Rating: Teen, for implied sexual situations and situations involving the tragic disorder of anorexia nervosa
Summary: There are two tragedies in life. One is to lose your heart's desire. The other is to gain it. AU Trory.
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the idea for this story and any characters not recognized. All else is the property of Amy Sherman-Palladino. The quote in the summary is by George Bernard Shaw.
Author's Note: Hello, everyone, I'm back with a Trory. I've discovered that I like that particular pairing much better. This story is extremely AU. Lorelai and Chris married and Rory has grown up with Paris, Madeline and Louise since she was little. She and Tristan are best friends, and very close, but Tristan doesn't know that Rory carries a secret with her. The secret will be revealed sometime around chapter two or three. I am unsure at this point. This story does deal with the topic of eating disorders, mainly anorexia nervosa. Be aware that Rory will be much different, as will Tristan. I hope you enjoy this story.
Chapter 1: Give Me Tragedy
"Rory, you look a little pale, are you feeling well?"
Lorelai "Rory" Hayden sighed. "Yes, Paris. I feel fine. How are you?"
Paris Geller rolled her eyes at her friend. "Great."
Rory sighed again. She was sick of all the questions. Why did anyone care? It's not like anyone was caring eight months ago.
The memories began to cloud her mind. She felt it all coming back. The tears began to cloud her vision. She pushed them away at the sight of her best friend Tristin DuGrey.
Tristin grinned. "Hey, Mary. How are you?"
Rory smiled at the feel of Tristin's arm around her. "You've known me since we were in diapers. Why do you keep calling me Mary?"
"Because I know the real you," Tristin whispered in her ear.
Rory shivered when his lips pressed against her ear. Why did he always do this to her?
"Have I left Rory Hayden speechless?" Tristin inquired.
Rory regained composure. "Nope. Just thinking of ways to get the germs from your mouth off of my ear. I don't even want to know where your mouth has been."
"Places you can't even imagine," Tristin quipped.
Rory cringed. "Gross, Tristin."
"So, can I interest you in some coffee after school?" Tristin inquired.
Rory smiled. "Do you even have to ask?"
"Good, I'll see you then," Tristin said.
Rory nodded. "See you later, Tris."
Paris grabbed Tristin's arm as he walked away from Rory. "We need to talk."
"Calm down, Paris, we can take our time," Tristin responded.
Paris rolled her eyes. "This is serious, Tristin."
Tristin sighed. "When is it not serious?"
"I'm sorry, have you seen Rory lately?" Paris questioned. "She looks awful."
"She looks gorgeous," Tristin said.
"Okay, now is not the time for your 'love sick puppy' bit," Paris replied. "I know you like her and all, DuGrey, but it looks like she's not eating."
"She eats," Tristin defended.
"When was the last time you saw her eat?" Paris asked.
Tristin searched his mind. It had been a good seven months since he'd seen her eat.
"Exactly," Paris stated. "I don't think she's eating. And there's a reason for it."
"Do you happen to know the reason?" Tristin inquired.
Paris shook her head. "The only thing I can think of is that party, but she was with us the whole time. I have no idea."
Tristin sighed. "I'll see what I can get out of her this afternoon over coffee."
Paris smiled. "You really like her, don't you DuGrey?"
Tristin shrugged. "I think I may love her. I'm just… trying to show her that."
"She'll see, trust me, Tris," Paris said. "She'll see."
"I have to get to class, Paris," he said.
Paris nodded. "I know, me too. I'll see you tomorrow, DuGrey."
"Okay, Geller," he responded. "See you."
Paris smiled as she watched DuGrey walk away. She made her way inside the classroom and sat down next to Rory.
Rory smiled at Paris. "Lovers quarrel?"
"Tristin and me?" Paris asked. "No. We all know he's in love with you."
Rory snorted. "Right. We all know that's not possible. He's my best friend."
Paris rolled her eyes. When would Rory see it? Tristin was in love with her, and had been since girls had lost cooties and gained boobs.
Rory opened up her book and notebook as the bell rang. Paris followed suit as the teacher walked into the room.
"Okay, everyone," he said. "Today we will analyze a quote and comment."
Rory set her pencil to her paper. Paris noticed that her hands were shaking.
"Rory, you're shaking," Paris stated. "Nervous?"
Rory rolled her eyes and smiled. "No, just tired."
Paris nodded and looked up at the black board. She saw in her peripheral Rory writing the quote on the board.
Rory looked at the quote and sighed. It seemed to fit everything so perfectly.
There are two tragedies in life. One is to lose your heart's desire. The other is to gain it.
-George Bernard Shaw