pvtguy

As I mentioned in an email, I read the first 19 chapters on another website, but was glad to see it here. I can only echo how well written and poignant this story is. The fans of division are at full force today throughout our society and evident in everything from politics to religion to interactions between family members and neighbors. As a retired educator, I am very dismayed to see the efforts to stifle free speech and full education by governors and legislators. Critical Race Theory has been bastardized in its true definition to keep students from learning any views of history other than a very narrow approved view determined by one group in power. I do hope to see more Good Trouble! Thank you for sharing your talent in giving us this story!

To prevent problems with alcohol at my wedding, I bought just enough wine for everyone to have one glass (I knew people who would have acted as did Fanning after only 2 glasses - and I refused to have any other alcohol. As an adult child of an alcoholic father, I abstain from alcohol by choice.)

So the mystery builds! Private family that communicates frequently but knows little about Jessica; where she works can offer no assistance; a disappearance from the hospital that no one has noticed....it's definitely going to be a "who-dunit!...

Excellent way to end 2022! Happy New Year to you and yours!

I love how you've woven current events into the story. Mamma will have to make adjustments - faith vs. the teachings of the Church. Inno has given her a lot to think about.

The comments about Donovan might be spot on, but they also might be too trite. We don't know that much about him at this point to say that James would be another notch, though that could be true. Nonetheless, I do believe that the Dion-James connection is also very predictable. Another warm chapter.

Powerful chapter all the way around. James is behaving like a normal 16 year old. His mother realizes her reactions were not towards James but grounded in her own reaction to his father. Yes, I do believe you've set the stage for James and Dion...though I'm sure he'd be glad to experience a tall brunette first...

How did I know that Nurse Dorothy was Dion's mother? This is a fitting "punishment".

Dion does need a friend, but he probably is so down on himself and so insulated within his own feelings that he will be slow to trust anyone. I'm eager to see what the punishment is too!

I retired after 47 years as a professional in education - 11 years as a classroom teacher and 36 as a counselor. I lived through the early days when corporal punishment was the norm though I never used it. I felt a good threat was better. However, I did progress in my ability to work with students whether as a classroom teacher or as a counselor. Any teacher who touches a student now can not only be fired but brought up on assault charges civilly. That said, in today's society, you would scarcely see support from a parent for any interaction between a teacher and student: most parents would be attacking the teacher for "disrespecting" their precious child. I knew as a child in school that if I misbehaved, I would also face punishment at school. On one occasion, my mother actually went to bat for me when a teacher used a grade as punishment not because I had not done quality work, but because the teacher lowered my grade for other than academic reasons. Only time my mother ever went to the principal to discuss a teacher's actions. As a parent, my son was well aware that respect was always expected of him and that he would be punished by me if ever he disrespected any adult - even if the adult behaved in a less than respectful manner. That was when I would deal with the teacher or administrator - and I did! Thanks for reading my rant! I am hooked on the story!

Wonderful trip so far, but an explosion? Hope this gets resolved fairly quickly...

Glad neither one has mortal wounds, though Kye's sound as though they could be more serious if he moves the wrong way. Interesting story!

Quite the read for a few days before Christmas, but very enjoyable. You certainly have the talent to educate as well as entertain. You've captured the workings of teen minds very well.

The fireworks have just begun! Even with Don's "friends", there are legal ramifications from which he cannot avoid - like alimony, child support. I agree - there are red flags about Don's handling of Robbie's trust. May the next chapter be like premature ejaculation and come quickly!

The kids have opportunities not available to most, but are learning many important lessons along the way: life has both positive and negative elements in every situation...it's how we choose to live with these complexities that counts. They are learning great values from both parents. Great story, great characters and great writing. Enjoy your holidays. May they be filled with joy! Tony

The CYA system is alive and well when it comes to who speaks what to whom in the bureaucracy. (CYA - cover your a$$) Lawsuits or the fear thereof always supercedes simple ability to speak plainly. So, let's see how they finally get the information needed...

What a beautiful day - setting, humor, conversations, engagement, business. Thank you for this installment in the CJverse! As with the others, I wish you and yours as well as all your readers the joy and peace of the holidays!

What a marvelous manner in which you describe the inner workings of both boys. That the priest who molested Inno physically and the priest who further molested him spiritually are representative of the mission of the church is truly detestable. It is unfortunate that this is an accurate portrayal of some in the Church. I'm just glad that there are many priests who are not like these two!

Great start! You've certainly captured my attention. I'm looking forward to the development. I truly enjoy your writing! Tony

Glad they enjoyed clubbing...I never enjoyed the idea of the noise level and, shocking I know, drinking! I know - I was born an old fart! But I certainly enjoyed their celebration of Owen's birthday! Ritch respect!

All I could see while reading were the children put in the cages due to the policies of the last administration in the U.S. I can also see it as a larger view, as you mention, to the closing of the doors to immigrants. Very powerful! Great writing!

Thanks for sharing.

Ellie is true to the end - only thinking of herself. Mom might be confused, but she also knows when she is well off. Good ending to an entertaining tale!

That was a fast remodel! But what it achieved in community pride is priceless. Thanks for the story!.

Is this really a plot for a Hallmark movie? Wonderful chapter!