ColumbusGuy

Still loving this story, G-Man, and eager for the next chapter. What Kellar is going to do in Ontario is unknown, but it has to be an improvement. I wonder if he will do a 'net search for more information on lycanthropes? More please, my dear friend!

A chapter full of delusions, and people who have painted themselves a world-view which is entirely fictitious. WAY too much Alex--waiting for her to be gone. Four weeks left? I'm guessing David's implosion will be near the end, then. I hope Twoey is still around to pick up the pieces, unless Eric has him thoroughly submissive by then. Come on Sam, you're the linch-pin for solving these screwed up relationships!

Wow, Jean-Pierre has a lot of faith in Aidan to entrust his family with his Pack at Parker Valley. I really hope they get home safely, and have time to use the information they've been given. I love the way you've made this Pack's members so real, I can almost picture them in my head, and worry about them a lot. More please!

I can't wait to see what Nelson's idea for their next date will be--I'm assuming it's before the Prom night. I'm not really surprised Eric brought up Trevor's crush on Nelson. He doesn't want there to be any secrets between them, and he sensed that perhaps Nelson didn't have any clue. It would be nice if Rob and Trevor went to the dance together, and who knows, maybe Rob might try a little intimacy like kissing or something. We can dream, can't we?

Thanks skinny...this chapter came out almost in one sitting, I could just see the main scene playing in my head. Almost like a HItchcock movie with the twist to the letter joke. I'd love you to weigh in on the question in the Discussion Group about how to move things forward so we don't all die before our heroes graduate from school!

I hadn't planned on the letter joke backfiring until I was writing that bit--it just came out of the blue, and I think was a lot better than my original plan. Yay for unpredictable sisters. Mikey's parents are a puzzle. I don't think they even realized there was a problem, but his dad is starting to figure it out--at least the 'distant' part anyway. Aren't moms supposed to be the more observant ones? I'm not sure how I'll work things out, but in real life, I think my mom knew because years later she asked, but it was a surprise to my dad, and this story is about coming to terms with my past and making it a little better. Will that include acceptance, or just a resolution of the distant parents aspect? I sort of thought Jay's dream of him being a sort of gold calf with Mikey dancing around him in a vampire cape was cute...I guess people missed that.

Thanks Lit, I'm so glad you like the way Greg is handling Denny's problem--he's had his fun with Benny in the past, now he wants to get his relationship right with the guy he sees as his future. He's not going to risk endangering that by being rash. Jay seems to be doing all the right things to build up Mikey, we'll just have to hope that his jokes don't backfire on him, because it is so clear that this guy is his whole world. More fun coming up in 41.

Wow, Russell, this is a lot different from the version I read at your site! It's so sad to see Eva deteriorate like this, after all she's done and been through in Swift Current. My step-father had Alzheimer's his last few years, and it was disheartening to see a man who was active, witty and outgoing turn into what was essentially a zombie--he didn't even recognize his children by the end. It started subtly, he and my mom were on the way to Ontario for a twice-yearly fishing vacation, and he couldn't figure out how to get out of Detroit...my mom called my sister, who had to go up and bring them home. It was all downhill after that. I need to catch up on the rest of the stories...I was mostly caught up with The Lernier Family until I had surgery in December, so I don't know how far I need to go to catch up. I still got in an emotional state reading this...Glenn's pain is so real to me.

Wow, Tim...Patrick has such hateful relatives! I hope Fiona turns out to be okay, and it would be nice if some of the other cousins turned out better than their parents did. With his 'ability', I think he's safe from false affection or friendliness as a means to get money. Peter and Michael have rapidly wormed their way into my heart, and I'm hoping Patrick will be able to visit Michael in the hospital when the time comes. Peter should be able to allow that. Moster Grethe is taking on a personality of her own, and I like her already--she reminds me of my grandmother in a way. More please, min ven...and don't forget the twins or Team Rob.

Thanks Gary, I'm glad it all worked for you too. Writing Mikey's fear was easy, I just had to remember my feelings about being found out. Some years before she died, my mom asked if I was gay, saying it didn't matter because I was her 'baby', but I didn't tell her because she disliked my gay nephew. Turns out, that wasn't the reason, but I didn't know that at the time...and since I was single, I didn't feel the need to confirm it. She could be quick to make judgments on who she liked, and nothing would change them--so a few years later, when I was in a relationship, she met him at my house and disliked him right away, so I never came out to her--I saw this troubled guy for ten years, right up until he killed himself. That was six months after my mom died, so that was a bad year for me. The story began as a few scenes of what might have been, but evolved into a way for me to deal with my father's aparent rejection of me. I didn't find out until years after he died that it was mainly his girfriend's doing, and he asked about me when he'd see my sister when she went down to Florida. That tore the doors off the little room I'd closed him up in, and I cried all day when I heard he'd told her he still loved me. Anyway, I'm glad all the traditions fit, and you caught that Mikey is well aware they are far more connected than just through sex.

I cried again when I read this tonight...it was the second time hearing it though. I'm pretty sure Gary read it to me, or my friend Derik did while I was recovering in a rehab center from my surgery. This is my first time seeing the reviews and Gary's replies, and it made me cry all over again. Every week he called me to tell me what was going on here, and to talk about a lot of stuff...all of it lifted my spirits, and there were days when I really needed that. Knowing you all, and most especially Gary cared so much was the best medicine for my soul. This was particularly true when my two older sisters turned their backs on me. I haven't heard from either of them or my nephew since about Dec. 23rd. I thank whatever deities there are for my friends at GA, and my real-life friends Kat and Derik who went above and beyond, giving me shelter between operations, and flying in from California to help me get a new computer with Narration software which got me back to my online family. I'll never find enough words to convey the depth of my appreciation and love for you all.

Oh Gary, I really didn't want to like this one. Not because it wasn't good, great in fact, but due instead to the subject. It feels like I'm validating or approving of the monster by clicking 'Like', and I never want to do that. So, I'm looking at it like this: the 'Like' is for you--for having the guts to even look at these episodes and having to relive them. I know they never go away, and I hope that this at least is a catharsis for you, if not a healing. You know what is so achingly beautiful--that despite experience, you turned out to be an awesome father and loyal friend to those in need. You broke what could have been a continuing cycle...and I am so lucky to count you as my friend. Hugs from Down South, G.

Thanks AC! I thought conventional strip poker might not work as well for Denny's problem...it seems to have worked out okay. Illicit romps were fun, weren't they? Of course, there was the time I was almost caught with my farm boy neighbor--one of the few times I did more than massage him, though not nearly the first time I had my hands on his body since he was always down to his underwear for the massages. J and M will see the guys again....The truck washing was also a fantasy of mine--at least getting wet with another boy anyway. I had a very vivid life as a teen, at least in my own head. Vincent Price, what a hoot that was! Hope you like the Easter one too!

Man, that was a worrisome title...it made me think Mary had been killed, and that Hank was going to cause serious trouble! I'm so glad the sheriff and social worker are on the boys' side, and that the principal is such a good guy too. Tim and Rafe have some very good people on their side. More please!

Aww, Tim, I guess I got it right then if you were reminded of your memories. I was hoping not to mess it up. I hadn't really planned on the joke getting altered, but it fit so well as I was writing this--Linda isn't so predictable as her brother thinks. I thought about Jay having a stronger reaction to what happened when M's parents got there, but he's not really ready to be out anywhere else either, so he understands. When it's right, they'll both know...and the same thing goes for the last step of their relationship. Mikey jas had vivid fantasies for a long time, and I bet his journal is full of them...he may want it soon, and maybe not the way Jay is planning, but his love is too strong for him to want to disappoint Jay. Just think, Mikey can worry every time the parents get together until he becomes numb to it...and maybe his parents will catch on without him needing to say anything at all. I got the warm fuzzies reading your review--jeg elsker dig, min ven.

POV: Mikey, Jay “God påske, elskede.” Jay’s soft breath tickled my ear on Easter Sunday as I lay next to him in the semi-darkness of his bedroom. As much as I loved being next to him, my stomach was jittery with the prospect of my parents coming over later to pick me up, and meet my boyfriend’s parents at the same time. I was afraid someone might say something which would tell my mom and dad that Jay was more than a good friend. I was fairly sure no one would deliberately spill the bean

Always a new slant on things with your chapters, my friend! Kellar landing nose first after jumping the stream was a hoot! At least the rest of his wolf senses seem to be good. I think there's a mystery involved in the death of his parents, it doesn't seem likely that he'd be thrown clear like that....I can't wait to find out what's going on. As for Warren, a few good threats will keep him in line and quiet...it's just lucky that his foster parents were away at the time, so they don't need to find out just yet. I do feel sorry for him since he has no one to help him figure out his nature. More please G-Man!

zi'm noy hsppy sy sll eith the situations our two heroes are in. I'm waiting for them both to wise up and drop the lossers they are with right now...even if they don't get together as a couple just yet. There is just so much wrong with the Eric deal, and frankly, if I never see Alex again I'll be happy. I hope she leaves the story very soon, otherwise I'll just have to start skipping the scenes with her pushy bitch ways. I hope Twoey doesn't wind up in a ditch somewhere when Eric goes off on him...I can so easily see that happening. So maybe Gary's Uncle John is a 'godfather' in more ways than one? Didn't see that coming!

Man, that means a lot to me G-Man! You see why I trust you with my boys now? You think of them just like I do. For some reason, Denny's was the hardest part to do this time, maybe because he's on his home turf, which is sort of cold and impersonal as compared to Greg's. And we haven't even met his parents yet, so who can say? Yes, Mikey will do a lot for Jay, but you know it isn't a one-way street--he gets a lot out of it too, but more subtly. Working on Easter now for Chapter 41, which Tim will love.

Thanks SD! The dynamic between Greg and Denny felt strange without Greg's brothers around, but it finally gelled...with this 'doc' thing that has been going on for a while, and calling each other Reb and Yank, could they be into role-playing? Of course, they could also just be goofy teens. Now, Jay and Mikey are a bigger contrast: Jay loves mischief and jokes, while Mikey tends to be more reserved--a definite challenge to Jay's point of view. They may get annoyed at each other sometimes, but their love always draws them back to each other.

Greg and Denny are working things out, but progress is being made...you are right that he never went around half naked before...unthinkable in that place! Eventually Mikey may learn to relax a bit, but at least he's got a vivid fantasy life--and getting wet with Jay fulfilled one of them. Sunburn? Hmm, there's a fun idea to toss in--thanks! I'm hoping that Mikey hearing other guys think he's cute will boost his self-confidence--it helps Jay's plan to bring him out of his shell. Jay has one more secret from Mikey--we'll see that play out in the Easter chapter coming up next.

POV: Greg, Mikey DDERWENCELLI The granite gatepost on the right of the graveled drive read in large but worn incised lettering. The post on the other side of the entrance simply had four numbers arranged vertically: 1854, which Denny had told me was the year his family’s house was built. He lived farther away than I’d thought, as I watched the scenery go by; we’d left my house ten minutes ago, and crossed Broad Street going north past the Highway Patrol station before Denny finally t

A great start to what promises to be a nice story. THe only confusing bit was the beginning--was that Gavin who was shifting, or a friend of Alec's? It almost sounds like Gavin isn't a wolf, if he can't scent Alec's interest...or maybe he isn't the mate Alec thinks he is? More please!

A wonderful chapter, wolf! The wedding, then the honeymoon and New Year's Eve party were great. I went to the Falls when I was probably five years old, but only have black and white pics of it--I don't really remember it--but I've seen things on cable about it, and I'd love to go someday. I'm glad Jean-Pierre is still around, and wonder if he has plans to deal with the Council himself, or in concert with Aidan's pack? I hope the Securiy Director really doesn't know about Aiden and Ethan yet. It's also great that Alex and Nathan are getting more involved with the local pack. More please!

That's an interesting plan, Elias. I think it is the best option for Will, based on his location and circumstances. I don't see it as a betrayal of himself at all--he's biding his time until he can be more open. Inside, he's still the same guy, and if he conducts himself properly, he won't try to lead anyone on by trying to fake being in love with a girl--that would be a betrayal of himself. Since I was never 'out' in high school, no plan would have helped my isolation--with my vision problems, there was no way to be a jock-type, so I was stuck being a reader and artistic nerd. I did have a few friends, maybe five out of my class of 200...I had fantasies about quite a few guys, but never let on--until college, when one of them became my first experience! Sad, that it took me until I was 20 to have sex. More please, my friend!