pvtguy

I love the way you introduce just enough of characters to spawn intrigue! Tom, Ian and Charlie are all going to be fun learning as well as Louis' full personality.

We're back to asking the question - why is Brad marrying Bella? To give him social credence? Has he been playing with Luke while pretending in his mind that it is really Lyn? Excellent drama!

There are more complications with Marvin that he needs to address - his relationship with Emma, his son, himself! I do believe that he and Creek can be good platonic friends and that Dailan might also become a good friend. The relationship between Creek and Dailan is growing naturally and slowly. Creek has the backing of his brother and his father now. Hope Mom follows.

Why stay up until midnight to welcome a "New Year" - the calendar still reads Jan 1 when I wake up in the morning! Does that make me a "bah, humbug" person, lol! Russ' trip was quite successful for his strengthening relationship with his brother and his family. Russ let himself relax and enjoy his nephews and is looking forward to their visit to Parborough! Wonderful chapter as well as wonderful story!

Mother appears to be what some believe is a stereotypical "Asian" attitude, but she's just simply very set in her way of thinking - probably culturally reinforced in her own family. I agree with @CincyKris: it's definitely time for Creek to be on his own. He'll have to solve the problem of child care as his built-in child care will no longer be acceptable without some change of attitude - which might come about when Forest is absent from the grandparents' lives for a bit. Maybe Skye's parents might want a chance to help out... Nonetheless, no change is going to occur as long as Creek is in their home.

There well could be a battle for custody, but the law is clear: Creek is his father and has all the rights. The law will not recognize prejudice to override paternity. Dailan was brave to state his true feelings. Creek is clarifying his feelings too. I wonder what his big brother would think?

Joel is isolating himself more and more with his decisions. He really needs an adult to challenge his thoughts and behaviors in a caring, supportive manner. I hope the Principal might do that. And, I hope the Coach can also talk some sense into him about playing baseball. As @wallycleaver pointed out, he could sit out games against his former school and still show his skills in all the other games. No scholarship will be available to him if he isn't active in the sport this year. He reminds me of being in deep water with no one around and he's flailing.

If Marvin is as good a chef as is apparent, he can find a job elsewhere after he exposes Arthur completely. Perhaps that might be the end of Arthur's restaurant! He needs to tell Creek what Arthur is saying.

I remember hearing those words for the first time too - and it is magical, emotion-filled, and simply wonderful. A few years later, my son asked if he could call me by my first name like everyone else did. I simply replied, "you are the only person in the world who can call me Dad!" And that's been my title from him since! Creek - welcome to the joy of "dad"-hood! And Dailan is the initiator of this wonderful moment!

Interesting in showing life can present options you never thought of and then these options turn out to be blessings in disguise. Louis has started a beginning to his adult professional life via the gift of his uncle. Now, it seems, intrigue is to follow.

Creek is wising up - taking things more slowly with Dailan, though things are getting much more comfortable between them. Arthur does need to do some self-reflection. It seems that Creek's parents are seeing the closeness he's developed too - Mom didn't even invite Kate who surprisingly gave Creek a good boost.

So much of Russ' and Con's behaviors can be traced to their learned behavior with their parents: They managed to wangle it so that for a whole chunk of time she, Con and I stayed put and Dad moved. It meant we didn’t have to board at school, but there would be periods when we didn’t see Dad. And there were a few tours abroad when he went alone. Sorry, a bit long-winded.” “No, that’s fine. Con never says much, either.” “We both sort of put our heads down and got on with things.” “In different ways.” “Yes. But looking back on it, both coping mechanisms in a sort of way. If you believe that sort of psychobabble.” As each was in his own "world", they did not form a close relationship probably because they didn't talk or share experiences. It is interesting to see now how each viewed their childhoods. Wonderful chapter, @Robert Hugill!

I do hope this is just the beginning of the next phase of Creek's life and we get to follow along. Mom is concerned if not still pushy, but she has a point: Creek can get lost helping others without taking care of himself - a problem for all caretakers! Each of these three main characters have made great strides in personal growth.

I like the change of style with this offering - more mystery and intrigue! A wonderful beginning which has quickly captured my interest!

I believe that the YMCA should have been held blameless too! As for all the litigations in the U.S., there's a lot of blame to be shared by lawyers, legislatures and insane settlements made by juries.

So, what more do we know about Marvin from this summary: We know he is deeper in feelings (love?) with Creek but is being very realistic in asking for things to slow down so that each can be sure this is what each wants; We know Emma is onboard and encouraging Marvin; but beyond that, not too much more. Still, it is good to solidify Marvin's POV and have done so quite well.

I can imagine a separate story line with Russ as the main character...a continuation of this fine story!

@Cane23's analysis was a 'wow' moment for me in its thoroughness! Lyn used Alexander not to please Alexander, but rather to be punished for his wasted time wanting Brad. Question is, will it work? Sadly, Alexander is the one who, in my opinion, is left unfulfilled as he does care for Lyn.

The United States was founded by Puritans mostly. Those attitudes have only become very ingrained and reinforced by their tie to religious teachings. Thankfully, there are many who are rejecting the constraints placed by that Puritanical tradition, but it persists nonetheless. Creek has followed a "traditional" upbringing and hasn't allowed his full feelings to emerge. It's being complicated by his feelings for Marvin and the feelings raised by Marvin and now Dailan. He's got a lot of reflection to do. I also agree with @CincyKris and the description of the hospital room and treatment.

As adults, isn't it fascinating to reminisce with close relatives about memories of grandparents, etc? I have a cousin with whom I have spoken extensively of our paternal grandparents and the differences of the experiences I had than she had and also my aunts and uncles had of the same people! Russ and Con are truly growing closer and developing a much more mature relationship. What a wonderfully crafted read, @Robert Hugill.

Religion is used too often to promote specific points of view as though those specific views are absolute truth, finite understanding versus infinite being. This short, but intense, story of a young man's struggle with self-knowledge versus a religious view presented as absolute and opposite of what he is experiencing. He comes to the conclusion that his only way to satisfy the deity he has been taught to believe in is to end his life. Through the intervention of two neighbors, but more importantly, a stray dog, he and his family are faced with a wider point of view. This journey in seven relatively short chapters takes the reader through a process of questioning and deepening of understanding of the human condition and religious conviction.

And the truth is, @empath, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!! May you continue to find those who love you as you are! Most of all, love others unconditionally as they deserve - even when they don't seem to want it. The more you give love, it finds its way back to you.

Yet, she was being monitored by a doctor too...if the doctor didn't take it seriously, then their trust in the doctor wouldn't have caused them to sound an alarm. If Creek had known more, he would have acted accordingly. I don't see any blame there that he needs to heap upon himself.

Russ is definitely developing warmer relationships which are bringing out his own warm side. It seems he has been used to being the cold businessman for so long that this is rather enriching for him. This aspect of Russ is very different from when we first met him!

Everyone has a story - and we're just starting to unwind Dailan's. Creek is truly a very considerate friend, but his statement to Dailan as to the reason for his concern caught my attention: "After losing Skye… someone I loved… because I didn’t pay close enough attention, I promised myself I wouldn’t let that happen again.” Skye died after childbirth. What does he mean by "not paying close enough attention? "