Miles Long

I don't think his faults should be dismissed because of his age, but they need to be taken in the context of his age. Learning how to navigate life is a skill like any other. As long as the mistake is not criminally wrong, it is not unreasonable to be more forgiving, tolerant, patient with an adolescent as he/she figures things out. Think about it, for most kids when they mess up big shame is a pretty powerful motivator to not do something again. You're spot on that that there are people in their thirties (forties through seventies even) who haven't figured it out the Golden Rule, but I find myself completely put off when those people make certain mistakes, thinking they should know better by now. Shame usually no longer works for these people, so it's not likely they will ever see the light. Good discussion, thanks.

I don't think Will wise beyond his years, and if I did, it would be the wisdom of a 16 or 17 year old, which isn't what I'd consider all that wise. He's a smart, passionate young man who has a lot of internal conviction to fight for what he believes but seems driven/compelled to learn a lot of life's lessons the hard way. My point of view is that none of his parents provided a consistent or healthy moral platform. Kids aren't stupid after a certain age the "Do as I say, not as I do" method of child rearing becomes a joke that embitters kids to their parents and many try to emotionally gear themselves to not be like their parents. Will was in a bad situation, albeit not as bad as other kids, but human experience is all relative. While Will seems to have what I can only assume is an innate sense of ethics, he has had to seek positive moral examples outside his immediate and most of his extended family. Look at how angry he was at Tony, who he'd latched onto as some kind of upstanding guy. Sure he was hurt about the "I love you...oh wait no I don't, I'm gonna hook up with Rick" debacle, but I think what really caused the venom was he believed Tony to be someone who he wasn't and disappointment like that is a pretty hard blow at any age. Unfortunately for Will he has to find his moral examples almost in reverse, by rejecting the bad examples around him and try to behave in ways that don't exemplify that behavior. Obviously he won't always be successful, most aren't. Great points, thanks.

Welcome regatta, DomLuka is a great choice to follow! Says the guy living where in the USA?

I am familiar with the Golden Rule. I am also familiar with the fact that most young people (male and female) struggle with internalizing this critical life lesson because young people still see themselves as the center of the universe. Will is by no means perfect; that's what makes him an interesting character to follow in this group of stories. If he were an even keeled kid who never crossed the line, he would be a great son but not so interesting to read about. You make a great point that Will's actions with Kyle and Eric were less than honorable, but he has since learned from that mistake, as he has with the many others you mentioned. I think you are expecting a lot from Will given his parents. Brad is arrogant, self centered and lacks a moral compass; he solves his problems by paying people off, infidelity or homicide. Robbie is arrogant, wishy washy and treats people really badly and somehow gets away with it by saying sorry and grinning. Jeanine before her breakdown wasn't exactly parent of the year and since seems to be happy to avoid any of her kids that can actually talk. Seriously, if this were real life Darius, JJ, and Will would probably all be junkie brats that would make Lindsey Lohan seem tame. One of the things I find so compelling about the CAP stories is despite some of the truly questionable characters they are usually likable (sometimes even redeemable) and their exploits are a fun read.

Just one of the best stories to read when one needs a pick me up, regardless of the time of year. Thank you DomLuka!

Ah the rush of another great chapter, thank you. Looking forward to the action and I'm not referring to the handsome lieutenant Thomas Capel .

While I agree that spoiled children turn into rotten adults, I don't see Will as spoiled. I see Will as embattled. If Brad would make a consistent effort to treat Will respectfully, Will would have no basis to go on the defense. Discipline and boundaries are important, but trust is even more critical and frankly neither of his parents have track records of behaving in a way that should inspire any trust in Will. Will walks a fine line, are all of his decisions good? No, but does he take responsibility for them? Yes. Does he act like the world owes him something? No, he seems pretty aware that its his families wealth that allows him a certain freedom others don't have. Is he naive? Sure, he's a kid, mature or not, like it or not, he still has a lot to learn about himself and others. I don't get the golden rule thing; he treats people far better at 14, than Brad did at 17 or even now. For example, even if Will weren't out, I don't see him ever doing something like preemptively outing others to cast suspicion off himself, like his father did. I think Will, like most teenagers (hell most people really), treats those who show him respect and regard with an equal amount in kind.

King Cliffhanger, I am again on the edge clamoring for the next bite . So disappointed in Brad; I recall him being mature at one point, I hope for both his and Will's sake he works to getting back to that place. It's also too bad Jeanine hasn't made any progress towards making an effort with Will. Hopefully JP sorted Stefan out, if not...well I don't even know . Isidore, well that was only a matter of time. Her whole arrangement was one of "convenience" and now that its become inconvenient she naturally is going to want out. I just wonder if she is going to forget everything JP has done for her over the years and become petty and spiteful. Thank you for providing so much good stuff to mull over.

Basking in the California sun enjoying the many fine beers the universe has to offer. Last night it was Triple Threat tonight is still TBD.

A bittersweet development in regards to Zoltan, but life is full of changes. I don't envy the hangovers I estimate are coming . Continued thanks.

Brilliant twist! Just brilliant. This latest literary contribution has taken the bliss normally associated with a new chapter and added an almost lethal dose of anticipation for the next. You are an evil genius of epic scale . (even though you're evil )

I lurked for a good long time myself; it was grand fun. Welcome pwyl999; maybe I'll run into you lurking about .

Happy Birthday!

It could be interesting to see Will deal with the challenges involved in a committed relationship. I'm not suggesting a Brad/Robbie thing where boy meets boy and are cosmically bound in a category five hurricane love affair. No, Will seems like he will be more like JP and Stef when it comes to love: a variety of casual encounters that vary from meaningless (guy a J Bar) to good friends with benefits (Jeff), with a couple/few deep emotional bonds with lovers that leave marks on his soul. It could also be a grief sandwich, like many adolescent relationships.

My heart went from breaking to melting in one chapter. Good for Ben for seeing reason and going after Mark. I loved Mark's petulant defiance, trying to make it seem like the situation wasn't bothering him, when it was so obviously eating at him. Great chapter; thank you.

ROTHFLMAO!

In Norcal, Eastshore freeway I-80 east between E'ville and Richmond, it's a car park on both sides during commute and people constantly abuse the carpool lanes. I-880 between Oakland and San Jose is not much better and you have the added thrill of aggressive big rigs and potholes galore.

Kai has quickly risen to be one of the more admirable characters in this story. Ahh, then there's Will, who despite his maturity, just can't escape his age or libido. I would be disappointed if I had expected Will to be patient and not be prone to preemptive (and fruitless) acts of self esteem preservation. Alas he is Be Rad's son so I am not sure he stood a chance at a more reasoned set of behaviors . I think Kai will be good for Will as long as they both keep their more tempestuous tempers in check. Just a suggestion, Hawai'i has some really good prep schools. Why break up a power couple in the making? Looking forward to more, Thanks!

Happy Birthday!

Whoo Hoo! Those two just keep on getting cuter and cuter! Continued thanks.

Hey now, asparagus is a superfood and you definitely don't want that lobby after you. Your pee will forever be smelly.

Belated birthday wishes!

Welcome to the fold totallyy!

This was an addictive and awesome story; I power read it over a few days . Thank you for closing it so adroitly.

This is a beautiful story; thank you for sharing.