Author's Note: I am so sorry for the long delay. I've been busy with school, dance and a ton of other crap. I finally finished chapter three and let me tell you it's REALLY long. I didn't mean it to be this long I just couldn't stop and they still aren't even in Stars Hollow. Oh well I hope this captured Tristan a little better then I did before. I'm not sure if I'm going to concentrate on a Lane/Rory friendship or Rory/Tristan/Lane triangle. We'll see how it plays out. Thanks to my reviewers, your suggestions all meant a lot to me, I might even use some of them in the future chapters.
My reviewers: Jamie, jen, me, kara, Sarah, Slytherin Princess, bibleboymary4ever, blurred, des, blue eyes, Lydia (I'm not copying your friends story in any way), Elise, trickster (I know Tristan winning two Nobel peace prizes is a little fudging it up a bit but I'll fix it later), mandie, m&m, Surya, Marianne, average jane, lindsaaay, cutiepi, Michelle, Sara, Julianne and Stargirl. THANK YOU ALL.
My Ex- Best Friend's Wedding
Chapter Three: playing hooky, a little bit of meddling, phone calls and confusion
The first thought that cross Rory's mind was oh shit. What was she doing in an unfamiliar apartment with an arm wrapped her waist, an arm that wasn't hers. A pounding headache soon emerged from the haziness of sleep. Quietly she unwrapped the arm from her waist and quickly got dressed. She then went into the bathroom and stared into the mirror. What had she turned into? A girl who had one-night stands? Suddenly everything that had happened yesterday hit her, hard. She was going to Hartford, Connecticut tonight to interview Lane and Tristan. Then she remembered last night, the guy in bed was Tristan. Tristan O'Neill. She closed her eyes trying to imagine herself anywhere but here but when she opened her eyes she was in the same bathroom, staring at her reflection. Her eyes were red-rimmed her hair extremely messy. Today was going to suck and it was only…. eight thirty. Her eyes widened she was supposed to be at work at eight-fifteen for the big meeting that was being held. Mumbling expletives under her breath she quietly slipped back into the bedroom. She looked over at Tristan her heart sinking as she did. He looks so peaceful as he slept, almost like the Tristan that had broken her heart. She pushed the thought aside trying to forget about Lane and Tristan for a moment. Which was nearly impossible but she had to figure out what to do next. First she found a pad of paper and a pen. Uncapping it she had no idea what she was going to write so she wrote what first came to her mind.
Tristan—I'm not the kind of girl you think I am. I'm not the one to have a one-night stand with someone and forget about it but that's what I'm going to do with you. I'm sorry, I'm sorry if you actually liked me but I am not the girl you think I am. The girl at the bar? I was drunk trying to get over the one man who broke my heart seven years ago. The odd thing is not only do you look like him but also you both have the same name, Tristan. I hope you understand me, so go find some other girl who deserves you because I don't.
--Lorelai
With a quiet sigh she placed the note on the pillow and quickly headed out of Tristan's apartment. She closed the door behind her. She suddenly recognized the apartment building across the hall was Larissa's apartment. How dead was she going to be now? Running into this Tristan would be almost inevitable. She could feel the tears pricking at her eyes and she knew she'd have to play hooky today. She didn't care if both Paris and Larissa would be plotting her murder for playing hooky of their last day of real work for a while. Today she was in the mood to veg out on take-out and ice cream as well as renting romantic comedies to make her love life feel even more pitiful. Suddenly feeling somewhat happy, the first time in two days she headed down the hall in hopes of passing a video store on the way home.
* * *
She was on her third carton of Ben and Jerry's ice cream, this time Chunky Monkey. She was watching the movie Almost Famous, she could remember the time when she and Jess had watched it almost every other night with some form of take out. Another good memory was attached to it and that was Lane's love of it. When they had been best friends a long time ago. The memories of happier times that they had once shared ran through her mind. The times they had comforted each other over boys and grades. And then the bad moments came rushing too. Their first fight, their only fight—over Tristan. She continued to devour the contents of the ice cream when suddenly the door goes flying open much to the surprise of Rory who quickly turns off the TV, hides the ice cream and does her best to play sick. "Hey Paris," Rory says weakly as Paris with Larissa in two come into the apartment. "Where were you today?"
"Here, sick," she coughs for a full effect. "Right," Paris says rolling her eyes while Larissa whispers. "I told you she was sick!"
"I still don't believe it," Paris hisses back. "Can you stop talking about me like I don't exist? Yesterday sucked, last night was horrible,"
"So nothing happened?" Larissa asked cautiously. "You mean did we sleep together?" she nods. "Yeah we did. And the worst thing of all is his name is Tristan and he lives right across the hall from your apartment,"
"I knew he looked familiar," while Larissa and Rory talk about this Tristan, Paris continues a through investigation of the family room. "Aha!" she suddenly shrieked in triumph an empty carton of Ben & Jerry's ice cream dangling from her hand. Rory looks away guiltily and with a soft smile Paris sits down next to her. "I know how upset you are over this Rory, don't worry about playing hooky we won't tell right, Liss?"
"Of course not. Do you want to talk about it?"
"What is there to talk about? I'm going to have to interview Tristan DuGrey and Lane Kim on getting married. The last time the three of us were in a room together was when they told me what happened,"
"How about you just go about this as if you have no emotional attachment to them. Like all your other articles," Larissa suggests. With a quavering voice Rory responds. "I'll have to try. Even if I'm not over it," tears were threatening to fall as both Larissa and Paris hug her. "It's not fair. I thought he was in love with me. Then Lane comes waltzing back in town. What did I do wrong?"
"Rory, you didn't do anything," Paris chides her friend. "You and Tristan belong together. I know it. The game's not over until you say it is Rory. The ball is in your court,"
"You really think so?" her eyes light up at the mention of it being all up to her. "I don't see why not. You're the one who convinced me that Kyle and I belonged together,"
"Devin for me too," Larissa chimes in shooting a grateful smile at her. It was true, both Paris and Larissa had been ready to give up on them both but Rory had stepped in and convinced them they deserved another chance. Even Tristan did. "You're both right. I'm going back home to win him back!" she proclaims getting up from her seat on the couch and literally skipping to her room. "You think it's going to work?" Larissa questions. "With Rory Gilmore working her ass off? Anything's possible. And even if she didn't want to I have a plan," Larissa raises her eyebrows at Paris and the blonde girl just grins. While grinning she dials a phone number. "Is Dave there please?" Larissa's smile widens at the mention of Dave. Bringing him back to Stars Hollow would be perfect. Eleven years ago it had worked when Rory had been looking for the best Christmas present her friend could get. Boy, had times changed with a sad smile she sits down on the couch and pulls out her pen planning on writing a story on the Rory-Tristan-Lane triangle, for her upcoming freshman novel that neither Rory nor Paris knew about.
Rory opens her closet door in sudden need for some sentimental reminder of why Tristan was worth being fought for. The first thing she pulls out is a snow globe. Inside it is the perfect replica of Stars Hollow and on the bottom was an inscription from him. M, to remember our first real kiss – T. She closes her eyes taking her back almost eleven years ago when her life was so simple.
* * *
December 2003:
"Magical things always happen in the snow," Lorelai explains to Tristan as the three of them (Rory, Tristan and Lorelai) were sitting on the couch in the midst of discussing the holidays. The topic of snow had come up turning Lorelai into a puddle of mush. She now wore an expression of sheer delight, remembering all the magical moments in the snow. Outside the snow is falling gently and Rory's face has a childlike innocence to it, making Tristan fall even harder for her. "Want to go play?" she whispers to Tristan. "I'd love to," he leers with a smirk. She hits him with a pillow in response. "You're asking for it now, Gilmore," he threatens with a menacing stare. "Bring it on!" she says jumping off the couch and heading to the door. Leaping up from the couch a few seconds later out of the corner of his eyes he sees Lorelai's knowing smile. Shaking his head at her he hurries out the door wondering how she knew. Lorelai gets up after Tristan exits and looks out the window. Give it a little time, she told herself with a satisfied smile.
Rory aims another snowball at Tristan hitting him smack dab in the center of his chest. "You're going to pay for that!" he growls throwing another handful of snow at her. "Tristan!" she shrieks pausing for a moment to catch her breath. In that moment Tristan suddenly changes his tactics. He charges at her tackling her to the ground. She screams and sequels as he tickles her mercilessly. "I'm not going to stop until you say uncle," he warns. "Never," she gasps out. "You're asking for it," Tristan keeps on tickling her despite her protestations. The next thing he notices is he can't keep his eyes off her lips. He wants to kiss her so badly that it's nearly killing him on the inside. He pulls back and Rory sits up grinning in triumph. "Finally!" she exclaims and then…. he kisses her. Softly at first but as she kisses back it makes him want more. He kisses her hungrily and she still kisses him back with the same intensity. Just as quickly as Tristan started it she pulls away. "Oh god," she whispers scrambling up from her spot on the ground but Tristan's just as fast. He grabs her arm and turns her around, forcing Rory to face him. "Don't run this time, Ror," she bites her lip to keep from crying but it's not use. "Don't cry either,"
"But, what if you leave me?"
"I won't,"
"I didn't think Jess would either. What makes us different?"
"I love you Rory. I am head over heels in love with you, that's how we're different," he whispers pulling her into a tight embrace. "I love you too Tristan," she mumbles into his shoulder. "I know you do Mary, I know,"
* * *
Larissa stands in the doorway the phone dangling from her hand. "Rory?" she asks concerned for her friend. "What?" Rory snaps causing Larissa to jump back. "You okay?" she asks this time more cautiously.
"He promised me he wouldn't leave me," she grumbles in annoyance. "You're going to have to get over that, Ror and pull yourself together. Lorelai's on the phone and in less than twenty-four hours you'll be interviewing them," Larissa hands the phone over to her and quietly slips out of the room. "Hello?" Rory asks glad that her mother had called or so she thought. "Rory?" it was a deep male voice, defiantly not Lorelai Gilmore. It was the all too familiar voice of Tristan DuGrey; even seven years didn't erase the sound of his voice from her mind. "I'm sorry but I'm not available to speak. I will see you tomorrow in the afternoon, Mr. DuGrey," she says coolly. "I thought we were past this, Ror," she hears the devastation in his voice but she choose to ignore it. "I will see you tomorrow," she repeats trying her hardest not to cry. She wouldn't cry, she couldn't! "Look, I just wanted to say I'm sorry. I really am I didn't mean to hurt you. You know that,"
"It's a little late for that. Look I have to go, good-bye," with a click she hung up the phone putting her head in her hands. Then with a sudden burst of anger she flies down the hall to see Larissa sitting on the couch writing something and Paris smirking. "It was you, Paris!" she says angrily. Larissa looks on confused but realization suddenly dawns on her. "It wasn't Lorelai," she murmurs and Rory suddenly feels deflated and gets back to her room with a slam of her door. "So, how bad is this car ride going to be?" Paris questions innocently. "Very bad," Larissa says quietly. "How low can you go, Gellar? The poor girl hasn't done anything. I was on board with the idea of inviting Dave back to Stars Hollow. She had enough trouble dealing with the idea of interviewing the two of them. This put her over the edge. I don't think it would be the smartest idea for you to go with us in the same car," Larissa heads to the kitchen looking for some solace in this tension filled apartment.
* * *
"Who was that?" Lane questions coming into Tristan's bedroom a few moments after he hung up with Rory. "No one," he mumbles not looking at her in the eye. "Okay," she replies warily taking the phone from his hand. "You almost ready to go?"
"I don't see why we have to go to Stars Hollow. It's not like we live far away or something. It's fifteen freaking minutes away," he mutters and she just looks at him oddly. "What is your problem?"
"Forget it," he mutters. "Fine. Well I'm going to go make some phone calls. I'll be done in a little more than an hour. Then we'll go," he shrugs his expression still blank much to the disappointment of Lane. "I love you," she whispers closing the door behind her. Tristan falls onto his back on his bed. He had only heard her voice but it had turned his world upside down. With a pang of his heart and a groan he knew he was never going to get through this interview alive. Not without rehashing the past and old feelings resurfacing including his love for Rory Gilmore.
* * *
Lane sat in her kitchen staring at the phone. With a heavy heart and shaking fingers she pressed * 69. The automated machine rattled off a ten-digit number including an area code from New York. Had Rory called to win him back? It probably wasn't Rory, Lane chided herself Rory wasn't the only person he knew who lived in New York. While her head was convincing her not her heart was another story. Whenever she had brought up the interview Tristan would try to avoid the subject despite it coming closer and closer. Tapping her pencil against the counter she finally got the nerve to dial the number. "Say what you want to say and say it fast," snaps the annoyed tone of Rory Gilmore. "Damn," Lane whispers loud enough for Rory to recognize her voice. "Lane?" she sounds furious. "No, sorry wrong number," she manages to stammer out before hanging up the phone. The lump in her throat grows at the though of Tristan cheating on her. He had done it to Rory…. with her. The phone clatters across the kitchen floor as Lane sinks to the floor. What was she going to do? Silent sobs wrack her body, crying for her and Rory's broken friendship over a guy nonetheless. Something they had promised would never happen to them and yet it had.
* * *
"RORY!" Larissa calls from the foyer in the apartment. Paris had left deciding to take a train instead of driving. "I'm coming!" Rory calls back dragging her suitcases down the hall. "You ready?" Larissa asks when she finally arrives right near the door. "As ready as I'll ever be,"
"That's the spirit. To Stars Hollow we go!" Larissa announces opening the door. The girls try to get through the door with their suitcases. Rory trips over Larissa's bag, Larissa trips over Rory's and they both wind up falling on top of each other. They both laugh when Devin, Larissa's boyfriend sees the two of them. "Need any help, girls?"
"Devin!" the two cry out in unison and then start laughing all over again. "I take that as a yes," still laughing they slowly get up. Larissa jumps over the mess and kisses Devin hello. "Hey there," she says grinning. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm going to escort the two of you to Stars Hollow,"
"Wonderful!" Larissa says smiling at him before kissing him one more time. Rory looks on sadly wishing she had someone who would come just when she needed help. "Let's go," she mutters picking up her bags as she notices Devin giving Larissa a questioning look. "I'll explain on our way to the car," she murmurs before reaching for her own things and Devin taking the extra luggage. "Thank god you're coming to safe me," Larissa says as they head down the hall to his car.
* * *
"Lane?" Tristan questions wandering into the dark kitchen, sounding worried. She had promised to be done in an hour and it had been now three hours. He walked in and nearly stumbled over something. In the corner on the floor was a big lump. He stumbles around for a moment trying to find a light switch. He does and there's Lane lying on the floor asleep. Across the room he can see the phone and a glance at the pad of paper was a scrawled out number. He knew that number anywhere due to some calls to Paris about Rory, things that he needed to know. "Fuck," he whispers to the darkness wondering how screwed over he was going to be when Lane wakes up. He picks her up and brings her to his room and places her on the bed. He kisses her softly on the forehead before heading back to the kitchen. He was going to have to come up with a game plan of some kind but what he didn't know.