ReaderPaul

Oh, my, things are going to hit the fan!

Alex is, at least partly, thinking with his dick.

Well! Alex joining the circus is a surprise! I can see that Alex will learn a lot about animals and working odd, not always scheduled hours. I think Francesco will have the most challenging time adjusting to the changes, will the possibility of Julia having a difficult time. Good chapter, @Wombat Bill

Well, I'm certainly glad Edward is alive. I am also glad he wasn't trying to commit suicide. Justin's attitude does not surprise me. It is regrettable, but not surprising. Edward did make a major error in his writing. A PSA of 14? The medical community where I live started watching mine closely when my PSA hit 6, let alone 10. (Prostate cancer runs in my family; dad died from it. He waited nine years between his last two DRE events (DRE = Digital Rectal Exam, if you are not familiar with the term). Al because he did not like a finger up the butt. By the time they found it, it had spread to his bones, blood, and back. All they could do was try to help him be comfortable. My prostate cancer was found early; I did not skip exams. It was totally treatable with radiation, and I only had four side effects: tired very easily, had to pee more, my pubic hair acquired a reddish tinge (red hair runs on BOTH side of my family), and the hair on my legs stropped growing until a couple of weeks after treatment ended. Edward needs to pay attention to Romel and see a urologist as quickly as possible. He will probably have to have a prostate biopsy (THAT was undignified, in my opinion, but necessary). My biopsy became very painful because the doctor was delayed almost an hour before my biopsy started, and the anesthetic was wearing off by the time for the last five punches of the machine. Romel MUST get Edward to the doctor as quickly as possible. My initial impression of Detective Vincenti is very good. Very good chapter, @Wombat Bill.

Well, I am reminded of one story website which can be accessed at more than one web address, and ends in dot org, that does not require some of the same quality that GA has, but does have some good stories, but including one category that I don't care for -- mpreg (male pregnancy). It is not just a gay or lesbian site; it also has straight as well as gay, and some stuff I personally just consider weird. Fortunately, @Wombat Bill is much more reasonable in what he writes.

@Summerabbacat, @chris191070, and @quttzik have all pointed out pieces of the puzzle. I would like to thank them for that. Craig and Romel have gone through so much together in their nursing careers. Sometimes their experiences give them a perspective that the rest of the group does not have. Justin's behavior was triggered by multiple things. I think he worries more about the public being reminded of the events concerning his father, but is also reminded of the events involving Jared. Often, however, the public takes less notice of individuals than individuals think they do. BUT, to the individual, any attention to something that individual does not want mentioned or remembered seems hyper-attentive to the one most directly affected. I also don't remember if it was stated that the Amateur Authors group was a gay group of authors or just a group of authors. Perhaps someone here can remind us.

Wow. Just -- wow. I hope Romel and the emergency crews can save Edward, but I don't know if it will happen or not. Justin is overreacting, but I can only blame him just a little. What Edward did was quite wrong. At the same time, Craig and Romel will be the real losers if Edward dies. What @quttzik said is so true -- "Some one needs to grow the F up. Revenge is never the way to go. And Craig is absolutely correct. Hate only causes grief for the person Hating." Looking forward to answers to whether Edward lives in the next chapter, @Wombat Bill

@Summerabbacat and @haines87 and @chris191070 and @quttzik, you are correct. Instead of @Summerabbacat having a super stressful year, I was having a very stressful three weeks when I read that chapter and the others around it. Justin is overreacting. If he makes a fuss where others can hear, other than Craig and Edward, what kinds of new trouble will be generated?

@Summerabbacat, well written and reasonably thought out. However, as I remember the chapter where the ejaculation took place, the guys had sort-of agreed to be sperm donors, and did not specify the way in which the sperm would be obtained. However, with the help of Julia, at least some of the legal aspects have been mitigated. I have also been disappointed with Edward. When an author writes a story and labels it as fiction, it should be different enough that the story only slightly sounds like events it might have been based on. For example, instead of "having hanged himself." Edward could have had the character "slip on a wet rock in the exercise yard" and break his neck. Justin, however, needs to control himself, since he and Edward are involved with the same piece of property and their businesses help each other. Further, if he sues Edward, the whole thing will blown up all over the press, causing far more damage to all related parties than working out some kind of quiet agreement. Justin MUST control himself, or the story will have more publicity and the case will be squarely and loudly be brought even more into public eyes and ears. Still, @Wombat Bill, a very good chapter. One thing just blossomed in my brain, but I have to read a couple of other things first before mentioning it. I might well be wrong.

@Wombat Bill, I certainly agree with @Summerabbacat on writing multiple-meaning conversations constructed charmingly, comedically, and cheerfully convivial as we are perched on the tip of the neb of the verbal intercourse. Some persons have a gift of understated comedy, and you have the gift with understated, understood, and probably even -- at time -- over-the-top comedy. Oh, by the way -- I really liked the chapter. Concerning my reaction to the end of this chapter, I wanted to give a HaHa, a Wow, a Love, and a Like all at the same time. The chapter is that good.

@Summerabbacat -- I agree with your comments on swimming. Persons who are halfway decent swimmers tend to make swimming LOOK easier than it really can be. I am not a great swimmer. I took a swimming class in college and improved enough to know I am not great. I also learned more cautions relating to water, swimming, and diving. If I swim in a place I have not swum before, I listen carefully to those who know those waters, so that I do not make a mistake due to ignorance. I hope James can help Francesco learn to swim. @Wombat Bill -- any chance of that happening?

I'm not really surprised about Francesco's trust account. It sounds like the Public Trustee is somewhat like what is called (in my state) the Public Administrator, who administers funds and estates and trusts for those who have no capable or honest relatives to do that on behalf of someone else. The Public Administrator may take care of funds for minors, severely handicapped persons, or those whom a court has designated. Of course, once in a while you have an incompetent Public Administrator, and that takes a while to straighten out. I will be interested in seeing how James does with suggesting insurance companies not insure a circus with wild animals. I'm also glad Francesco gets to visit again with James and Alex and Hannah and Julia at their home. Great chapter, @Wombat Bill. I look forward to the analyses of my follow commenters.

@chris191070, I agree with your analysis. And, I think the visiting men started very shortly after his parents died. The teaser for the next chapter already has me eager to read the next chapter. Bureaucracy. Red tape. The paper shuffle. The government runaround. It seems to be everywhere. @Wombat Bill, you've spelled it out perfectly in the frustration James felt when he attempted to get Francesco an identity card. Another fascinating chapter, Wombat Bill. I hope @Summerabbacat and @quttzik and @haines87 chime in with commentary. I enjoy reading their comments and yours.

In the United States, the employer pays "unemployment tax" on behalf of his or her employees, which varies from state to state. (The amount of coverage varies from state to state, as well. Employers pay half of the Social Security Tax (approximately), and if someone is self-employed, they pay both halves. There is also a Medicare Tax (although it has a fancier title on pay stubs) which partly pays for medical care at and after age 65 and partly pays for medical care for disabled persons. In the USA employees would have to receive a pay stub if paid in cash, showing how much the employer had remitted for each person in taxes, etc. I am curious -- in Australia, do states handle unemployment taxes and payments, or does the federal government, or is it partly both? @Summerabbacat or @Wombat Bill, would one of you answer that? As the circus moves from state to state,, does it (at least in theory) have to comply with the tax and withholding laws in each individual state?

Somehow I'm not surprised that Jack doesn't report all the income. The more on cards and the less cash, the more income he has to report. I think that happens in a lot of other places as well, and I think that is part of the reason the USA has created a coin shortage twice in the last two years -- so that they can ultimately force any business to report every incoming cent. I think that Francesco is deliberately being shortchanged in his education so that Jack and company can make money off of him. Sooner or later all of this will be found out, directly or indirectly. Jack will not be happy. Probably Candy will not be happy either. Changing the subject, I hope Caleb is discovering a love of both gardening and cooking. I think Gran is a great motivator for Caleb. The teaser for next chapter makes me wonder if James is going to take Francesco swimming. But I can think of other possibilities, as well. @Wombat Bill -- this chapter seemed like only about 500 words. Well done!

Wow. got to think on this one for a while. Looking forward to seeing what others have to say. Fascinating chapter, @Wombat Bill.

I think Hannah and Julia gave James good advice. Usually, but not always, there are ways to keep out of trouble while looking for a permanent solution. I don't know what Australian federal or state laws say on child labor. In the United States, state and federal laws vary greatly on child labor. And they keep changing. I looked up child labor laws in the state where I live and they are stricter than the state right above where I live -- in most things. For example, to supervise younger children (such as babysitting) a child must be at least twelve in my state. Thirteen and fourteen-year-olds may work in retail, but must have parental permission and a work permit. Ages 13-16 must not work past 7 in the evening if the next day is a school day and not past 9 in the evening if it is a weekend during school. When school is out, they may not work past ten in the evening. If they work in entertainment they may not work past nine in the evening, and there must be a parent present or a designated legal guardian present during the performance. The state above me allows 16 and 17 year olds to work all night if school is not in session, but they must have a work permit. Animal rights vary state by state as well. My state outlawed puppy mills some years ago, but does not allocate the money to police them properly. The state above me has almost no regulations on most animals. I am sure, @Wombat Bill and @Summerabbacat, that we will learn more as the story progresses. The relationship between James and Francesco, and the relationship between Alex and Wanda, both need to be explored more. When will Francesco and Wanda have a chance to meet Justin and Craig and Caleb? Francesco and Wanda, especially Francesco, need to meet a wider variety of persons. James needs to be patient, and work toward a longer-term solution, rather than try to solve all animal treatment questions immediately. Good chapter, Wombat Bill.

All right, @Wombat Bill, a very good chapter. I hope James can re-think his animal rights crusade. I see both sides of the issue, and it is not as simple as James is trying to make it. I have seen well-treated animals in zoos and at a circus, and I have seen some zoos that should not exist. One zoo I saw, in Florida when I was 9 years old, the cages were small, cramped, and not well cleaned. Some zoos are spacious, or have an area where there is considerable roaming room, and visitors can safely watch at a distance. I will be interested in seeing what Hannah and Julia have to say about Francesco's situation. I think James needs to get rid of those posters quickly.

I have to agree about the "I don't care how you try to Morrison it, I'm not buying." When I read about the religious discrimination bill last night, I also was upset, and I am not even from Australia. Also, when I used Bing and Google to try to trace the usage of the phrase nothing came up. So, @Wombat Bill, it is a Wombatism? I am intrigued as to what was concealed in James' yoga mat, or did I miss something. Yes. You did. When James first arrived at the circus in this trip -- Upon arrival at the circus, James said “I’ll find my own way around, you and Wanda do whatever it is you two do” “Ok, I’ll call you later when it’s time to go home” James went out on to the street in front of the circus entrance, unrolled the yoga mat and stuck up his posters on the light poles. When he was finished he went looking for Francesco.

It sounds like Brett is thinking more with his gonads than with his brain. I will be interested in how Caleb reacts to being with Justin and Craig full time. I foresee some proverbial hiccups at first. I think James and Francesco both have some growing up to do. At this point, James seems to have and advantage regarding relationships -- up to a point. Francesco is very goal oriented. That will make it a challenge to realize some of the needs James will have if the relationship lasts past the time when the circus moves from that area. Good work, @Wombat Bill.

Great questions, @ColumbusGuy. What you said about the "classic insularity of small towns" is still true today, in some places. As far as Kiernan goes, is he old enough to become an intern at TPI (Third Planet Inquiries), @Geron Kees? That would give him an opportunity to go some places not in an ordinary internship. So -- a related question. Now that Pacha'Ka can read the elf location guide, can he (Pacha) ADD places to it, as well? Or is that a uniquely elf trait still at this point? If he can add places to it, can he add only the places he has been since he learned to teleport, or can/has he added all the places he has ever been? And from another question of @ColumbusGuy -- Geron, you said probably only those who were really good with time, such as Keerby, Max, and Nicholaas -- would be able to make the trip. But Frit and Pip were there, and so was Charlie. Might that give Frit and Pip the ability to go back to were-world, because they were there? We already know that Charlie's second self can go to other universes, and that Ricky can, at least partly, go after him, or at least pull Charlie back into the transportation corridor (see the Charlie Boone stories where Charlie discovered second presence and where they visited Annie's octagon house). Could one of Charlie's upcoming skwish abilities be "third presence?"

I hope James can keep from focusing on Francesco's contortionist abilities enough to keep the focus on Francesco the person. If so, he could end up with a very good relationship. @Summerabbacat, I have no idea what kind of business Lachlan has proposed to Jonathan and Thomas. You have prodded me to think more about that, and you probably are right. I am curious about the safety lecture James received concerning the animals of the circus. Did it help James' understanding any? Form the next chapter teaser, I'm guessing he didn't learn much. I'm also curious about Pamela's suggestion. That could be a lot of things. Well done again, @Wombat Bill.

Well, well! Craig is softening toward Caleb. Gran and Justin are being good influences toward Caleb, and Craig will gradually help Caleb with basic kitchen hygeine. I like Gran! @Wombat Bill, I would be happy to see her featured more. Brett is a character! I have mixed feelings about him. Good chapter.

I think this chapter is setting up many possibilities. I agree with @quttzik that Andy should be cautious about a partnership with Brett. But there are possibilities. The conversation between Edward and Jonathan was enlightening. So was the Lachlan/Edward conversation. When talking acronym and abbreviations, always make SURE that you and the other person or persons are meaning the same thing. The AA mix-up reminded me of some scenes in movies where there are verbal mix-ups. The shower-grower discussion in the restroom made me chuckle. I am surprised that Brett did not know those two terms. Rani seems to be even more bossy and attempting to be controlling than before. I am not surprised. A very interesting gathering. Thanks, @Wombat Bill.

I was also way off on my guesses for this chapter, but I'm glad I was. This is much better than anything I was thinking. Gran and Caleb got along great, and Caleb seems gradually to be improving his attitude. I think Lachlan, Thomas, and Jonathan will be able to work together on whatever Lachlan has come up with. Lachlan and Thomas will do most of the proverbial legwork, and Jonathan will make the final decision. I see Brett is back in the next chapter. Cool! At times he can be a bit exuberant, but he is a neat character, partly for that. I have to agree with @quttzik and his summary of the chapter and analysis. @Wombat Bill, you've done it again. The chapter went so quickly I thought it might be twelve hundred words. When I saw it was over three thousand, I was amazed. Thanks!