Valkyrie

Most definitely!

Congratulations on the feature, Tim! NaPoWriMo was very popular this year, and I'm so happy so many people decided to participate. I really enjoyed reading these, as I do all your poetry. It is not an easy feat to complete 30 poems in a month, so kudos to you.

You are quite right on a lot of counts. Roger was a master manipulator who knew exactly how to play Josh. I can also say I've experienced firsthand the lies and deceit of a narcissist and sociopath (not like Roger, but someone with no empathy for others). I'm glad you understand Josh so well, but am sorry you had to experience that with your ex. We are at the turning point of the story now. Next comes picking up the pieces. Thank you so much for such a thoughtful review. I really appreciate it.

This was a very difficult chapter to write. This is a pivotal moment in Sam and Alex's relationship. You are right about adversity making people stronger and closer. At least that's the usual case. It doesn't always happen that way. Thanks for reading. It was nice to wake up to so many reviews!

Yeah, I got a lot of grief for ending that chapter where I did... lol Thanks again for the reviews. Hope I didn't keep you up too late!

Alex is a total tease...but in a good way lol Thanks for the review. I'm glad you're enjoying the story.

I loved this chapter. You have the building relationship between Brian and Jeff, and then the rift with Ed, followed by Ed's acceptance. Ed's a great guy and I'm not surprised he was accepting. We'll see what happens once Jeff is introduced to 'the crowd'. I can relate to Jeff in a lot of ways, because I've always been a bit anti-social myself. It can be very difficult to break out of that shell, but with Brian and Ed's help, I'm sure he can do it. The last couple of chapters have brought me back to my own youth. I experienced something similar during middle school. My best friend at the time stopped talking to me and hanging out with me. I called every day and left messages, but she never called me back. She was always hanging out at another girl's house and I was very hurt and jealous. So I can relate to Ed quite a bit on that count. I eventually found out that she had never received any of my messages (which still doesn't excuse her never calling me), but at that point, even though we had aired our concerns and feelings, it was too late to save the friendship. I look back at it now and wonder about her relationship with the other girl. My best friend had tried to kiss me at one point, but I was too young to really appreciate what that meant, and later found out she was bi. Only one more chapter? I'm glad to hear you're working on a sequel. I'm really enjoying these guys

You have good insight into Josh. Just an FYI, though...it was Galen who left the cheating boyfriend. Josh was single and very lonely when he met Roger...something that Roger took advantage of, no doubt. You are so right when you say that Roger never showed Josh his 'monstrous' side. People like him are master manipulators and it's very difficult to see their true selves unless they slip up or something happens to reveal their true colors. You are also right in that there is plenty of guilt going around. It's going to be a long, hard healing process with lots of bumps on the way. Thanks so much for such a thorough and insightful review. It makes me very happy to know that other people are enjoying reading the story as much as I am writing it.

I thought that people usually go hunting all day or until they catch something...maybe I'm wrong on that point. Thanks for the review, Tim. There's lots more to come!

Emotions are running high right now, that's for sure. Josh did deserve to be called out for sticking by Roger for so long, but now that the truth is out it's time for all them to start healing. It won't be an easy process, that's for sure. Thanks so much for reading and leaving a review. I appreciate it!

That last paragraph has me wondering about their future now. Brian has already learned not to confuse lust with love, but Jeff hasn't. I'm even more curious now as to the fate of their relationship. If their feelings don't remain on par, I see lots of hurt in the future. I'm already bracing myself... lol Another great chapter

I loved the interaction between Brian and Jeff. Now I'm wondering how long the relationship will last... is it a high school romance, doomed upon graduation, or are they forging something more permanent? (don't answer, since I'm sure you will let us know as the story progresses ) I see trouble ahead for Brian and Ed's friendship. It doesn't seem that Brian is ready to come out to him, and I can imagine Ed wondering why Brian isn't hanging out with him as much as he used to. It was a different time back then, so I can just imagine the fall-out if their secret is discovered. Great chapter.

Coke won't save you from Zombie... Yes, there can be only one... Long live Emperor Penguin!

Go Kye! He's come a long way and it's good that he'll have closure now, where his father is concerned. I'm worried about them staying in town overnight... I hope nothing happens to them. Fingers crossed they catch Barrett and lock his ass up or execute him or something. Great story!

Brian is a really good guy. He understands people and doesn't put up with shit, but knows how to handle volatile situations with finesse. I was glad when he showed up Mahowsky and the dick deserved the punch to the nose. That so many people had Brian's back, but not Mahowsky's shows exactly the type of people that they are. Jeff has me puzzled. I haven't quite ferreted out why he was so upset. I think he felt betrayed by Brian--someone he had let into his world--even though Brian hadn't lied. I thought that Jeff believed him, but then he started the 'fight'. I get the feeling that there's something more between Jeff and Mahowsky...they seem to know each other well. I wonder how well? That Jeff worked for three years cutting lawns to buy his car speaks volumes about him and his parents. Even though he's privileged in some ways, his parents are still instilling good values and a work ethic in their child. Maybe that's why he was so upset? Because his baby was dethroned? I loved your description of the 'It'. I look forward to what happens next with Brian and Jeff.

Oh we're not going anywhere...

Not loons...Penguins!

Thanks I love the woods too, and couldn't think of a better start to their relationship. I'm glad you're enjoying the story.

I shall be a benevolent and generous ruler...as long as I am well-stocked with fish and Pepsi.

Yes...guilty as charged! lol Thanks for such a great review. You made my night.

lol Thanks and I hope you like Alex and Sam's story. I really enjoyed writing it. Be prepared for a bit of a roller coaster.

Joshua “Boss! Over here!” Kevin yelled. “I found a bunker.” I was right on Liam’s heels as we ran past the deer shed east of the cabin. There was a heavy, metal door set into the side of a hill, camouflaged by dense shrubbery. It was unlocked. Liam leaned down to open it, but Kevin stopped him. “We should call for back-up,” he said. Liam shook his head. “No way. It will take too long for them to get here. I’m going in.” He opened the door and disappeared down a dimly lit stairwa

I am a meanie, aren't I? lol I'm glad I kept you guessing. I think this is one of those stories that the ending is better left to the imagination. This was my first 'thriller' type story and I'm glad it worked. Thanks for reading and reviewing!

I will admit that the technical stuff goes over my head sometimes, but to me it just shows the passion that these guys have for the cars. I was thinking as I was reading the first part of this chapter that the building of the car was so much more...it's forging relationships with his friends, classmates, and father, as well as building a solid work ethic and appreciation for working toward betterment. I think this is something that's been lost through the years. People seem to want the best now without working towards it. Whether it's cars, houses, or jobs. I'm not surprised this is based on real events - the genuineness shows in the writing. As a fellow New Yorker, I can picture the setting pretty clearly. I do have to say that I can't wait 'til Brian leaves Colin in the dust. lol I can already picture the look on his face. lol

As a speech-language pathologist, this story is very heartening to me. Part of my job is to acquire these 'talkers' for individuals who can't speak. While synthesized speech has come a long way, it's still clearly different from natural speech. What a lovely thing that her family had done and it's nice she has such a great sister. https://www.buzzfeed.com/abefg/this-little-girl-fought-to-give-her-sister-with-cerebral-pal?utm_term=.vbBNXM9QZJ#.tbGKM2PJO5