*Disclaimer: I don't own the series Gilmore Girls or the original
characters. All I own is my imagination and the plot.
*A/N: Hey! :-) I wasn't sure if I would finish this chapter on time, but I spend my entire Sunday finishing it, because I really wanted to upload this chapter. I'm really excited about this chapter and I hope you like it too. :-)
*~*~*:-)*~*~*Bye, smile :-)
Rory parked her car at the far end of the driveway and killed the engine, giving the illusion that the driveway was entirely empty, except for the two cars that belonged to the owners of this magnificent house. Now that the silence was thickening and covering her windows with a transparent layer of fog, she seemed trapped within this car, where her thoughts were reigning over her emotions and behavior.
Zack's words had been on her mind ever since their phone conversation this afternoon. She had thought that the long car drive would help her clear her mind, but her solemnness had only increased her flow of thoughts, just like the talk she had with her mother only minutes after hanging up on Zack. She had grabbed her coat and car keys and had gone over to the Independence Inn, finally making a decision to talk with her mom about Tristan's visit to their house only a day ago.
For once her mother didn't crack jokes during their conversation. Instead, she listened carefully to Rory's word, her expression becoming more and more serious with every sentence. Rory told her about Zack's phone call and how his upcoming jealousy had lead her to her conclusion, which her mom had responded to with a simple question: was she sure.... And while Rory was screaming no in her mind, trying to talk herself out of what she was about to do, she had nodded her head. Lorelai had done the same, giving her permission and agreeing with her at the same time. No further questions were asked about the time she needed or about the right words that she couldn't seem to find. Lorelai had just ran a hand through her daughter's hair and told her to be careful.
But now that she was actually here, she wished that she had discussed a game plan with her mom. Cause right now she was doing everything on her intuition. It felt as if she was trying to keep herself from going under in a pool of mixed feelings and intuition was her last hope, the only thing that would end up saving her from losing herself in her own confusion.
Rory looked up at the mansion in the dimness of the beginning night. The house didn't look inviting at all, which she had expected since rich people always seemed to have a status to keep high and luxurious parties had to be thrown in order to mantain it. Perhaps the exterior wasn't important at all, maybe it was just a prejudice, the same you believed when you saw a person for the first time. Maybe it was indeed the interior that had the role of charming people with its beauty. And this house was indeed no exception when it came to its inner beauty. Although she had only been here but a few times, she had managed to take notice of the fact that everything looked so brand new and untainted, as if its feigned and paid for shine had a purpose. Maybe it was meant as a blinding disguise, so that you wouldn't look any further and see the dust in its hidden places.
Sadness surrounded this house. And it managed to wrap itself around her whenever she came near it. It even sometimes affected her when she was near Tristan, depending on the aura that colored his day. Most of the time he was alluringly bold and self-confident. But on a few rare occasions he wouldn't be his talkative self and spend the day by himself, even spending lunch outside when he wanted to avoid close to everyone. And it was this heavy-hearted person whom she developed certain feeling for. On these gloomy days she wanted to help him, but it was hard, because he wasn't an open person and he hid his feelings behind crude comments and sly smiles. He shut other people out, because he was probably afraid that they might hurt him.
Rory got out of the car, although she still didn't know what she was going to confront Tristan with. Maybe it hadn't been his business to interfere with her relationship with Zack, but he had been thinking of her when he did, and that made her doubt her decision even more. She locked her car, and slipped her keys into her coat pocket, as she took a deep breath, before heading for the front door. She rang the doorbell with a forced confidence, not giving herself the time to think twice.
The door almost opened immediately and she was greeted by a pair of friendly eyes that widened with recognition when they saw Rory. Rory returned the woman's kindness with a warm smile of her own.
''Hi, I don't mean to bother anyone, but........''
''You're not bothering anyone. Come in. It's much warmer inside,'' Paola interrupted, as she opened the door further, waiting for Rory to give in to her invitation.
Rory thankfully nodded and entered the large hallway, waiting for Paola to shut the door, before turning around to face her again. ''I was wondering if........''
''He's in the kitchen,'' Paola said, not giving Rory the chance to finish her sentence.
Paola met Rory's eyes for a few seconds, leaving her to wonder if she would have to go into the kitchen herself. Luckily Paola saw the flicker of nervous fear in her eyes and decided to do the girl a favor. ''I'll go get him.''
As the woman disappeared at the end of the hallway, Rory wondered if she wouldn't have been better off folowing the woman. After all, if she had gone with her she wouldn't have been alone with Tristan, which might have made things easier. But then again, if someone else would be there during their conversation it would only make her more nervous and more aware of her own words.
Rory sighed and threw a glance at the other end of the hallway, becoming more and more restless. When she saw no one, she turned around and started to pace through the hallway, one of her many nervous habits. Once she had reached the front door, she was tempted to just open it and silently slip out of the house, but instead she let out another sigh and turned around, her eyes still fixed on the ground. After three steps, she ran into a pair of white sneakers, which caused her to come to an abrupt stop.
She slowly brought her eyes up, letting her gaze touch the dark fabric of the baggy pants, before passing his abdomen and bringing it up to his chest. She waited for one of his infamous remarks to reach her ears, but when she heard nothing, she brought her gaze up even further and rested them upon his face, purposely avoiding his eyes.
''It took you long enough,'' she whispered, not aware of the fact that her breath was brushing against his skin with every word.
''I wasn't expecting you.'''
Rory lowered her eyes to his hands, which were firmly placed in his pockets. ''Yeah, I wasn't planning on coming here.''
''Spur of the moment ?''
''Something like that.''
''Is there a reason to this meaningless chitchat ?'' Tristan asked, the suddenness and gentle harshness of his voice the affect of standing so close to her and knowing that his usual playfulness would be a waste of time, because the purpose wasn't there anymore. She had a boyfriend now. One he utterly disliked, but still had to respect, because he was a part of her life now. And Zack didn't deserve it, since he would end up tainting her perfect image.
Rory nodded, before looking up at him. ''I came to talk. I know that you're going back to military school tomorrow and I figured that this would be our only chance.''
''Probably, but.............''
''I didn't know we had company !'' came a cheery voice from behind Tristan.
Tristan shook his head and muttered something that remained indistinct to Rory's ears. By the sound of the heels that were rapidly coming their way, she guessed that it had to be his mother. And although she knew that he couldn't get along with her either, she was curious about her.
''Tristan, why didn't you tell me we have company ?''
Tristan sighed and turned around, so he could face his mother, giving Rory the opportunity to look at the woman, coming their way. Rory was positive that it was his mother, since they had the exact same hair and eye color. Her clothes seemed expensive, bought to impress or intimidate someone, which they definitely did with Rory. She felt out of place and almost embarrassed wearing faded jeans and one of her mom's shirts.
''I don't have to tell you everything.''
Carolyn DuGrey shot her son a disapproved look, before holding out her hand for Rory to shake, her nails perfectly manicured and painted in the same dark purple color as her suit.
''I'm Carolyn DuGrey.''
Rory exchanged a quick look with Tristan, before shaking hands with her, not missing the way her eyes were taking in every small detail of her appearance.
''I'm Rory Gilmore, nice to meet you.''
''You're Emily's granddaughter ?''
Rory nodded. ''You know my grandmother ?''
''We have some equal friends.''
''Equal friends.........'' Tristan repeated.
Carolyn shot Tristan another look, before returning her attention to Rory. ''So, dear, are you staying for dinner ?''
Rory didn't answer immediately and looked at Tristan for the right answer. After all, she didn't want to be a burden to him or his mother.
''Of course,'' Tristan answered for her, putting on a show for his mother. ''Although I was wondering if we could take the plates up to my room, since we have a lot to talk about.''
''Nonsense, this is your last night here and you'll have dinner with me and your father. You'll have plenty of time to talk after.''
''But mother,'' Tristan started, not liking the idea of sitting through a dinner where his parents would surely intrude in Rory's personal life.
''Case closed, Tristan,'' his mother said sharply, which made Rory feel sorry for Tristan. ''Dinner will be served in five minutes, so I suggest you lead her into the dining room and act like a gentlemen, for once.''
Tristan didn't say another word, as he lead Rory over to the dining room.
*~*~*
''So, Rory, I assume you know Tristan from Chilton ?'' Alexander DuGrey asked.
Rory looked over at Tristan, before nodding her head. She had been trying to meet his gaze these passed ten minutes, but he hadn't looked up from his plate ever since they sat down at the table, where the amount of food made her feel like she was caught up in one of her books about knights and dragons. She wondered if his parents even noticed the fact that he hadn't said a word to them yet. Maybe he was indeed better off at military school, a harsh, but rational thought.
''And you two are friends ?'' Alexander continued, as he glanced at Rory in between bites.
''Something like that,'' Rory politely answered, although she was getting sick of everyone paying so much attention to her.
''Something like that ?'' Carolyn said. ''You mean, you two are more than friends ?''
This time Tristan did look up and locked eyes with Rory, curious about her answer.
''No,'' Rory said, taking longer than needed to come up with the answer, simply because she didn't know if she was lying or not.
''Good,'' Tristan's father mumbled, loud and clear for everyone to hear. ''Tristan has a bad reputation when it comes to girls. He doesn't treat them with the respect they deserve.......''
''You have never met any of my girlfriends,'' Tristan pointed out, interrupting his dad.
''Exactly my point. Either there was something wrong with those girls or you didn't manage to keep the relationship going long enough for her to meet us.''
''All the girls I dated were the daughters of your friends,'' Tristan sharply responded.
''I don't appreciate you talking to me in that tone.''
''And I don't appreciate you discussing my personal life so openly, but we can't have everything, right, dad ?''
''I apologize for my son's behavior,'' Carolyn said, trying to mantain the piece between her son and husband who were close to ruining the image she had wanted to keep up.
''That's why he was send to military school.''
''At least I have more freedom and space there than I did here,'' Tristan shot back.
Alexander snorted. ''If we gave you all the freedom you wanted you would have lost your virginity at twelve instead of fourteen. I bet Rory's still a virgin.''
''Excuse me ?'' Rory asked, taken back by Alexander's straightforward assumption.
''What does that have to do with anything ?''
''I'm just saying that Rory's smart to wait and the last time I checked she wasn't being disrespectful............''
''You don't even know her !'' Tristan said, raising his voice even more.
Suddenly Alexander DuGrey threw down his fork and got up from the table. He excused himself, before storming out of the room.
''Tristan, why do you always have to cause such a scene.''
Carolyn DuGrey shot Tristan a look and got up from the table too. ''I'm sorry for all of this, Rory. It was nice meeting you.'' And with those last words she followed her husband's footsteps, leaving Tristan and Rory alone.
Rory didn't want to interrupt the tense silence between, so she sat back in her chair and stared at her hands, trying to keep from bursting out in tears at the sadness that she was feeling right now. When she couldn't take it anymore, she got up and started to collect the plates, making herself useful at something. She reached for Tristan's plate, but he stopped her by roughly grabbing her arm, causing her to gasp and almost drop the plates she was holding in her other hand.
''That's not your job.''
''I'm sorry,'' Rory whispered, knowing that he got the double meaning, when he let go of her arm and reach for the plate. As soon as she removed the plate, he got up and disappeared through a couple of glass sliding doors, which Rory guessed lead into the garden.
Rory piled Tristan's plate on top of the other and went into the kitchen, where Paola told her that she would clean up the rest of the mess, not giving Rory another excuse. Rory went through the same glass doors as Tristan, although she wasn't sure what to do next. She spotted Tristan easily, since he found himself in the only lighted area of the garden. Rory knew that she couldn't stand here and stare at him forever, so she took the amount of steps which were needed to reach him. He was sitting on a wooden bench, which was clearly painted in a flawless white, so it would match the white roses that were scattered all over the small garden. If she wouldn't have been worrying about Tristan, she would have taken the time to look at the roses a little longer.
''Hey,'' she softly said, announcing herself, although Tristan had already seen her shadow coming his way.
Tristan remained silent. Rory hesitantly sat down next to him, their knees being forced to touch, since the bench wasn't made for two people.
''It's beautiful,'' Rory offered, already knowing that he wouldn't respond to that.
''I'm really sorry for tonight.''
''It's not your fault,'' Tristan murmured.
''It partly is. I mean, if I hadn't been here you wouldn't have had that fight.''
Tristan snorted. ''We always have fights.''
''Oh......''
He glanced at Rory, who was too busy staring at her hands to notice, and he wondered if Zack knew how beautiful she really was. If he had ever just sat next to her during one of their classes and just looked at her, studying her, like he had done so many times and was doing right now.
''So, you came to talk ?''
''It's not important,'' Rory said, not wanting to bother him with anything else.
''Come on, Mary, what do you wanna talk to me about ?''
Rory brought her eyes up to his. ''Zack.''
''Pick another subject,'' Tristan said sourly.
''Why did you drop by his house ?''
''There's no doubt in my mind that he already told you his version, so...........''
''You don't have to protect me, Tristan. I'm not a little girl anymore.''
Tristan searched for her eyes with his. ''I know you're not.''
Rory blushed at his words and wanted to lower her head, but Tristan lowered his at the same time and caught her gaze with his. With their heads both bend, their faces were closer than ever, bringing a smile to Rory's face, because his breathe was tickling against her nose.
''Why are you smiling ?''
''Your breathe tickles.''
This caused Tristan to crack a smile too.
''At least I made you smile,'' Rory said, her eyes matching Tristan's playful ones.
Tristan brought his head closer to hers, slightly turning it in the process so his lips were floating just above her ear. ''You can do more than that to me, Mary.''
He pressed his lips onto her earlobe and held them there for a second, before sliding them down to the nape of her neck.
''Tristan,'' she warned.
He ignored her and continued kissing her, his kissed becoming longer and more frequent, as he made his way up her chin and coming to a stop just below her bottom lip. His hands were resting on top of her thighs, his left hand making circular movements, which caused Rory's heartbeat to speed up and her breathing to increase.
''Tristan,'' she said once more, although it sounded much weaker than the first time.
He flicked his tongue across her bottom lip twice, before slipping it into her mouth, through he small opening between her lips. As his tongue disappeared into her mouth, it pulled his lips on top of hers, not giving her another breathe to stop him. He found her tongue with his and gently encouraged her to get caught up in the moment, which she eventually did. She began to respond to Tristan's movements, looking for him for guidance, since this was her first french kiss.
A muffled moan escaped her mouth, as the sensation in her stomach grew and she leaned in to him even more, giving him better access. Tristan slid his hands up her thighs and to the waistline of her jeans. He hooked his fingers in her belt loops and roughly pulled her closer, demanding more with every second. When he realized that they were running short on air, he retreated his tongue from her mouth, but kept his faces only inches away from hers.
Tristan's sudden departure caused Rory to gasp and open her eyes. Almost immediately she realized what she had done and she started to panic. She placed her hands on Tristan's and pushed them away, as she struggled out of reach and got up.
''Rory,'' Tristan calmly said.
''You kissed me........and I, I kissed you.''
''Rory........''
''I just cheated on Zack, she stated, as she turned her back towards Tristan and stumbled towards the glass doors.
Behind her back Tristan narrowed his eyes and got up.
''Why are you even with him ?''
''What ?'' Rory asked, as she turned around to face him again.
''You and Zack, why ?''
''Cause I like him.''
''Bull,'' Tristan said, as he approached her. ''You just kissed me, so there must be some chemistry lacking in your relationship with him.''
''You kissed me !''
''You kissed me back and you didn't even try to push me away !''
''I....I got caught up in the moment,'' Rory said, lowering her voice.
''So every random guy can just kiss you and basically get away with it ?''
''No, I.......''
''You what, thought I was Zack ?!'' Tristan half yelled.
''I was confused, I'm sorry............''
''Don't apologize.''
''Then what am I supposed to do ?''
''Give me a good reason why you're with him ?'' Tristan said.
Rory's voice broke and tears started to stain her face, when she whispered her next words, ''Cause he reminds me of you.''
She avoided his eyes and took a step back when he reached for her. She shook her head. ''My mom's waiting for me, I have to go, I'm sorry about dinner.''
Before Tristan could tell her once more that it wasn't her fault, she turned around and disappeared through the glass doors.
*R*E*V*I*E*W*! Please ? :-) So, I'm not sure about this chapter (not that I am of any, so just ignore that comment) and I would really like your opinion on Rory's reaction, Tristan's decision to kiss her etc. Thanks for the reviews, loved them a lot :-) *And for you who read Lit's too, check out my new chapter or 'Cornered' and my new one parter 'Chimera'*. Thank you!!! :-)
*A/N: Hey! :-) I wasn't sure if I would finish this chapter on time, but I spend my entire Sunday finishing it, because I really wanted to upload this chapter. I'm really excited about this chapter and I hope you like it too. :-)
*~*~*:-)*~*~*Bye, smile :-)
Rory parked her car at the far end of the driveway and killed the engine, giving the illusion that the driveway was entirely empty, except for the two cars that belonged to the owners of this magnificent house. Now that the silence was thickening and covering her windows with a transparent layer of fog, she seemed trapped within this car, where her thoughts were reigning over her emotions and behavior.
Zack's words had been on her mind ever since their phone conversation this afternoon. She had thought that the long car drive would help her clear her mind, but her solemnness had only increased her flow of thoughts, just like the talk she had with her mother only minutes after hanging up on Zack. She had grabbed her coat and car keys and had gone over to the Independence Inn, finally making a decision to talk with her mom about Tristan's visit to their house only a day ago.
For once her mother didn't crack jokes during their conversation. Instead, she listened carefully to Rory's word, her expression becoming more and more serious with every sentence. Rory told her about Zack's phone call and how his upcoming jealousy had lead her to her conclusion, which her mom had responded to with a simple question: was she sure.... And while Rory was screaming no in her mind, trying to talk herself out of what she was about to do, she had nodded her head. Lorelai had done the same, giving her permission and agreeing with her at the same time. No further questions were asked about the time she needed or about the right words that she couldn't seem to find. Lorelai had just ran a hand through her daughter's hair and told her to be careful.
But now that she was actually here, she wished that she had discussed a game plan with her mom. Cause right now she was doing everything on her intuition. It felt as if she was trying to keep herself from going under in a pool of mixed feelings and intuition was her last hope, the only thing that would end up saving her from losing herself in her own confusion.
Rory looked up at the mansion in the dimness of the beginning night. The house didn't look inviting at all, which she had expected since rich people always seemed to have a status to keep high and luxurious parties had to be thrown in order to mantain it. Perhaps the exterior wasn't important at all, maybe it was just a prejudice, the same you believed when you saw a person for the first time. Maybe it was indeed the interior that had the role of charming people with its beauty. And this house was indeed no exception when it came to its inner beauty. Although she had only been here but a few times, she had managed to take notice of the fact that everything looked so brand new and untainted, as if its feigned and paid for shine had a purpose. Maybe it was meant as a blinding disguise, so that you wouldn't look any further and see the dust in its hidden places.
Sadness surrounded this house. And it managed to wrap itself around her whenever she came near it. It even sometimes affected her when she was near Tristan, depending on the aura that colored his day. Most of the time he was alluringly bold and self-confident. But on a few rare occasions he wouldn't be his talkative self and spend the day by himself, even spending lunch outside when he wanted to avoid close to everyone. And it was this heavy-hearted person whom she developed certain feeling for. On these gloomy days she wanted to help him, but it was hard, because he wasn't an open person and he hid his feelings behind crude comments and sly smiles. He shut other people out, because he was probably afraid that they might hurt him.
Rory got out of the car, although she still didn't know what she was going to confront Tristan with. Maybe it hadn't been his business to interfere with her relationship with Zack, but he had been thinking of her when he did, and that made her doubt her decision even more. She locked her car, and slipped her keys into her coat pocket, as she took a deep breath, before heading for the front door. She rang the doorbell with a forced confidence, not giving herself the time to think twice.
The door almost opened immediately and she was greeted by a pair of friendly eyes that widened with recognition when they saw Rory. Rory returned the woman's kindness with a warm smile of her own.
''Hi, I don't mean to bother anyone, but........''
''You're not bothering anyone. Come in. It's much warmer inside,'' Paola interrupted, as she opened the door further, waiting for Rory to give in to her invitation.
Rory thankfully nodded and entered the large hallway, waiting for Paola to shut the door, before turning around to face her again. ''I was wondering if........''
''He's in the kitchen,'' Paola said, not giving Rory the chance to finish her sentence.
Paola met Rory's eyes for a few seconds, leaving her to wonder if she would have to go into the kitchen herself. Luckily Paola saw the flicker of nervous fear in her eyes and decided to do the girl a favor. ''I'll go get him.''
As the woman disappeared at the end of the hallway, Rory wondered if she wouldn't have been better off folowing the woman. After all, if she had gone with her she wouldn't have been alone with Tristan, which might have made things easier. But then again, if someone else would be there during their conversation it would only make her more nervous and more aware of her own words.
Rory sighed and threw a glance at the other end of the hallway, becoming more and more restless. When she saw no one, she turned around and started to pace through the hallway, one of her many nervous habits. Once she had reached the front door, she was tempted to just open it and silently slip out of the house, but instead she let out another sigh and turned around, her eyes still fixed on the ground. After three steps, she ran into a pair of white sneakers, which caused her to come to an abrupt stop.
She slowly brought her eyes up, letting her gaze touch the dark fabric of the baggy pants, before passing his abdomen and bringing it up to his chest. She waited for one of his infamous remarks to reach her ears, but when she heard nothing, she brought her gaze up even further and rested them upon his face, purposely avoiding his eyes.
''It took you long enough,'' she whispered, not aware of the fact that her breath was brushing against his skin with every word.
''I wasn't expecting you.'''
Rory lowered her eyes to his hands, which were firmly placed in his pockets. ''Yeah, I wasn't planning on coming here.''
''Spur of the moment ?''
''Something like that.''
''Is there a reason to this meaningless chitchat ?'' Tristan asked, the suddenness and gentle harshness of his voice the affect of standing so close to her and knowing that his usual playfulness would be a waste of time, because the purpose wasn't there anymore. She had a boyfriend now. One he utterly disliked, but still had to respect, because he was a part of her life now. And Zack didn't deserve it, since he would end up tainting her perfect image.
Rory nodded, before looking up at him. ''I came to talk. I know that you're going back to military school tomorrow and I figured that this would be our only chance.''
''Probably, but.............''
''I didn't know we had company !'' came a cheery voice from behind Tristan.
Tristan shook his head and muttered something that remained indistinct to Rory's ears. By the sound of the heels that were rapidly coming their way, she guessed that it had to be his mother. And although she knew that he couldn't get along with her either, she was curious about her.
''Tristan, why didn't you tell me we have company ?''
Tristan sighed and turned around, so he could face his mother, giving Rory the opportunity to look at the woman, coming their way. Rory was positive that it was his mother, since they had the exact same hair and eye color. Her clothes seemed expensive, bought to impress or intimidate someone, which they definitely did with Rory. She felt out of place and almost embarrassed wearing faded jeans and one of her mom's shirts.
''I don't have to tell you everything.''
Carolyn DuGrey shot her son a disapproved look, before holding out her hand for Rory to shake, her nails perfectly manicured and painted in the same dark purple color as her suit.
''I'm Carolyn DuGrey.''
Rory exchanged a quick look with Tristan, before shaking hands with her, not missing the way her eyes were taking in every small detail of her appearance.
''I'm Rory Gilmore, nice to meet you.''
''You're Emily's granddaughter ?''
Rory nodded. ''You know my grandmother ?''
''We have some equal friends.''
''Equal friends.........'' Tristan repeated.
Carolyn shot Tristan another look, before returning her attention to Rory. ''So, dear, are you staying for dinner ?''
Rory didn't answer immediately and looked at Tristan for the right answer. After all, she didn't want to be a burden to him or his mother.
''Of course,'' Tristan answered for her, putting on a show for his mother. ''Although I was wondering if we could take the plates up to my room, since we have a lot to talk about.''
''Nonsense, this is your last night here and you'll have dinner with me and your father. You'll have plenty of time to talk after.''
''But mother,'' Tristan started, not liking the idea of sitting through a dinner where his parents would surely intrude in Rory's personal life.
''Case closed, Tristan,'' his mother said sharply, which made Rory feel sorry for Tristan. ''Dinner will be served in five minutes, so I suggest you lead her into the dining room and act like a gentlemen, for once.''
Tristan didn't say another word, as he lead Rory over to the dining room.
*~*~*
''So, Rory, I assume you know Tristan from Chilton ?'' Alexander DuGrey asked.
Rory looked over at Tristan, before nodding her head. She had been trying to meet his gaze these passed ten minutes, but he hadn't looked up from his plate ever since they sat down at the table, where the amount of food made her feel like she was caught up in one of her books about knights and dragons. She wondered if his parents even noticed the fact that he hadn't said a word to them yet. Maybe he was indeed better off at military school, a harsh, but rational thought.
''And you two are friends ?'' Alexander continued, as he glanced at Rory in between bites.
''Something like that,'' Rory politely answered, although she was getting sick of everyone paying so much attention to her.
''Something like that ?'' Carolyn said. ''You mean, you two are more than friends ?''
This time Tristan did look up and locked eyes with Rory, curious about her answer.
''No,'' Rory said, taking longer than needed to come up with the answer, simply because she didn't know if she was lying or not.
''Good,'' Tristan's father mumbled, loud and clear for everyone to hear. ''Tristan has a bad reputation when it comes to girls. He doesn't treat them with the respect they deserve.......''
''You have never met any of my girlfriends,'' Tristan pointed out, interrupting his dad.
''Exactly my point. Either there was something wrong with those girls or you didn't manage to keep the relationship going long enough for her to meet us.''
''All the girls I dated were the daughters of your friends,'' Tristan sharply responded.
''I don't appreciate you talking to me in that tone.''
''And I don't appreciate you discussing my personal life so openly, but we can't have everything, right, dad ?''
''I apologize for my son's behavior,'' Carolyn said, trying to mantain the piece between her son and husband who were close to ruining the image she had wanted to keep up.
''That's why he was send to military school.''
''At least I have more freedom and space there than I did here,'' Tristan shot back.
Alexander snorted. ''If we gave you all the freedom you wanted you would have lost your virginity at twelve instead of fourteen. I bet Rory's still a virgin.''
''Excuse me ?'' Rory asked, taken back by Alexander's straightforward assumption.
''What does that have to do with anything ?''
''I'm just saying that Rory's smart to wait and the last time I checked she wasn't being disrespectful............''
''You don't even know her !'' Tristan said, raising his voice even more.
Suddenly Alexander DuGrey threw down his fork and got up from the table. He excused himself, before storming out of the room.
''Tristan, why do you always have to cause such a scene.''
Carolyn DuGrey shot Tristan a look and got up from the table too. ''I'm sorry for all of this, Rory. It was nice meeting you.'' And with those last words she followed her husband's footsteps, leaving Tristan and Rory alone.
Rory didn't want to interrupt the tense silence between, so she sat back in her chair and stared at her hands, trying to keep from bursting out in tears at the sadness that she was feeling right now. When she couldn't take it anymore, she got up and started to collect the plates, making herself useful at something. She reached for Tristan's plate, but he stopped her by roughly grabbing her arm, causing her to gasp and almost drop the plates she was holding in her other hand.
''That's not your job.''
''I'm sorry,'' Rory whispered, knowing that he got the double meaning, when he let go of her arm and reach for the plate. As soon as she removed the plate, he got up and disappeared through a couple of glass sliding doors, which Rory guessed lead into the garden.
Rory piled Tristan's plate on top of the other and went into the kitchen, where Paola told her that she would clean up the rest of the mess, not giving Rory another excuse. Rory went through the same glass doors as Tristan, although she wasn't sure what to do next. She spotted Tristan easily, since he found himself in the only lighted area of the garden. Rory knew that she couldn't stand here and stare at him forever, so she took the amount of steps which were needed to reach him. He was sitting on a wooden bench, which was clearly painted in a flawless white, so it would match the white roses that were scattered all over the small garden. If she wouldn't have been worrying about Tristan, she would have taken the time to look at the roses a little longer.
''Hey,'' she softly said, announcing herself, although Tristan had already seen her shadow coming his way.
Tristan remained silent. Rory hesitantly sat down next to him, their knees being forced to touch, since the bench wasn't made for two people.
''It's beautiful,'' Rory offered, already knowing that he wouldn't respond to that.
''I'm really sorry for tonight.''
''It's not your fault,'' Tristan murmured.
''It partly is. I mean, if I hadn't been here you wouldn't have had that fight.''
Tristan snorted. ''We always have fights.''
''Oh......''
He glanced at Rory, who was too busy staring at her hands to notice, and he wondered if Zack knew how beautiful she really was. If he had ever just sat next to her during one of their classes and just looked at her, studying her, like he had done so many times and was doing right now.
''So, you came to talk ?''
''It's not important,'' Rory said, not wanting to bother him with anything else.
''Come on, Mary, what do you wanna talk to me about ?''
Rory brought her eyes up to his. ''Zack.''
''Pick another subject,'' Tristan said sourly.
''Why did you drop by his house ?''
''There's no doubt in my mind that he already told you his version, so...........''
''You don't have to protect me, Tristan. I'm not a little girl anymore.''
Tristan searched for her eyes with his. ''I know you're not.''
Rory blushed at his words and wanted to lower her head, but Tristan lowered his at the same time and caught her gaze with his. With their heads both bend, their faces were closer than ever, bringing a smile to Rory's face, because his breathe was tickling against her nose.
''Why are you smiling ?''
''Your breathe tickles.''
This caused Tristan to crack a smile too.
''At least I made you smile,'' Rory said, her eyes matching Tristan's playful ones.
Tristan brought his head closer to hers, slightly turning it in the process so his lips were floating just above her ear. ''You can do more than that to me, Mary.''
He pressed his lips onto her earlobe and held them there for a second, before sliding them down to the nape of her neck.
''Tristan,'' she warned.
He ignored her and continued kissing her, his kissed becoming longer and more frequent, as he made his way up her chin and coming to a stop just below her bottom lip. His hands were resting on top of her thighs, his left hand making circular movements, which caused Rory's heartbeat to speed up and her breathing to increase.
''Tristan,'' she said once more, although it sounded much weaker than the first time.
He flicked his tongue across her bottom lip twice, before slipping it into her mouth, through he small opening between her lips. As his tongue disappeared into her mouth, it pulled his lips on top of hers, not giving her another breathe to stop him. He found her tongue with his and gently encouraged her to get caught up in the moment, which she eventually did. She began to respond to Tristan's movements, looking for him for guidance, since this was her first french kiss.
A muffled moan escaped her mouth, as the sensation in her stomach grew and she leaned in to him even more, giving him better access. Tristan slid his hands up her thighs and to the waistline of her jeans. He hooked his fingers in her belt loops and roughly pulled her closer, demanding more with every second. When he realized that they were running short on air, he retreated his tongue from her mouth, but kept his faces only inches away from hers.
Tristan's sudden departure caused Rory to gasp and open her eyes. Almost immediately she realized what she had done and she started to panic. She placed her hands on Tristan's and pushed them away, as she struggled out of reach and got up.
''Rory,'' Tristan calmly said.
''You kissed me........and I, I kissed you.''
''Rory........''
''I just cheated on Zack, she stated, as she turned her back towards Tristan and stumbled towards the glass doors.
Behind her back Tristan narrowed his eyes and got up.
''Why are you even with him ?''
''What ?'' Rory asked, as she turned around to face him again.
''You and Zack, why ?''
''Cause I like him.''
''Bull,'' Tristan said, as he approached her. ''You just kissed me, so there must be some chemistry lacking in your relationship with him.''
''You kissed me !''
''You kissed me back and you didn't even try to push me away !''
''I....I got caught up in the moment,'' Rory said, lowering her voice.
''So every random guy can just kiss you and basically get away with it ?''
''No, I.......''
''You what, thought I was Zack ?!'' Tristan half yelled.
''I was confused, I'm sorry............''
''Don't apologize.''
''Then what am I supposed to do ?''
''Give me a good reason why you're with him ?'' Tristan said.
Rory's voice broke and tears started to stain her face, when she whispered her next words, ''Cause he reminds me of you.''
She avoided his eyes and took a step back when he reached for her. She shook her head. ''My mom's waiting for me, I have to go, I'm sorry about dinner.''
Before Tristan could tell her once more that it wasn't her fault, she turned around and disappeared through the glass doors.
*R*E*V*I*E*W*! Please ? :-) So, I'm not sure about this chapter (not that I am of any, so just ignore that comment) and I would really like your opinion on Rory's reaction, Tristan's decision to kiss her etc. Thanks for the reviews, loved them a lot :-) *And for you who read Lit's too, check out my new chapter or 'Cornered' and my new one parter 'Chimera'*. Thank you!!! :-)