To Move Forward

[LJH]

I came across To Move Forward on a lazy day when I had nothing to do and I'm glad I read the first chapter. It propelled me to wait for the next and the next and the next. Okay, there are only four chapters so far and I'm looking forward to the next four because I am totally engaged by the characters thus far.

 

The blurb reads: Patrick has been unable to let go of the past. He finally decides to make an attempt to move forward but realizes there may be more chapters to add to the old story before starting a new one.

 

Ben and Patrick HAD been more than friends at college before they went their seperate ways.Ben obviously had a major impact on Patrick's life once upon a time. In the years that followed, Ben married and Patrick remained true to his sexual orientation as a gay man. Patrick takes life seriously. This is a good thing, considering that he has recently had a fallout. By chance he and Ben meet at a fair, where Patrick discovers that Ben is divorced. Suddenly, Patrick is thrust into Ben's life once again, and he has no idea what he is getting himself into because, as much as Patrick desires Ben and vice versa, there are skeletons in the cupboard that are dying (excuse the pun) to be laid to rest.

 

Indulge with me for a moment as I reveal exactly what Ben and Patrick have confided in me, you see, I have become one of their best friends, and as much as the author knows and talks to his characters, I do the same, especially with characters who invoke in me certain emotions: Ben wants readers to get to know him better. He has good qualities. He lives in the present and is a good listener. He wants readers to tell him when he goes wrong. He wants readers to care. He will not force Patrick into anything he does not want to do. Ben is patient and caring too and he's unforgetable. He knows that Patrick has other friends, but he's a little worried that Patrick isn't sharing all the details of his life with. Patrick's friends, just as Ben's friends, are an inmortant part of their past and future. However, he is leaving the choice up to Patrick.

 

This is Patrick's response:

 

Patrick is cautious because he doesn't want to get hurt . More to the point, he does not want to be hurt by Ben. His other friends, (Greg, Rob, Emily, etc.), he can deal with, as long as he knows that Ben would stand by him.

 

 

Yes, others give character.

Who does define me?

Does who change definition?

Friends? Confidants? A Lover?

 

Yes, we are reunited.

Where do we go now?

Do we ignore these past years?

Apart? Lonely? Still longing?

 

Yes, Ben told me he missed me.

What does that really mean?

Does he miss me in his life?

As a lover? A toy? Friend?

 

Yes, the words can make me weep.

How do I tell him?

Do I toss caution aside?

Blurt it out? Confess? Confide?

 

Yes, I have waited many years.

When is the right time?

Do I be ordinary?

At dinner? A party? Fair?

 

Yes, I have waited too long.

Do I need do this?

Why extraordinary?

To breathe, to live, To Move Forward.

 

 

Randomness. I love it. It is well written and struck an emotional lump inside me. The writing is fresh and elegant. I look forward to following Patrick's journey. I hope every chapter will allow me to express my feelings. If there is one story you read this year, make sure it is To Move Forward. I certainly cannot move forward without the next chapter.

[Randomness]

Hello, it’s me, Ben.

 

I’m pleased to hear myself spoken of as a friend. That’s what I want from someone involved in my life and that’s what I hoped for from you, to be involved. Just because there’s paper between us, doesn’t mean I would want any less from a friend.

 

Likewise, by telling me things, I can evolve. You have seen it. You help me grow and change. You make me think and reexamine. You bring emotion to my life, just what I would hope for from a good friend like you.

 

Remember, I don’t want to be taken out of context. Others may get the wrong impression. They can get to know me too. So don’t go telling everyone our secrets. Some things are better left between just great friends like us, ok?

 

Fun times and more challenges lie ahead for us both. I am positive that we will speak again after a few more pages. Maybe even during, who knows? I always look forward to hearing from one of my dearest friends.

 

- Ben

[Randomness]

First, let me say thank you to those who have been patiently following along. Chapter 5 is out now, finally. Chapters 1 and 3 have been re-edited. There are no significant plot changes to those, so no worries. Currently, working on 6 and editing 2 and 4. I guess I work only the even-odds!

 

Thank you all again for your kind words and support!

And Louis - I sooo owe you!

[Randomness]

It has been a very long time coming, but, Chapter Six is now going out now. 

Chapter Seven is done and will be out soon.  Chapter Eight is due for edit. 

 

For a story that was meant to be only a few pages, WOW! 

Thank you all for the compliments, encouragement and inspiration. 

 

Oh, and, thank LJH for being my super secret therapist! 

(He will need one for himself after this is complete!) 

[Randomness]

Chapters Seven and Eight are out.  Thank you for following along!

[Randomness]

Ok, so I am the only one writing here now, but that is ok!  Chapter 9 in published.  Thanks for the followers and comments!