A/N: Ok, to be honest, I really cannot be bothered to continue writing this story (even though I say it all the time). I just don't want this to turn out into your typical clichéd story. So, I am going to try to do my best to steer myself away from that direction, despite the story itself being directionless because I tend to make the story up as I go and I tend to write the ending before writing the beginning and the body.

It can't be you…

Chapter 3

He sat on his bed, contemplating whether to call her or not. He wanted to call her badly but he could not bring himself to do so. He was scared that she would hang up, or that he would utter something that could ultimately destroy their developing friendship. In other words, he feared rejection.

Like many occasions, he had contemplated calling her, only to have his conscious talking him out of doing so. He had never been this nervous when it came to girls. He could not say that he did not know why he was nervous because he did. Girls naturally appreciated him because of his wealth and good looks, but when it came to her, none of those factors matter. She did not care if he was good looking or if he was from some prominent family because unlike those girls, she did not have motives to ascend on the social ladder. The shallow social ranks meant nothing, for if it did, why did she work so hard to maintain her individuality?

***

The beginning of another school year was dawning. He did not know what was better, seeing her again or the fact it was to be his last year of school before heading off to college. He knew, however, what was the worst. His return would spark the rumour mill to operate on overload and his classmates would find ways to interrogate him about military school. Girls would suddenly become lost around him and the mandatory social obligations would return.

He left the house with a steaming cup of coffee from their cook, knowing that she would appreciate it. To his relief and surprise, his father had not interrogated him before leaving for school, explaining the acceptable behaviour and conduct for his first day back at school.

He entered the Chilton gates, with a remotely familiar Audi behind him. Immediately, he knew who it was. Concentrating on finding his parking space, he was unaware that she was still following him. Parking into his parking space, he was shocked to see her park in the space next to his.

"Don't tell me, you have the parking space next to time." She said in disbelief, not even acknowledging his presence, as she got out of her car, facing him.

"What, Mary. No hello, no good mornings?" he replied with a smirk. "I'm appalled at your manners."

"Hey! I thought you agreed to cut the 'Mary' name." She retorted. "You never seem to answer my questions, do you?"

"Well," he said, pausing for a second, "I've always had parking space number five. You, on the other hand, as my memory serves me right, never had a parking space this near the school entrance. Call to elaborate?"

"Let's say, along with the 'surviving junior year present' my grandmother presented me, she also bought me this parking space, much to my mother's dismay. And mine." Rory explained shooting him a death glance.

"You wound me, Mary." He replied, clutching his heart in mock agony. "I guess the coffee will be mine."

Rory perked up, a smile slowly forming on her face. "Did I hear coffee? Gimme. It's part of the deal!"

He sighed, shaking his head the same time as he reluctantly handed over the coffee. "You're crazy."

"I haven't had coffee so shut up." She scowled, but grinning at the same time. "Anyway, why didn't you call? You said you'd call but you didn't. You know shouldn't make promises if you don't keep them. If you keep breaking promises then I guess you're not really worth being a friend. You're…."

"You talk too much, Rory." Tristin interrupted, smirking. "I never knew you wanted to spend time with me, someone who used to tease you so much."

"Well, you know I could do with a friend, a real friend. I mean, Paris and I did work something up but we're only using each other to motivate ourselves, so we're not really friends."

"Well, I'm sorry that I didn't call. I just didn't know whether you'd really want to spent time with me, that's all." He apologised.

"Well, you should have called." She said. "Anyway, I better get to my locker. I'll see you around, I guess." She started walking back and with one final glance she said, "Welcome back Tristin."

He watched her walk into the school building, full of confidence. He had never seen her so confident in the intimidating school. Perhaps, he absence and Paris's partial friendship had gained her the confidence. Perhaps, his return and his offer of friendship helped her self esteem. Sighing, he grabbed his bag and walked into the school. He knew that all she would ever want from him was companionship, friendship. He knew she would never give him want he wanted, but for some reason, he did not feel too dismayed about it. Perhaps, having Rory as a friend would not be such a bad idea anyway. Rory was the only one who knew him for what he was, and he was grateful. He need not to put up the barriers that he had done for so many years. Rory Gilmore would only be his friend, and nothing more, unless she wanted more. Rory Gilmore was going to be his first genuine female friend. Rory Gilmore had changed him.

A/N: That's all. The end. This is the worst chapter ever. It went from ok to downright bad. No more from me. I've learnt my lesson. Never attempt writing a fic for people who will read it. Sorry. I know you all hated it. Be thankful that I never write again. Goodbye and have a good life.