Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Chapter 4 - Boarding School Diaries
The first day at a new school is always a little scary. The first day at a new school in a foreign country an ocean away from your family, friends, and pretty much everything you know is downright terrifying. Rory woke up from a night of restless sleep only to find herself alone in a small, but cheerfully decorated dorm room. She and Lorelai had gone to great lengths to make her room, what would be home for the next four years, as comfortable as possible. A new bed was ordered, along with a small loveseat, and dozens of throw pillows. In addition, Lorelai had the walls painted a pale blue, the same color as her room back in Hartford, hoping to make Rory feel more at home.
While Rory loved how well her dorm room turned out, she felt as far from 'at home' as possible. She missed everything about Hartford, her house, her room, her window seat, and most of all, her parents and Kevin. What she wouldn't give to have one of them there right now.
She reluctantly got out of her warm and very comfortable bed, making a mental note to thank her mother for insisting on buying the extra thick mattress, a down featherbed, and 800 thread count sheets. She padded over to her closet and pulled out her uniform. According to the furry clock on her night stand, another thing Lorelai insisted on buying, she had a little over an hour before the cafeteria started serving breakfast and a little over two hours before her first class. She laid her uniform out on her bed and was about to head to the bathroom to take a shower when her cell phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Why am I not surprised that you're already up?"
"Kevin!"
"Why are you awake?"
"I'm answering the phone," she deadpanned.
"You were already up."
"How do you know?"
"Elementary, my dear Rory," he replied in a terrible British accent, "You sound alert. Plus you answered on the first ring."
"You think you're so clever don't you?"
"But I'm right aren't I?" When she failed to answer, he continued, "My guess…you've been up for a while and your perfectly ironed uniform is already laid out on your bed."
"How could you possibly know that?"
"Because I know you."
"God, am I really that predictable?"
"Only to those who know and love you."
"I miss you, Kevin," she admitted.
"Enough to get on a plane and come home?"
She laughed. "Yes, but I'm not going to do that."
He sighed. "I know. And I miss you too. We all do. Mom and I have already had three 'Kevin and Mommy Days' since she's been back. She's compensating for your absence. She took me to the mall, Rory….for four hours. And she didn't even buy anything. She just kept trying stuff on and asking me what I thought."
"Nice of you to humor her."
"What can I say? I'm a good son. Anyway…on to the purpose of this call."
"Yeah, why are you calling?" she asked and then realized what time it was in Hartford. "It's one in the morning over there, and you have school too."
"Well it's your first day and I wanted to wish you luck. Plus, I wanted to make sure you were awake for my surprise. It's due there any second now." At that moment, she heard a knock at her door.
"Kevin, who's at my door? And how did you get them past security? No one's allowed in this building but students, especially not at this hour."
He laughed. "Just open the door."
Curious as to what her brother was up to, Rory opened her door and was greeted by an exhausted looking delivery man. "Yes?" she asked.
"Rory Gilmore?"
"Yes."
"These are for you," he said holding out a tray with four Starbucks cups. "One vente black coffee, a vente with cream and two sugars, a caramel macchiato, and a shot of espresso."
"Thank you," she said while accepting the tray. She didn't know what else to say…or do. "Should I tip him?" she wondered to herself.
"Don't worry about tipping the guy. Believe me, he's been well compensated," she heard her brother say.
Realizing that her phone was still at her ear and her brother was still on the line, she asked, "How did you do this?"
"Don't worry about it," he replied. She couldn't see his face but knew he was smiling.
"You are the best big brother ever," she declared. Rory closed her door after giving the delivery man a huge smile. She set the tray down and took a long, luxurious sip of black coffee. "Thank you so much. This is just what I needed."
"You're welcome."
She took another bug gulp as she reclined on her small sofa and let the coffee work its magic. "How did you do this?" she asked again.
"I said don't worry about it. Just drink your coffee, try to relax, and have a great first day."
"I'm nervous," she admitted.
"I know and that's what the coffee is for, to calm your nerves. Relax, Rory. You're gonna be fine."
She'd been trying to convince herself of that very thing for days. Somehow, hearing Kevin say it made her actually start to believe it. "Thanks, Kev. I feel a little better."
"What are big brothers for?"
"I've been asking myself that question for years."
She heard a light chuckle and then what sounded like a yawn. In a drowsy voice he said, "All right, Ror, I should get to bed. Call me later ok. I want to hear all about how great your first day was."
"I will. Go to bed, Kevin."
"Night, Ror."
"Morning, Kev."
Rory hung up the phone feeling slightly less apprehensive about the day than she had before Kevin's call. She downed the last of the black coffee before moving on to the next cup. "I'll be fine," she told herself. "I will. I'll be fine. I'm going to be top of my class. I'm going to make new friends. I'm going to have more fun. I'm going to take more risks. I will. I'll be fine."
Feeling more reassured and definitely more caffeinated, Rory headed to the bathroom to shower and get ready for the day. The hot water did more to help relax her as she washed some tension away. Normally, she'd put her hair up not wanting it to get in the way. However, it was the first day of a new era. And the new and improved Rory decided to leave her hair down in curls. Rory never wore make-up, except for special occasions, but today she applied a touch of mascara and some lip gloss. Looking at herself in the mirror, she smiled, please with what she saw. The girl looking back at her appeared older and more confident. "I'll be fine."
By the time Rory made it to the cafeteria, breakfast was well under way. She got herself yet another cup of coffee and a bowl of oatmeal, or porridge as the Brits called it (hey when in Rome right). Looking around, she spotted an empty table near the back of the room and started heading toward it. Suddenly she stopped, remembering what she told herself that morning. Looking around again, she spotted a table full of girls with one empty seat. Her heart was pounding as she started walking in that direction. As she approached she could hear them talking, but she was so nervous she couldn't make out anything they were saying. Taking a deep breath, she asked with as much confidence as she could muster, "Would you mind if I sat here?"
Five pairs of eyes were suddenly staring at her and for a moment Rory's heart literally stopped beating. She stood there waiting for one of the girls to respond for hours, ok maybe it was only three seconds, but it felt like hours. "Sure, have a seat," said the girl at the end of the table. Rory took the empty seat, which was across from the girl who had spoken. "I'm Joanna," she said.
"Hi, I'm Rory."
Joanna smiled warmly. "Are you American?" she asked sounding somewhat excited.
"Yes," she answered wondering if this would help or hurt her.
"Brilliant," she said with a mischievous smirk, "I just adore Americans. They're a rare commodity around here."
"I'm a commodity?" she asked self-consciously.
"Yes," replied one of the other girls. "But don't look so worried. It's a good thing. There are only a dozen or so Americans in the entire school so the other students find you fascinating."
"Oh…ok."
"I'm Bridgette, by the way."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Rory."
Joanna, who turned out to be a third year, then introduced Rory to the rest of the girls at the table, Sophie, Lauren, and Kate. "So, Rory," said Joanna, "where in America are you from? New York? Los Angeles?"
"Hartford, Connecticut," she stated simply.
"Oh….well how did you end up here?"
"Well…I wanted to go away to school and my great grandmother suggested this one. She lives not too far from here so I'd be able to visit her often."
"How do you like it so far?" asked Sophie.
"I'm not sure yet. It's a little intimidating, but things seem to be going well so far. I've almost made it through breakfast without any major disaster."
The girls laughed lightly and Rory could feel herself start to relax. "Well don't worry," said Joanna. "We won't let anything happen to our new American friend. What classes do you have?"
Rory smiled brightly at being called a 'friend' and showed Joanna her schedule. "Let's see…literature with Professor Troy. She's really nice, but a pretty strict grader."
"Thanks for the info."
"Uh oh you have Hallstron for history," said Lauren who was reading Rory's schedule over Joanna's shoulder. "He's a terribly bitter and unhappy person….never be late for his class."
"Don't be late for history. Got it," said Rory, grateful for the heads-up.
Joanna continued, "Science with Weston. Stay ahead of your reading. He loves surprise quizzes."
"Oh, I'm in that class," said Kate excitedly. "I'm a first year also. Do we have any other classes together?" she asked sliding her own schedule down the table to Joanna.
Joanna compared the two schedules before saying, "Well, little girls, you two also have math and French together. And more importantly, we're all in the same lunch."
"You're having lunch with us, right Rory?" asked Bridgette.
"Yeah, I'd like that," she said hoping not to sound too excited.
"Wonderful," said Joanna handing Rory back her schedule. "You should probably get going. You have literature first, and Professor Troy's classroom is on the other side of campus. I'm heading in that direction. Do you want me to show you where it is?"
"That would be great. Thanks."
"I'll see you in math next period, Rory," called Kate as she got up to drop off her breakfast tray.
Rory waved goodbye to the other girls, telling them she'd see them at lunch, and followed Joanna out of the cafeteria. She couldn't believe how easy that was. She hadn't even been to a class yet and she already had friends. She replayed the entire conversation in her head trying to recall every detail so she could regale Kevin with the tale later that day.
"They can smell fear you know," said Joanna interrupting her thoughts.
"What?"
"Kids at this school. They can smell fear."
"Ok?" she replied not sure what Joanna was getting at.
"Don't let them know you're afraid, even if you are," she said with a smile. "People around here will take advantage of that. Don't let them."
"Thanks." Rory took a moment to let her advice sink in. She was stunned at how well Joanna read her. Was she really such an open book that a complete stranger could read her so easily? She took a minute to study the girl who seems to have taken her under her wing. Joanna was petite, probably just over five feet, with dark hair and big brown eyes. As the two continued to walk, Rory noticed the number girls who waved hello to her and number of boys who smiled appreciatively at her as she walked by them. No one who glanced her way could deny she was a very pretty girl, but it was more than that. Rory couldn't quite pin point what it was but there was definitely something exquisite about her new friend. People just seemed to be drawn to her.
"Troy's classroom is just at the end of this hallway. My class is back that way," she said pointing in the opposite direction. "I'll see you at lunch ok."
"Ok. And thanks for the advice."
Joanna didn't respond, but gave her a knowing smile before turning and walking toward her own class. She had not taken more than ten steps away from Rory before two boys started walking alongside her. One of them must have said something funny because the last thing Rory heard before stepping foot in Professor Troy's classroom was the sound of Joanna's laughter.
Rory took a seat near the front of the classroom. She had just taken out a notebook and pen when who she assumed to be Professor Troy breezed into the classroom. She was a tall, slim woman, who looked to be about forty. "Welcome. I'm Professor Troy. I promise to learn all of your names eventually." She quickly took role before distributing copies of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and explaining their first assignment. "Does anyone have any questions about this project?" Since no one raised their hand, she continued. "Excellent. I will be breaking you up in teams of two and each team will make a five minute presentation this Friday…no excuses, no extensions, NO exceptions." She took out her class roster again and started pairing students off. "Ms. Grant and Mr. Durham. Ms. Jacobs and Mr. McDaniels. Ms. Holmes and Mr. Williamsberg. Ms. Deaton and Mr. Shepherd. Ms. Cahill and Mr. Woolf. Ms. Hayden," upon hearing her name, Rory perked up paying close attention to who her partner would be, "and Mr. DuGrey," she said pointing to the desk behind Rory.
Rory turned around for the first time and was met by a pair of beautiful blue eyes. The boy they belonged to was a blond and equally beautiful. He flashed her a dazzling smile before extending his hand in introduction, "Hi, I'm Tristan."
Rory could do nothing but stare at him. She wasn't sure how long she just sat there without saying anything, but she eventually remembered her name and replied, "I'm Rory."
"Nice to meet you."
"You're American."
"So are you."
"Where are you from?"
"Boston. You?"
"Hartford."
"Wow…we're practically neighbors. So," he said leaning a bit closer to her, "what naughty thing did you do to get shipped out here?" he asked with a mischievous smirk.
She smiled. It was true, boarding school was often a punishment for malicious behavior, but not in her case. "Nothing…I asked."
"Seriously? You asked to be shipped away? Miserable home life?"
"No, I actually really miss my family."
He cocked an eyebrow at her. "So you left a happy home and came here of your own free will. Why?"
"I don't think I know you well enough to answer that question," she said with a smirk of her own. Rory didn't know what came over. He was flirting with her, but what surprised her was that she was actually flirting back.
"Oh really?"
"Yeah."
"Well what do you want to know about me?" he asked leaning in even closer.
"What naughty thing did you do to get shipped out here?"
His eyes met hers as he sent another flirtatious smile her way. "I don't think I should answer that question yet. We've just met and I don't want you to think I'm not a gentleman."
"Are you? A gentleman?"
Tristan didn't answer. Instead he smirked at her and Rory couldn't help but be reminded of a different blond boy. "Don't think about Logan. He's not here. You shouldn't be thinking about him." She smiled back at Tristan. The two were forced to put off any further flirtation because Professor Troy had begun her lecture.
When the bell rang signaling the end of class, Tristan handed her a note asking her to meet him in the library at the end of the day. Rory gave him a nod before he disappeared down the hallway and she headed to math to meet Kate. The rest of her morning classes kept her very busy. She was shocked at how much work she already had and the day wasn't even over yet. Her hand was actually a little cramped from all the notes she took.
A wave of relief hit her as she headed towards the cafeteria. After loading up her tray, she spotted Joanna sitting at the same table from earlier that day. However, she wasn't alone. There were three boys sitting at the table with her and Rory was about to find another table when Joanna noticed her and called out, "Rory, over here."
As she neared the table, Joanna flicked her wrist, indicating to the boys that they should move aside for Rory. "Boys, meet Rory. Rory, this is James, Drew and Michael. They were just inviting me to the first party of the year. It's tonight. You must come."
She had far too much schoolwork already. There was no way she could go to a party. "Oh…I don't…"
"Oh no excuses, kitten, you can't turn down an invitation from us," said James with a flirtatious smile. He reminded her of Finn. "It's just not done. You have to come. And you should be honored. We don't normally invite first years, but since you're a friend of Joanna's, we're willing to make an exception."
"You have to come, Rory," said Joanna. "I want to introduce you to everyone, show you off a bit. Please."
"Well…"
"Come on, Rory," said Michael throwing an arm around her, "come to the party."
Rory looked from Joanna, to James, to Michael and Drew, and then back to Joanna. The old Rory would definitely stay in and study, but what would the new Rory do? "I supposed it wouldn't hurt to stop by for a little while, just to meet a few a people."
"That a girl," said Drew pulling his chair closer to her. "You're going to fit in real well around here. I can tell."
Rory smiled in response and couldn't stop the blush that crept up to her cheeks. "All right, boys," said Joanna, "find your own table. I need to talk to Rory."
Looking only mildly disappointed, the three got up and headed to another table. "Well all right, Joanna, but only because you asked so nicely," quipped James. "We'll see you tonight. You too, Rory."
Rory smiled at three before turning her attention to Joanna. "About tonight," she started, "I have so much school work already…"
"You're coming," Joanna stated simply.
"Ok, but I can't stay long. An hour or so at most, ok?"
Joanna chuckled as if she was remembering something. "All right, you don't have to stay long, but you are coming."
Satisfied with that answer, Rory took a bite of her sandwich before saying, "Can I ask you something?"
She nodded.
"Why are you being so nice to me? Taking me to this party. I mean it's not like you're short on friends."
Joanna looked at her, genuinely surprised at her bluntness. "You remind me of me two years ago," she answered honestly. "I was always worried about school and my future. Nose always in a book, I never needed actual people around when I had a good book in my hands. Am I right so far?"
Rory nodded and she continued. "One day, not long after I got here, I realized that life was going on around me and I was missing it. I decided I didn't want to miss anymore. I didn't want to have any regrets. So, I readjusted my priorities. I mean school is still very important to me, but I also made it a point to try new things, be more open. This morning, when you walked up to the table, you had this look on your face…..You looked….I don't know….lost….but determined at the same time. I recognized that look. I guess….I just wanted to help you….find your way. Does that make sense?"
"Perfect sense actually."
Joanna smiled warmly at her. "Take it from me, Rory, there's a lot more to life than books and there's a lot more to school than getting good grades. I don't want to tell you how to live your life, you shouldn't let anyone do that. I just want to show you that there's more out there." She paused giving Rory time to let her words sink in. "Now, can I ask you something?"
"Sure thing, Yoda."
"Why did you really come to school here?"
Rory gave her the Reader's Digest version of what happened at the bridge, glossing over the having a crush on Logan part. "After that, I just knew I needed to make some changes. And I knew I couldn't do it there."
"Wow! You and I," she said pointing back and forth between her and Rory, "totally kindred."
"Totally. So, about this party tonight, what should I wear?"
Joanna was about to answer but was interrupted by the arrival of a tall stranger. "Rory?"
Looking up, Rory was once again met by a pair of gorgeous blue eyes. "Hey, Tristan."
"I just wanted to make sure we were all set for this afternoon."
"I already told you we were."
"I know, but that was almost three hours ago. A lot could've happened since then," he said trying to sound serious.
"Well, barring a safe or piano falling on my head, I'll be there."
He laughed, "Ok."
Joanna cleared her throat forcing the two to break eye contact and look at her. "Oh, I'm sorry," said Rory. "This is my friend Joanna. Joanna, this is Tristan. We're working on a project for Professor Troy's class."
"The Romeo and Juliet assignment?"
"Yeah," he replied. "How did you know?"
"She assigns the same project every year."
"Oh. Well I'll let you two get back to your lunch. It was nice to meet you, Joanna," said Tristan smirk in place. "I'll see you later, Rory."
"Bye," she said trying not to blush and failing miserably.
The two watched Tristan walk away. As soon as he was out of earshot, Joanna leaned in and uttered one word "YUM!"
"Shut-up!" she said laughing all the while.
"Well, well, well, young Rory. It looks like you're definitely on your way."
Rory smiled to herself. London was turning out to be far more interesting than she ever imagined. If the first half of her first day was any indication, the next four years would definitely be an adventure.