Israfil

Yeah haha - as I hit “add comment” I kind of realized that I should factor in who was saying that lol. That being said, I stand by my last statement based off my own experience.

So maybe this is something wrong with me, but why would Alex say that Robbie would be more popular after saving Mike/Mr. Lube? I can’t see it changing anyone’s opinions. Those who don’t like Robbie don’t think he’s a bad person it’s cause they’re homophobic. Maybe it might affect those who were ambivalent to him but, at the risk of sounding like Don…it was just Mr. Lube 😆 He’s not exactly a…pillar of a community, even if he is a nice guy. Unless they knew the guy personally, I feel most kids won’t care. I mean, in high school if I heard that I’d just be like, “cool, glad everyone’s okay,” then back to my lunch and forgotten about it by dinner. Of course, it could help with some adults. Though that also irritates me since queer people and minorities have to almost justify their right to simply exist without harassment. If you’re different society demands you prove yourself rather than just live.

You’re not wrong, but homophobes have a way of getting under your skin. Speaking as someone who was once an angry young gay kid.

So Joel’s mom is a child lol. I wonder if she’s always been that immature on some level or the stress of the situation made her regress. Great story - about the ending I expected. I realized not everything‘s gonna be wrapped up in a bow. That being said Joel‘s character arc is sorted and we have a good idea of what his future holds. Though my cruel side was hoping for a Wesley crash out about how Joel had always been perceived as better than him and he was trying to get back at him or something. Wanted to see him break lol

Is...that sarcasm or actual fond memories? If the latter, just know I'm side-eying you lol.

Sigh, I always hated those macho bullshit games. Felt like a stupid posturing on the nature channel. Never had any patience for it - which is probably why I didn't do too well in that social circle. I was just like "please kill yourself, but failing that, at least leave me the fuck alone." Brighter note, it's cute to see Joel and Davin acting like a couple/situationship.

So when Trace and Celia find out, and they will, I suspect their biggest concern about the relationship will be that Joel and Davin essentially live in the same house. Most adults would be cautious about two teenagers being involved who live together - putting a whole other strain on the relationship and another issue for the dynamics of the household if it doesn’t work out. I’m talking in-universe here since we know @Krista is unlikely to have Davin and Joel break up haha.

This is the second or third time Colt has seen Joel looking at him and smiled in a state of undress. I’m fairly certain Colt is straight but secure enough in himself to enjoy being looked at haha. Good for him. And I stand by my statement last chapter - they really didn’t have to go to the party. Just say you’re going to a movie or something. Lying is not hard and kind of fun in this case to be honest. I feel for Davin - being the one who had plans only to be derailed cause of your situationship’s poor judgement (even before getting drunk).

Is this a small town thing? Cause I thought I grew up in a small town but I’m clearly missing something cause when I was their age it an easy thing to simply say “yeah I’m not feeling it tonight” when you didn’t want to go out and not raise suspicion. Folks would assume you’re staying in to play video games or go to a movie or something. Or just tired. Not that you’re planning to hook up with your sorta-situationship. Hell, they could have said “we want to see ‘insert blockbuster here’” and googled the movie after. Worked wonders for me. These guys are bad at lying - the title notwithstanding. The three Gs of closeted relationships. “Gaslight, gaslight, gay sex.” At least for me XD

He’s following Davins advice - if you already have a reputation, best to lean into it. I can see how you have to make a statement. My version would be much more boring - just saying “yeah, what of it?” until everyone got too bored to give me crap lol

I feel like the complaints about Joel being prickly are starting to get old and the expectations for how he deals with new people are a bit unrealistic. As readers we may know that certain characters mean well so it can be frustrating. But his trauma is still recent and he’s a kid. Walls are what he does and they’ve largely kept him safe. He doesn’t really know Roy, who has kind of latched on to him cause he’s curious about the bridge incident and needs a familiar face. Joel has every reason to be cautious. After what his family did he simply cannot welcome people with open arms even if he wants to. I don’t think anyone really could at this point. Though maybe as having been a somewhat prickly person in high school, I may be inclined to stand up for him.

It’s been like a month since his life fell apart, none of us would be doing terribly well in that situation.

I know Joel’s traumatized and after hiding for so long it’s hard to talk about even with someone who understands… but goddamn was he frustrating at the end. Wanting Davin to talk to him and answer his questions *that he didn’t ask* I was like open your mouth and say something - doesn’t have to be eloquent. I know I’m being uncharitable though 😅 When the kiss happened at the end I was more relieved than anything else. As someone else said - finally. On a separate note, @Krista beautifully captured the awkwardness of being at a party you don’t want to attend 😂

I guess it’s confirmed the twins’ parents had kids because they were expected to, then realizing they much preferred their lives before that. And then threw money at the problem rather than deal with it. And stayed away as much as possible, lest their sons expect things of them. Like parenting. If pushed, I imagine their response would be something like “We weren’t cut out to be parents, what do you want from us?” Or something equally whiny 😆

What’s that? Can’t say it’s ringing any bells

Sooo, I guess Stacy nor Adam are thinking about abortion? Maybe adoption? Other helpful A-words? When she listened to Gloria she seemed way too interested in the idea of being a housewife…

I was directed to this one through your references in comments for "Learned to Lie" and was curious, but not before receiving the emotional gut punch of "Finding Alex." You have the consistency with writing I wish I had XD

Love that these two have a friendly sibling dynamic - they’re fun team! (Why yes I am binging your stories Netflix style)

Judging from his reaction to Roy‘s question, Wesley is probably ticked that his own situation hasn’t improved since outing Joel. Instead of replacing his brother as “the good son,” their parents blame him for essentially starting all of this, whether or not they voice it or even admit it to themselves. The mom even said “I wish I never knew.” The dad will certainly make the connection that until they were told, they had no idea and could have easily gone on like that. Wesley took that from them and turned their house upside down. I doubt they will thank him for that. Was satisfying to see Joel beat up Johnny though now he’s made an enemy. Joel made him afraid on the bridge - and we know straight teenage boys just can’t abide that. Now he kicked his ass - so once Johnny hears anything juicy about Joel he’ll spread it like a wildfire.

Right?!

Cal is a stronger man than I. Not sure how long I could have resisted texting Kyle back in that situation.

Joel stated he doesn’t have close friends - just “enough to keep him sane.” To stay safe and keep his secret he’s kept people at arm’s length - that was clearly explained. I remember doing something similar at his age - as I’m sure many of us do.

Believe me, it does happen even today.

Sooooo - religion or trauma. Or simple hill billy stupidity? Either way the mother is pathetic. And the dad can’t grow a spine quick enough and doesn’t seem to be the sharpest tool in the shed either. Weak is the best word I can describe it as. So weak-minded that she would cling to religion like this over her child. And the objectively *better* of her older children at that. My suspicion is Joel was the son they pinned their hopes on since Wes is a fuck up. Joel being gay and “other” freaked them out and feels like a betrayal. The worst example of white, working class, rural America.

What I don't understand is why the courts are so gung-ho about him going back to North Carolina? There's literally nothing for him there - he would just be another foster statistic in all likelihood. Family reunification is usually the watchword. And from a government perspective, wouldn't it be in their best interest to have a kid removed from state expenses?