I'm not sure how to end this story. Some people have suggested a sequel. Frankly, I'm just thrilled that you like my story enough to ask for a sequel. I'll see what I can whip up.

I've got some plans for a story, something that will test their endurance with each other. It's called 'Star crossed lovers' -- you guys have to check it out!

I cut my finger today!! *boo hoo hoo. It's really painful.

Thanks to girldevil, gohuskers8604, CoffeeAonly, Angel Monroe, blitzen, Alanna, SarahV, CaffineLFNDGG, Melissa, dodgerluv, Carrie, flossie and Michelle for reviewing. *muah

Chapter 9

Tristan couldn't believe it. The source of all his troubles was standing straight in front of him, looking caught in the headlights. He couldn't bear to look at her, knowing that he was a mess because of her. Knowing that all the trouble she had put him through should have made him hate her, but the thing is he didn't.

That was the trouble. He should hate her, but he didn't. He groaned mentally, and looked at the floor. He walked forward, and ignored her. As if he couldn't see her. But he could. And it was just tearing him up inside.

Rory was stunned and dismayed that he was ignoring her. She could understand it though, she didn't think that this was easy for either of them.

"Tristan, wait. Don't go," pleaded Rory.

Tristan stopped in his steps. "I have to meet someone." That was an outright lie, Dugrey. Who do you have to meet? Your so-called friends from Chilton? Oh puhleeze. They wouldn't give a damn about you if you were poor and ugly.

"Tristan, please. Just give me a moment of your time. That's all I ask for."

"I'm sorry, I have to go somewhere. It's important, and I don't have the time to dilly dawdle."

Rory paused. That comment stung. I guess I know how he must be feeling like right now.

She had never seen Tristan like this. It was like all his defenses were up; two feet thick lead walls that was never ending. They didn't allow Rory to see the Tristan that she wanted to see. Perhaps it was because he was too vulnerable inside. Perhaps not, but she didn't like it.

She had no way of seeing into the future, no way of determining whether she and Tristan would get together, no way of knowing her fate. But she knew that if she didn't act now, it would be a long time before she could even look at him in the eye. So, she said the only thing she knew could stop him.

"I love you too," whispered Rory.

Tristan completely halted and turned around to face Rory. He didn't think he heard it right. Did she just say that she loved me? Huh, quit dreaming Dugrey.

Rory looked into his eyes, and she could see the defenses he had put up slowly crumble. She bit her lip, hoping against hope that he would accept her.

Tristan didn't know what to say. His mind was screaming out at him to walk away and that this is will eventually be another heartbreak. But his heart was telling him a completely different scenario. The girl of his dreams was standing in front of him, biting her lip, unsure of what he was going to say after saying that she loved him too. This girl is the one for him. This girl would be forever. This girl would be his.

He opened his arms to her, and she came flying into them, hugging him fiercely like she would never let go. He kissed her on the forehead, and together they stood there, at peace with the world and what it had brought them. At that precise moment, two wandering souls found each other.

Paris as usual was freaking out. "It's been ages, where's Rory? What if something happened to her? I will never be able to forgive myself if…"

Jess calmed her down. "Chill. I bet things are going just as they should be. And that Rory and Tristan are spending some alone time together. Besides, Rory will probably call us in a few minutes."

True to the words, a phone rang somewhere inside the Gilmore house.

Jess smiled. "Now, if only we can find it…"

They ransacked the place, and finally, Paris found it in the bottom of a laundry basket.

"Hello, hello, is that you, Rory?" asked Paris.

Rory smiled. "Yes, it's me. I just wanted you to know that I won't be home for dinner. Could you please tell mum not to wait for me and to go straight to Luke's?"

Jess grabbed the phone away from Paris. Rory could hear some muffled words, and finally Jess said, "So everything went the way it was supposed to?"

He could practically hear her smile over the phone, and knew the answer already. But he needed to hear it for himself. "Yes. We're going out."

Jess yahoo-ed. "Can I talk to Tristan now?"

Rory nodded. "Sure." She handed the phone over to Tristan.

"Hey Jess."

"Tristan," said Jess. "I know I've said it before, but I will say it again. Hurt her and you die."

Tristan laughed. "I know, I know. You know I will never do that to her on purpose."

Jess grinned. "I know that too, now, having said that, I order you to have a nice time. By the way, get her home at a reasonable hour or Lorelai will chop your balls off."

"Bye Jess."

Tristan had wanted to go to a fancy restaurant for dinner, but Rory suggested something else that would be more enjoyable. Besides, she didn't have any nice dresses on her anyway. They headed to Hartford's theme park.

Maybe one or two more chapters to go. REVIEW PLEASE!

OOH and check out my new fic called Star crossed lovers!