SolarMaxx

Apparently Alex is way crazier than I first thought — and more dangerous too! The fact that he may bolt from his current haven with his younger brother in tow is very troubling. I’m really happy that Robbie has enough sense to tell Alex “NO”, but will Alex take NO for an answer? I’m not so sure. Interestedly enough, Don is also turning out to be a far more unsavory character than he first appeared. He seems to sink lower in moral depth with each new chapter. Maybe he deserves to be immersed in his creepy religion, populated by sanctimonious souls like himself — assuming that anybody really deserves such a fate! Of couse, I’m most concerned about Robbie’s mental well-being, or lack there of. I think some depression is natural during adolescence, and life in general. But when serious thoughts of self destruction enter the picture, that’s critical and dangerous. I hope that Mr. Andrews can help. About now, he seems like Robbie’s last best hope to find some peace and happiness in his turbulent life. I would have killed to have a Mr. Andrews to talk with when I was sixteen!

How beautifully this chapter captures the deep disquiet of knowing I have been diffent from others since birth — and will always be. Great chapter Com. Thanks for posting. Your work always brings a little light!

Somehow, I’ve never tired of this story. It was the first one I started reading on GA, and it’s still one of my favorites! Thanks for posting Com. You’re the best.

@Dodger, your description of the “happy clappers” is great! I read it several times, smiling all the way. This is a really an interesting chapter. I’m probably a chump, but I actually feel sorry for Alex. Considering all the negatives impacting his life, it’s amazing that he has any conscience at all. No wonder he’s so twisted up inside. I hope Robbie has enough sense to steer clear because Alex is definitely caught in a downward spiral.

Remind me never to get in the car with Sue! It’s amazing to me how much her character has devolved through the scope of this story. As I recall, she was much more cheerful and supportive in the beginning of the story. She’s definitely not a happy camper now. I did enjoy her reference to the Don’s “religious nuts” associates and found it to be an interesting clue as to how and where things might be going in her marriage. Sounds like there might be trouble in paradise!

I agree bigboy007. Jacobs stories are great! When I first discovered them I couldn’t stop reading, even though they sometimes get pretty dark. His story, Regrets And Headacks actually gave me nightmares! The good news is, many of Jacob’s stories continue on his website: Jacobmillertex.com. Good Luck

WOW! This was a truly disturbing chapter! In fact, I really needed to catch my breath before writing this review. I’m not sure which is most unsettling; creepy Mr. Symmonds, smug and superior in his beliefs, or psycho-sexual Alex who dosen’t seem to understand the difference between affection and assault. In Alex’s case, I guess I’ve been giving him the benefit of the doubt all along — hoping that in time with a nurturing environment his better side would prevail: Wishful thinking on my part I guess. Never underestimate the power of repressed passion. So maybe I really am naive. DAMN! I probably should have seen this confrontation coming! I have to give you credit @Dodger, you definitely tell a great story filled with unexpected twists and turns, and very realistic characters whose faults and flaws make them all the more likeable — or dislikable as the case may be. I’m hoping things get better soon for Robbie. But there seem to be an awful lot of clouds on his horizon.

Okay @Dodger, I guess you fairly warned me at the end of the last chapter, not to get too comfortable with the seemingly lighthearted flow of this story — although humor really gives it a lot of life! But I have to admit that Robbie’s symptoms are much more alarming than I first thought. I really like Conner! I still think that he’ll be a great addition to the plot. Robbie’s brief encounter with Nathan definitely underscored some basic contrasts between Nathan and Conner. As a story-telling device I thought it added an interesting texture to this chapter. At this point I’m hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst.

What a wonderful, lighthearted and warm chapter. Just what I needed on this record-cold day. I’m really happy that Rory is back in the story. He’s definitely one of my favorite characters. And I find it very interesting that most of the adolescents in Robbie’s life are dealing the the gay issue substantially better than most of the adults. This story just keeps getting better with each chapter. As always @Dodger, your diligence and sensitive imagination are much appreciated. Stay warm!

This is destined to be one of my favorite chapters — in one of my favorite stories. I’m not sure how often it happens in life, but I’m so relieved that Robbie’s blind date went well — with the likely potential of blossoming into a longer term relationship that could be great for both boys. My impression is that Conner will probably have a valuable stabilizing effect on Robbie. I think he’s gonna be a great character! I’m hoping for the best. If everyone just leaves them alone they will probably get along just fine. like everyone else invested in this story, I’m very concerned about Robbie’s symptoms. They don’t sound like the kind of thing that will just go away, and it’s tough to see how anything good can come of them.

I once had a wicked crush on one of my closer elementary school buddies! Unfortunately there wasn’t a gay bone in his perfect body. So I guess I kinda know how Robbie feels. But he’s very lucky that Rory is as self confident and emotionally balanced as he is. Lovers come and go, but a really good friendship can last a lifetime. I’ve never told my school chum about my true feelings for him, but fortunately we are still friends to this day. Blind dates can be very scary— but sometimes they’re worth it! I hope it all works out for Robbie. I really enjoyed this chapter @Dodger. Thanks for posting, and have a very happy new year!

I really hope that Robbie isn’t ultimately coerced into attending a fundamentalist, anti-gay church — or worse! I know that many fundamentalists believe that they have the only truth, and some generally mean well. But ignorance and insensitivity are cruel substitutes for insight and compassion. I’m sure Don means we’ll too, in his own way, from his limited perspective. I’m actually hoping that eventually he’ll come around to a more tolerant perspective. Unfortually he seems to be looking in the wrong places, and to the wrong people for enlightenment.

I think Robbie’s counselor needs a counselor himself! Like many others commenting here, this chapter left me frusterated and angry! If this is professional counseling than it’s easy to understand why some therapies produce less than promised. It sounds like Don is trying to have Robbie bullied into an emotional corner and broken down. I’m hoping that gay conversion “therapy” is illegal in Canada because I’m sure Don has considered using it, probably with the support of the quack counselor he hired. I’ve often wondered where homophobia comes from — unless homophobes are actually afraid of themselves. Another great chapter @Dodger. Really happy that you decided to extend this story. It continues to be one of my favorites.

This is a great first chapter, and nicely sets up the potential for an exciting, original plot and very engaging characters. I just discovered this story, so I’m a little late to the party, but I’m definitely looking forward to bingeing to catching up. Thank you for posting this @JayT.

WOW! Robbie is really having a painful day! If Alex and Nathan have truely been hooking up behind his back, than that really sucks. I guess that’s how it works sometimes though. For a long time I really thought that Nathan had a little more character than to cheat — but I guess one can never under estimate the power and drive of teenage hormones. I hope it turns out not to be true. Flirting is not necessarily cheating — but all too often where there’s smoke, there’s fire. It sounds like Don has predictably stacked the deck against Robbie with his shrewd choice of councilors. Not really surprising! But it’s nice to know that Walter is potentially back in the picture. Robbie definitely can use a break! I hope he finds the help and companionship he needs to cultivate some piece and happiness in his life. It’s been a long and often troubled odyssey for him, and it sounds like things are about to get worse before they get better. Another wonderful chapter @Dodger. Thanks as usual for all your hard work and creative energies.