Dodger

Alex will not be allowed to go back to the house and it's likely now that the police will be informed of the assault. If this becomes public knowledge then Robbie will another big hurdle to overcome. He's doing good at the moment but he still has a long way to go, and even with Jo helping him, it won't be easy.

Nathan was genuinely concerned about Robbie. His friend Ginny is no stranger to depression, so he's aware of the potential dangers even without the rumours. Robbie is making excellent progress but will he have enough in the tank to stand up to Don?

Robbie has completely opened up for Jo, but it's been on the cards for a while. He needed to get these things off his chest and maybe now he can start to feel better. The little chat with David may come back to bite him.

I think Don has been a perpetual problem for Robbie and probably for Sue as well. We shall see if Jo can make a difference.

Let's hope that Robbie is able put this nightmare behind him. I can't see Don doing him any favours unless he's forced to.

He shows up like a bad penny and at the worst possible time for Robbie. Don is a bully who's used to getting his own way, but when you play with fire.....?

The first snowfall of the winter dumped over a foot of the crisp, white stuff in a vast swathe across Southern Ontario. The power was back on, and the house was warm, but I was in no hurry to drag myself out of a comfortable bed. With Daniel still asleep on the other side of the room, this would have been prime wanking time for any normal sixteen-year-old, but not me. The sudden loss of my sexual appetite had left me with a shocking amount of free time on my hands. More time than I needed fo

Fifty years ago today, two American astronauts became the first humans to set foot on the moon. I missed it by sixteen years, but I’ve always been fascinated by space exploration and particularly the moon landings. I think it was a fantastic achievement when you consider the technology available at the time but I’ve been disheartened by the number of people who believe the whole thing was faked. Before this week I thought it was only a tiny minority, but now I’m almost tempted to believe the opposite is true. I don’t always believe what I’m told. I’m not convinced JFK was killed by a lone assassin and I think it’s highly probable the Royals killed Diana, but I just don’t understand how NASA could have possibly faked the moon landings. Conspiracies seem to be the in thing these days but I wonder how many of these people have actually bothered to think it through for themselves. Are they just jumping on a popular bandwagon or do they really believe, for whatever reason, that we’ve all been the victims of some elaborate scam? Maybe you’re one of them. If so I want to know why you think it was hoaxed and what gave it away. I’m interested to know what others think of these conspiracy theories and why so many people feel the need to trash one of humankind’s greatest achievements.

Probably best that Koi stays at home. I'm interested to see how the brothers interact twenty years on.

Sounds like Robbie has the better life and he's alive. The first part caught me again, quite creepy.

Okay, I'm in too. The first bit got me interested. Good start.

Oh dear, Robbie behind bars would have made a sinister sequel. We all know he would have ended up sharing a cell with Alex.

Thanks @wenmale64 And I was worried it was getting too predictable. Jo primary concern, of course, is Robbie, but she may prove useful to the whole family.

Apparently you age slower in space.

Mississauga is just up the road. I remember Obama having trouble with that one. Plenty of native names here interspersed with British and French, but my favourite is not far from you @wildone Medicine Hat. Lem and Big Bone Lick have got to be twinned.

Yeah, and what a remarkable effect she's had on Robbie already. A real contrast to Don's choice of help. Mr Symmonds would probably have been the end for Robbie.

Thank you, @tesao This part of the story was actually written a few years ago so all I had to do was update it and edit. After a long excursion we're back now to the original much shorter story, but of course, you don't want to know that.

He's better looking when he smiles, although I suppose everyone is (maybe not Miss Pringle).

Thanks Tony. Robbie has been lacking in confidence for a while now and it's not surprising. Jo will be good for him.

I agree @James B. and doubtless @droughtquake will too. He's another fan of Tom. Robbie would have certainly benefited from Tom's presence either as a close friend, or now that Nathan's gone, maybe something more. Perhaps when they're both eighteen they may decide to re-kindle their relationship in a neutral location where no one will bat an eyelid at two young men holding hands. I'm thinking Northern California, somewhere in the Bay area.

No comment. Interesting. You've obviously had a sneak preview of the next chapter. Jo doesn't know yet about Robbie's erectile dysfunction. All will be revealed.... eventually.

It's long overdue. Thanks @chris191070

He's been spying on someone, while trying to keep his own shady life a secret. The truth always outs in the end.

Probably Alex or Don, or maybe even both! Jo may have her work cut out but I doubt if she's related, although Robbie may want to believe it. Hope you're still able to meet your deadline. Now I'm feeling guilty.

I guess she expects him to hold back on certain things and Robbie has his reasons for doing this. If he wants to put this episode with Alex behind him and live a normal life again he will have to open up and allow Jo to help him. No matter what the consequences.