Dodger

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.

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.

Thank you, @AquariusGuy

Happy New Year to all my friends on GA and a Happy 20th Anniversary. I wish you all well and hope for a better future, but wishing and hoping doesn't do much. Over the next twelve months, we will all get an opportunity to do something for others that will make 2022 better than the year they've just had.

Hello Gary. I think almost everyone is going to be exposed to this variant sooner or later. In the UK it is replacing the common cold. I know several people over here who have it and many more who have been exposed. The good news is, none of them have been ill, other than cold-like symptoms, including a ninety-two-year-old relative who has only had one shot of the vaccine. I wish you well and obviously hope you avoid it, but unfortunately you can't avoid the quarantine. Happy New Year anyway buddy and to everyone else on here. I hope in 2022 we are able to return to a better way of life, and get close again to people we love and care about without fear of harming each other.

The clock in the classroom above Mrs Reigor’s desk took an age to reach two-thirty, but when it did, I was the first to rise and head for the door. It was Friday the first of April, and I was on a mission, walking as fast as I dared without running to make it to my locker before the corridors filled with excited kids. I nailed it! After exchanging my English folder for my backpack, homework, and coat, I closed my locker, snapped the lock, and was gone. It was as slick as any Formula One pitstop,

I love this word but I had to google The Little Rascals.

Back again. Nice start to what I know will be an interesting time for Brandon. It's been a while since I read the Billy Chase stories but I remember the split with Joanna.

Robert Duvall in The Godfather.

Originally within the sound of Bow Bells, but I don't think that applies anymore. Most people outside of the capital think of Londoners as cockneys, and the distinctive accent has long since migrated out of the city and into the home counties i.e. Kent, Essex, Surrey, Hertfordshire.

I think Jo will want to make sure Don doesn't go back to his worst ways. I agree that Robbie should make time to contact his father's family and Jo will probably be able help him do that.

Thank you @wenmale64. Jamie is a likeable boy, but also as you point out 'an admirable character'. His life is very different from the other characters in the story and he's a good influence on Robbie, who genuinely wants to help and be his friend.