pvtguy

Thank you to both @Summerabbacat and @Robert Hugill for clearing up my confusion.

First off there is this: Finding that after our talk on Sunday, the possibility that he might not want to pursue a sexual relationship meant more to me than I had realised. Evidently, he had been telling the whole truth, it was the overwhelming nature of my family and this house that was the problem. I'm confused - Matt wants a close relationship and is excited about a weekend away with Gray, but it seems he also only wants a "friend" relationship. Does he or does he not want an intimate relationship? He and Gray make such a good couple! Plus, he is considered "family" by Vince. The story continues to excite and intrigue, @Robert Hugill. You are definitely one talented writer!

@Lee Wilson - good thing your name isn't Pinnochio! Yet how many boys wish that masturbation led to longer ding-a-lings! I truly don't like the idea of spanking, but at the same time, I think it will be a strong reminder of the seriousness of what they did! The exclusion of the technology would be a strong punishment, but would soon be forgotten after it is restored. I do believe hard labor for an extended period of time would also be acceptable! George and Amy will be allies for each other, but hope it does not become blackmail...

The character of Dallas' father has been written in many stories, but it is especially cogent here: it allowed Dallas to finally confront him and dare him to accept him as he really is (which his dad apparently couldn't do), but his mom will sort those things out! Dad will find himself alone and without a family or realize he needs to change. We'll see. Now for JJ's transformation!

Knowing what happened with Alexander in the beginning chapters, one can see through his pomposity and realize how attracted he is to Lyn. He reminds me in his style of Dr. Charles Emerson Winchester, III, of MASH fame!

I don't understand how Timmy is in school, how the teachers who observed the crossing on the log, and any other witnesses haven't already been questioned and or disciplined! After all, there was at least a week between the accident and the time JJ returned to school!

Now to see how they go from the farm and get to South Carolina...intense chapter!

I guess I missed the time lapse period - I thought it was only about a week. My bad.

It would be too soon to say she was pregnant from Billy. It does take some time between impregnation and actually getting a positive result on a urine test. In any case, she is definitely busted. Now the real test: where will she go? I liked the open discussion between Dad and Todd!

It was a nice way to learn about Jason's past and how Gavin fit in. However, for the first time in reading your stories, @Robert Hugill, I felt this chapter was a bit disjointed. Still, I enjoyed this dive into Jason's past.

The masks are dropping and the true personalities of both are finally being seen. It's coming to a HEA ending after all!

I see trouble brewing between Dallas' father and mother. Merry is a jewel of a friend!

D didn't even think of Vinnie tracking his charge cards until after it was almost too late! Now to see where it goes. Joey will have to get in touch with his mother and tell her about the money. D is definitely a strong dominant man, yet gentle when needed.

I love how the "abnormal" family situation is evolving into a wonderfully functioning and "normal" family. Communication and stretching their limits of comfort with the underlying motivation of love and respect for each other!

It's easy to be the armchair judge of what each of these characters needs to do. You can't forget the life they have in Warren, OH: they don't see any hope of changing anything or of things getting better. There's no chance of that in Warren, yet they don't have the means to just up and move elsewhere as they don't have the skills, money, or ability to do so. I grew up in an area that was on the decline and was fortunate to get out of there, eventually moving my parents and sister out of there too. But I am an exception - not the rule for those living there now. When depression is so deep and ingrained in people, they will do whatever is available to either self-medicate, escape via alcohol/drugs, etc. Likewise, if they can get away with illegal activities in order to make a buck, they will. This is the world in which JJ has been raised. D is another story - he was brought into the gangster life and feels trapped to an extent. Leaving could possibly mean his death. What he does is what he has been trained to believe is justice, misguided or illegal as it may well be. He's trained himself not to feel, but that world has been shaken up with JJ.

Dallas will be a slow-burn when it comes to being comfortable with who he really is. I do hope JJ gets a good reception when next he sees him.

Marie Louise might be getting busted, but Billy and Todd are not innocent. In fact, they are underage predators in my view, albeit just horny adolescents. Nonetheless, what they did was to entice her and then threaten blackmail. That she did apologize shows growth on her part. She needs really strong structure and to learn respect for herself and others. I didn't take it that Amy sees all gays as paedophiles, but it is an unfortunate view held by lots of adults. Dr. D did straighten that situation out, thankfully.

The tension is palpable! Will D find Joey in time? Will Joey go with D? What will happen to his family? Wow!

Gavin showed vulnerability to Rory but also the strength/confidence to be himself without having to announce anything to anyone unless he wants to. Rory seems to have taken a big step in that direction. Matthew is very comfortable in his own skin. His open conversation with his dad shows a strong level of trust and love! Wonderful chapter!

The longer chapters do not denote failure - to me, they allow for depth and involvement more than is capable in most 300 word chapters. Keep up the good work!!

I spent 47 years as a professional educator, 36 as a counselor helping many students finding the help they needed to learn. I worked with every level of student from the genius to those who struggled. My motivation: my own sister who was passed through school to graduate with severe learning disabilities. And yes, the town I grew up in is now very similar to the town described here (next state over). Current direction of public education in the so-called "red states" is to ignore it in favor of charter schools with no expectations or requirements for achievement of students. I believe in public education and what it used to be. The United States is being slowly and methodically pushed into ignorance by those who are taking on more power by the day!

While Marie Louise's behavior to the boys was totally inappropriate and downright disgraceful, she is being manipulated by Todd and Billy. They are just as despicable in my view! All three need a good dose of discipline and ethical training! Dr. Dunlop is giving the boys a very loving and supportive home. It feels as though the story is coming to a quick end.

Hearst did his own research prior to contacting Nolan. I do believe he knew Nolan was Jamie's brother and was very hopeful he would come to his and the others' aid.

I am so impressed with @Cane23's so very erudite and impressive analysis! Can't add anything more to that! All I will say is that @Laura S. Fox has once again captivated me with superb writing!

Or...once Dallas recovers, he returns the favor of knocking Timmy off a log!