Page 85 of I Think I’m in Love with an Alien

It’s late afternoon, and I’m ready to go. “Please. I’m finding the crowds a little overwhelming.” I can admit that much.

She drives us to Stellar Lanes, a bowling alley with neon lights flashing outside. I have watched a few examples of the pastime, but I am not confident I can properly maneuver the specialized equipment. The others may suggest that I remove my costume if I can’t participate while wearing it.

Inside, I hear the clatter of pins being knocked over. Monitors glow overhead, displaying numbers that track the participants’ progress. I recognize certain smells from other establishments. Pizza. Beer. There are layers, perfume and sweat, the smell of old oil used for cooking starched vegetables. The place isn’t busy. Only our group and one other, a handful of older human males in matching shirts. Jen queues up to get our equipment, sliding me a concerned look.

“When we first talked about doing a bowling night online, I didn’t know…”

That I’m not human. Even if I had the tech camo, it wouldn’t allow me to use their specialized sporting gear. Normally, I’m content as long as I’m with Jen, but right now, I want nothing more than to leave.

Our lane lights up, casting a soft, inviting glow over the polished wood. Poppy goes first, throwing the ball with a flamboyance that sends it spinning wildly down the lane. It’s a gutter ball, but she laughs and does a little twirl, then flutters her hands.

“That’s right, shake it off,” Jen says in a comforting tone.

Tad takes a more focused approach, eyes narrowed in concentration before releasing the heavy sphere. It connects with the pins with impressive and unexpected force, leaving only a few standing—a commendable effort. The others all take a turn, but I decide to sit out.

“I think I injured myself earlier,” I say.

“Is your shoulder still hurting?” Jen asks without missing a beat.

“Damn, go easy on him,” Poppy jokes.

Jen changes colors. “Oh my God, I didn’t—”

“It’s my go,” Jaz cuts in.

As the game progresses, I observe their styles. Poppy is all verve while Tad tries for force. Jaz is delicate and careful while Ravik plays with stoic determination, his form almost perfect, but his extensors aren’t balanced for the equipment. Then there’s Jen. Each of her turns is marked by an easy confidence, a natural affinity for the sport that soon becomes apparent. Strike after strike, her score climbs until it’s clear she’s outmatched us all.

“Holy shit,” Poppy says. “When we talked about this online, I thought you were joking, but you are weirdly good at bowling.”

Jen grins. “Sadly, it doesn’t pay the bills.”

“I think you could go pro,” Tad says.

“Pass. I’d rather keep studying the stars.”

“Don’t you teach at community college?” Tad asks.

I don’t miss the way Jen winces, but her voice is even when she says, “That’s what pays the bills. But I’ve always wanted to work at an observatory.”

“Dreams are important.” Poppy shoots Tad a look and he hunches his shoulders.

“Sorry, Jen. I can be a bit thoughtless.”

Poppy shakes her head, but she pats his shoulder as she gets up. “It’s okay. Just think before you talk next time.”

Tad nods. “Understood.”

“Bathroom break, be right back.” Poppy heads toward the far end of the facility.

Tad gets up immediately. “Likewise.”

Jen decides to go too, hurrying after the other humans. That leaves me alone with Ravik and Jaz. I seize the opportunity, speaking to them in subharmonic frequency. “Have you thought any more about telling them the truth?”

“I’m still in favor,” Jaz replies.

“Ravik?”

They pause, staring in the direction our three friends have gone. “I fear that this is unwise. And it seems unnecessary. But…it would be nice to be known.”