Carlos Hazday

I was glad to be done with CJ's high school year. I'm not big on stories starring teens since they tend to be repetitive. I tried hard not to have CJ be the typical bullied gay boy so many authors write about. As he aged, I reduced the screen time for the older folks, and although they all continue to make appearances, from now on the focus will be in college men. Oh, and CJ may spend a little time working on a political campaign. LOL

Glad you enjoyed it, Albert.

My paternal grandparents were Sephardic Jews from Turkey. My ancestors had been evicted from Spain in 1492 along with the Moors, and the sultan invited Jews to settle in Turkey. I have hopes one day that type of relationship will resurface.

Once again, Harley proves his loyalty. This part of his attitude was inspired by real straight bikers I've met. Many don't give a shit about who you sleep with. You ride? You're a brother.

Unless your name's Owen or you've received an invitation. LOL

Brad's luckier than most returning, injured vets. As for Gamon, I keep imagining this cute Asian American kid with almond eyes and silky black hair. To this day I haven't made him gay or straight, but I can imagine him having men or women flock to him.

My goal's always been to show different aspects of my character's life. And CJ's a budding foodie but I'll draw the line at posting pictures of every meal on Instagram. LOL

Patrick has relaxed sufficiently and CJ's like the safest person to come out to in the world. That kid probably feels like a ton of weight has been lifted off his shoulders.

Let's just hope they don't get him in trouble! That's easy to do in a place like Chicago.

Much later in the series, I describe one teacher's disgusting attempt to teach young kids about the Holocaust. That was based on real events taking place a couple of years ago. Hatred and discrimination are alive an well and should be confronted and called out whenever and wherever they occur.

All of us have had our ups and downs.

@Albert1434 Great song! As usual, I tried to stress the relationship between family and friends. Ritch's being integrated rather well, and Levi gives CJ ideas for future travels.

Yeah, definitely pricey. 200 I can swing, but I'm sure the cost will rise. The t-shirt is affordable. LOL

In Newport, CJ wore and talked about Old Glory's City Edition Kit. The 2023 version has been released and autographed jerseys are being auctioned. I think the minimum bid is 200.00 and I'm tempted. Not so much because of the team as because of CJ and Owen.

Fine, I'll keep writing. I started the final chapter for a new story yesterday so I guess I'll finish it. Spoiler: it includes politicians and travel. Do we have secret meetings? Or a cool handshake requiring 14 different hand moves?

Liar!

@Myr The notification surprised the heck out of me; I still can't figure out what half the metrics on GA are or how they work. However, now that I've reached level 14 of 14, does that mean I'm done? You're putting me out to pasture? LOL This one I wasn't expecting at all.

Sounds as if you've led an interesting life.

The mark of a good leader, regardless of age or experience, is their ability to step up during a crisis, remain composed, and handle whatever needs doing. I'd say Trevor's been playing Beta while in school but when the poop hit the fan he did what was needed. He's been forged in fire. Aiden's proven to have made the right choice for his second. That group, including Ethan and the three meatheads, will be a force to reckon with for years to come. The McKinney's are desperate, they were driven out and, with Trevor's assistance, their funds are being reclaimed. Whatever millions they may have left won't help them. Even if it's hidden inside a mattress. I think lycan retribution is in order. Can't be that smart after all, they willingly take on a couple of Elementals? Bah!

Have a good night, Terry. In this side of the world, my day's just starting.

@raven1 Glad you enjoyed this chapter. Compared to your mother, Brad will have an easier time reintegrating into society. At least for as long as he keeps his head out of a bottle of booze. Advances in treatment and prosthetics continue to evolve. At some point, I mention if what happened to him had taken place during WWII or Vietnam, he probably wouldn't have survived. Loyalty's a trait CJ will frequently display. He'll look after his friend.

Thank you! CJ spent the first few months surrounded by older individuals and that I'm certain was beneficial. But he's still a kid and needs to hang out with peers so I can get them in trouble. LOL

And I saw it spelled with an H for the longest time. Geography plays a big part in that since I'm in the Americas and you're closer to Europe than I am.

@raven1 Political correctness, as well as many other well-intended movements, can be carried to an extreme. They can become toxic. I believe we all have the right to say what's on our minds, but I reserve the right to ostracize anyone who uses what I deem offensive in my presence. An ex's father used the N word once too many times around me and my bf never spoke up even though he knew it bothered me. It was one of the reasons leading to our break up.