pvtguy

Alexander had it for Lyn but wouldn't admit it but Lyn was too busy desiring Brad. Lyn couldn't see it. Excellent writing!

As my sister-in-law said about her sister, my son's mother, that my son was a charm on her bracelet and nothing more, I believe this is an apt description of Rory and his mother. He is simply proof that Lachlan had active sperm! I do like the progress of this story.

Excellent twist in having Nolan as the lawyer! I do hope Jamie appreciates what Hearst has done! It's also good to see that the narrative that Jamie had made for himself about his parents, while holding some elements of truth, were not entirely true. This confrontation at their motel and then sharing lunch was the beginning of a healing process!

Very well done! Many face this type of discrimination daily, unfortunately. Thanks for the understanding policeman. And now, what about the tutor whose time is precious, for sure, but also tinged by arrogance and sarcasm?

I am impressed with the conversation between JJ and Pete! I still can't believe that the potential dangers of this trip did not keep it from happening, but I come from a school system which is ruled by the Office of Risk Management which has the final say on any field trip (most of which are denied if there is any hint of potential risk to any student!). Timmy needs a fist planted firmly in his mouth! It would seem that mutual respect is not enforced with these students. Dallas is still coming as mysterious.

I would bet that Mary Louise will find herself searching for another place to stay if her attitude doesn't change. She's devious and overbearing! All seems to be going swimmingly for the boys. Dr. D and his family have really stepped up to help them. The story is proceeding very nicely!

The characters keep growing in depth and awareness. The humor is quite lovely - often understated but causing some very good chuckling on my part! Beautiful writing, @Robert Hugill!!

Too bad that the subject of curiosity and body image had not been covered through health/PE classes at the earlier grade levels. It might have eased the situation with Dallas...but, then, it wouldn't have resulted in this story, lol! I really liked the intent of this chapter, educationally: how any area of the country developed through exploration is so important to see that history really is the story of survival and growth of a civilization. Of course, every expansion of people into an area usually involved displacing another group and often disappearing the history of those uprooted. That, too, is a part of the story of civilization.

Let's see....gay dad and "straight" son? Not extraordinary in itself. Now to see how Matthew reacts to his dad and his uncle becoming a couple. It appears that there are a few more tolerant people in this story! Yay!

It's taking me a minute to get my mind returned to this whole situation. It was lovely how the younger kids waved goodbye to their houses and parents. It was definitely wise to keep them from seeing the dead bodies. It will be very interesting to see how they adapt to their new home. Great start, for sure!

Seems that there is surprise all around Lyn: Alexander's behavior, Brad hugging a bit too long, Luke being enticing... Very good!

And back to the story, lol. I do like the slower pace of the family growing together. This shows so much growth since we first met them, and yet, the growth continues. Gray and Vince are rubbing off on each other! Freddie is truly delightful and the warmth in the relationship with his father is wonderful.

Jamie needs to see through his anger and think very rationally - which is hard considering the anger he has rightfully built up. I do hope Hearst is able to break through to him! I have a feeling the lawyer is much sharper than he might appear.

JJ has realized that he has brought the consequences upon himself for his ill-timed actions. I do hope that the idiocy at school dies down soon. I'm confused about Dallas. I'm not certain he means his warning as a threat.

Same here in the U.S.

A few thoughts: In the U.S., Catholic schools are not supported by tax dollars, though in many states, students can receive vouchers from the states in which they live to attend private schools. These vouchers are not considered support of the schools, but are framed as "parental choice" in education. In any case, most Catholic schools are supported by tuition and monies from the Diocese. There have always been gay teachers in Catholic schools, but not always open about their sexuality. If they were, in many cases, they were fired for not following strict Catholic doctrine. If an unmarried female teacher happened to get pregnant (and I'm sure they were sure it was not a Virgin conception!), she was immediately terminated. When I was in Catholic high school, a female student was immediately removed because she was pregnant. I taught in Catholic high schools for 11 years (though I would never have acknowledged to myself or others my own sexuality). And I definitely encountered undeniably gay teachers (who, by the way, scared the hell out of me for their ability to be open and accepting of themselves!)

I do love how you delve into characters and the way they interact. Matthew and Gavin have a wonderful relationship. I'm not so sure Rory shares anything of that type of experience. I look forward to delving more deeply into Matthew and Rory's relationship, the future of Gavin's development and whoever happens to make entrances into the story. While it is different from some of your more recent stories, I am enjoying the difference.

Hollywood took quite the risk in outing himself, but JJ was most admirable in realizing how it needed to be between the two of them only. It shows how important a good teacher is to every student.

And each day, this just gets proven over and over, unfortunately. How will we ever recover?

There is so much power in your words - such raw emotion so masterfully expressed!

It astounds me that "Christians" quote phrases from the Bible, but seem to never quote Jesus or follow his example....

Matt is slowly coming to the conclusion that everyone knew his sexual orientation but him - and they seemed comfortable with it. He is now growing comfortable with it too! It was a delightful scene in the club. The interrogation was much lighter than it could have been. Matt's Mum is truly concerned about him and it shows. And now dinner with the Philpott crew!

Actually, I believe Aaron's and Zack's parents are equal to the monolith - she kicked out a son and a daughter. So, it's 2-2 in my count. And quite the Dad joke! It is a good groaner!

What a wonderful journey through the week with Tony Scott as he returns home after a five-year absence. He reconnects with family and friends, but especially with his true love, Aaron. They both have used the time apart to grow into adulthood and be comfortable with themselves. Still, the journey to finding themselves needed that time to be who they are now and to rekindle their love. Tony has planted the seeds for developing a place for young gays who have become homeless due to many reasons, prime among them, having been expelled from their homes. This is the second in the Thompsonville series which, while standing alone, is enhanced from reading the first volume.

I, like others, are truly ready for the next volume in this series! This has been a wonderful journey that takes place over the course of a week! Most loose ends have been neatly tied up, but enough left to whet our thirst for more! What a wonderful tale! You've kept us excited to read each chapter and share in the journey that brought so many together!