jkwsquirrel

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.

Thanks Wes! That's an interesting theory. Wish I'd thought of it!

Your ending is one of my favorite comments ever! As for Paula, she really is trying. Everything she is doing she thinks is in Billy's best interest. Dustin has a bad rep, so her son should stay away. She's very much focused on what other people have to say or are thinking (kind of like another character in the story...). Everything about Dustin will be revealed very soon. I don't mind your hatred! I earn it with the way I abuse my poor characters! Everything about Brett will be revealed very soon. I can say that he was indeed sick on the night in question. And once again, fuck Joey McKenzie!

No.

Thanks DQ! Well, something is going on. We'll have the answers soon. Billy has major trust issues. I think it'll make sense in the end.

Thanks Israfil! I think it will all work out for the best. Billy has some growing up to do.

I waited in the back seat of the car as mom walked to the car. I wiped angry tears off my face as she inspected the back of the car. Finally, she opened the door and sat down in the driver’s seat. “I don’t want to talk about,” I snapped. “You didn’t do any damage,” she offered, looking at me in the mirror. “This stupid car is a piece of crap!” I exploded. “How the hell are you supposed to see behind you when you parallel park? Goddammit!” “Will

Thanks again Brian! Yeah, the ups and downs of being a family can take us on many adventures. The story is as much about Billy's relationship with his parents as it is about his love life, and how those relationships so often inter-tangle. Should be fun!

Thanks Brian! That was one of my favorite lines!

Thanks Lisa! Your comments are always appreciated! It's Pastor Carl Stevens. Things are getting more serious, that's for sure. We're a long way from Billy and Brett stealing a porno flick and getting in trouble for skipping baseball games! That said, Billy does have some info on Joey, doesn't he? And we know how reliable Billy is with secrets. Paula was in a vulnerable situation. Her husband was in the hospital and her son was having a nervous breakdown. She was looking for something to carry her through and Pastor Carl was there to pick her up. The adults are having issues of their own that are impacting the kids.

The best time to mess things up is when they look their best! Like throwing a strike in bowling. It's more fun because the pins are all neatly arranged. Or when a row of dominoes is ready to fall down. I agree as well, this is Brett at his best! Still mischievous, but less obnoxious. As for the parental units, we'll see just how much they know eventually.

Thanks Lisa! The driving test - Just another adult in Billy's life who messes things up for him and then Billy gets all the crap! Paula - She's never quite satisfied with the son she has. The classic 'why can't you be more like...' Dustin - He's definitely reaching rock bottom, and isolating himself from those who love him. He doesn't think he's worthy of love.

Thanks my friend! No worries about being nerdish or over-analytical here! I love to put little references like that in the story. It makes me very happy when people notice.

This comment made me laugh! Exactly the reaction I was going for! DELIGHTFUL!

He's a schmuck, that's for sure!

Thanks Benji! I find that you can refute with facts all you want but people will still believe what they want to believe. That theory applies to politics as well.

Thanks DQ! Quite the interesting upbringing, and I'm thankful for your perspective on this issues presented in this chapter. Rebellion against the authorities in our lives is a natural part of growing up, I think. Doesn't mean we don't love our parents, just means we have to forge our own identity and we often do that by testing ourselves against the strongest personality nearest to us. That's part of what I'm trying to do with the boys in the story. Thanks for sharing a portion of your story with us. As for Nate, tuck him quietly away in your mind for a while, as he will be seen again in the future, but not for a long time.

Maybe both! Or maybe not...