"Bowling" Original Air Date 4/01/01
Chapter 223

Sometimes I wonder how different a day would be if just one decision was changed. Like, the other night there was this bowling party with some kids from school - including this totally hot girl, Beth. Now either mom could drive me and Reese or dad could. Depending on which one of them drove, the night could be totally fun, or a total disaster.

Mom would lecture us the entire way to the bowling alley about being on our best behavior. Then she'd insist on coming in and making us share a pair of bowling shoes because she didn't have enough cash for two pairs. And when she found out no other parents were there she'd for sure stay to chaperone. I'd be so mortified by her behavior that I'd bowl terribly, and Reese would have plenty of time to make a move on Beth. By the end of the night, I'd be so humiliated by having to use a girl's bowling ball and lane bumpers that I'd completely lose it in front of everyone, including Beth. My only hope would be that Beth would take sympathy on me and kiss me at the end of the night - before mom made everyone go home.

Now dad, dad would be fun. Even though we'd get lost on the way to the bowling alley, he'd be excited about bowling. He'd also leave Reese and me alone with our friends - including Beth. Of course, given free reign, Reese would do something stupid like spit in Beth's face, which would give me the chance to talk to her. Plus, we'd all be bowling awesome. Dad would bowl strike after strike, and I'd be pretty impressive myself. Knowing how things usually go, Reese would definitely get in a fight. I'd probably get Beth alone behind the lanes and then have some stupid accident keep me from kissing her, while simultaneously ruining dad's chances at a perfect game.

It's a tough choice: Have a bad time, but kiss Beth. Or have a great time, but don't kiss Beth. I guess that's why it's best to leave these things to fate.