*Disclaimer: I don't own the series Gilmore Girls or the characters. All I
own is my imagination and the plot.
*A/N: Hey!!! :-) Another week!!! I know!!! And I know I've said that I would update more frequently, but I'm afraid that weekly updates is as frequent as it's going to get. It's just that I have two more years and then I'm off to college (hopefully), so I really need to study for the tests and stuff. I hope everyone understands, cause I really wanna write and get good grades at the same time, but the two don't always go together, unfortunately.
*~*~*:-)*~*~*Bye, smile :-)
That Monday Rory came to school more prepared than ever before. She had spend almost the entire weekend on her English Literature assignment. The only reason why she had spend so many ticking hours on that assignment was, because she had to angle her worry and frustration in a different direction. Worry and frustration that was of course caused by Tristan and the fact that she wanted to be mad at him, even though she had already forgiven him for what had happened on Friday. At least she had found something to focus all her attention on and she, herself, had to admit that she had done an almost perfect job on the assignment.
She had rewritten the scene of Shakespeare's Hamlet, just as they had discussed in class. She had kept the same scenery and dialogue, only she had used more words, so the scenery became more clear and was pulled more onto the surface. And she had also replaced Shakespeare's ancient way of writing with modern words and sentences. This way it would appeal to younger readers. Paris, on the other hand, had taken another scene out of Hamlet and put it in a different background, which gave the dialogue a different meaning. One, where a new interpretation was needed. And though she and Paris had become friends, she still couldn't help wondering who had done a better job on this assignment.
A smile started to playfully tug at Rory's lips for no apparent reason. Before Chilton she could have cared less about competing with other students, but now things were different. Probably because, back at Stars Hollow High, there was no competition. Well, maybe Jess if he at least tried to open up a book once in a while. But with her and Luke's constant 'encouragements', he would graduate from Stars Hollow High with the A's to prove it and he would go on to study something which had to do with writing, like Journalism or something in that direction.
A slight smile finally broke through on Rory's face, when she saw Paris waiting by her locker. Typical. After doing a couple of projects and assignments with Paris, Rory had figured out Paris' 'strategy'. Paris always made sure to arrive at school earlier than Rory on these kind of days. Just so she could complain, that she had been standing here for ages, when really it has only been two minutes. And, so she could go over the work Rory had done. It was all in the 'fun' of the competing game they silently played with each other.
Rory stopped smiling and covered her face with a serious expression, as she approached Paris.
''Finally. I've been waiting for ages,'' Paris complained, as she crossed her arms and looked at Rory.
''Why yes Paris, I'm doing fine. Thank you,'' Rory said, as she ignored Paris' complaint and opened her locker.
''You do have the assignment, don't you ?''
''How loud would you scream if I said no ?'' Rory mockingly asked, as she turned around to face Paris, who was looking at her with a scowl on her already annoyed face.
''You know, it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile.''
''Fascinating. Assignment please ?'' Paris asked, as she held out her hand.
Rory sighed and handed Paris the assignment. Paris flipped open the binder and started to read through the typed pages. Not cursorily like most people would, but really looking at every detail in every sentence. Rory smiled at the sight of the frustrated wrinkles in Paris' forehead. She was looking for a flaw, but couldn't find one. Suddenly Paris closed the binder and handed it to her with a neutral expression.
''Excellent work Gilmore. Better than mine by a few sentences. Congratulations.''
''Congratulations ? We're not competing,'' Rory said, playing dumb.
Paris looked at her with a small smile.
''Just because we won't admit to each other that we are, doesn't mean that we aren't.''
Rory smiled at Paris with the respect she deserved. She knew no one else who worked as hard as Paris to reach her goals. The two girls started to walk in the direction of their classroom and were already on their way in, when the bell rang.
They occupied two seats in the front row while the other students started to enter the classroom too. While Rory was reading through her binder again, Paris was glaring at the other students with narrowed eyes, trying to see who would be worthy as their competition.
''Ah, that's just pathetic. One small, unworthy piece of paper. And it's double spaced too ! I almost feel sorry for the kid.''
Rory smiled and shook her head as she kept her head lowered as if she was still going through her work. She was actually keeping a look out for Tristan. They had this class together and she hadn't seen him yet. Just as the teacher wanted to close the door, a hand grabbed the door and stopped her from closing it. Tristan DuGrey's face appeared as he stepped in to the classroom, heading to his seat, while the teacher looked at him, shaking her head. Rory let out a sigh of relief when he walked in. Just seeing him made her feel a little better and assured her that everything was okay, though she knew that it wasn't.
Tristan DuGrey sat down behind Rory, partly because it was the only empty seat left and he would pick a wooden seat over the floor every day and partly, because he had the need to be close to Rory. Not close enough for them to touch, but close enough for him to be surrounded by her unique scent. A mix of roses and lemon. A very rare mix, but one that suited her. The roses reflected her honest sweetness and sincerity and the lemon reflected her bright and cheerful character.
The teacher, Mrs. Raven, started to name the pairs, so she could retrieve the assignments that everyone should have done. Should, meaning that it was probable that two or three individuals hadn't done it. And one of those individuals happened to be Tristan DuGrey. He didn't spend too much time thinking about it though, he hardly spend one second on it. He was too preoccupied taking in Rory's luring essence and studying her hair, amazed at how it fell so easily upon her shoulders. One or two strands were loosely tucked behind her ears. Tristan unclasped his hands, that had been lying on his desk only inches away from her hair, and slowly reached out for a strand of Rory's hair, which was playfully grazing his desk. But when Mrs. Raven called Rory's name, he quickly pulled his hands back and looked at her as she got up and walked over to Mrs. Raven's desk.
Just before she sat back down, he caught her questioning eyes looked at him, briefly scanning his face before doing this.
''Tristan DuGrey and Billy Frazier, your assignment please ?'' Mrs. Raven demanded.
Tristan didn't make any attempt to get up. Why bother when he didn't have the assignment anyway. He silently waited as Billy went to give Mrs. Raven his part of the assignment and wondered how long it would take her to notice. Mrs. Raven quickly went through Billy's work, before looking up at Tristan.
''Where's your assignment Mr. DuGrey ?''
''At home. But don't worry Mrs. Raven, it's all here, in my mind,'' Tristan said, as he pointedly tapped his head with his index finger.
''Really, Mr DuGrey ? Then why does it seem as if lately you're only here with your body and not with your mind ?''
''Cause girls always swoon over my body and don't care much for the mind..........right Mary ?''
Tristan whispered the last part in Rory's ear as a couple of girls started to giggle. Rory unintentionally shivered at the feel of Tristan's warm breath against her neck, causing her to pull up her shoulder in one abrupt movement.
''Mr. Frazier, were you aware of the fact that Tristan had not completed his assignment ?'' Mrs. Raven asked, glaring at Billy in the back.
''No,'' Billy honestly answered, as he shot Tristan an apologetic look.
Mrs. Raven nodded and glared in Tristan's direction one more time, before moving on to the next pair.
While Mrs. Raven continued with her lesson, Rory sat there, feeling distractingly vulnerable. She could just feel his eyes creeping up her back, lingering at the base of her neck before moving on. Rory lightly shivered again, wondering how long it would be until the bell would ring and set her 'free'.
When the bell finally did ring, Rory quickly started to gather her stuff. She was glad that eventually the lesson had ended. For some reason she liked it better if she could actually see Tristan. Rory got her backpack and got up from her seat. When she looked up Mrs. Raven was looking at her.
''Mrs. Gilmore, would you mind staying for a minute ?''
''Of course not,'' Rory answered, pondering about the reasons why Mrs. Raven would keep her here.
''You too Mr. DuGrey,'' Mrs. Raven said, just as Tristan was about to leave the classroom.
Tristan sighed as he turned around to face the teacher.
''Please, sit down. You two make it seem so formal and uncomfortable.''
Rory and Tristan exchanged a look before sitting down. Rory returned to her seat and Tristan sat down on the desk next to her. Mrs. Raven walked to the door and closed it as soon as all the other students were gone. After that she sat down on her desk, her arms neatly crossed over her chest.
''Now, Mr. DuGrey about your assignment, since I know how hard it must be for you after such an.........enormous loss.....,'' Mrs. Raven started, as she looked at Tristan compassionately.
Rory glanced at Tristan as Mrs. Raven said this. She noticed how his jaws were constricted together in a tense way and how one single line was visible in his forehead. She realized that he was trying to contain himself from doing more damage than he had already done. Rory shifted her gaze from Tristan to Mrs. Raven and wondered if she really knew how much pain Tristan was in or if she was just assuming this. Just like Rory assumed, when really she knew nothing about the situation.
''......I'm willing to let this one slide and give you a new assignment, so you can make up for this one. How does that sound ?'' Mrs. Raven continued, giving Tristan a small smile.
''Very gracious,'' Tristan politely answered.
''Indeed. Now, I have also heard about your chemistry grade........'' she looked at Tristan, her smile seemingly a part of history.
''I will try harder next time. Things at home.........,'' Tristan stopped and bit his tongue. He had almost told a complete 'stranger' about his situation and the emotions that went with it.
''Though everyone at Chilton respects people's feelings at these tragic events, we also believe that after a certain amount of time people are able to move on and stop mourning, after all the person isn't here anymore.''
Tristan's eyes hardened as he quickly lowered his head for one second. He hadn't even gotten the chance to mourn properly.
''Yes ma'am,'' he said, with fake respect and understanding.
''Good. Since Chilton doesn't tolerate failure and wants to help you do better next time, we have come to the conclusion that you should have someone to help you with your large school tasks. Just for a small period of time, until we see that you're improving.''
Tristan nodded as Mrs. Raven moved her glance from him to Rory.
''And that's why you're here, Mrs. Gilmore. The faculty of Chilton has decided that you would be best to tutor Tristan.........''
''But.......,'' Rory started.
''You have tutored students before and the time you spent with them hasn't affected your grades or your articles in the school newspaper,'' Mrs. Raven interrupted.
''Yes, but..........''
''This isn't your decision Mrs. Gilmore. You should be honored that we chose you out of all the students.''
''I am,'' Rory said softly, avoiding Tristan's eyes.
''Good,'' Mrs. Raven said, as she looked at the two students. ''You two may leave.''
Rory got up with a small and barely evident sigh. She headed for the door with an assortment of feelings twisting around in her stomach. It wasn't that she minded tutoring Tristan, but she didn't like someone practically forcing her to do it. She could hear Tristan's footsteps behind her, but stopped when Mrs. Raven said something to him. Rory stopped too and turned her head slightly.
''And Tristan that assignment will be handed in tomorrow. Mrs. Gilmore is allowed to help you............'' Mrs. Raven said, as she glared in Rory's direction.
''I know it's short notice, but the assignment isn't that large. So, tomorrow, is that clear ?''
''Yes,'' Rory whispered, as she opened the door.
Tristan nodded and followed Rory out of the classroom. They started to walk in the same direction.
''She didn't give us much of a choice, did she ?'' Tristan asked.
''No, she didn't,'' Rory silently said.
Tristan looked at Rory, wondering what was going through her mind. She was looking at the floor, her head bowed as if she was in prayer. Tristan sighed and stopped. He grabbed her arm gently.
''Look, you don't have to help me if you don't want to. I know, we don't exactly have a good history and it's up to you.''
Rory bit her lip and met Tristan's arduous eyes. She thought of her own assumption and wondered if she would prove it right or wrong if she spend some time with Tristan. Finally she nodded and pulled her arm back.
''I don't mind helping you Tristan.''
A satisfied smile took over his serious features.
''In what way, Mary ?''
Rory unwillingly smiled at his crude yet playfully innocent remark.
''So, where are we going to do this ?'' she asked.
Tristan conceitedly smiled at her.
''Wherever you want.''
Rory sighed and crossed her arms.
''I meant study.''
''All work no play huh Mary ? I think it's time we change that resolution of yours.''
''Just as long at it doesn't affect my grades,'' Rory thoughtlessly said.
Tristan raised an eyebrow, his smile turning in to a grin.
Rory saw his reaction and smiled.
''I was kidding.''
''To my unfortune,'' Tristan said.
''I agree, your house it is,'' Rory said, as she started to walk again.
''Don't I get a say in this ?'' Tristan asked with an almost pleading urgency in his voice.
Rory stopped and turned around to face him.
''What ? Not pleased with my decision ?''
''Normally I would be pleased with every word that comes out of that luscious mouth of yours, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to question your decision.''
Rory blushed at his comment and lowered her head, trying to hide her flaming cheeks from Tristan's amused eyes, though there was a certain seriousness to them.
''I just thought we could study at my house, cause my mom will be home tonight and when she's around it's hard to get work done. Just ask Paris, I'm sure she'll back me up on this one. Besides we really need to be able to concentrate on this assignment. Especially since it counts as 25% of your final grade,'' Rory rambled.
''Tell me again, why aren't you on the debate team ?''
Rory looked at Tristan and smiled.
''So, did I win the debate ?''
Tristan nodded. What was he worried about anyway ? His parents weren't coming home tonight, so there would be no one around to judge her. Except for Paola and the other personnel of course, but he was positive that they would approve.
''How does seven sound ?'' he asked.
''Slightly different than an eight,'' Rory answered.
Tristan couldn't help but roll his eyes.
''See you at seven,'' Rory said, as she started to head to her next class.
Tristan had planned to just let her walk away, but as soon as she turned her back he started to feel guilty.
''Rory !''
''Yeah,'' she said, as she looked at him.
''About last Friday..............''
''Already forgotten,'' she interrupted. ''See you tonight !''
Tristan nodded and started to head in the opposite direction. He would see her tonight.
*~*~*
Once Rory reached Stars Hollow, she headed straight for the diner, knowing that her mom would meet her there as soon as she got off work. She dropped her backpack at the counter, greeted Luke and flew up the stairs. She went into Luke's apartment without knocking, but she immediately regretted her decision. Jess was lying on his bed, straddled by a girl whom's face was hidden behind black curls. Rory instinctively closed the door behind her, louder then was necessary.
''It's not what it looks like,'' Jess started, as he pushed the girl off of him. He sat up straight and started to button up his shirt, but stopped when he saw Rory.
''Geez, Rory ?!'' he said, as he got up, revealing his unbuckled belt and his jeans, which hung dangerously low.
Rory instantly took a step back and covered her face with her hands.
''Ew ! Now I have a visual !''
''Jess, who's she ?'' the girl asked.
''One of my immature friends who has never heard of the word privacy before,'' Jess stated.
''Immature indeed,'' the girl said, as she got off the bed.
''You should have locked the door,'' Rory said, her face still hidden in her hands.
''Luke would have suspected something if I did,'' Jess explained.
''Then hang a sock on the door or something.''
''A sock ?'' Jess' 'girlfriend' asked, as she straightened her skirt and ran a hand through her hair.
''Forget the sock. Next time I'll just buy one of those stickers, you know, one that says 'occupied' and put it on the door. You think that'll work ?'' Jess mockingly asked.
''Whatever, can I open my eyes again ? Is everyone descent ?''
''Yeah,'' Jess answered.
''Descent ?'' the girl asked.
Rory removed her hands and caught the girl looking at her with a look of disdain on her face.
''You will surely stay a virgin forever. No offense.''
The girl sweetly smiled at Rory, before giving Jess a kiss and heading towards the window. As soon as the girl was out the window, Rory glared at Jess.
''New play mate ?''
''Yeah, the December edition.''
Rory rolled her eyes as she dropped herself on Jess' bed. Jess eyed her action and grinned.
Rory caught his gaze. ''What ?''
''Nothing,'' Jess answered as he crossed his arms and leaned against his dresser, a grin still visible on his face.
Suddenly Rory grimaced. ''You and her didn't..........did you ?''
Jess shrugged. ''Almost.''
Rory got up quickly and hit Jess on the chest.
''That's.............that's...........something I don't wanna know !''
''You asked,'' Jess defended.
''I walked in on you two !''
''Yeah, disturbing my, or should I say, our privacy,'' Jess said with a sly smirk.
''Get a lock Jess,'' Rory said.
''I already have a lock, but I was kind of hoping you would walk in so we........''
''I'm out of here. Talk to you later,'' Rory said, as she turned around.
''I'm sorry. What is it ?'' Jess asked with a serious expression on his face.
''I just wanted to let you know that I'm going over to Tristan's tonight,'' Rory said, as she turned around to face Jess, waiting for his reaction.
Jess raised one of his eyebrows. ''A date ?''
Rory sighed. ''No, I have to tutor him.''
''What subject ?'' Jess asked, trying to suppress a smirk.
''You're unbelievable. The teacher forced me to tutor him. It's not like I volunteered.''
''Of course. I mean, you're going over to his house, at night and all you're going to do is study,'' Jess pointed out.
''I'm going downstairs to see if my mom's here yet,'' Rory said, as she headed for the door of the apartment.
''Does your mom have to work tonight ?'' Jess asked as he followed her towards the stairs.
''No, why ?''
''Cause you said you were going over to his house to study, but if you're mom's home then why aren't you guys studying here ?''
Rory let out a frustrated shriek as Jess followed her down the stairs, with a satisfied smirk.
*R*E*V*I*E*W*! Please ? :-) Thanks again for everything! For your patience, your reviews and just everything!!! I can't believe people are actually reading (and liking) this! :-) *For you who read my Lit, it'll probably be updated this weekend.*
*A/N: Hey!!! :-) Another week!!! I know!!! And I know I've said that I would update more frequently, but I'm afraid that weekly updates is as frequent as it's going to get. It's just that I have two more years and then I'm off to college (hopefully), so I really need to study for the tests and stuff. I hope everyone understands, cause I really wanna write and get good grades at the same time, but the two don't always go together, unfortunately.
*~*~*:-)*~*~*Bye, smile :-)
That Monday Rory came to school more prepared than ever before. She had spend almost the entire weekend on her English Literature assignment. The only reason why she had spend so many ticking hours on that assignment was, because she had to angle her worry and frustration in a different direction. Worry and frustration that was of course caused by Tristan and the fact that she wanted to be mad at him, even though she had already forgiven him for what had happened on Friday. At least she had found something to focus all her attention on and she, herself, had to admit that she had done an almost perfect job on the assignment.
She had rewritten the scene of Shakespeare's Hamlet, just as they had discussed in class. She had kept the same scenery and dialogue, only she had used more words, so the scenery became more clear and was pulled more onto the surface. And she had also replaced Shakespeare's ancient way of writing with modern words and sentences. This way it would appeal to younger readers. Paris, on the other hand, had taken another scene out of Hamlet and put it in a different background, which gave the dialogue a different meaning. One, where a new interpretation was needed. And though she and Paris had become friends, she still couldn't help wondering who had done a better job on this assignment.
A smile started to playfully tug at Rory's lips for no apparent reason. Before Chilton she could have cared less about competing with other students, but now things were different. Probably because, back at Stars Hollow High, there was no competition. Well, maybe Jess if he at least tried to open up a book once in a while. But with her and Luke's constant 'encouragements', he would graduate from Stars Hollow High with the A's to prove it and he would go on to study something which had to do with writing, like Journalism or something in that direction.
A slight smile finally broke through on Rory's face, when she saw Paris waiting by her locker. Typical. After doing a couple of projects and assignments with Paris, Rory had figured out Paris' 'strategy'. Paris always made sure to arrive at school earlier than Rory on these kind of days. Just so she could complain, that she had been standing here for ages, when really it has only been two minutes. And, so she could go over the work Rory had done. It was all in the 'fun' of the competing game they silently played with each other.
Rory stopped smiling and covered her face with a serious expression, as she approached Paris.
''Finally. I've been waiting for ages,'' Paris complained, as she crossed her arms and looked at Rory.
''Why yes Paris, I'm doing fine. Thank you,'' Rory said, as she ignored Paris' complaint and opened her locker.
''You do have the assignment, don't you ?''
''How loud would you scream if I said no ?'' Rory mockingly asked, as she turned around to face Paris, who was looking at her with a scowl on her already annoyed face.
''You know, it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile.''
''Fascinating. Assignment please ?'' Paris asked, as she held out her hand.
Rory sighed and handed Paris the assignment. Paris flipped open the binder and started to read through the typed pages. Not cursorily like most people would, but really looking at every detail in every sentence. Rory smiled at the sight of the frustrated wrinkles in Paris' forehead. She was looking for a flaw, but couldn't find one. Suddenly Paris closed the binder and handed it to her with a neutral expression.
''Excellent work Gilmore. Better than mine by a few sentences. Congratulations.''
''Congratulations ? We're not competing,'' Rory said, playing dumb.
Paris looked at her with a small smile.
''Just because we won't admit to each other that we are, doesn't mean that we aren't.''
Rory smiled at Paris with the respect she deserved. She knew no one else who worked as hard as Paris to reach her goals. The two girls started to walk in the direction of their classroom and were already on their way in, when the bell rang.
They occupied two seats in the front row while the other students started to enter the classroom too. While Rory was reading through her binder again, Paris was glaring at the other students with narrowed eyes, trying to see who would be worthy as their competition.
''Ah, that's just pathetic. One small, unworthy piece of paper. And it's double spaced too ! I almost feel sorry for the kid.''
Rory smiled and shook her head as she kept her head lowered as if she was still going through her work. She was actually keeping a look out for Tristan. They had this class together and she hadn't seen him yet. Just as the teacher wanted to close the door, a hand grabbed the door and stopped her from closing it. Tristan DuGrey's face appeared as he stepped in to the classroom, heading to his seat, while the teacher looked at him, shaking her head. Rory let out a sigh of relief when he walked in. Just seeing him made her feel a little better and assured her that everything was okay, though she knew that it wasn't.
Tristan DuGrey sat down behind Rory, partly because it was the only empty seat left and he would pick a wooden seat over the floor every day and partly, because he had the need to be close to Rory. Not close enough for them to touch, but close enough for him to be surrounded by her unique scent. A mix of roses and lemon. A very rare mix, but one that suited her. The roses reflected her honest sweetness and sincerity and the lemon reflected her bright and cheerful character.
The teacher, Mrs. Raven, started to name the pairs, so she could retrieve the assignments that everyone should have done. Should, meaning that it was probable that two or three individuals hadn't done it. And one of those individuals happened to be Tristan DuGrey. He didn't spend too much time thinking about it though, he hardly spend one second on it. He was too preoccupied taking in Rory's luring essence and studying her hair, amazed at how it fell so easily upon her shoulders. One or two strands were loosely tucked behind her ears. Tristan unclasped his hands, that had been lying on his desk only inches away from her hair, and slowly reached out for a strand of Rory's hair, which was playfully grazing his desk. But when Mrs. Raven called Rory's name, he quickly pulled his hands back and looked at her as she got up and walked over to Mrs. Raven's desk.
Just before she sat back down, he caught her questioning eyes looked at him, briefly scanning his face before doing this.
''Tristan DuGrey and Billy Frazier, your assignment please ?'' Mrs. Raven demanded.
Tristan didn't make any attempt to get up. Why bother when he didn't have the assignment anyway. He silently waited as Billy went to give Mrs. Raven his part of the assignment and wondered how long it would take her to notice. Mrs. Raven quickly went through Billy's work, before looking up at Tristan.
''Where's your assignment Mr. DuGrey ?''
''At home. But don't worry Mrs. Raven, it's all here, in my mind,'' Tristan said, as he pointedly tapped his head with his index finger.
''Really, Mr DuGrey ? Then why does it seem as if lately you're only here with your body and not with your mind ?''
''Cause girls always swoon over my body and don't care much for the mind..........right Mary ?''
Tristan whispered the last part in Rory's ear as a couple of girls started to giggle. Rory unintentionally shivered at the feel of Tristan's warm breath against her neck, causing her to pull up her shoulder in one abrupt movement.
''Mr. Frazier, were you aware of the fact that Tristan had not completed his assignment ?'' Mrs. Raven asked, glaring at Billy in the back.
''No,'' Billy honestly answered, as he shot Tristan an apologetic look.
Mrs. Raven nodded and glared in Tristan's direction one more time, before moving on to the next pair.
While Mrs. Raven continued with her lesson, Rory sat there, feeling distractingly vulnerable. She could just feel his eyes creeping up her back, lingering at the base of her neck before moving on. Rory lightly shivered again, wondering how long it would be until the bell would ring and set her 'free'.
When the bell finally did ring, Rory quickly started to gather her stuff. She was glad that eventually the lesson had ended. For some reason she liked it better if she could actually see Tristan. Rory got her backpack and got up from her seat. When she looked up Mrs. Raven was looking at her.
''Mrs. Gilmore, would you mind staying for a minute ?''
''Of course not,'' Rory answered, pondering about the reasons why Mrs. Raven would keep her here.
''You too Mr. DuGrey,'' Mrs. Raven said, just as Tristan was about to leave the classroom.
Tristan sighed as he turned around to face the teacher.
''Please, sit down. You two make it seem so formal and uncomfortable.''
Rory and Tristan exchanged a look before sitting down. Rory returned to her seat and Tristan sat down on the desk next to her. Mrs. Raven walked to the door and closed it as soon as all the other students were gone. After that she sat down on her desk, her arms neatly crossed over her chest.
''Now, Mr. DuGrey about your assignment, since I know how hard it must be for you after such an.........enormous loss.....,'' Mrs. Raven started, as she looked at Tristan compassionately.
Rory glanced at Tristan as Mrs. Raven said this. She noticed how his jaws were constricted together in a tense way and how one single line was visible in his forehead. She realized that he was trying to contain himself from doing more damage than he had already done. Rory shifted her gaze from Tristan to Mrs. Raven and wondered if she really knew how much pain Tristan was in or if she was just assuming this. Just like Rory assumed, when really she knew nothing about the situation.
''......I'm willing to let this one slide and give you a new assignment, so you can make up for this one. How does that sound ?'' Mrs. Raven continued, giving Tristan a small smile.
''Very gracious,'' Tristan politely answered.
''Indeed. Now, I have also heard about your chemistry grade........'' she looked at Tristan, her smile seemingly a part of history.
''I will try harder next time. Things at home.........,'' Tristan stopped and bit his tongue. He had almost told a complete 'stranger' about his situation and the emotions that went with it.
''Though everyone at Chilton respects people's feelings at these tragic events, we also believe that after a certain amount of time people are able to move on and stop mourning, after all the person isn't here anymore.''
Tristan's eyes hardened as he quickly lowered his head for one second. He hadn't even gotten the chance to mourn properly.
''Yes ma'am,'' he said, with fake respect and understanding.
''Good. Since Chilton doesn't tolerate failure and wants to help you do better next time, we have come to the conclusion that you should have someone to help you with your large school tasks. Just for a small period of time, until we see that you're improving.''
Tristan nodded as Mrs. Raven moved her glance from him to Rory.
''And that's why you're here, Mrs. Gilmore. The faculty of Chilton has decided that you would be best to tutor Tristan.........''
''But.......,'' Rory started.
''You have tutored students before and the time you spent with them hasn't affected your grades or your articles in the school newspaper,'' Mrs. Raven interrupted.
''Yes, but..........''
''This isn't your decision Mrs. Gilmore. You should be honored that we chose you out of all the students.''
''I am,'' Rory said softly, avoiding Tristan's eyes.
''Good,'' Mrs. Raven said, as she looked at the two students. ''You two may leave.''
Rory got up with a small and barely evident sigh. She headed for the door with an assortment of feelings twisting around in her stomach. It wasn't that she minded tutoring Tristan, but she didn't like someone practically forcing her to do it. She could hear Tristan's footsteps behind her, but stopped when Mrs. Raven said something to him. Rory stopped too and turned her head slightly.
''And Tristan that assignment will be handed in tomorrow. Mrs. Gilmore is allowed to help you............'' Mrs. Raven said, as she glared in Rory's direction.
''I know it's short notice, but the assignment isn't that large. So, tomorrow, is that clear ?''
''Yes,'' Rory whispered, as she opened the door.
Tristan nodded and followed Rory out of the classroom. They started to walk in the same direction.
''She didn't give us much of a choice, did she ?'' Tristan asked.
''No, she didn't,'' Rory silently said.
Tristan looked at Rory, wondering what was going through her mind. She was looking at the floor, her head bowed as if she was in prayer. Tristan sighed and stopped. He grabbed her arm gently.
''Look, you don't have to help me if you don't want to. I know, we don't exactly have a good history and it's up to you.''
Rory bit her lip and met Tristan's arduous eyes. She thought of her own assumption and wondered if she would prove it right or wrong if she spend some time with Tristan. Finally she nodded and pulled her arm back.
''I don't mind helping you Tristan.''
A satisfied smile took over his serious features.
''In what way, Mary ?''
Rory unwillingly smiled at his crude yet playfully innocent remark.
''So, where are we going to do this ?'' she asked.
Tristan conceitedly smiled at her.
''Wherever you want.''
Rory sighed and crossed her arms.
''I meant study.''
''All work no play huh Mary ? I think it's time we change that resolution of yours.''
''Just as long at it doesn't affect my grades,'' Rory thoughtlessly said.
Tristan raised an eyebrow, his smile turning in to a grin.
Rory saw his reaction and smiled.
''I was kidding.''
''To my unfortune,'' Tristan said.
''I agree, your house it is,'' Rory said, as she started to walk again.
''Don't I get a say in this ?'' Tristan asked with an almost pleading urgency in his voice.
Rory stopped and turned around to face him.
''What ? Not pleased with my decision ?''
''Normally I would be pleased with every word that comes out of that luscious mouth of yours, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to question your decision.''
Rory blushed at his comment and lowered her head, trying to hide her flaming cheeks from Tristan's amused eyes, though there was a certain seriousness to them.
''I just thought we could study at my house, cause my mom will be home tonight and when she's around it's hard to get work done. Just ask Paris, I'm sure she'll back me up on this one. Besides we really need to be able to concentrate on this assignment. Especially since it counts as 25% of your final grade,'' Rory rambled.
''Tell me again, why aren't you on the debate team ?''
Rory looked at Tristan and smiled.
''So, did I win the debate ?''
Tristan nodded. What was he worried about anyway ? His parents weren't coming home tonight, so there would be no one around to judge her. Except for Paola and the other personnel of course, but he was positive that they would approve.
''How does seven sound ?'' he asked.
''Slightly different than an eight,'' Rory answered.
Tristan couldn't help but roll his eyes.
''See you at seven,'' Rory said, as she started to head to her next class.
Tristan had planned to just let her walk away, but as soon as she turned her back he started to feel guilty.
''Rory !''
''Yeah,'' she said, as she looked at him.
''About last Friday..............''
''Already forgotten,'' she interrupted. ''See you tonight !''
Tristan nodded and started to head in the opposite direction. He would see her tonight.
*~*~*
Once Rory reached Stars Hollow, she headed straight for the diner, knowing that her mom would meet her there as soon as she got off work. She dropped her backpack at the counter, greeted Luke and flew up the stairs. She went into Luke's apartment without knocking, but she immediately regretted her decision. Jess was lying on his bed, straddled by a girl whom's face was hidden behind black curls. Rory instinctively closed the door behind her, louder then was necessary.
''It's not what it looks like,'' Jess started, as he pushed the girl off of him. He sat up straight and started to button up his shirt, but stopped when he saw Rory.
''Geez, Rory ?!'' he said, as he got up, revealing his unbuckled belt and his jeans, which hung dangerously low.
Rory instantly took a step back and covered her face with her hands.
''Ew ! Now I have a visual !''
''Jess, who's she ?'' the girl asked.
''One of my immature friends who has never heard of the word privacy before,'' Jess stated.
''Immature indeed,'' the girl said, as she got off the bed.
''You should have locked the door,'' Rory said, her face still hidden in her hands.
''Luke would have suspected something if I did,'' Jess explained.
''Then hang a sock on the door or something.''
''A sock ?'' Jess' 'girlfriend' asked, as she straightened her skirt and ran a hand through her hair.
''Forget the sock. Next time I'll just buy one of those stickers, you know, one that says 'occupied' and put it on the door. You think that'll work ?'' Jess mockingly asked.
''Whatever, can I open my eyes again ? Is everyone descent ?''
''Yeah,'' Jess answered.
''Descent ?'' the girl asked.
Rory removed her hands and caught the girl looking at her with a look of disdain on her face.
''You will surely stay a virgin forever. No offense.''
The girl sweetly smiled at Rory, before giving Jess a kiss and heading towards the window. As soon as the girl was out the window, Rory glared at Jess.
''New play mate ?''
''Yeah, the December edition.''
Rory rolled her eyes as she dropped herself on Jess' bed. Jess eyed her action and grinned.
Rory caught his gaze. ''What ?''
''Nothing,'' Jess answered as he crossed his arms and leaned against his dresser, a grin still visible on his face.
Suddenly Rory grimaced. ''You and her didn't..........did you ?''
Jess shrugged. ''Almost.''
Rory got up quickly and hit Jess on the chest.
''That's.............that's...........something I don't wanna know !''
''You asked,'' Jess defended.
''I walked in on you two !''
''Yeah, disturbing my, or should I say, our privacy,'' Jess said with a sly smirk.
''Get a lock Jess,'' Rory said.
''I already have a lock, but I was kind of hoping you would walk in so we........''
''I'm out of here. Talk to you later,'' Rory said, as she turned around.
''I'm sorry. What is it ?'' Jess asked with a serious expression on his face.
''I just wanted to let you know that I'm going over to Tristan's tonight,'' Rory said, as she turned around to face Jess, waiting for his reaction.
Jess raised one of his eyebrows. ''A date ?''
Rory sighed. ''No, I have to tutor him.''
''What subject ?'' Jess asked, trying to suppress a smirk.
''You're unbelievable. The teacher forced me to tutor him. It's not like I volunteered.''
''Of course. I mean, you're going over to his house, at night and all you're going to do is study,'' Jess pointed out.
''I'm going downstairs to see if my mom's here yet,'' Rory said, as she headed for the door of the apartment.
''Does your mom have to work tonight ?'' Jess asked as he followed her towards the stairs.
''No, why ?''
''Cause you said you were going over to his house to study, but if you're mom's home then why aren't you guys studying here ?''
Rory let out a frustrated shriek as Jess followed her down the stairs, with a satisfied smirk.
*R*E*V*I*E*W*! Please ? :-) Thanks again for everything! For your patience, your reviews and just everything!!! I can't believe people are actually reading (and liking) this! :-) *For you who read my Lit, it'll probably be updated this weekend.*