craftingmom

Yes, I knew it would be a hard chapter, hence the warning. I think it's the hardest one because Avery is so young and trusting. Well, Matt admitted that he had problems with his step-father, whereas all Nelson has seen of Avery is that he's always been a shy, skittish goth-like kid. (Nelson wasn't around when the mom left, coming to Euphoria only a couple years ago). Thanks for reading and reviewing! I appreciate the comments!

Chapter 8 The next evening as Avery was preparing his father's dinner, the house phone rang abruptly. It so seldom rang that the noise startled him into dropping the spoon he was stirring with. "Hello?" he heard his father answer, pausing to listen to the caller. "Erin?... Hmm, no, Avery didn't mention anything about this weekend..." Avery closed his eyes as his heart started to race. Shit. "Ahh, I see...for a movie and shopping..." his father continued. "Well, I think that might be f

Sorry you had a rough day. Hope it gets better! And yes, I realize that the two stories are somewhat similar in that respect, but the characters are very different I think, in that Devyn still had some attitude and Brad would do it more as a punishment and to break Devyn, whereas Avery's dad usually uses the sex as a way of replacing/missing his wife. I actually don't go into huge details about Alina's leaving, mostly because this is written from Avery and Matt's POV and neither one of them know much of anything. But I could go back and add in a scene with Carl rambling or something--I'll have to think about that. You do find out a little more at the end. But basically, she left having fallen in love with another man. She did intend to come back for Avery, but something happened where she couldn't. Thanks for reading and reviewing, even with the tough subject matter. I love to hear what everyone has to say!

Matt did offer Avery a bit of respite, something Avery hasn't had in a long time, even if he fears repercussions if he's found out. And yes, he did take the meds and hide them for later, especially the Tylenol--we all know he could use some pain relief at other times....

exactly!

Yeah, Erin's call will cause a bit of an issue. And both Carl and William are horrible guys... Hope you continue to enjoy.

Well...

Actually his dad is planning on the "trip" being over their christmas/winter break, which isn't this weekend, since there are still a couple days of school the next week. So his dad's plans actually start on the following Wed/thurs. I probably need to make the timeline a little clearer--see I could have used you for betaing this one! Thanks so much for reviewing.

hehe, yeah, Avery doesn't see it, but Erin is not so blind and very supportive of her brother.

It is sad. He just knows nothing else right now, and hasn't known hope for several years. Matt will be his one bright light in the darkness....

Yeah, not this time... His dad actually does let Avery recover, a little bit. Glad you enjoyed the chapter.

Well... I think everyone is catching on to what Avery's dad is up to. It's going to be a slow process for Matt to really see (kinda like Jason) but mostly because Avery's become so good at hiding it.

There will be a couple chapters that are at least like that, where Avery can just relax a bit with Matt (and his sister too).

Chapter 7 Avery dressed in his khakis, loafers and a sweater that made him the presentable son that his father expected. As his father finished prepping himself for his business client, he made his way to the kitchen to finish preparing dinner. His dad came down wearing slacks, a dress shirt, and a tie, and Avery briefly wondered just how important this man who was coming was. The doorbell rang shortly afterwards, and his father opened the door to a tall, distinguished man. "Mr. Degasio,

Chapter 6 "Avery!" an abrupt voice startled him awake. "Avery, boy, where are you?!" Avery managed to roll over before his door crashed open and his father stared at him with a mixture of fear and anger. "I had a call from the school," he announced. "Said you were sick or something and one of the teachers brought you home." "Yeah," Avery croaked, his throat dry. He brushed back his sweaty bangs. "He just dropped me off. They wouldn't let me walk, in case something happened." His fat

Hehe, Finn actually plays a big part in the sequel!

Typing lessons are definitely important these days! With my nephew, I balance time between library story time, the playground (the indoor one in the winter!), arts & crafts--my specialty--as well as puzzles, cars, playmobil/little people/even barbies (when he plays with my girls!), but also giving him a little tablet time as well. We read stories on it, play word/spelling games as well as math ones. I even have my daughters do their math facts from an app on their phone to keep up their speed recall.

That's a good point. I actually didn't think about Matt noticing the locks in the kitchen. I think I imagined the majority of the food being kept in a closet like pantry, with a regular doorknob/lock, which wouldn't seem odd to Matt, unless he tried to open it. He would probably find it odd that most of the cabinets were empty with the exception of oatmeal and cooking utensils and dishes, but he probably wouldn't snoop through all the cabinets. Probably need to clarify that. Thanks so much for the comments and review! Helpful as always!

Well.... We'll see!I'm glad you are enjoying the story. Thanks so much for reviewing.

Funny you should say that! I just wrote a chapter in the neko sequel where I didn't cry while writing it and I wondered if I'd done something wrong! I guess I get too emotional over my characters. I'm glad you enjoyed it. thanks for the review!

Yes, we all know it's not Avery's fault, but I know sometimes the victims often feel at fault themselves (this happened to a friend of mine). So once he realizes it, it will take some time and understanding to really come to grips with it. Thanks again for reviewing, glad you liked it.

Yes, you are reading that possibility correctly. Basically, Avery's almost 18 and I think his dad knows he could lose Avery as he 'becomes an adult' and that possibility scares Carl. He has set things in motion to keep Avery from every being free...well, I won't say much more, but yeah, you all are catching on to Carl's plans. Also, I totally understand the "like" thing. I get that a "like" doesn't necessarily mean you like what happened in the story, but that you are commenting on how it was written--especially with this story. I feel the same way when I tell someone to continue to 'enjoy the story', because I know it's not really the subject they are enjoying but the unfolding and telling a story of a difficult subject and how it is portrayed. I hope that makes sense. So thank you very much for 'liking' the chapters and reviewing as well! I really appreciate it.

Hehehehe. Too bad Gabe can't be there to take care of Avery's dad! Or even Ryle with his claws!

That would be my hope. And yeah, I'm sure I'll have lots of suggestions for Avery's dad's demise. Thanks for reviewing!