*Disclaimer: I don't own the series Gilmore Girls or the characters. All I
own is my imagination and the plot.
*A/N: Hey!!! :-) So, I'm sure all of you know my 'excuse' by now, but I'll just say it once more. School is the reason why I have been lacking in the updating department lately. But as you can see I am trying to write as much as I can, so I hope that counts for something. :-)
*~*~*:-)*~*~*Bye, smile :-)
Rory was staring at the wall across from her, taking in the continuing inequalities as they formed a disordered pattern. Unlike the other walls, this one wasn't covered with pictures or shelves filled with books, she had left it blank. Showing its true color, a neutral shade of white. It was easier to concentrate on a bare wall. Otherwise she would keep shifting her gaze from picture to picture, or from title to title.
Though her eyes were calmly locked on one particular spot on the wall, her thoughts were doing flipflops in her head. Ever since she had walked out on Tristan, as he was sitting there in that dim room, she couldn't get the look he had in his eyes out of her mind. His eyes had stood lonely, and pleading, as if he was silently imploring her not to go, although she did. But at the same time his eyes had been all-knowing, like he had expected her to leave and had already been surprised by the fact that she had stayed long enough to listen to his mournful story.
Though Rory understood his doubts, she still didn't find it quite fair of him to have judged her like that. Of course, she didn't know what he was going through, but she would have been glad to have listened to his story earlier......if he had let her.
She turned her head to look at her alarm clock. It was earlier than the time she would normally get up, but for today it would have to do. She sat up straight, throwing her comforter aside as she did this. She didn't have to wipe her eyes this morning, because of her lack of sleep, there were no remains of last nights dream to wipe away. Rory reached for the floor with her feet and got up.
*~*~*
Moments later she was standing in the shower. At first the water was pleasant, calming her, soothing her. But as soon as her head disappeared underneath the water, and the water ran down her face and could be tasted on her lips, she felt trapped. Trapped within a watery cell, within her own thoughts, within the maze of words that Tristan had spoken to her yesterday. They were pouring over her like the water, that was starting to lose its warmth. And by the time, tears had drenched her already wet face, falling to the ground without a trace, the water had been close to freezing.
The reason of her tears remained blurred by the water, and her eyes stayed shut. She tried to get a hold of one of the many words that were running through her mind. She finally got a hold of one and from that one she moved on to the other, slowly going through Tristan's words once more, realizing why she was crying. She was crying because of his parents, because of how cruel they had been not to let him go to his grandfathers funeral. And she cried, because she knew Tristan wouldn't be able to.
*~*~*
Meanwhile, in a house that was quite the opposite from Rory's, Tristan was lying on his bed, though he couldn't remember actually getting there. After Rory had left the room, he had felt horrible about everything he had done to her and had tried to do to her. Regret had kept him company with its whispers as they reminded him of what had almost happened. He felt so remorseful about his actions, that he had wished that he could simply stop time with a snap of his fingers, just like he did right now.....
His eyes returned to his watch, dreading every second that ticked away. He knew that he couldn't stay in his room forever, he couldn't hide from her forever. Though it was nice to think that he could, stay here and never face her again. Of course he knew that wasn't an option either, cause he would miss every single line and curve that accentuated her imperfections.
A small smile touched Tristan's face, softly, like a pair of soft fingers would graze upon someone's flesh. But it faltered as soon as he saw that it was time to get up. He sighed and got up, glad that no one was around to lecture him.
*~*~*
By the time Rory came out of her room, prove of every tear that had been spilled, had been washed away. The only evidence were the small, slightly deeper lines at the corners of her eyes. They were tugging her eyes downwards instead of upwards.
She entered the kitchen, already holding her coat in her hands. She quickly grabbed a piece of paper and wrote a small note for her mom, telling her that she got home safe last night, that she had fun and that she was leaving for a school a little earlier this morning, because of some project she had to do with Paris. They were all lies, of course. She did get home safe last night, thanks to Jess, who had been willing to pick her up as soon as she had called, but she didn't have a good time. But she didn't want to explain last nights event to her mom. The only reason she was leaving for school early, was because of Jess, who would still be at the diner. And she really needed a cup of coffee right now, and maybe a friend.
*~*~*
When the door of the diner opened, Jess immediately knew that it was Rory. She was the only person who opened the door so quietly, almost hesitantly, like she was afraid she might disturb the people that were already inside. He patiently waited for her to close the door, before he lifted his head up to look at her.
''Hey,'' Rory said, breaking eye contact before she even met his eyes.
Jess nodded and watched as she came walking in his direction, lowering his eyes just an inch as he tried to catch her gaze once more. But he was unsuccessful, her hair was acting as a protective shield. He knew it wasn't intentional. She just didn't like being the cause of people's eyes on her.
''Where's Luke ?'' she asked, as she sat down, her eyes looking at a wrinkle in Jess' shirt.
''Upstairs, trying to remember where he left his baseball cap.''
Rory cracked a smile and she carefully wiped a strand of hair away from her face, a symbolic gesture, that let Jess know that her wall was down and that the uncomfortable air around them had been lifted. At first he didn't even quite get why she put up her wall in the first place, it didn't hide anything. There were cracks everywhere. But then he realized that her wall wasn't as transparent to the rest of Stars Hollow and that they still fell for it.
''You want coffee to go with that ?'' he asked, referring to her smile.
Rory nodded and she observed Jess as he turned around to grab the coffee pot, that was already filled with freshly brewed coffee. As he poured in to a cup, she tried to picture Jess doing kind gestures like these around her mom or Luke. For some reason the picture remained unfinished. She knew this was a rare occasion and that Jess normally preferred to be seen as careless and emotionless. It made things easier, those were his words. She never quite grasped them, but she was glad that she got to see the other side of his personality every now and then.
Jess handed her the coffee and she thankfully took it.
''Are you..........''
Rory nodded and put her cup down on the counter after taking a sip. She started to trace its circular line with her fingers.
''I guess, I am. I'm not the one who should be feeling not okay, I'm just...........worried.''
Jess nodded and watched Rory fidget with her coffee cup as a silence came swiveling in through the keyhole.
*~*~*
When Rory was walking down the halls, whispers could be heard among almost every group or clique she passed. Apparently Tristan's party had been an official sign of his return as 'The King of Hearts', as his friends liked to call him.
Rory wondered if any of them even knew what Tristan was had been and probably still was going through. Did any of them even bother to notice that something had been wrong this last week ? Or did they just all choose to be blind, because they would like to believe that being rich automatically got rid of their other problems in life.
Rory shook her head as she hurried towards her locker, wanting to escape all of those whispers as fast as she could. But when she came around the corner, she spotted 'the topic of today' leaning against her locker. To her surprise he had his eyes lowered. Normally he would always look straight at you, trying to intimidate you, showing you that he held the winning vote and that he made the last decision around here. Though it had made Rory nervous during Tristan's first month at Chilton, it didn't affect her anymore. She knew that it was just facade. And she even thought Tristan knew she had seen right through him from the beginning, though he never showed it.
Rory approached him, almost expecting an amused smirk to appear on his face, just to let her know that he had heard her and was aware of her presence. But the smirk remained a pleasant memory, fresh in her mind.
She stopped in front of him, her book clasped against her chest, as she glanced at Tristan.
Suddenly he looked up and rested his eyes casually upon her face, as if he was trying to pretend last night never happened. Rory didn't say anything and locked eyes with him. Moments ago she had been filled with questions and now she couldn't even say his name. Tristan noticed her reaction too, cause he abruptly broke eye contact with her and pushed himself off of her locker. Their shoulders scarcely touched as he passed her. Rory could hear him walk away, but she didn't turn around.
Throughout the entire day they kept their distance, as if they had made a silent pact.
*~*~*
Tristan groaned as he spotted his parents' car, parked a couple of feet away. He knew that they would be coming back this afternoon, but he hadn't expected them to already be here. Tristan killed his engine and got out of his car, nervously running a hand through his hair as he did this. He didn't want to deal with them right now. Hell, he never wanted to deal with them. Dinners were always forced and unpleasant. Mostly his dad would talk about his successes and how Tristan should try to be more like him. Tristan always nodded, but up in his room, he had already made a vow never to become his fathers son.
He unlocked the door and carefully pushed it open, trying to make as less noise as possible. If he was lucky, his mom would be on the phone talking to one of her 'friends' and his dad would be in his office, preparing his next business success. Too busy to notice him. Tristan skillfully made his way over to the dresser, his shoes not making any sound on the tiled floor. So far, his parents hadn't heard him yet, but when he thoughtlessly threw his keys on the dresser, he knew that he had just blown his own cover.
''Tristan......''
His fathers voice came traveling into the hall, followed by a pair of intimidating steady footsteps.
''Dad,'' Tristan said, as he turned around to face his father, who was standing at the end of the hallway, looking at him.
He started to casually walk over to his father, mimicking his position, by placing his hands in his pockets. He waited for his father to say something, but he remained quiet and just kept looking at Tristan. Tristan tried to beat his father at his childish staring game, but once again he lost and he found himself lowering his eyes. Finally Alexander DuGrey cleared his throat.
''We got a call from Mrs. Hampton this afternoon......''
There was an intermission in his fathers sentence, accompanied by a cool glare in Tristan's direction, as if he was giving Tristan the chance to interrupt him.
''Apparently her son came home drunk last night,'' Alexander DuGrey finished.
Tristan ran his tongue over his lower lip, before bringing his eyes up to meet his dads. He should have figured that his father would find out about last nights party, one of Carolyn's friends, who also had their children attending Chilton, always ratted him out.
''It was just a party, some innocent fun,'' Tristan said mockingly, pushing his luck.
''Not so innocent when you endanger the lives of other people.''
''It was one guy, besides it was his own fault. He drank too much. It's not like I forced him to drink it,'' Tristan continued.
''Not the point.''
''Then please make it.''
Alexander removed his hands from his pockets and took a deep breath, as if Tristan was reaching the edge of his patience, before he continued.
''The point is that when you decided to throw a party last night, without our permission, you took the responsibility of all the people, that came, in your hands.''
Tristan shrugged. ''They brought their own beer. Besides, I'm sure they're all insured anyway.''
''Tristan Janlan DuGrey, do you have any idea how this has affected your mom and I ?!''
''Give me a break, dad. It's not like I'm the only one who throws a party ever now and then. So, I got caught this time, next week it'll be someone else.''
''Go to your room, we'll discuss this at dinner,'' Alexander demanded.
''Can't wait,'' Tristan said, as he calmly turned around and headed up the stairs.
*~*~*
That afternoon, Tristan didn't make any homework. To be honest, that was one of his worries that was last in line. Instead, he spend it reading one of the books Rory left here. It wasn't exactly something he would do under the normal circumstances, but it made the time go faster. By the time it was 6.30 PM, he had already finished half of the book. There were some parts he didn't quite understand and he had thought about calling Rory and normally he would, but since they weren't talking to each other yet, he declined every single one of those thoughts.
When there was a knock on the door, he lowered his book and waited for that person to come in. Moments later the door opened and Paola stepped in to the room.
''Dinner's ready.''
Tristan sighed. ''Could you tell them that I would rather eat upstairs tonight ?''
''Actually, your parents are insisting that you join them.''
''Fine,'' Tristan said, as he put down the book and got up, not prepared for what was about to come.
*R*E*V*I*E*W*! Please ? :-) I agree, it was a little on the short side, but that was just how this chapter turned out. I hope it was okay. The next chapter will be more focused on Rory and Tristan's relationship, there were just a few moments aside from their relationship I had to put in this chapter. Yeah, there is a reason for everything, just don't ask me to explain them all. :-) Thanks again!!!
*A/N: Hey!!! :-) So, I'm sure all of you know my 'excuse' by now, but I'll just say it once more. School is the reason why I have been lacking in the updating department lately. But as you can see I am trying to write as much as I can, so I hope that counts for something. :-)
*~*~*:-)*~*~*Bye, smile :-)
Rory was staring at the wall across from her, taking in the continuing inequalities as they formed a disordered pattern. Unlike the other walls, this one wasn't covered with pictures or shelves filled with books, she had left it blank. Showing its true color, a neutral shade of white. It was easier to concentrate on a bare wall. Otherwise she would keep shifting her gaze from picture to picture, or from title to title.
Though her eyes were calmly locked on one particular spot on the wall, her thoughts were doing flipflops in her head. Ever since she had walked out on Tristan, as he was sitting there in that dim room, she couldn't get the look he had in his eyes out of her mind. His eyes had stood lonely, and pleading, as if he was silently imploring her not to go, although she did. But at the same time his eyes had been all-knowing, like he had expected her to leave and had already been surprised by the fact that she had stayed long enough to listen to his mournful story.
Though Rory understood his doubts, she still didn't find it quite fair of him to have judged her like that. Of course, she didn't know what he was going through, but she would have been glad to have listened to his story earlier......if he had let her.
She turned her head to look at her alarm clock. It was earlier than the time she would normally get up, but for today it would have to do. She sat up straight, throwing her comforter aside as she did this. She didn't have to wipe her eyes this morning, because of her lack of sleep, there were no remains of last nights dream to wipe away. Rory reached for the floor with her feet and got up.
*~*~*
Moments later she was standing in the shower. At first the water was pleasant, calming her, soothing her. But as soon as her head disappeared underneath the water, and the water ran down her face and could be tasted on her lips, she felt trapped. Trapped within a watery cell, within her own thoughts, within the maze of words that Tristan had spoken to her yesterday. They were pouring over her like the water, that was starting to lose its warmth. And by the time, tears had drenched her already wet face, falling to the ground without a trace, the water had been close to freezing.
The reason of her tears remained blurred by the water, and her eyes stayed shut. She tried to get a hold of one of the many words that were running through her mind. She finally got a hold of one and from that one she moved on to the other, slowly going through Tristan's words once more, realizing why she was crying. She was crying because of his parents, because of how cruel they had been not to let him go to his grandfathers funeral. And she cried, because she knew Tristan wouldn't be able to.
*~*~*
Meanwhile, in a house that was quite the opposite from Rory's, Tristan was lying on his bed, though he couldn't remember actually getting there. After Rory had left the room, he had felt horrible about everything he had done to her and had tried to do to her. Regret had kept him company with its whispers as they reminded him of what had almost happened. He felt so remorseful about his actions, that he had wished that he could simply stop time with a snap of his fingers, just like he did right now.....
His eyes returned to his watch, dreading every second that ticked away. He knew that he couldn't stay in his room forever, he couldn't hide from her forever. Though it was nice to think that he could, stay here and never face her again. Of course he knew that wasn't an option either, cause he would miss every single line and curve that accentuated her imperfections.
A small smile touched Tristan's face, softly, like a pair of soft fingers would graze upon someone's flesh. But it faltered as soon as he saw that it was time to get up. He sighed and got up, glad that no one was around to lecture him.
*~*~*
By the time Rory came out of her room, prove of every tear that had been spilled, had been washed away. The only evidence were the small, slightly deeper lines at the corners of her eyes. They were tugging her eyes downwards instead of upwards.
She entered the kitchen, already holding her coat in her hands. She quickly grabbed a piece of paper and wrote a small note for her mom, telling her that she got home safe last night, that she had fun and that she was leaving for a school a little earlier this morning, because of some project she had to do with Paris. They were all lies, of course. She did get home safe last night, thanks to Jess, who had been willing to pick her up as soon as she had called, but she didn't have a good time. But she didn't want to explain last nights event to her mom. The only reason she was leaving for school early, was because of Jess, who would still be at the diner. And she really needed a cup of coffee right now, and maybe a friend.
*~*~*
When the door of the diner opened, Jess immediately knew that it was Rory. She was the only person who opened the door so quietly, almost hesitantly, like she was afraid she might disturb the people that were already inside. He patiently waited for her to close the door, before he lifted his head up to look at her.
''Hey,'' Rory said, breaking eye contact before she even met his eyes.
Jess nodded and watched as she came walking in his direction, lowering his eyes just an inch as he tried to catch her gaze once more. But he was unsuccessful, her hair was acting as a protective shield. He knew it wasn't intentional. She just didn't like being the cause of people's eyes on her.
''Where's Luke ?'' she asked, as she sat down, her eyes looking at a wrinkle in Jess' shirt.
''Upstairs, trying to remember where he left his baseball cap.''
Rory cracked a smile and she carefully wiped a strand of hair away from her face, a symbolic gesture, that let Jess know that her wall was down and that the uncomfortable air around them had been lifted. At first he didn't even quite get why she put up her wall in the first place, it didn't hide anything. There were cracks everywhere. But then he realized that her wall wasn't as transparent to the rest of Stars Hollow and that they still fell for it.
''You want coffee to go with that ?'' he asked, referring to her smile.
Rory nodded and she observed Jess as he turned around to grab the coffee pot, that was already filled with freshly brewed coffee. As he poured in to a cup, she tried to picture Jess doing kind gestures like these around her mom or Luke. For some reason the picture remained unfinished. She knew this was a rare occasion and that Jess normally preferred to be seen as careless and emotionless. It made things easier, those were his words. She never quite grasped them, but she was glad that she got to see the other side of his personality every now and then.
Jess handed her the coffee and she thankfully took it.
''Are you..........''
Rory nodded and put her cup down on the counter after taking a sip. She started to trace its circular line with her fingers.
''I guess, I am. I'm not the one who should be feeling not okay, I'm just...........worried.''
Jess nodded and watched Rory fidget with her coffee cup as a silence came swiveling in through the keyhole.
*~*~*
When Rory was walking down the halls, whispers could be heard among almost every group or clique she passed. Apparently Tristan's party had been an official sign of his return as 'The King of Hearts', as his friends liked to call him.
Rory wondered if any of them even knew what Tristan was had been and probably still was going through. Did any of them even bother to notice that something had been wrong this last week ? Or did they just all choose to be blind, because they would like to believe that being rich automatically got rid of their other problems in life.
Rory shook her head as she hurried towards her locker, wanting to escape all of those whispers as fast as she could. But when she came around the corner, she spotted 'the topic of today' leaning against her locker. To her surprise he had his eyes lowered. Normally he would always look straight at you, trying to intimidate you, showing you that he held the winning vote and that he made the last decision around here. Though it had made Rory nervous during Tristan's first month at Chilton, it didn't affect her anymore. She knew that it was just facade. And she even thought Tristan knew she had seen right through him from the beginning, though he never showed it.
Rory approached him, almost expecting an amused smirk to appear on his face, just to let her know that he had heard her and was aware of her presence. But the smirk remained a pleasant memory, fresh in her mind.
She stopped in front of him, her book clasped against her chest, as she glanced at Tristan.
Suddenly he looked up and rested his eyes casually upon her face, as if he was trying to pretend last night never happened. Rory didn't say anything and locked eyes with him. Moments ago she had been filled with questions and now she couldn't even say his name. Tristan noticed her reaction too, cause he abruptly broke eye contact with her and pushed himself off of her locker. Their shoulders scarcely touched as he passed her. Rory could hear him walk away, but she didn't turn around.
Throughout the entire day they kept their distance, as if they had made a silent pact.
*~*~*
Tristan groaned as he spotted his parents' car, parked a couple of feet away. He knew that they would be coming back this afternoon, but he hadn't expected them to already be here. Tristan killed his engine and got out of his car, nervously running a hand through his hair as he did this. He didn't want to deal with them right now. Hell, he never wanted to deal with them. Dinners were always forced and unpleasant. Mostly his dad would talk about his successes and how Tristan should try to be more like him. Tristan always nodded, but up in his room, he had already made a vow never to become his fathers son.
He unlocked the door and carefully pushed it open, trying to make as less noise as possible. If he was lucky, his mom would be on the phone talking to one of her 'friends' and his dad would be in his office, preparing his next business success. Too busy to notice him. Tristan skillfully made his way over to the dresser, his shoes not making any sound on the tiled floor. So far, his parents hadn't heard him yet, but when he thoughtlessly threw his keys on the dresser, he knew that he had just blown his own cover.
''Tristan......''
His fathers voice came traveling into the hall, followed by a pair of intimidating steady footsteps.
''Dad,'' Tristan said, as he turned around to face his father, who was standing at the end of the hallway, looking at him.
He started to casually walk over to his father, mimicking his position, by placing his hands in his pockets. He waited for his father to say something, but he remained quiet and just kept looking at Tristan. Tristan tried to beat his father at his childish staring game, but once again he lost and he found himself lowering his eyes. Finally Alexander DuGrey cleared his throat.
''We got a call from Mrs. Hampton this afternoon......''
There was an intermission in his fathers sentence, accompanied by a cool glare in Tristan's direction, as if he was giving Tristan the chance to interrupt him.
''Apparently her son came home drunk last night,'' Alexander DuGrey finished.
Tristan ran his tongue over his lower lip, before bringing his eyes up to meet his dads. He should have figured that his father would find out about last nights party, one of Carolyn's friends, who also had their children attending Chilton, always ratted him out.
''It was just a party, some innocent fun,'' Tristan said mockingly, pushing his luck.
''Not so innocent when you endanger the lives of other people.''
''It was one guy, besides it was his own fault. He drank too much. It's not like I forced him to drink it,'' Tristan continued.
''Not the point.''
''Then please make it.''
Alexander removed his hands from his pockets and took a deep breath, as if Tristan was reaching the edge of his patience, before he continued.
''The point is that when you decided to throw a party last night, without our permission, you took the responsibility of all the people, that came, in your hands.''
Tristan shrugged. ''They brought their own beer. Besides, I'm sure they're all insured anyway.''
''Tristan Janlan DuGrey, do you have any idea how this has affected your mom and I ?!''
''Give me a break, dad. It's not like I'm the only one who throws a party ever now and then. So, I got caught this time, next week it'll be someone else.''
''Go to your room, we'll discuss this at dinner,'' Alexander demanded.
''Can't wait,'' Tristan said, as he calmly turned around and headed up the stairs.
*~*~*
That afternoon, Tristan didn't make any homework. To be honest, that was one of his worries that was last in line. Instead, he spend it reading one of the books Rory left here. It wasn't exactly something he would do under the normal circumstances, but it made the time go faster. By the time it was 6.30 PM, he had already finished half of the book. There were some parts he didn't quite understand and he had thought about calling Rory and normally he would, but since they weren't talking to each other yet, he declined every single one of those thoughts.
When there was a knock on the door, he lowered his book and waited for that person to come in. Moments later the door opened and Paola stepped in to the room.
''Dinner's ready.''
Tristan sighed. ''Could you tell them that I would rather eat upstairs tonight ?''
''Actually, your parents are insisting that you join them.''
''Fine,'' Tristan said, as he put down the book and got up, not prepared for what was about to come.
*R*E*V*I*E*W*! Please ? :-) I agree, it was a little on the short side, but that was just how this chapter turned out. I hope it was okay. The next chapter will be more focused on Rory and Tristan's relationship, there were just a few moments aside from their relationship I had to put in this chapter. Yeah, there is a reason for everything, just don't ask me to explain them all. :-) Thanks again!!!