Ethan

Thank you, that's very kind of you to say! As I said earlier, I do have a short story I may put out there. Other than that, I can't say there is anything I'm really passionate writing about at the moment. But one should never close the door on what's possible in the future, though a nice break I think is in order. 🙂

You are too kind. As for if I will continue writing -- to be honest -- I don't know. I doubt it. I'm not very clever when it comes to coming up with original ideas. I did write a short story, and I was going to publish it here as well, after I finished this ... but I'm not sure if I will anymore. I might. But after that I probably will stop (at least for a while). I find writing to be therapeutic, and enjoy it, but the posting experience can be stressful at times too (for a variety of reasons). As for your second question, honestly, I don't know. I think you could say 'wash' or 'rinse here', either or really works. It could also be a regional thing. I know in some parts of Canada (and similarly in the US) terms change depending on where you are in the country.

It's not over yet. Who knows, maybe I'll change your mind. I'm always the eternal optimist 😌

She is pretty awesome. Better than Noah's mom for sure!

I can't tell ... did Noah win you over? Happy for the reunion of NoJo? Or ....

Soon. I'm almost done Ch. 35. I'm aiming for Monday. 😃 (Going to try to be actually social this weekend 😧)

You're right - I did stay close to the original here. I made mostly subtle changes. There will be tweaks though, of what's left to come. (On purpose, I'm not saying how much is left!) OOPS -- totally typed in a spoiler from the next chapter. I'm just going to delete that ... this is what happens when you work on 2 chapters at the same time 🤐

Yes! I should have added, I could have left this off at a cliffhanger, and not revealed Jordan's action. But that didn't feel right. I thought for once (and only once) I would be nice. 😌

*** JORDAN *** I can’t concentrate on anything. After dropping off Noah, Brody and I return to my house. He's talking, but I have no idea what he’s really saying. I’m not fully paying attention. My mind just isn’t there. My brain is clouded. All I can think about is Noah. He came. He came for me. I never would have thought he would actually come. It felt good to see him again, talk to him again, after such a long time. And yet … After Brody leaves, I go straight to bed. I’m beyo

Not exactly, as far as I can remember. Now we're comparing who is the biggest jerk. Clearly, I have way more to do to redeem these guys!

I did want to tone some of that down from the original. I thought they was too much unnecessary angst (even this version I think has a bit too much, but I kept some of it for dramatic effect). My favourite characters are those that are multi-dimensional, the ones that are flawed, and work to improve themselves. I think at this point in time we've seen that from Jordan a fair bit. He has changed and matured. Noah is getting there now. And I think you'll see a lot of growth in the next chapter -- but especially 36 -- where he really becomes the character I think he truly is meant to be.

First off, honestly, thank you for your comment and your candour. I really do appreciate it. My response to it is in no way a criticism so I hope you don't take it that way. Both Noah and Jordan are flawed -- as are all humans. I'm surprised though you'd call Noah a villain. He made mistakes, yes, but he was bound by his own unfortunate circumstances (which many gay people face). I don't think he is selfish or manipulative at all (though I am biased). He constantly puts others before him, either because he loves them or thinks he is protecting them. He did so out of a sense of loyalty (however false) to his family at first. Even now, he thinks he is protecting Jordan by either telling him or not telling him about coming out (also remembering that the conversation isn't over -- and Noah still will get a chance to respond in the next chapter). Again, to stress, I do appreciate critical comments. It helps me grow and learn as a writer. I'll keep this in mind if I decide to write another story one day (I already have a short story written which I may or may not post here). (and because I feel like I have to -- again the Canadian in me -- sorry if anything in the story has disappointed you, or the ending does -- I'd hate to think someone is going away from a story they've vested time and interest in not satisfied with how it all came to an end)

That in itself is a comment 😎

So, I made a change in this chapter adding a bit more than in the original. The original ends somewhere else. Now I'm thinking maybe I made a mistake where I left off 😬 Oops. All to say this - nothing is over until it is over. Not all is as it always seems. And the conversation isn't over just yet. Neither is Noah's trip.

*** JORDAN *** Closure. Once my father’s body is buried in the ground I finally feel a bit at ease. He can now rest for eternity, and we can start the process of trying to heal, of trying to move on. What got me through today, through all of this, was that talk I had earlier with my dad. Getting everything off of my chest allowed me to be free of all the things that were bothering me, that were holding me down. I said everything that needed to be said; I cleared the slate, and

Or, one could argue, the best points to stop. 😏

Thank you! As I said in an earlier comment, unfortunately, I've had a bit too much experience with death in the family to be able to draw on some of my own emotions. It's interesting how people deal with it in so many different ways -- and how they are left to reflect on the relationship they had, or the one they wished they had. There are so many things I'd go back and redo, or questions I'd ask, if I had the chance. But unfortunately there is still no rewind button in life!

Hi @Dirk, Welcome to GA and to the story! Thanks for reading.

Obviously, I'm biased so keep that in mind when you read my comment. You're right in that Noah choosing his family over Jordan hurt Jordan, but Jordan also understands the driving factor behind that reason (even though he may not completely agree with it). I think they do have a fair bit in common, but it is their differences that really draw them to one another. In many ways they compliment and complete one another, and they make each other better people. Or at least that is what I'm trying to show with the story 🙃

I touch on it only briefly on why Jordan's parents split up, but some of it had to do with his father being reckless with money, a bit irresponsible, and an ass. A few chapters ago (when Jordan goes for Xmas) I explained after the divorce his dad's siblings didn't really talk to his mom. They blamed her for the divorce. Most of them are civil, except this one (who will hear from more in a bit). The only one who stayed friends with Jordan's mom was the one Aunt, Beth.

I'm sorry to hear that about your father. I've also had to deal with unfortunately a lot of death in my family starting at a young age. The death of someone in my immediate family is actually part of the reason why I started writing this story a decade ago. I felt like I needed an outlet to express myself. Here we are almost exactly 10 years later (I started writing Noah and Jordan in February 2009. The first chapter was posted February 19th, 2009!). Next update will be soon. Aiming for Tuesday. 🙂

Thank you! Thanks, welcome the story!

@travlbug @NimirRaj You're both absolutely right. As I've tried to do in a few chapters, in this one I wanted to show the difference in the relationship each guy has with their fathers and how that shapes who they are. For Jordan, it is about the missed opportunity, and knowing that he'll never get that chance now to make it right with his dad. And for Noah he is, rightfully so, cautious about his dad's request to return home. As for Jenn, she may not be in the city, but she's not far. She's always only a phone call away. @Parker Owens Brody will be unwelcome news, indeed. Who knows, maybe he'll take a liking to Noah. Did someone say threesome? 🤔

I don't know when children realize their parents aren't perfect, that they don't have all the answers. Or when the relationship flips, and you sort of become your parent's parent, in a way, with you looking after them more than they look after you. I still remember a time when so many people here were hating on Jordan. He's changed and matured (though not that mature. he's still a clown as you'll see in a bit). Interesting observation about Jordan's mom. Her reaction, and how she plays a role in all of this, may or may not surprise you.

Excellent observations! You summed it all up so nicely. As for Noah's dad -- he is still a question mark. And you're right about his mom, I could see her making such a plan. Some of your questions will be highlighted in the next chapter -- which is now up!