A.N --- Okay, first things first; I am sooo sorry that it has taken me so long to update this story, it has been at least over a month. I have been so caught up with work, and University just started this week, and the week previous to that was Frosh week (I don't even want to get into that, hehehe), but I am very sorry. I will try to be quicker with my updates.

LandonLover --- I know exactly what you mean about the grammar thing, I'm a grammar freak. If a story doesn't have correct grammar and punctuation, I find it extreamly painful to read. (I'm weird like that).

LizDarcy1 --- I'm so glad I can count on your reviews. They are always honest, and I like that. I am also grateful that you review after every chapter, it lets me know that I am holding your interest. The last thing I want is for the story to get boring or unappealing.

To everyone else who reviewed --- you know I love you guys! You make writing this story better. :) So, here is the long awaited Chapter 9.

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Upon setting foot in Chilton early Monday morning, Rory felt the unmistakable feeling of transformation; things would be entirely altered after the happenings on Friday night. Rory hadn't seen Tristan for the rest of the weekend, (which was understandable from her point of view, due to of the immense amount of studying she had done for a huge Biology test), but he had called her twice; she thought this was a nice change from Dean's ten calls per day.

The moment she walked down the crowded hallway, she had the eerie feeling that she was being watched; secretly behind books and locker doors, or obviously by students strutting by or leaning against the wall. Feeling awkward, Rory kept her gaze at knee level of oncoming students until she finally reached her locker, where Tristan was waiting for her.

Rory smiled, her face showing genuine surprise. "Can't get enough of me, can you DuGray?" She asked, her voice light.

Tristan smirked and held out a cup of coffee. "My savior," she sighed dramatically and clutched the to-go cup tightly in her grasp. "Just what I needed."

Tristan pulled her close and gave her a small kiss. "I'm happy to see you."

Rory smiled. "Like-wise." Glancing around self-consciously, Rory shot a questioning look in Tristan's direction. "Do you get the feeling that people are staring at me?"

"Not you. Us." Tristan responded simply with a casual shrug.

"Why?"

"Come on, Rory, you had to know that us being a couple would generate some sort of response from the student body. This whole institute is nothing but a curious gossip mill. I wouldn't be surprised if there were rumors flying around about us already and it's only been ten minutes." Tristan smiled reassuringly. "It'll stop before you know it."

Rory nodded slowly. "I guess so. Hopefully sooner rather than later," she replied as haphazard girls sent her glares of death. Tristan gently placed his arm around her shoulder and pulled her in for a hug.

"No worries," he replied, and keeping his arm placed around her shoulder, led her down the hall. "To Biology we go."

As soon as they entered the classroom together, hushed whispers stopped as people discreetly tried to sneak a look at the couple. Feeling slightly uncomfortable, Rory slid into her seat and opened her books. Tristan sat beside her, and almost immediately, a group of girls flocked to his side.

"Hi, Tristan," One of them greeted, eyelashes fluttering. Smiling, Tristan replied hello and returned his attention back to Rory, who was highlighting a paragraph in her notebook.

With a bright and obviously fake smile, the girl tried again. "What are you doing this weekend?"

"Uh," Tristan hesitated, casting a glance at Rory, "I'm not sure yet. Rory, this is Sarah, Sarah, Rory."

"Nice to meet you," Sarah replied, her tone bored and insincere. "You know, Tristan. . . I'm free this Friday night if you feel up to doing. . . anything."

Rory rolled her eyes discreetly. "Oh please," she muttered under her breath, causing Tristan to smirk. "Excuse me?" Sarah asked, hands on her hips.

"Nothing," was her response.

"Sorry, I really don't think I'll have time," Tristan said, and with a final sigh, Sarah stalked away from them.

"Do they always follow you where ever you go?"

"Who?"

"Those gum-popping, flimsy girls."

"Why Mary, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you were jealous."

Rory laughed. "No way."

"It's okay, it's completely understandable. I'd be jealous if I were you. I mean, c'mon. . . Look at me, I'm so damn irresistible."

Rory smacked him on the arm. "And not at all conceited," she smirked, turning her attention to the teacher who had begun the days lesson.

After a long hour of learning the internal workings of the nervous and endocrine systems, the bell finally rang. When lunch finally came, Rory couldn't have been more grateful. She couldn't wait to unwind with lunch, her Ani DiFranco CD and her newest book, Sonnets, which was works of William Shakespeare. However, her attempts were derailed. As soon as she had opened her can of Sprite, and began reading, Tristan slid into the seat beside her, with that now almost endearing smirk, and closed her book.

"Hey Mary, how about a change today?"

Rory looked at him questioningly. "What do you mean?"

"Come sit with me and my friends today."

Rory looked longingly down at her novel. "I don't know. . ."

"Come on," Tristan begged. "I didn't get to see you all weekend. Please?"

Finally, Rory smiled. "Okay, but only because that was the only time I will ever see Tristan DuGray beg."

"That's not the only thing I would beg from you," Tristan replied, causing Rory's face to turn crimson, and earning him a smack on the shoulder. Tristan laughed, and took her tray, motioning for her to follow and hesitantly, she did.

Rory had to hold back a biting smile as they approached the table; every single person had the looks of someone who had walked straight out of an Abercrombie and Fitch magazine. It was the picture "elite" group.

"Guys, this is Rory," Tristan introduced her to all of them, and the guys didn't hesitate to look her up and down. They all greeted her, and Rory sat down, uncomfortable with all the attention.

"So Rory, we're all dying to know how you managed to get our player here to settle down," the guy introduced as Alex asked, elbowing Tristan in the side.

Rory smiled and looked down. "I don't know, you might want to ask him that."

Alex sneered. "She puts out, huh Tristan?"

The guys laughed, and Tristan caught Rory's mortified expression. He looked away, embarrassed. "Guys. . ."

"She must be damn good in the sack, otherwise you wouldn't have kept her around this long," Ben said with a chuckle, clapping the guy beside him on the back.

Setting her jaw, Rory stood up from the table. "Excuse me," she said, and started to head for the exit with the sound of insincere apologies thrown after her.

As soon as the door closed, Rory leaned against it, her head spinning. She had never met people who were so discourteous and uncivil in her entire life, excluding the time period when her and Paris weren't friendly towards each other. Rory made her way to the bench in the hallway where she and Tristan had made peace and planned their date.

How could I have been so wrong? Rory questioned herself. He didn't even try to defend me. He hasn't changed at all, and as much as I wanted to be the one to make him a one-woman kind of guy, it isn't going to happen. Rory shook her head, determined. Tristan is, and always will be, a player.

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What did you think? I wanted to bring some of the old Tristan back, but don't worry... this isn't the end of Tristan and Rory. Remember: If you review, I'll love you!