Lisa

Katy sure knows how to push all of her brother's buttons. lol She doesn't care how pissed he gets at her. I never thought it could be Curtis who caused his brother's scar. But thinking back now to the last chapter, Curtis is a prick, so maybe. I was thinking more that the guy who Katy was talking about (who Travis didn't want to talk about) was the one who scarred him. Especially with Travis' promise to do the guy harm if he ever sees him again. Can't wait to find out the backstory on that! I loved the description of the motel and the hot springs. Sounds very romantic.

Omg, I must have read Val's name at least 20 times, and I didn't understand what was wrong until Val mentioned her username. Duh! lol @Emi: Yes, you will need lots of hankies, but in the end, you'll be glad you read the story. It's a beautiful love story. I won't say anymore.

Fabulous story! I have no idea what story it comes from (see Dughlas' and Drought's reviews), but I loved it! It gave me chills and made me cry. I loved the ending, and hopefully Chad and Frank can rekindle their friendship.

I love the way the story unfolds, beginning with the narrative, then the poem, and back to the narrative. So Rue left so Andrei could get sober? And Andrei did, for two years, so does this mean Rue has been gone for two years? Now Andrei can get him back? But does his drink in the bar mean he fell off the wagon? So many questions! Maybe I'm just slow tonight.

Congrats, Val on AL being featured! This is one of my favorite stories on here. Everyone should read it, but be warned: you will need stock in Kleenex. Seriously though, it's a wonderful story, and I highly recommend reading it.

I agree with Gary; it was definitely a breakthrough for TP when he felt dirty after thinking about his past. Finally, something's getting through to him. The professor was very kind in thinking up something TP/Wally could do in lieu of not taking any marine science courses. I mean, what choice did she have really? It wasn't like she could throw him overboard. He's turning out to be a quick learner. Either that, or Mr. C is a good teacher. Great chapter, Parker!

This was a beautiful Christmas memory. I think, though, that Uncle Howard would have loved if the Santa tradition continued. Ever since I was little girl in elementary school, I always wanted to celebrate Christmas. All my friends celebrated Christmas. I think there were only three or four Jewish kids in the school system, and the other two were twins! And to this day, I'm still in contact with Darlene, the girl twin. I actually visited her and her family this past summer. But, I digress, Christmas trees and Christmas lights have always been things I wanted as a child. I was thrilled one year when one of my best friends (this was in middle school) asked me to help her family decorate the tree. So, I have fond memories of other people's Christmases!

Thank you so much for increasing our 'Likes'! That's wonderful news!

From the title of the next chapter it sounds like Max, Mr. Drug Dealer will be back. And he'll be out for revenge. Ok, so Billy has no control over his emotions and his mouth. No matter how many times he tells himself he needs to just shut up and not get so excited, he goes and does it all over again. This fight with his father was not a good one. All kids have gone through this stage where they hate their parents. We know Billy doesn't mean harm to his father; he's just furious and doesn't know how to control his emotions. Unfortunately, I have a ball of anxiety in the pit of my stomach not only because his father stormed out of the house angry and driving around - probably to the nearest bar, but also because he hasn't been physically acting himself lately because he doesn't take care of himself like he should. I'm afraid something bad is going to happen to Billy's dad, drunk car accident, or something with his diabetes, and Billy is going to think he killed him (like he did when his grandma died), and he's going to carry this guilt around for the rest of his life. His mom might blame him also if this happens. So I'm praying, Jeff, that you don't do anything that's going to make Billy regret number one, fighting with his dad, and number two, wishing him harm. Dustin: he just knows how to press all of Billy's buttons. Billy's in denial about Brett because he doesn't want to believe Brett's a stoner. How could Brett's mom not notice this? I am appalled that Billy yelled all those things to Dustin. He regretted it right after, but it's too late. That may have cost his friendship with Dustin. Now all Dustin will have is Mike, and we still don't know jack shit about him. As usual, Jeff, you have me sitting on the edge of my seat wanting more!

What a great heartwarming story! I love that James got to ride in the sleigh with Santa, oops, I mean Chris. Hehe Hopefully everyone is right and the elf didn't really hurt his leg.

I say he let go of a good guy. So what if Jimmy was seeing someone else? That may not have lasted long. Harry might have won out in the end. Idk...I think if Harry liked him as much as it seemed, he should have just seen where the relationship went. IMO

What on earth is a fifteen-year-old girl doing trying seduce Ben? I mean, really. She sounded so desperate. And of course now she's going to blackmail him by threatening to out him to the world. I know he regrets his reaction to that, but wow, he almost choked her! Why is his image of himself so sad and depressing? Why is he being so hard on himself? He's not giving himself enough credit. Is it because all of these repressed feelings are finally coming up to the surface after meeting Travis? What's Katy going to do in the immediate future? Will she tell her mom? Will she spin it like Ben was the one who tried to seduce/attack her? She's definitely the loose cannon here. I hope Travis will still give Ben his 'surprise'! I'm ooking forward to the next chapter, Mac!

I love the scene with Travis and his horse. It shows that he's not all rough, hunky sexiness, but he has feelings also. The boys are opening up to each other little by little. Maybe even their secrets will come out. I read quite a few chapters last night, so I don't know if I'm mixing them up, but I'm curious to read what really put that scar on Travis' face. Horse shoe accident indeed. (That was his excuse, right? Horse shoe?)

I wouldn't possibly think that Travis, and especially his mom, would let anyone, no less a big movie star, to stay in the unheated, dirty, sparse bunkhouse. lol Katy, Katy, just a teenager with a ton of hormones. lol See, girls can be just as bad as boys.

What a great story! I love when Benson suggested the homeless youth/LGBTQ charity. Seems everyone got a happy ending: Benson, Kelly, Nicky and Coach. What a great surprise at the end!

What a beautiful memory of your childhood, Addy. Cosi the bear is so cute! I'm very impressed that he looks like he just came out of the box! You've taken great care of him.

I like Geoff. He and Harry seem to get along really well. But then Harry did get along with a lot of the other guys. Watch, Harry will wind up with Gordon in the end!

Jackson's realizing that his swimming wasn't 100%. Tony and his daughter are working him hard. Jackson needs to learn to shut his mouth when Coach is talking to him! lol His mouth as gotten him in a lot of trouble. Coach's reason for not giving Jackson more events is a really good one. He does need to see how Jackson does first in his first meet before adding on other events. I would be apprehensive telling Ally and Heather about Jackson and Luke. His male friends are so cool with it, but I just don't know about the girls (with the exception of Lily, of course - she's great! ) And what a pain in the ass Cindy is. Jeez. I hope Luke's father can talk some sense into her. What a bitch! I loved the comment Jackson's mom made to Luke about being angry with his mother, so she didn't care. She's turning out to be a better mother now than she was at the beginning of the story. I'm anxiously waiting for the next part, Krista!

Loved the poem, Tim! I love the Christmas spirit even though I don't celebrate the holiday. The materialism of it has gotten ridiculous, and you are spot on about trying to find the perfect gift for someone, when in an hour they'll be tired of it! Giving something of yourself is always the best gift. Merry Xmas, Tim, and Happy New Year!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RACHEL!!! I hope you had an awesome day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALLAN!!!!! I hope you're having a great day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TALONRIDER!!!!! I hope you're having an awesome day!

As Paul pointed out to Shane, "Jason's" second text didn't sound anything like the Jason who's head over heels in love with Shane. We knew from the last chapter (I think) that Thomas and Denise are in cahoots to get Jason away from Shane. Probably Jason's mother too. I can't wait until Viktor shows up! Yes, he's Shane's protector, but I believe if anyone who Shane loves is in danger, Viktor will help them. As always, Mitchelll, I'm anxiously awaiting more!

I love how you describe what the Star of Bethlehem stands for. It was beautifully written, Addy. (At least I think Addy wrote it! )

I loved this one, Doc! Learned some German words also! I ditto Tim and AC; it must have taken you quite some time to incorporate the words into the poem in the way you wanted them expressed. (Did that even make sense? It's almost 1 AM, and my brain has officially shut down. )