Homer finished his final two classes with great success. He was able to pass remedial science with a B, while in Algebra; he was able to pass with a solid C. He knew he probably did better than that, but he also knew that Miss Swartzski lowered his grade because of his tardiness. But he did not complain, he passed and he was done with High School!

Homer received his diploma in the mail a few weeks afterward; he came home from working at the bowling alley to find it sitting on the coffee table while his dad congratulated him on finally succeeding in something. Because of this, Homer felt very proud of himself and even had a party with Barney, Lenny, Carl and a new kid he worked with at the bowling alley, Roger Steinbeck, no relation to John Steinbeck gosh darnet! Homer had the party at his house; amazingly it was Abe's idea to let them do it. Though afterward he regretted it after they partied until four in the morning. He awoke to find his son sleeping on the coffee table still clinging to a bottle of booze that Abe swore he thought had kept well hidden in his secret compartment in the kitchen. The other boys were all strewn across the floor including one girl who apparently snuck in a few hours after he tried to go to sleep. Her name was Rosie Garner, Rogers's girlfriend and apparently they had a swell enough time together that night. He found the dirty condom hanging on one of the dining room chair points.

Now that Homer had had his party, and that he was now working hard at the bowling alley, Abe believed that it was time for his son to move out on his own. A week later, Homer and Barney were sharing the same apartment and spending their days off either watching sitcoms or going out with Lenny and Carl to the movies or to some popular nighttime attractions.

Of course Homer still missed Marge, he often found himself thinking about her on slow days at work or when he was having trouble sleeping at night. He had no idea why she stayed in his thoughts like that, and often wondered if he would ever find a girl to be with. Sometimes he would find himself watching the girls bowl at work and some were attractive enough to want to be with, but he never found the desire to actually ask them out like he had done with Marge. He knew she was in Capitol City now with Artie, Lenny told him since he and Artie were really good acquaintances. He sometimes wondered how she was doing up there and if she was doing well in her studies. Artie probably taught her how to do that well.

It was an unusually warm day for a February, and unusually busy for a bowling alley when it was warmer than usual for a winter day. It had been a few days past since Valentine's Day and Roger was finally returning from a quick trip to a nice hotel with Rosie to come back to work. Homer knew he would be talking all about his great time and as he thought about what Roger would say, his mind began to wander again at the thought of having a girl of his own.

But that quickly changed when the door to the bowling alley swung open and an angry Roger burst through the doors, followed by Rosie who looked just as angry. He watched as Roger made his way to the back room, Rosie calling out to him through the doorway. Homer and Barney both listened in wonder at what was going on, it sounded like a commitment problem with the way Rosie was telling it, but it was hard to be sure. Finally after about five minutes of her yelling through the doorway, Barney's Uncle Al arrived and herded her out the door while Roger watched from a few feet away. Once she was gone, Al returned and stared at Roger with an annoyed look in the eye.

"Thanks for bringing me back to those warn torn years where I had to endure agony like that," Al said sarcastically.

"Sorry sir, but you knew that would happen eventually when you hired young adults to work in your bowling alley," Roger replied.

"Indeed I did, just don't let it happen again, it's a good thing bowling balls are loud enough to drown the noise of raging hormones," Al replied before slipping into the backroom.

Roger let out a sigh and made his way up to the cash register with Homer and Barney, who were both staring at him with a curious eye. For a long moment, Roger said nothing but decided to put some deodorizer into the rental shoes. He soon realized he was the only one doing work when a customer came up to return the shoes.

"What? Is only one person working today or something?" asked Roger.

"No offense Roger, but watching Rosie yell at you like that makes me glad I don't have a girl," Barney replied.

"Yeah that comes with the package deal, after more than a year, the love life starts to fade and the more you want to be with your guy friends, the more she gets pissed that you don't want to be around her as much," Roger replied.

"So I'm guessing Valentine's Day was a bummer?" Homer asked.

"Eh sort of, the room we rented wasn't as nice as it should have been and the morning breakfast was subpar, but it could have been worse and I did tell her that. She of course thought I did that on purpose so now she wants a do over the next chance we get. Good luck with that honey, because that was an expensive Valentine's gift," Roger said.

"But you still care about her right?" asked Homer.

"Oh of course, when she's not angry, she has this wonderful personality that makes you glad to have a girl like that. One that you can think about all the time and wonder what the future holds between the both of us." Roger let out a sigh and smiled happily as he stared at both Barney and Homer. "One day when I get enough money, I will ask her the big question, just not right now, marriage is a big commitment and I don't really have that yet. But what about you guys, I know you both are single, but have you both ever found a girl?"

"I had one in freshman year, but she had to move to another state, I bet it would have lasted longer if she stayed longer," Barney replied. Homer remembered her; she was a really nice girl too, perfect for Barney. But of course it could not last, her father was transferred to another state and poor Barney spent weeks moping about trying to be comforted by both Homer and Moe. Time finally healed him though and he was soon back to his old self, causing mischief in the school with Homer.

"Ah yes, the dreadful move, I had that happen to me a year before I met Rosie. It was for the better though, she and I were starting to get on each other's nerves. But what about you Homer?" Roger asked.

Homer knew his time was coming, and knew that Roger would be shocked by the fact that he never had anyone. But perhaps he could help, especially someone who had been through so many different relationships.

"Well…I almost had one once,…but she realized she didn't like me and went out with another guy to the prom," Homer said nervously.

Roger stared at Homer for a moment, for some reason he was not surprised. Homer just did not seem like the kind of guy who could impress a woman very easily. But with the right way of showing him, perhaps he could. "Well I've known a few people your age who never had a girl so there really is no shame. You just got to know how to make the right moves. I can help you with that if you like, especially now since you are working at a bowling alley with lots of interesting faces."

Homer stared at Roger for a moment, sure he had a lot of girls in his day, but did he really know how to get the right one for him? Truth be told, Homer wanted to find the girl on his own, that way he knew he picked the right girl. But perhaps Roger could help him find the right one or at least help him practice. "Uhhh…sure," he finally replied after thinking it through. Roger immediately jumped at his agreement.

"Alright, now what better way to find someone than right here where you work? You get a perfect view of all twenty lanes and who is playing on them. There are groups of friends young and old who come out to play, some have somebody, others don't. So go ahead, pick a lane see if you see anyone nice," Roger said as he brought Homer over to the section just outside of the bowling area.

Homer scanned the lanes, six of them were unoccupied but the rest of the place was busy with people having fun and scoring the perfect game. Of course bowling a three hundred was rare with the younger groups, and usually it happened on league night. But he would not worry about that right now; he had to find any lucky girls who were willing to go out with him. He first came to one section of the alley; a group of young high schoolers were enjoying the game and making fun of whoever missed the perfect bowl. He watched them, thinking they had to be at least a year or two younger than him. That probably didn't matter, not too old or young was not bad at all. He saw one girl in particular who had just finished bowling and high fived the other girls. There seemed to be no guy with her, that was a plus.

"What about that one who just bowled?" Homer asked.

Roger stared at the girl for a moment, studying her ways before responding. "Oh definitely not!"

"How come?" Homer asked.

"Well if you look closely she has that, I have the most wonderful boyfriend in the world walk. One that says, touch me and you will have to meet his fist," Roger replied.

Homer stared at her, she did seem to have that look, but he at first read it as one where she thought she was prettier than everyone in the room. Of course her boyfriend probably told her that, so of course she would believe it. Good thing Roger was there to keep him from stepping any further. The best thing he could do now was continue his search.

He looked at the lanes again, searching for a girl who looked alone and needed someone to share thoughts and dreams with. That's what he knew he wanted, someone to share his thoughts, hopes, and dreams. Someone who would laugh at his jokes and enjoy his company. Marge was like that the night she taught him French, it made him happy and made him feel like they were meant for each other, until he decided to be truthful with her. But that was important in a relationship, being truthful and thoughtful of course. Because of these thoughts, Homer searched the lanes for Marge and of course came up empty once he remembered where she was now. He finally settled on a girl in lane ten with a bunch of other girls and a few guys. She was thin, hair down to her shoulders, and had a friendly looking face. One that made him walk up to her without asking Roger for advice.

She had just finished bowling and was sitting beside another friend as he walked up to her. Since he worked at the alley, he knew he could strike up a quick conversation with them. One that made him sound businesslike but could be able to change the subject at a moment's notice. They saw him approach and both stared at him as he walked over wondering if they had done anything wrong.

"Is there anything you lovely ladies need, anything at all?" Homer asked, in the same manner that he would no league nights to the old ladies with carpal tunnel syndrome.

"Oh no thank you, we are quite good, aren't we Rachel?" the girl Homer liked said.

"Oh yes definitely," Rachel replied with a smile. She had short hair, about medium size and also a friendly looking face but one that made him turn away from her. It was her nose, it looked more bulbous than normal and it bothered him. So Homer continued to stare at the other girl.

"So not thirsty or anything? No curly fries? Perhaps maybe…a date?" Homer asked.

Homer knew it somehow didn't work by how both began to giggle, Homer felt very embarrassed now and started backing away to where Roger was waiting for him to come back. But both quickly got up and confronted him.

"Don't worry, that was a nice try, and if I didn't have a boyfriend, I would go out with you. He's not here that's why you haven't seen me with him," said the girl he was interested in.

"And I just got over a really bad relationship so I need to take a break for a while," said Rachel.

"It was too emotional for her," the girl replied with a worried look, one that seemed to say "feel for her dummy."

"Oh I'm sorry, I hope everything works out for you then," Homer replied trying to sound sympathetic for Rachel and her big nose.

"That's nice of you thanks, if I ever come in here though and feel the need I will be looking for you," Rachel said.

"Sure thing," Homer replied before walking back to Roger who was waiting patiently for him to return. He made a grossed out look at Roger who of course stared back at him curiously.

"Didn't work I take it?" asked Roger.

"No, the one I liked has a boyfriend, and the other…well…that nose really bothers me," Homer replied.

Roger looked over Homer's shoulder at Rachel who was now discussing something with another girl. He squinted and stared long enough for Rachel to get the feeling of being watched and looked up just in time for Roger to turn back to Homer with confused expression.

"I think you are right, that is an odd schnoz," Roger replied.

"She just got over a bad relationship, told me she might be interested one day, I just think her whole nose will be the center of conversation when she is not around," Homer said.

"Yeah no kidding, but you did well, see if you can try another," Roger said as he looked around the alley again with Homer. Homer of course did the same looking around once again for a likely candidate to bring him out of the feeling of loneliness. After a moment, he came across another lane with two younger kids but one older adult with them, a female of course. He studied her for a bit, she looked to be about his age, with a kind face and an average body. Her hair was longer than he had seen on other girl's hair, he found that kind of attractive, especially with the way it moved back and forth on her back. It was kind of a turn on. She couldn't be the kid's mother, she looked too young to be, she had to be their sister or cousin or something. Maybe this could be the one.

"What's a good thing to say to someone you are interested in?" Homer asked.

"Hmm, well you do need a line that is simple yet effective. Not the kind that makes you sound like an arrogant dumbass. Hmmmm…most women love sentimental stuff, you can always try something with that," Roger replied.

That wasn't much help, but Homer was determined to figure something out. He watched the girl for a moment as it was her turn to play. The two kids cheered her on as she threw the ball toward the pins and hit them perfectly enough to hit a strike. That was when Homer got an idea. He waited until the next player moved forward before making his move. She stood next to the young girl and started cheering for the boy who was up next. Homer made his way over and she saw him walk over, at first she was a little confused.

"Is something wrong?" she asked.

"Oh no nothing is wrong," replied Homer. "I just wanted to compliment you on your strike, because you also struck my heart."

There was a long pause as the girl stared at him with a face that could not believe he had asked such a question. Homer waited nervously, wondering what she would say about this. Maybe she was just surprised that he said this to her, and maybe no one had ever asked her out before. But that thought quickly changed when the girl started to laugh out loud.

"Nice try Romeo, I hate to say this but I don't go for sentimental men, I would rather go for the rough and tough boy who is willing to drive me on his motorcycle," the girl replied once she had finished laughing so hard.

Homer stared back at her; apparently she was more into the Peter Fonda look, the kind who would rather go on a road trip on a motorcycle than a boring VW Bug, or in laymen's term, the shaggin' waggin'. The same kind of girl who wanted her guy to be covered in tattoo's, bald, and maybe have a mustache. But Homer was in no way growing a mustache, it just didn't seem to fit his persona. As he looked at her, he did notice that she did seem a bit more rugged, maybe she was taking a break from it all to be with her family's kids, whatever it was he thought it was best to leave that a mystery and go back to work. "Well live and learn I guess."

"Nice try though, maybe one day you will find that sentimental girl," the girl replied as Homer made his way back to his post where both Barney and Roger were now waiting for him.

"Didn't find anyone?" Barney asked once Homer returned to his spot.

"Not a one," Homer sighed sadly as he put a pair of shoes back in the cubby hole they were supposed to go into.

"Don't fret though Homer, your chance will come. Plenty of fish in the sea believe me," Roger replied.

"Yeah I know, I just think it would be nice to enjoy what others enjoy," Homer replied.

"Eh it's great at first but then you get those moments like Rosie and I and you wonder why the hell you got yourself into this mess. Then you realize, eh it's not that bad. So one day you will see, maybe you can ask our regular Diane" Roger said as he pointed to a girl heading their way.

She was a college girl, not the prettiest, sort of dry, and not one to get on the bad side of. But when you did get on her good side, she had a charming nature to her that the boys seemed to like. Homer liked that, yet she never seemed to want to talk to him, usually she would ignore him and move on to Barney or Roger. Tonight though, she went straight to Homer, probably because he was staring at her from all the way across the room, which she took notice of. This was a good time to ask and see if maybe she would be interested.

"Hi there, I would like the usual lane for my friends and I, size eight shoes," She began.

"That will be one fifty, and I was wondering…" Homer began.

"Nope not interested," Diane said.

"But how do you know what I was going to ask?" Asked Homer.

"Wear a better cologne next time," Diane replied.

Homer looked at her stunned as she walked away, then he lifted up his armpit and gave a good whiff, apparently his nervousness of talking to women had given him horrible body odor. An odor potent enough to cause him to fall face first into some newly returned rental shoes.

A/N: Yay another chapter done. Took me a bit, but you didn't have to wait forever. Hope you thought this chapter was okay, not the best one I did, but a good one to start to show Homer is trying to find someone else in his life. Doesn't seem to be working out for him though. Once chapter 9 gets going things will get interesting, so be prepared, I got some fun things coming your way. Not sure how long Roger will last, but we will find out in the next chapter. Don't worry I am not going to kill him.

Well that's all for now, please review I like those they are awesome. And I will hopefully have an update in a week or so.