This is the re-posting of this story, under the new user i.d. The first…11 Chapters are done solely by me, Just Jamie. (Just call me Jamie…Hehehe) Anything after that is joint between the Princess and I. I've taken this opportunity to correct some mistakes that I've found. For example, there aren't any time jumps in the first chapter. I also changed the title of the first chapter, because all of the other chapters are titled after quotes in that chapter.
Disclaimer: I own a 1992 Saturn SL1, a Newfoundland (that's a kind of dog – picture a black St. Bernard, only bigger. His name is Zulu Ra, and he's my baby! Of course, the fact that he outweighs me by a good eighty pounds and tends to hog the bed is completely beside the point.), this laptop, a few thousand books, a TV, a VCR, a stereo (not a very good one – doesn't even have an integrated CD player), a CD collection to rival Lane Kim's, enough clothes to keep the Salvation Army operating for a decade, and a pleather coat. In other words, I don't own ANY of the characters. (Yep – everyone who's mentioned in the story really is or has been on the show! Heheheh), I have no rights to or affiliation with Camden Military Academy (which is a real military school, located in Camden, South Carolina.). I'm not even totally sure the plot line is original. I think it is…but, one of my favorite sayings is, "Everything's already been thought of once. The difficulty lies in thinking of it again." Oh yeah – if anyone's planning on suing me, don't bother, I work for 16 really good attorneys.
Anyway, read on, I hope you enjoy the story. Also, please forgive – it's my very first fan fiction, and was written between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. I am open to all kinds of pointers, suggestions, remarks, comments, criticisms, advise, etc., though I'm not going to attempt to bribe or browbeat anyone into reviewing. I will most likely continue the story, and continue posting, whether I get any feedback or not. I would just really appreciate it if everyone who reads this story does at least take the time to click the little review button, and at the very least, tell me you've read the story.
It's set sometime in the 3rd season. I'm going to try and have it run parallel to the actual show, but no promises. Everything that happened on the show has happened in this story. (Except for the 1 episode I've missed – this week's episode, I think it was a new one, only I thought at the time that it was a pe-reat, and so didn't watch it. I went Christmas shopping instead.) Alrighty – this is the end of my very long-winded author's note, I think. I do promise that there will never ever ever be an a/n this long again. Oh yeah…Italics mean someone's thinking, quotes mean someone's speaking, though I tried to be really careful about making that clear. (Hence the 6 hours to write 3 pages.)
I think this is going to be a T/R, cuz I just like Tristan the best. (I heard a rumor that Chad Michael Murray is returning to the show. If anyone has any solid information one way or the other, please let me know?) However, one of my friends may or may not be collaborating with me in the future, and she's a die-hard Jess fan, so we'll see. (She may want to write herself in, as Jess's love interest…lol) Also, neither of us can stand Dean, so whether I continue this solo or with my buddy, and regardless of what happens on the show, he's not going to be getting back together with Rory in this story. I may actually have to have something freakishly bizarre kill him off, because he has annoyed me since Day 1. Anyway – this really is the end of my rambling. (I think the author's note may be longer than the chapter, but I had to say the stuff, y'know? Forgive and forget, and most importantly, read on!)
SECOND CHANCES
CHAPTER ONE – IT'S ONLY FAIR TO REPAY THE FAVOR (REVISED – NO TIME JUMPS, I PROMISE!!!!!)
Snapping the locks on his suitcase shut, he took one last look around the barracks. Oddly enough, he felt almost…sad? to be leaving this place. He was going home today. Home? No, that wasn't it…Hartford wasn't his home, any more than Camden Military Academy had been. He wondered briefly which school his parents had decided he would attend for his senior year. Oh well – didn't really matter, anyway. He'd find out sooner or later. After all, what was one more year? After that, he'd be on his own…or, at least, have the option of being on his own. He sighed. Could he do it? Could he walk away from his family, his name, his life? He'd been so certain before…but now, he wasn't as sure. He shrugged, and headed out the door.
The following day, Monday, after his parents dropped the bombshell on him, he went to his new/old school. He stood in front of the forbidding oak doors, and took a deep breath. He never would have dreamt that his parents would choose to send him back here. For that matter, it was equally surprising that the school allowed him to come back. He took another deep breath, and opened the door.
After waiting for half an hour, the receptionist spoke to him. "The headmaster will see you now." He got up, and walked into the office beyond the waiting room.
"Mr. DuGrey. Sit." The headmaster paced behind his massive desk. "As you are no doubt are aware, your grandfather pulled many strings and called in many favors to have you readmitted to this institution. However, that is as far as it goes. Re-admittance. Whether or not your attendance is continued is entirely up to you. Any repetition of your previous antics, and you will be expelled. After all, failure is a part of life – but not a part of Chilton. Is this understood?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Good. Miss James has your schedule."
"Thank you sir. I'll do my best."
"I have my doubts as to whether your best is actually up to par."
"It will be, sir."
He had gotten his schedule and books, and had gone to his locker. He was now on his way to his first class back at Chilton. Advanced British Literature, with Mr. Remmy. He sighed. He seemed to be doing that a lot. Okay, DuGrey – moment of truth. No turning back. He took a deep breath, and walked into the classroom.
Mr. Remmy paused mid-lecture, and glanced at the door. "Mr. DuGrey. Welcome back. If you'll take your seat, we'll continue with today's lesson." He indicated the only empty desk in the classroom…right next to…Rory Gilmore.
At the mention of Tristan's name, Rory looked up from her notes. Sure enough, there he was. Walking towards her. Looking at her. Two pairs of blue eyes locked, and a thousand words were exchanged in a matter of seconds. Greetings, apologies, forgiveness, questions, answers.
The two spent the rest of the period stealing glances at each other. Rory was surprised to find that Tristan actually seemed to be paying attention, and taking notes. He even went so far as to ask for clarification on points the class had covered before his return. How'd he get back into Chilton? I thought he was gone for good. Oh well. Seems like military school's done him good. He looks like he's actually trying to LEARN. I wonder if he's still a jerk? God I hope not…this year's tough as is – I don't need Bible Boy making it worse!
For his part, Tristan tried desperately to focus on the lecture, but couldn't seem to shake the awareness that she was there, next to him. So close. She's as beautiful as ever. Maybe more. I wonder if she's still with Bagboy? Well, even if she is…it's gonna be different this time. No more Mary, no more smirks, no more innuendos. She's not going to hate me this year, no matter what it takes.
Mr. Remmy glanced at the clock. "Well, folks, that's all the time we have for today. Remember, your papers are due Wednesday, and the test will be Friday. No make-ups, no exceptions. Mr. DuGrey, Ms. Gilmore, I'd like to have a few words with you."
Rory and Tristan both stood, and after gathering their notes and books, walked to Mr. Remmy's desk.
"Mr. DuGrey – I'm sure you recall just how difficult my classes tend to be. Ms. Gilmore has the honor of holding the highest grade in this class. I understand the conditions of your re-admittance to Chilton, and so would suggest that you allow her to help you get caught up, and prepare for this Friday's test, which you will have to take. However, I will give you some leeway. The other students have had a full week to work on their research papers. You can hand it in Friday before class. Ms. Gilmore, I hope you will be willing to assist Mr. DuGrey?"
Rory nodded. "Of course, Mr. Remmy. After all – he offered me his notes from your class on my first day at Chilton. It's only fair to repay the favor."
Tristan inwardly groaned…She had to bring that up, didn't she? God – I was such an ass to her! Well, I won't be this time. "Thank you, Mr. Remmy, for the extended deadline on the paper. I will try to get it to you on Wednesday, but I'll definitely have it by Friday. And, thanks, Rory, for your help."
Rory smiled at Tristan. He called me Rory? Maybe military school DID do him good. Nah, it's probably just the fact that Remmy's here. I wonder what conditions his re-acceptance has? "Welcome back." She turned, and walked out of the room.
"Thanks." Tristan murmured under his breath, before shouldering his backpack, and following her into the crowded hallway.
His other classes went by fairly quickly. Everywhere Tristan went, he was bombarded with people welcoming him back. By the end of the day, he was exhausted, and almost wished he was back at Camden…at least there, the exhaustion was physical.
He had made it almost to his car before he remembered; he hadn't seen Rory again since Remmy's class that morning, and so hadn't gotten her notes, or arranged a time to study. He turned back to the school, only to find her just a few feet behind him.
She grinned at him somewhat sheepishly. "Sorry, Tristan – I was in such a rush this morning, I completely forgot to give you my notes. And then the rest of the day has been so hectic, what with the Franklin and a student council meeting and all."
Tristan frowned, puzzled. "Student council? I didn't know you were on that."
Her grin brightened, and her eyes sparkled with hidden laughter. "Oh yeah – you weren't here last year. Paris browbeat me into running with her. I'm vice-president; she's president. Anyway, due to the inanities of Louise, Madeline, and Francie, the student council meeting ran over, and I missed my bus. So, you can give me a ride home, we'll get coffee, and go over the stuff for the test on Friday. Whaddya say?"
He smiled at her. "Sure, that's cool – but, won't your boyfriend get upset?"
Rory shook her head. "Nah, Jess won't care."
Tristan cocked his head to the side, confused once again. "Jess? Thought his name was Dean."
She blushed. "Dean and I broke up – I'm with Jess, now."
Tristan shrugged. "Okay – well, get in."
~End Chapter 1~