Lisa

Like Jeffrey, I want to bitch slap those stupid kids also! I was so angry when they were making fun of Joey and saying all those hateful things to him. Who does that? Who does that to a kid who just tried to kill himself? Are they really trying to push him over the edge again? These kids are unbelievable! Who raised them? Monsters? Or assholes like Joey's birth-giver and sperm donor? Thank God for Ticker (he's so funny!) and Star; they really care about Joey, and Joey knows it. They're the only people who care about him. Maybe we can add Allen to the list soon, although I think Allen needs Joey more than Joey needs Allen. Hopefully they can be there for each other..

What a chapter! Yeah, I don't think I can add anything else to all these wonderful and insightful comments. Travis may be blase (how do I add the accent?) and act all nonchalant about going down to the station, but I think deep inside he's worried. Even though Eric deserved what Travis did to him and more, the law won't see it that way. Travis did swing the first punch, right? No matter how proud Travis is, he should definitely take Ben up on his offer to help him. And thank God Ben called Mel back and cancelled all his appointments and interviews. Travis really needs him now (even though he would deny it!), and I know he'd be devastated if Ben took off for Chicago. Great chapter, Mac!!

Oh, man, AJ. Do you know how LONG it took me to get to my measly 3,000 points? It'll take me forever to get them back. I think my rep points went down, but not by much, so obviously I didn't read much from the author. I'm sorry he felt the need to leave, though.

I was pleasantly surprised that some students stuck up for Joey and told the principal he had nothing to do with the fight. Gene certainly got his, but now he might be out for revenge. When Gene was first introduced in the chapter, he didn't seem like a bad guy. To pick a fight with someone just because they caused you to have a little bit more homework is not cool. Well, picking fights in general is not cool. Gene just didn't come across as a fighter. Star sounds like she could be another good friend to Joey.

That's the plan! It was actually the fault of two dogs, but nothing to do about that. At least I get Workman's Comp.

Ron! OMG, there's a story I haven't read yet! As with your other commenters, I also think this chapter was especially dark. I feel badly for Joey, just doing what he can to survive.

I'm so sorry you never had a chance to meet your brother, but as everyone else said, you honored him beautifully with your words. Your tribute is beautiful, Wesley.

Terrific critique, Cole! This is one of my favorite stories on here, and I'm anxiously awaiting the next book (HINT, HINT, JEFF! ) In the early books, there are many hilarious scenes between Brett, Billy, his parents and grandmother, with Brett instigating all of them. It's definitely a story of growing up, maturing, picking your fights, and knowing when to do the right thing. I will agree with Cole about some of the melodrama -- especially in some of the more recent books.

Well, your story was just what I needed when I broke my kneecap at work two Saturdays ago. My surgery was on the 22nd, so your story was great to concentrate on, instead of the pain.

What a FANTASTIC story, Geron!! I've been reading it on my phone every night. As one who's used to reading extremely long chapters, this was nothing! I loved the fast pace, the mystery, the adventure, the sitting-on-the-edge-of-your-seat-biting-your-nails-to-the-quick, and he love the boys had for each other. There were so many times I was yelling in my head, "Oh, no! Watch out!", and then of course closing my eyes as if I were watching a horror movie. I would love to read a sequel with Frank, Chipper, Joe, Tony, and Mr. D. Maybe they'll visit where the seers are.

I was sure a boat-full of people were either going to be clapping or screaming at B&B with that public sex act. Glad they weren't seen! I was thinking the same thing as Jay; I was worried George was going to die in that chair. I don't like George talking about his death all the time. Now I'm worried whatever scenes he's going to be in, one of them will be the fatal one. Can't wait for the next book, Mr. Squirrel!

Wonderful math story, Parker! Happy National Math Story Day! I love carrot cake and the frosting, but I have no clue whatsoever the answer to this math problem. I'll bet Drew will know, though!

I agree with Val; that was a good excerpt you picked, Tim. It proves how, even though Ehren knew this could be bad for him, he did the right thing. Ehren does have a good heart, as the readers will see when they start the story. @Valkyrie: Wow, that must have been pretty scary! I'd be afraid if I got out of the car or even positioned it close to them, the guy would turn on me! Thank God there were other people around to help her.

Whoa, Jack is scary. I wouldn't want to cross him! So it's obvious to me that Jen ran right to Jack and told him that Billy knew about them and about Brett being Jack's son. I am glad Paula figured it out about Billy. And she's so-so ok with it. But then of course she wants Billy to hide who he is until he leaves for college, or anywhere away from there. God forbid her little church minions find out. What a scandal THAT would be. She's such a selfish ass. And speaking of selfish, what''s this going on between her and David (whom I didn't remember either! )? She claims Billy has it all wrong. So, then, what's she doing with David? Did the good pastor introduce them some time ago? That would be kinda funny -- Pastor Carl advocating for an adulterous relationship. Anyway...great chapter, Jeff! I'm anxiously awaiting the next one.

What a great review, Tim! Your review definitely piqued my curiosity about the story. The CAP series sounds very interesting also. More stories to put on my Must Read List. I, too, remember where I was when the first tower was hit. I was at the chiropractor, waiting for my appointment. I bring that up because I'm afraid that particular chiropractor is no longer with us. He had Thursdays off, and when 9/11 happened, he would go down to Ground Zero every Thursday and give adjustments and massages to the firefighters, police officers, search and rescue teams,...whoever was down there. So, I fear that he got sick like so many others who were down there breathing in all those toxic chemicals and fumes. Sorry I got off topic a little. I really enjoyed the review, Tim, and I look forward to starting the series.

Ok, you should have warned us that we would need a BOX OF TISSUES on hand!!! Seriously though, that was such a beautiful ending to a wonderful story. I'm sad to say goodbye to A&M, but maybe that means we'll be saying hello to R&E soon. One can hope. This was a wonderful story, Hudson! I look forward to reading more from you.

Wow, it took me longer to read all the comments than it did to read the chapter! I'm glad that Jen finally told Billy she knows what's going on between him and Brett. But, as everyone else said, she went about it the wrong way. It's awesome that she's not a idiotic homophobe, but really, she shouldn't be trying to manipulate Billy. I did love it when he totally turned the tables on her! He NEEDED to tell her everything, but when she was cornered, it's none of his business! Hypocrite! Now, didn't we guess that Jack McK was Brett's father? I thought we all figured that out a few chapters ago. Brett and the asshat Joey are half-brothers, not full brothers. There's a difference. Another awesome chapter, Mr. Squirrel. On to the "Fallout."

This sounds like an awesome story. The title alone is captivating. I don't know why I never read this. I'll have to add it to my reading list. Thanks for a great recommendation, Cia!

I wanna say "You go, Billy!", when he was telling Joey off. Good for him! But...I don't know if I would have gone as far as he did by telling everyone around about Joey getting that girl pregnant. Joey is not going to let that slide. I think Billy better start looking over his shoulder. I'm slowly but surely trying to play catch-up!

Lily City -- that's where Adam/Matt was supposed to meet Yuri? So, he's there now to find him? Good luck with that, A/M! I really like Elle. She seems like she would be a good friend to Adam. Poor Seth! If he only knew how Adam really felt! Adam is such a profound blogger. The stuff he thinks about! I was reading this in bed last night when I got to his blog topic for the day. Jeez, as if I couldn't be any more of a hypochondriac, now I have even MORE things to worry about! I'm thrilled you're back with the sequel, Stannie! It's looking very promising!

Wonderful chapter, Hudson! I was surprised Marcus' mom was so nice to Andy! I'm glad she was, but I'm still surprised. And, like some of the other readers, I thought if anyone was going to propose, it would be Marcus. So it was nice to see Andy getting down on one knee.

And...I cried again reading it for a second time. I'm glad Troy got closure with Will and vice-versa (even though Will was so wrong in how he treated Troy). I think Troy needed to be at graduation, saying his speech and singing that song. Maybe it was a way of letting go of his past and it got him started on his new journey with Jayden and with college. Thank you, Ron, for posting DaDP here. I know it brought back unpleasant memories, so I'm doubly thankful you posted it here. Now...which story will be next?

I'm with everyone else -- this chapter was terrific!!! Andy was so happy he finally confessed everything to John, and John was helping him move forward without the priesthood. But it must have been somewhere in Andy's mind that he hurt Marcus so much, Marcus may not want to get back together. As Marcus thought to himself, he didn't know if he would survive another break-up with Andy. And that's totally understandable. But the future is looking brighter for them!

Andy's breakdown broke my heart. John is a wonderful friend. I'm so glad Andy is finally going to tell someone what's been going on. As for Marcus, he broke my heart, too. I really like his mom, though. She's a tough, no-nonsense cookie. She wants to help her son, but at the same time, she doesn't coddle him. Or enable him. Ok, one more chapter before bed.

'There on the screen was a diagnosis for my ailment. I had malaria.' I was laughing so hard, I almost fell outta my chair! And that's why I will NEVER look up anything on ANY medical site! I must say, though, I'm very proud of Jake. He didn't reach for the bottle like his body was begging him to do. That right there takes a lot of willpower. He does have every right to be scared; I have read in the past that a heavy drinker quitting cold turkey can result in fatal seizures. This was another great chapter, Cole!