Dodger

Thanks @SolarMaxx Robbie had quite a good day and who wouldn't under the circumstances. He should consider himself very fortunate. Surely, he has it made in this school with it's zero-tolerance approach to bullying. He has a cool boyfriend, plenty of supportive male and female straight friends, understanding teachers with inspirational advice, and a principal who's also a friend of the family. Oh, and throw in a gay admirer or two and a sister who doubles up as a formidable bodyguard. Who needs Alex! It's difficult to see how anything could possibly go wrong!

Hey CG. Rory managed to get a little more story time than usual this chapter. Robbie describes him as straight but a sweet boy who has proved his worth as a friend many times over. He certainly deserves good things. I'm so happy you noticed the line. "Think of it as a gift rather than a burden and be proud of who you are." Those were the exact words spoken to me in high school by one of my female teachers. I was a little older than Robbie but I will never forget them or the teacher. I've always wanted to use that line in this story and in the same context and this was the first chapter where it was possible.

I would say that Nathan's got something up his sleeve. He seems to have become more camp as the story has progressed. Maybe he is testing Robbie in the way you suggest or maybe he's testing everybody, including himself. Nathan has always been quite feminine. Sometimes, it's exaggerated for effect but mostly it's just the way he is. When Robbie first meets him he describes Nathan's appearance as being very much like the average boy so his wardrobe has definitely changed. I think this would have happened with or without Robbie bearing in mind he hasn't been out that long himself and the first year in high school is probably not the best time to be drawing attention to yourself in that way. He's in his second year now, everyone knows him, and he has a steady boyfriend who's a year above him. He has never lacked confidence but now he may feel comfortable enough to want to express himself a little. It's interesting though that he's chosen the first day of school to step it up a level.

And this was one of his better days!!

“Alex, I can’t share a bed with you anymore. It’s not fair to me. I like you. You know that, right? What I mean is, I’m attracted to you and it’s too much of a temptation for me. I know you wanna fool around. I think that’s pretty obvious now, but I can’t. I don’t wanna hurt Nathan. He’s my boyfriend… I love him.” There was a knock on the bathroom door. “Robbie, are you okay in there?” It was Nicola and I opened it quickly making her jump. “Who were you talking to?” “Myself, if that’s ok

Well said Tim and so true. I've seen it too. We're not born to hate or abuse we're taught to do that. I grew up in a very multi-racial environment and my friends came from all different backgrounds but the colour of their skin meant little more just another physical attribute. I didn't understand about racial divisions until I overheard adults talking. I put it down to ignorance and fear of the unknown from a generation who had little contact with other races. I realised that even though I loved these adults what they said was wrong. I don't have kids but I have plenty of nieces and nephews and I won't pass on that hatred. If everyone can do the same, we've cracked it. Thanks for reading the story, Tim.

Of course you're jealous Billy. I would be too. I was impressed by Billy's restraint and loyalty to Brandon when pressured by Sam. He needs to keep it up or keep it down rather because Monday will be even more of a challenge. This is the problem you get when you mess around with friends. It's impossible to get back to the same level of comfort you had before without one of you thinking about sex. They may have to consider not being so chummy in future. Sharing a bed with a friend who you're attracted to is difficult enough but if there's history between you, then forget it. It's a real game changer and the boys will need to understand that. Great chapter!

I'm guessing you mean without a barrel, because Don's a little chubby around the waist so it might be a bit of a squeeze. i think most people would be happy to him go barreless. Thanks @Dahawk

It may be asking a bit much for Robbie not to do anything stupid but I know what you mean and he is starting to consider the possible implications of his actions a little more lately. rather than just think with his dick, but he's still only sixteen. We'll see.

Wow. Who wouldn't want a big brother like that! So Chandler is Jamie's brother. It made sense at the end. Brandon is so gay... but at least he now recognizes it. I mean he may be dating a girl but I can't see even a hint of heterosexual in the boy. Sooner he tells Marie the better. Maybe Chandler will help.

A really nice chapter @MrM I loved when Mr Cross came in to explain to Brandon's dad about Jamie's innocent little soirees. Nothing to worry about there. He's never known Jamie to do anything wrong there and Brandon's dad trusts his son to have the common sense he taught him. Parents trying to convince themselves that kids are suddenly much more sensible than they were when they were younger. Then in walks CHAN CHAN!

Yes, he's learning slowly from experience and this was indeed, a real test for him. Good things will come of it. You reap what you sow, maybe Don should take note! Thanks @SolarMaxx

I was just in a very good mood because of the football (soccer). It's true though, sometimes people here are too polite. As crazy as it sounds, it got on my nerves when I returned here after several years in the UK. There are only so many times you can hear "you're very welcome" before you snap.

Thanks, Tony. I appreciate your comments and there will be less time between the final chapters. 😁

You know I enjoy your ranting, Tim and I don't want anyone to give me an easy time of it. Besides, I agree with most of what you say and detest Don and Sue who are total fiction by the way and not based on anyone I know in real life. It's all good, feel free to rant but don't expect Robbie to grow up anytime soon.

A one stop solution could be Naomi!

Don and Sue's views on such matters are stuck in the dark ages but they aren't stupid and they are prepared to play games with with Robbie in order to get what they want. Robbie will have to be careful and as many have pointed out, he will need some help. Thanks @Benji

A great comment, Tim. Full of passion and common sense. I can understand your frustration at Robbie's rather defeatist attitude. He compares his own dilemma with Alex's position and considers himself fortunate. Being better off than Alex though is nothing to write home about and Robbie's situation could get decidedly worse if his adopted parents continue with their agenda. It seems as if Don is prepared to fight this out rather than concede and respect Robbie's decision. There are people out there who are able to help if he asks them and you mention some of his options. It may feel like a daunting prospect to take on his newly adopted parents but if this continues he will have little choice. It doesn't look as if it's going to blow over anytime soon. Thanks @Timothy M.

Thanks @Jeff1 Robbie will continue to "flaunt it!" until the readers have had enough of him. It would be criminal of me to cut him down at such a young age! So, when the Cockney Canuck ends "soon" his adventures will continue in a sequel starting in the fall. You heard it here first!

I find writing short stories a real challenge especially if I'm trying to keep within a certain amount of words. The few attempts I've made were fun to do but. I've missed out on some opportunities lately to write a few more, which is frustrating.

"Inevitable" I might add. Despite all that has happened Sue continues to surprise people with yet another glaringly inept performance as a mother. As much as Robbie chooses to deny it, she is now legally his mother. No doubt her choice of words will get a few backs up. Thanks @Israfil

Robbie needs to be very careful or he could end up losing everything. He's excited by Alex but he's playing a dangerous game. As for the survey. Well, I wonder if they'll allow me to post it on the message boards? No, I'm not even gonna try.

Thanks @Butcher56 Alex doesn't really worry too much about boundaries or people's feelings. He's been raised to look after himself and his immediate family and it stops there. At the moment this means him and his brother, maybe Robbie at a push but that's it. No one else matters. He can be a better person in time but at the moment he's a work in progress. This is why Robbie needs to be careful and back off a little. He's playing with fire and he should know better. He's already been burnt.

Thanks @droughtquake I suppose it is a bit of a landmark and approaching 3 years now since the first chapter was posted. 😁

What a great comment @tesao I think you've hit the nail on the head with Sue. She's doing exactly the same as Don. They're both trying to frighten Robbie into acting straight and push him away from Nathan. These are sly and despicable tactics to employ. They needed to be a lot more supportive. He is, after all going back to the school where he was very nearly killed by a bully who was never identified.