In The Forgotten Gilmore, Alessia Gilmore grapples with adolescence in Stars Hollow, a town where gossip flows as freely as coffee at Luke's Diner. Overshadowed by her mother Lorelai's bond with twin sister Rory, Alessia finds solace in her irrevere...
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The sharp chill of the rink air hit Alessia's face as she stepped into the college ice skating arena, the frosty atmosphere a stark contrast to the warm autumn air outside. She pulled her scarf tighter around her neck, the soft wool brushing against her skin, and clutched her steaming cup of coffee. She had dressed for the occasion-her favorite autumn outfit consisting of a cozy knit sweater, a plaid skirt, and knee-high boots. The outfit wasn't just about looking cute; it was also about layering up to fend off the cold that seeped through the arena.
Her breath visible in the cold air, Alessia spotted Beau and Riley already out on the ice, weaving between orange cones and gliding with effortless grace. Beau, with his tousled brunette hair falling into his eyes, shot her a wide grin as he skated past. Riley, in contrast, remained focused, his dark eyes fixed ahead as he expertly maneuvered around the cones. Alessia couldn't help but notice the sharp contrast between them-Beau's easygoing energy versus Riley's intense, deliberate movements.
She settled into a seat near the glass, sipping her coffee as she watched the practice unfold. Although she was there primarily to support Beau, her attention kept drifting back to Riley. He was a strong, controlled skater, every movement precise. There was something almost mesmerizing about the way he skated, a kind of quiet power in the way he pushed himself across the ice.
As more of the team gathered on the ice, the coach blew his whistle to get everyone's attention. The coach, a grizzled veteran with a booming voice, had been with the college for years and was known for his tough but fair approach. He barked instructions, and the players quickly fell into formation, running through drills designed to enhance their coordination and teamwork.
"These first few practices are all about building that trust, that synchronization," the coach announced, pacing along the edge of the rink. "You're all new here, so it's crucial you learn how each other moves, how each other thinks."
Beau and Riley fell into step with their teammates, passing the puck back and forth in a carefully choreographed drill. Alessia marveled at how they adapted to each other's styles, quickly learning when to push forward, when to hold back, and how to anticipate each other's moves. The team wasn't there yet, but there were flashes of brilliance-moments where everything clicked, and the team moved as one fluid unit.
During a break, Beau skated over to the glass where Alessia was sitting. He pulled off his helmet, revealing a mess of sweaty brunette waves, and grinned at her.
"You enjoying the show?" he asked, slightly out of breath.
Alessia smiled, holding up her coffee. "You guys look great out there. I didn't know hockey could be so... synchronized."
Beau chuckled, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Yeah, it's more than just smashing into people, you know. We've gotta work together, feel the game out as a team."
Before she could respond, Riley skated up behind Beau, his helmet still on, but his eyes sharp as ever. "You're in my way, Beau," he said, his voice low but not unkind.
