"So Sexy" by munkie

Chapter 10: A Friendship and A New Relationship

It has been a few weeks since we last talked. He's been avoiding me like the plague. I feel so ashamed at how I handled things. 'How could I have said I didn't know how I felt? I know exactly how I feel… My thoughts have been throwing my feelings in my face forever now and I told him I didn't know how I felt! Grr… I could kick myself. I'm such a liar.'

On my way to class I saw John walking in the other direction. I started walking in his path so he'd have to stop and talk to me. He noticed me there and shook his head. When he came to me he said, "I don't think I should be talking to you."

"Why not?" I asked, puzzled.

"Why do you think? You practically ripped out his heart and lit it on fire!"

"I didn't mean to, I swear! It's just, things are complicated and I'm not very good at expressing how I feel in words."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because I have feelings for Tristan! Duh!"

"Oh. Why did you just tell him that?"

"I didn't know how…"

"Uh huh. Or maybe you're just scared."

"No I'm not. I just – I need to talk to him John."

"He doesn't exactly want to talk to you right now."

"I know but could you… do something? Anything that could help me?"

"I don't know Rory. You hurt him really badly." I looked hopefully into his eyes. He sighed and finally complied. "Sure. I'll see what I can do, but if you screw this up again I'll kick you myself," he chuckled softly.

"If I screw this up again you have permission to kick me. Several times if needed."

"Good. Now get to class. I wouldn't want the punctual Miss Gilmore to be late."

I smiled and hugged him before heading to class.

~*~

"So I hear you've been getting pretty chummy with Tristan's best friend."

"Hello to you too Paris."

"When will you learn I don't bother with pleasantries?"

"I have to at least try. Now is there something you wanted Paris?"

"Why were you hugging John in the hall?"

"Because he's been a really good friend to me lately and he deserved a hug."

"Since when are you friends with Tristan's friends? Especially his best friend?"

"Since a couple of weeks ago. He's been helping me with some stuff."

"Uh huh. Sure. Whatever." She turned and looked straight ahead as the teacher came into the classroom.

As usual the class period was spent taking notes…. On the way out of the door I grabbed Paris' elbow and pulled her to the side. "I think I can help you."

"Help me with what?"

"Get a date."

"I don't need a date. And if I wanted one I wouldn't need your help."

"Come on Paris. I'm just trying to be friendly and you always look so lonely. If you won't let me be your friend at least let me get you other friends."

"Oh, like you did with the whole dating Tristan fiasco last year?"

"That was a mistake. It would have been fine if you hadn't found out I encouraged him to ask you out."

"Whatever. That's not true. The entire date I could tell he was somewhere else, probably thinking about you. I just wanted him to like me so badly and when he kissed me I took it as some sort of sign, pushing away all the thoughts that his heart belonged to you."

"What? His heart never belonged to me."

"His heart has belonged to you since the day he met you. It will probably always be in your possession whether you like it or not."

I sighed. "You're right."

She stepped back surprised and my admission.

"Look Paris. Can we please just get a long? I don't like this whole "bite Rory's head off because Tristan likes her" thing. So what if he likes me? It's not like it's my fault!"

"So you're finally admitting he likes you?"

"Yes. Now will you please let me help you?"

"I'll think about it," she said curtly and then walked off. I smiled. 'I think I just came to an understanding with Paris…'

~*~

"Hey Rory," I said as I walked up to her in the cafeteria. Then I added, "Can we talk?"

"Have a seat," she said enthusiastically.

"Thanks. Listen… I'm sorry about what happened… and I hope we can still be friends."

She grinned broadly and hugged me. "I would love that Tristan."

I smiled into her hair. "Yeah…" I pulled back and looked into her eyes, allowing my smirk to come onto my face. "And as new friends, would you like to come sit with me at lunch?"

"Aren't I already?"

"I mean at my table with my other friends."

"Oh. Yeah, sure." She picked up her stuff and started to follow me. Over my shoulder I heard her say, "Ya know, I really like your friend John. He's really cool." I smiled at her words.

"Yup. John's the greatest."

We reached my table and sat down. "Everyone this is Rory. Rory this is everyone." She grinned again and shook everyone's hand.

"Hey. Nice to meet you. Oh John! I need to ask you something. It's kind of personal…" I looked at her quizzically.

"Yeah, sure no problem." I watched him stand and lead her away from the table. 'Hmm… that was odd.'

"Hey? Is there something going on between them, because last time I check wasn't there something going on between you and Rory?" My friend Andrew said.

"There was never anything going on between me and Rory. I don't know if there's anything going on between them. I'm starting to become suspicious though…" I replied without any harshness. I'd given up on Rory a while ago. Besides it wouldn't be that bad if John and Rory got together…

They came back and settled into their seats. There was a twinkle in Rory's eye as she began talking to me.

"So, Tristan, how's life been treating you the past couple of weeks."?

We fell into easy conversation, our bantering friendly. But a lingering thought stuck in my head and it wouldn't go away. 'Was there something going on there?

~*~

I know this chapter is really short but I know where this is going… sort of. So review! You know you want to!

Also this is a filler chapter but I hope it tides you over. After all I did just give you 7, 8, 9 and now 10 all in a row. *_*