Lisa

Diane and Gary are godsends. They are so intuitive and know exactly how to make Mark feel loved and comforted. It's a far cry from his own parents. Unfortunately the timing of his mom dying was really bad. I can see Jackie flipping out that Mark was going to wait for Trey to leave, but then on the other hand, I would understand him wanting to spend as much time as he could with him the next morning. After all, it's not like he's keeping his mom waiting. I am sure that Diane and Gary will want to accompany Mark with seeing their son off and with going to the funeral. Jackie has her father and Brent, and now Mark has Trey's parents.

Actually, Jon, YOU'RE gonna rip ME a new one!!!!! (in response to your response to Carrie's review) I AM SO LATE IN READING THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was so stoked (do you yung-uns still use that word?), that you updated and that is was a wonderfully LONG chapter, but I couldn't find time to read it. Every day I was saying, "I really need to read The English Year today!!!! I was reading it on and off all day yesterday until I finally finished it late last night/early this morning. And WHAT a chapter it was!!!! OMG!!! Hutch was so funny at the beginning: "Yeah, I can hear him being totally into you through my wall." lol I was cracking up at that. Ok, now the review: I can see why Corbs would be so upset with Lee, after all, Lee's Fuck-A-Brother plan didn't work (that was HYSTERICAL, btw!), so now he thinks Lee is sort of bribing the frat by supplying them with Bud Lite paraphernalia. Then on the other hand, I can see Hutch's pov also: here's a kid who really wants to get into the frat and he shows perseverance, motivation, and dedication. So he would be the type of kid the frat needs. I think that if Lee had screwed around with some other frat brother Corbin wouldn't feel so angry with him. Corbin is taking it personally, and who wouldn't, right? Sometimes Corbs is tough to like. He's been such good friends with Amanda and even though he feels she betrayed him b/c she's siding with Pete, he's doing everything he can to destroy the relationship. Maybe I'm just jealous b/c he can be so nasty to Amanda and say things to her that I would never dream of saying to anyone. lol He's sort of destroying any kind of relationship with her and with Pete. I am liking Mike more and more. Not that I don't like Pete. I always liked Pete. I just think he's confused. Idk...I really want to find out about his past. Mike though, is really stepping up to the plate. He only hauled off and punched Pete to put him in his place and as a warning to stay away from Corbs, who is his man now. Not that I agree with his type of 'warning'. lol So...I live in Connecticut and I drive back and forth to NH b/c one of my kids goes to school up there. There is an exit, Exit 40 (I think), on I 84 east, heading up to Hartford, and it's called "Corbin's Corner". lol I had to tell you. Sounds like a nice little town, eh? Also, back on July 5th, I read an article on "Daily Writing Tips" and they were talking about color words that come from Latin. The color black for, instance, gives us corbin (a noun): obsolete word for a raven. Corbie (a noun): a word for raven or crow in Scots dialect. The full article can be found at: http://www.dailywritingtips.com/colorful-words-from-latin/. I thought it was so interesting and I saved it so I could write it in my next review. Lol, I didn't realize it would be two months from then - even though you updated before the two months. My bad for reading it so late. Anyway...awesome chapter as always, Jon!! I'm on pins and needles now waiting to see what happens with Mike. Oh, I just thought of this: maybe Mike will be very hurt b/c Corbin will run over to Pete to see if he's ok, and he'll be really pissed at Mike for punching him. Hmmm, maybe the punch will totally backfire on Mike. Ok, well, hurry up and update already!!!!

I wanna know too!!!! Great job, Addy!

Hmm, I don't remember what I thought the first time I read this and I could definitely picture a volcano, but the first thing that came to mind when I read this line: 'rivers of red stone arise', was blood. The red stone represented blood, but blood doesn't burn, right? So that can't be right. I'll go with the volcano like everyone else. lol Although...'burn to become life' could also mean the blood of a new life. Bodies need blood flowing through their veins...oh, Idk, you're the biology whiz, Addy! lol

I was riveted to every sentence of The Gauntlet when Matt was writing it. It's an excellent story. Maybe now that he graduated college, he'll have some downtime to continue with it. (hint, hint! ) I haven't read a lot of poetry, but I've read several of Celethiel's pieces and they are really beautiful. His poetry is very emotional and really pulls at those heartstrings. =) I love this blog, Dark and I look forward to finding out more about your next three authors!

Excellent chapter, Rob! Good for Noah for Derek to shove it! Well, in his own words. Derek is such a pompous ass, thinking he could 'buy' Noah.

When I first read about the guy with the wolf-dog and putting his fingers in his thick fur, I thought of Addy's wolf-like character, Fear, from Gaia Town. But then I figured it was b/c you love wolves. So...the whole dog-eating-chocolate-wedding favors was hysterical! Suk should have just knocked Rebecca down! What a f'n BEYOTCH!! Seriously! She's demanding that the sweet little doggies get kicked out??? With Kieran???? She's got a screw loose! I wish Shastan would kick HER to the curb! lol Loved the scene at the end between Kieran and Robin. Loved Katy's insight into how they feel about each other. She's a smart little cookie.

Addy's chapters come to me practically flawless. When I started editing for him four years ago, I never knew he wasn't a native English speaker. I was amazed that he was so fluent in the English language. =) Addy's command of the English language is better than a lot of native English speakers and I give him so much credit for that. =) And it's more impressive to know that he thinks of story ideas in English, rather than his native tongue.

I ditto Jo Ann. Also one of the first stories I read on here and I'd recommend it to anyone. It's a wonderful story.

Hey Sasha! I didn't even realize you updated this & finished it until I read something you commented on. I absolutely LOVED this story & I'm so sad I won't be reading any more about these boys. Winning States, getting Erie's good luck kiss thru Jame, Jim in the stands rooting for Luke were all wonderful, but the icing on the cake was being recruited by Rutgers! What a great school! My sister & my best friend went there among half of my graduating class. Lol I bet Rutgers was Kitt's contribution. Excellent story, Sasha, if I didn't say that already. Lol You took me on a wonderful emotional journey w/many ups & downs. I cried, I laughed, I cried again...it was terrific! Ok, now on to Redemption.

Yeah the picture is beautiful - the boys are so cute. I think Tommy will be fine with A&B coming out. He does seem really chill. And as I've said before, in the first story, I have a feeling Martha and Bernie already know about Asher - that's why they were pushing for him and Ben to become friends.

Heya faxity! I'm finally getting a chance to read this sequel. Great start! I'm glad they're both on the same page as far as sex goes. lol On to the next chapter.

This was so sad, podium. It breaks my heart that kids, people, have to go through this pain b/c they were born into the wrong body. I read a few years ago that in the near future parents will be able to pick their baby's gender. I have no idea if this has happened yet or not, but I was just thinking if it is possible for parents to choose if they want a boy or a girl, that might somehow be a factor in gender identity and maybe the likelihood of kids feeling that they were born in the wrong bodies will increase. Idk...just a thought. And of course it's also sad that they get bullied and/or made fun of just b/c others don't understand anything about it. Or they fear it. People are afraid of what they don't understand, which of course is no excuse to bully others who are different from them. Anyway, didn't mean to ramble on, podium. It was a great poem. =)

Damn, Writing! What a way to leave off the chapter! lol I was a little confused with the Karl/Kyle mix-up, but other than that it was a great chapter! Adam seems so sweet and Dan is cute when he's all flustered. Oh, I caught two more BE and AmE differences: 'over mine' instead of 'come over to my'...whatever - you used 'pitch' later on which is fine. Also, 'fancied'. I know they say that a lot in the UK but I don't know if I've ever heard it in the states. I would usually just say 'really liked' or 'liked a lot', something like that. Anyway, can't wait for chapter three!

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y I A R W A I N!!! I hope you're having an awesome birthday!!!

LOVED seeing Zander again!! Glad to see he's doing well. =) I'm glad to see Kieran & Robin finally getting along. Lol At least Robin is now giving Kieran a chance to show him that he's more than a rich kid. Robin's already looking at him differently since Kieran told him about college & taking care of the kids. I just wish Shas wasn't so nasty to Kier. Great chapter, Sasha!

Another winner, Sui! What a terrific short story! I loved the passion they felt for one another and the way Antonio just looks at Trent with adoration. It was a really beautiful story. =)

Trey is a godsend and so are his parents. As Gary said above, Trey's parents are there to support him as only family can do. And yes, in times of extreme sadness when we can't find anyone to blame we think of things other people might have done that would cause whatever happened to happen. Hopefully as time passes, Jackie will realize how she acted - maybe Brent will fill her in, and she'll apologize to Mark. I know she won't want any rift in their relationship. Great chapter, Renee! The next chapter is going to be so sad with Trey leaving. Hey, at least his folks get to see him for a little while longer.

Cockblock patrol! Omg, that was funny! I absolutely LOVE Fiona! She's a pip! What a cute fangirl. lol Now A&B will be forever in her debt. She was so smart; she practically had the whole script written out what she planned to do. lol And it worked! Ok, now I can FINALLY start the sequel!

Great chapter, Krista! I'm glad the whole team didn't quit. I'm sure of the kids that did quit, like the preacher's son, they were probably forced to by their ignorant parents. I'm also happy Corey's dad seems to have turned a new leaf. It's about time. lol And good for C&C for kissing on the beach! And good for that mom for encouraging them!

Well, at least Jaime didn't out Asher to their other two friends. I don't know if Jaime will ever come around. I hope he does. I can never understand people who totally turn against their best friends land family ike this. Ash is the same best friend he's always been; nothing has changed with him. Jaime is such an asshole. It amazes me that he's going to throw all those years of being best friends right out the window over something Ash doesn't even have any control over. What an ignorant ass. Great chapter, insurgency.

I read this chapter while I was lying in bed last night and I found myself unable to see the words b/c I was crying so much. My heart goes out to Mark right now. I wish I could just give him a hug. I lost my dad at nineteen and my fifteen-year-old sister needed comforting, and my mom went off the deep end. It's a horrible thing losing a parent at any age, and as Daddy said, with Mark and his mom estranged it makes it harder. He will carry that guilt and regret with him forever that he didn't make up with her. He's definitely going to need Trey now more than ever, but unfortunately Trey won't be there. He'll have Jackie and Brent, but Jackie does have her husband and she'll need her own comforting. I'm looking forward to seeing what's going to happen next.

Omg, thank God L&E made up!!! And good for Luke for handling Coach like that! And of course his teammates are there for him. What happened to his swim team? They're just following that tool, Jim? No matter - everything is looking up for L&E now, and that's all that counts. I'm really going to miss this story after you post the next chapter.

My computer just combusted due to all the hotness in this chapter!!!! So, just so you know, Cassie, I'm sending you my bill for my computer repair! Mikeal was really in his element at the New Year's Eve party. It surprised me as well as Adam. lol He was very take charge and assertive. Good for him. And good for him for not hating his sister. True, that's not the way someone should find out they were adopted, but he's not blaming her. Of course this totally contradicts what I've been saying in my previous reviews about how Hycianth (I finally Googled it! And what pretty flowers they are! lol), was a bitch and she should have kept her mouth shut, which I still think she should have, but I understand why she spilled the beans. I wonder how Mikeal's talk with his parents is going to go...looking forward to that chapter! lol I really love how in love Adam is now! All those 'I love you's' had me smitten!! Awesome chapter, Cassie, despite the fact that my computer is still smoking! Well, you know what they say - about smoking after sex...lol Ok, lame, I know. hehe

Hmm, camping for five days. Sounds like Asher has a plan. lol I noticed you used 'venerable' and 'venerability' about halfway down the page. I think you mean 'vulnerable' and 'vulnerability'.