Rory shut the door and leaned her head against the back of it. *Why does my life have to be so complicated? I had everything under control, and then ‘nice Tristan’ had to make an appearance. Sometimes I think I never should have gone to Chilton. Rory! Bad girl! Chilton will help you get into Harvard, and Harvard is your dream. You should not loose your dream because you are feeling something for your ex-mortal enemy. FEELINGS. Where did that come from? Aahhhhhh.... my head hurts.* Rory began to thump her head against the door. *Yeah, that is really helping the pain.* “This is becoming a reoccurring habit that I don’t like.” Lorelai pulled Rory away from the door and into the kitchen. “Want to tell me why you have been banging your head so often lately?” They sat down. “Boys.” Rory thumped her head on the table. “Oh honey... stop that.” Thump. “How are boys the problem?” Thump. “When aren’t they the problem?” Thump. “Good question. But how are they the problem this time?” Thump. Lorelai ran and got a towel and placed it under Rory’s head. Rory tried to thump again, but met a soft surface instead of a hard one. “Hey! You evil stop head thumping person. That was killing what bad thoughts I was having.” Lorelai just stared at her. “What bad thoughts.... do they involve disposing of coffee in ways that have nothing to do with ingestion. Because if they do you must vacate the premises. I will not tolerate a coffee waster in my house.” Lorelai was pacing the kitchen by now. “Mom.... mom.... mom! Sit down! I was not having bad thoughts about coffee. I think only good things about coffee.” Lorelai ran and hugged Rory. “You are so my daughter. So what are the bad thoughts about. You said it was about a guy, so it has to be Dean.... ooohh, or that new guy at the putt putt place in Hartford. He’s cute.” “No mom, not Dean, or the putt putt guy.” Rory just dropped her head on the softened counter once again. “Well who than?” Rory mumbled a name through the towel. “Who honey?” Rory picked her head up. “Tristan.” Back down her head went. “Well.” Pause. “I see nothing wrong with that.” Rory’s head perked up again. “Yes, there is something wrong with that. I’m dating Dean.” Thump. “Yeah, but he never brought me coffee, and Tristan does. He’s a god.” Rory rubbed her now sore forehead. “Please tell me you did not call him that to his face.” “Actually I did. Why?” Rory groaned. “Because I called him that at lunch.... when he gave me coffee. He’s found our weakness.” Thump. “Oh well. His enlarged ego may be kind enough to remember the coffee. So, what do these bad thought consist of?” Rory stood up from the table and began pacing. “Well... at first I just noticed how good looking he was, I’ve never seen that before.” “And he his attractive... were I not twice his age....” “Mother!” “Ok. I’ll shut up.” “Then when we called a truce I got to know him only minutely better, but he has changed so much. An every time he....” Rory phased out. “Every time he what?” “Every time he’s touched me... I’ve felt tingles... I use to only feel that with Dean.” Rory plopped down in the chair. “I see. Mixed emotions, they can cause problems. You want to be mad at him for all the pain he has caused you, but you just can’t bring your self to hurt him back.” “Exactly.” Rory’s eyes gleamed. “So what do you propose I do to remedy the situation? I mean that fight I had today didn’t help.” “What fight..... wait let me guess... Dean thinks that Tristan is making a move on you?” “Yeah. He was so jealous. He didn’t see that Tristan and I are just now becoming friends.” “Well... I have no idea what to tell you.” Lorelai slapped the table and leaned back in her chair. “Mom you can’t say that. I need the guidance of my parental unit.” Rory was practically begging Lorelai for help. “All I can say is to follow your heart.” She kissed Rory’s forehead and headed for bed. Rory just sat in the kitchen staring out the window at the stars. *** Friday. The last day of the week. One week into the project, two to go. It had been two days since Rory and Tristan had last gotten together. The night they came to a silent understanding. Things were changing between them, and whatever direction their relationship was headed in, they were powerless to stop. They had seen each in the past days. Said their greetings and farewells, and had pleasant conversations, but they made no plans to work together again. Tristan was becoming agitated. Seeing her at school alone was not enough for him. He wanted to get together again. He missed seeing the moonlight create a hallow as it radiated off her silky hair. He missed seeing her face in deep concentration as she searched for the missing link. But most of all he missed being with her. In the same room. Just the two of them. In silence. In peace. Tristan knew that he could not go the entire weekend without seeing her. They had to get together sometime. The sooner the better. He found her digging through her locker, probably for that blue pen that she always lost. He snuck up behind the door and waited till she shut it. Slam. “Morning Sunshine.” Rory jumped backward slightly. “Ok, that’s it. I’m getting an alarm that announces when someone is behind my locker door. I’ve been startled way to much.” She tucked the pen behind her ear. “You know Mary, you should just get an entire case of pens, instead of hanging on to that one which seems to always go missing.” He grabbed her books, but in a manner of friendship, and walked with her to first period. Rory was a little surprised at the gesture. *Ok, now I know he hasn’t done that before... at least not in that way.* “I don’t think so. This is my lucky pen.” She waved it around in front of him. “How can it be lucky if you always loose it?” She glared at him when he smirked. “It’s part of the charm. Besides this is the pen I used to write the draft of the essay that got me into Chilton.” Tristan stared at the magical writing utensil. *I worship the ground you walk on Mr. Bic. Thank you for being the instrument which allowed Rory to create the masterpiece of literature which brought her into my life.* They walked into class and sat down. Tristan returned her books. “Ahhh... I don’t have to fight you for them. I’m afraid that you have become quite the pushover Mr. DuGray.” He grabbed the books back. “No one calls Tristan DuGray a pushover.” He smirked. *I miss that smirk when it’s gone. There I go again. Think Dean.... Dean, Dean, Dean.... Tristan. Ok brain this is so not cool. Dean. Tristan. Why do I even bother to argue with myself?* “Rory, you may have your books back when you agree to go on a date with me tonight. What do you say?” He teased her. “There’s the Tristan I know and love.” *Love... did she just say love?* *Love? Did I just say love?* “So... ummm... seriously. Want to get together tonight?” Tristan looked like a toddler begging for a cookie. Books were given back to their rightful owner. “You mean as a date, or for the project?” “Well, I was thinking project. But if you want to go on a date, I’ll happily oblige.” He winked at her. “I wish I could but....” *Project or date, she didn’t specify...* “.... I have to have dinner with my grandmother tonight.” “Why? Can’t you do that some other night?” “Nope. You see she pays for my tuition to Chilton....” *Memo to Self: Send the gracious Emily Gilmore and thank you note for keeping Rory in Chilton.* “...So, in return mom and I must have dinner with her and grandpa every Friday. Lorelai has tried every possible method in the book, and even some new ones, to get out of dinner. Rarely is she successful....” Rory continued on and Tristan just stared at her. *She’s so different from anyone I’ve ever met. Unique. I like unique.* “Tristan. This conversation just became really one sided. Anything you’d like to say?” Rory stared into his big blue eyes. Mesmerized by their twinkle. He smiled. “An airplane is basically a hollow metal tube with wings.” Rory laughed. “No... just think about it....” *** “Mom, five minutes, we’re going to be late.” Rory hollered up the stairs. “We’re always late.” Lorelai hollered from her room. “Only because you make us.” Slowly, very slowly, slug like slowly, Lorelai came down the stairs. “Rory darling... you go ahead without me. I think I’ve come down with the African Tse-Tse fly sickness.” Lorelai swayed back and forth for dramatic the affect. “Mom. Get in the car.” Rory held the front door open and motioned for an exit. “I’m serious Rory. My vision is becoming hazy, I’m seeing bright lights and wild colors.” She gripped the porch railing for support. “Sounds more like an overdose of LSD to me. What has Luke been putting in your coffee lately....” Rory shoved Lorelai to the car. “Damn. From now on, I’m going to actually pay attention to ER. That way I know how to dramatize better.” They climbed in. “It’s not your drama that needs the work... it’s your knowledge on the subject matter that needs some sprucing up.” “Rory.” Pout face. “Oh that was a whine.” “How can you be so calm about seeing my mother. Am I the only one who sees her truly deceptive nature?” “Mom, that made very little sense.” Leaving Stars Hollow sign on the right. “Fine.” Pout. “How can you like her?” “Well... one, she is my grandmother, and two, she is being extremely nice and paying for my education.” “Woah, you just sounded like you had positive feelings towards the gargoyle establishment. When did this happen?” Lorelai nudged Rory’s shoulder. “Probably somewhere between my fourth or fifth head thump from the kitchen conversation two days ago.” On ramp to the interstate leading to Hartford. “Hardy har har. I think I know the real reason....” “And what, pray tell, would that be?” Fifteen miles till exit. “Not what, who....” Pause. “... a certain blonde haired, blue-eyed.... coffee god!” Lorelai winked at Rory. “Mother, I don’t think that....” “What about our head thumping conversation?” “Mom. I was thumping my head, do you really think I was making any rational thoughts that night?” Ten miles till exit. “Possibly.... how could anyone not be wide awake when...” “Mom, stop before you really gross me out. Plus, you do remember that I’m... seeing... Dean don’t you...” “True, but...” “And Tristan was the main reason as to why I had hostile feelings toward Chilton in the first place.” “Whatever you say honey.” Lorelai turned on the radio, she had all the information she needed. “I love this song!” Exit Ramp. “Mom, you do know that this is some strange guy singing ‘Baby Beluga’ don’t you?” Rory just stared as Lorelai began to dance around in her seat. “Oh come on baby, it’s Rafi, and he’s a classic. I remember when you were two, you’d run around the house in nothing but a diaper screaming ‘Me want Wafi!’ You had trouble with your ‘R’s at that stage in life.” Rory hid her face in embarrassment. They were at a red light and other motorists were openly staring at her mother’s antics. “Mom, we are two streets away from seeing your mother.” Lorelai froze. “I can feel her icy glare already. She’s going to give me that ‘Why are you my daughter?’ look. I just know it. Oh well, I’ll just think happy thoughts. ‘Baby beluga, oh oh, baby beluga....” Thump. “Oh no, not again.” Rory began thumping her head on the window of the car. “I’m really thinking you need to see someone about that.” *** “Rory, how was your week?” The dinner had begun some time ago, but the conversation had been rather stagnant. Emily tried to break through the stalemate by asking a question, but was met by a glare from Lorelai, and a reluctant Rory. “Fine. Your typical week of high school. A little of this and a little of that. Nothing special.” Rory played with the food on her plate as she thought of have special the week really had been. “Well, I was talking to Sandra Hastings earlier this week and she told me about a project in her son’s American history class, I believe it is taught by Mr. Bosco. Don’t you have him?” An olive went flying across the table and landed on Emily’s plate. She looked up to find Lorelai grinning nervously at her. She muttered a sorry under her breath. “Yes, I have Mr. Bosco.” “How delightful. Are you in Paul Hastings class?” Emily was plotting. “No, can’t say that I am.” Rory continued to rearrange the lettuce on her plate. “Oh, what a shame. He is such a delightful young man. I believe that you two would get along marvelously. I know for a fact that he loves to read, something you two have in common.” Rory chuckled at the idea of her grandmother trying to set her up. “What’s so funny?” Emily set her fork down and glared at Rory. “Nothing grandma.” “Honey, are you ok? You’re not eating anything. Lorelai, has Rory been like this for a long time?” “Mom, I’m afraid that she’s come down with thumperitosis.” Emily paled. “Thumperitosis! I’ve never heard of that. Will she be all right?!?” She was out of her chair and over to Rory in an instant. “I’m fine grandma. Mom was just kidding. I was having a weird day a while ago and ‘accidentally’ thumped my head on the table. I’m fine really.” She kissed Emily on her forehead. “Lorelai Gilmore. That was not funny. You scared me half to death. What possibly could have possessed you to make you say such a thing? Are you trying to give me a heart attack” Emily was livid. “Sometimes.” Lorelai muttered. “What did you say?” Emily had regained her composure. “I said ‘dessert time.’” Rory stifled a laugh. “Well, I guess that’s that. So Rory what could possible have been so weird that it caused you to hit your head?” “Strangely enough, history class. I’m sure Ms. Hastings told you all about the project...” “That she did.” Emily began eating the chocolate mousse that had been placed in front of her. “Well, I was paired up with Tristan DuGray.” “Oh, Mr. DuGray. He is a very polite young man. Where is the weirdness in that?” “Well, before we began working together on this project we weren’t exactly the best of friends, but now we’ve really hit it off...” “He brought me coffee.” Lorelai interrupted then looked at Emily who showed a sign of disapproval. “Continue please dear.” “That’s about it. It was just weird how we’ve become friends so suddenly.” *How exactly did that happen anyway? Something is amiss...* “No wonder Ms. DuGray was so happy the last time I saw her. She was saying something about her son no longer moping around the house. That he had, for some odd reason, come home from a study session in an extremely agreeable mood.” *Ok, that proves it. Something fishy is going on with Tristan. God, I wish I knew what it was.* Lorelai saw the look on her daughter’s face and smiled. Maybe she was figuring it out. *The look in that boy’s eyes did not lie. He likes her. Oh, but what about Dean? I wish I knew what to do...hmmm... maybe Rafi will cure this...* The table had been silent for a few minutes but was interrupted by a soft humming. Rory was about to thump her head against the table when she recognized the tune of ‘Baby Beluga.’ *Damn dessert plate is in the way.* *** The sun streamed through Rory’s bedroom window. Shadows and spots of light danced around on the floor and walls like snowflakes dancing in the wind. A slight breeze ruffled Rory’s curtains and carried the aroma of fresh flowers through the air. Rory was laying in bed staring dreamily out her window into the dawning day. Outside, the day was peaceful and serene, which was the exact opposite of what Rory was feeling. She had not slept well the night before. Tossing and turning in bed. Her head was swarming with thoughts of the past week and sleep was the furthest thing from her mind. *One week. In one week my entire life has changed. Tristan, the jerk, former arch enemy, now a new friend and something else perhaps. Dean, the formerly caring, loving boyfriend, changed into a jealous overbearing one. Worst of all I know that he loves me, he even said it. I know that he’s just trying to keep me from getting hurt, but, I want to be free. Free to be with who I want.* Rory shifted her position in bed trying to ease the pain in her heart, by easing the pain in her back. It was not working. Rory saw the sunlight on the floor move up to her comforter. She basked in the warmth it provided. *But who do I want to be with. A week ago if you had asked me that, only one name would come to mind, Dean, there was no other answer. But now.... god, my life has become so complicated.* Rory wanted to get out of bed, but she could barely lift her head from the pillow. Leaving her cocoon of warmth would actually mean that her day had started. That was not a good thing. *Not a good thing. Not a good thing at all. I have to see Dean today, and I really don’t want to. Why? Because all I good think about last night was Tristan. Tristan. With his deep blue eyes that hypnotize me, and that smile that makes me go weak in the knees. And it all happened so suddenly too. I should have given him a chance sooner. I now know why Paris thinks so highly of him. Once you get to know him, he is just so.... perfect. Sure he has his flaws. We all do. But the man brought me coffee. He can’t be all that bad.* Rory smiled involuntarily at the memory of Tristan leaning against her locker with a cup of steaming coffee in his hand. He had been waiting for her. Even when they we’re not being civil to each other, he had always waited for her. *Tristan isn’t showing me his true self. I know it. But I can’t figure out what he is trying to had. Dean said his outside motives always held a different ulterior. Dean. How come everytime I think of him I become sad. Sure I like him and all, but things just aren’t what they use to be. Maybe I should... no I can’t do that. Or can I?* Rory sat up as she pondered the thought. Outside the day was blossoming. The birds were chirping and flying about. The paperboy missed the porch again. It was a typical day in Stars Hollow. A day she wanted no part of. She sighed loudly slammed back down onto the bed, and threw the comforter over her head. *Why me? I’m no good at making decisions like this. Do I really have to choose? Choosing is not fun. Why do I have to choose? Can’t I have both? No, that would be unfair. Maybe I could.... no, bad idea. How about I..... no that’s bad too.* Rory rolled out of bed....literally. The comforter came with her as she spread out across the floor. She was surprisingly comfortable and was about to fall back asleep when she heard noises in the kitchen. Her head peeked out of a whole between the folds of the blanket. Rory dragged herself across the floor, through her door, and into the kitchen, while still wrapped in the blanket. She stopped next to the table, and grabbed at Lorelai’s ankle. “What’s this? I see a child begging at my feet. The poor darling.” Lorelai bent down and kissed Rory’s forehead. “Mommy, I need coffee.” “I’m guessing that you’ve been thinking.” She handed Rory a cup. “How’d you know?” “I was standing by your door while the coffee brewed. Your face gets all scrunched up when you think. It’s so adorable. So, what was the topic on your mind? I’m going to guess Dean vs. Tristan.” “Right again. How does she do it?” Lorelai grabbed a mug and sat down on the floor with Rory’s head in her lap. She began to stroke Rory’s soft hair. “Want to talk about it?” “Not really, but I’m going to anyways. Vocalizing may help my predicament.” “So what’s up with the two guys?” “I think I may like Tristan....” Rory trailed off. “Well I would hope so. He has coffee.” “Not like that mom. I mean I think I may have feelings for him.” She groaned. “Other than the boyfriend thing, how is have feelings towards Tristan bad?” “How can I like my ex-arch-enemy?!? He made my life a living hell. He tormented me, and couldn’t even remember my name. And we fought. But it turned to banter, and he kept me on my toes. Keeping up with him challenged me. I actually looked forward to seeing him, even if all we did was argue.” “And you forgot to mention his eyes.” “He was my only ‘friend’ for such a long time. I always thought that he saw me as some no-name goody two shoes, but this past week things have changed so much between us. We still argue, sure, but not like we used to. Now there is this tension, dare I say romantic tension between us, and for some weird reason I miss that feeling when I’m not around him.” “And his eyes.” “He’s charming, witty, smart, and daring.” “And his eyes.” *Come on Rory work with me here. You can’t tell me that you haven’t seen that look in his eyes. Bad me, I should not try to break up Dean and Rory. But who said I ever listened to reason.* “And the weirdest thing is... all the little comments he drops. It’s almost as if he was trying to tell me something.” *Ok, we’re getting warmer. Come on Rory, think. I know you can.* “Then when he looks at me, there’s this sparkle and fire in his eyes.” *Bingo!* “It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before.” “Well, he seems to be a great guy and all, but you have Dean, and Dean is a great guy too.” Rory stalled for a bit before answering in a hushed tone. “Yeah, I guess he is.” *I know what to do now, talking did help. But it isn’t going to make my decision any easier.* *** Rory was sitting in the gazebo located in the town square. A few hours earlier she had asked Dean to meet her there. Rory was antsy and would often stand up and pace around the small area, every now and then biting on her nails. *How can I do this? Dean is a great guy, he doesn’t deserve this. Why am I doing this? Because of Tristan. You like him Rory, admit it to yourself. No. Shut up brain. You always get in the way. I like Tristan. I like Tristan. It’s unfair to Dean to hold onto him. It would hurt him more in the long run. This is for the best. Maybe we could still be friends...* Dean was walking across the grass staring at Rory. He knew she was arguing with herself. *I know what’s coming. I should have seen it. Damn her. No, Dean that was uncalled for. You love her. You love her enough to let her go. Damn him. Tristan. You always cause problems. You wormed your way into her heart and left seeds of doubt in our relationship. I won’t let her go! I love her! Dean.... calm down. Let her be happy, even if it’s not with you.* Dean walked up the steps of the gazebo his gaze never wavering from Rory as she paced. Rory had yet to notice Dean’s arrival and continued to rationalize her decision. *It’s the right thing to do. Dean deserves better. I can’t treat him like a shirt, wear when needed but toss it aside. I’m not like that. I will not use him. Feelings change. That’s understandable. I hope he will understand.* Dean sat down, Rory was unaware of his presence up until the moment she bumped into him. Her eyes traveled from his shoes all the way to face. He smiled. Not a smile of a greeting, but a smile of a goodbye. His eyes were not filled with sadness, but with a sense of release and understanding. Dean patted the seat next to him. Rory sat down. “You wanted to talk....” “Yeah....umm.... this is going to be hard for me to say. I would appreciate it if you let me say it all at once before you say anything. Please note that this decision was made after long hours of thinking, and that I still think you’re a great guy, and I want to remain friends....” “Rory.” “I know that this will hurt you and I don’t mean it to. I just don’t want to hurt you any more than I have to...” “Rory.” “This is so difficult for me to say. Things have changed. Things have changed between us...” “Rory.” Dean took her hands in his. This got her attention and she stopped talking. “Rory, I know.” “Know what?” “I know what you came here to tell me.” He smiled. “How.... how do you know.” “I saw it coming. Believe me when I say that I don’t agree with your decision, but I will accept it.” “Really? I just.... it’s just that...” “Rory it’s ok. We need to take a vacation from each other. I would rather not have to, but I’m willing to let you go.” “Dean, I never meant for this to happen.” She lowered her eyes to their entwined hands. “It just did. I’m so sorry. I never meant for my feelings to change. They just did. I never thought that I’d break up with you.” She had said it. Dean and her were breaking up. “It’s ok Rory. I love you enough to understand.” *Love?* Dean read her mind. “Yes Rory love. I love you, and that is why I’m willing to let you go. Things will be different between us, but I still want to be friends. I just think we need to not be around each other for awhile. I know that someone new has come into your life.” “So this is a mutual decision then. We are breaking up.... but want to remain friends.” “Yes, this is a mutual decision.” “Ok then, I guess this is it.” “I guess so.” The air that hung around them was thick and caused more tension than necessary. “I’d better be going.” Rory said and was about to leave before she turned back to Dean. They embraced in a hug. More was said in that one moment than ever before. This was the end of a wonderful relationship, but also was the start of a new one. Things would never be the same, but change was inevitable. Rory slowed pulled away from the hug feeling a freedom that she never had before. She walked down the stairs and across the lawn, heading for home. *Goodbye Rory Gilmore. I loved you, and still love you. I just wish things could be different. Tristan you are more lucky than you may ever know. Don’t miss your chance. You’re only going to get one.* Rory returned home and headed straight for her room. She flopped on the bed expecting the tears to fall at any moment. But they never came. She stared at the ceiling feeling some sort of unexplained loss. *I did it. I ended our relationship. I’m happy. How is that? He was a great guy. But this just opens up so much. What exactly I don’t know. To who I don’t know. This is the start of something new and unexplored. But I hurt Dean. He didn’t say it, but I know I did. He loved me, scratch that, loves me. I let him love me, and then I left him. That was wrong of me.* The tears finally came. Not for the loss of a relationship, but for the loss of a friend. Rory curled herself into a ball and cried. Outside her room the phone was ringing, Rory did not hear it, the answering machine picked up. “You’ve reached CoffeeAholics NonAnonymous. Leave a message and the sound of the coffee beans grinding, and remember to bring us some next time you’re here. ‘GRRRRRR’ .... Hey Rory, this is Tristan........” *** Rory sat at an empty table in the Chilton cafeteria just picking at her food. Her normally open book just laid, closed, next to her tray. She hadn’t eaten anything all day, and she had no desire to start now. Paris was sitting with Madeline and Louise when she say the depressed looking Rory out of the corner of her eye. She excused herself from her friends and walked over to where Rory sat. “Hey, mind if I sit here?” Paris sat without waiting for a response. “Paris, I’m really in no mood to get in to a bickering match. So if you could just leave me alone I’d be forever grateful.” Rory never lifted her head from her macaroni and cheese. “My my, and you say I never give a chance. Look at the one who’s being rude. I guess I’ll leave, I was just trying to see what was wrong.” Paris was about to stand up when Rory stopped her. “I’m sorry Paris.” Rory dropped her fork onto the plate. “I just had a bad weekend. I didn’t mean to take it out on you.” “What happened?” “I broke up with Dean. It just hit me how much I am going to miss him.” “Then why did you break up with him in the first place. Dean was a great guy, at least I’m assuming he is.” “He was, is. It’s just that my feelings changed and I didn’t want to be leading him on.” “You like someone else don’t you.” “Yes....no....maybe. I don’t know. That’s why I had to break up with him. I just have had these feelings toward someone else who I normally wouldn’t have feelings for.” Paris began to put two and two together. *Dumping Dean..... New feelings towards someone else. Working with....Tristan. TRISTAN! She has feelings for Tristan. She knows how much I like him, how could she do this to me. It’s bad enough she’s smart enough to stay in this school. But now she had to move in on Tristan!* “You can’t!” Paris screamed at Rory while pounding the table. Her outburst got the attention of most of the cafeteria. All eyes turned two the two of them. “Paris calm down. I can’t what?” Paris voice was grew even louder. “You can’t have in. Understand. You can’t just come to my school and take everything I’ve ever wanted. He’s mine hands off. That goes for the Franklin too. You can forget about getting a job. You don’t belong here. Go back to that farm town you came from. You’ll never fit in!” “I see.” Rory was on the verge of tears. She picked up her stuff and ran out of the cafeteria, hundreds of eyes followed her exit then returned back to a fuming Paris. “What?!? Go back to whatever you were doing, there’s nothing to see.” Paris walked out of the cafeteria head held high. Just outside the door Tristan was about to get lunch when Rory barreled through the doors and ran down the hall. Tristan turned and called after her. “Rory! Rory! Where are you going?” He decided it was best to not run after her, even though he wanted to, when he heard her sobs as she ducked into the bathroom. Tristan turned back towards the cafeteria when Paris exited. She saw Tristan and marched right up to him. “Stay away from her you hear. She is not worthy of being in this school, and she’s not worthy enough to be with you.” Paris turned on her heel and stalked down the hallway. Tristan was confused to say the least. He stepped into the eerily quite cafeteria. The door clunked close behind him. Chilton students peered up at him and the perplexed expression on his face. A small laugh came from one of the students and a wave of chuckles rolled through the cafeteria. Tristan just shrugged before exiting. He walked to the front stairs and sat down to think. *What happened? First Rory wouldn’t return my phone calls. Now she’s in tears and Paris is being extremely confident. Something happened, something big. It would have to be for Rory to be in tears. I gotta talk to her.* Tristan went back inside in search of Rory. *** Rory just wanted the day to end. After breaking it off with Dean she was depressed, but being yelled at by an unreasonable Paris was the icing on the cake. *Why does everyone hate me? I’ve done nothing to them. So I’m not rich. What’s the big deal? I don’t bother them, they shouldn’t bother me. And Paris. God. I never meant to steal anything from her. She can’t just stake a claim on him. Wait... I didn’t just say that. Ok I did. Maybe I do like Tristan.* Rory was so deep into her thoughts that she failed to notice Tristan leaning up against her locker. It was not until she ran into him that she was aware of his presence. Her eyes traveled from his shoes, up his regulation uniform, past a hand holding a cup of coffee, and finally landed on his strikingly blue eyes, before returning to the cup of coffee. Tristan smirked. “If I had known you’d be checking me out today I would have taken a bit more pride in my appearance.” Rory groaned. “The ever modest Tristan DuGray everyone. Round of applause please.” Rory removed her stare from Tristan and focused it on her locker. She struggled for a while to open it before Tristan laid his hand on hers. Sparks coursed through both their bodies. Tristan was right behind Rory if she leaned back even a fraction of an inch she would bump into his chest. Tristan could smell Rory’s hair and was tempted to lean forward, trapping Rory between the lockers and his body. Rory felt the tension as well. Tristan’s warm breath on her neck made her shiver. His warm hand covering hers sent jolt after jolt of energy through her. “Here. Let me get that.” Tristan practically whispered in her ear. Shivers went down her spine once again. All she could do was nod an approval. Tristan leaned into her slightly, his broad chest grazing her back. “There ya’ go. One stubborn locker open.” The two had yet to separate. Rory could almost feel the quick pace of Tristan’s heart beat. Being in this close of a proximity to her, without being able to actually touch her drove him crazy. He ever so slowly returned to his position of leaning against the lockers. Rory began to change her books. “Oh, Rory.” “Hmmm” “This is for you.” Tristan handed her the cup of coffee. She beamed. “This is exactly what I needed.” Gulp. “I thought so. I saw you earlier today and you looked very unhappy.” Rory’s smile left her face. “I had a bad weekend and then got yelled at by Paris....so being unhappy is a perfect emotion.” “I understand. If you ever want to talk about it, I’ll listen.” Rory was stunned. *Tristan....listen to me. Things really have changed.* “Thank you. I may just take you up on that.” *She looks so adorable. What I wouldn’t give to be Dean. He gets to hold her, and kiss her, and be with her. He is so lucky, I doubt he even knows it.* “Good....so can I drive you home? We can talk in the car.” Tristan hoped against hope that Rory would say yes. *If I say yes....then we can talk, and maybe I’ll know more about my ‘feelings’ for him. But we’re talking about Tristan here, a no would be the safe way to go. Yes, No, Yes, No. Screw it.* “Sure...why not.” Tristan let out a breath that he did not know he was holding. “Follow me m’lady.” Tristan bowed. “Your chariot awaits.” Rory giggled. They walked down the Chilton halls and out the front door. The warm sunlight greeted them at their exit. The air was filled with a slight breeze that blew strands of Rory’s hair about her face. Tristan stared at Rory’s profile as the walked to his car, become more hypnotized with each step. He opened her door for her, before climbing in himself. The pair were silent as they drove out of Hartford and onto the highway. Tristan was happy, even though Rory was silent, he was still next to her. He took quick glances at her profile, memorizing, once again, the delicate features of her face. Rory could feel her skin tingle everytime Tristan glanced at her. *Why does he do that? Do I have something stuck in my hair? Grandma did say that..... no, that girl is not me. I’m just getting my hopes up.* “Rory. I don’t want to pressure you or anything, but you said we could talk, and I kinda would like to know why you didn’t return my phone call.” “Yeah.” Rory thought for a moment as the trees whipped by outside her window. She took one final look at the scenery before turning to Tristan. “Basically my weekend sucked. I mean it wasn’t really all that bad just one part, but that was enough to make the entire weekend bad. It wasn’t even that much of my weekend...well technically it was because I was thinking about...” “Rory.” She stopped. “Your rambling. you don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to. It’s ok.” “No, no. I need to tell someone, and you’re the only friend I’ve got in Chilton.” Tristan smiled when Rory called him a friend, even if he wanted more than that. “Ok... here goes nothing.... Dean and I broke up, and I wasn’t really in the mood to talk to anyone.” Silence. *What!?! There is no way I’m this lucky. Rory, unattached! I could make a move now. Wait, I can’t she’s on the rebound. Her feelings are mush.* “Tristan?” He mumbled something under his breath. “What was that?” “Dean’s a moron.” His eyes were attached to the road. *Look straight ahead. You look at her now and its over. Done with. There will be nothing to stop you from kissing her.* “Why’s that?” “Hey dumped you. He’d have to be a moron to let you go.” Rory remembered his earlier words from the second night they worked on the project. *Wow that sounds familiar.* “Actually, it was a mutual decision, but I really broke up with him.” Silence once again. *Oh god, she didn’t just say that. She broke up with him. Maybe she does...no, not after the way you treated her. You’re a jerk Tristan. A jerk, who doesn’t deserve her.* “Tristan.... you passes my house.” “What? Oh sorry.” He backed the car up and stopped at her curb. Rory didn’t get out. “What were you thinking about?” He turned to face her. “Just about how much of a jerk I’ve been to you. I’m sorry.” “Apology accepted. And you haven’t been to bad lately, just don’t slip back into it. I’m a forgiving person, but not that forgiving.” Tristan bowed his head and laughed. As he picked it back up again he saw the sun bouncing of Rory’s hair creating a magical halo of light. Twinkles danced in her eyes as she smiled at him. The smile that completed his day and made him feel whole. His hand, as if acting on its own impulse, reached out and stroked her cheek. Rory leaned into the comforting touch closing her eyes for a brief second. She opened them and was greeted by the soft stare of Tristan’s baby blues. *His eyes.... mom was right, there is something there.* The only sound in the car was the rhythmic breathing of the two teens. Tristan’s hand moved from Rory’s cheek to her hair. He combed his fingers through its softness. Rory reached up and her hand on his arm. All movement ceased. Then Tristan began to slowly lean into Rory. His lips were about to brush against hers. Rory couldn’t move she wanted this to happen. She wanted to kiss Tristan. Her eyes closed in anticipation of the contact. But it never came. Tristan moved away from Rory and sighed. *This isn’t right. Not right now.* “We should get together soon to work on the project.” Rory hid her disappointment. “Yeah. Tomorrow in the library?” “Sure.” Tristan ran a hand through his hair. He longed to touch Rory again. “Well, see you then.” She climbed out of the car. “Right, tomorrow. Bye.” “Bye.” She shut the door and walked up to the porch she waved to him as he drove off. *What the hell just happened.*