A/N: HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope you guys had a nice Christmas and new year's
celebrations! Thanks to Madz for her corrections on the text and UPDATE...
damn. *innocent smirk*
Jazz14: Oh oh oh... What did you do to be grounded that way? Be careful, you might end up in some military school. Yep, it sucks to be grounded... At least, my parents can't take away my cable internet since I don't have one. *pout*
Siaram: Well, glad you found it, finally! It happens to me a lot too, I suddenly come across stories that are totally unknown to me and yet, I spend countless hours on that site. I hope you're gonna continue to read and enjoy!
Priscilla: Whoa... this was quite a review, thanks! I really hope I manage to keep them all in character. I just can't believe that Tristan is just a stupid jerk, it doesn't fit in my little world, I'm in denial. Is my update quick enough for you? He he he... I know, authors who don't update in forever annoy me *cough*Madz*cough* Hope I live up to your expectations.
Ally: Yeah, that wouldn't be rushed and plain at all, lol. Sorry to tell you that it's not the way I see it... *innocent smirk* But Rory will come to the rescue... once.
Pearls24: Thanks, I'm happy you love my story. Who said I was gonna get Tristan out of this mess, huh? *hides behind table* Ok, I promise, I'm gonna pull him out of the fix, he's gonna be ok. Trory forever... muahahahahaha.
RachelGreen3: I'm updating! Glad to know you're not angry, I don't like when people are angry at me *pout* And I continue, in fact, I've already nearly finished chapter 6. but now, my brain is dead cause I worked all holidays in that hellhole called a grocery and I think I'm losing my mind a bit, working there, among weirdos...
DitzyChik: Thanks, I do what I can to entertain you guys. Hope you enjoy, this story has really grown on me and I'm fond of it. Hope I won't disappoint you, but read on...
Smile1: You shouldn't be honoured, I'm honoured that YOU read my story. I love yours and I just saw that you've started to write a sequel to Truthful Web of Lies... Argh, lucky me I accidentally clicked on your name and spotted that in your profile... Humor is difficult to write, and speech parts too, because it always seems so empty when compared to angst. I love Ria too, I'm gonna develop her character a lot more later on. *smile*
Moi: ah ah ah, asa if someone rambling could bother me! Who are you kidding? Rory pries a lot in this chapter, he he he... Enjoy. Lorelei's RULE! Muahahahaha.
Kellene: YES! Someone finally agrees that pov changing can do some good to the story! I love to write in the first person sometimes, it's really like you're in the characters and know everything. It's a great way to be really in the story.
GOOFYGIRL: Merci du compliment, je fais ce que je peux avec mon Anglais de merde (non, en fait, il est pas mal, lol. Tu crois franchement qu'ils vont commencer à se parler sous peu ? Tu peux attendre... encore et encore. Argh, je me rappelle plus de cette discussion, j'ai pas vu le film en entier, faudra que j'aille le louer un des ces 4. Merci, je sais que le Québec est au Canada... Et j'espère que t' es au courant que la Suisse est à côté de la France et pas de la Norvège ! *smile*
Madz: always have to mess around, huh ? Can't even post a review correctly... tsk tsk tsk. I?m sorry to announce you that you can only find guys like my Tristan in my head, and now, probably in yours. Chapter 6 on its way, check your inbox dear. Tristan, in a dangerous situation? Maybe, maybe... *smirk* Anyway, thanks a lot again for your work on this chapter, don't be shy about giving your opinion! And freaking update Lost Souls before I kill you, ok?
Disclaimer: Don't own GG, don't own Tristan, don't own anything, just dream that I do... Delusion keeps me alive. *sob*
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::
Chapter 5:
*Rory's pov*
All night I've turned the issue in my head. No way I could sleep, I had just lain awake, staring vacantly at the ceiling. I thought Tristan was someone easy. In my eyes, he was very simple to decipher: just an annoying git. And finally, it appears that this guy is a walking contradiction. I've never seen such a duality inside someone and it fascinates me, I need to know more. Furthermore, this guy definitely has a problem. A big issue, a secret side and I want to find out, I want to help him, if nothing else. What I saw of him yesterday morning has changed my vision of him and I'm afraid that perhaps I was wrong from the beginning.
It's lunch time but I'm not in the cafeteria. I'm tracking him. God, me, Rory Gilmore, normally quite sane, pursuing Tristan Dugrey, the guy I used to avoid at all costs... Mom would be proud.
He enters the library and I follow silently, the place is deserted. He heads to the very back of the room, to a table tucked in a corner and I pause behind a shelf. I have to gather my courage and swallow my fear. My fear of him.
I hid it quite well I think, but he scares me. He always did. The fact that he's so unpredictable always put pressure on me whenever I'm around him. I never really knew how to act around him and today is again the case.
I take a deep breath and I step forward. 'It's only Tristan!' is repeated in my head like a mantra, but when I come to face him, I only see a stranger. However, I'm lucky he's too absorbed in his work and doesn't see me before I'm cornering him. When he realises he's stuck, I see a whole defence mechanism coming into the play. He tenses and concentrates harder on his work, blocking me out. He's ignoring me. Gee, it's gonna be difficult.
I sit next to him and I start to talk. It's like I'm talking to a wall, but I know that he hears me, even if he doesn't listen.
"Tristan." He stares intensely at his paper, I think he could set fire to it, which wouldn't really be a shame since it's bloody Geography homework, but then, maybe some people like to do their Geography homework, even if I'm not in that category...
I mentally slap myself and come to my senses. I don't think homework is exactly the cause of my presence here.
"Tristan please, stop ignoring me. Is it about the message I left in your locker? I'm sorry if it upset you, maybe I shouldn't have done that. It's just that I saw you on a step yesterday morning and you looked a bit out of it. I apologize, ok?"
He continues to pay no attention to me and just doodles on his notebook. I stand up and start to go away, it's useless, he's a stubborn bastard.
"Never talk to me again. Leave me alone and bloody mind your own business."
I spin around at the sound of his sharp voice. He's still fixing the sheet of paper in front of him but his grip on the pencil has tightened, it's like he's about to break it. I go back to the table.
"You have a problem, admit it. Look at you, I don't recognize the Tristan I used to know!"
"Isn't it for the better? You hate him. Why don't you go and give your pity to someone who actually needs or wants it?"
I'm taken aback by this comment. Do I hate him? Is he right? My mind is so confused; how can I reply? And it's not pity, right?
"You're perfectly aware that I don't hate you and that I don't give pity. And you're-"
"I'm alright, I'm perfectly ok," he snaps angrily. "Leave."
I bite my lower lip as the order is thrown in my face. I turn again and walk toward the door without looking at him anymore. Why waste my time? Maybe he is telling the truth and is really ok, maybe I just imagined everything that I saw yesterday. I spin around one more time before exiting. I spot him with his head in his hands. He's now sitting curled up on his chair, and the Geography homework has been thrown against the opposite wall. I don't understand how, I don't think I've heard anything, but it's not important. He was lying, and I won't quit.
I don't really know what I'm going to do, but what I know is that I have to find someone that is aware of many things. Someone who's known Tristan for a long time, who's been friends with him. Someone like Paris, for example.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The day was long for Rory. All she wanted was to reach the evening and the school end so she would be able to talk with Paris. She didn't really know what she would ask and how, but she knew Paris would help her. Or at least, she hoped.
Once or twice in the afternoon, she had seen Tristan stare at her apologetically. She quickly understood that he was sorry for their earlier conversation and smiled at him when he departed from school.
She caught Paris near her locker and convinced her to go for a drink. It felt weird for both of them to be together again.
"What do you want again Gilmore? I already did you a favour on Sunday, it's not going to happen again in a very long time," drawled Paris in her usual way.
"What can you tell me about Tristan?" asked Rory with a blush.
Paris raised her eyebrows and started to smirk widely. "Got a crush Gilmore? Your mommy will be happy."
Rory sighed and took a big sip of coffee. "Not at all. He's got a problem and told me off today. It's important, I want to know."
Paris suddenly put back her serious face on. "What happened?"
Rory told her everything. She had always trusted Paris and she knew that the girl wouldn't betray Tristan. Paris stare became charged with worry as Rory spoke. She shook her head slightly and was starting to wonder if she wouldn't ask for some whiskey in her tea.
"Look Rory, don't pry into his life. I just give you this advice. Leave him alone, that's what he wants."
"Why? Why was he like that yesterday? He's been different lately."
"It's December, and it's not a good time of the year for him, that's all. He'll be better soon, but you have to forget about that. Stay away from him."
"No."
"Ok. It's your choice. But I'm just going to tell you one thing. He won't be in school Thursday. Take his work and bring it to him. Then you'll see."
"How do you-" started Rory, but Paris downed her cup of tea, gathered her things and left without a look at a wondering Rory.
* * * * * * * *
Paris Gellar was one of the very few to know what had happened six years ago. She would remember that day all her life. It was the day she finally became conscious that death was something that hit everybody, even the ones close to her. Hard realisation.
Tristan had drifted away from her with time. They had grown up apart and she had seen him become a stranger. Something told her that Rory might be someone to help him, but she also knew how Tristan was now: lonely. He had closed up to everybody but Victoria and nobody had been able to claw their way in. He was the Chilton king because he had no feelings and played with life and people. The true model of the bastard. For years, she had wondered how she could help him.
Today, Rory Gilmore was there and she knew something. Maybe it was the last chance. Maybe Thursday would bring something new, or maybe it would just make him close a bit more. But Rory wasn't someone to give up easily, so perhaps it would reinforce her determination. Paris could only pray that things would work out.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Thursday came quickly. Too quickly for Tristan's liking. He felt strange when he woke up that morning. It was very early, but the sound of objects crashing against walls told him he wasn't the only one. Today was the dreadful day. He wouldn't go to school but he wouldn't stay at home. First, he would go somewhere for Ria's birthday. It was the most important thing. Then they would go to the graveyard, when their father would have finally left.
He dressed all in black. It wasn't exceptional, he didn't like colours. Black was the only one that matched his mood and feelings any day. It was very early and he just stood in front of his window, watching the snow that was still falling everywhere.
When Charles Dugrey left for the cemetery with his bottle of vodka in his bag, Tristan went to wake up Ria and cook breakfast. He wasn't hungry at all, but it was Ria's day before their mother's and she would have a real birthday morning.
The little girl came down quickly when she smelled the pancakes and threw her arms around her brother's waist.
"So what are we doing this morning?" she asked laughing.
Tristan smiled at her. "Anything you want to."
"Well, I want to go sliding, then have some hot chocolate in a nice place. Then can we go to the art museum?"
"Of course." Replied her brother, laughing slightly. The art museum. Very Ria-like. She was a strange little girl, like she had grown too fast, which she probably had. She liked serious places like museums and libraries, she loved reading and history and always complained about the stupid writing exercises they had to do in school.
They had great fun all morning. Both had banned dark thoughts from their minds for a few hours and fully enjoyed their morning. They played in the snow for two hours before getting back home to change and go out again. Tristan brought Ria to a very elegant tea-room and they spent their time there laughing at old stuck-up ladies. Ria walked around the room waving at them like a princess while Tristan was hiding under the table, laughing his head off. Then they went to the museum, where Ria received her present. A huge box of colour pencils, which she used immediately. Ria's project was to copy every work in the museum and Tristan had to drag her out using strength.
The afternoon went by tainted with sadness. They walked to the florist before going to the graveyard and bought lilies. They had had lunch late and it was already 4 pm when they entered the park. Tristan was relieved that their father wasn't there anymore, it wasn't a good day for fights.
The kids spent nearly two hours there. Ria kneeled on the grave and begged Tristan to tell her stories of the past times. He had feared that she would ask, but he still shared with her beautiful memories. Soaked and cold, they finally took the way back home, hand in hand.
That's where he spotted her. Rory Gilmore, again. Just outside the graveyard. She had seen them and waved shyly. She was in her Chilton uniform and had books in her arms. Tristan was wondering how their meeting would go. He always hid his bitterness in front of Ria so he couldn't tell her off like Tuesday.
"Hey Tristan. Hello Ria!"
"Hey."
Tristan answered softly and directed his gaze to the ground. Ria was silent and seemed to be in another galaxy. Rory shifted on her feet, not really knowing what to do or to say.
"You weren't in school today, so I brought you your work. I was going to your house, I thought you were sick or something."
"Well, I'm not. Thanks for the work, you didn't have to do that."
He took the papers and stuffed them in a pocket of his coat.
"Ok then... Good evening, see you tomorrow." Finally said Rory. Tristan just nodded and continued his way with Ria, grateful that this conversation was over.
Rory on the other hand, was watching the graveyard with intensity. She had seen the two next to a grave and she wanted to know whose it was. She entered the park slowly, feeling a bit out of place. The snow was crunching under her feet, it was the only noise that could be heard. She reached the grave and read the epitaph.
"Angela Dugrey. 1958-1997. Our angel has gone back to the Lord but she still protects her family."
Rory stood motionless for minutes. She read and reread the words again, starting to catch their meaning. She then ran out to the closest phone and dialled Paris' number.
"Paris Gellar."
"It's Rory. I've just-"
"I knew you would call. Did you see Tristan?" her tone was neutral, but in fact, she really wanted to know what had happened.
"I met him outside the cemetery. Not a concluding meeting till he left and I found a grave. It's his mother's, right?"
"Yeah. Look, I have to go. See you tomorrow." And she hung up the phone. Paris was shaking. Rory had discovered and she was probably a bit shocked too, but Paris was feeling really bad. She didn't want to talk about it with Rory, not now, not today.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::
Story moving on, reviews piling, I love you guys, give me reviews and it'll brighten my day!
Jazz14: Oh oh oh... What did you do to be grounded that way? Be careful, you might end up in some military school. Yep, it sucks to be grounded... At least, my parents can't take away my cable internet since I don't have one. *pout*
Siaram: Well, glad you found it, finally! It happens to me a lot too, I suddenly come across stories that are totally unknown to me and yet, I spend countless hours on that site. I hope you're gonna continue to read and enjoy!
Priscilla: Whoa... this was quite a review, thanks! I really hope I manage to keep them all in character. I just can't believe that Tristan is just a stupid jerk, it doesn't fit in my little world, I'm in denial. Is my update quick enough for you? He he he... I know, authors who don't update in forever annoy me *cough*Madz*cough* Hope I live up to your expectations.
Ally: Yeah, that wouldn't be rushed and plain at all, lol. Sorry to tell you that it's not the way I see it... *innocent smirk* But Rory will come to the rescue... once.
Pearls24: Thanks, I'm happy you love my story. Who said I was gonna get Tristan out of this mess, huh? *hides behind table* Ok, I promise, I'm gonna pull him out of the fix, he's gonna be ok. Trory forever... muahahahahaha.
RachelGreen3: I'm updating! Glad to know you're not angry, I don't like when people are angry at me *pout* And I continue, in fact, I've already nearly finished chapter 6. but now, my brain is dead cause I worked all holidays in that hellhole called a grocery and I think I'm losing my mind a bit, working there, among weirdos...
DitzyChik: Thanks, I do what I can to entertain you guys. Hope you enjoy, this story has really grown on me and I'm fond of it. Hope I won't disappoint you, but read on...
Smile1: You shouldn't be honoured, I'm honoured that YOU read my story. I love yours and I just saw that you've started to write a sequel to Truthful Web of Lies... Argh, lucky me I accidentally clicked on your name and spotted that in your profile... Humor is difficult to write, and speech parts too, because it always seems so empty when compared to angst. I love Ria too, I'm gonna develop her character a lot more later on. *smile*
Moi: ah ah ah, asa if someone rambling could bother me! Who are you kidding? Rory pries a lot in this chapter, he he he... Enjoy. Lorelei's RULE! Muahahahaha.
Kellene: YES! Someone finally agrees that pov changing can do some good to the story! I love to write in the first person sometimes, it's really like you're in the characters and know everything. It's a great way to be really in the story.
GOOFYGIRL: Merci du compliment, je fais ce que je peux avec mon Anglais de merde (non, en fait, il est pas mal, lol. Tu crois franchement qu'ils vont commencer à se parler sous peu ? Tu peux attendre... encore et encore. Argh, je me rappelle plus de cette discussion, j'ai pas vu le film en entier, faudra que j'aille le louer un des ces 4. Merci, je sais que le Québec est au Canada... Et j'espère que t' es au courant que la Suisse est à côté de la France et pas de la Norvège ! *smile*
Madz: always have to mess around, huh ? Can't even post a review correctly... tsk tsk tsk. I?m sorry to announce you that you can only find guys like my Tristan in my head, and now, probably in yours. Chapter 6 on its way, check your inbox dear. Tristan, in a dangerous situation? Maybe, maybe... *smirk* Anyway, thanks a lot again for your work on this chapter, don't be shy about giving your opinion! And freaking update Lost Souls before I kill you, ok?
Disclaimer: Don't own GG, don't own Tristan, don't own anything, just dream that I do... Delusion keeps me alive. *sob*
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::
Chapter 5:
*Rory's pov*
All night I've turned the issue in my head. No way I could sleep, I had just lain awake, staring vacantly at the ceiling. I thought Tristan was someone easy. In my eyes, he was very simple to decipher: just an annoying git. And finally, it appears that this guy is a walking contradiction. I've never seen such a duality inside someone and it fascinates me, I need to know more. Furthermore, this guy definitely has a problem. A big issue, a secret side and I want to find out, I want to help him, if nothing else. What I saw of him yesterday morning has changed my vision of him and I'm afraid that perhaps I was wrong from the beginning.
It's lunch time but I'm not in the cafeteria. I'm tracking him. God, me, Rory Gilmore, normally quite sane, pursuing Tristan Dugrey, the guy I used to avoid at all costs... Mom would be proud.
He enters the library and I follow silently, the place is deserted. He heads to the very back of the room, to a table tucked in a corner and I pause behind a shelf. I have to gather my courage and swallow my fear. My fear of him.
I hid it quite well I think, but he scares me. He always did. The fact that he's so unpredictable always put pressure on me whenever I'm around him. I never really knew how to act around him and today is again the case.
I take a deep breath and I step forward. 'It's only Tristan!' is repeated in my head like a mantra, but when I come to face him, I only see a stranger. However, I'm lucky he's too absorbed in his work and doesn't see me before I'm cornering him. When he realises he's stuck, I see a whole defence mechanism coming into the play. He tenses and concentrates harder on his work, blocking me out. He's ignoring me. Gee, it's gonna be difficult.
I sit next to him and I start to talk. It's like I'm talking to a wall, but I know that he hears me, even if he doesn't listen.
"Tristan." He stares intensely at his paper, I think he could set fire to it, which wouldn't really be a shame since it's bloody Geography homework, but then, maybe some people like to do their Geography homework, even if I'm not in that category...
I mentally slap myself and come to my senses. I don't think homework is exactly the cause of my presence here.
"Tristan please, stop ignoring me. Is it about the message I left in your locker? I'm sorry if it upset you, maybe I shouldn't have done that. It's just that I saw you on a step yesterday morning and you looked a bit out of it. I apologize, ok?"
He continues to pay no attention to me and just doodles on his notebook. I stand up and start to go away, it's useless, he's a stubborn bastard.
"Never talk to me again. Leave me alone and bloody mind your own business."
I spin around at the sound of his sharp voice. He's still fixing the sheet of paper in front of him but his grip on the pencil has tightened, it's like he's about to break it. I go back to the table.
"You have a problem, admit it. Look at you, I don't recognize the Tristan I used to know!"
"Isn't it for the better? You hate him. Why don't you go and give your pity to someone who actually needs or wants it?"
I'm taken aback by this comment. Do I hate him? Is he right? My mind is so confused; how can I reply? And it's not pity, right?
"You're perfectly aware that I don't hate you and that I don't give pity. And you're-"
"I'm alright, I'm perfectly ok," he snaps angrily. "Leave."
I bite my lower lip as the order is thrown in my face. I turn again and walk toward the door without looking at him anymore. Why waste my time? Maybe he is telling the truth and is really ok, maybe I just imagined everything that I saw yesterday. I spin around one more time before exiting. I spot him with his head in his hands. He's now sitting curled up on his chair, and the Geography homework has been thrown against the opposite wall. I don't understand how, I don't think I've heard anything, but it's not important. He was lying, and I won't quit.
I don't really know what I'm going to do, but what I know is that I have to find someone that is aware of many things. Someone who's known Tristan for a long time, who's been friends with him. Someone like Paris, for example.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The day was long for Rory. All she wanted was to reach the evening and the school end so she would be able to talk with Paris. She didn't really know what she would ask and how, but she knew Paris would help her. Or at least, she hoped.
Once or twice in the afternoon, she had seen Tristan stare at her apologetically. She quickly understood that he was sorry for their earlier conversation and smiled at him when he departed from school.
She caught Paris near her locker and convinced her to go for a drink. It felt weird for both of them to be together again.
"What do you want again Gilmore? I already did you a favour on Sunday, it's not going to happen again in a very long time," drawled Paris in her usual way.
"What can you tell me about Tristan?" asked Rory with a blush.
Paris raised her eyebrows and started to smirk widely. "Got a crush Gilmore? Your mommy will be happy."
Rory sighed and took a big sip of coffee. "Not at all. He's got a problem and told me off today. It's important, I want to know."
Paris suddenly put back her serious face on. "What happened?"
Rory told her everything. She had always trusted Paris and she knew that the girl wouldn't betray Tristan. Paris stare became charged with worry as Rory spoke. She shook her head slightly and was starting to wonder if she wouldn't ask for some whiskey in her tea.
"Look Rory, don't pry into his life. I just give you this advice. Leave him alone, that's what he wants."
"Why? Why was he like that yesterday? He's been different lately."
"It's December, and it's not a good time of the year for him, that's all. He'll be better soon, but you have to forget about that. Stay away from him."
"No."
"Ok. It's your choice. But I'm just going to tell you one thing. He won't be in school Thursday. Take his work and bring it to him. Then you'll see."
"How do you-" started Rory, but Paris downed her cup of tea, gathered her things and left without a look at a wondering Rory.
* * * * * * * *
Paris Gellar was one of the very few to know what had happened six years ago. She would remember that day all her life. It was the day she finally became conscious that death was something that hit everybody, even the ones close to her. Hard realisation.
Tristan had drifted away from her with time. They had grown up apart and she had seen him become a stranger. Something told her that Rory might be someone to help him, but she also knew how Tristan was now: lonely. He had closed up to everybody but Victoria and nobody had been able to claw their way in. He was the Chilton king because he had no feelings and played with life and people. The true model of the bastard. For years, she had wondered how she could help him.
Today, Rory Gilmore was there and she knew something. Maybe it was the last chance. Maybe Thursday would bring something new, or maybe it would just make him close a bit more. But Rory wasn't someone to give up easily, so perhaps it would reinforce her determination. Paris could only pray that things would work out.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Thursday came quickly. Too quickly for Tristan's liking. He felt strange when he woke up that morning. It was very early, but the sound of objects crashing against walls told him he wasn't the only one. Today was the dreadful day. He wouldn't go to school but he wouldn't stay at home. First, he would go somewhere for Ria's birthday. It was the most important thing. Then they would go to the graveyard, when their father would have finally left.
He dressed all in black. It wasn't exceptional, he didn't like colours. Black was the only one that matched his mood and feelings any day. It was very early and he just stood in front of his window, watching the snow that was still falling everywhere.
When Charles Dugrey left for the cemetery with his bottle of vodka in his bag, Tristan went to wake up Ria and cook breakfast. He wasn't hungry at all, but it was Ria's day before their mother's and she would have a real birthday morning.
The little girl came down quickly when she smelled the pancakes and threw her arms around her brother's waist.
"So what are we doing this morning?" she asked laughing.
Tristan smiled at her. "Anything you want to."
"Well, I want to go sliding, then have some hot chocolate in a nice place. Then can we go to the art museum?"
"Of course." Replied her brother, laughing slightly. The art museum. Very Ria-like. She was a strange little girl, like she had grown too fast, which she probably had. She liked serious places like museums and libraries, she loved reading and history and always complained about the stupid writing exercises they had to do in school.
They had great fun all morning. Both had banned dark thoughts from their minds for a few hours and fully enjoyed their morning. They played in the snow for two hours before getting back home to change and go out again. Tristan brought Ria to a very elegant tea-room and they spent their time there laughing at old stuck-up ladies. Ria walked around the room waving at them like a princess while Tristan was hiding under the table, laughing his head off. Then they went to the museum, where Ria received her present. A huge box of colour pencils, which she used immediately. Ria's project was to copy every work in the museum and Tristan had to drag her out using strength.
The afternoon went by tainted with sadness. They walked to the florist before going to the graveyard and bought lilies. They had had lunch late and it was already 4 pm when they entered the park. Tristan was relieved that their father wasn't there anymore, it wasn't a good day for fights.
The kids spent nearly two hours there. Ria kneeled on the grave and begged Tristan to tell her stories of the past times. He had feared that she would ask, but he still shared with her beautiful memories. Soaked and cold, they finally took the way back home, hand in hand.
That's where he spotted her. Rory Gilmore, again. Just outside the graveyard. She had seen them and waved shyly. She was in her Chilton uniform and had books in her arms. Tristan was wondering how their meeting would go. He always hid his bitterness in front of Ria so he couldn't tell her off like Tuesday.
"Hey Tristan. Hello Ria!"
"Hey."
Tristan answered softly and directed his gaze to the ground. Ria was silent and seemed to be in another galaxy. Rory shifted on her feet, not really knowing what to do or to say.
"You weren't in school today, so I brought you your work. I was going to your house, I thought you were sick or something."
"Well, I'm not. Thanks for the work, you didn't have to do that."
He took the papers and stuffed them in a pocket of his coat.
"Ok then... Good evening, see you tomorrow." Finally said Rory. Tristan just nodded and continued his way with Ria, grateful that this conversation was over.
Rory on the other hand, was watching the graveyard with intensity. She had seen the two next to a grave and she wanted to know whose it was. She entered the park slowly, feeling a bit out of place. The snow was crunching under her feet, it was the only noise that could be heard. She reached the grave and read the epitaph.
"Angela Dugrey. 1958-1997. Our angel has gone back to the Lord but she still protects her family."
Rory stood motionless for minutes. She read and reread the words again, starting to catch their meaning. She then ran out to the closest phone and dialled Paris' number.
"Paris Gellar."
"It's Rory. I've just-"
"I knew you would call. Did you see Tristan?" her tone was neutral, but in fact, she really wanted to know what had happened.
"I met him outside the cemetery. Not a concluding meeting till he left and I found a grave. It's his mother's, right?"
"Yeah. Look, I have to go. See you tomorrow." And she hung up the phone. Paris was shaking. Rory had discovered and she was probably a bit shocked too, but Paris was feeling really bad. She didn't want to talk about it with Rory, not now, not today.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::
Story moving on, reviews piling, I love you guys, give me reviews and it'll brighten my day!