Valkyrie

I don't think Josh led Galen on. He made it pretty clear that he was sticking with Roger, even if he was starting to feel doubt. There was an undercurrent to their friendship, but I don't think think either one of them was going to act on it until they were both available...if that was ever going to happen. Flaws on both sides? Most definitely! lol Now we get to deal with the aftermath and see what's left once the pieces are picked up. There's definitely a hard road ahead. Thanks again for all the reviews. I'm glad you're caught up!

Galen had never met Roger prior to his abduction, so he had no idea what he looked like. You are absolutely right about Roger being a master manipulator. I'm glad that Josh makes a little more sense now. Yes, he made mistakes, but there are a lot of them going around in this story. Thanks for the review!

I'm glad you caught up with the story. I always enjoy reading your reviews.

I'm glad you had a chance to read the chapter and let me know your thoughts. It was a hard chapter to write. I ended up scrapping it several times before finally coming up with a product I was happy with. You make some good points. As far as the coincidence of Roger choosing Galen, I would say that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. I don't think it's that far out of the realm of plausibility, even if it is an incredible coincidence. My brother grew up on the East coast, moved to a western state, then joined a sports team. A new member of that team had grown up in the midwest, but spent summers at his grandma's in the East. Turned out his grandma was our next door neighbor and they were old childhood friends! So strange coincidences do happen. You are right that Liam's anger was misplaced, but everyone's emotions are running so high right now it's easy to see why he confronted Josh. Details about what happened to Galen will be forthcoming. We don't know how or why he went with Roger. Thank you for the detailed review. I hope my reply didn't come off as defensive, since I really don't mean it that way. I love that this story has people thinking and that the characters evoke such strong reactions. And thank you for your continued support. It means a lot to me.

Thanks for reading and leaving a review. This is one of my favorite short stories that I've written. I'm glad you liked it.

Thanks I'm glad that scene was so clear for you. Sorry for the late reply!

Agreed. I wish people were more willing to embrace differences instead of ostracize them. Thanks for the review. Sorry for the late reply!

I'm sure it wasn't easy, but I'd like to imagine they lived HEA. Thanks for the review. Sorry for the late reply. Don't know where my brain was... lol

Thanks, Defiance. I'm glad you liked the story. Sorry for the late reply!

Thanks, LBO. It really says something that the story moved you enough to dream about it. Thanks for your support and review. Sorry for the late reply!

Thanks, Gary. I appreciate the review and I'm glad you liked the story. Sorry for the late reply!

Thank you so much, Graeme. I appreciate your kind words and the review. Sorry for the late reply.

Thanks, Tim. I appreciate the review and kind words. Sorry for the late reply!

Thanks for reading and leaving me a review. Sorry for the late reply!

Thanks! And thanks for your input. Your suggestions never fail to improve my writing. Sorry for the late reply! lol

Thanks, and thanks for your input! I'm so embarrassed I forgot to respond to reviews for this story, but better late than never, right? lol

I have no idea how I missed replying to all the reviews of this story...it must have slipped my mind when they attributed the stories to the correct authors... Thank you so much for your support of this story. It means a lot to me. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Thanks for the great review. It's something I've wondered about too. I'm glad my story made you think.

It's never too late. http://www.wpxi.com/news/trending-now/worlds-oldest-man-to-finally-celebrate-bar-mitzvah-at-age-113/446711042

It's nice to hear of good neighbors. http://www.littlethings.com/new-jersey-house-kindness/?utm_source=vspireac&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=news

http://shareably.net/8-year-old-pays-off-school-lunch-debt-v1?utm_content=inf_4_3000_2&utm_source=TSE&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=TSE&tse_id=INF_ea8370007b6311e6bf8e470556fe0b22

I'm not generally a fan of stories where the characters are this young, but I like your writing so decided to give it a read. While the sex is not subtle, you have established that there's more going on here than just the physical. The connection between Marty and Jesse may appear to be hormones, but I think there's more going on underneath the surface. I'm wondering why Jesse's dad wants 'the fort' taken down though...from your description I'm picturing it in the back of the property, concealed by woods. But maybe I got it wrong. Regardless, I don't think it's going anywhere anytime soon. lol

I saw this on Facebook and thought it was fascinating. I thought you guys would enjoy it too. http://www.classicfm.com/music-news/videos/oldest-song-melody/#UCBDBChsGw0Dq3ic.97

I can definitely relate to that feeling...put on a smile, say "I'm fine" when you're anything but. I hope things go on the upswing soon.