This Changes Everything {Book 1-S1}

Duplex Date Noctem {S1-Epi 3-Pt 3}

{Latin ^ Meaning date night.} Tuesday, January 25th 2011 {Day 17}

{Words: 4030}

At the bowling alley later, a low-key establishment with a dozen lanes that is reasonably busy, Scott and Allison stand near the ball rack, contemplating their choices. Meanwhile, Lydia and Jackson occupy a lane, already sporting their bowling shoes. Allison takes each ball in her hands, testing their weight and feel.

Scott, observing Allison's familiarity with the sport, shakes his head in admiration. "You seem to know what you're doing."

Allison smiles, a hint of nostalgia in her eyes. "I used to bowl with my father. When was the last time you played a game of bowling?"

Scott hesitates, memories resurfacing as he recalls a childhood event. "When I was eight, I was at a birthday party with my brother..."

As Allison walks away to make her selection, Lydia turns to Jackson and gestures towards the lane. "I'm first, Jackson?" Jackson grabs a bright pink ball and positions Lydia, assisting her with her stance. She takes her turn and manages to knock down a few pins.

Lydia sneers playfully. "I'm terrible at this." Soon, it's Allison's turn. She confidently releases the ball down the lane, and to everyone's amazement, it glides with grace and precision, knocking down all the pins in one go.

Lydia grins, impressed. "Someone brought their A-game." She returns to her seat with a triumphant expression, while Scott applauds her performance cautiously, offering a nod of acknowledgment as she joins him. Scott wipes the sweat from his brow, trying to maintain composure. Jackson steps forward and effortlessly scores a strike, prompting Lydia's enthusiastic applause as he struts back, his gaze fixed on Scott.

Jackson nods at Scott. "You're up, McCall." Scott takes a deep breath, steeling himself, and picks up a bowling ball.

Allison encourages him with a smile. "You can do it, Scott." Scott approaches the lane tentatively, his nerves evident, as Jackson watches with anticipation, eager for Scott's failure.

Scott gathers his resolve and hurls the ball down the lane, but it's an awkward and ungraceful throw. It barely makes it a few feet before crashing into the gutter. Scott winces in agony, closing his eyes to shield himself from the laughter echoing behind him.

Looking at Jackson, Allison scoffs. "Jackson, mind shutting up?"

Jackson smiles mischievously and shakes his head. "Sorry, I'm just remembering the words 'I'm a fantastic bowler.'"

Allison smiles playfully. "Perhaps he needs a little warm-up."

Jackson gives Scott a teasing nod. "Perhaps he needs the child bumpers." Lydia joins in the laughter, finding the situation amusing. As the ball returns to Scott's hands, Jackson encourages him. "Come on, McCall."

Lydia interjects, offering her assistance. "Would you like me to come up and help you too?"

Jackson rolls his eyes at Lydia's remark. "Don't be so cruel, Lydia." Scott takes another step forward, gripping the ball tightly, as if preparing to crush it. He squints down the lane, focusing on the pins.

Allison points towards the center of the lane and advises, "Just aim for the middle."

Jackson adds with a smirk, "How about aiming for something other than the gutter?"

Allison nods, supporting Scott. "Let him concentrate."

Allison glances at Scott and says, "Thank you." The surrounding sounds fade away as Scott refocuses on the lane. He takes a deep breath and launches the ball with determination, his brow furrowed in frustration. The ball glides down the lane, and for a moment, hope shines on Allison's face, but it lands with a clunk in the gutter.