Kings of Chilton

Disclaimer: I own zippo.

Rory closed her eyes, letting the cool wind sooth her emotions. Her face was damp, her eyes puffy and… she was scared. Biting her bottom lip, she stopped at the school's entrance, almost afraid to face what was to come. Her right hand was shaking, and she convinced herself it was from the cool autumn weather rather then her unwanted, and uncontrollable emotions. Pulling back the heavy doors, she graciously entered, and as if on cue, her eyes looked down to the gleaming floor… just as dozens of students looked up, just in time to witness the vulnerable state of the petite brunette.

She held back the tears, knowing full well that every move made… every sound produced, the entire student body would take notice. Not one came to comfort her… not one of her so-called friends came to help her… they didn't give a damn about her. About what she was feeling… about what she was going through. Gathering confidence from within, her head rose to meet one particular student, who looked on at the unfolding scene. He didn't display his usual teasing smile… his face was blank… but she could see it in his eyes, he was enjoying seeing her miserable.

Even with students gathered around her, and even the few who pretended to care… she couldn't feel more alone.

Lunch had arrived. Rory decided to take a stroll around the school grounds… she wanted to be alone to gather her thoughts. Hugging herself from the intensifying winds, she sauntered to a nearby bench. She didn't feel hungry… in fact; these past few days… she had little to no appetite. She couldn't stomach the thought of food, let alone the scent. She closed her eyes, enjoying the peacefulness that was the school garden. She was tired of the whispers behind her back, the pathetic looks given her way… she was just sick of it all.

 She hated herself for falling for him. She hated herself for being a wretched little baby… crying over a pathetic little boy.

"Can I sit?"

Rory turned her head slightly, meeting eyes with an almost sincere pair. "I don't think I have a choice, do I?"

The girl sat, and both were silent. The only sound heard were the whispering winds and the loud chatter of the student body enjoying their lunch period.

"You're going to get over this you know."

"I am over it," Rory muttered.

"No, you're not."

"Who are you? A fucking psychologist?"

She was shocked, almost left speechless. Never in her right mind did she hear Rory Gilmore use foul language.

"I'm trying to…"

"Whatever it is… don't try. I don't need to be pitied upon."

"I'm not pitying you Rory! God, I'm trying to help you."

"Well don't," Rory almost screamed.

The girl beside her laughed loudly "I would never have guessed you to be a poor, love stricken girl Rory. Never."

"I'm not," Rory sighed, "Look, it's complicated alright. You wouldn't…"

"Understand?"

"Yeah."

"Try me."

It was Rory's turn to laugh. "I won't waste my time."

"You don't need to, I'll do it for you. Let's see…" she paused "The reigning King of Chilton pursues you for god-knows how many weeks. You were a tough cookie… letting him down every chance you received. Then one faithful day… he finally manages to be civil toward you… even completes a good, noble task. And you reward him with a date. A few days later, you two are the talk of the school… and you, Rory Gilmore, instantly became the mighty Queen of Chilton. And don't lie to me when you tell me that you didn't like the attention… the benefits of being popular. I saw it in those pretty blue eyes of yours. Then, two weeks later, he dumps you. And you're all distraught over the damn thing because he said you were different right? That you were special. Guess again Rory, the guy will say anything… and I mean anything to get into your skirt," the girl smirked, noticing the effect the mini speech had on the brunette. 

Rory's face was buried in her hands, trying to comprehend what was just said. "You're right… congratulations Madeline."

"Look, I know what it's like. I've been there… it sucks. I know you hate him…"

"I don't hate him," Rory spoke in a low tone, almost afraid someone may overhear the conversation "I hate myself. For falling for his pathetic trap. I'm the talk of the whole school."

"That won't last. It never does."

"The way he broke up with me…" Rory's voice trembled, and she almost couldn't bring herself to say another word. "He didn't even have the decency to…"

"Look, ever since Tristan left… Jason's been strutting around this school like he owns the whole damn place. His head is as big as the fucking Empire State Building. He likes the attention he gets. He lives for it."

"He likes to see me suffer."

Madeline couldn't argue. "He likes to see everyone suffer but himself."

"I hate him. Why didn't I realize this sooner?" Rory asked herself more then she did Madeline.

"You learned the hard way Ror… just like every girl he's dated."

~

"DuGrey, you've got mail."

The teenager looked up from his work and nodded. He wiped his dirt-filled hands with the hem of his gray t-shirt and accepted the stack of letters from his roommate. Looking over the pile, he couldn't help but groan. Putting a hand to his now baldhead, one particular letter caught his eye.

He looked at it curiously. Why the hell would he be writing a letter to me? He tore it open and scanned the inside of the letter. He noticed that a picture was enclosed with the piece of paper. Taking the sheet of paper, he scanned over what was said and almost immediately; he could feel his blood boil… the anger he felt was indescribable.

DuGrey,

I've finally accomplished something you couldn't. I got the girl. You remember right? The girl you're crazy about. If you forgot, here's a little picture to remind you.

J.M.

Enclosed behind the letter was the picture. His hands were shaking from absolute hatred. His lips were trembling as he crumpled the letter in a tight ball, throwing the tiny ball into the garbage can quickly. He braced himself. Tristan held the picture in his hands… the back faced him as he was not yet ready to view the image. Inhaling quickly, he turned the picture around and his heart sunk.

The image was of Rory and Jason. She was sitting in his lap and she was laughing, as he looked to be whispering in her ear. Instead of discarding the image, he placed it on his bedside table. This picture, though it made his blood boil and angered him like no other… it gave him motivation.

Slowly, the blond and blue-eyed teenager smiled. Taking a piece of paper from his binder, he took hold of a blue pen and began to write.

First off, let me first say my congratulations. You now being king of Chilton and all. Man, isn't it great?

In case you're wondering, Military school is good. Learning tons.

But just to warn you, I'm ready to take back what's mine. Enjoy it while it lasts McPhee.

T.D.

--

I feel the need to rant. This spring break bites. sigh I've done nothing fun this week… since all of my friends are off to Florida, while I sit at home… rotting away. Sorry for being so gory.

Anyway, hi to my lovelies. I missed you all OH SO MUCH. =)

MzFreak