Anton_Cloche

A wonderful chapter @Connectwriter, that lets us know that Pete and Marty are back at school in New Jersey, but leading off with their friend Jeremy and his problems after his girlfriend effectively dumped him, shows yet again what a great empathetic couple they are. They essentially became, to use a nautical term, "A safe port in a storm". Jeremy was truly adrift, lost in a sea of emotions after the breakup, and perhaps close to having something terrible happen on a freezing cold January night. A fall on a dark street could result in losing consciousness, and exposure to freezing temperatures can lead to hypothermia - a potential medical emergency. Jeremy wandering miles from campus and being found by Pete, was more of a miracle than 'Jer' realizes in the moment. Over the coming days, as Pete has organized joint college friends to bring Jeremy meals and spend time with him, Jeremy will realise how lucky he is to have Pete and Marty (and friends) to help him through this rough patch. Thank you for this .

Had a friend in very similar circumstances to Joel, including special connection to a team and player number. When faced with not getting it, he talked it over and flipped the numbers. So the number was still there, sort of. Unfortunately like most sports superstitions, his new year under 'reversed' numbers, saw a reversal of fortune ☹️. Joel needs to talk with his last coach at Tempton High to see if the 'full ride' scholorship can be put off for 1 year and still apply, based on his 4-season undisturbed records of Varsity through 11t h grade, (as has happened at some NCAA colleges and universities in the last decade, including precedents because of Covid). 🤞

@Connectwriter, finally I get to let out the breathe I've been holding. The love and care for each other that not just Marty and Pete have, but that everyone in Mike and Brad's extended "multi-generational family" shares, is amazing. And greatly comforting to everyone. Especially for anyone who has a family member with epilepsy (or any special needs). Thank you for this chapter, and this wonderful heartfelt story. 💓

Great second chapter Preston, leading off with a mid-air medical crisis well attended to by Cooper and Andrew with a (fingers crossed) satisfactory outcome. From there, our duo start to settle in at their first vacation stay, only to be rudely interrupted when Andrew's supervisor calls his mobile to give Banjo a hard time for going out of WA for a long overdue PTO with this "thorny" rebuke from a prickly 'bird': “I see, well, usually we are to be informed if you are travelling to another state. When is your return date?” Really? Seems that Superintendent Jefferson needs to be read the HR regulations by 'his' superior. Looking forward to reading what's next. Ship ahoy?

Epileptic seizures can happen at any age and with little or no warnings or triggers. Many dogs can sense a seizure moments before it happens and can 'alert' as these two did just before Angie called out for Peter. Some epilepsy patients have seizures while sleeping and if no one is with them to react to the seizure, they can die of what is called SUDEP - Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. 20 year old rising Disney star Cameron Boyce died in July 2019 after he suffered a seizure at home in his sleep. Boyce, who had a history of epilepsy from early childhood was found unresponsive in bed when he missed his morning alarm and could not be revived. FYI, Cameron Boyce began philanthropic works in 2014, not just for epilepsy awareness and research into its' causes, but for other social causes. He raised funds for the Thirst Project, which helps bring clean water to underdeveloped countries. In September 2019, three months after his sudden death, the Thirst Project officially changed the name of the Pioneering Spirit Award to the Cameron Boyce Pioneering Spirit Award, to honor his work with the organization. Cameron worked tirelessly for LGBTQ charities to support gay (and straight) youth at risk; and supported the United Way of America initiative to end homelessness. He helped raise money for the HomeWalk in 2015, and continued to do so until his death.

Another wonderful chapter @Connectwriter, diving deeper into Pete and Marty's relationship, plans for the future etc.. Pete's empathy for Brady, especially the baby's ear infection, stems from Pete's own hearing issues that likely started from birth. Talking to Brady, as if to inform and calm him was a charm 💓.

I think you may have put just enough weight in to the thought of writing this part @Krista, but you've only begun unraveling all the threads. You haven't reached the 'dénouement' (from the French, meaning 'untying') , which many writers misconstrue as 'wrapping up everything' as if in an story epilogue (or end of a play), where "all is revealed." You've more in a demi-dénouement, like loosening enough knots to release a blockage. Think Trace moving some rocks in the creek to let more water flow to the fields or cattle, but not enough to cause a flood. (water or emotions?). Joel and Davin are not yet deep in raging water, but their feet are on "...black slate rock. It was slick with a film, or algae, I didn’t really know..."

Your comments @akascrubber were like deja vu all over again. Other than the typo of: 'had a crush on Colt till he was 10', when Davin actually said: “I’ve been in love with Colt since I was ten years old,” he whispered grimacing as he looked away. “That’s when I figured it out anyway..." Now the question is, how do Davin and Joel deal with this revelation? Given Celia's knack of knowing or sensing what Joel's issue was, has she had the same suspicion about Davin? And whether as twins or just brothers, did Gavin and Davin share "discoveries" about their bodies and sexual preferences or leanings early on? (I knew twins in this situation at the same age, but that's a story for another time). How "cool" Gavin is about this may be surprising. Heading back to school @Krista is going to be SO tricky. (but I know you are more than up to the challenge of writing about it 📝). Ps: @RichardWrites mentioned: " I wonder who else in this town (I believe it’s called Fletcher?) knows about Davin being gay (other than Gavin his twin bro)?". Too bad @Krista didn't call it Fletcher Falls. Just a little further downstream on Schitt's Creek 🤣.

Thank you for your comment @ReaderPaul, and perhaps informing new readers who haven't read Springbank (IMHO a prerequisite to @quokka's wonderful continuation of his story), or reminding others who may have forgotten, what Cooper's "backstory" is. I am fully aware of Cooper's history, education, business acumen and, in this case, Paramedicine training and skills which more than qualify him to render assistonce to 'Henry' or any other passenger in distress. I was simply adding another element to the mix, mostly in jest, which would have been more apparent had I not edited out the word "yappy" before "pet". Anyone who has experienced the sounds of a non-sedated animal on a long flight, usually equates it as Cooper did in his thoughts behind the choice of Business Class for his and Banjo's flights: "When we were called to board the aircraft, I had a quick look back at the crowd of passengers who would be crammed into economy, ... thankfully no children or infants, which can be stressful for them as well as all the other passengers when they get restless on a long flight". Next time I will "jest" leave out any attempts at humour? 😉🙄

Echoing others Q, 'Oceanbank 1' (hints of another book 'OB-2?) is off to a great start, with Banjo, Coop's properties, and even the vacay; until ... ... I heard a woman’s voice coming from not too far back, “Henry… wake up, Henry. Help, please help, my Henry won't wake up,” she cried out, which soon had everyone awake. Hopefully someone with med experience can help Henry, (if Henry is a person, and not some pet in carry-on luggage).* * Lest anyone think I'm anti pet, NOT true, just adding an additional 'wrinkle' to the story 😉

Mate, you're back and that's all that matters Whether once a week, a fortnight, or whenever, just as long as we get a "number" of them before the next Avon Descent (14 - 16 Aug. 2026 ?)

Welcome back Preston @quokka. Hope all is well with you in WA. You have been missed. It feels right to drop in on Coop and Banjo and learn how life is going. 🤞

And along with THAT, Jack may experience the complication of a wolf's 'knot' which ensures 'uncoupling' does not happen easily or quickly. 😮

Are you channeling your inner Ward, or is Lumpy knocking at the door? (Not Eddie because he's too cool 😀.) Yes @Laura S. Fox is off to a good start on this 'sequel' but the interplay between Jack "Field Mouse" and Theo (big bad wolf?) reminded me of two versions of a similar story. The first, 'The Lion and the Mouse' has a mouse who befriends a lion by removing a thorn from the lion's paw. The original story is about a Greek slave boy Androcles who escapes from a horrible master by running into the forest where he encounters a roaring lion. Fearing he's about to be eaten, he discovers the lion is howling in pain from a thorn in his paw. Androcles removes the thorn and is later spared by the lion. As for Cinnamon Toast Crunch Jack (aka Apple Jacks), he feels 'pressure' when Theo is pressing up 'behind' him. 🍑 🤣

In some places where "Remote Learning" (Zoom, FaceTime etc) is still being done, some teachers have returned to the classroom vitually, but mostly for Grades 3 and up, while children get the majority of their early social interaction skills from Kindergarten through the end of Grade 2 or 3. Once Bik's portfolio of "Fat Cats", "Influencers" and others spread good news of his work, he may be able to keep some of 'his' clients virtually as well as generating new ones. Hopefully turning Ohio 'Buckeyes' (inedible and toxic 'Horse Chestnuts' into chests full of 🤑 $). Keep these Uncles safe and sound 🤞.

Great chapter @Connectwriter with more information (during Pete and Marty's dinner with Mike's lawyer colleague Claire), about Pete's father Brad and his 'Pop's' medical condition and seizures. Then the news about bleeding problems that's suddenly occured in Laura after the twins birth, which might be Post Partum Hemorrhage - a rare but treatable condition where the uterus suddenly bleeds where the placenta was attached. Peter's sudden onset of increasing balance and dizziness problems; while not unusual for patients with unilateral (one-sided) hearing loss; if associated with fatigue and physical weakness may suggest 'Acoustic Neuroma' which is a buildup of fluid in the brain, putting pressure on the brain stem. The main "red flags" for acoustic neuroma can include tinnitus (ringing in the ear). Increased or varying loss of balance, dizziness, and facial numbness from pressure on the main facial nerve with tingling on the affected side of the face. Other symptoms can include difficulty hearing in noisy crowds, a 'roaring' sense of hearing that can physically overcome a person. These symptoms should prompt a medical evaluation, as early diagnosis and treatment lead to the best possible outcome. Fingers crossed for Pete and for Laura. Marty may need to get Pete to an ER or Urgent Care clinic in NYC (with Claire's help) to see an ENT doctor before getting him back home.

#2 is my guess @Krista as a former "peer counsellor" (back when those did some good work. And pre-dates Columbine). In the last 25 years, (forced off my soap box and self-edited), I'll just say peer counselor would be a risk.

Thanks for that @wildone. Although the Connley's are more financially advantaged than Joel's family, Trace's concern over the rising cost of bulls he wants, shows that he and Celia are not spendthrifts. If and when Trace gets 'wheels" for Joel, it will be a reliable vehicle, likely a pickup, that can help out around the farm (and likely registered as a 'farm vehicle' to reduce costs for things like insurance *). * As long as the vehicle is primarily used for business purposes, farmers can generally deduct any expenses associated with the use of a farm vehicle, including: · Supplies like oil and gas · Repairs and maintenance · Insurance, car lease payments and loan interest · Depreciation · Fees like license tags, tolls and parking · Local and state vehicle taxes (If partially used for personal use, IRS 🤬 requires detailed logs for tax purposes.)

But there is still one thing outstanding that both ties Joel to his birth family, (and home), and symbolically cuts all ties. After Joel's near suicide on the bridge, after his truck broke down, his father picked it up and said he would fix it for Joel to get to and from school, baseball etc. When Trace first took Joel back to Joel's home, Joel's father mentioned he had "fixed your truck". And on the last (?) visit, it was still there. Doesn't Joel need it now for school, and to go see his brother Cody? Or is Joel leaving it there for Cody to eventually have? Having your own first vehicle is freedom; to come and go as you wish, but also for when you leave home. 🛻

"Something wicked 🧛‍♂️ this way comes." Dr. V's. 'Inviting' William out for a bite? "I suspect you might also have hunger and the hour is late. I know of a place that might satisfy the both of us.” I was shocked! Something skewered? Shish KeBob ?

Another great chapter @Connectwriter, and your details of Peter's 'photo shoot' makes me wonder if you've ever experienced that 'hands on' mayhem before? I have, and it's no walk in the park, especially with the snide and sexually charged 'comments', the leering, and actual gropping, (that in any other setting might see cops called). Good news at the end with this: "It was a picture of Bik and Laura, but a certain picture with Bik on the left that identified a message as coming from his phone. He clicked on the message: “It’s a girl – and a boy!” 👨‍🍼🤱

Possibly so NOT wrong. Some 1st hand experience to NYC modelling shoots in '90s, tells me Peter was 'exposed' on sets, at bars, clubs and 'private' events he may not even be aware he's blocking from memory. A formerly well known model friend told me "anything model-related including 'major client and fashion house "events", 'special' weekend 'shoots' in FI Pines etc. goes into a mental file box that's locked". Thankfully (surprisingly) he's still alive and well (through sheer dumb luck and ZERO protection), but he's waiting for a few more 'names' to 'pass' before he hits PUBLISH on a "show and tell all" book. As he says, "Thank god for internet, Insta etc. Nude and explicit pics and video from 15 years in 'biz, although passed around could never be published 20 years ago. Now it's just m'eh". 😳 😮 🤐

Hey @Jeff Burton, hope you are better. As for deleting this chapter and "going back to drawing board" 🛑 . Once upon a time, (NOT when walking a pet dinosaur), a 'Literature' professor said, "when taking a test that involves an essay, once finished DO NOT go back and change anything. Go with your gut. 9 times out of 10, your first answer or essay is correct". Virginia 🐺 (Woolf 😉.) said about writing, one gets a "gnawing sense of loneliness..." If you get that "gnawing" sense, you're peckish. Eat something! As an editor, I say to authors: · write it; · read it; · edit but don't re-write it; · have Beta(s) review; · publish. Others have said time is always a writer’s friend. Time gives us a chance to percolate our ideas rather than microwave them. Time allows us to craft rather than mass-produce, and our writing can be better for it. Take solace in what readers like @wintreargo77 say, but; "to thine own self be true.

As soon as Clint turns 18, Mac & Dev 'should' take him out, let him get drunk on his own (but with Mac & Dev protecting him at a gay bar and dance club), then Clint wakes up next to the toilet with a horrible hangover and no memory of what happened. Let Clint worry about what happened over the weekend. Only then can our 'really good' boys reveal that nothing bad happened, but let it serve as a lesson to Clint of what could have happened (or worse). Enough to scare Clint. (NOT going graphic 🤮. )

First @Drew Payne Thank You for this chapter and a story that had taken some time to get to where it is now. When there was a long gap between chapters, I feared that something had happened to you, and that you and your stories were lost to the mists of time. ☹️ Is Ed likely to harm himself, (suicide) thinking / feeling he's being abandoned, now that Liam is being released? Is there any chance of Ed being eligible for parole? And if so, in the UK, are there rules against him and Liam 'Cohabitating'? What are the terms of Liam's probation? Two things to note is the following: 1. While juvenile 'records' are "spent" (ended and sealed) they remain accessible by police for 100 years from date of conviction. 2. "In England and Wales juvenile convictions, including involuntary manslaughter, are spent (ed. ended) after 5.5 years. However, they remain on police computers until a person reaches one hundred years of age; this results in information that is spent being disclosed for a lifetime. There is no pardon system in the UK. Wales." Ergo for Liam, sadly 'freedom' is anything but. 😢 Be well, Stay well and Take care Drew. 🤗 Best regards, Tony (Anton)