A Kiss, A blush, A Smirk, A Love
Leela Brown
Part Six
Hello again everyone! Those of you who have been following this story will be pleased to know that I have finally updated, however with this chapter brings a bit of bad news...the story is now ...finished. Yay! Sure did take me long enough hey. Ok, so I will stop babbling so that you can get on with reading the final chapter!
Chilton
Rory walked down the busy Chilton corridor towards her locker. The many death stares that were being shot at her by Tristan's admirers going un- noticed. She managed to reach her locker without serious injury and went about the impossible task of attempting to open the contraption.
"So, how was your suspension?" Rory inwardly groaned as the sound of Paris's voice made its annoying way into her ears. She plastered a huge smile on her face before turning to reply.
"Paris! It's so good to see you!" She said enthusiastically, throwing her arms around her in a friendly hug. Paris pushed herself back away from Rory, glaring sternly at her. "I had such a fantastic week off...kind of like a mini holiday! It was very relaxing and I feel much rejuvenated!"
Paris was slightly taken back by Rory's excitement at being suspended. "Well, I certainly wasn't expecting such a care free attitude to such a serious matter, especially from you."
"Well, what can I say Paris, there's more to life then school!" Rory replied simply.
"I just hope for your sake that Harvard will take being suspended as leisurely as you have." Paris said coldly. Rory's happy face faulted a little. The thought of her suspension affecting her entry into Harvard hadn't even crossed her mind. But then, she thought, heaps of kids have probably gotten suspended over trivial matters and have still been accepted into Ivy League schools. Rory wasn't going to let Paris play her using the Harvard card.
"Oh, I'm sure it won't cause a problem, and if it does mean I'm not accepted into Harvard, it's no big deal, there are plenty of other colleges to choose from." Rory said light heartedly.
Paris was annoyed that the suspension and even the mention of Rory not getting accepted to Harvard had so little affect on Rory. "Well don't even consider asking me for my notes so that you can catch up from last week." Paris said viciously.
"Paris, I wouldn't even consider it, your notes are never really very concise or complete anyway, so they probably wouldn't have really been of any help to me!" Rory replied sweetly. Paris grunted before walking away in a huff. Yep, this sure is gonna be fun! Rory thought to herself as she watched Paris storm down the hall, daring anyone to not move without getting knocked out with her steely glare.
Rory turned back to her locker placing the books she would not need until later inside. Smiling to herself, she slammed the door and began to head in the opposite direction to her home room.
Having finally managed to escape his friends and their endless questioning of how he had managed to nail the 'Virgin Mary', Tristan made his way down the busy corridor. He knew that this would happen, had predicted that as the rumor spread rapidly like quick fire through the gossiping halls of Chilton that his player status would be elevated to a new un-reachable high. After all, Tristan's reputation preceded him. He was the King; he could have anything and anyone he wanted. No one would think that he, Tristan Dugrey, player extraordinaire, could ever fall in love.
Tristan quickened his pace as he received more cheers and pats on the back from guys, and pouty looks from girls. He was desperate to see Rory, he needed the reassurance that after today's events, she would still be his. As he searched the faces of people that swarmed past him, he caught a glimpse of her, coffee-coloured hair lying loosely on her shoulders, and a beautiful smile spread across her fresh face. She was simply stunning, lost in her own little dream land, completely unaware of the leers and death- stares she was receiving from her fellow classmates, that she hadn't even noticed him.
Tristan's heart skipped a beat at the possibility that she was thinking of him. She was less than a few steps away from him now, yet she had still failed to even notice his presence. As she started passing him, Tristan grabbed her arm and pulled her into an empty classroom, closing the door behind them.
Rory had little time to get over the shock of being abruptly pulled into an empty classroom before she was pushed against the wall and attacked by a pair of lips on hers. Rory's eyes flew open wide in surprise only to be met by the crystal blue pools that were unmistakably Tristan's. Rory relaxed, circling her arms around his neck, allowing him to deepen the kiss.
After several minutes of pure passion, the need for oxygen finally caused Rory and Tristan to break apart. Tristan kissed the tip of Rory's button nose before leaning his forehead against her own.
"Good morning" Rory said sweetly, catching her breath.
"Yes, it is a very good morning" Tristan replied smiling down at the beautiful girl he held in her arms. "I think every morning would be good if it started like that!"
"Only good?" Rory asked coyly.
"Ok, great...fantastic...absolutely marvelous!" Tristan replied. Rory giggled and blushed as Tristan kissed her softly on her strawberry flavored lips.
"So...does this mean you're still mine?" He asked, a slight trace of uncertainty in his voice.
Rory smiled warmly at him, causing his heart to melt, 'I'll always be yours Tristan." Overwhelmed with happiness, Tristan swept Rory into yet another earth shattering kiss.
In the distance the bell to signal the start of school sounded, causing Tristan and Rory to pull themselves apart.
"So, are you ready?" Tristan asked smiling down at Rory.
"Ready for what?" Rory replied.
"For our big show-down with the evil dictator!"
"Oh, our revenge on Paris!" Rory said excitedly, "I'm ready and rearing to go!"
"Ok, so I suppose we had better get into character. Do you think you can pretend to hate me?"
"I think I should be able to pull it off...besides, I've had a lot of practice in the past, haven't I?" She said looking innocently at him.
"Come on Mary...you know that was all just an act and that you've secretly been in love with me since you first laid your pretty blue eyes on my well- toned body", Tristan replied, his old cocky smirk back on his face.
"You know", Rory started, "I'm beginning to remember just how big your ego really is! Come on, let's get this over and done with."
Rory opened the class room door and stormed out, Tristan hot on her heels.
"You are such an egotistical jerk Tristan!" Rory spat, fury clearly evident on her face. The students that had been making their way to their home rooms all paused in their travels to see the scene evolve in front of them. "Do you honestly think I'm going to be believe that you didn't spread that rumor, that it wasn't you who told all your jock mates that we 'did it' at Madeline's party. I must be the naïve girl every one thinks I am 'cause I didn't realize that a kiss these days is considered as sex!"
The vicious fury was evident in Rory's voice and her posture, and Tristan almost started believing that Rory wasn't in fact acting. But then he looked in her eyes and saw the pure love radiating out from them, making their charade a whole lot easier to handle.
"Rory, I swear to you that I didn't start that rumor. How many times do I have to apologize to you for something that I didn't even do?" Tristan tried to reason.
"Tristan you're a really shitty liar. I know you'd do anything to further your precious reputation. I know you think of me as some conquest, some piece of meat that you can have your way with and then discard like a piece of trash. Well I'm not that girl, Tristan, and I will never be that girl, not even if you were the last man on earth and the existence of humanity depended on it!" Rory spun on her heel and pushed roughly through the crowd of students that had gathered to witness the argument between the two.
Tristan called out to her, but got no reply. He glared at the students that remained staring at him before he pushed through and headed in the opposite way to Rory. Behind him, he heard the unmistakable cogs and wheels of the Chilton Gossip machine start up, and he knew that the news of his and Rory's fight, and the knowledge that the rumor was false would have spread through school by first period.
Rory sat by herself in the cafeteria trying to concentrate on her book, however the nervous flip flops of her stomach caused her to just stare blankly at the unfolded page in front of her. She checked her watch and gave a nervous jump. Any minute now Tristan would walk through the cafeteria doors and there would be no turning back.
She glanced over to Paris's usual table, double checking that she was there. Sure enough, there she was sitting with Madeline and Louise, lecturing them on something, probably study schedules and practice essays for college applications. Rory always wondered how the three had become friends. Paris, despite being the obvious ring–leader of the trio, was completely different to the other two stooges. She was serious and focused, whereas Maddeline and Louise were carefree and guy-hungry.
Rory shifted her gaze to the main entrance door of the cafeteria as Tristan walked in. A smile immediately lit her face, but she was forced to hide it again, shifting her attention back to the book in front of her.
Tristan walked into the cafeteria, excitement mixed with nervousness coursing through his body. He looked around for Rory, spotting her at her usual table reading. Forcing himself to look away he searched for Paris, finding her at a table not far away from Rory. It was go time.
Rory looked up, noticing a shadow had fallen across her, only to find Tristan staring intently down at her. He gave her a quick wink, which she returned. She took a deep breath before jumping into their roles.
"Go away Tristan." Rory said bluntly.
"No." He replied simply.
"I don't want to talk to you."
"Well that's too bad Rory, 'cause I need to talk to you, and for once you're going to listen."
Tristan and Rory were both acutely aware that they had become the focus of attention in the cafeteria. Rory glanced slightly in Paris's direction to make sure she was watching them. Confirming that she was, Rory stood up and made to leave, however Tristan grabbed her arm, pulling her back to face him.
"Let me go Tristan", Rory said frustrated, "There is nothing you could possibly tell me that would change what you did or said."
"What about the truth?"
"The truth! I'd be surprised to know that you even understand the meaning of the word" "Look Rory..." Tristan started as his anger begun to boil, "I didn't start that rumor, I didn't even tell anyone that we had kissed at that stupid party!"
"Yeah right, and I'm just supposed to believe that Tristan Dugrey, King of Chilton, didn't boast to his friends that he managed to get a kiss out of the girl that absolutely despises him?"
"Hey, you kissed me back!"
"Only because I was in shock and in a weird headspace. You took advantage of me!" Rory replied raising her voice.
"Oh come on Rory, I was there, I know you felt the same way I did about that kiss."
"Really?" Rory said in mock interest, "And what might that be Tristan?"
"That you have never had a kiss laced with so much need and want, with so much heat and passion, and that you couldn't imagine a kiss like that with any other person but me."
"Ladies and Gentleman, the ego has risen again!" Rory exclaimed. "For your information Tristan, the only thing I felt in that kiss was disgust with myself that it was you I was kissing!"
There was a low murmur from the crowd at the low blow Rory had just delivered to Tristan. If it hadn't been for the look in Rory's eyes, he may just have believed that what she said had been the truth.
"Why don't we talk about what this is really all about, Rory?"
"And what is this really about Tristan?"
"It's about the fact that you're scared?"
Rory gave a little laugh before replying, "I'm scared am I? And what am I supposed to be scared of?"
"You're scared of the real feelings you have for me", Tristan replied, "You're scared to admit to yourself that you like me, and that you wish you could find the courage to kiss me again."
"Tristan, the only thing I'm scared of is the possibility that your swelling ego will cause your head to explode", Rory replied seriously, as she turned to leave.
Tristan grabbed Rory's arm again, stopping her from leaving, "Oh no, we're not done here yet." Tristan said firmly.
"Tristan!" Rory said now completely infuriated, "You wouldn't know the first thing about feelings, or of being scared. You just prance around like a God, thinking you can say anything to get whatever it is you want, well that's not going to happen with me!" Rory yelled.
"I do know about being scared and I do know about feelings", Tristan said quietly but loud enough for their onlookers to hear. "Bullshit Tristan, you wouldn't know the first thing about how to treat a girl other than to think of her as some toy. You wouldn't know the first thing about being there for someone. You wouldn't know how scary it is at the thought of loosing them. You don't know the first thing about how to love someone".
"Yes I do Rory, I know about all those things". Tristan replied calmly, all evidence of frustration and anger evaporated.
"Oh you do?" Rory replied skeptically.
"Yes, and I have you to thank for it."
"Me, and what the hell have I done to make you open your eyes?" She replied mock-curiously.
"You walked in the door Rory...you walked in the door and I knew you were different. At first, I will admit, you were a game, but the more I went after you, the more I played my charms, the more you ignored me, and I began to become intrigued. You simply fascinated me!" Tristan said a smile creeping into his face, "I began to realize that you weren't like the other girls here, you weren't fake, you weren't vain and conceited, you were perfectly natural, beautiful both inside and outside...and I fell for you." Tristan picked up Rory's hands, holding on to them, he pulled her a little closer, "I love you Rory".
Another gasp erupted from the crowd, but Rory wasn't paying attention. She had been lost in Tristan's eyes the moment he had started talking, his words washing over her like a warm tide. She could see the love for her in his eyes, eyes full of honesty and emotion that drew her closer until their faces her mere centimeters apart. And then she was gone, lost in the moment Tristan's lips captured her own in a sweet, passionate kiss full of love and promise...a promise to always be there.
The crowd of students, and even a few teachers, that had been standing in awe watching the fight between the two erupted in applause and whistles. Only one person stood, disgusted at the display that had just played out in front of her. She had watched with hope and anticipation that Rory was going to tell Tristan to get stuffed, to walk away and hate him forever. Now, as she watched their continued snogging session, her blood began to boil. It wasn't supposed to be like this. It was supposed to be her and Tristan kissing, not Tristan and the small-hick-town-fairy-princess.
Her anger finally rising to above boiling point, Paris stormed over to the couple, pure fury burning in her eyes. She wrenched Rory away from Tristan, pushing her back so that Rory stumbled into a table.
"What the hell are you doing? You hate him! You're supposed to hate him! And you!" She said abruptly, spinning around to face Tristan, "You're not supposed to fall for her! You're not supposed to love her!" Paris spat out the word love as if it was sort of filth.
"Paris", Rory said coming up to her, "I think you need to calm down.
Paris spun back to face Rory. "Calm down?" She said descending on Rory, "You think I need to calm down? You know what I think Rory? I think you manipulate him! That's right. Everyone thinks your so innocent, so pure, little 'Virgin Mary', friend to everyone. But I know who you really are!"
Rory started to laugh as her attention was adverted to Tristan you had his finger to his head twirling it around suggesting that Paris was more than a little loony.
"You're laughing at me?" Paris said angrily
"No, Paris I'm not laughing at you" Rory replied, getting startled when she saw a flicker of pure evilness flicker through Paris eyes. However, she had not time to react before she was pushed to the ground and Paris's fists were starting to come at her from every direction.
Rory put her arms up to her face to protect herself, but no sooner than Paris had started her tirade, she was lifted of Rory by Tristan and two teachers. Tristan then pulled Rory to her feet, hugging her close to him.
"Are you alright?" He asked full of concern.
"Yeah I'm fine. I had no idea she'd flip out that badly."
"Neither did I. If I'd known she would attack you, I never would have gone through with it."
"Well it's ok, and besides it was worth", Rory said laughing again as she and Tristan looked over to where Paris was being restrained and escorted out of the cafeteria by two security guards, flailing her legs and arms around and yelling obscenities to Rory, Tristan, and just about everyone else in her near vicinity.
"I guess she finally cracked.' Rory said turning back to Tristan.
"Yeah, I'm surprised really." Tristan replied.
"Why?"
"Well Paris's meltdown is long overdue. I thought she was going to have it in grade five when our teacher gave her a B for trying too hard on a project. By the time Paris had finished with her, the teacher was in tears and quit the following day. But that was nothing compared to what we just witnessed!"
"Well, hopefully now she can get some help!" Rory replied as she looked into Tristan's eyes. "Did you mean what you said?"
"When?"
"When you said that... that you... loved me...did you mean it?" Rory asked again shyly.
"Tristan smile sincerely at the girl in his arms, "Yes I meant it."
"Good, that's good...I love you too" Rory said sincerely.
Tristan heart skipped a beat at her declaration. He never knew you could be filled with so much happiness you thought you would burst. He looked into her eyes and saw in them the love she had for him, and as he swept her into another kiss, he new that he would be there for her, that he would care about her, and that he would love her forever.
N/B Ok, so I have now finally finished! I hope you enjoyed reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it...apart from those times when I had writers block! Thank you to all of the faithful readers who have been there since the beginning, as well as the new comers, who have reviewed. You have know idea how much they meant to me and kept me motivated. Thanx again! (
Now the story has come to an end, and you know what you must do! It's time to click the little blue button and review, review, review!!!
Part Six
Hello again everyone! Those of you who have been following this story will be pleased to know that I have finally updated, however with this chapter brings a bit of bad news...the story is now ...finished. Yay! Sure did take me long enough hey. Ok, so I will stop babbling so that you can get on with reading the final chapter!
Chilton
Rory walked down the busy Chilton corridor towards her locker. The many death stares that were being shot at her by Tristan's admirers going un- noticed. She managed to reach her locker without serious injury and went about the impossible task of attempting to open the contraption.
"So, how was your suspension?" Rory inwardly groaned as the sound of Paris's voice made its annoying way into her ears. She plastered a huge smile on her face before turning to reply.
"Paris! It's so good to see you!" She said enthusiastically, throwing her arms around her in a friendly hug. Paris pushed herself back away from Rory, glaring sternly at her. "I had such a fantastic week off...kind of like a mini holiday! It was very relaxing and I feel much rejuvenated!"
Paris was slightly taken back by Rory's excitement at being suspended. "Well, I certainly wasn't expecting such a care free attitude to such a serious matter, especially from you."
"Well, what can I say Paris, there's more to life then school!" Rory replied simply.
"I just hope for your sake that Harvard will take being suspended as leisurely as you have." Paris said coldly. Rory's happy face faulted a little. The thought of her suspension affecting her entry into Harvard hadn't even crossed her mind. But then, she thought, heaps of kids have probably gotten suspended over trivial matters and have still been accepted into Ivy League schools. Rory wasn't going to let Paris play her using the Harvard card.
"Oh, I'm sure it won't cause a problem, and if it does mean I'm not accepted into Harvard, it's no big deal, there are plenty of other colleges to choose from." Rory said light heartedly.
Paris was annoyed that the suspension and even the mention of Rory not getting accepted to Harvard had so little affect on Rory. "Well don't even consider asking me for my notes so that you can catch up from last week." Paris said viciously.
"Paris, I wouldn't even consider it, your notes are never really very concise or complete anyway, so they probably wouldn't have really been of any help to me!" Rory replied sweetly. Paris grunted before walking away in a huff. Yep, this sure is gonna be fun! Rory thought to herself as she watched Paris storm down the hall, daring anyone to not move without getting knocked out with her steely glare.
Rory turned back to her locker placing the books she would not need until later inside. Smiling to herself, she slammed the door and began to head in the opposite direction to her home room.
Having finally managed to escape his friends and their endless questioning of how he had managed to nail the 'Virgin Mary', Tristan made his way down the busy corridor. He knew that this would happen, had predicted that as the rumor spread rapidly like quick fire through the gossiping halls of Chilton that his player status would be elevated to a new un-reachable high. After all, Tristan's reputation preceded him. He was the King; he could have anything and anyone he wanted. No one would think that he, Tristan Dugrey, player extraordinaire, could ever fall in love.
Tristan quickened his pace as he received more cheers and pats on the back from guys, and pouty looks from girls. He was desperate to see Rory, he needed the reassurance that after today's events, she would still be his. As he searched the faces of people that swarmed past him, he caught a glimpse of her, coffee-coloured hair lying loosely on her shoulders, and a beautiful smile spread across her fresh face. She was simply stunning, lost in her own little dream land, completely unaware of the leers and death- stares she was receiving from her fellow classmates, that she hadn't even noticed him.
Tristan's heart skipped a beat at the possibility that she was thinking of him. She was less than a few steps away from him now, yet she had still failed to even notice his presence. As she started passing him, Tristan grabbed her arm and pulled her into an empty classroom, closing the door behind them.
Rory had little time to get over the shock of being abruptly pulled into an empty classroom before she was pushed against the wall and attacked by a pair of lips on hers. Rory's eyes flew open wide in surprise only to be met by the crystal blue pools that were unmistakably Tristan's. Rory relaxed, circling her arms around his neck, allowing him to deepen the kiss.
After several minutes of pure passion, the need for oxygen finally caused Rory and Tristan to break apart. Tristan kissed the tip of Rory's button nose before leaning his forehead against her own.
"Good morning" Rory said sweetly, catching her breath.
"Yes, it is a very good morning" Tristan replied smiling down at the beautiful girl he held in her arms. "I think every morning would be good if it started like that!"
"Only good?" Rory asked coyly.
"Ok, great...fantastic...absolutely marvelous!" Tristan replied. Rory giggled and blushed as Tristan kissed her softly on her strawberry flavored lips.
"So...does this mean you're still mine?" He asked, a slight trace of uncertainty in his voice.
Rory smiled warmly at him, causing his heart to melt, 'I'll always be yours Tristan." Overwhelmed with happiness, Tristan swept Rory into yet another earth shattering kiss.
In the distance the bell to signal the start of school sounded, causing Tristan and Rory to pull themselves apart.
"So, are you ready?" Tristan asked smiling down at Rory.
"Ready for what?" Rory replied.
"For our big show-down with the evil dictator!"
"Oh, our revenge on Paris!" Rory said excitedly, "I'm ready and rearing to go!"
"Ok, so I suppose we had better get into character. Do you think you can pretend to hate me?"
"I think I should be able to pull it off...besides, I've had a lot of practice in the past, haven't I?" She said looking innocently at him.
"Come on Mary...you know that was all just an act and that you've secretly been in love with me since you first laid your pretty blue eyes on my well- toned body", Tristan replied, his old cocky smirk back on his face.
"You know", Rory started, "I'm beginning to remember just how big your ego really is! Come on, let's get this over and done with."
Rory opened the class room door and stormed out, Tristan hot on her heels.
"You are such an egotistical jerk Tristan!" Rory spat, fury clearly evident on her face. The students that had been making their way to their home rooms all paused in their travels to see the scene evolve in front of them. "Do you honestly think I'm going to be believe that you didn't spread that rumor, that it wasn't you who told all your jock mates that we 'did it' at Madeline's party. I must be the naïve girl every one thinks I am 'cause I didn't realize that a kiss these days is considered as sex!"
The vicious fury was evident in Rory's voice and her posture, and Tristan almost started believing that Rory wasn't in fact acting. But then he looked in her eyes and saw the pure love radiating out from them, making their charade a whole lot easier to handle.
"Rory, I swear to you that I didn't start that rumor. How many times do I have to apologize to you for something that I didn't even do?" Tristan tried to reason.
"Tristan you're a really shitty liar. I know you'd do anything to further your precious reputation. I know you think of me as some conquest, some piece of meat that you can have your way with and then discard like a piece of trash. Well I'm not that girl, Tristan, and I will never be that girl, not even if you were the last man on earth and the existence of humanity depended on it!" Rory spun on her heel and pushed roughly through the crowd of students that had gathered to witness the argument between the two.
Tristan called out to her, but got no reply. He glared at the students that remained staring at him before he pushed through and headed in the opposite way to Rory. Behind him, he heard the unmistakable cogs and wheels of the Chilton Gossip machine start up, and he knew that the news of his and Rory's fight, and the knowledge that the rumor was false would have spread through school by first period.
Rory sat by herself in the cafeteria trying to concentrate on her book, however the nervous flip flops of her stomach caused her to just stare blankly at the unfolded page in front of her. She checked her watch and gave a nervous jump. Any minute now Tristan would walk through the cafeteria doors and there would be no turning back.
She glanced over to Paris's usual table, double checking that she was there. Sure enough, there she was sitting with Madeline and Louise, lecturing them on something, probably study schedules and practice essays for college applications. Rory always wondered how the three had become friends. Paris, despite being the obvious ring–leader of the trio, was completely different to the other two stooges. She was serious and focused, whereas Maddeline and Louise were carefree and guy-hungry.
Rory shifted her gaze to the main entrance door of the cafeteria as Tristan walked in. A smile immediately lit her face, but she was forced to hide it again, shifting her attention back to the book in front of her.
Tristan walked into the cafeteria, excitement mixed with nervousness coursing through his body. He looked around for Rory, spotting her at her usual table reading. Forcing himself to look away he searched for Paris, finding her at a table not far away from Rory. It was go time.
Rory looked up, noticing a shadow had fallen across her, only to find Tristan staring intently down at her. He gave her a quick wink, which she returned. She took a deep breath before jumping into their roles.
"Go away Tristan." Rory said bluntly.
"No." He replied simply.
"I don't want to talk to you."
"Well that's too bad Rory, 'cause I need to talk to you, and for once you're going to listen."
Tristan and Rory were both acutely aware that they had become the focus of attention in the cafeteria. Rory glanced slightly in Paris's direction to make sure she was watching them. Confirming that she was, Rory stood up and made to leave, however Tristan grabbed her arm, pulling her back to face him.
"Let me go Tristan", Rory said frustrated, "There is nothing you could possibly tell me that would change what you did or said."
"What about the truth?"
"The truth! I'd be surprised to know that you even understand the meaning of the word" "Look Rory..." Tristan started as his anger begun to boil, "I didn't start that rumor, I didn't even tell anyone that we had kissed at that stupid party!"
"Yeah right, and I'm just supposed to believe that Tristan Dugrey, King of Chilton, didn't boast to his friends that he managed to get a kiss out of the girl that absolutely despises him?"
"Hey, you kissed me back!"
"Only because I was in shock and in a weird headspace. You took advantage of me!" Rory replied raising her voice.
"Oh come on Rory, I was there, I know you felt the same way I did about that kiss."
"Really?" Rory said in mock interest, "And what might that be Tristan?"
"That you have never had a kiss laced with so much need and want, with so much heat and passion, and that you couldn't imagine a kiss like that with any other person but me."
"Ladies and Gentleman, the ego has risen again!" Rory exclaimed. "For your information Tristan, the only thing I felt in that kiss was disgust with myself that it was you I was kissing!"
There was a low murmur from the crowd at the low blow Rory had just delivered to Tristan. If it hadn't been for the look in Rory's eyes, he may just have believed that what she said had been the truth.
"Why don't we talk about what this is really all about, Rory?"
"And what is this really about Tristan?"
"It's about the fact that you're scared?"
Rory gave a little laugh before replying, "I'm scared am I? And what am I supposed to be scared of?"
"You're scared of the real feelings you have for me", Tristan replied, "You're scared to admit to yourself that you like me, and that you wish you could find the courage to kiss me again."
"Tristan, the only thing I'm scared of is the possibility that your swelling ego will cause your head to explode", Rory replied seriously, as she turned to leave.
Tristan grabbed Rory's arm again, stopping her from leaving, "Oh no, we're not done here yet." Tristan said firmly.
"Tristan!" Rory said now completely infuriated, "You wouldn't know the first thing about feelings, or of being scared. You just prance around like a God, thinking you can say anything to get whatever it is you want, well that's not going to happen with me!" Rory yelled.
"I do know about being scared and I do know about feelings", Tristan said quietly but loud enough for their onlookers to hear. "Bullshit Tristan, you wouldn't know the first thing about how to treat a girl other than to think of her as some toy. You wouldn't know the first thing about being there for someone. You wouldn't know how scary it is at the thought of loosing them. You don't know the first thing about how to love someone".
"Yes I do Rory, I know about all those things". Tristan replied calmly, all evidence of frustration and anger evaporated.
"Oh you do?" Rory replied skeptically.
"Yes, and I have you to thank for it."
"Me, and what the hell have I done to make you open your eyes?" She replied mock-curiously.
"You walked in the door Rory...you walked in the door and I knew you were different. At first, I will admit, you were a game, but the more I went after you, the more I played my charms, the more you ignored me, and I began to become intrigued. You simply fascinated me!" Tristan said a smile creeping into his face, "I began to realize that you weren't like the other girls here, you weren't fake, you weren't vain and conceited, you were perfectly natural, beautiful both inside and outside...and I fell for you." Tristan picked up Rory's hands, holding on to them, he pulled her a little closer, "I love you Rory".
Another gasp erupted from the crowd, but Rory wasn't paying attention. She had been lost in Tristan's eyes the moment he had started talking, his words washing over her like a warm tide. She could see the love for her in his eyes, eyes full of honesty and emotion that drew her closer until their faces her mere centimeters apart. And then she was gone, lost in the moment Tristan's lips captured her own in a sweet, passionate kiss full of love and promise...a promise to always be there.
The crowd of students, and even a few teachers, that had been standing in awe watching the fight between the two erupted in applause and whistles. Only one person stood, disgusted at the display that had just played out in front of her. She had watched with hope and anticipation that Rory was going to tell Tristan to get stuffed, to walk away and hate him forever. Now, as she watched their continued snogging session, her blood began to boil. It wasn't supposed to be like this. It was supposed to be her and Tristan kissing, not Tristan and the small-hick-town-fairy-princess.
Her anger finally rising to above boiling point, Paris stormed over to the couple, pure fury burning in her eyes. She wrenched Rory away from Tristan, pushing her back so that Rory stumbled into a table.
"What the hell are you doing? You hate him! You're supposed to hate him! And you!" She said abruptly, spinning around to face Tristan, "You're not supposed to fall for her! You're not supposed to love her!" Paris spat out the word love as if it was sort of filth.
"Paris", Rory said coming up to her, "I think you need to calm down.
Paris spun back to face Rory. "Calm down?" She said descending on Rory, "You think I need to calm down? You know what I think Rory? I think you manipulate him! That's right. Everyone thinks your so innocent, so pure, little 'Virgin Mary', friend to everyone. But I know who you really are!"
Rory started to laugh as her attention was adverted to Tristan you had his finger to his head twirling it around suggesting that Paris was more than a little loony.
"You're laughing at me?" Paris said angrily
"No, Paris I'm not laughing at you" Rory replied, getting startled when she saw a flicker of pure evilness flicker through Paris eyes. However, she had not time to react before she was pushed to the ground and Paris's fists were starting to come at her from every direction.
Rory put her arms up to her face to protect herself, but no sooner than Paris had started her tirade, she was lifted of Rory by Tristan and two teachers. Tristan then pulled Rory to her feet, hugging her close to him.
"Are you alright?" He asked full of concern.
"Yeah I'm fine. I had no idea she'd flip out that badly."
"Neither did I. If I'd known she would attack you, I never would have gone through with it."
"Well it's ok, and besides it was worth", Rory said laughing again as she and Tristan looked over to where Paris was being restrained and escorted out of the cafeteria by two security guards, flailing her legs and arms around and yelling obscenities to Rory, Tristan, and just about everyone else in her near vicinity.
"I guess she finally cracked.' Rory said turning back to Tristan.
"Yeah, I'm surprised really." Tristan replied.
"Why?"
"Well Paris's meltdown is long overdue. I thought she was going to have it in grade five when our teacher gave her a B for trying too hard on a project. By the time Paris had finished with her, the teacher was in tears and quit the following day. But that was nothing compared to what we just witnessed!"
"Well, hopefully now she can get some help!" Rory replied as she looked into Tristan's eyes. "Did you mean what you said?"
"When?"
"When you said that... that you... loved me...did you mean it?" Rory asked again shyly.
"Tristan smile sincerely at the girl in his arms, "Yes I meant it."
"Good, that's good...I love you too" Rory said sincerely.
Tristan heart skipped a beat at her declaration. He never knew you could be filled with so much happiness you thought you would burst. He looked into her eyes and saw in them the love she had for him, and as he swept her into another kiss, he new that he would be there for her, that he would care about her, and that he would love her forever.
N/B Ok, so I have now finally finished! I hope you enjoyed reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it...apart from those times when I had writers block! Thank you to all of the faithful readers who have been there since the beginning, as well as the new comers, who have reviewed. You have know idea how much they meant to me and kept me motivated. Thanx again! (
Now the story has come to an end, and you know what you must do! It's time to click the little blue button and review, review, review!!!