A Kiss, a Blush, a Smirk, a Love.
Part 4
By Leela
Farmerjohn7@hotmail.com Pairing: R/T
A/N Thanx to all those who have reviewed, I hope you enjoy this next chapter.
Lorelai looked at Rory, then at Tristan before adverting her gaze back to Rory, a quizzical look playing on her face.
"So, are you going to introduce us Rory, or is this just an imaginary friend the whole world can see?" Lorelai asked intrigued.
"Oh, right, sure.this is Tristan DuGrey. Tristan this is my Mom, Lorelai.
"It's nice to meet you Lorelai", said Tristan, getting up to shake Lorelai's hand, "now I know where Rory gets her beautiful looks", he continued, winking at Rory who in turn blushed profusely.
"Well, aren't we quite the charmer, Evil One."
"Evil One?" questioned Tristan.
"Yes that's right. Evil One, Spawn of Satan who enjoys tormenting my daughter. That is right isn't it?" Lorelai said turning to Rory, "this is the very cute boy who can't remember your name?"
"Yes, that's him."
"And you're here because?" Lorelai asked turning back to Tristan.
"Well, ah.I, mmm.." Stammered Tristan.
"We were studying." Answered Rory.
"Oh, right. So you were studying?"
"Yes."
"With no books, pens or paper?"
"Uh, yeah."
"In the dark?"
"Uh huh."
"With your eyes closed?" Rory nodded. "What were you studying, nocturnal habits?" Tristan started to chuckle but was silenced by the stern look Lorelai threw at him. He looked at Rory, who in turn became fascinated with their feet. His gaze drifted back to Lorelai whose face was beginning to tighten in anger. "Maybe I should go?" he said turning again back to Rory.
"Yes, I think that nap time has come to an end." Replied Lorelai.
"I'll walk you out" said Rory, walking quickly past Lorelai without lifting her gaze from the floor. Tristan was shocked at her gesture, but thankful all the same.
"Well, it was a pleasure meeting you Lorelai. Bye"
"The pleasure was all mine" replied Lorelai sarcastically.
Tristan gave her an uncertain smile before following Rory out the door. They walked down the stairs and headed towards Tristan's car, both unaware of Lorelai's watching eyes from the living room window.
"So, Mary, been talking about me have you?" Tristan asked playfully, bumping her shoulder with his own.
"Nothing good" replied Rory with a smile.
"Oh, come on Mary! It's ok, you can admit it! I always knew you wanted me!"
"Yes Tristan, I'll admit it. I want you more than anything in the world. So, I think you should get in your car before your inflated head explodes and your ego is scattered all over my front yard." Rory said with a serious look on her face.
Tristan started to laugh. Rory felt a smile creep to her lips, but tried to hide it. Her attempts didn't go un-noticed.
"You're not laughing Mary!"
"I don't find anything funny" Rory replied mater-of-factly.
"I bet I can make you laugh." Said Tristan with an evil glint in his eyes.
"I find it highly doubtful."
"Really? Well, we'll just have to see about that." Replied Tristan with a cheeky grin on his face as he started to tickle Rory.
Rory gasped as Tristan grabbed her around the waist and started to tickle her. She let out a burst of laughter and struggled to get out of his arms that were holding her close to him.
"Tristan.stop it!" Rory said between fits of laughter.
Reluctantly, Tristan let her go. Rory turned around to face him, her cheeks flustered from laughing so much. She hit him playfully on the arm. "That wasn't funny" she said trying to sound annoyed.
"Says the girl who's trying to suppress her laughter" replied Tristan knowingly. Rory smiled. It was a genuine smile, not fake, but genuine, and it was aimed at him. Tristan looked deep into Rory's eyes, he saw something new in them, something that hadn't been there before today. He wasn't sure, but he thought it looked a bit like acceptance.acceptance of him in her life.
Rory was lost, captivated in Tristan's blue pools that bored down into her own. She looked at her feet, unable to stand it anymore. She had seen a change in him.a good change. Below that cocky nature of his she had begun to see something else, something he only ever allowed her to see. She wasn't sure what exactly it was, caring, sincerity, but she knew it was meant for her. She cleared her throat before looking back up to him.
"Thanks Tristan, for today." She said, a small smile playing on her lips.
"Hey, no probs", he replied.
An uneasy silence fell over them as they both lost themselves in each others eyes again.
"Well.I guess I should go."
"Oh, right, yeah." Rory replied quietly.
Tristan opened the car door, turning back to Rory before getting in.
"It'll be ok Rory.I promise." Tristan said sincerely. Rory nodded in response and bravely smiled at him. Tristan bent down and put a soft kiss on Rory's bruised cheek.
"See you tomorrow Rory", he said as he climbed into his car.
"Bye".
Rory watched Tristan's retreating car until she could no longer see it. She put her hand to her cheek where Tistan's lips had just been. Her face had tingled when he kissed her. She noticed her bruise didn't seem to hurt as much anymore and it was as if Tristan had kissed all her pain away. Smiling, Rory began to walk back towards the house. Her spirit had lifted and she knew she had Tristan to thank for it. Somehow he had returned the sparkle to her eyes, the rosiness to her cheeks and the smile that shone from her heart. Rory skipped up to the door where Lorelai was waiting.
"So. that was the evil one?" inquired Lorelai.
"Yep, that's him" Rory said, smiling back.
"Hmm. he doesn't look very evil", Lorelai said in a pondering manner, " No staff, no devil horns, no tail. Infact he looks like the opposite of evil. He seems like a perfectly nice young man to me.don't you think Rory?"
Rory knew what her mother was getting at, and she wasn't prepared to do battle with her. Upon hearing no response, Lorelai decided to continue.
"Nice enough to skip school with so you could enjoy a cosy little romp on the couch?"
"Mum.it wasn't like that.'
"Oh really, then what? What was it like Rory?" Lorelai asked, trying to hide the anger in her voice. She didn't know why she was angry.just that it was driven by fear.
"I.I got upset.at school. Tristan gave me a lift home." Rory stammered.
"Oh right, ok.and then you decided to sleep together?"
"It wasn't like that! I was upset, Tristan was just.comforting me. We were talking and.I don't know, it just happened, we just fell asleep." Rory explained.
"Ok.I guess that sounds feasible. So what were you upset about?"
"Just.things" said Rory as she quickly brushed past Lorelai and headed to her room.
"Just things huh.things like that bruise on your face that you still haven't told me how you got" said Lorelai in pursuit.
"Mum, I don't want to talk about."
"Oh, I see, so you can talk to Satan's Spawn about it, but you can't tell your own mother."
"No.it's just.you'll over-react and do something horrible, and that would make it worse." Rory tried to reason.
"Rory.we tell each other everything.that's our special thing.that's what makes us so great.we're best friends before mother and daughter.you have to tell me", Lorelai pleaded.
"Mum.just.just drop it." Rory replied with a note of finality in her voice. She stormed past Lorelai into her room, slamming the door. Rory flopped down onto her bed. She didn't mean to upset Lorelai, she knew she was only trying to help. that she meant well.but still she couldn't do it.couldn't let her into her world of pain. Rory slowly drifted into sleep, a sleep plagued with dreams of Dean, Tristan and Lorelai.
Luke's Diner
"Hey Luke". Lorelai greeted glumly. "Give me coffee and keep it coming."
"Well, aren't we a little ray of sunshine today!" replied Luke with a smile spread across his face. Seeing Lorelai made him the happiest he'd ever been. Lorelai looked up at him, the sadness in her eyes evident. Luke walked around the counter and pulled Lorelai into a comforting embrace.
"Where's Rory?" he asked.
"On her way to the school of endless tortures".
"Is she alright?"
"I don't know Luke.I honestly don't know. She still hasn't told me what happened and I can't stand it. I can't do anything. I can't even get back the person who did it."
"Just give her some time, she'll come around." Luke said reassuringly.
"Luke, I've given her time, but it's been days since she got that bruise and she still hasn't let me in, and I can't understand why? I mean, she could tell Satan's Spawn, but she can't tell her own mother?"
"Satan's Spawn? Who the hell is Satan's Spawn?"
"A boy from Chilton. I mean she hates him.she always said she hated him. What's changed?" Lorelai looked up at Luke with an expecting look on her face, as if Luke could answer all her questions and wash her worries away.
"I don't know Lorelai.all you women are a complete mystery to me!"
Lorelai smiled at him. She appreciated his efforts to cheer her up. "Well, I better head off, big function at the inn today."
"Sure" replied Luke. Lorelai got up and headed towards the door. "Hey!" Lorelai turned around," You know I'm always here for you, both of you."
Lorelai smiled, "Thanks Luke." She replied before turning back and exiting the diner.
Chilton
Tristan pulled his car into the car park at Chilton. He turned off the engine, but made no attempt to exit the vehicle. Instead he sat and stared out the window. What was wrong with him? What had this simple, small town, innocent girl done to him? Tristan rubbed his tired eyes. He had barely slept a wink last night, his mind too consumed with relaying the events of that day. He couldn't get her out of his mind. He felt pain for her, he felt hate and anger with her, and he felt hope for them both.
Tristan mentally shook himself and climbed out of the car. He walked into Chilton, thoughts of Rory still running through his mind. As he headed to his locker, he couldn't help but feel that something odd was going on. He felt everyone's eye's watching him. All his friends cheered and patted him on his back and all the girls looked at him with big sorrowful eyes.
"Well, if it isn't Cave Man himself." Tristan knew who had spoken before he even turned around.
"Summer", he said quietly, turning to the brunette.
"You know Tristan, I honestly thought you had better taste." Tristan furrowed his brow in confusion, "Then again, I guess after me, you can only go downhill, can't you?"
"Summer, I have no idea what you're talking about." "But you know, I'm not nearly as surprised at you as I am at her. I didn't think it was in her morals. I always pictured her as remaining a virgin 'till the day she was married." Summer said as she circled Tristan.
"Summer, who are you talking about?" Tristan asked seriously, grabbing her arm.
"Come on Tristan, don't play dumb with me, you know perfectly well who I'm talking about."
"Well, obviously I don't or I wouldn't be asking."
"I'm talking about you and the Virgin Mary. Oh wait, that name doesn't really apply to her anymore, now does it Tristan?" Summer scoffed.
"Are you implying that," Tristan looked around and lowered his voice before going on," I slept with Rory?"
"Yep, and I've got to hand it to you, you're a great actor. I mean you were so, oh what's the world, upset, shattered, heartbroken, when I dumped you. But big tough guy Tristan DuGrey sure got over little old me, moving onto Rory at that same party. Oh and by the way, don't bother whispering DuGrey, the whole school knows."
Tristan stood in shock as Summer sauntered past him and down the hall. He couldn't believe his ears. There was a rumor circulating the entire school that he had slept with Rory at Madeline's stupid party.
Tristan began to hurry to his locker, avoiding every handshake, smile, thumbs up, and congratulations thrown at him by his classmates. Finally he reached it, resting his head against the cool metal door, he let out a sigh. What the hell was he going to do. Rory would probably think he'd spread the rumor, and then she'd hate him all over again. Tristan's hands formed into fists at his sides, a determined look spreading across his face. He wasn't going to let that happen. He'd find Rory and tell her he hadn't done it. Then he'd find out who started the rumor and bash their face into a pulp. Tristan turned to go and look for Rory just as his friend John walked up to him.
"DuGrey, mate, congratulations, the King rises again!" John said, extending his hand for Tristan to shake.
Tristan looked at the accepting hand, then up at John. His expression was blank compared to his friend's enthusiastic one. Tristan ignored John's hand as he pushed past him to head up the hall.
"Hey man", came John's voice, " Aren't you at least going to tell me how she was. Nailing the Virgin Mary is a huge challenge. If you can do it, I shouldn't have a problem".
A wave of blind fury swept over Tristan at John's words. He spun around slamming John into the lockers.
"Don't you ever talk about Rory like that again", Tristan said through clenched teeth, " And if you ever touch her, speak to her, or even come within a ten meter radius of her, I won't make your life worth living for" Tristan said as he released John and stormed down the hall.
"You're a joke Tristan", John called out after him, " And your reputation is all bullshit!"
Tristan ignored him. All he wanted to do was get to Rory before the rumor did.
****** Rory got off the bus and started walking through the grounds of Chilton. Once inside, she headed down the halls towards her locker, blissfully unaware of the stares and smirks that were being thrown at her from every student she passed.
She felt refreshed and eager to start the day, a feeling she had the sneaking suspicion was partly due to.Tristan. Since last night, Rory's worries had all but disintegrated. She was over Dean. She wasn't going to 'wallow', not because she didn't want to, but because her new found strength prevented her to. Dean was the bad guy in all this and the world was on Rory's side. Nothing could harm her now, nothing could ruin her day.
The overhead speakers began to crackle as Principal Charleston's voice began to echo through the corridors.
"Good morning students. I have a very important announcement to make. I would like everybody to make their way to the main hall where a special assembly is being held. This assembly is compulsory and every student is to attend. Those who do not will find themselves in a lot of trouble. Please make your way to the hall now."
The students around Rory let out a groan as everyone began to make their way to the hall. Rory finished packing the books she'd need from her locker into her bag before joining the swarm of students walking to the assembly.
Tristan entered the hall that housed Rory's locker. He saw her juggling books and her bag when the announcement broke out over the speakers. He paused, listening to what the principal was saying. At the end, Tristan looked back to Rory, just spotting her before his eyes lost her to the crowd of students making their way to the hall. He began to rush after her, pushing through the mass of students, but it was no use.
Tristan turned into another empty corridor. It was a longer route to the hall, but if he hurried it would take him to the same entrance Rory was headed for and then, he might just catch her before she went into the assembly.
Rory neared a side entrance to the hall. She wondered what could be so important to hold an assembly for so early in the day, but if it meant that she'd miss biology, she didn't really mind.
As Rory started to walk through the entrance to the hall just in front of the stage, a hand grabbed her wrist and pulled her through another door that lead to the dressing rooms on the side.
"What the hell!" Rory said loudly in shock.
"Tristan covered her mouth with her hand to silence her." Ssshhh, it's me", he said, removing his hand.
"Tristan! What the hell are you doing? You scared the crap out of me!"
"I'm sorry, but I have to talk to you"
"Tristan, we're supposed to be sitting out there for the assembly, can't it wait?" Rory said turning to leave.
Tristan pulled her back. "No, its important.I have to tell you now, before it's too late." He said urgently.
"Too late? What, are you about to die or something? Come on, we'll get in trouble", she said as she started to walk to the door.
Tristan pulled her back again. "No, I'm not dieing, although you may want to kill me after I tell you this."
Rory's face suddenly became serious. " Why do I get the feeling I'm not going to like what you're about to tell me?"
"Because you won't".
"Tell me". Tristan remained silent. "Tristan tell me". Rory said more forcefully.
Tristan took a deep breathe. "There's a rumor going around the school that.that you and I..." Tristan lowered his voice to a whisper, " that we slept together at Madeline's party", he said, looking at his feet.
"What? Speak up, I can't here you." Replied Rory.
Tristan raised his voice a little, " There's a rumor going around the school that you and I slept together at Madeline's party"
"WHAT?" Screamed Rory. Tristan quickly moved over to Rory, putting his hand over her mouth, as she fell back against the closed door leading to the stage.
"Keep your voice down or someone will hear." Tristan didn't get a chance to finish his sentence as the door flew open causing Rory to tumble to the floor on the stage, Tristan landing on top of her. The sound of a large gasp came from within the hall before the entire student body of Chilton erupted in laughter.
Mr. Medina looked down at the two embarrassed students at his feet. "Stand up Mr. DuGrey and Miss Gilmore." He said sternly. Tristan and Rory picked themselves up off the floor. Both of their faces were stained with a deep red blush.
"Would you like to tell me what you two were doing in there?" Tristan and Rory both became extremely fascinated by their shoes." Well then perhaps instead you'd both like to give the talk about sex and it's consequences to the rest of the school". Tristan and Rory both looked up at Mr. Medina in Horror. Surely he hadn't heard the rumor.
"Sex and it's consequences?" Tristan asked.
"Yes, Miss Geller came to me and raised the issue about sexual education. She came up with the idea to hold this assembly.'
Tristan and Rory both looked over to where Paris was sitting on the stage. She looked back at them, a triumphant smirk spread across her face. It was at that moment that Tristan and Rory realized who had started the rumor.
A/N: I am sorry that it has taken me so long to update but I have been extremely busy and have lacked motivation. I hope you enjoyed this part and issue a challenge to all those that have read it. If you believe or want me to continue this then please, please review, I need to know that ppl are enjoying it. I can handle constructive criticism, so don't be shy. I reckon 7 reviews should motivate me enough to continue writing this. Thanx, Leela. (
Farmerjohn7@hotmail.com Pairing: R/T
A/N Thanx to all those who have reviewed, I hope you enjoy this next chapter.
Lorelai looked at Rory, then at Tristan before adverting her gaze back to Rory, a quizzical look playing on her face.
"So, are you going to introduce us Rory, or is this just an imaginary friend the whole world can see?" Lorelai asked intrigued.
"Oh, right, sure.this is Tristan DuGrey. Tristan this is my Mom, Lorelai.
"It's nice to meet you Lorelai", said Tristan, getting up to shake Lorelai's hand, "now I know where Rory gets her beautiful looks", he continued, winking at Rory who in turn blushed profusely.
"Well, aren't we quite the charmer, Evil One."
"Evil One?" questioned Tristan.
"Yes that's right. Evil One, Spawn of Satan who enjoys tormenting my daughter. That is right isn't it?" Lorelai said turning to Rory, "this is the very cute boy who can't remember your name?"
"Yes, that's him."
"And you're here because?" Lorelai asked turning back to Tristan.
"Well, ah.I, mmm.." Stammered Tristan.
"We were studying." Answered Rory.
"Oh, right. So you were studying?"
"Yes."
"With no books, pens or paper?"
"Uh, yeah."
"In the dark?"
"Uh huh."
"With your eyes closed?" Rory nodded. "What were you studying, nocturnal habits?" Tristan started to chuckle but was silenced by the stern look Lorelai threw at him. He looked at Rory, who in turn became fascinated with their feet. His gaze drifted back to Lorelai whose face was beginning to tighten in anger. "Maybe I should go?" he said turning again back to Rory.
"Yes, I think that nap time has come to an end." Replied Lorelai.
"I'll walk you out" said Rory, walking quickly past Lorelai without lifting her gaze from the floor. Tristan was shocked at her gesture, but thankful all the same.
"Well, it was a pleasure meeting you Lorelai. Bye"
"The pleasure was all mine" replied Lorelai sarcastically.
Tristan gave her an uncertain smile before following Rory out the door. They walked down the stairs and headed towards Tristan's car, both unaware of Lorelai's watching eyes from the living room window.
"So, Mary, been talking about me have you?" Tristan asked playfully, bumping her shoulder with his own.
"Nothing good" replied Rory with a smile.
"Oh, come on Mary! It's ok, you can admit it! I always knew you wanted me!"
"Yes Tristan, I'll admit it. I want you more than anything in the world. So, I think you should get in your car before your inflated head explodes and your ego is scattered all over my front yard." Rory said with a serious look on her face.
Tristan started to laugh. Rory felt a smile creep to her lips, but tried to hide it. Her attempts didn't go un-noticed.
"You're not laughing Mary!"
"I don't find anything funny" Rory replied mater-of-factly.
"I bet I can make you laugh." Said Tristan with an evil glint in his eyes.
"I find it highly doubtful."
"Really? Well, we'll just have to see about that." Replied Tristan with a cheeky grin on his face as he started to tickle Rory.
Rory gasped as Tristan grabbed her around the waist and started to tickle her. She let out a burst of laughter and struggled to get out of his arms that were holding her close to him.
"Tristan.stop it!" Rory said between fits of laughter.
Reluctantly, Tristan let her go. Rory turned around to face him, her cheeks flustered from laughing so much. She hit him playfully on the arm. "That wasn't funny" she said trying to sound annoyed.
"Says the girl who's trying to suppress her laughter" replied Tristan knowingly. Rory smiled. It was a genuine smile, not fake, but genuine, and it was aimed at him. Tristan looked deep into Rory's eyes, he saw something new in them, something that hadn't been there before today. He wasn't sure, but he thought it looked a bit like acceptance.acceptance of him in her life.
Rory was lost, captivated in Tristan's blue pools that bored down into her own. She looked at her feet, unable to stand it anymore. She had seen a change in him.a good change. Below that cocky nature of his she had begun to see something else, something he only ever allowed her to see. She wasn't sure what exactly it was, caring, sincerity, but she knew it was meant for her. She cleared her throat before looking back up to him.
"Thanks Tristan, for today." She said, a small smile playing on her lips.
"Hey, no probs", he replied.
An uneasy silence fell over them as they both lost themselves in each others eyes again.
"Well.I guess I should go."
"Oh, right, yeah." Rory replied quietly.
Tristan opened the car door, turning back to Rory before getting in.
"It'll be ok Rory.I promise." Tristan said sincerely. Rory nodded in response and bravely smiled at him. Tristan bent down and put a soft kiss on Rory's bruised cheek.
"See you tomorrow Rory", he said as he climbed into his car.
"Bye".
Rory watched Tristan's retreating car until she could no longer see it. She put her hand to her cheek where Tistan's lips had just been. Her face had tingled when he kissed her. She noticed her bruise didn't seem to hurt as much anymore and it was as if Tristan had kissed all her pain away. Smiling, Rory began to walk back towards the house. Her spirit had lifted and she knew she had Tristan to thank for it. Somehow he had returned the sparkle to her eyes, the rosiness to her cheeks and the smile that shone from her heart. Rory skipped up to the door where Lorelai was waiting.
"So. that was the evil one?" inquired Lorelai.
"Yep, that's him" Rory said, smiling back.
"Hmm. he doesn't look very evil", Lorelai said in a pondering manner, " No staff, no devil horns, no tail. Infact he looks like the opposite of evil. He seems like a perfectly nice young man to me.don't you think Rory?"
Rory knew what her mother was getting at, and she wasn't prepared to do battle with her. Upon hearing no response, Lorelai decided to continue.
"Nice enough to skip school with so you could enjoy a cosy little romp on the couch?"
"Mum.it wasn't like that.'
"Oh really, then what? What was it like Rory?" Lorelai asked, trying to hide the anger in her voice. She didn't know why she was angry.just that it was driven by fear.
"I.I got upset.at school. Tristan gave me a lift home." Rory stammered.
"Oh right, ok.and then you decided to sleep together?"
"It wasn't like that! I was upset, Tristan was just.comforting me. We were talking and.I don't know, it just happened, we just fell asleep." Rory explained.
"Ok.I guess that sounds feasible. So what were you upset about?"
"Just.things" said Rory as she quickly brushed past Lorelai and headed to her room.
"Just things huh.things like that bruise on your face that you still haven't told me how you got" said Lorelai in pursuit.
"Mum, I don't want to talk about."
"Oh, I see, so you can talk to Satan's Spawn about it, but you can't tell your own mother."
"No.it's just.you'll over-react and do something horrible, and that would make it worse." Rory tried to reason.
"Rory.we tell each other everything.that's our special thing.that's what makes us so great.we're best friends before mother and daughter.you have to tell me", Lorelai pleaded.
"Mum.just.just drop it." Rory replied with a note of finality in her voice. She stormed past Lorelai into her room, slamming the door. Rory flopped down onto her bed. She didn't mean to upset Lorelai, she knew she was only trying to help. that she meant well.but still she couldn't do it.couldn't let her into her world of pain. Rory slowly drifted into sleep, a sleep plagued with dreams of Dean, Tristan and Lorelai.
Luke's Diner
"Hey Luke". Lorelai greeted glumly. "Give me coffee and keep it coming."
"Well, aren't we a little ray of sunshine today!" replied Luke with a smile spread across his face. Seeing Lorelai made him the happiest he'd ever been. Lorelai looked up at him, the sadness in her eyes evident. Luke walked around the counter and pulled Lorelai into a comforting embrace.
"Where's Rory?" he asked.
"On her way to the school of endless tortures".
"Is she alright?"
"I don't know Luke.I honestly don't know. She still hasn't told me what happened and I can't stand it. I can't do anything. I can't even get back the person who did it."
"Just give her some time, she'll come around." Luke said reassuringly.
"Luke, I've given her time, but it's been days since she got that bruise and she still hasn't let me in, and I can't understand why? I mean, she could tell Satan's Spawn, but she can't tell her own mother?"
"Satan's Spawn? Who the hell is Satan's Spawn?"
"A boy from Chilton. I mean she hates him.she always said she hated him. What's changed?" Lorelai looked up at Luke with an expecting look on her face, as if Luke could answer all her questions and wash her worries away.
"I don't know Lorelai.all you women are a complete mystery to me!"
Lorelai smiled at him. She appreciated his efforts to cheer her up. "Well, I better head off, big function at the inn today."
"Sure" replied Luke. Lorelai got up and headed towards the door. "Hey!" Lorelai turned around," You know I'm always here for you, both of you."
Lorelai smiled, "Thanks Luke." She replied before turning back and exiting the diner.
Chilton
Tristan pulled his car into the car park at Chilton. He turned off the engine, but made no attempt to exit the vehicle. Instead he sat and stared out the window. What was wrong with him? What had this simple, small town, innocent girl done to him? Tristan rubbed his tired eyes. He had barely slept a wink last night, his mind too consumed with relaying the events of that day. He couldn't get her out of his mind. He felt pain for her, he felt hate and anger with her, and he felt hope for them both.
Tristan mentally shook himself and climbed out of the car. He walked into Chilton, thoughts of Rory still running through his mind. As he headed to his locker, he couldn't help but feel that something odd was going on. He felt everyone's eye's watching him. All his friends cheered and patted him on his back and all the girls looked at him with big sorrowful eyes.
"Well, if it isn't Cave Man himself." Tristan knew who had spoken before he even turned around.
"Summer", he said quietly, turning to the brunette.
"You know Tristan, I honestly thought you had better taste." Tristan furrowed his brow in confusion, "Then again, I guess after me, you can only go downhill, can't you?"
"Summer, I have no idea what you're talking about." "But you know, I'm not nearly as surprised at you as I am at her. I didn't think it was in her morals. I always pictured her as remaining a virgin 'till the day she was married." Summer said as she circled Tristan.
"Summer, who are you talking about?" Tristan asked seriously, grabbing her arm.
"Come on Tristan, don't play dumb with me, you know perfectly well who I'm talking about."
"Well, obviously I don't or I wouldn't be asking."
"I'm talking about you and the Virgin Mary. Oh wait, that name doesn't really apply to her anymore, now does it Tristan?" Summer scoffed.
"Are you implying that," Tristan looked around and lowered his voice before going on," I slept with Rory?"
"Yep, and I've got to hand it to you, you're a great actor. I mean you were so, oh what's the world, upset, shattered, heartbroken, when I dumped you. But big tough guy Tristan DuGrey sure got over little old me, moving onto Rory at that same party. Oh and by the way, don't bother whispering DuGrey, the whole school knows."
Tristan stood in shock as Summer sauntered past him and down the hall. He couldn't believe his ears. There was a rumor circulating the entire school that he had slept with Rory at Madeline's stupid party.
Tristan began to hurry to his locker, avoiding every handshake, smile, thumbs up, and congratulations thrown at him by his classmates. Finally he reached it, resting his head against the cool metal door, he let out a sigh. What the hell was he going to do. Rory would probably think he'd spread the rumor, and then she'd hate him all over again. Tristan's hands formed into fists at his sides, a determined look spreading across his face. He wasn't going to let that happen. He'd find Rory and tell her he hadn't done it. Then he'd find out who started the rumor and bash their face into a pulp. Tristan turned to go and look for Rory just as his friend John walked up to him.
"DuGrey, mate, congratulations, the King rises again!" John said, extending his hand for Tristan to shake.
Tristan looked at the accepting hand, then up at John. His expression was blank compared to his friend's enthusiastic one. Tristan ignored John's hand as he pushed past him to head up the hall.
"Hey man", came John's voice, " Aren't you at least going to tell me how she was. Nailing the Virgin Mary is a huge challenge. If you can do it, I shouldn't have a problem".
A wave of blind fury swept over Tristan at John's words. He spun around slamming John into the lockers.
"Don't you ever talk about Rory like that again", Tristan said through clenched teeth, " And if you ever touch her, speak to her, or even come within a ten meter radius of her, I won't make your life worth living for" Tristan said as he released John and stormed down the hall.
"You're a joke Tristan", John called out after him, " And your reputation is all bullshit!"
Tristan ignored him. All he wanted to do was get to Rory before the rumor did.
****** Rory got off the bus and started walking through the grounds of Chilton. Once inside, she headed down the halls towards her locker, blissfully unaware of the stares and smirks that were being thrown at her from every student she passed.
She felt refreshed and eager to start the day, a feeling she had the sneaking suspicion was partly due to.Tristan. Since last night, Rory's worries had all but disintegrated. She was over Dean. She wasn't going to 'wallow', not because she didn't want to, but because her new found strength prevented her to. Dean was the bad guy in all this and the world was on Rory's side. Nothing could harm her now, nothing could ruin her day.
The overhead speakers began to crackle as Principal Charleston's voice began to echo through the corridors.
"Good morning students. I have a very important announcement to make. I would like everybody to make their way to the main hall where a special assembly is being held. This assembly is compulsory and every student is to attend. Those who do not will find themselves in a lot of trouble. Please make your way to the hall now."
The students around Rory let out a groan as everyone began to make their way to the hall. Rory finished packing the books she'd need from her locker into her bag before joining the swarm of students walking to the assembly.
Tristan entered the hall that housed Rory's locker. He saw her juggling books and her bag when the announcement broke out over the speakers. He paused, listening to what the principal was saying. At the end, Tristan looked back to Rory, just spotting her before his eyes lost her to the crowd of students making their way to the hall. He began to rush after her, pushing through the mass of students, but it was no use.
Tristan turned into another empty corridor. It was a longer route to the hall, but if he hurried it would take him to the same entrance Rory was headed for and then, he might just catch her before she went into the assembly.
Rory neared a side entrance to the hall. She wondered what could be so important to hold an assembly for so early in the day, but if it meant that she'd miss biology, she didn't really mind.
As Rory started to walk through the entrance to the hall just in front of the stage, a hand grabbed her wrist and pulled her through another door that lead to the dressing rooms on the side.
"What the hell!" Rory said loudly in shock.
"Tristan covered her mouth with her hand to silence her." Ssshhh, it's me", he said, removing his hand.
"Tristan! What the hell are you doing? You scared the crap out of me!"
"I'm sorry, but I have to talk to you"
"Tristan, we're supposed to be sitting out there for the assembly, can't it wait?" Rory said turning to leave.
Tristan pulled her back. "No, its important.I have to tell you now, before it's too late." He said urgently.
"Too late? What, are you about to die or something? Come on, we'll get in trouble", she said as she started to walk to the door.
Tristan pulled her back again. "No, I'm not dieing, although you may want to kill me after I tell you this."
Rory's face suddenly became serious. " Why do I get the feeling I'm not going to like what you're about to tell me?"
"Because you won't".
"Tell me". Tristan remained silent. "Tristan tell me". Rory said more forcefully.
Tristan took a deep breathe. "There's a rumor going around the school that.that you and I..." Tristan lowered his voice to a whisper, " that we slept together at Madeline's party", he said, looking at his feet.
"What? Speak up, I can't here you." Replied Rory.
Tristan raised his voice a little, " There's a rumor going around the school that you and I slept together at Madeline's party"
"WHAT?" Screamed Rory. Tristan quickly moved over to Rory, putting his hand over her mouth, as she fell back against the closed door leading to the stage.
"Keep your voice down or someone will hear." Tristan didn't get a chance to finish his sentence as the door flew open causing Rory to tumble to the floor on the stage, Tristan landing on top of her. The sound of a large gasp came from within the hall before the entire student body of Chilton erupted in laughter.
Mr. Medina looked down at the two embarrassed students at his feet. "Stand up Mr. DuGrey and Miss Gilmore." He said sternly. Tristan and Rory picked themselves up off the floor. Both of their faces were stained with a deep red blush.
"Would you like to tell me what you two were doing in there?" Tristan and Rory both became extremely fascinated by their shoes." Well then perhaps instead you'd both like to give the talk about sex and it's consequences to the rest of the school". Tristan and Rory both looked up at Mr. Medina in Horror. Surely he hadn't heard the rumor.
"Sex and it's consequences?" Tristan asked.
"Yes, Miss Geller came to me and raised the issue about sexual education. She came up with the idea to hold this assembly.'
Tristan and Rory both looked over to where Paris was sitting on the stage. She looked back at them, a triumphant smirk spread across her face. It was at that moment that Tristan and Rory realized who had started the rumor.
A/N: I am sorry that it has taken me so long to update but I have been extremely busy and have lacked motivation. I hope you enjoyed this part and issue a challenge to all those that have read it. If you believe or want me to continue this then please, please review, I need to know that ppl are enjoying it. I can handle constructive criticism, so don't be shy. I reckon 7 reviews should motivate me enough to continue writing this. Thanx, Leela. (