Pete Bruno

I will take you at your word regarding your intention; after all these are your characters and you know them intimately. And like a father you would want to defend them when they are being attacked. However I have accepted your challenge and pondered my own life in regards to getting caught up in the 'now' and what becomes the norm. While it is true that one may lose temporary sight of the result of one’s actions upon themselves and others, I think we all basically remain our true selves regardless of what is swirling around us as we live our life. Think of it this way, you encounter an old man. He is grumpy and irritable, and just not too pleasant to be around. So you write it off as being a result of his age. But I have always believed that if you are grumpy and irritable when you are old; there is a good chance you were no different when you were young. The only difference is when one is young; one tends to hide these traits behind a well-polished veneer and then in old age one doesn't give a damn anymore and shows their true self. From this reader’s point of view, in Claire’s case I think that Will confronting her with the cold hard facts of her actions and the actions of her daughter has caused a bit of her polished veneer to come off exposing her true self. And with this quote: “I expect they’ll both be back for the Bastille Day party,” Claire said. She looked directly at me. “I want you to know that if he apologizes to me for treating me so rudely, I will bear him no ill will.” She showed her true self. Her concern is not repairing her relationship Will, or at least explaining the reasons for her actions, only that she receives an apology. I also think it is important to note that neither she nor her mother addressed Will’s concerns, only his actions. It appears that they knew they could not defend the indefensible; or more importantly felt they need not explain or defend. And not for nothing, but the ones who say the least usually say the most profound things when they finally do, and that person would be Frank! There was so much packed into this chapter I could go on forever, but that is what makes this story so great. Thanks for writing it.

Another brilliant chapter! I had the pleasure of reading the entire CAP saga in a matter of two weeks, much like a novel. The impact was much greater than reading it in a serial version; and like others, I was thrilled to hear J.P. again. It appears that I was correct; the trois femmes are more worried about apparence and social standing: "My daughter, Claire. She sat there near me, so angry and upset that it leaked through her normally cool and composed demeanor. She was quite like me in that way. She tended to enter into a conflict or discussion with the gravitas that came from being respected, and she was usually heard because of her calm and cool approach to things. But when Will had called us out on focusing on appearances instead of substance, he’d hit the bulls-eye with Claire. She wasn’t as concerned about controlling people, as Brad was, but she was very concerned about her image. She fostered her external appearance meticulously, and was truly an arbiter of good taste. And in the community, she did much to try and enhance our family image much as she nurtured her own. Yet her fixation on her standing in society had caused her to lose her focus on the importance of the family unit. It would be difficult for a family member to trust Claire to lead them when they weren’t sure she’d support them if they needed help. Tonight, Will had demonstrated that doubt to be justified." Of course Isidore and Marie could be included in that description. There is further proof of Claire's true character: “I expect they’ll both be back for the Bastille Day party,” Claire said. She looked directly at me. “I want you to know that if he apologizes to me for treating me so rudely, I will bear him no ill will.” But nothing was more insincere than this statement; “Just as Will has been able to learn from his extreme behavior, we will have to work to make sure that Marie learns from hers,” Marie hasn't leaned a damned thing except that she can lie and get away with it. Frank's response was not a surprise, I expected him to be annoyed at the heavy handiness of his lover and her daughter. The only truly surprising revelation was Jack who I always considered a stand-up guy. “I’m sorry you don’t appreciate the person that she is,” he said pompously. Sorry Jack, you are way off base tonight for the first time. Once again, a great chapter and I look forward to more.

"In a sense, the British use of opium was a reaction to Chinese trade practices that still cause problems today. China was a net exporter, sucking the wealth out of other countries, back in those days. Seems nothing's changed." An astoundingly accurate statement.

Ain't it the truth! I think it there is a cave somewhere that says the same thing in cave painting.

"As someone that has read the series from the beginning; I don't believe that Claire has ever done anything to show that she gives a damn about anyone else's social standing or how much money they have or don't have." Well I have read every word of the series as well; as a matter of fact I just discovered it about two months ago and read every word in about two weeks. Sometimes I would forget to eat because I was so involved in the story (thanks Mark, I lost 10lbs!) and so the story is very fresh in my mind. It is the same with Claire as with Isidore. We really only see very small snippets of Claire, usually when someone needs to go shopping for clothes. And while my family was nowhere near as wealthy as this group, it was a large wealthy Italian family that hosted the towns biggest 4th of July party, complete with professional fireworks. The guest list always topped 300 (a lot of family) but you can be damned sure my grandmother, mother and aunts knew everyone on the list and would not hesitate to remove someone regardless of how long they had been attending, even family members. Maybe that's just an Italian thing! Steph already knows that Marie has lied. J.P. had already said the two offending boys are not welcome, and yet Isidore and Claire continue to argue for them to be included. And what to make of the fact that Will adds just two people and one is removed? "I doubt very seriously that Isidore ever knew about the fight that Darius had with the one guy, it wasn't really ever discussed except among the younger generations; and we don't know what she knew or didn't know about the issue with Eric and Will." Really? It happened in the great hall. "The pain seared through my face, even as I stumbled backward. I collided with one of the medieval suits of armor that adorned the room and ended up crashing to the floor with it." Maybe Isidore took an extra sleeping pill that night. In the end, all we can do is wait for the next chapter. I'm confident that Mark will have a surprise or two for us, he hasn't disappointed me yet!

Thanks Myr, I found the edit feature in the forum section very helpful today.

“My lord, it is rumored that once people begin using opium, they find it difficult to stop. It can, I am told, take over their lives. They become ruled by the compound.” And if one were to replace ‘using opium’ with ‘reading Odyssey’ the quote would still be correct! Another great chapter, and just as I thought, Maidstone’s wealth does not make him safe from His Majesties wrath. Anxiously awaiting a another ‘fix’ of Odyssey!

"9. his grandmother and aunt are all but telling him he doesn't really matter to the family as long as the only female grandchild (excluding the baby) gets her way" In one of my first reviews I blasted Will, and now I am becoming one of staunchest defenders. The above quote is brilliant, and describes my feelings perfectly. Claire and Isidore’s actions in this chapter have totally shocked me. If not for their responses at the dinner one could argue that they had no knowledge of the changes to the guest list. But I can only conclude that the inclusion of two young men that have physically assaulted members of their family shows they are more concerned with social standing than the feelings or safety of family members. And as for Will and JJ talking off their rings, I say Bravo! If J.P. was so interested in doing what was right he would have demanded the two offending boys be disinvited immediately. By not doing so it sent a signal to Will that he was not important enough to countermand Claire and Isidore. It also appears that someone is lying to Steph and J.P. about Marie apologizing, that is why Steph questioned Will about receiving an apology. For me, the reactions of both Claire and Isidore at the dinner make me think they don't feel it necessary for her to apologize. Can't wait to read the next chapter.

Just today I added a review to 9.11 and once again hit post too soon. In the past I have failed to properly proof my review (it's just so exciting to get a new chapter) and have made errors. The last time was typing 'Will' when I meant 'Brad'. Today, I realized after posting that I had forgotten to mention that Stef seemed puzzled when Will informed him that Marie had yet to apologize. That was important information when reading the dinner scene, apparently her parents and grandparents were under the impression that she had. So my question is, how many readers agree that a edit function on reviews would be helpful? Certainly on a site as well constructed as this, it shouldn't be that hard.

Will was one hundred percent correct, the only way to deal with the games that the three women are playing; all for different reasons, was to confront them head on as he did. As for Will, I hope he sticks up for his sons, apparently his sister seems to hold herself and her children in a higher regard and needs to be knocked down a peg or two. For me, I see Stef in the roll of the re-incarnated Tonto, I have a sense that he will set them all straight, and perhaps head to Malibu as well; and if he doesn't he should.

In the cold light of morning, I feel once again as I did after a night at the disco back in the '70's, the rush and euphoria (when I discovered the new chapter)and the crash in the morning (when I was through reading) and left wanting more. Bad metaphors aside, my take is similar to Kookie. Yes Maidstone is very wealthy, however Granger is getting pretty wealthy himself, and God knows how much his brother has amassed. And let’s not forget that he is a favorite of the king, is raising the bastard son of the king’s favorite nephew as his own; and is also held in regard by the Prince of Wales. Of course his biggest asset is that he his sleeping with one of the kings son. My interest lies in the relationship between Somers and Granger. The exchange after the meeting left me wondering; all things being equal, who really is in the end the better lover for Granger? To me Somers is the wiser choice; he is smarter and has much better control of the emotions. We are already aware of Calvert’s failure to hide his feeling for Granger causing tongues to wag.

It is truly hard for me to fathom why there are so many calls for Tony to die! Why is there so much hate directed at him? The poor guy is just like so many of us who, even though we knew in our hearts that we were gay, fought tooth and nail. Will continues to surprise us or at least me. However I'm not quite understanding the change in the portrayal of Will. I for one always thought of him as confident and aggressive, the last person I would expect to intimidated by a butch lesbian . In closing, I'm dying to find out what happened after the aborted dinner with Claire and Marie. And of course I cannot end a review without a plea for more Bridgemont! Another well done chapter, but I must say I'm not looking forward to the coming of 9-11, it is a moment in time I would like to forget.

I have been quite impressed with Will over the last two chapters, especially after I was so hard on him previously; I thought the way he handled Marie was brilliant. However this "I love you" from Tony does, however, worry me. Sadly in my own life I had a similar relationship with a deeply closeted guy who was more worried about coming out than his love for me. Keeping in mind that it was in the '70's, a much less accepting time, but it was still a tough situation that did not end well. I truly hope it works out better for Will, I realize that Tony has issues because of his father, but I hope that he really doesn't hurt Will. Of course I can't post this with out begging for another chapter of Bridgemont, pretty please! Pete

Where are all the Phillie's fans? We need to keep positive attitudes to help the guys, and just remember it won't be too long until Chooch is back! That will get things back on track.

Allow me to add myself to the list of fans happy for a new CAP saga. However, as a rabid Bridgemont fan I had hoped that the end of the CAP series would bring our stud hero Lord Granger to us more quickly and often. But I can live with it, I anything you write is a joy to read. Now on to 9.11, my first question is, has Wade and especially Nana lost their ever loving mind? As I recall the Senator was serving divorce paper shortly after the election and the evil which was being banished to the country. Why on earth would Wade (and again Nana) visit her? My only hope is that you plan to either have her on the plane that goes down in PA on 9.11, in that case there would be justice, or you have them visit her in ICU where Nana could accidently/on purpose pull the plug and claim a temporary flash of dementia. On to Will, his claim that it is not his responsibility to help Kyle keep his commitment is nothing more than moral equivocation. The only way he is not complicit in Kyle’s betrayal of Eric is if he had no knowledge of that commitment. I will admit, I do not really have much time for Will, I find him arrogant, self-centered, spoiled, and not nearly as mature or capable of raising himself as he does. My question for him would be how he would feel if while on the float trip with Tony the two of them worked things out. Tony proclaimed his love at last and promised to only sleep with Will. Fast forward a few months, Will catches Tony sleeping with Dana, would he hold her harmless? I think not. I believe strongly in Karma, and I can’t wait for the day it bites this little prig in the ass! Sadly for Marie and John they could have benefited from a lesson I learned long ago, that while one may think it noble to inform a dear friend that he or she is being cuckold, it is usually you who is left holding the shitty end of the stick; especially if it involves family. However, my rant notwithstanding , it was a great beginning.

Once again Mark treats us to another well written, well researched chapter. One can only hope that he continues to provide us with this captivating tale. There is only one way for him to improve, and that is to post faster! Please.

Thank you so much, I've been really enjoying this story, I wish he would post a new chapter.

There is a story out there about a college professor who has powers to fight evil. His lover was killed by a demon, then he finds a young man outside of his house bleeding and dieing. He saves him and embarks on a journey with his new lover and old friends to fight a demonic coven. I just can't remember if it was here or on another site or the name. Does anyone recognize this story and know it's name?

How about... Or Beckham Brady Quinn

I won't argue with a German he surely would know best, but the best "Wiener Schnitzel" I ever ate was in Munich; so Austria, Germany, either place is great just make sure you try it, ours was made with veal, but you'll never have made in the US quite the same. As for Italy, being a first generation Italian, I can tell you that there is a big difference between the food over there and what we call Italian/American cuisine, especially if you will be traveling in the northern regions of the country. There you will find the food to have a heavy German influence and quite different from the heavy reliance on tomato sauce/garlic you will find further south. If you are in the north of Italy, try Ossobuco, which are veal shanks, there again, you'll never get the same over here. As for wine, no pun intended, but a nice Chianti always works; and you will find good quality selections there at a reasonable price. But whatever you do, don't leave Italy without trying the pizza! Again, it's nothing like what you're used to, the Italian government actually has a specific recipe and has a department the oversees it's strict adherence; and believe me, some of it can be better than sex! Have fun! Forget the raspberries, give me men in kilts and a good glass of whiskey and I'd die happy!

I'll just stick to this reply to the post in question back on page 2: All very well stated.

Is it always your practice to read up to the point you disagree and then make your impassioned comment. Let's review the rest of the reply you quoted for context. (Oh, and the gay pride comment? Those are the people who actually fought for gay rights. The people who could pass as gay were too busy hiding.) Martin I think that you meant to type "could pass as straight were too busy hiding." If that is the case you really don't know what you are talking about. It says that you are a 21 year old gay man from the UK, if that is correct you really do not have enough information to make such a comment; but fortunately I do. Being a gay 13 year old boy in 1969 or a 21 year old man for that matter was not easy, let alone safe, you forced to "butch it up" as much as possible or risk getting your ass beat on a daily basis. There was also little help available for gay men in small town America, almost everyone was homophobic from your teachers (priests and nuns included) to the police and even parents. Myself, I was lucky, my size and build along with the fact that I played sports deflected unwanted attention, but when I was a young and skinny 10 year old with a lisp I got plenty of unwanted attention in the form of bullying, so I did what I had to do. It wasn't hiding as you put, it was survival. Remember that the men who fought at the Stonewall in '69 had the protection of living in a huge city, or that scene would have ended much differently in small town America; and remember they were the ones "who actually fought" for gay rights, they were the brave men who risked everything so there could be gay pride parades. Finally, I envy your youth, and the fact that you are lucky enough to live in a time that gives you much more freedom and safety to be yourself than was ever afforded men my age and older, but please try and remember the next time you feel the need to accuse anyone of "hiding" you must remember the times and circumstances we lived in. I did not "immediately" dismiss him. In fact, I thought my reply was very considerate considering what he wrote was inaccurate, and I thought combative as well. Again, when you read my reply in the it's full context, I was indeed correct; and I will agree that I'm not the only person in the world to suffer pain. However that was not part of the discussion, I was answering a completely inaccurate and false charge against an entire generation of gay men. You wrote, "So what if he's 21 and lives in the UK, he could be subjected to things you could only imagine", and you are correct he just may have been, but we were discussing something. Yes you are correct, I had relevant and important things to say, and I think if one were to read my comment in it's full and correct context, one would see my point. Now let's look at your comments, you say, " It's a very self important phrasing, as if you are the sole experiencer. (sic)" Actually I thought I did a pretty good job speaking for my generation and those before me. Than you wrote this, "Don't throw your age around like its your proof that what you say is more important. Gosh its like having a degree right now. And you know what degrees are worth, right now? Nothing." Again, I don't see how I was throwing my age around, I was responding to a specious claim using my own life experience as an example. But of course my favorite, "but willing ears and open hearts and attitudes are hard to find when you come off as self-rightous (sic) and what one has to say is more important than anything that anyone else has to say", that is rich, after all you wrote, admonishing me, and accusing me of not having "willing ears and open hearts" you call me self-righteous"? Really?

"Don't throw your age around like its your proof that what you say is more important. Gosh its like having a degree right now. And you know what degrees are worth, right now? Nothing." I'm not quite sure to whom you're referring; but you know what, it's really not worth going on. Is it just me, or does it seem that you can no longer have a discussion?

You know, I never think of anything to say at a time like that, usually because I'm just so stunned by how rude people can be. But now all us "old bastards" can be prepared, if opportunity ever presents itself again we could always say something like..."Sorry boys, if you want privacy when you kiss, don't leave your trailer."

I'm assuming the poster is alluding to the Penn State situation and JoePae. After reading the Grand Jury transcript, I can say that there should be more people fired than just Paterno. The grad student flat out told him that he saw a ten year old boy being sodomized in the shower room, along with a janitor who was afraid of losing his job and did not come forward; at that point all bets are off and you confront the so called longtime friend; and by the way, when Sandusky retired he and JoePa weren't even on speaking terms. As some one who was raped as a nine year old, I can tell you it's not something you ever forget; and the damage permeates every area of your life. What two people over the age of eighteen do is nobody's business, but when it comes to children ethics remain ethics, whether they be old or new. "Our character is what we do when we think no one is looking. ...Hugh B. Brown