need some reading material for the plane.

Lorelai: Remember to save space in your suitcase for some clothes and a toothbrush.

Rory: That's pushing it close, mom.

Lorelai: Uh huh. Bye sweetie.

Rory: Bye mom.

(Rory at the bookstore.)

Jess: Did you know they made Cliff's notes of the Bible?

Rory: I did.

Jess: Isn't that some form of sacrilege?

Rory: All Cliff's notes are sacrilege.

Jess: They should be burned.

Rory: They should.

Jess: Or put behind a curtain with your picture on it.

Rory: Don't remind me. By the way, what did you do?

Jess: About what?

Rory: About the picture.

Jess: What picture?

Rory: My picture.

Jess: I put it up in my locker.

Rory: You're impossible.

Jess: So what's that you got there?

Rory: To Have and Have Not

Jess: So you decided to give Ernest a chance after all.

Rory: Well, I figured nothing could be more painful than six weeks stuck with Paris, so Hemingway might not seem so bad then. What do you have there?

Jess: Martin Eden

Rory: Jack London. Never read that one.

Jess: Neither have I. I was thinking about it.

(a period of silence)

Jess: So you leave tomorrow.

Rory: Yes.

(Jess nods)

Jess: For six weeks.

Rory: Yes.

(silence again)

Rory: (jokingly) You'll miss me?

Jess: (seriously) Yeah. I will. Nah, I'm not in the mood for London today. I'll pick it up some other time. See ya' around.

Rory: Okay.

(Jess starts to walk away. From the door)

Jess: And Rory…have a nice trip.

Rory: (smiles) Thank you.

(The next day. Lorelai and Rory are packing the car to head for the airport. Dean and Lane are there.)

Lane: I'm going to miss you.

Rory: Me too. I'll see you in six weeks.

Dean: That's way too long.

Rory: (to Dean) I hope you remember the spot.

Lorelai: I hope that's not a sexual innuendo.

Rory: Gross, mom. (Rory's pager goes off)

Lorelai: Who's that?

Rory: Paris.

Lorelai: My God woman. Does she ever stop?

Rory: Apparently not, but I'm still waiting.

Lorelai: Okay, people. Get the good-byes, the hugs, the tears…

Rory: The overreacting…

Lorelai: That too. Get it all out of your system.

Rory and Lane hug. Rory and Dean kiss.

Lorelai: Oh, I forgot the cookies.

Rory: What cookies?

Lorelai: Luke sent you cookies for the plane while you were out with Lane and Dean last night. He doesn't know I'm going to eat them all.

Rory: Luke was here?

Lorelai: No, he sent them with Jess.

Dean: Jess was here?

Lorelai: Just to drop off the cookies. He didn't even ask if Rory was in. So let me get the cookies, and we're off.

(cut to Rory and Lorelai in the car. Rory has the cookies in her lap and is quietly inspecting them as Lorelai rattles on about traffic. She notices a piece of paper at the bottom of the plate underneath the cookies.)

Rory: Hey mom, since we're not moving, you want a cookie? It'll cheer you up.

Lorelai: Yes. A Lukey cookie is exactly what I need. Rip 'er open.

(Rory peels off the wrapping, and offers Lorelai a cookie. Then she grabs one of the bottom ones along with the piece of paper, and slips the paper in her pocket.)

(cut to airport)

Paris: Rory, you're late.

Rory: No I'm not. I'm just not three hours early.

Paris: In my book, that qualifies as late. Do you have everything we prepared?

Rory: Everything. Want a cookie?

Paris: No. Did you make the visual aids?

Rory: Paris, I have it. I did it. Everything's fine.

Lorelai: Well, I can only see you up to this point. Come 'ere, kid.

(Rory and Lorelai hug)

Lorelai: Don't go having affairs with all the politicians.

Rory: Paris just might prostitute me to them if she deems it necessary.

Lorelai: You're gonna be okay?

Rory: Yep.

Lorelai: You're gonna miss me?

Rory: Yep. Seriously, I'm really going to miss you.

Lorelai: I'm going to miss you too.

(Rory and Lorelai look at Paris who has no one to say good-bye to her.)

Lorelai: Bye Paris. (She hugs Paris.) You be safe now, and don't get Rory into any trouble.

Paris: That's very unlikely.

Lorelai: Right.

(Lorelai says bye to Rory one more time and walks away. She turns back to wave. Rory and Paris wave, and Rory watches her go. As she's about to turn forward again, she sees Jess some distance away watching. He waves and turns to leave.)

(on the plane)

(Rory and Paris are seated together and Paris is pouring over Rory's visual aids. Rory pulls out the note that had been in the cookies. It reads, "I'm not sorry.")

The End