*Disclaimer: I don't own the series Gilmore Girls or the characters. All I
own is my imagination or the plot.
*A/N: Hey :-) It's definitely been a while and instead of giving you an excuse I'm going to tell you that I stayed up untill 23.15 to finish this chapter, which isn't that late, I know. I hope it's acceptable, since I worked on it a few days, instead of one. The plot is thickening.... Enjoy :- )
*~*~*:-)*~*~*Bye, smile :-)
Rory averted her eyes to the window, as the light was beginning to slip through and cast its brightly lit shadows upon her comforter. She had been awake for a couple of hours now, shifting her gaze to and fro the window. With every glance she threw in that direction, the darkness decreased as the break of day fell upon the just awakened world. This light was accompanied by the cheerful chirping of the early birds. It was amazing how much you could discover on a morning this early and particularly sweet.
Even her thoughts seemed less clouded, unlike the mess they would become throughout the day, as they had to be temporarily shoved in a corner of her mind to create room for the new and sometimes reoccurring memories and thoughts. This morning one of those lingering memories had woken her up, making her unable to go back to sleep, since it would just continue tormenting her in her dreams.
Apparently Zack had left quite an impression Saturday, especially the sweet kiss he left her with. She had been reliving it ever since she woke up, trying to think of an other, maybe better ending to their date. But she always ended with a kiss. Sometimes it ended with that feather light kiss, but most of the times it ended with a less gently and more passionate one. Which indeed shocked her, since she hadn't really noticed Zack until Tristan was already gone.
Rory had been trying to avoid that last revelation. Knowing that it would hang above her other thoughts like a cloud and rain down on them. It wasn't that she wasn't glad to finally hear from Tristan, she had been praying for that to happen since the first day of his departure, but the large chunk of time between those two things, made it hard for her to just accept the fact that he called. She admitted that she was feeling guilty about not being as nice to him as she could have been and about not trusting him, when he had sounded like the same Tristan she had argued with at school. Of course she shouldn't forget the fact that every person had more than one side, and she seriously doubted if she had seen all of his.
*~*~*
Before catching her usual bus, Rory went over to Luke's, wearing her Chilton uniform and a frown. The last was the thing Jess noticed about her when she walked into the diner. Rory normally wore a shy smile to match her sunny personality, and Jess had to admit that it looked better on her. While she made her way over to the counter, he started to pour some coffee into a cup.
''Hey,'' Rory said, as she sat down on one of the stools.
Jess nodded and handed her the coffee. He saw the expected look of surprise on her face, as she took the cup. She always did this when he or even Luke offered her a cup of coffee without actually having to hear those words come out of her mouth. After all, Jess had known ever since the third time, that it was a tradition both mother and daughter shared practically every day. Preferably more than once.
''So, someone once told me that if you're wearing a frown, you should turn it upside down. Which I still don't get, cause it's technically impossible. I mean, sure it might seem as if you've turned your frown upside down, but it's just a figurative thing, cause the real action would be a little more bloody and a little less..........''
''You know, the first part was actually pretty good,'' Rory interrupted, amused by Jess' attempt of mimicking her usual rambling, though it still sounded so serious and factual. Rambling just didn't fit his careless persona.
''Well, I've been practicing.''
''I think the second part needs a little more of that, since it was quite the opposite from comforting,'' Rory pointed out, as she was already on her way to take another sip of her coffee.
''What's the use of comforting if I don't know what to comfort ?''
''Pretty useless, since there's absolutely nothing to comfort,'' Rory said, not completely lying, not sure yet if Tristan's phone call was worth getting upset over.
''Good, cause if you haven't noticed yet, I'm avoiding the actual comforting by talking about doing it instead.''
''Believe it or not, I already expected something like that.''
''That just shows that we spend too much time together,'' Jess said, as he grabbed a couple of plates and headed towards a few of tables in the diner, not really wanting Rory to get into his comment, not knowing that she wasn't planning on to, not on the surface anyway.
Rory couldn't help but feel a little threatened and warned by his remark, although she knew that it was just a meaningless comment, without any hidden catches behind it. The threatening thing about the comment was that it was true. Lately they hadn't been spending as much time together, even though they saw each other at least once every day. It was sad, but she knew that they did have their separate lives and priorities to match. Some times she and Jess just needed to go through a day or two without talking to each other, knowing that for no reason at all they were on thin ice and that every word would be twisted around and aimed towards the direction of one of their heated arguments. Arguments that would start and end with a certain book they had both read, but had different opinions on. Of course, there were times when Rory would get so upset that she would ignore him for a few days, and Jess let her, knowing that it wasn't personal and that she just needed and desperately wanted some time for herself, locked up in her mental tower, away from everyone.
Rory also knew that they weren't growing apart, but that it just felt like that some times. But at the strangest and most random times she would open up her eyes again and appreciate Jess, as a friend. One that was around when she wanted to talk, though she never verbally announced it. It was just one of his charming and some times annoying qualities, and although it didn't always seem that way, she was grateful for the fact that she was like a solved mystery to him.
''So, are you going to tell me what happened soon ?''
Jess returned to his spot behind the counter and grabbed an old looking cloth from underneath, before starting to wipe invisible stains and crumbs off the counter. When Rory didn't say anything, Jess stopped moving his hand and looked up at her through his thick and dark lashes, which would usually help shade his emotions from the people around him.
''Unless this is a way to get me to ask about your date last night ?''
Rory shook her head, while answering. ''It has nothing to do with my date. But if you're a good friend, you would ask about it anyway and patiently wait to see if there is something else I want to tell you.''
Jess smirked and shook his head, as he returned his eyes to the counter, though his focus stayed with Rory.
''So, I was wondering, how did your date go ?''
''Why Jess, thanks for asking. I actually had a great time. We bowled and after that we decided to have some dinner, which was nice, cause I got to know him on a personal level.'' A small smile fluttered towards her face and gracefully landed on her lips, resting there for a few seconds.
''When you say personal level..........,'' Jess started.
Rory rolled her eyes playfully. ''A quick peck on the cheek was as far as it went.''
''A peck like you give your mom when you leave for school ?''
''No, it was definitely different,'' Rory said, missing the mock tone in his voice.
Jess raised an eyebrow. ''So, no frowning material then ?''
Rory shook her head. ''No, that material was formed after my date. See, when I got home, the phone rang so I picked it up.''
''Good call,'' Jess remarked.
''It was Tristan.''
Jess nodded and continued wiping the gleaming counter, uncomfortable with what she just told him. He wasn't sure what to do. He really wasn't that good at comforting and he doubted that she wanted that, since she had been waiting for him to call these passed few months.
''You guys talked ?''
Rory nodded and briefly smiled. ''Yeah, and that's not what's bothering me. It's the fact that he called almost four months after his departure that bothers me. Why not call sooner ?''
''I hear military schools are not like your daily knitting classes.''
''That's what he said, without the innuendo.''
Jess carefully studied Rory for almost half a minute, before asking his next question. ''Do you think he lied ?''
''Maybe, maybe not, that's what I don't know. Do you think he lied about the military school being so strict ?'' Rory asked, bringing her eyes up to Jess as she did this.
Jess was pleased by the way she formulated her question. Now she wasn't putting any words in his mouth and this way the question was too clear to have more than one definition. Finally he shook his head, knowing that though it might not be an honest answer, it would make her feel better and keep her from worrying for a little while. And wasn't he doing her a favor by telling her what she wanted to hear ?
*~*~*
Rory mumbled an unwilling apology as she hastily pushed passed a couple of people, instantly rewarded by a few annoyed looks, because she caused their social circle to crack. But they didn't spend more than five seconds to glare at her, before returning to their earlier conversation, detaching themselves from the others around them. Rory knew that most of the people in such a clique didn't even have to like one and other. It was just part of the competition. The biggest assembly automatically gained control over these same halls they were standing in and the pupils that walked among them. That was one of the main reasons why almost no one ever succeeded in becoming friends with the popular ones, since they always assumed that you only became friends with them to regain some popularity yourself. Which caused Rory to be pleased with herself. She went out with Zack and therefor had temporarily broken the vicious circle and in her eyes that was a small victory.
Rory let out a sigh of relief when she had finally reached her locker, glad that it was at the end of the corridor. She entered her combination and banged on the locker afterwards, knowing that the combination alone wouldn't do it. When it flew open, she quickly reached for her books, almost knocking over the large cup of Starbucks coffee, which was placed in the middle of her locker. She raised her head and looked around the corridor, searching for one group in particular. Zack caught her eyes with his and nodded at her, flashing her one of his private grins, before averting his attention back to his friends, missing Rory's smile as it crept onto her flushed face.
She grabbed the books she needed and the coffee, and closed her locker, almost dropping everything when she saw Paris standing only inches in front of her.
''God, Paris, your shoes don't even do that squeaky thing when you walk.''
''I wasn't aware that I needed a pair of squeaky shoes to approach you. Can you wait here while I go home and dig up my old tennis shoes ?'' Paris asked, not even attempting to hide the harsh tone of sarcasm in her usual stern voice, while raising an eyebrow.
''I didn't know you played tennis,'' Rory pointed out, before taking a gulp of the coffee.
''I don't. I was just trying to get a point across.''
''It's definitely on the other side now.''
''Good,'' Paris said, not sure what to make of Rory's comment. ''So, I heard you and Zack Bradley went out on a date this Saturday.''
''You heard ? How ?''
''I put on a ski mask and followed you.''
''You would really do anything for an article, huh ?'' Rory asked, finishing the other half of her coffee while she waited for Paris' response.
''I heard it from Louise and Madeline, who heard it from a couple of Zack's friends, who of course heard it from Zack himself. So, is it true ?''
Rory nodded, as she threw the empty cup into the nearest trash can.
''I never knew you were interested in him.''
''I never knew you were my new best friend,'' Rory shot back.
Paris shrugged. ''I was just curious about your decision of dating him. I mean, have you heard of his reputation ?''
Rory nodded, trying to keep her doubts off as long as possible. ''I heard, but I chose to ignore it.''
Paris narrowed her eyes and looked at Rory, knowing that she was hiding some thing, and maybe even more than one. Not that she was particularly interested about the things that were going through her head, but she couldn't help but feel a little concerned, hoping that Rory wasn't choosing not to see her bad choice of character.
''He isn't Tristan.''
As the bell rang, Paris disappeared into the nearest classroom, leaving Rory with her stinging words. At first Rory thought that Paris might be a little envious about the fact that she was dating Zack, but when she didn't recall hearing her mention Zack before, she knew that Paris was on to something. Something she herself couldn't even name. But it did cause her to misleadingly distrust Zack again, although that feeling was soon overshadowed by recent stirred up thoughts about Tristan.
*~*~*
''Rory !''
Rory threw her books in her locker, before turning around. ''What ?''
''That's very unattractive.''
Rory couldn't help but let a small smile slip through her frustrated features, when she saw Zack leaning against the row of lockers across from her.
''Most girls wouldn't find my earlier comment amusing.''
''Lucky for me I'm not one of your groupies, and therefor I don't really care about anything you say.''
''Does anything include all of the personal things I told you last night. And what about the compliments I gave you ?''
''You gave me compliments ?'' Rory playfully asked, as she turned around, so she could finish getting books out of her locker.
''So, I was wondering about something our teacher just said. By saying that we could find our own study partners, did that include you, cause I wasn't quite sure on that fact,'' Zack said, as he watched Rory close her locker and fidget with her bag, before facing him.
''Why would you want me as your study partner ?'' she asked, partly hiding her nerves behind her hair, which she didn't bother to wipe out of her face this time.
''Cause you're one of the most intelligent people I have ever met. Not that I lack that, but I could definitely use the help...........and pleasant company,'' Zack added.
Rory looked up at him through her hair, still not taking so much as a step in his direction. ''But the test is tomorrow, so that would mean..........''
''Smart girl. Of course, it was just advice and we don't actually have to follow it....... Me failing a test is nothing new.''
''Now you're making me feel guilty,'' Rory said, tucking some loose strands of hair behind her ear, revealing part of her face to him.
Zack abruptly pushed himself off the locker, causing a few of his curls to fall in front of his eyes, making him look as coy as his behavior. ''Well, that wasn't my intention. I was just grabbing a hold of an opportunity, to spend some more time with you and get a glimpse of your town.''
''I doubt a glimpse is small enough.''
Zack warmly smiled at her. He was starting to appreciate her humor. ''So, what do you say ? Maybe you could tell me a bit more about yourself, since I was doing most of the talking last night.''
Rory hesitated for a little while, before nodding. ''Fair is fair. Do you need directions ?''
''Actually,'' Zack started, as he made his way over to Rory in less than three steps. ''I was hoping you would accompany me on the ride to Stars Hollow. You wouldn't have to go by bus and I won't have the chance to forget the directions you gave me.''
''Only because I'm almost positive that you will get lost on your way there,'' Rory answered, aware of the fact that they could hear each other breathing now.
''Okay, so I'll meet you at my car after classes ?''
Rory nodded, lowering her eyes slowly, as he moved his eyes over her face, awaiting her answer. ''Okay.''
When the bell officially announced the end of their lunch period, Zack took a couple of steps back and casually placed his hands in his pockets, before walking away. In a couple of minutes he would tell his friends about the 'studying' he was going to do this afternoon, letting them know that he had her eating out off the palm of his hand.
*~*~*
As soon as Zack parked his car in front of Rory's house, she took him on a tour of the town, skillfully leading him towards Luke's while she did this. After explaining to him that Luke's wasn't really a hardware-store, they went into the diner, where they were greeted by at least a dozen pairs of curious eyes, including the watchful ones that belonged to Jess.
''They're not even pretending not to look,'' Zack told Rory, as he swiftly looked around the diner.
''I thought you were used to people staring at you ?'' Rory asked, after closing the door and heading for the counter.
''Yeah, but most of those stares are accompanied by giggling and these people are definitely not giggling.''
Rory smiled, as she continued leading Zack towards the counter, amused by the fact that he didn't sound so sure of himself anymore, unlike Tristan who sounded confidant no matter which world he stepped into. The only time she had seen a glimpse of his vulnerability was when she took him to see his grandfather's grave. Rory didn't even fight against her thoughts anymore. They had gotten worse since Tristan's phone call and she had decided to just let them disturb her whenever they wanted, knowing that fighting them would only increase the number of what if's in her mind.
''Hey,'' she greeted, reaching the counter.
Jess nodded and shot Zack a quick glance, before looking at Rory. ''So........''
''Oh, right. Zack this is Jess, Jess meet Zack.''
''Zack ?'' Jess asked, while raising an eyebrow.
''It's a lot less feminine than Jess.''
''If you consider gay a lot less feminine, than sure,'' Jess calmly countered, as he started to pour Rory some coffee, who shot him a warning glance, before looking at Zack.
''Do you want anything ?''
Zack shook his head. ''No, we should probably get back to your house to study.''
Rory nodded, surprised at the fact that he seemed serious about the whole studying thing. She took the coffee from Jess when he handed it to her, not missing the looks he was giving her. ''So,'' I'll talk to you later.''
''Can't wait,'' Jess said, before Rory turned around and headed for the door with Zack closely behind her.
*~*~*
Both Zack and Rory found themselves sitting in a comfortable position when the phone rang. Though they both looked up from their books, Rory was the one to reach for the phone and answer it, dropping her books on the floor as she did this.
''Hello ?'' she asked, while she reached for her book with her free hand.
''What's your favorite scary movie ?''
''I actually have more than one,'' Rory answered, already knowing who it was.
The person on the other end of the line sighed, before continuing. ''Fine, then what's your favorite ice-cream flavor ?''
''Well, there's chocolate, strawberry.......oh and cookie dough and......''
''You are aware that you're lying to your mother, right ?''
Rory smiled. ''Yep.''
''Good, cause remember what I told you about lying........never do it to a stranger, cause he might actually believe those lies and then he would have to live with that information forever,'' Lorelai explained.
''Poor Kirk.''
She could heard Lorelai laugh on the other end of the line. ''So, whatcha doing ?''
''I'm studying,'' Rory said, as she exchanged a look with Zack.
''Sounds like a pizza-with-everything-on-it-kinda-day.''
''I agree, but you should probably bring more than one pizza.''
''Fine, but I'll bet you five bucks than you won't even start on the second one,'' Lorelai said.
''It's not for me, well, not for me alone anyway. It's for Zack.''
''Zack ?''
''Yeah, he's my study partner,'' Rory explained.
''Zack ? The one you forgot to make secret pictures off on your date ?''
''So far he's the only one on my list you can stalk,'' Rory answered.
''Well, then it's about them the stalkee meets his stalker. I'll be home as soon as I can with an extra pizza and a camera.''
''No,'' Rory said.
''This might be a very important day for him. And what kind of stalker would I be if I didn't capture this liberating day for him ?''
''What if he won't be here anymore when.........''
''Don't finish that sentence,'' Lorelai started.
''But..........''
''I'll be home before that happens.''
Rory sighed and hung up on her mom. She opened her book again and tucked her hair behind her ears, as she searched for the line she left off at. ''You're having dinner here. Normally I would have asked you, but my mom didn't give you a choice.''
''Okay........,'' Zack said, as he threw a glance at Rory.
''I hope you like pizza.''
*~*~*
Rory let out a long sigh, as she let herself fall on the couch. Only minutes ago she and Zack had been sitting on this same couch, eating pizza and talking about everything and nothing in between bites. She had to admit that it was nice. The pizza had given them an opportunity to get to know each other better without really exchanging more than a few carefully chosen words.
At first she had been a little nervous, when her mom got up and announced that she was going over to Luke's for a cup of coffee. After all, she was going to be all alone with Zack. And right before her mom closed the door behind her, she started to internally panic and wanted to suggest that they join her, but of course she didn't. That wasn't what you did, not even when you became so nervous that you started to wonder if he was watching you eat and what he thought about it. Did he find it disgusting or even cute ?
Luckily Zack was a very talkative person and knew what subjects he could talk about and which were off limits. And just when Rory had thought that the conversation was becoming a little too personal, he got up and said that he should probably get home, like he sensed it or something. But now that he was gone, she missed his voice, that would cause her to remain silent and tempt her to cast her eyes upon the side of his face, fascinated by the way his jaw shook with every syllable he said.
Rory covered her face with her hands and groaned, not understanding her own feelings these passed few days. Fortunately the ringing of the doorbell broke the chain for several minutes, giving her some peace of mind. Rory swung her legs over the edge of the couch and pulled herself up. She made her way over to the door as casually as she could and opened it, her eyes immediately colliding with a pair of emerald ones.
''Zack,'' she said, as a smile started to manipulate her features.
''Hey, sorry to bother you.....again, but I think I forgot my book.''
''Yeah, I'll go get it for you,'' Rory said, while she was already on her way to the couch.
She quickly scanned the floor for his book and found it on the other end of the couch. She easily swept it up between her fingers and turned around, not expecting Zack to be standing there, so close. Taking a step back, she lifted her eyes up to his face, passing his high cheekbones and slightly crooked nose as she did this.
''Sorry,'' he said, grabbing her by her arm to keep her from crashing into the nearest table.
''I have your books.''
Zack nodded and lowered his eyes to her fingers, which were loosely wrapped around the covers. He slid his hand down her arm and down to her hands. He artfully placed his fingers between her, gently grazing her skin, before swiftly pulling his hand back, the book between his fingers now.
''So, thanks again for helping me. I'll see you tomorrow ?''
''Yeah, sure.''
Zack grinned at her, before briefly tapping his head with his book and turning around. And while he headed for the door, he knew that he had just let a perfect opportunity slip through his fingers. He could have kissed her. He should have kissed her, but unfortunately for him, he was starting to open up his eyes to some of his blurred feelings.
*~*~*
''I can't believe you didn't nail her, man,'' Lawrence said, referring to Tristan's date two days ago. ''Why didn't you ?''
Tristan shrugged, as he leaned back against his pillows, not looking up from the magazine he was reading. ''I didn't feel like it.''
''Bull ! You were in her apartment and she was lying on her bed.........''
''Practically nude,'' Marty added.
Lawrence nodded. ''Exactly. Practically nude, wearing nothing but her own soft and flawless skin and you just told her that you didn't feel like it ?''
Tristan sighed, not feeling like they deserved an explanation. After all, what he did and didn't do on his date was his own personal business.
''I agree with him. I mean, dude, did it occur to you that we're in a military school with no girls ? You would think that you would take every opportunity that you get,'' Marty said.
''It sounds like you want her,'' Tristan pointed out.
''No,'' Marty started. ''Are you still seeing her ? Cause if you're not then technically I would be doing nothing wrong.''
Lawrence chuckled. ''And all this time I thought you were gay.''
Marty shot him a foul look, but couldn't do anything else, because of the sergeant that entered Tristan's room without warning.
''Good evening, gentlemen.''
''Evening, dude,'' Marty said, rewarded by a slap on the should from Lawrence.
''There's a phone call for you, DuGrey. You can take it in my office.''
Tristan nodded and got off the bed, wondering who was calling him at this late hour. While he went down the stairs he thought that it might be Rory. She would be capable of going through all the trouble to call his parents for the number of this institute. But as he entered the office, he changed his mind and thought that it could also be Paris, since she was more likely to actually have this number. He hurried over to the phone and placed the receiver against his ear.
''Hello ?''
''Tristan........''
*R*E*V*I*E*W*! Please ? :-) So, I'm really interested in who you think it is. I mean, Rory, Paris.....uhm....Melanie maybe ? I've worked on this chapter pretty long and hard, so let me know in a review if it paid off and if it's still worth reading. My birthday is Saturday, so.........who wants a piece of cake ? :-) Thanks again! :-
*A/N: Hey :-) It's definitely been a while and instead of giving you an excuse I'm going to tell you that I stayed up untill 23.15 to finish this chapter, which isn't that late, I know. I hope it's acceptable, since I worked on it a few days, instead of one. The plot is thickening.... Enjoy :- )
*~*~*:-)*~*~*Bye, smile :-)
Rory averted her eyes to the window, as the light was beginning to slip through and cast its brightly lit shadows upon her comforter. She had been awake for a couple of hours now, shifting her gaze to and fro the window. With every glance she threw in that direction, the darkness decreased as the break of day fell upon the just awakened world. This light was accompanied by the cheerful chirping of the early birds. It was amazing how much you could discover on a morning this early and particularly sweet.
Even her thoughts seemed less clouded, unlike the mess they would become throughout the day, as they had to be temporarily shoved in a corner of her mind to create room for the new and sometimes reoccurring memories and thoughts. This morning one of those lingering memories had woken her up, making her unable to go back to sleep, since it would just continue tormenting her in her dreams.
Apparently Zack had left quite an impression Saturday, especially the sweet kiss he left her with. She had been reliving it ever since she woke up, trying to think of an other, maybe better ending to their date. But she always ended with a kiss. Sometimes it ended with that feather light kiss, but most of the times it ended with a less gently and more passionate one. Which indeed shocked her, since she hadn't really noticed Zack until Tristan was already gone.
Rory had been trying to avoid that last revelation. Knowing that it would hang above her other thoughts like a cloud and rain down on them. It wasn't that she wasn't glad to finally hear from Tristan, she had been praying for that to happen since the first day of his departure, but the large chunk of time between those two things, made it hard for her to just accept the fact that he called. She admitted that she was feeling guilty about not being as nice to him as she could have been and about not trusting him, when he had sounded like the same Tristan she had argued with at school. Of course she shouldn't forget the fact that every person had more than one side, and she seriously doubted if she had seen all of his.
*~*~*
Before catching her usual bus, Rory went over to Luke's, wearing her Chilton uniform and a frown. The last was the thing Jess noticed about her when she walked into the diner. Rory normally wore a shy smile to match her sunny personality, and Jess had to admit that it looked better on her. While she made her way over to the counter, he started to pour some coffee into a cup.
''Hey,'' Rory said, as she sat down on one of the stools.
Jess nodded and handed her the coffee. He saw the expected look of surprise on her face, as she took the cup. She always did this when he or even Luke offered her a cup of coffee without actually having to hear those words come out of her mouth. After all, Jess had known ever since the third time, that it was a tradition both mother and daughter shared practically every day. Preferably more than once.
''So, someone once told me that if you're wearing a frown, you should turn it upside down. Which I still don't get, cause it's technically impossible. I mean, sure it might seem as if you've turned your frown upside down, but it's just a figurative thing, cause the real action would be a little more bloody and a little less..........''
''You know, the first part was actually pretty good,'' Rory interrupted, amused by Jess' attempt of mimicking her usual rambling, though it still sounded so serious and factual. Rambling just didn't fit his careless persona.
''Well, I've been practicing.''
''I think the second part needs a little more of that, since it was quite the opposite from comforting,'' Rory pointed out, as she was already on her way to take another sip of her coffee.
''What's the use of comforting if I don't know what to comfort ?''
''Pretty useless, since there's absolutely nothing to comfort,'' Rory said, not completely lying, not sure yet if Tristan's phone call was worth getting upset over.
''Good, cause if you haven't noticed yet, I'm avoiding the actual comforting by talking about doing it instead.''
''Believe it or not, I already expected something like that.''
''That just shows that we spend too much time together,'' Jess said, as he grabbed a couple of plates and headed towards a few of tables in the diner, not really wanting Rory to get into his comment, not knowing that she wasn't planning on to, not on the surface anyway.
Rory couldn't help but feel a little threatened and warned by his remark, although she knew that it was just a meaningless comment, without any hidden catches behind it. The threatening thing about the comment was that it was true. Lately they hadn't been spending as much time together, even though they saw each other at least once every day. It was sad, but she knew that they did have their separate lives and priorities to match. Some times she and Jess just needed to go through a day or two without talking to each other, knowing that for no reason at all they were on thin ice and that every word would be twisted around and aimed towards the direction of one of their heated arguments. Arguments that would start and end with a certain book they had both read, but had different opinions on. Of course, there were times when Rory would get so upset that she would ignore him for a few days, and Jess let her, knowing that it wasn't personal and that she just needed and desperately wanted some time for herself, locked up in her mental tower, away from everyone.
Rory also knew that they weren't growing apart, but that it just felt like that some times. But at the strangest and most random times she would open up her eyes again and appreciate Jess, as a friend. One that was around when she wanted to talk, though she never verbally announced it. It was just one of his charming and some times annoying qualities, and although it didn't always seem that way, she was grateful for the fact that she was like a solved mystery to him.
''So, are you going to tell me what happened soon ?''
Jess returned to his spot behind the counter and grabbed an old looking cloth from underneath, before starting to wipe invisible stains and crumbs off the counter. When Rory didn't say anything, Jess stopped moving his hand and looked up at her through his thick and dark lashes, which would usually help shade his emotions from the people around him.
''Unless this is a way to get me to ask about your date last night ?''
Rory shook her head, while answering. ''It has nothing to do with my date. But if you're a good friend, you would ask about it anyway and patiently wait to see if there is something else I want to tell you.''
Jess smirked and shook his head, as he returned his eyes to the counter, though his focus stayed with Rory.
''So, I was wondering, how did your date go ?''
''Why Jess, thanks for asking. I actually had a great time. We bowled and after that we decided to have some dinner, which was nice, cause I got to know him on a personal level.'' A small smile fluttered towards her face and gracefully landed on her lips, resting there for a few seconds.
''When you say personal level..........,'' Jess started.
Rory rolled her eyes playfully. ''A quick peck on the cheek was as far as it went.''
''A peck like you give your mom when you leave for school ?''
''No, it was definitely different,'' Rory said, missing the mock tone in his voice.
Jess raised an eyebrow. ''So, no frowning material then ?''
Rory shook her head. ''No, that material was formed after my date. See, when I got home, the phone rang so I picked it up.''
''Good call,'' Jess remarked.
''It was Tristan.''
Jess nodded and continued wiping the gleaming counter, uncomfortable with what she just told him. He wasn't sure what to do. He really wasn't that good at comforting and he doubted that she wanted that, since she had been waiting for him to call these passed few months.
''You guys talked ?''
Rory nodded and briefly smiled. ''Yeah, and that's not what's bothering me. It's the fact that he called almost four months after his departure that bothers me. Why not call sooner ?''
''I hear military schools are not like your daily knitting classes.''
''That's what he said, without the innuendo.''
Jess carefully studied Rory for almost half a minute, before asking his next question. ''Do you think he lied ?''
''Maybe, maybe not, that's what I don't know. Do you think he lied about the military school being so strict ?'' Rory asked, bringing her eyes up to Jess as she did this.
Jess was pleased by the way she formulated her question. Now she wasn't putting any words in his mouth and this way the question was too clear to have more than one definition. Finally he shook his head, knowing that though it might not be an honest answer, it would make her feel better and keep her from worrying for a little while. And wasn't he doing her a favor by telling her what she wanted to hear ?
*~*~*
Rory mumbled an unwilling apology as she hastily pushed passed a couple of people, instantly rewarded by a few annoyed looks, because she caused their social circle to crack. But they didn't spend more than five seconds to glare at her, before returning to their earlier conversation, detaching themselves from the others around them. Rory knew that most of the people in such a clique didn't even have to like one and other. It was just part of the competition. The biggest assembly automatically gained control over these same halls they were standing in and the pupils that walked among them. That was one of the main reasons why almost no one ever succeeded in becoming friends with the popular ones, since they always assumed that you only became friends with them to regain some popularity yourself. Which caused Rory to be pleased with herself. She went out with Zack and therefor had temporarily broken the vicious circle and in her eyes that was a small victory.
Rory let out a sigh of relief when she had finally reached her locker, glad that it was at the end of the corridor. She entered her combination and banged on the locker afterwards, knowing that the combination alone wouldn't do it. When it flew open, she quickly reached for her books, almost knocking over the large cup of Starbucks coffee, which was placed in the middle of her locker. She raised her head and looked around the corridor, searching for one group in particular. Zack caught her eyes with his and nodded at her, flashing her one of his private grins, before averting his attention back to his friends, missing Rory's smile as it crept onto her flushed face.
She grabbed the books she needed and the coffee, and closed her locker, almost dropping everything when she saw Paris standing only inches in front of her.
''God, Paris, your shoes don't even do that squeaky thing when you walk.''
''I wasn't aware that I needed a pair of squeaky shoes to approach you. Can you wait here while I go home and dig up my old tennis shoes ?'' Paris asked, not even attempting to hide the harsh tone of sarcasm in her usual stern voice, while raising an eyebrow.
''I didn't know you played tennis,'' Rory pointed out, before taking a gulp of the coffee.
''I don't. I was just trying to get a point across.''
''It's definitely on the other side now.''
''Good,'' Paris said, not sure what to make of Rory's comment. ''So, I heard you and Zack Bradley went out on a date this Saturday.''
''You heard ? How ?''
''I put on a ski mask and followed you.''
''You would really do anything for an article, huh ?'' Rory asked, finishing the other half of her coffee while she waited for Paris' response.
''I heard it from Louise and Madeline, who heard it from a couple of Zack's friends, who of course heard it from Zack himself. So, is it true ?''
Rory nodded, as she threw the empty cup into the nearest trash can.
''I never knew you were interested in him.''
''I never knew you were my new best friend,'' Rory shot back.
Paris shrugged. ''I was just curious about your decision of dating him. I mean, have you heard of his reputation ?''
Rory nodded, trying to keep her doubts off as long as possible. ''I heard, but I chose to ignore it.''
Paris narrowed her eyes and looked at Rory, knowing that she was hiding some thing, and maybe even more than one. Not that she was particularly interested about the things that were going through her head, but she couldn't help but feel a little concerned, hoping that Rory wasn't choosing not to see her bad choice of character.
''He isn't Tristan.''
As the bell rang, Paris disappeared into the nearest classroom, leaving Rory with her stinging words. At first Rory thought that Paris might be a little envious about the fact that she was dating Zack, but when she didn't recall hearing her mention Zack before, she knew that Paris was on to something. Something she herself couldn't even name. But it did cause her to misleadingly distrust Zack again, although that feeling was soon overshadowed by recent stirred up thoughts about Tristan.
*~*~*
''Rory !''
Rory threw her books in her locker, before turning around. ''What ?''
''That's very unattractive.''
Rory couldn't help but let a small smile slip through her frustrated features, when she saw Zack leaning against the row of lockers across from her.
''Most girls wouldn't find my earlier comment amusing.''
''Lucky for me I'm not one of your groupies, and therefor I don't really care about anything you say.''
''Does anything include all of the personal things I told you last night. And what about the compliments I gave you ?''
''You gave me compliments ?'' Rory playfully asked, as she turned around, so she could finish getting books out of her locker.
''So, I was wondering about something our teacher just said. By saying that we could find our own study partners, did that include you, cause I wasn't quite sure on that fact,'' Zack said, as he watched Rory close her locker and fidget with her bag, before facing him.
''Why would you want me as your study partner ?'' she asked, partly hiding her nerves behind her hair, which she didn't bother to wipe out of her face this time.
''Cause you're one of the most intelligent people I have ever met. Not that I lack that, but I could definitely use the help...........and pleasant company,'' Zack added.
Rory looked up at him through her hair, still not taking so much as a step in his direction. ''But the test is tomorrow, so that would mean..........''
''Smart girl. Of course, it was just advice and we don't actually have to follow it....... Me failing a test is nothing new.''
''Now you're making me feel guilty,'' Rory said, tucking some loose strands of hair behind her ear, revealing part of her face to him.
Zack abruptly pushed himself off the locker, causing a few of his curls to fall in front of his eyes, making him look as coy as his behavior. ''Well, that wasn't my intention. I was just grabbing a hold of an opportunity, to spend some more time with you and get a glimpse of your town.''
''I doubt a glimpse is small enough.''
Zack warmly smiled at her. He was starting to appreciate her humor. ''So, what do you say ? Maybe you could tell me a bit more about yourself, since I was doing most of the talking last night.''
Rory hesitated for a little while, before nodding. ''Fair is fair. Do you need directions ?''
''Actually,'' Zack started, as he made his way over to Rory in less than three steps. ''I was hoping you would accompany me on the ride to Stars Hollow. You wouldn't have to go by bus and I won't have the chance to forget the directions you gave me.''
''Only because I'm almost positive that you will get lost on your way there,'' Rory answered, aware of the fact that they could hear each other breathing now.
''Okay, so I'll meet you at my car after classes ?''
Rory nodded, lowering her eyes slowly, as he moved his eyes over her face, awaiting her answer. ''Okay.''
When the bell officially announced the end of their lunch period, Zack took a couple of steps back and casually placed his hands in his pockets, before walking away. In a couple of minutes he would tell his friends about the 'studying' he was going to do this afternoon, letting them know that he had her eating out off the palm of his hand.
*~*~*
As soon as Zack parked his car in front of Rory's house, she took him on a tour of the town, skillfully leading him towards Luke's while she did this. After explaining to him that Luke's wasn't really a hardware-store, they went into the diner, where they were greeted by at least a dozen pairs of curious eyes, including the watchful ones that belonged to Jess.
''They're not even pretending not to look,'' Zack told Rory, as he swiftly looked around the diner.
''I thought you were used to people staring at you ?'' Rory asked, after closing the door and heading for the counter.
''Yeah, but most of those stares are accompanied by giggling and these people are definitely not giggling.''
Rory smiled, as she continued leading Zack towards the counter, amused by the fact that he didn't sound so sure of himself anymore, unlike Tristan who sounded confidant no matter which world he stepped into. The only time she had seen a glimpse of his vulnerability was when she took him to see his grandfather's grave. Rory didn't even fight against her thoughts anymore. They had gotten worse since Tristan's phone call and she had decided to just let them disturb her whenever they wanted, knowing that fighting them would only increase the number of what if's in her mind.
''Hey,'' she greeted, reaching the counter.
Jess nodded and shot Zack a quick glance, before looking at Rory. ''So........''
''Oh, right. Zack this is Jess, Jess meet Zack.''
''Zack ?'' Jess asked, while raising an eyebrow.
''It's a lot less feminine than Jess.''
''If you consider gay a lot less feminine, than sure,'' Jess calmly countered, as he started to pour Rory some coffee, who shot him a warning glance, before looking at Zack.
''Do you want anything ?''
Zack shook his head. ''No, we should probably get back to your house to study.''
Rory nodded, surprised at the fact that he seemed serious about the whole studying thing. She took the coffee from Jess when he handed it to her, not missing the looks he was giving her. ''So,'' I'll talk to you later.''
''Can't wait,'' Jess said, before Rory turned around and headed for the door with Zack closely behind her.
*~*~*
Both Zack and Rory found themselves sitting in a comfortable position when the phone rang. Though they both looked up from their books, Rory was the one to reach for the phone and answer it, dropping her books on the floor as she did this.
''Hello ?'' she asked, while she reached for her book with her free hand.
''What's your favorite scary movie ?''
''I actually have more than one,'' Rory answered, already knowing who it was.
The person on the other end of the line sighed, before continuing. ''Fine, then what's your favorite ice-cream flavor ?''
''Well, there's chocolate, strawberry.......oh and cookie dough and......''
''You are aware that you're lying to your mother, right ?''
Rory smiled. ''Yep.''
''Good, cause remember what I told you about lying........never do it to a stranger, cause he might actually believe those lies and then he would have to live with that information forever,'' Lorelai explained.
''Poor Kirk.''
She could heard Lorelai laugh on the other end of the line. ''So, whatcha doing ?''
''I'm studying,'' Rory said, as she exchanged a look with Zack.
''Sounds like a pizza-with-everything-on-it-kinda-day.''
''I agree, but you should probably bring more than one pizza.''
''Fine, but I'll bet you five bucks than you won't even start on the second one,'' Lorelai said.
''It's not for me, well, not for me alone anyway. It's for Zack.''
''Zack ?''
''Yeah, he's my study partner,'' Rory explained.
''Zack ? The one you forgot to make secret pictures off on your date ?''
''So far he's the only one on my list you can stalk,'' Rory answered.
''Well, then it's about them the stalkee meets his stalker. I'll be home as soon as I can with an extra pizza and a camera.''
''No,'' Rory said.
''This might be a very important day for him. And what kind of stalker would I be if I didn't capture this liberating day for him ?''
''What if he won't be here anymore when.........''
''Don't finish that sentence,'' Lorelai started.
''But..........''
''I'll be home before that happens.''
Rory sighed and hung up on her mom. She opened her book again and tucked her hair behind her ears, as she searched for the line she left off at. ''You're having dinner here. Normally I would have asked you, but my mom didn't give you a choice.''
''Okay........,'' Zack said, as he threw a glance at Rory.
''I hope you like pizza.''
*~*~*
Rory let out a long sigh, as she let herself fall on the couch. Only minutes ago she and Zack had been sitting on this same couch, eating pizza and talking about everything and nothing in between bites. She had to admit that it was nice. The pizza had given them an opportunity to get to know each other better without really exchanging more than a few carefully chosen words.
At first she had been a little nervous, when her mom got up and announced that she was going over to Luke's for a cup of coffee. After all, she was going to be all alone with Zack. And right before her mom closed the door behind her, she started to internally panic and wanted to suggest that they join her, but of course she didn't. That wasn't what you did, not even when you became so nervous that you started to wonder if he was watching you eat and what he thought about it. Did he find it disgusting or even cute ?
Luckily Zack was a very talkative person and knew what subjects he could talk about and which were off limits. And just when Rory had thought that the conversation was becoming a little too personal, he got up and said that he should probably get home, like he sensed it or something. But now that he was gone, she missed his voice, that would cause her to remain silent and tempt her to cast her eyes upon the side of his face, fascinated by the way his jaw shook with every syllable he said.
Rory covered her face with her hands and groaned, not understanding her own feelings these passed few days. Fortunately the ringing of the doorbell broke the chain for several minutes, giving her some peace of mind. Rory swung her legs over the edge of the couch and pulled herself up. She made her way over to the door as casually as she could and opened it, her eyes immediately colliding with a pair of emerald ones.
''Zack,'' she said, as a smile started to manipulate her features.
''Hey, sorry to bother you.....again, but I think I forgot my book.''
''Yeah, I'll go get it for you,'' Rory said, while she was already on her way to the couch.
She quickly scanned the floor for his book and found it on the other end of the couch. She easily swept it up between her fingers and turned around, not expecting Zack to be standing there, so close. Taking a step back, she lifted her eyes up to his face, passing his high cheekbones and slightly crooked nose as she did this.
''Sorry,'' he said, grabbing her by her arm to keep her from crashing into the nearest table.
''I have your books.''
Zack nodded and lowered his eyes to her fingers, which were loosely wrapped around the covers. He slid his hand down her arm and down to her hands. He artfully placed his fingers between her, gently grazing her skin, before swiftly pulling his hand back, the book between his fingers now.
''So, thanks again for helping me. I'll see you tomorrow ?''
''Yeah, sure.''
Zack grinned at her, before briefly tapping his head with his book and turning around. And while he headed for the door, he knew that he had just let a perfect opportunity slip through his fingers. He could have kissed her. He should have kissed her, but unfortunately for him, he was starting to open up his eyes to some of his blurred feelings.
*~*~*
''I can't believe you didn't nail her, man,'' Lawrence said, referring to Tristan's date two days ago. ''Why didn't you ?''
Tristan shrugged, as he leaned back against his pillows, not looking up from the magazine he was reading. ''I didn't feel like it.''
''Bull ! You were in her apartment and she was lying on her bed.........''
''Practically nude,'' Marty added.
Lawrence nodded. ''Exactly. Practically nude, wearing nothing but her own soft and flawless skin and you just told her that you didn't feel like it ?''
Tristan sighed, not feeling like they deserved an explanation. After all, what he did and didn't do on his date was his own personal business.
''I agree with him. I mean, dude, did it occur to you that we're in a military school with no girls ? You would think that you would take every opportunity that you get,'' Marty said.
''It sounds like you want her,'' Tristan pointed out.
''No,'' Marty started. ''Are you still seeing her ? Cause if you're not then technically I would be doing nothing wrong.''
Lawrence chuckled. ''And all this time I thought you were gay.''
Marty shot him a foul look, but couldn't do anything else, because of the sergeant that entered Tristan's room without warning.
''Good evening, gentlemen.''
''Evening, dude,'' Marty said, rewarded by a slap on the should from Lawrence.
''There's a phone call for you, DuGrey. You can take it in my office.''
Tristan nodded and got off the bed, wondering who was calling him at this late hour. While he went down the stairs he thought that it might be Rory. She would be capable of going through all the trouble to call his parents for the number of this institute. But as he entered the office, he changed his mind and thought that it could also be Paris, since she was more likely to actually have this number. He hurried over to the phone and placed the receiver against his ear.
''Hello ?''
''Tristan........''
*R*E*V*I*E*W*! Please ? :-) So, I'm really interested in who you think it is. I mean, Rory, Paris.....uhm....Melanie maybe ? I've worked on this chapter pretty long and hard, so let me know in a review if it paid off and if it's still worth reading. My birthday is Saturday, so.........who wants a piece of cake ? :-) Thanks again! :-