Ch 7 Washington and that whole Buzz
Eight hours on a bus with Paris wasn't the best way to spend your Saturday morning. Especially, after not having her usual dose of coffee that morning before leaving from her grandparent's house. Rory was grumpy and tired, but there was no way to get out of this now. She was on her way to Washington for the whole summer. Slipping her earphones on and pulling out her book Rory blocked out Paris and any other thoughts of the past week. She knew that she wouldn't always be able to deny the truth but she was willing to try it out for the summer.
They arrived in Washington after eight hours of music, reading and lectures from Paris. Rory jumped off the bus and grabbed her bag, which was tossed into a Taxicab bringing them to their dorm. Rory slid into the back seat while Paris began giving orders to the driver then slid in next to her. Now, Rory's mind was on finding a decent coffee supplier for the summer. Without coffee Rory was never going to make it. Finally, they arrived at the dorm to find hundreds of other kids from private schools all around lounging outside. Paris had paid the driver and was out of the taxi before it even came to a stop. Rory was less eager to get out.
In less than an hour Paris had already scoped out their competition rather thoroughly and knew which were going to be trouble. That was all before the last car pulled up. "Washington here I am!" someone exclaimed.
"Please tell me I'm hearing things," Paris muttered before turning around to see. Rory did the same hoping she was also hearing things.
"Your not," Rory groaned at the sight of Tristan, "Neither am I." Before they could shrink back into the crowd and out of sight, he spotted them.
"Well, well what have we got here," he said smugly, "If it's not Mary...and Paris."
"Her name is Rory Tristan," Paris snapped, "And what are you doing here?"
"I'm here on a little outing," Tristan replied, "Apparently military school has a president too."
"You made president?" Paris asked dryly.
"As a matter of fact I'm pretty popular over there," Tristan remarked, "I'm surprised you're here."
"Which one of us?" Rory inquired.
"Both," Tristan stated. Before anymore could be said between the three of them someone on the stepped up and handed them an envelope with their room numbers and keys. Paris dragged Rory away to go and get "settled in". Rory couldn't believe her luck. Not only was she stuck with Paris, but now also Tristan. The witty remarks would never end on his behalf. She already had enough to think about with her falling for Jess without Tristan adding himself to the equation, once again.
The dorm in which she was to share with Paris was quite nice. There were two different rooms with beds, a bathroom, a kitchen and a seating area for them as well as a telephone. Maybe this wouldn't be half bad. Paris claimed the first of the two rooms leaving Rory with the other. Rory examined the room. A bureau, closet and nightstand to go along with the bed occupied her new room for the summer. She plopped down on the bed for a seconds rest then got to work. If she didn't unpack her things now she wouldn't and she'd be living out of her suitcase all summer.
An hour later Paris was dragging her out again. They had the rest of the day to themselves before the leadership classes started the next day. Rory couldn't believe she had agreed to put herself through this torture for the whole summer, but she knew why. Right now what was waiting for her at home was too complicated for her to deal with. She didn't want to stand up to it and decide whom she wanted to be with. The first thing Rory did when they got out was look for a coffee place. She found one just a block over. Breaking away from Paris she entered and ordered a large coffee to go. She got it and joined Paris outside, who was impatiently waiting for her. Fortunately they had seen the last of Tristan that day.
During the next two weeks they were all too busy to socialize with any of the others there. Rory and Paris were relieved of dealing with Tristan, for now. That wouldn't last too long though. During the beginning of the third week while Rory was lounging in the coffee shop drinking her large coffee and reading did she run into Tristan. It was their first day off in three weeks and Rory heaved a sigh when she saw Tristan sit in the seat in front of her. "What do you want?" she groaned returning to her book.
"Haven't changed a bit have you?" he dodged her question.
"I have in more ways than you'll ever know," Rory retorted, "Now please leave before Paris gets here and more trouble starts."
"Last time I saw Paris she was arguing with one of our instructors," Tristan grinned, "No danger there."
"I'd really like to get back to my reading," Rory stated, "And with you around that doesn't seem to be happening."
"Too bad," he continued to smirk, "How's bagboy?" Tristan was clearly showing no signs of leaving so, Rory shoved her book in her bag, picked up her coffee and walked out. Tristan wasn't about to let her go that easily though. "Something happen between you two while I've been away?"
"It's really none of your business," Rory commented.
"What is it about this time?" Tristan asked, "or should I say WHO."
"I'm not up to discussing my life with you Tristan," Rory walked briskly down the street trying to lose him in the crowd, with no luck.
"Did you kiss this guy and cry too?" Tristan continued.
"Stop it Tristan!" Rory exclaimed, "My life is complicated enough without you adding to it. I came here to get away from all my problems and what do I find. YOU! Now, please leave me alone so I can find a way to avoid thinking about my problems!"
"It's that bad huh," Tristan cut in front of her, "Come on Rory. Let's go back to the coffee place and you can tell me about it. Who knows, maybe I'll be able to help."
"No. I'm pretty sure I can handle this on my own," Rory insisted, "But thanks for the offer."
"Fine," Tristan moved over, "You know where to find me if you change your mind." Before Rory could say anything to that Paris came up from behind them.
"What are you doing here?" She snapped when she saw Tristan standing there.
"Leaving," Rory filled in for him. Paris stared Tristan down before he finally caved and left heading back in the direction of the coffee house.
"What was he doing with you?" Paris inquired.
"What Tristan does best," Rory replied.
"Being a jerk," Paris translated
"That pretty much sums it up," Rory nodded, "He interrupted my reading to ask questions about my personal life."
"Yes, the question of the month," Paris faked enthusiasm, "Who will Rory pick? Her boyfriend or the hooligan, I wonder, I wonder. The whole world is watching and casting their votes on which one they think it'll be. It's going to be the event of the year."
"I liked it better when you didn't care," Rory sighed.
"I don't," Paris assured her, "But you'd think it was the end of the world with how you're acting."
"You'd feel the same if it were you in this situation," Rory said.
"Oh, I'd be so lucky," Paris said dryly.
"One day," Rory shook her head, "You'll understand."
The rest of the say was pretty quiet. Rory did some shopping and tried to forget all that happened earlier. It was more than hard to do. When she got home the phone was ringing. Paris was still not in the room so Rory was forced to answer. "Hello," she said groggily into the receiver.
"Hello sunshine!" her mother's cheerful voice filled the phone.
"Ugh!" Rory groaned, "Why are you so cheerful?"
"Nice to speak to you too," Lorelai began having pretend conversation, "Yes, I'm good too."
"Sorry mom," Rory sighed, "You're just way too cheerful for me right now."
"ME!" Lorelai laughed, "You should see Sookie."
"OH, how was her honeymoon?" Rory asked.
"I'll let you know when she's done," Lorelai answered.
"So," Rory yawned trying to stay awake, "It was that good huh."
"AW, is my baby tired?" Rory could just picture her mother's face, "You know what you need is a good cup of Luke's coffee and some pancakes. Let's go now!"
"Too bad I'm in Washington," Rory pointed out, "Which is eight hours away."
"So," Lorelai huffed, "I was thinking you could come home."
"No can do soldier," Rory apologized, "Three more weeks and I'll be home though."
"Fine," Lorelai sighed giving in, "Talk to you later hugs and kisses."
"Bye," Rory smiled to herself, "Have some of that coffee and pancakes for me."
"I will," Lorelai assured her, "There especially good these days."
"BYE!" Rory exclaimed hanging up before her mother could say anything more.
The next three weeks flew by. Rory and Paris were caught up in all the work they had to do to prepare before they had to go back and run Chilton. They hadn't had much time to do anything else, but the work. Now it was her last day before the long trip home. Whenever she had gotten some spare time Tristan followed her like a lost puppy until she returned to the dorm or Paris caught up to her. Now, Rory sat in the coffee house thinking. For the first time she actually focused on the topic she's been dreading, Jess and Dean. Soon enough Tristan plopped into the seat in front of her like any other morning they had spent here. "Can I." Tristan began but before he could continue Rory cut him off.
"You'd think it would be easy!" she exclaimed, "To choose which one you really loved. I mean I've been going with Dean for so long. Nothing should be able to come between us. I should've known the first day I met Jess. There was just something there. I mean Jess broke my arm by swerving the car Dean made for me. Dean made me a car I should hate Jess and never want to see him again. No, instead I ran away to New York to visit him. My mom saw it all before I did. She told me I was falling for him, but I didn't believe her. Then, when he came back instead of just a normal welcome back I KISS HIM!"
"Sounds like you really like this guy," Tristan pointed out when she finished.
"And trust me Rory," somewhere along the way Paris had entered, "He likes you."
"But I love Dean," Rory murmured.
"When you say 'I love you'," Paris began, "Can you look him in the eyes and say it?" Rory didn't say anything, but she knew the answer.
"If you can't," Tristan continued, "It's not love."
"What's happened to you two?" Rory shook her head in awe, "You're not usually like this. You have to be witty and sarcastic about all this!"
"Bagboy really made you a car?" Tristan laughed. Rory sighed.
The next day Rory gave Tristan a hug and thanked him for the help he gave yesterday. "Chilton isn't the same without you," she assured him.
"Bye Mary," he waved.
"Bye!" Rory got on the bus and joined Paris in their bench. Another long ride home maybe not as bad, but this time it was certainly going to be harder. The closer they came to arriving back in Stars Hollow the more she dreaded it. Sometime before school started she was going to have do something about Dean. She couldn't keep avoiding it forever. The truth was there right in front of her, but she didn't want to reach out for it, yet, but she would.
Eight hours on a bus with Paris wasn't the best way to spend your Saturday morning. Especially, after not having her usual dose of coffee that morning before leaving from her grandparent's house. Rory was grumpy and tired, but there was no way to get out of this now. She was on her way to Washington for the whole summer. Slipping her earphones on and pulling out her book Rory blocked out Paris and any other thoughts of the past week. She knew that she wouldn't always be able to deny the truth but she was willing to try it out for the summer.
They arrived in Washington after eight hours of music, reading and lectures from Paris. Rory jumped off the bus and grabbed her bag, which was tossed into a Taxicab bringing them to their dorm. Rory slid into the back seat while Paris began giving orders to the driver then slid in next to her. Now, Rory's mind was on finding a decent coffee supplier for the summer. Without coffee Rory was never going to make it. Finally, they arrived at the dorm to find hundreds of other kids from private schools all around lounging outside. Paris had paid the driver and was out of the taxi before it even came to a stop. Rory was less eager to get out.
In less than an hour Paris had already scoped out their competition rather thoroughly and knew which were going to be trouble. That was all before the last car pulled up. "Washington here I am!" someone exclaimed.
"Please tell me I'm hearing things," Paris muttered before turning around to see. Rory did the same hoping she was also hearing things.
"Your not," Rory groaned at the sight of Tristan, "Neither am I." Before they could shrink back into the crowd and out of sight, he spotted them.
"Well, well what have we got here," he said smugly, "If it's not Mary...and Paris."
"Her name is Rory Tristan," Paris snapped, "And what are you doing here?"
"I'm here on a little outing," Tristan replied, "Apparently military school has a president too."
"You made president?" Paris asked dryly.
"As a matter of fact I'm pretty popular over there," Tristan remarked, "I'm surprised you're here."
"Which one of us?" Rory inquired.
"Both," Tristan stated. Before anymore could be said between the three of them someone on the stepped up and handed them an envelope with their room numbers and keys. Paris dragged Rory away to go and get "settled in". Rory couldn't believe her luck. Not only was she stuck with Paris, but now also Tristan. The witty remarks would never end on his behalf. She already had enough to think about with her falling for Jess without Tristan adding himself to the equation, once again.
The dorm in which she was to share with Paris was quite nice. There were two different rooms with beds, a bathroom, a kitchen and a seating area for them as well as a telephone. Maybe this wouldn't be half bad. Paris claimed the first of the two rooms leaving Rory with the other. Rory examined the room. A bureau, closet and nightstand to go along with the bed occupied her new room for the summer. She plopped down on the bed for a seconds rest then got to work. If she didn't unpack her things now she wouldn't and she'd be living out of her suitcase all summer.
An hour later Paris was dragging her out again. They had the rest of the day to themselves before the leadership classes started the next day. Rory couldn't believe she had agreed to put herself through this torture for the whole summer, but she knew why. Right now what was waiting for her at home was too complicated for her to deal with. She didn't want to stand up to it and decide whom she wanted to be with. The first thing Rory did when they got out was look for a coffee place. She found one just a block over. Breaking away from Paris she entered and ordered a large coffee to go. She got it and joined Paris outside, who was impatiently waiting for her. Fortunately they had seen the last of Tristan that day.
During the next two weeks they were all too busy to socialize with any of the others there. Rory and Paris were relieved of dealing with Tristan, for now. That wouldn't last too long though. During the beginning of the third week while Rory was lounging in the coffee shop drinking her large coffee and reading did she run into Tristan. It was their first day off in three weeks and Rory heaved a sigh when she saw Tristan sit in the seat in front of her. "What do you want?" she groaned returning to her book.
"Haven't changed a bit have you?" he dodged her question.
"I have in more ways than you'll ever know," Rory retorted, "Now please leave before Paris gets here and more trouble starts."
"Last time I saw Paris she was arguing with one of our instructors," Tristan grinned, "No danger there."
"I'd really like to get back to my reading," Rory stated, "And with you around that doesn't seem to be happening."
"Too bad," he continued to smirk, "How's bagboy?" Tristan was clearly showing no signs of leaving so, Rory shoved her book in her bag, picked up her coffee and walked out. Tristan wasn't about to let her go that easily though. "Something happen between you two while I've been away?"
"It's really none of your business," Rory commented.
"What is it about this time?" Tristan asked, "or should I say WHO."
"I'm not up to discussing my life with you Tristan," Rory walked briskly down the street trying to lose him in the crowd, with no luck.
"Did you kiss this guy and cry too?" Tristan continued.
"Stop it Tristan!" Rory exclaimed, "My life is complicated enough without you adding to it. I came here to get away from all my problems and what do I find. YOU! Now, please leave me alone so I can find a way to avoid thinking about my problems!"
"It's that bad huh," Tristan cut in front of her, "Come on Rory. Let's go back to the coffee place and you can tell me about it. Who knows, maybe I'll be able to help."
"No. I'm pretty sure I can handle this on my own," Rory insisted, "But thanks for the offer."
"Fine," Tristan moved over, "You know where to find me if you change your mind." Before Rory could say anything to that Paris came up from behind them.
"What are you doing here?" She snapped when she saw Tristan standing there.
"Leaving," Rory filled in for him. Paris stared Tristan down before he finally caved and left heading back in the direction of the coffee house.
"What was he doing with you?" Paris inquired.
"What Tristan does best," Rory replied.
"Being a jerk," Paris translated
"That pretty much sums it up," Rory nodded, "He interrupted my reading to ask questions about my personal life."
"Yes, the question of the month," Paris faked enthusiasm, "Who will Rory pick? Her boyfriend or the hooligan, I wonder, I wonder. The whole world is watching and casting their votes on which one they think it'll be. It's going to be the event of the year."
"I liked it better when you didn't care," Rory sighed.
"I don't," Paris assured her, "But you'd think it was the end of the world with how you're acting."
"You'd feel the same if it were you in this situation," Rory said.
"Oh, I'd be so lucky," Paris said dryly.
"One day," Rory shook her head, "You'll understand."
The rest of the say was pretty quiet. Rory did some shopping and tried to forget all that happened earlier. It was more than hard to do. When she got home the phone was ringing. Paris was still not in the room so Rory was forced to answer. "Hello," she said groggily into the receiver.
"Hello sunshine!" her mother's cheerful voice filled the phone.
"Ugh!" Rory groaned, "Why are you so cheerful?"
"Nice to speak to you too," Lorelai began having pretend conversation, "Yes, I'm good too."
"Sorry mom," Rory sighed, "You're just way too cheerful for me right now."
"ME!" Lorelai laughed, "You should see Sookie."
"OH, how was her honeymoon?" Rory asked.
"I'll let you know when she's done," Lorelai answered.
"So," Rory yawned trying to stay awake, "It was that good huh."
"AW, is my baby tired?" Rory could just picture her mother's face, "You know what you need is a good cup of Luke's coffee and some pancakes. Let's go now!"
"Too bad I'm in Washington," Rory pointed out, "Which is eight hours away."
"So," Lorelai huffed, "I was thinking you could come home."
"No can do soldier," Rory apologized, "Three more weeks and I'll be home though."
"Fine," Lorelai sighed giving in, "Talk to you later hugs and kisses."
"Bye," Rory smiled to herself, "Have some of that coffee and pancakes for me."
"I will," Lorelai assured her, "There especially good these days."
"BYE!" Rory exclaimed hanging up before her mother could say anything more.
The next three weeks flew by. Rory and Paris were caught up in all the work they had to do to prepare before they had to go back and run Chilton. They hadn't had much time to do anything else, but the work. Now it was her last day before the long trip home. Whenever she had gotten some spare time Tristan followed her like a lost puppy until she returned to the dorm or Paris caught up to her. Now, Rory sat in the coffee house thinking. For the first time she actually focused on the topic she's been dreading, Jess and Dean. Soon enough Tristan plopped into the seat in front of her like any other morning they had spent here. "Can I." Tristan began but before he could continue Rory cut him off.
"You'd think it would be easy!" she exclaimed, "To choose which one you really loved. I mean I've been going with Dean for so long. Nothing should be able to come between us. I should've known the first day I met Jess. There was just something there. I mean Jess broke my arm by swerving the car Dean made for me. Dean made me a car I should hate Jess and never want to see him again. No, instead I ran away to New York to visit him. My mom saw it all before I did. She told me I was falling for him, but I didn't believe her. Then, when he came back instead of just a normal welcome back I KISS HIM!"
"Sounds like you really like this guy," Tristan pointed out when she finished.
"And trust me Rory," somewhere along the way Paris had entered, "He likes you."
"But I love Dean," Rory murmured.
"When you say 'I love you'," Paris began, "Can you look him in the eyes and say it?" Rory didn't say anything, but she knew the answer.
"If you can't," Tristan continued, "It's not love."
"What's happened to you two?" Rory shook her head in awe, "You're not usually like this. You have to be witty and sarcastic about all this!"
"Bagboy really made you a car?" Tristan laughed. Rory sighed.
The next day Rory gave Tristan a hug and thanked him for the help he gave yesterday. "Chilton isn't the same without you," she assured him.
"Bye Mary," he waved.
"Bye!" Rory got on the bus and joined Paris in their bench. Another long ride home maybe not as bad, but this time it was certainly going to be harder. The closer they came to arriving back in Stars Hollow the more she dreaded it. Sometime before school started she was going to have do something about Dean. She couldn't keep avoiding it forever. The truth was there right in front of her, but she didn't want to reach out for it, yet, but she would.