Trapped

By: Meagan

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: I don't the Gilmore Girls...I don't think I really need to say that but you never know...Oh, and I will still make Buffy references so I don't own Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Angel the TV series...and you can't make me stop my insane references, because I won't listen...so ha!

Summary: Chloe has moved to Stars Hollow, she goes to Chilton, and has caught the eyes of both Jess and Tristan, who is back from military school. Rory has broken up with Dean, but not officially. She has found that she really is attracted to Jess and Tristan but they aren't paying any attention to her. Jess is now going to Chilton and is Rory's partner for a class project. We ended with Rory going over to the Diner to stay the weekend and Chloe going to Tristan's.

Author's Note: Here is another part. Don't hurt me *cowers* for taking so long and for making this drag out so long. I plan on making these parts take place during a longer period of time. I plan on finished this story with 10 parts, so only four more after this. This is Saturday, then I will have Sunday, the week, the weekend again, and then two part 10s, one for each ending (and possibly a part 11 if there is the demand). Oh, and don't forget: REVIEW!!! And ' ' are for thoughts. Oh, plus anything between brackets [] are personal notes that have nothing really to do with the story (you will see what I mean).

~~~Tristan's House~~~

Tristan hobbled a little ahead of Chloe as they started between the two staircases. Chloe could only stare in awe at the intricate and expensive artwork that lined the hallway. Tristan stopped some way down the hall, looking back and forth between two doors.

"Okay, time to make a choice. Left to the kitchen or right to the living room/entertaining room. Which do you choose?" Tristan turned around partially to face Chloe.

Chloe squinched her eyebrows in deep thought. Tristan laughed. "It isn't that tough or important of a question." Chloe glared at him. "Ha ha. Not! Fine then." She crossed her arms while her eyes darted quickly between the two doors. Tristan raised his eyebrow.

Chloe stopped darting her eyes and stared straight at Tristan. "Left." Tristan shook his head and grinned. "See, not that hard. What was with the darting eyes? Eany, meany, miny, moe?" Chloe nodded and he chuckled.

She lightly punched his arm before entering the kitchen. Tristan couldn't help the laugh that escaped his lips as he opened the door to the room where all the fancy meals were prepared for the many DuGrey parties. He couldn't get very far because Chloe had stopped just past the door.

"Do you just like to stop and stare every time you go through a door?" Chloe whirled around to face Tristan. She stepped in front of him and glared up at him.

"You find it amusing that I am awe of your house? I know you are used to all of this but I am not. I lived in central California where the rich just lived in large two story houses in gated communities. We don't have old wealth like here on the East coast. So excuse me as I take in this new lifestyle!" She huffed before turning her back to him.

Tristan sighed. "Don't be mad. I'm sorry for teasing you. Please, turn back around." Chloe did and had a small smile on her face.

"I wasn't really that mad. I was messing with you. Sorry for making you worry." Chloe stepped back to face the room while standing next to him. "Alright, let the tour begin."

Tristan gave Chloe an extensive tour of the kitchen and dining room (left side) before proceeding to show her the living room, den, and finally the library. As soon as she entered the library she had to hold her breath. Tristan looked quizzically at her mesmerized stare.

Chloe finally let out her breath and turned to look at Tristan. "So many books. It's amazing. And I thought I had a lot of books." She moved slowly over to a shelf in front of her. She walked slowly around, reading the titles and occasionally lightly touching the bindings of the older, rarer editions.

"I take it you love books." Chloe nodded. "I have more up in my room you can look at and borrow." Chloe looked up excited. Tristan laughed. "I have a feeling you would like to go see that now." Chloe nodded furiously and headed out into the hall.

Before Tristan was halfway down the hall, Chloe was halfway up the stairs. Tristan slowly climbed the stairs but had to look around once he reached the top because Chloe was not in sight. He spun around trying to find the elusive Chloe.

He turned to face down the stairs and looked over to his parents' wing to see if she got mixed up. As he contemplated yelling out her name he heard movement behind him. Yet before he could move he had two hands placed over his eyes. He jumped slightly. "Don't do that!" He growled.

Chloe giggled and fell into a fit of laughter when Tristan turned to glare at her. He too laughed at the whole episode. "Ok, so that was funny. Ready to see *my* book collection?" Chloe stood up and left him pass. "Lead on."

At the first door to the right Tristan turned. "This is my room. The room right across the way is the door to the quest room. Down further to the right is my study room. To the left is my entertaining room. A bathroom is in your room and there is one linking my room and study room. It is the same only a mirror image in my parents' wing."

He opened the door and stepped in. Chloe hesitated ever so slightly. "I have my favorite and current reading books in my room. All the rest are in my study room." She walked slowly into the room and stopped just inside the door. Tristan could tell she was slightly uncomfortable. He chuckled.

Tristan moved to stand behind Chloe and whispered in her ear, "Never been in a guy's room before? Do remember my parents aren't home and only Jeffrey is here but he is probably in the indoor garden. Just imagine the possibilities."

Chloe blushed furiously before twirling around to face Tristan. Even though his close proximity did unnerve her, Chloe wasn't about to show it. "You better watch it buster. There are many more possibilities than you were suggesting, and many of those would be unpleasant for you. So I would watch out when making broad suggestions, if you catch my drift." Chloe winked before walked over to the bookcase, standing with her feet slightly apart with her hands behind her back.

Tristan shook his head and hobbled over to stand beside Chloe. "I think I have to watch out for your witty and sarcastic come backs." Chloe turned her head and raised her eyebrow. "Who said I was being sarcastic? I was absolutely serious."

She turned back to the books and focused on the titles, becoming so absorbed she forgot who was standing beside her and even where she was.

Tristan was fascinated at how enraptured this girl in his room was with his books. Every other girl that had entered his bedroom was definitely NOT interested in books. Every time Chloe reached out at a book he made sure to remember the title of it. Let us see what interests the Great Chloe. Hmm. Catcher in the Rye; 1984; Treasure Island; Fahrenheit 451; Macbeth; Hamlet; the Vampire Chronicles; the Wheel of Time series. What?! Those last two don't fit. But I guess they do fit her. It is all the ones before them that surprise me.

Tristan watched as Chloe's eyes widened and she grabbed a book. She walked backwards until she hit the bed and then she sat down. He sat down next to her and leaned over to see which book she had chosen. It was his first edition, one volume Lord of the Rings. [were you expecting Harry Potter? Well, his signed editions were next to it but didn't seem to interest Chloe. Hehe.]

Tristan stood up and walked through his bathroom to his study. He walked back into his room carrying two books. He took his place next to Chloe and put the two books in her lap. She jumped slightly. She saw the books and placed the one in her hands on the bed to her right. She cautiously picked up the two books on her lap.

Chloe turned to Tristan with a confused look on her face. In her hands were The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. "Both are first editions and both are for you to add to your collection." Chloe's eyes widen and her mouth fell open. She was speechless for a moment before regaining her sense. "You have to be joking! No way, I can't take them."

Chloe tried to place them in Tristan's lap but he immediately pushed them back at her. " No, I insist. I have two copies of each so I am giving you one set. It is to thank you for being so hospitable and letting me into your home."

Chloe sighed and shook her head. "This is too much for a thank you. I think just letting me see your house is a good enough thank you."

Tristan sighed deeply and his face became set to a look of determination. "I can't see why you won't just accept this. It is polite to thank a person when they do something for you and this was a big deal to me so I wanted to give you something to show how much I appreciated what you did for me."

He realized Chloe took that the wrong way when she glared at him and he saw the fire return to her eyes. "Oh yes, you can easily afford to give up those two books but they will have so much more value to me since I couldn't afford them that of course they would convey deep appreciation to me." She quickly stood up, placed the books on the bed, and backed away.

"If I didn't know better, it would look like you were buying my friendship. What, need to make sure I will stay your friend after I meet your parents? Or is there some secret you can't hide here that you think I would be scared away?" Chloe huffed and stalked over to the door.

Tristan quickly stood up but fell back down before using his crutches to hold himself up. "How dare you even think that! I am not like all those other rich teens that are snobs that use money to secure friends from families without so much money."

Chloe paused but refused to face him. "From a lower class you mean to say. I didn't think you saw me as below you but maybe I was wrong. I will be in the guest room." She opened the door and slammed it once she was out in the hall. She stomped to her room and slammed that door as well. Once inside she leaned against the door and slide down as her legs couldn't hold her up anymore. Before she knew it, tears were forming in her eyes.

Good going Chloe. Just insult the one person you are stuck with at school and whose house you are staying in. He probably didn't even mean it that way. She dropped her head and wrapped her arms around her legs as she cried. No wonder guys don't ask me out any more. I bet I have lost all chances with Tristan.

Back in Tristan's room, Tristan sat down and slammed his fist on his mattress. Good job DuGrey. What a way to interact with the one girl that actually likes you for being you, by insulting her! I bet she won't speak to me all weekend. He stood up and moved to go into the hall.

He paused just as he opened the door. Wonderful! I get lucky enough to be stuck with her in school and I have to totally mess it up. There goes my chances with her. He sighed before stepping out into the hall. He walked over to in front of Chloe's door and took a deep breath. I can't let this just sit and get worse. He was so caught up in his thoughts he didn't hear Chloe crying on the other side of the door.

Tristan knocked. Chloe stopped crying a little and listened to see if she hadn't imagined it. He sighed [again! enough with the sighing people!] before talking. "I'm so sorry about what I said. I didn't mean it at all that way. That is just what they do and I in no way think like that. I just really do appreciate your friendship. I can't stand those at school any more and I was so happy when you didn't hesitate to let me into your life."

Chloe sniffed back the last of her tears and stood up. Tristan continued, "I already told Rory that I liked it better at Military school because I didn't have to put on an act. But here everyone is so fake. I just really needed a friend to see me for me and not judge. You were that friend and I can't think how to properly thank you." Chloe wiped her eyes one last time before opening the door.

Tristan's eyes widened as he reached out wipe away new tears she couldn't fully stop from forming. "You've been crying. Did I upset you that much? I can't believe how stupid I can be." Chloe closed her eyes and tried to collect herself.

"I was the stupid one. I took what you said the wrong way but wouldn't stop to let you explain. I upset myself by being stupid, I was mad at myself and not you." She looked up at him, eyes begging to be forgiven. "I am the one that needs to apologize and ask for forgiveness, not you."

Tristan shook his head. "It was a mutual misunderstanding. Let's call it even and just drop it." For a second Chloe's eyes flared up. "No!" Tristan titled his head to one side. "Why ever not?"

Chloe took a deep breath. "Because of what you said outside my door. I heard sadness in your voice. We can say we are both forgiven but to drop the whole matter would mean also dropping possible discussions about your issues with the social group our school consists of. That is something that needs to be talked about, not hidden away."

Tristan nodded. "Ok. But can we talk about that later? Amazingly, this little episode has been emotionally draining and I am ready to sleep." Chloe giggled. Her eyes lit up for a moment and she dashed back into his room. She emerged holding her two thank you gifts. "A sign that all is forgiven. Now, how about first showing me your study and entertaining room? My tour won't be complete until you have and a tour is always ended before you go to bed."

Tristan grinned. "As you wish." Chloe, of course, was in awe of his full book collection but was too tired to look at them closely. Also in his study was a computer (big monitor, super fast, and one of the newest models). In the entertaining room was a large screen TV, pool table, couch and chairs, and an extensive DVD collection.

Chloe stumbled to her room but just leaned against the door. Tristan walked up and laughed when he saw her eyes closed. "Go to bed. Now!" Chloe grinned before standing up straight and saluting him. "Yes, sir!" She giggled and opened her door. She stopped before going in and turned around to face him. Before he realized her intentions, she was hugging him. He quickly pushed his crutches to the wall so he could properly hug her back.

She pulled back reluctantly and smiled up at him. "Just know I am here for you. I appreciate your friendship as much as you appreciate mine. I will see you tomorrow."

Tristan grinned and chuckled as she yawned. "Alright sleepy head. I won't forget that. Good night Chloe."

"Good night Tristan." She shut the door and moved to get ready for bed.

Tristan walked into his room and got ready to sleep. As he lay down, he couldn't help thinking about what had just happened. She hugged me. Chloe hugged me. And it was along hug. A really good hug. Yes! He fell asleep with a wide grin that only lessened slightly during the night.

~~~Luke's~~~

Rory groaned and turned over. Then the sounds around her finally penetrated her ears. She heard soft voices below her and the sounds of construction coming from a nearby room. It took her a moment to remember where she was. Rory sat straight up and saw no one else around her.

She stood up and walked over to the source of all the racket. She peered into Jess's room to see him drilling something in his closet. He noticed the motion in his doorway and stopped.

Jess took off his goggles and chuckled at the sight of Rory just out of bed with her messy hair. "Sleep well?" He smirked.

"Well aren't you funny. Not!" Rory glared at him before walking back to her bed. She grabbed her clothes for the day and locked herself in the bathroom.

Jess laughed before returning to work. The drill made so much noise that he didn't hear when she had finally got out of the bathroom. Rory neatly packed away her nightclothes in her bag before rummaging in the fridge for some food. The clock on the wall said it was 8:14.

After making herself a bowl of cereal, she sat down at the table to eat. She heard the drill stop and shortly after footsteps coming toward her. She turned around to face Jess as he came into the room. He stopped and took a small step back.

"What? Oh, you are out of the bathroom. That was fast." He smirked and walked over to the sink to wash his hands before getting some food.

Rory glared at his back. "I don't take forever like some girls. Plus, you have been working for at least 40 minutes since I went in there. Plenty of time to get dressed, comb hair, and get some food."

Jess put his hands up in a sign of surrender. "Ok, I get it. No need to take offense. Just tell me when you are ready to work on school work because I already had breakfast."

Rory shrugged. "We can start organizing it now. I can do two things at once." Jess went over and grabbed her backpack. He pretended to almost fall over from the weight.

"Geez, Rory. What all do you have in here?" He smirked and lifted it onto the table like it was nothing. It thudded on the wood and caused Rory's bowl to jump slightly.

She glared at him. "If you think that is funny, you need to redefine what you classify as funny." She opened the bag and pulled out her binder. She flipped through to the section with the interview notes. "Alright, ready?"

Jess slumped into the chair. "If we must."

Rory grinned. "Well, we don't have to. It's just that if you wish to pass you have to do the work. It's a sacrifice you must make for long term advantages."

Jess sighed. "Damn those sacrifices. Why do people force us into these corners? It's a never-ending cycle. They do it to us because it was done to them and then we go and do it to someone else. When will it all end?" He was being melodramatic and laughing by the time he was done.

"You aren't helping the situation. Unfortunately I need your input so I can get a good grade. Now, pay attention and no more funny business." Rory crossed her arms and stared intently at Jess.

"Fine. Serious face now. Lead on with the learning." He grinned and was glad to see a small smile appear on Rory's face. "There you go. This doesn't have to be too painful now does it?"

Rory sighed and shook her head but she was smiling. "Can we start already?" He nodded and they began to interview each other.

~~~Tristan's House~~~

Chloe yawned and stretched her arms above her head. She rolled over to see the clock blaring its harsh numbers at her. It's only 10:30. She thought. Then it sunk in. "Ten thirty?!" She yelled and jumped out of bed. Unfortunately she was tangled in her sheets and landed with a thud on the floor. "Ow. That really hurt." She untwisted from the mass of fabric and stood up. She rubbed her eyes and walked slowly to the bathroom. A half hour later she emerged fully dressed and ready for the day.

She opened her door cautiously and looked across to Tristan's door. I wonder if he is awake. I bet he is. It is almost lunchtime. Man, I bet he thinks I am one of those lazy bums that sleep in late and stay up late. She trudged down the hall and looked down the stairs. To slide or not to slide, that is the question. She smiled to herself before sitting on the railing and letting gravity take her to the ground floor. She laughed as she continued onto the kitchen.

Before she could reach the kitchen, Tristan came out of the library. He smirked when he saw her. "I thought I heard you laughing. So you finally decided to grace us with your presence. Sleep well?"

Chloe glared at him. "So not funny. I'm sorry I slept in. I didn't mean to. It's just…" She broke off.

Tristan grinned. "I understand. Want something to eat? I'm sure you are hungry." He opened the door for her and had her sit on a stool. "I'll get it for you. So, what was so funny?"

Chloe giggled. "Oh, not much. Just slid down the railing to the stairs."

Tristan laughed and shook his head. "I figured it had to be something like that. You like pancakes, right? With bacon?"

"Of course. You don't have to do that you know. I am capable of making my own breakfast." Chloe started to get up when he turned around and gave her the Look. She slowly sank back onto her stool.

"I insist and there will be no back talk. Our microwave is super hard to work and I barely know how to make it reheat breakfast." He turned back to the expensive appliance and pressed more buttons faster than Chloe could follow. She got dizzy trying to follow his motions and ended up memorizing the tile on the floor.

She didn't look up until she heard a plate put in front of her. She saw a plate steaming with syrup drenched pancakes and perfectly burnt bacon. Her eyes went wide and she stared up at Tristan. "This looks wonderful. Thanks!" She immediately dug into the yummy smelling food that was before her.

Tristan laughed and disappeared into the hallway. He came back in as Chloe was putting her dish in the sink. She turned around to find him holding their interview binder. She sighed. "That again? I guess we have to. Alright, off to do the evilness we call homework." She hung her head as she past Tristan and stopped just outside the door in the hallway.

Tristan raised his eyebrow. "What is with the stopping again?"

Chloe shrugged. "Not sure where we are working."

Tristan chuckled. "I thought we would work in the sunroom. It is next to the greenhouse and right outside is the garden. Sound good?"

Chloe nodded and followed him out to the sunroom. They worked for a couple hours before breaking for a snack. Chloe sighed as she sat back down with her glass of soda. Tristan tilted his head. "What's wrong?"

She shrugged. "Just tired of all this interviewing crap. Can we work on something else for a little bit?"

Tristan nodded and they worked diligently until Jeffrey came in to tell them dinner was ready. "Are my parents going to be joining us?"

Jeffrey nodded and left to help prepare one of the few dinners that the whole DuGrey family would spend together.

Tristan sighed and put his head on the table. Chloe patted his shoulder. "What's wrong? Nervous? Worried? Wish he had shook his head instead?"

Tristan shrugged. "It doesn't matter. We can't get out of it. Just keep quiet unless they talk to you and all will be fine. They aren't big on dinner conversation with me."

Chloe took a deep breath and stood up. "Alright, then let's go. No use delaying the inevitable."

Tristan stood and led the way to the dining room. He looked Chloe over before seeing how he looked. "This will have to do. I've gone in there looking worse." He opened the door and allowed Chloe in to the dining room. Both knew that the dinner was going to be one of their hardest to get through. Chloe took another deep breath and stepped into the room of judgment.

~~~Luke's~~~

Rory stood up and stretched her arms above her head. "Ok, I'm too tired to work anymore today. Ready to call it a day?"

Jess smirked. "Have you ever really thought about that phrase? I mean, what else would we call it? And for that matter, what about all those other phrases we have in society. Where did they come from? Who thought of them? What drugs were they on when they came up with them?"

Rory rolled her eyes and groaned. "No, I don't want to think. I've just spent the last eight hours thinking and my brain needs a rest."

Jess chuckled and stood up. "Alright then, we'll just sit here, rest, and stare at the wall."

Rory glared at him. "Not funny. Ugh, I'm so hungry. What's for dinner?"

Jess shrugged and sat down on the sofa. "Whatever you find for food in the frig is dinner. That or we can sneak down to the kitchen and grab something to eat."

Rory shrugged and sat down next to Jess. "Either one works for me. Actually, going to the diner sounds better than foraging for ourselves up here."

Jess started to get up but stopped. "I'm relaxed here. Do we have to go right now? You can have some chips right now to hold you over."

Rory tried to get up but gave up. "I'm too tired to get up again. Fine, when do you think you will be rested enough to get up?"

Jess just shrugged and closed his eyes while resting his head on the back of the couch. Rory threw up her hands in frustrations and sighed. Rory closed her eyes briefly.

At 8:00 Luke left the diner for a quick check up on the teens under his roof. He had thought they would have sneaked out food from the kitchen at 6 or so but there had been no sign of them. He looked in to find Jess and Rory asleep on the couch sitting on opposite ends. He smiled and slowly closed the door.

Rory opened her eyes to find that she wasn't even in a bed. She sat up straight and realized she was still on the sofa. She looked over to see Jess still sleeping and that it was 10:00. Just as she was about to stand up she heard Luke come in from closing the diner. Luke looked over at her and smiled. "Finally awake? I thought you would sleep all night. He's still out?"

Rory nodded. "I didn't realize I had fallen asleep until just now. I closed my eyes for a moment because I was so tired from all our homework. I guess I was more tired than I realized. Oh, I'm so hungry. I haven't eaten a real meal since breakfast this morning."

Luke chuckled. "Good thing then that I saved two burgers and a lot of fries for you guys when you decided to wake up."

Rory narrowed her eyes. "You knew we were asleep and you didn't try to wake us up?" Luke shrugged and heated the food he had saved.

Rory jumped up and sat down at the table, waiting eagerly. Luke placed a plate in front of her and Rory immediately started to eat.

Both turned to the sofa as they heard a moaning sound coming from its direction. Jess sat up slowly and rubbed his eyes. He stood up groggily and started for the kitchen. He stopped when he noticed two pairs of eyes on him.

"Well, having fun there? Oh, food. Got any for me?" Luke set down a plate in front of the chair next to Rory. Jess sat down and started to eat. Luke looked at Rory and rolled his eyes before going to his room.

"Put the plates in the sink when you are done. See you guys in the morning. I don't expect you will be shut up in your cave all day tomorrow."

Rory swallowed the food in her mouth. "Nope, we're almost done so we don't have much to work on tomorrow. Right, Jess?"

He just shrugged and went back to eating. Rory rolled her eyes and put her plate in the sink. "I'm off to bed. See you in the morning, Jess." She stumbled to her bed and grabbed her stuff before going to the bathroom.

Jess put away his plate and went to his room. He looked back to the bathroom door and smiled before closing his door.

~~~Author's Note~~~

Don't hurt me!!! I'm so, so, so sorry for taking so long. Man, I feel so bad. I take forever and practically all my characters are OOC or my one original is a Mary Sue (flame all you wish, I know for a fact that she isn't as bad as a Mary Sue can be). But eh, I don't care. School is evil and German is the worse (stupid foreign language). My personal life is, well, complicated. Ah, I remember what I want to say. Go visit my weblog and comment; it gives me this warm feeling to know people are reading my crap. Hehe. www. xanga. com/ AntiSocialMischka Go there and visit and say you read my story and I will forever love you. Oh, and check my personal website at www. geocities. com/ spyroskittle713/ enter. html [without the spaces because stupid fan fiction.net messes up otherwise]. You guys are the best. Any comments on how to make this story better would be much appreciated. It's been so long since I have written anything other than poetry or song lyrics and it was hard for me to get back in the mode. If the story has a different feel, then I apologize if it isn't satisfactory. Man, life sucks some times, but you just got to deal with things as they come. Well, sorry for the shameless self-promotion. I was going to make part 6 the whole weekend but decided to put this out now so you wouldn't have to wait any longer. I will finish part 7, which will be Sunday, by the end of the week (I hope). Might be a little later because of homework but not months later, I promise! So, review!!! And if you got time, visit my sites. Later gator. Oh, and sorry for that whole scene at the mansion, I'm sure it seemed out of place. A little too much influence from my real life went into that scene. So sorry about that. Just wait a little bit longer for the next part. I do plan on finishing this before this season is over (can't believe I started writing this almost a year ago). Well, I'm off to bed (school is evil, I want to burn it down).