Disclaimer: I don't own Gilmore Girls!

Note: Once again, I can't thank everyone enough for the awesome reviews. You really keep this story going. Okay, I need to clear something up! Tristan didn't just start straight out bawling in the hall...lol...he just let out one single tear! I just wanted to make that clear! Okay, to my calculations (Which are hopefully correct), it is Wednesday just in case anyone is wondering! Also, this is pretty short, but the next one will be long!

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As the end of the day bell sent a shrill ring through the halls and students hurriedly took off to start their holiday, Rory stayed seated. All day she had hid herself away, trying to avoid the stares of everyone in the student body. She had managed to avoid Tristan all day. She knew that she would have to face him eventually, but she wanted it to be later rather than sooner. Packing up her books, Rory silently thanked the Headmaster for giving them tomorrow off. She definitely needed it.

As she made her way out into the deserted hall she pushed her mind away from Tristan. She would think about him later. Today, she just wanted to go home, tell her mom about everything, gravel a little, and then have a nice, uneventful movie night.

Making her way down the hall, she frowned at the large envelope that was sticking from the crease in the door to her locker. What could that be? Grabbing it out from the crease, after some tugging, she carefully opened it.

As her eyes scanned the papers, Rory groaned. At that moment, she felt completely defeated. The package was full of research for their history project, a invitation to Madeline's party, and a note from Paris.

Rory- We were supposed to meet at your house to work on the project, but since you and Tristan's little fight in the hall this morning we decided to move it to Madeline's house before the party. I for one am totally against this, but Madeline and Louise pointed out that there was probably no way that we could get Tristan to your house. Be there at 8:00pm. If you need directions call Madeline. She is in the phone book.

Paris

"Great. Just great," Rory mumbled as she slammed her locker and ran to catch her bus.

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Lorelai sat quietly as Rory retold her story. Shaking her head softly, Lorelai wondered how these two teens had gotten each other so messed up.

"So now I have to see him tonight!" Rory's eyes were wide with an almost frightend stare. "I mean, I know that I hurt him with what I said...I...I didn't mean it..but I can't even imagine what I am going to say to him. I know I hurt him mom, I know..."

Lorelai put a finger over her own mouth to silence Rory. "Rory, the first thing you need to decide is how you feel about him."

Rory nodded her head in her hands knowingly. "Mom, I...I like him. I like him more than a friend." Lorelai patted Rory's back and set a fresh coffee in front of her.

"Do you think that he was with Summer last night?" She paused, but then started again before Rory could answer,"even more importantly, do you think he is sincere about his feelings for you." Once again Rory shook her head before looking up at her mom.

"I don't think mom, I know. I know he meant every word."

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a/n: Please review! What is going to happen at the party? Will Rory finally admit to herself and to Tristan how she feels. Will Tristan forgive her? What do Madeline, Louise, and Paris have up their sleeve (Yes, they are up to something)? Can mistle toe only be used at Christmas? ;o)