Poor Man's Son

[centexhairysub]

Ahhhh.... to be young and in Rome... Roberto sounds like just what Will needs to get over his sort of break up with John and figure out that at his age, you aren't likely to find who you are going to spend the rest of your life with. Now, I know that there are people who do find their lifemates at a really young age but they are rare and usually out of their mind, LOL... I really hope that Will and everyone in Rome has a great time.

 

The way that even while getting Stef and JP's gift, Gathan was thinking what to do with his pick up and about Ella says a lot about how he has grown in this story in such a short time. I have to wonder how he is going to handle the rift that seems to be opening between him and Ella and Wally and Clara; they did take him and his sister in and raised them and kept them safe, in school, etc...

 

Has anything been said about how much Marie Cramptom left Ella? I know there was a trust but I cannot find if an amount was ever given... I was sort of assuming when Brad gave Gathan his trust it was to equalize the one given Ella by Maman. You know that Marie Cramptom would have tried to equalize Ella's inheiretance to that of Nick's kids but.... I guess the only reason I was really wondering about this was that Gathan was thinking that he would need to get Ella something to drive in Cali if no one else did. This wouldn't be the case if there is a trust but of course you then have to wonder when she get the revenue from the trust, access at what age, what requirements, etc... Really Mark, inquiring minds want to know...

 

This latest chapter seems to be opeing doors and giving us clues all over the place. I found Kristin's remark there at the end very interesting and can't wait to see where Mark takes this side of the story...

 

Remarkable chapter and a gateway to so many avenues in the future...

[Mark Arbour]

Ahhhh.... to be young and in Rome... Roberto sounds like just what Will needs to get over his sort of break up with John and figure out that at his age, you aren't likely to find who you are going to spend the rest of your life with. Now, I know that there are people who do find their lifemates at a really young age but they are rare and usually out of their mind, LOL... I really hope that Will and everyone in Rome has a great time.

 

The way that even while getting Stef and JP's gift, Gathan was thinking what to do with his pick up and about Ella says a lot about how he has grown in this story in such a short time. I have to wonder how he is going to handle the rift that seems to be opening between him and Ella and Wally and Clara; they did take him and his sister in and raised them and kept them safe, in school, etc...

 

Has anything been said about how much Marie Cramptom left Ella? I know there was a trust but I cannot find if an amount was ever given... I was sort of assuming when Brad gave Gathan his trust it was to equalize the one given Ella by Maman. You know that Marie Cramptom would have tried to equalize Ella's inheiretance to that of Nick's kids but.... I guess the only reason I was really wondering about this was that Gathan was thinking that he would need to get Ella something to drive in Cali if no one else did. This wouldn't be the case if there is a trust but of course you then have to wonder when she get the revenue from the trust, access at what age, what requirements, etc... Really Mark, inquiring minds want to know...

 

This latest chapter seems to be opeing doors and giving us clues all over the place. I found Kristin's remark there at the end very interesting and can't wait to see where Mark takes this side of the story...

 

Remarkable chapter and a gateway to so many avenues in the future...

 

I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter!!!

 

I wasn't specific about amounts in trust for Ella, but your'e right, there would be restrictions on the money. JP said it wouldn't be available to her until she was 18, so even if there is a lot of money, that won't really be available to get her a car. I'm not sure that Marie would have worried about equalizing money out among Rich's kids....I think she'd be interested in setting some money aside to make sure that the young lady had a good education and was comfortable. No one knows how much is in the trust, since it isn't something I have to dream up right now.

[gjtravel2a]

There has been a certain amount of discussion regarding the fact that Will has become such a strong second voice in this tale. It is something I personally find enjoyable, but I digress. Ironically, from a certain socio-political standpoint, it could be said that it fits the captitalistic model where the rich (ie Will) will always supplant the poor man's son(ie: until the $ gift, Gathan - though he is still nouveau!), here it would be Will hi-jacking the story-line from Gathan. A certain irony that the rich-boy just might steal the show, eh? Of course, being a good-old fashioned Rockefeller Republican myself, I would never actively believe such a Leninistic Analysis...a downright communist plot if you ask me!! H'rumph

[Mark Arbour]

There has been a certain amount of discussion regarding the fact that Will has become such a strong second voice in this tale. It is something I personally find enjoyable, but I digress. Ironically, from a certain socio-political standpoint, it could be said that it fits the captitalistic model where the rich (ie Will) will always supplant the poor man's son(ie: until the $ gift, Gathan - though he is still nouveau!), here it would be Will hi-jacking the story-line from Gathan. A certain irony that the rich-boy just might steal the show, eh? Of course, being a good-old fashioned Rockefeller Republican myself, I would never actively believe such a Leninistic Analysis...a downright communist plot if you ask me!! H'rumph

 

I've gotten some grief from a few people about that: about shifting the tale away from Gathan. There are good reasons for that, but I suspect the lead role will serpentine back and forth between them until the story is done.

[centexhairysub]

I've gotten some grief from a few people about that: about shifting the tale away from Gathan. There are good reasons for that, but I suspect the lead role will serpentine back and forth between them until the story is done.

 

After the first few chapters, which I had some issues with; that have since been resolved through the sheer genius of the author, I am really enjoying the give and take on the narration of each chapter. I like the idea that we are getting a view, often of the same incident, from two people with such a divergent background and makeup.

 

I think we would be well served to just sit back and enjoy that story and let Mark lead us on another wonderful adventure. So often the journey itself is more fulfilling than the destination.

[centexhairysub]

Well, really enjoyed the new chapter and was interested to see how both Gathan and Will handled their situations. I really do think that the dual narration is working really well for both sides of the story.

 

I liked how Gathan and Kristen were able to talk before he dropped her off. I think that the fact they both realize that there are things they need to deal with in order to really cement their relationship is important. Kristen is right that Gathan is going to have to be more open with her, she doesn't seem the kind of person that likes to have secrets in her life. I wonder how she will deal with JP's when and if it comes out??? I really like how Gathan and Wally handled their talk as well. Wally seems to understand what is going on even with Zach, to some extent, but you can tell he really cares about Gathan and wants the best for him.

 

I think that Will is going to have a good time in Rome, Roberto seems to be just the balm that Will needs right now. That is one thing about speaking a language that those around you don't know you speak; you can sometimes find out the most interesting tidbits... Rico sounds sort of like Zach, another shit disturber... I bet Roberto is in for a suprise when he sees Will in all his glory, so to speak... Have to wonder what kind of contest they are having at the club???

 

Keep up the great work Mark and really appreciate how hard you work to keep us entertained...

[Mark Arbour]

Well, really enjoyed the new chapter and was interested to see how both Gathan and Will handled their situations. I really do think that the dual narration is working really well for both sides of the story.

 

I liked how Gathan and Kristen were able to talk before he dropped her off. I think that the fact they both realize that there are things they need to deal with in order to really cement their relationship is important. Kristen is right that Gathan is going to have to be more open with her, she doesn't seem the kind of person that likes to have secrets in her life. I wonder how she will deal with JP's when and if it comes out??? I really like how Gathan and Wally handled their talk as well. Wally seems to understand what is going on even with Zach, to some extent, but you can tell he really cares about Gathan and wants the best for him.

 

I think that Will is going to have a good time in Rome, Roberto seems to be just the balm that Will needs right now. That is one thing about speaking a language that those around you don't know you speak; you can sometimes find out the most interesting tidbits... Rico sounds sort of like Zach, another shit disturber... I bet Roberto is in for a suprise when he sees Will in all his glory, so to speak... Have to wonder what kind of contest they are having at the club???

 

Keep up the great work Mark and really appreciate how hard you work to keep us entertained...

 

I think you'll find the contest to be somewhat interesting. It raised a few hackles with some members of my editing team.

[centexhairysub]

I think you'll find the contest to be somewhat interesting. It raised a few hackles with some members of my editing team.

 

OMG, I have to know now!!!!!

[Mari]

I really want to know what the contest is too! Comedy, dance off, strip show? Maybe by small dick he means what? Small by CAP standards or normal standards? I don't have one to play with so I have no base to compare with, really what's big or little? yay! on the two new postings

 

I love reading about Will. I like Gathan too but I'd like him more if he was with Will

[rjo]

This morning before work I read the latest chapter of PMS, then as I do I mediate on it. After rereading it again a few times I need to comment about it. Rarely does a author achieve what Mark did in this chapter. In Gathan's conversation with Kristin and one with Wally. I could hear the words being said and feel like I was there with them sitting in the back of the truck or on Wally's porch. Since Will has been narrating his part of the story Gathan has dropped into the background. Today with these simple heart felt words Gathan was bought more alive more real than ever. Only Mark could find Gathan's soul mate at a local cafe. Kristin is more than that, she is the only person who can heal him. My opinion of her has only grown chapter after chapter. Mark has said he is an atheist but I wonder if this story PMS is his penance for killing Jeff all those years before. Here is another troubled Hayes boy brilliant but flawed, wounded, filled with rage but with such a bright future if he can get past the pain. Surely Gathan can be saved when Jeff couldn't. Jeremy has said one of Mark's strengths is the repeating themes. This is one of them. It is what makes this saga so captivating. It is why we wait for each chapter so eagerly.

Edited July 9, 2011 by rjo

[centexhairysub]

Well, really enjoyed the latest chapter of PMS. I think the dual story lines are both developing in a way that enables them to be seperate but able to come back together when they need to. I wasn't so sure when the dual narration started that I was going to like it but it has proven to be very entertaining.

 

I really like how Will handled the situation with Roberto's size. It is so easy in that situation to say the wrong they and cause your partner to feel bad or react in a negative manner. Plus, the smaller size will help Will when he bottoms for the first time. Still wondering about this contest, there really was no hint in this chapter; bad author... LOL.

 

Is Kristen a year behind Gathan? I was thinking they were both seniors about to go off to college but they way she talks, she will be in high school next year. JP will have to come back to town and settle her parents down. I can see Zach deciding to cause all kinds of problems not just for Gathan but for Brent and anyone else that he can. Why is there one in every group???

 

Keep up the great work Mark, this is turning into a wonderful addition to the CAP series.

[PrivateTim]

As my comment in my review of the newest chapter said, I hope Gathan takes Kristin (where did you get that spelling by the way, can we blame jeremy? It seems like it should be Kristen or Kirsten) home and talks with her parents. We know Kristin loves her parents very much and they love her very much. I think they both overreacted in the emotion of a moment.

 

Kristin's dad has to know that Gathan is a young man with a good future and Kristin's mom must know that forbidding anything to a teen a like waving a red flag to do it.

 

I think it would show a maturity and seriousness about Gathan that might impress upon her parents his seriousness about her and that it isn't some summer fling.

 

P.S. at the rate we are moving now, hour by hour, day by day per chapter, I'll be collecting Social Security and Medicare before Will starts shaving

Edited July 12, 2011 by PrivateTim

[Mark Arbour]

This morning before work I read the latest chapter of PMS, then as I do I mediate on it. After rereading it again a few times I need to comment about it. Rarely does a author achieve what Mark did in this chapter. In Gathan's conversation with Kristin and one with Wally. I could hear the words being said and feel like I was there with them sitting in the back of the truck or on Wally's porch. Since Will has been narrating his part of the story Gathan has dropped into the background. Today with these simple heart felt words Gathan was bought more alive more real than ever. Only Mark could find Gathan's soul mate at a local cafe. Kristin is more than that, she is the only person who can heal him. My opinion of her has only grown chapter after chapter. Mark has said he is an atheist but I wonder if this story PMS is his penance for killing Jeff all those years before. Here is another troubled Hayes boy brilliant but flawed, wounded, filled with rage but with such a bright future if he can get past the pain. Surely Gathan can be saved when Jeff couldn't. Jeremy has said one of Mark's strengths is the repeating themes. This is one of them. It is what makes this saga so captivating. It is why we wait for each chapter so eagerly.

 

Don't call me Shirley.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A5t5_O8hdA

 

 

Well, really enjoyed the latest chapter of PMS. I think the dual story lines are both developing in a way that enables them to be seperate but able to come back together when they need to. I wasn't so sure when the dual narration started that I was going to like it but it has proven to be very entertaining.

 

I really like how Will handled the situation with Roberto's size. It is so easy in that situation to say the wrong they and cause your partner to feel bad or react in a negative manner. Plus, the smaller size will help Will when he bottoms for the first time. Still wondering about this contest, there really was no hint in this chapter; bad author... LOL.

 

Is Kristen a year behind Gathan? I was thinking they were both seniors about to go off to college but they way she talks, she will be in high school next year. JP will have to come back to town and settle her parents down. I can see Zach deciding to cause all kinds of problems not just for Gathan but for Brent and anyone else that he can. Why is there one in every group???

 

Keep up the great work Mark, this is turning into a wonderful addition to the CAP series.

 

 

Kristin is a year behind Gathan. I try to remember that not everyone packs 8 inches, but that doesn't always make for a good story in this genre. I think Will handled it well...some of JP's good manners have rubbed off on him.

 

As my comment in my review of the newest chapter said, I hope Gathan takes Kristin (where did you get that spelling by the way, can we blame jeremy? It seems like it should be Kristen or Kirsten) home and talks with her parents. We know Kristin loves her parents very much and they love her very much. I think they both overreacted in the emotion of a moment.

 

Kristin's dad has to know that Gathan is a young man with a good future and Kristin's mom must know that forbidding anything to a teen a like waving a red flag to do it.

 

I think it would show a maturity and seriousness about Gathan that might impress upon her parents his seriousness about her and that it isn't some summer fling.

 

P.S. at the rate we are moving now, hour by hour, day by day per chapter, I'll be collecting Social Security and Medicare before Will starts shaving

 

You'll get to see more of the Hendricksons in upcoming chapters, and then it becomes easier to understand why they reacted they way they did.

 

I can just skip over stuff if you want me to.

[Daddydavek]

NO skipping over stuff allowed, despite Private Tim's comments. I am enjoying this dual tracked story too much!

 

Names in the last 25 years have gotten really individualized, especially among the younger folk. I have seen so many weird spellings and unusual names that I am astounded to meet a young person named Mike, Bill, Dave, Bob, Tom, Dick or Harry; not to mention, Betty, Sue or Mary!

 

My only critique is that Will's portrayal seems more like a 16-17 year old than an early teen.

 

 

 

 

[methodwriter85]

As my comment in my review of the newest chapter said, I hope Gathan takes Kristin (where did you get that spelling by the way, can we blame jeremy? It seems like it should be Kristen or Kirsten) home and talks with her parents. We know Kristin loves her parents very much and they love her very much. I think they both overreacted in the emotion of a moment.

I didn't come up with that. It was purely Mark. And it's actually pretty accurate- Kristin was born in 1983, and this was the decade where individualized spellings came in vogue. I knew a Kiel once. Yes, it was completely ridiculous. Mark and I actually do a lot of research on names- guy's names tend to lean more toward classic, but girl's names can be much more dated. I like that there's been multiple teenaged"Ashley's" throughout CAP, which is really accurate. Now we just need to add some Jessicas. I'm trying to think of a popular male name from the 1980's that Mark hasn't hit yet, and I'm stumped.

 

Daddy, I remember getting at Mark once about having a "Barry" and "Harry" as young teenagers in the story, because you just don't really come across names like that. But then I thought about it, and it made sense that Nick Schluter would give his kids old-fashioned names. So it totally worked.

 

Finally, I loved Zach getting burned by Gathan Is "burn" popular yet in California? I knew people who picked up saying "burn" from That 70's Show, so I'm wondering if "ooh, burn" was a popular 70's phrase that was brought back because of the show, or if they just made that one up. Zach really needs to learn how to fake being nice if he really wants to manipulate people into getting him things.

[rjo]

i was surprised Kristen is moving out. Do her parents know JP is her great uncle? Besides that Jim, JP's brother is married to their great aunt. I also assume that her parents know that Gathan is adopted part of JP's family. Also Gathan has a close relationship to the mayor and his half brother, Brad. Throw Stef in the mix I doubt they will cause Gathan to much trouble. Of course we know Mark ( not Shirley ) has some hidden secret to be revealed.

[Matthew k]

Of course we know Mark Arbour ( not Shirley ) has some hidden secret to be revealed.

 

He is Mark Arbour, but he thinks he is Ethel Merman!

 

[methodwriter85]

Heh. Mark Arbour's secret is actually that Jeff Hayes faked his own death and is secretly living with Aaron in Negros. Jeff was just too ashamed to see Stefan when they visited. Aaron managed to pull off one hell of an acting job, too.

 

Nah, seriously though, it's interesting where we're going with Zach Hayes. He seems like a budding narcissist. With his devilishly good looks Zach should probably be able to find the right con, but first he's got to learn how to read people and make them think he cares about them. It would probably have to be someone outside of the Crampton/Schluter circle because I would imagine this family is pretty wary after the Brian debacle. I think they're going to be less inclined to give people chances.

 

Brent seems like a prime candidate for a future troop in the War on Terror. If his birthday is October 1984, then he should be able to enlist right when the Iraq War starts in March '03. Maybe he could go with Gathan's friend Chord?

Edited July 13, 2011 by methodwriter85

[rjo]

Please don't get me started. Now Jeff alive would really change things wouldn't it. Of all the people who died in this saga Jeff is the one I mourn. I miss Tonto but she would be almost 100. She is missed but her memory drives the family not to the forget about their home town. But Jeff off drugs and his old self would be something else. Can to imagine the threesome. JP would have to retire he'd be too worn out. Maybe that's how it should end. Jeff Hayes returns!!! What do you think Mark? Back from the dead on JP's 75th birthday.

Edited July 14, 2011 by rjo

[Mark Arbour]

He is Mark Arbour, but he thinks he is Ethel Merman!

 

 

 

Leave it to a gay boy to post a show tune sung by none other than Ethel Merman herself. So stereotypical.

 

Heh. Mark Arbour's secret is actually that Jeff Hayes faked his own death and is secretly living with Aaron in Negros. Jeff was just too ashamed to see Stefan when they visited. Aaron managed to pull off one hell of an acting job, too.

 

Nah, seriously though, it's interesting where we're going with Zach Hayes. He seems like a budding narcissist. With his devilishly good looks Zach should probably be able to find the right con, but first he's got to learn how to read people and make them think he cares about them. It would probably have to be someone outside of the Crampton/Schluter circle because I would imagine this family is pretty wary after the Brian debacle. I think they're going to be less inclined to give people chances.

 

Brent seems like a prime candidate for a future troop in the War on Terror. If his birthday is October 1984, then he should be able to enlist right when the Iraq War starts in March '03. Maybe he could go with Gathan's friend Chord?

 

Zach is evolving into an interesting character. He's slutty. I like to write slutty.

 

Please don't get me started. Now Jeff alive would really change things wouldn't it. Of all the people who died in this saga Jeff is the one I mourn. I miss Tonto but she would be almost 100. She is missed but her memory drives the family not to the forget about their home town. But Jeff off drugs and his old self would be something else. Can to imagine the threesome. JP would have to retire he'd be too worn out. Maybe that's how it should end. Jeff Hayes returns!!! What do you think Mark? Back from the dead on JP's 75th birthday.

 

This is so not "Dallas." No one is coming back from the dead. Probably.

[methodwriter85]

Wouldn't it be awesome though if the series ended with J.P. waking up in 1963 as a 27-year old, with Jeff using the shower at the Chicago condo and telling him that the past forty or fifty years have been a dream? Brad, Ace, and Robbie are babies, John F. Kennedy is still alive, Claire and Billy are yet to be born, and Stefan is the randy eighteen-year old with a thick French accent.

[rjo]

Better yet in 1968 just after Brad got to California. At the moment JP was looking for Jeff. Before Jeff said he love Stef more. That way Mark could write the whole saga over. We wouldn't have to worry about the ending for a long time. Those of us who are crazy could compare the changes between the two stories to see how they changed. What do you think Mark? Is it a good idea? A new poll to see how many people will bring back Jeff? and when?

[One Cheap Suit]

JP wakes up next to Suzanne Pleshette... Or IS Suzanne Pleshette waking up next to Bob Newhart...

[methodwriter85]

It would be interesting to see a Bizarro CAP universe. I bet Brad is married to Max, Will was never born because Brad was on a revenge streak against Robbie instead f having comfort sex with Jeanine, Robbie is a carpenter living in Dallas, and Jeanine's lesbian partner is Casey's mother. (Remember him?) That would also mean Matt Carrswold is on kidney dialysis in Shaker Heights, as he couldn't find Robbie because no one's ever heard of him.

[Hermetically Sealed]

Don't really have anything to add, just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Bastille Day! ^^