Mariano Twins

Congratulations Rory

Jo's POV 

They are now giving out diplomas and we've lost Rory. All three guys are talking insurance again. Sookie gets up again to get another close up of Rory, this time of her getting her diploma.

"Sorry. I'm sorry. Thanks. I suck. I'm sorry," she says squeezing by.

"Paris Eustace Geller."

She gets her diploma and waves to her family. She also sends a wave to us and smiles. Lorelai takes a picture for her family.

"Lorelai Leigh Gilmore."

"This is it," Lorelai says.

"That's our girl," I whisper to Jess.

"She looks so solemn," her grandmother says.

"Like a Gilmore," her grandfather says.

Rory gets her diploma and then sticks her tongue out. Lorelai, Jess and I do it back, but Lorelai is the only one caught by her mom

"Lorelai, really," Emily says.

"I taught her everything I know," she replies.

"Honest to god, last time. Oh, sorry," Sookie says, coming back.

She leans over and whispers something in Lorelai's ear.

"Oh, my god. Uh I- I need a pen. I don't have a pen. Luke give me your pen," Lorelai says.

"I don't have a pen," Luke replies.

"Where is the pen you take orders with?" she asks.

"You have got to stop assuming that I take pens with me everywhere I go," Luke says.

"Never be without a pen," her dad says, handing her one.

"Oh, thank you, Dad. Excuse me," she says.

She takes a program from her mom and writes, 'We Got The Inn.' Rory sees and does a little happy dance. Lorelai sticks her tongue out again.

"Really, Lorelai, how many more times are you going to do that?" her mom asks.

"I think about six," she replies.

"Class of 2003, give yourself a hand."

Everyone stands and cheers and the graduates throw their caps.

--

We wait for Rory. When she spots us and gives her mom a hug.

"How was my speech?" she asks.

"I made everyone cry, including stone cold Luke," Lorelai says.

"Luke, you old softie," Rory says.

"I will never live this down," he says.

"Not with me in your life," Lorelai says.

"You won't be alone because we'll be making fun of Jess too," I reply.

"Jess! You too?" she asks.

"What can I say?" he replies.

"I gotta go. Gotta get back to the diner," Luke says.

"Thanks for coming, Luke," Rory says.

"Oh, sure. The building's amazing," Luke says.

They laugh and hug.

"So are you," he adds.

"Thanks," she says.

Jess and I walk off with her to talk. 

"Congratulations," Jess tells her.

"Thank you. In two days you'll have this too," she says holding up her diploma.

"I can't wait," he replies.

"I'm so excited," I add, bouncing on the balls of my feet.

"I can't believe it. In a couple of months the two of us are going to be living in New Haven, going to college," she says.

"My two favorite people are going to Yale," Jess says, pulling us both into a short side hug.

"You and your mom are going to have so much fun in Europe," I tell her.

"I kind of feel bad for leaving you to your boring summer in Stars Hollow," she says.

"Well, it won't all be boring," Jess says.

"We think," I add.

"You guys have plans?" she asks.

"Well..." I say.

Jess and share a look.

"There's something we need to tell you," Jess tells her.

"What is it?" she asks.

"Our dad dropped by a couple of weeks ago," I state.

"Really! What did he say?" she asks.

"He didn't really say anything," Jess replies.

"Yeah, he kind of ran out before we got to that," I adds.

"So we're going to see him in California," Jess says.

"California? Does Luke know?" she asks.

"That he was here? Yes," Jess replies.

"That we are going across the country to see him? No," I add.

"Well, I hope everything goes well. Good luck," Rory says.

"Thank you," we reply.

I give her a hug and Jess kisses her before we leave. Jess and I ride back to Stars Hollow in his car.

We beat the Gilmores back to their house where we have a little graduation party for Rory. 

\\ AN // -- All grammar, punctuation, and spelling corrections are helpful, encouraged, and greatly appreciated.

Thank you

-- Izzy