pvtguy

What a wonderful introduction to a full family event for Levi! His heart is expanding in love which is slowly allowing him to push out the BS he was fed by his maternal grandfather. He has received wonderful material presents, but the love and respect he is being shown are gifts of a lifetime! Beautiful writing!

Neil and Alex continue to deepen their relationship through everyday events: shopping, eating a meal, grabbing a drink, viewing sites as tourists, and simple conversation that is open and honest. Neil may well have been not encouraged by his mother/father, but he is certainly getting more open and assertive comfortably. His relationship with his brother is taking on a more mature and respectful nature. This story continues to grow in depth without all the drama of other stories. I love it!

I read the entire story in one afternoon for the simple reason I couldn't stop! Such fun, yet so heartwarming. I loved the speeches! Thanks for sharing this story!

I like this style of writing and organization: several chapters in a volume that sets up the premise and leaves the reader eager for the next cluster. Light-hearted, humourous, and enough titillation woven together so cohesively.

I'm really enjoying seeing the growth in the relationship of this couple without the drama. The focus on the growth in communication, development of feelings, the sharing --- this is truly a mature relationship which should lead to a long term partnership.

Fr. Costas has a way of planting questions for Levi to consider. Levi is showing such wonderful growth. I had glassy eyes too when reading Levi's response to what he learned from his birth certificate. I also understand Matt's sense of loss but he is certainly establishing a strong parental relationship now!

That would assume he was a learned man in ways other than the negative side of the Bible. He certainly did not quote the positive side!

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!