Laura S. Fox

Thank you for the high praise! It really means a lot! I think that as opposed to other stories, I didn't leave clues for readers to solve the mystery, because this story leans heavily on character more than on plot. Jamie's shock at what's coming for him should be - in my humble opinion - mirrored by the readers' surprise. He's blindsided by his own opinions and views on life, so he'll get smacked to turn his head in the other direction. And with him, the readers will get the same view for a change. I know, I know, it's convoluted. But when I look at real people and take bits and pieces out of them, I can't not feel tempted to become Dr. Frankenstein...

In one word, you nailed it But I won't let you know which word I'm talking about!

Everything here in on point. No, Wen didn't sleep with Jamie or even had that much to do with him in the past. Jamie is not ashamed of himself, his own life, his own past. All he said about this is true. Yes, it is about family, and the way they can hurt us, no matter what distance we put between them and us. And... yeah, it's a tall order I drew for myself. I can only hope to deliver!

That's what he thinks - it doesn't necessarily make it true.

I wouldn't be me otherwise!

Hearst is sly in his own right. More like a fox than a bunny!

Yep, it would be too neat. Also, I so wanted to paint Wen as a keyboard warrior with no real-life experiences. If he'd ever got the D from Jamie, that would have been against his character - because he would've have gone out in the world to do something instead of leading imaginary wars from behind a screen.

We're not aware of the necessity of guarding our secrets until the world makes us feel ashamed of them. That's Jamie in a nutshell. Jamie's reputation is not actually what will get hurt. Wen thinks he knows Jamie, but he doesn't. He's rotten with envy, that's his problem. Also, he's blinded by his own perception of self-worth. But Jamie will get hurt, nonetheless. It's inevitable. He's lucky to have Hearst in his corner, but before that... I think he'll suffer for a bit.

Oh, yes, that unforgettable trip... It's such a legit scenario. Bit by bit, the character is revealed in all his 'jerking' capabilities... So sad I'd never have such a mad lad energy and imagination. Jokes aside, there are exactly three words in what you said that Wen would swear by. Have your pick

He talks like that, yes, but Hearst remembers some things from their childhood in the chapter I just posted, that might give you an extra hint on Wen's personality. He's like some people on the Internet today, who get extra emotional over things that never happened to them... I don't know a better way to explain it, but I've seen it too many times already in today's world. I'm thinking of that meme with Batman slapping some character and people add the text they want - and on one such instance, the secondary character says something along the lines of 'oh, I have suffered so much in this life--' and Batman slaps that guy and says - 'you're twelve' This is the meme I'm talking about, add whatever text you want to fit Wen (being the slapped guy) and the readers (being Batman), lol

Guilty as charged.

Wen has no life, either, I'm afraid - and I pity him, because he's my character, too. That might - I said might! - mean that most of his experiences are somewhat second-hand...

Well, given the circumstances created by the story, I suppose it doesn't sound so far-fetched...

Chapter Forty-Two – Breaking Apart A name was hardly enough, but Hearst had the doggedness necessary for finding more. Like a hunting dog, he could smell the tracks left by humans in the wilderness that was the internet, even cold ones. If there was anything he could pretend to be good at it was sniffing details out of the least promising lead. Still, the time factor was pressing down on him and keeping him there. Wen must have had more to go on than Jamie’s family name, but Hearst di

I somehow missed this comment when replying to the others. This story, I believe, is going to be more dramatic than my other writings as I will aim for realism...

Oh, it's going to be twisty indeed... and I did think you meant Lyn, not Brad. I hope the readers don't get confused by the characters!

Oh @Cane23, you have no idea ... (yet!)

Okay, okay, so we're having some in-depth analysis here... and I'm glad you could recall your thoughts, because I did manage to read your comment once before it disappeared. Oh, we have masks... that might hide other masks, and others and others. It's a layered thing. Like a cake. And cakes are awesome, right? Brad the happy camper, Alexander the cynical bastard, and Lyn the nerd reformed (or just refashioned). Sounds like a good cast. Yes. As for D'Artagnan... he might make an impression, as well!

Like a fox indeed...

All the hints! They are there!

Well... ahem... yes.

There were quite a few misunderstandings back then... But we're far from the reveal of what transpired during that night. While Lyn is the character doing all the remembering, there will be signs I'm so stoked to read everyone's speculations as the story advances.

Ah, I haven't listened to this song in so long! We're on the right way to create a soundtrack list for this story with your contributions and suggestions! Vince and Jack will bring their contributions, too!

Hmm, I love me an arranged marriage romance sometimes... Danny is far off here, lol, or maybe not quite so. Ryder feels like he's condemned to this fated mate thing right now. And it doesn't fall in line with what he'd been taught at all.

He-he, quite the crazy scenario! But all will become clearer once Ryder confronts Theodore again. And then, later, again. And this is where I stop