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Even though it was a man who came down the stairs, I still believe that MD is the ringleader behind Wyatt's adbuction. Her telephone conversation with Bryan was off which just added to evidence that pointed to her guilt. I find it interesting that she gave a name of a cab company to Bryan. She would have been smarter to say she was focussing on Wyatt, so didn't pay attention to the name. I guess she doesn't think Bryan will contact them. The only other option is that he was picked up and she had him abducted from somewhere else. Ah, so many theories.... I am really glad that Bryan has Sarah on his side. I think she will live up to the saying "good things come in small packages" whether it's being a supportive friend or a tiger with claws big enough to deal with MD and her helper(s). Telling the kids turned out to have an unexpected bonus. While Bryan may think that Marc's talking to his dad can't help that much, I think it will. Something tells me that Marc's dad is a member of the local police force - a high ranking member at that, who has power and influence to get the search for Wyatt up and running. It was a bit of a surprise to see another chapter so soon after the previous one, but most welcome nonetheless. Thank you CM for another great instalment.

Painting will always be there, it can wait Satisfying your heart and soul...lasts a lifetime As a plus, you will have pleasant memories to get you through that oh so exciting paint job...

I'm not religious, but I respect others who are. I only have a problem with people who selectively use verses from the bible to justify hating or hurting someone else. For those people, I have absolutely no tolerance. Not sure if it is still around, but the following phrase is a memory from my childhood that we were taught to live by. "Didn't your mother tell you that if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all?"

No I'm good with your name in the lights. I'll just lurk in the shadows like a good "backseat driver" should. RE: Connecting Scene. I'm okay with that, just don't know where to start...

Nicely done Cynus. it's actually quite neat to see all the characters and story details put together like this.

My sentiments exactly. It's infuriating that they can get away with spreading hate the way they do. Makes me want to smack them silly - that would be my Tartan/Irish temper speaking...though, I kind of mean it too.

I think it is wonderful that you kept that flag instead of replacing it with a shiny new one. It's fabulous way to remember that you and it went through hell but came out the other side. Albeit with some bumps and bruises. That flag is a badge of honour personified.

I really like Harley. Except for the encounter with Kenton, he's always happy and upbeat. I can see him and CJ being friends for a long time... I was a little perplexed by Autumn's behaviour at the GSA meeting. How is it okay in any reality to ask someone to "out" themselves if he/she are not ready to do so? I'm glad CJ refused to answer that question. In turn, I'm equally glad that he made peace with Autumn. He wears his level headedness and maturity well. Inherent yes, but no doubt bolstered by the influence of his dads' and the Eight. That was some road trip they took. I wish I had been invited.... Cesar and Brett really do know how to do the dad stuff right. Granted, they were only exposed to Harley for a relatively short time, but they tolerated his hyper behaviour really well. Their admonishment was gentle and good natured. Harley responded well to this approach, I think. Carlos, you had said this chapter was longer than originally planned. To paraphrase Goldilocks "Ahhh, this porridge is just right," she said happily and she ate it all up." And that's just what I did with this chapter. Until next week, thank you.

This is a tough one Gary. I have read it through twice now (and will read it again and maybe again). Reading the words a second time, took my thoughts in a different direction from the first. I don't think I can do it justice by writing any further at this time, so I'm going to stop here. And, because sometimes I just can't stop "talking", I will say this - it's a great piece of writing that like any good wine, it needs to breathe to fully appreciate the taste.

"Life is meant to be art, and most people treat it as work." I really like that line. I see parallels between how I used to live and how I am trying to live today. For too many years, I sacrificed living for working. I'm no longer working to live and boy does that feel great. Thanks for for another insightful bit of writing.

I'm beginning to see what brought each of the boys to MTC. Chris, Gary and Luke all seem to have accepted the Missionary journey for personal reasons of their own making. Jason, on the other hand, seems to be doing it because someone else told him it was the right thing to do. His actual reason seemed like a regurgitation of church beliefs and ideals. As for his knee jerk reaction to Gary and Luke's accidental pile up? Way way waaaayyyy over the top. Let's hope Luke (I'm really liking this guy) catches up to him and can talk some sense into him. It's still early yet, so my perceptions of the boys' personalities and what makes them tick, may not be quite as on target as I think. I look forward to to finding out as we follow their journey into missionary like. Excellent chapter Cynus

Of all the time to be out of Likes..... Gary, that was beautiful. You put into words what we have all thought, but didn't know how to express. Thank you for being you - and that goes for everybody else too!

Yay! I actually had a Like because this chapter sure deserved to be liked. Bit of a quieter chapter today what with not having any drama. The routine, and not so routine, activities of daily living are a nice way to show that things are going well for the boys. I'm beginning to see into their future lives and it's all golden. As for poor Jeremy, I don't think Kendall will be able to stop himself from butting into his love life. Which is a good thing for Jeremy considering Kendall's excellent Track record. I loved the part with the ornaments. No doubt, that was just the beginning of many family traditions for Kendall and Michael. As usual, you've given us another great chapter. Thank you Gary

Well that was heartbreaking. I wonder if MD (thanks for that Lisa ) would regret what she's done - and we all know she's the guilty party - if she knew how much Bryan is suffering? My guess is her thought would be "he will get over it and forget about Wyatt. I know what's best for him and he'll see that I'm right soon enough." I don't think I'm wrong in thinking that is where her head is at as she carries out her wicked and selfish plan. Since Bryan is too emotionally involved, my hope is that Sarah sees through MD's false motherly concern and turns all Friend Bear on her. Now that would be fun to watch! Well done CM.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BILL!!

Out of likes.........will do that later. For now.... Val, you did a wonderful job with that prompt. This could be the start of a great story (or series of prompts) if you have the time or inclination. The alarm clock bit made me laugh. I remember when that happened to me. I ended up halfway under the bed at five in the morning worried that the loud alarm was going to wake the neighbours.

Out of likes, so will do that later I love vampire stories like this - a sequel would be nice

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CIA

Welcome Andy. I too, was here for awhile before I got an account. Valkyrie is right this is a great place to be.

*HUGZ* Vent anytime you need to, we'll be here...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAZ!!!

I liked to say that was a surprising turn of events, but sadly it wasn't, so I can't. Since reading the previous chapter, a number of different scenarios have run through my brain regarding how this story is going to go. The one that holds fast is the HEA for Bryan and Wyatt after all the terrible in between stuff is over. As for the "in between stuff"? None of it was looking good for anyone. I'm quite sure the mastermind behind all of this is Bryan's mother. Unfortunately, she really hasn't thought things through properly. My pondering of this situation has brought forth all sorts of ways this could blow up in her face, the shrapnel from that explosion shooting in all different directions hitting unintended and innocent targets. As for Darrin? I don't think he is in on it, but he certainly set himself up, albeit unknowingly, to be the perfect patsy, didn't Until next time....

From you dedication, I gather this is your first attempt at writing? Please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. That was an incredibly vivid tale. I could see everything clearly in my mind's eye from your words alone. As for an emotional connection? That was very vivid as well. Mike's desperation and fear is obvious in both his words and his actions. I won't even fault you for that bit of trickery at the end letting us think Mike was too late. Presenting it that way only intensified the relief felt that Nick was alive after all. Nicely done You lucked out having Robert, Craftingmom and Carlos as your posse. They really are one of a kind each in their own right.

Chapter 7 had a lot going on…so where to start? Let’s start with Tommy. I felt bad for his having an anxiety attack while still in hospital recovering from the gunshot wound. But, then I realized, that Bradley’s call would cause anxiety no matter where or when it was. He was actually better off being in the hospital so Caleb could alleviate his symptoms rather than having him suffer. It’s great that CJ and Bradley so seamlessly connected. It really wasn’t too much of a surprise that Bradley and his brother don’t buy into the vitriol that the priest and their grandfather spew. I look forward to their visit to D.C. That should be fun and perhaps cause a few grey hairs (just kidding) for their respective dads? I would have liked there to be more comeuppance for the two officers involved in CJ’s “arrest”. Its understandable, though, that CJ was satisfied with the outcome so he can put this unpleasant experience behind him and get on with being a kid. Speaking of being a kid, Harley is adorable if not exhausting. He and the whole school experience are an excellent support system for CJ to move forward and get on with his life. Kudos to the Principal Edwards for checking up on him to make sure he’s okay. Attending the funeral and standing by Adriano and the twins, was a nice way to reinforce their friendship. Adriano’s words at the end were sad but beautiful. As usual, another excellent chapter.

Interesting group these 4 boys make. I think I can safely say at this point, my least favourite of the quartet is Jason. I was ok with him in chapter 1 with the bit about his marriage beliefs. I mean, he only had the experience of one point of view, so I couldn't fault him for his convictions. Chapter 2 exposes his character a little more. Unfortunately, I see him as being to rigidly righteous. However, since I'm not a Mormon and, therefore, unfamiliar with the Mormon way of doing things, I'll give him a break for now. As for Luke, Chris and Gary? I think I like those three. Chris gives off a really positive vibe. I can see him being the peacemaker and confidante (if that's possible within the confines of the companion relationships) of the group. Luke and Gary I'm still working on how I see them - but I can tell now, it will be positive. One thing I am glad for is the explanation for their extreme (etiquette training) politeness given that they are quite young. I was beginning to think they were Stepford Children. I mean, I'm all for being polite, but wow, that was almost too much... The story is moving along at a nice pace making it easy to get to know the protagonists and imagine how they will function as the story unfolds. Looking forward to reading more.....