riolongoria

This is my favorite DomLuka story, but I haven't read them all, and I can't really say why. Maybe because it has all the classic elements of a coming of age, gay love story. I think the characters seem more honest. It is easy to see their faults as a part of just being teenagers, nothing like the polished faults of Mr. Trust. Gay teenagers have a lot more support than they had 30 years ago, but it is still a lonely road for most. I wish I could introduce some of my friends and family, who have gay children to some of these stories like this one, but I am afraid that they would get hung up with some of the sex scenes. I live in a very prudish, hypocritical part of the world. I have said it about other stories and authors at this site; it would have been a real blessing to have had these stories when I was a teenager. I am glad I have them now. Thank you for sharing, DomLuka, where ever you are.

I could not stop reading this story. I couldn't put it down long enough to have a conversation with my friends. I was almost relieved that there were only 21 chapters...almost. I feel like DomLuka was very close to the end of this tale. I think Mr. Trust is about to give in a little, but this story is full of surprises. What a captivating story!

I agree with Morgaine. It was a beautiful story, and I look forward to reading more from you.

Underthehoodster, You're still alive! Happy New Year! Apologize? Why? Maybe you don't have writers block. Maybe the story has no ending, and you would have to follow their lives until you die. The thing is, you are a writer, no doubt. Why don't you write something else? Maybe you could collaborate with another writer at this site in order to finish this story. Regardless. no apologies, I'm just glad I have read what you have written, and I wish the best of luck!

Wow, J. Ross, what a great story! No trite, predictable responses from your characters and their situations, just true to life, nail-biting consternation. I could feel everything Jake was going through, and had to laugh when he said he wasn't doing that bad, just not that great. I could feel how the father was completely caught off guard and at a loss as to what to do or say. I have to agree with Benji, I don't see how a short ish epilogue can do the story justice. How can you resolve the issue with Jake's mother without at least one more chapter? Well, you are the master story teller here, I'm sure the end will be as amazing as the rest of the story. Hey, wasn't the last morning in the story supposed to be the strawberry picking Saturday?

I agree with you, Lifeliver. I love this story. I love the characters, their crazy experiences, and I love the way underthehoodster writes. Maybe we could offer to pay him to keep writing. Wouldn't it be great if this story was a weekly television show? I read this story over the summer and I still think about it often.

I agree with newfie above, and like him I didn't realize the story was incomplete until I read chpt. 17. There are so many great young authors with works at this site. I'm a teacher and I have time to read in the summers. All of these coming of age and coming out stories have kept me up late revisiting memories, crying and wondering why so little has changed in our society towards openess, understanding and tolerance of same-sex love in our society. I wrote in Jon Doe's forum for his story "Get There" that I wish it could be required reading in highschools so that kids could have positive "normal" characters to relate to. I felt so lost as a teenager, and scared to death I would end up lisping when I spoke and swishing like a broom when I walked if I was to ever admit to myself that I was gay. An older brother helped me get over that fear, keep things in perspective, and remember who I was and where I came from. I love these characters. I love listening in on on Jake's soliloquies. Those thoughts sound so familiar. You are a great story teller and a damn good writer. No one could do theses characters justice or finish this story as well as you. Maybe you should publish it and make us all buy the book. You should definitely try to have it published. I'll buy several copies and donate one to the library. Thanks for sharing this story and these characters and the very best of luck to you!

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story. I was not disappointed with the final chapter. Redemption and forgiveness are such powerful forces in our lives, and they help us live without regret. I truly hope you have an easier time with your family than Kan had with his. Best of luck to you. I hope to buy this book someday.

You are a wonderful writer, I joined this web site just to tell you that. I hope you receive the encouragement you need to continue being a story teller. I would like to see this story published and made required reading in high schools. It would have changed my life to have had stories like this one to relate to all those decades ago. Unfortunately, I don