Chapter 12: Drowning in the sharks den

Colin entered the ball room filled with Hartford's finest and instantly scanned the crowd for his aunt. He spotted her standing in a corner with his mother; walking as fast as he could without drawing attention to himself he made a beeline for the two women. Susan spotted her son and smiled brightly.

'Colin dear, there you are.'

He kissed both women on they're cheek, and then guided them a bit further from the crowd.

'We need to talk.'

'What is it?'

He looked from his mother to Lorelai.

'It's Rory.'

'What's wrong?'

'I just want to warn you before you see her, she's cut her hair.'

'Ok? I'm not seeing the problem here kiddo.'

'Oh you will.'

Lorelai and Susan looked in the direction he was pointing and saw the rest of the group enter. Lorelai inhaled sharply upon seeing her daughter.

'Oh god.'

'Yea.'

'Colin, go be with you're friend's. I need to speak with you're aunt.'

'Yes mother.'

He smiled half heartedly to Lorelai who touched his hand briefly, then walked back over to his group. Susan stepped beside Lorelai and touched her arm.

'I'm sure she's fine Lore.'

'Look at her, does she look fine?'

'She looks gorgeous.'

'She looks lost.'

Shaking her head Lorelai turned away from the kids on the other side of the room, and searched for something to distract her.

'Do you think she's in trouble again?'

'I don't know.'

She laughed bitterly.

'What kind of mother am I? I don't even know what's going on with my own kid. She called me from school the other day in tears, telling me how much she misses Chris and all I could do was sit there and tell her that I know what she's going through.'

'Well honey you do.'

'I know how it feels to lose my child, not my best friend. Chris was the other half of her. I don't know what to do Susan.'

'There's nothing you can do right now, just pray to god that she's not taking pills again.'

Lorelai glanced over her shoulder and saw Rory and Tristan walking over.

'Here she comes.'

Rory smiled at her mother and lifted her shoulders excitedly. Tristan kissed they're cheeks in the same manner Colin had.

'Mrs. McCrea; Lorelai.'

'Tristan dear I've asked you a million times to call me Susan.'

'Forgive me, Susan.'

He kissed her hand and smiled charmingly, causing all three women to laugh. Rory swatted his hand away from her aunt.

'Stop flirting with my Aunt, I'll tell Colin.'

'Oh Ror don't be jealous, there's enough of me to go around.'

'That ego of yours never ceases to amaze me Tristan.'

He smiled cheekily at Lorelai and Rory rolled her eyes.

'Can we please focus on me for just a second?'

When all eyes were on her she twirled with her hands facing upward.

'Shock factor?'

Lorelai smiled and nodded.

'Definitely in the triple digits.'

Rory's face fell and she laughed bitterly.

'You hate it.'

'I didn't say that.'

'You didn't say other wise either.'

'Rory honey you look gorgeous. I'm sure you're mother's still in shock; Right Lorelai?'

'Like I said kiddo, triple digits.'

Rory smiled again now with uncertainty.

'So you like it?'

She played with a curl and bit her lip.

'I love it.'

'Yea?'

'Yea.'

She bounced and turned to Tristan.

'Told ya she wasn't gonna flip out.'

'Excuse me? I do not flip out. Un-cool mother's flip out, I am the epitome of cool.'

'Tristan where are you're parent's? I haven't seen you're mother tonight.'

'Oh I'm sure they're around here somewhere. Now if you ladies don't mind, I'm going to steal Rory for a dance.'

'Take her, she's yours.'

'Dance with me Ror.'

'No.'

Even through her protests she handed her bag to her aunt and took his hand.

Lorelai and Susan watched as they made they're way to the dance floor.

'He's a sweet boy.'

'Yea he is.'

'Lore she's here where she's safe, there's no use worrying about it tonight.'

She watched as they danced slowly and smiled happily, then with a nod she linked her arm with Susan's.

'I need another drink.'

'OK then.'

'So I was thinking'

'Oh, did it hurt?'

'Funny.'

'Thank you.'

'As I was saying, I was thinking that after this thing, we could all go back to my house and have a movie night. My parent's are heading to the airport from here, so we've got the house to ourselves.'

'Yea, sounds good.'

He stared at a curl of hair then picked it up and played with it. Rory looked at his arm then his face nervously.

'What possessed you to do this?'

'You make it sound like I'm Rosemary's baby or something.'

'You've just been really random lately.'

He dropped the piece of hair and returned his hand to the small of her back. She tilted her head back and laughed.

'Random?'

'Yea like ditching you're friends for a massage; Chopping off you're hair.'

'Well in my defense it was a pretty good massage.'

'Louise is pissed at you.'

'I got that vibe.'

'She'll get over it.'

'I know.'

Taken aback by her nonchalant response, Tristan narrowed his eyes at her. She had a sort of dazed look to her eyes, passed the smile and the laughter there was emptiness there.

'What's going in that head Lorelai Hayden?'

Now taken aback her self, Rory locked eye's with him.

'What?'

'What are you thinking about?'

'Honestly? Cooper.'

Her words, which unbeknownst to him were a lie, caused his body to tense.

'Oh.'

'It's just that I haven't really had the chance to be sad ya know?'

'Are you? Sad, I mean.'

'Kind of; Do you know how pissed he'd be right now if he saw us dancing?'

She laughed and looked around the room. Sitting at the table her Mother and Aunt had been at previously, now sat her parent's, aunt, uncle and Grandparents. At the table beside theirs sat Tristan's parents and Grandparents. All of their eyes seemed to be on them, this caused her to laugh yet again.

'We have an audience.'

Tristan looked over and laughed.

'Can you blame them? We're absolutely breath taking.'

'I'd be surprised if they weren't over there planning our wedding right now.'

'You're kidding me right? I'd be surprised if it hasn't been planned since the fifth grade.'

'God could you imagine?'

'Well damn Ror.'

For once Tristan found him self unable to hide the hurt in his voice. The look of pure absurdity on her face shot straight to his heart.

'What?'

'Nothing.'

'You look like I just shot you're puppy.'

She laughed and Tristan put a smile on his face.

'Forget it. So when do we get to leave?'

'We just got here!'

'What's this thing for anyway?'

'I don't know some charity.'

'Whatever.'

'Let's go say Hello to your parents.'

'Now why would we do something like that?'

'Because they love me.'

She took his hand in hers and guided him from the dance floor and back to they're family's tables. Charlotte DuGrey smiled charmingly as they approached.

'You kid's looked like you were having a nice time.'

'Hello mother.'

Tristan leaned over and kissed his mother, grandmother and Rory's grandmother's cheeks. Rory sat between Richard and Straub and pat the two men on their knees.

'What are the two of you old men plotting?'

'World domination.'

'Well if anybody could take over the world it's surely the original Pinky and Brain.'

'Excuse me?'

Christopher turned and shook his head.

'Don't ask Richard, she'll only give you a migraine.'

'Hello Dad, I didn't see you there.'

'I'm sure.'

Rory rolled her eyes and turned to Tristan's grandpa.

'Grandpa DuGrey, how are you feeling tonight?'

'My age dear. I believe I've finally come to terms with the fact that I'm a very old man.'

Janlan DuGrey had recently suffered from a massive heart attack; but nothing short of death seemed to be able to stop the man from keeping up appearances. Rory had taken the news almost as hard as Tristan had, when they were told that he was in the hospital.

'No way! You don't look a day over twenty five! If I wasn't so afraid of that gorgeous women by you're side, I'd snatch you away from her.'

The couple laughed.

'Take him dear, you'll get no complaints from me.'

'You look beautiful tonight Gran.'

'Well thank you Rory. I like what you've done with you're hair, it suits you.'

'Thank you.'

Christopher turned back to his daughter and apparently took in her appearance for the first time. Lorelai tensed and touched her sister in laws hand in search of support. Rory and Chris stared at each other challengingly.

'Rory may I speak to you privately for a moment?'

He stood without waiting for a response and walked into the hallway knowing she would follow.

'Excuse me gentlemen.'

She smiled sweetly to the three men she called Grandpa, stood, and went off in the direction her father had. She found him standing beside a table checking his hand held.

'You wanted to speak to me?'

Chris put his phone in his pocket and stuffed his hands deep into them as well.

'What's going on Rory?'

'I don't know what you're talking about.'

'Are you crying out for attention?'

'Wow.'

'Well then what could it be? Are you taking pills again?'

He stepped closer to her and lowered his voice to a whisper.

'Because if that's what it is, I've already told you what would happen.'

'I'm not.'

'Rory so help me god if I find out you are you'll be on the next flight to California. And not for a quick little vacation so you can get a tan, you'll do the full term of the program this time.'

'I don't need rehab Dad, I'm fine. I just wanted to change my hair, it's not a crime.'

Chris searched her eyes then pulled his phone back out.

'You're mother and I are leaving to the airport from here, find us before you leave.'

'Yes Dad.'

Without another word he walked off in the direction of the bar. Rory sighed, then regaining her composure she walked back to the table and picked up her purse. Lorelai caught her arm before she walked away again.

'Are you ok?'

'I need to use the bathroom.'

The older Lorelai held her there for a second longer then let her go. Rory searched her mother's worried eyes then walked away, leaving a very worried group of people behind.

A soft chime rang out through the speaker on her cell phone, alerting her that she had just received a text message. Paris picked up the black phone happy to have something to do.

Colin: How are u feeling?

:Better, that pill has magical powers

Colin: Haha nice What r u doing?

She looked around her bedroom and exhaled a long breath.

:Dying of boredom. U?

Colin smiled upon feeling his phone vibrate in his hand. He laughed and clicked respond.

:Same at least you got a get out of jail free card

Geller: How is hell going?

:How do you think?

Geller: Right sorry

He was just about to respond when Louise slid into the seat beside him.

'Who are you ignoring us for McCrea?'

He jumped slightly and put his phone in his pocket. Smiling he turned to her and shook his head.

'Nobody.'

'Right. How is she feeling?'

'Who?'

His surprised tone received an eye roll as she mocked him.

'Who? Rory dork.'

'Oh uh, she's alright I guess. Why do you ask?'

'Well maybe because she went all Britney and chopped her hair off?'

'Right, I don't know; maybe it's because it's coming in on two years since the accident; and she's missing Chris more then usual.'

He shrugged sadly and Louise bumped his shoulder with hers.

'You ok?'

'Yea I'll be alright.'

Smiling she grabbed his hand and stood up.

'Come dance with me.'

'What? Lou you know I don't dance.'

'Yea yea I know, but I haven't received an offer since we got here and I look to damn good to sit around all night.'

She put one hand on her hip while the other still held his and she pouted pleadingly.

Colin laughed and nodded in defeat, she bounced from foot to foot excitedly.

'Just give me one second.'

'Colin!'

The pout returned to her face.

'Don't whine, you're mother's looking.'

In an instant she was standing straight with a charming smile in place; the picture of a perfectly brought up young lady. Colin smiled and covered his mouth to hide his laughter.

'To late, she's heading this way. Be nice, I'll steal you back as soon as I see that thing's are turning unpleasant I promise.'

'Don't leave me alone with that woman.'

'Sorry Lou, every man for himself.'

He gave a nod of acknowledgment to the older women and kissed the back of her hand in a charming gesture. Then with an apologetic smile, he managed to get away to say hello to his grandparent's. He moved quickly thorough the ballroom and toward his families table while pulling out his cell.

:Sorry Lou popped up out of nowhere wondering who I was talking to

Geller: What did you tell her?

:The truth of course

Geller: ooooh

:Jk Paris, I masterfully avoided the question and instead got roped into dancing with her haha lol

Geller: Oh that's nice … well enjoy urself .. be safe

He paused mid-stride and narrowed his eyes at his hand held.

:Be safe?

Geller: yea you know … wear a condom and what not

Not believing what he was reading he laughed out loud, not caring who could hear him.

:Are you serious P?

Geller: What?'

:It's just a dance

Geller: I'm just saying

:What?

Geller: u n Louise have history is all. It wouldn't be the first time

:Wow … ya knw if I didn't knw any better Id think u were jealous

Geller: Me? Jealous? Of what?

:Idk that's what im wondering

Geller: Don't flatter urself McCrea, in case uve forgotten ive got a boyfriend

:HaHaHa well it was nice tlkin to u Paris, but I guess ill tlk 2 u later

Geller: I wasn't trying to start a fight, im just saying…..

:Right, well thanks Ive got to go though ttyl

Geller: Bye :-\

He ended the text session and locked his phone. Then shaking his head he turned back just in time to see Louise huff and roll her eyes at her mother. He laughed to himself and started back to the two women.

'Mother please, someone is going to hear you.'

'Well I'd rather they hear me, then have to see the spectacle you are constantly making of yourself. Really Louise must you always act like a child?'

The tears that sprang to the young girls eyes caused Colin to pick up his speed and come to an abrupt stop beside her. Helen Grant smiled brightly at him.

'Mr. McCrea, back so soon?'

'Well I was half way across the room when I realized I hadn't had the pleasure of dancing with this lovely young lady, tonight. Would you mind if I stole her away from you?'

'I wouldn't mind at all.'

Louise took Colin's offered hand, but paused as her mother caught her free arm.

'Try to at least pretend like you have some respect for yourself.'

With a charming smile she let her daughter go and walked off to find her husband. When the two teens reached the dance floor, Colin pulled her close and placed his hand on the small of her back and they began to move to the slow beat of the music.

'Are you ok?'

She didn't speak; instead she smiled and gave a small nod.

'Lou you know you can talk to me.'

'I know. Just not here, later I promise.'

He nodded in response and then looked around to make sure nobody was watching. He bent his knees so as to lower himself to her height and locked eyes with her, when she didn't smile he crossed his eyes and stuck out his tongue. She bubbled with laughter, then smiled prettily as he returned to his normal height.

'Better?'

'Thank you.'

'Anytime beautiful.'

He twirled her around which caused her smile to widen and another giggle to escape her lips.

Rory walked out of the bathroom stall and whipped beneath her eyes. She came to a stop in front of the mirror and placed her purse on the sink in front of her. There was a moment when everything seemed to freeze and all she did was stare at the mess of a girl in the mirror, and she found herself feeling sorry for that girl. Then in an instant, the sorrow was gone and in its place was an unbelievable amount anger and loathing of the person staring back at her. She opened her bag and picked up the small bottle that had Paris's name printed on the label; with no hesitation she swallowed three pills and placed the bottle back into her bag. Her body had grown immune to one or even two, or at least that's what she continued to tell herself. She needed more for that feeling to be completely numbed; for the girl in the mirror to stop crying in bathroom stalls and whining to her best friend about some stupid boy who wasn't worth the ground she walked on. After a quick touch up of her make-up, she scrunched her hair in order to give it more volume and turned from left to right to check for any wrinkles in her dress. Satisfied with her appearance she smiled, then picked up her purse and walked out of the bathroom and back into the sea of sharks, also known as Hartford's finest.