Lisa

Yep, I caught on to the 'Tommy's father' bit too. Soon he might become TMWSFRN. No, David needs to confront him. I agree with all your readers: His father is absolutely INSANE to take off and leave DAVID in charge of TOMMY!! Aunt Sarah's insane also! Don't tell me Tommy's father hasn't said a word about David's sexual abuse to her. Keating spoke with Tommy's father -- how the HELL can he take off and leave his sons alone? And if LIz is truly getting married -- who the HELL is going to want that? Did she get knocked up? Isn't she only a year or two older than David? It's preposterous! The only married senior in the school. Ridiculous. Why couldn't the rest of the family (David and Tommy) be there? So David won't have any adult to talk to if he needs it? Wonderful. Ok, next chapter...

Tim's 'End of Erik the Error' - that made me laugh! So yeah, Lux definitely summed up the chapter really well. I, too, noticed David leaving out Donny's name whenever he talked about him. And Tommy doesn't like Donny. I did read the review responses, so you reminded me that Tommy didn't like anyone who was coming onto David. But why? He told David he'd love him always, no matter what, so why does it bother him so much? I am sure he noticed how Donny looks at David; I'm surprised no one else does. Donny's falling for him fast, imo. I also didn't like Twoey thinking he'd stick with Erik only because there is no one else. He'd rather be abused and be with Erik than be alone. Sad. No one deserves that. Twoey's only 16, right? He has his whole life ahead of him to fall in love and all that shit. Why is he so worried about that? lol I'm actually glad Erik pushed Ginny -- if he hadn't, I don't think Twoey would have had the balls to tell him to f off. I was worried about Erik's threat (remember: stalker material?), but I had forgotten about Gary's mob connections! lol Wow! I don't even wanna know who or how they're gonna 'take care' of Erik! So now we have Uncle John, Grandpa, and Mel's dad. Very interesting. lol Oh yeah, I almost forgot: the Dec. 27th date for the party and Ginny starting her book tour: she won't be around for David. That's what I'm worried about. What were they talking about that had David crying on her shoulder? David's not going to have anyone to talk to before he's shipped off to the clinic. That's not good.

The cone story was funny! I would never think of doing anything like that! lol I'm glad D&D didn't see Twoey, Erik, Mike, and Alan at the mall. That would have been really bad -- when David finds out Erik has been hitting Twoey and being rough with him, he's gonna flip. But as I said in my last review, getting rid of Erik is not going to be easy at all. He's going to stalk Twoey, mark my words. Another awesome chapter, Skinny!

Something's going on with Brett. This is way more than a phase. What did Mrs. Smith start to say about his mom? I'm thrilled Billy's favorite teacher is going up to the high school, but how would she know she'll have Billy? Is there only one science teacher in the whole high school? lol I hope the rest of Billy's birthday is good. He's had such a hard time with things recently, and he deserves a day just for him.

Ok, so obviously David is totally misinterpreting what Keating said. I was a little wary there for a while also with the explanation he'd stay there for a few days or less, depending on how the therapy is going. Unfortunately, this doesn't bode well with David's nightmare at the beginning of the chapter. First I thought the doc was going to say he got in touch with Twoey's friend Mike and David was going to stay with him! lol I bet Ginny knows what kind of clinic it is. Hmm, David should talk to her; he'll feel better when she tells him the truth about it. So now THAT'S the deadline Danny was talking about! Whew! I think! lol I know I said this in last chapter's review, but Donny is going to be heartbroken. If David actually goes along with losing his virginity (gay or straight or any kind) to Donny, I think he's going to regret the fact that Twoey wouldn't be his first. Twoey...at least he's getting tired of being pushed around! Literally! I think it was Def who brought up the fact that Twoey was actually blaming himself for Erik slapping him. Isn't that a big trait of a victim -- they blame themselves for causing the person to act violent toward them? If Twoey had just quieted down and let Erik speak Erik wouldn't have slapped him. And I hope to God Ginny saw what Erik did when he totally manipulated the conversation so it seemed like it was David and Alex's fault they didn't hang around them anymore. Now Ginny knows better than to believe David is uncomfortable with Twoey and Erik being boyfriends. I wonder if Twoey knows Alex has a gay brother. Probably not. I just hope Ginny finally sees those red flags waving in front of her face!

I'm imagining David's going to break Donny's heart. Was Donny about to confess is love for David when David stopped him? David isn't ready for that! David isn't ready for anything, actually. Dr. K had it right when he said David needs to sort out all his feelings before he can be in any kind of romantic relationship. What happened to taking it slow and just be friends? I can't remember what they decided about the benefits part. I hope David confides in Sam. I didn't get the impression Deena would be there, just Sam. David thinks all his friends are going to abandon him at some point, but they never would. He needs to talk to Sam. Sam always has good information.

I just got through reading all the reviews and your responses, Skinny. What I'm worried about, regarding Twoey, is that when Twoey finally comes to his senses and kicks Erik to the curb, Erik is not going to go that easily. I see Erik becoming a stalker. Erik probably knows some kids are picking on Twoey and he's glad he's there to protect him. Once Twoey breaks up with him, I can actually see Erik as sort of bullying Twoey also. I'm anxiously awaiting Saturday in Syracuse. Maybe Mike will be able to talk some sense into his friend. What a shitty time for Doc K to be going on vacation!!!! Just when David needs him the most! I agree with everyone else about David's feeling of betrayal. I also don't like his nightmare about all of David's friends and Tommy taunting him and making fun of him. He feels so alone. Except for Donny and Danny. Also...speaking of Danny -- why does he think David's going to implode on New Year's? Why that specific day?

The time Daniel spent with his mom (his real mom, not that shell of a mom he's so used to), was heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. He knew it wouldn't last, and unfortunately, it didn't. What's with her anyway? It's obvious she suffers from a debilitating depression, but why? Why can't she get up on her feet and be a real mom. Daniel desperately needs a mom right now, even if he doesn't confide in her, just having her close by and knowing she cares may be enough. Julie is going to be a really good friend to Daniel, I can tell. She has balls giving it to Loz right back -- it's from her experiences with her douchebag cousin I bet. No fear. lol Loz is turning out to be a manipulative ass himself. Now he's blackmailing Daniel and holding that picture over his head. But...if Loz actually used it to blackmail him, wouldn't it look bad on his end -- taking pictures of naked boys in the shower? lol Another awesome chapter, Thorn! And thanks for the lunch/dinner/tea explanation!

Yay for Julie, and boo hiss for her jackass cousin. Jason's a bad seed. I hope she does rat him out. Michael's friends are really cool. It's wonderful how accepting they are. They don't care that Daniel's been bullied; they'll take him under their wing. They're a good group of kids.

Oh, and forget about my question in an earlier review about Daniel and Julie's year and Michael's year. Now I understand since Daniel mentioned he was fourteen...so Julie is fourteen also. I was just thrown off when her mom said when Julie turned sixteen she'd be more lenient and give her more freedom. I was assuming she was fifteen, not fourteen. So my bad!

So technically, Loz raped Daniel, right? I understand that rape doesn't necessarily have to be penetration. Loz should have stopped when Daniel asked him to. Wish Griffiths was around to stop that. I think Michael was a little rough on Daniel. Michael was just reacting to the rejection he thought Daniel gave him. I'm with Spikey on Michael's reasoning for helping Daniel. He stuck around because it was the 'decent thing to do', but he's not showing pity. He should have said he was sticking around because he wanted to make sure Daniel was ok, not for brownie points for being a decent guy. I'm looking forward to reading Michael's POV now.

It's only me from across the sea, with another question. I know, I'm so annoying, right? lol So...I thought Julie, Daniel, and Michael were all in the same grade, at least Julie and Michael because they're both fifteen. When Julie told Leigh she went to the movies with kids a grade higher it confused me. I'm just too picky. Sorry, Thorn! I do feel badly for Julie, mainly because her dad isn't alive anymore, and her mom is sort of suffocating her. Understandably so...it's VERY difficult being a single parent with no one to really turn to. It's not like her mom can turn to her sister -- Moira is going to have her hands full with Jason when she finally finds out what he's really been up to! I liked Leigh's suggestion of befriending Daniel, and as Spikey mentioned, this could be the way Michael and Daniel meet. Wonderful chapter, Thorn! I really like reading the different POVs!

So I'm confused with the meal lingo. lol Tea is the meal at night, like dinner or supper, here in the states? And dinner is lunch, but then why did Liz and Michael's mom want help with dinner if this is supposed to be after school and they already had their dinner (lunch)? Shouldn't she have asked for help with making tea? Anyway...I LOVE Michael -- he seems way more mature than any almost-16-year-old. I actually thought he was older, like seventeen! I noticed Parker's comment when Julie thanked him for being 'straight' with her. I laughed too at the irony. On to chapter three.

There are only two 'S's I can think of, but only one who speaks Italian. (I think.) It was a beautiful poem, and it gave me chills. You'll have to write me and let me know if I'm right. I hope S is ok...

Thank God Bryce was there to distract Zach. His maturity surprised me in this chapter. Maybe he's finally realizing what he and Corey had is definitely over. Hopefully he won't be a shit to Bryce. Maybe it's good that Bryce doesn't live there. lol Corey is absolutely right in thinking he should see a therapist. He doesn't want his insecurities regarding his trust issues to come between he and Jason. I agree with everyone else who said the chapter and the dialogue between C&J sounded so natural. I loved this chapter, Lit!

That was a pretty dark poem/song, Doc. I loved it! Seriously though, that was really good. It gave me chills each time I read it. Awesome job!

I agree with Lux; David's thoughts at the end of the chapter when he was walking home were very sad, like when he was at the lake before Donny came along. David has so much to talk to Doc K about, it's only natural he feels overwhelmed by where to even start. He's so right by thinking it's going to take days and days to tell him everything that's been going on. I do think he needs to start with PPF and TWWSFRN, then segue into Burch. He needs to get to the bottom of Burch and the fishes. Along with everyone else, I was also surprised how Alex took the news of David's confession and subsequent break up. She was very mature and level headed, so kudos to her. I felt badly for Randy, but he knew he was only a test kiss. Donny's sweet, and he's trying to be helpful, but I think he needs to back off a little bit. David isn't ready for any type of relationship besides friendship -- with NO benefits! lol He has enough on his plate right now. I doubt Erik is going to "let" Twoey go up to Syracuse. I wonder what Mike will do. I'm glad Mike told Ginny no one can ever get in touch with Twoey. Hasn't SHE ever tried to call or text him when he's with Erik? It just sounds odd that she wouldn't know. Ok, on to Doc K...

Funny, James Agee was just in a crossword puzzle I just did. This chapter was so sad. Poor David. Agee's quote is perfect for how David is feeling right now. I remember that Donny was the boy who was at "David's" lake somewhere like a hundred chapters ago. lol I can't believe Donny was so bold! And what made him think David was gay? I'm curious. He was so surprised when David said he was straight -- or thought he was anyway. The flashback of Burch is troubling, but at least it's coming to the surface. David's on his way to a major breakthrough. He really needs Doc K now. Hopefully he'll tell him EVERYTHING that's been going on. I'm looking forward to the talk between Alex, David, and Randy. It wasn't until Curt mentioned his brother going to the movies with his friend Randy in the last chapter, that I remembered Cory was with Randy that day at Kory's. Lol Cory Kory. You do like those 'C' names though: Chuck, Curt, Corey...what was Danny's brother's name again? That was another 'C' name, right? lol Anywho...on to the next chapter!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NOSTIC!!!!! Hoping you feel better and can celebrate your b-day, your wedding, and Sammy's b-day!

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY BUCKET!!!!! I hope you had a great day.

Why is no one reviewing this? This was hysterical! What a fantastic first chapter, Bras! (Wasn't sure how to shorten your name! lol) I can't wait for the next chapter! Troy's a hoot!

WTF, CORBIN??????? Seriously, you just broke Nick Person's heart?????? Well, fuck. Send him my way; I'll make him bat for the other team! Damn, Nick is so nice and hot and sweet and hot and kind and hot...did I mention he was hot? Corbin, are you smokin' too much ganja with David Marcossi? That stuff is fucking up your brain. I don't get Corbin. Really, I don't. He's what, twenty? He thinks he's gonna find his soulmate in college? Really? Ok, granted, some people do, but college is for experimenting and sowing your oats and all that good shit. (Hmmm, maybe that was just me. ) Corbin thinks Nick is great but he doesn't what, feel the spark? But he feels it with David Marcossi? Seriously? It's only because he hasn't fucked David yet. I think I see a pattern here. lol If he ever gets to the Brit, he dump him too. Although...he didn't dump the Vmee...so maybe I have it all wrong. I still think he's too young to think at twenty he's gonna find true love. And why on earth did he have to hurt Nick so much when he lied to him about the freshman? He couldn't just tell him what he was thinking without hurting him even worse? I'm really pissed at him now. And as far as Pete goes...he was pretty nasty to Corbin, I will admit that. Not sure if I would have blown up like Corbin did (actually, I wouldn't have; I've never blown up at anyone), especially since it's obvious he hasn't gotten the Brit out of his head like he thought he had. I'm just really annoyed with Corbin. I think he was a real ass in this chapter. Oh, and did I ever tell you there's a guy on another site who posts stories and his name is Mike Loggerman? lol I may have told you, I don't remember. Old age. Now I'm really looking forward to the next chapter. Hoping against all hope that Corbin reneged on his breakup.

Thorn!!!!!! How are you???? I'm so glad I was able to start this story! I love it already! Poor Danny. He has a hard life. And now he has assholes at school who are beating him up. For no reason at all. I'm looking forward to reading more. Which of course, I'm gonna do right now. lol

You know, for a boy Billy's age, he's had a lot of responsibilities. He seems more mature than his cousins. How old are his cousins that they just come in and ransack his room? That's so rude! Billy's going to lash out and he may say and do things he doesn't mean, so I'm hoping his parents aren't going to start yelling at him for shit. I hope Billy can call Brett in the morning. He can certainly use his support right about now. This was a really sad chapter, Squirrel. I can't believe you killed Grandma!!!!!

The craft beer surprise was a great gesture on Mike's part, but...why did he shake off David's hand in his hair? He seemed to not want David to touch him during the party. What's up with that? They definitely need to have this conversation. Ok, so Mike planned the 'guy's night in' or whatever, and he got David his favorite beer. Yay for him. I still think something's going on with him. Why couldn't he tap out a quick 'How'd the interview go?" text or a quick phone call? I know I said this all chapter seven's review, but something just seems off with Mike. Of course learning about their friend Felix and his husband breaking up does not bode well for D&M. lol Great chapter, Lux! Now that I'm all caught up (boo hiss) you're gonna have to write faster!!! I need my Shattering fix!!