ColumbusGuy

Nice chapter wolf, though I haven't seen the works drpaladin mentions, I have to agree these Elders seem ineffectual. Since we only hear of finding 'their' beloved, I assume Damon and 'Nique are seeking the same person? Do I foresee a lot of lesbian action since Damon refers to the beloved as 'her'? More please.

I won't say what an amazing conclusion to SAD, for you promised us further glimpses at them, so I'll say Pause instead. I'm sure we'll see more of these guys in CoTT--we have to see the joke they play on M and K, after all...and this will give those two a place to visit besides Kendall's apartment. You know, maybe I'm pushing here, but I'd love to see Chet and Arron as parents--not of some adopted Third World child, but one of their own through a surrogate mother and artificial insemination. I think these two would make great parents someday.

Great chapter, Tim! Jasper is such an awesome guy and a gem to have in a tense situation. I'd kill for a boyfriend with red hair and freckles! When will the zealots ever listen to their own words? If God exists and is infallible, then he made gays as well, and it can't be a mistake, but rather a challenge to those who wish to follow Jesus' teachings fully. Alas, so few people really understand that, and focus on the antique concepts of the Old Testament which were designed to promote the expansion of God's people by breeding...The New Testament was exactly that--a fulfillment of the Law and a replacement of the Covenant to bring Man closer to God. We mustn't forget that Palestine was not a backwater at that time--it was the center of trade between the East and Rome. More than incense flowed through that land--ideas and philosophies also had their travels. Maybe there should be a Team Jasper?

I've read this straight through from the beginning last Friday...I didn't read the interludes at the right time since I saw them after I'd been mostly through Book Two, but they were great also. I hope there will be a few more stories, but I'm beginning to wonder since it's been a year or so now. Still, amazing story. I'm disappointed and mad with only one part of this Epilogue...I know it makes a plot point, but why couldn't TJ and Devon have their happy ending? Of all the characters, those two deserved it the most, and worked the hardest to achieve it. Many feelings went through me reading this story, but that particular scene is the only one where I broke down and cried.

Rob's POV was great for an alternate perspective on the date, and his joking with Eric is gentle but fun-loving at the same time...it's nice to see how much he loves his brother, and what lengths he'll go to for him. The way Rob flirted with the girl at the concession stand was typical Rob and done in a nice way to make her feel good and not really embarrass her, but his internal monologue was the only down side to this chapter for me--not because of what he was thinking--he is a teenage boy after all--but that it seems to rule out any chance of him being bisexual. The fact he can and does appreciate some features of guys might leave a faint glimmer of hope when he goes to college where there is more freedom from parental oversight...but unless he meets the right guy, I guess we have to give up our fantasies. While saddening, at least this isn't a story where every person who shows up is gay or suddenly realizes it after years of denial. Great chapter, min ven!

Here I am, late to the party. I'm not sure what you were so concerned about, G, it's a wonderful chapter that reveals the truth of a relationship. Despite knowing each other for years, this is new territory for them both: Michael may have dated before, but he never gave himself fully to the other person because it didn't feel right...and Kendall never considered anyone but Michael, so he too was a 'virgin'. With Carson's illness, the two have not had the time to examine all aspects of what being an 'us' means; they'd examined how each felt about the other, and saw nothing but good things, but hadn't gotten beyond the bright glow of the new commitment. With Carson's recovery, they now find the time to reflect on all aspects of their new life together--and that is scary. But Michael had the answer--the past is done, use it to enhance the Now, not let it hover over them like a dark cloud. Kendall, by nature, is going to be over-thinking everything, and Michael realizes that and is ready with the right responses. Kendall could very easily drive himself into a bad place which might endanger them, but Michael won't allow that to happen. More please, and this was amazing!

Vampires and weres? This is going to be interesting if Tyler takes up with a vampire--are they even compatible? Can he become immortal? Wasn't expecting the next story to be this unusual and intriguing! More please, wolf!

I'm glad you are still enjoying it, and that the boys are still real for you--that has been my worry for a bit now, and I don't want to lose that. Letting new people add their perspective made me worry that the central story might lose focus. We've heard from most everyone so far, but there are two who could tell a part of it--Jerry and Greg/Kurt. Despite having a few glimpses of Jerry through the family, he is relatively unknown, so I figure he might do a bit around Linda's graduation. As for Greg, we've seen him only through Miles' view...he might have something to contribute soon. Denny being dependent? I hadn't thought of that, just thought he had some rough breaks at his old school and felt lonely with very few friends...perhaps he is, at least for the moment until he sees how loyal J/M will be? He's had to suffer taunts and abuse with no support, so I hope he can get out of his 'victim' mentality in the end. A boyfriend would probably help. What can I say about Linda...in the end she turned out to be a true Beckel, with a very pragmatic touch.

Thanks to stressful circumstances, feelings have been spoken, but the rest of them needs to catch up. I tried to capture the feelings of hesitancy and desire that I felt my first time. It wasn't until the early 80s we got cable, and a vcr--though I opted for beta. Our coolest tv was an RCA stereo unit: tv in the center cabinet, radio at one end accessed through a lifting top lid, and the same for the record player at the opposite end--awesome color picture I think was 26". I remember a small 10" tv in red plastic which was designed like a space helmet, with the rabbit ear antennae sticking out the top. Ah yes--I forgot about the note. I presume Mikey threw it away before his parents got home, or Jay might have done it for him.

Wonderful Sasha--Hel has improved a lot with school to focus his energy and attention. James and Peter having him stay a bit is great for is 'spiritual' development--but while Hel might not be conscious of it, I think his crush on James just got deeper. I don't see Peter being upset about it, nor will he worry that James might wander--they both know about teens and their roiling emotions...but I think Hel is going to be hurt no matter what, unless he can find a boyfriend at school, and accept his own nature. More please!

You make great points, drp, and Jay's not calling right away shows us that he's not perfect--the tire was important to him because his dad stresses safety and preparedness, and it was his only spare...but Jay's flaw is not always seeing what should be his next act; he was so worried about being late that he must have thought that to call first would make him even later--and while he knows Miles lacks confidence, he doesn't know how deep it runs. It's going to be a long weekend where many questions find answers, and others take their place.

Drp, you are amazing--it never occurred to me to link to the Trevor Project; I'd heard of it at a site or two elsewhere I read, but didn't connect the dots which would make a big impact on this chapter.Miles' past is integral to this bit, but so far all we know is he has almost no friends, so to lose one of them for no reason he can understand is a huge blow. It may sound frivolous when he says his cat's love isn't enough anymore--but how many people's best friend is a pet when they don't have deep connections with other people? Also, remember the pills--is this really a sudden decision for him?

A great review, drp...both Jay and Miles know what they want now, but how can you be sure the other guy feels the same? Miles' lack of confidence makes it even harder for him. Bit by bit, Jay is making inroads to help him. Pizza and sloppy joes were my favorites, followed by hamburgers and marzetti...beans and mashed potatoes were my usual picks for sides, desserts were jello, pudding or applesauce, occasional cobbler, but almost never cake, alas. Maybe 'mystery meat' was salisbury steak, but I thought even the tv dinners looked more edible than that!

I'm glad you liked the chapter, I tried to put in what I remembered of the two calls I got when I was 17. The town was 2500, the other two in the district were the same or a little less, then you had the folks living on the farms...I think the phone book had about 125 pages, a third of it businesses, so it could be done. My guess is Kurt gets names at school which makes it easier, and he hopes for a favorable result. Miles, not being very devious, chose a bit of an unoriginal name--part of his real last name. School should be interesting to say the least.

Well G-man, you did it again...you gave us another example of how Michael works his magic, and then showed us that Kendall too can provide the support and insight for Michael when the time comes, just as Michael does for him. I had been concerned about Michael's job...but when Mr. Savard offered him a job in Security, that just reminded me that the risk is there too, only to a lesser degree. In truth, you can't walk down the street anymore without the chance of some lunatic shooting you for your money, or just because they are angry about something which has no connection to you at all. Call me paranoid, but I don't think the graffiti is teen-related at all; they might see Michael getting out of it and going into Kendall's apartment, but they've been careful about displays and Michael;s crutches are a good reason for his needing help...no, the very first thought that came to mind for me was this: Lanny and Candy. They know the cars both men drive, know where Kendall lives thanks to team rosters...and have the just cause (in their view) to do such a thing. Those two ae stupid enough, and small-minded enough to do such a reprehensible act and not consider the fact that Michael is a cop with resources. More please...and call Chet so those two can set K/M up for a fall!

Thanks Tim, and don't worry about being late--I'm just glad you are here. Real life gets in my way too.When this all started, I had only the vaguest ideas of anybody's lives, and Linda's least of all--but deep down, she wasn't going to be a typical 'wife and mother'--her awareness of society and her intellect sets her apart--the rest seems to be part of her 'tool kit'. I can easily picture her being a terror in business, but I'm not sure that is her path--if you have a suggestion, please let me know! I can't picture a course of study for her, so the help would be appreciated! I was thinking about D hanging out with J/M just last night...he won't want to be in the way of their 'alone time', so maybe Operation Boyfriend needs priority. I was wondering if he should go with them to meet Dave and Trebor this weekend? The next chapter is underway already.

Man, are you my 3 year separated twin? Visually impaired (one good eye and that very near-sighted), left-handed--tell me you're diabetic and we're set. I grew up with 3 older step-sisters, but they all moved out by the time I hit 13, so after that I was an only child too. This chapter is SO me, right down to the bottle opener and all. For 27 years that house was home. The only thing in this chapter that wasn't me was the pills, though I did think about it as all teens do at times, I never sought a way to do it. Depending on the subject, I'd go through a book every couple days, and buy about 6 each trip to the bookstore.

Early days, yet drpaladin. Jay knows his own mind, and won't be pushed around, that's why he took the chance on Miles. (Un)fortunately for me, I wasn't in any popular groups in school...pretty much a loner with just a couple friends. If I fit any sort of classification, it was the art/geek crowd--I was into drawing, sitar music, british comedies and reading sci-fi...I liked learning, but weird stuff like von Daniken were also faves. I also liked writing, but was then trying to do sci-fi without success.

Thank you for joining my readership--better late than never. If you've read the replies, you know JM is based on my real home town and school, just the characters are fictional, if some are very loosely based on real people as I recall them. Miles is very much me at that time, but he found a way to have courage, when I didn't meet 'my' Jay. I wondered for years what might have happened if I'd gone, but I can't even talk to him to catch up as I learned he died about ten years ago. He was a cute, cool guy I wish I'd caught up with earlier, but I chanced on a relative of his by accident.

Operation Jay & Miles--I love it! Maybe Linda will turn out to be a good mother in the end? Benny and Linda? All we know is she liked him a lot, and that they are still good friends, so something wasn't working with them...could it be the unknown 'Cal'? Greg and Denny just met, but both seem like a friendship can work...is Greg/Kurt even wanting a relationship like that of Jay and Miles? If he's as observant as we think, will he figure out Denny pretty quick? And will he figure out the new status of J&M before they tell him? To paraphrase: 'The next chapter is another day.'

Denny's viewpoint was all you--I was thinking Linda again until your suggestion. I'd almost say that he sees the Beckels as hippie-love types without the long hair. But their views go back farther than that.A whole year of high school left, and with the summer to get even closer, their last year is going to be tough to stay undercover. Maybe it will get easier once the newness wears off?

Thanks G...I'm glad D's viewpoint worked, it was a bit of work to 'get' him.Linda is a puzzle: cheerleader type, yes--but also smart; what will she do in college? Continue with the popular girls or concentrate on her future? And Bobby, is there a place for him in that future? Denny's family is unknown so far--he doesn't seem too concerned about them, but then he's spent the last five years pretty much raised in a school. Is that a tradition, or just for him? And who will be D's Mr. Right--it's Who is Cal? There's just no way a big tough wrestler could be gay....

Doing D's POV fit, but it was hard--I don't 'know' him yet...and that unease probably carried over into how he acted with the family. D's future is . Poor guy needs a break, and I hope the boys can help him out. By Greg's estimate on the people he's phoned, there are about ten other gay kids...but he's not telling names--so Operation BF is going to be hard to work on. Maybe he'll weaken and let one or two be known if they agree to it? School was hard for J/M, and thankfully Linda was there to prevent Jay from embracing Mikey in the parking lot...Senior Year she'll be gone, but with luck they'll learn enough to hold back. I'm not sure glances won't be noticed though--Senior Year is when guys ought to be dating.... G advised ending this chapter where I did--I gave him the option of going on through dinner and homework, and getting Mikey home--seems you missed a bit he thought would stand out some.

POV: Denny “Jay, I’m gonna need directions…” I’d helped him get Mikey to my car—he was pretty unsteady on his feet, being partially bent over to ease his pain. There was a debate on whether he would be more comfortable in the front or back—but since Jay insisted on sitting with him the only option was the back. Bucket seats were just not designed to hold two people. With some in-drawn hisses, we got him settled and buckled in, and Jay took the spot right next to him, fussing over him,

It's great to see Hel get onto familiar ground again--I hope the other guys don't get mad at him for being a good cricketer...and it would be nice too if he had non-sport friends too. I'm wondering if it's wise for him to say he was champion at sports on high levels--can't those lists be checked against his records to show his real name? Unless the Forgery had ways to alter that too? Can't wait for the next one!