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, once again sorry for the lack of updates. Things have been crazy with my family lately and I couldn't find time to write. Sorry for the excuses! All of the reviewers: Thank you so much for continuing to read this story, it means a lot! All of your reviews truly make me smile when I really need it! Now, on with the story:)
The bus from Hartford pulled in to Stars Hollow at 1:45 in the afternoon. Rory had spent the whole trip alternating between worrying about missing school and what she was going to tell Dean. At least she had some time to think before Dean got out of school. She headed towards Luke's, in desperate need of coffee.
"Hey Luke, may I have some coffee please?" Rory sat at the counter and gave him her best puppy dog eyes.
Luke gave her a confused look and asked "Aren't you supposed to be in school?"
Rory, having forgotten that she wasn't supposed to be in Stars Hollow, said "Oh, the rest of today's classes were cancelled."
"Oh, okay." Luke filled a mug and placed it in front of her. "Want anything to eat?"
"No thanks, I'm just waiting for Dean to get out of school." Rory said, glancing towards the window.
"Well, just tell me if you want anything else." Luke went to serve his other customers, leaving Rory alone at the counter. She was suddenly very nervous and afraid to see Dean. What am I going to say to him? Sorry Dean, I like someone else, I hope you understand? Oh yeah, that would work so well. Luke, having noticed that Rory had become fascinated with the countertop, was waving his hand in front of her face. Breaking her stare, she looked up surprised.
"Huh? No thanks, I don't want anymore coffee." Rory said, now staring at her mug.
Luke looked at her, concern covering his face. "Well, that's good considering I didn't ask."
"Oh, sorry. I guess I just zoned off. Do you know what time it is?" Luke glanced at his watch and told her it was 2:30.
"Wow, I gotta go. Thanks Luke." Rory quickly left the diner, leaving a very confused Luke staring after her. School had just been dismissed and she went to meet Dean on the steps. Dean came out the door, his face brightening when he saw Rory.
"Hey, this is a nice surprise." He gave her a kiss on the lips, but shortened it when he sensed Rory's hesitation.
"Yeah, school ended early today. Do you think we could go somewhere and talk?" Rory watched his face, feeling incredibly guilty about what she was going to do.
Dean could tell something was wrong and his words came out louder then intended when he answered "What? What is going on now? Did Tristan do something to you? I swear I'm going to kill him."
Rory winced at his tone, and quietly said "No, he didn't do anything." She paused and slowly added "But I did." Not ready to see his reaction, she looked down at the ground.
"Wha- what?" Dean stammered, leaning down to try and see Rory's eyes. He lifted her head with his hand, and frowned at her tears.
"Dean, I am so sorry, but I can't be with you anymore."
"Where is this coming from? Is it Tristan?" Dean's voice was growing more intense and his eyebrows were furrowed in anger.
Rory took a step back, preparing for the hardest thing she has ever said. "I'm not in love with you anymore. I'm so sorry."
Dean's face fell, and his anger soon turned to sadness. "What?"
Rory was crying again. She stepped towards Dean and cupped his cheek with her hand. "I didn't mean for it to happen, but I like Tristan."
Dean pushed her hand away, his anger rising once again. "Don't touch me. I can't believe you are leaving me for him. You know he's going to break your heart."
Rory said a quiet "Goodbye Dean" and turned to walk away.
"Once he gets what he wants he'll go back to treating you like dirt!" Dean screamed after her, getting the attention of his fellow classmates. He ignored their whispers and walked towards his house.
Rory began to run, sobbing even more. Dean's words had really hit her, reinforcing one of her greatest fears about Tristan. She ran until she reached her house, collapsing on the porch. Lorelai was still at the inn and her father had gone to visit his parents in Hartford. She continued her crying for several more minutes, her tears slowly subsiding. After taking deep breaths to calm herself, she went inside. On the kitchen table was a note from Lorelai:
Have to stay at the inn late tonight. Your dad should be home around 5:00. Call me if you need anything.
Love,
Your Creator
Rory went to her room and changed into her pajamas. Ignoring the voice in her head that told her to do her homework, she crawled into bed. It didn't take long for her to fall asleep. About an hour later, Rory woke to insistent knocking on the front door. She trudged to the door and was shocked when she opened the door to reveal Tristan.
Tristan took in her appearance. She was wearing pajamas, her hair was stuck to the side of her face and her eyes were bright red. "Ror, are you okay?"
"What are you doing here? I told you I would talk to you tomorrow." Rory said tiredly. She wasn't in the mood for this now. All she wanted to do was sleep.
"I couldn't wait that long. I'm really worried about you." Tristan stepped in the house and closed the door.
"I'm fine, now will you please go." Rory tried to sound forceful, but her face said otherwise. Tristan saw the sadness in her eyes and he stepped forward to pull her into a hug.
"You are not fine. I hate seeing you like this, please tell me what's wrong." Tristan whispered comfortingly in her ear. With any other girl he would have been tired of this, but he could hold Rory all day.
Rory finally gave in and sadly whispered "I broke up with Dean." She pulled back and looked into Tristan's eyes.
Trying his best not to look ecstatic, Tristan said "I'm sorry." What else am I supposed to say? Thank God?
"It's not your fault. I needed to do it, I don't love him anymore." Rory stood nervously in front of Tristan, not sure what to do next.
"Well, if it's what you wanted, why are you so upset?"
"Because I hurt him." She paused and started "and…"
"And what?" Tristan asked worried.
"And he reminded me of something. Something I have been worried about." Rory looked away, afraid to tell Tristan her concern.
Tristan became nervous and moved to look in her eyes. "What is it?"
"How do I know that you actually like me? Once you prove I will go out with you, you'll dump me." Rory said in a bitter voice.
Tristan was taken aback. He felt so awful at her words. Does she really think that's how I feel about her? "Rory, how could you say that? You are not some conquest to me, I love you."
Rory shot her head back to look at him. "How could you love me? We barely know each other."
"Rory, when I saw you that first day I was infatuated with you. I watched you constantly, and I saw who you are. You are the sweetest, kindest, most beautiful girl I have ever met. When we kissed at Madeline's party, I never felt anything like it. I knew from that short moment that I loved you." Tristan finished, becoming embarrassed over his proclamation. After several minutes of silence, he moved to leave, sure that he had made a mistake.
Rory finally spoke up "Tristan, wait." She had been shocked at Tristan's words, unsure what to make of them. The pained look on his face as he moved to leave brought her to her senses. She moved to Tristan and grabbed his hand that he had placed on the doorknob. The two stood staring at each other in silence. It was finally Tristan's turn to initiate the kiss. He bent down, gently pressing his lips on to hers. Rory wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. The kiss was passionate, but not filled with urgency. Everything they felt was being shown to each other, and they took their time. Finally pulling back for air, they stood foreheads together.
Just as they moved to reconnect, the front door opened. They quickly pulled apart, embarrassed in front of Christopher. "Hey, sorry to interrupt. No, wait, I'm not sorry. Who the hell are you and what are you doing with my daughter?"
"Um, I uh am-" Tristan started, but Rory stepped in.
"Dad, this is Tristan DuGrey."
Chris looked back and forth between the teens and seemed to realize something. "Oh, so this is the famous escort?"
Tristan, looking relieved said "Yes, sir. We were just discussing tomorrow's ball."
Chris didn't buy it, but looking at Rory's pleading eyes, he decided to let it go. "Oh, exciting stuff isn't it? I myself have been to tons of these things."
Rory brightened and said "Yup, good old times I'm sure. Well Tristan, I think we're all set. I'll talk to you tomorrow, right?"
Tristan smiled at her and said "Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow. It was nice to meet you sir."
"You too kid. I guess I'll see you at the ball."
"Great, bye." Tristan opened the door and gave Rory a wink as Chris started to walk towards the living room. As soon as he was out of earshot, he whispered "Bye Mary." For once, she smiled at the nickname and motioned for him to leave. Tristan walked to his car, a huge smile on his face. I think this ball is going to be a lot better then I thought.
So, I hope this wasn't too cheesy. I really didn't want it to be, but it was kinda hard to avoid. Plus, who doesn't like a little declaration of love by Tristan :) Please please review! I think this story is coming to a close soon. The ball is almost here! Thanks to you all!
