How Can I Make You Understand?
After Tristan was sent off to Paris, Rory was once again alone at Chilton, just as she had been when she had first arrived there. And then there was Tristan, in the city of love, without the love of his life.
But life went on. Tristan in Paris, and Rory in Stars Hollow. Although they missed each other horribly, what could they do? They wrote each other as often as they could, both waiting for the day when those beloved letters would arrive in the mail. But both were stubborn, unwilling to admit to the other the meanings that those letters held, unwilling to admit that yes, they were in love. So time went by, with Tristan continuing to compare every lovely girl he met to the only girl that had captured his heart, finding them all pale in comparison to her radiance; and with Rory turning at the sight of every blond haired, blue eyed male, her heart hoping that one of them would be 'him'.
Then, Jess Mariano made his dramatic entrance into Rory's life. Of course, he was immediately dubbed the 'rebel' of Stars Hollow. Taylor found him despicable – he stole gnomes, he drew chalk outlines, and (little did Taylor know) had a soft spot for classic literature. However, Rory being the kind soul that she was, was drawn to him, and soon they developed into close friends, talking about everything under the sun – books, movies, life… – in fact, in Rory's eyes, it was almost like having Tristan back. But when Rory saw Jess, the butterflies that sprang into her stomach at the sight of Tristan remained asleep. Yes, she loved Jess, but as a brother. She could tell him anything; he was always there for her. But the spark…the spark that was there between Rory and Tristan…that kind of spark was missing.
Jess wasn't dumb. He knew all this and had long since accepted that Rory would never be anything to him except one of his best friends. He knew the feelings that she contained for Tristan. After all, Rory told him everything, including everything that had happened between herself and Tristan. And although she didn't admit that she loved Tristan, it was pretty obvious to him that the two were in love. So he was content to be one of Rory's best friends, her confidante, and her protector…
Tristan, on the other hand, did not know all of this. When Rory wrote to him about her newfound friend in Jess and the good times they had, he thought his heart would break. He thought that she had finally moved on and discovered someone else to share her time with. A strong hatred developed in his heart for this…Jess, this punk who he thought had stolen Rory's heart. He had to get back…he had to tell her how he felt before it was too late. He looked at the calendar, November 1st; if he hurried he could make it back before Christmas. He had to get back, he had to see her, he had to tell her……...
So Tristan went to work on a whole new plan. His father had told him before he left that the only way Tristan could come back was if his life made a complete turnaround. After all, Tristan was a DuGrey, he had to be presentable. So if Tristan's father wanted presentable, that's what he was going to get. Tristan studied harder than ever before, making up all the work that he had missed over the months, studying four hours a night, completing every project with a meticulousness that even Paris would envy, and doing extra credit in every class that still needed help. He completed all his assigned chores perfectly, and even went to such lengths as to volunteer to clean other areas of the dorms as well. In his spare time, instead of drinking and hanging out with his buddies, he did community service around Paris – cleaning up parks, putting together presents for children, working at animal shelters. Soon, Tristan was a well-known student around Paris, a favorite of all the teachers, and the top student in his senior class. Although it was reluctant, his father finally agreed to let him come home soon, in about two weeks time.
Tristan continued to write letters to Rory as normal, not telling her what was going on, but carrying on as before. He wanted to have the advantage of the element of the surprise, so he could see the look on her face when he was back. However, he did write to Lorelai, making accommodations so she would know, arranging for her to have Rory in a certain place the day that he arrived back.
Everything was finally in place…he was going home to the girl of his dreams. H
He just hoped he wasn't too late.
A/N: Just so you know, I'm going to try to finish this story before Christmas, as a little present to all of those who reviewed and liked it. Thank you so much!!! So don't be surprised if you all of a sudden see three or more new chapters added.
Oh, and if you could, in your reviews, tell me if you think my story's any good; and if I should even bother to write another. Thanks!!!
-Ivy