NOTE: I am so mad at myself. Instead of removing a chapter, I mistakenly removed my entire story, I had to upload it all over again. So to those who reviewed it the first time, I would appreciate your reviews again. Thanks and hope you like the second chap.



Rory took a deep breath before pressing the doorbell. It was well known how rich the Dugrey's were, but this mansion was positively breathtaking. It was a white four story, Victorian mansion with windows everywhere. With a balcony overlooking the pond. She walked up the marble steps and ranged the bell.

"I'm coming already," an annoyed Tristan yelled. He walked to his door and practically yanked it open, clearly surprised at his visitor.

"What are you doing here?"

"And a hello to you to, Tristan!" She was ready to lay into him, till she took a good look at his face. All flushed, annoyed and very sick. Oh, he was still an arrogant jerk but she couldn't believe that she felt a pang of sympathy for him. That all went out the window as soon as he opened his mouth though.

"To what do I owe this honor, Mary,.Miss me?" He was leaning against his door, leg crossed with a smirk on his face. Suddenly he was feeling much better, thanks to his visitor here. And she was looking as beautiful and innocent, as usual. He could have any girl he wanted and usually did. But why did he let this one get to him so much? He was drawn to her like a moth to a flame and there was nothing he could do about it. To make matters worse, his palms were getting sweaty, his heart beating a little faster but he shrugged that off as just a symptom of his illness.

"Miss you? You wish Tristan! Look, I need to talk to you about a project Mr. Medina assigned us. Are you going to invite me in or not?" Why did she let him get to her so much?

"Of course, excuse my bad manners", he mentioned, motioning to Rory to come in.

And if she thought the outside was breathtaking, the inside was amazing. She followed Tristan down the hall to the living room. It was sunken in, with a black and white motif, with all the attention brought to the crystal chandelier right in the middle of it all. She sat in the posh black leather couch, and faced Tristan who sat opposite her.

"You have a nice home," she said, trying to make conversation.

"Thanks," I think that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me," he smiled.

Rory felt this tinkling sensation throughout her body; he ought to smile more often. It changed his entire demeanor, lit up his entire face. Where did that come from, she thought?

"So the reason why I'm here. Mr. Medina paired us up together to work on a project together, it's worth two thirds of our final grade." She could have sworn she saw a spark in his eyes when she mentioned them working together but immediately dismissed it. Probably thinking of other ways to bug her.

'We have to research Hemingway, his work and life, basically he wants to know all there is to know about this man. And we have a week to complete this project and then we have to present this research to the class. I came here to talk to you about it, cause I am not going to get a C in that class because of you, Tristan!"

Ahh, the fire in those beautiful eyes was back. "Partners"? He questioned. "I would have loved seeing your reaction to that news."

"It doesn't matter what I think, we're stuck together, so let's make the best of this situation, okay?" But umm, are you feeling up to it? I heard you're not feeling very well and that's why you didn't come to school today. We can start this tomorrow if you want?"

"No, no, I'm fine, just a little headache that's all. Let's get down to the basics and go from there." Actually he felt terrible but she was the last person he would admit that to.

She knew he was lying, trying to act tough. But he looked terrible, his eyes a little watery and his face a little flushed but who was she to argue with him?

"Okay, if you say so. On my way over here, I stopped by the library and got us a couple of books and printouts we could start out with. We can go over what part of his writings we want to concentrate on", her voice trailed off as her eyes focused on a drawing seated on the mantle.

"Oh my God, you drew that" she stated softly. She remembered seeing a similar drawing in class, Mr. Medina said the student wanted to remain anonymous, and that person was Tristan, she was shocked. That collage was so beautiful, expressive, it was as if the artist put his entire heart and soul into it. She looked pointedly towards Tristan, like she was seeing him in a whole new light. He looked down, clearly embarrassed.

He didn't like anyone knowing about his other talent; besides being captain of the football team and every girl's fantasy that is.

"Look, Mary," he knew he'd struck a nerve by calling her that. But things were starting to getting a little bit too "normal" between them and he had to put an end to this, now. "It's no big deal, okay, just something I like doing in my spare time. You're not going to tell anyone about this are you, cause Mr. Medina wanted me to put it on display and I turned him down. That same answer applies to you."

She was speechless; that collage was one of the best pieces she'd ever seen. Why didn't he want anyone to know how talented he was? And then it dawned on her, this particular drawing looked very familiar.

"Tristan, is that a drawing of your grandfather?"

It seemed like an eternity before he answered her question. He looked up at her, eyes void of any emotion. "What is it with you huh? You came here to study and now you're prying into my personal life?" His tone of voice shocked Rory but she wasn't backing down.

"Tristan, if you need someone to talk to.."

Leaning forward in his chair, he looked at her intently. "I don't need to talk to anyone, I was doing just fine..oh till about five minutes ago. Yes, that's my grandfather, I drew that picture one week before his death. Now, can we drop this, please?" his eyes pleaded with her. He didn't mean to go off on her but his grandfather's death was a sore spot for him and he hated talking about it.

Rory knew this was a painful subject for him and she didn't know why she wanted to help him so much. So, she decided to drop the subject, at least for now. She was getting into dangerous territory here and all of a sudden couldn't' wait to be in her boyfriend's loving arms. But first things first.

"When was the last time you had something to eat?" You look exhausted." He was lying back in the couch rubbing his temples furiously.

"That's because I've been talking to you, Mom." he laughed.

" Ha ha, that's not an answer, where's your kitchen?" If she was going to maintain her A in this class, she had to work with Tristan, which meant making him feel better.

"It's three doors to the right, but I'm not hungry."

"I don't think so, I'll be back. If I don't get lost trying to find your kitchen," she laughed walking down the hall.

'"Rory, Rory what are you doing? Where are you going, please tell me you know how to cook?"

"Shut up Tristan, I'll be right back" and she disappeared down the hall.

Tristan could only lie there in shock, what had he just gotten himself into?



To be continued...