Project X

by mc933

Summary: There's a new kid in town. He's there to stir-up trouble. Suddenly, Rory's empty social calendar isn't as empty as it once was.

Chapter Two

Rory was surprised when Jess sat down next to her. Luke didn't seem to mind that he took a break from waiting on the diner's customers.

"So, you live here in Stars Hollow instead of Hartford?" asked Jess.

"Yes," said Rory. "I take the bus to school. Stars Hollow is too out-of-the-way and I don't have a car."

"Huh," said Jess. "Why don't I come to your house tomorrow morning to give you a ride?"

"You would do that?" asked Rory. She was surprised.

"Well, you did let me photo-copy your notes. You scratch my back, then, I scratch yours."

Rory smiled. "Okay," she agreed. "Thanks. That would be nice."

Rory didn't tell Lorelei about Jess. She didn't know why she decided not to do so. She usually told her mom everything. But in Rory's mind she wanted to keep Jess to herself.

The next morning Lorelai left for work before Rory was ready for school. She was gone by the time Jess pulled-up into the driveway.

His car was a cherry red Mustang.

Rory slipped into the front seat of the car easily.

"Hi, Jess," said Rory. "This is a nice car."

"I got it right before I came here to Stars Hollow," replied Jess.

"Did your mom help you to save-up for it?" asked Rory.

"Nah. My mom can't keep ten bucks in her pocket. She wouldn't have the attention-span to save enough money to help me to buy this car."

"Oh," said Rory. That sounds like the complete opposite of my relationship with Lorelei, thought Rory.

Jess and Rory were silent as Jess pulled out of the driveway. Then, Jess popped an old cassette tape into the car. Rory was pleasantly surprised at the music that started to play.

"You like The Ramones?" asked Rory.

"Yes," said Jess. "They're the father of all the best punk-rock bands."

"Yes," said Rory. "You have to love The Ramones. Though I think the Foo Fighters and the Red Hot Chili Peppers would give them a run for their money."

Jess looked impressed. "And the lady has good taste in music, too," he said.

Rory smiled. "I'd like to think so," she said.

The car-ride to Chilton was a fun ride. Jess and Rory talked about music throughout the entire car-ride to Chilton. Rory's sprits were brightened because of her time with Jess. Surprisingly, Rory felt happy when she arrived at Chiton that morning. It was nice to have a friendly face at a school where all the students seemed to hate her.

Rory waved good-bye to Jess before the first bell rang. He left her to go to find his locker.

Rory arrived at her own locker. She began to sort-out the books that she needed for her next class.

However, someone interrupted her. Rory jumped in surprise when she heard that person speak to her.

"Someone's having a good day," said a familiar and a cold voice.

Rory shut her locker. She glared at the person who spoke… it was Paris Gellar.

She was Rory's arch-nemesis.

"Hi, Paris," said Rory. "It's nice to see you, too."

"So, I see that you've given up on your town's local grocery-boy and you've forgotten about Chilton's infamous blonde-haired baddie. You can sure run through them."

Rory scowled. "What are you talking about, Paris?" asked Rory icily.

Paris rolled her eyes. "First, you bring that farm-boy to Chilton's school formal-"

"Well, I couldn't very well attend a school dance with my cousin or something could I?" said Rory sarcastically.

Paris glared.

She chose to ignore Rory's snide comment.

"-Then, you kiss Tristan DuGrey at Madeline's party last week," continued Paris.

"It wasn't a big deal," said Rory. "I'm sure he doesn't even remember that night let alone something as inconsequential as that kiss."

"Now, you've got your hands on Chilton's latest boy-toy-with-a-tie," said Paris. "You're acting like your mother more and more each day."

Rory glared at Paris. She felt anger burning-up inside her in the pit of her stomach.

"Shut. Up. Paris," said Rory. "Don't you dare say anything against my mother. You don't know her and you don't know me."

"Oh," said Paris. "But I think I do. After all, it's not like the apple falls far from the tree."

Paris smirked.

Then, she turned around and walked away without a second look back.