Dodger

Thank you, @Mancunian for your kind words and for reading and recommending the story. I know it wasn't easy reading from Jeff's point of view, especially the first few chapters.

A nice chapter. Brandon gets some time off from chasing Billy and another character is introduced, with an interesting insight into California high schools.

Brandon, don't torture yourself anymore. The time has come for you to show your hand to Billy, before he sees his t-shirt in your school bag. That would be difficult to explain.

I'm not a big fan of NYC, but New York State is beautiful.

Well done, Ethan. That was a big hurdle to clear but it should make his life at school a little easier.

Poor Brandon. He's not going to be able to have a normal life again until he hooks up with Billy.

This is good news. Thank you, Val.

Thank you, ❤️everyone for your kind messages, and for adding some sunshine to a cold November day. 🌞 Now I'm looking forward to the first snowfall of the winter, which is forecast for this evening. 🌨️

Late to the party as usual, but congratulations for a well-deserved promotion.

Maybe throw in Symmonds for good measure.

Without giving too much away, I think that's exactly what she will say and Robbie will be wise to listen to her. Without Don, they have no reason to have any contact with the church, and no doubt Sue will be keen to keep it that way. It should be game, set, and match for Sue and the kids, providing everything goes to plan.

Maybe the boys could be persuaded to give evidence in some kind of investigation, but I doubt if the skipper would do anything that would get the pastor in trouble or reflect badly on his church. If he was that way inclined he probably would have refused to follow the pastor's instructions on the boat and stuck to the correct protocol.

Sue has been guilty of sabre rattling in the past and this isn't the first time we've heard her talk of impending changes, only for things to stay the same. I think this time may be different. Don's refusal to show any concern for the safety of his children and his decision to defend the pastor no matter what, were a huge mistake. There are other reasons which will become apparent very soon, but I can't see how he will be able to recover. Sue has finally proved herself worthy of the 'mom' tag from Robbie, although it was reaching a stage where it was difficult for him to keep resisting. Sue made it difficult by being a mother, admitting she made mistakes, and promising to do better. That's all Robbie has ever asked from her. The simple switch from Sue to Mom will still a significant moment in his life, because it's the final hurdle he will have to clear, but it's natural and will be welcomed by his brother and sisters.

You're right, I don't think Don can expect any love from Robbie. That ship has sailed.

Sue has lived in Don's shadow for a long time and allowed him to set the agenda rather than cause waves. Don may stop short of violence, but I think you can still class him as a bully, and he's used to getting his own way. Their marriage has been unstable for a long time, but Robbie's arrival has brought out the worst in Don and forced Sue to make a stand. If his marriage fails, Don will almost certainly blame Robbie for turning the family against him.

I think Don and the pastor are neck and neck at the moment, but Mr Symmonds is making a late charge.

Sue definitely means it. This may be the straw that broke the camel's back. Matthew is confused and who can blame him. He's caught between a religion that he believes is right, and feelings that he can't suppress. If he can remain friends with Robbie, perhaps he will realize that much of what the church has taught him is false and start to question it. Then he will have to stand up to Symmonds, who is likely to go berserk if he thinks Robbie is trying to undo his work. An adult Easter egg is a hollow chocolate egg with a random naughty gift inside. A pack of flavored condoms, a miniature sex toy, or a small tube of lube, but it's pot luck, so you could end up with a pair of skimpy knickers. You won't find these in the supermarkets.

She's not finished yet.

He should definitely have it reviewed. As the trustee, Don is supposed to keep Robbie informed of the value and advise him, a job he has consistently neglected.

“Robbie has decided to attend the Easter service tomorrow.” I was as surprised as everyone else when Don made this announcement as we sat down to dinner. He had a smug grin as he piled his plate with mashed potatoes and talked to Sue as if I weren’t there. As always, she was the last to arrive, taking her place at the opposite end of the table from her husband while looking at me for an explanation. “Well, if that’s what you want, dear. I have no objections. Is there a reason for this?

Thank you, @Aditusfor reading and commenting. A lot of people found this story upsetting to read, which is a shame because I put a lot of work into it, and all it's done is make people sad. That wasn't my intention but I suppose someone has to be the bad guy.

Thank you to everyone who has commented on this story. Almost four thousand comments have been posted, and all but a handful have been positive and encouraging. I've always regarded The Cockney Canuck as more of a soap opera than a story, and readers come and go, but there are some who have read every chapter. I tip my hat to these small but vociferous group of hard-core fans who have taken Robbie into their hearts and kept me focused over the years.

A neat little love story born from a tragedy. I knew it was going to work out for them the moment Paul offered Woodrow a ride on his big bike! Thanks, Gary. I enjoyed this story.

A clever and well-written story. Danny was taking a bit of a risk but it worked. Aaron would make a good amateur detective. Maybe he should get his own 'Murder, she wrote,' style TV series.

Thank you, @northie for this beautifully written essay and for sharing your personal and difficult journey with such honesty. I can relate to a lot of what you said. I was plagued with uncertainty and confusion for longer than I like to admit before finally understanding and embracing my sexuality. I’m pleased you managed to find your label and an outlet for your talent.