Disclaimer : How many languages can you say I don't own anything in?
Im glad you guys are liking this so far. I decided to continue in the 1st person, but understand I always have the right to change my mind :) Also, Im sorry this took me so long to put up, I was on vacation for a few days (ahh, sunny places are nice!). Anyways, here!
Part Two
Everyday is torture. Going to school and seeing her there, being on the receiving end of the glares she throws out. Even when she's sending me death looks, I can't help but notice how beautiful she is. The way she gets aggravated when her hair keeps falling in her face, the way her cheeks tint pink when she blushes, the way she bites her lip when she's upset or nervous and hell, even the way her eyes flash with anger when we're having on of our bantering sessions. Everything about her gets to me and I hate myself for letting it. Lets face it, guys like me aren't programmed to love. We're taught to seek, catch and conquer. I've done it all my life, until now. Until the day I realized I could never return to my player ways because I want, no I need her. Patience is a virtue I have yet to master.
*****
"Good morning, Mary," I greeted with a smirk, casually leaning against the lockers.
Rory's locker slammed shut and revealed her looking quite upset. "What do you want, Tristan?"
Losing the smirk, I decided to not mess with her today. She obviously wasn't in the mood. "Nothing. What's wrong?" I asked, a little more concern then I would've liked creeping into my voice.
Rory gave me a weird look and bent down to pick up her bag. "Thecoffeemakerbroke," she muttered.
I couldn't help it. I swear the eyebrow raised by itself and the smirk appeared by its own self will. "What was that?"
Sighing, she repeated. "The coffee maker broke. I was running late, too, so I didn't have time to stop by Luke's."
The look on her face was just so devastated, I felt my heart crack. Glancing around nd the nearly empty hall and then back to her, an idea suddenly formed. "What would you do if I said I could get you some coffee?"
Rory looked up at me with wide, curious eyes, but they quickly narrowed. "Don't mess with me this morning, DuGrey," she said and began walking down the hall. Away from me. Always, away from me.
Turning quickly, I grabbed her elbow. "No, seriously. What if I could get you some, say by the time first hour is over?"
"This isn't going to lead to me having to pay you back with some kind of gross act, is it? Please tell me now before this goes any further," she asked skeptically.
Grinning, I shook m head. "Nope. Repayment free, promise."
With the skeptical look still firmly in place, she stepped closer, causing my pulse to quicken slightly. She's the only girl who has ever done that to me. "Continue," she urged.
"I've got some connections.. I can sneak -"
"No, Tristan," she interrupted. "I appreciate the gesture, but Im not letting you get in trouble just to get me coffee."
"Its no big deal," I shrugged. "Its only first period."
"But Tristan -" she objected, but I quickly shushed her.
"Okay, if you wont let me go, how about at least letting me get you some after school? We can go grab some coffee and study for Roman's chem test together."
Rory bit her lip in contemplation and then glanced at me questioningly. "I don't know.. Why would you want to study with me?"
Because I love you, I thought, but I merely shrugged. "Thats what friends do, right?" I asked, struggling not to spit the word friends out.
A look of surprise crossed her face. "Are we friends?" she asked quietly.
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I smiled weakly. "I hope so."
Her expression suddenly changed to indefinite happiness. "Then we are. I -" She started, but the bell cut her off. "I have to get to class," she finished lamely.
I nodded and waved. "I'll see you at lunch," I called, turning towards my own class. Friends... well, at least it was a step up from being hated.
******
By the time the lunch bell rang four hours later, my day had gotten better. I had actually aced the History quiz, which was pretty amazing, considering I spent most of the study time studying the back of Rory's neck. Tossing my books into my locker, I turned to the sounds of melodic laughter. Her laughter. It hit my eardrums hard as I made my way down the hall. There, leaning against the cool metal of Rory's locker was the object of my desire and another familiar face. Ryan Sieks, one of my oldest friends. Obviously they were having a very in-depth conversation, by the way her face lit up with animation and she gestured wildly. I stared in fascination until Ryan leaned in closer, whispering something that made her laugh, blush and then playfully slug him in the shoulder. Unable to take anymore, I covered the last few feet between us.
"Hope Im not interrupting anything," I said after clearing my throat and smiled. Appearances can be deceiving.
Rory glanced up. "Oh, hey, Tristan." God I love the way my name sounds coming from her lips.
"DuGrey," Ryan greeted with a smirk. "I'll see you after school, Rory."
"Okay. Thanks again, Ryan," Rory waved. When he had faded from view, she turned towards me, her smile vanishing immediately. "Whats wrong?" She asked.
Whats wrong? Oh, the scowl was still present on my face. Swallowing it, I shrugged and grinned. "Nothing. What were you doing with Sieks?"
"We're working on a project for Literature and he offered to take me home so we could start working on it." She explained, closing her locker door.
"What?" I nearly screamed, turning to face her. " I thought we -"
"Oh, my God," Rory squeaked, her hand coming up to her mouth. "Tristan, I am so sorry, I totally forgot. I'll go catch up with him, we'll switch.." Her voice trailed off as I shook my head.
"Don't worry about it, Mary. Some other time. I'll see you later," I called over my shoulder as I pretended to head towards the cafeteria. Instead, I turned down another hall and stalked out the door.
*****
Pulling up in front of the cold, dark mansion Im so unfortunate to call home, I stopped. Why was it such a big deal that we couldn't hang out after school? I couldn't figure that out. So what? She had a project to work on. No big deal, its not like she blew me off for no reason. Releasing a tormented sigh, I got out of the car - a brand new silver Camaro, a present from my father for not messing up the DuGrey name yet this year, and climbed the large stone steps to the house. Even though I've lived here my entire life, I still find it very impersonal. The outside, with all its lush green lawns and fountains, and the inside, with its dark halls and antique furniture, it was the last place I wanted to be, but I needed a change of clothes and some money before I left for my destination. Pushing open the large oak door, I entered the front hall, which still looks as if it belonged in some kind of horror movie. To my left was the sitting room, full of extremely expensive furniture that was never used. To the right was another hall that led to the dining room, where so many disconnected family dinners have taken place. Usually where my father would belittle me in front of whomever might be present. Up ahead lay my destination, the enormous spiral staircase that led to my bedroom. Taking three ee stairs at a time, I made it to my door in record time. Slipping inside, I let out a pent up breath as I wandered around the personal haven, changing my clothes as I went. Grabbing my duffel bag, I threw in some clothing and my wallet and headed back downstairs. Ignoring my instincts to flee out the back door, I went down the front stairs, colliding with my dear old dad. Of all the times he decides to be home, today has to be one of them.
"Aren't you supposed to be in school?" was his immediate question.
Deciding to push his buttons as only I can, I merely smirk and shrug. "I actually decided the circus might serve me better. I mean, who can go wrong when you've been schooled in the art of clowns?"
As predicted, he rolled his eyes and glared at me. "Where are you going, Tristan?"
"I've been summoned to join the Insane Clown Posse," I reply. Whats the deal with clowns today? I don't know.
"Tristan," My father said warningly.
"What do you care anyways?" I snapped, suddenly angry. I hate when people think they can control me. "Shouldn't you bee off teaching King Eric the way s of the family business? He's your heir, not me."
"Don't take that tone with me young man," he barked.
"Fine, I wont. I'll be home when I get home," I said, slamming the door behind me. I didn't expect him to follow and he didn't. No, thats something a father who actually cared would do.
******
Three hours later I was parked at a gas station just outside of Stars Hollow. Rory lives there. I don't know why I came here, its just where I ended up. Sighing, I put the car into reverse when suddenly a face popped in my window.
"Hello," the woman greeted.
Blinking in surprise, I smiled weakly. "Hi. What can I do for you?"
The woman pulled back slightly. "Well, you look like an extremely strong young man. My car broke down a little ways away, so I had to walk here to use the phone cuz the cell died, but it seems thats the latest fad, cuz the phone here isn't working either. Anyways, I have a big box in my car that I need someone to help me cart home and I know you don't know me, but Im asking nicely and hey, I'll even buy you some coffee. Or a coke, if you're one of them odd people who don't drink coffee..."
I couldn't help smiling at this woman's impromptu speech. "Okay, sure, hop in."
Squealing happily, she was in the passengers seat in less then a second. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
I merely nodded. "So where's your car?" I asked as we turned back onto the road.
"Just up a ways," she said. "There!" She exclaimed a few minutes later.
Pulling over the side of the road, my heart leapt into my throat as I recognized the vehicle. The woman jumped out and gestured for me to follow. Together, we managed to get the very large - and heavy box from her car into the trunk of mine. Once we settled back into the seats, I turned to her.
"You're Miss Gilmore, aren't you?"
"Or so I've been told. But, really, its Lorelai. Do I know you?" She asked, staring at me suspiciously.
"Umm, no, I go to school with Rory." I stammered, feeling the wrath of her gaze. Suddenly the feeling lifted and she smiled at me.
"Ah, you're a Chiltonite. That explains the ride," she said, taking an appreciative look around the inside of the car. "Well, in that case, you can come back to the house and I'll give you coffee there. Oh wait, the maker broke." She frowned.
"Its no big deal," I dismissed, revving up the engine.
"I must do something, you were a nice lad and helped a damsel in distress. I know, we can go to Luke's!" She grinned, pointing the way into the town. When we pulled up in front of a building, mysteriously labeled "Hardware Store," she turned to me again. "I never did get your name. Care to help remedy this misfortune?"
"Ah, Tristan," I said. "Tristan DuGrey."
The look on her face could only be labeled as one of disbelief.
*****
Bleh. I know this chapter was kind of, gah, but next time things start to heat up. How will Rory react when Lorelai pulls up in front of their house with Tristan by her side?
TBC...