TITLE: Presenting... Mary

SUMMARY: A twist in the episode "Presenting Lorelai Gilmore." Who will be Rory's escort?

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Gilmore Girls or anything related to it. I am just an obsessive fan!

A/N: This is my first fanfic ever! I have been reading and enjoying them for a long time and never got the courage to write one myself! Please be kind and review. I accept constructive criticism! Thanks for giving me a chance!

Also, italics mean a character's thoughts.

Hey, sorry for the lack of updates in the past few days. I was at my freshman orientation for college! Scary, huh? No, it was great and I am so excited. Thanks again to all the reviewers. If it weren't for you guys, I would have stopped this story a while ago. Thanks for encouraging me, I appreciate it so much!

Rory woke to noises in the kitchen. Tired and annoyed, she got out of bed and opened her bedroom door. "Mom, geeze, what-"

"Hey kiddo, good morning!"

"Dad? Oh my god, I completely forgot that you were coming." Rory said, running over to Christopher and giving him a large hug.

"Well, don't I feel special." Chris gave Rory a teasing smile and handed her a cup of coffee.

Rory gave her dad an apologetic look and said "Sorry dad, I've just had a lot on my mind."

"Well that's her excuse, but I was shocked to see you for different reasons." Lorelai finally spoke up, not wanting Chris to ask what was on Rory's mind.

"Didn't think I'd show, huh?"

"No, of course not." Lorelai said unconvincingly, then added "Well, ok, yes."

"I guess I deserve that. I really am sorry that I have been so busy lately. Can I take you guys for coffee to help make up for it?"

Lorelai's eyes brightened and with a huge smile she said "Don't have to ask us twice, let's go to Luke's!" Rory, not looking nearly as enthusiastic about coffee as she should, went to her room to change for school. The only thing on her mind was Tristan and the fact that she would have to see him in less than two hours.

The three entered Luke's and sat at a table near the window, much to Rory's dismay. She didn't want Dean to walk by and see them. The last thing she needed was Dean around. I still don't know what I'm going to do. I made such a mess of myself in front of Tristan and I am dreading seeing my boyfriend. Luke came to take their order, and his face visibly fell at the sight of Christopher. Completely oblivious, Lorelai said "Hey, you in the flannel, get us some coffee."

Luke slightly smiled at her, then turned to Chris and gruffly said "You want some too?"

"Yeah, thanks." Chris was looking at Luke curiously. He could tell Luke didn't like him, and he was pretty sure why. Luke turned and walked towards the counter.

Chris put his suspicions to the side and turned his attention to the silent Rory, slumped in her seat. "Ror, are you okay? You have barely said anything all morning."

"Uh huh. Great." Rory mumbled, staring out the window towards Stars Hollow High. School would be starting soon and she was watching the crowds of teenagers walking towards the building. She wanted to wait for Dean to go into school before she went outside to her bus stop.

"Yeah Chris, don't worry about her. She was just up late studying last night." Lorelai launched into a rant about the amount of homework Chilton gives, purposing taking Chris' attention away from Rory. She knew that Rory didn't want to talk about what was really bothering her, especially with her dad. The rest of breakfast flew by, Rory staring out the window and Chris and Lorelai talking about each other's work.

Rory had thankfully seen Dean walk into the school a minute earlier and headed towards her bus stop. Sitting on the bus, she was trying to read her latest book, The Lovely Bones. Just the other day she had been engrossed in the narrator talking from heaven, but now she was reading the same line over and over again. Rory looked up, surprised when the bus pulled up to Chilton. We're already here? Man, that was fast. Wishing the bus ride could have lasted forever, she reluctantly gathered her things and slowly walked inside the school. Rory made her way to her locker, completely stuck in a daze. After getting the morning's books and closing the door, she finally noticed that she had not seen Tristan. Sure that she had scared him away, she sadly went to her first class. I must have really freaked him out last night, and now he wants nothing to do with me.

Tristan had watched Rory the minute she walked in the door. He saw her walking, her usually bright blue eyes dull as she stared ahead She seemed as if she was moving on auto-pilot, completely unaware of what was around her. Had she bothered to look, she would have seen him staring lovingly at her from the corner. Something's wrong with her. She looks so lifeless, so un-Rory like. Not sure what to do, Tristan went to his classes. He didn't think that Rory would want to see him.

Rory made it to lunch, having no idea what had happened in any of her previous classes. She sat at her usual table, put her head phones in place and started to attempt reading her book. After a few minutes, she couldn't stand being there any longer. She felt as if she was being stared at, and she had no idea why. She rose from her seat and quickly made her way outside to the benches in the quad. It was surprisingly warm for October, and she sat relaxed in the light breeze.

Tristan was sitting in the lunch room staring at the empty seat Rory had vacated. "Hey Tris! Earth to Tristan!" His friends were trying to get his attention, but he didn't even notice them. After what seemed like hours, he tore his eyes away from the spot and turned to his friends.

"Hey guys, I'm gonna go outside for some fresh air." Not waiting for a response, he made his way outside. Tristan's fast stroll came to an abrupt stop when he caught sight of Rory, sitting peacefully on a bench. She had a small smile on her face and she no longer seemed as dazed. Now that's the Rory I know. Encouraged by an unknown source of confidence, he walked over and sat next to her.

The sound of Tristan sitting beside her made Rory jump. Now aware of his intense stare, she turned towards him and looked into his eyes. They sat locked on to each other's eyes for several minutes, neither saying a thing. Rory finally realized how long they had been staring and moved her head away, embarrassed. Tristan saw the uncomfortable look on her face and said "I'm sorry. I'll just leave you alone." He moved to stand, but stopped when he heard Rory speak.

"Wait, don't go. Please." She looked at him with pleading eyes, and he instantly sat back down. They continued to sit in silence, both wanting to speak, but not sure what to say.

Tristan was thinking he should leave, but realized that this may be the only time to talk to Rory. In a quiet voice he said "Rory, I know that you are confused. I can't stand seeing you so upset."

The sincerity in his voice told Rory that he was being truthful. She slid closer to him, now mere inches away from his body. It was comforting being close to him, and she finally spoke "I am confused, but that is no excuse for running out on you last night. I'm so sorry."

"It's okay, I understand." Tristan wasn't sure if this was true. He knew how he felt, he was sure of it. He had no idea what was going on in Rory's head, and it was killing him.

Rory gave him a weak smile. "Thanks." She wrapped her arms around him and pulled him into a hug. She wasn't even sure why, but she needed to be close to him. Tristan, surprised, placed his arms around her and stroked her back in small circles. After several minutes, Tristan felt tears dripping down the side of his neck. He pulled back and lifted Rory's chin with his thumb.

Staring into her eyes he said "Shh, it's okay Ror. I will do whatever you want me to." He wiped her tears with the pads of his thumbs and pushed a stray lock of hair behind her ears.

"Why are you being so nice to me?" Rory was choking back her sobs, trying desperately to regain her composure.

"Because you mean everything to me. I just want you to be happy. You are too wonderful to be-" Tristan was cut off by Rory's lips on his. Shocked, he remained still while Rory softly kissed him. As she continued, Tristan finally returned the kiss. It slowly became more passionate and he licked Rory's bottom lip, causing her to open her mouth, allowing him more access. They fought for control and Rory finally ended the kiss, sucking on his bottom lip. They breathlessly pulled apart, Rory looking shyly at her lap.

Smiling, Tristan said "Please don't run away." Behind his smiling face, he was scared to death that she would leave him. His smile brightened when Rory laced her fingers with his.

"I'm not running. Not any more." Tristan, happier than ever, leaned forward and gave her a short, sweet kiss. After moving apart, they both sat unsure of what to do next.

Tristan tentatively asked "So… What happens now?"

A look of realization appeared on Rory's face. She had forgotten about their situation. She just kissed Tristan, and she is going out with Dean. "I don't know. What does this mean for you?"

"I told you, you mean everything to me. I can't just ignore what happened." Tristan's voice seemed guarded. The girl in front of him had the power to rip his heart to pieces, and he was afraid.

Rory looked at him, giving him a sweet smile. She didn't want to hurt Tristan, but she also didn't want to hurt Dean. She knew what she had to do, and it wasn't going to be easy. "No, I don't want to ignore it either. I have to go do something, and I will talk to you tomorrow. I promise." She gave him a quick kiss and walked to the bus stop, not caring that it was only lunch time.

Tristan watched until he could no longer see her. This is good, at least I think. I have wanted this for so long. I can't screw this up now. He stood and walked back towards the school, wanting the day to be over so he could see Rory.

Hey Everybody! Please, please review! I'm not sure on this chapter, but I knew that I wanted this to happen before the ball. As always, thanks so much for taking the time to read. I love all of you guys!

P.S. I do not own The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. If you haven't read it, you should. It's great!