A/N: Hey there! You came back! Here's the 5th and final piece...for now! Jks, did you guys seriously think that I'd end it here?!?! No way, it's just beginning!!!!
To Lindsay: I know you're a little confused. This is how it goes: Everybody listen up! As a small kid (keyword: small), Tristan was introverted and shy because he was neglected & he saw ghosts (he never told anyone about the spirits). As he got older, he realized he couldn't make his parents love him and the ghosts would never leave him alone. That's when he started getting reckless and cocky and putting up the façade b/c he didn't want anyone to know. Before his 18th b-day things started getting worse: instead of just being able to see ghosts, now they could touch him & speak to him & move things. The problem was getting worse & he knew there was no one he could turn to so he ran away.
There we go. If it's still not totally clear 4 anyone, just ask and I'll give a more detailed explanation. Enjoy this!
Chapter 5:
Pandora's Box
Ring! Ring!
Rory shot up from her chair and disorientation flooded her mind as she tried to remember where she was. Slowly, she realized that she had fallen asleep at her desk and that the annoying thing that wouldn't shut up was the phone ringing.
She followed the high pitched shrill and found the cordless under the sofa. "So that's where you were hiding", she muttered as she fumbled for the 'Talk' button.
"Hello?"
There was a moment of silence and then:
"Rory?"
"Yeah, this is she." She was confused, she knew she had heard that voice before but she couldn't place it.
"Hi, it's Tristan. Maybe you don't remember me...?" On the other end of the line Tristan was panicking. It had only been two days since they first met and it seemed like she couldn't even remember who he was. He had planned on waiting for the bruise on his face to fade a bit before he got up the courage to call her but he guessed he had waited too long. He tried to ignore the terrible feeling of his hope dying.
"Tristan?" It's not that she didn't remember him, she was just shocked that he called. She thought he had forgotten about her.
"It's OK, don't worry about it. I'm sorry to bother you..."
He was hanging up! 'No, stop him Rory!'
"Wait! Don't hang up! I remember you, of course I remember you!"
Tristan hope must have been revitalized because it was currently racing and thumping crazily in his chest. He felt a blush creep up his cheeks and mentally yelled at himself. He didn't get it: He interacted with the dead everyday of his life but he was too scared to have a conversation with a girl! 'Women...'
"Still there?" Rory asked hesitantly.
"Oh yeah! I'm sorry...I... um..." Rory laughed as she listened to him stammer and imagined him turning six different shades of red.
"Well...I was...um, how are you?" The question popped out of his mouth before he could stop himself. 'You're an idiot, DuGrey, ya hear me? An idiot!'
Rory struggled to keep from laughing. She thought it was so adorable but she knew that if she let her laughter escape he'd only feel more self-conscious. She was happy, though. Knowing that he was just as nervous as her, maybe even more so, made her feel completely excited and comfortable.
"I'm great, thank you. How are you?"
"I'm good, thanks." Tristan could hear the smile in her voice and if he had sounded like an idiot before, it was all worth while.
"That's good."
"Yes, good. Good, good, good..." Tristan was well aware that with every word that was coming out of his mouth he sounded more and more like an imbecile, but he was too scared to ask her the question he had called to ask.
"Yes, good's always good."
"Exactly." They both felt like fools but Tristan decided to put his heart on the line and ask her. "Rory, there's this place- it's called 'Pandora's Box' - it's kind of like a bar, kind of...they play music and you can dance and - here's the part I'm hoping will convince you - they have awesome coffee... It's got a cool feel to it, just a laid back place where people hang out and talk and... well,..."
"Yes, Tristan?" Rory was practically falling of her chair she was so happy. She knew what was coming, he was about to ask her out.
"Sorry, um, ...well..." Taking a deep breath and shutting his eyes, Tristan let it fly. "Well, what I'm trying to say is... would you like to go there...tonight... with me?"
Rory's smiled went from ear to ear as she heard his flustered question.
"Tristan, I-"
"But it's okay if you don't want to."
"No, Tristan -"
"Or if you're too busy with school."
"Tristan! Yes, I would love to go to 'Pandora's Box' with you tonight."
Her answer was met by silence. Tristan was struggling to breathe. She said yes! She said yes! He couldn't believe it and he had to take a second to pinch himself. Hard.
"Oww!" Yup, this was real.
"Tristan? Are you okay?"
"Yeah, sorry! Great, thank you. Um, do you want to meet there or go together?"
"Meeting there sounds good, I've got to drop something of at the library anyway. What time?" Rory's heart was racing and she resisted the urge to do her happy dance.
"Does seven-thirty sound good?"
"Seven-thirty sounds great." He gave her the directions and she jotted them down on a piece of paper.
"Okay, so I'll see you there, Rory."
"I can't wait. Bye, Tristan."
"Goodbye." Tristan set the phone on its cradle and flopped back onto the couch. He had asked her and she said yes. He got up again and raced out the door. He had to go for a jog; he just couldn't sit still.
Rory clicked off the phone and dropped it on the floor, watching happily as it rolled right back under the couch. 'Better remember that for future reference.' She couldn't believe that she had a date with Tristan in 2 hours.
"I have to call Mom." She mumbled, dropping to her hands and knees and digging for the phone. Dialing the familiar number, she waited until the ninth ring before someone picked up. Like mother, like daughter.
"Ha! I've found you, you despicable electronic!" She heard her mother shout triumphantly. "Hello, City Morgue. You stab 'em, We slab 'em!"
"Hey, Mom! You'll never guess what happened!" Rory giggled and launched into her story. Three breaths and ten minutes later she finished.
"Well?" Lorelai asked expectantly.
"Well what?" Rory asked, confused.
"What are you waiting for?! Let the happy dancing begin!"
~~~~~~
'Here it is,' Tristan thought nervously, 'the moment of truth.' He had arrived at Pandora's ten minutes before he told Rory to meet him there; he knew he was early but he just couldn't stay in his apartment any longer. He smiled as he remembered Mary's persistent tugging on his sleeve and her triumphant giggle when he finally rose to leave.
He had opened the door and said over his shoulder, "If it goes well I'll be back before twelve, Mary. Don't wait up, okay?" The only response he received was the bright twinkle in her eyes, but for him it was enough. He could feel that she was excited for him and he was thankful to have her support but he was so nervous that he didn't think his legs would carry him the two blocks to Pandora's.
But here he was. He was alive and in one piece, or at least he was physically. His mind and emotions, on the other hand, were pulling in a hundred different directions. He was excited, never before in his life had he been so excited. He couldn't wait to see her, to hear her voice, and make her laugh but he was still terrified beyond belief.
What if she didn't like him? What if he said something profoundly stupid? The most terrifying of all his fears was the hardest one to avoid: what if she discovered his horrible secret?
He didn't want to lose her but he hated the fact that he would have to lie to her to keep her. He couldn't stand the thought of every other word coming out of his mouth being a lie. She was such an honest person and she deserved so much better than that. It was one or the other; he had to decide.
He pushed the painful thoughts out of his head and glanced around the place that he thought of as his second home. The lights were dimmed, casting a soft, warm orange glow around the room. There was a small, currently empty stage where bands sometimes played and there were small tables and worn couches spread throughout the room. Some alternative rock band's music filtered out through the sound system at a loud, but not-overpowering, level, allowing customers to talk and unwind. The setting was intimate, yet homey, and Tristan often came her to just sip on some coffee and let his thoughts drift away in the soft guitar riffs and companionable atmosphere.
He had his own six string at home and, though he didn't think he was good enough, he daydreamed about going up on stage on Open Mic Night and playing a couple of the songs he had written. Write now though, he didn't have the talent and he was sorely lacking the courage.
He scanned the room, noticing that Rory hadn't arrived yet, and picked out a place for them to sit. As he walked to the spot he passed a mirror and paused to examine his reflection. In high school, he had thought of himself as an extremely handsome guy but now, he just didn't see it. He guessed that he looked the same, though a bit older, but he just couldn't look at himself the same way. His eyes looked a bit darker, maybe even wiser, he still had his father's strong chin and his mother's full lips, but instead of the cocky, satisfies smirk his face usually held a cautious, tense expression.
He moved on his way, almost disgusted by the weary, tired man he saw in his reflection, the one who looked as if all the troubles in the world we piled up on his shoulders.
He sat down in one of the two comfy chairs set on either side of a small round table. She would be here soon, he could feel it. He wiped his sweating palms on his pants and took a deep breath. Tonight he was going to try to forget about all of his worries, even if it was just for a while. Tonight he was going to be with a beautiful girl and savour the short time he had with her. Tonight would be magical.
~~~~~~~
Rory glanced at the sign over her head. 'Pandora's Box'. She had dropped some books off at the library nearby and made it with a few minutes to spare. She had been excited about the date for the whole time she was getting ready but now the nervousness was kicking in.
Her roommate had told Rory that she was moving in with her boyfriend and had already started moving out her stuff. Rory and Chelsea had never been really good friends, but Rory would miss having her around. What's more, Rory didn't want to be left alone in the apartment.
As she pulled open the door and strolled in, Rory remembered being alone in her room while she was getting dressed. There was a weird, almost... energized feeling in the room, which she tried to shrug off, but she could have sworn she heard someone in the kitchen.
'Hey Chelsea, you're back, thank God. You left your student I.D. in the bathroom and I need a little advice on which top to wear.' Rory had begun speaking before she reached the kitchen and, when she did, she realized that no one was there. She had stood there shocked and scared for several seconds and then, feeling eyes on the back of her neck, she turned to find and empty living room. Rory quickly threw on a shirt, grabbed her purse and her library books and fled the building.
And now here she was, a little shaken, but nonetheless, in one piece. She pushed those thoughts out of her head and surveyed the room. She could smell that sweet aroma drifting over to her from behind the counter, gentle music permeated the room, and handing fixtures cast a soft, warm glow over the room. She definitely liked it here.
Looking around a bit more, she spotted Tristan sitting in a couch on one side of a table and the vacant chair across from him. He was looking down at his hands and was twirling a silver ring around the finger on his left hand; something Rory assumed was a nervous habit. She smiled and headed towards him, her heals clicking on the floor, and he finally glanced up and saw her.
Tristan was pretty sure that he was experiencing cardiac arrest, or at least something close to it. Rory Gilmore, the most beautiful, sweetest woman he had ever met was smiling brightly and confidently heading towards him. Her hair was flowing down her back in gentle waves, her bright, rosy cheeks accented her creamy, smooth skin, and, in black pants and a simple red shirt, she was the most stunning creature he'd ever seen.
Rory saw his gazed locked on her and hid a laugh as he snapped out of his examination, blushing furiously as he stood up and pulled out her chair for her. He had neat, black pants and a blue shirt that brought out his eyes and made them an even brighter shade of sapphire. His blonde hair stuck out in an adorable tousled mess and Rory blushed as she noticed how his shirt revealed his muscled chest and stomach as he stood and moved to greet her.
"Hello, Tristan." Rory seated herself, noticing how Tristan waited for her to do so before he returned to his chair.
"Hi, Rory. You made it okay?" He was speaking softly and was avoiding looking her in the eyes. Rory decided to put them both at ease by cracking a little joke.
"Yeah, just fine. I lost the directions you gave me and was just about to resort to hitch-hiking the full two blocks, but luckily, I found them on the fridge, right where I left them."
Tristan chuckled softly and was about to reply when the waitress walked up and introduced herself. Rory noticed Tristan smile behind his menu as she ordered an extra large coffee and she also noticed the giving Tristan the once-over and flirting with him. Finally, the waitress practically ripped the menus out of their hands and, with a frustrated growl, stalked away.
"She doesn't seem very happy. Maybe she's having a bad day." Tristan comment quietly as she got farther away.
Rory just managed to contain her laughter until after the waitress returned to the bar and Tristan looked shocked as she shouted with glee.
"What's so funny?" Confused, he began looking around for something remotely funny but when he couldn't figure it out he turned back to her.
Rory couldn't manage to answer. Tristan had been completely oblivious to the whole thing! The waitress had suggested, in a lowered, seductive tone, the Chocolate Amaretto coffee. Her finger lingered on the menu as she said in a breathy tone, "It's my favourite." Tristan, on the other hand, was completely focused on the menu and it contents and had relpied, without looking at her, "No thanks, I don't like amaretto. I think I'll go for the Vanilla Bean Latte."
The waitress was angry because he didn't respond to any of her flirtations and what does he say? "Maybe she's having a bad day." It was too funny.
"Rory?" She could tell he was beginning to feel even more self-conscious so she explained it to him. By the time she was done, she had tears trickling down her face but Tristan still looked confused.
"No, I think you've got it wrong, Rory."
"No way, Tristan. She was practically drooling on your shoulder." This sent her into another fit of giggles and Tristan just stared at his feet, embarrassed.
Rory finally calmed down and, realizing that he was feeling uncomfortable and that he was as red as her shirt, she changed the subject.
"Sorry. So, 'Pandora's Box'. That's an interesting name."
Tristan seemed to recover from his embarrassment because he leaned forward in his seat; obviously interested in the way the conversation was going.
"Do you know the story behind it?" Rory shook her head, she had never heard of it before, and he launched into his story.
A Greek myth told the tale of how when the Earth was young there were two children, Epimetheus and Pandora, neither of which had parents. Parents weren't needed to take care of children because there were no dangers or troubles in the world; people never fought or had to suffer through any labour. They were simply merry children all their lives. Pandora was sent to live with Epimetheus and the first thing she noticed when she arrived at his cottage was a great box. Epimetheus told the curious girl that he didn't know what was in the box, but it was there to be kept safe and must never be opened. Pandora was bothered by the great, beautiful box and discovered that the same man, Quicksilver, who brought her there brought Epimetheus the box. The box was fastened by an intricate knot which she untied and, as she decided to open the box and Epimetheus joined her, a black cloud blocked out the Sun. As she lifted the lid and he watched, all the Troubles of the world, sickness, sorrow, anger, and evil passions, flew out and remained with us for all this time.
"That's very interesting. So, that's the Greek's version of how everything bad in our world came to exist." Rory commented. It really was something to think about.
"Kind of. It's a story about how the sin of two people will punish us all. It's like the story of Adam and Eve. But there's more to it. They were sorry and angry and stayed hidden in the cottage, but they heard a tap from inside the box. Reluctantly, they opened it and another creature flew out-"
"What was it?" Rory knew she was interrupting, but she was fascinated by the tale. Tristan smiled and continued.
"It was Hope. She was there to protect and save us from the Troubles in the world. They told her that her wings looked like a rainbow and she said that that was because she was made up of both tears and smiles." Tristan voice was deep, soft, and soothing and Rory noticed a look of longing in his eyes, almost as if he were longing for hope. "She said she'd be there as long as they needed her, which would be for their whole lives; she promised that she'd never leave them and she didn't."
"That's a beautiful story, Tristan." Rory whispered quietly, still caught up in the story.
"Thank you, Rory." But he wasn't thanking her for liking it, or even listening to it. He had realized something while he told the story. His live had been full of Troubles, they swarmed him everyday and night, and like Pandora and Epimetheus after they opened the box, he was tired, full or sorrow, and searching for something to get him through. Amazingly, just like those two contrite children, he had found it. He had found his Hope.
~~~~~~~
There it is guys! I hoped you liked it! In the next chapter Rory will arrive and we'll see just how their magical evening will turn out! (Dadadaaaaa!!!!) Reviews are greatly appreciated!
(By the way, does anyone know how to get italics to show up b/c I have microsoft word but it won't let me use italics!!!!!!! ;( )
*In my best male ditz surfer voice* Like, later dudes,
Luv Madz
To Lindsay: I know you're a little confused. This is how it goes: Everybody listen up! As a small kid (keyword: small), Tristan was introverted and shy because he was neglected & he saw ghosts (he never told anyone about the spirits). As he got older, he realized he couldn't make his parents love him and the ghosts would never leave him alone. That's when he started getting reckless and cocky and putting up the façade b/c he didn't want anyone to know. Before his 18th b-day things started getting worse: instead of just being able to see ghosts, now they could touch him & speak to him & move things. The problem was getting worse & he knew there was no one he could turn to so he ran away.
There we go. If it's still not totally clear 4 anyone, just ask and I'll give a more detailed explanation. Enjoy this!
Chapter 5:
Pandora's Box
Ring! Ring!
Rory shot up from her chair and disorientation flooded her mind as she tried to remember where she was. Slowly, she realized that she had fallen asleep at her desk and that the annoying thing that wouldn't shut up was the phone ringing.
She followed the high pitched shrill and found the cordless under the sofa. "So that's where you were hiding", she muttered as she fumbled for the 'Talk' button.
"Hello?"
There was a moment of silence and then:
"Rory?"
"Yeah, this is she." She was confused, she knew she had heard that voice before but she couldn't place it.
"Hi, it's Tristan. Maybe you don't remember me...?" On the other end of the line Tristan was panicking. It had only been two days since they first met and it seemed like she couldn't even remember who he was. He had planned on waiting for the bruise on his face to fade a bit before he got up the courage to call her but he guessed he had waited too long. He tried to ignore the terrible feeling of his hope dying.
"Tristan?" It's not that she didn't remember him, she was just shocked that he called. She thought he had forgotten about her.
"It's OK, don't worry about it. I'm sorry to bother you..."
He was hanging up! 'No, stop him Rory!'
"Wait! Don't hang up! I remember you, of course I remember you!"
Tristan hope must have been revitalized because it was currently racing and thumping crazily in his chest. He felt a blush creep up his cheeks and mentally yelled at himself. He didn't get it: He interacted with the dead everyday of his life but he was too scared to have a conversation with a girl! 'Women...'
"Still there?" Rory asked hesitantly.
"Oh yeah! I'm sorry...I... um..." Rory laughed as she listened to him stammer and imagined him turning six different shades of red.
"Well...I was...um, how are you?" The question popped out of his mouth before he could stop himself. 'You're an idiot, DuGrey, ya hear me? An idiot!'
Rory struggled to keep from laughing. She thought it was so adorable but she knew that if she let her laughter escape he'd only feel more self-conscious. She was happy, though. Knowing that he was just as nervous as her, maybe even more so, made her feel completely excited and comfortable.
"I'm great, thank you. How are you?"
"I'm good, thanks." Tristan could hear the smile in her voice and if he had sounded like an idiot before, it was all worth while.
"That's good."
"Yes, good. Good, good, good..." Tristan was well aware that with every word that was coming out of his mouth he sounded more and more like an imbecile, but he was too scared to ask her the question he had called to ask.
"Yes, good's always good."
"Exactly." They both felt like fools but Tristan decided to put his heart on the line and ask her. "Rory, there's this place- it's called 'Pandora's Box' - it's kind of like a bar, kind of...they play music and you can dance and - here's the part I'm hoping will convince you - they have awesome coffee... It's got a cool feel to it, just a laid back place where people hang out and talk and... well,..."
"Yes, Tristan?" Rory was practically falling of her chair she was so happy. She knew what was coming, he was about to ask her out.
"Sorry, um, ...well..." Taking a deep breath and shutting his eyes, Tristan let it fly. "Well, what I'm trying to say is... would you like to go there...tonight... with me?"
Rory's smiled went from ear to ear as she heard his flustered question.
"Tristan, I-"
"But it's okay if you don't want to."
"No, Tristan -"
"Or if you're too busy with school."
"Tristan! Yes, I would love to go to 'Pandora's Box' with you tonight."
Her answer was met by silence. Tristan was struggling to breathe. She said yes! She said yes! He couldn't believe it and he had to take a second to pinch himself. Hard.
"Oww!" Yup, this was real.
"Tristan? Are you okay?"
"Yeah, sorry! Great, thank you. Um, do you want to meet there or go together?"
"Meeting there sounds good, I've got to drop something of at the library anyway. What time?" Rory's heart was racing and she resisted the urge to do her happy dance.
"Does seven-thirty sound good?"
"Seven-thirty sounds great." He gave her the directions and she jotted them down on a piece of paper.
"Okay, so I'll see you there, Rory."
"I can't wait. Bye, Tristan."
"Goodbye." Tristan set the phone on its cradle and flopped back onto the couch. He had asked her and she said yes. He got up again and raced out the door. He had to go for a jog; he just couldn't sit still.
Rory clicked off the phone and dropped it on the floor, watching happily as it rolled right back under the couch. 'Better remember that for future reference.' She couldn't believe that she had a date with Tristan in 2 hours.
"I have to call Mom." She mumbled, dropping to her hands and knees and digging for the phone. Dialing the familiar number, she waited until the ninth ring before someone picked up. Like mother, like daughter.
"Ha! I've found you, you despicable electronic!" She heard her mother shout triumphantly. "Hello, City Morgue. You stab 'em, We slab 'em!"
"Hey, Mom! You'll never guess what happened!" Rory giggled and launched into her story. Three breaths and ten minutes later she finished.
"Well?" Lorelai asked expectantly.
"Well what?" Rory asked, confused.
"What are you waiting for?! Let the happy dancing begin!"
~~~~~~
'Here it is,' Tristan thought nervously, 'the moment of truth.' He had arrived at Pandora's ten minutes before he told Rory to meet him there; he knew he was early but he just couldn't stay in his apartment any longer. He smiled as he remembered Mary's persistent tugging on his sleeve and her triumphant giggle when he finally rose to leave.
He had opened the door and said over his shoulder, "If it goes well I'll be back before twelve, Mary. Don't wait up, okay?" The only response he received was the bright twinkle in her eyes, but for him it was enough. He could feel that she was excited for him and he was thankful to have her support but he was so nervous that he didn't think his legs would carry him the two blocks to Pandora's.
But here he was. He was alive and in one piece, or at least he was physically. His mind and emotions, on the other hand, were pulling in a hundred different directions. He was excited, never before in his life had he been so excited. He couldn't wait to see her, to hear her voice, and make her laugh but he was still terrified beyond belief.
What if she didn't like him? What if he said something profoundly stupid? The most terrifying of all his fears was the hardest one to avoid: what if she discovered his horrible secret?
He didn't want to lose her but he hated the fact that he would have to lie to her to keep her. He couldn't stand the thought of every other word coming out of his mouth being a lie. She was such an honest person and she deserved so much better than that. It was one or the other; he had to decide.
He pushed the painful thoughts out of his head and glanced around the place that he thought of as his second home. The lights were dimmed, casting a soft, warm orange glow around the room. There was a small, currently empty stage where bands sometimes played and there were small tables and worn couches spread throughout the room. Some alternative rock band's music filtered out through the sound system at a loud, but not-overpowering, level, allowing customers to talk and unwind. The setting was intimate, yet homey, and Tristan often came her to just sip on some coffee and let his thoughts drift away in the soft guitar riffs and companionable atmosphere.
He had his own six string at home and, though he didn't think he was good enough, he daydreamed about going up on stage on Open Mic Night and playing a couple of the songs he had written. Write now though, he didn't have the talent and he was sorely lacking the courage.
He scanned the room, noticing that Rory hadn't arrived yet, and picked out a place for them to sit. As he walked to the spot he passed a mirror and paused to examine his reflection. In high school, he had thought of himself as an extremely handsome guy but now, he just didn't see it. He guessed that he looked the same, though a bit older, but he just couldn't look at himself the same way. His eyes looked a bit darker, maybe even wiser, he still had his father's strong chin and his mother's full lips, but instead of the cocky, satisfies smirk his face usually held a cautious, tense expression.
He moved on his way, almost disgusted by the weary, tired man he saw in his reflection, the one who looked as if all the troubles in the world we piled up on his shoulders.
He sat down in one of the two comfy chairs set on either side of a small round table. She would be here soon, he could feel it. He wiped his sweating palms on his pants and took a deep breath. Tonight he was going to try to forget about all of his worries, even if it was just for a while. Tonight he was going to be with a beautiful girl and savour the short time he had with her. Tonight would be magical.
~~~~~~~
Rory glanced at the sign over her head. 'Pandora's Box'. She had dropped some books off at the library nearby and made it with a few minutes to spare. She had been excited about the date for the whole time she was getting ready but now the nervousness was kicking in.
Her roommate had told Rory that she was moving in with her boyfriend and had already started moving out her stuff. Rory and Chelsea had never been really good friends, but Rory would miss having her around. What's more, Rory didn't want to be left alone in the apartment.
As she pulled open the door and strolled in, Rory remembered being alone in her room while she was getting dressed. There was a weird, almost... energized feeling in the room, which she tried to shrug off, but she could have sworn she heard someone in the kitchen.
'Hey Chelsea, you're back, thank God. You left your student I.D. in the bathroom and I need a little advice on which top to wear.' Rory had begun speaking before she reached the kitchen and, when she did, she realized that no one was there. She had stood there shocked and scared for several seconds and then, feeling eyes on the back of her neck, she turned to find and empty living room. Rory quickly threw on a shirt, grabbed her purse and her library books and fled the building.
And now here she was, a little shaken, but nonetheless, in one piece. She pushed those thoughts out of her head and surveyed the room. She could smell that sweet aroma drifting over to her from behind the counter, gentle music permeated the room, and handing fixtures cast a soft, warm glow over the room. She definitely liked it here.
Looking around a bit more, she spotted Tristan sitting in a couch on one side of a table and the vacant chair across from him. He was looking down at his hands and was twirling a silver ring around the finger on his left hand; something Rory assumed was a nervous habit. She smiled and headed towards him, her heals clicking on the floor, and he finally glanced up and saw her.
Tristan was pretty sure that he was experiencing cardiac arrest, or at least something close to it. Rory Gilmore, the most beautiful, sweetest woman he had ever met was smiling brightly and confidently heading towards him. Her hair was flowing down her back in gentle waves, her bright, rosy cheeks accented her creamy, smooth skin, and, in black pants and a simple red shirt, she was the most stunning creature he'd ever seen.
Rory saw his gazed locked on her and hid a laugh as he snapped out of his examination, blushing furiously as he stood up and pulled out her chair for her. He had neat, black pants and a blue shirt that brought out his eyes and made them an even brighter shade of sapphire. His blonde hair stuck out in an adorable tousled mess and Rory blushed as she noticed how his shirt revealed his muscled chest and stomach as he stood and moved to greet her.
"Hello, Tristan." Rory seated herself, noticing how Tristan waited for her to do so before he returned to his chair.
"Hi, Rory. You made it okay?" He was speaking softly and was avoiding looking her in the eyes. Rory decided to put them both at ease by cracking a little joke.
"Yeah, just fine. I lost the directions you gave me and was just about to resort to hitch-hiking the full two blocks, but luckily, I found them on the fridge, right where I left them."
Tristan chuckled softly and was about to reply when the waitress walked up and introduced herself. Rory noticed Tristan smile behind his menu as she ordered an extra large coffee and she also noticed the giving Tristan the once-over and flirting with him. Finally, the waitress practically ripped the menus out of their hands and, with a frustrated growl, stalked away.
"She doesn't seem very happy. Maybe she's having a bad day." Tristan comment quietly as she got farther away.
Rory just managed to contain her laughter until after the waitress returned to the bar and Tristan looked shocked as she shouted with glee.
"What's so funny?" Confused, he began looking around for something remotely funny but when he couldn't figure it out he turned back to her.
Rory couldn't manage to answer. Tristan had been completely oblivious to the whole thing! The waitress had suggested, in a lowered, seductive tone, the Chocolate Amaretto coffee. Her finger lingered on the menu as she said in a breathy tone, "It's my favourite." Tristan, on the other hand, was completely focused on the menu and it contents and had relpied, without looking at her, "No thanks, I don't like amaretto. I think I'll go for the Vanilla Bean Latte."
The waitress was angry because he didn't respond to any of her flirtations and what does he say? "Maybe she's having a bad day." It was too funny.
"Rory?" She could tell he was beginning to feel even more self-conscious so she explained it to him. By the time she was done, she had tears trickling down her face but Tristan still looked confused.
"No, I think you've got it wrong, Rory."
"No way, Tristan. She was practically drooling on your shoulder." This sent her into another fit of giggles and Tristan just stared at his feet, embarrassed.
Rory finally calmed down and, realizing that he was feeling uncomfortable and that he was as red as her shirt, she changed the subject.
"Sorry. So, 'Pandora's Box'. That's an interesting name."
Tristan seemed to recover from his embarrassment because he leaned forward in his seat; obviously interested in the way the conversation was going.
"Do you know the story behind it?" Rory shook her head, she had never heard of it before, and he launched into his story.
A Greek myth told the tale of how when the Earth was young there were two children, Epimetheus and Pandora, neither of which had parents. Parents weren't needed to take care of children because there were no dangers or troubles in the world; people never fought or had to suffer through any labour. They were simply merry children all their lives. Pandora was sent to live with Epimetheus and the first thing she noticed when she arrived at his cottage was a great box. Epimetheus told the curious girl that he didn't know what was in the box, but it was there to be kept safe and must never be opened. Pandora was bothered by the great, beautiful box and discovered that the same man, Quicksilver, who brought her there brought Epimetheus the box. The box was fastened by an intricate knot which she untied and, as she decided to open the box and Epimetheus joined her, a black cloud blocked out the Sun. As she lifted the lid and he watched, all the Troubles of the world, sickness, sorrow, anger, and evil passions, flew out and remained with us for all this time.
"That's very interesting. So, that's the Greek's version of how everything bad in our world came to exist." Rory commented. It really was something to think about.
"Kind of. It's a story about how the sin of two people will punish us all. It's like the story of Adam and Eve. But there's more to it. They were sorry and angry and stayed hidden in the cottage, but they heard a tap from inside the box. Reluctantly, they opened it and another creature flew out-"
"What was it?" Rory knew she was interrupting, but she was fascinated by the tale. Tristan smiled and continued.
"It was Hope. She was there to protect and save us from the Troubles in the world. They told her that her wings looked like a rainbow and she said that that was because she was made up of both tears and smiles." Tristan voice was deep, soft, and soothing and Rory noticed a look of longing in his eyes, almost as if he were longing for hope. "She said she'd be there as long as they needed her, which would be for their whole lives; she promised that she'd never leave them and she didn't."
"That's a beautiful story, Tristan." Rory whispered quietly, still caught up in the story.
"Thank you, Rory." But he wasn't thanking her for liking it, or even listening to it. He had realized something while he told the story. His live had been full of Troubles, they swarmed him everyday and night, and like Pandora and Epimetheus after they opened the box, he was tired, full or sorrow, and searching for something to get him through. Amazingly, just like those two contrite children, he had found it. He had found his Hope.
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There it is guys! I hoped you liked it! In the next chapter Rory will arrive and we'll see just how their magical evening will turn out! (Dadadaaaaa!!!!) Reviews are greatly appreciated!
(By the way, does anyone know how to get italics to show up b/c I have microsoft word but it won't let me use italics!!!!!!! ;( )
*In my best male ditz surfer voice* Like, later dudes,
Luv Madz