jkwsquirrel

Alas! Poor Jerry! Jerry is the cautionary tale. Any of the boys could easily be Jerry if they don't change their ways.

Do teenagers ever have any redeeming qualities? Totally kidding! I think the events which have happened and are yet to come are shaping the boys, it just takes a while. Introspection will come, sometimes from the unlikeliest of places. Dustin and Brett are obviously trying to push the other out of Billy's life. But are they doing it so that they can have Billy all alone, because they really think the other one is bad for Billy, or simply out of spite? As for there being no consequences for Billy's actions at the hospital, well, maybe. They did have him strapped to the bed overnight, and don't underestimate the power of Jen Reilly's influence. But overall, yeah, that's Billy's life for you. "You just punched a mirror, but you're walking so it's okay. Move along." Is Billy really paranoid or is life truly out to get him?

You're on the right track in so many areas!

I always enjoy your reviews, Spikey. They challenge me in a good way, and I appreciate that. Unhinged is a good word to describe Dustin. The façade he's lived within is crumbling. He is taking some of that frustration out on Billy for the very reasons you gave. unfortunately, the one who is abused is at a high risk to become the abuser. I think you may have been a little hard on Brett in this particular chapter. Brett and Billy practically go to different schools. Billy's in advanced classes and Brett's in special ed, so their paths don't cross very often in school. As for Billy, I think the events at the hospital did change him. This isn't the same Billy who tried to beat up Joey. This Billy is running away from his problems and hoping they'll go away if he closes his eyes and pretends everything will be okay. He's always been afraid, but now he's being ruled by his fear. Yes, Brett thinks the whole idea of Billy staying with him is a grand idea exactly as you described. "Broken hand? Dad in the hospital? Cool, now you can stay with me!" Billy will find his voice again soon enough.

Thanks Wesley, I love the back and forth over which character is being the biggest jerk! I think it's because we know they can behave better, but they make wrong choices. Teenagers...

Thanks Jay, Frustration is the name of the game with Dustin. He's trying very hard and not seeing the results he wants. How will he react?

Thanks for these comments! I'm glad you've enjoyed the story so far. No saints here among my characters! Just lots of teenage angst and hormones and issues! Maybe someday they'll settle down, but what would be the fun in that!

Thanks ColumbusGuy! I'm glad you enjoyed the story. I think all of the characters where you love them and then you want to slap them and tell them to wake up. It makes a fun story! Thanks!

When I returned to school on Tuesday, everyone already seemed to know what had happened to me. I wondered how people had found out what was going on when I hadn’t even had the chance to explain anything. I guess when your life falls apart at the neighborhood pool party it doesn’t take long for the whole town to find out about it. Teachers asked me how my dad and mom were doing. Other kids asked me about my arm being in a sling and a cast. The attention was a little bit embarrassing. I’d do

So you're saying don't be mad, be angry! lol I've heard it said that not forgiving someone is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Not forgiving someone doesn't hurt them at all, it just hurts yourself. Well, we'll see what happens. Billy's figuring out what it means to be a grown up and his "I'm just a kid" attitude is losing its power. Now as for Billy not getting caught in the middle of Brett and Dustin's feud... Well, you always hurt the one you love.

You're kind of right about the next chapter. We'll see Dustin's reaction to what's taken place and it won't be good!

Jen is a smart lady. She's written books on kids like Billy. Of course, she's still clueless about her own son. Dustin's a good kid at heart, but he's in a bad situation. I'm with you on Billy. It's hard to see our parents go from invincible to vulnerable.

You can take the psychiatrist out of the office... lol I'll tell you what though, I really hoped that's how their conversation would come across. I'm glad it worked!

Yes, our little Billy is growing up! I'm hoping the journey continues to be fun. Brett will play a big role in what transpires, but that's yet to come!

Thanks! I'm glad you can relate to Billy and his struggles!

I walked down the darkened corridor of the hospital. The hallway seemed to stretch on for miles and miles. It was dark and gloomy. Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion. I slipped into the restroom and I quietly washed my face and looked at myself in the mirror. My reflection smiled back at me. My bleary green eyes were tired and bloodshot. “Here you are,” Dustin said as he opened the door. He closed it behind him. “What’s going on?” I asked. “I don’t know. You

Thanks for these thoughtful comments! Lots of thought provoking questions. I can't really give too much away, but I can say that many of your questions will be addressed. I can say that Brett is no angel, and we haven't yet seen the lengths he will go to in order to keep hold of Billy's heart.

Thanks as always! I think just about all of your concerns will be addressed in the coming chapters. Billy will have to continue to play the balancing act between Brett and Dustin, but I think in a few chapters we'll understand better just why they hate each other so much.

D'oh! Yes, it should have a "me" in there. Alas! At any rate, Billy's a fifteen year old boy. He'll have the usual problem solved by the next morning!

I hope you'll enjoy the ride!

It will definitely be an eye-opening experience for Billy and for Brett! Thanks for your love! Right back at ya!

Thanks Wesley! We'll see how things go with Brett and Dustin. For now, Billy just needs a little peace after a wild ride in the last book. I hope you'll enjoy how it goes!

“Time to wake up, boy.” “Huh? Where am I?” I asked myself. I was in a bed, but it wasn’t mine. Lights shining down from above me kept passing by. I realized I was drifting down a hallway. I tried to orient myself to my surroundings. Everything was happening in slow motion. There was a constant steady beeping noise and people kept looking at me and walking away before I could ask them anything. I tried to sit up, but I couldn’t. My body just wasn’t doing anything I wanted it to

As Billy Roberts begins to heal from a broken hand, he must work to heal his relationship with his father. But trouble looms as his best friend, Dustin Smith, and his boyfriend, Brett Reilly, have secrets which threaten to tear them, and Billy, apart.

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it! I really appreciate your comments!