jkwsquirrel

Everything between the boys will come together very soon. I'm fond of Dustin myself. I mean, I still have to destroy his life, but yeah, I do like him. And fuck Joey McKenzie.

The apple didn't fall far from the tree. She's Brett's mom, afterall!

You're right, I do indeed love the comments. I love the passion of my readers (and I do have awesome readers). I don't mind a bit of "roughing up" if it's constructive. Spikey is always honest and constructive with his points. Sometimes my reaction is, "Darn that guy, he's right." So I don't mind a bit of criticism if it's helpful. I definitely stir up a lot of emotion with my writing style. I know that. I've had folks get mad at me sometimes. It's part of the "job" and I accept it. That said, yes. The point of him failing the driving test was that he has to apply all that head knowledge practically. He's been coasting on talent alone. It's what his dad has been beating him over the head with throughout his life. That and his mother was the one who took him to the tests.

Thanks Benji! I enjoyed your take on what's been going on! Things are heating up, that's for sure!

I enjoyed it too! Sometimes I slip little things like that in just to amuse myself and see who else gets a kick out of it! My favorite part was how Billy no-sold it. "Who?"

Again, how did I miss this, Lisa?!?!? Thanks for the good thoughts on the chapter. It's belatedly appreciated!

Teenagers... "Gah!!!! I'm so brooding and angry!!! ....Hold me, I'm scared!"

Thank you, my friend! You are right. Sometimes it is in the quiet portions of the story where we learn the most about the characters. I think that applies for a lot of stories.

How did I miss this comment?!?! Anyway, thanks, my friend, for your encouraging words. I belatedly appreciate it!

How in the world did I miss this comment? Thanks for your wonderful encouragement, Lisa!

Welcome to the party, Rndmrunner! George is a smart man. Who knows what secrets he holds?

Thanks, dude!

I agree! Way too many hormones pumping into still developing brains! But still good at heart.

Thanks Brian! Dr. Reilly is a lot like her son in many ways. I agree, George is a pretty good guy!

Thank you, friend! I'm just a kid at heart!

I got out of school early on Friday because my retainer came in. Brett hadn’t been in school the whole week, and I was beginning to get worried about him. Not only had he not been in school, but his mom said he couldn’t take my calls. I was getting really worried about him. Dr. Martin didn’t have to make any adjustments to my retainer. It fit perfectly, but it made me make a lot of spit when I’d wear it. I had to keep slurping and swallowing and I couldn’t talk right either, but

Yep. I can't argue with any of your analysis, my friend. Things need to change, and soon they will.

Thanks Dahawk! I really appreciate it. It'll all sort out in the end.

It'll all work out eventually. She really does think she's doing what's best for Billy. She shares something in common with her son, she sometimes does more harm than good when she tries to help.

Well, to be fair, he didn't see the blood until after he talked with his dad. And he did get Dustin some aspirins, which is just what you should give someone who is bleeding internally... No wait... That's actually a really bad idea! Good job, Billy! I agree, it's a dark part of the story right now.

Billy's a coward. He's always been a coward. He might conquer his fears someday. But for now, totally a pussy. I think your analysis is fair and accurate.

Hmmm... The driving thing is just for fun. I like torturing Billy. He's a bit arrogant. It's fun to poke holes in his ego. I figured it was harmless fun. I guess not. I apologize. Dustin. Who is to say that George hasn't already attempted to intervene? Or Miss Winston? Or the principal? It's very difficult to get law enforcement involved in the life of a low-life, low-income, no-account family if no one is willing to testify to something that they witnessed (and sometimes even if there are witnesses). But, if Billy would grow a set and come forward maybe something could be done, but all he knows is what Mike told him. He's convinced that if he tells then Mike will get in trouble. He's never actually witnessed anything. He doesn't go to the park at night. He's never seen Dustin's dad beat him up. It's all speculation. Speculation might get a visit from the cops. Maybe. But where would it go from there? Is Dustin going to rat out his parents? I don't think so. If only there were a witness, maybe something could be done. In conclusion, I agree. Billy's a pussy and he fights like a whiny little girl. He needs to grow some balls before his best friend ends up dead. I think chapter 12 will be very cathartic for many of us.

Thanks glennish! I just like tormenting Billy sometimes!

All true, but Brett has a certain charisma about him that draws people to him. He is a charmer, and that works very well on Billy's mom.