SolarMaxx

WOW Comsie -- another great chapter! I've been addicted to this story and characters since paragraph one! Whenever a new chapter is posted, I drop whatever I'm doing and gobble it up like an addict after a fix! The passages where Billy considers Brandon's "blind devotion" are a warm and sensitive reflection -- and one of the most heartfelt I've ever read. I couldn't resist reading them back to myself again this morning! The sweet ache of love -- it's a thing of beauty! Thanks for pouring so much energy and passion into this story. Now I'm trapped! On one hand I can't wait to see how it ends -- one the other, when it does I'm going to suffer withdrawals! Maxx

Thanks Robert -- you've definitely given me some new things to think about. The "Punishing Parents..." angle never even occurred to me. I don't know how much of this thread you've read, but there's a lot of moving parts to the problem. For one thing, he's being open and honest with me and I'm basically lying to him! That's really starting to eat at me! I've thought about telling him about my own sexual identity in support, but I can't make myself do it. I honestly don't know why -- but that's my baggage to deal with, and he shouldn't have to. I think the big issue for him now is fear! I'm not sure how to properly say this, but he doesn't have the kind of personality or mannerisms that will make it easy for him to conceal being gay much longer. Somehow I guess I never really noticed it until this summer! There's already a lot of suspicion in the family. He doesn't want to talk about school much, so we don't -- and he's made it very clear he no interest in girls, period! So I'm not going to stick my hand in that fire again! He promises not to come out unless I'm there with him -- and definitely not until after the holidays. I won't lie, that prospect scares the living hell out of me! When I was fairly young I saw my dad beat my brother (his father) bloody with a piece of chair for much less! Anyway, getting involved with this site and talking with compassionate people like yourself has been great. It has really helped me through a dark time. And somehow, I'll figure this out -- I always do. Maxx

Welcome Linux -- I've only been here a few months myself but I'm already addicted! I never knew people like this existed -- smart, sensitive and caring -- some of the best people I've ever communicated with. I hope this experience is as rewarding for you. Maxx

As much as I appreciate succinct answers -- may I ask why? Maxx

Hahaha -- what a wonderful thought! I'll have to run some trials and get back to you. I might have a shot of writing under the influence -- but reading?

I was never a big fan of that show but my sister was. I tried to watching the behind-the-scenes movie but found it incredibly boring! I ended up turning it off after 30 minutes or so. Maxx

Yes -- I did it a couple of times when I was still in college. Both times it started out good -- but didn't last long. I think it depends on what caused the breakup. I hate to say it, but there's no getting around certain problems. I personally can't handle cheating! On the up side, I did manage to salvage a least one really good friendship that has lasted to this day. Some people are worth a second chance. Maxx

Thanks to everyone who took the time to wish me well -- wish I had seen this a little sooner -- my ADHD has been kicking my ass lately! Lots of amazing people here.

Thanks Fax -- I guess I missed this until now. It's been a crazy months, and somehow these birthdays are starting to pile up!

Chevy Knight -- He Met Her -- played during the closing credits of Whitehouse Down.

Camel spiders! Wicked!

I agree with Zombie -- It does seem common for writers to use ideas and themes originated by others to as a springboard to create new material. I would post the stories you finished as co-authored by both of you. It would be a great tribute to your friend. I have a thick folder of incomplete story ideas and I love the idea that someone I cared for might carry them to fruition if I couldn't. Maxx

Hi -- sort of new here myself, but I've already talked with a few cool people. Some of these stories are amazing too. This site is definitely worth the time.

Welcome ---

Things seem to be looking definitely up for Billy in this chapter. He has a cool summer job that he loves, in a music store populated by fascinating, if not cryptic characters. And Brandon is actually reaching out to Billy after a seemingly-endless roller coaster separation -- offering flirtatious smiles and fresh hope of a rekindled relationship. But Billy is on thin ice and doesn't know it -- and Jimmy LaPlane is a blow torch! Jimmy did plenty to poison Brandon's mind before Billy broke Jimmy's heart. What will Jimmy do -- and how far will he go when the thunder breaks, and he painfully learns that he is the odd-man-out in an skewed love triangle -- with nothing left to lose?

"The Island's Secret" is almost poetry in it's simplicity and beauty. It is sensitively written: Set in the plush beauty of central Canada's sprawling woodland. Here, two young teens, Ben and Asher find friendship, adventure and ultimately each other, during one golden summer on the shores and pristine shallows of a Muskoka lake. Along the way, they make a bold and insightful new friend, explore the hidden wonders of a private island, and bask in the privileged comfort of a wealthy uncles lifestyle. This story has heart -- as it gently explores the intense stirrings of a first-love, a first kiss and the innocent wonder of adolescent self discovery.

I admit to having been a Billy Chase junky from chapter 1 -- as much for his flaws, as for his virtues. He's a big hearted, well meaning teen, who sometimes falls prey to his basic desires and need for self-discovery. In all honesty; who among us can cast the first stone? In this chapter, we're again reminded of what a rare and caring friend Sam is: Willing to tell the unvarnished truth, not to punish -- but to guide. I think Billy is starting to grasp the full scope of damage he's unwittingly inflicted into Jimmy's fragile existence. In the process, he's also forming a more mature understanding of his father's life and actions. Like father, like son -- it can be a bitch! I hope Sam can talk Jimmy down without getting too pulled in himself -- for everyone's sake! Few forces are more dangerous than the fury of wounded heart!

Good point! That is a vague statement. If a person is truly attracted to both sexes and chooses to commit to a person of a particular gender, it seems the other half of their sexual profile -- being essentially unexpressed -- becomes repressed by default. I wonder if that has a damaging long-term psychological effect. Or can it be benignly ignored?

I'm starting to wonder if it's possible to repress part of yourself without damaging the whole. . .

XD -- I've spent considerable time in Narnia myself! I don't want to come across as an anti-religious zealot -- because I'm not! I've visited many places of worshiped and studied their traditions. There is almost always a core of values that embodies truth and beauty, and worthy of reflection. It's only when virtue gets perverted into a self-serving addenda that I become weary! Maxx

Thanks zaf89 -- I'm agree with you. I was reminded in a previous posting here, that I shouldn't be trying to tell him what to do. It is his decision. I find myself embracing that sentiment, especially since I've never come out to my own parents -- or any other living soul for that matter. I guess I'll never know for sure, but I've always suspected that if I had had the courage to try, my father would have burned me at the stake to save my soul! I know that's hyperbole -- or maybe gallows humor -- but it's probably dangerously close to the truth! Maxx

My siblings and family members, without exception, are about as religiously extreme, and fundamentally dogmatic as anyone I've encountered through direct experience! I've seen harsher extremes in the news, but I don't want to go there! On one hand, I'm often reminded that I will "burn in hell for all eternity..." for audaciously questioning my religious teachings! On the other hand, when someone is troubled and seeking solice, they usually wind up at my doorstep -- almost secretly -- to talk. Since I'm an agnostic, I think it comfort's them to know I won't be condemning them to hell! Maxx

WOW! Talk about living in the Twilight Zone!

I'm inclined to agree with most of what your saying Ashi. My nephew already knows he has a place with us whenever; and for as long as he needs it. Neither my wife or myself would want him anywhere else, in a worst-case-scenario. But if it comes to that, it will divide the family catastrophically, and permanently, I'm afraid. And Even though he would be safe and loved here, I think it would damage him in ways he might not be able to see just yet. It would also cast one hell of a shadow over his remaining high school years! As for me, I'm loyal by nature, and I never spent much time considering what might have been, or how I could cheat to get more! I was lucky enough to find my soul-mate and fall in love early in life -- and yes, I'm happy it was with a women, I guess it could have just as easily gone the other way -- and wise enough, most days, to be grateful! Thanks for the feedback, Maxx