SolarMaxx

Alex continues to be an intriguing variable in this story, and the connection between he and Nathan is a nice twist. It almost seems like there’s some missing pieces to that puzzle! Maybe Robbie isn’t he only one holding back on the whole truth. It’s a shame that Robbie chose to dig himself in even deeper by denying his friendship with Alex. Now it’s going to be even more difficult for him to be truthful later — if he can muster the courage to do it. Sue is definitely developing into a disappointingly weak character who seems to be choosing the path of least resistance a little more every day. I see choppy waters ahead!

It’s nice to see Robbie gaining confidence, and the courage to finally be himself in front of the whole world. Not an easy choice for everyone, but a choice I deeply admire and respect. I’m not sure how Don will handle what will probably be “extreme embarrassment and humiliation” as the truth of Robbie’s sexuality circulates like lightening throughout his small community. And it will also be interesting to see Alex’s reaction — probably a predictable one — although Alex has surprised me in the past. Great chapter — fascinating story! Like many other readers here, I always appreciate your hard work and formidable story-telling gifts.

I'm personaly very happy that you're extending the story. It has been great! Like all wonderful stories, I'm ambivalent -- wanting to know how it ends on one hand, but NOT really wanting it to be over on the other. I'm really going to miss these characters! Screw the safety net Dodger -- you're doing great!

Happy Birthday MrM ! ! !

I think Daniel is going to need some serious therapy before this story is over! Nice plot-turns in a his chapter. As always, I can't wait to see what happens next. BTW, I totally agree with @Wesley8890 about Don. I just can't express it as well as he did.

Okay ... I already know that I'm taking a contrary stand here, but I feel bad for Daniel. He has a lot to deal with, and of course he's going to need a little time to process everything. He probably feels like he's pretty much on his own about now! But I'm sure he'll make a healthy adjustment -- probably much sooner more maturely than Don. Great chapter Dodger.

These are really good @Wesley8890. I hope you don't mind if I borrow them

So ... If this is how adolescent boyfriends behave, then they're actually just as bad as girlfriends. Somehow, I guess I shouldn't be surprised! I feel bad for Bobby! He's so eaten up with insecurity and jealousy that he can't even enjoy his relationship with Ian -- or potentially anyone else. I know a couple of people like that, and male or female, they seem to be miserable more often than not. I think Brandon is about to find himself in trouble with Billy soon enough, when Jimmy decides to blow the whistle and reveal Brandon's past brief "encounter" with a certain unsavory character, namely AJ! Too bad -- things were going so well between Billy and Brandon. I really hope their relationship is strong enough to weather the blow. Deception always burns deep when discovered! Of course; this is one of those times when I'd love to be wrong. Great chapter Comsey -- Great story!

What an amazing chapter -- very revealing and full of surprises. Turns out that Alex isn't as big a creep as he first seemed. All things considered, he does have a lot a unearned grief in his life, and I feel like I understand him a bit better now. We still haven't heard much about how Daniel feels about Robbie and Nathen. I sense a very interesting conversation between he a Robbie in the near future -- one that ends better than it begins! I'm hoping Don has had a change of heart after everything that has happened, if for no other then to keep price in the family. It would be great if he were to discover a little empathy and tolerance for the boys situation within himself -- but that seems like a long shot, especially after his unceremonious entrance into Robbie's hospital room. Nice cliffhanger though. As always, I'm looking forward to the next chapter. Thank you for posting this story Dodger. It has been one of my favorites.

"People who shock too easily should be shocked more often!" -- May West One of my personal favorites

This is GREAT!

Somehow, it's reassuring to know that the whole story is actually written! It's always a little risky to read a story in progress. Especially now that I'm so hooked on the characters.

WOW! Two updates in a week -- outstanding. This is another great chapter, and putting Cal behind a bar is an inspiration. It opens the door to all kinds of plot possibilities.

A very warm and gentally written chapter. It moistened my eyes and I can't wait to read it again. Great job! ! !

WELCOME Paulo -- you've come to a great place, populated with many great people. I look forward to reading your stories, and hope to get to know you a little.

Thank you Paul. I definitely get, and agree with what you're saying. Life can be really complicated sometimes.

Thank you Freerider. I guess I left out some key points, but your observations are pretty much on target. His father is a long-term and dangerous alcoholic! He made life very ugly for my nephew when his sexual preferences were revealed, and ultimately we had to step in to keep him out of foster care. It's been a really long three years, and we have all paid a big price for the bigotry and religious superstition that holds sway over my family's collective conscience.

WOW! I feel like I'm learning to speak Dutch. VERY COOL! The references to culture and "the tone of the era" add a lot of dimension to the story. I love everything about this chapter. Jay's parents definitely seem to be amazing in their ability to accept their son for who he is, and to love him unconditionally. I would have killed to have that when I was a teen! My my first impulse was to binge-read this story to catch up, but I'm really enjoying just savoring it a few chapters at a time. Looking forward to reading more.

My nephew is still living with us. He'll be turning 18 in a few days, which will solve a lot of problems for us. He was doing really well for for a long while, but then he broke up again with his first, and long-time boyfriend some months ago. This time it seems permanent and he's been having a really rough time of it. For better or worse, I've never been able to "open up" to him about myself. Our lives are complicated enough already! Someday, when he's more mature, maybe I will if I think something positive can come of it.

This is a really interesting look into Jays home life. I thought the Danish background was a nice touch, and made Jay's character more credible and interesting. I love stories with well developed characters, and this one definitely fills the bill. I'm not sure how to interpret the last line spoken by Jay's dad though. Sounds like he's maybe figuring things out!

DAMN! This is an intense chapter! I had to stop reading it twice, but of course I couldn't stay away very long. Great storytelling. I'm really getting attached to this story. Can't wait to see what comes next. Thank you for posting this.

Great chapter Sam -- your story is taking shape nicely. Interesting characters and and increasingly obsorbing plot! Can't wait to read more. Thanks for posting this.

Whenever somebody says: "you shouldn't have told me that!" It usually spells trouble. Robbie is now a duel temptation for Alex -- being a potential source of sex and money. Robbie definitely dosen't think things through before he speaks. Now he's in a world of shit, and I'm not sure who is scarier; Alex or his enigmatic older brother! Another great chapter Dodger.

Really sorry to hear it Arpeggio -- please get better soon.

I had to reread these last few chapters to refresh my memory on some key points. I'd almost forgotten how beautifully written they were. I am so enjoying this story Dodger. It's one of the warmest and most sensitivity told tales I've discovered on GA.