pvtguy

The growing love is about to be met with even more honesty and depth. Very well done!

HIPPA applies to all educational institutions as well.

Our system says that if there is even a hint, we are to contact the School Board who, in turn, notifies the police/sheriff's offices so that we are not set up for concealing information. Even listing the names of students requires Board approval first (such lists are given to the Armed Forces for example). HIPAA laws are very specific.

I think I need a sandwich and a shower....

Such a lovely story. I can only ditto all the positive comments about the story and the author! I love the dedication to their children - actually, to their entire family - both blood related and made family through their circle of love. I, too, look forward to every chapter!

I absolutely loved this short story - as I do with all your stories - but especially as it reminded me of my uncle who I truly admired. He was a double amputee who never let that stop him from pursuing lots of dreams. He is the one who took a cold cellar in my grandparents' house and built himself a bedroom from floor to ceiling (in that order) by going from the floor to his wheel chair, to a table with a chair on top. He taught me how to do remodeling (which became my therapy!) as I have done with every place I've lived. He had a great sense of humor and was the life of any gathering! We had many serious talks up to the time of his death. He taught me how to look at people with physical limitations as counseling did for people with learning disabilities that required developing methods which would enhance their capabilities and allow them to learn basic things like reading, writing, speaking, math, etc. This story sets up more background for CJ and the squad in the years to come. Thank you!

That first taste of unrequited love and rejection is so powerful! Those feelings never leave but do, hopefully, become a memory which inspires growth. The hardest thing to do at this age (or just about any for that matter) is to learn to place it in a compartment and see that there is a lot more to life than this one person. That takes time, someone to talk with and regard you as a lovable person, and the building of self-confidence. Thanks for sharing this powerful, well-written story.

A great start to this next volume...Methinks Pate is growing up...

A great start! As a retired high school educator (47 years total), I am intrigued! You've captured my interest @RichEisbrouch

This is a wonderful story of a young girl through her life in a mill town that is also rural. The changes that take place from the Great Depression to World War II, to life over the hundred years of her existence, it is most relatable in so many ways to those of us who grew up in small towns that had booming industries which then faded. Through it all, she is the pillar of strength for her family.

It ended a little too quick for me. That the Shepherds are "gone", but the fact they are murderers, drug dealers, guilty of assaults - one of which ended in paralysis - and who knows what all charges could be brought against them leave me unsettled. I'm very glad for Leander and Luke and Duke. Luke is making great advances through his work with Calvin. Len is a solid man and a wonderful father. I do love your writing, @James Matthews: it is very real and relatable, the characters very full and not just fluff! I will add my hope for a sequel... Tony

Ramon is getting his sweet revenge. I'm sure this is going to be a "happily ever after" story...but it will be fun to see how the truth finally comes out about Olivia, et al.

Joe is definitely a mixed-up teen - combination of abuse (physical and emotional), fear, peer pressure as he interprets it, immaturity, not sure of his desires. And then there's Craig - hormonal 14 year old with a mad crush/lust with hormonal 'poisoning' - a term I used frequently trying to assess teens. Sounds like a lot of the teens I worked with over my years as a high school counselor! However very relatable to many as growth experiences through the teen years. Your writing remains compelling!

Let's see...you're the author...and you don't know anything, Sgt. Schultz...yeah...

I had to re-read from the beginning as I had forgotten so much of the details of the story. I will say that the quality of the story improved from chapter to chapter, but the plot has been consistent throughout. It is at once a soap opera and a romance with many twists. Mr. Martinez needs to see Olivia as she really is - the evil queen. Perhaps Marcos will allow his testicles to drop and cut the umbilical cord from his mother. After all, she has Dan!

I still don't understand how there can be no legal routes they can take. There has been murder, drugs, arson and who knows what other illegal activities going on for years. With Luke, Leander, Duke and possibly Len in the focus now, how can they be safe?

And once again, you have both captured my attention and whetted my appetite for more of your delicious writing!

Come on Sue! Grow some brass ovaries! It's time to confront Don and the Pastor! Hopefully, the Coast Guard might also initiate an investigation!

The woven web is hopefully going to be undone. I hope Len listens.

A wonderful short story where a young boy experiences life outside his former comfort zone. In a week's time, he makes new friends, enjoys new experiences, and grows in self understanding. Easy reading but most enjoyable.

Thank you for sharing this story with us. It's been a short vacation for me too, though vicariously. I'm so glad Reza allowed himself to drop his pretenses and learn and enjoy a wider view of life. Well done!!!

I have enjoyed every chapter! Such a wonderful treat. Thanks for sharing this!

Ah...what memories to take home with him!

Such a turn of events! His "mum" who said he was her favorite yet had him beat down must know. Oh what a web that is being woven! Love it!

You really have a knack for capturing teen angst! Very well done, indeed!