Story summary: Admissions, confessions and the beginning of love.

 

Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to the characters in my story. The characters belong to the WB show “Gilmore Girls”, its writers and creators.

 

 INT: CHILTON DANCE-NIGHT

 

As Rory enters onto the stage her gaze is still fixed on Dean. His look is one of intense pain and it reaches straight to Rory’s heart. Rory stands immobile on the bottom step of the stage, transfixed by Dean’s confession, only Tristan’s hand reaching out to bring her on stage is able to break the barrier of confusion surrounding her.

 

TRISTAN: (whispering as he brings her on to stage) Are you okay?

 

Rory turns and looks into Tristan’s eyes…searching…hoping for some calm.

 

RORY: I don’t know.

 

TRISTAN: What’s wrong?

 

Before Rory can answer Paris comes up and ushers her towards center stage to award her the crown.

 

PARIS: Congratulations Rory…you are the chosen Queen.

 

RORY: (half smiling but still very stunned) Thanks…(trying to collect her thoughts) Thank you everyone.

 

Paris places the crown on her head and the entire crowd erupts into applause…with the exception of Dean, who stands motionless with his hands by his side…an action that does not go unnoticed by Rory.

 

PARIS: And now…it’s time for our King and Queen to start the dancing.

 

Tristan takes Rory’s arm and leads her down the steps towards the dance floor. As the song begins to play Tristan takes Rory into his arms and begins slow dancing with her. The expectation is for Tristan to lead Rory over to Dean, her date for the evening, and release her…reluctantly he loosens his hold as they near Dean.

 

TRISTAN: Reluctantly…I let you go.

 

Rory steps away from Tristan and towards Dean…she extends her hand to him and looks directly into his eyes. Dean returns her gaze, but something inside him has been broken. As the two exchange looks Tristan heads towards his date, Vicky and brings her out to the dance floor. Waiting for Dean to join her Rory puts her hands on top of his and as the crowd of Chiltonites looks on…Dean has the last word.

 

DEAN: I think it’s pretty obvious…we’ve already danced our *last* dance.

 

An audible gasp is heard in the crowd as Dean turns and walks out on Rory. Rory stands stunned…unsure what to do. Tristan aches to go to her but isn’t sure if that would be the right decision or not…a thought he immediately regrets not following through on as Rory heads out after Dean.

 

EXT: CHILTON-NIGHT

 

Dean is standing in the parking lot…stranded because they came together in the limo. As Rory exits the school, Dean turns and sees her. Hesitantly she approaches him.

 

DEAN: Why did you follow me?

 

RORY: It seemed like the right thing to do.

 

DEAN: The right thing to do? How comical is that statement coming from you?!

 

RORY: I deserve that.

 

DEAN: Actually you deserve a hell of a lot more than that…but it’s a start.

 

RORY: I don’t want to fight with you Dean.

 

DEAN: I’m not interested in fighting with you either Rory…I just…I want some answers.

 

RORY: Okay.

 

DEAN: Why him Rory? Of all the people you could blow me off for…why him?

 

RORY: I wish I knew how to explain this to you…but I don’t. I can’t answer that question.

 

DEAN: Is it because he has money?

 

RORY: Do you really think I’m that shallow?

 

DEAN: I’m just trying to figure this out Rory. I’m trying to piece together how a girl who said she “loved me” could cheat on me.

 

RORY: Dean…

 

DEAN: You know what hurts the most? It’s the fact that you lied to me…numerous times.

 

RORY: I didn’t want to hurt you.

 

DEAN: Oh yeah…cause this hurts a whole lot less…being told by someone else that your girlfriend has been seeing someone behind your back.

 

RORY: Someone told you?

 

DEAN: Is that what really matters here Rory? Is that what sticks out as most important to you…not the fact that you cheated on me…but the fact that you got caught?

 

RORY: No. I hate myself for what I’ve done.

 

DEAN: That makes two of us. Cause you’re really not my favorite person right now either.

 

RORY: Please don’t say that.

 

DEAN: Get real Rory…what do you expect me to say…all is forgiven…we can be friends?

 

Before Rory can answer the outside door opens and Tristan exits. He sees the two and heads towards them.

 

DEAN: He can’t be serious.

 

Rory turns and sees Tristan approaching.

 

DEAN: (cont.) If you want him to live another day…get him back inside.

 

Rory heads towards Tristan as Dean stands rooted to his spot…steaming mad.

 

RORY: What are you doing?

 

TRISTAN: I came to make sure you were okay.

 

RORY: I’m fine…please…go back inside.

 

TRISTAN: Is it true that he knows?

 

RORY: Yes.

 

TRISTAN: I don’t want to leave you alone with him.

 

RORY: I can handle Dean.

 

Dean overhears Tristan’s comment and comes walking over to him.

 

DEAN: You’ve got some nerve coming out here.

 

TRISTAN: I’m just watching out for Rory.

 

DEAN: Yeah…well that’s really not necessary asshole.

 

TRISTAN: I happen to think it is. Lit fuse like you…no one is truly safe.

 

DEAN: Are you implying I would hurt Rory?

 

TRISTAN: If the shoe fits…

 

Dean gets right up in Tristan’s face.

 

DEAN: I suggest you take that back. The only one in danger of physical pain here is *YOU*!

 

TRISTAN: Yeah…I’m shaking all over.

 

Rory steps between the two.

 

RORY: Both of you…stop it!

 

DEAN: Isn’t this what you want Rory…both of us fighting over you?

 

RORY: No!

 

DEAN: Oh…right. You’d much rather keep us in the dark. Play us against each other.

 

TRISTAN: News flash moron…you were never a secret to me.

 

DEAN: Really…you sure about that? Can you say without a doubt that Rory has been 100% completely honest with you about me and her? Cause she’s a great little liar.

 

TRISTAN: I trust Rory.

 

DEAN: That would be your first big mistake.

 

TRISTAN: I think you’ve said enough.

 

DEAN: A year from now you’ll wish I’d said more.

 

TRISTAN: Just give it up…she’s made her decision to move on from you. Take it like a man.

 

DEAN: Funny…I still haven’t heard her say that.

 

TRISTAN: Does she really need to…isn’t it obvious enough to you?

 

DEAN: Rory?

 

RORY: It wasn’t supposed to be like this.

 

TRISTAN: Just tell him Rory…and let’s get on with our lives.

 

RORY: Tristan…I need you to go back inside.

 

TRISTAN: What?!

 

RORY: I need to talk to Dean alone.

 

DEAN: Shouldn’t be a problem…since you trust her…right?

 

Tristan pulls Rory aside, away from Dean and begins talking to her in low tones so as not to be overheard.

 

TRISTAN: What are you doing?

 

RORY: I don’t think it’s appropriate for you to be here for this.

 

TRISTAN: Are you going to break up with him or not Rory?

 

RORY: I think that’s a given Tristan. But I don’t think it’s necessary to subject him to anymore pain than necessary. He’s still my friend.

 

TRISTAN: He’s verbally attacking you from all sides. How can you call him your friend?

 

RORY: I hurt him Tristan…he’s just lashing out.

 

TRISTAN: Are you still in love with him Rory?

 

Rory doesn’t answer and Tristan starts to get a little miffed.

 

TRISTAN: (cont) I’m sorry…I didn’t hear your answer.

 

RORY: Please don’t get mad at me.

 

TRISTAN: Don’t get mad at you? What’s that supposed to mean? Dammit Rory…do not tell me that you have not made up your mind about this or I will literally have to pound a hole through this wall.

 

RORY: I didn’t say that.

 

TRISTAN: Actually Rory…you’re not saying much of anything here. It’s that proverbial string you have me on…I’m beginning to feel like a yo-yo.

 

RORY: That’s not fair.

 

TRISTAN: You’re right it’s not. I deserve better.

 

RORY: What do you want me to do Tristan? Just kick him to the curb and jump into your arms?

 

TRISTAN: Works for me.

 

 Both Rory and Tristan have begun raising their voices and Dean is thoroughly enjoying the fight between them.

 

RORY: Well I can’t do that. I can’t treat someone I care about, like that.

 

TRISTAN: Why do you keep moving backwards here Rory? This is it…the opportunity we’ve been waiting for…and your still hedging the bets. Maybe Dean’s right…maybe you are playing us against each other.

 

RORY: You did not just say that.

 

TRISTAN: What am I suppose to think? You keep muddying up the waters. It’s pretty cut and dried here Rory…is it Dean…or is it me?

 

Rory looks from Dean to Tristan and back again.

 

TRISTAN: Well?

 

With out a word Rory turns and heads back inside to the dance. As she enters the hall all eyes turn towards her. Rory is starting to become embarrassed by all the stares but luckily Lorelai rescues her.

 

INT: DANCE-NIGHT

 

LORELAI: Why don’t we go to the ladies room?

 

RORY: That sounds like a great idea.

 

Lorelai and Rory walk hurriedly towards the ladies room and enter. After checking under all the stalls Lorelai goes over to her daughter.

 

LORELAI: So how are you holding up?

 

RORY: This is without a doubt the single worse night of my life.

 

LORELAI: Worse than the time you stepped on that pencil and the lead broke in your foot?

 

RORY: It’s a close second.

 

LORELAI: Remember they had to cut your foot open to get it out and you had to wear that walking bandage like forever.

 

RORY: Thanks so much for the reminder.

 

LORELAI: Sorry…I was just trying to gauge the “worst night of my life” scale. I think I’ve got it now.

 

RORY: I’m in hell. I can’t think of any way this night could get worse.

 

LORELAI: This probably isn’t a good time to cleanse my soul then.

 

RORY: What do you mean?

 

LORELAI: Well…I’ve been trying to tell you something pretty much all day.

 

RORY: Go ahead.

 

LORELAI: Okay…here goes…and please bear in mind…you are my favorite daughter.

 

RORY: I’m your only daughter.

 

LORELAI: Right. Anyway…I think it’s important that you know… (rushing it) I knew that Dean knew about Tristan. Whew!

 

RORY: You did?

 

LORELAI: Yes…and I’m truly sorry that I didn’t tell you, but the opportunity never really prevented itself.

 

RORY: How long have you known?

 

LORELAI: Since this morning.

 

RORY: You had all day to tell me this and you didn’t?

 

LORELAI: I should have…I know.

 

RORY: Yes…you should have.

 

LORELAI: But I’m forgiven…right?

 

RORY: I guess…at least you’re not the one who told him.

 

LORELAI: (very awkward) Right…yeah…cause that person would be in big trouble with you right now.

 

Knowing her mother inside and out, Rory instantly realizes the truth.

 

RORY: Oh…no…you *are* the one who told him.

 

LORELAI: It’s not what you think.

 

RORY: How could you do that to me?!

 

LORELAI: It was an accident.

 

RORY: An accident? You tell my boy friend that I’m cheating on him…by accident? How exactly does that work?

 

LORELAI: You’re mad at me.

 

RORY: I’m furious with you! And I totally get it now. You told me it was okay to date Tristan out of pure guilt!

 

LORELAI: That’s not true.

 

RORY: Oh really…so then you giving me the thumbs up on Tristan on the same day you systematically destroyed my life is just a coincidence?

 

LORELAI: You’re over dramatizing. And okay yeah…maybe just a little guilt was involved.

 

RORY: I trusted you.

 

LORELAI: I’m still trustworthy Rory…honest. I mean it’s a funny story…really.

 

RORY: Let’s save it for another day…right now I just want to get out of here.

 

Before Lorelai can stop her Rory exits the ladies room and heads back out to the dance where she runs into her father.

 

CHRIS: Hey honey…rough night huh?

 

RORY: Did you know too?

 

Chris looks at Rory…searching for what to say.

 

RORY: Of course you did…everyone did…everyone except of course…me.

 

As Rory is talking to her father, Tristan approaches Paris and Jess on the dance floor.  After her short conversation with Chris, Rory sees Lane and runs immediately over to her.

 

 Reaching Paris and Jess Tristan taps Jess on the shoulder.

 

TRISTAN: Can I cut in?

 

JESS: Yeah…sure.

 

As Jess steps out of Paris’ arms, Tristan steps in to them.

 

PARIS: This better be good.

 

TRISTAN: You have to help me.

 

PARIS: No I don’t.

 

TRISTAN: Please Paris…I’ll never ask you for another thing again.

 

PARIS: Yes you will.

 

TRISTAN: All right you and I both know that’s a lie…but that said…all I want you to do is announce last dance as a King and Queen dance…please.

 

PARIS: Why should I? If you haven’t learned how to hang on to Rory by now…isn’t it a lost cause?

 

TRISTAN: That is extremely hilariously…you’re a real comedian. Are you going to do this for me or not?

 

PARIS: Fine…but don’t blow it this time.

 

TRISTAN: Thank you!

 

Paris steps away from Tristan and goes to the podium on stage. She steps up to the microphone.

 

PARIS: Hi…hello. I hope everyone is having a good time. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being your host tonight. So lets finish this night up right. Lets break tradition…and have the King and Queen lead us in one last slow dance. Rory…Tristan. Will you do the honors?  

 

Sitting at a table with Lane and Henry, Rory looks up surprised. Reluctantly she gets up and heads to the dance floor where Tristan is already waiting. Stiffly she moves into his arms and the music begins playing.

 

RORY: Was this your idea?

 

TRISTAN: If I say it was would that help anything?

 

RORY: No.

 

TRISTAN: Then how about if I just say…I’m sorry.

 

RORY: For what?

 

TRISTAN: For doubting you…for the uncalled things I said…for being a real jerk.

 

RORY: Go on.

 

TRISTAN: You and I both know the list is long.

 

RORY: I owe you an apology too.

 

TRISTAN: I’m ready.

 

Rory leans back a little so she can look into his eyes. She sinks into his gaze and her words are sincere and heartfelt.

 

RORY: You had every right to be mad at me outside. I should have just told Dean the truth. In fact…I should have told him when I first realized what the truth was.

 

TRISTAN: Continue.

 

RORY:  I had no right to keep him in the dark…or you a secret. That’s not me. I’m not that girl.

 

Tristan wants so badly to bring his hand up to Rory’s face and caress it…but contains himself…unsure how she would react.

 

TRISTAN: I know. You don’t have to worry about me taking what Dean said as truth.

 

RORY: Good. Because…it couldn’t have been any one else. It happened because it was *you*…not because I wanted away from Dean.

 

TRISTAN: Really?

 

RORY: I mean obviously Dean and I would have eventually parted ways…but meeting you…accelerated that. And I don’t want to keep you a *secret* any longer.

 

TRISTAN: So what happens now?

 

In a split second Rory changes everyone’s perception as she reaches her hand up and around Tristan’s neck bringing his lips down to hers. Their lips meet and meld perfectly together. The inches that separated them are all but gone as their kissing deepens and their young, alive bodies mold together.

 

On the sidelines almost everyone is recovering from the shock. Lorelai and Christopher are standing next to each other watching their baby girl as she falls hopelessly in love minute by minute with her first true love.