craftingmom

Glad you enjoyed it.

I think he's been living day to day for so long, blocking out as much as he can, and just getting by, that he hasn't ever considered that he could be free of his father's control. He's known Matt--as a close friend--for less than two weeks, then spent a week away from him, he just hasn't reached the point of total trust yet. He still fears he'd lose Matt if he left.

Well, it is actually possible that he wasn't on the phone long enough to trace it to an actual location--which is why I went with them tracing it to Matt. I know you may feel Avery is "stupid" if he doesn't tell someone, but there are MANY abuse victims who don't say anything for years, if ever. It is very hard for someone so psychologically abused to admit it. I know this as my best friend was abused for years by her father (I didn't know her until college though), and she never reported it to authorities, although she did eventually move out and lived with her grandparents. I'm sorry if you feel Avery isn't reacting the way you or I might. He's an abuse victim, and many of them are very afraid to report it, for fear of shame and many other reasons. I see the phone call as a moment where he panicked because he was with Degasio, but once at home 'relatively safe' in his familiar environment, he reverts back to what he knows best--hiding.

Well at least it's only 4 more chapters to go! Hang in there!

Oh, good, glad to hear the EMS/Avery's explanation worked out. It was driving me crazy all day yesterday on how to work that out. And yeah, Avery's just so used to it all that only the worst ones register much now. Glad you liked it. Thanks for reviewing!

I'm glad you liked it. And, I know, everybody is ready for Avery to be free! Only 4 chapters left, unless I get a bug up my rear and add in another chapter--but at that rate I'll never finish the neko sequel (and I'm so damn close!) Thanks for reviewing!

Yes, this is not new for Degasio (but that would be a whole other story!) And it's definitely going to be tough for Avery. Hey, mimosas, screwdrivers, bloody mary's--they're good any time with the fruit and veggie juice, which makes them a great excuse to drink in the morning, right?

Chapter 13 Avery slumped down on his bed after fixing his father dinner and completing the laundry and ironing that his father had let build up while he was 'away'. He was exhausted, his back aching, pain still shot up his spine when he sat down, and his throat was sore. His father had pretty much left him alone after getting back from Degasio's this morning, so Avery was grateful for the reprieve. They'd only been home for a couple hours, and his dad had fallen asleep on the couch. Avery

You and all the others have very good points about that phone call. So last night, I spent 11pm to 1am fixing chapter 13 to hopefully make what happened with the phone call work better. I just love when reviews make me see something I missed explaining, it's so helpful in making the story better (I hope anyway). Hope you enjoy the next chapter!

The phone does play a part in his rescue... I think the convincing it's not his fault is what's going to take some time and therapy...

I'm very sorry. I know it is a hard read (one of the reasons I debated even posting it and tried to make sure I offered as many warnings as possible). I do promise a HEA though!

Thanks for your insight on EMS. I was thinking the same thing, that they would have a hard time tracing him down. I didn't think about them having the number and tracking it back to Matt--that might be something to think about adding in... Thanks so much for taking the time to review!

Yes, I promise a HEA! And at least you got juice in with your breakfast!

The light is coming soon. A little bit lighter chapter is coming up next. Time-wise there is less than a week to go. Avery has a few days left of the holiday to recover before going to school. And yes, his mom did leave, but was unable to take Avery at the time because Carl wouldn't let her. She did try to come back...but didn't make it.

Yes, they were attempting to, but the phone died before they could determine where (at least that's what I imagined happened). In real life, they may have been able to trace the phone's signal faster and get a better position. Basically, I figure that EMS searched the general area for him. Actually, in retrospect now, EMS would probably show up at William's door checking for Avery, but of course William's going to deny he's there. They would probably have continued to comb the woods and stuff. Of course, I'd need to add in William realizing that Avery had a phone, and that wouldn't be good for Avery either. You've given me something to think about, that I probably need to clarify/explain better. Thanks so much for reviewing and commenting--it helps me to see things I missed or could make better!!

Oh, man that was so sad, watching both of them hurting so much. It broke my heart as they parted at the end. Certainly hoping for more--with happier times for them soon! Great story.

I just read the first chapter last night, and WOW what a great start to your first story. I felt so sorry for both men. I can't wait to read more! Thanks for writing it!

Chapter 12 The next five days, Avery spent in a haze of pain, both inside and out. Avery would swear the man was insatiable. Sometimes the man would bind him to that fucking cross or the bench, other times he just chained him to the bed. Each time, Barry would come and help him to the bathroom to clean up and slip on a pair of the silky pjs. Fortunately, the salve seemed to keep his back from aching and tightening too badly. Each night he would curl up on the bed, and drop to sleep in ne

Thank you. I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for reading and reviewing.

Yes, at least he had some happiness before being blindsided like this. This was a hard chapter and the next isn't much easier.... Thanks so much for reviewing and commenting. I always love to see what readers think might be coming --or what the hope will be coming, anyway!

hehe, yes, I have many who agree with you!

Janie's got a gun, haha! That's is very true. Thanks for the entertaining review!

speechless?

Haha! Yeah, you might want to keep the whole bottle ready!

Yes, the butler is a big loser, pretty much as bad as his employer and Avery's father for just doing nothing. The phone is still in Avery's duffle bag which Carl had Barry put away for the week. So Avery can't get to it, and Barry basically doesn't know it's there. I know I am mean, but I did warn you! Hehe. We're getting through the hardest part. Thanks for reviewing!