Trapped
By: Meagan
Email: crazy_sparkleness@yahoo.com
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: This is getting old fast…read the one from part 1…
Pairing: R/C/J/T…two endings actually…one for R/J with T/C and another for R/T and J/C…meaning one Trory and one Literati (the new word for Rory and Jess fics)…plus a little Luke and Lorelai…
Summary: read from part 1…I know that I am writing from such a far back episode when the season has already ended…but the whole rest of the season doesn't work into my plot so deal with it *sticks out tongue*…just imagine that it is the middle of February again…
Note: La tee da…italics means thoughts…you already knew that…*falls down on ground in a begging position*…please forgive me for neglecting my writing responsibilities…I am SO sorry…it was just that school is so evil and then there were finals and life was all…well, life was just life…personal stuff and friend stuff…wow…I am a junior now…ok…I will try so hard to get this story far along…I start working next week and when I am not working I will be visiting family or traveling…I got to get back in the swing of things with this story…my other stories are nothing like this…and yes…I have at least started the others….so I will be trying to work on those too…just they have a whole different mood to them…ok…time to be happy and funny…what fun what fun…*smiles*…ok…I just reread the first three parts so let me think a little and get my thoughts collected…where to take this…*thinks hard and then starts to type very fast*…aha…got it…
~~~Gilmore House~~~
Rory heard her alarm like it was far away. She groaned and turned to face the clock. When she saw that it was indeed time to get up she groaned again. Why does time have to go so fast when you are sleeping? Darn. Now I have to face the day and my mind full of traitorous thoughts.
She trudged out of her bed and changed into her clothes. She could barely see out of her eyes as she opened her door to enter the kitchen. Lorelai was already there making coffee and a Pop Tart was on the table waiting for Rory. Rory stumbled to the chair to sit down and started to munch on her breakfast. Lorelai raised her eyebrows but said nothing.
The house was silent expect for the slow brewing of coffee and the eating of Pop Tarts. Once the coffee was done, Lorelai pulled out two mugs and filled them to the brim. Then she handed one to Rory who took it with a nod of thanks. Lorelai sighed. So now she is silent. What gives? I haven't done anything to make her mad so that can't be it. I don't think I've ever seen her think so much. This is not a good sign. Time to take drastic action. Ok, time to ask what is going on.
Lorelai then cleared her throat. "Ahem. A certain mother is wondering what a certain daughter of hers is thinking oh so much about. Would said daughter care to help rid said mother of wonderment?"
Rory looked up and tried not to laugh. "Ok mom. I am definitely ready to talk. You don't have to go and try to act like you are in some college class talking about socialism or what not. You could have just asked what I was thinking about. That would have been much easier."
Lorelai glared at her teen daughter. "Fine. I will try again. What's happening my homey? Was that better?"
Rory started laughing and almost fell out of her chair. "Not that way either. Oh well. You want to know what I have been thinking about for the past day?" Lorelai just nodded her head in excitement and sat down next to Rory. "Ok, first let me tell you what Dean told me yesterday…"
Lorelai interrupted her. "You talked to him?!"
Rory shook her head. "Let me finish. He said that his family is going on a camping trip this weekend so our little meeting has to be moved to Monday. So I am not quite happy with him about that. I know his parents wouldn't have sprung it on him this close to the actual date. Therefore there had to be some reason why he didn't tell me sooner." Lorelai tried to interrupt but Rory held up her hand. "Let me finish. I got a theory. He was so shocked on Sunday that he just sort of forgot. It wasn't until he got home that he remembered. Why he waited for yesterday I don't know but I don't care. I just know that I have to wait one more to day to hear his excuses and that he has one more day to think of said excuses. Ok, now you may speak."
"Yes your royal Highness. Right, serious face. Got it. I think your theory is most likely correct. He was so shocked that you were actually going to break up with him that his brain stopped working." Rory snorted. "What? Oh, you were thinking that his brain wasn't really working in the first place. With the way he is acting these days I wouldn't be surprised. Now, next on you little list of thoughts."
Rory paused. "The rest is all related. Just a jumble of thoughts about Jess, Chloe, and Tristan. I don't know where to start."
"Start with Chloe. I want to know what you have to say about her. And then just go from there." Lorelai was smiling like a kid that just got the proverbial cookie without being caught.
Rory chuckled. "Ok, but there isn't much that centers just around her. Well, none to be exact. So then I will start with her and Jess." I just can't mention the whole planning committee part. Rory smiled at that but continued on. "When I was talking to Jess yesterday we got to talking about getting together with Chloe. But we thought that maybe it would be nice if Tristan wasn't around. Not to be rude but I don't think he would like be drug around with his leg hurt and all. Well, Jess said that trying to plan time with Chloe without Tristan would be hard. I asked why and asked if that meant they would be together all the time. I swear that I saw him flinch at that. Then when he was talking about their schedule I could almost hear the jealousy trying to worm its way into his voice."
Lorelai's eyes were huge. "But that could only mean that he really does like her. I knew it. Ha! Of course I am right. I am always right. But seriously, you really think that he is jealous of Tristan?" Rory just nodded her head. "Interesting. So the silent and sullen Jess Mariano has a heart after all." Rory giggled. "What? Ok, so I knew that he had one all along. Just didn't know he could use it to like someone." That is a lie. I know he is using it to like you. But maybe now with Chloe he can move on. Wait, do I want him to move on? Yes…no…I don't know. "So, other than him being jealous what else is there to say?"
"Not much about Jess. He is still quick to end a conversation. He doesn't like to talk that much. At least not to me. But there is more."
Lorelai's eyes grew big again. "More? Even more than that? Well then speak up! I am dying to hear it."
Rory stifled a giggle. "Ok, here is goes. And this might come to a shock to you, at least the last part. See, I think Tristan likes Chloe as well. They are always laughing every time I see them. And I wouldn't be surprised if she likes him too. He has changed since Military School and she is getting to know the new him. So there the thing is. Two guys like Chloe and I wouldn't be surprised if she liked them back."
Lorelai looked confused. "Ok, now where is the shocker?"
"I was just getting to that." Rory took a deep breath. "Now don't stop me until I say I am done. Yesterday I saw Chloe and Tristan leaving school in Chloe's car. As I saw them pass I felt something weird. I didn't know what it was but now I have a good idea. Before I saw them I got told something odd from Mike, my partner, while we were leaving the library. Apparently Tristan liked me a lot before he left and there is a chance he still does. So that brings me to my musings. I have this sinking feeling that I really did miss him and that I am glad that he is back. That would mean that the feeling I felt yesterday was that of jealousy. Which would mean that I like Tristan as well." Rory let her head fall into her hands. "How did life get so complicated?"
Lorelai sighed. "I am sorry but that is just the way life is. Wow! That was a mouth full. So, do you really think you like Tristan?" Rory only nodded. "Ok, then there is a problem. Because right before you made that startling confession you said that Tristan likes Chloe. I know that Jess likes her too but just because you like Tristan doesn't mean that she has to choose Jess. Now here comes the hard part. I know I really shouldn't ask this because it can only complicate things even more but this has to be asked. Do you like Jess? And not as just a friend. As in there is a possibility for something more."
Rory's head shot up and Lorelai heard her sharp intake of breath. "Why would you ask that?" Then she banged her head on the table once more. "Great, so now I am going to find that I have feelings for Jess. Oh, not that they are going to appear from nowhere because you said so." Rory made the last statement in response to her mother's expression. Rory sighed. "Wonderful, I like the two guys that like Chloe who she most likely likes back. And I have no idea if either of them like me as well and if they do if it is the same, less, or more than they like Chloe. My life sucks."
"That is not true. Let this just run its course and see where it takes you. You will know what is meant to be when the time comes. Now get your butt out the door. School won't wait for you. I know that you would hope so but it doesn't." Lorelai smiled and pushed herself out of her chair.
"Thanks mom. I needed to talk to you but since you were watching that movie last night I didn't get a chance. Oh well, now Chilton will seem more like Hell than ever. I will be home as soon as I can. Don't fraternize too much with Luke before I get there." Rory giggled at Lorelai's shocked look at her last line. Rory just grabbed her bag from her room and ran out the door. "See you when I get home!"
Lorelai yelled out to her daughter. "I do not fraternize with Luke!" But Rory was already past the driveway and on her way to school.
~~~Chilton~~~
Chloe sat down in her seat fifteen minutes before the bell. Tristan had insisted on coming early so he could talk to his friends. Chloe sighed and turned her attention to her homework. Before she had to chance to get her pencil out Mike ran into the classroom. She raised her eyebrow.
Mike tried to catch his breath. "Ok, have you seen Rory today?"
"Not yet. She shouldn't be here for another ten minutes or so. Why do you ask?"
"Because my parents just told me that we are moving this weekend and I am already transferred to my new school. I need to tell Rory that she is going to have a new partner. Some new guy just got accepted and he is basically taking my spot in school. He is even going to have to exact same schedule as me. I don't know who he is but I thought I would give Rory the heads up. Could you tell her news?" Mike looked at his watch apprehensively.
"Sure. I don't see why not. I wonder who the new student could be. Wait, not like I would know this person. I just moved here." Chloe laughed.
Mike grinned. "I wouldn't be surprised if no one here knows him. If you know who he is then I would eat my shoes." Chloe started to laugh and so did Mike. "Ok, I wouldn't go that far but since there is no chance that you would know him then I think my shoes are pretty safe."
Just then Tristan and Paris came in and both looked at each other with confused looks. Tristan decided to speak up. "Ahem, is there something you two would like to tell us?"
Chloe just smiled big. "Oh nothing. Just that Mike here might have to eat his shoes." When Tristan raised his eyebrows Chloe decided to elaborate. "Mike is moving and some new guy is basically taking his place. He said that if I knew the new guy then he would eat his shoes. I think because he said that there is a good chance that some how I will know the new student."
Paris decided to join in the little conversation. It wasn't going anywhere productive and Tristan was blocking the way to her seat. "When is he starting?"
Tristan turned to notice Paris for the first time. Mike scrunched his face in contemplation. "Tomorrow. I think. Not today. My leaving was just confirmed this morning. I am sure he has already been notified. Well, got to go finish packing." He got out of his seat but before he left he turned back one last time. "Oh, Chloe, what is it like starting a new school during the middle of the second semester?"
Chloe giggled. "I don't think my situation will be of much help to you. At least not this situation. I moved schools last year too during this time. It isn't hard to get into the swing of things. Just don't make any enemies the first day. I did. Not fun. If there are any people who look at you like they wouldn't be caught dead within ten feet of you then you just want to steer clear of them. I got told that but didn't follow that advice. Not good." Mike smiled and left.
Tristan sat down in his seat, allowing Paris access to hers. She snorted and opened her book. Tristan smirked but turned his attention to Chloe. "So, you have done this whole moving school thing before?" She nodded. "I didn't know that. I guess with all that homework we really haven't gotten to know each other that well."
Chloe raised one of her eyebrows. "And this interview project is doing what? I thought it was to help us get to know that other person. But hey, what do I know? I am new to this whole prep school thing. I guess the point of the interview is not to get to know the other person but just learn how to answer random question. Well my bad. You learn something new everyday." Chloe winked and smiled one of her biggest smiled to date.
Tristan groaned. "That is not what I meant. The question they have us do are so simple and don't tell anything about the person. We haven't gotten to the good ones yet, the ones we write ourselves. Now that is going to be fun!" He wiggled his eyes suggestively. Chloe giggled. Tristan smiled but then Rory came in.
Chloe turned to face the door and immediately waved Rory over to her. Rory looked confused but complied. Chloe took a deep breath. "Here is the scoop. Mike is moving. He is no longer your partner. Some new guy is taking his place and will be your new partner. No one knows who he is but he will be here tomorrow, we hope." She smiled a weak smile.
Rory looked…shocked. Then she sighed and let her fall onto her desk. "Why me? Of all people why me?" She then proceeded to bang her head on her desk quite hard.
Tristan and Chloe exchanged glances. "Um, Rory, why don't you come with us to the library during lunch today? We can talk about this 'planning committee' that Chloe is dragging me into and see if we can dig up anything more about this new student." Tristan had a hopeful look in his eye. Rory almost did a double take.
This can't be the same guy that called me Mary and wouldn't stop teasing me. I must have hit my head harder than I thought. Rory smiled her own weak smile. "Sure. I don't see why not." Just then the bell rang and class started.
~~~Library~~~
Rory walked in to find Chloe and Tristan sitting at a table with all three seats scooted right next to each other. As soon as she sat down Chloe was up. "I got to go find a book I think they have here." And with that she was off.
Tristan chuckled. "I don't see how she can be so hyper all the time. I mean, you should see her with her sister. They act like they had just eaten all the candy from a candy store. And then proceeded to drink all the caffeinated coffee from Starbucks. When you come over you might want to be careful. Any little thing can set those two off and then all hell brakes loose. You don't want to be in the middle of it either." He laughed and smiled at Rory.
She only smiled back. "So, how does it feel to be back?"
"Great. I am…do you really want to know the truth, Rory?" Tristan went from fake happy to completely serious and that startled Rory.
"Um, of course."
"I didn't want to come back. I was happy there. I didn't have to put on an act or be someone I wasn't. Plus, it was a great workout. But then the accident happened. We were walking on ropes suspended by logs when one of the ropes broke. I was on the lower level so the ground wasn't too far down. But when I landed I hit a hole and broke my foot. I couldn't stay so my dad had to pull me out. He said I was a disgrace. He said that he was partially happy to have me back but partially mad. He was happy because I no longer had to be away and ruin the family name. But then again, having to be sent home from Military school for a simple injury only makes it worse. I think he would be only too happy to disown me but that would mean that he would have no son to be his heir." Tristan looked down at his feet.
"Oh, I didn't…" But she was interrupted.
"Don't pity me. I don't want anyone's pity. I don't need it. It doesn't do much good. I know that this is my life and I will just have to deal with it. I can't change my life but I sure can change myself. Military school gave me a whole new outlook on life. I loved it there. But now I am back here. Where everyone is fake and tries their best to fool you even though you know the minute you turn your back they will be stabbing it." Rory could see Tristan was tearing up.
"Yes, we all know that life isn't fair. But that is what makes it life. That is what makes it so interesting. You never can know what will happen next. But that is just it. We have to take what we get as it comes and deal with it. We can't pity ourselves or feel sorry for ourselves. We have to do something to make it better and bite back the urge to complain. Those who know that and follow that advice lead happier lives. Just hold your chin up and ignore everyone that tries to change who you are on the inside." Rory smiled and lifted Tristan's chin so they were eye to eye.
I can't believe I just did that. It was only this morning that I confessed that I like him and now I am consoling him. I even lifted his head so we could see eye to eye. I am getting way to forward. My mom is finally rubbing off on me. Even though she felt conflicting emotions she didn't show it.
"I know that now. But that are what friends are for. To help us when we are down and can't see the way to lift ourselves back up again. They make sure we don't listen to those unworthy of our time and back us up in our decisions. I have one question to ask you. Do you consider us to be friends?" Tristan looked apprehensive to hear her answer.
Rory took a deep breath. "Yes. Yes I do consider us to be friends." Their faces were very close even though none showed signs of kissing.
Just then, Chloe burst onto the scene with a book in her hand. "Yes! I found it at last. You don't know how long I have been looking for it." She sat down dramatically in her chair, not noticing what had just happened. "You can't believe how hard it is to track down a copy of this book. But I am not surprised that I found it here. No one here seems the type to want to read a Science Fiction/Fantasy novel. Though I was surprised they even had a section for that genre or that they have a class for it. But of course it had to be to just to analyze all the things wrong with it.
"What is the point of reading a sci-fi book to just prove it wrong? The point of this wonderful genre is to get yourself lost in another world that has no way of existing. That is what is so great about it, it can't ever happen. But no, this school has to go and try to ruin the best genre of all times. Of course, I could just like it because it is the only one not on my dislike list. I think I am the only person here who is actually going to read those books for fun. And what is even funnier is that I am a girl. I think the librarian almost had a heart attack when I said that I was reading it because I wanted to. I bet she thought I was one of those girly girls that only read sappy romance novels or watch chick flicks. Hmph, then she as another thing coming to her…" That was when she noticed the two in front of her. She realized what was going on when she was gone and that they looked extremely amused at her rantings. She just sighed.
"Great. I should just slap myself." And she did slap herself. Rory looked shocked but Tristan just shook his head. "This always happens. I leave and something exciting happens. I come back, totally oblivious, and start going on and on about something, not even noticing what had happened. Pretty soon you might find me coming back to teachers screaming about a fire and school being shut down."
Tristan looked lost. "Why in the world would the teachers be screaming about a fire?"
Chloe giggled. "I would always leave to come back to the end of something exciting. Each time it would get more exciting and bigger. The last time I came back to find that my English teacher was sick and class was canceled for the day and we would just go to the library the next day. All my friends were pretty sure that the next time that happened the whole school would be evacuated for some reason. There was a chance too just before I left but I got called into the office to find out that I was moving. I am still waiting for an evacuation." She laughed, as did Tristan and Rory.
"Well, let's get to work." Rory announced. They turned their attention to the papers on the table and immediately set to work.
~~~Chloe's House~~~
Chloe's car came to a stop in the driveway of her house. She jumped out and ran to the mailbox. She yelled back to Tristan. "I do hope that Rory can find the time to come over today. I think I will call Jess when we get in. Aha! Score. I got a magazine." She started to do a dance when she saw a figure coming down the street.
Tristan followed her gaze. He saw Marissa coming down the street. He smiled. He liked Marissa. She was just as crazy as her sister but also good at giving the low down on Chloe. It was always fun when she was around.
Chloe watched as her sister came to stand next to her. Marissa just smiled. Chloe's eyes grew big with realization. "The coffee." That was all that was said. Tristan was walking the direction of the house when that was said. No one noticed the other person coming toward them.
The Connelly girls just smiled before racing toward the house. Tristan watched with a look of shock when the figure appeared next to him. The figure spoke. "Are they always this crazy or I am just lucky?"
Tristan turned partially to see who was standing next to him. "You must be Jess. Be afraid. Be very afraid. This isn't that bad. Wait until they have coffee and then the fun begins." He turned his head back to the scene in front of them when he heard a cry.
"Ha. No, back off. I must win. No…stop…ow…HA!…" The door was flung open and two bodies fell through. The sound of feet pounding on hard wood floor soon made it to the ears of the two young men waiting outside. Jess raised his eyebrows and glanced at Tristan.
"They get worse? Maybe I should have stayed at home instead."
Tristan just shook his head. "Come in. We don't want to miss the best part."
Jess just shrugged and followed Tristan inside. They made their way to the kitchen where the noise of the two girls was coming from. He was shocked at what he saw. Chloe was walking around the table quickly with a plate in hand. Marissa was watching the coffee slowly brewing. Four cups were placed in front of the coffee machine.
"Four cups? You know I don't like coffee that much." Jess said.
Chloe looked up from her wandering. "Oh, you are here. I didn't know that. Nope, two cups each for me and my little sis. We are inhospitable and lack manners because we don't offer our guests a cup of coffee when they arrive. We hog it all for ourselves and that is that. So HA!" With that she took another bite of the pie that was on her plate. She smiled as she swallowed and moved to turn on the radio.
Marissa looked up and a look of horror appeared on her face. "NO! Don't turn on the radio. Stop!" She ran and blocked Chloe from getting to the radio.
Chloe pouted. "You no fun. Not fair. I mad at you. Bad sister. No coffee for you today. All for me." She smiled and placed herself in front of the coffee machine.
Marissa's eyes widened. "That is not fair. Not fair, not fair." She pouted and slumped down in a chair.
Chloe just grinned. "You say that so often. I wonder what your basis for comparison is." She grinned even bigger when she heard Marissa groan. "See, I can quote The Labyrinth just as well as you can. Ha, I win!"
Tristan smiled and looked at Jess. "See, I told you this would be the best part. Sibling bickering. Always a good show."
Chloe glared at him and walked up right in front of him. "I would take that back if I were you." Their faces were just as close as Tristan and Rory's were earlier that day. Jess shifted uncomfortably and tried to suppress the desire to push Tristan away from Chloe.
Tristan just smirked. "Why should I?"
Chloe thought. "Because I said so. I don't appreciate being called a show. I am not here for entertainment. Just because I get super hyper when I eat anything at all doesn't mean that you can just sit back and eat popcorn. I am not an eight o'clock movie you know." Her eyes were narrowed but there was a fire in them.
Tristan wanted to take a step back but chose not to. "Make me!"
Marissa giggled. "I know this is bad to say but now this is getting interesting. I have to watch this. Where is the popcorn?" Chloe turned to glare at her sister but didn't move from her spot. Marissa fell on the floor laughing. She got up and tried to hold back her laughter. "Don't you need to get your backpacks? I find it hard to do my homework without mine."
Tristan took a step back and turned to Jess. "Want to help me get them? They are heavy. I can barely lift the bag we use for our extra books that don't fit in our back packs." Jess just nodded and they left.
Marissa giggled and walked up to Chloe. "This is going to be fun." She started laugh some more but held it in. "This is so funny. For the longest time you were not interested in guys and said that it didn't matter because no guy could like you. And now we move and two guys like you. I really do need that popcorn now."
Chloe spun around with a shocked look on her face. "What did you just say?!"
Marissa grinned evilly. "Don't tell me you didn't notice that look of jealousy on Jess's face. It is so obvious that they both like you. I haven't gotten to know Jess yet so I have no idea who would be better for you. This might be the time to call big brother for dating advice." She took a cautious step back as Chloe moved forward.
Chloe put her plate down on the counter and advanced on her sister. "I would shut your trap if I were you." If it was anyone else, Chloe's threatening appearance would have gotten the better of Marissa. But Marissa was used to it. Yet Chloe looked very dangerous and Marissa wasn't taking any chances.
Marissa turned and made a break for it out the door. She ran down the hall and out the front door. Chloe was close behind and catching up. They zoomed out onto the lawn and past two startled teen boys.
"What the…?" Tristan almost fell backwards.
Marissa screamed and ran around a tree. Chloe was close behind and made her run behind the bush. Marissa sprinted out of the bush and ran behind Jess. She clutched the two backpacks he was carrying and hoped he would be a good shield.
Chloe stopped in front of Jess and glared at him. "Move." Jess didn't budge. She narrowed her eyes. "If you don't move and let me at my sister then you will face my wrath. And that is not a good thing."
Marissa held in a whimper. She knew Chloe would never hurt her but she knew that Chloe would still pay her back for her remarks no matter what. Most likely she would get tackled and tickled to death before being thrown on the couch. Then Chloe would force her to do the dishes for a week to keep off any more attacks.
Jess just grinned. "Not to sound like an echo but I want to see you make me move."
The eyes belonging to Marissa grew very wide. Chloe grinned her evil grin. "Very well then. As you wish." Only Marissa got the double meaning behind that last line. She knew that not even Chloe realized what it could mean.
Chloe's mind raced to find something to do to him to make him move. She moved back a little and smiled even wider. "Put down the backpacks. Let Marissa have them. You won't have to move from your spot to do that."
Jess eyed her curiously but did as he was told. He was wondering what Chloe had up her sleeve. He pushed back thoughts about him liking that fact that he was the one that Chloe was paying attention to. His thoughts were becoming more and more traitorous each day.
Tristan stepped in front of Marissa and shielded her as she made a dash for the house. It seemed that Chloe no longer really wanted to get her sister, at least it seemed that way. She was acting like getting Jess to move was more important at the moment.
Chloe moved so quickly that Jess had no time to defend himself. She grabbed the water hose, that was still turned on from when her dad watered the plants in the morning, and aimed it at Jess. She quickly pressed the lever down and sprayed Jess until he was completely soaked.
He wiped the water from his eyes and stared at Chloe. "I can't believe you just did that. Now you are going to pay." He showed Chloe that he would with just as much agility as she could. Before she could blink, he was standing in front of her with the hose in his hand. "Prepare for revenge." Then the cold water soon met Chloe's body.
She stared in shock at the boy in front of her. Then she saw that he wasn't done just yet. He grinned his own evil grin and started to walk closer to Chloe. She backed away and tried to make it to the house. He made sure to block all ways of escape.
"You think you can tell me to move, hit me with a blast of cold water, and then not get a little pay back? Maybe going to Chilton isn't such a good idea after all." Chloe looked confused and stopped her movement backwards. Jess used that to his advantage.
Chloe wasn't that wet. But she was going to be soaked soon enough. Jess grabbed her right wrist with his left hand because he was holding the hose with his right. He spun her around so that his arm was pinning her in front of him. "I see that it is a good thing I am already wet. Now I won't mind getting a little water on me."
Chloe froze. She was surprised to be this close to him. But then he brought the hose in front of her so she started to try to get away. It was useless. He was too strong for her and she was too nervous about the contact with him to put up a good fight.
Yet again, a spray of water soon found its way to Chloe. It wasn't long before she was soaking wet. Jess released her and started to laugh. "You deserved that." He then went to turn off the hose. When he came back Chloe snapped out of it and tried to walk to the door. She was grumbling and complaining when she slipped on the grass. Jess started to laugh uncontrollably. So did Tristan and Marissa who were standing in the doorway.
Tristan tried his best to ignore the jealous feeling that he got from watching Chloe interact with Jess. Stop that DuGray. It isn't like you like her. Because you don't. You can't. You don't need to go and complicate things so soon. He shook his head and watched what happened next.
Jess stopped laughing so hard and held out his hand to help Chloe up. He should have seen what happened next but he fell for it, hook, line, and sinker.
Chloe grabbed his hand but instead of standing up she showed him just how strong she was. He pulled on his arm and soon he was on the ground, part on top of her and part next to her. She smiled evilly. "Pay back. You understand, right?" Her evil look turned to one of complete innocence.
Jess groaned. "Don't pull that look on me. I know you aren't the innocent girl you are trying to put across. At least you didn't try to apologize and act like it was an accident." Chloe shifted somewhat uncomfortably and Jess's eyes grew big. "Oh, I am so sorry. This is probably just as uncomfortable for you as it is for me."
He stood up and helped her to her feet. They turned their heads when they heard Marissa in the doorway. "Wow Chloe. You move fast. I can't…"
She was interrupted when Chloe started to advance on her. Marissa hide behind Tristan and he tried his best to be a good shield. But Chloe was stopped. Jess still had her hand and hadn't let go. "Don't. Not now. I came here for a reason. I have some news for you that you might like to hear. Plus, I know you have a bunch of homework so you might want to get to that soon." He released her hand and walked to the door. Marissa was already up the stairs.
Jess turned around and saw Chloe still in the same spot. She hadn't even moved her hand yet. He shook his head. "You coming or not?" When Chloe just put her hand down at her side Jess knew that someone was going to have to move her manually. He sighed and rolled his eyes as he made his way back to her. He grabbed her hand again and pulled her toward the door.
Chloe snapped out of it and pulled her hand back. "I can do that myself thank you very much." She walked ahead of Jess and marched past Tristan to the living room. Tristan just raised his eyebrows and followed. Soon all three were sitting in the living room. Chloe chose the recliner while Tristan and Jess got opposite sides of the couch.
Jess cleared his throat. "Did you hear some news floating around your school today? Anything interesting?"
Chloe thought hard. "Just the fact that Mike is leaving and some new guy is taking his place. Why do you ask?"
Jess shifted. "I am that new guy."
Chloe's mouth visible dropped. Tristan's eyes grew huge.
Chloe started to say something but could only stutter. "You mean…the new guy is…that means…but then…does she?…when were you?…how?…when?…why?…" She couldn't even finish a complete sentence. Marissa watched from the stairs. She knew what the look was that passed over Chloe's face when she started to ask if Rory knew. It was a look a jealousy, a common thing going around at that time.
Jess just smiled. "Yes, I am the new guy. And yes, I am going to be Rory's partner for the project. She doesn't know yet. I was going to tell her now but I can't since she isn't here. I thought she was going to be for some reason. I called sometime ago about transferring because Rory made me realize that I could do more with my life. Stars Hollow High isn't demanding enough. When they confirmed that Mike was leaving they called and said that I could start as soon as possible. My grandpa on my dad side left me most of his money so I can pay for it."
Chloe's mouth stayed open. Marissa climbed down the stairs and shut it for her sister. "That is not lady like." She ignored the glare from Chloe and turned to face Jess. "This is an interesting turn of events. It makes me wish that Rory really was here." She grinned and winked at Chloe before leaving.
Jess noticed the clock on the wall and jumped up. "I should be getting back to the diner. I will see you guys later. See you guys in school tomorrow." He walked out the door and down the street.
Chloe could only stare at the place he once was. "Wow. Mike is going to have to eat his shoes now. I wonder how I can contact him." She stared blankly ahead as she grabbed her backpack and pulled out her notebook. "Let's get started." She opened to her homework and turned her attention to it. Tristan just looked confused but let it pass.
~~~Gilmore Residence~~~
Rory finished her homework in record time. Her mom wasn't home yet so she couldn't help it when her thoughts wandered to the time she spent in the library.
Great. Now I am really attracted to Tristan. But I saw him with her. They hit it off so greatly. I can't think that I can just burst in and steal Tristan away. Just because we have a history doesn't give me first dibs. Then I would have to decide on Jess or Tristan and it isn't fair to make Chloe be with the one I reject. Rory groaned in frustration.
Just then the front door burst open. "Hello my lovely house. But I am in need of coffee so I must go again. Don't worry, I will be back. Rory, time to go to Luke's. Michel was being such a pain today and the coffee machine at work was being stubborn." She opened the door to Rory's room and dragged Rory out of the room.
Lorelai pulled Rory out of the house and down to Luke's. She let go of Rory only when she opened the door. As soon as she sat down at their table she sighed a sigh of relief.
"Bad day?" Luke placed two cups on the table and filled them to the brim. Lorelai just nodded in thanks and drank her coffee.
"Two regulars. And make them snappy." Luke smirked at Lorelai's remark.
"Don't expect me to comply. Jess is busy double time with his room and now school. I don't think he has worked this hard all his life."
Rory looked confused. "Why is he busy with school?"
Luke waved the question off. "Ask him. I need to get your food." And he headed back to the kitchen.
Lorelai raised her eyebrows. "You going to go find him?"
Rory took her turn to raise her eyebrows. "Why should I? I don't need to know. And if I did Jess would tell me instead of waiting for me to find him." Lorelai just shrugged.
They eat silently and were done sooner than normal. Not a word could be heard from either of them. Luke looked worried. "Why are you so silent tonight Lorelai? Usually I have to force you to be quiet by giving you coffee."
Lorelai smiled her hundred-watt smile. "Just enjoying the silence of no Michel talking. It is a wonderful thing that you only appreciate when you lose it." Luke just shrugged and watched as they left.
Just then Jess came down the stairs. Luke turned to face him. "You just missed Rory. Aren't you going to tell her about Chilton?"
Jess just smirked. "I want it to be a surprise." He went in the kitchen and got an apple. "There weren't any more upstairs. I will pay for it." He said in response to Luke's face.
Luke sighed as Jess just went back upstairs. "He gets even more confusing every day. I don't know if I want to understand him or not." He said more to himself than anyone else.
~~~Gilmore Residence~~~
"Ok, I have a good excuse for not talking. What is yours?"
Rory smiled. "Just thinking about what Luke said. I think something has happened but no one told me."
Lorelai grinned. "Like you practically said, if you were meant to know then someone would tell you."
Rory looked confused. "When did I practically say that?"
"At the diner when you said that if Jess had something to tell you that he would find you instead of waiting for you to find him. Same concept." Lorelai grinned at her logic.
"Oh. Well, I am tired. I think I will go to bed now. Mike, my partner, is moving so some new guy is taking his place. I meet him tomorrow and I don't want to be all sleepy when I do." She walked into her room and closed her door most of the way.
Lorelai thought and then a light bulb turned on in her head. Why, that would make sense. I believe that Jess is that new guy. He is busy with school, which isn't that possible with Stars Hollow High, and Luke was acting like it was some sort of big deal. Why else would he say to ask Jess? Now this complicates matter even more. Rory likes both Jess and Tristan but they like Chloe who likes them back. Now, not only are three of them going to the same school but all four. I wish I went there. It sounds like good entertainment. But I would need popcorn…
Lorelai drifted up the stairs and to her bed.
~~~Author's Note~~~
Yippee!!! I finally finished another part. Whoa, I started this last week. My goodness. I can't believe that I couldn't find time sooner to finish this. But I did so that is all that matters. I am sorry if the mood is off. I tried my best. I bet it is just plain crappy. Bear with me as I try to get back into the swing of writing stories. Work is fun but I work nine hours Monday-Thursday but then only four hours on Friday. Ok, time for me to go. Please enjoy and review. I live for feedback. I love it almost as much as money. But now since I got I job I will get paid so that I will have. Ah, thoughts not coherent. I am so tired. Sorry again if you felt like this wasn't one of my better parts. I know I went a lot with Chloe but I need to develop that part so that the rest will fall into place. I know is going to happen but I won't tell you. You just have to wait. I will try to write more when I visit my dad for two weeks. I will try to update again before August. That is my best estimate.
