The Forgotten Gilmore

Chapter Six: Frayed Nerves

Riley sat at his desk, the clutter of textbooks and notes barely visible beneath the weight of his stress. His earlier conversation with his father replayed in his mind, the pressure of expectations pressing heavily on him.

The call had begun with the usual pleasantries, but it quickly took a turn as his father's voice took on a more serious tone.

"Riley, how are you holding up?" his father asked, though it sounded more like a lead-in to a lecture.

"I'm managing," Riley replied, trying to keep his voice neutral.

"You know, I've been hearing some things about your performance," his father said, a note of disapproval in his tone. "Some people are concerned about your focus. You've got to start thinking about your future."

Riley clenched his jaw. "I'm working hard, Dad. I've got a lot on my plate right now."

"Yeah, I get that. But you've got to get your priorities straight," his father continued. "College isn't just about playing hockey. It's about preparing for the real world."

"I know," Riley said, frustration creeping into his voice. "But I'm doing my best."

"Best isn't always good enough, Riley," his father said sharply. "You need to step it up if you want to make something of yourself. You're not a kid anymore; you need to be more responsible."

Riley felt his patience fraying. "I'm doing everything I can. I don't need you breathing down my neck about it."

"Well, if you'd just listen to some advice for once, maybe you wouldn't feel so overwhelmed," his father said, his voice rising. "You need to stop being so stubborn and actually consider what's best for your future."

The conversation ended with Riley's father's words ringing in his ears. "We'll talk more later. Just think about what I said."

As the call ended, Riley was left staring at the wall, feeling a deep sense of frustration and inadequacy.

Hours Later:

Alessia, sensing Riley's distant mood, approached him as he sat in his room, trying to bury himself in his studies. She noticed the dark circles under his eyes and the tense set of his shoulders.

"You've been off all day," Alessia said, her voice gentle but persistent. "I know something's up. Please, just talk to me."

Riley looked up, irritation flickering in his eyes. "I told you, I don't want to talk about it."

Alessia's brow furrowed. "But you're shutting me out. I care about you. I just want to help."

Riley's frustration began to simmer. "I appreciate that, but you're making it harder by pushing me. I need to handle this on my own."

Alessia's concern deepened. "I'm not trying to intrude. I just want to understand what's going on. It's like you're closing me out completely."

Riley's jaw tightened. "It's not about you. I just need some space to figure things out."

Alessia's voice grew firmer. "It feels like you're pushing me away. If you don't want to talk, that's one thing, but don't act like I'm the problem here."

Riley's patience snapped. "I already told you I didn't want to talk about it, yet you keep insisting!"

Alessia's eyes widened, a mixture of hurt and frustration crossing her face. "That's because I care about you! I'm trying to be there for you."

Riley's face flushed with anger. "Well, did I ask for you to care about me? I just want some time to myself."

The argument escalated, both of them raising their voices as emotions flared. Alessia felt overwhelmed by Riley's reaction, while Riley struggled to control his mounting irritation.

Alessia took a deep breath, trying to calm the situation. "If you need space, fine. I'll give you that. But don't act like I'm being unreasonable for wanting to help."

Without waiting for a response, Alessia turned and walked out, leaving Riley alone with his turbulent thoughts. He stared at the door, feeling a mix of guilt and frustration. The weight of his father's expectations and his own internal conflicts seemed to crush him further.

Seeking an escape from the emotional storm, Riley grabbed his jacket and left the dorm, his mind racing. He made his way to Beau's room, hoping for some quiet solace.

Beau opened the door, surprised to see Riley standing there, looking worn out. "Hey, Riley. Everything okay?"

"Can I stay here for a bit?" Riley asked, his voice rough with exhaustion. "I just need a break from everything."

Beau nodded, stepping aside. "Yeah, of course. Come in."

As Riley settled into the familiar space of Beau's room, the quiet and calm offered a brief respite from the turmoil of the day. Despite the unresolved argument with Alessia, the sense of normalcy in Beau's room provided a small comfort as Riley tried to process his emotions.