Tristan watched Rory sleep. She looked so peaceful like nothing could touch her. He couldn't picture his life without her and he knew it was meant to be because she didn't leave him during his hour of need.

He just laid in bed next to her not being able to shut his eyes; he had too much on his mind. Finally he got restless and decided to go down into the kitchen. When he got to the kitchen he found he wasn't the only one who couldn't sleep. Melinda looked up at him with blood shot eyes and tear stained cheeks. He sat across from her and put his hand on top of hers.

"What if he doesn't make it?" She finally asked breaking the odd silence between them.

"He will, don't worry."

"Why does this have to happen to him? He didn't do anything to deserve this." She let the tears fall and for once Tristan actually felt something besides hate towards her.

"Don't worry, he'll make." He stood and pulled her into a hug. After awhile he broke apart and looked at his 'sister.' "How have you been?"

"I mainly spend all of my time at school or work."

"How's school?"

"It's fine."

"Why don't we just try and make things work between us I mean dad would want that and I know that my grandfather would feel better."

"That's fine. I'm sorry about your parents."

"Don't be everyone could tell that it wasn't gonna work, they were just together for me."

"Yeah I know that feeling. But at least you're close with your parents I barely talk to my mom anymore."

"Yeah."

"I should go get ready." She turned and walked away but turned. "Thanks Tristan."

"No problem." He said at the table with his head in his hands furiously rubbing his hands back and forth.

"Tristan what's wrong?" He looked up with watery eyes to see Rory a look of concern so strong it made him shiver.

"Nothing baby, I'm just afraid."

"Tristan please, tell me what's wrong?"

"Rory it's nothing I'm just afraid that's it."

"Okay."

"I um….have to shower and get ready to go."

"Do you want me to come with you?"

"You should go home and be with your mom."

"Why don't you want me there with you?"

"Rory its not that I don't want you there 'cause I do, it's just that I don't want you to feel obligated to be with me. I need you to realize that I have to do some things on my own. You have to understand that I love you." He pulled her close but she pulled away.

"No you're right we should take some time apart I'll call you later or see you tomorrow at school."

The next day at school Rory didn't look at Tristan or even acknowledge him. She did need time away from him things were just going too fast. Paris was on her case but Rory didn't seem to care she had her own problems to deal with.

Tristan was getting annoyed so finally during lunch he went up to Rory but she gave him the cold shoulder.

"Come on Rory, what did I do?"

"Nothing I just need to do some things on my own."

"So this is about yesterday?"

"No I have no problems, I understand completely." She stood and walked away. Tristan being well Tristan didn't give up and followed her.

"So you're just breaking up with me?"

"I never said that. We should just slow down and take some time apart."

"Rory don't do this, not now."

"Tristan you need to be with your father you shouldn't have to worry about me. We'll talk things out after your father gets better."

"So let me get this straight, we're not broken up but we're not together?"

"I guess, I don't know."

"Fine if that's what you want then fine. I'll talk to you later." He stormed off fighting back the tears. 'Come on Tristan be strong.' He convinced himself and let saying that he needed to be with his father.

Tristan walked into his father's hospital room with his head down. His Grandfather stopped him telling him to sit down.

"What's wrong son?"

"Nothing, absolutely nothing."

"No need to be sarcastic son."

"Really grandfather nothing is wrong."

"How are things with Rory?"

"We're taking time apart sir."

"Why?"

"I don't really know."

"Well maybe it's for the best Tristan."

"No it's not! I love her and don't want to be away from her."
"I know but you need to focus on you right now. Just relax and call her later."

"Maybe you're right."

"I don't like to right about things like this but there is not much you can do."

"I know."