skinnydragon

Nice chapter Mark. The earlier reviewers already said just about everything except ...what did ME actually expect to happen? I don't think she's stupid ...but did she think everyone was gonna cave?

Thanks! That was certainly worth reading, as awful as its message was! But it WAS a message.

Thank You Parker for that very thoughtful review. I agree with you about the existence of communities that actually follow the meaning of Jesus's works. They don't get the press they deserve. Don't completely give up on David, though.

Thanks for the nice review, Defiance! Ironic how Twoey, the outsider is getting more comfortable there, while David, the consummate insider, is feeling less comfortable. But now, at least, we can move forward!

Thanks CG! No, that's his real mom but he gave her away to Tommy a few days ago. I don't think she'll ever get him back cuz of what is yet to happen. WOW, I'm interested in how your picking up negative vibes from Erik. You should, but I didn't think I had dropped any hints yet. Must have been unconscious on my part. Maybe you've got more experience than me ...hehe.

Thanks for the review, Dodger! You're right, Mike is still fresh in Twoey's mind. That dollar got returned only the day before he moved. Of course he seemed to have really 'lost' Mike last spring. But as I reminded Lisa, don't give up on Mike!

I've been reading this story for a while. It's one I always look forward to a new chapter. The writing makes the reader (me) really interested in these characters. I hope chapter 15 is on the way!!

My Weekly Curse was now about to start. Let me explain how this works. First there is a family breakfast ...together ...at the same time ...everybody ...around the same table ...together! Tommy's mother makes pancakes or eggs or something new I’m sure she or Gary's mom find in some woman’s magazine. Poor Gary has to endure it too. Sometimes we compare notes to see if they both cook the same thing! And they usually do. Such unimagination! Then after that, we get all dressed up and go to CHURCH!

I liked it Dodger. Even though it necessarily filled in some of the back story, it was much more than just that. We also see Tom and understand that relationship even better. Now I know why Robbie didn't want to leave him. Tom was more than just a best friend. Exactly what he was, I'm not sure there's a word. But I think I understand. OK ...I guess I'm ready to return to Canada

Really. really thanks. You guys are the best!

I think I mentioned somewhere that 18 Weeks was begun in the middle of September '14 and finished sometime in April '15. I am (obviously) not a writer by profession, but the story just kept pouring out as I wrote all the chapters, every one. Then, of course, the hard part. I must have rewritten the chapters thousands of times, moving stuff around, adding and subtracting characters, etc. I'm sure every writer does this, but I certainly had never written a 250,000 word story before! Prior to submitting each chapter, I continue rewriting, modifying and changing the emphasis of certain characters. I'm sure that's probably common too. My point in mentioning all this is that I still consider this story unfinished ...a work in progress. Looking ahead, at the upcoming chapters, I've made a decision. There is sex, and it plays a part in the development of the plot and (possible) resolution of the story. But I have begun excising graphic elements of the sex scenes. I've come to the conclusion they don't belong in this story. With one possible exception, these boys are not professionals and don't have much experience. The sex will still be there, and except for the humor found in some inept fumbling or unexpected discoveries, just not in gory detail. I hope this is acceptable, and I'm sorry if you don't approve, but I'm resolute about this. DavidDragon

Nice Mark. And "me too" - I also enjoy seeing JJ develop in each chapter. Since we obviously have many years to go, I always wondered how JJ would fit in, say in 2014, but I now have more faith in him ...well, maybe faith isn't quite the appropriate word Excellent chapter.

Thanks for both reviews CG (and I can't wait for ch32 of J&M). I guess things are moving sort of fast for both boys. Maybe Sunday 9/7 will give them time to reflect and regroup

Thanks Defiance ...mmm yes, probably should keep our eye on Erik, but as Twoey said ...you never get tired of looking at him

Well I read the first chapter and ...I'm hooked!

Well you threatened to do this and you did! Haha ...great! It'll be interesting to see the familiar story from Brandon's pov. I can't wait. I think it's a fine start; it lays the groundwork for lots of B's insecurities that we see peeking out in Billy's diaries. I look forward to all the future chapters!

My friend could not believe I walked away. Gary called me an idiot for not making a move on Kathy. “No wonder you never have a girlfriend! Call her and go to the movies tonight or something.” “I don't even have her number!” He just snorted. “Have Liz get it from Greg, dummy! No wait ...Kathy is one of Mel's friends, I'll get it from her.” And that was it. Within two minutes I had Kathy's number. Mel's friend ...Hmmm. Another connection between me and Kathy. Too many coincidences!! Gary was si

OK Dodger, this is continuing nicely with some interesting avenues daring to be followed. I certainly find it entertaining and like it. I'll welcome the next chapter!

Ha! Yes I thought that last one was a bit "terse" and thanks for the comment on conversation portrayal ...one of the things I found myself working on a lot while rewriting it 4000 times

Hey Parker ...Thanks for reading and reviewing.

What a welcome surprise to see Class appear for another chapter. I only had to go back and reread four chapters to get up to speed again! Nicely done Comsie, leading us to the "confront Chris" scene ...don't leave us cliffhanging for too long ...pls

Thanks Defiance, and for your recognition of that 'angst' factor. Added to hormones, it's hard to be too critical of some decisions that are made. Everything is perfectly logical to them! Prepare yourself though, Lanni is only one of the girls we'll toss into the mix!

Yes Mark, a good chapter that clears up lots and defines the battle lines. I agree with Daddydavek, there has to be something else.

Thanks, as always, for your review Coastguard. Yep, lots more to suffer through ...haha Considering that the inspiration was a few overheard conversations by two boys on Mustang Isl. TX last September, it amazed me how the story just spun out of me for the next 6 or 7 months. But I'll keep my day job.

Very, very lovely. It clearly shows their strength and appreciation for each other. Probably something they'll need to be able to dig back into ...when complications arise. Nice chapter H!