Disclaimer: Ah finally! Sorry for the long wait but school is crazy!
Registering for highschool is a lot of work! Geesh. So anyway here it is,
chapter three. Hope you enjoy and remember the number one rule. LEAVE A
REVIEW! Thanks a ton! Oh and constructive criticism is always welcome!
A/N: This is the reedited version of chapter three. I found errors and
went through and fixed them the best I could but I decided against going
through and doing any serious rewriting because I want to keep it as
original as possible, at the moment that is.
***
"You won't believe the dream I had last night," exclaims Rory with a yawn as she sits beside Dean on the bench at the bus stop. He grins at her and he lovingly places a small kiss on her lips. She smiles back at him, the shivering sensation he always gives her perking her up. He then looks to her eyes tentatively.
"What was it about?" he asks in his deep husky voice. She shifts her position under the heavy weight of her backpack as she turns to him to explain.
"Well, sadly enough it was about coffee," she says smiling broadly as she recalls the dream in her mind. She quickly proceeds to explain how the dream simply revolved around her coffee and how it suddenly turned wacky when Miss Patty appeared surrounded by all of her ex-husbands. They were taunting her relentlessly by keeping some cups of coffee from her grasp by means of holding them high above their heads. Miss Patty being so short and fat could not reach the homely substance to which all life is dependent upon. The dream quickly shifted to Rory swooping in and saving the day. The moral of the story, well there wasn't one but everyone does end up 'happily ever after' and with their coffee of course.
When Rory finishes she is completely out of breath and her mouth already hurts from talking too much early in the morning. Dean merely stares at her, amusement written across his face and she slightly blushes at her own stupidity. As she takes a sip of her coffee the bus suddenly pulls up and the couple rise to their feet. Rory gives him a quick smile and turns to climb in when Dean suddenly grabs her arm. She whirls around to face him confused but before she can ask he quickly plants a firm, breathtaking, kiss on her soft lips. For fear of running late she doesn't allow the kiss to be deepened and she slowly pulls away.
"I don't want to be late, but tonight, you and me okay?" she says reassuring. He simply nods letting go of her arm, but the disappointment is clearly showing in his eyes. She quickly steps onto the bus and proceeds to do what she does every day, sit and stare out the window, of course sipping her coffee, and enjoying the peaceful silence. A few minutes pass of Rory fiddling with a strand of her hair when suddenly the bus lurches forward to a stop. Surprised by the unusual stop she jerks her head to the driver who is irritably opening the bus door. *He's picking someone up?* she thinks wondering why it is there's a new person riding her bus. Without realizing Rory tips her coffee cup and a bit spills on her backpack. She quickly sweeps down attempting to blow the staining substance from her precious bag. Unexpectedly, the seat in front of her creaks from the weight of someone sitting down. Slowly, she looks up, only to be met face to face with a smirking Tristan. She gapes at him a moment before quickly recovering her composure.
"Mary," he states simply. Her eyes narrow as she turns away from him, once again ignoring his existence. Somehow, though, Tristan Dugrey's presence is un-ignorable. She can feel his intimidating gaze on her, slowly running along her every curve and feature. Suddenly she decides it best to take this a different way.
"I'm not going to ask you why you're here because I don't care, but I am going to ask you why it is your eyes are constantly glued to me?" she asks annoyed. He suddenly frowns.
"Is that the best you can do? Mary Mary, I think you lost your touch while I was gone," he says slyly and shaking his head in mock disbelief. She merely glares at him. Becoming frustrated at her lack of decent comebacks, she turns away from him just as the bus makes another stop. A few older people climb on, and the bus quickly continues on its way, following the same monotonous route as it does every day. Yet today is different. Tristan is riding her bus and it is driving her insane. *Why is he so good at driving me up the wall!?* she asks herself angrily. Just then she feels someone slide into the seat beside her. She looks only to again be met by Tristan's face, but this time it is inches away. Captivated by the intense blue of his eyes she suddenly freezes, her heart pounding in her chest for some unknown reason. His eyes slowly linger to her soft lips and before Rory can react he is closing the small gap between them. Automatically she comes to her senses with a blink. Realizing his intention she immediately thrusts her hands against his chest, attempting to push him away, but with little success for her barely moves, but it does break him from his daze. A look of genuine surprise crosses his face quickly followed by furrowed brows of anger.
"Grr what'd you do that for Rory!?" he growls at her. She is about to yell at him when she suddenly stops at the mention of her name. *Did he just say my name?* she thinks to herself. Her eyes widen with surprise and she stares in his direction, but he is looking forward in anger. Somehow the possibility of yelling at him is lost and she quickly slumps in her seat in silence.
Not two minutes later the bus reaches the outside of Chilton. It isn't even to a complete stop before Tristan stands to his feet, ready to jump off. Rory stares at him as he makes his way off the bus. She quickly follows his actions and exits the bus. The light Hartford breeze has picked up this morning, but there is a chill in it. The cold seems to seep within her and she suddenly feels very alone in the vast population of the school called Hell.
Frowning, she makes her way to her locker through the crowd of chatting preppies. As done many times before, she pops it open, removes her normal books and closes it with a slam. As she starts to walk towards her first hour class she accidentally is caught in the line of fire; a girl suddenly slams into her. It is none other than Paris. *Why me?* she thinks with a groan as Paris's snooty face suddenly turns angry.
"Watch where you're going Rory," Paris snaps at her, quickly brushing past her. Rory's gaze follows her as she continues to walk down the hall, her long straight brown almost "billowing" behind her. Suddenly, Rory's eyes widen.
"PARIS!" she yells running after her. Paris suddenly freezes, her shoulders becoming stiff as she spins around facing Rory with an "evil gleam" in her eyes. It is obvious that Rory's actions of addressing her in public are not prohibited. Feeling a little uneasy she clears her throat.
"Um by any chance did you run into a dark haired guy last night?" she asks with caution. Paris raises a brow before narrowing her eyes suspiciously.
"Maybe. What's it to you?" she asks curiously, her intense gaze burning into Rory's eyes. Rory nervously shifts her weight from one foot to the other, adjusting her backpack on her shoulder. *What am I supposed to say to her? Oh hi Paris my friend from Stars Hollow likes you. Want to go out with him?* she thinks to herself. *Oh right, how lame is that!* She blinks away from her thoughts as she slips her hand from her coat pocket, in it placed the folded note.
"Here," she says simply handing the note to a confused Paris. Suddenly the bell rings and Rory's on her way before hearing another word from Paris.
***
The dreaded half-hour has come for Rory Gilmore; lunch. Well, it isn't something she actually dreads; she just more or less doesn't enjoy it all that much. Yes she does get to listen to some P.J. Harvey and read her novel of the week but she isn't looking forward to the intimidating stares of Tristan or another bickering match with Paris. The sudden thought of Paris and her acquaintance with her this morning brings Rory from her thoughts with an immense groan. Either Paris is planning on totally disregarding the note from Jess or she is going to be full of questions. The second possibility is one Rory hopes will be left as a possibility and never actually come to be.
But as she enters the crowded cafeteria an approaching not so popular trio soon crushes her hopes. Her eyes do their usual dramatic 'roll' as she seats herself in her usual corner table, alone with her music and precious books. *Why is it that people seem to bother me when I most want to be left alone!?* she asks herself as the three girls approach. She looks to them, placing her most 'I'm not interested' expression upon her face. The girls completely ignore it, or they are just too stupid to read her face. Paris suddenly slams the note on the table.
"Is this some joke?" she asks angrily. Rory gapes at her, dumbfounded as to why Paris thinks she would make up the note. Paris's expression only grows angrier at Rory's innocent expression.
"Don't play dumb with me Rory Gilmore. What's the meaning of this!?" she yells, frustrated. Rory's bright blue eyes dim as they narrow offended.
"I'm dead serious when I say that's not from me," she growls at the arrogant girl before her. *And I thought Paris was the one person in this school with a little bit of common sense!* she thinks to herself exasperated. Paris then hesitates before seating herself across from Rory.
"Then what's this all about? There's no way that guy actually knows you." she says trailing off into a snicker. Rory raises her brow.
"What do you mean there's no way that I know him? That's Jess, the nephew of my mom's good friend Luke. He moved into Stars Hollow not to long ago and ever since we've been friends. What I'm confused about is how he somehow managed to run into you!" Rory explains snapping at her. Somewhat taken aback by Rory's sudden mood change Paris sits back in her chair just as Louise and Madeline seat themselves in the chairs beside her, both looking bored and fidgety. Rory sighs rolling her eyes at the two.
"So what's this guy want anyway?" Louise asks annoyed. Paris snorts shaking her head in disgust and disbelief
"A date," states Paris irritated. The two girls suddenly stop picking at their nails and look to Paris. Before they can say anything, though, an ever-cocky Tristan appears behind the three. Rory instinctively rolls her eyes returning to her book and placing her headphones on her ears. But Tristan being Tristan has to be the center of attention and he quickly makes it a point to snap in her face in order to her attention, which it does, but not easily. Not bothering to take the headphones off she turns down the volume, just enough to hear her favorite lyrics ringing softly in her ears, kind of as a comfort.
"Mary did I hear wrong or does Paris here have a date with someone?" he asks with a sly grin placed on his lips. His incredibly blue eyes are placed steadily on her, and for some reason she shivers under his stare. He notices her response but decides to push it to the back of his mind, and instead he continues staring. She seems lost for a moment but quickly snaps from her daze, her eyes daring him to continue looking at her that way, which he does without hesitation. Paris suddenly clears her throat loudly, tearing them both from the 'stare feast'. Rory looks to her with a blink.
"I don't know what that just was.never-mind I don't care. No Tristan I do not have a date. Just some freak from Rory's home town looking for a rich bitch to bang," she says standing to her feet irritably. Rory stares at her wide-eyed.
"Paris wait a second that's not at all what Jess is looking." she isn't able to finish for Paris has already stomped off with the two girls lazily following behind her. Now alone are Rory and Tristan, staring after an incredibly over-reactive girl. Shrugging, Rory turns the volume to her CD player back up, droning out the soft buzz of Chilton's cafeteria. She immediately falls completely engrossed in the plot of her romantic novel, and hasn't realized that Tristan is sitting across from her, his arms crossed and his eyes locked on her. It doesn't take long, though, for her to get the creepy feeling he is watching her again. She looks up at him only to be met by his intense blue eyes and famous smirk.
"What?" she asks him as she turns her volume down slightly. He just shakes his head.
"Nothing Mary, nothing. Just observing. Don't mind me. Continue as you were," he says motioning with a flick of his hand for her to return to her book. She merely narrows her eyes at him, and if she could they would be shooting death rays at him. To her luck the bell suddenly rings and she quickly gathers her things and heads towards the cafeteria door. She is one of the last to the door, causing her to have to wait in a line of kids attempting to get through the double doors and out into the hallway. Suddenly she shivers, but it isn't from a chill and instead more of a feeling on the back of her neck. Slowly she turns, her eyes locking with the blue eyes standing at a table in the back. For some reason, unknown to her, she leaves the sanctuary of the herding students and stalks over to him.
"One of these days I'm going to poke you in your eyes and then we'll see if you're looking so hard Dugrey," she growls as she stops a few feet from him. Time for another bickering match. He grabs his chest in mock pain.
"You wound me Mary," he says smirking beyond belief. She merely huffs at him deciding she doesn't want to be late. She starts to turn on her heel but is immediately caught in the arm by Tristan's firm grasp. Her head snaps to him as she yanks her arm from his hand.
"Excuse me but leave your hands to yourself," she snaps at him looking angry. He takes a step closer to her, but her pride prevents her from stepping back. By now they are completely alone in the cafeteria. His eyes burn into hers fiercely. He looks at her a moment, stepping so close the heat of their bodies can be felt. For a moment his eyes seem in a trance, but he quickly blinks it away as the smirk returns, playing on his lips. She sets her jaw firm.
"How can you say that Mary. I know you want me," he whispers in a husky rolling tone and his breath is felt on her face. An uncontrollable shiver runs down her spine. He begins to take one more step to her, which would leave them so close their bodies would be touching, but her instincts tell her this is far enough and she steps back, to his disappointment.
"I don't know what your problem is, but you need to fix it," and with that she turns on her heel and walks away from him, leaving him completely alone and more disappointed then she realizes.
***
The night is a blur, passing indolently outside Dean's car window. The sappy, romantic music is set low, more as background sounds then anything, and the feel of the leather seat beneath her are not known to Rory Gilmore, for she is lost in deliberation within her own mind. Her thoughts mainly consist of why it is she is suddenly having all these funny moments with the guys in her life, and why they all seem to have a new, incredibly different, effect on her. She continues this silent contemplating for the entire drive to Hartford, where she is on her date with Dean at some unknown restaurant. It isn't until they have arrived in front of what seems to be a very fancy restaurant that he speaks to her.
"We're here," he says smiling at her as he turns the car off. He quickly climbs out and helps her from the car. They walk together, arms linked, into the elegant restaurant. The entrance is festooned with a beautiful glass chandelier, its light filling the room brightly. A waiter approaches and he directs them towards a two-person table. They seat themselves, Dean grinning proudly, and Rory looking about nervously. For some reason she feels weird in such a place; it is almost too much for her. Dean himself looks around excitedly.
"What do you think Rory?" he asks her his eyes gleaming like a child's. She forces herself to smile sweetly, and she nods.
"I love it. It's perfect," she lies. She shifts her weight in the chair as she crosses her legs the best she can under the small table, but in the process she kicks Dean's shin. He winces as her high heels make contact with his bone.
"Oh sorry," she says wincing. He shakes his head reassuringly as suddenly a waiter approaches smiling forcefully. Rory sighs to herself giving in to the fact that it is obvious she is stuck in this place. They order, eat, and have little conversation but Dean doesn't notice that her mind is evidently somewhere else. She is about to suggest they leave without having desert when suddenly a familiar, nagging voice is heard from behind, catching her full attention. As she turns her fears are reassured, and her stomach twists into a knot. Paris *and* Tristan are just walking in together and, of course, bickering amongst each other. Behind them trail their dates; one is Jess, the other a petite full figured blonde. Rory immediately spins back around, and she attempts to hide her face behind her hand. Dean looks at her puzzled.
"What are you doing Rory?" he asks her in a low whisper, his eyes darting about expectantly. She slowly nods her head to the side, in the direction of the group. Rory knows Dean wouldn't recognize any of them, except Jess, and that isn't a good thing. Dean's brows immediately furrow in anger at the very sight of the dark haired boy.
"Dean can we go now?" she asks him pleadingly. He hesitates before nodding in agreement and the two quickly stand from their chairs. Dean hastily plops a small tip on the table before pulling Rory in the direction of the exit, which unfortunately is the entrance as well. Rory's stomach churns as she nears the group and she silently prays they won't see them. They do, and it immediately convinces Rory that God hates her. Tristan's mouth grows into a huge smirk. Paris's face instantly becomes angry. Jess stands, looking completely uncomfortable and the blonde stands totally oblivious to the unfortunate acquaintance.
"Well well well. Look what's popped up in my part of town," says Tristan slyly as he pulls his date from behind him and into his embrace. "If it isn't dear Mary." At that Dean's eyes narrow and Rory can feel his muscles tighten angrily. She reassuringly squeezes his arm but he brushes it off in a new wave of anger.
"So you must be Tristan? Should of known by your whole get up," Dean comments his voice in an almost menacing growl. Tristan's smirk only widens.
"So you've heard of me? Well Mary aren't I lucky to be so popular," he says looking straight into her eyes with immense intensity. Rory can't help but stare back totally captivated by his intimidating gaze. Dean suddenly pulls her closer to him, wrapping his arm around her waist. His touch doesn't seem as gentle as usual and he seems to be showing her off. Rory suddenly gets the nagging want to leave as quickly as possible before the situation escalates into something more unpleasant.
"Let's just go Dean," she mumbles as she attempts to pull him past the group. But he stubbornly stands his ground, his eyes locked on Tristan.
"If I find out that you've bothered Rory ever again, you'll personally hear from me," he growls at Tristan who stands still, smirking. Rory feels angry with him for playing it cool while her boyfriend is getting all riled up. She again pulls on his arm and this time he follows, his eyes still locked on Tristan, even as he walks. Rory attempts to say bye to Jess when suddenly Dean lets out a loud groan. He is now staring at Jess, who stands about six inches shorter then he but still determined to show his pride.
"And you're here too. This is just great Rory. All your admirers are here," he says getting his face in Jess's. Rory suddenly stomps her foot in an outburst of searing anger.
"This is enough! Dean we are leaving!" she yells at him loud enough that the entire restaurant's attention is now on the group. Dean hesitates a moment as he glares at both Tristan and Jess before taking Rory's hand in his and sweeping her away.
The entire ride home is spent in silence, for Rory is too angry with him to try speaking to him. *The nerve of him* she thinks to herself. She expects an act like that coming from Tristan and maybe even Jess but not Dean, her beloved boyfriend who says he trusts her. *How can he say he trusts me when he's always so suspicious of the other guys in my life? He can't possibly trust me if he gets this jealous over a silly encounter!* she again thinks to herself as she tries to straighten out her jumbled thoughts. But it isn't working.
They arrive outside Rory's house and Dean cuts the engine quickly, yet they still remain in silence. He starts to turn to her but she immediately goes for the door handle.
"I'll talk to you later Dean," she says quickly as she climbs out and slams the door behind her. She goes hurling into her house, flinging her jacket across her room as she grabs for her pajamas. As expected, though, Lorelei appears in the doorway with a peculiar expression on her face.
"Tough night kid?" she asks as she always does casually making Rory's business her own business. Rory stares at her mother for a moment, remembering how she manages to always do that and it makes her smile. Her mother raises a brow at her daughter as Rory's expression quickly changes.
"Yeah mom. There was the good, the bad, and the in-between. Let's just say its great to know where I stand. My boyfriend doesn't trust me. The guy I hate with all my being is no longer just in my school life but in my social life. And the one boy I thought I could turn to and be able to talk with about my problems suddenly has feelings for me. I'm a regular Madonna," she says exasperated as she plops onto her bed with a groan. Lorelei instinctively joins her daughter on the bed and lovingly rubs her back.
"That's right girl. Sit back and relax and let them do all the bitter fighting," she says with a wide grin. Rory rolls her eyes at her crazy mother but smiles anyway. Together the two sit and discuss what it would be like to be in a world without men and in the end they agree it's best to have them. Who would there be to make the Gilmore Girls coffee every morning?!
***
"You won't believe the dream I had last night," exclaims Rory with a yawn as she sits beside Dean on the bench at the bus stop. He grins at her and he lovingly places a small kiss on her lips. She smiles back at him, the shivering sensation he always gives her perking her up. He then looks to her eyes tentatively.
"What was it about?" he asks in his deep husky voice. She shifts her position under the heavy weight of her backpack as she turns to him to explain.
"Well, sadly enough it was about coffee," she says smiling broadly as she recalls the dream in her mind. She quickly proceeds to explain how the dream simply revolved around her coffee and how it suddenly turned wacky when Miss Patty appeared surrounded by all of her ex-husbands. They were taunting her relentlessly by keeping some cups of coffee from her grasp by means of holding them high above their heads. Miss Patty being so short and fat could not reach the homely substance to which all life is dependent upon. The dream quickly shifted to Rory swooping in and saving the day. The moral of the story, well there wasn't one but everyone does end up 'happily ever after' and with their coffee of course.
When Rory finishes she is completely out of breath and her mouth already hurts from talking too much early in the morning. Dean merely stares at her, amusement written across his face and she slightly blushes at her own stupidity. As she takes a sip of her coffee the bus suddenly pulls up and the couple rise to their feet. Rory gives him a quick smile and turns to climb in when Dean suddenly grabs her arm. She whirls around to face him confused but before she can ask he quickly plants a firm, breathtaking, kiss on her soft lips. For fear of running late she doesn't allow the kiss to be deepened and she slowly pulls away.
"I don't want to be late, but tonight, you and me okay?" she says reassuring. He simply nods letting go of her arm, but the disappointment is clearly showing in his eyes. She quickly steps onto the bus and proceeds to do what she does every day, sit and stare out the window, of course sipping her coffee, and enjoying the peaceful silence. A few minutes pass of Rory fiddling with a strand of her hair when suddenly the bus lurches forward to a stop. Surprised by the unusual stop she jerks her head to the driver who is irritably opening the bus door. *He's picking someone up?* she thinks wondering why it is there's a new person riding her bus. Without realizing Rory tips her coffee cup and a bit spills on her backpack. She quickly sweeps down attempting to blow the staining substance from her precious bag. Unexpectedly, the seat in front of her creaks from the weight of someone sitting down. Slowly, she looks up, only to be met face to face with a smirking Tristan. She gapes at him a moment before quickly recovering her composure.
"Mary," he states simply. Her eyes narrow as she turns away from him, once again ignoring his existence. Somehow, though, Tristan Dugrey's presence is un-ignorable. She can feel his intimidating gaze on her, slowly running along her every curve and feature. Suddenly she decides it best to take this a different way.
"I'm not going to ask you why you're here because I don't care, but I am going to ask you why it is your eyes are constantly glued to me?" she asks annoyed. He suddenly frowns.
"Is that the best you can do? Mary Mary, I think you lost your touch while I was gone," he says slyly and shaking his head in mock disbelief. She merely glares at him. Becoming frustrated at her lack of decent comebacks, she turns away from him just as the bus makes another stop. A few older people climb on, and the bus quickly continues on its way, following the same monotonous route as it does every day. Yet today is different. Tristan is riding her bus and it is driving her insane. *Why is he so good at driving me up the wall!?* she asks herself angrily. Just then she feels someone slide into the seat beside her. She looks only to again be met by Tristan's face, but this time it is inches away. Captivated by the intense blue of his eyes she suddenly freezes, her heart pounding in her chest for some unknown reason. His eyes slowly linger to her soft lips and before Rory can react he is closing the small gap between them. Automatically she comes to her senses with a blink. Realizing his intention she immediately thrusts her hands against his chest, attempting to push him away, but with little success for her barely moves, but it does break him from his daze. A look of genuine surprise crosses his face quickly followed by furrowed brows of anger.
"Grr what'd you do that for Rory!?" he growls at her. She is about to yell at him when she suddenly stops at the mention of her name. *Did he just say my name?* she thinks to herself. Her eyes widen with surprise and she stares in his direction, but he is looking forward in anger. Somehow the possibility of yelling at him is lost and she quickly slumps in her seat in silence.
Not two minutes later the bus reaches the outside of Chilton. It isn't even to a complete stop before Tristan stands to his feet, ready to jump off. Rory stares at him as he makes his way off the bus. She quickly follows his actions and exits the bus. The light Hartford breeze has picked up this morning, but there is a chill in it. The cold seems to seep within her and she suddenly feels very alone in the vast population of the school called Hell.
Frowning, she makes her way to her locker through the crowd of chatting preppies. As done many times before, she pops it open, removes her normal books and closes it with a slam. As she starts to walk towards her first hour class she accidentally is caught in the line of fire; a girl suddenly slams into her. It is none other than Paris. *Why me?* she thinks with a groan as Paris's snooty face suddenly turns angry.
"Watch where you're going Rory," Paris snaps at her, quickly brushing past her. Rory's gaze follows her as she continues to walk down the hall, her long straight brown almost "billowing" behind her. Suddenly, Rory's eyes widen.
"PARIS!" she yells running after her. Paris suddenly freezes, her shoulders becoming stiff as she spins around facing Rory with an "evil gleam" in her eyes. It is obvious that Rory's actions of addressing her in public are not prohibited. Feeling a little uneasy she clears her throat.
"Um by any chance did you run into a dark haired guy last night?" she asks with caution. Paris raises a brow before narrowing her eyes suspiciously.
"Maybe. What's it to you?" she asks curiously, her intense gaze burning into Rory's eyes. Rory nervously shifts her weight from one foot to the other, adjusting her backpack on her shoulder. *What am I supposed to say to her? Oh hi Paris my friend from Stars Hollow likes you. Want to go out with him?* she thinks to herself. *Oh right, how lame is that!* She blinks away from her thoughts as she slips her hand from her coat pocket, in it placed the folded note.
"Here," she says simply handing the note to a confused Paris. Suddenly the bell rings and Rory's on her way before hearing another word from Paris.
***
The dreaded half-hour has come for Rory Gilmore; lunch. Well, it isn't something she actually dreads; she just more or less doesn't enjoy it all that much. Yes she does get to listen to some P.J. Harvey and read her novel of the week but she isn't looking forward to the intimidating stares of Tristan or another bickering match with Paris. The sudden thought of Paris and her acquaintance with her this morning brings Rory from her thoughts with an immense groan. Either Paris is planning on totally disregarding the note from Jess or she is going to be full of questions. The second possibility is one Rory hopes will be left as a possibility and never actually come to be.
But as she enters the crowded cafeteria an approaching not so popular trio soon crushes her hopes. Her eyes do their usual dramatic 'roll' as she seats herself in her usual corner table, alone with her music and precious books. *Why is it that people seem to bother me when I most want to be left alone!?* she asks herself as the three girls approach. She looks to them, placing her most 'I'm not interested' expression upon her face. The girls completely ignore it, or they are just too stupid to read her face. Paris suddenly slams the note on the table.
"Is this some joke?" she asks angrily. Rory gapes at her, dumbfounded as to why Paris thinks she would make up the note. Paris's expression only grows angrier at Rory's innocent expression.
"Don't play dumb with me Rory Gilmore. What's the meaning of this!?" she yells, frustrated. Rory's bright blue eyes dim as they narrow offended.
"I'm dead serious when I say that's not from me," she growls at the arrogant girl before her. *And I thought Paris was the one person in this school with a little bit of common sense!* she thinks to herself exasperated. Paris then hesitates before seating herself across from Rory.
"Then what's this all about? There's no way that guy actually knows you." she says trailing off into a snicker. Rory raises her brow.
"What do you mean there's no way that I know him? That's Jess, the nephew of my mom's good friend Luke. He moved into Stars Hollow not to long ago and ever since we've been friends. What I'm confused about is how he somehow managed to run into you!" Rory explains snapping at her. Somewhat taken aback by Rory's sudden mood change Paris sits back in her chair just as Louise and Madeline seat themselves in the chairs beside her, both looking bored and fidgety. Rory sighs rolling her eyes at the two.
"So what's this guy want anyway?" Louise asks annoyed. Paris snorts shaking her head in disgust and disbelief
"A date," states Paris irritated. The two girls suddenly stop picking at their nails and look to Paris. Before they can say anything, though, an ever-cocky Tristan appears behind the three. Rory instinctively rolls her eyes returning to her book and placing her headphones on her ears. But Tristan being Tristan has to be the center of attention and he quickly makes it a point to snap in her face in order to her attention, which it does, but not easily. Not bothering to take the headphones off she turns down the volume, just enough to hear her favorite lyrics ringing softly in her ears, kind of as a comfort.
"Mary did I hear wrong or does Paris here have a date with someone?" he asks with a sly grin placed on his lips. His incredibly blue eyes are placed steadily on her, and for some reason she shivers under his stare. He notices her response but decides to push it to the back of his mind, and instead he continues staring. She seems lost for a moment but quickly snaps from her daze, her eyes daring him to continue looking at her that way, which he does without hesitation. Paris suddenly clears her throat loudly, tearing them both from the 'stare feast'. Rory looks to her with a blink.
"I don't know what that just was.never-mind I don't care. No Tristan I do not have a date. Just some freak from Rory's home town looking for a rich bitch to bang," she says standing to her feet irritably. Rory stares at her wide-eyed.
"Paris wait a second that's not at all what Jess is looking." she isn't able to finish for Paris has already stomped off with the two girls lazily following behind her. Now alone are Rory and Tristan, staring after an incredibly over-reactive girl. Shrugging, Rory turns the volume to her CD player back up, droning out the soft buzz of Chilton's cafeteria. She immediately falls completely engrossed in the plot of her romantic novel, and hasn't realized that Tristan is sitting across from her, his arms crossed and his eyes locked on her. It doesn't take long, though, for her to get the creepy feeling he is watching her again. She looks up at him only to be met by his intense blue eyes and famous smirk.
"What?" she asks him as she turns her volume down slightly. He just shakes his head.
"Nothing Mary, nothing. Just observing. Don't mind me. Continue as you were," he says motioning with a flick of his hand for her to return to her book. She merely narrows her eyes at him, and if she could they would be shooting death rays at him. To her luck the bell suddenly rings and she quickly gathers her things and heads towards the cafeteria door. She is one of the last to the door, causing her to have to wait in a line of kids attempting to get through the double doors and out into the hallway. Suddenly she shivers, but it isn't from a chill and instead more of a feeling on the back of her neck. Slowly she turns, her eyes locking with the blue eyes standing at a table in the back. For some reason, unknown to her, she leaves the sanctuary of the herding students and stalks over to him.
"One of these days I'm going to poke you in your eyes and then we'll see if you're looking so hard Dugrey," she growls as she stops a few feet from him. Time for another bickering match. He grabs his chest in mock pain.
"You wound me Mary," he says smirking beyond belief. She merely huffs at him deciding she doesn't want to be late. She starts to turn on her heel but is immediately caught in the arm by Tristan's firm grasp. Her head snaps to him as she yanks her arm from his hand.
"Excuse me but leave your hands to yourself," she snaps at him looking angry. He takes a step closer to her, but her pride prevents her from stepping back. By now they are completely alone in the cafeteria. His eyes burn into hers fiercely. He looks at her a moment, stepping so close the heat of their bodies can be felt. For a moment his eyes seem in a trance, but he quickly blinks it away as the smirk returns, playing on his lips. She sets her jaw firm.
"How can you say that Mary. I know you want me," he whispers in a husky rolling tone and his breath is felt on her face. An uncontrollable shiver runs down her spine. He begins to take one more step to her, which would leave them so close their bodies would be touching, but her instincts tell her this is far enough and she steps back, to his disappointment.
"I don't know what your problem is, but you need to fix it," and with that she turns on her heel and walks away from him, leaving him completely alone and more disappointed then she realizes.
***
The night is a blur, passing indolently outside Dean's car window. The sappy, romantic music is set low, more as background sounds then anything, and the feel of the leather seat beneath her are not known to Rory Gilmore, for she is lost in deliberation within her own mind. Her thoughts mainly consist of why it is she is suddenly having all these funny moments with the guys in her life, and why they all seem to have a new, incredibly different, effect on her. She continues this silent contemplating for the entire drive to Hartford, where she is on her date with Dean at some unknown restaurant. It isn't until they have arrived in front of what seems to be a very fancy restaurant that he speaks to her.
"We're here," he says smiling at her as he turns the car off. He quickly climbs out and helps her from the car. They walk together, arms linked, into the elegant restaurant. The entrance is festooned with a beautiful glass chandelier, its light filling the room brightly. A waiter approaches and he directs them towards a two-person table. They seat themselves, Dean grinning proudly, and Rory looking about nervously. For some reason she feels weird in such a place; it is almost too much for her. Dean himself looks around excitedly.
"What do you think Rory?" he asks her his eyes gleaming like a child's. She forces herself to smile sweetly, and she nods.
"I love it. It's perfect," she lies. She shifts her weight in the chair as she crosses her legs the best she can under the small table, but in the process she kicks Dean's shin. He winces as her high heels make contact with his bone.
"Oh sorry," she says wincing. He shakes his head reassuringly as suddenly a waiter approaches smiling forcefully. Rory sighs to herself giving in to the fact that it is obvious she is stuck in this place. They order, eat, and have little conversation but Dean doesn't notice that her mind is evidently somewhere else. She is about to suggest they leave without having desert when suddenly a familiar, nagging voice is heard from behind, catching her full attention. As she turns her fears are reassured, and her stomach twists into a knot. Paris *and* Tristan are just walking in together and, of course, bickering amongst each other. Behind them trail their dates; one is Jess, the other a petite full figured blonde. Rory immediately spins back around, and she attempts to hide her face behind her hand. Dean looks at her puzzled.
"What are you doing Rory?" he asks her in a low whisper, his eyes darting about expectantly. She slowly nods her head to the side, in the direction of the group. Rory knows Dean wouldn't recognize any of them, except Jess, and that isn't a good thing. Dean's brows immediately furrow in anger at the very sight of the dark haired boy.
"Dean can we go now?" she asks him pleadingly. He hesitates before nodding in agreement and the two quickly stand from their chairs. Dean hastily plops a small tip on the table before pulling Rory in the direction of the exit, which unfortunately is the entrance as well. Rory's stomach churns as she nears the group and she silently prays they won't see them. They do, and it immediately convinces Rory that God hates her. Tristan's mouth grows into a huge smirk. Paris's face instantly becomes angry. Jess stands, looking completely uncomfortable and the blonde stands totally oblivious to the unfortunate acquaintance.
"Well well well. Look what's popped up in my part of town," says Tristan slyly as he pulls his date from behind him and into his embrace. "If it isn't dear Mary." At that Dean's eyes narrow and Rory can feel his muscles tighten angrily. She reassuringly squeezes his arm but he brushes it off in a new wave of anger.
"So you must be Tristan? Should of known by your whole get up," Dean comments his voice in an almost menacing growl. Tristan's smirk only widens.
"So you've heard of me? Well Mary aren't I lucky to be so popular," he says looking straight into her eyes with immense intensity. Rory can't help but stare back totally captivated by his intimidating gaze. Dean suddenly pulls her closer to him, wrapping his arm around her waist. His touch doesn't seem as gentle as usual and he seems to be showing her off. Rory suddenly gets the nagging want to leave as quickly as possible before the situation escalates into something more unpleasant.
"Let's just go Dean," she mumbles as she attempts to pull him past the group. But he stubbornly stands his ground, his eyes locked on Tristan.
"If I find out that you've bothered Rory ever again, you'll personally hear from me," he growls at Tristan who stands still, smirking. Rory feels angry with him for playing it cool while her boyfriend is getting all riled up. She again pulls on his arm and this time he follows, his eyes still locked on Tristan, even as he walks. Rory attempts to say bye to Jess when suddenly Dean lets out a loud groan. He is now staring at Jess, who stands about six inches shorter then he but still determined to show his pride.
"And you're here too. This is just great Rory. All your admirers are here," he says getting his face in Jess's. Rory suddenly stomps her foot in an outburst of searing anger.
"This is enough! Dean we are leaving!" she yells at him loud enough that the entire restaurant's attention is now on the group. Dean hesitates a moment as he glares at both Tristan and Jess before taking Rory's hand in his and sweeping her away.
The entire ride home is spent in silence, for Rory is too angry with him to try speaking to him. *The nerve of him* she thinks to herself. She expects an act like that coming from Tristan and maybe even Jess but not Dean, her beloved boyfriend who says he trusts her. *How can he say he trusts me when he's always so suspicious of the other guys in my life? He can't possibly trust me if he gets this jealous over a silly encounter!* she again thinks to herself as she tries to straighten out her jumbled thoughts. But it isn't working.
They arrive outside Rory's house and Dean cuts the engine quickly, yet they still remain in silence. He starts to turn to her but she immediately goes for the door handle.
"I'll talk to you later Dean," she says quickly as she climbs out and slams the door behind her. She goes hurling into her house, flinging her jacket across her room as she grabs for her pajamas. As expected, though, Lorelei appears in the doorway with a peculiar expression on her face.
"Tough night kid?" she asks as she always does casually making Rory's business her own business. Rory stares at her mother for a moment, remembering how she manages to always do that and it makes her smile. Her mother raises a brow at her daughter as Rory's expression quickly changes.
"Yeah mom. There was the good, the bad, and the in-between. Let's just say its great to know where I stand. My boyfriend doesn't trust me. The guy I hate with all my being is no longer just in my school life but in my social life. And the one boy I thought I could turn to and be able to talk with about my problems suddenly has feelings for me. I'm a regular Madonna," she says exasperated as she plops onto her bed with a groan. Lorelei instinctively joins her daughter on the bed and lovingly rubs her back.
"That's right girl. Sit back and relax and let them do all the bitter fighting," she says with a wide grin. Rory rolls her eyes at her crazy mother but smiles anyway. Together the two sit and discuss what it would be like to be in a world without men and in the end they agree it's best to have them. Who would there be to make the Gilmore Girls coffee every morning?!