Story summary: Life goes on. Rory has a big decision looming over her head and Tristan makes some moves in a surprising direction.

 

Authors note: I very rarely write these…so hope this is actually being read. I wanted to say I really appreciate the reviews and comments. That said…I’m giving fair warning that stories do not always take the direction we may want…but I have my reasons…so please bear with me and enjoy the ride. I will also alleviate a little of the frustration by telling you…I fully believe in Rory and Tristan. But I also believe *true love* does not always runs smooth. You may find the one you love, but obstacles happen and they are part of what makes the journey worthwhile.

 

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

 

EXT: GILMORE HOUSE-NIGHT

 

Rory is sitting on the front porch staring out at the night sky occasionally wiping tears away from her face. As a fresh batch of tears start, Jess comes walking up the lawn. Rory sees him and tries to hurriedly wipe away the tears.

 

JESS: You don’t need to do that on my account. I’ve been standing at the edge of your yard watching you cry for like the last ten minutes. I almost didn’t come over but you looked liked maybe you needed a friend.

 

Jess sits down on the porch step next to Rory. He opens a bag he’s carrying and pulls out a napkin for her to wipe her face with.

 

RORY: Thanks. What’s in the bag?

 

JESS: It’s a cheeseburger with the works, some French fries and some salt and pepper dip.

 

RORY: Your dinner?

 

JESS: Your dinner…I saw your mom and Sookie at the diner…so I thought you might want this.

 

RORY: Actually I’m not very hungry.

 

JESS: I understand. I’ll just leave it anyway….a good cry can work up an appetite.

 

Jess gets up off the porch to leave.

 

RORY: You don’t have to go.

 

JESS: Are you sure you don’t want to be alone?

 

RORY: Actually…I think *alone* is the last thing I want to be right now.

 

Jess sits back down on the stairs.

 

JESS: Rough night?

 

RORY: Perceptive as always.

 

JESS: So…I know it’s absolutely none of my business…but does this little cry fest have anything to do with the rich boy?

 

RORY: His name is Tristan.

 

JESS: Right. Whatever…so does it?

 

RORY: Have you ever been in love?

 

JESS: I’m only sixteen.

 

RORY: So…no?

 

JESS: Define what you mean by love. Cause if you’re talking that whipped boy, hearts and flowers kind of stuff, the answer is no…fortunately not.

 

RORY: You’ve never felt like you wanted to be with someone so much it hurt?

 

JESS: Emotional attachments are not really my thing. But…there is this one girl…Yeah…I guess I could see myself using the “C”word with her.

 

RORY: The “C” word?

 

JESS: Commitment.

 

RORY: Really? Who?

 

JESS: You sure do ask a lot of questions. I think it’s your turn to answer some.

 

RORY: Can you say “total cop-out?”

 

JESS: It’s a privacy issue. So…what’s going on with you and Dean?

 

RORY: I’m not really sure.

 

JESS: You still going out with him?

 

RORY: Yes. For the moment.

 

JESS: That sounds fairly ominous.

 

RORY: Yeah…I guess you could say our relationship is tentative.

 

JESS: So why stay with him then?

 

RORY: I’m still figuring that one out.

 

JESS: Seems kind of stupid to hang on to a relationship that has run its course.

 

RORY: I never said it ran its course.

 

JESS: It’s an observation. When I first came to town you looked like a girl in love around him…or at least a girl who thought she was in love.

 

RORY: I did?

 

JESS: Yeah.

 

RORY: And now?

 

JESS: No spark.

 

RORY: Really?

 

JESS: He knows it too. It’s why every guy around you is threatening to him now.

 

RORY: What do you mean?

 

JESS: A guy can sense when a girl is pulling away from him…when all of the sudden his little quirks that were charming are now irritating the hell out of her. Dean knows he’s losing you and he’s in panic mode. He is losing you…right?

 

Rory looks over at Jess amazed at his insight and realizes she is finally ready to admit to herself and him the real truth.

 

RORY: I would have to say that’s a distinct possibility.

 

JESS: So now comes the tough questions. Is it because of the rich guy? Or did you just get bored? 

 

RORY: I think I’ve answered my fair share of questions…your turn.

 

JESS: Fair enough.

 

RORY: Who’s the one girl?

 

Jess looks a little uncomfortable knowing that telling Rory the truth might only complicate her life more.

 

JESS: She’s just this girl.

 

RORY: Do I know her?

 

Pondering how to answer Jess is relieved to see Sookie and Lorelai drive up.

 

JESS: Look at that…mom’s home. I guess we’ll just have to save this convo for another time. Have a great night Rory and I’ll see you when I see you.

 

RORY: Thanks for the company Jess. And I will find out who this mystery girl is.

 

JESS: Yeah…maybe someday you will.

 

RORY: Well whoever she is she’s a lucky girl.

 

JESS: You think so?

 

RORY: Absolutely…free food at the diner for life. Too bad it’s not me…I’d have endless coffee at my disposal.

 

JESS: (smiles a little) Yeah…too bad. See ya Rory.

 

Jess gets off the stairs. He starts heading down the driveway, just as Lorelai comes walking up.

 

LORELAI: More reinforcements?

 

RORY: No. Tristan’s been gone for a while. Jess just brought me something to eat.

 

LORELAI: Hon…have you been crying?

 

RORY: I’ve had a rough night.

 

LORELAI: Why don’t we take whatever is in the bag and curl up on the couch? There are fries in the bag…right? And maybe a cheeseburger too?

 

RORY: All of the above. You can have them though…I’m not really hungry. I think I’m just going to go to bed.

 

LORELAI: You don’t want to talk?

 

RORY: I kind of need to figure this out on my own. I’m sorry.

 

LORELAI: No…it’s okay. Just remember if you need me…I’m here.

 

RORY: Duly noted.

 

Rory heads into the house leaving her mom standing there with the bag of food. Lorelai opens it and pulls out the burger.

 

LORELAI: Sorry little cheeseburger…but I can not resist your deliciousness. I’ll let your kinfolk know you put up a brave fight.

 

Lorelai opens the cheeseburger and takes a bite.

 

EXT: PARIS’ HOUSE-DAY

 

Tristan is standing at the front door of Paris’ house ringing the doorbell. Tristan is surprised when Paris answers, expecting it to be their maid.

 

PARIS: Tristan? Twice in two weeks…how lucky am I.

 

TRISTAN: I didn’t have anyone else I could go to.

 

PARIS:  So you came here?  

 

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

 

PARIS: Why…are you planning on blackmailing me again?

 

TRISTAN: Look…I’m sorry about that. I was kind of out of options.

 

PARIS: This doesn’t mean I forgive you, but I am curious what brings you here again, so I’ll have Maria make us some lunch and we can talk out on the patio. How does that sound?

 

TRISTAN: Sounds good.

 

PARIS: I’ll be right back.

 

Paris goes into the kitchen to let the maid know to bring lunch out to the patio. After doing so she meets back up with Tristan in the hallway.

 

PARIS: Follow me.

 

Tristan follows Paris through her house and out into her backyard patio. Tristan is not surprised to see the similarities in his and Paris’ house. Both are very meticulous and almost museum like. The backyard has a huge pool and entertaining area.

 

TRISTAN: Nice pool. Do you swim a lot?

 

PARIS: Very little actually.

 

TRISTAN: That’s a shame. It’s a great escape.

 

PARIS: What makes you think I need an escape?

 

TRISTAN: Just a hunch.

 

Tristan sits down at the table. Paris goes around to the other side and sits down too.

 

PARIS: Well I don’t.

 

TRISTAN: My mistake.

 

PARIS: So what brings you here Tristan? No wait…let me guess…could it be Rory?

 

TRISTAN: Sarcasm doesn’t become you Paris.

 

PARIS: Right…cause that’s what I’m all about…pleasing you.

 

TRISTAN: Maybe this was a bad idea. I thought maybe you could sympathize with what I’m going through…but that would require actually having a heart.

 

PARIS: That’s no way to get on my good side.

 

TRISTAN: I didn’t realize you had one.

 

PARIS: Finally you have a little bite back. I was beginning to think we lost you for good.

 

TRISTAN: What’s that supposed to mean?

 

PARIS: It means that the Tristan DuGrey I know has never let a girl called the shots.

 

TRISTAN: I’m not letting Rory call the shots.

 

PARIS: You’re not? Impress me.

 

TRISTAN: Okay…last night I told her…she has to make a choice. That would be me calling the shots.

 

PARIS: Yeah. Right up to the point she calls your bluff. Be honest Tristan…Rory has you right where she wants you…in limbo.

 

The maid brings out a tray with sandwiches, chips and lemonade and sets it down on the table for Tristan and Paris.  Tristan sits…not really sure what to say to that. His mind starts to whirl with uncertainty. Is Rory the one with all the power?

 

PARIS: (cont.) So what is it you think I can do?

 

TRISTAN: I told you…I need a friend…someone I can talk to.

 

 PARIS: Since when do you consider us friends again?

 

TRISTAN: Look…I know I’ve been a pretty major jerk these last few years.

 

PARIS: You’ve ignored me completely and you’ve joined right in when your friends made comments about me.

 

TRISTAN: You can’t honestly hold that against me forever, can you?

 

PARIS: I can’t?

 

TRISTAN: Okay…you could. But please don’t.

 

PARIS: The only reason you want to be my friend again Tristan is because you think I have some connection to your precious Rory.

 

TRISTAN: That’s not true.

 

PARIS: Yes it is. But you’re wrong. Rory and are not friends, we tolerate each other at best. So you’ve come to the wrong person.

 

As Tristan sits listening to Paris…he realizes something…she’s right about one thing…he hasn’t really been her friend for years. Determined to show Paris and himself that he isn’t the selfish bastard his reputation has made him out to be, he turns to her and heads the conversation in a much different direction. 

 

TRISTAN: Let’s go for a swim.

 

PARIS: What?

 

TRISTAN: You heard me.

 

PARIS: This extended hand of friendship is pathetic…And it’s not going to work Tristan.

 

TRISTAN: I’m not asking for a peace treaty Paris…just a harmless swim. Come on…it’ll be fun.

 

PARIS: Fun?

 

TRISTAN: Yeah…I know that’s a silly notion to someone as serious as yourself…but you should try it…all the kids are doing it.

 

PARIS: I can’t believe I’m considering this…Fine…you can get a suit from the pool house. I’ll change and be right back.

 

Tristan heads into the pool house to change and Paris heads into her house.

 

INT: GILMORE GIRLS HOUSE-DAY

 

Rory and Lorelai are sitting on the couch. Rory is reading Romeo and Juliet and Lorelai is typing something on her laptop when the doorbell rings. Both look at the other expecting them to get up.

 

RORY: I got it last time.

 

LORELAI: Actually I did. Mr. Tristan…remember?

 

RORY: Right and then Dean and Lane came over and I got it.

 

LORELAI: Doesn’t count. I wasn’t home. It’s your turn.

 

RORY: Would it help if I said I wasn’t feeling well?

 

LORELAI: Sorry…last night’s cheeseburger and fries are still weighing me down.

 

RORY: Which I gave to you…so technically you owe me a favor, which I’ll gladly collect now thank you.

 

LORELAI: Oh…that’s low.

 

DOORBELL RINGS AGAIN

 

Lorelai reluctantly gets off the couch.

 

LORELAI: It better not be for you.

 

RORY: Or?

 

LORELAI: It just better not be…that’s all I’m saying.

 

Lorelai walks to the front door and opens it.

 

LORELAI: Christopher?

 

CHRIS: Hi Lor. How are you?

 

Lorelai jumps up into his arms and wraps her legs around him…raining kisses on his face.

 

LORELAI: You’re here…and early. You are the perfect man!

 

CHRIS: I caught an earlier flight. I thought it might be nice to spend some time with my girls.

 

Lorelai drops down from Chris arms and looks at him. She smiles as she gives him an appropriate welcome back kiss. Rory has come around the corner to see who is at the door and is met with the sight of her parents making-out.

 

RORY: Nice way to set an example for the kid.

 

Lorelai and Chris reluctantly end the kissing and turn to smile at Rory.

 

LORELAI: You haven’t been the *kid* since you were two.

 

RORY: Yes…maturity is my gift.

 

Rory comes up and hugs her father.

 

RORY: Hi Dad.

 

CHRIS: Hi sweetie.

 

RORY: I thought you weren’t supposed to be here until Saturday.

 

CHRIS: I got away early. So what do you two say to an early lunch?

 

RORY: I wish I could, but I’m going dress shopping with Lane and Grandma in Hartford. Grandma’s on her way here right now.

 

LORELAI: So if we hurry we can just miss her. You game?

 

CHRIS: Got the get away car primed and ready.

 

Lorelai hugs Rory.

 

LORELAI: Have a fun time shopping sweetie. And remember since Grandma insisted on paying for this dress...

 

RORY: Try not to make it too expense.

 

LORELAI: You can’t possibly be my child…I was going to say…Get something really expensive we can return for the cash.

 

RORY: You are shameless.

 

LORELAI: One of my finer qualities.

 

CHRIS: I know its something I’ve always admired about her.

 

LORELAI: And that is why we are so perfect for each other…we both admire me.

 

RORY: Go…and take the Lorelai fan club with you.

 

LORELAI: Bye sweetie.

 

CHRIS: So I know your dinner plans are with me…right?

 

RORY: Friday night at the Grandparents…I’ll save you a seat.

 

CHRIS: Walked right into that one didn’t I.

 

LORELAI: Apparently I’ve taught you nothing.

 

Lorelai and Christopher walk to his car. Chris walks around and opens the driver’s side for Lorelai as she waves goodbye to Rory. Lane comes walking up the yard as Chris and Lorelai drive away.

 

Rory sees Lane and walks over to her.

 

RORY: I thought we were going to pick you up.

 

LANE: I thought I’d save your grandmother the interrogation my mother would undoubtedly give her…thus saving valuable shopping time.

 

RORY: Truly inspired.

 

LANE: So how did it go last night?

 

RORY: It went…confusing.

 

LANE: You guys didn’t settle anything after Dean and I left?

 

RORY: There’s nothing to settle really. I’ve already made my decision. And he just keeps making it hard to remember why.

 

LANE: You lost me.

 

RORY: I decided the only way I can live with myself is to not be with him…and I was prepared to stick with that…and then last night…

 

LANE: Yes?

 

RORY: He told me he *loved* me.

 

LANE: Oh my God. What did you do? Did you kiss him? Did you tell him you loved him too? What? What?

 

RORY: Calm down Lane…it’s more complicated than that.

 

LANE: What is?

 

RORY: This…me…Tristan. The whole relationship is just…out of control.

 

LANE: Let me see if I have this straight…a gorgeous guy, whose eyes a girl could seriously melt in and whose lips just scream…kiss me…he told you he loved you and you did nothing?

 

RORY: I’m still with Dean. Remember?

 

LANE: This is insane Rory? You do know that. Right?

 

RORY: I am aware this is an unusual situation.

 

LANE: Every girl but you waits for a moment like that. You’re sixteen and you’ve already had two guys tell you they love you. And you’ve pushed both of them away. I’m thinking therapy is definitely in order.  

 

RORY: I thought you would understand.

 

LANE: What I understand is that you’ve got this *gift* where guys are concerned. They fall all themselves to be near you. I would do just about anything to be in your shoes.

 

Rory sees her Grandmother’s car coming up the driveway.

 

RORY: No mention of Tristan to my Grandmother…okay?

 

LANE: My lips are sealed.

 

EXT: PARIS’ HOUSE-DAY

 

Tristan has changed into a bathing suit and is sitting on the side of the pool with his feet dangling in the water. Paris comes out of the house wrapped in a terry cloth robe.

 

TRISTAN: I wasn’t sure you were coming back.

 

PARIS: I’m here aren’t I?

 

TRISTAN: So…drop the robe and let’s swim.

 

Paris stands on the other side of the pool…hesitant to uncover.

 

TRISTAN: Is everything okay?

 

PARIS: Why do you ask?

 

TRISTAN: Because…you seem a little uncomfortable.

 

PARIS: This was a bad idea. I’m just going to go back upstairs and change. You go ahead and swim.

 

Tristan stands up on the other side of the pool.

 

TRISTAN: What’s going on? Did I do something?

 

PARIS: No…it’s just that I don’t feel like swimming anymore.

 

Tristan finally realizes what’s going on.

 

TRISTAN: Paris…are you afraid to show me what you look like in a bathing suit?

 

PARIS: (defensive) Not in the least.

 

TRISTAN: Then drop the robe.

 

PARIS: I told you…I don’t feel like swimming.

 

Tristan slowly walks over to where Paris is standing. He reaches for the sash on her robe. Paris steps back a little. But not before he has the sash in his hand.

 

TRISTAN: Come on Paris…it can’t possibly be that bad.

 

Tristan pulls the sash on Paris’ robe and the front comes open.

 

PARIS: Fine. But if you so much as snicker…you are out of here. Got it!

 

TRISTAN: I’ll be a silent observer.

 

Paris reluctantly pulls the robe off and sets it over a lounge chair. Tristan expecting the worse from Paris’ reluctant behavior is amazed as he sees for the first time what Paris looks like in her suit.

 

TRISTAN: Good God!

 

Paris grabs her robe and hurriedly covers herself.

 

PARIS: That’s it!

 

TRISTAN: No…Paris…I mean…wow! You look sensational.

 

PARIS: What?

 

TRISTAN: Don’t take this the wrong way…but…your body is amazing. Nothing here to be ashamed about.

 

PARIS: Great…now your being sarcastic.

 

TRISTAN: No…I’m not. Truly. Lets just say…I never imagined what you were hiding underneath that uniform.

 

PARIS: (softening a little) Really?

 

TRISTAN: Scouts honor.

 

Tristan is starting to get a little uncomfortable with his own reaction.

 

TRISTAN: (cont.) So…are you ready for that swim?

 

PARIS: Yes.

 

Paris drops the robe back on the lounge chair and walks with just a little bit more confidence towards the pool. Tristan can’t help but watch her as she walks…really enjoying the view. Tristan follows her into the pool and they both sit down on the second step in the water, which puts them up to their waist. As Tristan catches himself staring at Paris’ chest he decides it’s time to swim away. Paris follows suit and the two swim to the deep end of the pool and stop, hanging on to the side.

 

PARIS: This was a good idea. I forgot how much swimming really relaxes me.

 

At this point Tristan is anything but relaxed.

 

TRISTAN: Uh huh.

 

PARIS: Are you okay?

 

TRISTAN: Fine…I’m fine.

 

Tristan decides the best way to alleviate his tension is to get goofy. He reaches over and playfully ducks Paris’ head under the water and swims away. Paris reacts and starts swimming after him. She catches up with him and tries to duck him under but the water is too shallow and they start playfully wrestling.

 

PARIS: You are going under!

 

TRISTAN: You are amazingly strong for a woman.

 

PARIS: That is so sexist.

 

Paris takes her leg and goes behind Tristan’s knee with is…causing his leg to buckle and he goes under pulling Paris with him. Both of them come up sputtering from the unexpected water dunking. Tristan is still holding on to Paris and the moment suddenly becomes very tense. Before Tristan can comprehend what is happening he is kissing Paris. Paris is more than a little surprised. Almost as quickly as it started, it stops…and Tristan steps back embarrassed.

 

TRISTAN: Jesus…Paris. I’m so sorry.

 

Paris looks at Tristan afraid to say anything to break the moment. A moment she has dreamt about for a very long time…a moment she had convinced herself was never going to come. Knowing she is probably making herself very vulnerable, but not caring Paris reaches out and pull Tristan back towards her and begins kissing him again. Tristan’s first reaction is to stop this insanity, but as Paris kisses grow more insistent he finds himself swept up. Knowing that Paris *wants* to be kissing him heightens the intensity and enjoyment in his mind. Right or wrong…consequences be damned…he follows Paris movement for movement…neither sure where this may lead.