Dodger

Mark is a smooth operator, but I think Mickey is a little naive by offering so much information so soon. He can afford to play a little harder to get. I like the characters though.

You're right @Arran, we are very close tio the end now. It was my intention to post the final chapters over the holiday period, but it may have to stretch into the new year.

The story is set in 2010, before the pensions scandal broke and when Sears still had department stores all over Canada.

Well summed up, Steve. I thought Robbie needed a break from the Alex saga and bitterness generated by Don and his religious accomplices. Jamie seems to have struck a chord with Robbie and is able to bring out the best in him. His illness plays a big part, of course, and Robbie's attempts to try to help may well stem from his inability to prevent his mother's untimely death. There is no doubt Robbie genuinely cares about this kid, but he also admits to learning from him and walking away a better person, so it's a relationship which benefits both boys. There are others who have a habit of bringing out the best in him, and two of these, Rory and Conner, are together in the next chapter, so things are looking up for Robbie.

Just when Robbie is beginning to get it together.

Religious tithings I like that. Robbie won't be happy if he discovers he's been contributing to Mr Symmonds wages. Like paying for your own hit man. Don is an extraordinarily selfish man and a control freak. I doubt if he even believes he has done anything wrong. He will probably blame Sue for his extra-marital affairs Totally agree with this. Jamie and Amy tend to bring out the best in him and he knows it. He is fascinated by Jamie's resilience, which he can't quite understand. He also admires the way Jamie handles and understands his illness, rather than leave it to the doctors, and feel sorry for himself. The fact that Robbie wants to learn about it too, shows he's willing take on some responsibility and be more hands-on. This may prove to be more helpful than throwing money at him and taking him to England. We never really know what's going on in Tom's head, and and we only see things from Robbie's perspective. However, it seems like he dropped his guard a little after the beer. I think we can safely assume that Tom is gay.

Okay, I caught up and it was well worth it. Thanks @MrM. Great chapter. I love the advice from Chandler. Perfectly put and so true. I like him a lot, in fact I like the all of the Cross family and feel a little sorry for Marie. She seems to have invested a lot in Brandon, who only has eyes for Billy. A nice ending to the chapter, as the boys share a longer than necessary hug, even if it was our of sadness.

I was wondering when this would happen. A serious chapter to sober us up a little after the previous ones.

"Do any other guys ever look at each other like that and not be Gay?" It's unlikely. Time to take a deep breath, cross your fingers, and go for it, Brandon.

A real feelgood chapter. Brandon really is smiling. The dance did him good even if Billy wasn't there, and the next morning was funny.

Don is the sole trustee of Robbie's trust fund. It's his job to make sure the money is invested wisely and keep Robbie informed of the value of the investments and any income generated by the rent of property he owns. He has so far neglected to do this.

Don only sees what he wants to see and he wants to portray Robbie as the aggressor, even though it's difficult for anyone else to believe. Robbie is happy to start afresh with Conner and forgive him because it also lets him off the hook. He's feeling guilty because of what happened with Stephanie. Also, while he likes Conner, he doesn't think of him as a partner yet, maybe that will change soon.

I enjoyed this story, Gary. Religion always gets my back up. I've witnessed what it can do to people first-hand and seen families destroyed by people like Hilda. Fortunately, Daniel was strong enough to resist. It was a brave sermon and I glad he got the support of most of the congregation.

“You should’ve said something, Robbie. How am I to know if you don’t tell me?” Sue circled the kitchen, but her eyes stayed on me the whole time. “I didn’t think you’d believe me.” “I know you're telling the truth, honey. I don’t think even you would invent a story like that.” She sat down opposite me and reached across the table to hold my hand. “I just wish you could have told me sooner, it wasn’t nice having to hear it from the police.” I pulled my hand away and stood up, shaking

Loving this story. Hating Jack! Feeling very sorry for Damon. I wonder how things would have played out had they not been interrupted and at the party. Would they both be on the street or would Jack be sent to conversion therapy. I'm afraid they both lucked out with their parents. Jack's dad comes across as a particularly vile human being. "Not with children in the house." That line made my blood boil. Religion has a lot to answer for. Thanks, Cassie for a really powerful and disturbing chapter.

I like these crazy guys. I hope they can rescue the foals.

There's something about unicorns that attracts all kinds of folk, including me. Pravolo had it coming. I guess unicorns don't make very good pets.

Damn, I wish I had written that question! Well done to whoever sent it in. Nice work as usual, Carlos. You seem to be everywhere these days.

Big congratulations, Carlos. A great achievement.

Chapter comments are for members to leave comments on the chapter they've just read. I'm very happy to receive constructive criticism providing it relates to the story. I object to being told how I should write the story, or when I should post chapters. You definitely do not have the right to do that. If you continue to do it, you'll be reported.

You need to use a better translator. However, you don't really have the right to complain about the length of this story, how often it's updated, or whether or not it's finished. It has absolutely nothing to do with you. There's a simple solution; if you don't like the story, then move on. I'm open to constructive criticism from genuine readers, but not hateful whinging from people like you, so do yourself a favour and sling your hook!

Thank you for reading and commenting. It's certainly a lot easier posting a finished work, but not nearly as fun as working without a net and some of the best stories on this site are unfinished. It doesn't deter me, but I can see why some readers get frustrated. The good news is, the Cockney Canuck was finished in 2015 before a single word was posted and despite the addition of some fifty odd chapters, the ending and basic story line hasn't changed.

Not a Fran

Thank you @Etotsira I have to say you did very well to read all that in three days. Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment.

I like this, Cassie. "If something happens, I promise you'll know about it." Funny thing is, I'm not sure if he would. Jack seems to be blissfully unaware of interest from either sex. The feelings he got from briefly holding Damon's hand and his reaction to it later, probably means Alyssa's barking up the wrong tree.