Disclaimer: unfortunately nothing in this story belongs to me except for the club :) Distribution: you want it, ask! i'll probably say yes. Jess Absolut84@aol.com A Night at the Karaoke Club Chapter 1 "Two cokes please," Rory said with a smile. "Wow, where did you ever here of this place, Lane? It's great." "People at school were talking about it. I figured we had to come here." "I've never been to a karyoke club before though. Kind of nerve wracking. These people are good." "Oh, come on Rory. We'll do great! No one in here cares about your abilities. They're just here to have fun and forget the real world." He gets ready to go up on stage; he places the sunglasses over his eyes and pulls the hat low over his face. He has to disguise himself to come here. He can not let himself be recognized. He comes here to escape the throes of his world. Here he can relax and lower the façade. Show his true self without anyone else caring. He steps onto the platform and takes the microphone, waiting for the music to begin. Time to express how I feel, he thinks. The music starts. You're just to good to be true Can't take my eyes off of you You be like heaven to touch I want to hold you so much At long last love has arrived And I thank God I'm alive You're just too good to be true Can't take my eyes off of you Caught in the way that I stare There's nothing else to prepare The sight of you makes me weak There are no words that you speak But if you feel like I feel Please let me know that it's real You're just too good to be true Can't take my eyes off of you I need you baby If it's quite alright I need you baby To warm the lonely nights I love you baby Trust in me when I say OK Oh pretty baby Don't let me down I pray Oh pretty baby Now that I found you, stay And let me love you Oh baby let me love you, Oh baby You're just too good to be true Can't take my eyes off of you You be like heaven to touch I want to hold you so much At long last love has arrived And I thank God I'm alive You're just too good to be true Can't take my eyes off of you I need you baby And if it's quite alright I need you baby To warm the lonely nights I love you baby Trust in me when I say its OK Oh pretty baby Don't let me down I pray Oh pretty baby Now that I found you, stay And let me love you Oh baby let me love you, Oh baby I need you baby And if it's quite alright I love you baby You warm the lonely night I need you baby Trust in me when I say it's OK Oh, Oh pretty baby Don't let me down I pray Oh pretty baby Now that I found you stay And let me love you… The song faded out. He walked off the stage and returned to his seat. That felt good to get that off my chest. How did I become this way? My thoughts focused on one girl, me the player. Tristan Dugray, the ladies man. How did this girl get to me? Deep down I know how. She's untouchable. She's the red button the adults tell children not to push. Because I cannot have her I want her more. But now it is more, because I really like her. My quest has taught me so much about her. She really is a great person. She is caring and loving, though not to me, unfortunately. At least we're starting to be friends. "Oh my God, Rory! Look at that guy. He is definitely the hottest boy who has ever walked the planet. Oh, but he looks so sad." "He's just a regular guy, Lane. No biggie. Probably here just to have fun like us. Now to get back to preparation." "Rory, I'm going over to talk to him." "But Lane, we have to prepare. Follow my list!" "Rory, be back in a few. Then we'll go." "Hey there, forlorn guy. Talk to Lane here. Tell her your problems. I am here to heal." "You wouldn't understand." "Oh come on, you are talking to the prisoner of a Korean work camp, I have many hours to come up with the solutions to my best friend's problems, which besides the fact that hers are boy problems and yours are girl problems, I'm sure they are pretty much the same." "Well, I guess it can't hurt. Better to tell someone and not anyone right? Gotta get if off my chest. Might as well tell a stranger, we're all friends at the Karyoke club." "That's the ticket. Now this girl, you don't seem to me as the type who would be shy around girls, or on that matter, one who would have girl problems at all." "Thanks, I guess. You see, that is my problem. I have never had a girl turn me down before, ever. I mean, except for this one girl, they all drop at my feet. She's great. She's gorgeous, intelligent, beautiful, caring, loving, she's perfect. I've got it hard and she dislikes me greatly." "What did you do to piss her off?" "I was a real jerk. I mean major. Things aren't as bad as they were before though, we are becoming friends, though slowly." "See things are improving, you just got to take it slow. Now I gotta go "prepare" as my friend says. Good luck. See ya later, lover boy." Tristan just smiled as the nice girl walked away. Talking to her had helped. At least someone understood and brought some humor to the situation. He leaned back and looked at the stage for the next act. "Come on, Rory, it's our turn." "Oh no, Lane I can't do it. Everyone will laugh." "Everyone is here for the same reasons we are and they don't care how funny we look or how bad we sound. We just gotta have fun. That's all that counts." "OK. Here goes nothing." If I had $1000000 If I had $1000000 I'd buy you a house I would buy you a house If I had $1000000 If I had $1000000 I'd buy you furniture for your house Maybe a nice chesterfield or an ottoman If I had $1000000 If I had $1000000 I'd buy you a K-car A nice Reliant automobile If I had $1000000 I'd buy your love If I had $1000000 I'd build a tree fort in our yard If I had $1000000 You could help, it wouldn't be that hard If I had $1000000 Maybe we could put a refrigerator in there Wouldn't that be fabulous If I had $1000000 If I had $1000000 I'd buy you a fur coat But not a real fur coat that's cruel If I had $1000000 If I had $1000000 I'd buy you an exotic pet Like a llama or an emu If I had $1000000 If I had $1000000 I'd buy you John Merrick's remains All them crazy elephant bones If I had $1000000 I'd buy your love If I had $1000000 We wouldn't have to walk to the store If I had $1000000 We'd take a limousine 'cause it costs more If I had $1000000 We wouldn't have to eat Kraft Dinner But we would. We'd actually make the treefort from the first chorus out of it. Mmm. If I had $1000000 If I had $1000000 I'd buy you a green dress But not a real green dress, that's cruel If I had $1000000 If I had $1000000 I'd buy you some art A Picasso or a Garfunkel If I had $1000000 If I had $1000000 I'd buy you a monkey Haven't you always wanted a monkey? If I had $1000000 I'd buy your love If I had $1000000 If I had $1000000 If I had $1000000 If I had $1000000 I'd be rich. Tristan looks up as the song began. His mouth drops open as he recognizes his interest on the stage with his new friend. Lane and Rory. Rory. Best friend. Lane. Rory, boy troubles, not me, another boy. She's still not over Dean? When will I be over Rory? Oh God, look how beautiful she is up there. She's having the time of her life. Oh no! What if she recognized me before and sent over Lane to pick up info to blackmail me? Oh my God! I told her everything! Wait, Rory would never do that. If she saw me, she would not be on that stage right now. She would be gone. Thank God. Good thing I didn't tell Lane my name. Rory will never find out it was me. I'm safe for now. Chapter 2 LATER THAT NIGHT… "So Rory," said Lane. "Remember that hot guy I was talking to?" "Oh you mean the one in the hat and the glasses?" "Yeah, he was really nice. Got a lot bothering him though. He likes this girl but she doesn't like him in return. Though I think she is oblivious to the fact that he likes her. Man, he likes her a lot. He's got his mind on one person and one person only. No chance for me." "Lane, forget him. Now don't forget about Henry there. I thought you liked him a lot." "I do, I do. It's just that my parents will like him too, when they meet him, if they meet him, considering he hasn't called yet." "He hasn't called??? Maybe he found more than one Kim in the phone book and he doesn't know which one to call." "Rory, you HAVE to find out. Please, I like him a lot." "Why don't you just call him yourself. I can give you his number." "No way could I do that. He would be wondering how I got his number, and then he would think that I was really desperate, and even though I am, I can't let him see. Rory, will you talk to him?" "Hello, Lane, if I talk to him when I have never spoken to him before, he might kind of wonder." "Don't you know any of his friends?" "Lane, we're talking Chilton, the evil Chiltonites who hate my guts." "What about that Tristan guy, wouldn't he be friends with him?" "I can't talk to Tristan, Lane. He wouldn't understand. He would probably ruin it for you." "Rory, I thought things were getting better. Hey, how did that happen anyway? How is it you go from being mortal enemies to being semi friends? How is it that Paris now hates your guts while before I actually thought you were on the road to friendship?" "Ok, I'll talk to Tristan for you. So did you buy any new cds lately?" "Rory, I don't think so. You are not changing the subject this time. Especially since I sense you holding back on something." "Holding back on something? What is Rory holding back now? Come on Rory, tell us, tell us please? Pretty please and lots of coffee?" This was said by Lorelai, Rory's thirty-two year old mother, who had just come home from Friday night dinner with the parents. "What's the juicy gossip, Lane, tell the mamma." "Rory won't spill. She just tried to change the subject on me. She clammed up when I asked about Tristan." "Ooh Rory what happened with Tristan." Lorelai jumped up and down like a crazed child asking what she got for her birthday. "Yeah Rory, what happened at the party that made you cry?" Lane was starting to put the pieces together. "It was something with Tristan wasn't it…" Lorelai was getting it too. "Okay you guys, can we just stop talking about it?" Rory pleaded with her mother and Lane. "Speaking for both myself and Lane, I declare that as your mother and your best friend we have the right to know every detail in your life. I demand that you tell us or you are in for some torture dearie! Now I know I let the whole Dean kissing Rory in the grocery store slide, but that was a one time thing. I still don't see why you would hide a kiss from me-oh my God! You kissed Tristan didn't you. Evil Tristan. You kissed him and cried! I can't believe you didn't tell me." "Whoa, that is definitely not what happened. First of all he kissed me. And second of all it wasn't the kiss that made me cry. I was missing Dean." Rory said that quietly, embarrassed a bit that her mother and Lane knew about the kiss. "How did you…" "Oh mothers know everything. The only other thing you have ever hid is Dean's kiss. That set the brain thinking and it hit me. So what's the problem?" "Lane wants me to ask Tristan to talk to Henry about her. As I was telling Lane, you can't trust Tristan with your secrets. He might totally ruin Lane's chances with Henry." "So from what I've heard about Evil Tristan in the past is that he is one cocky guy, yet as far as I know he has told nobody about the kiss. Now dealing with my past experiences, guys like him usually broadcast this stuff the minute it happens. The fact that he didn't makes me think that he would help with the Lane thing." Lorelai explained her diagnosis to Rory. "Why is that? What makes you think that Tristan will not revert to his old self? Oh yeah, I think you can stop calling him Evil Tristan for the moment." "Okay. So honey, let me explain this to you. I'll say it simply, Ev-Tristan has a thing for you. Now don't get all worked up, but that's what I determine from the situation." "That's impossible. If he liked me, why wouldn't he just tell me? And, why would he say that our kiss was a mistake? I think you're wrong." "Well Rory, think what you want to think. Just telling you, ask him for Lane." Lorelai looked over at Lane and mouthed she'll do it. "Okay, I'll think about it. Only 'cause you're Lane." "Thanks Rory sosososo much!" Lane squealed while jumping up and down. CHILTON MONDAY Rory takes a deep breath as she prepares herself to approach Tristan. Luckily there were no girls crowding around him so she could easily start a conversation. "Hi Tristan, what's up?" Rory walks up behind Tristan, who is at his locker. Tristan smiles at the sound of Rory's voice. He turns around and assumes his pose against the locker. "Did you miss me, snookums?" "Do not call me that. Ever. I am not a snookums, especially to you," Rory said. "So I kind of need to ask you something." "Have you finally come to your senses and realized how much you like me?" He asked. "Tristan, be serious. I'm not joking now. Time to be a friend now. Stop the act. I need your help." "Ooh, damsel in distress," he said, but upon seeing Rory's glare he said, "sorry. I'll stop. What is it?" "Well, you see my friend Lane, she was at Madeline's party and she met this guy, Henry. He's your friend right?" "Yeah, what is it?" Tristan asked. "Well, he said he would call her, but she never gave him her number and he hasn't called yet. So since he's your friend and everything I was wondering if you could do me a favor and talk to Henry without mentioning any names or anything," Rory said this really quickly, almost starting to babble. "Ok, I'll do it," Tristan said this in the middle of Rory's speech. "You will? Thank you so much! You have no idea how much this means to me and Lane!" Rory quickly hugged Tristan in jubilation. Realizing what she was doing she quickly let go and said embarrassed, "Sorry, I didn't mean to get so excited." "Rory, Rory, Rory, it's not a problem at all. It's not every day I get hugged by beautiful girls like you," Tristan replied. "Okay, now you're laying it on a little thick. Thanks a lot. I really appreciate it. Gotta go. See ya later. I owe you one." Rory walked away. "Oh, my God I have to be careful there. Can't start calling her Mary again. Wow, that hug was nice. Of course I wouldn't have a problem with her hugging me. I loved that. How adorable is she? The thing that is annoying though is she never takes me seriously. I tell her she is beautiful, she tells me to stop buttering her up. I'm not. She is a beautiful girl!" Tristan smiled to himself as he remembered their hug a few moments earlier and their kiss awhile back. Paris stared at Tristan across the hall. He was smiling like a fool. "Uggh. How can he like that girl? What is so special about her? What does she have that I don't? Nothing, I have more than she has in fact. But no, he only sees me as a friend. He should just get over her. She is not that great. Look at the way she treats him," Paris thought while staring. LATER THAT DAY Tristan walked up to Henry, "Hey man, what's up?" They hit fisted hands in a special handshake. "Can I talk to you for a second?" Tristan asked. "Sure." They walked over to a quiet area. "What's up?" "Well remember Madeline's party? I could have sworn I saw you hanging out with a cute girl the whole time. What's up with that? When do we get to meet her?" "Oh, you mean Lane? She is so great, it's just…" "What?" Tristan asked. "I'm so nervous to call her. What do I say?" "Why don't you ask her out? And, how do you think she feels? I'm sure she is wondering why you haven't called. You should really call her and ask her out," Tristan advised. "Yeah, and speaking of girls, who was that you were with?" Henry asked. "Nobody," Tristan said with a downcast stare. "Didn't look like nobody to me," replied Henry. "Looked like you were into her, a lot." "Yeah, but what matters is if she is into me, which she isn't. I like her a lot. Don't know what I'm going to do." "Hey, maybe I can help you out, sometime. All you have to do is ask okay?" "Yeah, thanks. Good luck with Lane." LATER THAT NIGHT The phone rings at the Gilmore house. Rory picks up, "Hello," she says. "Rory?" It was Lane. "You will never believe what happened. Henry called and asked me out! Isn't that great! I guess talking to Tristan helped a lot. Thank you so much. You're the best." "I'm so happy for you Lane!" said Rory. "Does your mom know yet?" "Yeah I told her and she is ecstatic. Even more so than me if you can believe it. Though it's probably not that far of a stretch." "Wow that's great Lane. When are you guys going out?" "Well, that's also one of the reasons I'm calling. I need a huge favor," Lane said. "What do you need, clothes, makeup, what?" Rory asked. "Well that would be helpful too, but I need something else. You see Henry has this friend who's been down in the dumps lately. He really wants to cheer him up so he figures a night out will do him good. He won't go out otherwise. So I kind of said I would ask you if you would go. Please? For me, your good friend Lane?" "Wouldn't this be a Chilton person? I'm sure that no one in Chilton would have a good time with me," Rory said. "What's the worst that could happen. Bring a book. Please???? I'm begging you." "Well, alright. I'll do it, but you majorly owe me," said Rory. Earlier, Tristan and Henry were hanging out. "Hey Tristan, you've been down in the dumps lately. Everyone can tell. I think what you need is a night out on the town. Why don't you come out with me? It'll be loads of fun." "Won't I be like a third wheel?" Tristan asked. "Don't worry about it. I'll take care of it. I'll find someone to come with us." "Yeah, sure, whatever," Tristan said. So there is a date between Lane and Henry. Both Rory and Tristan will be going along because Lane and Henry set them up unknowingly. What will be their reactions when they see each other? What will Lane do when she recognizes Tristan? End part 2 DATE NIGHT “So Lane, how excited are you? You know, I’m really excited for you. Not for my date though, it’ll probably be Rory Gilmore’s first date from hell,” Rory said. “Well, it’ll be your first compared to my hundreds of them. If I survived that many to get Henry, then I’m sure you can survive. And anyway, just seeing me happy should brighten up your date.” “Like I said, I’m so happy for you, I just don’t see why I am needed here. Why does Henry have to be such a good friend to whoever he is bringing?” “Because Henry is a great guy just like you are a great friend.” “You know I’m just teasing with you. No matter how this turns out, we will talk about it forever. It’ll be a magical night,” said Rory. “I hope so,” replied Lane. “So we’re meeting them there?” asked Rory. “Yes.” “By the way, where exactly is here?” Rory asked. “Here is the karaoke club,” said Lane. “You have got to be kidding me!” Rory whined. “We can’t go there, are you nuts? I’m not going up on that stage.” “No I’m not kidding you, yes we can go there, of course I’m nuts and you know it, and yes you are going up on that stage,” said Lane. “Ooh, I hate you so much, you know that?” Rory said jokingly. “I love you too,” said Lane. KARAOKE CLUB “We’re early,” said Rory. “Hey, I’m the one who is supposed to be nervous, not you,” said Lane. “Well, you shouldn’t be. You have dreamboat Henry while I’m going to be stuck with someone like-Tristan.” “Stuck with someone like Tristan? How bad can that be, you know you guys getting a little closer and all that.” “Not with someone like Tristan, Tristan. This is officially the date from hell. How could you set me up with Tristan?” Rory asked. “That’s Tristan?” Lane asked. She recognized him from their early journey to the club. “That’s Tristan, she thought. Oh my God, so it’s true. He really likes Rory. Rory’s the girl from the song, oh my God! I have to tell Rory. Oh no, I can’t. She won’t believe me. Lorelai then, I’ll tell Lorelai.” “Yes that’s Tristan, oh my God they are coming over here right now!” “That’s what they’re supposed to do, Rory, they are our dates.” “He is not my date. Do not even put that into his head. It’s big enough already,” Rory said. Meanwhile, Henry and Tristan walk through the door. He says to Henry, “I can’t believe we’re in a karaoke club. Who’s idea was this anyway?” “Lane’s,” Henry said. “You know, she’s a really cool girl, I’m sure you’ll like her.” “Crap,” Tristan thought, “Lane? What the hell am I going to do? She’s going to recognize me and then tell Rory and then I’m finished.” He then catches sight of Rory. “Rory’s here?” he said to Henry. “What?” said Henry. “Rory’s here, with that girl,” Tristan decided to play it cool and pretend he didn’t know Lane. “Why, that’s Lane! You know her friend? That’s great!” said Henry. “No it’s not. Trust me when I say that. I apologize now for anything that happens,” Tristan said. He knew that something was going to happen. Whether it would be Rory’s wrath at how he is going to handle himself around her, which already he knows will be like a five year old, or just his jerkiness coming to light the minute words pop out of his mouth for Rory he didn’t know. “Apologize? Nothing bad is going to happen. Seriously, what’s the worst that could happen?” said Henry. “Don’t tell me I didn’t warn you,” thought Tristan. The two walked over to Lane and Rory. “Hey Lane,” said Henry. “Hi Henry,” replied Lane. “This is Rory.” “So I’ve learned. Also the girl from the party?” Henry asked. “Yes, that would be me. Nice to finally meet you. Hey Tristan,” Rory said. “Hey Rory,” he looked at Lane with a scared look on his face. “Oh, Lane this is my friend Tristan,” said Henry. “Nice to meet you,” said Lane. “I’ve heard things about you,” she said. At this point she winked and mouthed, ‘don’t worry’. “Nice to meet you too,” said Tristan. The look was gone from his face and the smirk returned as he faced Rory. “So, I finally have you out on a date with me. Who would have thought?” Tristan teased. “Don’t even start with me. The only reason I am here is for Lane and if I had known you were coming as well, I definitely would have said no,” replied Rory. “Whoa, that was harsh, totally uncalled for.” Rory pulled out her book. “Gilmore what do you think you are doing? You are not reading on our first date?” “And why not? Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t,” Rory said. “Because,” Tristan thought, “it would absolutely kill me if you did something like that to me.” Instead he said, “Because, even though we both think this might be a disaster, I intend on having a good time, and that definitely does not involve staring at you reading your book.” “Well, I guess I can give that a try since I’m a considerate person.” Meanwhile Lane and Henry were getting settled. Instead of talking about each other, however, they were discussing their two friends who were arguing intently. They were oblivious to their observers and didn’t even notice the comments being exchanged between Lane and Henry. Henry said, “Whoa, what’s up with those two? I never realized we could form such a match without prior discussion. They’re perfect for each other. Look at that. They both like each other, yet are unwilling to admit it.” “You see it too?” Lane asked. “Thank God, I thought I was the only one that saw it? Well, except for Lorelai, but she actually has never seen it, but we both know it’s there and have told Rory.” “This must be the girl Tristan has been bumming over,” said Henry. “She definitely is,” said Lane. “How do you know?” “Oh, I’ve got inside information,” said Lane. At this point a waitress came over and took their orders. The four began to converse together about school life and social life. While they were waiting for their food Lane suggested some karaoke. “What about it, Rory?” asked Lane. “I think I’ll pass right now,” she replied. “Henry?” “I’ll pass too,” he said. “Tristan?” Lane gave him a look that said, ‘if you don’t come up with me right now, I’ll spill.’ “Well, guess I have too,” he said. Lane and Tristan got up and walked to the stage to discuss their plans. “So, you’re going to blackmail me?” He asked. “Well that and, I know your secret,” she said. “I don’t know what your talking about,” Tristan replied to her accusation. “I know that you really like Rory. But, I plan to keep this knowledge on the down low if you do one thing for me.” “Well, supposing I do like her, first of all, how do you know, and second what is it that I have to do?” Tristan asked. “Okay, first thing first. You like her because you sang that song, you kissed her, and because Henry says you’ve been moping lately over a girl. Using my deductive skills, I know that it’s Rory. Now, if you do not say something to her sometime soon, I will tell her about the karaoke.” “What is it you exactly want me to say? I’m sure you can see and I’m also sure that she’s told you how much she hates me,” said Tristan. “She might say that she hates you, but it is obvious to both me and Henry that there is something between you two. Now, she might not realize it yet and me and her mother will help her to with constant harassment. You know, I’m sure Henry would help too, look at that (pointing to Henry and Rory). I want to see results!” “Whatever happens, happens. So what are we doing?” Tristan asked. “How about ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’?” At seeing Tristan’s look she said, “Just kidding. You’re going to need to get a sense of humor. Okay, I’ve got it, we’re singing ‘Sugar Pie Honeybunch’.” “Do you know how much Rory is going to make fun of me for this?” Tristan asked. “Yes, and if there was something I could do for you I would but I have nothing to get Rory up here on or I would. I’m sure you can handle yourself though.” Meanwhile, at the table Henry and Rory had been talking. At one point Rory wondered, “What are they talking about?” Henry said, “I think I know but you probably wouldn’t be happy to hear about it.” “What?” Rory said. “Now, both you and I know that there is something between you and Tristan. I don’t care how much you will deny it, but anyone can see the sparks flying whenever you speak,” said Henry. “I don’t know what you are talking about,” Rory said quickly. Luckily for her, Lane and Tristan got up on the stage and their song began. Rory and Henry watched in amusement as Tristanshowed his wild side and Lane was just being Lane. When the song was over, Tristan and Lane returned to their table. By this time the food had arrived. The four once again began to talk and have a good time. Rory and Tristan did not get into any more fights or “flirting matches” as everyone else saw them as and the evening went smoothly. After dinner Rory and Lane went to the bathroom. “Rory, would you mind terribly if Henry gives me a ride home?” “That would mean I have to give Tristan a ride home?” “Yes, you get an A+! Now I know what you’re going to say, but there is nothing you can do to change it. Trust me, it’s for your own good, and mine too,” Lane said. “Lane, you owe me so big right now,” Rory said. “One day you’ll thank me,” Lane replied. “Whatever.” While they were in the bathroom Henry and Tristan were talking. Tristan said, “Lane’s cool, you like her a lot?” “Yeah, she’s great. Just the type my parents would approve of. So, you and Rory.” “Don’t even start. That’s what this whole night has been about. It’s never going to happen, even though that’s what I want,” said Tristan. “Well, your going to have a little luck here. I think I’m going to give Lane a ride home,” Henry said. “That’s great!” said Tristan, “Though I don’t think that would do much.” At this point the girls come back. “Are you ready to go?” they asked. The four left the restaurant, Lane getting into Henry’s car and Tristan getting into Rory’s jeep. On the ride home to Lane’s house, Lane and Henry talked about their families and their Korean values. They joked about their crazy mothers and all the horrible blind dates they had been on. At Lane’s house, Henry met Lane’s mother and she absolutely loved him. She even let Lane be alone with him on the porch. They kissed good night and Henry left to go home. Lane eagerly awaited Rory’s arrival and was expecting a phone call. Meanwhile in Rory’s car, Rory ventured to bring up Tristan’s karaoke song. “So aren’t you the performer,” she said. “It was nothing. You know, I would sing for you any day of the week,” he said. “Did I say you were good?” she said, getting into the swing of things. “You don’t have to. I know you think that I am good,” he said. “Don’t flatter yourself,” Rory replied. At this point the engine began to sputter and smoke. Rory pulls over to the side of the quiet road. “I can’t believe this is happening to me,” she says. “What just happened?” Tristan asked. “If I knew, it wouldn’t be that big of a problem, now would it? I’m not a mechanic, and apparently neither are you. Do you have a cell phone?” Tristan felt the phone in his pocket yet smirked to himself and said, “No. You don’t have one? Your mother didn’t make you bring one?” He asked. “It ran out of batteries and I didn’t have time to charge it,” Rory said. “YOU were irresponsible? That’s a shocker. OWWW!” “Okay, you can stop now. Just what I needed to be stranded with Mr. Wiseguy,” Rory said. “Hey, I think your in heaven right now,” Tristan said. He turned and faced her. “In your dreams, Mr. Karaoke,” Rory looked straight into his eyes. “Well Mary, I already knew you were in my dreams, tell me, am I in yours?” All this time their faces had been moving closer and closer, their eyes still connected. They were so focused on each other and their retorts that they didn’t notice this movement. They were soon speaking in very low and fierce tones, their heads only inches apart. At this point Rory noticed and pulled away. “Can’t you think of anything else at a time like this. Why must you always act this way?” Rory said. Tristan thought, “Oh, I see it, look at her. She pulls away embarrassed when she sees us getting too close. The sparks are definitely there, she needs to see that there is something.” At this point Tristan decided it would be in his best interest to call a truce and maybe start getting to know Rory. He did now have a couple mile walk into town with Rory to talk. Tristan smiled and said, “Hey Rory, you want to form a truce?” “You serious?” Rory asked. “Yes, I think we should. Seriously, believe it or not I like you. I want to be friends.” This was a shocker to Rory. “Tristan wants to be friends with me?” she thought. “Wow,” she said. “I guess we can call a truce, but you understand, no more Mary.” “Yeah, we’ll see,” said Tristan, “if you’re lucky.” The two shook hands on the deal and began to walk to the nearest town to find a phone. “So tell me, Rory, what is your favorite thing to do?” Tristan asked. “Hmm, that’s a little difficult. There are so many things I like to do, I guess reading is my favorite. I just get pulled into the story. What about you, what is your favorite thing Tristan?” Tristan thought for a moment, he wanted to say “thinking about you,” but Rory would probably throw that off as another joke. He needed to get cryptic. How could he craft his answer? He said, “Rory, I like to write. I enjoy pulling in readers like you under my spell.” He smiled at her. Rory said, “What types of things do you write?” Tristan couldn’t believe it, she was actually believing him, he figured he would probably have to try his hand at writing. “I enjoy short stories and if you ever tell anyone I swear you are in for it, poetry.” “Poetry, wow. And when do I get to feast my eyes upon your work?” she asked. “When you least expect it, Rory, when you least expect it.” At this answer Rory looked confused but decided to just wait it out and see what he had in store for her. “What do you do in your free time?” she asked. “You mean when I’m not consumed by Chilton homework and other various social functions? I hang out with friends, read, write, go out, you know the usual. What do you do?” “Watch old movies, hang out with Lane, listen to music, read, go to Luke’s, go to my Grandparent’s house, stuff, you know.” When Tristan heard the name Luke, he panicked. “Who’s Luke?” he thought, “Rory has another boyfriend?” Tristan grimaced, luckily it was dark and Rory couldn’t see his facial expressions. “Who’s Luke?” he asked. “Luke’s is where me and my mom get our coffee. He makes the best coffee I have ever tasted in my entire life, nothing compares.” Tristan sighed in relief. “What?” Rory said. “What do you mean?” Tristan replied. “You just sighed.” “I did not.” “You did too.” “I definitely did not sigh.” “I heard you. Stop denying it, Tristan.” “I think I know what I do, and I definitely did not sigh.” “Fine, you didn’t sigh, so tell me, what did you do?” “Nothing at all.” “Then what was that sound escaping from your mouth?” “I was breathing, okay? Geesh, guys around here should be allowed to breath without all these comments.” Rory heard Tristan becoming really defensive with the tone of his voice. Whatever just happened Tristan wanted to keep it to himself. “Okay, fine,” Rory said. “Finally,” Tristan thought, “If she kept bothering me, I might have broken down. This is very difficult, trying to hide my true feelings. One of these days…” “Look! A gas station,” Rory said, interrupting Tristan’s thoughts. “I’ll go get us some help, you make whatever phone calls you have to make,” Tristan said. Tristan walked over to the attendant while Rory walked to the phone. She called her mother and Lane and told them she would be a little late because of car trouble. Tristan meanwhile got the attendant to agree to give them a ride back to their car and take a look at it. The three drove to the car and little words were exchanged. The attendant fixed the minor problem and told them the cost. Tristan tried to pay for it but Rory wouldn’t allow it. The car being fixed, Rory and Tristan got back in. Tristan gave directions to his house and soon they arrived. Tristan looked at Rory before getting out, “You know, Rory, this date wasn’t that bad after all, we actually got something accomplished.” “Yeah, your right. I thought it was going to be the date from hell and while I still question you origins, I had a good time,” Rory said. “So you think I’m the devil, huh? I would have thought you would have thought more of me,” Tristan pretended to be hurt but Rory could see the enjoyment in his eyes under the fake pout. “Good night Tristan, see you Monday,” Rory said, unable to come up with a good comeback. “Bye Rory, my kingdom of evil awaits,” he teased. Tristan got out and walked up to his house. He thought, “My God, who would’ve thought I would be on a date with the beautiful Rory Gilmore. And she is actually starting to like me. I am in heaven. No wait, actually I’m in hell,” he remembered Rory’s joke. “I might leave the dark side in favor for all that is beautiful, white, and glorious.” Tristan happily walked up to his room and got ready for sleep. He quickly got into bed, excited for the dreams he was sure to have about him and Rory. Rory drove home in silence. She was thinking about Tristan. “I definitely saw a new side tohim tonight,” she thought. “He really isn’t that bad of a person. I have fun hanging out with him,” she realized. When Rory got home she explained everything to her mother. Lorelai said, “So, I heard you were on a date with Tristan, anything happen?” “For your information, that date was not voluntary, we were both there because of our respective friends, and no, nothing happened except for the car things. We did call a truce though, so we’re friends.” “Ooh, friends is a nice first step, can’t wait for the next segment.” “There won’t be a next segment,” Rory replied. “I have to call Lane now, I promised.” Rory called Lane and pretty much got the same reaction. “What is it with those two,” she thought. “Don’t they have anything better to think about?” After their phone conversation Lane thought about Henry, but then her mind wondered to Rory and Tristan. “They would make such a cute couple,” she thought. “Well, I guess Tristan is heeding my warnings and starting something, I can’t wait to see what happens.” CHILTON MONDAY Rory opened her locker and found a folded piece of paper. The cover said “Enjoy, Tristan.” Rory unfolded the paper and sat down, leaning against the bank of lockers. It was a poem entitled ‘You’ You lit up my life the moment I walked in and saw you. Your radiance fills a dark room with a warm glow. Your smile takes over your face and lights up your expressive eyes. I see you, so far away from me even when we are close. The red of your cheeks inspires me to do things I would never normally do. While before I had courage, now I am in awe. As Rory read, she couldn’t help feel that Tristan had written this poem for someone. As she read she thought, “This girl is so lucky-wait what am I thinking? Well, any guy who writes things like this for a girl is great and that girl is lucky. That’s justifiable.” The thing is, Rory couldn’t ignore a feeling inside. She wasn’t sure what it was, but she tried to ignore it. Tristan watched Rory as she read his poem from around a corner. He had written it this morning. Rory was right in thinking he had written it for someone in mind. He had written the poemabout Rory, everything he said was true. Tristan thought as he saw Rory’s smile, “this writing thing might turn out good after all.” The bell rang and he made his way off to class. During first period while Rory wasn’t taking notes she wrote a message to Tristan, Great poem. I want to see more. On her way to her next class she slipped the note into his locker. Paris saw Rory do this and wondered, “what is she doing, I thought she didn’t like him.” Paris caught up to Rory and said, “What are you doing?” “Um, Paris, I’m on my way to class,” Rory replied. “I know that but what is going on? I thought you hated Tristan.” “What are you talking about?” Rory asked. “What’s with the exchange of paper in each other’s lockers?” “Just notes, and by the way we called a truce, we’re friends now.” “I see.” With this, Paris stormed off in a huff, upset about the new developments. “Okay, that was odd, but then again Paris is always a bit wacky,” Rory muttered under her breath as she sat down in her seat. Soon the bell rang and it was time for third period, Mr. Medina’s class. When Rory was exchanging books at her locker Tristan came up beside her and said, “I got your note. So are you under my spell?” “You know, I don’t fall for this witchcraft stuff but I thought the you know what was really good and I want to read more.” “Like I said earlier, when the time is right you’ll get more, they’ll just appear, magically.” Paris came up to them and said, “Hey Tristan, Rory.” The Tristan was said in a sweet voice, while Rory’s name was a little more harsh. Paris immediately began talking to Tristan, completely ignoring Rory. Rory walked ahead to class while Tristan stared after her, a little bit annoyed because of Paris’s interruption. LUNCH “Hey Rory, what’s up?” Tristan slung his things onto the table and set his tray acrossfrom Rory. Rory looked up from her book and glanced up at Tristan. “Hey, I’m fine.” She lowered her voice and leaned in, “How’s my little poet?” she asked. Tristan snatched Rory’s book. Rory looked up surprised. “What was that for? I was quiet with the p thing.” “It wasn’t that. How many times do I have to tell you that I am not going to sit with you and stare at you when you read? You’ll get it back at the end of lunch.” “Just because you took my book doesn’t mean I’m going to speak to you. I still have food to eat. If you were to take my food, that would be just plain heartless, you know it is lunchtime,” Rory smiled and her eyes twinkled as she continued with the flow of talk. “Yeah, I wouldn’t take your food. But I know that you are a very smart and able girl, so I’m guessing you can have a conversation while you eat,” Tristan returned. “I should have guessed you would know that. That’s a requirement to get into Chilton. How could I have forgotten? I had to sit in front of an entire buffet and recite Homer while eatinglunch. Just to see if I could hold up with all the other students.” “Okay, I get the point. So, anyway, I was wondering if you want to study for AP’s together. I’m kind of getting nervous and I need someone to study with. Even though you might view studying as a solo operation, I don’t. Whaddaya say?” “Well, I guess I can make an exception if you behave yourself.” “My house, after school?” Tristan said. “Sure, that’s fine. Could I get a ride?” “No problem.” After Rory finished eating, she got ready to leave. Tristan slipped a piece of paper, unnoticed into her book and returned it to her. Rory went outside, took out her cell phone and called her mother at the inn. “Hey Mom. Yeah, nothing’s wrong it’s just that I need you to pickme up later. Yeah, I’m studying for AP’s after school. With Tristan. Mom, stop! That’s not the way it is. Whatever, just pick me up at six? Yeah, the address is in the Chilton phonebook. Okay, see you then. Bye.” Rory finished her conversation with her mother, shook her head, and left for class. “What is up with her and Lane? Can’t they just give me a break?” she thought. TRISTAN’S HOUSE Tristan parked his car in the garage and turned to Rory. “So, it’s a nice day out. Do you want to sit out in back?” “Sure, that would be fine.” The two walked outside. “Do you want anything to drink, water, soda?” Tristan asked. “I’ll have a water, thanks.” Tristan went inside to get the drinks. Rory, meanwhile, pulled out her Barron’s review book and opened to Thermodynamics. “I’m really nervous for the AP Chemistry exam. It’s going to be so difficult. I can’t believe it is tomorrow!” she thought. Tristan came out with two waters. “Thanks,” Rory said. “So I was thinking we should do thermodynamics first, because that was really difficult.” “Sounds great. Let’s get started.” The two studied and made some progress. After a while, Tristan became restless leaned back in his chair. He looked over at Rory who was still busy in her books. After five minutes she looked up and saw Tristan staring at her, his elbow on the armrest of the chair, pencil in hand, moving between his fingers. When he saw Rory looking at him, he smirked. “What?” she said. “Nothing at all,” Tristan replied. “I thought you said, staring at me while I was reading was no fun.” “I couldn’t study any more. I had to find something to do. You were just there. I couldn’t help it, Mary.” Tristan smirked once more. “I just couldn’t help myself, there.” “You know, you really deserve this, Bible boy.” Rory threw her pencil at him. Tristan swiftly caught it and stood. “It’s dangerous to throw pencils. You know there’ll be a penalty.” Tristan started to make his way around the table. Rory got up as well and moved away from the table. Tristan began stalking her like a cat stalks a mouse. “I’m going to get you, Rory Gilmore.” Rory turned and ran. Tristan followed. The two then heard a car pull up and a car door slam. “Hello, anyone here?” Rory heard the voice of her mother and ran to meet her as she walked around to the back of the house. “What’s going on?” She eyed Tristan and Rory with a knowing glance. “Mom, you have to save me from Bible boy over here. He seems to think I’m some person named Mary. I think he has some sort of visual impairments ‘cause he makes this mistake all the time.” Tristan just stared. “She threw a pencil.” “Okay, now the both of you are talking crazy. Come on Rory, we have to go.” “Yeah sure Mom.” Rory walked back to the table and collected her belongings. Meanwhile Lorelai began to talk with Tristan. “Lorelai Gilmore, nice to meet you. I take it from the Bible boy name you must be Tristan.” “Tristan Dugrey, nice to meet you too, Ms. Gilmore.” “Lorelai, please. So did you two have fun studying?” “Yes, we got a lot done. Rory was a great help.” Rory walked up. “Ready to go Mom? Bye Tristan, see you tomorrow, don’t cram too much.” “Bye Rory, Lorelai.” IN THE CAR “So, that was Tristan?” Lorelai asked. “Yes, thank you for behaving yourself.” “You’re happy I didn’t embarrass you? You didn’t want to be embarrassed in front of Tristan.” “Mother, I don’t want to be embarrassed in front of anybody. You know that.” “And what was all that chasing, running, flirting I saw.” “Okay there was chasing and running but no flirting. As Tristan said, I threw a pencil, but he started it. He called me Mary.” “Oh I see.” Lorelai winked at her daughter. “Okay Mom, I’m going to read now and ignore you so I suggest you stop.” Rory pulled out her book that she hadn’t opened since lunch. She turned to the page where she had left off and found a folded sheet of paper. She smiled to herself and discreetly opened the paper. Lorelai would have a field day with this one if she found out. Denial I know how I feel About her Beauty, warmth, intelligence I wish to share I feel the spark I know How she feels is the same Why? Why won’t she admit her feelings? It would give me peace of mind If she would at least realize herself She needs to pay attention to the voice of her heart And come out of denial. Rory stopped smiling. “Man, what is wrong with me? This is just a poem. It is not the words of your mother or Lane. But why do I feel this applies to me. What is going on?” Rory buried her head in her legs. “Rory, hun, what’s wrong?” Lorelai asked her daughter. “I’m just thinking about something Mom.” “Do you want to talk about it?” “No, I think I can handle it.” “Okay, but just know that I’m here for you whenever you need it.” “Thanks Mom.” End Part 3 Chapter 4 PHONE CALL TUESDAY AFTERNOON "Hey Lorelai," said Lane. "Hi Lane, you know Rory's not home from school yet." "Yeah, that's why I'm calling. I have some juicy gossip," said Lane. "About Rory and Tristan?" "Yeah, but mainly Tristan. But you can't tell Rory, she has to learn on her own and come out of denial." "Tell me what is it?" "Actual proof of something between Tristan and Rory. You remember when Rory and I went out to the Karaoke club for the first time?" "Yeah," Lorelai replied. "Well there was this really hot boy who sang 'Can't Take My Eyes Off of You' so I went to talk to him because he looked sad. Anyway, he said he really liked this girl, blah blah blah, you get it. You know, the Rory/Tristan story. So anyway, the other night I met Tristan, and he is the guy! Tristan likes Rory!" "Ooh, so now you have blackmail on him? What are we going to do?" Lorelai asked evilly. "Yeah, I told him if he doesn't act fast, I would tell Rory about the karaoke." "Oh, that's great Lane. You do know I taught you everything you know." "Yeah, I know. Remember don't tell Rory." "You got it Lane. But I have to go now-Rory's home." "Okay, bye." "Hi Mom." Rory walked into the kitchen. "Hey Rory, how was school and your AP Chem test?" "Oh, it was so hard. I have no idea how I did. It was my first AP," Rory replied. "Well, I'm so glad that you're finished with that for now." "Me too. Let's get coffee." "Best idea all day." NIGHT TIME Rory did all her homework and yawned. Even though she hadn't been harassed all day, she was tired from the AP and all her homework. She got ready for bed and slipped under the covers. CHILTON The hallway was extremely crowded and Rory tried to make her way out the door. Someone ran into her, knocking her to the ground. He came over and helped her up. He was about six feet tall, blonde hair, and blue eyes. "Hi," he said. "Hello," Rory replied. "Thank you for your help. I have to go now." "Wait, come back!" But it was already too late. Rory soon found herself in front of a huge mansion. She went inside and she saw a lot of people. Rory milled around for a while until suddenly she felt someone grab her hand. It was the boy from before, she knew that, but he looked strangely familiar. Rory couldn't place it though. He led her outside to the front of the mansion where they sat on the grass. They spoke for a bit and then they leaned in for a kiss. Before anything happened, however, Rory was jolted from sleep by her alarm clock. Rory sat up, "Why did that dream have to end?" She groaned and got up to get ready for school. While taking her shower she thought about her strange dream and the boy. "Who was that boy? I know who it is I just DON"T KNOW right now. I knew then though. Who was it and why was he in my dream?" Rory was quiet during breakfast. "Rory, what's wrong?" Lorelai asked. "Nothing, I just had this really weird and intense dream. I'm trying to figure it out." Rory replied. "What was it about? Purple bunny rabbits and coffee?" "Not quite. There was a boy who I know who it is, I just don't know right now-like I knew in my dream." "Oh," Lorelai thought for a moment, "I bet Tristan was in this dream." "So," Lorelai said, "what did this boy look like?" "Well he was taller than me, blonde hair, blue eyes. That's about it." "Keep pondering, maybe it'll come to you later today." "Okay, well gotta go catch the bus." Rory arrived at school a little early and sat down by her locker after she had unpacked her book bag. She didn't pull out a book, she just sat. Tristan saw her and came over. "Hey Rory, where's the book?" He was worried why she was bookless-an odd sight-but he also wanted to know about his second poem. They didn't have a chance to talk yesterday because of the AP. "Oh, hey Tristan, just thinking. I had the weirdest dream that I'm just trying to figure out." "Want to tell me about it?" "I don't know, it would be kind of embarrassing." "Sorry, I know dreams are personal. I shouldn't have asked." "Oh, that's okay. Oh, I just remember…" Rory removed the poem from her bag. "So…" Tristan said. For some strange reason things were getting a little awkward. "Your poems have a profound effect on me that I just can't describe." "So are you enchanted yet?" "You're the one on the dark side, not me." "Don't worry, I won't be lonely for long, I'll have you over in no time." "Well, we'll just have to see about that." "Hmm…my poems have a profound effect on her. I wonder what? I hope 'Denial' caused her to think. I think it's time to craft another poem. How to give it to her, though, I wonder…" Rory started eating her lunch outside because the days were getting really nice. Sometimes Tristan would join her and they would talk. While they continued their sparring in the hallways, lunchtime outside was serious talking. Rarely did they joke, but they carried on normal conversation. "So, Tristan, why did you start writing poetry?" "Well, Rory, I needed a better way to express my feelings." "What do you mean by better?" "Poetry allows me to say how I feel without others directly commenting. If I say something in poetry they believe it than if I say it in passing conversation. Also, I don't have to be afraid." "Afraid of what?" Rory asked. "Letting people in," said Tristan quietly. "What?" Rory asked, not hearing Tristan. Tristan took a deep breath and slowly released it. "I'm scared of letting people in." "Well, you shouldn't feel that way. How about this: If you ever need to talk to me, just know that I'm here to listen. Don't be afraid to let me in because I will not judge you. I hope that you've learned from our little talks that we're true friends now." "Yeah, you really consider me as your friend? After I've been somewhat evil in the past?" Tristan looked up hopefully. "I'm not the type of person to hold a grudge. Besides, you're a totally different person from before, I've really gotten to know the real you and even though we joke about your evilness, I know you're not evil. I like you too and enjoy being your friend." Rory finally had returned Tristan's comment from the night of their date when they formed a truce. Tristan smiled. "Thanks Rory, for being here for me." "It's my pleasure," Rory replied. The bell rang, cutting short anything more that might have happened. Tristan was extremely happy and thrilled that Rory said she enjoyed being friends. He still had a problem though. She wanted to be friends, but did she want anything more? Was she going to admit her feelings? Rory said she would be there, but would she stay once Tristan admitted his true feelings? Walking to her next class, Rory had a great smile on her face. She was extremely happy. She wasn't sure why but knew it had to do with the conversation she just had with Tristan. "Why am I this happy?" she thought. "We've been friends this whole time, nothing changed. Maybe it was because I finally told him and now that he knows makes me feel better. Yes that must be it." Rory was still ignoring the voice of her heart. LATER AT CHILTON The bus pulled out of the Chilton parking lot and set off to its destination. Rory and her classmates were on another school field trip. This time they were travelling to Ellis Island to learn about immigration. Rory was really excited for this trip because she was looking forward to researching her family's history. While there, it started to rain really hard. The Chilton students had trouble returning to the mainland because everyone tried to catch the boat back at once. The ferry couldn't hold all the people from the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in one trip. By the time they crossed over, it was late in the day. The bus ride home was also long and it was dark and the students weren't home. Rory found herself sitting next to the same blonde hair, blue eyed boy she had met a few days before. This time, he kissed her. And he kissed her again. Rory woke up, upset once more that her dream had been interrupted. "Why me???? That dream was even better than the other one. That boy needs an identity soon. Mystery boy is not the best name." Rory got ready to go to school. Once again Rory sat at her locker, pondering her dream. Tristan came over and said, "What's up?" "Nothing, just thinking. I had another dream." "You want to talk? You know, the same offer applies in your case to me. Just wanted to let you know," Tristan said. "Well, I guess I could elaborate a bit on the strange dream part. Have you ever had a dream that seemed so real that you thought you were really there?" "Oh yeah, more times than you can imagine," Tristan said. How many nights had he spent with Rory in a magical world only to be woken up and realizing that it never happened? "And then you wake up and it is the most horrible thing ever. The dream gods are such cruel people." "I totally know what you're talking about. So, what happened?" Tristan asked. "Well, there's a mystery boy." "Ooh, a mystery boy. And what's so mysterious about him?" Tristan asked. "Well, in the dream I know exactly who he is except when I wake up I just can't for the life of me remember and it is bugging me so much because I know I know, things just aren't clicking." "Yeah, I hate it when that happens. So, tell me more about Mystery Boy," he said. "Well, at least it's only a boy in a dream. I shouldn't get too worried about that," he thought. "I don't know, you know, this is really weird talking about this with you." "Why? How is this weird?" Tristan asked. "Well, you're not my mother and you're a boy." "Wow, nice deductive skills. But how is that weird?" "Because, I usually only talk about these things with my mother or Lane. I guess what I'm saying is I've never had a guy friend before. This is like unchartered territory." "So basically I'm going where no other man has ever gone before?" Tristan smirked. "Would you just stop?" Rory said and playfully smacked him on the arm. "Can you ever be serious?" "Come on, you always need a little humor," Tristan replied. The bell rang signaling the start of the school day. Rory and Tristan walked to their Music Survey class with Mr. Raaen. "Good morning, class. It’s time for your final project. I’ve been pleased so far with your other projects this year: the interview with a composer and the song analysis so I’m expecting your best work. I want you to use everything you’ve learned this year to compose lyrics to any song of your choice. Now you will not have to perform your song, but you must recite the lyrics for the entire class. You have a week." "Perfect," Tristan thought. "All I have to do is write another poem but to lyrics. This is going to be great!" ONE WEEK LATER "My song is called ‘Dreams’ and it’s to the tune ‘Spanish Eyes’." Tristan was at the front of the classroom, introducing his song. Rory snapped to attention at the title to his song, which coincidentally, was the same as hers. Here we are, in this perfect dream together Hand in hand, will this moment last forever Feeling whole with you near Taking away all my fears Just hold my hand As I look Into your clear blue eyes Hoping that you’ll never leave my side. You are so beautiful to me. How can I leave this behind Wake up each morning and I find That it was a dream and that you are not here with me Feelings only I would know But how to show them I don’t know You’re something new and bright, you changed my heart, I won’t let go. Is this real, am I nothing but a dreamer All alone, emotions unfamiliar I’ve never felt this way before Since the day I walked through the door A little late, I should have told you how I feel I thought it would be no different than before You are so beautiful to me How’d you change my point of view You showed me everything that’s new You are so different from the rest and I love that so Feelings I wish you would know To change inside you and grow For you to realize that there’s more to me than you know. I’ve loved you from a distance ‘Cause you wouldn’t let me in But now we’re starting to be friends When I look into your clear blue eyes You are so beautiful to me How can I leave this behind I must tell you what’s on my mind Before it’s too late and I no longer can tell Now you must listen to me Please, it’s real I’ll help you see That we were meant to be together, it’s destiny Rory was next to go. She was a little unsettled at following Tristan’s song, because their thoughts seemed to be on the same wavelength. My song is also called ‘Dreams’ but it is to the theme from Ice Castles. Dreams Magic nighttime scenes Everlasting love That is what I found there Reflections in the night Peace within my heart Will show me the way To the heart that waits for me someday Life Different from the dreams Images are gone No longer remembered Mystery captures me Who can he be That steals me away I hope I find him someday And here in the day I’ve found something new A feeling grows within my heart I denied it before but I now I know Love Now a reality So hard to explain How this came to be I think you feel this too How did this come true That I found you In my dreams And in my life. As Rory listened to Tristan’s song, she thought, "This is just like his poems. It seems as if he is writing them for someone. I wish that it was me because I think I like him more than as a friend." Tristan had similar thoughts. As Tristan listened to Rory’s song, he felt hopeful. "Could this song be about me?" End Part 4 Chapter 5 The bell rang, but unfortunately Rory and Tristan had no chance to approach each other. Both were summoned by fellow classmates who wanted to give them praise for their songs. Soon they had to go to their next class. All through the morning they had no time to talk between class, but both had plenty to say. By the time lunch rolled around, Rory was ready for some relaxation after a busy morning. She got her lunch and walked to the tree, which she usually sat under. Rory pulled out her copy of Kurt Vonneguy's Welcome to the Monkey House, the book they were currently reading in English. Rory had unbelievable concentration, yet she was aware when she felt eyes studying her. She knew it was Tristan but she decided she would let him study her for awhile. By this time, Tristan had sat down with his lunch and began to eat while watching Rory intently. Without looking up Rory said, "I thought watching me read was boring." "I lied," Tristan said. "Watching you read is peaceful, though I was telling the truth when I said I would rather you not read while I'm here. So, I liked your song. Didn't get a chance to say so before." "Yeah, we were both pretty busy, right?" Rory said as she put her book down. "Kind of strange how we both had the same titles," Tristan said. "Well, what did you think I was going to write about, that mystery boy has been on my mind all this week." "Any ideas?" Tristan asked. Rory replied, "I think I'm starting to learn a little more about him each day. So, who's the girl? You can tell me." Tristan thought, "Was the song not about me? Why wouldn't Rory tell me if it was about me? But it has to be about me, I can sense a change. Well, I for sure am not just going to tell her it is her, I can't until I am 110% sure because I don't want to ruin the friendship we have going." Tristan started off, "Well, Rory, let me tell you how beautiful she is, not only on the outside, but on the inside as well. She is gorgeous, and, you might like to know, she has substance, she's smart, driven, and has ambition, you know like Paris, except not her." Tristan quoted her from the day they talked a little after their kiss. Rory's hopes soon fell, Tristan said the girl was gorgeous. "It couldn't be me, can it? I mean, I know I'm not ugly but I'm not gorgeous either. Although, come to think of it, I am very similar to Paris lacking the weirdness she exudes. But I do have my own quirkiness. Anyway, what to do?" Rory thought. She then said, "Sounds totally unlike you, I must say, I approve." "Well, like I said earlier, she's changed me. So, tell me about Mystery Boy," Tristan said. He needed some reassurance. "Well, he's definitely opposite from me, I used to not like him, but now I find him tolerable, you know, like I was saying in my song, stuff like that. I found someone in my life, yada yada yada." "So, does Mystery Boy have a name?" "Yeah, but I don't think he's ready to know until he comes to term with himself and his feelings." Rory gave Tristan yet another chance to tell her. She was getting a little confused, why wasn't Tristan saying anything? She had endured harassment from her mother, Lane, and Henry and it turns out they were wrong? After Rory said those words, he was silent. Completely. Did he hear her right, did she just practically say he was the Mystery Boy without entirely saying it? He looked at Rory, who had picked up her book once more. Inside, Rory was really embarrassed because Tristan remained silent, but she had to remain cool on the outside. No breakdown, especially in front of Tristan, she didn't want him to hold this over her head. "Idiot," Tristan thought. "You had the perfect opportunity and you blew it! That is not like you to chicken out. How many times have you said something like that to her?" He had an idea. He hoped it wouldn't piss her off though. "Rory," Tristan said. "What?"Rory didn't look up from her book. "I forgot to tell you something." "Yeah?" Rory asked nonchalantly. Inside she was jumping for joy. "Remember when your car broke down?" Tristan asked. "Of course, how could I forget," Rory responded sarcastically. Tristan pulled out his cell phone and handed it to her. "You little freak!" Rory exclaimed. "You had a phone. We could have easily called and gotten rescued in ten minutes. I walked two miles for no reason? Are you crazy." "You know I'm crazy, Rory. We both know I'm crazy." "What were you thinking?" Rory asked, exasperated. "I was thinking how great it would be to call a truce. You know, if it wasn't for the phone, we wouldn't be here." "We would still exist," Rory said. "Yeah, but I wouldn't be sitting under this tree on the most beautiful day of the year with you." "Yeah, you might be with your dream girl," Rory said, now back in her fighting Tristan mode. "Well, then I might have taken any scenario. You see, since I already am with my dream girl then it wouldn't have mattered what I did. So you can't be mad at me for the cell phone thing." "I'm not your dream girl," Rory said softly and looked down, she was shy. Tristan leaned over and lifted her chin so she was looking into his eyes. "Rory, that's why you're my dream girl. You are so beautiful, yet so modest. So exquisite and outstanding." "I don't know what to say." "Tell me," Tristan said. "What?" Rory asked. "His name." "Tristan, I should have known, you know, he looked like you. I don't know why I didn't put it together sooner." "You weren't sure until now. I, on the other hand," Tristan started. "Have known since I first mentioned him," Rory finished. "Rory, how did you," Tristan was once again interrupted by Rory. "We Gilmores have a weird way," Rory said. "You didn't seem to get it earlier." "I didn't want to because if I did, then I would have had to admit my feelings as well, which," "You weren't ready to do until your song," Tristan finished. "Exactly. Don't you think it odd that we seem to be finishing one another's sentences?" "Not in the least, Rory Gilmore. You know, you're an odd girl." "Thank you, wow, déjà vu." "Then I guess I should do this." Tristan leaned in and kissed Rory. Rory kissed him back and pulled away. "I know we're doing a bit of a replay here but I would appreciate if you skip the crying part." "I was thinking the same thing myself." Rory smiled and leaned toward Tristan. They met in the middle and electricity ran from one to the other. The end!