Mary,

I figured you might get a kick out of this: Some kid asked where I was from this mornin, and I told him Switzerland. I think he actually bought it, becuase he went and asked our captain what language they speack over there. I have never worked so hard not to laugh in my life. Anyway I am officially labeling that as the good news portion of the letter, not that it really fits the title.

Mare, I got a call from my fahter this morning. He says he got a great client and an 'opportunity to further the growth of the company', so he's staying in Europe for a while longer. Like, a lot longer. He says he's leaving me here until I gruaduate and go to College.

I have no idea what to say, except 'help!'. You're on the outside, you must have some way to reach him. Or something. So...please write back as soon as you can; I can't stay here for another year. It will kill me.

I miss you

I love you

Tristan

-

Rory read the letter to herself, and felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomache. Say goodbye to Tristan for that long? Forever, even? The concept was inconcievable. She fell back onto her couch, and let her eyes fill with tears. It had been hard enough to live without him for this long. She had fun with Finn, yes, but it didn't even compare to the way she felt around Tristan.

Tristan filled her with mystery, safety, passion. His every burning touch reverbated throughout her entire body, and his kiss made her forget her surroundings. Tristan challenged her, something Dean never did, and comforted her, something Jess never could.

He was like magic. In his presence every problem fell away, and she was home. Tristan had filled a hole Rory was never even aware of in her heart. The thought of him being gone from her life, tearing open that gaping crevice in her soul, terrified Rory. She needed him to be there for her, to excite her, and to make her feel alive.

She knew she should be helping right now, that she should be compiling a list of possible solutions. Instead, she was crumples on her couch, sobbing like a child. A small part of her mind screamed at her to do something, but she was lost in her tears. She felt as if someone had put her on an airplane, taken her several thousand feet up, and told her politely that they were about to remove the floor of the plane.

It was this small part of her which was extremely grateful to hear a knock on the door. The noise shocked Rory back into the real world. After a moment spent drying her eyes, she went to open the door to the insistant knocker.

"Lorelalalai, I need your help this instant in a matter of dire importance." Finn swept past her dramatically, "I have just met my future wife, the girl of my dreams. Raven hair, exotic, captivating eyes, and a dares to be different attitude which has captured my heart!" it was only then that he turned around and saw Rory. Ashen, blotchy face, wet eyes, and sniffling nose.

"Hi Finn," she said, her voice still quavering ever so slightly. "I think you just met Lane."

"My dear, what's wrong? You look positively aweful, though I mean that in the best way possible. Did someboy drown you?"

"Finn, he's going to be gone forever." she said, her face contorting in anguish and a fresh bout of tears breaking free.

"I know it feels that way sometimes, love--"

"No, he really is." she handed him the letter. No explanation was needed, and he read it quickly with a small frown on his face. Then his brow softened with sympathy, and he held out his arms to her. She cried on his shoulder until she heard his next statement.

"Well of course, we're not going to allow this." his voice was so matter of fact that she pulled away, her eyes clearing momentarily.

"Finn--"

"Darling, don't you worry about it. You have on your side the most grousse con artist and plan thinker upper in the northern hemisphere. Trust me" she finally nodded and allowed a small smile, and he cleared his throat.

"Now then, tell me about beautiful, mysterious, rebellious, Lane..."

Yes? Yes. I know, yes.

Silly, willy, not having a last name-y Finn...

Tristan and sad and all that and woah, I need less sugar.

Yes?

Yes.

I know, yes.

Please review!

Yes!