A/N: This will probably be the second last chapter. Here goes…
Between exams and working on her article and valedictorian speech, Rory found that she spent all her spare time trying to sort out her romantic feelings for both Tristan and Jess. Finally, the big day had approached, and Rory had figured everything out.
Since Rory had finished her exams the previous day, on Friday morning she headed straight for Luke's office.
"Here you go Luke." She said as she gave him her article.
He read over it and looked up at Rory, surprised. "Rory, it's great, but are you sure about this?"
"No, but it's something that I have to do. And I think it explains my semester in high school quite well, don't you think?"
"If you're sure, let's get it to Taylor right now." He and Rory headed to their boss's office. Taylor loved the article and a plan that Rory had.
***
After dropping off her article, Rory headed home to prepare for the commencement ceremony.
"Honey, just relax, you'll be great!" Lorelai tried to reassure her nervous daughter.
"Why did this all have to get so complicated?" Rory asked.
"Because you're my daughter, and men are simply attracted to the Gilmore charm." Lorelai tried to lighten the mood.
"I'm serious mom. I'm really nervous. This sucks. No matter what I do, someone gets hurt."
"Don't worry babe. I'll be right there supporting you."
***
Rory arrived at the ceremony and was immediately approached by Tristan and her friends.
"Hi Rory."
"Hi Tristan." She forced a smile.
"Wanna walk a bit Ror?"
"Sure." She turned to her friends. "See you guys in a bit."
Tristan and Rory began walking. "So, this is finally the end of high school, huh?"
"Yeah."
"I can't believe that we're starting university soon."
"Hmmm?"
"Rory, are you okay? Oh, you're probably just nervous about your speech. Don't be. You'll be great."
"Tristan, that's not it. I mean, yeah. I am nervous, but there's something I need to tell you."
They took a seat at a bench. "What is it?"
"Tristan, I'm really sorry. I really do like you, and you're a great guy, but…"
"You're breaking up with me?" Tristan interrupted. Rory looked away. "You're breaking up with me at my high school graduation."
"Tristan, I'm really sorry."
"Rory, why?" He seemed on the verge of tears. "Rory, you're the first girl I've ever loved. What happened?"
"Tristan, I'm really sorry, but I can't exactly say anything right now."
"Rory, you at least owe me an explanation."
"I know I do. And you'll get one. But right now I can't. I… I just can't."
"Do you think we can still be friends?" Tristan asked hopefully.
"Of course. I couldn't imagine not having you as a friend." They hugged.
"We better get back." Tristan said sadly.
"Yeah." They walked back in silence.
***
"…And now let's have a warm round of applause for this year's class elected valedictorian. Ladies and gentlemen, Rory Gilmore."
Rory made her way onto the stage. How am I going to do this? She asked herself. She took a deep breath and looked around. She saw her mother and Luke smiling at her to offer her support, and she saw Jess, beaming up at her. She held his gaze for a moment and took another deep breath and began.
"Thank you. Congratulations to all of this year's graduates. And welcome to all family and staff.
This has been quite the year here at West New York High School. And for my fellow graduates, quite the high school experience. Throughout our time here, we have gone through many things and surpassed many obstacles together. Bad grades, breakups, college acceptances, all of which are major experiences in our lives. We have also made lasting friendships.
During my short time here at West New York High School, I have made some amazing friends who accepted me immediately, no questions asked. I love each and every one of you with all my heart for all the amazing support you have shown me.
I would now like to read an excerpt from an article that will be appearing in tomorrow's edition of the New York Times. This article is something that I feel needs to be said, and represents me extremely well. I hope that you all keep an open mind while I read it.
I have spent the last semester experiencing some of the best times of my life, at an amazing high school where I made amazing friends. Unfortunately, to those friends that I love dearly, I have been deceptive. For I am not Rory Gilmore, 17 year old high school student, as I am known to these friends. I am instead Rory Gilmore, a 25 year old reporter for the New York Times. As this is being said, you may be thinking 'what the hell is she talking about,' and thinking that this is not something that happens in real life, only in the movies. I fully comprehend that this comes as a complete shock to you all, but I would like to take this chance explain.
After graduating from Yale University 3 years ago, I received a job offer from the New York Times as a copy editor, with the chance of being promoted to a reporter, which had always been a dream of mine. In those 3 years, I had not written one story for the paper. Then I was given the chance to write my first article. I was to go back to high school to learn about the youth of today. I jumped at the chance.
It started out as great fun, and continued to be right to the end, but various things started to happen. I made the amazing friends that I mentioned earlier, and I started to see an amazing guy, and gradually fell in love. But problems arose. The man that I fell in love with was not the man I was seeing, who is an amazing and unbelievable person. Instead the man I love, whom we'll refer to as 'Dodger' is the most amazing person I've ever met. All those at West New York High School know him. I also think that 'Dodger' is figuring out his identity at this very moment.
I know that this is quite a shock to you all, that none of you would ever have suspected this from me. I know that this is probably very painful for those of you who were close to me. I am also aware that this is quite a way to declare my love for 'Dodger', as well as state my assignment, but it is something that I had to do. I know that a lot of you are probably very confused and upset with me right, and it is fully understandable. 'Dodger' is probably very upset with me now as well. But this is something I had to do. I will conclude my speech today by asking and hoping for the understanding and forgiveness of you, my peers, and once again state, I love you 'Dodger', and I hope that you can forgive me for this. Congratulations to all the graduates, and good luck in your future endeavors. Thank you."
Rory couldn't bring herself to look up from her papers, afraid of what the reaction might be from the crowd. Suddenly, she heard applause. She looked out and saw Tristan standing up and clapping wildly. Gradually her classmates joined in. Rory gave a small smile and forced herself to look behind her to where Jess was sitting, and felt tears come to her eyes when she saw the expression very visible on his face.
A/N: Final chapter should be up soon. Probably between Sunday and Tuesday. Enjoy, and remember to REVIEW please!
xoxox Blondie
