Ethan

I really am glad it worked out for you in the end. Maybe it will work out for Noah too? Wow a lot of threats of violence here. Note to self don't piss off @travlbug @Canuk @CscottyCA (though the last one says he is a pacifist ....) @Buz Let it all out, man. Better than resorting to violence 😁 Maybe one day, when I write the "Coach Basil Chesterfield's Adventures on his Couch" I'll have a whole section explaining Sebastian.

You make a number of excellent points. On this, I'll only say, when we are driven by fear, often we make irrational decisions. Noah is, by all accounts, a very smart guy. He just needs to use his brain. It's hard to answer this question. A few reasons. Noah has grown up very sheltered, in a way, largely driven by his family. And so they are his world, in many ways. And in the end, I think all he wants is to be accepted. He also feels indebted to them, for all that they have done, and in a sense he feels he owes them something. He will put his happiness on the line for them. In return, all he wants is to be loved. We all want that, I'd argue. We want to be loved by those we love. Rejection is not something we can always handle. And so even if that love comes with strings attached, we sometimes are too afraid to let that go. That has to be the worst answer ever. Sorry. Oh, sorry, that would be Sebastian. His comment to Noah, if I ever came in possession of something that would out you, that's basically as close as he comes to admitting it was him. He lies to Jordan about not having the video. @donaldbirwin @CscottyCA As for the next chapter, yes Noah does come back. Why? Has he learned his error, or is there another reason? Or does he need to go back and figure out what he wants Chapter 29 will have the answer!

Wow - a lot of great comments. I honestly don't know where to even start! I'll get to everyone but first I just have to say this: I don't think all of this could have been summed up better. You really did this perfectly. Unfortunately, it really is the tragedy of their lives, and sometimes ours too.

*** NOAH *** In the darkness I search for light. Locked in despair, I struggle to be free. I am caged, desperate and scared. I look for strength, for I cannot falter. I have to say goodbye. But, I don’t know how. “Jordan … I … I …” Breathe, Noah. Breathe. “I can’t … I can’t do this … it’s not fair to you … I think … I think we should … I think we should break up …” I say with sorrow in my heart. “What do you mean we should break up?” he asks nervously.

You make some excellent points in your comment. Thank you! The point above, about religion, I do touch on that very briefly in the Christmas chapter (I think), and in an earlier one where Jordan and Noah have a very long conversation about their childhood (can't remember which chapter that is). What I touch on is that Noah does believe, he does have faith in God, yet is struggling to reconcile that with the same institution that doesn't tolerate who he is as a person. So, when it comes to religion, he feels torn. And so in many ways he considers himself spiritual, not necessarily religious (I think I said that at some point in time, but I could be wrong). I hope that makes sense.

Ha! Deal. Maybe that can be my next raunchy porn story "Coach Basil Chesterfield's Adventures on his Couch." Hmmm .... 🤔 So many possibilities .... 🤓

@Tonyr @frigidjason @cocoonSome interesting theories. Will find out soon how close they are to what happens next. 🙂

Thank you. We all bring our own experiences to any story which is why I think we react in different ways -- and I can see a lot of passion out there. I guess sometimes I feel I have to defend Noah because I have a soft spot for him -- perhaps because some of his traits and experiences are based on my own life! So I understand why he is the way he is (plus because I also created his character). But I know I haven't always cast him in the best light. There is still a fair bit more of story to come so we will see how people feel when this is all said and done.

Honestly, I don't think I've ever heard anyone use that term. Maybe it's not common where I'm from in his big old country. I had to Google that! Cause I was totally like 🤨

@Geoffrey257 @Fitzhugh @Onim @ColumbusGuy I'm not sure if I should - but I'll take it as a compliment that I have some of up so riled up at a fictional story. Maybe I did do something right 🤔 (even if perhaps evil). Sometimes it's because you love someone you have to make a difficult decision. And by doing so, perhaps for the time, you're not being selfish. (yes i know that doesn't make much sense, but I hope it will eventually!) There is SO MUCH I want to say in response to these comments, but I fear, I'll ruin something. So, all I'll say is I THINK (and hope) that a lot of the concerns/frustrations you guys are expressing right now will be addressed in the coming chapters -- especially in regards to Noah. Whether Noah is selfish/a prick/an ass -- I hope to shed some light on that soon. Some of you may still be angry -- but over time, I think that will change. Let me know if I'm wrong. So, please do stick around! One final point -- Noah has been handed a lot from his parents -- but one shouldn't forget he is independent too. He can be okay on his own. He can take care of himself. Again, it is more of losing everything else that he is afraid of - not of having to support himself. Because he can.

Very well said. Thank you! The earlier chapters really focused more on Noah and his thought process, and the later ones shift more to Jordan. You'll get more of Noah as the story unfolds though. And dammit! Why do I keep making that stupid mistake? That's it. No one owns a couch in this story anymore. From now on everyone has a sofa.

Well, you'll learn the rest of their conversation in the next chapter ... And speaking of the next chapter @WildcatLes I'll try to be quick! Last two chapters were three days apart. I'll try my best to at least keep to that schedule.

*** JORDAN *** All I feel is rage. Fists clenched, eyes closed, jaw wired shut, I stand in the hallway seething. I never expected my conversation with Noah would go so badly. I never expected he would be so ungrateful. “Jordan …” I open my eyes. Jenn is standing before me. “What happened?” she asks with concern. “Ask him,” I say with acid in my voice. I walk past her, not looking back. *** NOAH ***

Thanks -- this is all very helpful! Obviously, there are many factors at play -- and you're right @Comicality about chapter arc. That's why I tend to go long, because I want it to feel like the story is moving along, and the reader is getting enough to keep them happy to keep coming back. But, I just want to make sure it's not too much to digest in one sitting. In real life, I'm the idiot who doesn't know when to stop talking -- and it seems that trait has seeped into my writing too 😏

A really god point! Both guys are in their early twenties and are still kind of young and new to serious relationships! And don't worry, there will be some more drama to come. Jordan hasn't told anyone else because of Noah. Not that him coming out means Noah is gay too, but since they live together, Noah's preference has been that they sort of stay as they are.

Hey All -- I have a question about chapter length that I've been wondering about. Is there a word limit you aim for? Or try to keep the chapter under? I know that shouldn't be the determining factor in how much content is included -- But I feel sometimes I write too much. I was aiming for 5,000 ish at first -- but now I'm mostly 7,000 to 10,000 or a bit over. I checked some other novels, and a bunch are closer to 2,000 to 4,000. So, just thought I would ask what you all think. Thanks! E.

@Onim True, Noah does appear to be his worst enemy at times. @Starrynight22 I'll try to highlight it again somewhere in the chapter -- but I do just want to be clear with Noah, it is not a money thing, or being financially dependent on his family. That's not what drives him at all. If they took away all the money, he would be fine, he would managed on his own. His concern is them physically leaving his life. And not just his Mom, he feels if she goes, she'll forcefully take his Dad, Brother, Sister, Nephews, Nieces with her. And as for whether or not Jordan should ditch Noah -- all I say is this -- something I think most of us do -- when you love someone, you overlook certain traits or qualities, and instead fight to help them as much as you can -- because you can't imagine life without them. I'm really going to have to work hard to repair Noah's reputation! 😬 Better get back to writing ...

@Fitzhugh @Geoffrey257 @everett Weedin jr @Sweetlion @Dyaus I'm going to try to address some of the comments. It's a bit tricky because I don't want to really give anything away. I'm not surprised the reaction people are having to Noah. I'm going to play devil's advocate for a moment. He's coming into this argument after having a rather difficult conversation with his mom. A woman he loves, who is a big part of his life, just told him she'd rather die than have a gay son. And that may sound dramatic -- but unfortunately, it's a view some people hold (I know people who have said that before). So, he's bringing that anger and frustration into the conversation with Jordan. Is that fair to Jordan? Absolutely not. And Noah may, or may not, realize that later (that's me trying to be vague not to ruin the rest of the story 😏) As for whether Jordan is pushing Noah to come out to his parents or in general -- I don't think he is. He has been largely supportive. Yes, he wanted to go to the club, and the bar, but that's not the same as him telling Noah to come out. And near the end, he isn't asking for a timeline -- but asking IF there will ever be a time Noah will be okay. And I think he has a right to know the answer to that and make a decision accordingly. And what decision will he make? Can they repair their relationship -- or do they need a break (à la Ross/Rachel?) -- that will be the big question next chapter. 😐 (so hard not accidentally giving something away!) I just want to point out there was a time when most people were hating on Jordan, and loved Noah. The tide has turned. Will it turn again? 🤨 I hope Noah can redeem himself in your eyes! @Canuk totally agree with you! But will Noah realize that? 🤔 @Parker Owens Unfortunately, there are people like Noah's mom who feel that way. And either I sense a fellow Canadian, or you just really know a lot about Canadian political history! @JBR1977 Enough drama for you? Or do you need more? 😶 As for the next chapter, soon, I promise. 😎

@Geoffrey257 @everett Weedin jr Noah's face being obstructed in the video is from the original -- there were a few lines that explained that later -- but I now realize I took them out. So that is my bad. I should have been more clear that while his face is partially obstructed, you can still tell, for those that know Noah, that it is him. I'll make sure I clarify that in the next chapter. I may make a small edit here to not make it sound like he is totally unrecognizable. sorry, guys. But thanks for pointing that out. I just did make a slight edit -- and as mentioned, I'll make reference to it in the next chapter in case people don't realize the change.

*** JORDAN *** All right, you can do this. My legs are spread shoulder-length apart. I’m crouched, ready to pounce. You got this, you can do this. But the ball doesn’t come my way. Instead, Sebastian tries to tip it over the net. And ... blocked! The ball falls to the floor on our side. Game over. And season over too. Tonight was do or die. And unfortunately, we just died. “Good game guys,” I say to my teammates as we head back into the locker room. The mood is, as one would im

You guys and your dirty minds 🤓 @JBR1977 @Howzat

I can't help it -- it's the Canadian in me -- I apologize for everything! I even sometimes apologize to inanimate objects.

On the dating part -- yes, Jordan and Jenn were not serious. Jenn's argument is that if it does not work out with Aiden, then that might make it awkward since he is Jordan's best friend, and they all hang out together from time to time. As for why Noah's mother is coming now -- well, you'll find out more about her and her views soon. And I love Hurricane Mother!

I don't think anyone wants a threesome -- and I'm not advocating for that lifestyle either (that said, to each their own). Jenn knows that Noah is very cagey and nervous when it comes to talking about sex in general -- she just says it to get under his skin, to loosen him up a bit. It was a joke. And Jordan is a clown -- he is not serious either. He just says it to Aiden to see how he will react. I thought I was clear in this chapter that neither Noah, Jordan or Aiden are interested in a threesome. It's not going to happen. Sorry I hit a nerve.

*** JORDAN *** Winter has this unique beauty. A blanket of fresh, fluffy, white snow has covered the ground below my feet. The ice-covered tree branches are glistening as they gently sway in the chilly wind. The sky is a brilliant mirage of vibrant colours: blue, yellow, orange, and pink. In the distance, perfectly framed in the centre by trees on both sides, the sun is setting on the horizon. This is the definition of picturesque. We walk, hand-in-hand, through the snow, creat