Disclaimer: I don't own the series Gilmore Girls or the characters. All I
own is my imagination and the plot.
A/N: Hey! Yeah, I know, I took too long to update, but lately school has been so draining. I mean, I wake up, go to school, go home, make homework, have dinner and go to sleep. It's the same routine day in and day out. Anyway, I hope all of you have a relaxing weekend. Please don't forget to read the A/N at the bottom.
*~*~*:-)*~*~*Bye, smile :-)
Rory's skirt made a rustling sound, like leaves brushing against each other in the wind, as she hurried up the stairs. At the door, she was, once again, greeted by the loud and chaotic 'melody' of one of Jess' rock bands. She was used to his musical taste by now and frankly, she still didn't comprehend how he could find this music 'relaxing'. She didn't even bother to knock on the door. She already had enough experience to know that he wouldn't hear her. Or pretend that he couldn't hear her. Instead she just opened the door and went into the apartment. She found him lying on his bed. Engrossed in one of his thick and worn out novels, as usual. Rory sighed and turned off his stereo, glad that her ears weren't ringing from spending too much time near it.
R: ''How can you read with all that noise ?''
She turned around and looked at him, waiting for him to acknowledge her presence. He didn't. Instead he just shrugged and turned the page.
J: ''I guess I'm just talented.''
Rory rolled her eyes and walked over to his desk, that was covered with everything but his school work. Jess lowered his book and looked at her as she searched his desk for his books. He found it quite amusing, especially since he had already stuffed everything in his bag the night before. She did this every single morning. And he would just crank up the stereo some more and play along. The truth was, he only did it, so he could watch her frown and become even more frustrated by the second. Finally Rory spotted his bag and threw it at him.
R: ''Jess, get up.''
Jess smirked at her, now completely lowering his book.
J: ''But my bed's so comfy.''
Rory walked over to his bed, reached for one of his arms and started to pull him off the bed. She handed him his bag and he took it, without arguing. And every day she would make him get up and drag him downstairs, to make sure that he didn't skip school. Maybe he should start calling her mommy ? But he wisely changed his mind and threw one of his usual and expectable remarks at her.
J: ''You know, I should sue you for this.''
R: ''You should thank me for doing this.''
Rory dragged him down the stairs and through the diner towards the door. Luke just smiled at the sight of them and their childish banter and continued serving his customers.
Outside Rory finally let go of his arm so that she could check her watch. Jess caught her glancing at her watch and shook his head.
R: ''I have to catch my bus.''
Jess nodded as he shoved his hands in his pockets. Rory turned to face him.
R: ''Do you think you can get to school without me ?''
Jess shrugged.
J: ''Maybe. I mean, I might get lost when no one's there to hold my hand.''
Rory rolled her eyes and turned around.
R: ''See you later !''
J: ''Unfortunately.''
Jess smirked and started to head in the opposite direction of Stars Hollow High.
R: ''Jess......!''
Jess silently cursed under his breath, though it wasn't serious. He was just doing this to push her buttons. He turned around in one swift movement and headed for school.
*~*~*
Rory hurried up the steps and made her way through the endless corridors towards her locker. She had five more minutes to spare before the bell would ring and disturb the certain peace that could be found in these halls. She gently brushed past a couple of people and immediately slowed down when she spotted Paris at her locker. For a second she juggled with the tempting thought of just turning around, but then she realized that Paris had already seen her. The girl had eyes like a hawk and as soon as she laid her eyes upon you, you had officially become her prey. Besides, she needed her books.
R: ''Hey Paris.''
Rory politely smiled at Paris before opening her locker.
P: ''So, have you read the paper this morning ?''
Rory shook her head, wishing that Paris would just say what was on her mind already instead of very slowly revealing bits and pieces to her, that she, most of the time, had to put together herself.
P: ''It's all over school.''
Rory nodded and reached for one of her books.
P: ''It's about Tristan.''
Rory didn't react and shoved the right books in her bag. She wasn't shocked by the fact that there was something about Tristan in the paper. He was a DuGrey after all. An important and 'charming' member of a society that she didn't want to be a part off.
P: ''Tristan's grandpa died. It was in the paper this morning, but I already knew about it last night. His parents called mine. They sometimes have brunches together.''
Rory stopped with what she was doing and looked at Paris.
R: ''Say that again ?''
P: ''I'm not a tape-recorder you know ?''
Paris sighed and repeated her earlier statement. This time Rory did react to it. A look of sadness and sympathy appeared on her face. Practically everyone knew that Tristan was closer to his grandpa than anyone else.
R: ''How is he ?''
Paris shrugged.
P: ''I don't know. Apparently no one has seen him yet. Which must be true, cause his car is pretty hard to miss. You almost have to wear sunglasses just to approach it.''
The bell rang and Rory closed her locker. She followed Paris into their classroom, ignoring her rant about Tristan's car, and took a seat in the back.
Halfway through class, the door opened and Tristan entered the classroom. Everyone in the room looked up at him, including Rory. She tried to find something different about him, but he looked exactly the same as yesterday.
T: ''I'm sorry, but I had trouble finding a parking space that was big enough for my car.''
He smiled at the teacher while he handed her a note. It was as if he was ridiculing her. The teacher gestured for him to take a seat and continued with her lesson. Tristan briefly met her eyes before he took a seat next to her. It was long enough for her to notice that his eyes, that were usually shining with mock amusement, were now sullied with a certain tribulation.
Rory found herself glancing at Tristan every now and then, searching for a flaw in his usual behavior. She couldn't find one. He talked to his friends during the remain of the class and, just like always, he didn't take any notes. Rory lowered her eyes to her own piece of paper and wondered if he was really upset.
*~*~*
After school, Rory approached Tristan at his locker. She silently walked over to him, unsure and worried about his behavior.
R: ''Hey.''
Tristan was startled by her light voice, but he didn't show it. He just straightened his shoulders and kept rummaging through his locker.
T: ''Mary.''
This time Rory didn't say anything about him calling her Mary. There was no fun in telling him to stop when he said Mary with absolutely no amusement in his voice.
R: ''I heard about what happened.''
Tristan slightly nodded.
T: ''Everyone 'heard'.''
R: ''I'm really sorry.''
She leaned against the locker next to Tristan's and remained quiet for a short while, not knowing what to say and not wanting to disturb his secret thoughts. Tristan closed his locker and looked at her.
T: ''Care to give me a kiss and make it all better ?''
He flashed her one of his alluring smiles, trying to lighten the mood and take the pressure off this conversation, but Rory didn't smile. She just watched him and thought about how fake his smile looked. And how his eyes stayed cold during all of this.
R: ''Are you okay ?''
Tristan stopped smiling and bore into her eyes with his own. There was something dangerous about them, as if he was warning her not to cross the line. But she must have been letting her imagination get the best of her, cause she wasn't crossing the line. She was just concerned about him and wanted to know if she could help him with anything.
T: ''Isn't your locker at the other end of this corridor ?''
He didn't mean for it to sound so commanding, but he just didn't feel like talking or explaining himself to anyone. He would only give himself away with that and talking about it, meant thinking about it and that was the last thing he wanted right now. So, instead he put up one of his appealing masquerades, pretending that he was alright and telling one lie after another. But with Rory it was hard to keep his disguise on. It always felt as if she had the power to detangle his web of lies. Slowly tugging at each thread until he would finally give in. And knowing how he felt about Rory, he would eventually give in. Of course he wasn't all right. His closest friend passed away last night without a warning. But things would be all right. After all, he was the 'King of Chilton' and there were enough willing girls around to make him feel all right. For a while at least.
Rory nodded and mumbled a goodbye before she pushed herself off the lockers and walked away. Tristan ran his hand through his hair and watched her leave. Talking wasn't one of his better qualities and he believed that talking wasn't going to do him any good. His problems were his problems after all. And what went on at his home and what was discussed behind closed doors was also his business. At least his grandpa died peaceful, in his sleep. He never felt any pain. The doctor said that his heart just stopped and that they should be thankful that it happened this way. Janlan was old and had a busy business and social life. Tristan's expression lost the last bit of happiness as he remembered all those conversations he had with his grandpa. They could always talk about everything. Cars, girls, school, everything was discussed. Mostly because Janlan understood Tristan and he understood the pressure his parents were putting on him. Tristan forced himself to stop thinking about it. He needed some cheering up. He spotted Amy out of the corner of his eye. His lips curved into one of his seducing smiles as he walked up to her.
*~*~*
As soon as Rory reached Stars Hollow, she went straight to Luke's. She headed up the stairs without asking for permission. When she came into the apartment she was shocked with what she saw and was unable to speak for roughly 10 seconds. Jess was sitting on his bed doing homework. Apparently he heard her come in, cause almost immediately he shifted his gaze from his books over to Rory.
J: ''Did anyone ever tell you that you could be a double for Birtney Spears ?''
Rory shot him a look, that was supposed to be intimidating, but Jess just smirked. She walked over to his bed and nodded in the direction of his books.
R: ''What are you doing ?''
Jess looked at his books and returned his gaze to Rory.
J: ''Homework, history to be exact.''
Almost immediately a satisfied smile brightened up Rory's features.
J: ''Don't get used to it though. I finished all of my books, so I had nothing to do.''
Rory sat down across from him, smile still in place.
R: ''You can barrow one of mine.''
J: ''Read them all too. But we can go to the bookstore ?''
R: ''Sure, after your homework.''
Jess made a face before returning his attention to his history. Well, tried to. But Rory's fidgeting distracted him. Not that he didn't find it amusing, cause he did. Finally a small smile broke through on his face and he looked up at Rory.
J: ''Anything happen at school ?''
Rory shook her head, but Jess knew she was lying, cause she was biting her bottom lip. Jess put his pencil down and sighed.
J: ''Here we go. You know, an A- isn't that bad. It's close to perfect and.........''
R: ''I didn't get a bad grade Jess.''
J: ''Oh, sorry. I figured something was bothering you and........''
R: ''You assumed it had to do with a bad grade.''
J: ''I guessed it had something to do with a bad grade.''
R: ''Big difference.''
J: ''Are we just going to keep on bantering or are you actually going to tell me what's on your mind ?''
Rory shook her head and lowered her eyes for a moment before meeting Jess' serious gaze again. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear before she started to talk.
R: ''Remember Tristan ?''
J: ''I believe I do, Mary.''
Rory rolled her eyes, but other than that she ignored his comment.
R: ''His grandpa died last night and Tristan's still acting the same. Talking with his friends as if nothing ever happened. And when I tried to talk to him about it, he was just cold.''
Jess shrugged, not really seeing the problem. Rory had the tendency to worry too much about people she didn't know.
J: ''Maybe it didn't bother him as much as everyone thinks.''
R: ''But he and his grandpa were extremely close. His grandpa was probably the only member of his family he really liked.''
J: ''Not everyone feels comfortable talking about it so soon.''
Rory nodded and got up.
J: ''Where are you going ?''
R: ''I'm going home to change.''
J: ''See ya later, Brit.''
Rory turned around and shot him one of her evil glares. Jess pretended to be fascinated with his homework, but smiled as soon as she closed the door behind her.
*R*E*V*I*E*W*! Please ? :-) To all of you who have read this chapter before, thanks for your patience and thanks for the reviews on the last chapter. Now something important. (to me) I'm going to change my writing style, try at least. I'm going to get rid of the R: etc after the third chapter. Kay pointed out that just writing he said etc, gave the story more substance. So I wanted to thank Kay for that. *And I have a new story!* It's a Lit and it's called ''That's when the crowd goes wild.'' Thanks! :-)
A/N: Hey! Yeah, I know, I took too long to update, but lately school has been so draining. I mean, I wake up, go to school, go home, make homework, have dinner and go to sleep. It's the same routine day in and day out. Anyway, I hope all of you have a relaxing weekend. Please don't forget to read the A/N at the bottom.
*~*~*:-)*~*~*Bye, smile :-)
Rory's skirt made a rustling sound, like leaves brushing against each other in the wind, as she hurried up the stairs. At the door, she was, once again, greeted by the loud and chaotic 'melody' of one of Jess' rock bands. She was used to his musical taste by now and frankly, she still didn't comprehend how he could find this music 'relaxing'. She didn't even bother to knock on the door. She already had enough experience to know that he wouldn't hear her. Or pretend that he couldn't hear her. Instead she just opened the door and went into the apartment. She found him lying on his bed. Engrossed in one of his thick and worn out novels, as usual. Rory sighed and turned off his stereo, glad that her ears weren't ringing from spending too much time near it.
R: ''How can you read with all that noise ?''
She turned around and looked at him, waiting for him to acknowledge her presence. He didn't. Instead he just shrugged and turned the page.
J: ''I guess I'm just talented.''
Rory rolled her eyes and walked over to his desk, that was covered with everything but his school work. Jess lowered his book and looked at her as she searched his desk for his books. He found it quite amusing, especially since he had already stuffed everything in his bag the night before. She did this every single morning. And he would just crank up the stereo some more and play along. The truth was, he only did it, so he could watch her frown and become even more frustrated by the second. Finally Rory spotted his bag and threw it at him.
R: ''Jess, get up.''
Jess smirked at her, now completely lowering his book.
J: ''But my bed's so comfy.''
Rory walked over to his bed, reached for one of his arms and started to pull him off the bed. She handed him his bag and he took it, without arguing. And every day she would make him get up and drag him downstairs, to make sure that he didn't skip school. Maybe he should start calling her mommy ? But he wisely changed his mind and threw one of his usual and expectable remarks at her.
J: ''You know, I should sue you for this.''
R: ''You should thank me for doing this.''
Rory dragged him down the stairs and through the diner towards the door. Luke just smiled at the sight of them and their childish banter and continued serving his customers.
Outside Rory finally let go of his arm so that she could check her watch. Jess caught her glancing at her watch and shook his head.
R: ''I have to catch my bus.''
Jess nodded as he shoved his hands in his pockets. Rory turned to face him.
R: ''Do you think you can get to school without me ?''
Jess shrugged.
J: ''Maybe. I mean, I might get lost when no one's there to hold my hand.''
Rory rolled her eyes and turned around.
R: ''See you later !''
J: ''Unfortunately.''
Jess smirked and started to head in the opposite direction of Stars Hollow High.
R: ''Jess......!''
Jess silently cursed under his breath, though it wasn't serious. He was just doing this to push her buttons. He turned around in one swift movement and headed for school.
*~*~*
Rory hurried up the steps and made her way through the endless corridors towards her locker. She had five more minutes to spare before the bell would ring and disturb the certain peace that could be found in these halls. She gently brushed past a couple of people and immediately slowed down when she spotted Paris at her locker. For a second she juggled with the tempting thought of just turning around, but then she realized that Paris had already seen her. The girl had eyes like a hawk and as soon as she laid her eyes upon you, you had officially become her prey. Besides, she needed her books.
R: ''Hey Paris.''
Rory politely smiled at Paris before opening her locker.
P: ''So, have you read the paper this morning ?''
Rory shook her head, wishing that Paris would just say what was on her mind already instead of very slowly revealing bits and pieces to her, that she, most of the time, had to put together herself.
P: ''It's all over school.''
Rory nodded and reached for one of her books.
P: ''It's about Tristan.''
Rory didn't react and shoved the right books in her bag. She wasn't shocked by the fact that there was something about Tristan in the paper. He was a DuGrey after all. An important and 'charming' member of a society that she didn't want to be a part off.
P: ''Tristan's grandpa died. It was in the paper this morning, but I already knew about it last night. His parents called mine. They sometimes have brunches together.''
Rory stopped with what she was doing and looked at Paris.
R: ''Say that again ?''
P: ''I'm not a tape-recorder you know ?''
Paris sighed and repeated her earlier statement. This time Rory did react to it. A look of sadness and sympathy appeared on her face. Practically everyone knew that Tristan was closer to his grandpa than anyone else.
R: ''How is he ?''
Paris shrugged.
P: ''I don't know. Apparently no one has seen him yet. Which must be true, cause his car is pretty hard to miss. You almost have to wear sunglasses just to approach it.''
The bell rang and Rory closed her locker. She followed Paris into their classroom, ignoring her rant about Tristan's car, and took a seat in the back.
Halfway through class, the door opened and Tristan entered the classroom. Everyone in the room looked up at him, including Rory. She tried to find something different about him, but he looked exactly the same as yesterday.
T: ''I'm sorry, but I had trouble finding a parking space that was big enough for my car.''
He smiled at the teacher while he handed her a note. It was as if he was ridiculing her. The teacher gestured for him to take a seat and continued with her lesson. Tristan briefly met her eyes before he took a seat next to her. It was long enough for her to notice that his eyes, that were usually shining with mock amusement, were now sullied with a certain tribulation.
Rory found herself glancing at Tristan every now and then, searching for a flaw in his usual behavior. She couldn't find one. He talked to his friends during the remain of the class and, just like always, he didn't take any notes. Rory lowered her eyes to her own piece of paper and wondered if he was really upset.
*~*~*
After school, Rory approached Tristan at his locker. She silently walked over to him, unsure and worried about his behavior.
R: ''Hey.''
Tristan was startled by her light voice, but he didn't show it. He just straightened his shoulders and kept rummaging through his locker.
T: ''Mary.''
This time Rory didn't say anything about him calling her Mary. There was no fun in telling him to stop when he said Mary with absolutely no amusement in his voice.
R: ''I heard about what happened.''
Tristan slightly nodded.
T: ''Everyone 'heard'.''
R: ''I'm really sorry.''
She leaned against the locker next to Tristan's and remained quiet for a short while, not knowing what to say and not wanting to disturb his secret thoughts. Tristan closed his locker and looked at her.
T: ''Care to give me a kiss and make it all better ?''
He flashed her one of his alluring smiles, trying to lighten the mood and take the pressure off this conversation, but Rory didn't smile. She just watched him and thought about how fake his smile looked. And how his eyes stayed cold during all of this.
R: ''Are you okay ?''
Tristan stopped smiling and bore into her eyes with his own. There was something dangerous about them, as if he was warning her not to cross the line. But she must have been letting her imagination get the best of her, cause she wasn't crossing the line. She was just concerned about him and wanted to know if she could help him with anything.
T: ''Isn't your locker at the other end of this corridor ?''
He didn't mean for it to sound so commanding, but he just didn't feel like talking or explaining himself to anyone. He would only give himself away with that and talking about it, meant thinking about it and that was the last thing he wanted right now. So, instead he put up one of his appealing masquerades, pretending that he was alright and telling one lie after another. But with Rory it was hard to keep his disguise on. It always felt as if she had the power to detangle his web of lies. Slowly tugging at each thread until he would finally give in. And knowing how he felt about Rory, he would eventually give in. Of course he wasn't all right. His closest friend passed away last night without a warning. But things would be all right. After all, he was the 'King of Chilton' and there were enough willing girls around to make him feel all right. For a while at least.
Rory nodded and mumbled a goodbye before she pushed herself off the lockers and walked away. Tristan ran his hand through his hair and watched her leave. Talking wasn't one of his better qualities and he believed that talking wasn't going to do him any good. His problems were his problems after all. And what went on at his home and what was discussed behind closed doors was also his business. At least his grandpa died peaceful, in his sleep. He never felt any pain. The doctor said that his heart just stopped and that they should be thankful that it happened this way. Janlan was old and had a busy business and social life. Tristan's expression lost the last bit of happiness as he remembered all those conversations he had with his grandpa. They could always talk about everything. Cars, girls, school, everything was discussed. Mostly because Janlan understood Tristan and he understood the pressure his parents were putting on him. Tristan forced himself to stop thinking about it. He needed some cheering up. He spotted Amy out of the corner of his eye. His lips curved into one of his seducing smiles as he walked up to her.
*~*~*
As soon as Rory reached Stars Hollow, she went straight to Luke's. She headed up the stairs without asking for permission. When she came into the apartment she was shocked with what she saw and was unable to speak for roughly 10 seconds. Jess was sitting on his bed doing homework. Apparently he heard her come in, cause almost immediately he shifted his gaze from his books over to Rory.
J: ''Did anyone ever tell you that you could be a double for Birtney Spears ?''
Rory shot him a look, that was supposed to be intimidating, but Jess just smirked. She walked over to his bed and nodded in the direction of his books.
R: ''What are you doing ?''
Jess looked at his books and returned his gaze to Rory.
J: ''Homework, history to be exact.''
Almost immediately a satisfied smile brightened up Rory's features.
J: ''Don't get used to it though. I finished all of my books, so I had nothing to do.''
Rory sat down across from him, smile still in place.
R: ''You can barrow one of mine.''
J: ''Read them all too. But we can go to the bookstore ?''
R: ''Sure, after your homework.''
Jess made a face before returning his attention to his history. Well, tried to. But Rory's fidgeting distracted him. Not that he didn't find it amusing, cause he did. Finally a small smile broke through on his face and he looked up at Rory.
J: ''Anything happen at school ?''
Rory shook her head, but Jess knew she was lying, cause she was biting her bottom lip. Jess put his pencil down and sighed.
J: ''Here we go. You know, an A- isn't that bad. It's close to perfect and.........''
R: ''I didn't get a bad grade Jess.''
J: ''Oh, sorry. I figured something was bothering you and........''
R: ''You assumed it had to do with a bad grade.''
J: ''I guessed it had something to do with a bad grade.''
R: ''Big difference.''
J: ''Are we just going to keep on bantering or are you actually going to tell me what's on your mind ?''
Rory shook her head and lowered her eyes for a moment before meeting Jess' serious gaze again. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear before she started to talk.
R: ''Remember Tristan ?''
J: ''I believe I do, Mary.''
Rory rolled her eyes, but other than that she ignored his comment.
R: ''His grandpa died last night and Tristan's still acting the same. Talking with his friends as if nothing ever happened. And when I tried to talk to him about it, he was just cold.''
Jess shrugged, not really seeing the problem. Rory had the tendency to worry too much about people she didn't know.
J: ''Maybe it didn't bother him as much as everyone thinks.''
R: ''But he and his grandpa were extremely close. His grandpa was probably the only member of his family he really liked.''
J: ''Not everyone feels comfortable talking about it so soon.''
Rory nodded and got up.
J: ''Where are you going ?''
R: ''I'm going home to change.''
J: ''See ya later, Brit.''
Rory turned around and shot him one of her evil glares. Jess pretended to be fascinated with his homework, but smiled as soon as she closed the door behind her.
*R*E*V*I*E*W*! Please ? :-) To all of you who have read this chapter before, thanks for your patience and thanks for the reviews on the last chapter. Now something important. (to me) I'm going to change my writing style, try at least. I'm going to get rid of the R: etc after the third chapter. Kay pointed out that just writing he said etc, gave the story more substance. So I wanted to thank Kay for that. *And I have a new story!* It's a Lit and it's called ''That's when the crowd goes wild.'' Thanks! :-)