SolarMaxx

What a hauntingly beautiful and melancholy piece of literature. I’ve never seen these thoughts so meaningfully expressed before. Like so many others, I’ve lost a Loved one to a slow and lingering demise. I think I permanently lost a little of my own life in the process!

This is a fantastic chapter — my favorite so far. I guess I can’t really add much to what has already been posted. Just really like this story!

This is really a fantastic story @craftingmom. I’ve been looking for a good story to sink into, and I’ve been binge-reading this one with fascination since yesterday. The characters are interesting, three dimensional and very believable — if not always likeable. And the plot is engaging and original. I am definitely looking forward to reading more. Thanks for all your heartfelt efforts. They are much appreciated and admired.

I actually didn’t think of that, but now that you’ve spelled it out, it seems very plausible.

Well, the first day of school seemed to actually go pretty smoothly. I guess there are at least a few assholes in every school, and gays are always easy targets! I think it’s a clever move to have at least one character in the story (Rory) who appears to be gay, but is actually straight. Kind of breaks up the stereotypes. So glad that you decided to extend this story a little more Dodger. There still seem to be so many plot possibilities to explore — and of course a few loose ends to resolve. And these characters are starting to feel like old and comfortable friends. I’m appreciate, as always, all your hard work and imagination. Another terrific chapter!

These chapters have so much warmth and heart, they rival the amazing stories written by DomLuka. His were the first, and some of the very best I’ve read on GA. Keep up the great work Ace. You have the gift!

It’s a bitter crime that so many adults see obsessed with filling gay teens with shame and self-loathng. I thought Artie’s uncle Adam used just the words to offer comfort and support!

This story is a gem! I’m really enjoying it, in part because I have this week off and I can binge read all the chapters I’ve missed. I’m really happy that you moved Artie away from his grandparents so quickly. Those people were just plain painful! This story is kind of a Deja vu for me — almost eerie! Adam is doing a good job in his new role, made easier by the fact that he seems to be blessed with a kind of “Stepford” nephew who does his homework without being asked — and even the laundry! Great job Ace!

What a great start to a story with mega potential. I love the way you were able to convey so much information in just one chapter. Your characters are interesting — if not uniformly likeable. And as much as I hate to admit It, the “hyper-religious” grandparents remind me of several odious members of my own family — enough said! And poor Uncle Adam! He probably dosen’t have a clue of what he’s about to be in for. I’ve missed your writing Ace, and I’m really happy to see that you’ve stayed with it. You just seem to keep getting better and better with each chapter. I’m definitely look forward to reading more.

WOW! Robbie is definitely developing more self restraint and maturity! He passed the litmus test with Alex — in my opinion — with flying colors, when many other teenagers (adults) would have surrendered to their hormonal urges. With every chapter, I feel like I see a little more of myself in Robbie — questionable choices and all. Who among us hasn’t had similar experiences at his age? Be honest! Sorry to read that Don continues to be an ignorant and arrogant jerk! It’s way too bad that there are so many people like in the world! Really grateful that you kept this story going @Dodger. I’ve loved it from the beginning! Thanks bud.

Somehow, I never get tired of this story as it winds its way through the lives of so many interesting characters — with an unpredictable plot-life of its own! The honeymoon between Robbie and Nathan definitely seems to be wearing thin, which seems to be making their relationship a bit more fragile and potentially volatile. The simmering attraction between Robbie and Alex continues to intrigue — especially when Alex occasionally reveals his softer side. I know all good things must come to an end, but I’m really grateful for every new chapter you post @Dodger. Thank you for all your creative energy.

❤️ WOW! I just couldn’t let this pass without adding a thought or two. Congrates Com! Thank you for all your great characters, and your gentle, creative mind. You are a beacon of hope for thousands of young people trying to find their way in a sometimes dark world. Thanks bud!

I’m a little confused about exactly what’s going on between Robbie and Alex — and I’m afraid that Robbie is too. It’s nice to see the warmer side of Alex, but he has sustained an inordinate amount of emotional damage in his short lifetime. Whoever he pairs up with is going to require the patience of a saint. That’s something Robbie seems to have in short supply, and I really hope that he dosen’t decide to take a walk on the wild side with Alex. I’ll be really disappointed if Nathan gets cast aside as this story closes. And I know that the conclusion is coming soon, unfortunately! But it has been a thrilling ride, with wonderful colorful characters that I’ve truely grown to care about. However it ends — this story continues to be one of my favorites! Thanks @Dodger, for all your hard word and story-telling talent.

This is a vivid and very inventive story depicting a detailed and beautiful elf world. The characters are believable and likeable and I’m really enjoying how the story is developing. Great job @Sam Wyer. I can’t wait to read more.

Great story @Sam Wyer. I’m really glad you advised reading it before “NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS.” I’ve always has a soft spot for short stories, and this one is a soft-hearted gem. Thanks for posting.

Great chapter @Dodger! Well worth waiting for! It brings back some good memories of one or more of my own, sorta similar experiences in HS — and maybe even a blackout or two, lol. Robbie continues to evolve into a more three dimensional, fascinating person. I really like his compassionate side. And for that matter, Alex is also blossoming into an actual likeable person. Nathan has been a gem throughout this whole story, and I continue to hope that he dosen’t get hurt before it’s over.

Very well said @Dodger. Moggy was a gem. So sorry to hear this!

I think this might be one of my favorite chapters — mellow, funny and riddled with lingering intriguing questions about Alex, Robbie, Tom and Nathan. Life can be tricky, and things aren't always what they appear to be. It’s nice to see the softer side of some of these characters, even if they are in party mode. It definitely seems as though things are looking up for Robbie. Hope he dosen’t find a way to mess it all up! Thanks for posting @Dodger — and welcome back!

Another great chapter @Dodger! So, we finally come to the actual day-of-adoption. I’m really hoping that his new status will work out positively for Robbie, who doesn’t seem to be fully embracing the spirit of it. The truth is, I’m glad Don isn’t my father, even though I suppose he probably does mean well. I thought the pool scene was cool, and nicely described, with just the right balance of humor and realism. Looks like Tom’s presence has the potential to be big trouble for Nathan. I hope he’s paying attention! And I hope Robbie can somehow separate his lusts from logic, and his deeper feelings for Nathan. That’s not always easy — and probably not always possible! As always, I can’t wait to see what happens next.

What a significant and brave point of self-awareness for Quinn to finally reach! It’s not easy to process so many turbulent realizations and emotions all at once and still be keep one’s mental balance. For the first time in this story I’m actually feeling bad for Quinn. Maybe I’m even starting to like him a bit. I’ve always felt it was a real error for our social continuum to define everyone, first and foremost by our sexuality. Jude is wise beyond his years. A person CAN be gay and still be normal — at least in all other aspects of life. I think, in some of the more enlightened parts of our superficial world, people are starting to accept this basic reality. Unfortunately for Quinn, and even for the more confident Jude, we still have a long, long way to go.

This is a really powerful story, beautifully and sensitively written. Quinn’s struggle is a painful one shared by many of us at one time or another — and I can personally relate to his denial and emotional angst. Conversely, I find myself admiring Jude’s confident self-awareness in a world that seldom makes that easy at his — or any other age. It looks like it’s going to be a long and probably rocky road ahead for Quinn and Jude, and everyone who cares about them.

So ... it seems that there is more to Tom’s sexuality than meets the eye. Not really a surprise! If he were truly 100% straight, then his extensive physical relationship with Robbie in England never really made sense to me — raging teen hormones not withstanding! That makes for a really interesting plot twist, which was nicely torqued up by Nathan’s careful warnings to Robbie. For the most part, Nathen really handled a potentially awkward situation with class and maturity: I hope he dosen’t get hurt! I really like Robbie’s character and I hope he has the moral fiber to resist temptation should it rear it’s ugly head. Whatever happens, it should be interesting. At the risk of repeating myself @Dodger, I definitely appreciate all the time, talent and imagination you put into your writing. By the looks of all the responses you’re getting, I see I am not alone.

Hahaha, “Holy moose farts!” One of the best phrases I’ve heard in a long time @BlindAmbition. Hope you don’t mind if I borrow it on occasion. It’s hysterical!

WOW! What a powerhouse chapter filled with high emotion and surprises. Robbie keeps getting more and more interesting with each self revelation. And his complex relationship with Alex is starting to make more sense to me now. Tom’s surprise appearance is bound to shake things up, especially if he interacts with Alex, who seems to always turn things sideways with his unpredictable, but often benign personality. I’m really hoping that Nathan dosen’t get emotionally bruised out of these new developments. And I hope they catch Alex’s low-life father soon! He is a monster! And he needs to be locked up for a very long time!

This is a wonderful story — one that I would recommend with my whole heart. Reading it was a real pleasure. It’s easily one of the best stories I’ve found on GA — and there are some powerful masterpieces here. Thank you @KD_stories, for your rich imagination, and all your hard work. I hope you decide to write a part 2. I’ll definitely be hoping and watching for it!