Coffee, must have coffee. Rory Gilmore stumbled out of her 3rd year political science classes at 9 in the morning. Who in their right mind schedules all the hard classes at 8 am in the morning and expects credit student participation?
Other than Rory's distaste for the day, it was actually turning out to be quite lovely. A crisp autumn day, with the leaves turning colour and enough of a breeze to knock a few rebellious leaves off the towering oaks to crunch under Rory's boots. With students milling about in the courtyards discussing everything from Austen to Stoppard and atoms to Zimbabwe's political situation Rory should have been in heaven. But it wasn't meant to be.
"My God its early…" an equally cantankerous voice complained, "Logan, tell me why I scheduled and actually attend Ancient Greek Mythology at 8am?" Rory's head spun around, all thoughts of coffee immediately forgotten, her head unfortunately cleared. Logan with Finn supported precariously on his shoulder came into view around the corner of Branford Dorms.
"Because of the little red haired girl Charlie Brow…" Logan's voice trailed off.
Please don't let him come over, please don't let him come over, I couldn't possibly deal with him now. I don't want to have to be brave today. Today is not a good day for bravery. Rory panicked and spaced out, a zillion thoughts ran though her mind, none of them complete, all just ghosts, a part of the ether of memory, a miasma that could influence her negatively.
(Memory Reflections)
Why won't you ask me out…you act like you like me, you flirt… I took a chance, I didn't want to be the other woman, I wanted safety, I wanted him.
I can't do this anymore, its not me. We should have left it at that, I should have been stronger, I was so willing to let go…why did I have to change my mind.
He stood up for me, he cared, he did it, he loved me, why couldn't he love me enough to stay with me.
"Ace, I can't watch you do this, quit Yale? Even for just a year? Why won't you talk to me, at least if we commit a felony let me know why we're committing a felony. Come here, lay down, let me make you feel better…"
"In Omnia Paratus!"
"Ace, I need to see you tonight, yes its important…20 minutes…please? I know you're at Lane's gig…I just want to see you. I know you wanted me to go with you tonight, yes I know what tonight is, let me just take you out for coffee…"
That was the night Rory Gilmore's heart shattered. On her one year anniversary, her boyfriend, her doting, caring love who spoilt her and took care of her, who introduced her to the other side, to spontaneity, to shredded lists, scruples and plans broke up with her.
Rory remembered it, better than she had thought she would, better than she wanted to. She showed up at his dorm, tired from driving, into his waiting arms. "Should have sent Frank for you Ace, sorry, I should have known." Logan whispered into her ear.
"I'm so tired Logan, can we just stay in? Wilbur can make me coffee instead, I don't think I can make it to the Starbucks." Rory was falling asleep in his arms.
"Sure Ace, the coffee makers already going…" Logan moved her into his dorm room and onto his bed Rory curled up and he stroked her hair softly, running his fingers up and down her arms.
"Hmm…." Rory opened her eyes, and saw him gazing intently, concentrating so hard, she wondered if there was a pop quiz tomorrow in Architecture 301 on the application of natural structures in buildings. He ran his fingers lightly, like a feather over her features, then slid beside her, and seeking security, Rory lay on his chest with her head over his heart, lulled into semi-consciousness by his steady heart beat.
I know we've had our fights, insecurities and differences, but I just know we're going to work things out, we're not perfect, but I love him. I'll make it work. No, we'll make it work. Rory mused, with a half smile on her face, her fingers making small circles and nonsensical designs on his hand.
"Rory?" Logan broke Rory's musings with a kiss on her forehead. I've been thinking about this for a while. Since I confessed that I almost broke up with you after your last trip to Europe. I was so lonely without you. You must understand. I called Cyndi up, we didn't do anything but talk, she was a good friend. But I felt so guilty, you'd become such a big part of my life, then you needed to take that Europe trip with just your mom. Why couldn't I stay faithful in my heart for just 2 months? I broke up with you because I don't deserve you. You forgave me and told me to trust what's in my heart. I'm sorry. I can't do this anymore.
(End Memories)
A sharp jolt to her shoulder brought her back to the present.
"Watch where you're going!" A random phi delt frat boy had jostled her on his way to catch a long pass thrown to get the attention of the girls.
"G'day Reporter Girl, haven't seen much of you since that unfortunate business, how have you been? Listen, I've got a party tonight at my dorm, in honor of it being a holiday somewhere in the world for some cultural event. Booze, men, and I promise on my honor Logan here won't be anywhere near the party. Just because he let a good girl go, doesn't mean I will. We miss you." Finn was amazingly lucid even though he was unable to hold himself completely upright. "Right Logan, aren't you going to Tiffi's place, or what's her name Cassandra's?"
Logan just smirked, though his eyes betrayed him to the knowledge of Rory.
"Sorry Finn darling, I don't think I can, perhaps another time. I really must be going, coffee, and class, and and and…" Rory's brain failed, so she smiled weakly, the smile never quite reaching her eyes, and did what Gilmore Girls did best. Ran.
DAMN! Whoever said that ex-s can be friends definitely didn't have me in mind. Living being confronted with memories wherever I go is bad enough, its been a year, you would think I could get over him. But seeing him, I can read a thousand things running through his mind, I know how his mind works, not how he plays the game, not how he rebels, but why and the hurt. Its impossible to believe the act, when you know the motivation and the real person behind it.
Forget the coffee, I need a burrito. I guess when you get hurt bad enough, it follows you no matter what, until you learn a lesson from it. I've learnt my lesson, I've re-concentrated on my goals and ambitions, I just want to be left alone. Never mind, coffee's closer.
Rory Gilmore's day couldn't get worse. There was even a line-up at her favourite coffee stall. Worse yet, Paul or even Sharon wasn't the barista, if there was a lineup they would at least pour her a cup and give it to her while she waited in line to order and pay.
"Miss…MISS…" The annoyed barista was looking at her, "It's your turn to order…"
"I need a venti caramel macchiato." Rory sighed…
"That'll be $4.85" The barista barked…and then as he gave her a once over, and took in her frazzled appearance and panda eyes, softened.
"Oh no, I've forgotten my wallet back at Bramford. No, I'm so sorry, normally I don't do this…" The people in the lineup started to get impatient and sent Rory dirty looks. "Listen, this is unorthodox, but ask Paul or Sharon, I'm always here, and I've always paid, please I've had a bad day. Just let me have my coffee before it gets cold, I need the comfort so badly. I'll walk back to the dorm and grab the money. I'll be back here in no time. PLEASE." Rory was babbling.
"I'm sorry, I can't." The barista at least had the good sense to look sympathetic.
"Don't worry, add the Miss Mary's order to mine. I'll have a grande Americano." With a wink he added to Rory, " cause you know that Chilton knows that its grande, and that hasn't changed. Hello Mary, you look terrible. Before you verbally berate me and I won't get a word in edgewise. Give me 20 minutes. Please, in exchange for your coffee."
Rory looked at him dubiously then wearily. She finally nodded.
"Actually, add another venti caramel macchiato to the order, and put it in that thermos, just charge it all to this card."
Rory was incapable of speech anymore. She smiled her thanks.
Tristan smiled back, worried. Where was the fire-brand he had left behind that fateful night?