Author's Note: I know that the last chapter was devoid of and Tristan/ Rory
interaction. I promise that that will be different in this chapter!
***
Rory starred at her reflection in the mirror. "Blah…" she said to the empty room. Reaching up she gingerly touched the bruise that had formed on her cheek. It was dark blue and had begun to turn green around the edges.
The previous day and school and then at her grandparents house had been fun trying to explain how she had gotten it. The story that she had tripped over one of her mother's shoes and hit the doorknob seemed to work pretty well. No one at Chilton even knew who Dean was, so no one was even a bit suspicious.
Her grandmother, on the other hand, was much harder to please. One look at the bruise and she was threatening to call social services. "It's that Luke man isn't it? Has he been hitting you and your mother? He seems like the type." After balking at the accusation Lorelai quickly corrected her mother with the story of the shoe.
"Really, Mother," defended Lorelai, "How could you even think something like that? Luke is one of the most gentle people that I know. He comes right after that bear from the Snuggles commercial."
Emily eyed her daughter quizzically before relenting. "Fine, I just didn't know what those inbreeds in that town of yours are capable of. You have to be careful you know." Needless to say, after a few harsh words were exchanged, Lorelai and Rory had left early that evening. Lorelai stated that she would rather eat her dinner without an air of judgement surrounding her.
Trying to forget the previous night's events, Rory touched the place on her face again before stepping into the shower. It was Saturday morning, and she was getting ready to go see Tristan, as she had promised. The warm water was welcomed, and Rory ended up staying in the shower much longer than planned.
When Rory emerged she was greeted with a fresh pot of coffee and a note from her mother.
Rory,
Sorry I had to take off. I was planning on saying good bye but you were in the shower. There are English Muffins (the raisin cinnamon kind that you like) in the refrigerator and some orange juice on the counter. I walked over to Sookie's and we are going to drive to work in her car, so you can have the Jeep today. Tell Tristan that I said hello and that I hope he is doing better. Oh… after I get home from work tonight let's plan on going to the movie theatre. They are showing An Affair to Remember!
Love you lots,
Mom
Rory smiled at her mother's note before pouring herself a mug of coffee and going to her room to get ready. She threw on pair of jeans and a blue sweater that her mother had bought her recently. Crossing the room to the mirror, she brushed her hair down around her shoulders and applied concealer over her bruise. Dabbing on some lip-gloss and mascara, Rory took a book from the over stuffed shelf and exited the room. Deciding to eat on the way she poured another cup of coffee into a travel mug and grabbed an English Muffin from the refrigerator.
Before exiting the front door Rory checked her reflection in the hall mirror. The bruise was still very visible. Rory sighed and dropped her stuff in the foyer to go back to her room and pick up her powder compact. Hopefully she could hide it effectively so Tristan wouldn't ask about it. Picking up the stuff she had left in the hallway, Rory threw the compact in the bag with her book and opened the front door to leave. The weather outside made her smile; the sunlight hitting her body was welcomed.
Not bothering to lock the door behind her Rory jumped off of the porch and jogged to the Jeep. Throwing her stuff to the passenger seat, Rory hopped inside and turned on the engine. Pulling off the grass she turned the CD player on and sang along with the Bush CD inside. Her good mood lasted until she was stopped at the traffic light.
Still tapping her fingers on the steering wheel to the beat Rory glanced over to Dosey's Market and froze. He was there, outside the entrance, starring at her. The awkwardness of the situation was outweighed with the creepy feeling that Rory got from his stare. As soon as the light turned green Rory sped away. Turning down the volume of the CD player Rory allowed herself to regress into her own thought world.
Rory had not let herself think about what had happened two days before. There had always been something to take her mind off of the break up; school, newspaper, her mother… It was time that she thought about it. Rory could honestly not understand what had gotten into Dean. There had never been that much anger inside of him before. Unlike the previous break up, Rory was actually relieved to finally be out of it. Dean had become too possessive, Rory always felt like she was walking on ice with him. It was the right thing to do decided Rory. But it still hurt to know that the relationship that they had built ended in a screaming match in the middle of town. Literally, thought Rory, bitterly. If she had thought that the previous break up was bad this one over whelmed her. Everyone knew exactly what had happened. It was very strange to know that people were witness to one of the most humiliating moments of her life. She couldn't keep the bruise hidden from the prying eyes of the towns people, but was relieves that she didn't have to tell the story over and over. Ms. Patty and Taylor had taken care of that for her. Rory continued her musings until she reached the hospital.
Parking the Jeep in what appeared to be the furthest parking space from the hospital, Rory jumped out and hurried towards the entrance. When she arrived at his room, Rory peeked in to find Tristan sleeping. Smiling shyly Rory took the plastic chair she had sat before and pulled it over to his bed. Sitting down, Rory placed her hand on top of his exposed arm.
"Hey," the groggy voice surprised Rory, making her jump in the chair.
"Hi", said Rory, quietly. "I thought that you were asleep."
Opening his eyes slowly, trying to adjust to the light, Tristan shook his head. "No," he said, his voice still raspy. "I was just resting my eyes."
"Uh huh." Rory tried to humor him.
"I was," Tristan weakly insisted. The only response from Rory was a nod of her head. "You came back," Tristan said, stating the obvious.
"Well of course I did. I said that I would, didn't I?" Rory asked grinning.
"Can't stay away from me can you Mary?" Tristan teased.
Smirking, Rory replied, "Yeah, that's it. I thought I would wait until you were bound helpless to a hospital bed so that I could have my way with you without you being able to protest."
"What makes you think that I would protest?" Rory blushed at the innuendo, causing Tristan to grin.
"Well, at least I can still make you blush."
"I was not blushing!" Rory brought her hand up to cover her cheeks. She could feel the heat radiating off of them, which just caused her to blush even more.
"Sure Mary."
"You know," said Rory, "I have put up with the Mary thing from you because I felt sorry for you. But I think it is time you had a refresher course. My name it Rory… R O R Y. Think that you can handle that?"
Tristan smirked. "I don't know. My charts do say that I have suffered from a blunt head injury."
"Oh really… did it say anything about unusual swelling? Because I think that that might be a problem too." Tristan chuckled at the jab.
"I sure have missed you Mary." Rory growled at the name. "No really I have." A noise in the hallway caused Tristan to pause. "Oh great… what time is it?"
Rory glanced at her watch, "It's 10:30. Exactly. Why?"
Tristan moaned, "Because that means it time for…"
"Good morning Tristan. Are you ready for your medication?" A plump nursed sing- songed into the room.
"Nurse Gertrude." Tristan said through clenched teeth.
"Hi," said the cheerful nurse. "I am Gertrude." There was a strong southern accent attached to her words. "Would you like to stay for this or are you going to leave?"
Rory looked at Tristan, who seemed to be pleading with her. About what she had no idea. "I guess that I will stay." Rory watched as Tristan visibly relaxed. "Is that okay with you?"
"Yeah… that's great." When the nurse turned to prepare an injection Tristan mouthed, "Wacko!" Tristan pretended to shiver in fear.
"Alright dear, you ready?" Rory noticed that Tristan looked nauseous at the nurse tapped the syringe. Swallowing hard, Tristan nodded his head. When the nurse placed the needle into his arm Tristan gulped and looked away. Rory made eye contact with him and had to stifle a giggle at the fear that she saw in his eyes. Seeing her giggle Tristan smirked up at her. "That ones done. My, I think we should have this young lady in here everyday. It makes it much easier to get this done. Not as much thrashing about is there darling?"
Tristan blushed in embarrassment, but nodded his agreement. "There's just one more darling and then we will take some blood and replace the IV. You ready?" Tristan braced himself for the next shot, then nodded that he was ready. The nurse quickly gave him the shot. He squeezed his eyes close, causing Rory to become more amused. Tristan Dugrey, afraid of needles. Who would have thought?
"See now that wasn't so bad was it?" Tristan tried to save face, and rolled his eyes.
"No mame. That was not so bad." Nurse Gertrude smiled, then went about her task of refilling his IV bag.
Tristan refused to meet Rory's eyes, knowing that she probably found the whole situation very amusing. When the nurse readied the needle for taking his blood, Tristan blanched. He didn't care what anyone said, taking blood from a person through a cold metal catheter was not something that one should become accustomed to. Rory saw Tristan become white and squeezed his arm in support. "It will be okay," she whispered. The nurse stuck Tristan with the needle, then waited as his blood filled the small attached tube. When that was done she withdrew the needle and replaced all of the supplies.
"Well I must say Tristan, that was a much nicer day than yesterday." Nurse Gertrude extended her hand towards Rory, which Rory accepted and shook. "Thank you dear. My, what a big bruise that is on your cheek. What happened?" For the first time Tristan noticed the faint bruise on Rory's left cheek. When he looked closer he could tell that she had tried to cover it up using powder.
"Nothing," said Rory with a wave of her hand. "I just tripped over a pair of shoes and landed on a roller skate. It's not a big deal," Rory laughed nervously.
"Well," said the nurse. "You take care of yourself. I have more patients to tend to!" The nurse pushed her cart out the door as cheerfully as she had entered.
Rory watched her retreating form, the turned back to Tristan. Grinning cheekily she asked, "Scared of needles are we Mr. Dugrey?"
"Ha ha ha." Tristan smirked. "Whatever. You get poked with a needle three times every 4 hours and you tell me how it feels. It's not nice to be a human pin cushion!"
"Most people," retorted Rory, "don't look like they are going to be sick when they see a needle."
"Then most people," replied Tristan, curtly, "are certifiably nuts!" Rory giggled. "What is so funny?"
"Nothing, it's just that I never expected you to be afraid of needles. Doesn't seem like a very manly thing to be afraid of."
"I am not afraid of needles, I just don't like them. There is a huge difference," Tristan said defensively.
"Aww…" replied Rory, as if she had just been let in on one of the great secrets of the universe. The two sat in a comfortable silence for a moment before Tristan interrupted.
"So," he asked, "what happened to your cheek?"
Rory reached up to touch the place on her face. "Weren't you listening to me when I told the nurse? I tripped over a roller skate. It's not a big deal."
"I was listening when you told the nurse. In fact, I think I was listening better than you were."
"Oh, you think?"
"Yes I think. In fact I think that you told the nurse that you tripped on a show and landed on a roller skate, not the other way around." Tristan pointed out this little fact with great satisfaction. He knew that she was lying about the roller skate, only an idiot would believe that story.
"I must have just gotten confused. I tripped over a roller skate and landed on my mother's stiletto heels. It's not that big of a deal Tristan." Rory fidgeted nervously in her chair.
Tristan could sense Rory's discomfort over the situation and decided to let it rest. "So, how's school going?"
Rory reached up to replace a fallen strand of hair, tucking is safely behind her ear. "Well," she said, flashing him her most dazzling smile, "since you have left not only have I become the most popular girl in school but I was nominated for homecoming queen."
"Really," asked Tristan, playing along.
"Yes, and I have been practicing my speech if I get voted for. Would you like to hear it?"
Tristan nodded his head, "Sure."
"Oh, now, see I was hoping that by this time you would be irritated and tell me to stop and tell me to tell you the truth. I don't really have my speech ready," Rory whispered the last part.
"You mean that you weren't telling me the truth before?" Tristan feigned shock.
"No, I wasn't." Rory said apologetically. "I really haven't risen in my social standings and will not be having the opportunity to present myself all dolled up as the pride of the school."
"I wouldn't mind seeing you all dolled up."
Rory rolled her eyes, "In your dreams Dugrey."
Tristan considered for a moment, then shook his head in disagreement. "No, most of my dreams involve…"
"Stop," Rory held up her hands as if it would stop the words that we getting ready to come from his mouth. "We were having a perfectly civil and pleasant conversation and you have to turn it into something sexual."
"You," Tristan said defensively, "mentioned my dreams. I just thought I should set the record straight as to the actual content of my dreams."
"Yeah, you wouldn't want to let me live in my own little dream world where Tristan Dugrey is a pure and innocent guy."
"Well I don't want you to have a misconception about me, Gilmore. At least about the aspect of my life that pertains to you."
Again Rory rolled her eyes exaggeratedly, but she smiled down at the boy lying in the bed. Returning to the question that he had asked before she answered, "School has been fine. Nothing has really changed, but I am sure that the parade of girls that comes through that door could give you a better update."
"Oh yes, I am a regular Don Juan here in the hospital." Rory detected a faint hint of bitterness in his voice.
"Please," she said, "don't tell me that you have not have a regular stream of visitors of the female persuasion walk through that door."
"Oh no, they do come through the door. But that is about as far as they get before blanching and turning to run away. Apparently manicures and monitors don't mix." Tristan gave a short, self-deprecating laugh. "Normally I pretend to be asleep anyway. It's much easier than having to entertain them when I don't want them there and they don't want to be there and both parties know it."
Rory was somewhat confused, "Would you like me to leave?" She gestured towards the door.
"What? No! Why would you think that?"
"You don't seem to be very happy with people visiting you. I don't understand why you would want me here but not them." Rory started to gather her things.
"Rory sit down." She did what he asked, still looking somewhat confused. "I'm glad that you are here," Tristan assured her.
"Okay," Rory sat back down in the chair, smiling slightly. Rory stayed with Tristan until late that afternoon. The two talked about various things; Rory told Tristan what had been going on in Stars Hallow, and Tristan seemed genuinely interested in the hijinks of the townspeople. Tristan told Rory about Nurse Gertrude and other hospital hazards. "There are NO hot nurses," he complained. "I guess that you will just have to keep coming back," he stated slyly, causing Rory to blush.
Finally convincing Tristan that she did indeed need to leave, and promising that she would come back, Rory left the hospital around 3. After finishing some homework that she needed to get done Rory and her mother went to the movies like planned. The day had been very pleasant, Rory thought with surprise.
***
Rory starred at her reflection in the mirror. "Blah…" she said to the empty room. Reaching up she gingerly touched the bruise that had formed on her cheek. It was dark blue and had begun to turn green around the edges.
The previous day and school and then at her grandparents house had been fun trying to explain how she had gotten it. The story that she had tripped over one of her mother's shoes and hit the doorknob seemed to work pretty well. No one at Chilton even knew who Dean was, so no one was even a bit suspicious.
Her grandmother, on the other hand, was much harder to please. One look at the bruise and she was threatening to call social services. "It's that Luke man isn't it? Has he been hitting you and your mother? He seems like the type." After balking at the accusation Lorelai quickly corrected her mother with the story of the shoe.
"Really, Mother," defended Lorelai, "How could you even think something like that? Luke is one of the most gentle people that I know. He comes right after that bear from the Snuggles commercial."
Emily eyed her daughter quizzically before relenting. "Fine, I just didn't know what those inbreeds in that town of yours are capable of. You have to be careful you know." Needless to say, after a few harsh words were exchanged, Lorelai and Rory had left early that evening. Lorelai stated that she would rather eat her dinner without an air of judgement surrounding her.
Trying to forget the previous night's events, Rory touched the place on her face again before stepping into the shower. It was Saturday morning, and she was getting ready to go see Tristan, as she had promised. The warm water was welcomed, and Rory ended up staying in the shower much longer than planned.
When Rory emerged she was greeted with a fresh pot of coffee and a note from her mother.
Rory,
Sorry I had to take off. I was planning on saying good bye but you were in the shower. There are English Muffins (the raisin cinnamon kind that you like) in the refrigerator and some orange juice on the counter. I walked over to Sookie's and we are going to drive to work in her car, so you can have the Jeep today. Tell Tristan that I said hello and that I hope he is doing better. Oh… after I get home from work tonight let's plan on going to the movie theatre. They are showing An Affair to Remember!
Love you lots,
Mom
Rory smiled at her mother's note before pouring herself a mug of coffee and going to her room to get ready. She threw on pair of jeans and a blue sweater that her mother had bought her recently. Crossing the room to the mirror, she brushed her hair down around her shoulders and applied concealer over her bruise. Dabbing on some lip-gloss and mascara, Rory took a book from the over stuffed shelf and exited the room. Deciding to eat on the way she poured another cup of coffee into a travel mug and grabbed an English Muffin from the refrigerator.
Before exiting the front door Rory checked her reflection in the hall mirror. The bruise was still very visible. Rory sighed and dropped her stuff in the foyer to go back to her room and pick up her powder compact. Hopefully she could hide it effectively so Tristan wouldn't ask about it. Picking up the stuff she had left in the hallway, Rory threw the compact in the bag with her book and opened the front door to leave. The weather outside made her smile; the sunlight hitting her body was welcomed.
Not bothering to lock the door behind her Rory jumped off of the porch and jogged to the Jeep. Throwing her stuff to the passenger seat, Rory hopped inside and turned on the engine. Pulling off the grass she turned the CD player on and sang along with the Bush CD inside. Her good mood lasted until she was stopped at the traffic light.
Still tapping her fingers on the steering wheel to the beat Rory glanced over to Dosey's Market and froze. He was there, outside the entrance, starring at her. The awkwardness of the situation was outweighed with the creepy feeling that Rory got from his stare. As soon as the light turned green Rory sped away. Turning down the volume of the CD player Rory allowed herself to regress into her own thought world.
Rory had not let herself think about what had happened two days before. There had always been something to take her mind off of the break up; school, newspaper, her mother… It was time that she thought about it. Rory could honestly not understand what had gotten into Dean. There had never been that much anger inside of him before. Unlike the previous break up, Rory was actually relieved to finally be out of it. Dean had become too possessive, Rory always felt like she was walking on ice with him. It was the right thing to do decided Rory. But it still hurt to know that the relationship that they had built ended in a screaming match in the middle of town. Literally, thought Rory, bitterly. If she had thought that the previous break up was bad this one over whelmed her. Everyone knew exactly what had happened. It was very strange to know that people were witness to one of the most humiliating moments of her life. She couldn't keep the bruise hidden from the prying eyes of the towns people, but was relieves that she didn't have to tell the story over and over. Ms. Patty and Taylor had taken care of that for her. Rory continued her musings until she reached the hospital.
Parking the Jeep in what appeared to be the furthest parking space from the hospital, Rory jumped out and hurried towards the entrance. When she arrived at his room, Rory peeked in to find Tristan sleeping. Smiling shyly Rory took the plastic chair she had sat before and pulled it over to his bed. Sitting down, Rory placed her hand on top of his exposed arm.
"Hey," the groggy voice surprised Rory, making her jump in the chair.
"Hi", said Rory, quietly. "I thought that you were asleep."
Opening his eyes slowly, trying to adjust to the light, Tristan shook his head. "No," he said, his voice still raspy. "I was just resting my eyes."
"Uh huh." Rory tried to humor him.
"I was," Tristan weakly insisted. The only response from Rory was a nod of her head. "You came back," Tristan said, stating the obvious.
"Well of course I did. I said that I would, didn't I?" Rory asked grinning.
"Can't stay away from me can you Mary?" Tristan teased.
Smirking, Rory replied, "Yeah, that's it. I thought I would wait until you were bound helpless to a hospital bed so that I could have my way with you without you being able to protest."
"What makes you think that I would protest?" Rory blushed at the innuendo, causing Tristan to grin.
"Well, at least I can still make you blush."
"I was not blushing!" Rory brought her hand up to cover her cheeks. She could feel the heat radiating off of them, which just caused her to blush even more.
"Sure Mary."
"You know," said Rory, "I have put up with the Mary thing from you because I felt sorry for you. But I think it is time you had a refresher course. My name it Rory… R O R Y. Think that you can handle that?"
Tristan smirked. "I don't know. My charts do say that I have suffered from a blunt head injury."
"Oh really… did it say anything about unusual swelling? Because I think that that might be a problem too." Tristan chuckled at the jab.
"I sure have missed you Mary." Rory growled at the name. "No really I have." A noise in the hallway caused Tristan to pause. "Oh great… what time is it?"
Rory glanced at her watch, "It's 10:30. Exactly. Why?"
Tristan moaned, "Because that means it time for…"
"Good morning Tristan. Are you ready for your medication?" A plump nursed sing- songed into the room.
"Nurse Gertrude." Tristan said through clenched teeth.
"Hi," said the cheerful nurse. "I am Gertrude." There was a strong southern accent attached to her words. "Would you like to stay for this or are you going to leave?"
Rory looked at Tristan, who seemed to be pleading with her. About what she had no idea. "I guess that I will stay." Rory watched as Tristan visibly relaxed. "Is that okay with you?"
"Yeah… that's great." When the nurse turned to prepare an injection Tristan mouthed, "Wacko!" Tristan pretended to shiver in fear.
"Alright dear, you ready?" Rory noticed that Tristan looked nauseous at the nurse tapped the syringe. Swallowing hard, Tristan nodded his head. When the nurse placed the needle into his arm Tristan gulped and looked away. Rory made eye contact with him and had to stifle a giggle at the fear that she saw in his eyes. Seeing her giggle Tristan smirked up at her. "That ones done. My, I think we should have this young lady in here everyday. It makes it much easier to get this done. Not as much thrashing about is there darling?"
Tristan blushed in embarrassment, but nodded his agreement. "There's just one more darling and then we will take some blood and replace the IV. You ready?" Tristan braced himself for the next shot, then nodded that he was ready. The nurse quickly gave him the shot. He squeezed his eyes close, causing Rory to become more amused. Tristan Dugrey, afraid of needles. Who would have thought?
"See now that wasn't so bad was it?" Tristan tried to save face, and rolled his eyes.
"No mame. That was not so bad." Nurse Gertrude smiled, then went about her task of refilling his IV bag.
Tristan refused to meet Rory's eyes, knowing that she probably found the whole situation very amusing. When the nurse readied the needle for taking his blood, Tristan blanched. He didn't care what anyone said, taking blood from a person through a cold metal catheter was not something that one should become accustomed to. Rory saw Tristan become white and squeezed his arm in support. "It will be okay," she whispered. The nurse stuck Tristan with the needle, then waited as his blood filled the small attached tube. When that was done she withdrew the needle and replaced all of the supplies.
"Well I must say Tristan, that was a much nicer day than yesterday." Nurse Gertrude extended her hand towards Rory, which Rory accepted and shook. "Thank you dear. My, what a big bruise that is on your cheek. What happened?" For the first time Tristan noticed the faint bruise on Rory's left cheek. When he looked closer he could tell that she had tried to cover it up using powder.
"Nothing," said Rory with a wave of her hand. "I just tripped over a pair of shoes and landed on a roller skate. It's not a big deal," Rory laughed nervously.
"Well," said the nurse. "You take care of yourself. I have more patients to tend to!" The nurse pushed her cart out the door as cheerfully as she had entered.
Rory watched her retreating form, the turned back to Tristan. Grinning cheekily she asked, "Scared of needles are we Mr. Dugrey?"
"Ha ha ha." Tristan smirked. "Whatever. You get poked with a needle three times every 4 hours and you tell me how it feels. It's not nice to be a human pin cushion!"
"Most people," retorted Rory, "don't look like they are going to be sick when they see a needle."
"Then most people," replied Tristan, curtly, "are certifiably nuts!" Rory giggled. "What is so funny?"
"Nothing, it's just that I never expected you to be afraid of needles. Doesn't seem like a very manly thing to be afraid of."
"I am not afraid of needles, I just don't like them. There is a huge difference," Tristan said defensively.
"Aww…" replied Rory, as if she had just been let in on one of the great secrets of the universe. The two sat in a comfortable silence for a moment before Tristan interrupted.
"So," he asked, "what happened to your cheek?"
Rory reached up to touch the place on her face. "Weren't you listening to me when I told the nurse? I tripped over a roller skate. It's not a big deal."
"I was listening when you told the nurse. In fact, I think I was listening better than you were."
"Oh, you think?"
"Yes I think. In fact I think that you told the nurse that you tripped on a show and landed on a roller skate, not the other way around." Tristan pointed out this little fact with great satisfaction. He knew that she was lying about the roller skate, only an idiot would believe that story.
"I must have just gotten confused. I tripped over a roller skate and landed on my mother's stiletto heels. It's not that big of a deal Tristan." Rory fidgeted nervously in her chair.
Tristan could sense Rory's discomfort over the situation and decided to let it rest. "So, how's school going?"
Rory reached up to replace a fallen strand of hair, tucking is safely behind her ear. "Well," she said, flashing him her most dazzling smile, "since you have left not only have I become the most popular girl in school but I was nominated for homecoming queen."
"Really," asked Tristan, playing along.
"Yes, and I have been practicing my speech if I get voted for. Would you like to hear it?"
Tristan nodded his head, "Sure."
"Oh, now, see I was hoping that by this time you would be irritated and tell me to stop and tell me to tell you the truth. I don't really have my speech ready," Rory whispered the last part.
"You mean that you weren't telling me the truth before?" Tristan feigned shock.
"No, I wasn't." Rory said apologetically. "I really haven't risen in my social standings and will not be having the opportunity to present myself all dolled up as the pride of the school."
"I wouldn't mind seeing you all dolled up."
Rory rolled her eyes, "In your dreams Dugrey."
Tristan considered for a moment, then shook his head in disagreement. "No, most of my dreams involve…"
"Stop," Rory held up her hands as if it would stop the words that we getting ready to come from his mouth. "We were having a perfectly civil and pleasant conversation and you have to turn it into something sexual."
"You," Tristan said defensively, "mentioned my dreams. I just thought I should set the record straight as to the actual content of my dreams."
"Yeah, you wouldn't want to let me live in my own little dream world where Tristan Dugrey is a pure and innocent guy."
"Well I don't want you to have a misconception about me, Gilmore. At least about the aspect of my life that pertains to you."
Again Rory rolled her eyes exaggeratedly, but she smiled down at the boy lying in the bed. Returning to the question that he had asked before she answered, "School has been fine. Nothing has really changed, but I am sure that the parade of girls that comes through that door could give you a better update."
"Oh yes, I am a regular Don Juan here in the hospital." Rory detected a faint hint of bitterness in his voice.
"Please," she said, "don't tell me that you have not have a regular stream of visitors of the female persuasion walk through that door."
"Oh no, they do come through the door. But that is about as far as they get before blanching and turning to run away. Apparently manicures and monitors don't mix." Tristan gave a short, self-deprecating laugh. "Normally I pretend to be asleep anyway. It's much easier than having to entertain them when I don't want them there and they don't want to be there and both parties know it."
Rory was somewhat confused, "Would you like me to leave?" She gestured towards the door.
"What? No! Why would you think that?"
"You don't seem to be very happy with people visiting you. I don't understand why you would want me here but not them." Rory started to gather her things.
"Rory sit down." She did what he asked, still looking somewhat confused. "I'm glad that you are here," Tristan assured her.
"Okay," Rory sat back down in the chair, smiling slightly. Rory stayed with Tristan until late that afternoon. The two talked about various things; Rory told Tristan what had been going on in Stars Hallow, and Tristan seemed genuinely interested in the hijinks of the townspeople. Tristan told Rory about Nurse Gertrude and other hospital hazards. "There are NO hot nurses," he complained. "I guess that you will just have to keep coming back," he stated slyly, causing Rory to blush.
Finally convincing Tristan that she did indeed need to leave, and promising that she would come back, Rory left the hospital around 3. After finishing some homework that she needed to get done Rory and her mother went to the movies like planned. The day had been very pleasant, Rory thought with surprise.