pvtguy

It was fortunate that Elena was chief at the new job. The name 'Peter Noonan' will be more known after this!

Come on, Jeremy! Grow some cojones! Let Carter's words take hold!

I believe things are slowly turning positive for Grayson, but he definitely needs to speak with Bryan or a counselor to help build/rebuild his self-esteem. He has the confidence of his bosses and support of his mother. And now, he has a peer with whom to speak in Hoppy.

Wonderful chapter as the web is closing in on the Cards. Now we have to see what Mr. Vitale is wanting of Roger.

This may well be a calm period before another storm, but one major thing is happening: life is moving on for Ludo and Damian without the cloud of Jackie weighing them down. This will give them more strength to face the challenges ahead with a trial. Both Arthur and Ludo are building more solid relationships with their sons!

How will the truth come out in the end? Jeremy has learned some truths withheld from him by Ethan, but where will it lead? The drama continues and it would seem that Laura and Dexter have "won" this battle.

@Summerabbacat: Maybe Felicity still loves Richard and sees in him something that he has not brought to the surface yet. That is why I hold out hope that he has depth that will finally come to the fore when he deals with the fact that his son is gay, but he does, in fact, love his son. It takes a lot of courage to break the shackles of "traditional thinking" and let love win out. Might this happen? We'll have to wait and see as we are not writing the story. I hope he is a more complex character, but that's me!

Mike is definitely a tool! I hope Claire steps in and does more than warn Tom! It takes someone getting fired for bullying/sexual harassment to send a message. Mike should also be brought up short! Grayson is growing more courageous and needs to follow through with what he knows he needs to do. It took a lot to confront Mike, but he did it. And my previous question still remains; why does Mum stick with Dad if he's such an evil person?

There is a place for data collecting, but how can you quantify insight? Peter has an ability that is not necessarily quantifiable but is just as valuable as data analysis. This same process has been used since the 90's in education in the name of "accountability." Students are given tests from which data collected evaluates the effectiveness of teachers. Evaluation of teachers becomes formulaic, in many cases requiring a "standard" method of "teaching" which takes creativity out of it. All we have to do is to see the inability of many students to do critical thinking and problem solving. The can spout skills required on the tests but that's the limit. Sad state of affairs. Peter is caught in that type of thinking - since he can't formulate a mathematical analysis of his ability, he is let go. For sure - not only NHC's loss but possibly negative effects on others who would have otherwise been forewarned. Let's hope the new job will work out for him.

Therese certainly has grown and appears much more tolerant than at the beginning. Ralph's confidence is also growing stronger with each chapter. Wonderful chapter!

This story yielded deep feelings in me too. Yet, I feel a peace that has been lacking for a while. What great writing you have provided, @CasualWanderer82. It is/was powerful.

Why are some Americans so against regulating fire arms? I know, "people kill people, not guns"... but it takes people to use the guns. This idea of open carry, lowering age limits for who can buy them, failure to differentiate against automatic weapons vs. regular handguns...my frustrations go on and on. These senseless acts of violence will not just go away without strong action by government who are supposed to represent all of us and make laws that protect all of us! In the meantime, I weep, I pray for all affected, and resign myself to being powerless when confronting my representatives. Only replies are get are canned ones: "Thanks for contacting my office." Your poetry is always so moving. Thank you for continuing to share your talent even with the saddest of topics.

Yes, @Summerabbacat, you are correct: the story has appealed to me! What a wonderful start to what I hope will be more follow-up. It's amazing that so many Mediterranean families have such "mothers and fathers" in their makeup. I can relate with Juan's age and beginning to live! I was even older!

You are absolutely correct. Additionally, we also assume all the "Cards" are men...

I definitely agree...but I just hope he might be redeemable. I know it probably will not be a realistic view (per CSI/Law and Order - @Al Norris), but even then, on rare occasion, love won out. So, what is the redeeming quality of Dad that attracted Mum and keeps her with him? I would agree that Uncle Bryan is most likely Mum's brother.

I'm hoping that Dad is not a black and white homophobe. I do hope his love for his son wins out. It would be nice to see a father make the journey to acceptance rather than the stereotypical hard-assed father we see in so many stories.

Thankfully, mom broke the tension. It's amazing how patient parents can be waiting for a child to be able to state what they already know. It will be interesting to see how Dad reacts, but I have a feeling he will be fine, knowing "Uncle Bryan" is gay. Gray does need to see the doctor and get checked out and tested. Next stop: facing Mike! And who was watching? I have a suspicion, but I'll keep it to myself for the moment, lol.

Having raised my son while his mother did, in fact, abandon him in so many ways, I can say that socializing may bring back "bounce", but the abandonment does have a profound effect that stays with him to this day. He was fortunate that her parents and siblings did not abandon him, but rather stepped up in their support. Ludo is doing an exceptional job in his parenting! He truly loves and supports Damian unconditionally, and Damian knows it! Should he go to to the prison to visit his mother and she does as @Summerabbacat suggest and refuses to see him would have potentially devastating effects. Ludo should check with her first before subjecting Damian to a visit. The socializing is much needed. Friendships can become lifelong. Great continuation of the story @Robert Hugill!

Add me to the list of the torturers of these vile men! I am normally quite peaceful, but this evil must be dealt with in equal measure that they deal out!. I personally want to slowly castrate and remove Willis' family jewels with a rusty, dull razor blade while shoving a football up his ass! I am thinking of the types of torture used in the Spanish Inquisition. Ok...rant over. Roger can deal with the Don, I believe, when he explains what was going on with Rizzo's business. At least we know Rizzo has been eliminated. One down, many more to go! I add my kudos to you, @empath for brilliant, gripping writing. I hope we don't have to wait too long for the next chapter!

And the drama builds! How will the truth be made known? The story grows more intense and is approaching a really wild confrontation! Love it!

Mom probably has it out. Is Dad a total bad parent? I hope there is some care underneath the gruff exterior. Personality wise, he and Gray are probably very much alike - hence why they argue so much. (Two north ends of a magnet repelling rather than attracting...) Gray definitely needs to confront Mike, but that might be initially difficult. I still believe that there were substances in the beers. STD's wouldn't have that immediate response, but a drug reaction could! Next chapter, please!

Rebecca is a moving force! She knew she wanted to be with Peter and is a real asset to his move! Her parents and brother were very welcoming. This was a very calming chapter!

I would personally like to castrate "Animal" - make him a gelding with another "Animal" giving him a taste of his own pleasure! As for Grayson's self-reflection and questions: he does share in the "consent" in that he went on his own, but not to be abused. He needs to confront Mike as I do believe Mike may have been overcome by the alcohol or perhaps even drugged by Animal. I'm eager to see the next installment!

Ketchup on pizza? Yuck! However, some people put all sorts of odd toppings on pizza. Not for me! I like that Jamie wants to try to make things equal, even if Bunny is resistant. I'm hoping we find out more about his brother and what his deal is. I, too, am wondering how Bunny knows so much about Reality shows.

Rebecca is delightful and is most eager for Peter to return! It certainly was a bright moment in this trip. When he proves himself correct to Raymond, it may end up with Raymond having further negative thoughts and attitude towards him.