*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 time I didn't take two weeks to write this chapter. I had a few extra days to write. I have to admit that I didn't do my best on the last chapter I wrote for this story, but I didn't slack off on this chapter. I hope it's worth reading.
*~*~*:-)*~*~*Bye, smile :-)
Tristan looked around the small office that he had literally been dragged into only a few minutes ago. Between those particular minutes and the present lay a gap of time, which had consisted mostly of silence and a few disapproving looks from the sergeant who had caught him and was now sitting across from him. He was sitting behind a steel desk, its surface always cold, just like himself. His eyes alone could send a shiver running down your spine. And the humble office seemed to fit the personality of the sergeant perfectly. Its white walls were bare and all the furniture was made from steel, except for the chair he was sitting on, which was the most comfortable looking thing in this entire office, and that was why Tristan kept his gaze fixed on it. There was nothing else to look at. No pictures, no rows of books, there wasn't even a window to look through.
Tristan shifted his weight around, wondering how much longer he would have to remain in this office where only impersonality shone through. He started to tap his fingers against the cold steel of the chair, hoping that it would break through the trance the sergeant seemed to be in, as if he was thinking of the right words to say to him. But Tristan's incessant taps managed to distract the man sitting in front of him and eventually he cleared his throat, in preparation of the words that were about to flow through it.
''Obviously you're here for a reason,'' the sergeant calmly started. ''You obeyed the rules this facility had laid down for you. Of course I shouldn't have to tell you that they are there for a reason and that you should respect them.''
But Tristan caught only half of what the man was saying. His eyes had wandered over to one of the plain walls, wondering how his parents would react to the unfinished message he had left behind. He was hoping that his mother would be the one to hear the short message first, which she probably would, since she was the one who kept in touch with everyone, made the calls and did every other little thing that was needed to mantain a social relationship. His father was strictly business and would probably have deleted the message before his mother could even hear it. That was how cold Alexander DuGrey could be, and was most of the time. Something Tristan had inherited from his father. He would act cold to the people around him when he wanted to be left alone, unlike his parents who seemed emotionless every single day of their lives. Although he had to admit that he could get along fairly well with his mother when his dad wasn't around. That would actually give her a chance to form her own opinions and voice them freely without having to worry of it having to be approved first.
Looking at how someone like his father could crumble the confidence of a woman like his mother, he quickly had decided that he wanted to be with someone who was her own person and just as strong as him. Someone who seemed soft on the surface, but would end up being able to hold her own when it came down to that. Sometimes Tristan wondered if his dad even loved him, maybe he had been a mistake, a slip of the mind on a passionate night.
Tristan had spend days and nights of his childhood wondering what it would be like to have a father that would take him to the park and play basketball with him and a mother who would actually take the time to cook for her family instead of hiring some expensive cook to do it for her. Or a pair of comforting arms around him when he had one of those days where he felt unsure and sadder than usual, and he couldn't explain it, because his parents had told him that he couldn't blame it on them. They had to work hard for this roof they had over their heads and the friends that they would entertain during their parties, just to keep their status high. A rule Tristan had lived by himself when he was still at Chilton.
He wondered if Rory knew all this about him. Knew the reason behind his cocky behavior and intimidating glances. They were just a facade, one that was supposed to look unbreakable to the people surrounding him. And it did, but Rory had taken just a few steps closer and had noticed the cracks, which had kept expanding against his will, because even though he liked Rory, he didn't feel like he could trust her. How could he when his own trustworthy exterior had been earned by spreading lies to his so called friends.
Even now when he thought of Rory a certain feeling of calmness came over him, mimicking the serenity that always seemed to be hanging over her like a cloud. She was soothing, so different from the people he daily entertained. She had her own opinions and views, and she didn't think that everything he did was right, simply because he was the most popular guy in school. That alone made her stand out and seem irresistible in his eyes. She had been a new flavor, one that he could never really define. She was inexpectable and naively beautiful. But more importantly she seemed innocent and fragile on the outside, but seemed to have a protective shell which no one could break through without her permission. She was confident in her own shy way.
Tristan smiled as he build up this perfect image of her in his head, realizing that she was indeed as close to perfect as he would ever get. It was unbelievable how much he missed her. Just having her around, knowing that the possibility was there if he wanted to try and have a conversation with her that consisted of a decent amount of normalcy. He returned his gaze to the man sitting behind the desk, knowing that he would appreciate his eye contact and would start talking faster, getting this over with as soon as possible, giving Tristan the opportunity to go back to his room.
''But since you didn't choose to respect our rules, we will have to punish you in a way that will suit your crime.'' The sergeant paused for a few seconds, as he came up with a proper punishment for Tristan's deed. ''You will not be allowed to make or receive any phone calls for two weeks, unless it's an emergency, of course.''
Tristan's hope immediately slipped out of his hands when he heard that. If he wouldn't be allowed to call his parents next week, then he was almost positive that he would be stuck here for another two weeks, although it wasn't that bad. He just prefprefered normal teenage life to this army life. People here grew up sooner than needed. Even Marty, whom's humor seemed undying, was forced to stop smiling now and then so he could concentrate fully on the hard task before him.
''Do you understand all this, DuGrey?''
Tristan nodded. ''Yes, sir. Can I ask you one question?''
The sergeant nodded, signaling him to go on.
''Will Marty and Lawrence be punished? They were only helping me, because I asked them to, so it would seem a little unfair in my eyes if...........''
''Although I appreciate your honesty and the loyalty towards your two friends, I'm afraid they were involved and therefor they have to be punished, although not as severely as you. If we are anything, we are fair.''
The sergeant folded his hands and glanced in Tristan's direction once more before continuing. ''Now, go and get some sleep. It's another early day tomorrow.''
Tristan nodded and got up. ''Goodnight, sir.''
The man behind the desk said nothing, as Tristan departed the office.
*~*~*
Rory saw the bus arrive from where she had been sitting for the last twenty minutes, lost in another world and not noticing the weight of the thick book that lay open on her lap, until now. She closed it and slid it into their bag as she jumped off the wall she had been sitting on. As she made her way over to where the bus had stopped, she lowered her eyes to her bag, frustrated with the small fact that she couldn't seem to zip it without looking at it. She was only a couple of feet away from the bus when she bumped into someone. She immediately took a step back to give herself some space to regain the small amount of balance that she had lost and finished zipping her backpack, while her eyes flew up to the person who had crossed her path. When her eyes collided with the green pair across from her, it took her only a few seconds to recognize the gleam that it held.
''Zack.''
''Rory,'' he countered, his expression serious, although he seemed just slightly amused by her reaction.
Rory sighed, realizing that she wouldn't get an explanation from him unless she asked. ''What do you want?''
Zack shrugged. ''It just looked like the kind of day to annoy you.''
For a slight second there was a flicker of fear in Rory's eyes, thinking that she was about to witness him breaking down someone's confidence, hers, but it was quickly covered by a layer of pure hatred. If he would lower himself to this.......putting her down, simply because he couldn't 'get' her, than he would seem pathetic in her eyes. Not worthy of anybody's time, although he was the mighty king of Chilton.
''As much as I would like to stay and enjoy this honor, my bus just pulled up and although it might not be as royal as whatever car you're driving, right now it's just as royal, because it will get me home, away from you,'' Rory said, not resisting the temptation to add the last three words.
Zack couldn't help but grin at her words. She had a sarcastic and playful way of rearranging words into humorous sentences. Ones he found brilliantly witty, but hated at the same time, when he remembered that he was talking to the girl who he couldn't get. She had remained out of reach, even when they were dating. And something in her eyes had stopped him from pushing too hard and going too fast. Maybe he had known about the bond she seemed to have with Tristan, even now, and didn't want to interfere in her cheerful way of looking at everything and everyone.
Rory wanted to pass him, but Zack reached for her arm and stopped her, keeping her in place.
''Zack,'' Rory warned, frustrated by his movement. She tried pulling her arm free, but Zack wouldn't let her and by the time he did release her, her bus had just closed its doors and was driving away.
''Now you have all the time in the world,'' was his response to her obvious frustration.
''I have been waiting for twenty minutes and now I have to waste another to wait for another bus, when I could already be at home. God, isn't it enough that I spent most of my day at this place already, with people like you.''
Zack was surprised at her words. He knew that high school wasn't the easiest time in anybody's life, including his, although he didn't have to worry about fitting in or people liking him. But he only knew a few people that actually hated high school. They called it time wasted, and he didn't want Rory to end up thinking like that. Not because of him. He knew that he could be annoying some times and maybe even a little harsh, but making someone's life a living nightmare.......he wasn't that kind of person, although he was in the eyes of prejudice.
''You're still angry?''
Rory shook her head. ''Not still, but am, about what you just pulled on me.'' She paused, before continuing. ''Not the entire world revolves around you, Bradley.''
She shot him a small smile and when he returned it she saw the person that she could actually stand, and maybe even like if he didn't resemble Tristan so much. He could be sensitive in his own way and he cared, no matter what he wanted other people to think.
''Not when I'm with you apparently. So, I wouldn't be wasting too much of time if I drove you home.''
Rory started to shake her head. ''No.''
''Why not?''
''Cause first you prevent me from catching my ride home and now you're offering me one..........no. I couldn't stand being in the same car as you.''
''Why? We have been before........''
''But that was different,'' Rory pointed out.
Zack nodded and put his hands in his pockets, before distracting himself with something that was conveniently behind Rory. ''I'm sorry.''
''For letting me miss my bus like that, you should.........''
Zack forced Rory to put an end to her sentence when he lowered his eyes to hers.
''Oh......right, that. Well, the last part of the sentence is still the same. You should be.''
Zack nodded. ''I know.''
Rory smiled at his sincerity. ''Thanks for the offer, but I'd rather......''
''Wait?'' Zack nodded. ''Never knew you hated me that much,'' he said, not knowing is he was joking or being serious.
Rory's expression softened, wondering if maybe he had indeed grown to like her. Although he didn't have a reason too, since she had had Tristan on her mind throughout their entire relationship.
''I don't hate you,'' Rory stated, her voice softer than usual.
Zack nodded. ''Want some company while you're waiting?''
Rory shrugged. ''If you don't have anything better to do.''
''Nah, homework can wait.''
Rory couldn't help but chuckle at his response.
They settled themselves on the wall where Rory had been sitting before and she automatically reached for her backpack and took out her book. Zack noticed and raised an eyebrow. ''Breaking the world record for carrying the most weight around on your back?''
''It's a book.''
''Interesting, cause I was wondering about all the pages.''
Rory wiped a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled at him, before opening her book to the page she left off. Meanwhile Zack grabbed the headphones that were casually resting around his neck and set them upon his head, bobbing his head to the music with a smile.
*~*~*
The first thing Rory noticed when she entered the house and closed the door behind her, was the silence that greeted her. Normally her mom would have been home by now, sitting on the couch, mocking commercials. She said that it killed time while she waited for her to come home. But this time Rory heard nothing but silence coming from the living room.
Rory dropped her bag and shrugged off her jacket, before stepping into the living room. Almost immediately the flickering red light of the answering machine distracted her and her curiosity lead her over to the machine and forced her to push the button. Luckily for her there was only one message, which meant that she didn't have to call a lot of people she really didn't know back. Talking to strangers wasn't something she preferred to do. She tapped her foot while she listened to the message.
''Hey, sweets, it's me. You can stop looking for me now, cause no matter how much I enjoy our little games of hide and seek, I'm here, stuck at the Inn. The staff, the staff I'm supposed to control and boss around, has decided to hold their first staff meeting. I think Michel put them up to it, just to annoy me, but I can't leave and not be there, cause I'm the chief of this tribe. I'll be here for at least another two hours, unless they kill me and make somebody else chief. Anyway, there's money for Luke's underneath the bowl we used to keep M&M's in. Or you can order pizza, whatever you're in the mood for. And don't spent the entire night doing homework, kay? Just because I'm not there doesn't mean that you can't have fun. Hang out with Jess or something, play a board game.......... Crap, Michel just spotted me, so I'm afraid I'll have to stop talking now. Love ya, hon, bye.''
Rory shook her head at her mom's message, although she felt a little disappointed at the fact that she was going to spend the entire night at the Inn. Rory already knew what she would be doing. She would take her homework and spent the next two hours over at Luke's. At least she wouldn't be alone. Most of the time Jess would join her after his shift and just read in silence while she finished her homework. Rory smiled at the thought of that, thinking that she and Jess haven't spent a lot of time together, without him having to worry about her problems.
She grabbed her bag and jacket and was planning on going to the diner without changing, but plans changed when the memory of this afternoon entered her head randomly. The time she had spend with him was pleasant to say the least. It felt as if he was being genuine, not hiding the decent person that he actually was. Rory knew that he wasn't a bad person. He just wanted to be accepted like everybody else, except he wanted to be accepted for who he was and not for someone he was desperately trying to be. And although the smile on Rory's face had been meant for Zack, her mind was already wandering towards Tristan and how she had untangled his complicated persona, just like she had done with Zack. Only Zack didn't give up as much of a fight.
She really missed Tristan and although he had been gone for a few months now, walking the halls in Chilton still wasn't the same without knowing that he would be standing at her locker, ready to annoy and frustrate her if she let him. She wanted to have him back at Chilton, where she could just walk up to him and talk to him whenever she wanted. And although she couldn't do that much, she could try and put up a fight, for him.
*~*~*
''Are you sure you'll be alrigalrighting in the car?'' Rory asked, as she looked over at Jess once more, her hand already resting on the door handle although she didn't feel that confident of her decision at all.
''Ror, this is a rich neighborhood, I'm sure I'll be safe,'' he said, as he took a book out of his pocket.
''And you sure you don't mind waiting?''
''If I get fed up with waiting, I'll just start the engine and drive right back to Stars Hollow.''
Rory ignored Jess's comment and gave him one last look, before getting out off the car. From here on she was by herself. She had had the entire car ride to worry about what she was going to say, but everything she had come up with seemed to be just out of her reach. She knew what she wanted to say, but she couldn't find the words, so she was going to have to make them up from scratch and whatever else she had lying around. The door slamming shut sounded louder than she had intended and she was afraid of the fact that the DuGrey's might have heard it, giving her no more time to think about what she was doing......
What was she doing? Unfortunately the question was quickly overshadowed by her feelings for Tristan, before she could take a few more seconds to figure out the answer and possibly even change her mind. But she forced herself to walk up to the DuGrey mansion and ring the doorbell, while images of Tristan's parents during dinner briefly appeared in her mind's eye. The door was opened by none other than Paola, who seemed happy here in spite of everything that went on behind this door. Her eyes lit up when she saw who had rang the doorbell.
''Rory, what brings you here at this hour?''
''Good evening,'' Rory said politely. ''I was wondering if.........''
''You didn't come for Tristan, did you? Cause he isn't here.''
''Yes, I know. I actually came here to talk to his parents,'' Rory stated, not even thinking of backing off now that she had said those words.
Paola nodded and invited her in to the hallway, before closing the door. ''Mr. and Mrs. DuGrey are both in the living room.''
Paola passed Rory without uttering another word and Rory could do nothing else but follow her as she strode to what was assumingly the living room. When they entered the pretentious living room, Rory started to feel even more uncomfortable than she already did, although she tried to keep a neutral expression, not letting herself be intimidated by what the DuGrey money could buy. When she and Paola entered the room, only Carolyn DuGrey managed to lift her eyes from the magazine she had been scanning. Alexander DuGrey didn't lower his paper until he heard his wife's words.
''Rory, I didn't know you were coming by,'' she said, while she threw her magazine aside and got up from the sofa.
''I know I should have called first, but........''
''Nonsense,'' Carolyn interrupter. ''You are welcome here at every time of the day. Now, tell us, what has brought you over to our house this night?''
Paola shot Rory a comforting smile, before leaving the room, leaving Rory alone with Tristan's parents. Even now she could feel Alexander's eyes on her, watching every little move she made. For some reason she didn't think that he liked her all that much, but then again he didn't seem to like his son either, so she shouldn't feel offended.
''I was hoping I could talk to both you and your husband about something.''
''About what?'' Alexander sharply asked.
''Tristan.''
''What about him?'' was Alexander's heartless reply, which caused Rory's eyes to fly over to his cold ones, trying to see if he really didn't care, but she couldn't find any evidence that he did, so she moved her eyes back over to Carolyn.
''Well, he and I talked and I think that he's really unhappy at the place he's at right now,'' Rory said, her words stumbling awkwardly out of her mouth.
Alexander DuGrey narrowed his eyes at Rory, before exchanging a look with his wife.
''Did he tell you that in those exact words?'' Alexander asked.
Rory shook her head. ''No, he wasn't that straightforward.''
''Then you just assumed that.......''
''No,'' Rory said, rudely interrupting Mr. DuGrey. ''I didn't assume anything. I just listened when he talked. He misses his home.''
''What exactly do you want from us?'' Carolyn DuGrey carefully asked.
''Well, I want him to move back,'' Rory admitted, looking her straight in the eye.
''Why?'' Alexander asked.
''Because he isn't happy at military school and I believe that he has learned from his mistakes and has changed.''
''Sounds like you know Tristan well,'' Alexander said, his voice emotionless when he mentioned his son's name.
Rory nodded, realizing that she did know Tristan well. Better than his own parents. ''I think I do, know him. And I miss him.''
Carolyn's eyes took in Rory's honest expression and hid a small smile from both her and her husband. ''We'll think about it.''
Rory met Carolyn's eyes in surprise at the sound of her words. ''Really?''
Carolyn nodded.
''Carolyn,'' Alexander warned, but for once his wife didn't listen to him.
''He seems to trust you and I think that he has learned his lesson too, although I'm not even sure that there was a lesson to learn. After all, he was just upset about his grandfather's death.'' Carolyn paused to shoot Rory a friendly smile. ''I'm not as blind as Tristan thinks I am.''
''Thank you,'' Rory said, before turning around and leaving the room, assuming that Mr. and Mrs. DuGrey had a lot to talk about.
But when she closed the door behind her and left the large mansion, she knew that it wouldn't be the last time that she would be closing this door behind her. It looked like at least one of his parents had finally opened their eyes.....
*R*E*V*I*E*W*! Please? :-) The first I have to do is thank everyone for their kind and inspiring reviews. This is only my second Trory and although this story isn't as good or interesting as the first one, I thought that it turned out better than it did in my head. I think I might continue writing Trory's. Anyway, thanks for still reading. And the last chapter(s) will follow as soon as possible. :-)
*A/N: Hey, this time I didn't take two weeks to write this chapter. I had a few extra days to write. I have to admit that I didn't do my best on the last chapter I wrote for this story, but I didn't slack off on this chapter. I hope it's worth reading.
*~*~*:-)*~*~*Bye, smile :-)
Tristan looked around the small office that he had literally been dragged into only a few minutes ago. Between those particular minutes and the present lay a gap of time, which had consisted mostly of silence and a few disapproving looks from the sergeant who had caught him and was now sitting across from him. He was sitting behind a steel desk, its surface always cold, just like himself. His eyes alone could send a shiver running down your spine. And the humble office seemed to fit the personality of the sergeant perfectly. Its white walls were bare and all the furniture was made from steel, except for the chair he was sitting on, which was the most comfortable looking thing in this entire office, and that was why Tristan kept his gaze fixed on it. There was nothing else to look at. No pictures, no rows of books, there wasn't even a window to look through.
Tristan shifted his weight around, wondering how much longer he would have to remain in this office where only impersonality shone through. He started to tap his fingers against the cold steel of the chair, hoping that it would break through the trance the sergeant seemed to be in, as if he was thinking of the right words to say to him. But Tristan's incessant taps managed to distract the man sitting in front of him and eventually he cleared his throat, in preparation of the words that were about to flow through it.
''Obviously you're here for a reason,'' the sergeant calmly started. ''You obeyed the rules this facility had laid down for you. Of course I shouldn't have to tell you that they are there for a reason and that you should respect them.''
But Tristan caught only half of what the man was saying. His eyes had wandered over to one of the plain walls, wondering how his parents would react to the unfinished message he had left behind. He was hoping that his mother would be the one to hear the short message first, which she probably would, since she was the one who kept in touch with everyone, made the calls and did every other little thing that was needed to mantain a social relationship. His father was strictly business and would probably have deleted the message before his mother could even hear it. That was how cold Alexander DuGrey could be, and was most of the time. Something Tristan had inherited from his father. He would act cold to the people around him when he wanted to be left alone, unlike his parents who seemed emotionless every single day of their lives. Although he had to admit that he could get along fairly well with his mother when his dad wasn't around. That would actually give her a chance to form her own opinions and voice them freely without having to worry of it having to be approved first.
Looking at how someone like his father could crumble the confidence of a woman like his mother, he quickly had decided that he wanted to be with someone who was her own person and just as strong as him. Someone who seemed soft on the surface, but would end up being able to hold her own when it came down to that. Sometimes Tristan wondered if his dad even loved him, maybe he had been a mistake, a slip of the mind on a passionate night.
Tristan had spend days and nights of his childhood wondering what it would be like to have a father that would take him to the park and play basketball with him and a mother who would actually take the time to cook for her family instead of hiring some expensive cook to do it for her. Or a pair of comforting arms around him when he had one of those days where he felt unsure and sadder than usual, and he couldn't explain it, because his parents had told him that he couldn't blame it on them. They had to work hard for this roof they had over their heads and the friends that they would entertain during their parties, just to keep their status high. A rule Tristan had lived by himself when he was still at Chilton.
He wondered if Rory knew all this about him. Knew the reason behind his cocky behavior and intimidating glances. They were just a facade, one that was supposed to look unbreakable to the people surrounding him. And it did, but Rory had taken just a few steps closer and had noticed the cracks, which had kept expanding against his will, because even though he liked Rory, he didn't feel like he could trust her. How could he when his own trustworthy exterior had been earned by spreading lies to his so called friends.
Even now when he thought of Rory a certain feeling of calmness came over him, mimicking the serenity that always seemed to be hanging over her like a cloud. She was soothing, so different from the people he daily entertained. She had her own opinions and views, and she didn't think that everything he did was right, simply because he was the most popular guy in school. That alone made her stand out and seem irresistible in his eyes. She had been a new flavor, one that he could never really define. She was inexpectable and naively beautiful. But more importantly she seemed innocent and fragile on the outside, but seemed to have a protective shell which no one could break through without her permission. She was confident in her own shy way.
Tristan smiled as he build up this perfect image of her in his head, realizing that she was indeed as close to perfect as he would ever get. It was unbelievable how much he missed her. Just having her around, knowing that the possibility was there if he wanted to try and have a conversation with her that consisted of a decent amount of normalcy. He returned his gaze to the man sitting behind the desk, knowing that he would appreciate his eye contact and would start talking faster, getting this over with as soon as possible, giving Tristan the opportunity to go back to his room.
''But since you didn't choose to respect our rules, we will have to punish you in a way that will suit your crime.'' The sergeant paused for a few seconds, as he came up with a proper punishment for Tristan's deed. ''You will not be allowed to make or receive any phone calls for two weeks, unless it's an emergency, of course.''
Tristan's hope immediately slipped out of his hands when he heard that. If he wouldn't be allowed to call his parents next week, then he was almost positive that he would be stuck here for another two weeks, although it wasn't that bad. He just prefprefered normal teenage life to this army life. People here grew up sooner than needed. Even Marty, whom's humor seemed undying, was forced to stop smiling now and then so he could concentrate fully on the hard task before him.
''Do you understand all this, DuGrey?''
Tristan nodded. ''Yes, sir. Can I ask you one question?''
The sergeant nodded, signaling him to go on.
''Will Marty and Lawrence be punished? They were only helping me, because I asked them to, so it would seem a little unfair in my eyes if...........''
''Although I appreciate your honesty and the loyalty towards your two friends, I'm afraid they were involved and therefor they have to be punished, although not as severely as you. If we are anything, we are fair.''
The sergeant folded his hands and glanced in Tristan's direction once more before continuing. ''Now, go and get some sleep. It's another early day tomorrow.''
Tristan nodded and got up. ''Goodnight, sir.''
The man behind the desk said nothing, as Tristan departed the office.
*~*~*
Rory saw the bus arrive from where she had been sitting for the last twenty minutes, lost in another world and not noticing the weight of the thick book that lay open on her lap, until now. She closed it and slid it into their bag as she jumped off the wall she had been sitting on. As she made her way over to where the bus had stopped, she lowered her eyes to her bag, frustrated with the small fact that she couldn't seem to zip it without looking at it. She was only a couple of feet away from the bus when she bumped into someone. She immediately took a step back to give herself some space to regain the small amount of balance that she had lost and finished zipping her backpack, while her eyes flew up to the person who had crossed her path. When her eyes collided with the green pair across from her, it took her only a few seconds to recognize the gleam that it held.
''Zack.''
''Rory,'' he countered, his expression serious, although he seemed just slightly amused by her reaction.
Rory sighed, realizing that she wouldn't get an explanation from him unless she asked. ''What do you want?''
Zack shrugged. ''It just looked like the kind of day to annoy you.''
For a slight second there was a flicker of fear in Rory's eyes, thinking that she was about to witness him breaking down someone's confidence, hers, but it was quickly covered by a layer of pure hatred. If he would lower himself to this.......putting her down, simply because he couldn't 'get' her, than he would seem pathetic in her eyes. Not worthy of anybody's time, although he was the mighty king of Chilton.
''As much as I would like to stay and enjoy this honor, my bus just pulled up and although it might not be as royal as whatever car you're driving, right now it's just as royal, because it will get me home, away from you,'' Rory said, not resisting the temptation to add the last three words.
Zack couldn't help but grin at her words. She had a sarcastic and playful way of rearranging words into humorous sentences. Ones he found brilliantly witty, but hated at the same time, when he remembered that he was talking to the girl who he couldn't get. She had remained out of reach, even when they were dating. And something in her eyes had stopped him from pushing too hard and going too fast. Maybe he had known about the bond she seemed to have with Tristan, even now, and didn't want to interfere in her cheerful way of looking at everything and everyone.
Rory wanted to pass him, but Zack reached for her arm and stopped her, keeping her in place.
''Zack,'' Rory warned, frustrated by his movement. She tried pulling her arm free, but Zack wouldn't let her and by the time he did release her, her bus had just closed its doors and was driving away.
''Now you have all the time in the world,'' was his response to her obvious frustration.
''I have been waiting for twenty minutes and now I have to waste another to wait for another bus, when I could already be at home. God, isn't it enough that I spent most of my day at this place already, with people like you.''
Zack was surprised at her words. He knew that high school wasn't the easiest time in anybody's life, including his, although he didn't have to worry about fitting in or people liking him. But he only knew a few people that actually hated high school. They called it time wasted, and he didn't want Rory to end up thinking like that. Not because of him. He knew that he could be annoying some times and maybe even a little harsh, but making someone's life a living nightmare.......he wasn't that kind of person, although he was in the eyes of prejudice.
''You're still angry?''
Rory shook her head. ''Not still, but am, about what you just pulled on me.'' She paused, before continuing. ''Not the entire world revolves around you, Bradley.''
She shot him a small smile and when he returned it she saw the person that she could actually stand, and maybe even like if he didn't resemble Tristan so much. He could be sensitive in his own way and he cared, no matter what he wanted other people to think.
''Not when I'm with you apparently. So, I wouldn't be wasting too much of time if I drove you home.''
Rory started to shake her head. ''No.''
''Why not?''
''Cause first you prevent me from catching my ride home and now you're offering me one..........no. I couldn't stand being in the same car as you.''
''Why? We have been before........''
''But that was different,'' Rory pointed out.
Zack nodded and put his hands in his pockets, before distracting himself with something that was conveniently behind Rory. ''I'm sorry.''
''For letting me miss my bus like that, you should.........''
Zack forced Rory to put an end to her sentence when he lowered his eyes to hers.
''Oh......right, that. Well, the last part of the sentence is still the same. You should be.''
Zack nodded. ''I know.''
Rory smiled at his sincerity. ''Thanks for the offer, but I'd rather......''
''Wait?'' Zack nodded. ''Never knew you hated me that much,'' he said, not knowing is he was joking or being serious.
Rory's expression softened, wondering if maybe he had indeed grown to like her. Although he didn't have a reason too, since she had had Tristan on her mind throughout their entire relationship.
''I don't hate you,'' Rory stated, her voice softer than usual.
Zack nodded. ''Want some company while you're waiting?''
Rory shrugged. ''If you don't have anything better to do.''
''Nah, homework can wait.''
Rory couldn't help but chuckle at his response.
They settled themselves on the wall where Rory had been sitting before and she automatically reached for her backpack and took out her book. Zack noticed and raised an eyebrow. ''Breaking the world record for carrying the most weight around on your back?''
''It's a book.''
''Interesting, cause I was wondering about all the pages.''
Rory wiped a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled at him, before opening her book to the page she left off. Meanwhile Zack grabbed the headphones that were casually resting around his neck and set them upon his head, bobbing his head to the music with a smile.
*~*~*
The first thing Rory noticed when she entered the house and closed the door behind her, was the silence that greeted her. Normally her mom would have been home by now, sitting on the couch, mocking commercials. She said that it killed time while she waited for her to come home. But this time Rory heard nothing but silence coming from the living room.
Rory dropped her bag and shrugged off her jacket, before stepping into the living room. Almost immediately the flickering red light of the answering machine distracted her and her curiosity lead her over to the machine and forced her to push the button. Luckily for her there was only one message, which meant that she didn't have to call a lot of people she really didn't know back. Talking to strangers wasn't something she preferred to do. She tapped her foot while she listened to the message.
''Hey, sweets, it's me. You can stop looking for me now, cause no matter how much I enjoy our little games of hide and seek, I'm here, stuck at the Inn. The staff, the staff I'm supposed to control and boss around, has decided to hold their first staff meeting. I think Michel put them up to it, just to annoy me, but I can't leave and not be there, cause I'm the chief of this tribe. I'll be here for at least another two hours, unless they kill me and make somebody else chief. Anyway, there's money for Luke's underneath the bowl we used to keep M&M's in. Or you can order pizza, whatever you're in the mood for. And don't spent the entire night doing homework, kay? Just because I'm not there doesn't mean that you can't have fun. Hang out with Jess or something, play a board game.......... Crap, Michel just spotted me, so I'm afraid I'll have to stop talking now. Love ya, hon, bye.''
Rory shook her head at her mom's message, although she felt a little disappointed at the fact that she was going to spend the entire night at the Inn. Rory already knew what she would be doing. She would take her homework and spent the next two hours over at Luke's. At least she wouldn't be alone. Most of the time Jess would join her after his shift and just read in silence while she finished her homework. Rory smiled at the thought of that, thinking that she and Jess haven't spent a lot of time together, without him having to worry about her problems.
She grabbed her bag and jacket and was planning on going to the diner without changing, but plans changed when the memory of this afternoon entered her head randomly. The time she had spend with him was pleasant to say the least. It felt as if he was being genuine, not hiding the decent person that he actually was. Rory knew that he wasn't a bad person. He just wanted to be accepted like everybody else, except he wanted to be accepted for who he was and not for someone he was desperately trying to be. And although the smile on Rory's face had been meant for Zack, her mind was already wandering towards Tristan and how she had untangled his complicated persona, just like she had done with Zack. Only Zack didn't give up as much of a fight.
She really missed Tristan and although he had been gone for a few months now, walking the halls in Chilton still wasn't the same without knowing that he would be standing at her locker, ready to annoy and frustrate her if she let him. She wanted to have him back at Chilton, where she could just walk up to him and talk to him whenever she wanted. And although she couldn't do that much, she could try and put up a fight, for him.
*~*~*
''Are you sure you'll be alrigalrighting in the car?'' Rory asked, as she looked over at Jess once more, her hand already resting on the door handle although she didn't feel that confident of her decision at all.
''Ror, this is a rich neighborhood, I'm sure I'll be safe,'' he said, as he took a book out of his pocket.
''And you sure you don't mind waiting?''
''If I get fed up with waiting, I'll just start the engine and drive right back to Stars Hollow.''
Rory ignored Jess's comment and gave him one last look, before getting out off the car. From here on she was by herself. She had had the entire car ride to worry about what she was going to say, but everything she had come up with seemed to be just out of her reach. She knew what she wanted to say, but she couldn't find the words, so she was going to have to make them up from scratch and whatever else she had lying around. The door slamming shut sounded louder than she had intended and she was afraid of the fact that the DuGrey's might have heard it, giving her no more time to think about what she was doing......
What was she doing? Unfortunately the question was quickly overshadowed by her feelings for Tristan, before she could take a few more seconds to figure out the answer and possibly even change her mind. But she forced herself to walk up to the DuGrey mansion and ring the doorbell, while images of Tristan's parents during dinner briefly appeared in her mind's eye. The door was opened by none other than Paola, who seemed happy here in spite of everything that went on behind this door. Her eyes lit up when she saw who had rang the doorbell.
''Rory, what brings you here at this hour?''
''Good evening,'' Rory said politely. ''I was wondering if.........''
''You didn't come for Tristan, did you? Cause he isn't here.''
''Yes, I know. I actually came here to talk to his parents,'' Rory stated, not even thinking of backing off now that she had said those words.
Paola nodded and invited her in to the hallway, before closing the door. ''Mr. and Mrs. DuGrey are both in the living room.''
Paola passed Rory without uttering another word and Rory could do nothing else but follow her as she strode to what was assumingly the living room. When they entered the pretentious living room, Rory started to feel even more uncomfortable than she already did, although she tried to keep a neutral expression, not letting herself be intimidated by what the DuGrey money could buy. When she and Paola entered the room, only Carolyn DuGrey managed to lift her eyes from the magazine she had been scanning. Alexander DuGrey didn't lower his paper until he heard his wife's words.
''Rory, I didn't know you were coming by,'' she said, while she threw her magazine aside and got up from the sofa.
''I know I should have called first, but........''
''Nonsense,'' Carolyn interrupter. ''You are welcome here at every time of the day. Now, tell us, what has brought you over to our house this night?''
Paola shot Rory a comforting smile, before leaving the room, leaving Rory alone with Tristan's parents. Even now she could feel Alexander's eyes on her, watching every little move she made. For some reason she didn't think that he liked her all that much, but then again he didn't seem to like his son either, so she shouldn't feel offended.
''I was hoping I could talk to both you and your husband about something.''
''About what?'' Alexander sharply asked.
''Tristan.''
''What about him?'' was Alexander's heartless reply, which caused Rory's eyes to fly over to his cold ones, trying to see if he really didn't care, but she couldn't find any evidence that he did, so she moved her eyes back over to Carolyn.
''Well, he and I talked and I think that he's really unhappy at the place he's at right now,'' Rory said, her words stumbling awkwardly out of her mouth.
Alexander DuGrey narrowed his eyes at Rory, before exchanging a look with his wife.
''Did he tell you that in those exact words?'' Alexander asked.
Rory shook her head. ''No, he wasn't that straightforward.''
''Then you just assumed that.......''
''No,'' Rory said, rudely interrupting Mr. DuGrey. ''I didn't assume anything. I just listened when he talked. He misses his home.''
''What exactly do you want from us?'' Carolyn DuGrey carefully asked.
''Well, I want him to move back,'' Rory admitted, looking her straight in the eye.
''Why?'' Alexander asked.
''Because he isn't happy at military school and I believe that he has learned from his mistakes and has changed.''
''Sounds like you know Tristan well,'' Alexander said, his voice emotionless when he mentioned his son's name.
Rory nodded, realizing that she did know Tristan well. Better than his own parents. ''I think I do, know him. And I miss him.''
Carolyn's eyes took in Rory's honest expression and hid a small smile from both her and her husband. ''We'll think about it.''
Rory met Carolyn's eyes in surprise at the sound of her words. ''Really?''
Carolyn nodded.
''Carolyn,'' Alexander warned, but for once his wife didn't listen to him.
''He seems to trust you and I think that he has learned his lesson too, although I'm not even sure that there was a lesson to learn. After all, he was just upset about his grandfather's death.'' Carolyn paused to shoot Rory a friendly smile. ''I'm not as blind as Tristan thinks I am.''
''Thank you,'' Rory said, before turning around and leaving the room, assuming that Mr. and Mrs. DuGrey had a lot to talk about.
But when she closed the door behind her and left the large mansion, she knew that it wouldn't be the last time that she would be closing this door behind her. It looked like at least one of his parents had finally opened their eyes.....
*R*E*V*I*E*W*! Please? :-) The first I have to do is thank everyone for their kind and inspiring reviews. This is only my second Trory and although this story isn't as good or interesting as the first one, I thought that it turned out better than it did in my head. I think I might continue writing Trory's. Anyway, thanks for still reading. And the last chapter(s) will follow as soon as possible. :-)