This World That Divides Us

When I got home from tryouts, dad was already home sitting at the kitchen table and paying the bills. I tried my hardest to mask my bad mood when I walked through the door because I didn't want him asking any questions. Dad is already weary about Jack; I don't need to give him any more reason to be, especially when Jack made it very clear that we're from two different worlds. Whatever that gravitational pull was between us, it's being left in the past starting right now. The back and forth with him is too much for my mind, and now, more than ever, I need to make sure it stays focused on Dartmouth and Dartmouth only.

I get a text from Molly as I enter my bedroom.

Molly: Down for bowling tonight? Some people from school will be there.

Me: I wish, but I can't.

Molly: ???

Me: So much homework.

Molly: Great. Pick you up at 8.

Molly's parents drop us off at the bowling alley on their way to dinner. When we walk in, we find Henry with Shawn and another guy named Paul waiting on the line to get shoes.

"Hey," Henry says to me when he sees us walk in. "Wasn't expecting to see you tonight. Lawson, how'd you get Stassie out of the house?"

"I'll tell you how. Without a choice," I say with an eye roll.

"Good. I'm glad you're here. Tonight's going to be fun."

We walk over to our lane, which surprise, surprise, happens to be next to Jordana and her posse.

"Seems like everyone got the memo about bowling tonight," I say.

"Don't let her bother you," Molly says.

"Are we waiting on Frankie? Is he coming?" Henry asks the guys.

"No. He's at his girl's house," Shawn answers. "The one from Hill Academy."

"You mean the one who cheated on him?"

"Mhm, that one."

"Typical. Well, we're an odd number right now. Anyone around to recruit?"

We all scan the room.

Oh, no.

"Why is Jack here?" I whisper to Molly.

"Where?"

"Straight ahead, to your left."

She glances that way and then says, "Looks like all The Royals showed up for some innocent fun tonight."

"Fabulous," I sarcastically say under my breath.

Jack, Rafe, and Johnny head in our direction and I pretend like I'm not paying them any attention.

"Looks like it's me and you against Molly, Shawn, and Paul," Henry says, clutching onto my shoulder.

"What? Hell no," Molly shrieks. "The last time I played with Paul, he aimed straight for the gutter every time that he was up."

"Hey, it wasn't every time," Paul asserts. "And I wouldn't talk, Molly. You don't necessarily have the best target either."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Let's just get this over with."

"Boys, over here," I hear Jordana's high-pitched voice call out to The Royals. She's waving them over with her fake tips.

The guys get to her and give her and her friends a kiss on the cheek, but I notice that Jack stands behind. I think I hear him say "be right back" to Rafe.