DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything to do with the Gilmore Girls or the song "What's Up Lonely?" by Kelly Clarkson. I am simply borrowing them for a little while.
Wow, you guys are really amazing! I really appreciate those of you that have taken the time to review and I am definitely trying to keep everyone's advice in mind! So, here it is: yet another update! I am determined to stay true to my word on finishing this!
Rory looked down at the crumpled picture in shock. She couldn't believe that he had found it and even more surprising was what he had said. There seemed to be genuine sincerity in his voice and he didn't exploit the opportunity to mock her. She grabbed the balled up picture and shoved it in her backpack. She was about a second away from getting up and leaving when the teacher began the lecture. Deciding she could handle staying, she went about taking notes as if everything was normal.
Tristan anxiously watched her reaction from the back of the classroom. He knew what he did risked Rory flipping out on him. Her face was hard to read, but from where he was sitting, he didn't see any sign of panic. She had quickly disposed of the picture and went about taking notes. Relieved, Tristan was able to relax and at least attempt to concentrate on what the teacher was saying.
As soon as the bell rang, Rory stood from her seat and walked straight to the back of the room. Tristan, who was talking to his friend Brian, stopped suddenly when Rory appeared at his side. After about a minute of silence, Brian took the hint and gave Tristan a confused look before walking out of the room. "Rory, look, I'm" Tristan started.
Rory knelt down beside his desk and whispered in his ear, "Thank you." Then, she stood up and walked over to her desk where she gathered her things and exited the classroom. Tristan remained sitting, completely taken aback by Rory's reaction. That was definitely not what I expected, he thought. Students began entering the room for the next class, and he finally got up and left.
Rory spent today's study period in the Franklin office in a feeble attempt to get back on Paris' good graces. Tristan had gone to the library, just to check if Rory was there again. Disappointed in not seeing her, he found his usual group of friends. After spending 45 minutes pretending to listen to whatever the latest discussion was, he went to the rest of his morning classes. It wasn't until lunch that he saw Rory again.
Tristan walked into the cafeteria and looked in the direction of Rory's usual table. Expecting to see her sitting there with her headphones on and reading, he was surprised to find the table empty. After giving his friends some lame excuse about homework, he headed to the library. Not seeing Rory there either, he started to wonder if she left early. In one last attempt to find her, he went outside, where he found her sitting in the courtyard.
"You're not hiding from me, are you Mary?"
Rory smiled slightly and said, "Hide from you, now what would give you that idea?"
Tristan sat by her side at the table and said, "Well, usually I could offer a few reasons, but today I'm a little confused."
"Really? By what?"
Tristan smiled at her attempt to be confused. "By you, Mary."
Rory felt herself blush as he moved closer. "Well, I'm sorry if I confused you."
"Well, all that can be solved if you answer something for me."
Rory sighed and said, "Oh no, we're not going to do the question game again, are we?"
Tristan laughed and shook his head in amusement. "Why not? It worked out so well last time."
"Haha, very funny. Now just ask me already."
Tristan's voice became serious and he said, "Why did you thank me? I expected something a little more violent."
Rory wasn't sure how to answer his question. She hadn't planned on thanking him, it just kind of happened. Something about the tone in his voice made her feel like he cared. "Um, I'm not sure."
"Come on Mare, you can do better than that." Tristan urged. He wasn't going to let her get out of this that easily.
"Because… I thought you were trying to make me feel better. You were probably just messing with me again though, right?"
Tristan could see her becoming extremely uneasy as she began staring at her shoes. "No, Rory. I was just telling you the truth. You shouldn't be crying over that guy. As I said before, he's not worth it. You're better than that."
Rory looked up and said, "How did you know I was crying?"
"Someone would have to be blind to not notice how you have been walking around here. Like someone shot your dog."
"Oh, I don't have a dog, it wouldn't be able to survive in our house."
Tristan laughed at her flustered response and said, "You know what I mean. All I wanted to tell you was that you should cheer up. You're not any fun when you're sad."
"Oh, I see. You just want me back to normal so you can torment me and not feel guilty?" Rory smiled; she was actually starting to feel better.
"Exactly. Now, tomorrow morning you better be back to normal, got it?" He stood up and waited for her response.
"I can't make any promises, but I'll try."
"I guess I can accept that for now. See you later Mary." He turned to go back into the school, but stopped when he heard footsteps behind him.
Rory walked up from behind him and tapped him on the shoulder, turning him around. He gave her a quizzical look and said, "What?"
She didn't answer, but instead wrapped her arms around him in a hug. Surprised, he slowly put his arms around her back and smiled. "What was that for?"
He felt her shrug and she whispered in his ear, "Just because. Thanks again."
They pulled apart and Tristan couldn't stop smiling. "Oh, anytime Mary, anytime."
"Oh great, I just boosted your ego, didn't I?"
Tristan mocked surprise and said, "From a little hug? Please, Mary. You have to stop going around thinking you are so awesome."
Rory just laughed at him and said, "Yeah, yeah DuGrey. I'll try to keep that in mind."
Tristan opened the door and said, "Please do, Mare. I'll see you later."
Rory opened her mouth to say goodbye, but he was already gone. She couldn't help but smile. He was always joking, but she was beginning to see that he had a good heart. Now, if only I could figure out why he hides behind his jokes and sarcasm, she thought. Yup, Tristan DuGrey was definitely a mystery.
Rory got off her bus at the end of the day and entered Luke's in a far better mood than the previous day. "Well, it's good to see you happy again." Luke said as he poured her a cup of coffee.
"Thanks, I had a pretty good day." Rory said, smiling.
And another one complete! I hope you guys enjoyed this. Everyone has so many different ways of perceiving Tristan, but personally I love to see the sweet side along with the joking side. If you review and tell me what you thought and what you'd like to see, maybe I will update tomorrow! Thanks again!