Krista

WHEN did you sneak into this story and comment??? And HOW did I miss it? lol... I feel that most of the time I'm functioning obliviously in this world. That kiss surprised everyone. Most of all though, I think it surprised Ridley and Gabe. Neither one of them went into this night hopeful for the outcome, trying to really get that outcome. It just happened. The Matt dynamics is what fell to the wayside with this story. Not just with how he dealt with Ridley, but also a lot of the hidden opportunities on the table that I could have explored if I wished to. It gives some weight to a Matt mini-series, but I'd have to commit an idea of him that would make it worthwhile and I'm on the fence about that idea as it is. Then again, I also don't want to give anyone hope that this story is more than just what is written, because I have no plans on making it so... just the character Matt has always been a lingering regret.

Thank you! Probably my favorite chapter in this small story. I loved the interactions, finally seeing more of the family dynamics outside of Ridley's head and where he put himself, and then Gabe.

He had some lovely insights on writing and he took the time to share those. That is something I'll always respect him for, the time he devoted to writing, helping build this community, and to give it back through his years of experience. It is the little things that make characters feel grounded and real. It is one of the more finer, but essential functions of writing in all perspectives, but to a much more substantial degree in First Person. It can do some of the heavy lifting at making your protagonist/narrative voice likable and fully realized within the writing.

Lol. I find myself forgetting my own writing and being pleasantly surprised... and well since I'm hard on myself... unpleasantly cringing at parts of it. But, overall I'm proud of most of it.

I find myself often rereading Ridley. Thank you for giving this story so much love.

And... I'm not touching the rest of that conversation y'all had in the wee hours of the morning. Not at all.

I'll take the happy accident, because I do not watch enough television/films/plays or anything for me to know much of any actress/actor unless it is one that I grew up knowing for decades when I actually used to watch television/films and so on. lol. Sometimes I feel about as cultured as a rock when it comes to these types of things. First music, now this.

They all do seem to have a close and complementary friendship with one another. The only spanner in all that being the two girls coming into the equation.

Or, Faith called and his mind went to the one thing that overruled every thought of his staying. It is a powerful thing, I wrote a poem about it... maybe I should post it in my Prompts section.

Ohhh.. my.. goodness. That is so cute and sadly sweet all at the same time. Those poor little things.

Two for two for the oh goodness reaction.

Oh goodness.

But all of that still only holds any sort of weight if Gavin is aware of Davin at all, or has guessed/figured out Joel. Twins usually do have a connection to where they see things about each other rather well, even if they're very similar... they see through it to deeper differences. But, Davin isn't sure that Gavin knows either. He says he, 'thinks' Gavin could have him figured out, but he's not certain, as Gavin has never said anything. And the poking about not having a girlfriend, overall, could be exactly that. Gavin may not see a Doel/Javin relationship. If he does, he hasn't said anything that hints that he does. We expect both twins to be open books, but we're starting to see they're not.

I can imagine the colorful presentation he'd give them too... lets hope he doesn't get out a pencil and paper to add illustrations. Seriously though, it would be nice for them to stop being skittish now, at least with one another.

Could we go four for four with these? 😮 And, to think not all characters in this story have yet to be revealed either. Or at least, their significance.

Sigh.. these next few chapters cannot come soon enough. I need to take your advice for Davin to heart. I am just so scared that something I will say with spoil things. And, I do want to discuss things I know and y'all don't... it eats at me so much. I must remain vague... a little misleading... and not too confirming that y'all run with it as the gospel truth. It is a fine line that my very uncareful self doesn't like to walk. I typically do not like to discuss things with such kid-glove and tender care. And yes, I feel if tickets were sold.. the Celia Vs. Lisa match would be a possible high selling headliner.

They have been best friends for ages, so it's reasonable that he may see things if he's ever looked close enough. Then again, some become blinded by things over knowing a person a really long time. He grew up with Davin as he is, so maybe he misses the small clues entirely... it could go either way.

It would be a chess move in a game of checkers, if so. Or, Davin was in the process of "running bitch" for Trace and Gavin and just happened to be nearby and easiest to access to relay the information. The thought though, that Joel may need a quicker rescue from that creek than what Colt would give him having to take a shower then retrieve Sierra, does speak some volume as to how deep Colt can think.

Telling himself untruths... he's lived in that sort of life, both with reason, and without good reason. Maybe soon he'll realize the difference and can allow for the possibility of different outcomes as well. When you're in your head that deeply, it takes a lot to see beyond everything you've built in there... And yeah, the outcome of overcoming all of that could be a second kiss from Davin, if both of them get out of their own way in that as well. Maybe that kiss wasn't a complete disaster. Colt's time is running out as well. He has the year to tell his parents his truth, before they start rearranging his life, thinking he's okay with taking on more responsibilities and growing a future, they may not see him not wanting.

They do have terrible parents giving them some common ground. Now a shared secret too... a love for baseball... hmm? There's something there... maybe they'll see it. Or they could go right back to just living in the same house together and mostly ignoring one another... both are people of few words it seems, even when they have a good relationship. And yeah, the quicker Celia knows, based on what Trace, Davin, and Colt have now told him... the better off he'll be.

Yeah, lets hope he limbers up in that regard. Might cause cramps, if not.

Yeah, for a liar he doesn't do much of it... outwardly. I think most of his lies are self and inward... but he has reason to do it. He has probably outright said, "no.." if someone asked... and he didn't feel the connection enough to that person for him to care about the lie. We don't know that though, as the only times we've seem him outright asked.. the first time they had evidence right in front of them that he couldn't overcome, and their minds were made up before he was even in the room. The second, it was Colt flinging it all at him and he reacted poorly, but he didn't try to lie either time. He lied to Celia, but he was kind of led to that lie by Colt in the first place and it was dismantled as fast as the lie came, and he came clean of it right after as well. So yeah, as far as being a liar, I think most of his lies are to himself... and in his own way.