by Calico1185
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Author's Note: Ok, guys! This is not by any means great or even my best work, but you wanted a story and this was the best I could come up with! I also will try to get the next part out as soon as possible. Sorry this isn't that good, but it'll get better now that I have it more sorted out in my head.
Lorelei and Rory were standing in a corner of the Gilmore living room snickering. Richard and Emily were having their annual New Year's Party and had insisted that the two be in attendance. Lorelei had grudgingly agreed and she and Rory were now enjoying the sights and sounds of the bash….well, sort of. "Ok, now you see that one over there," Lorelei pointed. When her daughter nodded, she continued. "That woman is secretly thinking 'Oh, my, look how big her hips have gotten since Christmas!'," she told her. "And, oh, gracious! Look at those horrid highlights!" Rory mimicked the other woman thinking silently. Lorelei snickered. "Could these people possibly be any more superficial?" "I doubt it. And I should know, I go to school with their kids five days a week." Her mom "Mmmm"ed in response as she lifted her glass to take a sip. "Lorelei," Emily said excitedly as she came and put her hand on her daughter's arm. "I have some WONDERFUL news!" "Well, you want to tell us what that is? Or would you rather expound on how wonderful it is and not say anything else?" "Lorelei," Emily said in exasperation. "Personally, I'd like to hear how wonderful it is and never know what 'it' is. Cause, you know, then I can never share in the wonder of it all," Lorelei rambled off, knowing how frustrated her mother would get. "Lorelei!" Emily said more firmly. Satisfied that Rory had elbowed her mother, albeit smiling, and they were both silent, she continued. "Well, I know you were worried about leaving Rory alone for two weeks while we're at the reunion-" Lorelei rolled her eyes- "and now you won't have to!" She smiled triumphantly. Rory and Lorelei exchanged apprehensive glances before looking back at the woman. Emily had, somehow, convinced Lorelei to accompany her and Richard to Colorado for a two week family reunion. Rory had gotten out of it because of school, but Lorelei hadn't been quite so lucky. "Uh-Mom, what are you talking about?" "Well, I was talking with some friends of ours and told them about the reunion. When they heard that we were going to have to leave my granddaughter alone for two weeks and so far from school, they offered to let Rory stay with them. Lovely people! They have a son who attends Chilton so he and Rory can ride to school together!" Rory's face had turned a deadly pale and Lorelei took note of this. "Who?" she asked her mother. "The DuGreys!" she told them happily. "Their son had some classes with Rory, I believe. Their house is only 10 minutes from Chilt-why, Rory, are you alright?" Her eyes were still wide and her face still pale. Hearing the question, she snapped back to the current situation. "Yeah. Grandma, really, I'll be fine. I'll drive the jeep, I'll hang out with Lane-" "Rory, the DuGreys were gracious enough to make this offer and I've already accepted. It's not open for questioning," Emily reprimanded. "No!" Lorelei interjected. "Mom, I'm not forcing my child to stay with people she doesn't want to stay with." "Really, Lorelei, you should know better then to behave so rudely." "Rory!" Richard walked over to them. "I just heard that you'll be staying with the DuGreys while we're away. I'm glad to hear it! I've done business with the elder DuGrey and happen to know what wonderful people they are! I'm glad to see you're making such tasteful friends." "Dad, she's not staying with them," Lorelei cut Rory off before she had to deal with Emily again. "Are you sure? I just spoke with them-" "No, I mean, we're not accepting the offer. Rory doesn't want to and she doesn't have to." "We already HAVE accepted the offer. Really, Lorelei, why can't you accept help when people offer it? Rory would be around other people, not an empty house, she wouldn't have to get up so early, she'd have someone her own age-" Rory could see that the situation was starting to get out of hand and looked helplessly to her grandfather, who seemed to understand Lorelei's reluctance to accept the offer. Giving her an encouraging smile, he winked and glanced back at the two women before rolling his eyes playfully. Rory felt her spirits lighten a bit, but the two bickering women didn't seem to be experiencing the same lightened moment. Knowing that nothing good could come of this and neither woman would back down, she did the only think she could do. Her mom would support whatever decision she made, of course, but her grandmother was a different matter. That thought in mind, she made her decision. "It's ok, Mom. I'll stay with them." Lorelei stopped mid-sentence and turned to look at her in shock. Emily beamed, "There, you see. Rory knows proper manners. I'm sure you'll have a marvelous time, dear."
"So, why'd ya do it?" Lorelei asked as they climbed into their jeep. "To avoid an argument." "I thought the DuGreys were the parents of Evil One Himself," Lorelei continued. "And so they are." "Which would mean you're spending two weeks at his house." "Yes, it does." "Possibly seeing him after school." "Very likely." "Eating meals with him." "Inevitable." "So why?" Lorelei asked again, turning her attention from the road to her daughter. "I don't know. It just seemed like the only thing to do without causing a fight and it's bound to be a big house, so I'll avoid him. He'll be busy with The Flavor of the Week, anyway, so it shouldn't be hard." Lorelei stared hard at her daughter. "Uh huh. Easy to avoid him. Sure. We'll see." Turning back to the road, she shook her head. Rory was in for a long two weeks!
Rory was at her locker getting the books she'd need for first period when Tristan came and leaned against the locker next to hers. "So two weeks?" he asked. "Yes," Rory admitted bitterly. "Under the same roof?" he smirked. "Obviously." "Hmmm." "Don't 'hmmm' me," Rory snapped. "Relax, Mary. I'm not trying to torment you. I actually wanted to say I'm sorry." She turned to him, her interest piqued. "About?" "My parents. I know this wasn't your idea, so it was bound to be their's." She turned back to her locker. "Yeah, well, don't worry. I know it wasn't YOUR idea, so I can't exactly be mad at you-about THIS, anyway." "Well, bring your stuff with you Friday and I'll just drive you to my house." "No, really, I-" "Come on, just ride to the house with me. It'll be easier." "Fine. See you Friday." He pushed himself away and sauntered to his first class. Rory shook her head at him. She'd never figure him out! Friday Morning "Do you have your stuff packed?" Lorelei asked as she hopped on one foot and slipped her other shoe on. "Yep. I'm all ready for my two weeks of hell." "Wow! You never cuss. You must REALLY be looking forward to this!" Lorelei joked. "Oh, yeah. It'll be the best," her daughter responded sarcastically. "Ahhh, Honey! Remember what I told you: The best way to deal with him is to remove his head from his body when he starts getting too annoying to put up with." "Yes, and remember what I told you: I don't want to do time over someone like Tristan." "Plan B: Tell him you're a man." Her daughter laughed, "We'll see if I get that desperate. What about you? Are you ready?" Lorelei rolled her eyes. "I'm stuck being with people I don't really like for two weeks. I mean, the Haydens will even be there part of the time. Ugh! How much worse can it get? Oh! I remember, I've got to be with my MOTHER for two weeks!" "Behave," her daughter reminded her. "Yeah, yeah. Anyway, are you ready?" "Technically, yes." "Call me if you need me. If you're too miserable, ignore your grandmother's orders and leave. I don't CARE if it'll cause World War III, just leave if you have to." "Ok. I have to go. When are grandma and grandpa picking you up?" "Thirty minutes." "I love you. Bye." "Bye." Rory and her mom hugged before Rory picked up her bags and ran out the door to the bus stop.
Tristan was waiting when Rory appeared, book bag over her should and a large suitcase dragging her down. Walking briskly to her, he took the bag from her hands. She fell forward, surprised that the weight was no longer her burden. A hand reached to steady her arm and Tristan held the suitcase casually in his other hand. Looking up, she saw the blue eyes sparkling at her and smiled slightly. "Thanks." "No problem. You looked about ready to fall over." "It's heavy," she defended. "To you, it probably is. Come on, we'll put it in my car." Popping the trunk and dumping the suitcase into it, he turned and walked with her into the building. "So your mom already left?" "Yeah, my grandparents were going to pick her up." "Wish you could go with her?" "Be WITH my mom? Yes. Be AT the reunion? No," she admitted with a small laugh. "Completely understood." "See you after school," Rory told him as she disappeared into the crowd. "Bye, Mary." She turned to glare at him before walking off. Watching her blend into the crowd, Tristan sighed. How the hell was he supposed to get through these next two weeks with her constantly close at hand? Rory's Locker "You ready?" Rory turned at the question and saw Tristan smirking. "For?" "Your two weeks with ME, of course!" he smiled broadly. She rolled her eyes playfully. Their banter had become more friendly, but they still slipped into bitterness occasionally. "Lucky me! Two weeks with someone who can't even remember a simple name." "Uh uh! Keep the claws in!" "Keep the brain turned on," she shot back. Leading her to his car, he opened the door and took her bag, placing it in the back seat with his own. Climbing in, he turned to key and grinned at her. Rory didn't like that grin-she KNEW that grin! "Well, you know what they say: Men don't carry their brains in their heads, they carry them-" "Shut up!" Rory demanded with a blush, suddenly understanding what he was about to say. He laughed. "Just wanted to make sure you still wanted the brain turned on." Rory turned to glare at him before looking out the window. Tristan fiddled with the radio stations and surreptitiously watched her reactions to the different songs. When she started humming to one, he finally stopped and left it. A small smile flitted across her face while she watched the passing scenery and bobbed her head to the music, unaware that he had purposely found something she would like.
Tristan carried her things in and Rory followed timidly. A butler came to take her things and Tristan instructed him to take them to her room. Turning back to her, he grinned. "Come on. I told them to have coffee ready and waiting when we got back." "Smart man!" Rory praised as she shoved him to a faster pace. In all truth, she would have just sped on without him if she had ANY clue where the kitchen was. Following him through the maze, she barely took in the décor as the smell of coffee got stronger with each step. When they finally walked into the kitchen, they were greeted with the sight of a full coffee pot and two oversized mugs. "Ahhh.." she purred affectionately as she brushed past Tristan, "sweet, sweet coffee!" Tristan watched in amazement as she reverently poured her coffee, inhaled the scent and took a deep sip. Leaning back against the counter, she exhaled contentedly. Shaking his head, he moved to get his own mug. "I think I speak for all mankind when I beg you to PLEASE get control over this addiction!" She shook her head. "Forget it, Evil One. Where's my room?" she asked, breaking him off before another coffee put down could be made. "Third floor, west wing, 4th hall, 3rd door on the right," he responded without hesitation. "Ok, where?" He smirked. "I'll show you." Pushing away from the counter, he opened the kitchen door and waited for her to follow him. After a moment, he turned to see her pouring the remainder of the coffee into her now empty mug. Cocking his head to the side and raising his eyebrows, he glanced from her to his own half full mug. "You're terrible." "Lead the way," she told him, ignoring the coffee comment. She allowed him to walk in front of her and followed as he led her through the large house. Her grandparents' house seemed much more reasonable now! This place was….a museum! Tristan led her down a hall and into a room. "I thought you said my room was on the right." "I did," he responded easily. "This room is on the left…and looks lived in." "And so it is. It's my room. I'm getting a book for you." Rory looked around the spacious room. It was the size of the downstairs of her house! On the right, she saw a recliner with an end table next to it, a king sized bed with a royal blue comforter, and several bookcases with various items. On the left was a door to his own bathroom, an oversized desk, a coffee table covered with skeets of paper and his closet. But the wall in front of her, where Tristan was standing, was what caught her attention. A floor to ceiling bookcase filled with books! It was her dream come true. "What all are they?" she asked softly as she moved forward. Tristan turned to look at her. Her eyes had grown wide and soft, adoration plainly visible in them. "They're books. How are you in Chilton without knowing this?" She turned to give him a look. "I realize they're books, I was asking what KINDS of books they are." "Anything and everything. History, novels, poetry, etc. etc." Rory skimmed the titles and then turned to stare at Tristan in astonishment. "These are really good." "What, you've read them all?" he asked, amused by her reaction to books. After all, they were mostly classics or history. "No, but I recognize the titles and authors, Funny Man. You must have 300 books here!" "Well, feel free to come in and borrow any of them that you want. They're at your disposal." Thank you," Rory breathed, already plucking a book off the shelf. "Ok, well, I have some things I have to do before dinner, so why don't I show you to your room and we can study after we eat?" "Why do you care when I study?" she asked without looking up. "Well, since you're here, I thought we could study together. It'll go faster." "I know I told you I view studying as a solitary activity." He sighed. "Look, I think we should call a truce since we're going to be seeing so much of each other for the next two weeks." "You'll be nice?" she asked skeptically, now looking at him. "I'll try my best." She considered it for a moment. Well, a Tristan trying to be nice was better than a Tristan not CARING if he was nice. "Ok. Truce." They shook hands and he led her back to the door. Walking about four feet down in the direction they had just come from, he stopped at the first door on the right. "Right across the hall from you?" she turned to ask him, suspicious of his motives. "My parents are in the east wing and put us in the west wing so we won't be in the way. I figure if you need something, you'll have access to me and it's better than nothing. It's not like I'm going to come barging into your room." "Fine. Thanks for the help….and the book!" "Ok, I'll come get you for dinner." She nodded and pushed the door open. Closing it behind her, she leaned back and observed her room. It was huge! Almost as big as Tristan's. Seeing that her clothes had already been unpacked and put into dressers and the closet, she flopped on her bed and opened her book.
True to his word, Tristan came to lead her to the dining room for dinner. The table was huge and only she, Tristan and his father were sitting at it, his mother having gone to a social dinner. As an uncomfortable silence spread over the table, Rory glanced to Tristan and his father. Neither seemed at ease and loving to each other, giving Rory cause to wonder why. She didn't know much about the DuGreys and had only seen Tristan when he showed her to her room. After that, he had disappeared and she hadn't seen him. "So, Rory, how do you like Chilton?" Mr. DuGrey finally asked. "Oh, very much, thank you," she replied sweetly. "Do you and Tristan know each other very well? Have any classes together?" Rory's gaze turned back to Tristan. It seemed his parents didn't know anything about her and their constant battle. Did they EVER talk? "Yes, actually, I do. We know each other fairly well." "How lovely. I know your grandparents and they're wonderful people." Rory could tell by the tone that these were rehearsed lines that he used frequently at social engagements and wondered briefly if he knew how transparent he was. "Yes, they are. I'm a big fan." Tristan smirked and the subtle sarcasm and their eyes met across the table. At her look of confusion, annoyance, timidity and frustration with the social restraints, he gave her an encouraging smile. He got a small, faint smile in return before he turned back to his food, wishing she didn't have to be tied down to these dinners with his dad-and tomorrow she'd have to have dinner with BOTH his parents. They were-cold. There was almost no emotion in them and Rory was so full of life. Shaking his head slightly at the situation, he squared his shoulders and prepared to finish out the meal.
Tristan and Rory were sitting in his room studying-well, he was trying to study. She had, for once, abandoned her text books and was again going through his bookcases. His attention was drawn to her figure as she scanned the different book titles, occasionally picking one up to examine it more closely. She was wearing jeans and a dark green shirt with long sleeves and a deep v-neck. Her hair, long and loose, was pushed back over her shoulder whenever it interfered with her view of the books, but was otherwise forgotten. He himself was casually dressed in jeans and a close fitting, dark gray pull over sweater. Lounging on the floor with a pillow behind him, he continued to watch her. "How many of these have you read?" she finally asked, a tone of wonder clearly evident. "You know, I CAN read," he defended himself. She rolled her eyes. "Yes, I know. And as FANTASTIC as that is, that wasn't what I was asking about. Which ones are your favorites? I can't pick one." He pulled himself off the floor and went to stand next to her. "Uhh…for you, something sweet and romantic-" "Hey!" she playfully slapped him across the chest. "What? Crude and romantic?" he questioned with a smirk. "Who says it has to be romance?" "Nobody. I'm guessing. How about Great Expectations?" "Already read it." "David Copperfield?" "Read it." "The Old Man And The Sea?" "Read it." He turned to give her a look. One mixed with disbelief, humor and a mild trace of annoyance. Seeing the innocent smile she tauntingly threw back at him, he returned to his task. "Jane Austen?" "Read all of them." "Why bother reading anymore?" "Because it's fun. Anymore suggestions?" He sighed and cocked his head. "Jane Eyre?" "Ooh! I haven't read that one!" "We'll have to inform the officials. They may want to make this a national holiday!" "Tristan-" "Flags will fly at half mast-" "Moving on now." "Government offices will be closed down-" Rory tuned out as she recalled having almost this same conversation with her mother once. It was weird, but she could swear Tristan was practically quoting her! Realizing that he was still going, she quickly cut him off. "Thank you for the help, now let's get back to work."
Tristan and Rory had now moved to a more comfortable position on his bed. She sat perched at the foot of the bed while he was sitting somewhere close to the head of it, facing her. He'd begged to call it a night on account of the fact that it was late, but she had been adamant that they get this assignment done FIRST! They'd been working in steady silence with only a small lamp next to the bed on, the rest of the room cast in shadows. Rory turned her gaze from one book to the other. The dimly lit room cast a shadow across one and she raised it to get better light. Reading the portion she wanted to, she set the book back down and returned to flipping through her notebook. Tristan was, at the moment, absorbed in his own notes and wasn't paying a bit of attention-until they both heard the tiny noise. Turning her head toward the door, Rory saw a small girl standing there. Her blonde hair fell down half her back and her white nightgown touched the floor. She was holding a small teddy bear crushed to her, and seeing her eyes, Rory saw the tears standing there. Without a word or a look back at Rory, Tristan silently removed himself from the bed. As he approached the girl, she simply stretched her arms up. Tristan obligingly picked her up and held her to his shoulder while she curled up against him. Rory watched as he walked out, no explanation offered. Tristan walked down the hallway and turned to the left. Entering her room, he went to the rocking chair and sat down with her. He hated seeing this. She didn't deserve it.
Rory was trying to stay focused on her homework and not the little girl. She'd been trying to forget the past twenty minutes-with no luck. Tristan hadn't seemed surprised to see her. Simply gone to her. Giving up any pretense of studying, Rory got up and walked through his door. He'd gone further down the hall on the left, so she followed that direction, promptly encountering another left turn. Peeking down the hall and seeing a door standing halfway open and a light in there, she hesitated for a moment, then went that way. Tristan couldn't stand this. Leaning his cheek against the side of his sister's head, he let his mind wander to the four and a half years since she had entered the world. She'd been unexpected by all and unwanted by his parents. His right hand rubbed her back while his left hand idly combed through her blonde hair. Rory stopped outside the door and she peeked in. Tristan was rocking in a rocking chair, the little girl contentedly sleeping up against him. Her face was turned to the side, facing Rory, her hair curling across Tristan's chest. He was staring straight ahead of him, his hand idly stroking the petite little head resting serenely against him. Stepping silently into the room, Rory hesitantly fiddled with the doorknob as she leaned against the doorframe. Tristan sensed her immediately, but made no move to mark her presence. Rory knew he knew she was there, he always knew, but waited for him to acknowledge her. When he failed to do so, she boldly stepped further into the room. Crossing the distance to stand beside him, she reached to brush a strand of hair off the girl's face. She stirred slightly and rubbed her knuckles against her cheek before sighing and nestling back down. There was a moment of silence before either spoke. "Who is she?" Rory finally whispered. Tristan had yet to look at her but did so now, even if it was only a brief glance. "My sister." Rory stood in shock for barely a second. "I didn't know you had a sister," she finally managed to get out. "Not many people do. My parents don't parade her around much." There was a pause and Rory wasn't sure if he was going to tell her anything else, but then he continued, "She was unexpected. My parents didn't really want kids-me, even-they just had me because they wanted an heir. After they got someone to carry on their 'legacy', they didn't have any interest in kids. They sent me to all the right schools and introduced me to all the right people-they were prepping me to take over our business and bring more esteem and respect to the DuGrey name. Then four and a half years ago they found out that another child was on the way. Aborting her was a real possibility in their eyes, but the scandal that would bring! So they had her. I fell in love with her the moment I saw her. I'd grown up in this dungeon and she wasn't a part of that. I wasn't going to let her be. My parents moved her down here when she was three months old. Three months." Rory sat down on the floor next to him as she continued to listen to the story, amazed at the lack of love two parents could show to their child. Tristan was looking at his sister now, pain shining in his eyes at the memory of her first few months. "They hired a nanny for her. My mom didn't want the burden of nursing, so they never really saw her. Everyday, after school, I come up and spend time with her. Aside from me, her nanny and an occasional meeting with our parents or a staff member, she hasn't really met a lot of people." A new thought seemed to surface in his mind and his face hardened with it. "I had a party last year. I had one every year, it was expected of me. Everyone came. My sister had asked me if she could come down. I told her she could. That afternoon she had her nanny help her get her favorite dress on before she came bounding into my room. God, she was excited! She'd never been to a party before. Our parents never let her down while they were having one. So that night, after everyone had been there for a while, she came down. She's always been shy, so she started looking around for me since she didn't know anyone there. The guys knew I love my sister and acted indifferent. They knew better than to upset her. But the girls-" he paused to shake his head, again staring at the wall in front of him. Rory reached up to rub the girl's back again. "The girls didn't know anything about her. They were cruel-uncaring. One of my friends nudged me and I looked around to see my three year old sister crying. I brought her back up here and spent the rest of the night watching a movie with her. My parents tore into me for abandoning my guests, but I didn't care. Those girls had ripped into her! Absolutely heartless. To a THREE YEAR old! My parents didn't see it that way, though. How could they? They're the same way to her. They fight about who's fault it is that they're "stuck" with her-like she was a mistake that shouldn't have happened. They fight about her IN FRONT of her." He stopped and waited before speaking again, much more softly this time, "She heard them fighting again tonight. It wasn't about her, but it got vicious-that's why she came into my room." Rory looked down. She couldn't believe that two people could be so hard hearted to their own child-but it wasn't just the girl. It was Tristan, too. She was leaning against his knees and now glanced up to meet his eyes. "What's her name?" she asked gently. He sighed. "Ophelia. Ophelia Joy." He gave a short, bitter laugh. "The staff call her 'Miss Ophelia', our parents call her 'The Child'." Rory shifted her eyes back to his. "What about you?" "Joy. She brought joy into this household, so that's what I call her." Rory smiled slightly at the affection she saw between brother and sister. "What should I call her?" Tristan turned to gaze back at her in surprise. She wanted to know which one Joy would want? Why was he surprised? Rory was someone who cared about everyone. "Joy. She prefers Joy." Tristan and Rory locked eyes and there was another moment of silence before both turned their attention back to the girl shifting against Tristan's chest. He stood and made his way over to the bed, careful not to bump Rory who had been propped against his knees. She stood to follow him and moved the covers back. He laid Joy down and Rory pulled the covers over her. The girl curled herself into a ball as her brother bent and pressed a small kiss to her cheek. Following Rory out of the room, he turned off the light and cracked the door. Not wanting to go into this anymore tonight, he told her, "You should get to bed. It's late. We can finish our homework tomorrow." Rory nodded and left him, wondering what had just happened.
Rory rolled over and rubbed a hand over her eyes. Pulling her alarm clock closer to her face, she noted that it was already 10:00. Pushing the covers back she ran a hand through her tangled hair. Deciding that it was beyond the "my fingers can double as a brush and do a good job" phase, she picked up her brush and combed it through her hair. Noticing that this shirt really required a bra, she threw one on before making her way to Tristan's door. Seeing that it was open, she walked in. "Tristan?" she called. Glancing around and deciding that he wasn't there, she turned and made her way cautiously to Joy's room. Nearing it, she heard Tristan and a little girl talking with an occasional laugh. She wasn't sure if she should intrude, but there was really nothing she could do. Tristan turned to see Rory standing in a black tank top and creamy satin pajama bottoms. Her long, straight hair had been brushed through and hung around her shoulders. It was obvious that she just woke up, but he couldn't help thinking that she was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. "Good morning, Sleeping Beauty," he called with a smirk. She shook her head back at him. "Uh uh. Coffee before bantering. It's a rule." "Then why are you in here instead of getting coffee?" "Because it's also too early to get lost and you know WHERE the coffee is." He laughed. "This is sad. Hang on and I'll go get you some." "Oooh! Either two big cups or one huge one!" Sighing at her addiction, he turned back to his sister. "Joy, this is my friend, Rory. She's staying with us for two weeks." "Hi, Joy!" Rory chirped with a smile. If Tristan was right and this girl was shy, being cheerful was probably the best tactic. Joy's blue eyes turned from Rory back to Tristan as she stood slightly behind him. He chuckled and reached behind him to swing her up into his arms. "Rory's a REALLY nice person! She's very sweet, like you. Will you stay with her while I go get her some coffee so she doesn't turn into a monster?" Rory narrowed her eyes playfully at his last sentence, but she saw Joy starting to relent. Hesitantly nodding her head, she turned back to Rory, her long blonde curls swirling around her shoulders. Tristan set her down and brushed past Rory, murmuring for her ears alone, "And you ARE a monster without your coffee!" Rory would have smacked him for it, but didn't want to lose what little trust she had with Joy. As he disappeared down the hall, she turned with a smile and took a small step towards the little girl. "How old are you?" "Four and a halthf," Joy told her with a slight lisp. Rory's smile broadened at the lisp. Many little children had one at that age and she found it just as endearing as dimples. "Why, you're all grown up!" she exclaimed. She was rewarded by a broad smile from the child and continued. "And what a beautiful young lady you are!" "So are you!" Joy eagerly told her. "Why, thank you!" "For what? The coffee?" Tristan asked as he came in behind her, three mugs in hand. "You're sister told me I was beautiful," she corrected, "but I always thank anyone for cof-oooh, three cups!" she squealed. "Are you out of your mind? I'm not encouraging this. One for each of us and milk for Joy." Rory pouted playfully as she accepted her mug. Taking a sip, the pout faded and a look of utter contentment replaced it. Tristan had been watching her and shook his head-AGAIN-at her response to coffee. "You're addicted," he muttered as he took a sip of his own coffee. "And you're a smart alleck. What of it?" Rory fired back, sure to keep her voice sweet for the attentive ears following their conversation. "Oh, nothing. Nothing at all. Hey, Joy, I have to go run some errands, but I can get your nanny over here so you won't be alone." "I can stay with her," Rory quickly offered. Tristan's eyes turned back to her, but before he could respond, Joy was doing it for him. "Tank you!" He shrugged his approval of the plan and pushed away from the bed he had been leaning against. Telling them that he had to shower and get ready, he smiled to himself and wondered what these next two weeks would bring.
Tristan bounded up the stairs and went to dump his stuff in his room. Some of his friends had cornered him and he'd ended up having lunch with them, spending entirely too much time out as far as he was concerned. He knew Joy wasn't good with strangers, she was only "comfortable" with her nanny and she saw her every day, so he wanted to go and relieve both Rory and Joy. Walking briskly down the hall, he stopped in his tracks as he heard bursts of giggles erupting. "With the sound of MUUUUSSSSSIIIIICCCC," Rory exaggerated the last word before breaking off in another laugh as Joy giggled fitfully. "My heart wants to sing every soooong-" Joy took over. Tristan smiled as he leaned against the wall and listened to the two. Peeking in, he saw Rory and Joy facing each other and presenting their profiles to him. Rory was wearing a feather boa, oversized pink sun glasses and play crown, a pretend wand in her hand as she pretended it was a microphone. Joy was wearing play jewelry, Rory's heels and a scarf around her neck, her comb dubbing as her microphone. The girls were both bent over with laughter at the moment and failed to notice him until he stepped further into the room and applauded them. They immediately jerked to face him. "We were just-and we saw-" Rory tried to explain, the giggles making it impossible. Clearing her throat and straightening her shoulders in a miserable attempt to look dignified, she told him, "We were watching "The Sound of Music" and became inspired." "Look!" Joy chirped. "Rory let me wear her shoes!" She extended her leg to show him and started to lose her balance, Rory's hand quickly coming to her shoulder to steady her. They shared a quick smile and tried valiantly to hold back another round of laughter. "And what beautiful shoes they are!" Tristan acknowledged. "The music was truly beautiful, too." Joy and Rory both gave up their attempts at composure at this and Rory lifted Joy out of her shoes to insure she didn't topple over. "Hey, at least we can perform!" Rory defended and Joy nodded her agreement. "I can perform!" Tristan defended himself. "Ok, sing!" Rory demanded. "I said 'perform'. Nobody said it had to be singing," he pointed out. She rolled her eyes. "Ok, fine. So what CAN you do?" "Magic tricks!" Her eyebrows shot up. "Really?" "Yes. Here, let me show you." He picked up some cards from a small table and was quickly stopped by Rory. "Oh, wait! You'll need some magic help from my magic wand." He held out his hand and she tapped him with it. "Thanks. Now watch them." He curled them into his fist, brought his other fist up next to him and shook both hands, turning into a complete circle, he stuck the cards in his pocket. Holding both hands up and opening them, he smiled triumphantly at them. Rory and Joy both "oooed" and "ahhed" as Rory gave him a disbelieving shake of her head. He smirked in return and reached to take the sun glasses off her face. "Here," he put them on, "how do they look on me?" Rory nodded her approval. "Oh, they're you!" "You think?" "Definitely."
Tristan and Rory were sitting in uncomfortable silence with his parents. Neither seemed interested in conversation and the meal had progressed this way for close to half an hour. Joy had, not surprisingly, not come down. She seemed content to eat upstairs and not with her parents. Taking a small bite of her food, Rory again glanced around at the three DuGreys. Tristan met her eyes over the table and a half smile was forced out for her. "Well, Rory, I hear that you and Tristan have several classes together. Do you enjoy Chilton as much as he does?" Mrs. DuGrey asked, almost as if noticing the girl's presence for the first time. "I really like the academic drive," she looked back at Tristan and he saw what appeared to be a smirk make it's way across her lips, "although Tristan and I have a different outlook on school." "Really? How so?" the woman asked. "I just-" Rory started. "Rory doesn't see it as as much of a dungeon as I do," Tristan broke in and saved her. "What makes you think it's such a dungeon?" his mother asked, his father remaining silent. "Have you SEEN the place? It's so-" "Off with their heads?" Rory offered, remembering her and Lorelei's reaction to it on her first day of school. "Yeah. Gargoyles galore." "Ah. I see." The table returned to silence and Rory breathed a sigh of relief when the meal was concluded. Maybe she should see if she could eat with Joy.
Hearing small feet, Rory opened her door. She hadn't been able to sleep since she had awakened at four and now saw Joy coming around the corner. When Joy saw her, she stopped and smiled. Rory softly went to the child. "What do you think you're doing?" she asked as she stooped down. "I want Tistan!" the little one informed her. "Well, Sweetie, I think it's a little early to get him up. Why don't you wait a little while and get him then?" "I want Tistan NOW!" she insisted. Rory could only imagine how someone like Tristan DuGrey would react to being awakened before sunrise on a Sunday morning, but the child was adamant. Admitting defeat, she walked with the girl to his door and peeked in. He was lying on his back wearing a wife beater shirt and his face was turned slightly away from them. Looking back at Joy, Rory nodded hesitantly and hoped Tristan wouldn't be too angry with them. Joy got a running start and jumped onto the bed, directly on Tristan. He woke with a loud "oof" and looked at his little sister. She sat indian style on his stomach and he reached for his watch. Seeing the time, he dropped it back to his nightstand. "And just what are you doing waking me up this early?" "Rory said I could!" the girl defend as she pointed to Rory, still standing in the doorway. Tristan turned his head and scooted over before patting the spot on the bed next to him. Rory obliged and came to sit there. "Why on earth would you suggest she do this?" he asked once she was settled. "I didn't. She was going to do it, anyway, so I was watched the show. The idea was all her's!" "Potato, pataato," he insisted. "Here. Since you two are so wide awake," he lifted Joy and set her in Rory's lap. Rolling over on his side, he closed his eyes again. Joy looked up at Rory who was smiling. Leaning down and whispering in Joy's ear, Rory decided to see just how far they could take this without him getting mad. Joy nodded and reached to tickle her brother's side. He immediately jerked his arm to protect the spot and laughed fitfully. Taking his sisters arms, he pulled her next to him and kept her still. "Ok, now THAT was your idea," he said, turning back to Rory. "Yep. That one was." "Geez, Mary, so anxious to see me?" "Behold, The Ego!" she declared to the room in general. "Hey, you're the one in MY bed!" Rory looked down at where she sat and shrugged her innocence.
"Tistan, I don't WANT to go!" Rory stopped as she heard Joy's declaration. "I know, but it's not for long. And you have fun with them. They take you places and give you lots of junk food. Once you get there you'll have a good time." This time Rory KNEW that she shouldn't intrude, but did so anyway. "Where's she going?" she asked as she walked into Joy's room. Tristan was sitting on Joy's bed and she was cradled in his lap. He picked his head up at her voice. "She's going to stay with our grandparents for a while. She goes every year and always has a blast, but not until she gets there." Rory crossed the room to kneel in front of them. "Ahh, Sweetie, it'll be great! I'm sure you'll have fun. We'll call you every night!" Tristan watched as she knelt there and tried to comfort the little child. It was so like Rory. Joy sniffed and started talking to Rory, her voice considerably calmer. Tristan tuned out the words as he watched the actions in awe. Rory smiled softly, concern for the little girl in her eyes. Reaching her hands out, she stood as Joy moved from his grasp and wrapped her arms around Rory's neck. Tristan snapped back to it. "We'll be back in just a minute," Rory told him as she disappeared from the room. After a few minutes of silence, he went down the hall to Rory's room. She was sitting on the floor with the girl, a stuffed rabbit in Joy's arms. "My mom gave this to me when I went to a summer camp when I was younger. I want you to take him with you." Joy hugged the rabbit close to her and grinned at Rory, thankful for the companion. Turning to Tristan, she nodded that yes, she was ready to leave now. She kissed Rory's cheek and help up her arms as Tristan came forward to get her. Rory watched as they disappeared. Joy had been a buffer between her and Tristan, but now she was back to just being with him for two weeks. This wasn't good. "Hey, some friends are meeting me tonight. I thought you might want to come," Tristan stopped in the doorway and turned back as if this was a sudden thought. "Oh, no that's ok. You go. Have fun." He cocked his head to the side, exasperation clearly evident. "Come on, Mary. It'll be fun. For once, just come." Rory hesitated and Tristan took this as a sign on encouragement. "We won't be gone long, I promise. Besides, what else are you going to do?" Rory hesitantly nodded her head. Tristan turned and continued on his way with Joy, leaving Rory to wonder what tonight would bring-out, alone…with Tristan DuGrey.
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