Yettie One

For the first time since starting to read Hidden Sunlight, the youthful exuberance of Shay came out completely in this chapter. Cute, playful, childlike emotion, thought and discovery that completely enhanced the characteristics of this boy we are learning so much about. So much of the story lies in the action of the plot that I forget that Shay is still but a lad, learning about life and the wonders of love and sex and all that great stuff. The subtle humour of the internal mental monologue is sublime and I have got to say, if that is the way you wake up every morning, please can I come stay over at your place! Brilliant chapter Stellar and I'm glad to discover that sharplings are not completely invincible

Andy Andy Andy......... Another great story, but a difficult one in some ways. Friendship is a fragile thing, and reading about the betrayal that Josiah experiences at the hands of James was in some ways a harder pill to swallow than all the bullying and attempted rape. That experience of the one person you trust and lean on, knifing you in the back is a tragedy we all have to learn in some way, at some stage in our lives, and it is that which I find the saddest part of this story. Through hard times, we learn to be strong and resilient, and thank god for people like Jake, who through all the pain and hurt know right from wrong. What I really loved in the style of this story Andy was the faint trace of humour that the narrative has. Despite all the horror, the central character retains his quirky playfulness and an inner smile that is heart warming and endearing. Great read. Thanks bud.

Love the way we are never really sure who the victor actually is until the hotel. It is funny how when you get into a relationship things do become almost run of the mill in a way, so it was nice to see some imagination come into play in keeping it interesting in as far as being creative with the situation the boys found themselves in, and using it to the good of their love for each other. Great story, thanks.

Dude!!!!! Man, am I allowed to be jealous? Irish, a hunk, an man that gave it all up for you as he felt as crazy for you as you did for him...... Ah hell, true life is always the best story. It's never easy to share days, weeks, pain or shame with people KC, but you came out the other end with a pure diamond and it's only added to its value over time. Thanks for having the courage and willingness to share a snapshot of your life for me and all to read, it was a sweet, charming and pleasant road to walk with you.

Hmmmmmmmmmmm See now I am not sure if I was more gutted at the unfortunate choice made by the talented Hero or the fact that I wanted to know so much more about the mysterious/secret world that Dries and Sikore share. It must be a nightmare to have to choose to be with someone else when the reality of your hearts desire lies at the other end of the family! Absolute power or the desire of it can corrupt, and true love is so often more about sacrifice than happiness. Great story Dark.

Way to go Noah. I remember being so disappointed he'd been gunned down in the last chapter, that I am really glad that you came back to the story and buttoned down the flaps and brought closure to that hellish experience. As Wayne says, dark, emotional and chilling. A great story Cassie and a fine point to end it all.

So the London 2012 great Summer of Sport came to a close this evening as the Paralympics came to an end at the Olympic Village. It has been a fantastic display of achievement on many fronts. Not only did we witness man going faster, further, higher, we learnt that the British are not as bad as we imagined, that a warm, friendly environment is as much a part of London as it is in Sydney, Beijing or Athens. We saw 70,000 people emerge from the shadows and step up to the mark to become Games Makers, a fitting tribute in name to a voluntary army of individuals who made the face of the London Games. Some of us were blessed with continuous coverage of every sport on individual channels. We got interviews, felt inspired and challenged and impressed by the talent, determination and ability of men and women, young and old, of every colour, creed and walk of life. We celebrated Iranian success in London, we rejoiced at Libyan sporting representatives. There were smiles and tears, pride and heartache and all the finest things attributed with the human endeavour of sporting achievement. So, what did it all mean for me? What did I get out of the amazing display of talent and British pride. To be honest, I was lucky enough to be caught up in a world of excitement and intrigue first hand, and was thrilled by the opportunity, and have memories that will last me a life time. Did that move me, or have a lasting impact on my perception of the world? Sadly I can only say that as a person that loves sporting endeavour, and as an avid sports watching fan, it was to me just another Olympic games. Yes admittedly, it was in my back garden, I got to participate in the event, and greatly enjoyed that. However there was nothing fundamentally outstanding about it for me. That was until three weeks later, when for the first time ever, I was almost forced to become wrapped up in the Paralympic games. For anyone living in the UK, they will know that it was almost impossible not to get caught up in the fever of it all, as British Channel 4 television mounted a relentless coverage of 11 days of ferocious sport. One of the first things I noticed that gave me pause for thought was the song choice that Channel 4 used for its theme tune to its coverage. I was somewhat mystified as to its choice, as the full song is nothing about sporting endeavour, or celebrating the good of mankind. The track, Harder Than You Think by Public Enemy is a rap tune that talks about the hardships of Afro American people and I suppose that it was drawing parallels with the prejudices that disabled people experience that prompted Channel 4 to choose the track. However, after hearing the tune several hundred times during the many advertising breaks that peppered the coverage of the sport, I began to hone in on the opening line that the edited version of the song used on the tele. "Thank you for letting us be ourself." It was this that really pricked my consciousness and in some ways, actually got me a little wound up. I mean, for starters, people with disabilities are not second class citizens. They are not a special breed to be allowed to be themselves once in a while, for which they can celebrate being allowed to be "out" and free. Why on earth should they have thank us for allowing them to be themselves. I mean they are who they are, people with soul, spirits, passions, desires. They bleed red, and cry tears just like you or me. Maybe that was me being over sensitive, but after hearing the line over and over again, I did begin to wonder if anyone else had noticed it. Maybe the Paralympians do feel a need to thank the world for recognising them on the same platform that we do able bodied Olympians, but we don't expect Olympic competitors to thank us for being allowed to be Olympians. Where is the equality in that? I was fortunate at a young age to be confronted by disability first hand, by having a friend who was an amputee, and maybe that has given me a more open out look on disability. I learnt not to be shy to look at a disabled person, or speak to them as an equal, without the feeling of curiosity, or the guilt of that same curiosity. I learnt to deal with the awkward stares and the lack of words. I got over the feeling of pity and the feeling of wanting to protect or prevent further hurt from coming to my friend. In reality I discovered that Ian was just like me. Yeah he only had one leg, but in every other way he was a horny teenage boy with dreams, insecurities, determinations and abilities. He was resourceful and boy could be accomplish something once he'd set his mind to it. While in our later years, we have lost touch, he is just as successful today, in fact being the proud owner of a restaurant and a fully trained master chef somewhere in Austria last I heard. I take my hat off to him, and knew from way back then that he'd be a successful man one day. But this is the thing. He didn't want pity or special treatment. He never had to thank me for treating him as someone different, or being allowed to be himself. Now looking back, and thinking about things a little more, I realise that as children we don't have prejudices. We are less inclined to make judgements or draw conclusions based on our own shortcomings and inability to deal with disability or disfigurement. I have seen people unable to look at a disabled person while talking to them. I've heard people say less than pleasant things about them. I've even been guilty of being patronising towards a disabled person myself. Maybe in as much as our kids are able to look beyond the limitations and be accepting and open and friendly, we can become, or more importantly I can become more understanding of a disabled person to be seen first as a human being, and second as a person with a disability. While I like to think I am not too bad, I found myself thinking "shame" as I looked on at some of the participants on track, and I woke up to a realisation that even though I may think I am not that bad, there is so much more that I could do to be more aware of disability and learn to consider them as equal. Seeing beyond the disability to the true person inside, and give everyone the same chance I would give an able bodied person, or desire to be given myself. The UK are pretty damn good at looking out for the interests of disabled people. I have seen more provision for people with all manner of challenging conditions in this country than anywhere else I have visited, and that is something to be proud of. But while our institutions and government maybe get it a little more than the average Joe Bloggs on the street, I honestly do think that this time around, the Paralympic Games in London have challenged a nations perception of disability and disabled people. I know it challenged me. One of the commentators said of the games that, "back in Sydney the Paralympic Games gave disabled people a platform to become equal with their able bodied brothers and sisters in sport. The London 2012 Games gave them a platform to become heroes", and it was this statement that made me realise that disability in my mind has come of age. It is not something to fear or pity or look down on. Disability is a challenge in life, just as much as able bodied living is a challenge. Yes they are on different scales and make life difficult in a variety of ways, but give a man an opportunity and watch in amazement as he learns to perfect, excel and master his art. London 2012 showed me and the world that regardless of adversity, application and dedication to the task at hand, hard work, guts and a desire to win is a part of every walk of life, able bodied or otherwise. Thought for today - "Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit." - Napoleon Hill Song for today - Every Tear is a Waterfall by Coldplay

I cool happy story. I wish it was always that easy to be gay. Love the wicked little trace of humour weaved into the story Mike.

Totally stunning. The beauty of Eastern Europe is not only reflected in the amazing beauty of its countryside, but also in the astounding beauty of its people. In some ways I am almost jealous of Pete. This is a beautiful story crafted elegantly and with such a sensitivity and insight. It is so true in that we all carry a friend and a foe within us, and you brought that out in this story brilliantly. I really enjoyed reading this, and thanks for writing and sharing it with us.

Its funny, based on your comment about the tale being a Halloween theme, and the description of Hoover when the cop found him, I wondered if he might be a ghost. What evil little critters. I would think that the needle would be a suitable end to such a nasty piece of work, yet while it may seem far fetched there are people that are as deluded as that in life, and so easily put the blame for their shortcomings on every other shoulder they can find. Felt bad for Hoover in the end.

A really interesting tale there Wayne. I was almost sorry it was so short and quick. It felt like there should be another........... oh I dunno,,,,,,,,,,,,,, one hundred chapters or so! Lol. Great use of imagination in a limited time frame, and I loved the way that even through it was a short story, it was a complete story, not just a time snap of an event in their lives. You'd make a great kids story teller.

Jeeeesh so now we got Han in on the hunt as well, and I can't help but wonder if he is really doing it for SarEr's father or more so for himself!!!! I wonder if Ahmon is going to become a knight in shining armour and crush Jiro like a .............. yeah well, let's just say that Jiro is not my favourite person in the world. But then again, I have to admit Cole's mom is a bit of a tiger too, so maybe she is the knight in shining armour. Oh the possibilities.

Hmmmmmm so Cole is a persistent bugger. He got what he wanted and seemingly broke down some barriers along the way, but something tells me that there is a whole world of hurt about to come their way. I love the fact that regardless of their apparent dislike for each other initially, the raw emotion of attraction won out and they came to realise that the agro of their dislike was just a front to hide the inner desire they had to have know was there.... Great chapter as ever, and glad to be back to the story.

Wow way to go Nephy. That must be so exciting. Well done

Just out of curiosity, are we allowed to pee all over him, or is it just on the bit that is stung?

I tell you what though. If it were a real sting, you'd be only too happy to let any god damn person pee on you! But Zac?????? I could think of others that I'd prefer, but if I must...........

Oh mate.... I know those feelings. I often wish I had told my dad more often. Even now I sit in the quiet and tell him, and I pray to god he can hear me, coz I really did love him. It is never easy to wish you did something more, and you have felt that bitter pain. I am so sorry and thank you for sharing and taking time to help others see how very important it is to just say three such simple words. I appreciate you so much, and thanks for reading and commenting on my blog RockyRoads. You are welcome here always and any time. :hugs:

Louis you touched my heart today mate. God you are a special man, and I love the way you share and talk to me, and others here. You are a wonderful person and have such a huge heart. I admire and cherish your friendship mate. Thanks

Thanks for your kind thoughts RJ. Long time no speak. Hope you are well bud.

Buddy you are a pillar of strength to me in so many ways. I appreciate your love and support in ways I cannot put into words. Smile lots bud and hugs back at you.

Hey hunni, I am so glad you decided to call your mom. You have no idea how much it means to me that someone else was touched enough to take action and say those precious words. I hope you are well, and your mom appreciates you as much as I do. Keep smiling buddy, and always here for you. Rob x

Joann you are the best hun. Love ya girl.

Aww Percy thanks for reading, and love the way you always make an effort to reply. It is nice to know you agree and hope you are well bud. Keep smiling.

JC thanks bud. Hug right back at ya pal.

I am glad we are alike in someways Ashi so you can appreciate what I mean. It is never easy and we do forget easily, but it is ok to get it wrong sometimes as long as we do something to make it right. Thank you for your good wishes, and your encouragement and support. I love your comments.