Note: Ok here's chapter 2, I decided to write it after all the encouraging emails I got…… I thank all of you who wrote to me!! Sorry it's so short but I didn't want to add anything else into this scene and I didn't have that much time to write it…. So please R/R, cause I really do appreciate it… it keeps me going… my lifeblood – coffee (of course – like any true GG fan), chocolate (M&Ms… mmmm) TV and FEEDBACK hehe also a good TRORY… ok you have heard enough of my babble… here's the chapter….

Chapter 2

Rory quickly gathered all her books and stood up. Knowing Tristan, he would bolt out of class as soon as he had the chance, but not before stopping to tease her a bit first. When she turned around she was surprised to see Tristan still slouched in his seat, making no apparent move to get up. Obviously something had changed for him over the summer. * Maybe he only had one date a day and he feels like he's slipping * Rory joked to herself. But her amusement slowly turned to concern as she watched him.

He looked dead – really dead. Outside he was still the same handsome Tristan but there was something missing. The fire in his eyes was gone – and there was nothing left but cold. Tristan looked up. Startled, Rory's frown deepened when she realized that the cold was now directed to her, and it chilled her to her core. In all the time she had known him, he had never given her a look that expressionless, devoid of any emotion. Rory shook her head to clear her thoughts * Whatever! It's just Tristan, why should I care if he's having problems or just being an idiot? *

"Is there something you want Rory?" Tristan asked sharply.

Rory hid her surprise when she heard her name from his mouth. "Um, yeah. I was just wondering if we could get together one day before the trip. You know to get to know each other better 'cause I figure we need to know a bit about each other before we go to god knows where with no one to help us. I mean imagine if you had some medication you had to take and I didn't know about it and ……" Rory trailed off as she realized that she was doing some serious babbling.

"Yeah sure that's fine" Tristan replied shortly. He got up, grabbed his bag and brushed past her, heading toward the door.

"Wait!" Rory said quickly.

"What?" Tristan demanded annoyed. "I have to get to class."

"Uh," Rory started nervously. "I was just wondering what's wrong. 'Cause if there is anything you need to talk about I'm here."

Tristan froze. Even after the cold way he had treated her, she was still willing to be a friend and talk to him. He felt his shields slip. He couldn't do this. He couldn't get over her if she continued to be the sweet, caring, true person he had come to adore. Then he remembered her words that day and abruptly all the shields he used to protect his frail heart rose once more.

Rory watched as emotions played across Tristan's face. Her worry lifted slightly as she saw his features soften and a tiny smile grazed his perfect face. Then suddenly the cold look returned.

"Forget it Rory, you could never understand." Tristan snapped and walked off.

Sad and confused, Rory sighed and continued on to her next class. This was going to be a long day.

END of part 2

Ok you know the drill…. R/R please and then I will continue ….. THANX……