Dodger

Thanks for reading, @masuk. I don't mind members pointing out mistakes I have made so feel free to let me know or comment on anything that bugs you. I enjoy the feedback but have no plans to publish the story.

Thank you for reading and commenting @masuk I'm glad you're enjoying the story.

Drat. Foiled again! Everything I said was true, even in my attempted denial. Although it probably didn't help much. Remaining silent would have been worse. Well done @BHopper2 who was, I believe, the first to guess correctly. I would have got away with it if it hadn't been for those pesky kids.

I have always distanced myself from poetry, perhaps because I've never really understood it. Sometimes I think I try too hard to understand it; looking for things that aren't there, but this, Parker was a joy to read. It provided the perfect antidote to a stressful day. I particularly liked April 5, because I can remember feeling the same way while staring out the classroom window. April 4, because it has such a happy feel to it, and April 3, because who hasn't fallen for a handsome nerd in their time? I think this will strike a chord with many readers and I'm looking forward to the rest of the month.

I love writing dialogue and find it fairly easy, but I need to get into the character first and try to understand how he or she is feeling. I think it helps if you have a split personalty. I often talk to myself and sometimes we argue over the most ridiculous things. But I'm always right! Thanks @Comicality

That was some road trip, Carlos! But worth it for us. Interesting replies to some good questions.

Hey Albert. Hope you're well

That's a good one. I was once convinced by a radio news broadcast that said we were going to have to lose one day a week for a month, because we were out of sync with the earth's orbit of the sun. Scientists discovered the world was four days behind and needed to catch-up. What they said didn't make a lot of sense, but I was willing to believe it until they announced they were going to scrap Saturdays to avoid the economic consequences of losing a working day. The station was inundated with callers angry about having one day weekends for a month.

I wish! Phew!!! His beard could do with a trim, and he looks as if he's slept in his hat, but hey. Who am I to criticize. He definitely looks like he means business and I wouldn't put up much of a fight.

I guess that rules me out then.

While I appreciate all the publicity, it's back to the drawing board for you lot I'm afraid. I begrudgingly admit there are some similarities here. I do have a pet and an interest in recent history. However, Arnold Schwarzenegger is not my favourite actor, and Peter Cook is probably a bit before my time (according to Wikipedia, he's been dead for nearly 25 years).

Fantastic news Parker! A well-deserved promotion for a very talented author.

Thank you @James B. for your comment. I'm so sorry to learn about your son. I can only imagine how devastating that must have been for you, and understand how difficult this chapter would have been for you to read. Authors here are encouraged to include warnings before chapters if they contain content which may be upsetting to some readers. There are reasons why I don't usually do this, but perhaps in this case I should have. I know it's a little late, but let me know if you think a warning would have been helpful to you. You can message me if you prefer.

I thought I had a wild imagination, but hey. Don naked on the banks of the Ganga covered in ash? Love where you're going with this @soundaddict_nz It's a reminder for me to take my meds.

At last she may be redeemed and perhaps forgiven for her initial bitchiness. I can see Robbie quickly tiring of her over-protective approach, but it's a lot better than his other option. Maybe it will help him to understand there are people out there who really care about him. Thanks Tim.

Robbie will feel rightly aggrieved by Don's double standards. This is the same man who was shouting at him for being gay and calling him depraved for admitting his attraction to other boys. Apparently it's fine to cheat on your wife though. It stinks of hypocrisy, especially after trying to preach happy families to everyone. It's no wonder Robbie feels defeated, but turning to Nicola was a good move for sure.

Alex is crazy and a clear danger not only to Robbie but to anyone else who gets in his way. While most of us will admit it's not entirely his fault, Alex knows his actions were wrong and any remorse he has shown has now been wiped out by his continuing attempts to strong arm Robbie into doing something he doesn't want to do. Despite his numerous girlfriends, Alex is clueless when it comes to relationships and it would be a disaster if Robbie had decided to run away with him. All the makings of an abusive relationship with Robbie too scared to say anything.

It's bright and sunny here at the moment and maybe Robbie could do with a little sunshine in his life too. This story has been dark for far too long! I almost feel sorry for Sue too, but it's going to be an uphill task for her to gain Robbie's trust. Nicola's love hate relationship with Robbie has most people scratching their heads and wondering if they've missed something. While I'm sure initially, Nicola felt threatened by Robbie's sudden appearance in the family, she has always been quick to defend him against others. Robbie needs someone strong around him to feel secure. Someone who he can trust. He's not a leader and he's much happier when he has someone to tell him what to do. This may be a hang-up from his childhood and the loss of both his parents at a relatively early age. Problems which, as you point out, have been largely ignored so far by his self-righteous uncle. He has sub-consciously been using Alex as his defender flirting with him to keep him on his side, only for it to backfire on him. Nicola is Alex's replacement; the person who Robbie always needs in his life without him really knowing it.Thanks @tesao

Don may grab himself a few votes as the most despised character on GA at the moment, if such a competition existed, and the latest expose probably hasn't helped to improve his ratings. Maybe he should learn from Walter. His popularity continues to surprise me and he seems to be most people's favourite to save the day. Will he manage to rescue Robbie from himself, make Alex see the error of his ways, and throw Don into a vat of acid after delivering the ultimate, cheesy, one-liner? I'm sure it would go down well, but it may be a little too James Bond for a Canadian story. so I'll try to keep you all guessing until the end. Trouble is, I'm fast running out of chapters. Thanks @Jeff1

You can expect Nicola to grab the bull by the horns in her attempt to save Robbie. Her style may not be pretty and Robbie will no doubt feel suffocated, but she will make sure he gets the help he needs.

By not reporting the incident, Robbie was running the risk of encouraging Alex to strike again. Robbie needs to be firm now with Alex to avoid a repeat although I'm sure Nicola will help sure up the defenses. Danke @hobo

Alex is a sad case who hasn't been dealt the best of hands. It's difficult to see him ever getting his life together. Robbie was probably his best chance and he certainly would have been a good friend if nothing else. I still don't blame Alex. I think his parents have a lot to answer for, but that is another matter. Robbie has been more fortunate but at the moment he's the one who needs help and very quickly. Nicola realizes this and she's not the type to pussyfoot around. I expect her to shake things up a bit and maybe this was the reason Robbie allowed her to find out. Thanks @Benji

I don't think she could have done anything more. It was the reaction of someone who really cares and Robbie needs to understand this. There are people who love him.

She can be headstrong, stubborn, and a real pain in the ass to live with but as loyal as the day is long. She is about to become Robbie's self-appointed body guard. It will drive him nuts but maybe it's what he needs.

I don't think this is something that Nicola will be able to handle on her own. She needs to tell Sue and probably Don as well and she will have to act fast. Mr Andrews will be a good place to start because he knows the people who can help and they are already aware of Robbie's situation. Alex also needs help before he self-destructs.