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. "Good Times" belongs to Tommy Lee.
Author's Note: Thanks so much for your reviews. I hope everyone likes this chapter. This chapter is graduation, and the next chapter will be an Epilogue. I hope everyone likes this chapter!
Chapter 15: Good Times
"Lorelai Leigh Gilmore has been an asset to our school," Headmaster Charleston explained. "She is a prime example of rising above what life has dealt us. After a traumatic sophomore year and leaving us for both that year and her junior year, Ms. Gilmore returned to us senior year a very changed person. One thing that did not change, however, was her drive. That is why she is our class valedictorian this year. Without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, Rory Gilmore."
Rory smiled and stood from her seat. She walked up to the stage and looked out into the sea of people.
"Ladies and gentlemen, fellow students, family, friends and faculty," she began. "Thank you all for being here this evening. We thought this day would never come."
She heard laughs from the audience and looked down at the paper in front of her. She looked up again and smiled.
"George Bernard Shaw once said, 'There are two tragedies in life. One is to lose your heart's desire. The other is to gain it.' I'm sure Mr. Shaw never thought how much of an impact these words would have on a high school student," Rory said. "I first heard these words at a low point in my life. When I heard these words, it made sense. It summed up my life in only a few simple words. My response was, and always will be give me tragedy.
"The desires of my heart have not changed," Rory continued. "At sixteen, all I wanted was love. At seventeen, I lost hope of ever finding it. Eighteen came around, though, and I found it.
"Many different people have given me love," she said. "My mother has been there for me since I was sixteen. She gave me love when I needed it most. My grandparents, Richard and Emily Gilmore, have shown me how precious love is. I thank all three of you for my strength.
"Luke Danes and Jess Mariano showed me love when no one else could," Rory carried on. "I thank you both for giving me a home and for helping me to realize that no matter what, all is not lost. Paris Geller, Louise Grant, Madeline Lynn, Matt Waters and Oliver Newill have been my friends forever. I thank you for sharing your high school days with me.
"Last, but not least, is Tristin DuGrey," Rory concluded. "You were, and always have been, my best friend. Thank you for being there for me when the world was dark. Thank you for bringing light to my world. I will love you all of my days. I also want us to take this time to congratulate all of my classmates. We are finally at our peak. I wish the best of luck to all of you. Thank you."
Rory walked down from the podium as people began clapping. Some stood, other cheered. She looked to her mother and Luke, who were crying. She passed by Tristin, who was smiling at her. She took his hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
"Will the graduates please stand as we call their names to accept their diplomas," Headmaster Charleston said.
Rory stood between Paris and Louise. She smiled at both of them as Headmaster Charleston began to called out the names.
"Tristin Janlan DuGrey…"
Rory watched as Tristin walked across the stage. He mouthed the words 'I love you' to her has he turned his tassel.
"Paris Eustace Geller… Lorelai Leigh Gilmore… Louise Sylvia Grant…"
Rory smiled as she turned her tassel. She stuck her tongue out to her mother, Luke and Jess. Her mother did the same.
"Madeline Reese Lynn… Oliver James Newill…"
Madeline wiped away her tears as she walked cross the stage. Oliver took her hand after accepting his diploma. Rory somehow knew something would happen between the two of them.
"Matthew Grayson Waters…"
Matt nearly sprinted off the stage and into the group of his friends who had congregated around Rory, Paris and Louise.
"Congratulations, Class of 2003!"
Rory and her friend threw their caps up in the air. "Good Times" began to play.
"What is the meaning of this!" Charleston asked.
Rory and Tristin looked to Matt.
He smiled innocently. "I may have had something to do with it."
Everyone began laughing as Matt feigned innocence while Charleston interrogated him.
Put down the magazine and get off the phone
'Cause there's a place I want to show you and it won't take long
Take a tide
Take a ride
Tristin came up behind Rory and wrapped his arms around her waist. "I love you."
Rory turned around and looked into Tristin's eyes. "I love you, too."
It's looking like we're getting there
Over here, coming clear
Place that has no rhymes, or times, or crimes
Paris met Jess as he made his way over to the group. "Hi."
Jess smiled. "Congratulations, Paris."
Paris smiled back. "Thanks."
Jess kissed Paris. Although she was startled, she kissed him back. Rory and Tristin looked over and smiled.
Just good times
Just good times
"It was good having you here, Lorelai," Luke said. "Really, I --"
Lorelai kissed Luke, then smiled. "No problem."
Lorelai began to walk away, but Luke caught her wrist and brought her lips back to his.
Take me away
To a place where the good times, good times roll
Don't let me stay
In a place where this hate can steal my soul
Rory and Tristin were holding hands as they walked out of the schoolyard. She smiled at him when he looked over at her.
"What are you thinking?" Tristin asked.
"Yale won't know what hit them," Rory responded.
Tristin pulled Rory closer to him. "Nope."
Rory smiled. "I guess this means we shouldn't request to room together."
"Probably not," Tristin responded.
Rory smiled and stopped Tristin from walking. "I love you."
"I love you," Tristin said.
Tristin kissed Rory. She smiled into the kiss and placed her hands on his chest. Tristin's hand became tangled in her hair.
The sun hadn't yet begun it's descent. The air was warm. All that mattered, though, was the moment, and how they felt at that point in this form of tragedy, where each realized that they had gained their heart's desire.
And it wasn't so tragic after all.