Chapter 4
Rory sat on the couch, trying to read a magazine. Unfortunately, her eyes kept straying from the page to the roses, then to the clock. Shaking her head, she tried to concentrate on the article. After she reread the same paragraph for the fifth time, she put the magazine down.
Standing up, she walked into the kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee. As she was walking back into the living room, she heard a muffled ringing. She starts looking around the room, trying to find the phone. After a few moments of searching, she pulled it out from under a couch cushion.
"Hello?" she said, a little breathless
"So excited to talk to me you are out of breath I see."
Rory could imagine the trademark smirk on his face.
"No, just had a little trouble finding the phone."
"I see." He said, "So about tonight, what time do you want me to pick you up?"
"Doesn't matter. What are we doing?"
"Sorry, it's a secret." He said, "How about if I pick you up at 6:00?"
"How should I dress?"
"Casual."
"All right. See you tonight."
"Bye Rory."
*~Later that evening~*
Lorelai unlocked the door and walked into the house.
"Rory?"
When there was no answer, Lorelai walked into the living room and found it empty. She walked into the kitchen, but it too was empty. Turning around, she saw Rory's bedroom door closed. She walked to the door and knocked twice.
"Come in."
Lorelai walked in to find Rory standing in front of the mirror, wearing jeans and a red t-shirt.
"What time is Tristan coming?"
"He's picking me up at 6:00?" she said, turning to her mom, "What do you think of this?"
Lorelai studied the outfit.
"Its nice. Where are you going?"
"I don't know. He said to dress casual."
Lorelai was about to say something when the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it." She said, leaving Rory alone in the bedroom.
Lorelai walked down the hall to the front door. She opened the door to find Tristan waiting with a bouquet of flowers. Stepping back, she said
"Come in. Rory's almost ready."
"Thank you." He said, walking inside
Turning to Lorelai, he held out the flowers.
"These are for you."
Lorelai took the flowers.
"Thanks. I'll just put these in some water."
She turned, heading for the kitchen. Tristan stepped into the living room, looking around. The house was small but comfortable, with a lived- in feeling. There were pictures of Rory and Lorelai everywhere.
"Hi Tristan."
He spun around to see Rory standing behind him. He looked at her, not able to speak. His eyes dropped to the floor.
*She's beautiful.*
"Tristan?"
Looking up, he met her eyes.
"Is everything all right?"
"Yeah." He said, "You ready to go?"
"Sure. Let me say good night to my mom."
"All right."
Rory walked into the kitchen to find her mom putting the flowers in a small vase. Lorelai turned to her daughter.
"He's good." She said, "Trying a little too hard though."
Rory nodded, knowing what she meant.
"I shouldn't be home late."
"Have a good time."
"Okay."
Rory walked back into the living room and picked up her jacket. As she started to put it on, Tristan was immediately at her side. He took the jacket from her and helped her slip it on. She turned to him.
"Thanks."
"Welcome." He said, holding out his hand.
She slipped her hand in his and they walked out the door. He led her to his car and opened the door, waiting until she was settled before closing it. She watched as he walked around to her side and opened the door. He slid inside, then reached behind the seat and pulled out a single rose with red and yellow edges.
"I've read that different colored roses mean different things. What does this mean?"
"I'll tell you later."
He started the car and pulled away from the house.
"So where are we going?"
He mumbles something in response as they drove through town, then headed for the highway.
"Where?" She asked, leaning towards him
"A poetry reading in Hartford." He said, "I read about it in the Hartford Post. I think tonight is Elizabeth Barrett Browning."
"Poetry? I.didn't.how did you know I liked poetry.
"I saw you reading a book of poetry at lunch once."
He got off at the exit for Hartford and headed for the city. He drove into the city, passing several restaurants. Finally he pulled the car into a lot across the street from a park. He opened his door and climbed out of the car. Walking around to her side, he opened the door and held out his hand.
She slipped her hand in his and he led her towards the back of the car. Pulling out his keys again, he opened the trunk and she saw a picnic basket. He picked up it and said, "Can you get the blanket?"
"Sure."
Rory picked up the blanket and together they crossed the street, walking into the park. Several couples had already gathered in the park. Rory followed Tristan to a spot under a large oak tree. He set the basket down then took the blanket from her. Carefully he spread the blanket out and turned to her.
"After you." He said, motioning to the blanket.
Rory nodded and sat down, leaning against the tree. Tristan sat next her, opening the basket. As he held out a sandwich to her, he said, "I didn't know if you had eaten yet."
"Actually only breakfast with my mom this morning." She said, accepting the sandwich.
Tristan pulled the rest of the food out of the basket, spreading it in front of them. Rory took everything in.
"You brought enough for an army."
"I wasn't sure what you liked."
"Well you seemed to cover everything." She said, "The only thing that would make this perfect is..."
She watched as he reached into the basket and pulled out a large thermos.
"You brought coffee."
He handed her the thermos and a cup. She unscrewed the top and poured herself a cup. He watched in amazement as she downed the cup in one gulp. She set the thermos and cup down next to her.
"Thank you." She said, a smile creeping up on her face.
He looked over to see someone moving towards the stage.
"I think they are about ready to start."
Scooting a little closer to him, she turned her attention to the woman, who had begun reading a poem. After a few minutes, she leaned her head down, resting it on his shoulder. Carefully he slipped his arm around her shoulder and felt her shiver. "Are you cold?" "No." Tristan pulled away, slipping off his leather jacket. Leaning towards her, he wrapped the jacket around her shoulders then pulled her close to him. Her head once again found it way to his shoulder. He rested his head on top of her.
When the poetry reading was over, Rory and Tristan packed up their stuff and carried it back to his car. They climbed back in the car and he started the engine. As they pulled out of the lot, he said, "Did you have a good time tonight?"
"It was great." She said, "Thank you Tristan."
"My pleasure."
They got back on the highway, heading back towards Stars Hollow. Rory flipped on the radio and began pressing buttons until the found something she liked. Turning to him, she said, "Is this all right with you?"
"Its fine."
She leaned her head back against the window and closed her eyes. Tristan glanced at her out of the corner of his eye and smiled.
*Tonight has been so perfect.*
He got off at the Stars Hollow exit about 20 minutes later and headed for town. As they pulled up in front of her house, he said, "We're here."
When he didn't get a response, he turned to Rory to find her sleeping quietly in the seat next to him.
"Rory?" he whispered
She stirred, slowly opening her eyes.
"Tristan?"
"Time to get up sleepyhead."
She sat up in the seat, looking around.
"What time is it?"
"Almost 10:30." he said, looking at the clock on the dashboard.
Turning away from her, he opened his car door and slid out. He walked around to her side and opened the door. He held out his hand, helping her out of the car. Slowly they made their way towards the front porch.
"Thank you for tonight Tristan." she said, pulling her keys out of her pocket.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it."
"Well.good night."
"Good night."
He started to walk down the steps then stopped. *Don't lose your nerve DuGrey.*
She started to unlock the door when he said, "Rory wait."
Slowly she turned around and he walked back up the steps. Without thinking he crossed the porch, took her in his arms and pulled her towards him. His other arm wrapped around the other side of her waist. He leaned forward, brushing his lips against her softly. Pulling back, he whispered, "You wanted to know what the rose meant."
She nodded, not able to speak.
"It means I'm falling in love with you Rory Gilmore."
Leaning in, his lips found hers again. "I should go."
Rory nodded, not speaking. Tristan slowly unwrapped his arms from around her waist. Slowly he backed down the steps and walked over to his car. Rory waited until he was driving away before unlocking the door and walking inside.
She walked by the living room and saw her mom sleeping on the couch with the TV on. Quietly she stepped in the living room, turned off the TV and pulled the blanket over her mom.
"Night mom." She whispered
She walked into her bedroom and set her keys on the dresser. As she turned around, she noticed she was still wearing his leather jacket.
*I'll take it back tomorrow.*
She changed out of her clothes, hung the jacket on the closet door and climbed into bed. Gently her finger ran across her lips, which were still warm from his kiss. Her eyes closed as she fell into a deep sleep.
*~ Chilton Hallway 7:45 AM ~*
Rory walked down the hall, looking for Tristan. Finally she spotted his leaning against his locker with some of his friends. She approached him slowly and noticed a few of his friends whispering then pointing to her. Ignoring them she stopped in front of Tristan.
"Hi Tristan."
"Hey."
"I brought back your jacket." She said, handing it to him.
"Thanks."
"I wanted to say thank you again. Last night was so much fun."
"Yeah, it was a night to remember."
She noticed some of his friends start to smirk. Turning her attention back to Tristan, she noticed he had the same smirk.
*He didn't.he couldn't.he wouldn't.*
Hot tears welled up in her eyes. Before they could spill out, she turned on her heel and ran down the hall. Tristan wanted to run after her, but couldn't. He watched her until she reached the door, then disappeared. He leaned his head back against the locker.
*You really did it this time DuGrey.*
"So Tristan." His friend Duncan said, "You were telling us about last night."
"Later." He said, walking away from the group.
He walked down the hall, hoping to find Rory. He passed Paris in the hall and stopped her.
"Paris, have you seen Mar.Rory."
"No." she said, walking away
Tristan walked through the halls, hoping to spot her. Finally he decided to head for English Lit, knowing that she would be there. He walked into the class to see her sitting at her desk, staring straight ahead. Dropping into the seat behind her, he leaned forward.
"Rory?" he whispered
She didn't respond, so he reached out to touch her shoulder. She pulled away as soon as he touched her shoulder.
"Please Rory, listen to me."
She turned to him and he saw the mix of anger, sadness and hurt in her eyes.
"Tristan I thought you changed but I was wrong."
She picked up her books and moved to the other side of the room. Tristan watched her, torn between going after her and staying put. He started to get up when their teacher walked in. Slowly he sank back in his seat and opened his book.
*I've really lost her this time.*
Rory sat on the couch, trying to read a magazine. Unfortunately, her eyes kept straying from the page to the roses, then to the clock. Shaking her head, she tried to concentrate on the article. After she reread the same paragraph for the fifth time, she put the magazine down.
Standing up, she walked into the kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee. As she was walking back into the living room, she heard a muffled ringing. She starts looking around the room, trying to find the phone. After a few moments of searching, she pulled it out from under a couch cushion.
"Hello?" she said, a little breathless
"So excited to talk to me you are out of breath I see."
Rory could imagine the trademark smirk on his face.
"No, just had a little trouble finding the phone."
"I see." He said, "So about tonight, what time do you want me to pick you up?"
"Doesn't matter. What are we doing?"
"Sorry, it's a secret." He said, "How about if I pick you up at 6:00?"
"How should I dress?"
"Casual."
"All right. See you tonight."
"Bye Rory."
*~Later that evening~*
Lorelai unlocked the door and walked into the house.
"Rory?"
When there was no answer, Lorelai walked into the living room and found it empty. She walked into the kitchen, but it too was empty. Turning around, she saw Rory's bedroom door closed. She walked to the door and knocked twice.
"Come in."
Lorelai walked in to find Rory standing in front of the mirror, wearing jeans and a red t-shirt.
"What time is Tristan coming?"
"He's picking me up at 6:00?" she said, turning to her mom, "What do you think of this?"
Lorelai studied the outfit.
"Its nice. Where are you going?"
"I don't know. He said to dress casual."
Lorelai was about to say something when the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it." She said, leaving Rory alone in the bedroom.
Lorelai walked down the hall to the front door. She opened the door to find Tristan waiting with a bouquet of flowers. Stepping back, she said
"Come in. Rory's almost ready."
"Thank you." He said, walking inside
Turning to Lorelai, he held out the flowers.
"These are for you."
Lorelai took the flowers.
"Thanks. I'll just put these in some water."
She turned, heading for the kitchen. Tristan stepped into the living room, looking around. The house was small but comfortable, with a lived- in feeling. There were pictures of Rory and Lorelai everywhere.
"Hi Tristan."
He spun around to see Rory standing behind him. He looked at her, not able to speak. His eyes dropped to the floor.
*She's beautiful.*
"Tristan?"
Looking up, he met her eyes.
"Is everything all right?"
"Yeah." He said, "You ready to go?"
"Sure. Let me say good night to my mom."
"All right."
Rory walked into the kitchen to find her mom putting the flowers in a small vase. Lorelai turned to her daughter.
"He's good." She said, "Trying a little too hard though."
Rory nodded, knowing what she meant.
"I shouldn't be home late."
"Have a good time."
"Okay."
Rory walked back into the living room and picked up her jacket. As she started to put it on, Tristan was immediately at her side. He took the jacket from her and helped her slip it on. She turned to him.
"Thanks."
"Welcome." He said, holding out his hand.
She slipped her hand in his and they walked out the door. He led her to his car and opened the door, waiting until she was settled before closing it. She watched as he walked around to her side and opened the door. He slid inside, then reached behind the seat and pulled out a single rose with red and yellow edges.
"I've read that different colored roses mean different things. What does this mean?"
"I'll tell you later."
He started the car and pulled away from the house.
"So where are we going?"
He mumbles something in response as they drove through town, then headed for the highway.
"Where?" She asked, leaning towards him
"A poetry reading in Hartford." He said, "I read about it in the Hartford Post. I think tonight is Elizabeth Barrett Browning."
"Poetry? I.didn't.how did you know I liked poetry.
"I saw you reading a book of poetry at lunch once."
He got off at the exit for Hartford and headed for the city. He drove into the city, passing several restaurants. Finally he pulled the car into a lot across the street from a park. He opened his door and climbed out of the car. Walking around to her side, he opened the door and held out his hand.
She slipped her hand in his and he led her towards the back of the car. Pulling out his keys again, he opened the trunk and she saw a picnic basket. He picked up it and said, "Can you get the blanket?"
"Sure."
Rory picked up the blanket and together they crossed the street, walking into the park. Several couples had already gathered in the park. Rory followed Tristan to a spot under a large oak tree. He set the basket down then took the blanket from her. Carefully he spread the blanket out and turned to her.
"After you." He said, motioning to the blanket.
Rory nodded and sat down, leaning against the tree. Tristan sat next her, opening the basket. As he held out a sandwich to her, he said, "I didn't know if you had eaten yet."
"Actually only breakfast with my mom this morning." She said, accepting the sandwich.
Tristan pulled the rest of the food out of the basket, spreading it in front of them. Rory took everything in.
"You brought enough for an army."
"I wasn't sure what you liked."
"Well you seemed to cover everything." She said, "The only thing that would make this perfect is..."
She watched as he reached into the basket and pulled out a large thermos.
"You brought coffee."
He handed her the thermos and a cup. She unscrewed the top and poured herself a cup. He watched in amazement as she downed the cup in one gulp. She set the thermos and cup down next to her.
"Thank you." She said, a smile creeping up on her face.
He looked over to see someone moving towards the stage.
"I think they are about ready to start."
Scooting a little closer to him, she turned her attention to the woman, who had begun reading a poem. After a few minutes, she leaned her head down, resting it on his shoulder. Carefully he slipped his arm around her shoulder and felt her shiver. "Are you cold?" "No." Tristan pulled away, slipping off his leather jacket. Leaning towards her, he wrapped the jacket around her shoulders then pulled her close to him. Her head once again found it way to his shoulder. He rested his head on top of her.
When the poetry reading was over, Rory and Tristan packed up their stuff and carried it back to his car. They climbed back in the car and he started the engine. As they pulled out of the lot, he said, "Did you have a good time tonight?"
"It was great." She said, "Thank you Tristan."
"My pleasure."
They got back on the highway, heading back towards Stars Hollow. Rory flipped on the radio and began pressing buttons until the found something she liked. Turning to him, she said, "Is this all right with you?"
"Its fine."
She leaned her head back against the window and closed her eyes. Tristan glanced at her out of the corner of his eye and smiled.
*Tonight has been so perfect.*
He got off at the Stars Hollow exit about 20 minutes later and headed for town. As they pulled up in front of her house, he said, "We're here."
When he didn't get a response, he turned to Rory to find her sleeping quietly in the seat next to him.
"Rory?" he whispered
She stirred, slowly opening her eyes.
"Tristan?"
"Time to get up sleepyhead."
She sat up in the seat, looking around.
"What time is it?"
"Almost 10:30." he said, looking at the clock on the dashboard.
Turning away from her, he opened his car door and slid out. He walked around to her side and opened the door. He held out his hand, helping her out of the car. Slowly they made their way towards the front porch.
"Thank you for tonight Tristan." she said, pulling her keys out of her pocket.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it."
"Well.good night."
"Good night."
He started to walk down the steps then stopped. *Don't lose your nerve DuGrey.*
She started to unlock the door when he said, "Rory wait."
Slowly she turned around and he walked back up the steps. Without thinking he crossed the porch, took her in his arms and pulled her towards him. His other arm wrapped around the other side of her waist. He leaned forward, brushing his lips against her softly. Pulling back, he whispered, "You wanted to know what the rose meant."
She nodded, not able to speak.
"It means I'm falling in love with you Rory Gilmore."
Leaning in, his lips found hers again. "I should go."
Rory nodded, not speaking. Tristan slowly unwrapped his arms from around her waist. Slowly he backed down the steps and walked over to his car. Rory waited until he was driving away before unlocking the door and walking inside.
She walked by the living room and saw her mom sleeping on the couch with the TV on. Quietly she stepped in the living room, turned off the TV and pulled the blanket over her mom.
"Night mom." She whispered
She walked into her bedroom and set her keys on the dresser. As she turned around, she noticed she was still wearing his leather jacket.
*I'll take it back tomorrow.*
She changed out of her clothes, hung the jacket on the closet door and climbed into bed. Gently her finger ran across her lips, which were still warm from his kiss. Her eyes closed as she fell into a deep sleep.
*~ Chilton Hallway 7:45 AM ~*
Rory walked down the hall, looking for Tristan. Finally she spotted his leaning against his locker with some of his friends. She approached him slowly and noticed a few of his friends whispering then pointing to her. Ignoring them she stopped in front of Tristan.
"Hi Tristan."
"Hey."
"I brought back your jacket." She said, handing it to him.
"Thanks."
"I wanted to say thank you again. Last night was so much fun."
"Yeah, it was a night to remember."
She noticed some of his friends start to smirk. Turning her attention back to Tristan, she noticed he had the same smirk.
*He didn't.he couldn't.he wouldn't.*
Hot tears welled up in her eyes. Before they could spill out, she turned on her heel and ran down the hall. Tristan wanted to run after her, but couldn't. He watched her until she reached the door, then disappeared. He leaned his head back against the locker.
*You really did it this time DuGrey.*
"So Tristan." His friend Duncan said, "You were telling us about last night."
"Later." He said, walking away from the group.
He walked down the hall, hoping to find Rory. He passed Paris in the hall and stopped her.
"Paris, have you seen Mar.Rory."
"No." she said, walking away
Tristan walked through the halls, hoping to spot her. Finally he decided to head for English Lit, knowing that she would be there. He walked into the class to see her sitting at her desk, staring straight ahead. Dropping into the seat behind her, he leaned forward.
"Rory?" he whispered
She didn't respond, so he reached out to touch her shoulder. She pulled away as soon as he touched her shoulder.
"Please Rory, listen to me."
She turned to him and he saw the mix of anger, sadness and hurt in her eyes.
"Tristan I thought you changed but I was wrong."
She picked up her books and moved to the other side of the room. Tristan watched her, torn between going after her and staying put. He started to get up when their teacher walked in. Slowly he sank back in his seat and opened his book.
*I've really lost her this time.*