Story summary: Rory and Tristan get closer to each other while Sookie gets closer to some answers.

 

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: GILMORE HOUSE-NIGHT

 

Lorelai is sitting on the living room couch in an old pair of sweats and a baggy t-shirt; she has the remote in her hand and is unconsciously flipping channels. It’s apparent that her thoughts are elsewhere as the phone begins to ring. Lorelai eyes the phone contemplating whether or not to pick it up. Finally after five rings she reaches for it and answers it.

 

INTERCUT: LORELAI/SOOKIE

 

LORELAI: Lorelai’s house of woe…how may I help you?

 

SOOKIE: Lorelai?

 

LORELAI: The remains of her…yes.

 

SOOKIE: Sweetie are you okay?

 

LORELAI: It’s a long story…but…no. I’m less than okay…I am depressed and melancholy…just to name a few of my maladies.

 

Sure no one will understand her misery Lorelai is surprised once again by just how perceptive Sookie can be.

 

SOOKIE: Chris left?

 

LORELAI: I dropped him off at the airport about a half-hour ago.

 

SOOKIE: I’m sorry sweetie…I know that must have been really hard for you.

 

LORELAI: But I’m doing the right thing Sookie. It never would have worked out given the circumstances…right?

 

SOOKIE: Right.

 

LORELAI: I mean it’s not like I couldn’t have had him…it’s just deep down…I always would have wondered if he really believed he had made the right choice.

 

A normally patient Sookie is beginning to become a little antsy.

 

SOOKIE: Absolutely…so…although consoling you is my friend duty…and I’m proud to do it…I actually called you for a favor.

 

LORELAI: A favor? Sure. As long as it doesn’t involve me leaving this house tonight. I’m already in phase two of my depression.

 

SOOKIE: Ratty sweats, Hair in disarray, and a carton of Ben and Jerry’s front and center?

 

Lorelai looks at her coffee table where there is a pint of Baskin Robbins.

 

LORELAI: Oooh…so close. So what’s the favor?

 

SOOKIE: I need you to come here like now…to be my moral support.

 

LORELAI: For?

 

SOOKIE: Ethan’s Dad is on his way.

 

LORELAI: Ah…the mysterious Ethan. You know I really haven’t heard this story yet.

 

SOOKIE: I know…Which is all the more reason for you to come over here now so I can fill you in before Ben gets here.

 

LORELAI: And Ben would be Ethan’s dad?

 

SOOKIE: Right.

 

LORELAI: I don’t know…Sook…I’m in phase two…it could cause serious setbacks if I were to remove the outfit…I might have to start all over again.

 

SOOKIE: You don’t need to change Lor…you just need to be here…for me. Please?

 

Lorelai takes one look at her outfit and makes her decision.

 

LORELAI: What the hell. Can I wear slippers?

 

SOOKIE: Whatever makes you happy. Now throw that ice cream in the freezer and get your hiney over here.

 

EXT: LAKE-NIGHT

 

Rory and Tristan are sitting facing each other on the blanket.

 

RORY: Tristan…I’m sorry.

 

TRISTAN: Don’t be.

 

RORY: I just…I don’t…think we need to rush things.

 

TRISTAN: I’m fine with this Rory. If anything…I’m sorry you feel the need to apologize.

 

RORY: This has been such an amazing night…Now I feel like I’ve ruined it.

 

TRISTAN: Stop it Rory…you haven’t ruined anything. If anything you know…you’ve set some boundaries…it’s no big deal.

 

RORY: You’re not upset with me?

 

Tristan moves over to sit next to Rory.

 

TRISTAN: I’m insanely attracted to you…and I took things a little farther than I should have…I should be asking you if you’re upset with me…not the other way around.

 

RORY: I’ve never felt this way about anyone before…I…I didn’t feel in control…and that kind of scared me.

 

TRISTAN: Sometimes I forget that this is all new to you. The passion you display can be deceiving at times.

 

RORY: I know you’ve never been in a relationship where you had to wait for…

 

TRISTAN: Sex?

 

RORY: Right…that.

 

TRISTAN: Rory…this is what I want…waiting is part of the package…so be it…I’ll wait.

 

RORY: Okay.

 

TRISTAN: So were good?

 

RORY: Were good.

 

TRISTAN: Now if you would just try and not be so…tempting…I’d appreciate it.

 

RORY: High neck collars from now on…got it.

 

Tristan leans in and kisses Rory’s lips…slowly…sweetly…his hand coming up to caress the side of her face…enjoying Rory’s sigh of contentment as the kiss ends.

 

TRISTAN: Maybe we should go.

 

RORY: Yeah…somewhere with people would be good.

 

TRISTAN: Totally agree.

 

Tristan gets up and extends his hand to Rory to aid her in getting up. Even just the touch of her hand in his sends waves of pleasure tingling through the pair.

 

INT: HARTFORD LIBRARY-NIGHT

 

Paris is sitting at a desk with an array of open books before her when a hand holding a rose appears in front of her face. Cautiously Paris looks up and sees Jess. Rather than sitting in a chair Jess hops up on the table so he is facing Paris.

 

PARIS: (taking the flower) You know you’re not supposed

to pick these.

 

JESS: The front was full of them…work with me here.

 

Paris lightly laughs at the familiar scene.

 

The librarian lets out a loud Ssshhh. Paris lowers her voice to a whisper.

 

PARIS: What are you doing here?

 

JESS: Someone told me Hartford had a great library, so I thought I’d swing by.

 

PARIS: Really…so running into me…

 

JESS: Complete surprise…never saw it coming.

 

PARIS: You’re a pretty bad liar.

 

JESS: Yeah…but I look good doing it.

 

PARIS: So why are you really here?

 

JESS: Really? You mean you didn’t buy the library story?

 

PARIS: Not for a minute.

 

JESS: Huh. Then I guess…I must be here to…see you.

 

PARIS: (shocked) Me?

 

JESS: Why so shocked?

 

PARIS: Let’s just say there haven’t been too many guys in my life that would drop in to see me…much less travel a fair distance to do it.

 

JESS: Their loss.

 

PARIS: So you must have a reason for being here…right?

 

JESS: You really believe in cutting right through the small talk…don’t you?

 

PARIS: I’m sorry…it’s just that…I can’t really figure out why you’re here.

 

JESS: Because your mom told me this is where you were.

 

PARIS: I meant in Hartford… wait…you called my house?

 

JESS: You gave me your number…I assumed you wanted me to use it.

 

PARIS: Yeah…but I was pretty sure you wouldn’t.

 

JESS: Why? Did we have a horrible time the other night?

 

PARIS: No…it was a lot of fun.

 

JESS: I thought so too…so why wouldn’t I want to do it again?

 

PARIS: You want to go out with me again?

 

JESS: I was thinking tomorrow night…if you’re not already busy.

 

PARIS: Valentines? You want to go out on Valentines?

 

JESS: If it makes you feel better we can lose the Valentines label and just think of it as Monday night.

 

PARIS: I’ve never had a date on Valentines. I’m beginning to sound sort of pathetic aren’t I?

 

JESS: In a big way.

 

PARIS: Fine…yes. I would love to go out with you tomorrow.

 

JESS: Okay…good. Then it’s settled…you and me…tomorrow night. I’ll pick you up at 7pm.

 

PARIS: Okay. Do you know where I live?

 

JESS: Right. I’m going to need that.

 

Paris takes out a sheet of paper and writes down her address, folds it and hands it to Jess.

 

Jess takes the sheet of paper, leans down towards her, put his hand on the side of her face and kisses her full on the lips. Mission accomplished he hops off the table.

 

JESS: Till Tomorrow.

 

Paris can only smile as she watches Jess leave her section of the library.

 

EXT: SOOKIE’S HOUSE-NIGHT

 

Having only put on slippers and a light sweater, which only lend to the harried housewife look, Lorelai arrives at Sookie’s door, bag of jelly doughnuts (sookie’s favorite) in hand. As she starts to ring the doorbell, Lorelai reaches in and takes out one of the donuts and brings it to her mouth taking a nice satisfying bite…causing some jelly to leak out onto the side of her mouth.

 

As Lorelai pops the last bite of her donut friend in her mouth, she is suddenly aware she is being joined. Looking over Lorelai sees a disarmingly attractive man who looks to be in his early thirties. He is the epitome of tall, dark and handsome…all of which serve him well, but it’s his eyes that Lorelai is instantly drawn to. Speechless Lorelai just continues to stare.

 

BEN: Hello. Maybe you can help me?

 

LORELAI: (still processing) What…kind of help…could you possibly need?

 

BEN: Sorry?

 

LORELAI: I’m sorry…I meant to say…help is my middle name. Well…actually not my given middle name…but hey…you probably already knew that. Okay…stop me any time now.

 

Ben takes in the appearance of a somewhat unsettled Lorelai…and smiles.

 

BEN: (motioning by his mouth) You…have a little…residue…right there.

 

LORELAI: What?

 

BEN: (reaches over to side of Lorelai’s mouth) Here let me get it for you.

 

As Ben wipes the small amount of jelly from Lorelai’s face…Lorelai is being completely overwhelmed by heated thoughts.

 

BEN: There you go.

 

LORELAI: Thanks. (suddenly becoming very aware of her entire appearance) You’re probably looking at me now and thinking…bag lady. Let me assure you kind…okay I’m just going to throw it in there…handsome…stranger…this is not my everyday garb.

 

BEN: I guessed as much.

 

LORELAI: Okay…well I’m just going to have to add smart to that list then too.

 

BEN: Happy to hear it…(waiting for Lorelai to fill in the blank)

 

LORELAI: Oh…Lorelai…Lorelai Gilmore.

 

BEN: Nice to meet you Lorelai. (extends his hand out to shake) Ben Carter.

 

LORELAI: You’re Sookie’s Ben?

 

BEN: Oh good…then I am in the right place. You know Sookie St. James?

 

LORELAI: Melville.

 

BEN: Melville?

 

LORELAI: It’s Sookie Melville now.

 

BEN: Sookie is married….of course she is. Why wouldn’t she be? She was always a great girl.

 

LORELAI: Yeah…she is…one of the best.

 

BEN: I take it you two are friends?

 

LORELAI: Completely…more like sisters actually.

 

As Lorelai and Ben continue to talk the front door opens.

 

ETHAN: I thought I heard voices.

 

BEN: Son…

 

Ben takes Ethan into an embrace showing his concern for his wayward son. Ethan steps back a little uncomfortable.

 

ETHAN: It’s okay dad…I’m fine.

 

BEN: Don’t ever do that again Ethan…running away is not the answer.

 

LORELAI: (becoming uncomfortable) I think I’m just going to head inside…let you two duke it out.

 

INT: SOOKIE’S BEDROOM-NIGHT

 

Sookie is busy in front of her mirror…examining her freshly applied makeup and working with her freshly washed hair when Lorelai lightly taps and then lets herself in.

 

LORELAI: Hey sweetie…Wow…somebody really *fancied* themselves up.

 

SOOKIE: It’s just a little makeup…it’s no big deal.

 

LORELAI: Really…so it has nothing whatsoever to do with the beyond handsome man standing on your front porch…who has probably worked his way into your living room by now?

 

Sookie completely begins to panic.

 

SOOKIE: Ben is here?!

 

LORELAI: Yes…and hey thanks for letting me wear my *man repellant outfit*…it worked like a charm…he now thinks you associate with riff raff and losers.

 

SOOKIE: He’s in my house?!

 

LORELAI: Okay…completely unaware of what I’m saying.

 

SOOKIE: Oh…Lor…I can’t do this.

 

LORELAI: Do what hon?  

 

SOOKIE: I can’t see Ben looking like this.

 

LORELAI: Sweetie you look great. Right up there with your wedding day…you’re radiant.

 

SOOKIE: That’s sweat.

 

LORELAI: Well it gives you an amazing glow…now tell me what’s really wrong here.

 

Sookie hands a picture to Lorelai.

 

SOOKIE: This…this is what’s wrong.

 

Lorelai looks at the picture of a curvy cheerleader standing with a football uniform clad Ben Carter.

 

LORELAI: I don’t understand. Why are you showing me a picture of Ben and some cute cheerleader?

 

SOOKIE: Lorelai…that’s me.

 

Suddenly the light bulb flashes on in Lorelai’s head and she gets why Sookie is so nervous.

 

LORELAI: Ben has to have seen you since this picture.

 

SOOKIE: Nope…I lost contact with him after high school.

 

LORELAI: Well…so what! Sookie you are a beautiful, kind…loving…generous…

 

SOOKIE: Okay…you can stop. I get it…there’s just more of me to know and love now.

 

LORELAI: Exactly…besides…you don’t have to impress him…you’re married remember?

 

SOOKIE: I know…I just…he was really…something special…you know?

 

LORELAI: Yeah…I know sweetie…but he’s also the man who holds all the answers…so maybe we should get out there.

 

SOOKIE: Couldn’t we just have him write down the answers and you could slip them to me under the door? I know…we can say I’ve got some really contagious disease.

 

LORELAI: That you contacted in the last 24 hours?

 

SOOKIE: No good?

 

LORELAI: Not necessary. Sook…you have nothing to hide….Ben is the one with some splaining to do.

 

SOOKIE: You’re right. Absolutely…right. Lets go.

 

Her resolved strengthened Sookie opens the door and heads towards the living room with Lorelai in tow.

 

EXT: GILMORE HOUSE-NIGHT

 

Rory and Tristan are standing on her front porch facing each other…the inevitable goodnight kiss looming.

 

TRISTAN: I feel like I’ve entered this alternate universe.

 

RORY: What do you mean?

 

Tristan reaches up his hand to the side of Rory’s neck and slowly caresses it as he speaks.

 

TRISTAN: This is twice in one week I’ve been here on this porch getting ready to kiss you goodnight…it’s surreal…and so far from what used to be my reality.

 

RORY: You mean…the wham…bam…thank you maam scenario you had down to a tee?

 

TRISTAN: Okay…I was going to say it in a much different way…but yeah.

 

RORY: So in some ways…I am actually more experienced then you are. I like that.

 

TRISTAN: Yes…you have much to teach me…oh wise one.

 

Tristan leans in and kisses Rory before she can respond…a kiss that silences any thought of talk or conversation…focusing only on the feelings and emotions that being in the arms of someone you share a deep connection with can provide.