pvtguy

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!

Paige has made the stunned silence ok by simply hugging her sister. Her reception wasn't ruined as far as she is concerned. Beth is the supportive person we all knew she is. Great chapter!

I know how the expectation of a parent/parents can damage a child: I've seen it in my own family. The result: the child lost all feeling for the parent, even to the death of that parent. The parent couldn't even acknowledge the child in the will. Owen may lose a family who never fully accepted, respected and recognized the true child they bore, but he will find a family of his own choosing as he moves on.

Owen has hit the hard spot between the rock and a hard place: he either comes clean to his parents and leaves (if they don't throw him out first) or becomes a more indentured servant! He has to leave if he is going to have any form of sanity left. I'm over his parents planning "what is best for him and the business". They truly don't see an individual - they see a cog in their wheel house.

Neil is much more open with Alex now in terms of his ideas, his desires, and what inspires his work. Alex continues with his work and invites Neil to be there as a strong support to him. I love the slow but positive growth in their relationship.

Just because we are being sensitive to Paige, that doesn't mean that you have plans that we don't know about! It's a small town - put up a billboard, lol!

I understand the reasoning of having both families together and making one announcement, but I also think it is very disrespectful of Paige. Margot is making it about her still. Beautiful day for all involved.

Ah...the angst of a teen discovering himself and working through the "programming" around which he was raised. Levi is finally being allowed to grow up in a supportive situation. Matt and Luke have both impressed upon him. The exchange between Matt and Levi at the end is exactly what every parent and child would like to hear.

A wonderful and warm chapter - the calm before a potential storm. And now, on to the summit!

I have been that teacher 2 too many times! And yet, like Owen, it only deepened my commitment to the kids I encountered over 47 years. Owen's emotional testicles have finally descended! He now has the strength to stand up for himself!

I spent 47 years as an educator before I retired and can say that I witnessed the same behaviors over all those years regardless of the region of the country where I was working. Levi will find his place and his friends and, best of all, has strong support from his fathers and those in his house.

I do love these two characters, but Neil is really getting to be the star in my view. He is delightful. And Alex has been the solid support which Neil needed to spur his growth. Love this story!

Owen should speak to Beth before any other announcements are made. He needs support on the very local area.

Love disguised as control 😡 First off, it's more control disguised as "love". Secondly, @Jjeffalch, the 18 years of psychological abuse that Owen has lived is stronger at this point than standing up for himself. If ever you have the opportunity to learn of the power of abuse from anyone who has endured it and how long it took for them to break free, do it! You might change your tune. Perhaps the funeral will be the catalyst Owen needs to finally stand up once he is emboldened by Ryder. I'm still not sure how Owen will finance his future if he stands up to his father, but that will hopefully be revealed in future chapters. This was powerful writing - one can truly feel the despair Owen is experiencing. Great job!

This is a superbly written story combining a very tense time in the history of Spain with a wonderful story of the difficulties of surviving as a gay man in this time. It is woven so very well and with such crafted writing that one feels as part of the scenes. As for the character development, the relationship between Ximo and Gerardo grows so very carefully, Ximo's relationship with his father is surprisingly warm while with his mother is sketchy. Well worth the read!

Such a wonderful ending to this volume - Ximo seems to be in his mother's good graces again and she gets to be the gracious hostess to a dinner to show how wonderful she is! PUKE! So far, Ximo and Gerardo have kept suspicion away. I was surprised to find out who the mole was but have no doubt Aparisi "took care" of the situation. You have provided a good tease about volume 3 which I am very much looking forward to!

I keep coming back to the fact that both Owen and Margot are young! How are these parents forging ahead with the future they want for their kids and not ask them to be patient and wait till after college? There is a lot of manipulation going on!

I'm sure things are about to spiral into truthfulness and the fallout will not be pretty. However, at least we've learned more of the softer side of Ryder in this chapter.

I love the focus on the growth of Neil and also the growth of the relationship between he two. Simply beautiful and endearing!

And now he beginning of a real conversion for Owen towards being his true self. As a former educator, I know well the feeling of the last day for students. It's a bittersweet moment for sure - you know they need to move on but you also are glad for a respite.

Levi 's life has changed suddenly and, while feeling at once comfortable yet uncertain, is now faced with a whole new chapter of his life. He now has to face his own sexuality without the constant negative comments of his grandfather. Beautifully and so very accurately written, @Mark Ponyboy Peters.