"You can't blame gravity for falling in love." ~ Albert Einstein

Of course it would happen in a bowling alley. She had never had any luck bowling.

There was the time when she stepped just a little to far into the lane and was quickly acquainted with the physics of wax. And then there were the numerous slammed fingers she received trying to retrieve her ball from the ball return. Not to mention the two sprained ankles and one bruised wrist.

So it wasn't too surprising that this latest catastrophe would take place in the poorly lit grime of "Boston Lanes."

What was surprising was that it happened at all.

After eight years of friendship, this latest development was the last thing she had ever expected—the last thing she had ever wanted. And yet, apparently, it was out of her control.

One second she was listening to her good friend Samantha jabber on about the history test she was supposed to be studying for, only vaguely aware of Jeffrey picking up his ball and moving forward towards his lane. The next second his arm was extended, and left foot curved back behind his right, and she suddenly couldn't hear Sam anymore.

The ball hit the pins with a CRASH!, knocking them all over, and he leapt up into the air in celebration, but she couldn't even bring herself to smile for him as he received high fives from all around.

She was frozen stock still. She couldn't move, she couldn't feel, and she couldn't process the thought that had just burst—completely unwelcome—into her mind.

He was cute. Jeffrey Tifton was cute. Good God. This was a nightmare.

He wasn't entire sure what was up with Skye. She had always been a horrific actor, and so it wasn't very hard to tell the the headache she was faking was just that: fake.

But she must have had a good reason—Skye didn't lie unless she thought it was absolutely necessary—and so he played along with it.

"Gosh, I'm sorry. Let me drive you back to your dorm."

An odd look—almost one of panic—took over her eyes for a brief second before she regained control, only adding to his confusion.

"Um… That's okay. I'll take the bus. Thanks though."

"Yeah, like I'm going to allow that. Not gonna happen, Skye. Come on, I've just got to grab my keys."

She shook her head, adamantly refusing. "It's okay. Sam will drive me, won't you, Sam?"

She grabbed her friend by the air and dragged her close, almost as if using her as a shield. The red-headed girl gave her a look that appeared to question her sanity, and responded with a very indecisive, "Um…."

But apparently Skye didn't care what the answer was, because she mutter a grateful "Thanks," hollered her goodbyes out to everyone, and took off, dragging Samantha behind her.

He watched them go, still a bit in muddled about the oddity that had just occurred. Steve, Sam's boyfriend, came up next to him, shaking his head.

"What the heck was that all about?"

Jeffrey just shrugged. "I have no idea."

He had learned not to let Skye's antics get to him. He was bound to find out sooner or later. It was only a matter of time before they got her in trouble, and he was called in for damage-control. Hopefully it wouldn't be too bad this time…

(To be continued...)