Philippe

I thought Troy would have had to regret the loss of the journal, even it was destroyed by his own hand in an emotional rage of resignation, he would be so happy to recover such a treasure once he was in a better place. The way you back filled those regretful nights as Troy’s admission, but yet it was conditional as “many, many times” that he felt that way; it’s now in full recognition of it was a terribly foolish trashing of his own life and memories. As painful as it may have been to get to this point in the story, the slow march of Troy’s return was a necessary journey. Ironically, the same time Troy needed to heal was aligned with the emotional growth and sexual confidence that Grant so disparately needed too.. I think the timing and the emotions were so perfectly done, that any variations to earlier or later in the story would lessen the connection. Cheers to an emotional but necessary milestone for your characters and to you, @Wayne Gray, for bringing such characters to life so vividly! And for sharing them with us!

Wayne, Punish? No, he’ll just play with it; think of it more like the kitten playing with yarn 🧶, but the kitten does have really long and sharp claws!

Oh come on...poetic justice? Troy could help Grant by pretending it’s John’s family coming to steal his life away again! Say, maybe a wet welcome mat connected to the MiG?? Mwah hahaha 😂 All this in jest, but I really do hate families lording over adult children while they are really just imposing their own wishes and values over those children.

Geez, it was his first time, and he was so very excited! It’s a private moment, between them, to satisfy themselves and their partner, you perverted lurches are gonna give April all kinds of performance anxiety! Now back behind the curtain from which you’ve lurched with your own perverted desires! Leave the boys to discover their own give and take of their own relationship. 😀 mwah haha 🤣 More seriously, wow, what more could Jett do to convince April that he is so seriously in love with him! No matter how quickly said, the words mean the same. As always @Laura S. Fox, you bring out the suspense, the thrill, and the compassion of budding relationships so well; all embedded with the larger plot of your stories, bravo, and thank you ☺️!

But is he thinking of another man? Ahhh yeah, Theopril, love love me do!

True statements, but unfortunately we’re only to breakfast time on Christmas Day. So I’ll say a awesome Christmas morning...are those storm clouds in the distance there? Guess who’s coming to dinner?? Can a Mig welder be modified to function as an coronary defibrillator? CLEAR!

I’m going to go out on another limb and suggest a far different approach for Grant and Troy to work through this challenging period and the issues of the journal they face together; Counseling! Troy has now reached a healthier point in his recovery but is still very dependent on Grant’s continued support, understanding, respect, and growing love. Grant admits to family, sexuality, and relationship issues that remain a point of distress and disfunction. Grant recognizes the journal for more than just the letter from John, it may also be the only remaining record of Troy and John’s daily life together, which should be every bit as cherished as the letters now removed by John’s family. Through written and recorded by Troy, it will still quote conversations and emotions shared in daily events. But again, Troy needs to be able to process this from a healthy and supported position; one that Grant is probably incapable of supporting as he presents the journal; as he too becomes overwhelmed by his own emotions. Therefore, Grant too needs some support while Troy may be compromised by his own emotions; so both will possibly be spike emotionally from one extreme to another. Hmmm 🤔, It’s not a time for the friends to work through their opinions and emotions either, this is a time for a facilitator that is truly not personally involved or attached to this couple. Grant, as a healthcare professional can easily find value in requesting this for their continued mental health and growth from trauma and stresses they’re negotiating.

Another great chapter; new relationships, new family ties, strengthening bonds of love. I was hoping for a more in depth interaction of the French family but at least it’s enough detail to know it’s rewarding. I also appreciated the pseudo Tour de France 🇫🇷, a 350’ sand dune is impressive; for scenery and recreation!

It’s surprising whenever I see the mentality of people. It seems that often people inconvenienced by higher authorities trying to protect the public interests come under fire for denial of their rights, yet then flip side is they scream bloody murder when they were not protected from their own foolishness. It’s ridiculous when people try to break quarantines, road closures, and areas mundergoing disaster search and rescues; in many cases just for their own curiosity. Just this week an accident on I-75 south resulted in a 6 car pileup on the north lanes because of the morbid curiosity of those rubbernecking to see the misfortune of others; ironically the 6 car pileup in the northbound lanes was worst than the original accident in the southbound lanes. 🤦‍♂️ So damn the snow, the ice, the flooded roads, my big SUV will get me there safely!

Ok, this chapter for me was so raw and powerful. The personal emotions reflected, the experiences bringing forth the raw pain, yet truthfully. But then, the exposed and overbearing love remaining between them, through it all, was tremendously powerful; the tissues weren’t handy, so the hands and cheeks were well moisturized. An excellent chapter with great tempo to reflect the strong emotions of their story; Bravo 👏!

Wow, I’ve been calling the journal a treasure of Troy’s first true love ❤️ and now you throw in the love letter addendum; it’s a priceless sentimental treasure! The fact that Grant sees and respects that relationship, without insecurities, without jealousy, without possessive animosities, is a cherished statement of sincerity and respect; that’s a huge credit to Grant! I cannot foresee a lasting riff between our favorite pair; especially when Troy knows Grant as he does now. Initial reactions may cause some disbelief and feelings of betrayal but that should pass without much of a challenge to their true feelings. As to mommy dearest..., I envision a very interesting interaction with another women of similar mental awareness; one cares not what the victims may feel, the other lacks sensitivity to what the others may feel. Hmmm 🤔, could they be a perfect match to the benefit of parties of interest?

Wow, many thanks to @lonerwolf_94, as posting your comments drew my attention to this chapter that somehow missed my attention upon it’s initial posting. So imagine my joy in realizing I had a new chapter to enjoy 😊! I agree with the previous comments and find this saga exciting, suspenseful, thrilling, and provoking; so yes, absolutely captivating. The growth of the characters, especially the youthful comrades, but also those of the expanding alliances. It will be amazing to see exactly where and how the band of brothers find their futures merging. Their lives are forever changed but continuing to change beyond their understanding or focus of present. So many facets to this family by bonds and that of blood. Thank you for such a wonder tale and adventure!

Yes indeed, the boys need to learn communication, but the again are they not? The timeline for this complicated situation is moving rapidly and trust is not bestowed upon us based on initial impressions alone. As to Georgette needing to keep secrets she should have never had to learn, let me take the twist of that same logic. Are some not using a double standard to defend Georgette as innocent of any disrespect but then judge Grant severely for not returning a discarded treasure; one he was able to rescue, perhaps for return when time allows. Grant didn’t invade someone’s private space or betray anyone’s trust by picking up a discarded journal. Likewise, in his investigation and curiosity to discover what and why this journal and house became his, he was able to learn of a relationship of a deceased owner and an anonymous to him partner. These were not secrets, they were truths. Had he shared this info with his neighbors, Aaron and Georgette knowing they may could help fill in the blanks, he would not have revealed secrets, just truths; but then the friends would have probably denied Grant the resources that have otherwise led to Troy’s rescue thus far. Likewise, he didn’t create this situation nor would he have revealed secrets. So my point is, Georgette’s selfish disregard for digression has a very public and possibility destructive consequence for Grant, Troy, and the very group of which she is a member. The respect and tact Grant has afforded Troy thus far, was not what he was granted by the friends. The issues surrounding the journal are a complicated balance of respecting a private relationship and knowing when the right moment for tactfully discussion with the surviving partner may present; to the keeper of which has now become emotionally involved. There are definitely 50 shades of GRAY, Wayne, involved in the scribing of this tale!

Geez, someone put a muzzle on Georgette; if she can’t be in public without biting then...just saying! Troy needs the group, but more importantly he needs to feel companionship and compassion. Brian will mean well, but his protectionism must now also extent to Troy’s needs and concerns. Grant is fragile and somewhat volatile. He is at this critical time of new found self awareness with only faint confidence in sexuality. Brian, please use a balanced approach and, handle with care all the baggage to be unloaded. oh! Great chapter to a great story!

What?! No digits for Nathan?! He truly seemed to be a good guy, one that would be a nice friend to have around on occasions, especially when wanting more than the more reclusive scene they must sometimes maintain. He could also take care of Damien for them! 😝

I believe Ronnie will fine that more than fear will help him learn his powers; those emotions seem to put Taran more firmly in the position of discovery of our hero to be; the green shield.

An excellent point of mom’s very public and intentional family matter announcement. Mom may throw lightning bolts but weather boy seems lacking in his forecasting abilities!

I think the most important step is John before Peter; and I ain’t talking bible verses!

Oh it’s a very good program. It’s the Virile Virgin passport card. Upon activating, it’s easy to earn virile rewards that bring you an increased personal touch. Frequent offers may include but are not limited to a handsomely styled and interactive lube applicator and a personalized stimulator. This frees your hands and allows full focus on other sensory inputs. However, caution should be used when participating in this program as reports have indicated frequent side effects may include gaping and gasping for breathe, muscle spasms, with elevated blood pressures and temperatures. Anyone not in good health should definitely consult with a doctor before participating in the full reward program available to select members.

Surrendered? Oh, hell no! He finally activated his card and was immediately upgraded to the rewards program! lol 😂 Now offered with no daily limits and with special gift offers as a thank you for membership loyalty! Woohoo 🎉

Wow! How so very selfish of Damien to pursue Mark when he himself has witnessed the relationship Mark has with Rob. But then to challenge Mark even beyond Mark’s declaration of his one love and true love for Rob is just way out of line. Mark allowed Damien, and himself, to go too far which was a very bad decision but for Damien to continue renewed seems more of trying to claim a prize just to say he got what Rob had. Damien is.very dangerous indeed.

Despite all the wonderful descriptions of those world class seafood meals, I cannot help but to envision the scenes from The Little Mermaid where Sebastian the crab narrowly escapes the wilds of Chef Louis as he prepares the seafood dinner. 😂

Oysters are great! In Mobile, Alabama, the oldest and most famous family oyster house has the the saying of “Osters served fried, stewed or nude.” https://www.google.com/search?q=fried+stewed+or+nude&rlz=1C9BKJA_enUS593US620&oq=fried+stewed+or+nude&aqs=chrome..69i57.10443j0j7&hl=en-US&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#imgrc=pYGCCl4CR0c_zM:

Wow, Poor Maya, possession by a dark mysterious force. Will the parents or other heroes be able to recognize the dark forces ar play?. Taran is more troubled by external pressures of family obligations, but are they real? The forces of nature will truly test his resistance soon.

Happy Belated Birthday! Glad you had a good break but likewise glad to see the update to your story. lol 😆 Selfish, but hey, it’s a compliment! You hit California at a good time weather wise. Cooler and the rainy season; before the heat and bugs hits the valley. But if visiting the coast, then it’s not as dramatic for the weather difference. I was in the north valley area off and on from 1991-2001; Yuba-Sutter area.