Enoch

I want to make one thing clear to everyone, I was honored to just be nominated, further honored to have made the cut. Thank you to everyone involved. However, all four other stories nominated in the New Author Category, deserves votes. Each of them have been at this a lot longer than I have, and deserve your recognition. That's not to say I don't think Trials and Tribulations is any good, with the help I've received, I do think it is a good story. KC, Sean, Old Bob and Naptowngirl have been writing much longer than I have and have good stories as well. I have no problem at all coming in fifth to these authors. If I am truly good at story telling, my time will come. When I started Trials and Tribulations, all I wanted was to enjoy writing it and have my readers to enjoy it as well. I know I have enjoyed it, and if my readers have enjoyed it as well, then I am truly happy. Peace and love to all of you! ~Billy~

I didn't think Rory was a bad character. I was lucky in that I got to read the story straight through without having to wait on a chapter a week or whatever the time frame used. We all react differently to major events in our lifes and what Rory went through would caused many adults to react much more poorly. I had no problems with the review. After all, it's just one person's opionion. I'm sure there are other stories that the reviewer and I would disagree on. As it has been said, the point of the feature and review was to remind people of Dom's awesome stories and to offer a chance for dialog concerning Dom's work. I hope one day my work will inspire a discussion like this. Then I will know I have reached a level where my work actually have possibilities. Until then, I will be happy to read stories that make me think and feel like this story has.

I am who I am, not what I am.

Thanks for your comments. Of course you are right, JT and school is just around the corner with Monday just a couple of days off. I can't wait either to find out what's going to happen to be honest

I like the beginning and after talking to you, I understanding why Tanner is acting the way he is. I'm also glad you have Tom helping you along with an editor. I look forward to reading more

Another good chapter.

Welcome to GA my friend

I don't know if a high iq makes one a geek or that athleticism makes one a jock. In fact I contend that it doesn't. This feels like sterotyping, herding people into nice little groups. I like to think I was a smart athlete that loved the outdoors and a good book. I didn't have a 180 iq, but I would not be ashamed to compare with anyone here or anywhere else. I do lack experience and college training. However, I don't feel the need to put myself or allow anyone to place me in a nice little box called a group. I don't have a problem if others feel the need to belong to a group. That's fine with me. Nor do I have a problem with those that choose not to belong. I myself, like to move in and out of most groups. I respect people as they are and I don't feel a need to label them. Perhaps it's because of the enviroment and experiences I had as a youth, like walking through Saint Jude's Hospital and other cancer centers for children that caused me more than anything else to see each person as an individual and not as a member of some group.

Thank you Benji. I have a bad feeling about the camping out too. But maybe it'll be fun. Time will tell

Weclome to GA everyone! It's good to see friendly new people. You'll find some amazing people here to go along with some amazing stories. I hope you enjoy every minute you spend here. If you need any help, there's always awesome people willing to help.

I went to a small enough school where labels didn't exist. However, if anyone had been out as gay, I have no doubt that label would have been used. There were jocks, band members, smart people, gamers, and all the rest of the tribes you could think of, but everyone mixed with each other so much that no one was placed into just one group and no one was pressured to just stay with their preceived group. I believe that experience broaden my social skills; because, I feel comfortable talking and interacting with people from all walks of life because of it.

I can't wait to see what your mind has dreamed up for us to enjoy and soak up

I love the start. I like the way you bring me into the characters head and not only know what he is feeling, but also to FEEL what he is feeling. I can't wait for more

Thank you. And I mean that completely. I don't know if you have any idea how much THOSE words coming from YOU means to me. Thnx

Thank you Conner. Maybe a tinny cliffie. You're right about the staff. They are awesome!

Thank you Wayne for many reasons

Thank you so much. You're right. JT is just like his father. It's sad in this case. But I hope you enjoy the story

OMG that was so not a cliff hanger

Thank you, Tom.

Chapter 10 When it Rains it Pours Mr. Horn quickly stepped between JT and me, before any blows could be thrown. Mr. Horn’s presence reassured me, but wasn’t doing much to ease my anger. Before another word could be spoken, a city cop rushed up and asked JT and his father to follow him towards the parking lot. The officer made it clear that this wasn’t a request; they had to leave or they would be going to jail. As JT was turning to leave

Powerful emotions. Well written.

You are one of the nicest person I've met on GA, Toxic? Hell to the No. Stupid? Far from it. It's people like you that makes it worth while reaching out and meeting new people, even when I feel like crap. Talking to you in the forums brings a smile to my face when a smile is the last thing on my mind. Life at work and in our personal lives is never fair, or unfair, it just is what it is. In my mind its how we deal with stuff that counts. And you always seem to be a bringer of smiles and that counts a lot in my book.

It's just how their day went. I think as time goes by and the newness of a relationship sinks in, they'll be more careful. Thank you so much for your reviews. I really love it when good authors leave the kind words as you have. Thanks again!

I am learning as I go. This is my first story and I hope I'm not boring people with it. I just want to give people hope in times of darkness.

It's funny how people that think they have the high moral ground don't care what others think of them.