Dodger

Thanks, Cole. This is good advice and something that I haven't given a lot of thought to in the past, but will in future. I like your examples too.

I like the way that you are able to turn characters around and toy with the readers. I'm still a little annoyed at the coach for earlier failings but he did a lot to redeem himself in this chapter. I'm so glad that Mike got what he deserved too, it was a pretty stupid thing to do. He beats up Casey, then tells him that something bad is going to happen to him, then he attacks his locker, apparently unaware that there are cameras in the corridors. Didn't even have the sense to cover his face or wear a hoodie like most other vandals. Not the smartest of kids. Now he's off the team and probably expelled from school, and this is the guy who made fun of Lane? Good chapter, once again you've got me all fired up, but don't take it to heart, I love your writing.

Nice chapter. I'm happy for Lane, this could prove to the making of him, he deserves the fuss that he's suddenly getting. Shade is becoming ever more likeable as well and it's looking promising for Casey, who could do with a little love in his life.

Good to see Karen standing up for Casey and giving Curtis a bit of a broadside, he needs to be brought into line. Poor Casey hasn't had the best start to his new school. Shade is a cool guy though who looks as if he will be able to make a difference.

I really dislike Mike, 'With me on your side, you could have been somebody'. What a dick, I'm glad that Casey showed him the door. Poor Casey has to cook dinner, clear up and be a parent to Lane, without the benefit of receiving any real parenting himself. He's not doing that badly considering what he has had to put up with. I'm still angry at his dad for not putting up a fight and saving his son from the clutches of his nasty mother. Well-written; I love stories that stir up my emotions like this one.

At last, I've been expecting this talk for a while now. He should have talked to Casey a lot sooner than he did. Despite his father's claims that he was the best thing to come from his marriage, I'm still not convinced by him. He could have tried harder; sure there was a restraining order, but he could have appealed it. He didn't need to accept that and just walk away because of an accusation. The court would have wanted to speak to Casey too and if there was no history of violence or abuse in their marriage then it's doubtful that she could have got a restraining order against the father of her child, even if he admitted to using a threat while arguing and there was no reason for him to do that anyway. If it was my son, I would have fought tooth and nail and never given up until justice was done and I would have found ways of keeping in touch, letters, emails, texts, there are always ways. His father abandoned him, simple as that and Casey should not forgive that easily. Aside from this, another good chapter and I'm warming to Rodney.

I agree with a lot of the comments above. Casey needs someone in his corner other than Lane, although it seems like his younger step-brother may have already saved him more than once. His father needs to wise up and get more involved in his sons life; he seems intent on being a total jerk.

Good to see that Casey is getting on with the not-so-bad Rodney. I wonder why the coach is so keen for Casey--who has shown little desire to play any sport--to join a team that is already so successful. It seems odd and I'm not sure if I like the coach any more than I like Casey's dad who is still to offer any explanation to his son as to why he hasn't bothered to see him since the divorce. Shady seems to be an interesting character and a nice introduction. I'm enjoying the story if you can't already tell. Well done.

I like how this story is developing and I can relate to Casey, having been in a similar situation myself at the same age. It's difficult joining a family that you have never met before, but in my case, my new siblings were very welcoming. I didn't have a jerk like Curtis to have to deal with, but I'm sure that Casey will be able to put him in his place, somebody needs to! Another great chapter.

Good for you Casey, it seems that you're doing a better job at parenting Lane than his mom and stepdad. As for Mr Goodwin, this is exactly how lowlife like him manage to get away with crimes against children. Casey seems to be the only one so far to pay any attention to Lane's complaint about the man. With a mental age of six or seven, he needs a little more protection than his mother has been providing. A part of me wants to see Casey visit the evil Mr Goodwin and take him out back for a little 'chat', but that's probably not such a good idea. Best to tell Karen and hope that she manages to step up to the plate. Nice chapter.

Another good chapter; I'm warming to Casey, but while I can understand why he's so angry, I think that he needs to give his father a chance before jumping to conclusions. He seems to know little of the reasons behind his parent's divorce, although it is strange why his dad made no attempt to stay in contact with his son. Fathers have a lot of rights these days. Why wasn't Casey already spending time with his dad? Weekends, school holidays etc. this is the way it usually works.

Just started reading this story today, although I've read a couple of your other stories that are not posted on GA and enjoyed them. I'm liking this one too although Casey seems a little headstrong. Clearly, his relationship with his mother has deteriorated to the point where it is no longer an option but running away with barely any money and no place to stay is definitely a recipe for disaster for a sixteen-year-old and rarely ends well. Probably best that he wasn't able to do this although he won't appreciate it at the time. He should at least give his dad a chance, there are always two sides to a story.

Well done Krista, this has everything that I like in a story. Like many of the comments above, I like the way that Jackson and Luke's characters are evolving. I liked this chapter a lot.

Thanks, Dave. I love your comment and I would really like to say that this was the intention when writing this chapter, but I wasn't looking that deeply into it and Nathan's flirting was only a sideshow. However, your explanation makes total sense and it would definitely be something that Nathan would do to throw Daniel off the trail. I'm convinced now that this is why he did it. Haha, am I getting a little carried away here? I have to remind myself sometimes that this is fiction, sort of. Thanks again for sharing your insight and helping with the story. I need more of these comments.

Good chapter Carlos. One of the best things about reading a completed story, of course, is I don't have to wait until the next chapter posts. I'm enjoying it and I feel for CJ, who will always hurt because of his mom's rejection. He's much better off in DC. Oh, and I like the way you added the bit about the exorcist stairs. They are indeed very famous but I had no idea where they were. The other famous steps that come to mind are the ones in Hollywood that were used for the Laurel & Hardy piano film. Even after all these years, they are still a bit of a tourist attraction. Anyway, back to the story.

Even better, although I won't be catching any games until the summer.

I've missed watching baseball, the offseason is way too long for me. My team will start the regular season in Baltimore and I'm looking forward to the warm summer evenings and a few visits to the Rogers Centre. Have I given you enough clues for you to figure out my team?

Just re-reading this story and enjoying it as much second time around. I like Jackson's character, a bit of a rogue, but he develops well.

Thank you Solarmaxx. Next chapter coming soon; I appreciate your interest and encouragement, which makes it all worthwhile.

Thank you for your comment and kind words Arran. I'm glad that you're enjoying the story. This chapter was held up a little by a personal health issue, which forced me to take some time off from a hectic lifestyle. Basically, I needed a rest. I'm well now, though, back to work and back to my favourite hobby and pastime, The Cockney Canuck. Next chapter soon, I promise.

Thank you for the comment. You raise some good points. You're right, it's time for Robbie to look ahead and talk to the people around him. It will make it easier in the long run. Even if he doesn't want to come out yet to everyone. He could confide in and trust his family, definitely Daniel and probably even Nicola. Rory too could prove to be a good ally and we will see how this goes in the next chapter.

Thank you, Wesley. Robbie and Nathan have assumed that Nicola is indoors and in bed because it's past her curfew, but neither of them actually saw or heard her come in.

Thank you for your comment. I hope he doesn't get his hands on Zanex, or he'll definitely get addicted. but he is a worrier and a bit of a drama queen. We will have to wait and see about Don.

Daniel is the quiet kid but he's smart and Robbie could do himself a favour by sitting down and having a friendly one to one chat with his brother/cousin before things get out of hand. Daniel may have been dropping these hints for a reason. Will Robbie be smart/brave enough to do this?

I agree, there was no need for that and Robbie didn't really deserve that treatment. Robbie is always too quick to overlook Nathan's flaws. A sign of insecurity perhaps? Maybe he will be able to address a few issues with his boyfriend later. Thanks for the comment.