Krista

Yeah, he's sticking to his idea from the first chapter. If family can quit him after finding out his secrets, then everyone else must be easier. It is safe to say that he's scared. It will take more than words from strangers that say, "tell her, she'll accept you," for him to believe it. It won't matter how many times he's told, he has to see it in action... 'something' has to come or he'll be stuck in this fear forever... right now I think it is safe to say, that he's willing to live in that fear, because he's already been proven right in doing so. I couldn't imagine that... And, outing someone is one of the more vile things a person can do. I've heard people belittle "closet cases," and it is a pet peeve of mine. You're out, that's great. It went well for you, that's great. You had the support of the people around you, good I'm glad that you did. That will 'not' be everyone's outcome. Some people will not have that support, and I think those people can read the people in their lives that they care about most and know how to coexist with that ever present landmine. It is not the most pleasant, I wouldn't wish that stress and fear, but it is realistic. So, for someone to just blurt out someone's business and bring them hell and no peace when they just wanted privacy and self-protection... will never sit well with me. I have seen the bad outcomes of that and no one will convince me otherwise. We very much 'do' still live in a world where perceptions are preconceived. People have fought long hard years for growth, but there is always limits to growth and that's never going to be everyone's story...

Joel has shown that he does build up to a bolt, at least. He was forced into leaving the first time, but I could see it developing into a go to maneuver for him to escape unpleasantness that he doesn't think he can handle. Maybe. I hope the horse riding lesson goes well as well.

Wait a second... is this the SECOND TIME Jonny is going to come in clutch for Joel? 😮 One time may be a fluke, but a second time?

I couldn't imagine being involved in what you just described. I would have likely begged to be homeschooled, or just outright quit, work on getting my GED/equivalence of that, then think about moving on with the next step of my life. I wouldn't know how anything got done with what you described, or how anyone would be able to function against those odds.

Yes, I think he's finding out that "three counties away," wasn't even a false sense of security for him, really. But, maybe it is a good place to start too... and isn't so scary of a place. Maybe?

Thank you liking and sticking with this story so far.

For a collaborative prompt, I think it would be more fun if it is "by the pants," and not plotted out. Also, to work off the previous chapter. Wildthing and I did something like that in the past, reading the previous chapter, then building a next one is fun to do.. or half a chapter. It was interesting to read the transitions in writing styles. Either way, I'd be interested depending on theme/prompt. With that said, with these prompts nothing is coming to mind for me, but I tend to have to sit and think about it for a bit before something does. Right now Prompt: 299B is the one I'm leaning towards, if I was to do one.

The next thing I felt was something heavy land on my thigh and jolted awake. Looking around, squinting as my eyes adjusted to the light, I didn’t see anything. Remembering where I was, I glanced down to see Davin’s leg lying across mine, his calf resting on my crotch. Looking over at him, his eyes were shut. He was half turned; his back angled against the wheel well. His eyes were moving under their lids, his lips were pursed, but his breathing was still even and deep. When he moved his leg over

Slippery little devils, I've heard...

I guess another helpful A-word is 'Accountability.'

Yeah, Finding Alex was a punch in the gut for a lot of people. Knowing I wanted to go full circle with that story. I couldn't write it like that now.. I couldn't stand how it ends...

Oh man... I hope you survive some of them. I would tell you to just skip Something Unexpected and Good Guys Finish Last entirely. I wrote them when I was like 14 years old and they're awful.. but they're the first two stories that I posted here, so I decided to keep them available.

Surely the nicer clothes are safe... please tell me they're safe. 😮

I was hoping to forget that dreadful afternoon. Thank you for the reminder... now I hope it snows three feet on your face tomorrow.

That..... that.. no. Just... no. The husband may now be deployed to sweep their rooms for those landmines.

That's because you're well aware of all the thoughts I have about YOU going through my mind, especially after you've went off the deep end of cheekiness and meanness.

It's probably for the best, losing track. Otherwise, it would be about as sensible as catching raindrops in your hand to water the flowers. (An older woman said that to me once)

I will listen to backtalk for all of two minutes, just to see if they have legitimately something of concern for me to hear... because sometimes they do. But, usually I can tell if it is just going to be a full blown tantrum of sass. Thankfully, either I've got ahead of that when they were younger, or I've taught them to speak without being bratty, because they've never been all that bad about backtalking. You have to do the groundwork early, so they say.

I've always let them play in puddles. It is easier to hose them off after they're done than the endless battles of keeping them out of it. And, mostly because the husband and dogs are going to be their accomplices and I've always been outnumbered by children, husband, and dogs. And oh good lord... for the second part... I am not prepared for that. And no, neither toddlers or teenagers are good at listening. But I am stubborn in my ways and keep trying.

Do we really know Colt? I mean I say a whole lot, and there are numerous theories out there... but the boy lives by talking in sentences. He comes off as cranky, indifferent, maybe a little quiet. Other times, he can be a little playful. Downright hostile and combative in others. The most damning thing (I may be biased here, as I'm a mother myself), is that he backtalks his momma. 😮 😮 😮

You round third and run headlong into home.

You never know, "Taming Jonny," could make for a fantastic smut-fiction title.