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. "Mixtape" belongs to Butch Walker.
Author's Note: It's finally over, and I want to thank everyone who read this story and also everyone who reviewed this story. It meant so much to me. Here's the epilogue, I hope you like it!
Epilogue: Mixtape
She could smell the snow. Or maybe it was her own fear. Fear of what, though? She and Tristin had been through rape, anorexia, a small-town boyfriend and now were starting their second year of college. They could outstand anything. This, however…
Rory shook the negative thought from her head. She didn't need to think about that right now. She needed to concentrate on getting to Tristin's suite. The one he, coincidentally, shared with Jess.
Rory smiled as she thought of all life had dealt them so far. Paris and Rory had found themselves as suitemates, along with a genius and jock (Paris and said jock didn't get along so well, but that was another story). Jess had gone off to UCLA after his own graduation. He couldn't stand the thought of being away from Paris, though, and had transferred to Yale after one semester in California.
Lane and Dave, along with Zack and Brian, had gone on a small tour during Rory's freshman year at Yale. Now, they were touring with Jimmy Eat World. It was a step up from Remy Griddin, who had wound up in a psychiatric facility after a tragic incident involving eggs and fire.
Rory laughed at that thought. She was nearing Tristin's suite. She held her breath as she knocked on the door.
Jess smirked when he saw her. "Gilmore."
"Mariano," she greeted. "What are you up to?"
"Feng Shui," he responded. "Paris said it would be good for my room. Want to help?"
Rory shook her head. "No thanks, Jess. I'm good."
Jess shrugged. "If you say so…"
"I do," Rory finished. "Where's my boyfriend?"
"In his room," Jess responded, pointing to a closed door.
"Thanks," Rory said.
Jess nodded. "No problem. Mind telling me what you did with Paris?"
Rory smiled mischievously. "She may be preparing to call you and tell you to come over."
"I'll be back in two hours," Jess said. "Don't do anything I would do."
Rory laughed. "Promise."
Jess smiled at her again and left. Rory walked silently over to Tristin's door and knocked. She heard Tristin grumble and begin moving to the door.
"Jess, I already told you, I'm not participating in your little Feng…" he opened the door and saw Rory. "Shui. Rory. You're not Jess."
Rory snapped her fingers. "Darn. And here I was just getting ready to be broody."
Tristin smirked. "I wasn't expecting you until later."
"I figured I'd come over now," Rory responded. "I missed you and all."
"Yeah, I mean, we only saw each other approximately eleven hours ago," Tristin quipped.
Rory smiled at Tristin. "I'm hungry."
Tristin rolled his eyes. "When are you not hungry?"
Rory made her way out of Tristin's room. "Never."
"So, you want some coffee?" Tristin asked as he searched the cupboards for a coffee filter.
Rory sat down at the table. "Uh, no. Water's fine."
Tristin looked to Rory. "Water? You never drink water."
Rory shrugged. "I'm in the mood for water."
"Rory Gilmore wants water," Tristin stated. "What is the world coming to?"
"Drop it Tristin," Rory warned.
"Sorry," Tristin replied. "But water? You and water are on completely opposite ends of the spectrum. It's like, peanut butter and mayonnaise."
"Thank you for comparing my beverage choice to peanut butter and mayonnaise," Rory said. "Just drop it, okay?"
"You're upset. Would water make you feel better?" Tristin asked mockingly.
Rory stood up. "Fuck, Tristin! I'm pregnant! Can I have some water now, please?"
Tristin stared at Rory blankly. She sighed and sat down and began to cry.
"Mary," Tristin said. "I'm sorry."
"You couldn't just get me a glass of water," she whimpered. "You had to ask about it."
Tristin took Rory's hand. "I'm so sorry, Mary. I didn't know."
"I was going to sit down and tell you," Rory said. "I was going to cook you dinner and light candles and tell you."
Tristin sighed. "That doesn't matter, Rory."
Rory hiccupped. "Yes it does. I wanted it to be perfect."
A pause.
"Oh. My. God," Tristin stated. "You're pregnant."
Rory searched Tristin's eyes for any sign of emotion. Then she saw it. The smirk that crept over his face. He was smirking.
She was pregnant.
"I'm having a baby," Rory said.
Tristin picked Rory up. "You're pregnant!"
Rory laughed. "I am."
He set Rory down and kissed her. She rested her hands on his waist and he cupped her face gently with his hands, which soon became tangled in her hair.
"There are two tragedies in life," Tristin said. "One is to lose your heart's desire. The other is to gain it."
Rory didn't say anything. Tristin took her hands in his.
"Marry me."
Rory kissed Tristin.
They both knew that life was never going to be normal for them. They would have ups and downs throughout. They would go through trials with this child and would get married.
They would hate each other. They would love each other. He would yell, she would throw him out.
And the reason was breathed into Tristin's lips as the kiss broke.
"I love you. Yes."