Trapped
By: Meagan
Email: crazy_sparkleness@yahoo.com
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Blah Blah Blah…you know the drill…read the one from part 1
Pairing: R/J/T/C and L/L
Summary: Read the one from part 1
Note: This is getting old…italics is for thinking…read and review…now I will address some things brought to my attention…first, my characters aren't exactly acting the same as they do on the show (ex. Paris and her thoughts)…I got one thing to say and I already said that at the end of the last chapter…that is either the way I perceive their true nature or that is just how I want them to act…so there…two, I have gotten mixed responses on what the end pairing should be…I have heard for both R/T with J/C and also R/J with T/C…so I was wondering what everyone else thinks…and if the idea of doing two endings will work with you all and appease everyone…I like everyone to be happy…plus…I think I could do both endings well…it sounds like fun to me…tell me if you like the idea or not…oh…and sorry if you felt that I spent too much time with Chloe in the last chapter…just needed to build up character development…plus…both guys will be focusing on Chloe so I can't just forget about her completely…
~~~Luke's~~~
It was the next morning. Rory trudged into the diner with hopes that the Magic Elixir of Life (a.k.a. coffee) would help her wake up. She sat down on a stool at the counter and placed her head on the counter. Soon she heard and felt a mug being placed in front of her. Then she heard and smelled coffee being poured into the mug. She lifted her head up and smiled at Luke. "You are a god."
"Did you stay up late doing homework again? I wouldn't be surprised if you mother forced you to keep her company when you really needed to be doing something productive. That is so like her." Luke continued to serve customers at the counter.
That is just like Luke to turn a question about me into a full on talk about my mom and her habits of needing entertainment. He likes her and he just won't admit it. I wonder if he ever will… "No, I finished that early for once. I just didn't sleep well. I had a lot on my mind."
"Like what?" He started to wipe the counter with a rag to clean a coffee spill.
"Oh, some guy that used to go to Chilton came back yesterday. I never thought I would see the day of his return. It just caught me by surprise." And it was a good surprise at that. No, Rory, you did not just think that. Why, yes you did so deal with it. I can't believe I actually like the fact that Tristan is back. What is the world coming to?
"And who would that be?"
"Tristan DuGrey. Apparently he got injured during training one day and they had to send him home. Now he is in a leg cast and using crutches. Chloe has almost the same schedule as him and has to help him get around. They seem to be cool with the whole idea. They actually have civil conversations. I didn't think that was possible for Tristan." Rory heard the door open and turned to see Chloe enter and sit down at a table by the window.
Luke walked over and poured some coffee into a mug for Chloe. Before she could ask for creamer, Jess was already there with the creamer container. She smiled and Luke went behind the counter with a surprised look on his face. He shook his head and turned his attention back to his conversation with Rory. "You mean that Evil One is back? You sure he didn't fake the injury just to be able to come back to his posh life. The way you described him I would imagine that was what really happened."
Rory shook her head. "I actually believe that he was telling the truth. He seemed changed. I think Military school might have done him some good. He hasn't even called me Mary. That is a definite improvement." Just then she felt a tap on her shoulder. It was Jess.
"Your presence has been requested by the Great Chloe." He smirked. "She made me say that. It wasn't my idea."
Rory giggled. "I will be right there." Jess walked back to the table and sat down. "So Luke, why don't you have him working?"
"He has been working so hard on his room and homework that I decided to give him a break for awhile."
"Really, what do you mean by 'working on his room'? Did you already find a new place? And if you did you just found it last night so how could he work hard on it?"
"We are expanding the apartment above here. He was working late last night on it and work up early to get something finished. Plus, with all the homework he has since he is actually going to school everyday I figured that to have him work here would be suicide for him." Luke saw something move just behind Rory. It was Chloe trying to get his attention. She raised a napkin that read 'We need to talk to Rory!' He turned back to Rory. "Your adoring fans await your arrival."
Rory turned around to see Chloe still holding up the napkin. She flipped it over. Now it read 'Right now, please!' Rory chuckled. "Guess I will talk to you later, Luke." She jumped off her stool and sat down next to Chloe at the table. "So, what do you need to talk to me about?"
Chloe cleared her throat. "We need your help."
Rory scrunched her eyebrows. "With what?"
"Getting Uncle Luke and your mother together." Jess said.
"You are actually planning on trying to get them together? What made you decide to tackle such a task?"
"Chloe's idea. Sounded like fun."
Chloe smiled. "Great way of informing her. You need an expanded vocabulary." She turned to face Rory. "They obviously like each other a lot just and either try to deny it or are clueless about their true feelings. So, I decided that something had to be done. And, I thought our job would be easier if we had your help."
"Ah, and what kind of plan do you have?"
Chloe looked at her mug sheepishly. "We kind of don't have one yet. We were planning to meet after school today at 5 but since I have so much homework and Tristan stays for dinner we had to reschedule. Then Jess had to bright idea of having you there for our first planning session. So, when would be good for you?"
Even though on the outside Rory didn't look shocked, she was at the thought of Tristan eating dinner at Chloe's. But she decided not to mention it. "I guess anytime is fine by me. I have no definite plans and since you have more homework than I do, anything that is good for you is good for me."
Chloe smiled. "Great. Well, I got to get going. See you at school Rory. See you whenever Jess." She got up and put some money on the table. She then left the dinner and headed in the direction of her house.
Rory turned to Jess. "I got to go as well. My bus will be by soon. See you whenever she plans for our little planning session. Bye." She smiled and went to the counter to give Luke some money for the coffee. He told her it was on the house. Then she left.
Jess walked stood up and was heading to the stairs when Luke addressed him. "So, what was that all about?"
"Nothing." Jess smirked to himself and continued up the steps so he could work some more on his room. He can't know about our little plan until it is fully underway and by then he will be too happy that something finally happened to be mad at us. Now, time to get cracking at the room. The sooner I get my own the room, the better!
Luke watched the retreating form of his nephew. The day he elaborates his answers to my questions is the day the world stops turning…
~~~Bus~~~
Rory stared out the window on her way to Chilton. She did get offered a ride to school from Chloe but that would mean also having to come home in the same car as Tristan. She didn't know if she was ready for that yet. She still had to get over the initial shock of him returning.
Wow! I never knew how much things could change in just a few days. I basically broke up with my boyfriend, Tristan is back, and I am helping Jess and Chloe get my mom and Luke together…
I wonder what Dean is going to say when we meet again this Sunday. As much as I would love to hear him say that he is sorry and that he overreacted and that it will never happen again, I doubt that will be the outcome. I expect he will say that he still feels the same way but will try to say anything to get me to stay. I am starting to have doubts about whether or not I really do love him. I think I just said that because I didn't want to lose him again. Oh well, I will be better off without him.
Just then she realized that her bracelet was missing. She searched all around her but gave up when she saw that it wasn't there. She leaned back in her seat and sighed. I guess that this is a sign. I lose my bracelet and I get in a major, relationship breaking fight. I guess that Dean and I were not meant to be together forever. But I wonder where it is…
She looked at the window and saw a mileage sign for Hartford pass by. I cannot believe that Tristan is back. I still remember the day of the play when he told me he was going away. Her eyes glazed over as the memory of that day flashed through her mind. She shook her head in attempts to make it disappear so she could think some more. He does seem like he has changed, but is it for the better? Maybe I should ask Chloe what he is like now. That's right, he is staying for dinner at her house tonight. Wait, she said he 'stays for dinner' and not he is staying for dinner. That means this is going to happen more often. Possibly every night. But that doesn't make any sense. Why would Tristan want to eat dinner here in Stars Hollow when he has his own home and family in Hartford? This is hurting my head. I need to stop thinking about him.
Rory opened her book and tried to read. She couldn't concentrate. Grr! This is getting frustrating. Fine, stupid mind, I will think about the other thing that has taken place. And that would be me joining Jess and Chloe's little planning committee. I wonder what plan we will put into action in the end. Wait, why does Chloe want to get my mom and Luke together? She just moved here. If she was able to see that they really like each other when she just got here, wow! That would make Mom and Luke really pathetic. Maybe they do need help…
Rory noticed a landmark outside and realized she was ten minutes away from school. Great, another day of tests, homework, and Chiltonites. I can't wait for summer vacation. Oh darn, that's right. I take summer school. Well, at least it isn't as long as a regular school day.
Rory spent the rest of the way to school thinking about her summer classes and finals. As soon as the bus stopped, she grabbed her bag and got off. She walked to her locker and tried to open it. She banged it but nothing happened. Then she turned as she heard familiar voices coming her way. It was Chloe and Tristan. She twirled around and tried to open her locker again. After a couple tugs and bangs, she finally got it open. She heard laughing next to her. She knew without looking that it was Tristan laughing and the other voice was Chloe giggling.
"What is so funny, huh?" Rory glared at both of them.
"Nothing. Just the fact that you still have problems with your locker. I guess they just don't like you. Whatever did you do to make them this mad at you?" Chloe chuckled at Tristan's response.
"Whatever. At least I can sooner or later get it open without help." And with that, she turned on her heel and left them alone opening their own lockers.
Chloe finished putting Tristan's books in his bag when she decided to talk. "What was that all about?"
Tristan shrugged. "Last year she could rarely get her locker open without my help. I made fun of her about it. I guess she still remembers." He shrugged and headed off to their first class. Chloe grinned and followed.
Rory walked into the classroom and went toward her seat. As she sat down, she saw a book on Paris's desk. "What is that for, Paris?"
"Psychology. We are observing behaviors and coming up with theories for why people act the way they do. We are now doing it with people we know. It isn't fun. Every time I see someone I try to come up with the reason they are the way they are. I try to think about something else but as soon as I think psychology then theories pop in my head." And that was why yesterday I couldn't stop do that. Stupid test. That was all I could think about yesterday. I try to focus on working on the Franklin and poof, more theories in my head. You would think that I was in a science class with all the 'theories/hypothesis' that go through my head when I see someone. She groaned inwardly.
"Interesting. I was going to take that class but I decided against it. Is it educational and worth taking?" Rory asked.
"It's okay. Nothing to get excited about. It does look good on your transcript but I wouldn't go out of my way just to take it." She turned to the book and opened it to the page she had marked.
"Oh. Well, thanks." Rory flipped through her binder in search of her notes. That was when Mike came in. He was her partner. They couldn't do the weekend visit so on Saturday Rory was going to visit Mike and on Sunday Mike was going to visit Rory. Mike had only one weekend free and that was the one coming up.
"Hey, Rory. We still on to meet at the Library during lunch to work on the project?"
Rory nodded. Mike smiled and went to her seat. I am lucky to have gotten one of the few guys that isn't a complete snobs.
Tristan and Chloe entered the classroom only a minute before the bell rang. They were just getting situated when Mrs. Hamilton entered. "Good day class. I am in a good mood today so I will only lecture half of the class time and the rest will be for you to work on your projects." Then she launched into her lecture. Rory wrote down almost every word that Mrs. Hamilton said. By time the lecture was over, her hand was cramping. As Mike came over, she stretched her hand in hopes that it would stop throbbing.
Mike chuckled when he saw her. "Hand cramp? I got one too. Sometimes she can talk so fast that it takes super fast writing to keep up. One of these days I want to get one of those computer programs that record speeches and write them out as a document. Either that or get a recorder."
Rory smiled and nodded. "So, where should we begin?"
"The interview part. That is the easiest to do. Should we copy the questions to our own paper or write on the one given to us?" Mike asked.
"Um, I think we can write on the one she gave us. It might be easier that way." Rory took at her packet. "Ok, question number one…"
~~~Library~~~
Lunch was coming to an end. Mike and Rory were almost done with the interview. They had planned on working on it the next day at lunch. As they were packing up, Mike decided to ask Rory a question.
"So, what do you feel about Tristan being back?"
"Um, I don't really know. I guess I kind of missed him." Rory slung her backpack onto her shoulder and head towards the door.
Mike hurried to catch up with her. "He liked you. He liked you a lot. I don't know if he still does but I wouldn't be surprised if he did."
Rory looked at him, in shock. Just then, the bell rang. Saved by the bell… "I need to get to class. See you tomorrow." She practically ran to her next class. The day seemed to drag by until it was finally time to go.
As she walked to the bus stop she saw Chloe's car drive her way. She sat down and did her best to look occupied by her book. She looked in the car as it drove by. Chloe was smiling and saying something while Tristan was laughing. She felt something inside of her but she didn't know what it was.
~~~Stars Hollow~~~
Rory stepped off the bus to find that last person she expected to see sitting on the bench at the bus stop. What in the world is Dean doing here?!
Dean stood up and walked over to a stunned Rory. "I just wanted to tell you that my family and I are going on a camping trip this weekend. I won't get back until Monday morning. I know you wanted to meet again on Sunday but since I won't be here, I figured that you would want to reschedule our meeting."
Rory shifted her weight from her left foot to her right foot and looked Dean in the eye. "Fine. We will meet Monday night. Meet me at the gazebo at 9 p.m. or else." She turned in the direction of Luke's and walked away.
~~~Luke's~~~
Rory opened the door to the diner to see her mother already there. She stopped for a moment before realizing she was still in the doorway. She walked over to the stool next to her mother's and sat down. Lorelai turned and faced her daughter.
"Oh, hey you. Want some coffee? I think I finally figured a sure fire way to get coffee from Luke. Wanna see?" Lorelai smiled like a child in a candy store.
"Coffee, yes, but no thanks on the way you got it. I don't really want to know."
Luke poured some coffee into a mug for Rory and placed it in front of her. "Thanks for not asking what it was. You don't want to know. I really didn't want to know."
Just then Jess came down the stairs. Luke turned his head in the direction of the dark haired boy. "Did you finally decide to take a break?"
Jess just nodded and went in the back to get something to eat. He came out with some fries and a coke. He went and sat down at the table he and Chloe had sat at early that day. Rory looked at her mom expectantly. Lorelai nodded. Rory got up and sat down across from Jess. He didn't look up but he did know she was there.
"So, got any plans for our little planning committee to consider?"
Jess raised one eye brow. "Not really. Chloe said she would think of some but if that didn't work she would ask Tristan for ideas."
Rory's eyes grew big at the mention of Tristan. "Why would she need to ask him? Don't tell me he is going to be brought into this little band of matchmakers."
Jess smirked at the way she was reacting to the thought of that. "No, Chloe is just going to ask him if he knows of any good ideas for bring two people together that isn't too obvious. I wouldn't worry about him joining us. Unless, of course, there is no way to plan a time to meet without him there and then he might just get himself dragged into this mess."
"Why would that happen? I mean, why would we not be able to plan a time without him there? Does that mean he is going to be with Chloe all the time?" Rory noticed a little flinch from Jess when she asked her last question. She decided to think about it at a later time.
"You should already know about all those projects they got to do. And if they aren't partner projects, they are still doing them together to make it easier. He comes home with her everyday and stays until after dinner. Apparently, he doesn't like eating at home by himself and likes the idea of eating with real people. Chloe told me that his butler has been told to pick him up at 9 p.m. everyday."
Rory noticed that there was something trying to come into Jess's voice as he said that but he was good at suppressing it. She realized that it sounded a lot like jealousy. She shook her head and decided that thinking about it at home was a good idea. "And then they have the weekend visits and even more homework that they will rarely get a time to do something that isn't for Chilton. Maybe one of these days after school we can all get together, bring our homework, and also work on our little plan. I have a feeling that homework will have to be involved to get all we have done and that Tristan will most likely get involved. Not with the actually carrying out of the plan but in the planning process itself. Let's just hope he has some good ideas."
"Yeah. That would be nice. I am too busy working on my room and homework to think about it." Jess shoveled more food into his mouth and took a drink.
Rory grinned. "A little hungry today, aren't we?" She giggled. "I guess that building your own room takes a lot out of you. You know, I never asked you or Chloe how that tour was on Sunday. So, how did it go? I hope you didn't get lost. That would be sad. Did you show her all the best spots in town? If you want me to name them I can use all the fingers on just one of my hands." Rory giggled and Jess smiled.
"I tried my best. She was mostly eager to get some of the best coffee in town. So I started far away from here and ended the tour here. Did you know that she lives on cinnamon? I would not want to be the one who refuses to give her cinnamon creamer for her coffee. That would be suicide." He turned his focus back to his food.
Grr! Every time he realizes that he is actually in a real conversation he tries to look interested in something else. Ok, I don't need to think about this right now. Ask him about…what should we talk about now? Argh, I have a brain freeze. And I didn't even have any ice cream. I think I might be getting a headache. Rory sighed. Lorelai then came up the table.
"Sad to say, but we need to get going home." Rory nodded and she stood up.
"See you later, Jess." He just nodded and didn't turn to face her. She sighed. She figured that he was thinking and didn't want to be disturbed. She followed her mom out of the diner in silence and then home.
~~~Gilmore Residence~~~
Lorelai shoved open the door and dropped her purse on the floor. She went into the living room and flopped down on the couch. Rory put her backpack in her room and went into the living room as well. She lifted her mom's feet, sat down, and placed the feet on her lap. "So, why home so early mom?"
Lorelai cringed. "Bad day. I just had to get out of there. There were pipe leaks and Michel was being impossible again. There was another fire in the kitchen and then some people got in a fight…" Lorelai sighed.
"Oh, I am so sorry mom. I think I saw some ice cream still in the freezer. I will get it if you pick a movie to watch. I am almost done with my homework so that won't take me too long to do." Rory laughed at the way her mom's eyes light up. She got up and went into the kitchen. She came back with the ice cream containers and two spoons. She placed them on the coffee table and went to get her backpack. When she came back, the movie was already started on the previews and Lorelai had a container in her possession. Rory couldn't resist the urge to giggle.
Lorelai glared at her before turning back to the previews. "Shh! This is one of the best parts."
"Mom, they are like the commercials of the big screen. How can you like them?"
"Don't ask me. I think it was all the ice cream I ate while watching them." Rory just shook her head and started on her homework.
After 30 minutes, Rory was finished with all her work. Today was one of the easiest days at Chilton, with many classes with either no homework (a miracle) or a work day (another miracle). Before Rory could focus her attention on the movie, her thoughts wandered to those she had stopped from thinking earlier in the day. She sighed at just the thought of all the thoughts going through her head. I am glad I took that Advil. I think I might get a headache again otherwise.
Ok, where should I start? Hm…let me think back to me conversation at the diner. What happened first? Oh, I remember! Jess flinched when I asked if Tristan would be spending all his time with Chloe. I guess Jess really does like her. I mean, she is nice and all. I was attracted to Dean when I first saw him and he turned out all right for a while. I bet that really was jealousy trying to edge its way into Jess's voice.
Rory sighed at looked over at her mom. She was staring intently at the screen. Rory felt a smile spread across her face. What else should I think about? I know. Tristan and him spending so much time with Chloe. Why did I feel all funny when I saw them in her car today? Just then a realization come to her. No way was I jealous. That was definitely not it. Ok, time for a new subject. My project. That is a safe topic. Mike. That is also a safe topic. Wait, no, he was talking about Tristan liking me. So Mike is not a safe topic to think about. Fine, I will think about Dean. I can't believe he didn't know about a family camping trip. I have a bad feeling that he will say he still doesn't trust me. I wonder what he will say if he finds out Tristan is back. Wait, have I thought these thoughts before? I am confusing myself. I need to stop thinking. She tried to focus on the plot of the movie but all her thoughts keep coming back to haunt her. She growled and turned to her mother.
"Mom, I need to call Lane. Then I am going to bed. Need my strength for school. See you in the morning." Lorelai just grunted. Rory smiled.
She found the phone on the base for once. She dialed Lane's number in hope that she could actually talk to her friend for once. Mrs. Kim picked up, of course.
"Kim's Antiques."
"Hello Mrs. Kim. I was wondering if I could talk to Lane for five minutes."
"Sure. You may talk to her. Just not too long." Rory could hear a shout for Lane in the background followed by heavy footsteps.
"Hey." Lane sounded breathless.
"Hey right back at you. I can't believe your mom is actually letting you talk on the phone. What possessed her to let you talk for an uncounted amount of time, let alone talk at all?" Rory was stunned.
"I have no idea but I am not going to question it. So, what did you want to talk about? I heard about you practically breaking up with Dean."
Rory sighed. "You heard about that? Great. Just what I need, for it to be all over town and have them trying to comfort me again."
Lane laughed. "It isn't all over town. Dean told me but made me promise not to tell anyone since you aren't officially broken up. I think he is trying to think of a plan to be able to stay away from Luke's before he let's the public know."
"Oh, great. Well, I did have some news for you. Ok, starting with the local. Have you heard about the new family?" She took the 'mmm-hmm' as a yes. "Well, the daughter that is our age goes to Chilton. I know, small world. Which brings me to the not so local news. Tristan is back from Military school."
"Wow! And what does that have to do with Chloe?"
"They have practically the same schedule. She helps him get around school, he helps her find her way, and they help each other catch up on homework."
"Why does he need help around school?"
Rory gasped. She forgot to mention his injury. "Oh, well, he got injured during training and has a leg cast. He has to use crutches."
"Oh. Exciting! Wait, scratch that. It is not exciting. I bet you were wishing that he would never come back." Lane giggled.
"I know we didn't really get along but I didn't hate him. Oh well, I think that is all my news. I need to get to bed. My head is full of thoughts and I am getting a headache. I think sleep might help."
Lane chuckled. "Ok, talk to you later."
"Bye." Rory hung up the phone and went to her room and change. She lay down on her bed and stared at the ceiling. So, what do I think about all this that is happening? I don't know if I am happy that Tristan is back or not. And why do I feel jealousy about Chloe spending so much time with Tristan? I don't even like him. Grr! Emotions are evil. Oh well, time for sleep. Maybe my dreams will hold all the answers to my questions. Yeah right. Like that would ever happen…
~~~Author's Note~~~
It is me again. Ok, I got some more requests to make of you. Well, more like questions. You see that I don't need ideas for thoughts anymore. But now I need ideas for a plan for the 'planning committee' to use to get Lorelai and Luke together. I can't think of any original ones. I hope you liked the fact that I went with Rory this time. Ok, I still have the question of the ending. I am seriously thinking of doing two endings. How does that sound? Um…I thought I had another question but now I forgot. Oh well. So, how did you like how I handled the reason for Paris's thoughts? That was the best I could do so don't get mad. I know it seems my story can take any final pairing, but that is the way I like it. I did have one final pairing in mind but now I don't know which to do. But two endings would totally ruin my idea of a sequel. Oh well, I need more time to work on my other stories (they are originals of mine, not fan fics). Ah! I remember what I wanted to say. Hope you didn't mind this being so short. I kinda hurried it so I could post it. So don't worry if it takes me awhile to get another part done. I need to take a break and let my mind rest from all this Gilmore Girl story thinking. So if you see another story pop up, don't worry about it taking up all my time. School already does that all by itself. Plus with track I got little time for personal time. Ok, me babbling now. Well, it is 1:12 in the morning so that could explain it. Adios for now. Wait, I don't take that language…Auf Wiedersehen…Tschüss…*giggles* sorry about the long note…I will try to keep it shorter next time…
