Puppet Master
Rory knocked tentatively on the door Finn had directed her to. A minute later, the door hadn't opened, and she knocked again, more insistently this time. "Steph? Are you in there?"
"Rory?" Steph's voice questioned when she cautiously opened the door. Rory took in Stephanie's face quietly. She was a mess. Her normally perfect mascara had run, and her eyes were bright red from crying. Her hair was falling down from its ponytail and she looked absolutely defeated.
Abruptly, Stephanie engulfed Rory in a hug. "Who told you?" she asked between sobs.
"Finn."
Steph tried to chuckle. "He would. He's trustworthy, that one. He may be drunk half of the time, but even then he's the best, most loyal friend anyone could ask for." Her tone turned bitter at the end, and even though she didn't say it, it was obvious to Rory that she meant 'unlike some people.'
"Yeah, Finn's great," Rory agreed patting Stephanie's back as they retreated to the couch.
"But other than Finn, boys suck."
Rory giggled. "I don't know if I'd go that far, but yeah, boys can suck."
Stephanie emitted a watery chuckle. "You're lucky. You can get any guy you want. Hell, you even got right to the front of the line!"
Rory laughed, but answered seriously. "I don't know about that. Logan and I were just on our first date when Finn ambushed us."
"But you got his affections," Stephanie protested.
"For now," Rory shot back. "And, contrary to popular belief, I can't get any guy I want."
"Yeah, you can, you're just too naïve to see it."
"Maybe, but getting them and keeping them are two different things."
"I sense a story there."
"Yeah, but that's not what I'm here for." Rory paused. "Are you okay?"
"I'll be fine, I guess."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"It's a long story. You probably don't want to hear it."
"You might be surprised what I want to hear. Besides, all good stories are long ones."
"Sometimes you are just too much!" Logan yelled as he entered Colin's room.
"God, not so loud," Colin groaned. "I have a splitting headache."
"And whose fault is that?" Logan asked. "Who got his grubby paws on my vodka?" he pressed. "Who just had to go two rounds with David Sutherland?"
"Don't remind me," Colin whimpered pitifully.
Logan finally noticed how much pain Colin was in and sank slowly into a chair. "Whatever am I going to do with you?" he griped playfully.
"I thought I heard a commotion in here," Finn commented as he entered the room. "How'd things go with Sutherland?"
Colin moaned again. "You went to see Sutherland, Logan? How bad was it?"
Logan shrugged. "Not too bad. David's a dolt. There is nothing substantial to his threats, but I like to humor him anyway. He's always good for some entertainment."
"I'm glad I could provide you some entertainment." Colin deadpanned.
"Well, now that we've taken care of that, we still have to deal with Colin's little problem," piped up Finn happily, winking at Logan.
"Little problem?"
"Yeah, mate. What are you going to do about Stephanie?"
Colin rolled his eyes.
"No seriously, Colin. You messed this up pretty badly. Do you have a plan?"
Colin howled in frustration. "Out!" he shouted, throwing his pillow at them.
Finn and Logan acquiesced, grinning to themselves.
"Colin and I grew up together," began Stephanie. "We were best friends and no one ever saw one of us without the other. Around second grade, when girls suddenly develop cooties and boys get germs, Finn and Logan moved in down the street from us. At first, Colin wanted nothing to do with them, but I tried to be their friend. He was jealous of the time I spent with them but eventually, he came around and formed an impenetrable bond with them. Suddenly, instead of it being me and Colin, it was the great trio; Colin, Finn and Logan. I was suddenly the outsider – the girl that they didn't want anything to do with. It was hard for me at first, but I got used to it. I made my own friends – girlfriends who have stayed with me forever. Eventually, the three of them did let me into the group. But it's never been the same. Colin and I have never really gotten that friendship back – there were always too many obstacles. At first I was mad at him for abandoning me. Then we couldn't find anything in common."
Stephanie sniffled and Rory patted her hand comfortingly. "Colin was always jealous of the time I spent with other boys. I wasn't naïve enough not to know that it was because he liked me. But he's just never made a move. And I never wanted to mess it up worse than our relationship has been. So he sabotages my relationships. Rumors, lies, blackmail, whatever just so I'm perpetually single. But until today, he's never admitted his feelings. How was I supposed to react?" she asked.
Rory shrugged, unable to find anything nice and profound to say. Finally she just settled for the truth. "You do know he loves you right? I mean, I know that's what he said, but I just want to make sure you know it's not just a ploy to make David break up with you."
"I'm not sure what to think."
"Well he does. Love you, that is. Finn sees it. Logan sees it. Hell, I've known him all of a couple of weeks and I see it. He probably hates himself right now for putting you through this."
"Yeah, you're probably right. But I don't know how I'm supposed to forgive and forget years of hurt."
"Put your happiness first," Rory advised. "If being with him would make you happy, do it. Punish him later," she finished slyly wearing a contagious evil grin.
Stephanie grinned back at her. "I'll think about it."
"Well, I'm here to listen, if you need somebody. I don't know if you'd want my advice, but I could try that too."
"Thanks," said Stephanie sincerely. "That means a lot. Now, what was that about how getting a guy and keeping a guy are two different things?"
Rory rolled her eyes, but began anyway. "His name was Jess. If you ask my hometown, he was the bad boy that corrupted the good girl. If you ask me, he was absolutely dreamy…" the girls both giggled as Rory continued.
AN: So, this is what came out next. Don't ask me, I don't have any control over it. I realize it has a sad lack of Rory/Logan, but adding in a Stephanie subplot was irresistible. In fact, I have a feeling that we will be seeing a lot more minor characters making appearances to keep this fic going. I might even add in some more Lorelai even though I find her extremely difficult to write. Not to worry though; I won't neglect Rory and Logan. What blasphemy to even suggest such a thing!
Thank you for all of the kind reviews. They get me going even after what I believe was one of the worst chapters thus far. I just have to thank a couple of people personally, so if you'll allow me to ramble for a while, I would be much obliged.
smile1 – Thank you for all of the wonderful reviews. Every time you review, I experience an 'I'm not worthy' moment because you're one of my favorite authors! So thanks!
Problem Child1 – Thank you! You are one of my most faithful reviewers and your reviews always make me feel so warm and fuzzy inside!
Thank you to all the rest of you as well. You guys are great! I love reading your reviews and trying to make as many of you happy as I can. Now I must resume the search for my lost reviewer, so if you'll excuse me…
Thought'sPen?!
Thought'sPen?!
Okay, seriously, why are you guys still reading this authors note? I'm obviously touched in the head, so I think it would be in your best interest to skip to the bottom…
Love y'all. he-he…'y'all' Rebecca