The Forgotten Gilmore

Chapter Twelve: Dorm Room Confessions

Alessia flopped onto her bed, her frustration palpable as she threw her arms out. Her dorm room was a clutter of textbooks, empty coffee cups, and a few posters on the walls. Beau, seated at her desk, tried to look interested as Alessia vented.

"Remind me never to go home again," Alessia said, her voice tinged with exasperation. "I swear, every time I go back, it's like stepping into a time capsule of judgment and high expectations."

Beau chuckled, leaning back in the desk chair. "What happened this time?"

Alessia sighed, pulling a pillow over her face before looking up. "Oh, you know. The usual. Emily and Richard had their noses in the air, acting like Yale is the holy grail and Harvard is just a shiny distraction. And Lorelai? I could practically feel her resentment radiating off her."

Beau raised an eyebrow. "Lorelai's still holding a grudge?"

"Of course," Alessia said, sitting up. "She's still mad that I chose Harvard over Yale. Like it's my fault Rory didn't get in. And don't get me started on the way they treat me compared to Rory. It's like I'm just a footnote in their story."

Beau nodded sympathetically. "That sounds rough. It's hard when you feel like you're living in someone else's shadow, especially in your own family."

"Exactly!" Alessia exclaimed. "And the dinner was a disaster. Emily spent half the evening snapping at the staff. I felt like I was in a bad sitcom."

Beau grinned. "Sounds like a classic Gilmore family dinner. I think we've all had our share of those. At least you survived it."

Alessia let out a small laugh. "Yeah, barely. Anyway, enough about my dysfunctional family. What's going on with you? Any drama in your world?"

Beau's cheeks flushed slightly, and he fidgeted with the edge of his shirt. "Well, actually, yes. There's this guy I've been interested in."

Alessia's eyes widened with curiosity. "Oh, tell me more! I'm dying to know!"

Beau's gaze dropped to his hands, and he mumbled, "It's kind of awkward to talk about."

Alessia leaned in, encouraging him with a grin. "Come on, Beau. Spill it. What's he like?"

Beau glanced up, his face a mix of excitement and hesitation. "Okay, so he's really tall with this dark, almost brooding look. He's got these intense blue eyes that seem to see right through you. He's got this effortless charm and a way of carrying himself that's both confident and laid-back. He's got this... kind of mysterious aura, like he's a bit of a lone wolf but still manages to be the life of the party when he wants to be."

Alessia raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "He sounds pretty captivating. But why are you so hesitant to tell me who he is?"

Beau's blush deepened, and he rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Well, he's actually one of my friends, and I don't want to make things awkward if he finds out. I mean, he's really cool and all, but I don't want to risk ruining our friendship if he doesn't feel the same way."

Alessia nodded understandingly. "Got it. He sounds like someone who could be really special. I hope things work out for you."

Beau grinned shyly. "Thanks. Just thinking about him makes me feel like I'm back in high school, you know?"

They both laughed, the tension of the earlier conversation easing as they switched topics. They spent the next hour gossiping about campus life, their classes, and anything else that came to mind, their conversation a welcome distraction from the stress of family dynamics.

As Beau prepared to leave, he turned to Alessia with a smile. "Thanks for letting me crash and for the rant session. I needed that."

"Anytime," Alessia said, giving him a warm smile. "We'll have to do this more often. And who knows? Maybe next time, we'll have some exciting updates on your crush."

Beau chuckled as he left the room, and Alessia settled back into her bed, feeling a little lighter despite the chaos of her family. She knew there would be more family dinners in the future, but for now, she was content to focus on her studies and the friendships that made her time at Harvard worthwhile.