Dodger

I think you're right. Saving Mr Lube is unlikely to change people's opinion of Robbie or increase his popularity, especially among the homophobes. If anything, the council's plan to feature him in their new safety campaign may have the opposite effect. I think Robbie was right when he said it might make him a target. He only agreed to do this for the money. Isn't that always the way?

Some good points here. Having never been in that position, it would be difficult for Rory to fully appreciate how much he has hurt Robbie. Not by finding himself a girlfriend (Robbie has, in the past, encouraged him to do that) but by his constant flirting, which, as we know, has misled Robbie into believing there was a chance. Sure, Rory is hurting because Robbie's attack was quite brutal, but he needs to accept at least some culpability for his outburst and maybe ask himself if it was right to refer to him as cute (one of many flirtatious remarks that no straight male would dare utter to a gay friend). I don't believe Rory did this on purpose because he's a good person, so he doesn't understand how betrayed Robbie feels. If this is the case, he may not want to back down, but Robbie will need at least some acknowledgement from his friend that his actions may have been a little misleading. Having said this, as you point out, there is no evidence to confirm that Rory is romantically attached to this girl. We can only see things from Robbie's somewhat twisted point of view.

Alex was simply trying to calm Robbie down to stop him from shooting his mouth off in front of his jock friends, and it probably seemed like a good thing to say at the time. Robbie had just accused him of being in the closet, remember, and he wasn't exactly being discreet. Alex isn't known for his critical thinking, so it's just a random statement that's not really worth analysing too deeply.

I think they both need each other more than they realise.

And they always seem to get away with it. I think Robbie is well aware of the potential damage to his friendship with Rory, but he probably believes that his friend is partially responsible.

To be fair to Alex and Rory, both boys left during the game to talk to Robbie in their own way. They didn't need to do that, and it probably would have been better if they hadn't. It's a shame that he took his frustrations out on Rory, while Mitch seems to have gotten away with it, but his friend isn't blameless. Rory has contributed to Robbie's fragile state of mind by allowing, and even encouraging him, to believe in something that was probably never there.

I'm not sure if he will be able to see Jo, but he certainly could do with some more counselling, and maybe a slice of good fortune.

I think this chapter ruffled a few feathers.

This is the real reason he's so angry at Rory, but, of course, he won't be able to admit it because Rory wouldn't understand. I fear that Robbie has become over-invested in Rory, and despite his best efforts, he may never be able to accept him as just a friend.

His temper continues to get him into trouble, and I think he understands this. I don't think Rory will allow this to wreck their friendship, but Robbie needs to take responsibility and apologise, and we know how stubborn and self-destructive he can be.

I hate it when people do that. Considering his age, I imagine they'll only use his face. Robbie, as we know, is keen to make some cash after squandering the money that was supposed to last him until he turns 18. Mr Andrews may not realise this, but it's the council who will be paying for the ads, not the school.

I'll do my best @Joseph OHara Hang on to your seat, it's about to get a little bumpy. 💥

Despite my competitive nature, I was never very good at team sports. I didn't like relying on others, and as a swimmer, I didn't have to. In England, my exploits in the pool exempted me from football, rugby, and cricket. But in Canada, after turning my back on swimming, I no longer enjoyed that special status and was forced to participate in sports I knew little about with mixed results. I was too short for basketball, not big enough for American football, and nowhere near crazy enough to want t

Connections are great until you miss one!

Lake effect snow. Yeah, I know all about that. There's been snow on the ground here since November, and the piles are getting bigger, but when it's not snowing, most days have been bright and sunny. That makes a difference for me, even when it's minus something ridiculous.

I don't care much for the Super Bowl, but there are plenty of Boy Aquariums where I live, even a few outdoor ones, if you can handle -15c; it feels like -25c (I don't mind the cold and snow as long as it's bright and sunny). My prediction for the gold medal. Connor, Nathan, Sidney, et al (the dream team from the great white north).

Thank you for your comment @zakynthos Robbie is often misunderstood or maligned for his sometimes dubious decisions. He's impulsive, short-tempered, and not beyond telling a few lies to gain an advantage, but he has enough good in him to make him likeable. His interactions with Amy show his naivety about family life. It doesn't come naturally for him, but he has plenty of love to cover his mistakes.

Sooner than you think!

Rory seems to blow hot and cold. He would be the most annoying friend to have. I can understand Robbie's frustrations.

You may be right about Rory. He has always been very comfortable with Robbie's sexuality. I know there are a lot of straight guys who want to give that impression and say the right things, but there are usually lines they won't cross. Rory doesn't seem to have any uncrossable lines. I don't believe he's deliberately trying to tease or mislead Robbie, but that's what he's doing, so he needs to work things out.

Robbie is a reluctant hero, but he might change his mind when he realises the potential benefits. I think it's fair to say that Rory is nothing like the typical average heterosexual teenage boy, which begs the question, what is he?

Only the good die young!

Mr Lube was exceptionally lucky. Probably nine times out of ten, this would have been a fatal accident. It doesn't take very long to drown, and if a person is unconscious, it's only a few seconds before their lungs fill with water. Robbie is being overly critical of himself, but at least all that training wasn't in vain.

Thank you @Gary L. There's never a dull moment in Robbie's world!

I think Robbie would be happy at the moment to have Rory just as a friend, but Rory isn't making it easy for him. It's putting stress on their friendship. Unfortunately, Don will be around for the duration.