Heart of the Tree by Graeme

[wildone]

Hey, so this is what it is like to be on top .

 

Graeme, loved the chapter. It is nice to see that Bobby has finally decided to see someone, but now that just leaves Rhys.

 

Probably the best part of the chapter had to be the cafeteria scene with Dave. I imagine he has his foot so far in his mouth, he won't be able to express his opinions to anyone for awhile. Also with the first public kiss between Vince and Matt, I can't help to believe that Vince is lot more closer to coming out than the impression I got after they had the chat.

 

I'm glad that Mr. Tyler is on the tree's side. It sounds like more and more of the townsfolk (mainly adults) are being to rally behind saving the tree. By choosing Bobby, and playing the loopholes with the contract, it might just give the time needed to Vince and Matt.

 

I must say that I'm really looking forward to the meeting of Vince and Matt's parents. Since Matt's parents seemed really nice earlier in the story, I'm hoping that they take Vince in the way that they did Shane. Still, it would have been interesting to have actually hearing about Alex meeting Jamie's Mom and her partner. For some reason, meeting the parents stories are always good for a laugh.

 

Finally, Rhys' statement " Me? But I'm always innocent" had me chuckling as I was thinking of where I have heard that statement over and over again. A certain goat comes to mind .

 

Can't wait for the next chapter

 

Steve

[acassimaty]

Hehehe finally got round to reading this chapter and I loved it!

 

For starters - there was a reason why I liked Matt so much and I finally figured out why. He's a Panther's supporter! Lol and hopefully that will be something to be proud of again in the future (We got the wooden spoon this year for those who don't know - something Matt hasn't had to endure yet lol). Vince definitely loses some points for supporting the Roosters, though.

 

That scene with Dave in the cafeteria, I loved. As it went on I could predict that Vince was going to out himself, but lord knows I didn't expect it to be so dramatic (and romantic! )

 

On another note it must be a good sign of a writer's skill that they're able to get their readers as emotionally attached to a tree as the characters are. The future of the tree has me hooked at the moment, even more so than some of the other character's plights. Thank goodness for Keith Tyler!

 

Alex

[Graeme]

Probably the best part of the chapter had to be the cafeteria scene with Dave. I imagine he has his foot so far in his mouth, he won't be able to express his opinions to anyone for awhile. Also with the first public kiss between Vince and Matt, I can't help to believe that Vince is lot more closer to coming out than the impression I got after they had the chat.

A number of people have commented to me on that scene. It was a late addition to the chapter, and I had wondered after writing it if I should remove it. I'm glad I left it in -- it seems very popular

 

I'm glad that Mr. Tyler is on the tree's side. It sounds like more and more of the townsfolk (mainly adults) are being to rally behind saving the tree. By choosing Bobby, and playing the loopholes with the contract, it might just give the time needed to Vince and Matt.

The council appears to have misjudged the feeling in the town It remains to be seen if they can buy enough time.

 

I must say that I'm really looking forward to the meeting of Vince and Matt's parents. Since Matt's parents seemed really nice earlier in the story, I'm hoping that they take Vince in the way that they did Shane. Still, it would have been interesting to have actually hearing about Alex meeting Jamie's Mom and her partner. For some reason, meeting the parents stories are always good for a laugh.

I hope you like the scene when it appears. There a few other things to happen first, though....

 

Thanks, Steve!

 

Hehehe finally got round to reading this chapter and I loved it!

 

For starters - there was a reason why I liked Matt so much and I finally figured out why. He's a Panther's supporter! Lol and hopefully that will be something to be proud of again in the future (We got the wooden spoon this year for those who don't know - something Matt hasn't had to endure yet lol). Vince definitely loses some points for supporting the Roosters, though.

I've done enough work in Penrith, and stayed at the Panthers club there, that the Panthers were my first choice for a NSW team. I decided against having either guy supporting the Storm as I didn't want all my NSW readers to start throwing things at me

 

That scene with Dave in the cafeteria, I loved. As it went on I could predict that Vince was going to out himself, but lord knows I didn't expect it to be so dramatic (and romantic! )

Thanks, Alex!

[C James]

I loved that chapter!

 

Definitly agreed, good to see Bobby meeting someone he has a lot in common with. And Shane seems to be heading in a good direction!

 

Rhys, though, hmmm, interesting that he's no longer avoiding drink. Nothing bad, but to me it signals a slight change, more maturity. I still haven't got a clue what will happen with him. He's still one of my favorite characters, probably even moreso now.

 

Save the Tree!

 

Oh, and BTW, I'm declaring a cliffhanger.

[Graeme]

Oh, and BTW, I'm declaring a cliffhanger.

A cliffhanger? The only way you could call that a cliffhanger is to claim I didn't finish the story in that chapter! There are still five chapters to go.

 

Cliffhanger, indeed. I think you see cliffhangers in your sleep and it's making you delusional

[C James]

A cliffhanger? The only way you could call that a cliffhanger is to claim I didn't finish the story in that chapter! There are still five chapters to go.

 

Cliffhanger, indeed. I think you see cliffhangers in your sleep and it's making you delusional

 

I think it's a cliffie to have a main character in mortal peril, and make no mistake, The Tree is in peril! I know that with Bobby being assigned the task of cutting it down it's safe for a little while, but its still at risk. Therefor, this is a cliffhanger!

 

Even though i don't use 'em myself, i know 'em when I see 'em!

 

BTW, I'm really looking forward to how Bobby deals with his secret. He's very ethical, so my guess is he takes the promise literally, and lets all his friends hate him for taking the job.

[Graeme]

I think it's a cliffie to have a main character in mortal peril, and make no mistake, The Tree is in peril! I know that with Bobby being assigned the task of cutting it down it's safe for a little while, but its still at risk. Therefor, this is a cliffhanger!

Based on that logic, every chapter since chapter one has been a cliffhanger, since The Tree has been in peril the whole time....

 

I hope you don't mind, but I think you use a different definition of cliffhanger to me.

[TalonRider]

The scene with Vince outing himself to Dave was priceless. I thought I heard a slight thud as his jaw hit the table top. IMHO, he deserved that because of his rude comments.

 

Don't pay any attention to a certain goat. He's just trying to draw attention away from himself and all those cliffhangers he doesn't use in his stories.

 

Great chapter Graeme.

 

Jan

[wildone]

I loved chapter 28 Graeme !!!

 

It was more of a fun loving, face paced chapter that seemed to not deal with as much serious issues (except maybe the meeting), and dealt with more fun stuff.

 

I was anxiously anticipating the meeting between Vince and the Sterling family, and you didn't disappoint. I found it interesting that Matt has declared his love to Vince and wanting to commit to his parents, which was a bit of a shock to Vince. It seems like even the Sterlings know about the urgency for the heart to be announced to the town. Why else did they make plans to go to Morton and meet Vince's family without both boys knowledge. Poor Vince, I imagine the pressure is becoming intense now, and he still hasn't found out the real reason for Alex coming to town yet.

 

And kudos to Rhys, going to a party for moral support for Vince . I guess a leopard can change his spots. Only if more people were understanding and willing to look, listen, and learn. I'm also glad that he agreed to go riding with Andrew and Geoff. Maybe by increasing his circle of friends, he will meet up with someone to his liking, and that definitely won't be Cameron

ass

.

 

And no matter what a certain goat says in Arizona, no cliffhanger involved in this chapter .

 

Can't wait for the final chapters to come out, then will probably sit back and read the whole story start to finish once again.

 

Steve

[C James]

I loved chapter 28 Graeme !!!

 

It was more of a fun loving, face paced chapter that seemed to not deal with as much serious issues (except maybe the meeting), and dealt with more fun stuff.

 

I was anxiously anticipating the meeting between Vince and the Sterling family, and you didn't disappoint. I found it interesting that Matt has declared his love to Vince and wanting to commit to his parents, which was a bit of a shock to Vince. It seems like even the Sterlings know about the urgency for the heart to be announced to the town. Why else did they make plans to go to Morton and meet Vince's family without both boys knowledge. Poor Vince, I imagine the pressure is becoming intense now, and he still hasn't found out the real reason for Alex coming to town yet.

 

And kudos to Rhys, going to a party for moral support for Vince . I guess a leopard can change his spots. Only if more people were understanding and willing to look, listen, and learn. I'm also glad that he agreed to go riding with Andrew and Geoff. Maybe by increasing his circle of friends, he will meet up with someone to his liking, and that definitely won't be Cameron

ass

.

 

And no matter what a certain goat says in Arizona, no cliffhanger involved in this chapter .

 

Can't wait for the final chapters to come out, then will probably sit back and read the whole story start to finish once again.

 

Steve

 

Excellent chapter, Graeme! The scene with Rhys was hilarious, and also meaningful that he was willing to go.

I certainly agree about reading it again once it is complete!

 

Being "the Heart" is certainly a mixed blessing at best!

 

Steve, I must disagree with you. The Tree is still in dire danger, so I simply must declare a cliffhanger!

[TalonRider]

This was a great chapter.

 

It seems like even the Sterlings know about the urgency for the heart to be announced to the town. Why else did they make plans to go to Morton and meet Vince's family without both boys knowledge.

 

Actually, I think the trip to Mourton was to by some wine, or so it was stated, with meeting Vince's parents on the side.

 

Steve, I must disagree with you. The Tree is still in dire danger, so I simply must declare a cliffhanger! innocent.gif

 

CJ, if that was the case, the whole story is a cliffhanger.

 

You know, this is my third post today where I commented on cliffhangers.

 

Jan

[Graeme]

I loved chapter 28 Graeme !!!

 

It was more of a fun loving, face paced chapter that seemed to not deal with as much serious issues (except maybe the meeting), and dealt with more fun stuff.

Thank you!

 

I was anxiously anticipating the meeting between Vince and the Sterling family, and you didn't disappoint. I found it interesting that Matt has declared his love to Vince and wanting to commit to his parents, which was a bit of a shock to Vince. It seems like even the Sterlings know about the urgency for the heart to be announced to the town. Why else did they make plans to go to Morton and meet Vince's family without both boys knowledge. Poor Vince, I imagine the pressure is becoming intense now, and he still hasn't found out the real reason for Alex coming to town yet.

I don't think that anyone is happy that the boys are being pushed into making a decision, but their affection for each other seems obvious to those around them, as witnessed by Matt's parents/

 

Excellent chapter, Graeme! The scene with Rhys was hilarious, and also meaningful that he was willing to go.

I certainly agree about reading it again once it is complete!

 

Being "the Heart" is certainly a mixed blessing at best!

Definitely a mixed blessing. The end result (a loving partner for the rest of their lives together) is definitely worthwhile, but the price they have to go through before they get there is high. In some ways, Rhys did Vince a favour by the way he outed him -- because he made Vince aware that there may be someone out there. If Vince had continued to be oblivious to the possibility that Matt's gay, what may he have done?

 

Actually, I think the trip to Mourton was to by some wine, or so it was stated, with meeting Vince's parents on the side.

It couldn't be for both reasons? Which is more important... buying wine or meeting the parents of your son's prospective life partner? Tough choice....

 

Thanks everyone for the comments! I had a lot of fun writing that chapter I'm glad to see that you've enjoyed it as much as I did.

[TalonRider]

It couldn't be for both reasons? Which is more important... buying wine or meeting the parents of your son's prospective life partner? Tough choice....

I think originally, it was to buy some wine, then they thought about meeting Vince's parents as well. Plan's change.

 

Jan

[acassimaty]

Chapter 29 is up guys.

[C James]

Chapter 29 is up guys.

 

Wow! Great chapter!!!!!

 

Rhys never ceases to amaze me, and Cameron was sure a surprise, too.

 

Now, the counselor's altereror motives make sense, too, and that does NOT bode well. There is also the big issue that even if there is a wedding under the tree, the tree won't recover instantly...

 

Now, WHAT exactly does that final line deal with? I'm being vauge here as the chapter is newly up, but the specified location seems to indicate one thing, but its not clearly said. So, what will it be? It could well be that he just wants to give him some advice on dryland farming...

[wildone]

Graeme,

 

If you could see the smile on my face right now after reading that chapter, you would know who much I loved it.

 

And CJ, if you don't know what the final line means, well....maybe you've been reading your stories a bit too much .

 

On a side point, notice no cliffhanger at all. Matt has told Vince what they will be doing on the weekend, with his parents in town, and I'm sure everybody knows the road that Graeme is taking us down.

 

Steve

 

PS......Graeme, you are taking us down that road....right?

[TalonRider]

I think we all know what's going to happen in Mourton on the weekend specified. But the big question is, will Matt and Vince be able to get to the tree without the rest of the gang intruding on their moment. And like a good reader, I've sent my thoughts on this chapter to Graeme, which hopefully, made him smile.

 

Jan

[Graeme]

Maybe by increasing his circle of friends, he will meet up with someone to his liking, and that definitely won't be Cameron

ass

.

Steve -- I'm bring this back up to see if you've got a different opinion on Cameron now. I know he's not perfect, but he is very human....

 

Wow! Great chapter!!!!!

 

Rhys never ceases to amaze me, and Cameron was sure a surprise, too.

 

Now, the counselor's altereror motives make sense, too, and that does NOT bode well. There is also the big issue that even if there is a wedding under the tree, the tree won't recover instantly...

 

Now, WHAT exactly does that final line deal with? I'm being vauge here as the chapter is newly up, but the specified location seems to indicate one thing, but its not clearly said. So, what will it be? It could well be that he just wants to give him some advice on dryland farming...

Thanks, CJ!

 

Regarding Cameron, I'm a firm believer in that one shouldn't be too quick to judge someone. They may have reasons for acting the way they do and sometimes when you learn what they are, you can change your opinion of them. This isn't the first time I've done this in the story. Aunt Cynthia mentioned in an earlier chapter about a mother who's son was molested and that's why she hates all paedophiles. She's ignorant about the relationship between homosexuality and paedophilia (ie. none) but her hatred isn't without reason, even if it is misdirected.

 

As for Rhys, even I'm impressed by how much growing up he's been doing over the story. He's still a larrikan (anyone who doesn't know this quintessential Aussie term can look it up) but he's maturing, too.

 

Finally, dryland farming is a very important topic in a drought-ridden country like Australia....

 

Graeme,

 

If you could see the smile on my face right now after reading that chapter, you would know who much I loved it.

 

And CJ, if you don't know what the final line means, well....maybe you've been reading your stories a bit too much .

 

On a side point, notice no cliffhanger at all. Matt has told Vince what they will be doing on the weekend, with his parents in town, and I'm sure everybody knows the road that Graeme is taking us down.

 

Steve

 

PS......Graeme, you are taking us down that road....right?

Thanks, Steve!

 

My only comments on your last question are:

 

1. Chapter 32 will be the last chapter in the story. That's now definite.

2. I'm usually a romantic and I prefer happy endings. That doesn't mean I can't do depressing endings when I want to....

 

 

I think we all know what's going to happen in Mourton on the weekend specified. But the big question is, will Matt and Vince be able to get to the tree without the rest of the gang intruding on their moment. And like a good reader, I've sent my thoughts on this chapter to Graeme, which hopefully, made him smile.

 

Jan

Thanks, Jan! Yes, I'm smiling

[wildone]

Steve -- I'm bring this back up to see if you've got a different opinion on Cameron now. I know he's not perfect, but he is very human....

 

Interesting question, and one I don't really know if I can answer right away. First thing I thought when I read the reason that he was the way he was, was what a passive/agressive #%@.

 

Then I thought, well, I don't really want to always be judged on my first impression either.

 

So balancing out the two, I have to go with my old default regarding people.

 

You have probably heard the expression that trust is earned. A mentor in my early career challenged me on that, and I tend to agree with what he said. I now believe that when you first meet someone, you have total 100% trust in that person. It is what you do after you or that person does that erodes away that trust. Therefore, trust is not earned over time, but is either lost or has to be made up for again.

 

Now, I guess you can say that I have never met Cameron, and I have only read about him, so I guess I shouldn't base my opinion on what someone else has described the situation as being. So if I ever meet Cameron in person I will be sure to give him all my trust and judge him on what he does after that.

 

Okay, maybe I'm a bit .

 

But think of the story and you as making me take a philosophical approach to this.

 

Thanks for pointing that out.

 

Steve

[TalonRider]

Chapter 30 is posted.

[old bob]

Hey Graeme,

I didn't tell you yet how much I liked the story , not only for itself, but for the way you introduced me in the Aussie way of life. One chapter after the other, I met nice people and I could imagine how they live on what is for me the other side of earth.

Thanks for the opportunity you gave me to make the world shorter

[Graeme]

Hey Graeme,

I didn't tell you yet how much I liked the story , not only for itself, but for the way you introduced me in the Aussie way of life. One chapter after the other, I met nice people and I could imagine how they live on what is for me the other side of earth.

Thanks for the opportunity you gave me to make the world shorter

Thanks, Bob!

 

To be honest, there are bad people in Australia, too. We have the same percentage of nut cases that all societies have. Some places are more conservative or liberal than others, but overall I like to think that the majority of Australians are decent folk. That could just be the optimist in me, but it's what I believe

[wildone]

Graeme,

 

Great chapter. You delivered .

 

On a side not first, spent the last week reading "New Brother", and that is one amazing story too. I will have to get into "Falls Creek Lessons" sometime soon.

 

Back to HOTT, I'm glad that Vince and Matt committed under the tree. I was a little surprised that the other kids were around, as they seemed to intended it to be just the two of them, no parents, friends or others. But I guess they were there to keep the watch going.

 

Also, glad that Vince made the decision to come out in Mourton. I'm sure that life will be easier now for everyone, including Alex. Well, at least I hope.

 

Interesting insight with Vince's opinion about Rhys and same with Matt's. Since he is the only one not paired up, will we see anything between him and Padma, but I guess you explained that they just weren't interested in each others than friends.

 

And big thumbs up for KeithTyler He seems to have quite a little ring of informants to ensure that nobody cuts down the tree. By getting the lawyers involved and hopefully getting a injunction against the council, he is fast approaching hero status in my mind.

 

Well it will be interesting to see what else happens in the future and what loose ends will be tied up. Can't wait for the next chapter.

 

Steve

[Graeme]

On a side not first, spent the last week reading "New Brother", and that is one amazing story too. I will have to get into "Falls Creek Lessons" sometime soon.

Thanks, Steve As a warning, Falls Creek Lessons is best read online and not from a printout. The reason is that I've embedded links into the pages.... You can read the story without using the links, but they add an extra depth to the story.

 

Back to HOTT, I'm glad that Vince and Matt committed under the tree. I was a little surprised that the other kids were around, as they seemed to intended it to be just the two of them, no parents, friends or others. But I guess they were there to keep the watch going.

Yep -- and since that particular group knew or suspected who the real Heart was, there was no way they were going to just ignore what was going on

 

Interesting insight with Vince's opinion about Rhys and same with Matt's. Since he is the only one not paired up, will we see anything between him and Padma, but I guess you explained that they just weren't interested in each others than friends.

 

And big thumbs up for KeithTyler He seems to have quite a little ring of informants to ensure that nobody cuts down the tree. By getting the lawyers involved and hopefully getting a injunction against the council, he is fast approaching hero status in my mind.

 

Well it will be interesting to see what else happens in the future and what loose ends will be tied up. Can't wait for the next chapter.

There are two more chapters to go. Hopefully they'll answer most, if not all, of your questions

 

Thanks again for the comments,

 

Graeme

[wildone]

Graeme,

 

Just finished Falls Creek Lessons, and although I know this is the HOTT thread, I have to highly recommend this story.

 

At first I struggled with the embedded links, as it seemed to take away from the flow of the story. But as the story continued, I really appreciated getting the other characters opinions without them being right in the story. Since it was form Greg's POV, this made it a much more complete story. I especially loved everyone's opinions in the afterword .

 

If anyone else hasn't read this story, I encourage that you do. We have all read lots of coming out stories, but the way Graeme handled the storyline and the interaction of the characters was original in my opinion. To know what each character was thinking and feeling, but not communicating made for some very tense and also some hilarious scenes.

 

I especially liked the the setting for the story. I too didn't take up skiing until after I was eighteen. Some of Greg's experiences I could definitely relate to. Too bad I didn't find a Dan at Sunshine Village

 

If I learned anything from this story, it was don't judge people by what they appear to be. It will usually only backfire on you in the end.

 

So, if you haven't had the chance to read this story, make sure you do.

 

Falls Creek Lesson

 

Hopefully I'm allowed to post that link here .

 

Steve