Chapter 2


Tristan,

I got your letter, of course. I've read it over and over, and I still don't know what to say to you. I had to admitt, when I read it the first time, I couldn't wipe the smile off my face, but now I can't find one to put on it. You're far away Tristan. Really far away, in a completely different state, at a new school, and I'm still back here, going through Chilton alone (except for, of course, the wonderful help I'm recieving from Paris. She says, "Have you shaved your hair yet? Did you cry?" by the way.) and I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to you.

I messed up, I missed out on you. Even though I'm not sure how bad that is. You were still a jerk to me Tristan, and that'll take some serious ass kissing to make it up to me, but when you left a lot of things changed, in side of me and around me. I was used to being able to look at you in class, even if it was only for a second. You were there, I could do it whenever I wanted. Now you're not.

Whatever feelings you have for me Tristan, I return them, but you must drop them. At least until you return, because I can't, I wont have a long distance relationship. If anything, it'll ruin whatever we've figured out here, and that's the last thing we both want.

I'll find a way to come see you at Christmas, and even though it's not all that far away it seems like forever, doesn't it? Don't you love Christmas? Everything just seems to fade away. People anger is removed, frustration is pushes aside. Unless you live in a big city and spend 7 hours everyday for a week trying to shop, which is pretty stupid all the same.

What would you like for Christmas? I know we've never given each other gifts, but we have only known each other for one Christmas, and seeing that this is our second and we some how managed not to kill each other, I say a gift is in order. Don't worry about getting me anything though, I'm perfectly content.

School lets out tomorrow!! Then it's Chilton free for almost 3 weeks. Knowing the teachers, we'll have homework. Study the celebration of Christmas throughout the ages and write a 30 page paper on it, no doubt. Bastards. (Excuse me.)

My mother is pulling me now, she wants to go eat and I've kept her waiting long enough. No patients at all, I tell you!

Write back soon Tristan.

Always,
Rory.

Tristan folded the letter and tucked it away in his truck in a pair of socks he never wore, her other letter resting beside the new one. He'd have to write her after lunch, durning his free period again. Lately, that's all he's been doing. Reading and writing letters to Rory, or awaiting another from her. They seemed to get him through the harshness of his new school, one he hated more than Chilton.

He folded his hands up into fists and rested his chin on them, thinking. Three more days before he could go home. His parents finally agreed that he should come home for Christmas, but told him not to expect as many gifts as usual. Not that he cared, his parents pricey but meaningless gifts were the last thing from his mind. He debating even making home his first stop once he reached Connecticut. He wanted to see Rory.

He was afraid the picture of her in his mind was fading, although he could still make out her blue eyes and brown hair. Her voice is what he remember the most. Anger and frustrated, happy and enthusiastic, he remembered them all. At night he played back converstations they had over and over, like a movie. One of those old fashioned movies with the cheesy romantic music playing in the background. How the lighting seemed to hit the girl perfectly as she looked up at him from under her lashes and smiled. It was exactly what he needed.

"You want to sneak out and take a smoke, Tristan?" A voice called from the bed beside him, and Tristan looked over, not bothing to remove his chin from his hands.

"No, I'm trying to quit. Thanks, Craig"

"What?" Craig laughed, smiling at Tristan. "You don't look the same Tristan." He grinned at a few other boys in their beds. "I think Tristan's in love." He teased, recieving laughter from the other boys.

Tristan grinned and sat up. "At least I can get a girl, Craig. That's more than I can say for you."

Craig laughed and hit Tristan's shoulder as he made his way out the bunk doors "Yeah, you keep telling yourself that, Romeo!"

Tristan grinned softly and layed back down. How strange would it be to wisk Rory away, marry her in secret and have such a passion that Romeo and Juliet had. Without the suicide part of course. He imagined he did love Rory as much as Romeo loved Juliet, possibly even more.


Rory,

I have 2 more days until I'm coming home, and I leave on the 3rd of Jan. I know we'll have time to visit, because I doubt I'll be spending much time at home with my parents. (They finally decided to tell me they were spending the winter in Greece.) I'll most likely be throwing a Christmas party, seeing as my parents wont know about it and even if they find out, they really can't punish me anymore than they already have. Yes, I am inviting all Chilton students, but you can bring a friend if you like.

You'll be my date, won't you?

I always have enjoyed Christmas actually. Not as much as this year, I'm sure. Are you going to your Grandparent's for Christmas, or staying at home? Your Grandfather's a great man. My Grandpa and yours did a little business awhile back, so I'm told, before we were born. Interesting huh?

What would YOU like for Christmas? There is no way I'm letting you get me something, and get nothing in return. Tis the season for giving, right? Would you like a car? Perhaps a beach house? I'm kiddin. I can't even get a beach house outta my parents.

Kiddin!

They did cut off my hair, and yes, I cried. Again, joking. It'll grow back fast, it always has. I do miss it though. Nervous habbit, running my hands through my hair and now that it's gone I've reduced myself to biting my fingernails which not only annoys me, but the people around me.

Rory...I'm so unbelievably bored here you wouldn't believe! All the books they've got here, I've already read. We can't listen to music outside of our rooms, and we hardly ever get to go out and do anything. Writing and reading is all I have left, and I'm running low on that too (wink, wink)

I can't wait to get out of here. The sheets on these beds are terrible (Don't you dare be cute and go out and buy me sheets.) and the pilows are flat. They said we could bring out own, but that they'd most likely be stolen. The kids here aren't terrible though. Of course you've got those few that are complete assholes (Like me) and you don't want anything to do with them because they will steal your pillow, flat or not. Some are cool though. The guy next to me, Craig, is here for practically the same reason. Rich kid who's parents don't want to deal with him themselves. He's a nice kid though, horrible parents.

It's lights out, I've got to sleep (My ass...)

Write back soon, Mary.

Always,
Tristan.

P.S.. As for what I want for Christmas? You.