raven1

Hi again Laura! Sorry I forgot to thank you in my first comment for your fast delivery of the catboy I wanted to meet per my comment in the epilogue. I am sure Rusty is hooked and waiting to be reeled by Mr. Han.

Natalie and Myles think much alike and are both good people. I am sure they are riding shotgun for the best friends. The chapter had some interesting dialogue, but I thought the ideas and speculations were very intriguing. I especially appreciated the speculation of @drsawzall. The more I thought about his suspicion of Principal Asshat actions, the more I am sure he is correct. The counter protest students and Natalie's group form a large portion of the population in even a large high school. They are all connected to Facebook as we know from the first chapters. It wouldn't take more than a few hours before students like Dan would find out what Natalie and friends are attempting, and then notifying Principal Asshat. It is only logical that Asshat would try to subvert any attempt by Natalie. I think Natalie now has a target on her back.

Parker's introspective thoughts about a relationship with Darius were poignant and thoughtful. I wouldn't identify them as racist, but reflective of all the uncertainties and problems a relationship might face in today's society. He is showing the rational and pragmatic POV to life I am sure his parents have taught him to use when making an important decisions in his life. I was disappointed in his final thought being defeatist. I don't think that that will last, but had hoped on a more positive and passionate determination to face the challenges. I was glad that Parker was able to confide in his parents and proud of their understanding and support for their son. I reminded my of my own wonderful parents.

A very interesting switch in the genre from your stories I have already read. The only thing I can be sure of is that your skill in creating characters and drama will once again entertain and please me. Looking forward to getting to know these characters and where they are heading! I like the introduction to these people in this chapter.

It didn't take more than a minute reading to know who catboy is in the story. Accidental meeting, Rusty's realization and Matty taking off on the run. Run, Matty, run! Rusty won't stop chasing you til he finds where you are hiding. Not that that's a problem with Rusty's friends unknowing providing the means. I don't thing Rusty is going to earn a lot of bones for his treat. None if Matty is first in line. What a fun filled beginning Laura! I am overjoyed there was no long wait for this story to begin! I hardly had any withdrawal symptoms before you posted this chapter!

Again Darius and his friends prove that they are much more wonderful and beautiful than the people that hate them because of their skin color. It was a very wonderful surprise that Natalie showed up with Parker's true friends. The violence was expected, but it did produce the evidence needed to nail the corrupt police chief and officers in the officers in the force. I love Myles and knew that he and Natalie would be fun together. Natalie has the best line in the whole chapter! The humorous dialogue does much to help me keep my anger in check as you remind me of so many injustices I have seen and lived through. You do have a great skill at creating empathic characters and emotional upheaval.

I don't think it is a matter of old school that Charlie has given his warning. He has seen the resurgence of the same racial hatred he experienced in the past and knows the dangers of violence. Mandela, Gandhi and King all fought successfully without the use of violence. Violence breeds hatred and the need for revenge. That does not solve the problem but only makes it worse. Charlie is a very wise man, and the kids should respect and learn from him. Pastor Moore and Parker's dad have the right idea. Don't destroy bridges with violence, build them with hard work, perseverance and love. I think that Darius's friends are really great people. I do have a hard time believing Darius' community being this accepting, since so many of my friends who were/are black had it so much worse with their family, friends and community than I did back in the 70's, 80's and 90's. I do sincerely hope that is no longer true today.

I do worry about the rally and counter protest tomorrow. Cynthia seemed closed to understanding, and I think this will take her way beyond understanding. She know these people, and to have them come into her home and beat up Parker will set her off like a rocket! I wonder how it will affect her meeting tomorrow. Hopefully, her company will be more willing to understand and listen. However, I doubt it.

I love the humor in the chapter when they were eating at Charlie's. I agree with Parker that Myles is fun, and I would like him as a friend. Parker was slow to put all the clues together, but he finally did it and was rewarded very nicely Darius. I hope it leads to a date. Charlie was another great character and I hope I will see him again in the story. Of course you couldn't wait to spoil things until the next chapter. It cost you a heart emoji! Nettleman is a very blatant racist. I fear that Parker is just beginning to feel his wrath at being caught out as a racist.

Why do I think that someone, somewhere will draw the wrong conclusions about Parker and Darius eating together. I am glad that Parker is standing up for himself as a gay. At least he has Natalie there to help him understand what is happening to him as viewed from her POV. I suspect that standing up will separate the true friends Parker has from the swill.

An interesting meeting with the Pastor and Darius, followed by a very surprising speech by Parker's father. I think it is best to limit contact with others until after the trial. Parker's decision to limit who has access to his phone number was wise on his part. He should also take his mother's advice about learning more about the racial issues he will be up against during this challenging time.

I think the comments represent most of my own sentiments of the issues of race and ethnicity. I am a very white gay man with a very dark brown skinned Thai husband. I see the same things here that were mentioned by others. Jonathan's father scored a knockout with Nettleman when he exposed Nettleman for his bigotry and hypocrisy. How people like Nettleman can hold any job in education is terrible. However, it is also quite common and frustrated me as teacher. The lawyer was brutally honest with Jonathan. I hope Jonathan understands the need to follow his advice, and only confides in his parents.

Parker's dad is a force to be reckoned with, and I am happy he is on Parker's side. I also like that he is contacting his lawyer, and going to speak with Pastor Moore. Parker is just beginning to realize how much impact will have on his life. I have to say your vivid imagery and dialogue had me enraged many times in these first few chapters. I call that brilliant writing.

I agree also, but would like to point out another reason. Sweden's black population is one percent of its total. Very similar to Parker's school. There are many ethnic groups, but those are mainly caucasians from Europe and the Middle East.

This chapter represents a powerful image that keeps recurring as we are confronted with videos taken by courageous people. There are many recordings of too many incidents of profiling and police brutality in action. Police are a necessary part of our society, but need to be held to a much, much higher standard than the average citizen when it comes to bigotry and violence. Police receive a lot of training in many areas, however, they should spend as much learning about human rights and getting to personally know all the people they will be serving. They must be vetted intensely to insure that their personal beliefs are in compliance with basic human ethics. Police must go beyond just understand the rights of every human, and have a deep belief in those rights. Your description of the arrest was chilling and intense. The actions were written with an authentic feel. Chief Morgan is either blind and deaf or a hypocrite and bigot. His police department has some corrupt and evil officers. Parker is definitely in a bad spot and may even be in danger himself. I hope he will have the support of his father and friends at his school. He's going to need them.

What!!??? They won't have bit parts in the stories of the girls and their cousins in the future? I am so sad.😭

Hi Gary! I am curious why you are keeping the story on long term hold. If you mark it complete, then we all can add reviews! It's fine as it is without adding more to the story. Leave the future to the imaginations of your readers.😄

Growing up during the 50's, 60's,and 70's I had many of the same experiences that Parker has. I grew up in two small, rural white towns in Oregon. Segregation was in full force at the time, but we didn't realize it. We did read about the killing of black men and families by the KKK. We experienced the hopeful speech of Dr. King and then his assassination. We saw the riots in LA. I also was confronted by all this. I had to face my own racism I didn't think I had when I moved to the city. Portland had KKK members, a large black ghetto, and many gay black men hiding from whites, blacks and people who hated gays. As an old man I realize that bigotry is the result of fear of the unknown and the need for humans to feel the power to protect themselves. Bigotry is not the sole possession of any one group, but resides in every human. We cannot be complacent thinking we can make laws that will cure the problem. There is no cure. What we all must do is watch the laws we make to ensure these laws are giving us the results we want, while not creating untenable situations for others. Well meant laws often produce undesired results. We must watch for the growth of bigotry, analyze the causes, and treat the causes of bigotry which feed its growth. As humans we can all learn from history and the mistakes we have made. We can see how greedy and power hungry people can use the discontent people who feel ignored and left out. What we all must remember is that we are the caretakers of the future and remain vigilant, open minded and ready to act. @Clancy59, Just sending my thanks for your insights, and the fact you served as a librarian. All the librarians I have had in my life were both friends and mentors growing up and in my career as a teacher.

I wonder how Rhys and the Alpha got put on the emergency contact lists. As usual Rafe's father is an ass and thinks he can still bully Rafe around. He sure is an arrogant f..ker and hasn't learn his lesson yet. Rafe gives him a big chunk of his mind. Andre did the same for the Alpha, but much more politely. As time goes by I think Rafe will be making news that will make the Alpha proud of him. I don't think he will return to the pack as an omé. The school seems to have an interesting concept of protecting the students to include those the student love outside of school. I'm really enjoying the story!

I have read one shifter story where something like that happened, but that was by a GA author who I can't remember. I did like the story however.

Hi Gary! Glad you got some sleep, but there are days when it just doesn't feel enough. Hope you gain some energy as the day gets going.

Hi Clo! I am proud of you Tink! Teaching is a great career! I loved it all the decades I taught. Well except for the first and second year. The first was hell, the second difficult and all the rest kept me so busy I didn't have time to get board or hate the job. I do cherish all the wonderful times, friends and memories. I wish you all the best.

You don't need a professional matchmaker or dating service when you have a sneaky, intelligent and ingenious son who fiercely loves you. This is a sweet short filled with love. A very feel good story that will provide a quick boost to your spirits.

A very efficient and lovely story filled with love!

That's a damned good estimate, assuming you are referring to only their comments on this chapter.