Israfil

Mike would have known anything with the frat would be anti-Corbin. So how did Mike let himself get involved with this unless they lied to him? That’s got to be ungentlemanly - not that it really matters cause that word only means something to these people when it’s useful. Pulling for Corbin so hard here - he’s put so much work into this frat (in part for himself but that’s the case with all college kids).

Oh, he wouldn't let him get away with a slight - but would he be this disproportionate, especially against someone who was a close ally? Then again, he has a temper >_> I'm trying to figure out why Hutch feels so wronged - especially since Corbin has proven his usefulness to Chi Beta. It seems like a waste. Though your other answer mentions the other guys might not see it as such a big deal. If Hutch sees little risk of Corbin being expelled, it could just be his way to force some clear answers from someone who would otherwise not give them or dole them out piecemeal. My gut reaction was Hutch was faking the pity but could be he was being genuine when he saw how hard his friend was taking it. Though, I relate to Corbin pretty hardcore (not as smart though) and I would have a similar reaction in the vein of "how dare you demand answers from me," especially at that age... It occurred to me that one of the accused parties might have complained to Dom and co. - the "ungentlemanly behavior" and "eroding trust in Chi Beta" could be related to Corbin threatening them, and thus, going against some kind of Greek life code. I can see someone spinning it as Corbin's threat to expose their skeletons reflecting on Chi Beta - rich frat bros are expected to take care of their own after all, and making entitled men feel small will almost always means they will be vengeful down the line, especially if their imaginary "manhood" has been threatened. As I write this, I realize that could be all it is for Hutch and Dom.

Got to say, I’m disappointed in Hutch. While I’ve never had any experience with Greek Life, this seems overkill. Regardless of how he might feel wronged by Corbin in recent weeks, this seems like a massive betrayal of someone who was one of his closest friends. He has to know the ramifications that Corbin pointed out - but he seems to be trying to play dumb to that? Theory - Chi Beta leadership put two and two together, and decided if they can’t stop Corbin’s ascension through the expulsion, they can reduce his influence on SEC through the whole show of the trial. Also, even if they don’t like his scheming and plotting, hasn’t it largely helped the house? Or are they just too stupid to accept that there are other ways of doing things - working within and around the system? Also, robes? Seriously? Another reason I never respected frats on campus XD

There’s the third choice - neither of them. Which would be sad and honestly I’m hoping that’s not the case but my instincts say otherwise….

I don’t know what to feel anymore! Which is a credit to you, @Jwolf- I went from “woo, Team Mike” after his declaration to uncertainty in the last scene. Glad to see Pete put the pieces together though honestly Mike helping Corbin with the plan feels like something especially intimate that I don’t think we’ve seen in his relationship with Pete, and I’m not sure it would have been possible, Pete’s words notwithstanding. As lovely as the idea of Pete is, I think he’s an object (and painful) lesson of how to let things go. Mike definitely seems like the right choice - he gets Corbin on a more fundamental level.

That “little power” is not so little and can open post-graduation opportunities.

I think while we all agree in our feelings regarding Corbin’s actions, there’s something that’s getting lost in all the righteous anger. Yes, I’m all for true love and am as frustrated as anyone else but people don’t realize *why* these campus politics can become such a big deal. This is more than campus clout - college isn’t high school - accomplishments (and scandals) here can follow you. At many schools, especially in the south (but others throughout the country as well), fraternity politics and power, through connections, resumes, and titles can translate to post-college opportunities. Jobs offers are only the start. You don’t need to agree with his priorities to see his reasoning. Also, he’s young, and at that age when you’ve been focusing on a goal so intently like that, it’s hard to change your thinking or adapt. Chasing your dreams can leave one particularly susceptible to tunnel vision at any age. Love can be a goal but it’s not always *the* goal. Yes, he may have made a poor decision but I find it more sad than anything else.

Yay Sue! But everyone else has said it better than I could. What I was thinking was what she would say if she happened to find out about Robbie’s nascent friendship with Mathew. I have a feeling she’d warn him off - saying it was wonderful Robbie wanted to help him but some people just don’t want to be helped and he would only end up being dragged into a toxic situation. Or maybe that’s just me but Sue and I seem to have the same feelings on the church.

Regarding Ryan’s tear, that was satisfying. I do so enjoy seeing those kinds of men cry. Regarding Corbin - maybe I’m just not cut out to be a schemer (there goes my image of myself) but couldn’t he have given Pete a slight explanation? “It’s a power play, babe. Everything I ever wanted - will fill you in later. Trust me!” Or something like that. I get Pete being angry as all hell but “find peace”? That just sounds sanctimonious - and what the hell does that even mean? Also, Alex’s scene with the frat was straight-up fire.

I don’t think he’s necessarily giving up Pete, though neither of them are going to like what Corbin has planned. That being said, I think the issue he has to spin is going to be horrible - something that will give even Corbin pause. If it’s what I think it is, Alexandria might not want to go along once she finds out.

I’m pretty curious about what made Don the way he is. Doesn’t excuse his behavior at all but there’s usually a reason for why someone’s this obsessive - at least his pathological control issues if not his homophobia.

So…as odd as it may seem, I felt the pastor was at his most dangerous when he offered Robbie a box of tissues. Religious nut job he may be, the man knows things about handling people, if not the weather. He saw Robbie was hurting despite the swearing and didn’t rise to the bait. There was none of Don’s toxic “men don’t cry” nonsense and just gave him some tissues. He’s like a toxic inverse of Jo - much of the same knowledge but used in making people conform rather than helping them (tho of course he thinks helping is what he’s doing).

I was worried initially about Jacob being some kind of malevolent entity in the horror movie mold, but that doesn’t seem to be the case after the warning about Annie - who is clearly in some sort of trouble.

It might have been the one we were all bracing for haha. This made me smile though - I’ve been looking forward to this chapter since the last one. I was a little concerned about Bobby and Isaac getting along though for whatever reason.

What a pleasant surprise to find a chapter so soon! Had to make my dog wait while I finished reading 🤣

Well then. Maybe Emma could put something of a gag order on the kids who witnessed it? So John doesn’t have to tell every goddamn class about it and hammer his mental health more than it already has….

I’m actually really happy you dispensed with the countdown and let the story be what it needs to be, as my editor says. There would have been so many interesting aspects of the characters and situation left unexplored if you’d ended where you originally planned.

I have mixed feelings about Noah’s mum. She’s clearly trying and acknowledging her mistakes which is great. However, I bristled when she said how Seth threatened Brock twice - it was completely warranted - but on the other hand, even if he’s a mentally deficient cave-man, Brock is still her son, so I guess that could change her perspective lol. And her uncomfortable moment when Noah said how Seth got custody of his sister like “oh right, that changes the narrative.” Sigh.

Interesting, I was wondering when Noah's mother would be brought in - she was a little bit of a mystery.

That. Was. AWESOME. For both of them - I loved Seth’s attitude and it was great to see Noah take matters into his own hands. I had the same fears that the Cranes could come after Seth if he damaged their figurehead son.

So relieved Noah’s grandfather came through, it sounds like. I was hoping that practicality that Noah alluded to would show up. “He’s gay? So what, he’s got a head for business. That’s all I need to know.” Or something like that. Hopefully he also stated his other grandchild was an idiot. That would be fun for Noah’s dad to hear. Though it occurs to me that his brother didn’t out him right away. Was that because Noah got ahead of it or was Brock just going to drag out the pain?

While I get that Jackson’s something of a rule breaker and certainly thinks highly of himself, I suspect Cindy’s definition of being “full of yourself” is a little skewed. I imagine it applies to any kid who is secure in their parents’ love, has a healthy amount of confidence, and doesn’t question their self-worth on a daily basis. Oh, and doesn’t go to church and devote enough time to prayer XD

Got to say, I’m proud of Jackson for standing up to the counselor trying to guilt him. Sometimes you have to look out for yourself and the people you love. And further kudos to Jackson for keeping his cool with Cindy. I like to think I’d do the same but I’d have been so tempted to yell out something like “you know how much he hates you these days, right?” Or something to that effect. True or not, it’s something every mother fears - especially controlling ones like Cindy, whether or not they admit it.

I’m concerned about the pastor too, but at Robbie’s age, I’d have taken the bargain as well. Two hours in exchange for the pastor supporting adoption? Especially when you consider the damage he could do if he chose to push for marriage, I wouldn’t have seen another option. Which is just what the pastor wants.

Idiots like Brock are always looking for something to hold over people. Noah didn’t give a damn about his being stronger, good looking or even their parents favorite. On top of that, Noah was so much clearly smarter than him. Brock’s probably been looking for some way to get back at his younger brother for this staggering insult *voice dripping with sarcasm*