*Disclaimer: I don't own the series Gilmore Girls or the characters. All I
own is my imagination and the plot.
*A/N: Hey!!! What can I say ? It's been about a week, I apologize for not updating more frequently, but I do hope you guys enjoy this chapter! :-)
*~*~*:-)*~*~*Bye, smile :-)
''Tristan........''
''Mom ?''
''Hello darling, I just called to see how you were doing ?''
''I'm fine,'' Tristan answered, knowing that there had to be a reason behind his mother's phone call.
''Good, good. How's the food ?''
''Eatable.''
''Have you made any friends yet ?'' Carolyn DuGrey continued.
Tristan sighed. He had answered the first two questions politely, trying to remain as patient as possible, since he had been hoping that she would get to the point eventually. But he should have known his mom, which he obviously didn't, to keep running circles around everything.
''If I recall correctly, you asked me these same questions the last time you called me, which was about a month ago.''
''I know, and I apologize for that, but I have been extremely busy,'' Carolyn said, excusing herself from her behaviour towards him.
''Apparently your social gatherings are more important than your own flesh and blood.''
''That's absolute nonsense,'' Carolyn defensively said, hiding behind the fact that she was the adult in this conversation. ''Your dad and I both love you. You know that, right Tristan ?''
Tristan remained quiet for a short while, thinking of how much he wanted to believe her words. It would make his time here a lot easier, knowing that his parents send him here for his own will instead of theirs. Sending him away to some military school had been the perfect way to walk away from their duties as full-time parents. This way they wouldn't have to deal with his attitude every day and they wouldn't have to explain themselves to him when they came home many hours later than they had promised. He knew that they were busy and that the social gatherings came with the status, but some times he just wished that they could act like a normal family. If only for a few precious minutes.
''Tristan, are you still there ?''
''Yes, but I don't have a lot of time left, so make your point if you have one,'' Tristan said, not bothering to hide his intolerance behind the shades of his charming voice.
''Well, me and your dad were actually wondering if you wanted to come home this weekend ?''
The first thing that crossed Tristan's mind was that his ears were playing cruel tricks on him, making him hear things that weren't actually coming out of his mom's mouth.
''Care to repeat that ?''
''Don't sound so surprised, it's still your home, you know. And no matter how unpleased you are with our decision, we did it for you,'' his mother explained, one again.
Tristan slightly smiled. Sometimes his mother could surprise him and those moments were the ones that he treasured and stored in his memory for safe keeping. On those moments they could have a normal conversation without lecturing each other about their flaws. But still he couldn't help being a little critical about her words.
''Why ?''
''Do we have to have a reason ?'' Carolyn asked, sounding offended by his words. ''We just want you home for a weekend, one weekend. Of course it's your own decision, we're not going to force you into doing something you really don't wanna do. We're not that horrible.''
The sadness in his mother's voice, caused Tristan to feel guilty about what he said and he even wished that he could take his words back.
He sighed. ''Fine, I'll spend the weekend at home.''
''Wonderful,'' Carolyn cheerfully said. ''I'll arrange the tickets and a limo to pick you up at the airport.''
''Sounds great, mom. But I have to go now.''
''Okay, bye sweetheart.''
Tristan cringed at Carolyn's last words while he hung up. He wasn't looking forward to going home to his parents, although he had missed his room and the liberty of just getting in his car and leaving whenever he wanted without asking for permission. And there was another think to look forward too. He would be able to see Rory again, if he wanted.
*~*~*
During lunch, Rory sat at her usual table in the back of the cafeteria, with her back facing the rest of the students. Although all the conversations were crashing into each other and entwining, Rory had gotten used to it after her first few days here at Chilton. Now she was able to fully concentrate on her book without losing track of the focus that she needed to skim through the lines. What did make her focus tremble however, was the silence that suddenly presented itself, because of the fact that all the conversations had seemed to have had died out, at the same time.
When she heard someone sit down across from her, her curiosity pulled her out from between the pages and made her look up, running into a pair of amused eyes.
''Zack, what are you doing here ?'' were the first words that left her mouth.
''Although I didn't like your tone, I will be so polite as to answer your question. I am sitting.''
Rory, who had been intimated by his tone during the first part of his sentence, now rolled her eyes and returned her eyes to her book, pretending not be aware of all the staring eyes around her.
''I guess my answer didn't satisfy or impress you,'' Zack said.
Rory didn't say anything and just continued reading, although the concentration was starting to fade.
''What's with the cold shoulder ?'' Zack asked, interrupting her once more.
''There's no cold shoulder, I'm just really into my book and I don't appreciate someone interrupting me.''
''I guess the cat has decided to let go of your tongue and show its claws instead,'' Zack stated, trying to lead Rory out of her protective shell.
Rory looked up and sighed at the sight of his honest looking face. ''I'm sorry, I'm just considered anti-social at Chilton and I kinda became used to that, so you showing up here is totally messing up my daily routine and non-existing status.''
Zack smiled, which caused his eyes to narrow just a little. ''Then I guess I'm the one who should be apologising. I just wanted some rest from my friends, since they can be tiring sometimes, that's why I came to you.''
''To me ?'' Rory asked, forgetting the back she was loosely cradling between her hands.
Zack laughed. ''After all the times that I've told you that I like spending time you your still surprised.''
This innocent yet flirtatious comment made Rory blush.
''I'm just not used to getting compliments...............especially from guys like you.''
''Like me ?'' Zack asked, raising his eyebrow at the same time.
''Popular.''
''That's just an image. Besides it does make high school a lot easier and you're better off being popular than being a loner.''
Rory playfully kicked Zack underneath the table a little surprised by her own action. ''Thanks.''
''I didn't mean to offend you. You are a loner by choice, which is a whole lot different than a social outcast who is forced to be a loner.''
Rory shot him a look. ''Are you serious ? A person is only forced to be an outcast, because of people like you who think you're better than them and make them feel worthless,'' Rory said, her guards starting to surround her.
''I'm sitting here and talking to you, aren't I ?''
Rory looked at him, shocked by his words. Maybe she had been wrong about him. Maybe all of this was just a facade and the 'image' he was talking about was his true self.
''And you're doing a pretty good job at making me feel like one,'' Rory said, before getting up and leaving the cafeteria.
*~*~*
Rory caught people looking at her out of the corner of her eyes. She didn't quite understand why they were still staring at her. And apparently they weren't ashamed by it either, since they didn't even pretend to be taking notes when she met their eyes. So, maybe walking out of the cafeteria like that had caused some unwanted attention, but shouldn't they be aiming it towards Zack, since he had been acting like a jerk towards her. She glanced at the teacher to see if she was busy, before nudging Paris with her elbow.
''Why is everyone still staring at me ?''
''Cause Zack had lunch with you,'' came Paris' simple answer, not looking up from her desk.
''No, he didn't. He just sat there for a couple of minutes and then I left.''
''Doesn't matter. He's the king of Chilton, as some put it. And therefor everything he does is right,'' Paris explained.
''But he was being a jerk, how can I be blamed for that ?''
This time Paris did look up for her. ''Besides me and you, everyone around here practically worships him, in hope of becoming popular themselves. Although I have been doubting your intentions.''
''What are you talking about ?''
But Paris didn't answer her, she went back to her notes and Rory mimicked her, while she was caught like a picture in the frame of her mind, wondering if she should tear that picture apart, before Zack would do the same with her expectations and judgements of the world around her.
*~*~*
''So, here's the catch of the day.''
Rory closed her locker and turned around, so she was facing the person who had aimed that somewhat harsh comment towards her.
''Hello to you too,'' Rory greeted.
Madeline nodded at her, while Louise just gave her a sort of approving smile.
''What do you want ?'' Rory asked, not really wanting to stay at school any longer than was necessary.
Louise and Madeline exchanged a small smile, before focusing their attention on her again.
''We were just wondering about lunch,'' Madeline started.
''What was Zack doing at your table ?'' Louise asked, cutting in.
Rory shrugged. ''Honestly, I think you should ask him.''
''Why did you walk out ?'' Madeline asked.
''I think the proper question is, are you two dating ?'' Louise said.
''As much as I would love to hang around here and answer all your questions, I can't, cause I have to catch my bus.''
''We'll walk you,'' Louise quickly offered.
''I think that Rory will be able to walk to the bus stop herself, since she's not a retard and all,'' came a familiar voice behind them.
While Madeline was shooting Paris a look, Rory was silently thanking her.
''We were only curious,'' Madeline pointed out.
''Madeline, Louise, down !'' Paris yelled, immediately causing both Madeline and Louise to walk over to her.
Rory nodded in Paris' direction, before grabbing her bag and heading for the exit.
*~*~*
While Rory was waiting for her bus, she caught people staring at her. Some stealing secret glances, but most of them openly glaring at her, making her wish for the bus to arrive as quickly as possible.
'''Not into the attention ?''
Rory turned her head only to find Zack sitting besides her. Evidently she hadn't noticed him approaching or sitting down. His hands were lying in his lap and his eyes were fixed on a guy who was walking by, causing him to walk faster. Rory followed Zack's gaze and felt sorry for the other guy. Zack couldn't just threat people that way, because he felt like it or some other lame reason like that.
''I was doing you a favor,'' Zack said, aware that her eyes had also been fixed on the guy ahead.
''I don't need any of your favors, since I'm a loner and all. Therefor I would like you to leave, so I can lone again.''
''Okay, okay, I'm sorry,'' he said, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye.
''Very believable.''
''Rory.......'' Zack reached for her arm and pulled it towards him, almost enforcing her to turn her body slightly and face him. ''You were right,'' he softly said, not wanting the people around him to hear him apologize. ''I was acting like a jerk and I'm sorry.''
''Why did you say those things ?'' Rory asked, not satisfied with just an apology. Her eyes found his, while she waited for his response, not knowing if she was comfortable with their closeness or not.
Zack sighed and ran his free hand through his hair. ''As the most popular guy in school I have to keep up a certain image, one that everyone admires. And in order to maintain that position I can't just go and hand out with every outcast I come across.''
''I know that that's a part of your status and all, but you can at least be nicer to them, nicer to me.''
Zack nodded, knowing that she was indeed on the right side of this battle. Everyone deserved to be treated with a certain amount of respect and he had been a little harsh towards her. But what he had just told her was true too. He couldn't just change the way he was, just because she found that part of him unattractive. Most girls went for the exterior anyway and didn't pay any attention to his words. They just brushed it off and never wanted him to explain them. But Rory did. He was starting to realize that the interior was the key feature to her.
''You're right and I'll try, is that good enough for you ?''
Rory bit her lip, before nodding at him.
''I apologize again for saying those things to you. I can make it up to you though.''
''You brought more coffee ?'' Rory asked, tilting her head a little, so her hair covered half of her face.
Zack grinned at how fast her behaviour had changed. ''No, I was thinking more of a ride home.''
Rory shook her head. ''My bus will be here in a couple of minutes.''
''Is that your nice way of telling me that you haven't forgiven me yet, cause I thought that you were the one who told me that I should give people more than one chance ?''
''Zack.................''
''It's kinda hypocritical of you to..............''
''Okay,'' Rory said, giving in to his request. '' I'll go with you. Just turn the music up real loud, so I don't have to hear you talk.''
*~*~*
Zack drove his car onto the driveway in front of Rory's home, leaving the motor running as he waited for Rory to get out, not wanting to scare her off even more.
''Thanks for bringing me.''
''You want me to walk you to your door ?'' Zack carefully asked.
''I think I can manage five steps by myself, unless the door decides to lunge at me or something,'' Rory said, as she glanced over at Zack, who was intently staring at her face.
It made her wonder if he had spotted one of her imperfections or if he was just deep in thought. But her question was answered when he reached for her face with his left hand, gently touching her cheek, before sliding his fingers down to her chin, which made her smile. He cupped her chin with his hand and gently pulled her head towards him. When their lips met, Rory automatically placed her hands against his chest, although she didn't stop him. Instead she obligated to the kiss, by pressing her lips harder against his, taking in the spicy scent of his cologne at the same time. When Zack pulled back, his hand lingered against a little longer, before removing it.
''At least you don't have to worry about the gossip mill getting a hold of this.''
Rory smiled, unconsciously licking her lips, before answering. ''I'll see you tomorrow. Thanks again.''
She got out of the car and headed for the door, not turning around when she heard Zack drive off.
*~*~*
Paris came home to an empty house. Even the maids had already gone home after finishing their assigned chores. She admitted that it was lonely, but after a while she had gotten used to eating dinner alone and spending her nights doing homework up in her room. Her parents were kinda high up there on the social ladder, but in order to maintain it they had to work during the day and go to important parties at night.
Paris turned on the light in the kitchen and headed for the refrigerator, knowing that one of the maids had left some dinner for her. But before she even got to open the fridge, a note that was sticking to the refrigerator door caught her eyes.
Paris, Carolyn called. Tristan is spending the weekend with them. She thought that you might want to accompany his driver to the airport to pick him up, since they are too busy to drive all the way to the airport. We'll be back before 2. Mom.
Suddenly Paris wasn't concerned about her hunger anymore. She was too concerned about the question that had been asked in the note. Did she want to pick him up and see him again ? After all, it had been four months and he hadn't even called her. But then again, during their entire high school career he hadn't bothered to call her either. Though it had been different, because they saw each other frequently at school.
Paris sat down on the couch, wondering if he even wanted to see her. Although by then she knew that she was worrying for no reason at all and that she would go and pick him up. He was probably looking forward to some company and a friendly face. But soon another face popped into her head. Rory, he would be dying to see her.
Paris placed her hand on the phone. Should she call Rory and ask her is she wanted to see Tristan again ? Paris sighed and pulled her hand back. She couldn't do that to Tristan. What if he wasn't ready to see her ?
Though Paris covered it well, the reason why she didn't call Rory, was because of the fact that she was jealous. She was jealous of her relationship with Tristan. They constantly bantered and argued, but you could always tell that it wasn't serious and that they did like each other. More than platonically, although they both had trouble realising it. And normally Paris would ignore her envious feelings and play the matchmaker, but she had a feeling that things needed to be explained first. Especially Rory and Zack's blossoming relationship would be the topic of conversation.
She knew that she would probably hurt Tristan with that news, but at the same time she would be pleasing herself, because of the hope and will he might lose to see Rory. Of course she would feel guilty afterwards, because she and Rory could get along just fine and she even considered her a friend, but ever since Paris had been little she had had a crush on Tristan. And albeit he knew her for so long, he never returned her feelings, although they had so much in common. Like their parents and loneliness for instance. Loneliness that no one could even start to comprehend. Rory hardly knew him for two years and yet she managed to steal his heart, away from her.
*R*E*V*I*E*W*! Please ? :-) First of all, I would like to thank everyone who has reviewed and read the last chapter. It's really appreciated. :-) I also hope that everyone is still somewhat interested in this story. It will be a Trory, I promise. One more chapter to go before Tristan leaves Military school for the weekend!!! *Question: Does anybody trust Zack or think that he's sincere ?*
*A/N: Hey!!! What can I say ? It's been about a week, I apologize for not updating more frequently, but I do hope you guys enjoy this chapter! :-)
*~*~*:-)*~*~*Bye, smile :-)
''Tristan........''
''Mom ?''
''Hello darling, I just called to see how you were doing ?''
''I'm fine,'' Tristan answered, knowing that there had to be a reason behind his mother's phone call.
''Good, good. How's the food ?''
''Eatable.''
''Have you made any friends yet ?'' Carolyn DuGrey continued.
Tristan sighed. He had answered the first two questions politely, trying to remain as patient as possible, since he had been hoping that she would get to the point eventually. But he should have known his mom, which he obviously didn't, to keep running circles around everything.
''If I recall correctly, you asked me these same questions the last time you called me, which was about a month ago.''
''I know, and I apologize for that, but I have been extremely busy,'' Carolyn said, excusing herself from her behaviour towards him.
''Apparently your social gatherings are more important than your own flesh and blood.''
''That's absolute nonsense,'' Carolyn defensively said, hiding behind the fact that she was the adult in this conversation. ''Your dad and I both love you. You know that, right Tristan ?''
Tristan remained quiet for a short while, thinking of how much he wanted to believe her words. It would make his time here a lot easier, knowing that his parents send him here for his own will instead of theirs. Sending him away to some military school had been the perfect way to walk away from their duties as full-time parents. This way they wouldn't have to deal with his attitude every day and they wouldn't have to explain themselves to him when they came home many hours later than they had promised. He knew that they were busy and that the social gatherings came with the status, but some times he just wished that they could act like a normal family. If only for a few precious minutes.
''Tristan, are you still there ?''
''Yes, but I don't have a lot of time left, so make your point if you have one,'' Tristan said, not bothering to hide his intolerance behind the shades of his charming voice.
''Well, me and your dad were actually wondering if you wanted to come home this weekend ?''
The first thing that crossed Tristan's mind was that his ears were playing cruel tricks on him, making him hear things that weren't actually coming out of his mom's mouth.
''Care to repeat that ?''
''Don't sound so surprised, it's still your home, you know. And no matter how unpleased you are with our decision, we did it for you,'' his mother explained, one again.
Tristan slightly smiled. Sometimes his mother could surprise him and those moments were the ones that he treasured and stored in his memory for safe keeping. On those moments they could have a normal conversation without lecturing each other about their flaws. But still he couldn't help being a little critical about her words.
''Why ?''
''Do we have to have a reason ?'' Carolyn asked, sounding offended by his words. ''We just want you home for a weekend, one weekend. Of course it's your own decision, we're not going to force you into doing something you really don't wanna do. We're not that horrible.''
The sadness in his mother's voice, caused Tristan to feel guilty about what he said and he even wished that he could take his words back.
He sighed. ''Fine, I'll spend the weekend at home.''
''Wonderful,'' Carolyn cheerfully said. ''I'll arrange the tickets and a limo to pick you up at the airport.''
''Sounds great, mom. But I have to go now.''
''Okay, bye sweetheart.''
Tristan cringed at Carolyn's last words while he hung up. He wasn't looking forward to going home to his parents, although he had missed his room and the liberty of just getting in his car and leaving whenever he wanted without asking for permission. And there was another think to look forward too. He would be able to see Rory again, if he wanted.
*~*~*
During lunch, Rory sat at her usual table in the back of the cafeteria, with her back facing the rest of the students. Although all the conversations were crashing into each other and entwining, Rory had gotten used to it after her first few days here at Chilton. Now she was able to fully concentrate on her book without losing track of the focus that she needed to skim through the lines. What did make her focus tremble however, was the silence that suddenly presented itself, because of the fact that all the conversations had seemed to have had died out, at the same time.
When she heard someone sit down across from her, her curiosity pulled her out from between the pages and made her look up, running into a pair of amused eyes.
''Zack, what are you doing here ?'' were the first words that left her mouth.
''Although I didn't like your tone, I will be so polite as to answer your question. I am sitting.''
Rory, who had been intimated by his tone during the first part of his sentence, now rolled her eyes and returned her eyes to her book, pretending not be aware of all the staring eyes around her.
''I guess my answer didn't satisfy or impress you,'' Zack said.
Rory didn't say anything and just continued reading, although the concentration was starting to fade.
''What's with the cold shoulder ?'' Zack asked, interrupting her once more.
''There's no cold shoulder, I'm just really into my book and I don't appreciate someone interrupting me.''
''I guess the cat has decided to let go of your tongue and show its claws instead,'' Zack stated, trying to lead Rory out of her protective shell.
Rory looked up and sighed at the sight of his honest looking face. ''I'm sorry, I'm just considered anti-social at Chilton and I kinda became used to that, so you showing up here is totally messing up my daily routine and non-existing status.''
Zack smiled, which caused his eyes to narrow just a little. ''Then I guess I'm the one who should be apologising. I just wanted some rest from my friends, since they can be tiring sometimes, that's why I came to you.''
''To me ?'' Rory asked, forgetting the back she was loosely cradling between her hands.
Zack laughed. ''After all the times that I've told you that I like spending time you your still surprised.''
This innocent yet flirtatious comment made Rory blush.
''I'm just not used to getting compliments...............especially from guys like you.''
''Like me ?'' Zack asked, raising his eyebrow at the same time.
''Popular.''
''That's just an image. Besides it does make high school a lot easier and you're better off being popular than being a loner.''
Rory playfully kicked Zack underneath the table a little surprised by her own action. ''Thanks.''
''I didn't mean to offend you. You are a loner by choice, which is a whole lot different than a social outcast who is forced to be a loner.''
Rory shot him a look. ''Are you serious ? A person is only forced to be an outcast, because of people like you who think you're better than them and make them feel worthless,'' Rory said, her guards starting to surround her.
''I'm sitting here and talking to you, aren't I ?''
Rory looked at him, shocked by his words. Maybe she had been wrong about him. Maybe all of this was just a facade and the 'image' he was talking about was his true self.
''And you're doing a pretty good job at making me feel like one,'' Rory said, before getting up and leaving the cafeteria.
*~*~*
Rory caught people looking at her out of the corner of her eyes. She didn't quite understand why they were still staring at her. And apparently they weren't ashamed by it either, since they didn't even pretend to be taking notes when she met their eyes. So, maybe walking out of the cafeteria like that had caused some unwanted attention, but shouldn't they be aiming it towards Zack, since he had been acting like a jerk towards her. She glanced at the teacher to see if she was busy, before nudging Paris with her elbow.
''Why is everyone still staring at me ?''
''Cause Zack had lunch with you,'' came Paris' simple answer, not looking up from her desk.
''No, he didn't. He just sat there for a couple of minutes and then I left.''
''Doesn't matter. He's the king of Chilton, as some put it. And therefor everything he does is right,'' Paris explained.
''But he was being a jerk, how can I be blamed for that ?''
This time Paris did look up for her. ''Besides me and you, everyone around here practically worships him, in hope of becoming popular themselves. Although I have been doubting your intentions.''
''What are you talking about ?''
But Paris didn't answer her, she went back to her notes and Rory mimicked her, while she was caught like a picture in the frame of her mind, wondering if she should tear that picture apart, before Zack would do the same with her expectations and judgements of the world around her.
*~*~*
''So, here's the catch of the day.''
Rory closed her locker and turned around, so she was facing the person who had aimed that somewhat harsh comment towards her.
''Hello to you too,'' Rory greeted.
Madeline nodded at her, while Louise just gave her a sort of approving smile.
''What do you want ?'' Rory asked, not really wanting to stay at school any longer than was necessary.
Louise and Madeline exchanged a small smile, before focusing their attention on her again.
''We were just wondering about lunch,'' Madeline started.
''What was Zack doing at your table ?'' Louise asked, cutting in.
Rory shrugged. ''Honestly, I think you should ask him.''
''Why did you walk out ?'' Madeline asked.
''I think the proper question is, are you two dating ?'' Louise said.
''As much as I would love to hang around here and answer all your questions, I can't, cause I have to catch my bus.''
''We'll walk you,'' Louise quickly offered.
''I think that Rory will be able to walk to the bus stop herself, since she's not a retard and all,'' came a familiar voice behind them.
While Madeline was shooting Paris a look, Rory was silently thanking her.
''We were only curious,'' Madeline pointed out.
''Madeline, Louise, down !'' Paris yelled, immediately causing both Madeline and Louise to walk over to her.
Rory nodded in Paris' direction, before grabbing her bag and heading for the exit.
*~*~*
While Rory was waiting for her bus, she caught people staring at her. Some stealing secret glances, but most of them openly glaring at her, making her wish for the bus to arrive as quickly as possible.
'''Not into the attention ?''
Rory turned her head only to find Zack sitting besides her. Evidently she hadn't noticed him approaching or sitting down. His hands were lying in his lap and his eyes were fixed on a guy who was walking by, causing him to walk faster. Rory followed Zack's gaze and felt sorry for the other guy. Zack couldn't just threat people that way, because he felt like it or some other lame reason like that.
''I was doing you a favor,'' Zack said, aware that her eyes had also been fixed on the guy ahead.
''I don't need any of your favors, since I'm a loner and all. Therefor I would like you to leave, so I can lone again.''
''Okay, okay, I'm sorry,'' he said, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye.
''Very believable.''
''Rory.......'' Zack reached for her arm and pulled it towards him, almost enforcing her to turn her body slightly and face him. ''You were right,'' he softly said, not wanting the people around him to hear him apologize. ''I was acting like a jerk and I'm sorry.''
''Why did you say those things ?'' Rory asked, not satisfied with just an apology. Her eyes found his, while she waited for his response, not knowing if she was comfortable with their closeness or not.
Zack sighed and ran his free hand through his hair. ''As the most popular guy in school I have to keep up a certain image, one that everyone admires. And in order to maintain that position I can't just go and hand out with every outcast I come across.''
''I know that that's a part of your status and all, but you can at least be nicer to them, nicer to me.''
Zack nodded, knowing that she was indeed on the right side of this battle. Everyone deserved to be treated with a certain amount of respect and he had been a little harsh towards her. But what he had just told her was true too. He couldn't just change the way he was, just because she found that part of him unattractive. Most girls went for the exterior anyway and didn't pay any attention to his words. They just brushed it off and never wanted him to explain them. But Rory did. He was starting to realize that the interior was the key feature to her.
''You're right and I'll try, is that good enough for you ?''
Rory bit her lip, before nodding at him.
''I apologize again for saying those things to you. I can make it up to you though.''
''You brought more coffee ?'' Rory asked, tilting her head a little, so her hair covered half of her face.
Zack grinned at how fast her behaviour had changed. ''No, I was thinking more of a ride home.''
Rory shook her head. ''My bus will be here in a couple of minutes.''
''Is that your nice way of telling me that you haven't forgiven me yet, cause I thought that you were the one who told me that I should give people more than one chance ?''
''Zack.................''
''It's kinda hypocritical of you to..............''
''Okay,'' Rory said, giving in to his request. '' I'll go with you. Just turn the music up real loud, so I don't have to hear you talk.''
*~*~*
Zack drove his car onto the driveway in front of Rory's home, leaving the motor running as he waited for Rory to get out, not wanting to scare her off even more.
''Thanks for bringing me.''
''You want me to walk you to your door ?'' Zack carefully asked.
''I think I can manage five steps by myself, unless the door decides to lunge at me or something,'' Rory said, as she glanced over at Zack, who was intently staring at her face.
It made her wonder if he had spotted one of her imperfections or if he was just deep in thought. But her question was answered when he reached for her face with his left hand, gently touching her cheek, before sliding his fingers down to her chin, which made her smile. He cupped her chin with his hand and gently pulled her head towards him. When their lips met, Rory automatically placed her hands against his chest, although she didn't stop him. Instead she obligated to the kiss, by pressing her lips harder against his, taking in the spicy scent of his cologne at the same time. When Zack pulled back, his hand lingered against a little longer, before removing it.
''At least you don't have to worry about the gossip mill getting a hold of this.''
Rory smiled, unconsciously licking her lips, before answering. ''I'll see you tomorrow. Thanks again.''
She got out of the car and headed for the door, not turning around when she heard Zack drive off.
*~*~*
Paris came home to an empty house. Even the maids had already gone home after finishing their assigned chores. She admitted that it was lonely, but after a while she had gotten used to eating dinner alone and spending her nights doing homework up in her room. Her parents were kinda high up there on the social ladder, but in order to maintain it they had to work during the day and go to important parties at night.
Paris turned on the light in the kitchen and headed for the refrigerator, knowing that one of the maids had left some dinner for her. But before she even got to open the fridge, a note that was sticking to the refrigerator door caught her eyes.
Paris, Carolyn called. Tristan is spending the weekend with them. She thought that you might want to accompany his driver to the airport to pick him up, since they are too busy to drive all the way to the airport. We'll be back before 2. Mom.
Suddenly Paris wasn't concerned about her hunger anymore. She was too concerned about the question that had been asked in the note. Did she want to pick him up and see him again ? After all, it had been four months and he hadn't even called her. But then again, during their entire high school career he hadn't bothered to call her either. Though it had been different, because they saw each other frequently at school.
Paris sat down on the couch, wondering if he even wanted to see her. Although by then she knew that she was worrying for no reason at all and that she would go and pick him up. He was probably looking forward to some company and a friendly face. But soon another face popped into her head. Rory, he would be dying to see her.
Paris placed her hand on the phone. Should she call Rory and ask her is she wanted to see Tristan again ? Paris sighed and pulled her hand back. She couldn't do that to Tristan. What if he wasn't ready to see her ?
Though Paris covered it well, the reason why she didn't call Rory, was because of the fact that she was jealous. She was jealous of her relationship with Tristan. They constantly bantered and argued, but you could always tell that it wasn't serious and that they did like each other. More than platonically, although they both had trouble realising it. And normally Paris would ignore her envious feelings and play the matchmaker, but she had a feeling that things needed to be explained first. Especially Rory and Zack's blossoming relationship would be the topic of conversation.
She knew that she would probably hurt Tristan with that news, but at the same time she would be pleasing herself, because of the hope and will he might lose to see Rory. Of course she would feel guilty afterwards, because she and Rory could get along just fine and she even considered her a friend, but ever since Paris had been little she had had a crush on Tristan. And albeit he knew her for so long, he never returned her feelings, although they had so much in common. Like their parents and loneliness for instance. Loneliness that no one could even start to comprehend. Rory hardly knew him for two years and yet she managed to steal his heart, away from her.
*R*E*V*I*E*W*! Please ? :-) First of all, I would like to thank everyone who has reviewed and read the last chapter. It's really appreciated. :-) I also hope that everyone is still somewhat interested in this story. It will be a Trory, I promise. One more chapter to go before Tristan leaves Military school for the weekend!!! *Question: Does anybody trust Zack or think that he's sincere ?*