A slow fall

Chapter 24 - Caleb

    "So," Aaliyah clapped in excitement once introductions were through, "who's ready to bowl!" The group let out cheers of excitement and happily followed as she led us inside.

The bowling alley was full of life, both people and history. Music crackled through speakers that had long since passed their shelf life, coins clinked in machines that would forever evade claiming a victor, and laughter echoed through the open space.

To the left of the entrance was a food counter that offered budget friendly fast food that tasted as such. It was served with a layer of grease and a smile on the side, but it was comforting.

There were two rows of tables, all cheap and rickety, with stains so engrained in the plastic that they've become part of the design.

The bowling alley thrived on its longevity. Things were built to last and we likely remain long after we'd all left.

There was a very limited selection of arcade games set up in rows to the right of the entrance, a singular pool table in the centre; It had three cues, one significantly shorter than the rest—a story resided somewhere in its spikey wooden end— and a missing striped nine ball that had been replaced with a white ball drawn on with sharpie.

Though it didn't matter. The table was always occupied, people jostling around it, placing wagers and missing shots with laughter the only reliability.

We headed to the front desk, directly opposite the doors.

Aaliyah had booked a lane in advance to hedge our bets, Friday-night bowling was a popular pastime. Looking around the large room, buzzing with energy and filled with life, the recognisable sound of balls hitting the solid floor and pins crashing over, I knew it was the right decision.

Lucas trailed behind me as we walked towards our assigned lane. "Bowling makes me think of Wii sports."His gaze travelled around the space with a look of nostalgia; many days of our childhood were spent in this building, "The little Mii's spinning around when the ball goes flying backwards. Ah, those were the days."

"You're making yourself sound like an old man."

"I'm starting to feel like an old man. My bones are all rickety and my knees crack when I bend down. This is the end of me Caleb." As he bent down to untie his laces an audible click sounded like a well timed paid actor, "See!"

"How sad."

"Really, that's it? When I drop dead in front of you, you're just going to say, "How sad"?"

"Well, it would be sad. Do you want me to cry right now, will that make you feel better?"

Our conversation paused for a moment as we reached the front of the line, our shoes quickly taken away and swapped to the outdated red blue and white striped rentals.

We moved aside as we put them on, watching as those ready headed in the direction of our assigned lane.

"Yes please." Lucas carried on once his shoes were velcroed in place, "I want a teary speech about how brilliant I am that makes everyone else cry as well."

"You do, do you?"

He hummed in agreement, "You can also mention how great I am at bowling, it's only fitting."

"You're not even that great."

"Don't be bitter because you suck."

I huffed in annoyance, turning around and walking towards the lane, he was quick to follow, "I'm completely ready to lose."

His laugh was soft, ever melodic music to my ears. After a minute he said, "Don't worry, I have enough confidence in you for the both of us."

"You just told me I suck."