Title: Unbroken
Author's: Aryosi
Disclaimer: None of its mine…. If I owned the show, I wouldn't be writing fics about it.
My "beta-reader" is Jewls13, but she's also helping a lot with the story so she's more like a co-author. If you need a beta reader she's great at it and you can contact her at Fishteach@aol.com
Author's Note: Julia is an important part of the story, and none of the characters on the show would fit her personality, like I want it to be. She's also based on a really cool and nice person, in reality.
Rory grabbed a thin jacket, and threw it on, not wanting to have to carry a larger one around, once it was warmer. She stepped outside, letting out a cold shiver as the misty air hit her. Taking a deep breath, she relished the fresh air. Her jacket didn't block much of the wind, thought it did protect her enough. She glanced downed at her wristwatch, seeing that it was 6 A.M. She let out a sigh, and watched her breath turn into white mist.
She walked down the few steps, and continued towards the path that led through the forest, she wanted to explore, but didn't want to get lost. She took her first step into the brush, and watched closely the wild creatures that inhabited it. A small bird, tweeted from the edge of its high nest, but was soon pushed back by its mother. Rory smiled, glad she got the experience of wild life nature, Stars Hollow may not be a large town, but it wasn't like this.
Walking down the winding path, she took in her surroundings, not wanting to miss a single miracle that might occur. She looked down, when hearing a twig snap, her senses were extremely alert, and strangely she was completely awake and this ungodly hour of the morning. Rory felt a chilly wind hit her, and shivered from cold.
Venturing farther down the path, she stopped, and froze. There, to her right, almost hidden by the trees and weeds, was a doe and her fawn, lying side by side, the mother's ears alert, and looking out for her young offspring. Rory smiled slightly, sensing the doe's anxiety. She walked past the mother and child, not wanting to disturb their peaceful state. Continuing down the path a little ways, she sat down on a large rock that lay on the left side of the path.
Rory stood back up, and was continuing her walk when her foot got caught in a small hole, and she fell, twisting her ankle. Rory started to cry from anguish, she took all weight off her pained ankle, and sat down in the middle of the path. Her ankle wasn't badly hurt, but it was enough to be too painful to walk home. A few tears escaped her eyes, she was in pain, thought not bad, and it hurt enough for her to shed some tears.
Painfully, Rory moved herself from where she was over to a tree stump, and sat on it, taking all the pressure from her ankle off. Rory heard a faint rhythmic, beating sound. She wondered what it was; a steady beating sound, then realization hit her. It was the sound of hooves; someone riding a horse was coming this way. She smiled; glad to know she was to be rescued from the awful position she was in.
As the sound drew closer, Rory grew happier. She was glad she had lucked upon someone taking a ride on this path, and wasn't to be stranded all day alone with a hurt ankle. Rory looked up, just as Tristan came into view, riding a black mare. Rory sighed, wishing her rescuer were someone else, but not having the slightest thought of refusing help.
"Rory?" Tristan's voice questioned, looking at Rory sitting on the ground clutching her leg, Tristan slid of the horse and kneeled next to her.
"Rory, what happened?" Tristan asked her, while looking over her ankle, figuring how badly her ankle had been hurt.
"I fell, and hurt my ankle." Rory stated the obvious, while letting a tear of pain slide down her face. Tristan extended his hand to her, and she took it without question. Tristan pulled her up, and put a supporting arm around her waist.
Rory stood by the horse's shoulder, as Tristan mounted the beautiful black mare. Tristan extended his hand down to Rory, and after she took it, he helped put her mount the horse behind him.
Tristan had been surprised to find Rory all the way out here. There was no way she could've made it home with a twisted ankle. Tristan frowned, and kicked his horse lightly and they started to move at a slow walking pace. Rory put her arms around Tristan's waist, not wanting to fall off the huge horse. Tristan smiled, his body was reacting from Rory's touch, and his mind wasn't working that well, due to hormones raging.
Rory sighed, and relaxed her grip on the boy, starting to ease into the horse's gait. She wasn't struggling to keep beat, but was going with the horse, she realized it was a lot easier to relax and ride, then to ride while being tense. Letting go of her grip on Tristan, she let her hands fall, and rest on her legs. Tristan let out short sigh of disappointment when he felt Rory's hands withdraw from his waist; he had been enjoying the contact her had with her.
Tristan frowned thoughtfully; not liking the silence that had arose between the two teenagers.
"Rory." He stated simply, wanting to catch her attention, and try to create a conversation.
"You know my name?" Rory asked, her tone filled with mock surprise.
"Yes, I know your name" Tristan told her, grinning, and shaking his head slightly.
"Well good…" Rory frowned and bit her lip thoughtfully.
"Have you ever ridden a horse, before this?" Tristan asked, curiously.
"Well…Ponies yes, an actually horse-No" Rory laughed, remembering when her mom had wanted to buy a pony, and use it as a backyard pet.
"What's so funny, Rory?" Tristan asked, wanting to know what made the girl laugh this time.
"Oh, I was just thinking about the time my mom wanted a pony, and tried to hide one in the backyard, but the neighbors found out, and a petition was signed to get the poor thing out of my mothers clutches." Rory told him, a smile forming at her lips, happy of remembering the memory.
"Hiding a pony, in a backyard? Is your mom crazy?" Tristan asked her, shaking his head, his blue eyes full of amusement.
Rory laughed at him, "Of course! Where do you think I get it from?" She asked him, a smile playing on her red lips. Tristan smirked, glad of this friend-type conversation.
* * *
Jess picked up the phone, and dialed Lynae's number.
"Hello?" Lynae picked up the phone, wondering who was calling so early in the morning.
"Hey Lyn! It's Jess." Jess smiled, and propped his feet up on the coffee table that sat in front of the couch he was on.
"Jess, Hi! What's up?" Lyn played with the phone cord nervously; she had liked Jess somewhat for a while now, and wondered for the longest time had been trying to find the perfect way to get him to like her back.
"Oh nothing, I was wondering if I could borrow your couch for a night or two, while the relatives stay at my place. I sure as hell don't want to be there with them, so the only way out of it, is to find somewhere else to stay for a few nights." Jess explained to her, a smile on his face.
Lyn. "Oh, yeah, great" Lyn said, perhaps slightly too quickly, "But, I mean- I'd have to ask Julia first, since she lives here to." Lyn told him truthfully.
Jess sighed, "Well, get back to me, as soon as you can. I need to find some place to stay by later tonight, or I'm stuck with my relatives. That includes my mother." Jess told her, wishing there was someway he could show her how desperate he was.
Lyn laughed, and hung up the phone, shaking her head. She frowned; wondering if Julia would allow the boy to stay with them. Just then, Julia entered the room.
"Hey Lyn, What's up?" Julia asked, looking at her friends' concerned face
"Oh, well, see, I really need you to say yes to something. I mean, I know it's a lot to ask, but I am letting you stay here and you are such a wonderful friend and…
"Lyn, spit it out, I'm going gray here"
"Jess needs a place to crash for a few days while his relatives are at his house. I told him I had to ask you first, and that I would get back to him on it, but he kinda needs to know soon and I'd feel really bad saying no…." Lynae looked up at Julia with pleading eyes
"You just wanna walk in on him in the shower" Julia said laughing, "it's ok with me I guess."
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Lynae squealed
"But" Julia warned, "He's your responsibility."
"I know, I know. That means feeding, bathing, and making sure he doesn't go on the floor. It's only a couple of days, but I think I can train him. Maybe then I can keep him," Lyn said suggestively.
"Hun, you do realize he's a guy, not a dog right?"
Lynae hugged her friend, "Thank you", and sprinted to the phone.
Flopping onto the couch, Lyn dialed Jess's phone number.
"Hello?"
"Hey Jess! Good news, you can stay here." Lynae told him, a smile on her lips.
"Oh good. I'll be over there in a few, with my stuff." Jess said, letting out a short sigh of relief, relieved that he wouldn't have to stay with his relatives.
"Is Julia ok with it? I mean, she didn't seem to like me all that much, and I don't want to make her uncomfortable" Jess asked, hoping that it didn't make a difference.
"She said she's ok with it. And don't worry about her; she's weird around guys. Especially when they are as handsome as you Jess," she said.
"Yes well, I can't help it" Jess replied laughing "See you in a few"
Jess said goodbye, then hung up the phone. He almost immediately left the house, since his relatives were going to be there later that day. He didn't want to stay too long, they might capture him, and they might force him to stay there. Scary thought!
A little while later, he knocked on the door to the apartment, and smiled at Lynae when she answered the door.
"Hey Lyn" He greeted, taking a step inside and dumping his stuff onto the living room floor. "You don't mind if I take over the living room, do you?" He asked laughing.
Lynae shrugged, "I guess I don't really need a living room." She stated laughing, while he set up his temporary sleeping area. Jess frowned thoughtfully,
"You sure, you don't mind me, staying here and using the couch?" He asked tentatively.
Lynae laughed, "I told you! Yes, you are completely welcome to crash here." She shook her head, and walked over and into Julia's bedroom.
"Hey, he's here." Lynae told her, her lips holding a secretive smile.
"Hi" Julia said as she walked out of her room. She surveyed the scene. Jess had his back facing Lyn as she was fluffing her hair and ensuring that she had enough cleavage. Julia laughed. "Shameless" she said quietly shaking her head.
"Excuse me?" Jess asked
Julia laughed, "She didn't say anything right Jewels?" Lyn said with a pleading look.
Julia sighed, walking into the kitchen. She frowned softly, and glanced at Jess, quickly turning her gaze to the counter. Opening the fridge, she took out an orange, and peeled it.
Jess finished setting up his temporary room, and turned his gaze to the girl in the kitchen. There was something very strange about this girl and he was determined to figure out what it was.
Julia stared at the water as she washed her hands, she could feel his gaze upon her, and was uncomfortable. She shifted, and grabbed a towel. Drying her hands, she felt his gaze wander off of her, and smiled.
Jess turned his eyes from the girl, not wanting to make her anymore unnerved then she already was. He flipped on the TV and looked for a channel he might want to watch. He turned it onto a news channel, and watched the screen, wondering what was happening in the world.
Julia looked somewhat surprised to see him watching the news; his gaze was so intent.
Jess frowned, after hearing that a child had been murdered; he flipped the TV off, and turned his attention to the clock. 6 P.M., he frowned when he heard his stomach grumble, and walked toward the kitchen. Making himself a sandwich, he felt Julia's gaze rest on him. He smiled to himself, and started to eat his sandwich.
Julia frowned, and looked at the boy. She snapped her attention to Lyn, who had just returned from the bathroom, with fresh makeup.
"Hi, so are we playing nice?" Lyn asked
"Always" replied Jess as he put his arm around her waist while looking at Julia
"Ohh food!" Lyn exclaimed and took a bite out of the sandwich that was still in Jess's hands.
* * *
Rory had been surprised; she was actually having a civil conversation with Tristan. It was even friendly. It was odd, but nice. It reminded her of that brief period of peace between them at Chilton. He could be very pleasant when he wanted to be. Granted it was rare, but nice. Perhaps time had changed him, but then again, this was Tristan.
Tristan, on the other hand, was shocked Rory was letting him talk to her, and they were being nice. He was just happy to be near Rory, but to be talking to her was amazing. He was having a hard time, hiding his feelings for her, but he didn't need to, Rory was oblivious to it. She always had been.
"Tris, Why did you come to the ranch?" Rory asked curiously. Tristan loved the way she said his name, and thought it perfect the way it rolled off her tongue.
"I like it here-it's great, I love this place." Tristan told her, serious about loving the way it smelt, felt, and was out there.
"I'm starting to need a fix," Rory said, wanting her coffee.
"Why Mary, I didn't know you did drugs" Tristan commented, smirking. He felt her whack his back, and he laughed.
"I need COFFEE, not-drugs. I would never in my life do drugs." She stated, getting mad at him, and losing all friendliness.
Tristan smiled, "Well…" He reached into a bag that hung off the horse saddle, pulling out a coffee and handed it back to her. Rory squealed with delight, and drank half the cup. She giggled, her delight still showing.
Tristan laughed, and asked, "Is that all it takes, to make you happy?"
"Mhmm" was Rory's only reply. Tristan laughed, and put that into his memory.
They rode on for a while, Tristan knew where he was headed, but wouldn't tell Rory anything. She was surprised, and didn't know why he wasn't going to tell her. Shifting, she drank the last of her coffee, and let out a sigh of disappointment.
Tristan laughed and kept the horse going. Finally reaching his destination point, he told Rory to get off the horse, and so she did. Dismounting the horse, after she did, he smiled when he heard her gasp.
Rory had never seen anything so beautiful in her life. It was a lake, so fresh and gorgeous. It looked like something out of a picture. She smiled, and took a few pained steps toward it, still shocked by the beauty of it.
Tristan smiled genuinely, he glad she liked it. He ran a hand through his blonde hair, following behind her, loving seeing her so glad.
"It's breathtaking," she murmured, glancing at Tristan, her hair falling in her face. Tristan smiled, he loved the way her hair fell into her face. He couldn't believe she didn't know what she did to him. He wanted to be happy with her friendship, but deep down he knew, if friendship was all he could have; it was better then enemies.
The lake was located at the edge of the forest, and you could see a beautiful sunset from there. He knew Rory would enjoy the lake; it was almost as beautiful as she was. Smiling, Tristan walked past her, and lay down on his back in the grass, propping himself up on his elbows.
Rory limped the rest of the way over, and lay down near him, also propping herself up. She gazed out towards the lake, and smiled. It was so amazing, so beautiful.
Tristan rolled onto his side, and looked at her. She was content out here, watching the sunset. She was fine with him being here. Tristan smiled, all of a sudden extremely happy, more so then he had been.
Rory had felt his eyes on her; she ignored it, and watched the sunset. She loved the way it looked out here, the freshness of the air. It was all so wonderful, nicer, more amazing then the city.
When the sun had set, Rory turned to Tristan.
"We need to go, dinner will be soon," Rory said, standing up, and leaning off her hurt foot. Tristan stood up, and put an arm around her waist, helping her back to the horse. He relished her touch. Rory stood on the ground, and let Tristan mount the horse first. Tristan reached out, and helped her onto the horse behind him.
They arrived back at the ranch, at roughly 8 p.m., they both decided to skip dinner and go straight to sleep.
Rory climbed into bed, thinking about the day. She had spent it with Tristan, and she hadn't anything to complain about. She had loved every minute of it; her ankle barely hurt; she doubted it would still hurt by morning. Her thoughts were jumbled, that was one of the few friendly moments she had, had with Tristan, and this time it wasn't a moment-but a whole day. She had spent the whole day with Tristan DuGrey and hadn't gotten upset-well, maybe once, but he made up for it with coffee!
Tristan climbed into his bed, he was amazed Rory had put up with him all day; she even seemed to enjoy it. They had acted like friends. Hey, maybe she considered him a friend now. What was he thinking-that'd probably be pushing his luck. He smiled, amazed and spending the day with such an amazing beauty.
A.N. Please Review and Thanks for Reading!
Author's: Aryosi
Disclaimer: None of its mine…. If I owned the show, I wouldn't be writing fics about it.
My "beta-reader" is Jewls13, but she's also helping a lot with the story so she's more like a co-author. If you need a beta reader she's great at it and you can contact her at Fishteach@aol.com
Author's Note: Julia is an important part of the story, and none of the characters on the show would fit her personality, like I want it to be. She's also based on a really cool and nice person, in reality.
Rory grabbed a thin jacket, and threw it on, not wanting to have to carry a larger one around, once it was warmer. She stepped outside, letting out a cold shiver as the misty air hit her. Taking a deep breath, she relished the fresh air. Her jacket didn't block much of the wind, thought it did protect her enough. She glanced downed at her wristwatch, seeing that it was 6 A.M. She let out a sigh, and watched her breath turn into white mist.
She walked down the few steps, and continued towards the path that led through the forest, she wanted to explore, but didn't want to get lost. She took her first step into the brush, and watched closely the wild creatures that inhabited it. A small bird, tweeted from the edge of its high nest, but was soon pushed back by its mother. Rory smiled, glad she got the experience of wild life nature, Stars Hollow may not be a large town, but it wasn't like this.
Walking down the winding path, she took in her surroundings, not wanting to miss a single miracle that might occur. She looked down, when hearing a twig snap, her senses were extremely alert, and strangely she was completely awake and this ungodly hour of the morning. Rory felt a chilly wind hit her, and shivered from cold.
Venturing farther down the path, she stopped, and froze. There, to her right, almost hidden by the trees and weeds, was a doe and her fawn, lying side by side, the mother's ears alert, and looking out for her young offspring. Rory smiled slightly, sensing the doe's anxiety. She walked past the mother and child, not wanting to disturb their peaceful state. Continuing down the path a little ways, she sat down on a large rock that lay on the left side of the path.
Rory stood back up, and was continuing her walk when her foot got caught in a small hole, and she fell, twisting her ankle. Rory started to cry from anguish, she took all weight off her pained ankle, and sat down in the middle of the path. Her ankle wasn't badly hurt, but it was enough to be too painful to walk home. A few tears escaped her eyes, she was in pain, thought not bad, and it hurt enough for her to shed some tears.
Painfully, Rory moved herself from where she was over to a tree stump, and sat on it, taking all the pressure from her ankle off. Rory heard a faint rhythmic, beating sound. She wondered what it was; a steady beating sound, then realization hit her. It was the sound of hooves; someone riding a horse was coming this way. She smiled; glad to know she was to be rescued from the awful position she was in.
As the sound drew closer, Rory grew happier. She was glad she had lucked upon someone taking a ride on this path, and wasn't to be stranded all day alone with a hurt ankle. Rory looked up, just as Tristan came into view, riding a black mare. Rory sighed, wishing her rescuer were someone else, but not having the slightest thought of refusing help.
"Rory?" Tristan's voice questioned, looking at Rory sitting on the ground clutching her leg, Tristan slid of the horse and kneeled next to her.
"Rory, what happened?" Tristan asked her, while looking over her ankle, figuring how badly her ankle had been hurt.
"I fell, and hurt my ankle." Rory stated the obvious, while letting a tear of pain slide down her face. Tristan extended his hand to her, and she took it without question. Tristan pulled her up, and put a supporting arm around her waist.
Rory stood by the horse's shoulder, as Tristan mounted the beautiful black mare. Tristan extended his hand down to Rory, and after she took it, he helped put her mount the horse behind him.
Tristan had been surprised to find Rory all the way out here. There was no way she could've made it home with a twisted ankle. Tristan frowned, and kicked his horse lightly and they started to move at a slow walking pace. Rory put her arms around Tristan's waist, not wanting to fall off the huge horse. Tristan smiled, his body was reacting from Rory's touch, and his mind wasn't working that well, due to hormones raging.
Rory sighed, and relaxed her grip on the boy, starting to ease into the horse's gait. She wasn't struggling to keep beat, but was going with the horse, she realized it was a lot easier to relax and ride, then to ride while being tense. Letting go of her grip on Tristan, she let her hands fall, and rest on her legs. Tristan let out short sigh of disappointment when he felt Rory's hands withdraw from his waist; he had been enjoying the contact her had with her.
Tristan frowned thoughtfully; not liking the silence that had arose between the two teenagers.
"Rory." He stated simply, wanting to catch her attention, and try to create a conversation.
"You know my name?" Rory asked, her tone filled with mock surprise.
"Yes, I know your name" Tristan told her, grinning, and shaking his head slightly.
"Well good…" Rory frowned and bit her lip thoughtfully.
"Have you ever ridden a horse, before this?" Tristan asked, curiously.
"Well…Ponies yes, an actually horse-No" Rory laughed, remembering when her mom had wanted to buy a pony, and use it as a backyard pet.
"What's so funny, Rory?" Tristan asked, wanting to know what made the girl laugh this time.
"Oh, I was just thinking about the time my mom wanted a pony, and tried to hide one in the backyard, but the neighbors found out, and a petition was signed to get the poor thing out of my mothers clutches." Rory told him, a smile forming at her lips, happy of remembering the memory.
"Hiding a pony, in a backyard? Is your mom crazy?" Tristan asked her, shaking his head, his blue eyes full of amusement.
Rory laughed at him, "Of course! Where do you think I get it from?" She asked him, a smile playing on her red lips. Tristan smirked, glad of this friend-type conversation.
* * *
Jess picked up the phone, and dialed Lynae's number.
"Hello?" Lynae picked up the phone, wondering who was calling so early in the morning.
"Hey Lyn! It's Jess." Jess smiled, and propped his feet up on the coffee table that sat in front of the couch he was on.
"Jess, Hi! What's up?" Lyn played with the phone cord nervously; she had liked Jess somewhat for a while now, and wondered for the longest time had been trying to find the perfect way to get him to like her back.
"Oh nothing, I was wondering if I could borrow your couch for a night or two, while the relatives stay at my place. I sure as hell don't want to be there with them, so the only way out of it, is to find somewhere else to stay for a few nights." Jess explained to her, a smile on his face.
Lyn. "Oh, yeah, great" Lyn said, perhaps slightly too quickly, "But, I mean- I'd have to ask Julia first, since she lives here to." Lyn told him truthfully.
Jess sighed, "Well, get back to me, as soon as you can. I need to find some place to stay by later tonight, or I'm stuck with my relatives. That includes my mother." Jess told her, wishing there was someway he could show her how desperate he was.
Lyn laughed, and hung up the phone, shaking her head. She frowned; wondering if Julia would allow the boy to stay with them. Just then, Julia entered the room.
"Hey Lyn, What's up?" Julia asked, looking at her friends' concerned face
"Oh, well, see, I really need you to say yes to something. I mean, I know it's a lot to ask, but I am letting you stay here and you are such a wonderful friend and…
"Lyn, spit it out, I'm going gray here"
"Jess needs a place to crash for a few days while his relatives are at his house. I told him I had to ask you first, and that I would get back to him on it, but he kinda needs to know soon and I'd feel really bad saying no…." Lynae looked up at Julia with pleading eyes
"You just wanna walk in on him in the shower" Julia said laughing, "it's ok with me I guess."
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Lynae squealed
"But" Julia warned, "He's your responsibility."
"I know, I know. That means feeding, bathing, and making sure he doesn't go on the floor. It's only a couple of days, but I think I can train him. Maybe then I can keep him," Lyn said suggestively.
"Hun, you do realize he's a guy, not a dog right?"
Lynae hugged her friend, "Thank you", and sprinted to the phone.
Flopping onto the couch, Lyn dialed Jess's phone number.
"Hello?"
"Hey Jess! Good news, you can stay here." Lynae told him, a smile on her lips.
"Oh good. I'll be over there in a few, with my stuff." Jess said, letting out a short sigh of relief, relieved that he wouldn't have to stay with his relatives.
"Is Julia ok with it? I mean, she didn't seem to like me all that much, and I don't want to make her uncomfortable" Jess asked, hoping that it didn't make a difference.
"She said she's ok with it. And don't worry about her; she's weird around guys. Especially when they are as handsome as you Jess," she said.
"Yes well, I can't help it" Jess replied laughing "See you in a few"
Jess said goodbye, then hung up the phone. He almost immediately left the house, since his relatives were going to be there later that day. He didn't want to stay too long, they might capture him, and they might force him to stay there. Scary thought!
A little while later, he knocked on the door to the apartment, and smiled at Lynae when she answered the door.
"Hey Lyn" He greeted, taking a step inside and dumping his stuff onto the living room floor. "You don't mind if I take over the living room, do you?" He asked laughing.
Lynae shrugged, "I guess I don't really need a living room." She stated laughing, while he set up his temporary sleeping area. Jess frowned thoughtfully,
"You sure, you don't mind me, staying here and using the couch?" He asked tentatively.
Lynae laughed, "I told you! Yes, you are completely welcome to crash here." She shook her head, and walked over and into Julia's bedroom.
"Hey, he's here." Lynae told her, her lips holding a secretive smile.
"Hi" Julia said as she walked out of her room. She surveyed the scene. Jess had his back facing Lyn as she was fluffing her hair and ensuring that she had enough cleavage. Julia laughed. "Shameless" she said quietly shaking her head.
"Excuse me?" Jess asked
Julia laughed, "She didn't say anything right Jewels?" Lyn said with a pleading look.
Julia sighed, walking into the kitchen. She frowned softly, and glanced at Jess, quickly turning her gaze to the counter. Opening the fridge, she took out an orange, and peeled it.
Jess finished setting up his temporary room, and turned his gaze to the girl in the kitchen. There was something very strange about this girl and he was determined to figure out what it was.
Julia stared at the water as she washed her hands, she could feel his gaze upon her, and was uncomfortable. She shifted, and grabbed a towel. Drying her hands, she felt his gaze wander off of her, and smiled.
Jess turned his eyes from the girl, not wanting to make her anymore unnerved then she already was. He flipped on the TV and looked for a channel he might want to watch. He turned it onto a news channel, and watched the screen, wondering what was happening in the world.
Julia looked somewhat surprised to see him watching the news; his gaze was so intent.
Jess frowned, after hearing that a child had been murdered; he flipped the TV off, and turned his attention to the clock. 6 P.M., he frowned when he heard his stomach grumble, and walked toward the kitchen. Making himself a sandwich, he felt Julia's gaze rest on him. He smiled to himself, and started to eat his sandwich.
Julia frowned, and looked at the boy. She snapped her attention to Lyn, who had just returned from the bathroom, with fresh makeup.
"Hi, so are we playing nice?" Lyn asked
"Always" replied Jess as he put his arm around her waist while looking at Julia
"Ohh food!" Lyn exclaimed and took a bite out of the sandwich that was still in Jess's hands.
* * *
Rory had been surprised; she was actually having a civil conversation with Tristan. It was even friendly. It was odd, but nice. It reminded her of that brief period of peace between them at Chilton. He could be very pleasant when he wanted to be. Granted it was rare, but nice. Perhaps time had changed him, but then again, this was Tristan.
Tristan, on the other hand, was shocked Rory was letting him talk to her, and they were being nice. He was just happy to be near Rory, but to be talking to her was amazing. He was having a hard time, hiding his feelings for her, but he didn't need to, Rory was oblivious to it. She always had been.
"Tris, Why did you come to the ranch?" Rory asked curiously. Tristan loved the way she said his name, and thought it perfect the way it rolled off her tongue.
"I like it here-it's great, I love this place." Tristan told her, serious about loving the way it smelt, felt, and was out there.
"I'm starting to need a fix," Rory said, wanting her coffee.
"Why Mary, I didn't know you did drugs" Tristan commented, smirking. He felt her whack his back, and he laughed.
"I need COFFEE, not-drugs. I would never in my life do drugs." She stated, getting mad at him, and losing all friendliness.
Tristan smiled, "Well…" He reached into a bag that hung off the horse saddle, pulling out a coffee and handed it back to her. Rory squealed with delight, and drank half the cup. She giggled, her delight still showing.
Tristan laughed, and asked, "Is that all it takes, to make you happy?"
"Mhmm" was Rory's only reply. Tristan laughed, and put that into his memory.
They rode on for a while, Tristan knew where he was headed, but wouldn't tell Rory anything. She was surprised, and didn't know why he wasn't going to tell her. Shifting, she drank the last of her coffee, and let out a sigh of disappointment.
Tristan laughed and kept the horse going. Finally reaching his destination point, he told Rory to get off the horse, and so she did. Dismounting the horse, after she did, he smiled when he heard her gasp.
Rory had never seen anything so beautiful in her life. It was a lake, so fresh and gorgeous. It looked like something out of a picture. She smiled, and took a few pained steps toward it, still shocked by the beauty of it.
Tristan smiled genuinely, he glad she liked it. He ran a hand through his blonde hair, following behind her, loving seeing her so glad.
"It's breathtaking," she murmured, glancing at Tristan, her hair falling in her face. Tristan smiled, he loved the way her hair fell into her face. He couldn't believe she didn't know what she did to him. He wanted to be happy with her friendship, but deep down he knew, if friendship was all he could have; it was better then enemies.
The lake was located at the edge of the forest, and you could see a beautiful sunset from there. He knew Rory would enjoy the lake; it was almost as beautiful as she was. Smiling, Tristan walked past her, and lay down on his back in the grass, propping himself up on his elbows.
Rory limped the rest of the way over, and lay down near him, also propping herself up. She gazed out towards the lake, and smiled. It was so amazing, so beautiful.
Tristan rolled onto his side, and looked at her. She was content out here, watching the sunset. She was fine with him being here. Tristan smiled, all of a sudden extremely happy, more so then he had been.
Rory had felt his eyes on her; she ignored it, and watched the sunset. She loved the way it looked out here, the freshness of the air. It was all so wonderful, nicer, more amazing then the city.
When the sun had set, Rory turned to Tristan.
"We need to go, dinner will be soon," Rory said, standing up, and leaning off her hurt foot. Tristan stood up, and put an arm around her waist, helping her back to the horse. He relished her touch. Rory stood on the ground, and let Tristan mount the horse first. Tristan reached out, and helped her onto the horse behind him.
They arrived back at the ranch, at roughly 8 p.m., they both decided to skip dinner and go straight to sleep.
Rory climbed into bed, thinking about the day. She had spent it with Tristan, and she hadn't anything to complain about. She had loved every minute of it; her ankle barely hurt; she doubted it would still hurt by morning. Her thoughts were jumbled, that was one of the few friendly moments she had, had with Tristan, and this time it wasn't a moment-but a whole day. She had spent the whole day with Tristan DuGrey and hadn't gotten upset-well, maybe once, but he made up for it with coffee!
Tristan climbed into his bed, he was amazed Rory had put up with him all day; she even seemed to enjoy it. They had acted like friends. Hey, maybe she considered him a friend now. What was he thinking-that'd probably be pushing his luck. He smiled, amazed and spending the day with such an amazing beauty.
A.N. Please Review and Thanks for Reading!