*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! This is one of the last chapters, although I'm not sure how many will follow after this one. I once again want to thank everyone for reading this story and actually encouraging me to keep writing Trory's. I know this chapter is so so, but it's an in between......... just read and enjoy! :-)
*~*~*:-)*~*~*Bye, smile :-)
Rory was sitting at her usual table, in the corner of the cafeteria, eating lunch alone, although she felt anything but alone. Once again, people were staring at her, but this time they all had their eyebrows raised and an expression of disbelief on their faces. They all thought she was a fool for jeopardizing her relationship with Zack, even though most of them knew that she would have been just another conquest. This entire school was fascinated by the games the popular minority came up with. Simply because it gave them something to talk and gossip about. Something to think and wonder about when they weren't paying attention during their classes.
Suddenly Rory felt a great amount of dislike towards all the people who were standing on Zack's side, thinking that everything he did was right and worthy enough to look up to. Their entire lives revolved around what other people might think of them. She had always thought that it was a waste of time to try and fit in. No one would ever be accepted by the popular crowd, not unless you were born into their world or had that intimidating attitude that they were so well known for. It was all a part of the game. The popular crowd made people believe that they had even so much as a slight chance of being accepted by them and then they would look the other way when those people approached them, simply because they had changed their minds. With too much ease, in Rory's opinion.
Rory caught several pairs of eyes looking at her, when she looked up from her book long enough to turn the page. She felt uncomfortable underneath the weight of all this unwanted attention, but she also knew that it would have passed in a couple of days. While she was looking around the cafeteria, she couldn't help but throw a glance in the direction of Zack's table. He was talking to his friends while his arm was slung around yet another girl, as if he was proving to her that she had indeed been just a wistful memory and that the feelings he had developed for her throughout these passed days hadn't been genuine. When really regret was gnawing at his conscience, which was probably why he felt Rory's eyes on him. As he caught her gaze, his eyes softened and got a regretful gleam, as if he was silently apologizing for the harsh words he had left her with during their last conversation. It only lasted a couple of seconds, before he turned his head and said something to the girl next to him, which made her giggle. Rory could only roll her eyes and focused her attention back to her book.
But her peace was interrupted once again, by popularity itself, although it was disguised in a slightly more accepting and friendly package. Rory didn't look up when Madeline and Louise sat down across from her. She didn't consider them trustworthy enough to just greet them with a warm smile and pretend as if she hadn't collided with their little world for a few days. Although Madeline had a kinder side to her, a more understanding side, one that Louise and her friends hardly ever allowed up to the surface.
''Hey, Rory,'' came Madeline's hesitant greeting, as she was trying to create some intermediate ground for them to balance on.
Rory threw her a small smile, although her eyes never left the sentence in front of her. This was something she had practiced. A facade she could keep up, so she wouldn't get the chance to let go of her concentration and slip into chitchat that would most definitely lead to more serious issues.
''I'm sorry about what happened,'' Madeline tried again, the tone of her voice still soft and friendly, like she was actually trying to understand what Rory had gone through all this time, but couldn't completely grasp it, because they she didn't know the entire story.
This time Rory did look up and met Madeline's eyes, which stood honest and which she appreciated. ''Thanks.''
Out of the corner of her eyes she caught Louise's expression. Her eyes were gleaming accusingly and she wore a crooked smile, as if she was holding back words she knew she could never swallow.
''Louise,'' Rory said, challenging her to say what was on her mind.
Louise shot her a look that warned her that she had asked herself, before responding. ''He did have a legitimate reason to break up with you, you know that, right ?''
Rory's didn't answer. She only looked at Louise, knowing that there was more to come. With Louise there always was.
''You were taking up too much of his time.''
''I see it differently,'' Rory said.
Louise snorted at Rory's obvious response. ''You would. You should consider it an honor that Zack took the time to notice you. He was willing to make you popular.''
''By sleeping with me,'' Rory pointed out, her eyes slightly narrowed at Louise's words and irrational way of seeing things.
''Yeah, that wasn't very nice of him,'' Madeline said, trying not to pick a side, although she was feeling sorry for Rory in this verbal battle.
''We're not in kindergarten anymore,'' Louise said. ''It's all about who you do or do not hang out with. He gave you a chance and everyone would have taken it, but...........''
''If you want him, he's right over there. Someone likes you deserves him,'' Rory shot back, no longer trying to hold on to her patience.
Louise shot her a foul look, before getting up and pulling Madeline up with her. ''Grow up, Gilmore.'' And with that she left the cafeteria, Madeline behind her, although not willingly.
''Aw, looks like I just missed the cat fight,'' Paris dryly responded from behind her.
''At least I'm scratch free,'' Rory responded, as Paris sat down next to her.
''Are you really?''
Rory looked up and met Paris's serious gaze, where concern was vaguely visible.
''Want me to put it less metaphorical?'' Paris asked, before briefly pausing. ''How are you doing?''
Rory rolled her eyes at the childish way Paris was talking to her, before shifting her gaze over to where Zack was sitting. ''I just can't believe I thought he was........nice.''
Paris shrugged. ''Maybe he took a few acting lessons.''
''Or maybe he was just charming...........''
Paris snorted. ''The only thing he can charm is a snake.''
''What kind?'' Rory asked, as she turned her head to look at Paris.
''A dangerous one.''
''Like a Python?'' Rory inquired, as she raised her eyebrow and bit her lip to remain serious.
Paris smiled. ''Perfect metaphor for the snake himself.''
A chuckle escaped Rory's lips, which caused Paris to glare at her, the smile still visible on her face. Rory turned her head to look at Zack once again, not aware of the fact that Paris was doing the same. She saw how Zack slid his arm around the waist of the girl and couldn't help but grin. Zack Bradley was indeed a snake, a dangerous one if you let him get his way, which she hadn't.
*~*~*
Tristan slung his gym bag over his shoulder while he headed up the stairs to his room. He was lost in thought about everything he had gone through this weekend, which could all be considered normal, except that it wasn't normal. This weekend would have never gone the way it had if he was still living at home. The dinner with Rory and his parents might have happened, although it would have gone completely different. At least Rory had seen the side of his parents that he saw every day and they they kept hidden from everyone else, which didn't make him feel special at all. His mom always came over as innocent, the one who always tried her best to act like the perfect mom, while his dad wanted to be seen as powerful, but ended up being demeaning in Tristan's eyes.
And if he hadn't lived through that night, or that weekend, he would have never known about Rory's attraction towards him, something he had never expected. Especially since he had never given her any reason to like him, although his feelings were indeed hidden beneath this sly remarks and coy smirks. It was all evidence of his feelings towards her, even though it always seemed as if she didn't take notice of. Which he hadn't expected her too. She seemed unreachable in his eyes, but he couldn't stop himself from trying. And at one point he had stopped thinking of her as just another girl and he had started caring for her, as well as he could, since he had learned everything he knew about respecting people from Paola. And caring was even more complicated for him.
Just like it had been difficult for him to accept the fact that Rory fell for someone like Zack, although her explanation had made sense. In a way Zack did resemble him. But Tristan knew that he was a better man than him and he was glad that Rory had ended up seeing that. Of course he would never be able to erase that memory from his mind, but he had forgiven her the moment she had told him she was dating Zack. It was her decision and if she would have been happy with Zack, then he would have gotten over her, but never forgotten her. But she came to him and he was grateful for the fact that she was not only honest to others, but also to herself.
And now that he knew that she had broken up with Zack, but also knew that he wasn't close enough to reach for her, he felt defeated. His father had finally gotten what he had wanted all this time. To show Tristan that he was more powerful than him and that he always won. And unfortunately his dad was still on the winning side. Because now, even though he almost had Rory, he couldn't quite reach her. And he couldn't really see her, although he had a clear picture of her in his mind. For the first time, he wanted to go home.....
*~*~*
This feeling of homesickness didn't leave him as he sat down in the cafeteria for dinner. He was absently playing with his food, while his mind wandered through both old and new memories of the girl he had shared his first kiss with this weekend. A kiss that almost brought a smile to his face, but saddened his expression at the same time. And this expression didn't change when he heard two familiar voices argue as they headed his way.
''I see you didn't have the decency to wait for us,'' Lawrence said, as he slapped Tristan on the shoulder and sat down next to him.
''Dude, even I have to admit that that's kinda rude,'' Marty joined in, while he sat down across from the other two guys, his plate only filled with vegetables, which both Tristan and Lawrence didn't even question anymore.
''Sorry,'' Tristan mumbled, trying to force a grin upon his face, although he wasn't succeeding. Something Marty didn't miss.
''Something wrong?''
Tristan shrugged. ''I've just had enough of this place.''
Lawrence nodded in agreement. ''Yeah, the food is kinda harsh. I wouldn't mind some steaks every now and then, you know, to keep us nice and strong. A boy needs his steak.''
''I don't have any problems with the food,'' Marty commented, before taking another bite, not even bothering to chew before he swallowed.
''And you don't have trouble with two guys jumping each other either,'' Lawrence said.
''Dude, I thought you had accepted me by now.''
''I meant the other things you do. The things you go home for in the weekend and you do with your boyfriend. And I still think you should stop bleaching your hair, dude,'' Lawrence said mockingly.
''I don't have a boyfriend.''
''Yeah, whatever,'' Lawrence said, before glancing over at Tristan. ''So, what's with sad look in your eyes, cause it looks as if you're about to cry.''
''I think I wanna go home.''
''Dude, you're homesick?''
Tristan shrugged. ''I don't wanna go home because of my parents, I just wanna go back to my regular life, you know? Get up later than seven in the morning, date.........''
''With a girl,'' Lawrence finished for him, while shooting Marty a look.
A smile appeared on Tristan's face and he knew that it was too late to deny it. ''Maybe, but I don't really fit in here. I'm not planning on going in the army or anything. This is all my parents's doing and.........''
''You've had enough?'' Marty asked.
Tristan nodded.
''So, call your parents,'' Lawrence said. ''Talk to them, give them a sentimental talk about learning stuff here and missing them and other crap.''
''I can't. I used up this week's phone call yesterday.''
''You called her, didn't you?'' Marty asked, emphasizing the third word.
Tristan nodded. ''Yeah, I don't think I can wait another week. I have pretty much made up my mind.''
Lawrence shrugged. ''So, we'll distract one of the sergeants and you'll sneak into the office and make your phone call.''
''Yeah,'' Marty chipped in. ''Who cares if you get caught after that, right?''
Tristan smiled. ''You think it'll work?''
''It has been done before,'' Lawrence responded.
''Then it looks like we have a plan.''
''Cool,'' Marty said. ''Let me just finish my dinner.''
*~*~*
''You've reached the residence of Alexander and Carolyn DuGrey. Unfortunately we're not in right now, but if you would be so kind to leave a name and number we will call you back as soon as we can. Please leave your message after the beep.''
This was something Tristan hadn't counted on. He hadn't counted on the fact that his parents might not be home this night. They were probably at one of their many social gatherings that they had to attend every week. Tristan sighed as he put the phone back in the cradle. He couldn't believe that Lawrence and Marty had set off the fire alarm for this. He couldn't believe that they had risked getting in trouble because of this. He looked at the phone once more, wondering if he should call back and leave his parents a message. He knew that his mom always checked them and if he didn't try this all had been for nothing. So, he took the phone again and dialed his own number, waiting for his mother's voice to greet him once again. He ignored the fact that his name wasn't mentioned in the message, although it had hurt the first time he had heard it.
''Mom, dad, it's Tristan. I'm calling you because I want to come home. I think I........''
Before Tristan could finish his sentence, the phone was roughly taken from him and he knew that they had been caught. He just hoped that it had been worth something and that his parents would have the heart to respond to his message.
*~*~*
Meanwhile Rory's sleep was restless, because of the memories that haunted her in the form of dreams. She missed Tristan and she wanted him to come back. He didn't belong in military camp, he wasn't supposed to be in military camp. She didn't even quite grasp why he was there. And unlike his parents she did have the heart to at least try and help him.
*R*E*V*I*E*W*! Please? :-) So, I'm pretty sure most of you thought that Tristan's plan would work and that he would call his parents and everything would end up just peachy between them. Unfortunately that wouldn't be fair, because then he would have to do all the work and Rory would have to do nothing....... Thanks again for the reviews and I apologize for the delay of this chapter. :-)
*Please read my latest update of my Lit 'Cornered' if you have the time to spare.*
*A/N: Hey! This is one of the last chapters, although I'm not sure how many will follow after this one. I once again want to thank everyone for reading this story and actually encouraging me to keep writing Trory's. I know this chapter is so so, but it's an in between......... just read and enjoy! :-)
*~*~*:-)*~*~*Bye, smile :-)
Rory was sitting at her usual table, in the corner of the cafeteria, eating lunch alone, although she felt anything but alone. Once again, people were staring at her, but this time they all had their eyebrows raised and an expression of disbelief on their faces. They all thought she was a fool for jeopardizing her relationship with Zack, even though most of them knew that she would have been just another conquest. This entire school was fascinated by the games the popular minority came up with. Simply because it gave them something to talk and gossip about. Something to think and wonder about when they weren't paying attention during their classes.
Suddenly Rory felt a great amount of dislike towards all the people who were standing on Zack's side, thinking that everything he did was right and worthy enough to look up to. Their entire lives revolved around what other people might think of them. She had always thought that it was a waste of time to try and fit in. No one would ever be accepted by the popular crowd, not unless you were born into their world or had that intimidating attitude that they were so well known for. It was all a part of the game. The popular crowd made people believe that they had even so much as a slight chance of being accepted by them and then they would look the other way when those people approached them, simply because they had changed their minds. With too much ease, in Rory's opinion.
Rory caught several pairs of eyes looking at her, when she looked up from her book long enough to turn the page. She felt uncomfortable underneath the weight of all this unwanted attention, but she also knew that it would have passed in a couple of days. While she was looking around the cafeteria, she couldn't help but throw a glance in the direction of Zack's table. He was talking to his friends while his arm was slung around yet another girl, as if he was proving to her that she had indeed been just a wistful memory and that the feelings he had developed for her throughout these passed days hadn't been genuine. When really regret was gnawing at his conscience, which was probably why he felt Rory's eyes on him. As he caught her gaze, his eyes softened and got a regretful gleam, as if he was silently apologizing for the harsh words he had left her with during their last conversation. It only lasted a couple of seconds, before he turned his head and said something to the girl next to him, which made her giggle. Rory could only roll her eyes and focused her attention back to her book.
But her peace was interrupted once again, by popularity itself, although it was disguised in a slightly more accepting and friendly package. Rory didn't look up when Madeline and Louise sat down across from her. She didn't consider them trustworthy enough to just greet them with a warm smile and pretend as if she hadn't collided with their little world for a few days. Although Madeline had a kinder side to her, a more understanding side, one that Louise and her friends hardly ever allowed up to the surface.
''Hey, Rory,'' came Madeline's hesitant greeting, as she was trying to create some intermediate ground for them to balance on.
Rory threw her a small smile, although her eyes never left the sentence in front of her. This was something she had practiced. A facade she could keep up, so she wouldn't get the chance to let go of her concentration and slip into chitchat that would most definitely lead to more serious issues.
''I'm sorry about what happened,'' Madeline tried again, the tone of her voice still soft and friendly, like she was actually trying to understand what Rory had gone through all this time, but couldn't completely grasp it, because they she didn't know the entire story.
This time Rory did look up and met Madeline's eyes, which stood honest and which she appreciated. ''Thanks.''
Out of the corner of her eyes she caught Louise's expression. Her eyes were gleaming accusingly and she wore a crooked smile, as if she was holding back words she knew she could never swallow.
''Louise,'' Rory said, challenging her to say what was on her mind.
Louise shot her a look that warned her that she had asked herself, before responding. ''He did have a legitimate reason to break up with you, you know that, right ?''
Rory's didn't answer. She only looked at Louise, knowing that there was more to come. With Louise there always was.
''You were taking up too much of his time.''
''I see it differently,'' Rory said.
Louise snorted at Rory's obvious response. ''You would. You should consider it an honor that Zack took the time to notice you. He was willing to make you popular.''
''By sleeping with me,'' Rory pointed out, her eyes slightly narrowed at Louise's words and irrational way of seeing things.
''Yeah, that wasn't very nice of him,'' Madeline said, trying not to pick a side, although she was feeling sorry for Rory in this verbal battle.
''We're not in kindergarten anymore,'' Louise said. ''It's all about who you do or do not hang out with. He gave you a chance and everyone would have taken it, but...........''
''If you want him, he's right over there. Someone likes you deserves him,'' Rory shot back, no longer trying to hold on to her patience.
Louise shot her a foul look, before getting up and pulling Madeline up with her. ''Grow up, Gilmore.'' And with that she left the cafeteria, Madeline behind her, although not willingly.
''Aw, looks like I just missed the cat fight,'' Paris dryly responded from behind her.
''At least I'm scratch free,'' Rory responded, as Paris sat down next to her.
''Are you really?''
Rory looked up and met Paris's serious gaze, where concern was vaguely visible.
''Want me to put it less metaphorical?'' Paris asked, before briefly pausing. ''How are you doing?''
Rory rolled her eyes at the childish way Paris was talking to her, before shifting her gaze over to where Zack was sitting. ''I just can't believe I thought he was........nice.''
Paris shrugged. ''Maybe he took a few acting lessons.''
''Or maybe he was just charming...........''
Paris snorted. ''The only thing he can charm is a snake.''
''What kind?'' Rory asked, as she turned her head to look at Paris.
''A dangerous one.''
''Like a Python?'' Rory inquired, as she raised her eyebrow and bit her lip to remain serious.
Paris smiled. ''Perfect metaphor for the snake himself.''
A chuckle escaped Rory's lips, which caused Paris to glare at her, the smile still visible on her face. Rory turned her head to look at Zack once again, not aware of the fact that Paris was doing the same. She saw how Zack slid his arm around the waist of the girl and couldn't help but grin. Zack Bradley was indeed a snake, a dangerous one if you let him get his way, which she hadn't.
*~*~*
Tristan slung his gym bag over his shoulder while he headed up the stairs to his room. He was lost in thought about everything he had gone through this weekend, which could all be considered normal, except that it wasn't normal. This weekend would have never gone the way it had if he was still living at home. The dinner with Rory and his parents might have happened, although it would have gone completely different. At least Rory had seen the side of his parents that he saw every day and they they kept hidden from everyone else, which didn't make him feel special at all. His mom always came over as innocent, the one who always tried her best to act like the perfect mom, while his dad wanted to be seen as powerful, but ended up being demeaning in Tristan's eyes.
And if he hadn't lived through that night, or that weekend, he would have never known about Rory's attraction towards him, something he had never expected. Especially since he had never given her any reason to like him, although his feelings were indeed hidden beneath this sly remarks and coy smirks. It was all evidence of his feelings towards her, even though it always seemed as if she didn't take notice of. Which he hadn't expected her too. She seemed unreachable in his eyes, but he couldn't stop himself from trying. And at one point he had stopped thinking of her as just another girl and he had started caring for her, as well as he could, since he had learned everything he knew about respecting people from Paola. And caring was even more complicated for him.
Just like it had been difficult for him to accept the fact that Rory fell for someone like Zack, although her explanation had made sense. In a way Zack did resemble him. But Tristan knew that he was a better man than him and he was glad that Rory had ended up seeing that. Of course he would never be able to erase that memory from his mind, but he had forgiven her the moment she had told him she was dating Zack. It was her decision and if she would have been happy with Zack, then he would have gotten over her, but never forgotten her. But she came to him and he was grateful for the fact that she was not only honest to others, but also to herself.
And now that he knew that she had broken up with Zack, but also knew that he wasn't close enough to reach for her, he felt defeated. His father had finally gotten what he had wanted all this time. To show Tristan that he was more powerful than him and that he always won. And unfortunately his dad was still on the winning side. Because now, even though he almost had Rory, he couldn't quite reach her. And he couldn't really see her, although he had a clear picture of her in his mind. For the first time, he wanted to go home.....
*~*~*
This feeling of homesickness didn't leave him as he sat down in the cafeteria for dinner. He was absently playing with his food, while his mind wandered through both old and new memories of the girl he had shared his first kiss with this weekend. A kiss that almost brought a smile to his face, but saddened his expression at the same time. And this expression didn't change when he heard two familiar voices argue as they headed his way.
''I see you didn't have the decency to wait for us,'' Lawrence said, as he slapped Tristan on the shoulder and sat down next to him.
''Dude, even I have to admit that that's kinda rude,'' Marty joined in, while he sat down across from the other two guys, his plate only filled with vegetables, which both Tristan and Lawrence didn't even question anymore.
''Sorry,'' Tristan mumbled, trying to force a grin upon his face, although he wasn't succeeding. Something Marty didn't miss.
''Something wrong?''
Tristan shrugged. ''I've just had enough of this place.''
Lawrence nodded in agreement. ''Yeah, the food is kinda harsh. I wouldn't mind some steaks every now and then, you know, to keep us nice and strong. A boy needs his steak.''
''I don't have any problems with the food,'' Marty commented, before taking another bite, not even bothering to chew before he swallowed.
''And you don't have trouble with two guys jumping each other either,'' Lawrence said.
''Dude, I thought you had accepted me by now.''
''I meant the other things you do. The things you go home for in the weekend and you do with your boyfriend. And I still think you should stop bleaching your hair, dude,'' Lawrence said mockingly.
''I don't have a boyfriend.''
''Yeah, whatever,'' Lawrence said, before glancing over at Tristan. ''So, what's with sad look in your eyes, cause it looks as if you're about to cry.''
''I think I wanna go home.''
''Dude, you're homesick?''
Tristan shrugged. ''I don't wanna go home because of my parents, I just wanna go back to my regular life, you know? Get up later than seven in the morning, date.........''
''With a girl,'' Lawrence finished for him, while shooting Marty a look.
A smile appeared on Tristan's face and he knew that it was too late to deny it. ''Maybe, but I don't really fit in here. I'm not planning on going in the army or anything. This is all my parents's doing and.........''
''You've had enough?'' Marty asked.
Tristan nodded.
''So, call your parents,'' Lawrence said. ''Talk to them, give them a sentimental talk about learning stuff here and missing them and other crap.''
''I can't. I used up this week's phone call yesterday.''
''You called her, didn't you?'' Marty asked, emphasizing the third word.
Tristan nodded. ''Yeah, I don't think I can wait another week. I have pretty much made up my mind.''
Lawrence shrugged. ''So, we'll distract one of the sergeants and you'll sneak into the office and make your phone call.''
''Yeah,'' Marty chipped in. ''Who cares if you get caught after that, right?''
Tristan smiled. ''You think it'll work?''
''It has been done before,'' Lawrence responded.
''Then it looks like we have a plan.''
''Cool,'' Marty said. ''Let me just finish my dinner.''
*~*~*
''You've reached the residence of Alexander and Carolyn DuGrey. Unfortunately we're not in right now, but if you would be so kind to leave a name and number we will call you back as soon as we can. Please leave your message after the beep.''
This was something Tristan hadn't counted on. He hadn't counted on the fact that his parents might not be home this night. They were probably at one of their many social gatherings that they had to attend every week. Tristan sighed as he put the phone back in the cradle. He couldn't believe that Lawrence and Marty had set off the fire alarm for this. He couldn't believe that they had risked getting in trouble because of this. He looked at the phone once more, wondering if he should call back and leave his parents a message. He knew that his mom always checked them and if he didn't try this all had been for nothing. So, he took the phone again and dialed his own number, waiting for his mother's voice to greet him once again. He ignored the fact that his name wasn't mentioned in the message, although it had hurt the first time he had heard it.
''Mom, dad, it's Tristan. I'm calling you because I want to come home. I think I........''
Before Tristan could finish his sentence, the phone was roughly taken from him and he knew that they had been caught. He just hoped that it had been worth something and that his parents would have the heart to respond to his message.
*~*~*
Meanwhile Rory's sleep was restless, because of the memories that haunted her in the form of dreams. She missed Tristan and she wanted him to come back. He didn't belong in military camp, he wasn't supposed to be in military camp. She didn't even quite grasp why he was there. And unlike his parents she did have the heart to at least try and help him.
*R*E*V*I*E*W*! Please? :-) So, I'm pretty sure most of you thought that Tristan's plan would work and that he would call his parents and everything would end up just peachy between them. Unfortunately that wouldn't be fair, because then he would have to do all the work and Rory would have to do nothing....... Thanks again for the reviews and I apologize for the delay of this chapter. :-)
*Please read my latest update of my Lit 'Cornered' if you have the time to spare.*