Chapter 3

The truth was Rory didn't have any homework to finish. She always did her homework either Friday or Saturday night when everyone else was out partying. She just couldn't stand to be alone with Dean in that room for a second longer.

"Dean, I know I said you could stay, but I think it would be too much of a distraction. I really need to get my essay done."

"Rory, we both know there isn't an essay." Dean replied.

"What are you talking about, of course there's an essay…and it's a long three-thousand word essay with foot notes and citations….you would be soo bored…" she knew she was rambling but she just wanted him to leave.

"Rory, it's okay you don't have to pretend with me. If you wanted to get me in your room all you had to do was ask. You didn't have to make up some lame excuse about doing homework on your computer. We both know you do your homework on Friday and Saturday nights."

She stood there in disbelief, while he stood there smirking like he had uncovered her dirty little secret. Suddenly they were both pulled out of their thoughts when Rory's computer buzzed signaling she had received an instant message from one of her friends. She glanced at the screen and minimized the IM before Dean had a chance to look at it.

"Who was that?" He asked

"Oh it was just Paris reminding me we have a meeting for the Franklin tomorrow."

"Oh, okay." He began inching towards her.

"Dean, look, I know how much you wanted to be alone tonight but I have a lot of work to do so I think it would be best if you just left."

"You know what Rory forget you…I mean do you know how many girls at school are all over me. Do you know how many girls I turn down for you? Do you know how many girls would jump at the chance to be with me? I am not gonna sit around and wait for you. You're not worth it." With that he stormed out the front door.

She wanted to run after him. She wanted to scream at him and tell him that she was worth waiting for if he really loved her. She felt like someone had sucked all of the air out of her lungs. Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me. She had never been as hurt as she was right now and that was including spraining her ankle and breaking her arm in three places. "You're not worth it" kept repeating over and over in her head. She collapsed on her bed and cried into her pillow, long hard sobs escaping from her lips every so often. She hated herself for allowing him to do this to her. He was playing with her emotions. He didn't love her. He just wanted to get her in bed. That was what all guys wanted these days. She hated herself for putting up with him. She knew she didn't deserve this.

She walked over to her computer and looked at the IM she had minimized before.

DUGREY345: Hey Mary

He was still online.

WILLYWONKAFAN: Tristan, why do you insist on instant messaging me?

DUGREY345: Well, now we are making progress, you actually responded this time.

WILLYWONKAFAN: What do you want Tristan?

DUGREY345: You, Mary.

WILLYWONKAFAN: In your dreams Tristan

DUGREY345: Every night, Mare, every night.

WILLYWONKAFAN: I set myself up for that one.

She was going to write more but she was startled by the butterflies that had suddenly made their way into her stomach. Dean, Dean who?