Al Norris

Marc also needed to enjoy one of the few serene moments with Adam. I suspect that such moments after this will be few and far between. It was a beautiful scene.

So, Chucky is in critical condition? Perhaps something will happen to make his condition, um, expired? It was kinda nice to see Jeremy go into caretaker mode and work some magic, instead of mucking everything up! The scene with Brad and Derek was OK in that Brad got Derek to see things his way. I do have to wonder about who might be behind Chucky. Things might get worse for Jeremy.

Since this story is mostly about Tony, one would hope that a reconciliation with Aaron is a major part of the story... Of course it is, or should be. This chapter appears to be an interlude, a chapter of reflection and possibly, one of hope. While Justin is reserved, Scott appears to be very hopeful that such a reconciliation may occur. The way this chapter ends, one almost hopes that Aaron arrives with Guy and Tim.

There is much to say about this chapter. I have to break it down so that I can regurgitate my thoughts as I read it. Scene 1: Aaron rejects Tony for one reason and one reason only. Tony never came back for him. Aaron ignores the fact that Tony tried calling and writing to him, but Aaron refused to communicate with Tony. It was of no consequence... Tony didn't come back to get him. That was all that seemed to matter to Aaron. Aaron leaves. Scene 2: The crew comes back from lunch to find Tony in total despair. They try to console Tony by getting him to see that more talk may change Aaron's mind. Tony doesn't believe that and quips that he may as well head back to Brisbane. Tim goes off on Tony. Tony feels less than a millimeter tall. Scott calls Luke. After the call, Luke tries to convince Tony that everything is not lost; Scott is on Tony's side. Comment: I came away from reading these two scenes mad at both Aaron and Tim. At Aaron, for placing all the blame, for whatever misfortunes befell him after Tony left, on Tony alone. At Tim, for totally taking Aaron's side and giving Tony no benefit of any doubt. Scene 3: In despair, Tony goes back to the guesthouse and tries to take a nap to ease his tension. Doesn't work and a bit later, Tim shows up to make peace and apologizes to Tony. As Tim talks, Tony begins to take some of the blame as he realizes he could have come back to get with Aaron. He could have come back just to spend a bit of time with the crew. He was so busy chasing his dream that he gave no thought to anyone else. Comment: There is no blame here. None of the crew would let Tony know that things were bad for Aaron. The crew is complicit in covering up Aaron's distress. I surmise that Tony would have returned had he known of Aaron's problems. Final Scene (4): After Tim leaves, Tony decides to look at his email. After wading through all the spam and Fan mail, Tony finds a lucrative movie contract sent to him by his Agent. Calling his agent and letting him know that he would not be leaving T-ville for a week or so, Tony makes arrangements to meet with his agent to go over the contract and sign it. Comment: Tony may become a wealthy writer, should things work out. How that may affect Aaron is up in the air, as several have opined. In all, this was an excellent chapter since it brought out quite an emotional response from me.

Like @Summerabbacat, I didn't remember that either!

I don't know why we are assuming that this is a Catholic parish. It could be Lutheran or Episcopalian (I wouldn't think you Aussies have Church of England there, or do you?). Either way, they all are somewhat the same in how they conduct services (Mass).

Hmm, maybe it's me, but... Eleven snakes were in one house, and none of the neighbors were bothered by them. I would think that animal control and the police would find that suspicious. Jeremy is acting rather nice. It also seems that Travis is getting more and more paranoid about being outed. Maybe it's just me.

Father Costas is a breath of fresh air! It was good of him to lay Katherine's fears to bed. Of course, Toby wasn't even bothered by it. Then the next morning in the shower... Wonderful chapter, Mark!

What a thrill that would have been... Even if he started late and wiped out. The best part? I learned how to pronounce Bondi!!!

At first glance, this appears as a bad start for any kind of reunification between the two guys.

Oh, what a comedy of errors this be! 🤣

I am hopeful that the pain will subside soon. It can be debilitating, but don't let it get you down... Well, too much! Good thoughts winging their way to you!

Very true. But it would have taken Lucas to get over his own pride to tell the Court what happened with his uncle. And yes, Medical Science has long been at the point where they can tell that Lucas was anally abused. Of course, that means that other things would also have happened... Boys home? Foster home? We already know that Lucas doesn't want those things.

I can speculate all day about what the papers said that Tom passed to Stef, but the only thing I can gather (based upon Stef's remark) is that it is something shocking. I kinda like Finn. He seems to be pretty upbeat and a generally nice guy.

After everything has been said, I just couldn't be as accepting as Neil seems to be. These aren't friends. At least not the kind I would want.

Oh, my Goodness!!! That was a heck of a Thanksgiving Dinner! As much as I enjoyed all the back and forth, I somehow knew Kaylec would fly off the handle. I'm glad that Aulus was there to prevent a total blowout. It doesn't surprise me that Jacob's Mom had figured things out between Q and Jacob. It did surprise me that Aaron picked up on the animosity between Q and Kaylec. I wonder how Aaron will feel when Jacob tells him about himself and Q? How will he take all the rest of what Jacob may divulge?

It cannot be said often enough. In today's world, just the accusation is enough to destroy your life for many, many years. I don't know that this is the same everywhere else. But in the US it has been this way for years.

The ending of this chapter is, indeed, bittersweet! It reminded me of a certain time in my own life when I said goodbye to a good friend. He had joined the Marines with me on the so-called "buddy plan." That only guarantied that we went to Boot Camp and ITR (Infantry Training Regiment - they call it something slightly different today) together. After that, we went our separate ways. I to communications school and he to an infantry duty station. Emotionally, it is much the same. You have to do this and you never know if you will meet up again. Ever.

I'm afraid that due to immeasurable miscommunications, this is all mucked up! It never ceases to amaze me that speaking the same language can be discounted due to culture.

Tony still loves Aaron. It is because of this love that Tony takes on the blame. Right or wrong, it is the human thing we often do. Regardless, Tim forgets he followed his dream... Pot? Meet Kettle.

This is so true. It is also true that mutual friends will pick sides. Sad but true.

I really hate to say it, but I don't think the Goober is gonna do well. Especially if Uncle gets more involved! On the other hand, Alex is spoiling for a fight with Lucas. I agree with the others; a lot is happening in this chapter, and none of it is good.

Let's see... Tony leaves to chase his dreams. Aaron refuses to go but won't stop Tony from leaving. Tony tries to keep in touch via phone calls and emails. Aaron refuses to respond. Then, Aaron's folks up and skip town, taking Aaron's brother with them. Meanwhile, Tony, rightly thinking that Aaron truly wants to sever their relationship, gives up on trying to stay connected with Aaron. Aaron's abandonment issues drive him to drink. During all of this drama, Aaron convinces everyone else not to tell Tony what is going on. At some point, Justin steps in and gives Aaron the support and help he needs. However, Tim seems to place all (or much of) the blame for Aaron's actions on Tony. If I had all this right, then all I could say is that Aaron created his own hell.

I can see that!

I laughed at the dude for not knowing that AC/DC and Men at Work were Aussie bands! Even though I'm 74, I've heard about half the music!