pvtguy

The continued growth of Neil in becoming more confident in his speech and actions is amazing! Alex's acceptance in the group is a plus for Neil too - they can enjoy more things together.

I do "know" Ben: I understand all too well being the one who always helps when others need something. Ben hasn't discovered the peace that finally comes when the word "no" is said and meant. He does love his nieces and his Gram! Gram is going to do something, I hope, to deal with his mother. I'm ready for another ride on the @mastershakeme! You do create wonderful stories!

Casey took a few steps away, then turned around to face Levi once more, giving the front of his floral board shorts a rub as he did so, which didn’t go unnoticed. I'm a bit wary of Casey: This action seems overtly as a temptation to Levi. Is Casey teasing Levi so that he can later say that Levi seduced him? Of course, the speculation that Casey might be gay himself and afraid to say so to his family is a real possibility too at this point. We shall see... I loved the interaction between Matt and Levi. And Levi's thoughts were very telling of his progress in thinking: Their relationship was growing, day by day, and despite the misgivings he’d had when Matt first came on the scene during his mother’s illness, now he was giving thanks to the man upstairs every day for allowing Matt, and also Luke, into his life. Great writing, @Mark Ponyboy Peters.

What a wonderful introduction to a full family event for Levi! His heart is expanding in love which is slowly allowing him to push out the BS he was fed by his maternal grandfather. He has received wonderful material presents, but the love and respect he is being shown are gifts of a lifetime! Beautiful writing!

Neil and Alex continue to deepen their relationship through everyday events: shopping, eating a meal, grabbing a drink, viewing sites as tourists, and simple conversation that is open and honest. Neil may well have been not encouraged by his mother/father, but he is certainly getting more open and assertive comfortably. His relationship with his brother is taking on a more mature and respectful nature. This story continues to grow in depth without all the drama of other stories. I love it!

I read the entire story in one afternoon for the simple reason I couldn't stop! Such fun, yet so heartwarming. I loved the speeches! Thanks for sharing this story!

I like this style of writing and organization: several chapters in a volume that sets up the premise and leaves the reader eager for the next cluster. Light-hearted, humourous, and enough titillation woven together so cohesively.

I'm really enjoying seeing the growth in the relationship of this couple without the drama. The focus on the growth in communication, development of feelings, the sharing --- this is truly a mature relationship which should lead to a long term partnership.

Fr. Costas has a way of planting questions for Levi to consider. Levi is showing such wonderful growth. I had glassy eyes too when reading Levi's response to what he learned from his birth certificate. I also understand Matt's sense of loss but he is certainly establishing a strong parental relationship now!

That would assume he was a learned man in ways other than the negative side of the Bible. He certainly did not quote the positive side!

A very compelling story about a young man, an only child, (Owen), whose whole life was determined by his parents even before his birth. He has never been seen as an individual with his own likes/dislikes nor allowed to express such to his parents. His best friend, Margot, has her own agenda to deal with her own situation. It is a coming of age, a coming out, and a journey to individualism supported by love. Definitely worth a read!

Ah -- my happy/sad emotion hits again: happy to see life happening for the four, but especially for Owen and Margot; sad because the story has now ended and no new chapter to look forward to each morning. As others agree - superb writing! Now on to the next story which I hope is soon!

I did use the word "hope".... I don't actually think they did, but as they were fully business-like in their manner, they might have paid him something as an obligation, not out of any other motive. After all, he did have gas money to fill his car and money for food apparently.

I would hope that Owen at least has a bank account with some earnings from his summer job at the funeral home! I know families where the children are on their own at 18. I once knew a family of a student I had in school: there were 9 children total, mother died after the last one was born, father remarried, had uge dinner and party on the child's 16th birthday and then had a suitcase packed for the child to go on to a relative's house to live, financially cut off from the father. That was their "normal" and accepted as such. The oldest child became the relative that most of the younger siblings came to live with until they could go on their own. Amazing. Not my style at all. Owen will make it. He has the drive and desire to do so and the support of Ryder and a slowly building network of others - his cousin and aunt to begin with, hopefully his mother. Perhaps in time, his father - but I don't hold out hope for that just yet. Loved the story and the exceptional writing!

Neil shows that he can hold his own with people! I would imagine that people in Rose's social scene might well want to commission works via word-of-mouth advertisement. Wonderful chapter!