Laura S. Fox

And love... I mean Theo is on his way

Chapter Twenty – The Kind Worth Saving The fog around him was so fluffy now Jack could imagine it becoming a soft and inviting bed in which he only had to lie down and sleep forever. Forever? Jack tried to rub his eyes to chase away the unnatural sleepiness washing over him. “Ouch,” he mumbled. He had almost stuck one of the cards in his hand in his eye. The cards. Drop them. Now! “What?” Jack drawled. “What do you mean? These are mine,” he said stubbornly and stru

Yes, thank you! Until I got to your comment, I already said the same thing a few times... Brad doesn't get absolved, and it was never my intention. But I wanted so much to show people with their good and bad in this story, and let readers take out of it what they will....

Thank you so much, @LeeSA! Definitely not the easiest to write! Emotionally taxing at times... But I truly wanted to tell it, and tell it to the best of my capabilities. And what a quote Lyn will value his time with his friends even more now.

Yes, yes, he will.

I knew you'd understand Like for other pieces of writing I've created in my life, I took bits and pieces from things and people I've known. A diagnosis of this kind at a young age tends - from what I learned, of course, as a personal experience - to make some bad parts of a personality become... worse, unfortunately. And I can understand why. It changes everything for that person. You read me well: this wasn't meant to absolve Brad in any way. But readers who read closely will understand him better. The parts that might have made them think: why is he like this? now have answers. Okay, you really did make me cry with a few lines... but empathy is what makes us good humans, in my humble opinion. The third element steps out, indeed, but not before pushing Lyn and Alexander back together. For all his faults, I think he's a good friend. Thank you for the comment, Maestro! I'm really grateful

Yes, I know, and I was expecting this reaction from you Of course, it doesn't change what he did. But I think it offers an explanation for parts of him, so to speak.

Actually... with all my research, I learned only when it was too late that such conditions can be inherited. Have a little faith in me

I must have used the wrong words... Lyn was only thinking that he'd never ghost Brad again now.

It doesn't, and his coming clean this chapter wasn't meant as a justification, but as an explanation.

None of them is a bad person... I wanted to show it here.

Lyn needed someone to push him in the right direction... Next chapter, he will go to see Alexander, and that's a promise! (Next present-day chapter, of course.)

It was not meant as a justification or reason to forgive him - but as an explanation. Bradina, oh, lol, I guess not. That's Brad at work.

Oh, no... not my intention And you did try! You're really a kind person.

Chapter Sixty – [Memory, Summer Break Before Senior Year, Late June] – The Perfect Memory “I challenge you to a duel, my good sir.” Brad pointed the curved branch he had uncovered in the sand at Alexander, who remained still, his hands in his pockets, examining his opponent with amused deference. “Are you a pirate or a gentleman?” “Can’t I be both?” Brad asked, seemingly curious about the answer, while examining his improvised weapon with a little frown. “Not at the same tim

They did, but they were dancing closer than ever... still one memory chapter left!

I like to believe that it would be romantic in a way that might just give you guys satisfaction An author is allowed to dream!

I thought you guys needed the reprieve... you truly deserve it after all I put you through! As does Lyn and the others. The next memory chapter might put a little more balm on the wounds, too. I'm talking virtual, invisible wounds, of course. There are many moments in one's life. We are bad, we are good, we are kind, we are selfish... it's the sum of them all that defines us. This must be my 'grayest' story ever. Tough to write characters that are so complex and driven by different motivations, but so, so rewarding. Especially because of your comments! And the entire comment section, actually! If I managed to make people so invested in this, it must be worth it So beautifully said: it is what makes the resolution possible. Lyn has to remember the good times, too, and especially the meaning behind them.

Great characterization for Lynton and his choices!

He loves it

He-he, the lengthy comment... thank you! Yes, I thought Blanche would come up as the right choice for Lyn's mom... like the rest of the aspects I included in this novel, it wasn't by mistake. Your characterization of the three guys are spot on... though you might feel like adding a bit more for Brad after the chapter I just posted Brad definitely had other encounters with guys (not only Luke), but Alexander has always been a one man's man. I can see why you'd find Alexander asexual, actually. That's, however, only because his encounters with sexual partners are not out in the open. Also, because of Brad who walked in on Alexander masturbating... well, we at least know that about him Lyn definitely wanted closure! Or at least something... Brad's wedding invitation surprised him, but it satisfied an yearning inside him that never faded. I have the happily ever after prepared! Let me know then how it worked out!

Easy to blame it on the fever

I still have one memory chapter up my sleeve. That might just skew the picture a little...

Alternative name for the story: Face-palm.

It was easier for him, under the circumstances.