skinnydragon

Thank you lux! An interesting observation that David is dropping all his security into one person. He does seem to be searching desperately for a safe harbor and has decided, for better or for ill, that his old friends aren't it.

Thanks Def! There's more to Alex than we've been allowed to see ...hehe. As we'll see, Alex isn't the only force around. Mike isn't going to let his friend suffer again.

A great chapter Rex! That was a surprisingly touching scene, Barry's presentation ceremony on the stage. Who'd have thought it would choke me up. So now to wait a few days as we teeter on the cliff.

A thought provoking chapter, mitchelll ! Dad knows, right? Denise, gone? Viktor, softening? Shane, waking? All good things, no? Haha ...we'll have to see. Thanks for this!

Deep turquoise. An interesting attribute when it bespeaks of the eyes. One would usually describe them as blue. At any reasonable distance they do appear to be blue. However, the color of a person’s eyes is never a plain monotone. Light reflections, ambient hues, or even one’s mood can infuse subtle complexities to even the simplest of their tones. Deep turquoise adds the alternative color, green, to this variegated amalgam of tint and personality. Over our two-week vacation, I was afforded the

In Late April, there is reference to a Stella di Campalto, sometimes called the accidental winemaker. For those interested, here is a link to a blog page which does a pretty nice job of describing how she fell into what she does. And, brother, how she has excelled at what she does! I have tasted the fruits of her labor (as you will see if you read the link, that is literally true) and can honestly say it is the finest brunello I've certainly ever had. Which means it is one of the finest wines in the world. Don't expect to find it in your nearest liquor store. On the other hand, you could find quite a bit in my cellar, which is why you'll never be able to torture my address from me. http://www.vinography.com/archives/2013/04/stella_di_campalto_montalcino.html

In an upcoming chapter she does cry. Not that you cruel haters will care But don't sell-short David's gut instinct of liking her. Even though his thinking is often, bent(?), his gut instincts are pretty accurate. At least we know his SG (Subconscious Gaydar) is right on.

Well, it seems to be over, no? hehe ...I like how you showed each pov in a separate little chapter. At least we know how they were thinking up to and including the punch! In a strange way, that punch was good for both of them. Also the povs clearly demonstrated that these two guys never defined their relationship with each other. Not that you would expect two kids in high school to worry about stuff like that. But if you don't, then situations like Devin found himself in at college have no roadmap. And then this can lead to each person imposing his 'wish' on the other one's behavior. etc. But, as Devin said, now they move on.

I tell thee, minstrel, I must weep, Or else this heavy heart will burst; For it hath been by sorrow nursed, And ached in sleepless silence, long; And now 'tis doomed to know the worst, And break at once - or yield to song. - George Gordon Byron *** No dreams. Rested. I showered and had a small breakfast of only fruit. I kissed Aunt Sarah goodbye and left to join the three guys who picked me up. Walking to school seemed different today. For the first time ever, I didn’

Thanks so much, Parker! Alex is basically gone until we need her. But we always knew she was level-headed and very, very smart. She analyzed the situation quickly, diagnosed David quickly and did the only logical thing she could do to help the boy she still has deep feelings for. We should probably excuse her for her over-the-topness and write it off to her age and hormones or whatever. Don't you worry one little bit about Donny and benefits. He seems to be winning the race with Matty, all with a hand and leg tied behind his back!

Thanks for your great comments, Geoff! The shrink better be a miracle worker -- lol! Wait until we find out he only has 4 days to work his miracles. You left out Donny and Mel's Dad.

Thanks for the comments, CG! We won't see Alex much more (you're welcome) but when we do, we'll be glad she is the way she is. Really. Speaking of forces, you will be happy to see a force at work when Mike engages the gears. You already noticed how he was the only one to let Ginny in on what she couldn't possibly have known. As for the adults, it's pretty normal for them to be oblivious to what their kids do. Except for the soccer moms of suburbia, they have their own problems to wrestle with and their kids rarely, if ever, share anything with 'the enemy.'

Thanks for your great (even if Pollyanna) comments Jess! Alex can be a force, that's for sure. So that could be good news. Tomorrow's talk with Dr. K. will be more revealing than what's discussed, if we pay attention. David is never going to be able to keep from slipping into his sad mode until the cause is rooted out. And he doesn't have much time left. 122-106=16. Yikes!

Thanks so much, lux! You're correct to see that David is in a very delicate spot, mentally, right now. And, as we'll soon see, it will get him off to a rocky start with Dr. Keating. As far as Mike is concerned, with his background and how he hurt the best friend he could ever have, You know he's going to be all over this problem and is never going to let up or allow that friend to be hurt again, if he can help it. Mel's father ...probably too early for conjecture.

Thank you for the kind words and comments, Hunter! I think Alex has been misread a bit. Perhaps some readers saw her as blocking David and Twoey coming together, and perhaps she did a bit. But David was in no way capable of a relationship with Twoey at that point, given what we know now. Alex was certainly overcome with lust and it was also out of character for a very smart, very level-headed girl. Once the confessions began to roll, she was quick to size it up and realize there was zero chance with David. She got to hear him voice his inner confusion plus she has a gay brother and gay best friend. She loves David and there was really nothing else we could expect her to do but help him. It was all very logical. Donny does want to help. Let's hope he knows how to do the right thing.

Well, now Parker! So refreshingly, ...refreshing! Better than lemonade on a warm summer day.

An interesting and enjoyable chapter, Milos. The opening scene gave us some good stuff to add to our bag of clues, including the catfish reference. The last scene added a little more intrigue to Joey and Chase. The Eli vs. Mom scene was also interesting as it explored those dynamics a bit more. The puzzling scene, for me, was the hallway confrontation. It didn't seem to be related to the Bobberson drama, unless it was used to introduce Tau to us. He was described in some detail, so perhaps he'll pop up later. Anyway, it was a very entertaining scene! The mystery continues to deepen!

Thanks Parker! David tries his best to simplify the geometry in the next chapter, the finale of Part 4 "Alex." That, alone, sort of tells you how it will go. Donny's game is simple. He's attracted to David and doing a better job than Matty, whom we might have had our money on.

Let me confess that we two must be twain, Although our undivided loves are one: So shall those blots that do with me remain Without thy help by me be borne alone. In our two loves there is but one respect, Though in our lives a separable spite, Which though it alter not love's sole effect, Yet doth it steal sweet hours from love's delight. I may not evermore acknowledge thee, Lest my bewailed guilt should do thee shame, Nor thou with public kindness honour me, Unless thou take that ho

Thanks Def! Yes, I too think the irritation is related to this cloud in his brain. When Twoey was in the hospital, he called his lack of memory, puzzle pieces that were missing. I think David might be beginning to experience that same thing right now. David is probably too preoccupied to think about Carl as Chuck's brother. But it is an interesting point. Should Chuck know he's Danny's brother or should he not?

Thanks Def! No, David is far from dumb. The cluelessness we've been joking about seems to be intrinsically tied to Burch trauma.

Thank you spikey! Thoughtful comments, as always. Honestly, I don't think David is capable of figuring out his confusion. That shrouded portion of his life is bad enough, but now it is trying to come out--each time he needs to make that 'G' decision. I will say, his gaydar seems to be impeccable, at least to his subconscious 'dream' self. Hey, there can be two gay boys in the freshman class, can't there? They seem zeroed in on the 'straight' boy though, don't they. Hmmm ...the two girls he got anywhere near having sex with were soon banished. (Alex is only remaining vestigially.)

Thank you, Def! Ironic that gentle Donny met him the same day as did the gentle church. As I mentioned to CG, the Burch suppression is so totally complete, to the extent of not remembering his own life before 8 years old, that there is no way for David to suss it out on his own. It is slowly breaking its own way out, but with painful side effects. Will the doctor be able to pull it the rest of the way out, or will it suddenly manifest itself with catastrophic consequences? David has the talk with Tommy and not Daddy. Yes, very revealing.

Thanks jess! I agree that David seems focused on what lies--both senses--within him. Or as focused as he ever gets. The church might prove very beneficial, because it could be the only source of being treated gently he's going to find. Let's hope he opens up to the doctor, but that's two whole days away.

Thanks CG! I don't think David can explore the Burch thing. It seems to be hatching though. Each time he confronts a desire, the egg cracks a little more. Easy on Alex! You have to know she's toast as far as David is concerned. He's way past that now. Unfortunately, it's difficult envisioning him walking up to Twoey and saying, "Choose me!" At least not now.