The streetlights flickered to life as Ally and Parker strolled leisurely down the uneven sidewalk toward her house. As they turned the corner Ally's house came into view, they could see Ally's father waiting for them on the porch.

"Why is your dad out waiting for us?" Parker asked, trying to balance his sunglasses on his nose while carrying a bag of chips in one hand.

"Shit, I think Luke, Rodney, and Steven might already be there," Ally replied, adjusting the grocery bag on her arm. "I kind of lost track of time."

She reached for her pocket to check the time just as her phone sprung to life, it vibrated wildly as she tried to fish it out. She finally freed it to see it was Rodney calling. Unsure why he would be calling, she answered, "Hey, Rod, what's up?"

"Ally, hey," She could almost feel Rodney's anxiety as he spoke. "I'm really sorry, but I can't make it tonight."

"That blows. why not?" Ally asked, trying to keep her tone neutral despite feeling she may be the reason he didn't want to come over after that awkward first night back.

"Kinda. My aunt just dropped in out of nowhere—She is only stopping in on her way back to Ottawa, so I am stuck here."

"Of course." She exhaled softly. "Family first, Rodney."

"Listen, I'll make it up to you guys. I am free every night this week, just name the time and place," he offered.

"Sounds good, we'll figure something out Monday," Ally said, just happy Rodney's sudden absence had nothing to do with her.

"Thanks for understanding, Ally. See ya."

"Bye." She ended the call and slid the phone back into her pocket, her gaze lingering on the horizon where the sun kissed the rooftops goodbye.

Parker watched her closely, noting the flimsy excuse Rodney had given and Ally's eagerness to accept it. "What was that about? Rodney sounds more nervous than normal."

"You heard it too, a part of me thinks maybe he is avoiding me," Ally chuckled nervously, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

"Why would he do that?" Parker asked, inviting her to confide in him.

She took a deep breath, as she tried to figure out where to start. "I guess it kind of started at the spring formal, Rodney and I kissed," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "You'd think it would be... magical, you know? The best friends realize they were meant to be together all along after experiencing heartbreak, like something straight out of the movies."

"And?" Parker prompted gently, trying to hide his total shock and hurt.

"And I don't know. I like Rodney, like a lot, but is it maybe in just a friend way? I really don't know what I want, all I do know is I don't want to hurt him." She could feel the tears beginning to well in her eyes.

Parker remained silent for a moment, absorbing this new information. Finally, he put his arm around her, acknowledging her fears. "Honestly I have no idea what you should do. But I do know Rodney. He cares about you a lot, so I know whatever you decide to do, he will still be your friend."

"Right," she murmured as she took in what Parker said. "You're right. if Rodney and I can still be friends after I dated Matt, our friendship can survive my uncertainty."

"Exactly. Just tell Rodney what's up and he will understand," Parker said as they walked up the driveway.

"Thanks, Parker," Ally said with a small smile as her dad greeted them. The pair slipped inside and found Luke and Steven waiting for them, from that point on the night changed to a much lighter event. The friends laughed and shared stories for the rest of the night.

-----

On Monday the high school gym had transformed into a series of booths, covered with banners and logos trying to draw the attention of the incoming students. The air buzzed with the chatter of students and recruiters discussing the programs each university offered.

Derek, with his short black hair sticking up in places as if touched by static from the energy in the room, pulled Rodney over to a booth decked out in the black and gold of a well-known engineering university, Waterloo. "Let's check this out, Rodney," he said, grabbing a thick program book from the table.

Rodney, feeling a little overwhelmed by all the commotion, trailed behind. "Wow, it says here they have a nanotech program," he murmured, skimming through a glossy booklet that Derek handed him. For the first time, Rodney felt a little excited by the possibilities the future had to offer.

"Man, my parents are still pushing for me to take over the diner," Derek confided as he skimmed through the book. "My brother had to move to the Bahamas to avoid it. And it will be another decade before Lola is old enough to be considered. I don't know how to tell them I want to be an engineer instead." He said closing the booklet.

Rodney's expression softened, he knew what it was like to be afraid to disappoint your parents. "Hey, I am sure they just want what is best for you, Derek. I know your dad would support you one hundred percent. If you want to be an engineer, then you're going to be an engineer."

"Thanks, man," Derek replied, clapping Rodney on the shoulder. "Could you do me a huge favor though? there is a lot to fill out and I could really use a hand if you aren't busy tonight."

"Absolutely," Rodney agreed, his head bobbing enthusiastically. "We can meet up at the library after dinner and narrow down your choices."

"Thanks, man, appreciate it," Derek said, before making his way over to the University of Toronto's booth.

-----

Later, as the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, Ally caught up with Rodney by his locker. Her wavy blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders as she leaned against the lockers. "Ready to make it up to me? I talked to the guys and everyone is free tonight," she said, the corners of her lips tilting into a hopeful smile.

"Tonight?" Rodney echoed, his thoughts racing as he tried to figure out what to do. "Yeah, yeah, I think I can do that," he said, the words escaping his mouth before he could stop them.

"Great!" Ally exclaimed, a bright laugh escaping her. "Parker says the rest of his week is fully booked so this works out perfectly. Does six work for you?"

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

"Sounds good," Rodney affirmed, his freckled cheeks dimpling as he returned her smile. As he watched her go, the reality of his situation finally dawned on him. Rodney tried to convince himself that Derek would understand that he really needed this time with Ally since they hadn't had much over the summer.

Rodney shut his locker and started down the hall as a tiny nagging thought began to gnaw at him. Shouldn't you text Derek and let him know? But the answer could mean a conflict, as much as he tried to convince himself that Derek would understand, the feeling he was letting down his best friend prevented him from sending the text.

-----

The heavy scent of waxed lanes and the thunderous crash of the balls rolling down them filled the air as Rodney stepped into the bustling bowling alley. Neon lights flickered over the small selection of pinball machines in the corner. Rodney's eyes scanned the room until they landed on Ally, Luke, Jordan, and Steven, who were already slipping on their red and blue bowling shoes at lane 12.

"Hey, you made it!" Ally waved him over, happy to finally be hanging out with Rodney again.

"Wouldn't miss it," Rodney replied, feeling a little relieved by the absences of Parker. He quickly joined them, lacing up his own shoes, feeling the familiar, worn texture against his fingers. His thoughts of texting Derek still weighed on him, but he pushed them aside, determined to finally have a good night with Ally.

"Prepare to get schooled," Steven joked, giving Rodney a playful nudge before taking his position at the start of the lane.

"Bring it on," Rodney shot back, watching Steven's confident strut. The first roll was a strike, eliciting a round of cheers and high-fives. Rodney's turn came next, he selected a purple ball from the wrack and he could feel the weight of his friends' eyes on him. With a smooth motion, he released it, watching as it rolled and knocked down pin after pin until only one remained upright.

"Oh, so close," Luke observed, sipping his Mountain Dew as they watched the automatic machine sweep away the fallen pins.

"You'll get it next time," Jordan promised.

Ally was up next, she took her time carefully selecting her ball before lining up her shot. The friends watched as she counted her steps and did a few practice swings. Just as she found her perfect rhythm Luke shot up from the bench.

"Food run," he announced. "You guys want anything?"

"Loaded fries for us," Steven said rubbing his hands together.

"Oh, that sounds good, same here," Rodney added.

"Seriously Luke? I was just about to go," Ally said, clearly annoyed by his disruption.

"Oh actually I have to go," Jordan said, looking at his phone. "Tell Parker, if he shows up, that I'm sorry we didn't get to catch up. I have to get to the library before it closes." they stood up and hugged their friends before leaving.

With Luke and Steven gone to get food, only Ally and Rodney remained at the lane. Rodney sat quietly not sure what to say to Ally, and not wanting to ruin the fun they had been having. Ally turned to face him, her expression open and curious.

"You know I didn't think about it until Jordan left but it's weird that Parker hasn't shown up yet right?" Ally asked, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I thought for sure he'd be here by now."

Rodney felt a jolt at the mention of Parker's name, he felt like he could be responsible for Parker's absence. "Maybe he's just not feeling it tonight?"

"I guess," she said, with a puzzled look on her face. "I just figured he'd be glad to see you, especially after everything he's gone through. You were so close last year and I know you two haven't gotten to talk since he came back to school."

Rodney swallowed, he was a little surprised that Ally had noticed he and Parker hadn't talked yet. "We haven't.... but we will. You know how it goes, he'll talk to me when he's ready," he tried to sound convincing. If only she knew just how complicated things are between Parker and I Rodney thought.

"I just thought you would be the first person he told about all of this" Ally's brows knitted together in confusion. "I mean you two were inseparable for months. Do you think he feels bad about ghosting you? I mean he did it to all of us but I know if it were me, I would feel the worst about ghosting my best friend."

"Maybe," Rodney said quietly, staring at the scuffed toes of his bowling shoes. He felt guilty about the way things ended with Parker, kissing Ally the night of the dance only added a layer to that guilt.

"Rodney, are you okay?" Ally's hand brushed his arm, her eyes filled with concern.

"Yeah, I'm fine." He forced a smile. "Hopefully I can catch up with him at school this week, I do miss talking to him."

"I get it," she nodded, her gaze lingering on his face as if trying to read the thoughts.

"Isn't it still your turn?" Rodney suggested, trying to steer the conversation away from Parker for a moment. "They are going to be back with the food before you have bowled once."

"Shut up," Ally laughed, returning her attention to the game.

Rodney watched Ally line up her shot, the neon lights adding a blue hue to her hair. She released the ball with a graceful flick of her wrist, and it cruised smoothly until it scattered the pins with a satisfying crash.

"Strike!" she exclaimed, turning to Rodney with a triumphant grin. Her excitement was infectious, but as Rodney clapped, his thoughts were elsewhere. Ally could see Rodney was still distracted and thought it might be because they hadn't really talked about yet about their relationship. With a sigh, she decided now was as good of time as any.

"Rodney?" Ally's voice pulled him back. "I know things have been a little awkward between us ever since we kissed. To be honest I wasn't really sure what I wanted after the whole Matt thing." Her blue eyes searched his face for a reaction. "I talked to Parker about it and he really helped me figure things out."

Rodney's heart seized. "You did what now?" The words escaped harsher than he intended.

Ally blinked, taken aback by his tone. "Did I do something wrong? I just told Parker, you know we can trust him with this stuff."

Rodney squeezed the bowling ball in his hands, feeling the holes bite into his fingertips. "Ally, what exactly did you tell Parker?"

"Nothing much, I didn't really go into details or anything," she explained, still confused by Rodney's reaction. "I just told him that we kissed and I have been feeling a little awkward ever since. He actually had so really good advice for me—"

"You told him about the kiss at the spring formal?" His voice cracked, he had always intended to be the one to tell Parker about the kiss when the time was right.

"Yeah, I'm sorry I didn't think you would care this much." She reached out tentatively, her fingers brushing his arm.

"You thought wrong," The ball dropped from his hand with a thud. "Parker has enough on his plate, he doesn't need our drama too." Rodney's voice was a mix of hurt and anger; the latter surprised even him.

"I..." Ally's voice trailed off. "I'm not sure why you're so mad about this."

"I need some air," Rodney muttered, rubbing his forehead. He took a deep breath, trying to rein in his emotions.

"Rodney?"

But he was already moving, pushing past the swinging door of the bowling alley, leaving Ally alone at the lane. The cool night air hit his flushed cheeks as he strode through the parking lot, his mind reeling.

Why did she have to tell him? He needed to hear it from me and now he didn't show up. The thought of Parker drinking again because he found out about the kiss drilled its way into Rodney's thoughts. He had to find Parker and explain what happened before it was too late.

He wandered thinking about where Parker might be, but his feet knew where to take him—the small conversation area but the old arena, the bench by the willow tree, where Parker liked to go to think. And there, like a scene from a movie, sat Parker, his silhouette unmistakable under the soft glow of the streetlamp.

Parker looked up as Rodney approached, a small grin on his lips. Rodney took a seat next to him, leaving a small gap, unsure if Parker wanted to be close to him at that moment.

The stillness settled in around them, neither daring to break it. Rodney stole glances at Parker, taking in the tousled red hair, the curve of his jaw, and the way his hands lay folded in his lap.

Finally, Parker shifted, his shoulder brushing against Rodney's. "Nice night," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Y-yeah," Rodney stammered, acutely aware of the warmth from Parker's body.

"I take it you found out Ally told me about your kiss?" Parker asked, tilting his head to catch Rodney's eye.

"Yeah," Rodney admitted, his gaze lingering on the grass, still damp with evening dew.

"Were you worried I was going to drink?" Parker asked, and Rodney wasn't sure how to answer that.

They both looked ahead, lost in the silence that felt both familiar and foreign. Rodney's heart ached with the urge to reach out, to bridge the gap, but fear held him back. What if he pushes me away again? We can't be what we used to be.

"Rodney?" Parker's voice was soft, cautious. "Are we going to be okay?"

"Are we?" Rodney turned to face him, his eyes searching. The question hung in the air awaiting an answer.