Story Summary: Tristan hasn’t given up and Rory isn’t ready to give in.

 

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in my Story. The characters belong to the writer and creators of the WB show “Gilmore Girls.”

 

INT: RORY’S ROOM-DAY

 

Rory is sitting on her bed in her room writing something down in a notebook when her mother comes in to the room holding a large bouquet of flowers.

 

LORELAI: Lorelai’s delivery service.

 

Rory looks up from her notebook at the beautiful bouquet of flowers her mother is holding. Lorelai walks over and places them on the bed.

 

LORELAI: I’m going to start asking for a tip. This house hasn’t been this filled with flowers since…

 

RORY: The daisies.

 

LORELAI: Right. So…it’s been over a week now…are you ready to talk?

 

RORY: There’s not really a lot to say.

 

LORELAI: You aren’t speaking to Tristan…you avoid talking to Dean if at all possible…I’d say there’s plenty to talk about.

 

RORY: How’s dad?

 

LORELAI: Aah…we segue into another topic. Sorry…not going to work. Tell mommy everything.

 

RORY: There’s nothing to tell. I’m not seeing Tristan anymore and things with Dean are tentative at best.

 

LORELAI: Why?

 

RORY: Because I’m a horrible person. Okay?

 

LORELAI: What? Who told you that?

 

RORY: I did.

 

LORELAI: Honey…falling for two guys does not make you a horrible person.

 

RORY: But seeing them both at the same time does.

 

LORELAI: Rory…hon. You are being way too hard on yourself. Yes…maybe you did a few questionably moral things in this endeavor…but bottom line…you’re a great girl.

 

RORY: You have to say that. You’re my mom.

 

LORELAI: If you remember correctly, I am your extremely opinionated mom. I say that you are a great girl, because it’s true. I could find people to back me up on this if it will make you feel better.

 

RORY: Yeah…that’s not going to be necessary.

 

LORELAI: Good.

 

Lorelai gets up off the bed and starts out the door. Before she leaves she turns back around one last time.

 

LORELAI: (cont.) Can I just say one more thing and then I’ll leave you alone to ponder?

 

RORY: Sure.

 

LORELAI: I hate seeing you this miserable. So against my better judgment I’m going to say some things I may later come to regret…but here goes. I don’t hate Tristan. I actually think he’s a pretty decent guy, which if you ask me about it later I will vehemently deny ever saying, and he obviously cares about you…so points for him.

 

RORY: I know all this mom.

 

LORELAI: Wait…I wasn’t finished. I was going to say...that contrary to these past few days, he always made you happy. He sparked something in you that I’ve never seen before. So…yes it’s natural to feel guilty about being attracted to him, but when that feeling moved past attraction…okay…still not right to cheat on your boyfriend…I had a point here somewhere.

 

RORY: It’s okay. I get it.

 

LORELAI: I guess what I’m trying to say is if being without Tristan is going to make you miserable…then be miserable with him. Wait…that didn’t come out right.

 

RORY: How do you know it’s not Dean who is making me feel this way?

 

LORELAI: Duh…because I’m not an idiot.

 

Rory laughs at her mother.

 

RORY: Thanks mom.

 

LORELAI: Don’t mention it. 

 

Lorelai leaves the room closing the door and Rory picks up the flowers. She extracts the card from the middle of them and opens it up to read it.

 

TRISTAN: (VO) Rory…I’m running out of things to say without being repetitive and you have yet to acknowledge my efforts. So this is the last bouquet…and my last plea…before I give up and realize there is no happy ending for us. And that’s what I want, the chance to change that day you walked away from me. Please try and remember why we took that chance to be together in the first place. I don’t know where things stand with you and Dean and frankly…I don’t want to. I just want to know that you’re coming back to me. Please call me.  Tristan.

 

Rory finishes reading the card and reaches over for the phone. She dials a number and waits for someone to pick up. Finally someone does.

 

RORY: Hello?

 

RORY/ ROSIE: INTERCUT

 

ROSA: Hola.

 

RORY: Is Tristan there?

 

ROSA: No…Master Tristan is no home. Can I take a message?

 

Rory contemplates leaving her name.

 

RORY: No…thanks. I’ll just call back.

 

Rory is just hanging up the phone as her bedroom door opens again and Lane ushers herself in.

 

RORY: Lane. Hi.

 

LANE: Hi. Can I come in?

 

RORY: Of course. But when have you ever asked permission before? What’s up?

 

LANE: Actually…that’s kind of what I was wondering with you. You’ve been secluded as of late.

 

RORY: I know. I’m sorry. Things have been really crappy in my life lately.

 

LANE: Is it Dean?

 

RORY: Partly.

 

LANE: So then it’s Tristan.

 

RORY: Tristan is a definite part of my mood…yes.

 

LANE: Did you two break it off?

 

RORY: Yes…we did.

 

LANE: I’m sorry. I know how much you liked him. So then does that mean that you and Dean are back on track?

 

RORY: No. That’s not going to happen. I’ve decided to break up with Dean.

 

LANE: I’m confused. You aren’t going to be with Dean or Tristan? Is there someone else?

 

RORY: No…and…that would be the last thing I needed right now.

 

LANE: Are you still going to be going to the dance?

 

RORY: Yes. I’m sort of obligated.

 

LANE: Because of me?

 

RORY: You, Paris and Jess…not to mention the stupid nomination.

 

LANE: What nomination?

 

RORY: I didn’t tell you?

 

LANE: No.

 

RORY: I got nominated for the “Queen of Hearts” at the Valentines Dance.

 

LANE: You’ve got to be kidding me?

 

RORY: If only.

 

LANE: Well I’m sorry you’re obligated, but I am so glad that you are going.

 

RORY: Actually…I was going to call you later today to tell you that Paris has rented a limo.

 

LANE: A limo? Are you kidding me? That is so great! My first official date with Henry and a limo all in one night…Pinch me.

 

EXT: PARIS’ HOUSE-DAY

 

Tristan is ringing the doorbell to Paris’ house. The maid answers.

 

MARIA: Yes?

 

TRISTAN: Hi. Is Paris here?

 

MARIA: Una momento.

 

The maid motions for Tristan to come inside and wait. Tristan does so as the maid starts up the stairs. Uncomfortable Tristan stands in the hallway and waits. Finally Paris comes down the stairs.

 

PARIS: Tristan? What are you doing here?

 

TRISTAN: I need to talk to you. Can we go somewhere?

 

PARIS: Where did you have in mind?

 

TRISTAN: I don’t know. I thought maybe we could get something to eat. Are you hungry?

 

PARIS: I guess. Okay.

 

TRISTAN: Great.

 

Tristan opens the front door holding it open for Paris to walk through. He immediately follows her and ushers her over to a sleek black Porsche.

 

PARIS: Does your dad know you have his Porsche?

 

TRISTAN: Does it matter?

 

PARIS: I guess not.

 

Paris gets into the car and Tristan shuts the door behind her. He walks around to the driver’s side and gets in.

 

INT: GILMORE GIRLS HOUSE-DAY

 

Lorelai is dialing her cell phone…as it begins ringing on the other end she waits for someone to pick up. Finally Chris does.

 

LORELAI/ CHRIS: INTERCUT

 

CHRIS: Hello?

 

LORELAI: Chris…its Lorelai.

 

Immediately Chris becomes less animated.

 

CHRIS: Lor…hi.

 

LORELAI: So…funny thing happened today. Rory asked me how you were…and I realized something…actually I already knew but…it sort of made the point hit home. I don’t know how you are…Ask me why.

 

CHRIS: Lor.

 

LORELAI: No come on…ask me why.

 

CHRIS: I don’t need to. I know why. Because I haven’t called.

 

LORELAI: Bingo.

 

CHRIS: Lorelai…I’ve been busy.

 

LORELAI: No you haven’t.

 

CHRIS: What makes you so sure?

 

LORELAI: Because I know you Chris…you’re avoiding me. My next question is, why?

 

CHRIS: I’m not avoiding you. In fact…I’m coming to see you this weekend.

 

LORELAI: You are?

 

CHRIS: Yep…I set the trip up this afternoon. I have some things I want to talk to you about.

 

LORELAI: Like what?

 

CHRIS: Let’s just say important things and leave it at that for now. Okay?

 

LORELAI: All right. I’ll let you off the hook this time. What time are you getting in?

 

CHRIS: I’ll be there Saturday by noon.

 

LORELAI: That’s great!

 

CHRIS: It is?

 

LORELAI: Yes. Rory’s dance is that night and it just so happens I’m still looking for an escort.

 

CHRIS: Is it black tie?

 

LORELAI: No…just semi-formal. You can wear your tea-length tux.

 

CHRIS: I might just do that.

 

LORELAI: So you’ll go then?

 

CHRIS: Wouldn’t miss it.

 

LORELAI: You can’t tell but I’ve just flashed you as my way of showing appreciation.

 

CHRIS: Darn…missed it. Could you do it again?

 

LORELAI: One flash per customer. Sorry.

 

CHRIS: My loss.

 

LORELAI: Well, I’m not one to brag…but…yes…it is.

 

INT: MEXICAN RESTAURANT-DAY

 

Tristan and Paris are sitting at a table. The waiter leaves Chips and salsa along with two menus. Paris excitedly scans hers.

 

PARIS: Do you know what a flauta is?

 

Tristan starts to answer but Paris interrupts in her enthusiasm.

 

PARIS: I don’t care as long as it fried. I’ll take one of those.

 

TRISTAN: You don’t get out much do you?

 

PARIS: Mother and Father forbid fried things in the house and dining out means a night at the Yacht club which is always seafood. Occasionally Maria will make Mexican at the house but Mother and Father make her eliminate any cheese…so it’s just okay.

 

TRISTAN: Its funny how similar our lives are.

 

PARIS: What do you mean?

 

TRISTAN: I mean we were both practically raised by our nannies…and both our parents lack a certain amount of *warmth.* We’re trophy kids.

 

PARIS: Yes…I guess that’s true. But I’m guessing it’s not really the reason you brought me here.

 

TRISTAN: No…it’s not.

 

PARIS: Go ahead.

 

TRISTAN: I need a favor from you.

 

PARIS: What kind of favor?

 

TRISTAN: I heard that Henson Cordlee asked you to the Valentines dance.

 

PARIS: Yes…but I told him no.

 

TRISTAN: Yeah…I heard that too.

 

PARIS: Oh…were you thinking about asking me to the dance?

 

Tristan realizes he better get to the point and quick.

 

TRISTAN: No…I mean…not that I wouldn’t. I just mean that I already know that you have a date.

 

PARIS: Yes…I do.

 

TRISTAN: Is it with Rory’s friend Jess?

 

PARIS: Yes. You’re not going to tell people Rory set me up are you?

 

TRISTAN: No. Of course not.

 

PARIS: Then what is this about?

 

TRISTAN: Well…I assume that you are probably going to double with Rory and her date.

 

PARIS: Actually a group of us are going together…I rented a limo.

 

TRISTAN: Really?

 

PARIS: Yes. I thought it was the least I could do, not to mention I’ve never actually met this guy Jess before. So better safe than sorry.

 

TRISTAN: Who is going to be in the limo?

 

PARIS: Well me and Jess and Rory and her date, oh and Henry and Rory’s friend.

 

TRISTAN: Do you have room for two more?

 

PARIS: Why do you ask?

 

TRISTAN: I want to be in that limo Paris. Help me out.

 

PARIS: Has Rory returned any of your phone calls Tristan?

 

TRISTAN: No.

 

PARIS: Has she responded to any of the flowers you sent her?

 

TRISTAN: No.

 

PARIS: Then what makes you think she wants you in that limo?

 

TRISTAN: Don’t make me play hardball Paris. Just get me in that limo.

 

PARIS: That sounds like a threat.

 

TRISTAN: You remember how embarrassing it was to have the whole school find out you brought your cousin to the winter formal?

 

PARIS: You wouldn’t.

 

TRISTAN: If backed into a corner…yes I would. You’ll be known all over the school as the girl who couldn’t get a date…*again.*

 

PARIS: Fine. You’re in.

 

TRISTAN: Thank you.

 

PARIS: So who’s the unlucky girl you’re bringing?

 

TRISTAN: Vickie Langley.

 

PARIS: You’ve got to be kidding.

 

TRISTAN: She was available.

 

PARIS: She’s always available…it’s kind of what her reputation is all about.

 

TRISTAN: It’s not like I like her or anything. I just need someone attractive who might inspire a little jealousy…She’s blond…she’s beautiful and she’s built…enough said.

 

PARIS: You know Rory is going to see right through your feeble attempts. Don’t you? Or are you seriously that far gone? 

 

TRISTAN: I’m running out of options. If I’m not going to be with Rory…then who knows…maybe Vickie would be a good distraction. But that’s definitely plan B.

 

INT: LUKE’S DINER-NIGHT

 

Lorelai and Sookie are sitting at a table.

 

LORELAI: She’s so miserable Sookie.

 

SOOKIE: Do you think your little talk helped?

 

LORELAI: I hope so. Who would have thought I would be spouting the virtues of Tristan DuGrey?

 

SOOKIE: Not me…but I’m way proud of you.

 

LORELAI: Thanks.

 

SOOKIE: So tell me all about your conversation with Christopher.

 

LORELAI: Well…it was short…but good. He’s coming into town this weekend.

 

SOOKIE: Really?

LORELAI: Yeah…he says he has something he wants to talk to me about.

 

SOOKIE: But he didn’t tell you what?

 

LORELAI: No…just that it was important…at least I think he said important.

 

SOOKIE: I wonder what could be so important…except maybe…oh…do you think?

 

LORELAI: What?

 

SOOKIE: What if Christopher is going to propose to you?

 

LORELAI: That’s ridiculous.

 

SOOKIE: Is it? You two have been awfully close lately. And he is Rory’s father.

 

LORELAI: Huh.

 

SOOKIE: Oh…I know that’s it. I just have that feeling. And how often are my feelings wrong?

 

LORELAI: Uh…about 95% of the time.

 

SOOKIE: Okay…but not this one. This one is that elusive 5%. I just know it.

 

LORELAI: I don’t know. A proposal?  Do you really think so?

 

SOOKIE: What else could it be?

 

Luke walks up to the table to get their orders.

 

LUKE: What’ll it be?

 

LORELAI: I’ll have the usual.

 

LUKE: Coffee and a side of beef…gotcha.

 

LORELAI: Don’t forget the fries.

 

LUKE: Wouldn’t dream of it. Sookie?

 

SOOKIE: I’ll have the usual too.

 

LUKE: Which would be what?

 

SOOKIE: No fair. How come you know Lorelai’s usual but not mine.

 

LUKE: Because Lorelai rents this table by the hour and you…well you’re a chef Sookie. You come here for her, not for Mario’s meatloaf.

 

SOOKIE: Oh meatloaf sounds good.

 

Both Lorelai and Luke shake their heads no.

 

SOOKIE: No? Okay how about the chicken and dumplings?

 

Lorelai and Luke both shake their heads no again.

 

SOOKIE: Tell you what…I’ll just have what she’s having.

 

LUKE: Good choice.

 

Luke walks back behind the counter and places their orders.

 

SOOKIE: So any more back lash with the Luke thing?

 

LORELAI: No. Things are pretty much back to normal. He really is a great guy. I’m lucky to have him as a friend.

 

INT: GILMORE HOUSE-NIGHT

 

Rory is sitting on the couch painting her toenails when the doorbell rings. Thinking it’s her dinner she heads to the door trying to keep her toenails from touching it. She reaches the door and opens it to find Dean standing there.

 

RORY: Dean.

 

DEAN: Good. I was afraid you might have forgotten what I looked like. Can I come in?

 

RORY: Sure.

 

Rory steps aside to let Dean in. She can tell by the look on his face that he is not very happy with her. As he passes her headed for the living room she closes the front door and then follows him in there.

 

Dean sits down on the couch and Rory remains standing.

 

RORY: I was going to call you.

 

DEAN: When Rory?

 

RORY: Tonight. I swear.

 

DEAN: Were you also going to tell me what the hell is going on with you lately?

 

RORY: It might have come up.

 

DEAN: Don’t joke about this Rory. I got sick and tired of waiting for you to come to me. So against my better judgment I came over here.

 

RORY: I’ve just had a lot of things going on in my life lately.

 

Dean looks around the room at all the huge floral displays and it starts to sink in.

 

DEAN: Are you seeing someone else?

 

RORY: No.

 

DEAN: Really? Who are all the flowers from then? And don’t tell me your dad sent them to your mom again.

 

RORY: No…they’re for me.

 

DEAN: What’s going on Rory? As your boyfriend I have a right to know.

 

RORY: They’re from a guy.

 

DEAN: Are you seeing someone behind my back?!

 

RORY: I was.

 

DEAN: You were cheating on me?

 

RORY: Yes.

 

DEAN: With who? Who is this guy?

 

RORY: It doesn’t matter. It’s over.

 

DEAN: Like hell it doesn’t. Tell me who it is Rory.

 

RORY: No. It’s irrelevant.

 

DEAN: Fine. Then I’ll just find out for myself.

 

Dean takes off for Rory’s room and Rory runs after him. When she catches up with him he is going through her drawers and pulling out cards and notes. Rory runs over and grabs his arm.

 

RORY: Stop it!

 

Dean is a lot stronger than Rory and her attempts are feeble at best. Rory knows at any minute he will find the cards that belong to the flowers and will know everything so she makes the decision not to have him find out like that.

 

RORY: Fine…it’s Tristan. Okay?!

 

Dean stops his rampage and turns around to face Rory. The anger is very evident and Rory steps back a little. Not because she’s afraid of getting hurt, but because she hates how she is hurting him.

 

DEAN: Tristan? The same guy you supposedly hate? God…how could I have been so dense.

 

RORY: I’m sorry.

 

DEAN: Well that’s pretty unsatisfying. You cheated on me with Tristan and all I get is an “I’m sorry.”

 

RORY: I don’t know what else to say.

 

DEAN: Tell me how it happened. Tell me how long you’ve been playing me for a fool. Tell me anything other than how sorry you are.

 

RORY: I wasn’t playing you for a fool.

 

DEAN: Yes you were. You know I’ve known for a really long time something wasn’t quite right between us. But I kept telling myself you loved me…only me. And now it turns out I should have trusted my gut.

 

RORY: I never meant for this to happen.

 

DEAN: But it did. That’s the reality here.

 

RORY: What can I do to make this better?

 

DEAN: Nothing.

 

RORY: Please there has to be something.

 

DEAN: Be honest with me Rory. Do you still love me?

 

Rory contemplates before answering.

 

RORY: I don’t know.

 

DEAN: Do you love him?

 

As Rory is about to answer her alarm clock goes off waking her up. Realizing it was all a dream…and realizing that telling Dean may not exactly be the right route to take. At least not until she can honestly answer…Does she love Tristan?