Parker Owens

A whole new plot angle arises. I’m intrigued. Wonder how Bert Nasser will try to outsmart the Yoders? Can’t wait for more.

Ryder is going to help. I like the sound of that. Owen’s mom is seeing cracks and flaws in the story. She wants to believe, but now she doubts. I suspect Beth has no doubts at all that the engagement is a disaster.

Malik and Rhaelce continue to mend, and I am glad of it. One day, perhaps they will kiss again.

This is a beautiful, magnificent chapter. Ash and Taggert have paired, and it’s a joy to read, even as Taggert recalls earlier pain.

And now a new life adventure begins. I’m hoping it will be fun and not perilous.

Hooray for Ryder! Possessive, insecure, deep thinking Ryder. He showed up. Now, Owen, please drag Ryder back to your group, and introduce him as your friend. Force Margot to perform in grace, knowing how she’s rubbed Jules in Owen’s face.

Rhaelce returns! That was unexpected, but entirely welcome. I’m looking forward to their next days together.

Cut to two years hence: Owen has had freshman and sophomore years of hookups and discreet relationships, none of which can survive the outward appearances. Margot moves in with Jules, and announces that she’s had a change of heart. All the current joy turns to ashes, and Owen, who has been living a grey, impostor’s existence, is hung out to dry. And Ryder? If he’s smart, he’s moved out of Ohio, and has found someone he can stand.

Owen must decide what he needs, and unfortunately, that list is long. It’s long on things he cannot control, like a response from Ryder, or parents who might actually listen, or a church community that cares more about actual love than the form it appears in. He needs Margot’s parents to be more accepting of their daughter, and he needs Margot to admit to loving Jules to her parents. Whew. Perhaps the one need he might have some control over is finding a safe place/space for him to be utterly himself. Margot has clearly forfeited that position.

I wish I were there, holding your hand. The darkness not the final word. Your poem strikes me at my heart.

It’s an apt description: Ryder does, in fact, strip Owen to his bare bones in the diner. Ryder must be in deep pain in order flay Owen in such a way. Such anger must color every relationship Ryder has, romantic or otherwise. While Ryder gave Owen much to think about - and much to rethink - it may yet be to Owen’s benefit that he and Ryder part ways.

Owen is not a smooth talker. Ryder certainly is. Owen has much to figure out. Ryder seems to know far more. Yet Ryder has parts of his past he’s not sharing, and unless Owen develops some gumption, we’ll never know about them. Looking forward to the next chapter.

Ryder revealed more about himself than he meant to, perhaps. As others have observed, he clearly has his own set of troubles and dark patches. I look forward to listening in on their phone call.

Now three powers are gathered. They are assembled for something greater, I feel. How long it take for these two groups to trust each other? It certainly seems necessary that they do so. I’m beginning to wonder if Rhaelce’s lingering shadow over Malik presages a treachery for which the story is named.

I have enjoyed this story so far. I feel for Owen. Looking forward to what happens next.