WHAT A HUNK OF MEAT
Chapter Three of Secrets Of The Heart.
*×* *×* *×* *×* *×*
Note: Quite a few people have asked me not to pair Rory with Tristan. This is basically a short note to let know that nothing is decided for Rory yet: as you can see I've left it open to all possibilities. It could be Tristan, it could be Jess, Dean or even a totally new character. We'll see. . .
*×* *×* *×* *×* *×*
Rory grumbled to herself as yet another careless student nearly knocked her books out of her arms as she made her way down the hall to her locker. Finally she reached locker number 219 and shifting all her books to one arm, turning the lock certain ways until she heard the familiar click of it opening. Rory stashed all her books inside and got her English books out for last period.
"Neat locker you have there, Mary," Rory didn't need to turn around to figure out who was talking.
"I thought you would figure it out by now, but obviously you're not clever enough, my name is Rory. Not Mary, not anything else, RORY!"
Tristan grinned, "Ok Rory. Wanna hang out tonight?"
"Sorry, I've got better things to do." Rory apologised and slammed her locker shut. "Gotta go to English now. Later Tristan."
"Later."
Tristan leant against the lockers and watched her as she rushed off to her next class, he didn't feel the need to inform her that he was also in the same English class. *Let her be surprised* he thought as he headed off in the same direction.
*×* *×* *×* *×* *×*
Mr Medina stood at the front lecturing the class about the how the writing styles of different authors varied. Rory, as always, was diligently taking notes on anything important that was said and Paris, who sat beside her, was doing much the same. There were a few sniggers from the back, the occasional pop of bubblegum and the incessant clicking of ballpoint pens but otherwise the class remained undisrupted. It wouldn't last long.
Someone knocked on the door and casually stepped inside, Rory looked up. Him again. Mr Media smiled, "Nice of you to join us again Tristan. Late as always, but courteous enough to show up at least."
"It was really no problem," Tristan replied smartly.
"Yes, but it could present a problem for the rest of the students in this class who want to learn," reminded Mr Medina. Turning to face the class again he introduced the newcomer, "Class, this is Tristan Du Grey, most of you know him, some don't, but you all will in the end."
Tristan winked and swaggered down the back to find a seat, one that was conveniently set behind Rory. She purposely ignored him, turning her attention back to her notes and continuing her writing. Within minutes a piece of scrunched up paper flew over her shoulder and landed on top of her book, she stared at it intently for a minute before un-scrunching it.
'Hello Mary, surprised?'
*×* *×* *×* *×* *×*
Rory jumped off the school bus, just missing the puddle along the curb. She raced towards the diner knowing that it was where she would find her mom. She opened the door and looked at the tables expecting to see her mom there, no such luck.
"Hey Rory," Jess called from across the room.
Rory walked up to the counter and sat down, "Hey."
"What's up?"
"You should rephrase that as 'what's down?'"
"Problem?"
"Life's cruel."
"Tell it to God."
"He has a short attention span."
"Here," Jess slid a cup of coffee over to Rory who accepted it with a delirious smile.
"You know exactly how to make a girl happy."
"By giving her coffee?"
"Yup."
"So no more flowers or candy these day, huh?"
"You got it, mister."
Rory sipped at her coffee and sighed contently, Jess just shook his head and grinned.
"What?" Rory asked him.
Jess shrugged, "Nothing."
"You're watching me."
"So?"
"What's so interesting?"
Jess sounded amazed, "You came in here all grumpy, and one cup of coffee later and you're fixed."
"It's a lifesaver. Indirectly you're a lifesaver too, seeing as you're the one who gave me the coffee." Rory explained.
"Glad to be of service."
Rory drained her cup and stood up, "Gotta go, I said I'd meet Lane, I'll see you around?"
"Yeah. I'll see you around." Jess replied.
*×* *×* *×* *×* *×*
Rory got home at 6 after hanging out with Lane to find her Mom lounging on the couch lazily, whilst staring with much concentration at the coffee maker. Rory took this in, and looked confused.
"Hey mom."
"Hey hun," Lorelai replied but otherwise didn't acknowledge her presence.
"Mom?"
"Mmmm?"
"What are you doing?"
"Shhh, I'm trying to use my physic powers to bring the coffee pot to the couch."
"Any luck?"
"Nope," Lorelai shook her head and finally turned to face Rory. "Come here sweetie," Lorelai patted the couch, "I wanna talk to my baby, how was your day?"
"It wasn't too bad, today I learnt the code of the schoolyard, the rules that every girl needs to follow in Chilton. Let's see. . .don't tattle, always make fun of those different from you, never say anything unless you're sure everybody feel exactly the same way you do. What else have I left out?"
"Ahh, the joys of peer pressure."
"My sentiments exactly," Rory agreed.
"This calls for pizza!"
"Pizza and baseball!"
"Baseball?"
"Yup. Dean asked me to watch him play tonight."
"Mmmm, spunky boys in matching outfits, sounds a treat - sure to attract the likes of Miss Patty and Babette."
"I can think of only one way to avoid questions."
"What's that?" Lorelai asked curiously.
"Disguises!"
"I bags John Lennon!"
"No fair! I wanted John Lennon!" Rory whined.
"Maybe disguises aren't that good an idea."
"I'm sick of fighting over the John Lennon costume all the time."
"Totally. So is it still pizza or do you feel like Luke's?"
"Luke's. I wanna burger."
"Burgers it is." Lorelai picked up her bag and Rory's coat, "Here put this on, it's cold out already."
*×* *×* *×* *×* *×*
Rory and Lorelai were just settling into their seats when Luke came over to take their orders.
"Coffee?" He grunted.
"Do you even need to ask?" Lorelai grinned at Rory.
"I'm still clinging to the hope that one day you'll say, 'No, I prefer herbal tea.'"
"Only in your dreams Mister."
Luke ignored this comment and turned to Rory, "What else do you want?"
"Pancakes with ice-cream and maple syrup."
"Would you like a side of lard with that?"
"If you got it, whack it on." Rory quipped.
"Mmmm, make that three."
"But there are only two of you."
"You obviously haven't met Dorothy." Lorelai said.
"I won't ask."
"You don't need to, Dorothy is my new friend, say hello to Dorothy." Lorelai pointed at the empty chair.
"I thought you were supposed to have grown out of having invisible friends when you left kindergarten."
"I'm Peter Pan, I never grow up." Lorelai recited.
Grumbling and shaking his head, Luke headed to the kitchen.
Rory pulled a piece of paper out of her bag and placed it in front of Lorelai, "I got an invite today."
Lorelai looked down and mused, "Madeline's 17 t h Birthday. . ."
"Can I go?" Rory inquired
"You know you don't have to get my permission sweetie."
"Why can't you be strict and mean like other mothers," Rory mocked annoyance.
Lorelai humphed in fake annoyance, "Now Rory, I'm letting you go but I have rules."
"That's more like it!" Rory cheered.
"No beer, spirits or alcohol of any kind, you hear? That's for Mommie's and Daddies,
and kids with fake Ids."
"Awww, but Mommy."
'No buts missy."
"But. . ."
"My decision is final do you hear me?"
Rory laughed, "I've never heard you talk like that before."
"Like what?"
"All strict and bossy.'
"Well, there's always a first for everything. Can you pass me that metal thingy? You know with a shovel on the end?"
"You mean a spoon?" Rory asked as she held it out.
"Yeah, yeah! That's it." Lorelai grinned.
"Wonder what's taking the pancakes so long.." Rory wondered
Lorelai looked at her, then stood up and walked towards the kitchen door.
"Don't even think about it," Luke warned from inside as he picked up two plates of pancakes as ordered and swept out the door.
Lorelai trailed behind him like a puppy, her eyes never leaving the pancakes. He placed them on the table and Lorelai lowered herself onto her chair slowly so that she was kept at eye level with them. Her fork poised readily to attack as soon as Luke moved away.
Luke didn't move, "I want you to eat these pancakes, not play with them."
"Ok."
"And eat it sensibly, in a way that your mother would approve of."
"Ok."
"Good." He stepped aside
Lorelai grinned evilly and stabbed her fork through the middle of the stack, "Die pancakes!"
"Hey Luke?"
There was a grunt.
"Did you know that when I was a little girl all I wanted was a baseball mitt, and every time I asked for one my mother would buy me another Barbie. The last time I asked for one, my Dad said 'no' again, so I held my breath until I passed out and banged my head continuously on the dinner table. The doctor suspected that I had inflicted brain damage on myself."
"Lorelai, what's the point of this story?"
"That I like stories."
Rory grinned, "Did she forget to mention that occurred only last year?"
"No, she said she was a little girl." Luke looked pointedly at Lorelai.
"Well, she lied!" Rory grinned again.
"Evil child," Lorelai muttered.
"I am nothing but the spawn of the devil."
Lorelai grinned at her, "Nice comeback! Where did that come from?"
"Oh you know. . ." Rory shrugged.
Lorelai suddenly looked disinterested, "Where did all my pancakes go? You stole them didn't you!"
"You ate them all Mom."
"Oh."
[Cut to the baseball game]
Lorelai and Rory were seated in the bleachers, their supply of lollies beside them eagerly awaiting the beginning of the game. Both were rugged up warmly in fleecy track pants and woolly coats. Lorelai even wore a beanie, whilst Rory sported a scarf.
"Go Dean! Go Rippers!" Rory yelled.
Lorelai glared at Rory and yelled over her, "Go Taipans, whoo Luke!
"Shhhh." Someone called out behind them.
Subdued Rory sat back in her seat and clasped her hands together.
"What are you doing?" Lorelai inquired.
"What does it look like I'm doing, praying?" Rory joked.
"It's no use praying now, I already did the same thing and we can't both win."
"Actually Mom, I was praying that no one gets hurt."
"Look at that hunk-a meat Rory! Isn't he chunky?"
Rory looked sickened, "Is that what you call good looking guys? We're not at the butchers you know."
"I wouldn't know, I've never been into a butchers before."
"I think this calls for an excursion sometime."
"Yeah, where's the nearest butcher?"
"Let's ask Luke after the game."
"Ok."
They huddled together and sat back to watch the game as the first whistle blew.
Chapter Three of Secrets Of The Heart.
*×* *×* *×* *×* *×*
Note: Quite a few people have asked me not to pair Rory with Tristan. This is basically a short note to let know that nothing is decided for Rory yet: as you can see I've left it open to all possibilities. It could be Tristan, it could be Jess, Dean or even a totally new character. We'll see. . .
*×* *×* *×* *×* *×*
Rory grumbled to herself as yet another careless student nearly knocked her books out of her arms as she made her way down the hall to her locker. Finally she reached locker number 219 and shifting all her books to one arm, turning the lock certain ways until she heard the familiar click of it opening. Rory stashed all her books inside and got her English books out for last period.
"Neat locker you have there, Mary," Rory didn't need to turn around to figure out who was talking.
"I thought you would figure it out by now, but obviously you're not clever enough, my name is Rory. Not Mary, not anything else, RORY!"
Tristan grinned, "Ok Rory. Wanna hang out tonight?"
"Sorry, I've got better things to do." Rory apologised and slammed her locker shut. "Gotta go to English now. Later Tristan."
"Later."
Tristan leant against the lockers and watched her as she rushed off to her next class, he didn't feel the need to inform her that he was also in the same English class. *Let her be surprised* he thought as he headed off in the same direction.
*×* *×* *×* *×* *×*
Mr Medina stood at the front lecturing the class about the how the writing styles of different authors varied. Rory, as always, was diligently taking notes on anything important that was said and Paris, who sat beside her, was doing much the same. There were a few sniggers from the back, the occasional pop of bubblegum and the incessant clicking of ballpoint pens but otherwise the class remained undisrupted. It wouldn't last long.
Someone knocked on the door and casually stepped inside, Rory looked up. Him again. Mr Media smiled, "Nice of you to join us again Tristan. Late as always, but courteous enough to show up at least."
"It was really no problem," Tristan replied smartly.
"Yes, but it could present a problem for the rest of the students in this class who want to learn," reminded Mr Medina. Turning to face the class again he introduced the newcomer, "Class, this is Tristan Du Grey, most of you know him, some don't, but you all will in the end."
Tristan winked and swaggered down the back to find a seat, one that was conveniently set behind Rory. She purposely ignored him, turning her attention back to her notes and continuing her writing. Within minutes a piece of scrunched up paper flew over her shoulder and landed on top of her book, she stared at it intently for a minute before un-scrunching it.
'Hello Mary, surprised?'
*×* *×* *×* *×* *×*
Rory jumped off the school bus, just missing the puddle along the curb. She raced towards the diner knowing that it was where she would find her mom. She opened the door and looked at the tables expecting to see her mom there, no such luck.
"Hey Rory," Jess called from across the room.
Rory walked up to the counter and sat down, "Hey."
"What's up?"
"You should rephrase that as 'what's down?'"
"Problem?"
"Life's cruel."
"Tell it to God."
"He has a short attention span."
"Here," Jess slid a cup of coffee over to Rory who accepted it with a delirious smile.
"You know exactly how to make a girl happy."
"By giving her coffee?"
"Yup."
"So no more flowers or candy these day, huh?"
"You got it, mister."
Rory sipped at her coffee and sighed contently, Jess just shook his head and grinned.
"What?" Rory asked him.
Jess shrugged, "Nothing."
"You're watching me."
"So?"
"What's so interesting?"
Jess sounded amazed, "You came in here all grumpy, and one cup of coffee later and you're fixed."
"It's a lifesaver. Indirectly you're a lifesaver too, seeing as you're the one who gave me the coffee." Rory explained.
"Glad to be of service."
Rory drained her cup and stood up, "Gotta go, I said I'd meet Lane, I'll see you around?"
"Yeah. I'll see you around." Jess replied.
*×* *×* *×* *×* *×*
Rory got home at 6 after hanging out with Lane to find her Mom lounging on the couch lazily, whilst staring with much concentration at the coffee maker. Rory took this in, and looked confused.
"Hey mom."
"Hey hun," Lorelai replied but otherwise didn't acknowledge her presence.
"Mom?"
"Mmmm?"
"What are you doing?"
"Shhh, I'm trying to use my physic powers to bring the coffee pot to the couch."
"Any luck?"
"Nope," Lorelai shook her head and finally turned to face Rory. "Come here sweetie," Lorelai patted the couch, "I wanna talk to my baby, how was your day?"
"It wasn't too bad, today I learnt the code of the schoolyard, the rules that every girl needs to follow in Chilton. Let's see. . .don't tattle, always make fun of those different from you, never say anything unless you're sure everybody feel exactly the same way you do. What else have I left out?"
"Ahh, the joys of peer pressure."
"My sentiments exactly," Rory agreed.
"This calls for pizza!"
"Pizza and baseball!"
"Baseball?"
"Yup. Dean asked me to watch him play tonight."
"Mmmm, spunky boys in matching outfits, sounds a treat - sure to attract the likes of Miss Patty and Babette."
"I can think of only one way to avoid questions."
"What's that?" Lorelai asked curiously.
"Disguises!"
"I bags John Lennon!"
"No fair! I wanted John Lennon!" Rory whined.
"Maybe disguises aren't that good an idea."
"I'm sick of fighting over the John Lennon costume all the time."
"Totally. So is it still pizza or do you feel like Luke's?"
"Luke's. I wanna burger."
"Burgers it is." Lorelai picked up her bag and Rory's coat, "Here put this on, it's cold out already."
*×* *×* *×* *×* *×*
Rory and Lorelai were just settling into their seats when Luke came over to take their orders.
"Coffee?" He grunted.
"Do you even need to ask?" Lorelai grinned at Rory.
"I'm still clinging to the hope that one day you'll say, 'No, I prefer herbal tea.'"
"Only in your dreams Mister."
Luke ignored this comment and turned to Rory, "What else do you want?"
"Pancakes with ice-cream and maple syrup."
"Would you like a side of lard with that?"
"If you got it, whack it on." Rory quipped.
"Mmmm, make that three."
"But there are only two of you."
"You obviously haven't met Dorothy." Lorelai said.
"I won't ask."
"You don't need to, Dorothy is my new friend, say hello to Dorothy." Lorelai pointed at the empty chair.
"I thought you were supposed to have grown out of having invisible friends when you left kindergarten."
"I'm Peter Pan, I never grow up." Lorelai recited.
Grumbling and shaking his head, Luke headed to the kitchen.
Rory pulled a piece of paper out of her bag and placed it in front of Lorelai, "I got an invite today."
Lorelai looked down and mused, "Madeline's 17 t h Birthday. . ."
"Can I go?" Rory inquired
"You know you don't have to get my permission sweetie."
"Why can't you be strict and mean like other mothers," Rory mocked annoyance.
Lorelai humphed in fake annoyance, "Now Rory, I'm letting you go but I have rules."
"That's more like it!" Rory cheered.
"No beer, spirits or alcohol of any kind, you hear? That's for Mommie's and Daddies,
and kids with fake Ids."
"Awww, but Mommy."
'No buts missy."
"But. . ."
"My decision is final do you hear me?"
Rory laughed, "I've never heard you talk like that before."
"Like what?"
"All strict and bossy.'
"Well, there's always a first for everything. Can you pass me that metal thingy? You know with a shovel on the end?"
"You mean a spoon?" Rory asked as she held it out.
"Yeah, yeah! That's it." Lorelai grinned.
"Wonder what's taking the pancakes so long.." Rory wondered
Lorelai looked at her, then stood up and walked towards the kitchen door.
"Don't even think about it," Luke warned from inside as he picked up two plates of pancakes as ordered and swept out the door.
Lorelai trailed behind him like a puppy, her eyes never leaving the pancakes. He placed them on the table and Lorelai lowered herself onto her chair slowly so that she was kept at eye level with them. Her fork poised readily to attack as soon as Luke moved away.
Luke didn't move, "I want you to eat these pancakes, not play with them."
"Ok."
"And eat it sensibly, in a way that your mother would approve of."
"Ok."
"Good." He stepped aside
Lorelai grinned evilly and stabbed her fork through the middle of the stack, "Die pancakes!"
"Hey Luke?"
There was a grunt.
"Did you know that when I was a little girl all I wanted was a baseball mitt, and every time I asked for one my mother would buy me another Barbie. The last time I asked for one, my Dad said 'no' again, so I held my breath until I passed out and banged my head continuously on the dinner table. The doctor suspected that I had inflicted brain damage on myself."
"Lorelai, what's the point of this story?"
"That I like stories."
Rory grinned, "Did she forget to mention that occurred only last year?"
"No, she said she was a little girl." Luke looked pointedly at Lorelai.
"Well, she lied!" Rory grinned again.
"Evil child," Lorelai muttered.
"I am nothing but the spawn of the devil."
Lorelai grinned at her, "Nice comeback! Where did that come from?"
"Oh you know. . ." Rory shrugged.
Lorelai suddenly looked disinterested, "Where did all my pancakes go? You stole them didn't you!"
"You ate them all Mom."
"Oh."
[Cut to the baseball game]
Lorelai and Rory were seated in the bleachers, their supply of lollies beside them eagerly awaiting the beginning of the game. Both were rugged up warmly in fleecy track pants and woolly coats. Lorelai even wore a beanie, whilst Rory sported a scarf.
"Go Dean! Go Rippers!" Rory yelled.
Lorelai glared at Rory and yelled over her, "Go Taipans, whoo Luke!
"Shhhh." Someone called out behind them.
Subdued Rory sat back in her seat and clasped her hands together.
"What are you doing?" Lorelai inquired.
"What does it look like I'm doing, praying?" Rory joked.
"It's no use praying now, I already did the same thing and we can't both win."
"Actually Mom, I was praying that no one gets hurt."
"Look at that hunk-a meat Rory! Isn't he chunky?"
Rory looked sickened, "Is that what you call good looking guys? We're not at the butchers you know."
"I wouldn't know, I've never been into a butchers before."
"I think this calls for an excursion sometime."
"Yeah, where's the nearest butcher?"
"Let's ask Luke after the game."
"Ok."
They huddled together and sat back to watch the game as the first whistle blew.
