I like bowling.

It is one of those things I like most about this world. And not just because you get to throw a ball down a lane to hit stuff. Not because you get to be a total goofball in front of your friends (only have two). No. Because it is one of the things I can do besides photography or journalism that distracts me. That makes me not think.

Unfortunately for me, there was only one bowling alley in town. And unfortunately for me again, Stanley Barber worked there. Now the unfortunately part isn't bevause I don't like him or he can't stand me. No.

It's because for the longest time (well since they both moved here), Sydney and Dina have had this fun little "Fan" Theory as they called it. The kind of theory where they think I like Stanley Barber. Now, for the record... I do NOT like Stanley Barber. That much is certain. I do NOT have a crush on Stanley Barber. I just like bowling.

"Good evening, [Y/N]. How was detention?" Stanley asked, wiping down the counter as he did.

Ah, yes, my detention. I got two days worth of it. And I just finished the last of it.

"Nothing unusual." I told him.

"The usual right?"

"If my lane is open, then yes." I told him.

"[Foot Size]?" He asked.

Is it weird he knows my foot size? I don't think so.

"Yes." I nodded.

"And Jane has your usual snack there." Stanley told me.

"Cool. Cool." Why did I suddenly get the feeling someone else is here? Watching me? Staring me down?

"By the way, Sydney's over there at your usual lane watching us." Stan pointed behind me.

I turned to see Syd with her eyes just above the rim of the snack shack's menu. When she saw me look, she made the menu cover her face. I sighed.

"Do you know what's that about?" asked Stan.

I knew what it was about. I just would never tell him about it. But why would Sydney be here? She hates bowling.

"So, do you know why she's here?" I asked him.

"Yeah, she's lonely. Dina wants to tryout for Winter Guard and tryouts start today." He explained.

"Aw. Poor Sydney. But why is she here specifically?" I asked him.

"Oh, we're friends now. She's here to hang with me I guess." he told me with a smile on his face. 

Since when are Sydney Novak and Stanley Barber friends? I've missed a lot cocooned in my walls of my new life. I've missed a lot of things going on around me. I missed Ricky Berry's party. I missed when Syd finally realized why I was different from Dina for her. I missed when Dina got an asshole boyfriend for a week. I missed so much. Because I was preoccupied with this nonsense. The nonsense that has come to be my life.

"Since when is Syd your friend? I miss a lot when I'm-."

"In the Newspaper room? You know you'll get more viewers if you do it online." Stanley advised.

"Ms Ritinski already shot down that idea nine times." I commented.

"This year?" he asked.

"This week. Thirteen times this month though, so I guess that's simpler." I explained.

"Not to back track or anything, but you know if you think that Syd is my new favorite customer, you don't have to worry. You still are. And you probably always will be." He told me.

"Thanks for that, Stanley. I won't ever forget that. Now, if you excuse me, I have to go and deal with a certain piece of shit that isn't really a piece of shit at the moment." I told him.

And I walked away from Stanley Barber and towards my best friend. Who was once again not so discreetly looking at me.

"Cut the crap, Syd. Why are you here?" I asked her, sliding into the booth.

"I did come over to talk with Stan. Why did you come here?" Syd asked, putting down her menu.

"I normally bowl on Wednesdays." I told her.

She was keeping something from me. And I knew she was keeping something from me. But what exactly was it that she keeping from me? I don't know.