How Can I Make You Understand?
Tristan couldn't bear to see the look that passed over Rory's face. In the fraction of an instant that it took for him to utter those words, I'm leaving, the look in her eyes went from one of anger and fear to one of despair, sadness, and hurt.
"You're…you're what?" Rory stammered, trying to make some logical sense out of what Tristan had just said.
"I'm leaving."
"What do you mean you're leaving? Are you moving; are you going away for the weekend? What?" Rory questioned.
"Boarding school."
"You mean you're going back to North Carolina?"
"No. Paris. My father decided that since he couldn't 'handle' me, he'd send me away-"
"But you've been better!" Rory cried, "You grades are some of the best in the class-"
"I know all of this, Ror. Trust me, I tried to convince him, but…" Tristan's words trailed off, his voice filled with sadness. "I'm sorry."
Sadly, Rory looked away, trying to process all she'd heard. What was she supposed to do without her best friend? Quietly she said, "When are you leaving?"
"Tomorrow."
With that, Rory's heart stopped. "Tomorrow?!?" Rory squeaked, then paused, trying to take a breath to calm her racing heart. 'Remember Gilmore, this is about Tristan, not you.' "So this is I? This is…this is goodbye?"
"For now."
"When will you come back?"
"When Father feels I'm ready; I'm really sorry, Ror. God, I always seem to screw things up just when they're getting good, don't I?"
Rory turned to face him, cupping his chin in her hand, forcing him too look at her. "No, Tristan, don't think that. This was not your fault. Your father just can't see how good of a man you've become; how much you've changed. You're a good person, Tristan DuGrey, never forget that…and…" she hesitated, looking away once more "and…while you're at it…never forget me."
Tristan crossed the space in between them and enveloped Rory in his arms. "How could I ever forget you Rory Gilmore? You've changed my life, my world. I'll miss you like hell while I'm gone."
Rory chuckled. "You know, Paris is never gonna let me live this one down…"
"I know, sorry about that…" Tristan turned away.
"Tris?"
"Rory, when I come back, will we still be…?" Tristan asked nervously.
"Of course, Tristan. You're stuck with me for good."
Tristan, relieved, turned to face her once again, "I always knew you wanted me, Mary," he smirked.
Rory rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Promise me that you'll stay in touch. I expect weekly contact of some sort, got that? After all, what else am I supposed to do except wait by the mailbox for your letters when my best friend leaves me all alone?" Rory smiled.
"Yes, sir. But those letters better be returned Sergeant Gilmore."
"Of course, Tristan. Just promise you'll come back, okay? I need my best friend… Now you better go; I'll bet that you still have some packing to do." Rory tried her best to smile through her unshed tears.
Tristan hugged her once more. "Don't worry, Ror. I'll be back; you can't get rid of me this easy…I'll miss you Rory Gilmore. Good-"
Rory cut him off. "No, Tris. No good-byes. Goodbyes make it sound like you'll be gone forever. But we'll be seeing each other again; I'm sure of it. So don't go saying goodbye, because I can't…I can't handle it." Rory stammered, then gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Now go."
Tristan nodded, smiling a smile full of pain and longing. "Fine. Then I guess it's so long for now… I'll miss you, Rory Gilmore." And with one last look, he got into his car and drove off into the night.
As his car pulled out of view, Rory finally allowed her tears to fall, whispering, "I'll miss you, too, Tristan DuGrey."