Chapter Seventeen:
" I'm sorry." Dean said.
" That's okay. I should have been looking where I was going." She said.
" Oh, that. I'm not sorry about that."
" Huh?"
" I want to apologize for my behavior the last time we talked."
" That's okay. You and I were upset."
" I'm sorry about our six month anniversary too."
" That."
" Yes. It was wrong of me to even try that on you. I've heard about the new guy, um… what's his name?"
" Tristan."
" Right. I'm glad you met him. I've wanted to say I was sorry for a long time but didn't want to approach you in case it made you hate me more."
" I don't hate you. I never could. I understand about our last date. I've thought about it and I understand."
" You do?"
" Yes I do. I forgive you."
" Thanks. I needed that. I've been beating myself up after you broke up with me. I was stupid that night and lost a good friend."
" Well, I want to give you a second chance."
" You do?"
" Yes. Dean would you like to be my friend and meet me for coffee tomorrow after I get back from the hospital?"
" Sure… wait the hospital?"
" Yes. Tristan got in an accident and I'm visiting him after school until he goes home."
" Is he okay?"
" Yeah. Would you like to meet him?"
" Um… I don't know."
" Come on. You're my friend and friends meet friends boyfriends or girlfriends."
" I don't know."
" Please. I know you'll get along."
" Fine. I'm doing this for you since you're giving me a second chance."
" Goody! I'll have him over on Saturday and you guys can meet then."
" Call me when you get a time."
" Okay. Now I have to get home with this coffee."
" Okay. See you tomorrow at Luke's?"
" Yeah. Bye Dean."
" Bye Rory."
After paying for her groceries she ran back to the jeep and got in. As she started the car she smiled.
' I'm glad we are going to be able to be friends.' She thought.
As she drove home she smiled knowing her mom was going to die when she told her what happened that day. Stopping in front of her house she grabbed her bags and walked into the house.
" Mom?"
" I'm in my room Rory!"
" Okay. Hold on. I'll be up in a second."
" Okay."
**Thud**
" Mom?"
" I'm okay! I just slipped."
" On what?"
" My clothes."
" What are you doing?"
" Um… nothing."
" Mom!"
" I'm trying to find something to wear."
" For what?"
" My date."
" Hold on and I'll help you out."
" Good."
" I'm coming up."
Rory dropped her bags and walked up the stairs to her mom's room. She crossed her fingers and opened the door. Looking around she started to laugh. He mom stepped out of the closet and looked at her.
" What's so funny?"
" Mom, its Luke. I don't think he cares what you wear. He's seen you in your pajamas does that tell you anything?"
" You're right." Lorelai said as she sat down on her bed.
" You still need something to wear though."
" I do."
Looking around Rory grabbed a light blue skirt and a white tank top. Holding it up she nodded and handed it to her mom. Her mom looked at the outfit then smiled. Getting up she went to change into it. Five minutes later Lorelai walked out.
" Perfect." Rory said.
" I agree."
" When are you leaving?"
" In an hour."
" Good. I have time to tell you what happened today."
" Oh? What happened?"
" Well, school was fine, I visited Tristan and he was fine. Then I talked to Dean."
" That's great. Wait! Dean?"
" Yeah."
" What did he want?"
" Mom. He wanted to say he was sorry. Plus I was the one who ran into him getting coffee."
" What happened next?"
" We talked. We both said we were sorry and I invited him for coffee tomorrow."
" After you get back from the hospital?"
" Yes. He's going to meet Tristan on Saturday too."
" So it's cool between the two of you?"
" Very. I've missed him."
" Missed him how?"
" Not like that. Mom I really like Tristan. I would never hurt him. I missed Dean as a friend. It was like I was missing a chunk of my life you know?"
" Yeah. I'm glad. Should I say I'm sorry for punching him?"
" If you want. I won't force you. At the time he deserved it."
" I think I might apologize though."
" Okay."
" Yikes! I've got to get going. Do you need the jeep?"
" No."
" Okay. Money is in the drawer. Order pizza."
" I will. See you tomorrow."
" You know me so well."
" I know. Have fun."
" I will. Bye!"
" Bye."
Rory watched as her mom ran to the jeep and got in. Turning away from the window she grabbed her book-bag and pulled out her homework. It didn't take her long to finish all her assignments. Looking at the phone she decided to call for a pizza. Dialing the number she waited for someone to pick up.
" Jay's Pizza."
" Hey Jeremy. I need my normal."
" Okay. We'll be there soon."
" Okay. See ya."
Rory hung and packed her school stuff. Looking at the phone again she grabbed it before she knew what she had done. Dialing the number that was given to her she waited for him to pick up.
" Hello?"
" Tristan?"
" Rory! What's up?"
" I was bored. Plus I have to ask you something."
" Ask away. I was about to call you."
" Really? Okay, well, what time is your party Friday?"
" It starts at eight."
" Okay I might be a little late. Oh and I have someone you need to meet."
" Who?"
" You'll see Saturday morning."
" You will?"
" Yeah. I'd see you in the afternoon but I'm going to Lissa's house for the night."
" I'll miss you."
" You'll live."
" I hope."
" I've got to go. Pizza is here."
" Pizza?"
" Mom is out."
" Oh, have fun. See you tomorrow?"
" Of course. Bye!"
" Bye."
Rory hung up and went to get her pizza.
