Trapped

By: Meagan

Email: crazy_sparkleness@yahoo.com

Rating: PG-13…just because I can…

Disclaimer: You know the drill…not mine…read the one from part 1…

Paring: R/J/T/C and L/L

Summary: The continuation from part 1…read that first…

Note: Just read the one from part 1…italics is used for thinking…reviews are like money to me…only…real hard cash is much more satisfying…*sigh*…but I have none so that leaves me with just reviews…so make them worth while…

~~~Chilton~~~

Chloe silently walked out and let the door noiselessly shut behind Tristan. They walked a few steps so that they were outside the office. As soon as the door closed behind Chloe, she turned to face the mysterious young man next to her. She wondered if this was the same guy that Rory told her about in the car. He looks like her description and has the same last name…but she said he was overconfident and had a major ego problem…this can't be him…or can it…

"So, are you going to introduce yourself or are you just going to stay the mysterious boy that I have to help at school?" Chloe had moved so she standing directly next to him. She smiled brightly.

He half smirked but then looked ashamed and frowned. "My name is Tristan. Tristan DuGrey. Since you are new here you probably have no idea who I am. That is a good thing. I am not to proud of my past." He cast his eyes down and continued to work toward their lockers.

"Well then you won't be too happy to hear that I have already heard a lot about you from the one other person that I know here. She told me about you on the way here. So I do know about your past. At least, what I heard from Rory…" Chloe was interrupted once she mentioned her informant.

"You talked to Rory? Rory Gilmore?" Tristan was more alert than he had been all day. Chloe could see panic in his eyes.

"Um…yeah. I didn't think there was any other girl with her name at this school."

"Oh. There isn't. I was just making sure I hadn't heard wrong." Tristan was still tense. They made it to their lockers and silently opened them. "So, what did she say about me? Was it all bad?" He smirked again. This time, though, he didn't catch himself. Chloe saw that as a good sign.

"Well, she said that you called her Mary and teased her all the time. Then she went on about how you tried to pick a fight with her boyfriend. She told me pretty much about all the interaction you two had. When you guys decided to have you date Paris, when that didn't work, and when you said that you still weren't over Summer. Then there was the whole Romeo and Juliet deal. You breaking into a safe and getting sent to Military school. Smart move I might add. Oh yeah, and about all those you girls she saw you kissing in front of her locker." She smiled at him. He looked down the hall at all the people staring.

"Well, I guess that is all she would tell you. I am not surprised. I bet she also mentioned that she said she hated me that day she got back together with Bag Boy. I had tried to get her to go to a concert with me and ended up just giving the tickets to a cousin of mine." He tried to look calm and unaffected by the memory but Chloe was smarter than that.

"Just between you and me, you don't fool me at all. I see through your little mask and defense wall you try to hide behind. Well, it doesn't work on me. Plus, I have an older brother that is now in college so I know all about teenage guys and their facades when dealing with girls. I have seen them all considering my house was the main hangout for my brother and his friends. My room was just off the living room so I had a good spot for eavesdropping." She took her turn to smirk.

"What does that supposed to mean?" Tristan was a little annoyed at where the conversation was going and how Chloe was being so vague.

"I know that you like her. All that 1st grade teasing when you like the person gave it away. You tried to make her jealous but it didn't quite work. But you do know that she doesn't really hate you, right?" Chloe looked at Tristan quizzically.

"That is what you think." That was his only answer as he headed in the direction of their first class. What they didn't know was that it was the same class that Rory, Paris, Madeline, and Louise had.

Chloe sighed and rolled her eyes. She reluctantly followed. As she came up behind him, she took his backpack from its precarious position on his shoulder. He glared at her for a moment and then let it pass. She opened the door for him. As soon as he was in the doorframe he saw the others in the room. He saw Rory's mouth drop open. He did his best and suppressed a smirk. He paid no attention to any of the other's reactions. He went up to the teacher's desk with Chloe close behind.

"Hello Mrs. Hamilton. It is nice to see you again. Is there a particular spot you wish us to sit?" Chloe was impressed by the way Tristan could be so suave.

"Well, hello to you too Tristan. I see that you managed to get yourself out of Military school." She motioned to the crutches. "How did that happen? Did you happen to slip while training?" She smiled.

"You could say that."

"You two are sitting in the two chairs in the back closest to the door. Tristan, you get the one right next to the door. Chloe, you have the one next to his. You can ask a classmate for notes and such." She turned back to her grade book to indicate that they were to go to their seats.

Chloe shifted the weight of the two backpacks on her shoulder as she trudged to her seat in the back. She could feel the heat of all the eyes in the room on her and Tristan. He showed no sign that it bothered him. Yeah, well, he used to deal with that all the time. You my friend are new to this. Chloe sighed and tried her best to keep her cool. No way were some snobby rich kids going to get to her. She would just have to be strong.

Tristan sat down in his chair and stared at the ceiling. Chloe plopped down in her chair and placed Tristan's backpack at his feet. He faced her and weakly smiled. She smiled back and began to open her backpack. She felt a tap on her back so she turned around to come face to face with Rory.

"What you are doing helping him?" She hissed. "What is he doing back?"

Chloe couldn't help smirk. This is going to be fun going to school here. I am glad we moved… "He got injured at Military school so he got sent back here. The Headmaster thought it would be a good idea if we got pretty much the same schedule so we could help each other. He helps me find my way around school and I help him get from class to class. Plus, we can help each other catch up on schoolwork. If there are any projects to do with partners, then we will automatically be partners. It will be easier that way. That is what Headmaster Charleston said."

Rory was silent. Chloe raised her eyebrow in confusion. "Did I make you speechless or what?"

Rory shook her head. "No, it's just that I am still in shock from the fact that he is back. I didn't think this day would ever come."

Chloe smiled knowingly. "But did you want it to come?"

Rory's eyes grew big. "What do you mean by that?"

Chloe smiled even brighter. "Just think about it." She turned back to her backpack and got out her binder. She started to organize it according to her schedule.

While the two girls were talking, Tristan was deep in thought. How did I end up back here? I had thought that I had left this place for good. I am tired of putting on a costume and an act to just please everyone here. It is just too fake. Rory was the only one that didn't sell out. But she didn't like me. She even said she hated me at one time. Even when she apologized, there had to be a reason for her to say it in the first place. He sighed. He had to stop thinking about her. He had moved on and was ready the live his life without obsessing over her.

He glanced over at Chloe and caught Paris's eye. I wonder what Paris thinks about me being back. Bet she still hates Rory. That will never change. At least I don't have to worry about one of those fake girls having to help me. Chloe seems all right. She actually might be the only other one besides Rory not to sell out to the fakeness of this school. As long as she doesn't keep bugging me about Rory then I think we might actually be able to get along.

Just then Madeline and Louise walked into the classroom. They immediately saw Tristan and their jaws dropped.

 "What are you doing back?!" Madeline was obviously confused, again!

Tristan smirked and Rory frowned at that. "I got off for good behavior." Louise looked skeptically and motioned to the crutches and leg cast. He just sheepishly grinned. "Oh, that. Yeah, I broke my leg so they had to send my home. What can I say, I wasn't meant for physical training military style." Yet inside, he thought that that was where he actually belonged. He inwardly sighed.

"What a shame. Now we have to deal with you again." Louise teased. Both girls sat down in their chairs as the rest of the class started to come in. Many saw Tristan and the new girl and raised their eyebrows. Whispering was heard throughout the class. Just then the late bell rang and the teacher cleared her throat.

"As you have all observed, Tristan DuGrey is back. Also, we have a new student. Her name is Chloe Connelly and she is going to be helping Tristan get around." She paused slightly and then started her lecture. Chloe busily took notes along with the rest of the class. Then Mrs. Hamilton announced a project for pairs. "The pairs will be girl/boy so don't try to whine your way out of it. The pairs will be…"

Chloe stopped listening because she knew that she would be partners with Tristan. She faintly heard the teacher say "…Tristan and Chloe…" before focusing on the packet of papers in front of her. It was one of those 'Get to know the other person' type of assignment. There was the usual interview part but also a day visit and, if the parents signed a permission slip, a weekend stay to take the place of the day visit. Chloe smiled. Having Tristan visit her in Stars Hollow could prove to be quite interesting and entertaining…

The rest of the day up to lunch went by fast. Soon Chloe found herself sitting at a table surrounded by Paris, Louise, Rory, and Madeline. They were asking her questions a mile a minute.

"Are you really going to spend a whole weekend at his house?!" Paris was mostly over her crush on Tristan but she still thought that it should have been her to be in Chloe's spot.

Chloe looked like a deer trapped in headlights. She just wanted to eat her lunch in peace. Just then, Tristan came up to them. "Hey, do you think that I could talk to my partner for a few? We got arrangements to make." He slightly smirked and Rory didn't frown, she smiled. It is actually nice to see him smirk. Like, I missed it or something. Weird… Rory shrugged it off as she moved down a seat to give Tristan some room.

"Thank you." He smiled and turned to Chloe. "So, about all our projects. We already have two with still two classes to go. Well, one that we have together. How should we work this?"

"Well, we can try to get it all done in the next two weekends and do everything then." Chloe suggested.

Tristan smiled. "So then you think your parents would approve of the me spending a weekend at your house and vice versa?"

Chloe nodded. "I don't see why not. Plus, it helps with extra credit. I am thinking that might be a good thing to shot for."

Tristan nodded. "So do I. So we spend the next two weekends just doing homework and our projects. What fun. So we got the 'Get to know one another' project and the English project. Is that it so far?"

"Yup. The only other class we have together is French. I doubt that we will have a project to do in that class but you never know." Chloe turned her attention back to the sandwich in front of her. Tristan sighed and followed her example. He did his best to ignore the whispering next to him.

"Does this creep you out? I never thought that he would come back, ever!" Rory whispered to Paris.

"Hmph! Like I care. If you don't give him too much attention then maybe he won't get another inflated ego." She whispered back. Before there could be anymore talking/whispering, the lunch bell rang. Chloe stood up and put her backpack on her left shoulder while placing Tristan's on her right. He reluctantly stood up and started toward the door. Chloe followed behind him, ignoring all the looks she was receiving.

Rory sighed and grabbed her backpack. As much as she wanted to think more about recent events, she had a big test in Latin to concentrate on. She felt the eyes following her but she didn't let them get to her. She was used to them. Paris followed her out. She couldn't shake the feeling of excitement with the prospect of having one more class with Chloe and Tristan. Why should I be so interested in this new gossip? I don't care for gossip and I am getting over Tristan. She shook her head trying to clear her thoughts.

The next class period went by quickly and soon it was the last class of the day.

"So, how was having to go to a class without me? Did you miss me?" Tristan teased Chloe as soon as she had his backpack secure on her shoulder.

She fake grinned back at him. "Oh, that was totally how it was. I missed you so much that I couldn't concentrate on anything. I almost got caught three times."

Tristan smirked. "Now, I was hoping I would have that kind of effect on you."

She slapped his arm. "I wouldn't get so cocky if I was you. Apparently whatever happened that broke your leg also shook your head enough to make you forget how to recognize sarcasm. I pity you if you really do take what comes out of my mouth seriously. That can be dangerous." Tristan raised his eyebrows in a confused way. She sighed as she opened the door to French for him.

"I tend to be sarcastic a lot. Get used to it. It is rare for me to be serious. And those moments usually last for only a few minutes. Too much sugar I guess." Before she could continue, the teacher appeared in front of them.

"Allô! It is nice to see you again Monsieur DuGrey. And you must be Madame Connelly. You two are to sit in the back two seats. You will notice that there is a packet on each of yours desks. There is to be a project due in two weeks. The rest of the class got their packets last week." With that final statement, she went back to her desk.

Chloe looked over at Tristan. He raised his eyebrow and smirked. " 'I doubt that we will have a project to do in that class' huh? Right." He rolled his eyes. Chloe glared at him.

"So I was a little wrong. But that wasn't all I said. I did end with 'but you never know.' I knew that there was a chance. And when there is a small chance, anything can happen." She dropped his backpack next to his chair and proceeded to open her packet. Tristan tapped her on her shoulder once he saw her reaction to the contents of the packet.

"Is it that bad?"

"Not really. Just thinking about all we have to get done in so little time. I just hope that my perfectionism doesn't make it harder than it should be."

"You are a perfectionist? You make it sound like a really bad thing."

Chloe weakly smiled. "Well, when you add it to my procrastinating nature then you have a problem. I wait until the last minute but it still has to be really good. I am surprised I haven't made myself sick yet." Tristan laughed. Chloe glared. "I didn't think it was that funny."

"It wasn't. Just wanted to see how you would react." Before they could continue their conversation, the rest of the class filed into the room and class began. Paris watched with hawk eyes from her position on the other side of the room. Luckily for her, Madame Warner had that class set aside as a work period. She had most of what she could do in class already done so she just contemplated Chloe, Tristan, Rory, and herself. I wonder what those two are talking about. I saw the way he tried to keep from smirking this morning. But now, he is acting close to normal. Ok, so I don't know how close to normal because he hasn't even talked to me at all today but that is beside the point. My theory, he was changed at Military school and didn't want to go back to his old ways. That meant no more smirking. Yet somehow, someway, Chloe has gotten him to relax and act like he is more comfortable with his surroundings.

She tried to listen to what they were saying. All she got was a faint giggle and then more sounds of everyone else working. She sighed. It is a good thing I am over him. I don't think I could have handled it if he chose Chloe over me when she just got here. New theory, Tristan is trying to get over Rory. He most likely realized that there was little or no chance of him getting her so he is trying to forget about his crush on her. Another reason the no smirk. He is ashamed of how he treated her and the smirk signifies the old him. I kind of missed that smirk. But now it is different. It is nicer, not as cruel. And more sincere. Like he isn't using it to put on an act. Like he is being true to himself. She shook her head once more. Sometimes it didn't help to be so smart and be a thinker. Her head started to throb. She needed some Advil.

Back with Chloe and Tristan, they were trying to figure out all the requirements of the French project. Unfortunately, Madame Warner had put it all in French so they had to translate it. Lucky for them, Chloe had a personal translator with her. They had finally made it to the last requirement. Tristan read it out loud softly while trying to translate it. Chloe, at the same time, tried to translate it using the French-English-French Dictionary part of her translator. She was getting close. She could almost taste success.

"Carte taille is…um…"

"Board size." Tristan supplied.

"I was getting there. Ok, that is right. Now what does dix pouce par quatoze pouce maximale mean?" Chloe looked up at Tristan. He shook his head. Her eyes grew big. "Oh, oops. Guess it has been awhile since I have done this. Ok, so the board can be 10 inches by 14 inches max. I so can't wait to start!" Chloe said the last line dripping with sarcasm. Tristan chuckled.

"Are you sure you aren't a blonde?" Tristan motioned to her light brown/red hair.

"Hardy har har. That is so funny. Not! Well, my hair was blonde until I was about 4. Then it slowly turned the color you see it today. Much to my relief as well. I like blonde jokes but it would totally ruin the effect if I was a blonde." She smiled. Just then the bell rang. Everyone immediately started packing up his or her things to go home.

Once Chloe had reached her locker, Tristan spook up. "So, do you think we should get together sometime before this weekend. There seems to be a lot of work ahead of us. I don't think we will have enough time over the weekends to do it all."

Chloe nodded gloomily. "Maybe we should go to someone's house everyday after school. Even if we don't work on one of the projects then at least we could help each other with our other homework."

Tristan agreed. "Good idea. Now whose house should we go to?"

"I don't know about yours but mine is ok. We may be just moving in but we move in fast. The house looks like we have had a week to unpack. My room was done in less than a day. Or would you rather we go to your house?"

"No! Um, I just think it might be easier to go to your house. Plus, I can never tell when my parents might have some little get together planned. I don't think you would like to have to walk into one not knowing it was going on." Tristan was having a little trouble putting books into his backpack so Chloe intervened. "Thanks."

"Anytime. So then it is settled. We meet at my house. Oh, how do you get to school and how would you get to my house?"

"Jeffrey brings me and then picks me up. I guess I would have him drop me off at your house and then pick me up when we were done. It would be easier if we had a predetermined time to end." Tristan then stared at the lockers as he thought.

Chloe snapped her fingers in front of his face. "I have a better idea. My mom is going to let me take her car to and from school everyday. It would be easier if you come with me to my house and then have Jeffrey pick you up at, say, 7 pm. Or do you have a different time in mind?"

Tristan shook his head. "Seven sounds fine for now. I guess your idea makes sense." Chloe's eyes widened. "Ok, it is a wonderful idea. Do we want to start today because then I would have to tell Jeffrey and give him directions to your house."

Chloe nodded. "Oh, but I came with Rory today. I don't think she would mind if she had one more passenger. Here she comes. Let me ask her."

Tristan tried to stop her but wasn't fast enough.

"Hey Rory. I have a question for you. Do you think you could give not only me but Tristan as well a ride to my house?"

Rory looked a little taken back but didn't let it affect her speech. "I don't see why not. I have to get something from Paris so I will meet you at the Jeep?" Chloe nodded as Rory hurried off the Franklin office.

Chloe turned to Tristan. "Ready?" He nodded and they went out to the school parking lot. Chloe leaned against the passenger door as they waited for Rory. Her bangs, which she was growing out, fell into her face. She brushed them away. As she looked over at the school door, she saw Rory rushing out.

"Sorry! Let's go." Rory unlocked the doors and hopped in. Chloe placed her pack on the floor and passed Tristan's to his place in the back seat. The ride was silent all the way to Stars Hollow.

­

~~~Stars Hollow~~~

Rory slowly parked in front of the Connelly household. Chloe opened her door and stepped out. She took Tristan's backpack as he got out of the car.

"So, do you need me to take you to school tomorrow?" Rory asked Chloe.

"Nah. My mom is letting me drive her car. See you in class tomorrow." She waved as Rory pulled out of the driveway.

Chloe led the way to her front door. She turned to face Tristan. "Marissa, my little sister, should be getting home soon. My mom and dad both work and they won't be home until 5:30. I will just call them and tell them the game plan." She unlocked the door and led Tristan into the living room. She walked over to the phone and called her mom's office.

"Hey mom…I have a friend over, is that okay?…we both started today and have basically the same schedule…yup…we are partners in most of them…the French one can be done in partners so that is just easier on us…he will be coming over after school everyday until 7, unless that is a bad time…MOM!…ok…I'll tell him…Mom…fine, no going into to my room…oh…I think I hear Marissa…see you later tonight…love you too…'kay." Chloe hung up the phone and sighed loudly. She turned to Tristan. "Do you want anything to drink?"

"A coke would be nice." He sat down on the couch and opened his backpack. He placed his binder on the coffee table. He searched through to see what homework he had and what had to be turned in the next day. Only at Chilton would they expect you to have homework you were just given done in one night. It didn't even matter if the other students had more time. They expect us all to be overachievers…

Just then, the door flew open as Marissa came in. "Lucy, I'm home." From the kitchen, Chloe's reply could be heard. "In here Ricky!" Marissa giggled.

She dropped her bag on the floor and placed her coat on the rack. She then picked up her bag and walked into the living room in hopes of going up to her room to do her homework. As soon as she entered the room she stopped in her tracks.

"Lucy, what you doing with another man in the house? I thought we went through this before. I am very disappointed in you." Marissa was smiling. Tristan looked up with wide eyes. Chloe came in with two drinks and a huge grin.

"Oh Ricky, you know I can't help myself." The two girls fell into a fit of giggles. Chloe placed the drinks on the table next to the couch arm. She tried to control her breathing but failed miserably. She sat on the floor in hopes that would help. Tristan couldn't help but look helplessly confused as he watched the Connelly girls laugh at him. Soon, they were breathing normal.

Tristan took this chance to ask what had gotten into them. "I didn't think it was that funny. Why were you guys laughing so hard?"

Chloe grinned. "It was the look on your face. It was priceless. Marissa and I have waited so long to be able to do the sketch on someone. You were the first guy in the house in the right situation since we created it that lonely night so long ago." Marissa looked at Chloe skeptically. "Ok, it was only a month ago. So sue me. Wait, please don't. I have, like, ten dollars." It was Tristan's turn to laugh. Chloe grabbed a pillow off from the recliner and hit him over the head with it.

"That is what you get." Tristan grabbed the pillow next to him and threw it at her. It missed and hit Marissa on the head.

"Hey! This means war." Before anyone knew it, there was an all out pillow war going on in the Connelly living room.

Chloe held up a white napkin. "Let's call a truce. We all need to get working and this isn't helping." Marissa nodded and took herself and her backpack up to her room. Chloe handed Tristan his drink as she sat down on the floor on the other side of the coffee table. "So, where do we start?"

Tristan just stared at her. "How can you go from being in the middle of a pillow fight to calmly sitting down to do homework so fast?"

Chloe smirked. "It is just one of my many talents."

"If that is counted as a talent, I can't wait to see what other 'talents' you have." Tristan even did the air quotes around 'talents' to emphasize his point.

"I so cannot believe you used air quotes. That is so girly." Chloe shook her head. Then she slapped her face, lightly yet hard. Tristan gasped. "What?" Chloe asked innocently. "Oh, the slap. Just had to knock some sense into me. I was starting to sound like a valley girl. Even though I did come from the valley in California, I also hate it when I start talking like one of those ditzy girls that say the word like every three words." Chloe sighed and turned her attention back to work in front of her. "Ok, let's get to work. Time is short. And cheap."

Tristan grinned. "Fine by me. Where do we start?"

The hours they spent on homework went by quickly. Chloe barely noticed when her parents came home. Before she knew it, her watch told her that it was 7:03. "Whoa! It is already seven. Wow, seven smells good." She yelled at the kitchen, "What smells so good?"

"Steak, mashed potatoes, and corn on the cob. Does your friend want to stay for dinner? We can make room for him. There is plenty of food." Mr. Connelly asked.

Chloe turned to Tristan. "You staying for dinner? My dad makes a mean steak."

"If I am not intruding. I usually eat dinner alone. My parents are either out on a trip or at someone else's house. Dinner with someone other than those that work for my parents would be nice for a change." Chloe nodded and turned her head back in the direction of the kitchen.

"Set the table for five tonight dad. We got company for dinner." From upstairs, Tristan could hear a shout of happiness. Then he saw the origin of the voice bounding down the stairs. Chloe turned to see what her sister was doing.

"Finally. It took you long enough. Geez, I thought we would never have a guy stay for dinner ever again. Maybe there is hope you yet, Chloe." Marissa grinned evilly.

Chloe jumped up and rushed at her little sister. Marissa screeched and ran to the kitchen. "Save me daddy. She has finally gone mentally insane. AH!" Tristan could just see Chloe chasing Marissa around a kitchen table with neither one getting closer to winning. Before he knew it, he heard the sound of a chair falling on the ground and two sets of running feet coming toward him. Soon he found himself being used as a shield to hide Marissa from Chloe.

"Save me from the crazy lady. I think she forgot to take her pills at lunch today. They help her from lashing out and doing something drastic." Her voice rose high whenever Chloe tried to get to her. Tristan had never been a shield before but he didn't let that show. He made sure that Marissa was safe and that Chloe couldn't get to her. Chloe glared at Tristan murderously.

"I can't believe you are helping her!" Chloe glared once more and then stomped off to her room.

Mr. Connelly stuck his head into the room. "Is she done yet?"

"I heard that!"

Marissa giggled and jumped onto the couch next to Tristan. He turned to face her. "What was the big speech about before Chloe started to chase you?"

Marissa chuckled. "Do you really want to know?" She took his nod as a yes. "Well, see, before Jason left for college he would always help Chloe with guys. He made sure that Chloe had a good date and the guy behaved himself. Jason made sure that if Chloe was liked by two or more guys that she picked the one most right for her that she felt most attracted to. If she liked two guys then Jason would help her clue the one she liked most in on her feelings. He was a great brother. He always gave her guy advice. He told me right before he left that if I needed any guy help that Chloe couldn't help me with then I could call him." Marissa tried to catch her breath as what she said sunk in for Tristan. She continued. "Chloe always turned to Jason for advice. As long as he was home, then she would casually date. But once he left she didn't date as much. Not like she dated a lot. She just wasn't as committed. And she wasn't getting into a serious relationship as much. Actually, she mostly dated guys she was better as friends. So when they ended it they would be friends. After while, most of her good friends were guys. Then six months ago, she just stopped dating altogether."

"I have never heard someone so small say so much." Tristan ducked as a pillow flew at his head. "Hey, let's not start that again. So, was she ever in a real serious relationship?" He took Marissa's shaking head as a no. "Why not?"

"She couldn't get that serious with a guy. Luckily with Jason's help she never was with a guy that didn't understand her motives of ending their relationship. That is fine though. She never dated any guys that I felt she could really connect to and get serious with. All have been too immature and better as a good friend. I have been waiting for the day she meets a guy on her own that I can approve of." Tristan chuckled. "What?!" Marissa demanded. Then there was a sound behind them coming from the kitchen.

"He was laughing at the idea of you being the one that has to approve of who I date. I find it completely ridiculous." Chloe walked into the room and stood in front of them. "Now since I am the one towering above you all, thus making me the one in control…hey, that has a good ring…" Chloe started to stare into space.

Tristan glanced at Marissa. She just shrugged. Tristan tapped Chloe on her knee with his crutch. "Do you need me to call the men with the pretty white jackets to take you the building with the white padded walls? I hear it can be quite lovely." Marissa giggled. Chloe glared at them both.

"You guys are hilarious. You should become comedians. That could be a good day job for you two. Not!" She turned around and walked over to the lazy-boy. Before Tristan could blink an eye, she had two pillows in her hands and had hit both persons on the couch over the head with one. "So that is what you get!" To get back at her, Tristan showed her that he could just as fast.

Tristan glanced at Marissa and she blinked her eyes in response. As soon as Marissa had jumped off the couch, Tristan had grabbed Chloe by the wrists and was tickling her as she fell onto the couch. She struggled to get away but Tristan was just too strong. She tried to plead. "Let me go…please…*giggle*…this…isn't…fair…"

Tristan stopped and let her catch her breath. "And hitting me on the head…" Marissa fake coughed. "Ok, and hitting us on the head like that is fair?" Tristan shook his head. "You disappoint me."

Chloe gaped at him. "I am a disappointment? What did I do wrong? I feel like I haven't done my full part in becoming a real person. Is that a line from Pinocchio? It is like his line of wanting to be a real boy. I wonder if people called him a disappointment as well. What do you think? Hmm?!" Chloe shook her head.

Tristan laughed and was about to reply when Mrs. Connelly called them to dinner. Tristan smirked. "Save by the bell. Well, actually saved by the call of dinner." Marissa giggled as they all went into the kitchen.

Once dinner was over, Tristan called Jeffrey so he could go home. "Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Connelly. It was a pleasure."

"Really, the pleasure was all ours. You must stay for dinner again. When do you think you will be free again?" Mrs. Connelly asked.

"Anytime I am welcome, then I am free. My parents are usually never home for dinner. I most likely eat in my room while listening to music and doing my homework. It has been a long time since I have sat a dinner table where there was other people eating." Tristan smiled weakly.

"Then why don't you stay for dinner every night?" Mr. Connelly asked.

"I think I might if you will allow me to." Tristan took their nods as a yes. He couldn't help but chuckle at Marissa's wildly nodding head. "I think I am well liked by one of your daughters."

Under Marissa's breath she said, "By both actually." Chloe glared at Marissa. She was the only that had heard luckily. Or so she thought. There was a honk outside.

"That is my ride. I will see you tomorrow at school Chloe. And I will see you again tomorrow for dinner." Tristan said the last line facing the Connelly's. They laughed. He opened the door and stepped outside. "I want you to behave Marissa." Marissa giggled as the door closed.

Chloe glared at Marissa. "You are so lucky we don't have rooms next to each other."

Marissa smirked. "You just can't admit you like the guy. Chloe and Tristan sitting in a tree…" She was interrupted as Chloe charged at her.

"I guess the chase is on again." Mr. Connelly stated. He and his wife laughed as they went up to their room to get away from their crazy daughters.

~~~Luke's~~~

Rory and Lorelai walked into the diner. Luke came up to them before they had a chance to sit down. "Drink you coffee fast because we are closing in 15 minutes."

"What the rush?" Lorelai asked confused.

"We are going to our last prospect for a new apartment. There is not enough room up there. So we have been looking for a new place every night right after closing early. It is either get a new apartment or buy the one above the diner so we can expand. I prefer a new apartment but I am desperate enough to try anything." Luke shoved two mugs into their hands and filled them to the brim. He then hurried to the back and finished cleaning the diner. Lorelai and Rory stared in awe. They couldn't believe that Luke was actually serious about moving.

"Is that you Luke? The Luke I know never wanted to move." Lorelai was already done with the coffee and was watching Luke carefully.

"If you had been up there recently then you would agree with me. Liz sent all of Jess's stuff and it just arrived the other day. Now it looks like a hurricane had hit the apartment. We just need more space." Just then, Jess came down stairs.

"It is not my fault that I had more room for all my stuff before I got sent here." He immediately grabbed a rag and wiped off the counter. "Can we just get this over with? I still have an English report to write."

Luke sighed and turned to Rory. "Are you done?" Rory nodded and handed him the mug. "Good. Now be ever so kind and let us get this over with." Rory and Lorelai walked out the door and Luke followed them. Jess grabbed his jacket and stalked out the door. Luke locked the door and went off in the direction that Jess went.

Lorelai sighed and watched their retreating outlines. "Guess we have to entertain ourselves tonight. So, another night of ice cream and Willa Wonka?"

Rory grinned. "Why not. There is nothing better to do. And then I can work on my homework more." Lorelai groaned. "It won't be that bad. I promise. I will still sing all the songs with you." Lorelai perked up. "I knew you would accept that."

Lorelai linked arms with Rory and then they walked back to their home.

~~~Author's Note~~~

I just got a little something to say. Sorry!!! I am sorry that it took so long to get this out. School has been hectic and when you add a newborn to that (my little half sister) then you got one busy teen. I am going to be making the rest of the chapters this length or so. I don't have the time to get out a long chapter in a short time. Please just be happy with what I get out. Please, READ AND REVIEW!!! You will be my best friend. Don't hurt me! *cowers in a corner* Hey…any idea of what I should use for thoughts? All the ones I have used so far haven't worked at all. Italics and bold just don't show up. Email me any ideas you have. Thanks. Oh, and sorry if the French is bad. I take German so I had to use an online dictionary. And if any of the characters seem to be acting out of character, then that is because that is how I want them to act. So there!!! I got my reasons so don't give me no lip…lol…sorry…I need mental help…so sue me…no…don't…I have no money…please forgive any mistakes I make and don't send flames if you don't agree with how I write the characters…I am doing the best I can and 'tweaking' here and there to help accommodate my plot…ok…enough of the same blabbering…I will stop…for now…