Please Read: Hey all... sorry I so didn't stick to the schedule I promised you guys I would stick to. Please don't hate me & give me a chance to explain. I found that promising you an update on this story every other day was a promise too difficult to keep. It's summer and I of course being the average15 year old that I am, go out alot. So I found that my social calendar was interfering with my writing, or maybe it's the other way around. It was a lot of pressure pushing out a chapter every other day of the same quality that I usually had, when really I was racing against the clock to get them out. Also, as you may know I started a She's the Man fic which adds to my writing load.
Don't get me wrong, I take my writing very seriously and it is a priority, but with the every other day schedule it turned into less of a hobby and into more of an obligation. I really hope that my lack of schedule won't cause me less readers, because I really do appreciate all of your feedback and all of you reading my story.
This story and my other story aren't going on Hiatus so don't worry, but the schedule will not exist. I need the flexibility for my writing back, because if I stress too much over something that's supposed to be a hobby then I'll end up stopping and I for one do not want to be one of those people who start a story and don't finish it. I can make you a promise though that I will not go more than a week without an update, and that is a promise I intend on keeping except if I go on a sudden vacation which I will of course notify you of.
Once again, I hope you all understand where I'm coming from, and I really hope I don't loose any readers because of this! I love you guys! So enjoy this chapter, it's light hearted with a tad of seriousness and some previews for what may happen in next chapters.. its a bit of a filler to hold you guys over and it's also probably the last or 2nd to last drama free chapters... hehe. Enjoy then Review!
I own nothing nothing nothing!
One word to describe the weeks that followed that Halloween night: swamped, at least for Rory's life. The end of the 1st marking period came, immediately followed by the beginning of the second one. Rory naturally received high marks as a reward for her dedication she paid to all of her classes. She had also been bumped up as Co-Editor of the Franklin, demoting the original lazy and unprofessional one. On top of that was the fact that mid-terms were quickly approaching and causing her already over board study habits to intensify.
As if her hectic school schedule and studying wasn't enough, the press became hungry once again for any information they could get their paws on about Rory, Tristan, or anyone else in their clique. Any of her regular hang out places could no longer be considered a haven and Taylor, the self proclaimed ruler of Stars Hollow, had even begun to complain to her about the excessive amount of traffic that was beginning to congest the small streets of Stars Hallow. Even though the traffic that he ranted about was in actuality only about a dozen new cars driving around the town, Rory still felt guilty about everyone who was being affected because of her and Tristan's unwanted fame.
Thanksgiving break was the only 5 days that Rory was able to take a somewhat breather, but even that time had been nerve wrecking due to the dinner that she had to attend with Logan, his parents, and her grandparents. For socialites and supposed clever business men, the group of high and mighty Socialites was pretty oblivious to Rory and Logan's relationship, but then again they hadn't seen each other since the future picking dinner.
The few moments that Rory sat with Logan in the limo on the way to dinner was spent and silence and with a little bit of making out sandwiched in between. Logan had explained to his parents he was bringing someone very important to him, but that was all the information he gave. Out of pure coincidence, his parents had invited the Hayden's and the Gilmore's to the dinner also, considering that Lorelai and Chris preferred to spend the Thanksgiving in Stars Hollow. Rory kept going over the pros and cons of the night's dinner, and so far the only pro was it's end and the two of them being able to return to Stars Hollow for a real dinner with her parents, Tristan and his parents, and all of their friends waiting for them.
However, both of their worries were eased after dinner, when they walked out of the cold Huntzberger estate with their souls still in their bodies. The adults had taken the news very well, and were even happy for them insisting they celebrate that night. Of course Logan and Rory made an excuse of how they couldn't stay long, wanting to get home to the Stars Hollow activities.
Logan and his friends had never experience a true Thanksgiving dinner until that night. They all sat around a big table, surrounded by the people they truly loved just talking and enjoying the company.
Now, the 1st week of December, it was crunch time. Next week would be a week full of final exams and hardcore studying, mid-term week. The group found it very malicious how they scheduled the horrific tests right before their holiday vacation, leaving them no time to enjoy the festivities that the world around them was setting up.
Rory sat currently in the school library on a free period, with Tristan directly across from her idly tapping his fingers and he read over some of his Biology notes. With the upcoming serious week, the teachers had some mercy and converted the week into study week, where the students had the option of attending class for a group review or private reviews in one of the libraries or in any empty classroom. While Logan, Finn, Colin, Stephanie, Louise, and Madeline all preferred the group study where they could talk to each other freely, Rory wanted the individual one and she dragged Tristan with her.
"If you keep tapping I'm going to chop your arm off," Rory said not looking up from her book.
Tristan shot her a look before dropping the pencil dramatically. "You're taking this too seriously Rory, you're already into Harvard why are you so worried?"
Rory sighed and looked up at him, "Because our grades still get sent to Harvard and we can get extra credits if we pull off a certain GPA."
"You look ahead too far Pinky. You're not celebrating your senior year, you're just passing through it."
"Don't lecture me on being serious about the important things in life Tristan," Rory replied immediately getting annoyed. Tristan shook his head before snatching the book out of her hands and shutting it.
"Tristan!" she yelled causing several people to glare at her before returning to their books.
"No Rory listen to me, you're over working yourself and it's not healthy. You're not yourself when these things come around and you take them too seriously. You know what's more important?"
"What almighty knowing Tristan?" she asked bitterly.
"Your friends are more important, and your boyfriend is more important. At the end of this year, we're all going separate ways and despite the fact that we say we're going to keep in touch, we won't know that for a fact until the time comes around. Rory I know you take school seriously, but you're looking only the academic portion of school. You're not looking at the monumental portions of school. When you leave this school do you really want to look back at high school and have memories of the process of alcoholic fermentation or the causes of World War II or do you want to remember the great times you had with all your friends that you might never see again?" Tristan whispered looking her in the eye.
Rory sighed. Once again, Tristan Dugrey was right and she didn't like it. "You suck."
"Because I'm right?" he asked knowing already he had won.
"Yes," she mumbled.
"Thought so, so what are you going to do about it?" Tristan asked.
"Acknowledge the fact you're right but continue study?" she shot back grabbing the book from his hands.
"Rory," he scolded.
"Tristan," she said making a face. He glared at her and she once again sighed in defeat. "I guess I could stop studying at the lunch table and homeroom," she reasoned.
"And after school?"
"I study my ass off to make up for that precious time?"
Tristan made a buzzer noise, "Wrong."
"Tristan you can't expect me to completely slack off!"
"I don't… how about you take an hour break for every two hours you study, so you don't over load," he tried to compromise.
"Half an hour break," she bargained.
"Forty five minutes," he tried again.
"Forty five minutes with you providing coffee while I am studying if I need it?" Rory asked sweetly. Seeing that this was the final change she was willing to make he agreed.
"You've got yourself a deal Hayden," he said sticking out his hand. Rory smiled and shook it as the bell rang signaling the beginning of yet another free period. "Time for English, are we staying here?" Tristan asked.
"Let's go to an empty classroom where we can talk," she suggested, tired of being worried about who she was disturbing. Tristan nodded and picked up her books with one arm while wrapping another one around her shoulders, leading her out of the library.
"I can't believe we walked in on them!" Rory said shaking her head trying to erase the unwanted image from her mind.
Tristan laughed, "Who knew Eric and Kristine were that kinky?" Rory just groaned again at the memory before knocking on a door, listening for any groans and moans. Once she was sure no one was in it, she cautiously opened the door and sighed in relief seeing it was empty. She took a seat on a desk but was pulled up by Tristan who sat down first before pulling her on his lap.
The two just sat in silence, enjoying the peace before Rory voiced what was on her mind. "Me and Logan won't last in college Tristan," she said. "The distance is too much."
Tristan sighed; he should have known that's what was bothering her. His best friend instincts should have kicked in and alerted him of this. "Yee of little faith," he said trying to lighten the mood.
Rory shook her head, "No, faith has nothing to do with this. Neither does trust or how much we love each other. It's not practical; long distance relationships are not practical. We'll never have time for each other, I intend to join the paper engulfing much of my free time, adding to the classes I want to take. The time doesn't work out. It's not practical," she said seriously.
"Since when is love practical?" Tristan asked just as solemn. "Things don't always go by the rules Rory; things don't make sense ever. You should've realized that when you roped in the school playboy. You should've realized that when us, the opposite of Socialites suddenly are on the covers of all the tabloids."
When Rory answered with silence, Tristan ran a hand through her hair. "Have you talked to him about it?"
"No," Rory admitted.
"Why?" Rory shrugged.
"It just isn't time," she said. In all honesty, she had no idea when the hell it would be time. She just knew that now wasn't it. Rory sighed and wrapped her arms around Tristan's neck and buried her face in the shoulders. There was only one other place Rory felt as safe as in Tristan's arms; in Logan's arms, and that was saying a lot.
The two listened to each other breathing, thinking about their fast approaching futures, oblivious to the 6 people that had entered the room watching them worriedly.
Logan looked at his girlfriend in the arms of Tristan and saw unfamiliar vulnerability. Usually, she was so confident, not letting her guard down often. But now, her she sat looking like a child. Normally Logan would be jealous of another guy holding his girlfriend so intimately, but he trusted Rory with Tristan knowing about their friendly loving relationship. At times he felt jealousy pangs, knowing that Rory confided more with Tristan that she did with him, but he knew that best friends and boyfriends played different rolls. Some guys were lucky enough to have a girlfriend or boyfriend and best friend in one person, but he didn't have that with Rory yet.
He hoped that one day he and Rory could be best friends, and tell each other everything and anything, but only time could form a bond so close and he was willing to wait.
"Rory," Tristan said suddenly, aware of the new people in the room.
"Tris?" she mumbled against his skin. She too had noticed the new presence after snapping out of her daze.
"Will you marry me?" he asked as seriously as he could. The other six covered their mouths in surprise and stared at them wide eyed. Logan prayed she said no as his thoughts on Tristan quickly changed.
"What?" Rory asked confused. Tristan gave her a pinch in the arm and she realized what he was doing.
"Will you marry me?" he asked about seriously.
Rory sat up and looked him in the eye, seeing the wicked gleam. "Only if we have 6 kids," Rory replied just as serious. Logan paled and gulped.
"I was going for 8, but I guess I can settle with six," he said with a shrug.
"Eight!" Stephanie squeaked, being the first to crack. The two turned to come face to face with the disbelieving and nervous expressions of their friends. "Oh didn't know you were there," Tristan said dryly.
"I'm going to fucking ki-," Logan started but quickly stopped when he saw Tristan's and Rory's faces smirk before they broke out into a fit of giggles.
"Serves you right for not making your presence known; I'm buying you a bell to tie around your neck for Christmas," Rory said going over to Logan and engulfing him in a hug which he mimicked while chuckling.
"Sorry about that Tristan," Logan said embarrassed when he pulled away from Rory. Tristan chuckled, "Don't worry about it man, 8 kids is kind of crazy."
"Imagine how much sex you'll have to have," Louise stated bluntly.
Finn put on a contemplative expression on before speaking. "Mates I want 8 kids!" he said excitedly.
"Finn I don't think any woman would be going through that tolerance and… work," Colin replied.
"Ok ok let's change the subject please we're getting off track," Stephanie said covering her ears causing the group to laugh.
"What are you two doing in here? We thought you would be in the library divulged in notes?" Logan asked surprised but pleased at the same time.
"Taking a break," Rory replied with a shrug and a smile. "So are you guys excited about Christmas!" Rory asked excited jumping out of Logan's grasp and standing in the middle of the circle with a childish gleam in her eyes.
The other six shrugged unenthusiastically causing Rory to gasp. "Tristan I smell some grinches!" she said dramatically.
"Bah humbug!" Tristan replied playing along.
"Where's the Christmas spirit, the childish glee, the festive underwear!" Rory exclaimed, leaping up with each word. The group looked at her blankly. "Not even the festive underwear?" Rory asked disbelieving.
The group raised their eyebrows. "Rory love what do you mean festive underwear?" Finn asked scratching his head. Rory laughed until she realized that he was completely serious.
"Tristan," Rory said in a commanding tone. Tristan nodded his head and started undo his belt buckle while Rory locked the door and closed the shade of the window in the door. She then proceeded to unbutton the side of her kilt and pull the short skirt down. She kicked it off and placed it on the desk neatly before unbuttoning her shirt and practically flashing the group as Tristan pulled off his long sleeve polo.
The group was very confused on what they were doing until they saw their under garments. Tristan wore green boxers with mistletoe print and a red wife beater. Rory wore a red bra with tiny Christmas trees printed all over. Her underwear bottoms were plain white boy shorts though.
"Rory, what's so festive about your boy shorts?" Louise asked trying not to laugh at Finn who was openly checking Rory out and Logan's suddenly flushed face.
Rory looked down as if she didn't know what kind of underwear she was wearing and looked confused before saying, "Oh." She turned around so her butt faced them and across it said "I'm on Santa's Bad List" in red and green glitter. Finn's eyes immediately turned to the size of saucers and Logan's gulped down a lump that suddenly formed in his throat. Too bad he couldn't do that with the bigger lump forming in his pants.
"I knew he was real!" Madeline exclaimed excitedly. The group shot each other looks, deciding if they should break the bad news to her.
"I know so too!" Rory exclaimed turning back around and smiling along with Madeline.
"Are you serious?" Colin asked incredulous.
"Of course, why?" Rory asked her eyes going big as she buttoned her shirt. Colin looked between her and Madeline seeing the innocence in their statements and couldn't as much as he wanted to.
"I just, wasn't sure…" Colin trailed off.
"Oh," Rory said with a shrug pulling her skirt on.
"Love do you really have to do that?" Finn asked disappointed.
"So now do you understand the Christmas Spirit?" Tristan asked.
"Christmas Spirit huh? Isn't that the name of the cruise our parents are going onto Bermuda over break?" Louise asked.
"What?" Rory asked confused. "Your parents aren't going to be here for the break?" The group shook their heads like it was nothing.
"So then what are you doing for Christmas?" Tristan wondered out loud. The group looked at each other.
"Logan's house, some drinking," Colin said with a shrug trying not to look sad about the fact that their parents didn't care enough to stay with them in the holidays and celebrate like Rory and Tristan's families did. The girls however did not do as well, looking down sadly at the floor while tears began to gather at the rims of their eyes.
Rory gasped and looked over to Tristan who nodded as if signaling her to do what she was about to do. Even if he said no, she would still do it because she wouldn't let her friends drink their sorrows on a day made for celebration.
"Come to Tristan's house," Rory stated more that requested. All of their heads shot up in surprise, not expecting an invitation.
"Are you sure Ace? We don't want to intrude," Logan said even though he knew he wanted to say yes.
"Don't be a martyr Logan," Tristan said with a smile. "Christmas is at our house this year and we can go to the Stars Hollow Christmas extravaganza. You might as well stay the whole break. Actually all of you pack your bags and just live with us, you're always over anyways," he suggested joking at his last statement.
Logan looked at Rory to see if she really was extending an invitation and she nodded her head up and down with a hopeful smile. "Christmas at the Dugrey's then mate!" Finn said excited, going over to Rory and slinging an arm around her.
"So love where can we find some Chrissie grundies," he asked with a goofy smile.
"Translation?" Rory asked to the room.
"Aussie for Christmas underwear," Colin replied. Rory nodded and launched a discussion on the proper way to celebrate the holidays.
"Mom, dad, I invited the usual 6 to come spend the break with us this year. Is that alright?" Rory asked at dinner time. Chris sent an uneasy glance to Lorelai which didn't go unnoticed by Rory.
"What is it?" she asked.
"Rory don't you think you're spending a little too much time with them?" Chris asked being very uncharacteristically uptight.
"No," Rory immediately said dropping her utensils, "They're my friends."
"But Rory, it's Christmas. They can't ditch their parents, no matter how much they suck to come here with us," Lorelai said.
Rory glared. "Mom it's not them who's ditching their parents. Their parents ditched them to go on some random ass cruise instead of spending Christmas with their kids. They have no where else to go!" Rory yelled.
Her parents looked offended when she began yell at them but their faces immediately turned to surprise when she explained why she had invited them over for the whole break. She was about to stand up and storm off into her room when her father's voice stopped her.
"Rory, we're sorry we had no idea. Of course they could come, we just didn't want their parents to take it out on us that their kids are never home," he explained.
Rory nodded and accepted the apology sitting back down to finish her food.
"Those kids are really lucky to have found you and Tristan kiddo," Lorelai said.
"We're lucky too," Rory added looking to her parents who smiled and admired how perfect their daughter was in their eyes. However Lorelai then frowned, remembering the news she had to break to Rory about their planned trip to New York City after Christmas. She sent a glance to Chris who nodded, signaling her to go.
"Hey kiddo, remember that trip that me and Liz were planning to New York?" she asked slowly.
"Yea," Rory asked immediately getting nervous at the tone she was taking.
"Well me and your dad have something to tend to in Europe, and we'll be leaving the day after Christmas," Lorelai said secretively.
"But you already went to Europe, why do you have to go back?" Rory asked noticing the enigmatic tone her mother's voice had. Lorelai glanced at Chris as if asking for help, and he cleared his throat.
"We forgot to take care of something in one of the offices," Chris said sounding convincing.
Rory looked at him curiously, trying to see if he would flinch or show some sign of lying but when nothing came around she decided to buy it. "So we can't go?" Rory asked disappointed.
"No we can't go, but you kids still can. That's one of the reason we bought you that penthouse apartment, another thing we have to talk about. But we'll wait for Tristan to get here." Lorelai said. Within 2 minutes of her saying that, Tristan, Elizabeth, and Eric walked in taking seats around the table.
"Lorelai I got the new Sex in the City DVD we can bring it to Europe and watch it with," Liz started but immediately stopped when she saw Lorelai shaking her head subtly but firmly. Tristan and Rory looked at each other then at their parents suspiciously, catching Liz cover her mouth in regret while Eric and Chris shook their heads. Before either of them could question their actions though, Eric Dugrey spoke.
"So we're here to talk about those penthouse apartments and your trip to New York right?" he said clapping his hands together at a successful attempt to change the subject. Tristan and Rory quickly got excited to hear the details about the place and nodded.
"Well the apartments are both signed as Rory as the owner and Tristan as the co owner, since it's Rory's birthday gift. Now it took some significant leg pulling to get the land lords to agree to let two 17 year olds to own penthouse apartments," Chris Hayden, sounding like a true lawyer.
"Tell me about it, I almost had to sleep with the one in New York to get him to agree!" Lorelai joked causing her husband to sigh and Liz to giggle.
"Wait you really didn't do it? Wow, then the land lord of the Boston apartment got a good deal!" Liz said causing Eric to spill his drink on himself. Lorelai and Liz cackled with humor with Tristan and Rory close behind.
Chris cleared his throat stopping all of them and continued with his explanation of the apartments. "The apartment in New York is located on 5th avenue, right in Rockefeller Center. It has a large kitchen, but not furnished because we didn't really think you would be cooking while in New York. Also it has two bathrooms and four bedrooms with everything fully furnished. Your living room has a pull out couch and a fully equipped entertainment center with a great view of 5th Avenue. You also have the rooftop as your very own private property and it is maintained very well according to the land lord."
"A maid will be sent in every week to maintain the place since you two won't be spending much time there and we will also be renting it out as a vacation house while you two are in school. If you two ever want to go to it, just give this person a call," Eric said handing them a phone card, "and he will make sure that the apartment is empty."
Rory and Tristan nodded trying to hide their childish excitement about the place. Lorelai and Liz had already gotten bored of listening to their husbands talk all serious and began playing paper football, even though it was really just them throwing misshapen paper footballs at each other.
"There are some terms you two have to agree to and also papers you have to sign, but we'll take care of that another time," Chris said. "Now the Harvard apartment is the exact same, coming with the same particulars as the New York apartment except it's a Boston view instead of a 5th Avenue view. Also, this apartment has only 2 bedrooms and is fully furnished, including the kitchen."
"We trust you kids with these places and we know you won't betray that," Eric said with a smile. "Understood?"
"Yes daddies!" Rory exclaimed getting up and giving them both a kiss on the cheek. Tristan just nodded in agreement before following Rory up to her room.
"We're getting old, we have apartments now," Rory said from inside her closet where she was changing.
"They're getting old, their kids have apartments now," Tristan said chuckling.
"True," Rory agreed laying down next to Tristan.
"No matter what happens Tristan, we go through it together ok?" Rory asked with several worries running through her mind.
Tristan decided it was better not to push what she was thinking, but knew it had something to do with Logan. "You got it Pinky," he replied.
AN: Definately not my best chapter but I promise the next one will be better, it's more of a filler than I thought! Ugh I'm kind of disappointed, Sorry guys I promise next one will be better.