Disclaimer : Yours is mine and mine is yours. Sharing makes the world go round. (in other words, Im borrowing these characters/places etc.)
Feedback : Thanks for all the nice comments you people have left me. Feel free to do it again :)
Authors Note : Well the verdict is in, I suppose. Im going to *try* to continue in first person, but be warned I've been known to change my mind at the speed of light. Theres a whole load of things I don't own in this chapter. Namely, the characters (duuur) and of course the songs, which are copyrighted to their respective artists/companies. (see below) Anyways, enjoy.
Part Four
"Do you have your songs picked out for tomorrow?" Rory asked, coming up behind me in the hallway after third period.
I turned, the confusion I felt mirrored on my face. "Hello, nice to see you too. What songs?"
Rory crossed her arms with an exasperated look upon her face. "Good morning, Tristan. The songs for the party. Everyone has to sing two songs. Its the golden rule."
"You expect me to sing?" I raised an eyebrow, shutting my locker. She nodded. "What if I don't sing the required two songs?"
Narrowing her eyes, she gazed at me, unknowingly making me feel almost inadequate. She has these amazing powers over me. "Then you'll be left to face my mother and whatever she chooses to do with you. Last year she made Kirk put on a pink harem girl outfit and parade around the town. Don't underestimate the powers of my mothers persuasion."
Chuckling, I fell in step beside her as we continued down the hall. "Okay, so I'll sing."
"I'll make sure earplugs are available to all."
"Hey, you invited me to this shindig," I reminded her when we can to a stop in front of her locker.
"Correction, my mother invited you." Rory stuck out her tongue childishly.
"You agreed to it," I pointed out.
Sighing, she turned to face me with a grin. "True. Better you to be embarrassed than I. You don't want to know what my mother has planned for me."
"C'mon, sure I do," I jabbed, taking the familiar stance against the lockers.
"Nuh-uh. You'll know soon enough."
"Roooooorrrrry," I whined, a smirk finding its place on my face.
Rory slammed her locker and stalked down the hall. "See you tomorrow, DuGrey," she shot at me as she disappeared around the corner.
******
I needed a song. A song to show Rory how I felt, without actually having to tell her.
No. Shaking my head, I rid that image. It was too cliché, even for someone like me. Besides, I doubted she would even realize that the song was meant for her. Sometimes she was too naive for her own good. Flipping through my extensive cd collection, my hand suddenly stopped. I had the perfect song. Of course, I needed a second one, but I figured I'd just wait and wing that one. But this one, I had to do.
******
The next morning I woke early, showered and ate. Rory had cornered me after sixth period the previous day, demanding that I had to come over and help them set up for the party, upon Lorelai's orders. Naturally I could never say no to her, so I found myself agreeing. Shortly after 9am, I was in the car and headed in the direction of Stars Hollow, my cd for that night hidden well within my trunk. It was nearly ten when I reached the Gilmore home, and I was surprised to see nearly ten people already wandering around the premises. Rory saw me first and jogged over to the car.
"I thought we made it clear that 9:30 was the time to get here?" Were the first words out of her mouth.
"Traffic was a bitch," I muttered, getting out. Rory flashed me a forgiving smile and pulled me in the direction of the group already there. I suddenly found myself wondering how I had gotten to this point. Since when had she became so... open around me?
"Evil turned Nice one," Lorelai greeted, a construction hat ontop of her dark hair and a pencil stuck behind one ear.
"Morning, Lorelai," I said, taking a look around. There were already three other men, one I recognized as being Luke, constructing what looked to be a makeshift stage. "Where do you want me?"
"You and Rory are in charge of the decorations." She said without looking up.
"I guess you're stuck with me, huh," I smirked, turning to look at Rory.
Her face went serious and she pushed me into the house. "Listen, Tris, we're going to have to go to the store and Dean's working today. Can you please, please, please be human and not do anything to upset him more? He's already going to throw a fit because you're here." She pleaded, her eyes begging me.
Even though my heart clenched at the mention of Dean, making it obvious they were still together, I nodded slightly. "I'll wait outside, if thats better for you," I offered.
Rory let out a sigh of relief and smiled. "Thank you," she breathed, surprising the hell out of both of us by giving me an impromptu hug. "Thank you."
"Welcome," I murmured, following her out of the house.
******
Sometimes I wonder if its even worth trying to be a part of her life. Today was one of them days, while she went inside to get the party decorations, I stood outside, watching her shuffle through the store, laughing and yes, kissing Dean. What does she see in him? If you ask me, he's about as exciting as watching a glass of water evaporate, but I can't really say that. I mean, I don't know the guy and if Rory likes him, there must be something good about him, right? I just can't help feeling as though he doesn't deserve her. Not that I do, in any way, shape or form, but I know that I could make her happier, without a doubt. If she would only give me a chance. Slow and steady wins the race, I know, but I've been waiting for what seems like forever.
"Hey, you ready," Rory shook my arm, snapping me out of my reverie.
Glancing over at her, I took a few of the bags from her, despite the adamant refusal. "Everything okay with," I swallowed. "Dean?"
Rory gave me a surprised look, but nodded. "He was kind of ticked about you being here, but I think it'll be okay. You'll act civil tonight?"
"Mary, Mary, don't you know Im always civil?" I laughed, throwing an arm around her shoulders, noting that she didn't pull away.
******
"Okay, up first we have.... Lane!" Lorelai exclaimed into the microphone, her voice vibrating through the yard. The crowd applauded as the Korean girl I had been introduced to earlier took the stage. She smiled shyly to the audience when the music began filtering through. I had to admit, the sound system was incredible. She started out softly, but as time wore on, her confidence grew. When the song was through, she jumped off the stage with thunderous response. She was then promptly carted off by her mother, who was shouting things in what I presumed was Korean.
The next few performers were nobody that I had met thus far, so I just tuned out, wandering around the yard Rory and I had decorated earlier that day. I stopped short when I heard a familiar voice.
"No way, Mom, never."
"Rorrrrry, come on, it'll be fun," Lorelai whined, stomping her foot.
"Mom, Im not doing that song. I already have my two and thats it."
Lorelai grinned evilly. "Either me or Tristan," she egged her on.
"Mom!" Rory exclaimed, glancing around. Luckily I had enough sense to duck out of viewing range as soon as my name was mentioned, although I was dying to know what she was talking about. "Im not doing that with you OR him. Nope. Never. Not in this lifetime."
"I'd be a fooool forr yoooooou," Lorelai warbled off, eyeing her offspring daringly.
Rory frowned and sighed in resignation. "Okay, fine. We'll do it. Anythings better then that song."
"Muahaha," the elder Gilmore cackled, before dragging Rory towards the stage. Knowing Rory as I did, I got the feeling I didn't want to miss a second of this, and so forced my way to the front of the crowd.
******
"Is everyone having a good time?" Lorelai hollered. Everyone responded with a bellowed "yes". "Good. Now me and my pal Rory are going to do a duet, so sit back and get ready to ROCK!"
I bit my lip as the makeshift spotlight dimmed and the faint rustling of the cd being changed could be heard. Suddenly the sound of waves came through the speakers. The lights came on, and much to the amusement of everyone there, the Gilmore girls appeared donning black leather with headset microphones attached to their heads. Rory opened her mouth and let the words flow out.
Sunny days
Birds singin' sweet soundin' songs of love
(That's so pretty girl)
As we walk hand in hand
Just kickin' up sand
As the ocean lands at our feet (ooh)
I'm in your arms
And all of your charms are for me
(Not for me)
Check it
Lorelai took over from there, leaving the rest of us gaping in surprise.
I need a crunk tight nigga
Makes seven figgas ........
******
"What am I going to do with a bitch like you, hmm Mar?" I teased, coming up behind Rory. She turned, her face flushed a bright red color.
"Say one word to anyone at school and you're so dead," she threatened.
Chuckling, I shook my head. "Your secrets safe with me. But wow, what a secret. I had no idea there was that side of you. Maybe I should come by more often."
Rory suddenly grinned. "You know what, you should. I never thought I'd say this, but its kind of nice having you around. In a weird, twisted sort of way."
"Gee, thanks," I smirked.
"Hey, you're up next," Lorelai suddenly appeared, thrusting a microphone at me. I felt my heart rate speed up considerably, but tried not to let it show. Luckily, it was some-what dark where we were standing.
"Are you sure I have to do this?" I asked Rory after her mother had disappeared.
Rory laughed and nodded enthusiastically. "Yep. I better not have spent money on all those earplugs for nothing."
"Mean," I called, heading towards the stage once my name was called.
"Break a leg. Literally," Rory shouted behind me
******
Im not usually a nervous person. People don't make me feel uneasy and I can usually get a long with almost everyone. But as I stood offstage, looking out at all the people crowded around, watching the person currently singing their version of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow", I was just a bundle of nerves. It wasn't the whole prospect of getting up in front of all these people and singing, I've sung in public before, but it was more that Rory was going to be watching that scared me. Why had I picked this song? Idiot my mind screamed over and over. But I didn't have a choice at this point. Lorelai was pulling me on-stage and then the music started. Taking a deep breath, I let my voice fly over the lyrics and notes...
I'm lying here beside you
in someone else's bed
Knowing what were doing's wrong
But better left unsaid
Your breathing sounds like screaming
It's all that I can stand
His ring is on your finger
But my heart is in your hands
Damned if you love me
Damned if you don't
It's getting harder holding on
but I can't let you go
Damned if you don't need me
Damned if you do
God, I wish it wasn't me standing' in these shoes
Damned, damned
A door slams like a shotgun,
you jump up to your feet
But it's just the wind blowing through the secrets that we keep
Made me want to want you,
God knows I need to need you
By the time the love is over,
I'll be sleeping on the streets
Damned if you love me
Damned if you don't
It's getting harder holding on,
but I can't let you go
Damned if you don't need me
Damned if you do
God, I wish it wasn't me standing' in these shoes
Damned, damned
Why don't you talk to me?
(Because I'm too blind to see)
Why don't you look at me?
(Because I'm afraid to breath)
What do you want from me?
(All that I can stand)
The lies are on my tongue and I can't turn back I know
My soul is damned
Don't worry
I ain't gonna call you or hear you say my name
And if you see me on the street,
don't wave, just walk away
Our lives are getting twisted,
let's keep our stories straight
The more that I resist it,
my temptation turns to fate
Damned if you love me
Damned if you don't
It's getting harder holding on,
but I can't let you go
Damned if you don't need me
Damned if you do
God, I wish it wasn't me standing' in these shoes
When I reopened my eyes, it was to see all of Stars Hollow on their feet, the applause deafening. My eyes roamed the crowd, to where Rory was standing beside a dark haired kid, her mouth hanging open and her eyes wide. I didn't know if she understood, but I was too afraid to stick around and find out. Thanking the people, I jumped off the stage and hurried towards my car. I can tell you one thing, Monday definitely came too soon..
******
Did it suck? Come on, did it? Be honessssssst, I can take it, promise! Anyways, yep, thats chapter four.
Song Acknowledgments
Song #1 - "Im Good At Being Bad" - TLC (LaFace/Arista Records)
Song #2 - "Damned" - Bon Jovi (Universal/Mercury Records)
More soon!
- Shay
