Parker Owens

February 13 If the weekend was a roller coaster, the past two days have been a whirl. It has been incredibly busy so far, and the week isn’t over yet. Not by a long shot. We had to scramble out of bed Monday morning and hurry to meet Kaz, who was surprised and happy to see both of us for running. Zander was in a surprisingly good mood for someone who had swum in a big meet less than forty eight hours earlier. We walked the familiar road from the house to the high school in the starry darkness

Thank you for your kindness in reading and reviewing this chapter. There are many antiques in the various state legal codes- laws long out of date, based on a pioneer era set of rules and expectations. I confess to having fabricated such a statue - the 'foundling statute' Garrett Stevenson referred to. I do know such anachronisms exist in our system, so I am glad it was plausible.

A beautiful prayer. A heartfelt, soul-stirring cry. I, too hope CG reads this one day, and knows the depth of your empathy, love and support.

I am not a lawyer, still less a legal expert. My research (such as it was) told me that our US states have many, many laws still in force which are somewhat antiquated. In this story, I fabricated such an outdated law - the 'foundling statute' Garrett Stevenson referred to. I do know that such antiques of the legal code existed, products of a pioneer age when children were found abandoned, wandering on their own, or left on doorsteps in the night. That Mr. Stevenson knew where to look in the code for that statute, and what it could be bent into meaning, is a testament to his legal prowess and flexibility. I am glad you found all this plausible. As long as judge Harrison bought it, that's what matters to Andy right now. Thanks for reading and reviewing - and for your patience as I catch up!

Thank you so much for your review and for reading Andy's story. I really enjoyed writing these chapters, even though they were hard to hone into the right shape. I really appreciate your reading, and your patience as I try to catch up after a long absence.

I am so glad you stood my Andy and read his story. You have been very kind to do so. Now he has told his story, and now Monica and Garrett realize how much more Zander has in Andy than just a first boyfriend. Monica was right to apologize and explain her feelings - it was a morning for telling, wasn't it? More is to come. Thanks for being patient as I return from a vacation.

I am delighted you are happy with Andy's outcome. It looks good from this angle, but remember that Andy will be wary even now. The tale is not yet finished; there is more. Does that make it better? Thanks for your reviews and for being patient as I return from a long absence.

I am happy you got what you were looking for. It certainly was what I had in mind at the beginning. Like most things, this took time to develop. If it makes you feel better, there are more chapters to come. It's not over just yet. Thanks for your review, and for your patience as I catch up after a long absence.

I am so glad you brought up the idea of survivor. Andy is exactly that - a survivor and a hero. But I doubt he would recognize that in himself. In his own midst way, he'd just shrug at the idea. To him, Zander is his hero - so many of the things he'd like to be, but doesn't see in himself. Now, just maybe, a better way of looking at li may be at hand. Thank you for reading and for your patience as I try to catch up on envies after a long absence.

Thank you so much for the thumbs up. I am glad you liked this chapter; these chapters in the mid forties were tough to write, though really quite a joy to think about. I hope some of that came through. I really appreciate your reviewing, and your patience as I try to catch up after a long absence.

Garrett Stevenson is a good man, bound by his duty to the law. He just has to fit the situation to the right law.This is no courtroom drama, though. For once Andy is in a safe place with people he ought to be able to trust. Thanks for your review, and for your patience as I catch up.

The Stevensons must suspect they are in for a bracing ride. But you are right, in that a lawyer is very handy in such a situation. Even more so when that lawyer is a good man like Garrett Stevenson appears to be. Notice he spent Andy's retelling of his story listening first. Thanks. For your review, and for your patience as I try to catch up!

I do not blame you for not "liking" this chapter. The early days of the journal are really hard to take, and we aren't Stefan. I am humbled that you have chosen to read A to Z, still more that it held you enough to binge through ch. 31. Stefan's story isn't always an easy one to handle, but it is compelling. Thank, you for your reviews and for reading.

I am so happy you liked this chapter. It was very hard to write, and. I took quite a long time to get it where I wanted it. It was Monica's reaction to Andy exposing his back that came to mind first. Now comes a new part of Andy's life. You are right in that he remains frightened and wary. He may also have difficulty believing how much of this new love can be true or trusted, I love how you put it: he may choose to be Andy, Thanks for that, and for continuing to dread Andy's story.

Lots of very good "wills" indeed. If it's allowed, Zander will surely be at the center of loving Andy. And you are right, in that their new relationship will affect everyone else. Thanks for reviewing, and for continuing to read Andy's story.

I am glad you can hear Andy's voice as I can. Perhaps it sounds crazy, but I really could hear him speak some days, Poor Mrs. Stevenson must have been shocked, then amazed, and then heartbroken by what she heard. No wonder she just sat with a cup of coffee in the end. No wonder Mr. Stevenson went to his den to make a plan. No wonder Zander needed to kiss Andy again. Thanks for your continuing to read Andy's story, and for your reviews.

Andy's story has reached a watershed moment, and something new is indeed beginning. Lawyer Stevenson is a good man, but Andy hasn't yet found his full measure. At least we can know that the Stevensons will support Zander and Andy, which is pretty huge. Thanks for continuing to read Andy's story, and for your commentary.

The truth is indeed out. The Stevensons now have to figure out how to respond. From Andy's point of view, things have been encouraging - at least so far. And yes, it is very good that Mr. Stevenson is a lawyer. Thanks for your review, your encouragement, your patience, and above all for reading thus far.

Journals and diaries are often overlooked. As for Andy, he's about to learn what it's like to share and trust. After carrying it all by himself for so long, that will be a major change. Thanks for reading and for your patience. I appreciate your reviews.

February 12 – (Sunday) – continued…. Mr. Stevenson hustled me into my coat and into the car. “We’re going to see Judge Harrison,” he explained as he pulled out of the driveway, “I called him, and he’s agreed to see us this morning, at his home. It’s a huge favor, but hell, he owes me one or two.” A judge? Would there be police? Was I going to be arrested? I glanced at the locks on the door. Could I escape from a moving car without killing myself? He continued speaking as he drove. “The th

More than just an informational chapter, this gives us a clearer view of how Twoey sees David. And David plainly calls Twoey the boy he loves. All this is good. The tough part is going to be how that connection between them affects all the other relationship dynamics spinning around them, and this David has got hold of in meditation, at least in part. But only in part. What could happen outside his or Twoey's view could be seriously discomforting, I think. Great chapter. More soon, right?

Thank you for your kind review. Andy has come come clean now, as much as he can for the moment. The whole family will have to get used to one another all over again, and that will mean bumps and bruises along the way, I suppose. Thanks for reading Andy and Zander's story so far.

This is an awesome chapter. I may have said that once before, but I will say it again. This is a a fantastic piece of writing.

I am very glad you found this chapter fulfilling. I felt that, too as I wrote it. Suddenly, the unhappy tangle of Andy's life found some resolution, and yes, it was beautiful. Thank you for your very kind words, and I so appreciate your reading Andy's story.

I am so very glad you are enjoying Andy's story. You are most kind in your review, which I appreciate. Still more I am grateful you continue to read. Andy and Zander seemed very real to me as I wrote this, so I am glad that came out. It has been a very long time coming, but the is now some real sunshine in Andy's life.