A/N: I assume you're rather annoyed with my never-ending apologizes by now.
But I am sorry, I really am. I know I'm screwing up everything, but I don't
really care. Sorry, I sound depressed. Maybe I am. It seems Fate has a soft
spot for my life, it loves to pile shit on it.
Anyway.
I sent this to Madz nearly a week ago for beta-reading. She hasn't answered
yet but I assume a lot of people are on Easter Holidays. So I will post the
corrected chapter once, dunno when.
This one is quite short. I thought you would get mad if I didn't post
anything and plus, I didn't know what more to write in this particular one.
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Chapter 10:
Yet another bottle smashed against the white wall. Charles Dugrey sank against the opposite wall and rubbed his hands in his hair. He had downed the last bottle of alcohol and he was still conscious, this was a nightmare.
He couldn't get what Tristan had said out of his head. How dared he? How dared the kid mention Angela? He doesn't care about her, it's all for the little freak, the murderer. From the beginning, he'd been on her side, she'd corrupted him. She took his Angela and then, his son. Bitch.
He didn't want to hurt Tristan. But the teenager wasn't Tristan. He was a stranger, he was the protector of the little slug. Traitor. So he hit him. once, then twice. Let the anger out, hurt the devil inside his little boy. Kill the stranger possessing his kid. Hit again and again, the evil is too much anchored in Tristan's body, he has to bleed it out, he has to be purified. Victoria won't claim victory.
When his son is back, then he'll drop the fight. He'll let the freak die and everything will be back in order: Angela will be avenged and Tristan will be back. Then he'll be in peace.
But for now, they had left. Oh, they would come back, they had no other solution. The man staggered to the bathroom and opened the bottom drawer. The pills, a few ones, to sleep, to forget. To wait for the demons to come back. He downed them quickly, hardly thinking and stumbled to his bed. His eyes were already close when his head landed on the pillow. Off to a world where his angel was still with him.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*Tristan's pov*
They didn't understand. Rory, Paris, anyone. They didn't and I know I can't stay here. It's late now, and they're all sleeping. Me, I think. I came here and they patched me up, they showed care and concern. It was good, warm.
But they insist. They say I can't continue that way, that I have to tell someone. Rory's mom says she wants to call the social services once I get better. So I know I have no other way than leaving. I'm so sorry, it's going to worry them I guess, but there is no other solution.
I stand up gingerly and look through the window. The night is cold and cloudy, the sky is starless. The moon is also covered in the fog. A pitch black night, the realm of the unknown shadows. A perfect hiding night. I softly shake Ria awake and help her dress. I scribble a note to Rory, just a thanks and a meaningless "don't worry".
We sneak outside silently. Ria is so sleepy that I carry her, but the adrenalin of the flight keeps my body working, I don't hurt that much. I drive out of Stars-Hollow quickly and head back to Hartford.
In my head, I wonder why. I'm stupid, I should drive somewhere else, not go back to this hell. But a thought taunts my mind: I don't wanna be alone. I'm sick of it. Besides, a teenager and a little girl on the roads would be quite obvious no? Better keep quiet and in a place that I know. I'm going to leave the car somewhere downtown and then quickly walk away from it. Maybe at the station so they think we left town or something. Yes, would be quite an idea.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
And here I am again.
I feel like we've gone back a few days ago, on our first getaway. Ria walks next to me, her hand secure in mine. She now knows, what my plan is, she isn't scared. I roam the narrow deserted streets, hoping I find them.
I turn a corner and smile. The hangar of the Nowhere Kids appears behind the wire nettings. We run and bang on a metallic door. I know it can be dangerous. If someone I don't know answers, I may as well be shot. But Liam's head appears as the door opens. He shakes his head and sighs.
"What are you doing here?" he asks emotionless. I know what he thinks: I haven't tried.
"I tried. I went to that girl and it turned out to be a bad idea. Now, please, help me, I don't have anything else left!"
There's a hint of anger in my voice, I hate how he thinks I can always try something else. Now I know I can't anymore. But surprisingly, he opens the door wider and takes a few steps back to let us in. I grin faintly and he smirks back, we're home.
Alex welcomes us silently but with hugs and smiles. Nearly everybody else is sleeping but a few known heads nod a hello at the sight of me. The adrenalin is gone now so my body aches a lot, I soon fall asleep in a corner. Second night on the streets, and definitely not the last one...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*Rory's pov*
We searched the house in the morning, sure Tristan and Ria were somewhere, that they just wanted to change air or something. And then I stumbled upon that note. His message, a good-bye.
I don't know what to think. He came here, he finally came, after all I did to pull him in my direction. And once the shock soothed, we talked a lot. He explained everything, it was so saddening.
Paris was shaking her head, she couldn't believe what she was hearing. She'd known his family for years, she never could have imagined things had changed that much after Mrs Dugrey's death.
Yet they did. I wonder how he was able to go on for such a long time. Like this, especially. I feel a whole new admiration for Tristan. I was completely wrong, he's been so brilliant at holding up the mask.
But now, where are they? Tristan's hurt, it's obvious that there's more than the surface wounds. He was in a rather pitiful state last night, how will he be able to go anywhere?
I take a last glance at the paper in my hand and let it fall on the couch. I shuffle my feet to the kitchen where Mom and Paris are discussing his possibilities. They're phoning like all the people in the Chilton directory but are always welcome with a negative answer.
My mind starts to wander, to roam through nightmares. What if something happens to them? What have I done wrong? It's my fault if they left, I'm sure it is. I feel an oppressing ball in my stomach, I swallow with difficulty, it's like my throat has swelled and it aches.
I wish he was still here.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Michel strolled up the alley with a frown of disgust... he was convinced Lorelei hadn't made a nice one just to upset him and dirty his Italian shoes. Lorelei was always making everything possible to annoy everybody.
He rang impatiently and waited. Rang and waited... Waited... Rang... and started to yell insults in French. A defeated looking Lorelei finally opened the door.
"No need to scream Michel. I'd have opened any time, you're not the centre of the world..." drawled Lorelei while rolling her eyes.
But Michel didn't seem to pay attention to that particular eye movement. "I may not be the centre, but I do not behave like I am the queen of England at least. You were supposed to work this morning. You know, work. That is a word that is pretty commonly used in this country."
Lorelei nearly wanted to laugh at his accent, but she was feeling too bad to do so. And she couldn't believe she had forgotten about work. She never forgot about that, even when there was a serious issue. Confused, she turned on her heels and motioned Michel to follow her.
Poor Michel stepped inside the house and looked around, horrified at the mess. But he actually smiled when he entered the kitchen: clean, white, ordered... Lorelei was going up in his esteem. Not that he would let her know.
"So do you have a valid excuse for your absence? I see you're not sick, your adorable daughter looks like she's functioning normally..."
"It's crisis time, don't you see? A friend of Rory has disappeared."
"I assume they are old enough to take care of themselves. The hotel is old, but it's not human... it needs help, if you see what I mean."
"You are heartless Michel. He might be in grave trouble."
"Wonderful, a delinquent... let the police find him and come to work."
"But Michel, you really have no respect for your own people! This kid is French!"
At that, Michel started to rant about the insecurity children were and how he would manage without Lorelei, and that he hoped they would find that poor kid. He then left precipitately, thinking that his duty was to help Lorelei and do her work.
Rory tapped her fingers on the kitchen table. "Mom, Tristan's not French."
Lorelei's mouth dropped in shock. "Oh my God! He isn't? God forbid, I've just lied to Michel!" she stroke an innocent pose for an instant and made them laugh.
Gave them a bit more courage to go on.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::: So yeah... told you it was short. I know a lot of you will ask why we don't have the Rory/Tristan confrontation... well... don't worry, it'll be there.
On the replies now... thanks a lot for your reviews, I never thought this story would stir your enthusiasm!
Alexa: yup, not a good idea of Dean... but he wasn't expecting something like that...
Oreata: well, sorry, update wasn't asap... *sheepish grin* thanks for adding me at your fav's list tho.
Othfan007: heya there. Thanks for the huge compliment. Don't hesitate to email me if you want. Thanks for the email address and all. I'm arranzina@yahoo.com on msn if you have that.
Urnewestbuddy: *raises eyebrow* *blinks* *looks again at reviews* Well... heya, you insane and hyper one. Hope you have fun reading my crap.
Elena 7: of course, I can't resist the sundae, lol. I'm sorry for the delay. I'm glad you started to update your OTH story again tho, he he he. Hope you like the new twist to the plot.
Drey: well well well... I know, I hate when authors stop at a cliffie, so it was my revenge. Njark. He covers them great huh? Well, unfortunately, that's the case of a lot of people...
Lizziej: glad you hate Tristan's dad, that's the point. Sorry to disappoint you with the trory action, he he... Right, you made me think I have to write a Dean's pov... will come soon, I promise.
GOOFYGIRL: mouais, miserable résume pas mal la situation. Ah oui, il est humain... mais franchement, être beau comme ça, ça a quelque chose de pas humain... *drools* Enfin bref, voilà un new twist qui fera scandale à Chilton.
Jessie : ramble all you want, i don't mind. I'm a rambler myself. But I have to remind you this is a AU story. I never got to see even the first season completely (French Tv channels, I SMITE YOU) so I don't like dwelling on things that I can't really find accuaratley on the Web. Hope this doesn't spoil your enthusiasm for my story...
SpiceyGurl: well... sorry to have disappointed yet again. I have a lot of excuses, but it would be rather pointless to list them here. So I just hope you continue to enjoy.
Ally: Dean didn't know how Tristan's injuries were, I don't think he thought they could be bad. And trust Rory to cry... a lot...
Kellene: hope you like my new twist... Sorry for the delay. Yeah, I'm happy I thought of the Ria character, it definitely adds something.
Amelie Cassandra: thanks. Lol, I'm someone over-emotional. Would explain a lot of things. But very happy you enjoy it anyway.
DitzyChick: I don't like stories where Dean is a stalker and a bastard, cuz it's just not him. It doesn't go with his character. Thanks for your enthusiasm, I really try to do my best, even with my twisted English...
Lostfallenangel: hope things are still getting interesting. Hope you continue to read about our poor sexy bastard, lol.
Miarae: take care of your lip hun! Lol, this part was kinda horrible to write... wanna cry for Tristan... Hope you like my last twist.
Siaram: yeah, I'm eeeeeeeviiiiiiiiil... I don't deny it. Exactly, he doesn't want to be alone anymore... see the chapter? He's not alone, he he he... :P
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :::::: If you still have patience with me, please, review... anything, just a few words. I'm sorry for screwing up like this.
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Chapter 10:
Yet another bottle smashed against the white wall. Charles Dugrey sank against the opposite wall and rubbed his hands in his hair. He had downed the last bottle of alcohol and he was still conscious, this was a nightmare.
He couldn't get what Tristan had said out of his head. How dared he? How dared the kid mention Angela? He doesn't care about her, it's all for the little freak, the murderer. From the beginning, he'd been on her side, she'd corrupted him. She took his Angela and then, his son. Bitch.
He didn't want to hurt Tristan. But the teenager wasn't Tristan. He was a stranger, he was the protector of the little slug. Traitor. So he hit him. once, then twice. Let the anger out, hurt the devil inside his little boy. Kill the stranger possessing his kid. Hit again and again, the evil is too much anchored in Tristan's body, he has to bleed it out, he has to be purified. Victoria won't claim victory.
When his son is back, then he'll drop the fight. He'll let the freak die and everything will be back in order: Angela will be avenged and Tristan will be back. Then he'll be in peace.
But for now, they had left. Oh, they would come back, they had no other solution. The man staggered to the bathroom and opened the bottom drawer. The pills, a few ones, to sleep, to forget. To wait for the demons to come back. He downed them quickly, hardly thinking and stumbled to his bed. His eyes were already close when his head landed on the pillow. Off to a world where his angel was still with him.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*Tristan's pov*
They didn't understand. Rory, Paris, anyone. They didn't and I know I can't stay here. It's late now, and they're all sleeping. Me, I think. I came here and they patched me up, they showed care and concern. It was good, warm.
But they insist. They say I can't continue that way, that I have to tell someone. Rory's mom says she wants to call the social services once I get better. So I know I have no other way than leaving. I'm so sorry, it's going to worry them I guess, but there is no other solution.
I stand up gingerly and look through the window. The night is cold and cloudy, the sky is starless. The moon is also covered in the fog. A pitch black night, the realm of the unknown shadows. A perfect hiding night. I softly shake Ria awake and help her dress. I scribble a note to Rory, just a thanks and a meaningless "don't worry".
We sneak outside silently. Ria is so sleepy that I carry her, but the adrenalin of the flight keeps my body working, I don't hurt that much. I drive out of Stars-Hollow quickly and head back to Hartford.
In my head, I wonder why. I'm stupid, I should drive somewhere else, not go back to this hell. But a thought taunts my mind: I don't wanna be alone. I'm sick of it. Besides, a teenager and a little girl on the roads would be quite obvious no? Better keep quiet and in a place that I know. I'm going to leave the car somewhere downtown and then quickly walk away from it. Maybe at the station so they think we left town or something. Yes, would be quite an idea.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
And here I am again.
I feel like we've gone back a few days ago, on our first getaway. Ria walks next to me, her hand secure in mine. She now knows, what my plan is, she isn't scared. I roam the narrow deserted streets, hoping I find them.
I turn a corner and smile. The hangar of the Nowhere Kids appears behind the wire nettings. We run and bang on a metallic door. I know it can be dangerous. If someone I don't know answers, I may as well be shot. But Liam's head appears as the door opens. He shakes his head and sighs.
"What are you doing here?" he asks emotionless. I know what he thinks: I haven't tried.
"I tried. I went to that girl and it turned out to be a bad idea. Now, please, help me, I don't have anything else left!"
There's a hint of anger in my voice, I hate how he thinks I can always try something else. Now I know I can't anymore. But surprisingly, he opens the door wider and takes a few steps back to let us in. I grin faintly and he smirks back, we're home.
Alex welcomes us silently but with hugs and smiles. Nearly everybody else is sleeping but a few known heads nod a hello at the sight of me. The adrenalin is gone now so my body aches a lot, I soon fall asleep in a corner. Second night on the streets, and definitely not the last one...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*Rory's pov*
We searched the house in the morning, sure Tristan and Ria were somewhere, that they just wanted to change air or something. And then I stumbled upon that note. His message, a good-bye.
I don't know what to think. He came here, he finally came, after all I did to pull him in my direction. And once the shock soothed, we talked a lot. He explained everything, it was so saddening.
Paris was shaking her head, she couldn't believe what she was hearing. She'd known his family for years, she never could have imagined things had changed that much after Mrs Dugrey's death.
Yet they did. I wonder how he was able to go on for such a long time. Like this, especially. I feel a whole new admiration for Tristan. I was completely wrong, he's been so brilliant at holding up the mask.
But now, where are they? Tristan's hurt, it's obvious that there's more than the surface wounds. He was in a rather pitiful state last night, how will he be able to go anywhere?
I take a last glance at the paper in my hand and let it fall on the couch. I shuffle my feet to the kitchen where Mom and Paris are discussing his possibilities. They're phoning like all the people in the Chilton directory but are always welcome with a negative answer.
My mind starts to wander, to roam through nightmares. What if something happens to them? What have I done wrong? It's my fault if they left, I'm sure it is. I feel an oppressing ball in my stomach, I swallow with difficulty, it's like my throat has swelled and it aches.
I wish he was still here.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Michel strolled up the alley with a frown of disgust... he was convinced Lorelei hadn't made a nice one just to upset him and dirty his Italian shoes. Lorelei was always making everything possible to annoy everybody.
He rang impatiently and waited. Rang and waited... Waited... Rang... and started to yell insults in French. A defeated looking Lorelei finally opened the door.
"No need to scream Michel. I'd have opened any time, you're not the centre of the world..." drawled Lorelei while rolling her eyes.
But Michel didn't seem to pay attention to that particular eye movement. "I may not be the centre, but I do not behave like I am the queen of England at least. You were supposed to work this morning. You know, work. That is a word that is pretty commonly used in this country."
Lorelei nearly wanted to laugh at his accent, but she was feeling too bad to do so. And she couldn't believe she had forgotten about work. She never forgot about that, even when there was a serious issue. Confused, she turned on her heels and motioned Michel to follow her.
Poor Michel stepped inside the house and looked around, horrified at the mess. But he actually smiled when he entered the kitchen: clean, white, ordered... Lorelei was going up in his esteem. Not that he would let her know.
"So do you have a valid excuse for your absence? I see you're not sick, your adorable daughter looks like she's functioning normally..."
"It's crisis time, don't you see? A friend of Rory has disappeared."
"I assume they are old enough to take care of themselves. The hotel is old, but it's not human... it needs help, if you see what I mean."
"You are heartless Michel. He might be in grave trouble."
"Wonderful, a delinquent... let the police find him and come to work."
"But Michel, you really have no respect for your own people! This kid is French!"
At that, Michel started to rant about the insecurity children were and how he would manage without Lorelei, and that he hoped they would find that poor kid. He then left precipitately, thinking that his duty was to help Lorelei and do her work.
Rory tapped her fingers on the kitchen table. "Mom, Tristan's not French."
Lorelei's mouth dropped in shock. "Oh my God! He isn't? God forbid, I've just lied to Michel!" she stroke an innocent pose for an instant and made them laugh.
Gave them a bit more courage to go on.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::: So yeah... told you it was short. I know a lot of you will ask why we don't have the Rory/Tristan confrontation... well... don't worry, it'll be there.
On the replies now... thanks a lot for your reviews, I never thought this story would stir your enthusiasm!
Alexa: yup, not a good idea of Dean... but he wasn't expecting something like that...
Oreata: well, sorry, update wasn't asap... *sheepish grin* thanks for adding me at your fav's list tho.
Othfan007: heya there. Thanks for the huge compliment. Don't hesitate to email me if you want. Thanks for the email address and all. I'm arranzina@yahoo.com on msn if you have that.
Urnewestbuddy: *raises eyebrow* *blinks* *looks again at reviews* Well... heya, you insane and hyper one. Hope you have fun reading my crap.
Elena 7: of course, I can't resist the sundae, lol. I'm sorry for the delay. I'm glad you started to update your OTH story again tho, he he he. Hope you like the new twist to the plot.
Drey: well well well... I know, I hate when authors stop at a cliffie, so it was my revenge. Njark. He covers them great huh? Well, unfortunately, that's the case of a lot of people...
Lizziej: glad you hate Tristan's dad, that's the point. Sorry to disappoint you with the trory action, he he... Right, you made me think I have to write a Dean's pov... will come soon, I promise.
GOOFYGIRL: mouais, miserable résume pas mal la situation. Ah oui, il est humain... mais franchement, être beau comme ça, ça a quelque chose de pas humain... *drools* Enfin bref, voilà un new twist qui fera scandale à Chilton.
Jessie : ramble all you want, i don't mind. I'm a rambler myself. But I have to remind you this is a AU story. I never got to see even the first season completely (French Tv channels, I SMITE YOU) so I don't like dwelling on things that I can't really find accuaratley on the Web. Hope this doesn't spoil your enthusiasm for my story...
SpiceyGurl: well... sorry to have disappointed yet again. I have a lot of excuses, but it would be rather pointless to list them here. So I just hope you continue to enjoy.
Ally: Dean didn't know how Tristan's injuries were, I don't think he thought they could be bad. And trust Rory to cry... a lot...
Kellene: hope you like my new twist... Sorry for the delay. Yeah, I'm happy I thought of the Ria character, it definitely adds something.
Amelie Cassandra: thanks. Lol, I'm someone over-emotional. Would explain a lot of things. But very happy you enjoy it anyway.
DitzyChick: I don't like stories where Dean is a stalker and a bastard, cuz it's just not him. It doesn't go with his character. Thanks for your enthusiasm, I really try to do my best, even with my twisted English...
Lostfallenangel: hope things are still getting interesting. Hope you continue to read about our poor sexy bastard, lol.
Miarae: take care of your lip hun! Lol, this part was kinda horrible to write... wanna cry for Tristan... Hope you like my last twist.
Siaram: yeah, I'm eeeeeeeviiiiiiiiil... I don't deny it. Exactly, he doesn't want to be alone anymore... see the chapter? He's not alone, he he he... :P
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :::::: If you still have patience with me, please, review... anything, just a few words. I'm sorry for screwing up like this.