Parker Owens

Thank you for a chapter showing CJ enveloped in the love of the Abello family. How wonderful it is that he can experience this, for it opens the mind and heart far more than anyone can say. It stands in stark contrast with the meeting with Lourdes. His conversation with her seemed a little rehearsed: did CJ go over what he was going to say in his mind? Save it up over months of increasingly clear, bright anger? Possibly he'll make an excellent lawyer one day. And how will Lourdes react? Undoubtedly, she won't take it lying down. Another note of caution arises from the repeated idea that it's not good to piss CJ off. What kind of effects on growing relationships and interactions will that attitude have on CJ and everyone else around him? I suppose that's what the other seasons are for... Great chapter!

Have read several chapters so far, and like this one the best. Quite a lot of tension built so beautifully and evocatively. Thank you for this chapter...

I thoroughly enjoyed this chapter that continues to unfold David and Twoey before us. Also nice to meet the mysterious Lanni more fully. Hats off to David for being philosophical about Twoey asking her to the dance. And kudos to Twoey for sensing that David would be the better one to be with her. I do hope David finds someone he can actually talk to; either a counselor, or even just a trusted friend. The great tragedy for David is that he is so self contained that he becomes blind just when he needs to be able to see clearly.

If Eric knew how, he'd shake the dust of the place off his feet. You're right again that library snacks won't cut it, either. Remember bring read to? I have very find recollections of my grandmother on the front porch on a summer's day reading to me. Kinda inspired me there, I guess.

Thanks for this chapter, too. Finally Morgan has something to see besides his own pain and difficulty. And this is just the early going isn't it? Can Morgan and Beck hit it off?

My heart is breaking to read this. And Morgan must be killing himself with every breath he takes. I weep for him; for Danny, and for everyone who has lost the love of their lives.

You hardly need more kudos from a newbie like me. But here they are. This is a fantastic prologue. I'm hooked, and you will no doubt reel me and everyone else in at your leisure. Thanks!

Wow. I'm so glad that you follow this story. It's a compelling subject. Eric keeps raising questions as he goes along...thanks so much for reviewing this chapter. It's hard to tell what he ought to do next.

Tim - this is an expressive and insistent description of depression. The image of a tunnel, a chute from which one can't escape, is perfect. I love how the meter drives you unstoppably into the experience. Thank you for this insight and this poem.

Nice to see Robbie begin to thaw, even in the depths of a Canadian winter. Nice trip to Timmy's, too. Like the new characters, Fran especially. Wonder where that's going to go? And agree with Columbus Guy, and hope that Tom is okay.

This is an awesome chapter. Bowing and groveling emoticon here. Beautifully told, and perfectly measured. The mother can't see past her own conception of her son, and can't get past the need for the approval of her own siblings. Too bad for her. And really, too bad for the rest of that family, that will be torn over it for a long time to come. Now it will be up to the cousins to help Reece find an extended family. And most importantly, Dave.

June 14 This morning, I got out of the church before anyone spotted me. At least the First Presbyterians had hot water, even if there wasn’t any food. I was hungry enough this morning that my stomach hurt. I cleaned up a little, but I didn’t wash my clothes – I was too afraid of people walking around, spotting me or my drying shirt and pants. That would have been embarrassing. Bad dreams again – Uncle Ray dreams, Dad dreams - dreams that left me wide awake with a racing heart and eyes staring

It's still mid June, so gardens aren't really full yet. Might find young lettuce, strawberries, stuff like that. Peas, if they got planted early. No apples or cherries yet. And of course, Eric never learned about woods survival anyhow...one can survive on little or nothing for a few days, but it turns one into a zombie, pretty much. Agree that this is Eric's biggest problem.

Oh, how wonderful! We finally get an internal description of what happens inside the unflappable Miles. And why would he have reason to be nervous? None whatever, but that first introduction is enough to make cowards of us all. Really, really nice to see Ian as the strong one this time. Thanks for this, and hope Ian and Miles let us see a little more of their lives one day.

The story made me feel so happy to write, I enjoyed every second. There will be another to go with it, soon. Thanks for reviewing!

The clouds are building on the horizon. Twoey and Lanni? David will have to exercise all of what self control he possesses. And Erik and Twoey with feelings for each other? How is that going to work out? I wonder if Twoey will wind up becoming the toy-of-the-semester for a lot of people, only to find out he's also blown up whatever connection he had with David. It would be an education - of a sort - for Twoey, but would pretty much kill his social chances in that small town. That would be tragic.

Poor Eric seems to miss his chances at help frequently. But as Tim pointed out on the forum, kids on the run don't often trust adults. In fact, they may take a long time to trust anyone. It's also interesting to note that many, many churches open their doors to AA-type meetings at all hours. That Eric found one such place is not completely surprising.

I chuckled. Then I smirked. Then I just broke down and laughed. Awesome and spot on. Thanks for this one!

Whoa. So Adam finally gives it up to Kevin. And he enjoys it. But the real question is what kind of denial will he have to go through to live with what he enjoyed so much? How much of himself is he willing to forswear? It's not going to get better. Well done, and built carefully. Looking for more.

It is a huge shame but a necessary one that Tom finally made the break with Robbie. The reader really feels Robbie's heartbreak, and you describe it well. Interesting new vibes from Daniel and new schoolmates add to the sense of re-establishment that is a strong undercurrent to this chapter. Thank you. Waiting for more.

Exactly. Completely other sort of support group meeting. Poor Eric/Stefan has no idea of what is going on, and the AA members really see him through their own eyes - and he's too scared and untrusting to set them straight. Have known something like this in actuality, though not as tragic.

June 13 Town again. Another little city on the river. I haven’t made up my mind yet if I want to try staying here for a while or not. I’m out of food. I’m out of water, too, which is one reason I looked for a place to crash in a town. Although my stomach is gnawing away at my insides, I won’t make the mistake of testing out the dumpsters again. Tonight, I’m staying in another church – this time the First Presbyterian Church of Marshall. I’m hiding behind a big pile of children’s toys and baby

Stefan/Eric has had an adventure. About the best thing going for him right now is his invisibility skill. But it's unlikely that he can keep this up; hunger will do that. Thank you for reading and reviewing!

Tack så mycket för detta. Your work was worth it! It's lovely.

I really like CJ's interest in the two kids who need a scholarship. Good for him. The development of what happens with the new boys - Paddy, Chipper, Brett - is also intriguing, and followed along nicely. Thanks for the 2nd post this week....