Ethan

*** JORDAN *** She has to be wrong. This makes no sense. He was okay. He was getting better. He was fine. He was … I sink deeper into the chair. “I don’t understand …” “Beth says the doctors tried everything they could,” my mom says kneeling beside me, “but they couldn’t save him. I’m so sorry. Are you okay?” “I don’t know.” I don’t know how to express myself. I feel a range of emotions. I wasn’t really close to him. He wasn’t part of my life anymore. In many w

LISA! It is so nice to hear from you. I'm well, how are you? 🤓 Lisa helped me edit the vast majority of the original story I posted on another site (which by the way took me SIX years to write!) She stuck by me during that time, was super supportive, and put up with all of my ridiculous errors. Commas all over the place (I still do that), sentence fragments (still have those!). Maybe I didn't learn anything? 🤔 All to say, she is the best person ever! And if you like this story -- then you should also thank her because she helped a lot! I hope I haven't made too many errors in this version.

He was fired. Was causing me too much trouble!

Interesting, I don't think I expected anyone to have any sympathy for Noah's Dad.

There's nothing a bit of crazy glue or duct tape can't fix 😏

*** NOAH *** He came all this way. He drove two hours to be here. He’s clearly worried. He won’t reject me. He won’t. He’s my brother. He loves me. I hope after this he still loves me. “Hey,” I say getting into my brother’s car when he pulls up to the airport. “Hey. How are you?” “I’ve had better days,” I say cautiously. “Thanks for coming to get me.” “You really scared the shit out of me last night. I honestly thought you had done something to

Thank you! Indeed when you hit rock bottom there is nowhere to go but up, right? That will be one big question -- now that Noah is out -- what does he say to Jordan, if anything at all?

Unfortunately, there are parents out there who do feel this way. I once knew this very religious couple, engaged to be married. They discussed what they'd do if one of their hypothetical children told them they're gay. The girl said they would reject said child. I responded tell me how you actually feel once you've carried a child, held it in your arms, worried about it day and night. Said couple broke up. I don't doubt though that she actually meant what she said. The sad part is with many people who claim religion it's not always about that. With Noah's mom it also comes down to what others will say about her - and that is more important than anything else.

I don't find it surprising that Jordan has refrained from jumping back in and having sex again (well, I shouldn't find it surprising since I wrote it 🙃). As @JBR1977 mentioned he would have jumped on Brody then (interesting though that you want him to maintain self control ... 🤔) Noah really hurt him -- and set him a few steps back. I think he needed to figure out his own head space first before moving on -- and I think we're going to see some of that in the next chapter.

The original was at the park, you are correct, but I changed it and move it to the next day and to the airport. @frigidjason as @Sweetlion mentioned this is a story I posted elsewhere but I am making changes and reposting it here. Glad you like my writing style @Sweetlion, though was it that bad before? 🙃 Thanks. I think you'll really like the upcoming change when aliens invade Earth 😎

Challenge accepted.

Oh, he's totally interested!

It is totally passive -- but it felt true to something Noah would do. And I didn't want his parents to just 'accidentally' find out. That didn't feel right. I wanted Noah to be able to come to the decision to tell them. But again, given his doubt, I felt this was a sort of happy medium and something he would do (if he were a real person)

@JeffreyL @Geoffrey257 @mayday @Sweetlion His father was quiet -- and he did call Noah's brother out of concern. So ... you never know. As for his brother, you'll find out how he feels soon! @mayday I didn't mention he left the pic on the desk on purpose. I made it seem like he left it in the pocket of his jeans. Also -- the original chapter was double the size. But I decided to split it into two. I'm not going to be able to finish the second half for another day or two -- and I wanted to post something and not delay too much. So shorter, but sooner! The other half coming your way soon (I hope)!

I'm glad someone is rooting for them to get back together! ( @Tonyr I believe Jase refers to Jordan, but I could be wrong). Though I don't blame @Onim and @Starrynight22. Who knows, maybe I'll eventually be able to redeem Noah and change your mind?

*** NOAH *** It is through hardship that we find courage. Through fear, we find strength. Through sorrow, we learn of humanity. It is through adversity that we learn who truly loves us. It’s time to see if true, unconditional love actually exists. On the table is one of my most cherished possessions. It’s a token of who I am and who, for so long, I wanted to be. It’s a glimpse of a time when I was happy, a portrait of what my life could have been. Framed in th

🤓

A lot of people seem to underestimate Noah (which is fair, given the way I've written his character). But I think there is more to him than people sometimes realize. And he may just surprise you ... 😌

Interesting observation -- let me know what you think after reading the next chapter. I agree. I felt Noah really needed to hit rock bottom (this may or may not be rock bottom) he needs to go through all of this -- before he can move on (how he decides to move on will be the big question). Which leads to the comment below ... Can he find a credible way to overcome all of this? Good question! And your phrasing is not corny. And the Coach died? Did I miss something? You may, or may not, find the answer to that question soon.

This is the black-and-white Valentine's Day photo, the one that says 'Forever Yours' on the back (I should have reminded people of the phrase in this chapter. I think I mention it in the next).

Tough crowd! But I understand. As for the main part of your comment -- all I will say is this -- not everything is always as it appears to be on first glance. There could be other factors that motivate how a certain event transpires. Or maybe there are no other factors. Who knows. (Well, I do 😃).

No one HATES cliffhangers -- they just might not like them 🙃. Australia is a remarkably beautiful country, one of my best ever vacations. If you haven't been, go! But, that said, everything is trying to kill you in Australia. Everything!

You'll find out which option he chooses in the next chapter. The question is, regardless of which he goes for, how will his parents react? 😐

*** NOAH *** ——— End of April ——— I stare at him from the doorway, my eyes fixed on the man I’ve been so desperate to see. He doesn’t realize I’m here; he has his back to me. Even though I can’t see his face, can’t read his expression, I know how he feels. “Goodbye, Noah,” he says out loud. I’m not ready to let him go. “Hi, Jordan.” My voice startles him. He turns around quickly. “Noah …” It only takes one look at his face to realize

And finally -- thank you so, so much for all of the comments. I truly do appreciate it all of the support, and seeing just how engaged so many people are with this novel. I usually check my account semi-frequently, but today I just had an absolutely awful day at work. One of those where you just want to say "Screw it all, I'm done." (unfortunately I can't do that because I have bills to pay!) So, coming home, logging on and seeing all of these comments was truly amazing. It made my day. And as for chapter length, and timing of updates -- it seems like there is wide consensus -- short chapters -- and radically infrequent updates that make absolutely no sense. Got it. Will do. 🙃 Thanks! @mayday @Tonyr @spyke @bubby1234 @ColumbusGuy @kichaku @empresslovesreading @Fae Briona @mfa607