skinnydragon

An important chapter, Tim! Important because it demonstrated where the twins are at the moment, and how near they are to being where they should be to be mentally healthy the rest of their lives, which is sort of what this story is all about -- to me, anyway. And so they were able to evaluate their mother's attempt to shield them, their father's MO in accurate detail, the place where their grandparents were (mentally/socially) and how to exploit it. etc. The point being, they are maturing to the point where they can take control of certain situations, while still relying on the support of their lovers. Sort of what people are supposed to do, no? The turmoil or their past is becoming the strengthening agent of their future, instead off claiming them as victims, as it certainly could have. And through it all, you exhibit a lightness of writing that makes this all actually enjoyable to the reader. Well done!

Last paragraphs of chapter 4: “No doubt. But so what? That crackpot religion doesn’t even exist anymore.” “Don’t you get it? Her parents were followers of that cult. What if they still believe that kind of shit.” I filled in the missing words. “Then Shawn could have suffered some of the same conflicts David had.” With that frightening thought in my brain, I fall into an uneasy sleep. I awake on Saturday with the germ of an idea. Don wakes up with a different idea. I decide my idea can wa

When we first met the grandparents, you subtly dropped a hint (by description -- or omission, I think) that the grandfather wasn't completely comfortable with his wife's behavior. And now we see it yet more explicitly. His concern is for the grandchildren. Her concern is for power. It was wonderful watching him stand up to her and try to make her understand exactly that. But I'm not sure his message of love is getting through. I liked how Peter made sure their car was blocked in the driveway. A well designed and interesting chapter, Graeme.

Interesting that you've turned it over to Marc to have the power to make a difference in the predator's life. And now we'll discover two things. First, how much he has damaged Marc and second, how forgiving a man Marc can be. Those two things will determine our predator's immediate future. As far as his long-range future, I can't even guess. That has to be carefully buttoned up inside our author's head. Very, very interesting chapter, Parker!

Friendship shouldn’t come with imposed restrictions And there it is. The one line from your deeply moving poem that gets right to the heart of it. The very heart of what friendship is all about. So sometimes it isn't that we're shedding a friend, but realizing whatever we have isn't friendship. Very strong, but clearly expressed, Gary.

Whatever he chooses, Zac made the right choice here. He knows what is and what is not in his heart and I give him full marks for realizing it, even if it did take that awkward meeting with Adrian to drive it home. What happens next? At this point neither Zac nor Adrian knows (nor us ). But I'm willing to bet you will, Ron, and I can't wait to discover it. Nice chapter!

All returned and assembled for the advent of the fall semester! Hmm... how many more travels can we expect? Or are we closing in on the conclusion to this part of CJ's journey to manhood? Either way, you've opened a bunch of paths for future travel, no matter what you name them. Very smoothly written, as usual, Carlos. Everything seems so natural and logical from one scene to the next. You do that very well. Thanks for sharing this!

I'm not usually into fairy tales -- well, those kind of fairies anyway. But I must admit this was one I followed faithfully and it was pretty interesting and well written. I guess I shouldn't be so judgmental of story types. Although were-creatures and zombies; not yet. A very enjoyable story with interesting twists. Good work!

It's easy to feel a little sorry for Billy here. And I do -- I always do. It's easy to criticize him for not being clearer with Jimmy. But he has been. He also has been Jimmy's boyfriend - sorta. And Jimmy has a (crazy) way of selecting his memories. It's easy to criticize him for all his interactions with Trace. He's attracted to him. He's always been attracted to him. But Trace is a bit of a flake -- never forget that. It's easy to criticize Billy for being a guy always expecting compliments (compliment hog?) and feeling hurt when everyone doesn't see what a great and kind guy he is. But we forget his age. And we forget he's gay and what that has cost him. I'd love to meet the young/mid teen who has his act together. I never have. And so I enjoy your story, Comsie! I always have. It's a pleasure to try and put myself into that kid's head and see the world the way he does. And here I've gotta tell ya -- you make it easy to do because you write this so well. So whether I have to wait a week or two months, It's always a delight to see a chapter of "The Secret Life" posted! Always!!

Thank you so much, Alan! I'm tickled that the story affected your emotions. It really is a writer's greatest compliment. And thank you for sharing that with me.

What a thoroughly rewarding chapter, Parker! You're forgiven for the over two month wait! Well -- sorta. Well, anyway, there's no backing out now, as if they would even think of such a thing. Also, now that they've started a new tradition, the're in it forever. You now how traditions can claim you, Tomas surely did. Thanks for this!

tesao!! What a wonderful story-end review. Thank you so much. I can't even imagine what it was like for you to read it like that! Apparently it was OK. Thanks again!

Thank you, Lisa. As an editor there must have been lots of moments where it was like fingernails on a chalkboard -- I wonder if it's the same with whiteboards -- to you, and I apologize for that. But I think I learned a lot as the story chugged along. That the characters affected you is, of course, the greatest compliment. Thank you so much! As in every other aspect of the story, we only know what the observer knows. I guess that means the whispered comments will never be revealed -- unless we bump into David somewhere down the line. Hey, anything's possible in SkinnyLand. btw, jess owns the copyright on Skinnyland.

Thanks, Carlos! Thank you for hanging in there for all these chapters of angst and blunders -- and thanks for your support. It was greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much, CG! Thanks for these incredibly kind words. Yes, the story was only a slice of life from a handful of POV's. A lot went on around town we knew nothing about, or only the edges that our narrators came in contact with. Sort of like real life. Thanks for all your support and countless reviews. They were always a great treat to read. Now we can put these guys to bed. Maybe a few will peek out from time to time. We'll take what we can get -- hehe.

Thank you, Carl! Thanks for all your comments and for sticking with the story over all 122 chapters of David's journey. Sometimes I didn't even know what the boys were going to do.

Thanks so much, jess! Now aren't you glad, deep down that you don't have to worry about these kids anymore? Thanks for your kind words. This was my first story ever, and at times the boys even surprised me. I never knew what Matty was going to turn into! Anyway, thanks for hanging with it all!

Thanks, jeff! Well, we knew from chapter one how long the journey would be. I think the poor kid needs some rest now, don't you? Thanks for following such a long and arduous journey of discovery!

Thanks, Def! And David thanks you for never giving up on him, even though he made it pretty difficult at times. Maybe I need to put a four chapter limit on any story I write in the future.

Thank you, Parker! You may be the only one to know, first hand, what such a journey takes out of the writer -- hehe. So thanks for all your support in following David's jarring journey to hell and back.

Thanks so much, JHD! I'm glad you recognized the real story here. And it was exceedingly difficult to write -- emotionally. I think I'm just getting over it now, and it's been just over two months that I posted this last chapter.

Thanks, shamayne! Thanks for reading it all and expressing your opinion. That's all a story can hope to accomplish. It is what it is and, as is true in life, all the i's are not dotted nor the t's all crossed. Thanks for hanging in there!

Thanks for all your reviews, spikey! Even when David frustrated you so much, your rants were very creative! You should write a story! But in spite of it all, here you are at chapter 122. I thank you for that.

On the most personal of levels, you have given hope. There's no greater gift than that. You give me hope for the things in my own life. A good story can change people in ways they will never fully appreciate. I have no higher compliment that I can pay you, beyond saying that you brought hope to someone. Take your bows, good sir. They are well-earned and entirely deserving of this monumental effort. Hunter! What can I say. Your taking the story so personally is the greatest thing a reader can say. I appreciate your tenacity.

Thanks, Roy! I'll miss them too. It was an enormously long ride. Thanks for sticking with the boys.