Dodger

I don't think there is an easy answer and whatever happens in the end there will be some regret. It seems that Stephanie has made the decision for him and absolved him of any guilt, which under the circumstances is probably right, so maybe Robbie should accept this and move on.

It's surprising how much superstition still plays a part in a modern and nowadays quite high-tech activity like sailing. When it comes to boats, people who normally wouldn't think twice about walking under a ladder, tend to adhere to traditions that really don't make a lot of sense. No one wants to risk breaking the rules and upsetting the Gods who control the elements. Robbie has done all he can to help Matthew. Now he needs to back off for a while to avoid drawing attention to the kid. I think we would all like to see Symmonds held accountable for his actions, but Matthew is in a difficult position and he's unlikely to trust someone he doesn't know. It's a shame because his evidence would be enough for Jo to pull the plug on Symmonds, and maybe shock the church into reassessing their use of conversion therapy. Robbie will want to do the right thing, but his options at the moment are limited, and he thoughts clouded by his own childhood experiences of growing up without a father.

I agree with most of the points you make here. Robbie wants to do the right thing, but he's not sure what that is at the moment. Nicola and Don haven't helped--they want him to be involved for reasons that are entirely selfish--and Sue has been largely ineffective. I'm sure Robbie doesn't see himself as a full-time father, but wasn't expecting to be shown the door either. Whatever happens in the future, it won't be his decision, so perhaps he should accept it and move on.

Most people will agree about Don. As for Nicola's fate. Mr. Lube's credentials for being a father are non-existent and if this happened, she probably wouldn't see him for dust. I think even Nicola deserves better.

Don is headstrong and stubborn, plus a lot of other things that aren't so nice. According to his way of thinking, the only obstacle to achieving anything is money, but competence in a sailboat comes with experience gained over time. There's nothing to stop him from becoming a good sailor, if he's prepared to put the time into it, take advice from others, and gradually build up his skills. A realistic plan would have been to buy a smaller boat and spend a year learning, but with Don, it's not about sailing, it's a status symbol. I doubt if he's even interested in taking it out on the lake, because no one will be able to see him out there. As for Robbie. I think he has every right to feel confused. One minute they're sending him pictures of the scan and moaning at him for not being more involved, and the next he's told he's not needed in any capacity. There needs to be some kind of compromise, perhaps somewhere in the middle may prove beneficial. Whatever happens, Robbie will continue to be haunted by his own experience of growing up without a dad.

It looks like history is going to repeat itself because Robbie's mom did more or less the same thing to his dad.

I'm not sure what 'ass wagon' means, but it sounds like it should apply to Don.

“You're gonna have a son. Congratulations!” Nicola slapped me hard between my shoulder blades as she circled the kitchen and threw her bag down on the seat next to mine. I had just taken a bite of a sandwich and nearly choked before looking at Sue for an explanation. She removed her coat and sat down opposite, looking less enthusiastic than her daughter. “Stephanie had her scan today, dear. She’s having a boy.” “A healthy boy too,” added my sister as she rummaged in her bag. It wa

Smart move. Tommy Johns are a bit pricey but easily the best I've tried. Sorry, but tucking your t-shirt into your shorts is fashion suicide and should be avoided at all costs.

Nice prologue, Ken. I like the idea of a naughty list and I'm looking forward to reading more chapters.

I agree with the other comments about the parents. I was on their side for a while. It won't hurt the kid to be on his own for the weekend. He must have friends. I would have been counting the seconds until they leave. Then I found out it was Christmas, and I realized the reason why he wasn't going. Aric sounds like a decent kid, it's a shame his grandparents feel the need to judge him because of something they don't understand and has nothing to do with them anyway. They're going to lose their grandson and risk splitting the family because it's only a matter of time before one of the parents-probably the mother in this case-refuses to play along. They're making a big mistake by not standing up for their son but it makes for a great story.

There is little doubt that a lack of a credible father figure has seriously impacted Robbie's life, and I expect this will weigh heavily on his mind in the coming weeks. Thanks @GregoryHappy New Year.

In 1970, Jochen Rindt became the first and only Formula One driver to be posthumously crowned World Champion. That's a piece of trivia most people wouldn't expect from me, but I was a big fan of F1 as a kid. 🏁

The fruits of occupation. That was just the stuff they found on him. Hello Albert.

I can't believe there's a topic on underwear that I haven't participated in. I've tried them all and accumulated quite a selection, but I have no favourites. Horses for courses, as they say, and I choose my underwear according to my activities or the weather conditions (do long johns count?). I hope so because they can be a real lifesaver if you're outdoors in cold climates where multiple layers are essential. This allows me to wear two pairs of underwear at the same time and mix and match. I look forward to winter for this reason alone, but I won't go into that here. As for slots (is that the official term?), I find them way too revealing, especially in boxers, and a little drafty. Like driving with the window open-anything can fall out. I've only ever used them in a bar or nightclub for convenience, and before I get any complaints, I mean, in the restroom, in front of a urinal. Commando? No, thank you, and for one simple reason. When a metal zipper meets flesh, there's only ever one winner, and it's every man's worst nightmare. Underwear usually prevents that scenario. I've gone all cold just thinking about it.

Okay, I'm in, but I had to use the randomizer 58 times before I got the one I wanted!

Thank you, @Dewilmnative Happy New Year.

Wow! That's amazing! I like info like this, but I would never have guessed that many.

This story has been a steep learning curve for me. I have vowed never to post another story until it is completely finished. That is the only way you can keep to a reasonable schedule, and it saves a lot of anguish and unnecessary pressure. Stories that are posted at regular intervals also generally attract more readers so this is another advantage. You kind of hit the nail on the head though, because if I told you how many times I go over a chapter before I post it, you probably wouldn't believe me. I wish I could write it straight off perfectly, but it takes me way too much time to get it right, and even when it's posted, I'm still not happy with some bits. Happy New Year my friend.

Poor Ethan, just when things were looking up for him. But he doesn't have to accept it or spend all day cleaning it off with toothpaste. He needs to report it to the principal straight away and let the school deal with it. The janitor will have something to remove the permanent marker, and the principal will make an announcement to let the perpetrator know that he's aware of the problem without mentioning Ethan. Once the person responsible realizes the principal is involved he or she will likely be too scared to try again in case someone is watching. Those people aren't usually the bravest of characters. This should stop it from happening again and save Ethan from wasting a lot of elbow grease, but the damage from this incident has already been done, and Drew will probably see it before the janitor can get to work. I would probably help if Ethan was out to his parents, that way they could put pressure on the school to act and ensure his safety, and now that everyone in school knows, I don't see any reason for him to delay this, other than nerves. I'm not saying it's easy, even with understanding parents. Like many on here, I have first hand experience of this and I was petrified. Drew's mom was right. The sheer relief that Ethan will feel when he rids himself of this burden will be worth it. Great chapter, by the way. Can you tell how much I'm into it?

I admit, it does have the feel of a soap opera, but it definitely has an ending and it's not that far away. There was a reason for Daniel's absence which will become apparent. 78 isn't very old nowadays, but I take the hint.

The pastor is always bad news, but with the text, I thought it would be better to leave it to the reader's imagination. Happy New Year.

Thank you and Happy New Year.

I think Robbie misses having Nathan to himself. Now he will have to get used to sharing him again with Ginny and co. Happy New Year.

I guess he should have known better. Nathan isn't exactly low key. Thanks @weinerdogHappy New Year.