An Excerpt from a Writing Project

From Rockybado 2: A Run in the Game

Bowling practice started, and Brett Ingram was not doing well at all at first. Dawson, his older brother, was racking in quite a few strikes and spares, as was the majority of the teammates there. However, Brett did not seem to get the hang of things today, and he wasn’t really sure why. He had no strikes at first; only a few spares and quite a few gutter balls. However, he did eventually get a few strikes, but that was it. Instead of scoring an average range of 250 and 280, he scored less than 150 in one actual game.

Not the best day that he has had.

“Today’s practice was the worst yet,” Brett said, once he had packed his bowling ball into his blue duffel bag.
“It’s okay, Brett. Not like the whole world is going to crash in on us,” Dawson joked half-heartedly.
“Very funny, Dawson.”
“I’m just trying to lighten the mood.”
“Honestly, do you know what my score was today?” Brett questioned his older brother.
“I didn’t look at your scoreboard,” Dawson replied.
“My score was 142.”
“Your score was….142?”
“You are correct.”
“At least that doesn’t happen too happen.”
“Yes. At least.”

Dawson did not know what else to say to Brett about the bad practice. While Dawson ended up talking to another teammate, Brett found himself going into the men’s bathroom and crying his eyes out, until Dawson sent him a text message, saying:

“I’m out at your car.”

Brett left the bathroom and walked out of the bowling alley to his car. He unlocked the car, so that both of them could easily get into it. Brett started his car, and he had seriously thought about going to the nearest ice cream parlor. Even though Brett wasn’t quite vocal about his thoughts about getting some comfort food, Dawson just wanted to go home.

“I seriously need a hot fudge sundae,” Brett decided to break the silence.
“You don’t need a hot fudge sundae,” Dawson said matter-of-factly.
“Why? I had a horrible game.”
“I think you’re just letting your emotions get the best of you.”
“I guess you’re right.”
“I honestly think you are acting like a girl who has just had her tonsils removed,” Dawson blurted out with no thought put into what he had just said.

There was silence for a few seconds. And then….

“….What?” Brett questioned, rather stunned at his older brother’s comment.
“That is exactly how you’re reacting to the outcome of the game.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really.”
“I’m….I’m really sorry then.”
“It’s quite alright.”