The Forgotten Gilmore

Chapter Sixteen: The Overachiever's Lament

The sun was shining brightly over Stars Hollow, casting a golden glow over the quaint town. Alessia and Isabella strolled through the streets, Alessia's hands animatedly moving as she spoke.

"I can't believe I got an A+ on that history test," Alessia groaned, her tone dripping with exaggerated dismay. "Do you know what this means? I have set a standard I can never live up to again! What if my future tests don't match up? What if I peak in high school?"

Isabella chuckled, shaking her head at her friend's theatrics. "Alessia, you're seriously complaining about getting a good grade? Most people would be thrilled."

"But it's too much pressure!" Alessia insisted, dramatically throwing her hands in the air. "Now everyone's going to expect me to be this history genius. I'm doomed!"

As they rounded the corner, they almost bumped into Jess, who was leaning against the wall of the bookstore. He looked up, a smirk already forming on his lips. "What's got you all riled up, Gilmore?"

Alessia rolled her eyes at the nickname but couldn't help the small smile tugging at her lips. "Oh, just the tragedy of academic success. It's a curse, really."

Jess raised an eyebrow. "Let me get this straight. You're upset because you did well on a test?"

"An A+," Isabella clarified, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Jess let out a low whistle. "Wow, Gilmore. That's rough. How will you ever survive?"

"Exactly!" Alessia said, pointing at him. "Someone understands my pain."

The three of them continued walking, their banter flowing easily. Jess's sarcastic remarks blended seamlessly with Alessia's dramatics, and Isabella's laughter tied it all together.

"So, what's the plan for today?" Jess asked, glancing between the two girls.

"Honestly, we're just wandering around," Isabella replied. "No real plans."

"Perfect," Jess said. "I could use a break from all that intense reading and frog-catching."

They all laughed, the memory of their recent detention still fresh.

As they walked past Doose's Market, they spotted Rory and Dean coming out, carrying a bag of groceries. Rory's face lit up when she saw them, but Dean's expression was more neutral.

"Hey, guys!" Rory called out, waving.

"Hey, Rory!" Alessia greeted, her voice bright.

Dean gave a small nod. "Hey."

Jess's gaze lingered on Rory for a moment longer than necessary, a hint of something unreadable in his eyes. He quickly masked it with a smirk. "Shopping for anything exciting?"

"Just the usual," Rory said, holding up the bag. "Milk, bread, coffee... you know, essentials."

"Essentials, indeed," Alessia said, winking at Rory. "Can't live without coffee."

"Don't I know it," Rory agreed, grinning.

There was a brief, awkward silence as the five of them stood there, the dynamic slightly shifting with the presence of Dean.

"Well, we should get going," Dean said, his tone polite but firm. "See you guys around."

Jess's smirk widened. "Already? Come on, Dean, don't you want to hang out with us cool kids?"

Dean's jaw tightened. "We have plans."

"Right, plans," Jess said, nodding sagely. "Very important plans, I'm sure. Must be hard keeping up with Rory's fast-paced lifestyle."

Rory shot Jess a warning look. "Jess, stop."

"What? I'm just saying. Not everyone can handle the Gilmore whirlwind," Jess said, his eyes flicking to Dean.

Dean's eyes narrowed. "I handle it just fine."

"Sure you do, man," Jess said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Rory stepped in, trying to defuse the tension. "Okay, enough. Jess, stop being a jerk."

Jess raised his hands in mock surrender. "Hey, just making conversation."

Dean took a step closer to Rory, his protective stance clear. "Let's go, Rory."

"Yeah, let's," Rory said, giving Jess a final glare before walking away with Dean.

Once they were out of earshot, Alessia turned to Jess. "Do you always have to provoke him?"

Jess shrugged. "What can I say? It's a talent."

Isabella laughed. "You're impossible."

"I aim to please," Jess replied with a grin.

They continued their walk, the conversation shifting to lighter topics. As they passed by Luke's Diner, Jess glanced at Alessia. "So, Gilmore, any plans to celebrate your academic prowess?"

Alessia rolled her eyes. "Oh, you know, probably just a quiet evening with my history textbook. Maybe some dramatic sobbing thrown in for good measure."

"Sounds thrilling," Jess said, his tone deadpan.

"Hey, it's my life," Alessia said with a grin. "I live on the edge."

Isabella laughed, shaking her head. "You two are ridiculous."

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the town, the three friends made their way back to their respective homes. Despite Alessia's earlier theatrics, she couldn't help but feel content. Moments like these, with friends who understood her quirks and embraced her dramatics, made the loneliness at home a little more bearable.

And as they parted ways, Alessia couldn't help but look forward to the next adventure.

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AN: Comment what you think about this chapter