Story summary: Rory and Tristan face some obstacles on the road to happiness, while Paris may very well have run a ground in her relationship with Jess.

 

Disclaimer: All characters from the WB show obviously belong to them. Original characters have an affiliation only to me and this story. No money has been made in the creating of this story.

 

EXT: CHILTON-DAY           

 

Classes are out for the day and Rory is sitting outside on a wall; her head in a book; waiting to say goodbye to Tristan before she heads home.

 

Jeremy walks out of the building and sees her, immediately he walks over to her and sits down next to her.

 

JEREMY: Is this seat taken?

 

Rory looks up from her book and then looks back down again before commenting.

 

RORY: It’s a free wall.

 

JEREMY: Not a very comfortable one though. So what’s your secret?

 

RORY: My secret?

 

JEREMY: Yeah. I see you sitting here all the time…and you look so comfortable.

 

RORY: You’re sitting on a wall. Comfort is really not an option. But it’s better than standing.

 

Rory starts to read her book again, trying to send the signal that’s she’s busy but Jeremy keeps persevering.

 

JEREMY: So what are you reading?

 

Slightly frustrated Rory closes her book.

 

RORY: Did you need something Jeremy?

 

JEREMY: What do you mean?

 

RORY: I mean…why are you here?…what’s on your mind?…and don’t you have someone else to be harassing?

 

JEREMY: Not anyone as cute as you.

 

RORY: Right.

 

Rory opens up her book and starts reading again.

 

JEREMY: Man…you are a tough sell. You appear to be impervious to my charm.

 

RORY: I’m sure it’s great. Just probably better if you go ooze it onto someone else.

 

JEREMY: But you’re the one who fascinates me.

 

RORY: I fascinate you? Did you think that up all by yourself?

 

JEREMY: You’ve wounded me. My interest is nothing but sincere.

 

RORY: I have an idea…let’s pretend you’re one of Tristan’s best friends.

 

JEREMY: I don’t know if I’d call us best friends…but he’s my bud…yeah.

 

RORY: Then what are you trying to do?

 

JEREMY: I’m trying to get to know you better. After all we will be hanging in the same circles now.

 

RORY: Because you are Tristan’s friend…I’m going to be straight with you and give this to you as gently as possible.

 

JEREMY: Lay whatever you want on me.

 

RORY: I find you…annoying and not at all sincere.  

 

JEREMY: Ouch!

 

INT: CHILTON-DAY

 

Tristan is finishing up at his locker, ready to head outside to meet up with Rory when Paris comes walking over to him.

 

PARIS: Do you have a minute?

 

TRISTAN: Not really…I was supposed to meet Rory outside ten minutes ago.

 

PARIS: Fine.

 

Tristan can see that Paris clearly has something going on with her and he is torn as to what to do.

 

TRISTAN: Look. I’ll only be a few minutes. Rory has to get home right home anyway. We can talk in like 20 minutes okay?

 

PARIS: I can’t. I’ll miss my ride.

 

TRISTAN: Well how about I take you home and we can talk on the way?

 

PARIS: Okay…yeah. That will work. I’ll just let Louise know I have a ride home.

 

TRISTAN: Okay…20 minutes…I’ll meet you at my car.

 

PARIS: Thanks.

 

INT: DINER-DAY

 

Jess walks in from school and starts to head up stairs.

 

LUKE: Hold on there. I need to talk to you.

 

Jess stops and turns around.

 

JESS: Yeah. I have a lot of homework. So can we make this quick?

 

LUKE: Since when do you care about homework?

 

JESS: Since I was hoping it would get me out of what ever rant you’re about to lay on me.

 

LUKE: I just wanted to tell you that starting tonight Rory will be working here for three weeks.

 

JESS: Why?

 

LUKE: It’s a favor I’m doing for Lorelai. Try not to ask her too many questions. Just let her do her job.

 

JESS: Will do. Can I go now?

 

LUKE: Sure.

 

Jess turns to walk away but doesn’t get very far.

 

LUKE: (cont.) Oh…one more thing.

 

 JESS: Yeah.

 

LUKE: If you need to talk about anything…I can listen.

 

JESS: No. I’m good.

 

LUKE: Okay…oh…I …uh…met Paris this morning. She seems like a nice girl.

 

JESS: She talked to you?

 

LUKE: Yeah…seems she thought you told her to wait while you went and got your jacket.

 

JESS: It’s no big deal.

 

LUKE: She was pretty hurt. That makes it a big deal.

 

JESS: You’re working on zero information Uncle Luke. This is my personal business. We get along because you stay out of my personal business. Remember?

 

LUKE: Yeah. I remember.

 

EXT: PARIS’ HOUSE-DAY

 

Paris and Tristan are sitting in his car in her driveway.

 

TRISTAN: I know I pretty much monopolized the conversation on the way home…but man…I am so fed-up with Jeremy…I’m just glad Rory sees right through him.

 

PARIS: Right…whatever. Momentary lapse of insanity…you probably couldn’t have helped me anyway.  This is my problem.

 

Paris gets out of the car and quickly heads towards her house. Immediately Tristan realizes what a bone-head he’s been and goes after her.

 

TRISTAN: Paris…I’m sorry…wait!

 

But Paris enters her house shutting the door. Uncertain what to do Tristan sits in his car contemplating…finally he starts the car and begins to back out… but on reflection changes his mind again and parks the car. Getting out he heads to Paris’ front door and rings the bell and is surprised when the door opens and an unfamiliar teenage girl is standing there.

 

KELLY: Yeah?

 

TRISTAN: Uh…hi. I was looking for Paris.

 

KELLY: Seriously?

 

TRISTAN: Yes. I’m sorry…who are you exactly?

 

KELLY: Considering this is my house…shouldn’t I be the one asking the questions?

 

TRISTAN: I know Paris pretty well…to my knowledge she’s never had a sister.

 

KELLY: Me, Paris’ sister? I’d rather slit my wrists.

 

TRISTAN: Right. Good to know. So…can I talk to Paris?

 

KELLY: She’s out back. But I’m gonna need a name first.

 

TRISTAN: Tristan.

 

KELLY: Did you say Tristan?

 

TRISTAN: That’s right.

 

KELLY: Unbelievable.

 

TRISTAN: I’m sorry?

 

KELLY: Nothing….it’s nothing. Follow me.

 

Kelly leads Tristan out to the backyard where Paris is sitting by the pool. Suddenly memories come flooding back…haunting him. Next to him Kelly is watching his face as it goes through a myriad of emotions…satisfied she turns and walks away. Sensing someone is behind her Paris turns around in her chair.

 

PARIS: Go away Tristan.

 

TRISTAN: You needed to talk…so let’s talk.

 

INT: PARIS’ HOUSE-DAY

 

Kelly is frantically dialing the phone, watching the interaction between Tristan and Paris through the game room window.

 

Finally the other line picks up.

 

INTERCUT: KELLY/ LINDSEY

 

LINDSEY: Hello?

 

KELLY: Lins…it’s Kel…you need to get your butt over here pronto.

 

LINDSEY: Why?

 

KELLY: It’s him.

 

LINDSEY: Who?

 

KELLY: The guy from the ice queens journal…Tristan. And oh my God…you are not going to believe this but he is soooooo unbelievably hot!

 

LINDSEY: No way!

 

KELLY: Complete and total truth. How the ice queen got him to have sex with her…totally beyond me. But you have got to get here quick.

 

LINDSEY: I can’t. My mom is still out shopping.

 

KELLY: What about your sister. Make her bring you over here.

 

LINDSEY: She won’t. She’s with her dufus boyfriend. They had some sort of a fight and now they’re in her room and you know what that means.

 

KELLY: It could be hours. God this is so unfair.

 

LINDSEY: Totally.

 

KELLY: So how many guys does that make for her now?

 

LINDSEY: Easily into the double digits. Mom would freak if she ever found out about Vicky’s *activities*. She thinks she’s still a virgin…isn’t that funny?

 

KELLY: Vicky a virgin? Okay…no offense but your mom is clueless.

 

LINDSEY: So what are they doing now?

 

Kelly sits up and glances out the window again.

 

KELLY: Big yawn…their just talking…but momma…he has a fine ass.

 

LINDSEY: God. I am sooo jealous of you right now.

 

KELLY: Who knew having to live here with Paris and her plastic mother would have its perks.

 

EXT: PARIS’ HOUSE-DAY

 

Trying not to show how uncomfortable he is feeling, Tristan has taken a seat at the table across from Paris.

 

TRISTAN: So who’s the kid who answered your door?

 

PARIS: She’s the daughter of my mother’s gold digger boyfriend. And she’s a royal pain in the ass.

 

TRISTAN: Yeah…she seems like she would be.

 

PARIS: I always thought it would be nice to have a sister. Now I’m glad my mother and father chose not to procreate again. And as soon as I can manage it Kelly and her Dad are both out of here.

 

TRISTAN: So is that what’s bugging you?

 

PARIS: Kelly and her dad are definitely a thorn in my side…but no. So Rory didn’t fill you in then?

 

TRISTAN: Fill me in on what?  

 

PARIS: About my date last night with Jess.

 

TRISTAN: Oh…that. Yeah she mentioned something. So that’s what this is about?

 

PARIS: I really like Jess…and I was hoping you might be able to offer your male input on the situation. Give me something …anything to salvage my error.

 

TRISTAN: Have you tried talking to him about this?

 

PARIS: Yes…but he’s avoiding me. That’s not a good sign is it?

 

TRISTAN: Not generally.

 

PARIS: I can’t believe I finally found a guy who is worthy of my time and I’ve already gone and blown it.

 

TRISTAN: You probably just freaked him out a little.

 

PARIS: Were you freaked out when Rory said it to you?

 

TRISTAN: Yeah. A little…but mostly I was just happy that she *finally* said it.

 

PARIS: So she had you *wanting* her to say it. God…the girl should write a book. That’s pure genius.

 

TRISTAN: I do know this…sometimes it’s safer to let the guy say it first.

 

PARIS: Advice I could have used last night…today…not so helpful.

 

TRISTAN: The point I’m trying to make here is…I don’t think it was a fatal mistake. Give him some space and time to think…he’ll be back.

 

PARIS: How can you be so sure?

 

TRISTAN: Because…Rory says he really likes you. It’s easy for a guy to find a girl to date…it’s harder to find the one who you actually *like* to date.

 

PARIS: So Rory…you *like* dating her?

 

TRISTAN: Rory…I cannot get enough of. She’s pretty addictive.

 

PARIS: It’s so unfair. I want to be addictive. But all my genes granted me with were good teeth and good posture.

 

TRISTAN: I have to go. I have something I need to take care of. But…relax…Jess will come around. You’ll see.

 

PARIS: And besides if he doesn’t…I still have my application ready for the spinster club.

 

TRISTAN: Yes. It’s good to have a back-up.

 

INT: LUKE’S DINER-NIGHT

 

Rory has an apron tied around her waist and is wiping down tables when Jess comes walking out from the back room.

 

JESS: I know why I’ve been sentenced to a life of hard labor. What’s your offense?

 

RORY: It’s a long story.

 

JESS: We have all night. Thursday’s are generally slow.

 

RORY: I’d rather talk about your life.

 

JESS: My life? Let me guess…Paris put you up to this?

 

RORY: She just wants some answers.

 

JESS: Can’t a guy just lose interest?

 

RORY: Because she told you she “loved you”…that’s pretty shallow.

 

JESS: I never professed to be a “deep pool.”

 

RORY: I don’t think you should walk away from this Jess. Paris has a way of saying things before she thinks them through.

 

JESS: Maybe I’m doing her a favor.

 

RORY: What do you mean?

 

JESS: If she already feels this strongly after four dates…how bad is it going to be when we fall apart after a month?

 

RORY: And what if you didn’t? What if this could be something really long lasting?

 

JESS: Like you and the rich boy? Yeah…I’m not like you Rory…I don’t do commitments.

 

RORY: Have you ever tried?

 

JESS: Could you be more in my business?

 

RORY: I’m serious Jess…why predetermine where this relationship with Paris could go after just a few dates? Give her a chance and you might just find yourself happy.

 

JESS: If I promise to think about this…will you please just back off?

 

RORY: Yes.

 

Jess walks away from Rory and heads back behind the counter. Satisfied Rory starts wiping down tables again.

 

INT: RORY’S BEDROOM-NIGHT

 

Lorelai and Luke are in Rory’s bedroom and Luke is trying to fix Rory’s broken window.

 

LUKE: You know I can fix this window “no charge” to you. Then you could reprieve Rory from diner duty.

 

LORELAI: No…I think she needs to do this. Time apart from Tristan will do her some good.

 

LUKE: You don’t look so hot? Are you okay?

 

LORELAI: I’m being pelted by karma…I tortured my mother and now Rory is torturing me. If Emily knew she would be laughing her head off.

 

LUKE: Rory’s a good kid Lorelai.

 

LORELAI: She’s not a kid anymore Luke. Therein lies the problem. I mean…am I just supposed to *let* her have sex?

 

LUKE: (very uncomfortable) This is not my area of expertise.

 

LORELAI: Maybe I should just be that cool mom who says…go for it! At least then I could make sure she was taking precautions.

 

LUKE: I should have never asked. I knew it and I did it anyway.

 

LORELAI:  But what if she was that four percent that the birth control failed on. After all it is only 96% effective in lower doses.

 

LUKE: You’re killing me here. If you want this window fixed…then you need to let me work in peace.

 

LORELAI: Sorry. You did ask if I was okay though.

 

LUKE: I know…it’s my own fault. Now hand me my tool box and go do something anywhere else but here.

 

LORELAI: Somebody’s crabby.

 

LUKE: Please…just go and take your mental pictures with you.

 

INT: LUKE’S DINER-NIGHT

 

Just as Jess is getting ready to lock the door for the night Tristan walks in to the diner.

 

JESS: Sorry man…Rory’s already gone.

 

TRISTAN: I know. I wanted to talk to you.

 

JESS: To me? Why?

 

TRISTAN: It’s about Paris.

 

JESS: Don’t tell me she has you working for her too.

 

TRISTAN: Actually this was my idea. She doesn’t know I’m here.

 

JESS: Why do you care man?

 

TRISTAN: Paris and I have been friends for a long time. And I haven’t always been the best to her. I sort of owe her this.

 

JESS: I was just about to head out to a little place I hang out sometime…”The Barge”…you ever hear of it.

 

TRISTAN: Can’t say I have.

 

JESS: Big surprise. It doesn’t exactly cater to the Rolls Royce crowd. What it does do is serve “beverages” to anyone with a buck. You buy the first round…we can talk.

 

TRISTAN: I buy and you’ll talk?

 

JESS: That’s the deal. Take it or leave it.

 

TRISTAN: I’ll take it.

 

Jess looks out the window at Tristan’s expensive SUV.

 

JESS: I’ll drive. You take that to “The Barge” and well end up having to walk home.

 

Tristan and Jess exit the dinner and Jess locks the door behind him. The two boys head out to the “Barge”…with Tristan ready to plead Paris’ case and Jess…well he’s ready to listen.