Rabble_Rouser

Well, since I just powered my way thru the story in a couple of days, things are still pretty fresh in my mind. Here's where I'm thinking this is going...: - Richard gets sideswipped by the evil Catherine who has gotten a better offer from the competition and uses the dirt she has gathered on Richard. This includes her being the "other woman" that Richard was always running off to. - Joanne introduces Jacob to the mystery man she's running upstate to spend every weekend with... the mystery man from Grad who is Jacob's Dad. - Dan finally catches on about Matt & Jacob and is accepting. - Jay gets busted for drinking and driving on Grad night and ends up being bottom boy of cell # 3. Steve

I decided to check out SoB this weekend and ended up reading all the chapters and starting in on Living in Surreality... great stories! Steve

That's gotta be the best chapter in ITFB (at least so far) but I'm also one who would have liked to see Dennis and Owen end up together but I'm guessing that's unlikely. You can see the cracks in Dennis' armour widening with each passing day with Travis. Hopefully Travis can convince Dennis soon that he deserves to be happy so their relationship can move beyond sex and hanging out... As for Owen, I want him to find a nice guy... and since Dennis is looking even more unlikely and Aiden doesn't look like he's even attempting to deal with his issues or at least let Owen know why the hell they broke up. Unless things move quickly on the Owen & Aiden front, there might not be a happy ending for Owen. Steve

Hhhmmmm..., what to pick, what to pick... Now: Daily Show Jericho Stargate Atlantis NCIS Amazing Race Forever: Dead Like Me (easily the top of the list!) Third Watch Keeping Up Appearances QAF

Owen doesn't seem to able to benefit from talking about things to Ben because he's too close to the situation to give the advice he wants too... Not that it would ever happen in a month of Sundays but Dennis could really use a few sessions with Ben. Steve

I am thinking the same thing... He shows up at the shelter before Matt leaves or he meets him at his new school... hopefully Vance doesn't torture us by having something happen to Matt where he ends up in the hospital to find Danny... I'm just not convinced we've seen the last of Danny. Steve

Two chapters help salvage what up until now has been a crappy day! <sigh> I really hope that Dennis comes to grips with his relationship with Travis. Did anyone else find it funny that Dennis gets really uncomfortable being with Travis and retreats into his closet to rummage around? I'm also pretty sure I'm not the only one who was shouting at the monitor to tell Dennis that he should not be following Owen in the forest at night!!! Maybe Owen neglected to tell him the story of going camping with his brothers when he was young. Steve

I would have like to have read about what happened in Dennis' room. It would have filled in some holes about what we know about Dennis who is my favourite character. I would have rather read about what Dennis did once Travis was gone and how he reacted when Reilly went to seen him.... I'm hoping that Travis and Dennis end up in something long term... it would be good for both of them (plus it would suit the romantic in me!) Steve

I don't think that Andy's behaviour is at all that unexpected as it's been noted in previous chapters and even this one that he'll do anything to piss his mother off:

Another great chapter that gives us a big hint on the direction of the story... I won't say more until people have had a chance to read to avoid any spoilers. Happy reading! Steve

I'm going to try an pull this back from becoming the grammar thread I really liked seeing Dennis kiss Travis back but I'm waiting either for Dennis to decide he's not worthy (I think we're going to see Dennis become a hero of sorts by the time the story has concluded) or Travis to freak out when he figures out that Dennis won't see things as simple flirting or casual... now we just have to wait for the next chapter to arrive! Steve

Happy Birthday Bard!!!

Another good chapter. It didn't move the story along much but it certainly gave us more background on Matt and vurther endeared him as a character. I can't decide whether Andy will be trouble or a big ally to Matt... guess I'll just have to wait until next Friday! Steve

This was a good chapter from the perspective that it provided a good amount of background information about some of the mysteries surrounding the two main characters. On the down side it didn't move the story along very much. Now we know what the general reason behind the persistent pestering of Dennis by Lyle and his mother is about and why Travis has an annual pilgrimage on his birthday. I still think that Travis knows where Allan is and all the money he needs is used for his lawyers. But then why wouldn't Travis just pick up and go see him? Same goes for another thought I had Allan being hospitalized or in long-term care... why wouldn't Travis just pick up to be near him? Also, if he's dead, the money could be for a gravestone & care of the grave but I wouldn't think it would be alot of money (well, the care at least)... ok, enough rambling about Allan & the money mystery... Hopefully Dom is correct in saying we might get another chapter this week! Steve

Well, I'm assuming he there's for a short time or until he turns 18... I'd have to re-read the early chapters... is he there as part of a social services placement or a court sentence??? He was brought in by a social worker but there have been references to prostitution... Anyone have a better memory than me? Steve

Another week and we learn a little bit more about Matt's past. I think it could be an interesting fight between Mark and Dr. Marshall when Matt gets nearer to being released. Steve

This was a pretty revealing chapter all round... we find out some of what is going around Aiden's mind (and Ryan somewhat calling him on the BS), Chris realizing he doesn't want Lacy with anyone else, Dennis gets some love (we still don't know if he reaction was because of shock, of real attraction to Travis or just a longing for some affection from anyone). oh yeah, I still think that Travis needs all this money because he's using it for lawyers for Allan... Steve

It's good to see Matt is getting closer to the point where he may get some help (and we'll find out what the #% goin on!). The little snot Andy looks like he's going to be trouble too. Steve

It's up! Happy Reading Steve

I dunno... I'm thinking the that desperation and the sense of urgency to get out has more to do with rescuing someone from something than to do with a boyfriend... don't know just a feeling...

Mike gets my nod also... You gotta love an author who isn't just challenged with coming up with original and engaging stories but decides to challenge himself by writing a 3 story series and have each story use a completely different genre (The Henry series). Anyways, a new chapter of Count Oscar is out so I'm off to read... Steve

I think desperation is the key word for this chapter. Matt takes the first available chance of escape from the place with no thought to what he'd do once he made it thru the door. I got the impression that this place wasn't in an urban area. I think the most painful result of the escape attempt will be the relentless drilling by the Doc and Mark to figure out why he needs to get out... and I must admit I'm curious too. I think the staff, especially Mark will go out of there way to help him if Matt will let them. After meeting Andy's and his mother (I wonder were he got the bad attitude and sense of entitlement from ), I imagine the staff would love to make a success story out of an average kid after having to deal with a couple of Andy's. Looking forward to next Friday already Vance! Steve

Hey Krista! I enjoyed the first two chapters. I liked the Characters, especially Brett, and I love the fact I have no idea where you're going with this! Cheers Steve

I can't disagree with any of the previous post' suggestions. I wouldn't wait to make your decision to make sure you are safe and away from the tenuous situation you're in. I can't say what's available in your area but you should see if there are any resources you can access for help and support. Where I live the local GLBT association has a hotline for info and support and they do deal with issues of partner abuse and the police also have a GLBT unit that deals with spousal/partner abuse. Please remember that your safety is more important than your bf or your possessions. You sound like you're in a situation that is going downhill and won't have a happy ending unless you look after your own safety. From the sounds of things hitch hiking to your Grandma's would be safer but I would contact her or another family member or friend who could help you get away. Another thing you could do AFTER you get out, is contact the police and let them know that you've left and your bf has threatened suicide and they can check on him and get him help if needed. Take care of yourself and stay safe! Steve