Mancunian

It's my pleasure to be of help. I'm sure that there are many others who would do the same if they had seen your post before I did. You have done the right thing by asking, there are many of us who are willing to help. If you have any other questions don't be afraid to ask, one of us will answer them for you. If you prefer you can message and I'll do what I can when I see the message.

I like the way the story is developing, it has a very real feel to it. Diego is turning out to be a good and loving parent, which just goes to show that DNA doesn't decide who is or is not a good parent. Bryan's character is showing through and shows how events in a child's life can affect them. He can and does maintain some relationships in a positive way, but that doesn't mean that he is capable of maintaining all relationships, each one will be different. He may have trust issues with some people that he meets but he is also showing that he has trust issues within himself, or in other words self-trust. His relationship with Diego appears to be a good healthy one between a father and his son. Their ease of conversation and banter shows this well, I particularly liked the father-son banter it felt natural. I get the impression that at this point in his life, Bryan is still struggling to come to terms with his own sexuality, but that doesn't concern me I think he has a good enough relationship with his father and enough self-confidence to fully accept himself in time. What I have noticed is that all of your characters are flawed, this is not meant in a bad way, just the opposite it is good. None of us is perfect we are all flawed, writing your characters with flaws makes them more believable and real, and it enhances the story. I'm looking forward to the following chapters.

That was quite the time jump, I would have liked to know something of what during those nine years, hopefully, we will learn some of it later in the story. Back to where the story is. I'm not surprised that Calvin didn't return, I guessed as much from the general atmosphere of the story in the first chapter. I'm happy that Diego took steps to keep the boys, has he gone for full adoption or is a supported adoption which another form of fostering? Diego has, obviously, built a good productive relationship with the boys, understandably his relationship will be different with each of the boys as is natural in any family. Bryan not liking Steve may be based on some sort of insecurity, if it is that I would consider it natural considering Bryan's past, if it is it will take a lot of support for him to build meaningful relationships in the future. Likewise, his reaction to the news of his Mum's death is understandable, she hasn't been a mother to him or done anything to inspire confidence in her, again this would need a lot of counselling for Bryan to process her passing in a better way as currently, he is not processing it at all. This could cause problems for him in later life. In other respects, Bryan appears to be as normal as any other teenager and has a caring side to his nature which is positive. But this has caused him problems at school, fighting with Dan is understandable, but as we all know fighting in school is unacceptable. Bryan needs to find a way to channel his anger and deal with the 'Dans" of the world in a more constructive way. But to be fair I would want to punch Dan too. We have only read about Caleb with respect to his Mum's death Caleb is dealing with the news in a different way as he appears to have had some feelings for his Mum. This could be because he has fewer memories of her behaviour, or it could be that he witnessed less of it if she concentrated more of her manipulating ways on Bryan. Caleb may have an idealised vision of his Mum which happens with many children who have no relationship with an absent, or intermittent, parent. I don't envy Diego for the hard work that he has taken on with the boys, but I'm sure that there will be many good times and good memories made. This is turning into a very involved but good and interesting story.

Wow. The story builds from the first sentence and grabbed my interest. I've come across a few people that could be described as a 'Calvin', luckily only a small minority are the ones that have used their children to get what they want. That is the type of person who should not be a parent. Diego has shown that he has a heart, he probably cares more about the children than Calvin does. The only redeeming factor that I can see about Calvin at the moment is that he at least has tried to secure safe accommodation with a responsible adult who will care, but he went about it all wrong by going behind Diego's back. I'm not so sure that Calvin will be back in three months or less, I'm not even sure he will be back at all. I hope that Diego finds a way to break the news to the kids in a way that minimises the trauma that the kids will suffer as a result of Calvin's actions. I'm also hoping that Diego can build a solid relationship with the kids, they need someone that they can trust and rely on. If Calvin doesn't return will Diego decide to apply for permanent custody? It may be good for the kids but is it what Diego would be happy and prepared to do? And what effect will it have on him? I'm off now to read the rest of the published chapters, I've a few to catch up on.

Hopefully, I can clear this up for you. We all earn reputation points when someone leaves a reaction to anything that we post on GA. The reputation points that allow you to skip the moderation queue are the reputation points earned when a member leaves a reaction to a story or any of its chapters. If you receive 400 points for blog entries, blog replies, forum entries, or forum replies and 100 reputation points for a story or story chapter this gives a total of 500 reputation points. This is not enough reputation points to skip the moderation queue. That is because only the reputation points gained from the stories count when submitting a story or chapter. Only story reputation points are counted with regard to the moderation queue. Don't lose heart as these points do quickly add up. I understand that it is frustrating, but I can say that it is worthwhile, you will get there my friend, I know from experience as do many other authors.

Aloha Albert, I hope the weather in your area is improving. I've just got home from the hospital and feeling a bit tired, I'm going to lay down for a couple of hours. I'll catch up with you and the rest of the gang later

I've been gone probably three years too, just because life is busy and I've had less time for pleasure reading. I think I found my way to GA because of Dom Luka, but it could have been because of Mark Arbour. I stumbled on an old work of his, maybe his first and I was led here. I liked the old chatroom. I liked reading stories with characters I could relate to and I liked reading stories with people who had more drama than me in their lives. There is nothing wrong with taking a break from time to time. As you said sometimes life is busy. I had a short break in the four-plus years that I've been a member, although for different reasons. The good thing about returning is knowing that there will be many new stories to catch up on, friends to reconnect with and new friends to be made. I don't know anything about the old chatroom as it didn't exist when I joined, it sounds like it was fun. Maybe there is a case to bring it back, but on the flip side, there may have been good reason for it to be taken down. It would be interesting to hear, and know, more about it.

I've just had a BLT for lunch, I decided to add a slice of mature cheddar to it and my taste buds tell me it was a good decision. Tonight I'm having Chicken Kiev with potato salad and fresh garden salad. I have to settle for cheesecake for dessert as I don't have any cherry and chocolate chip ice cream.

Aloha Albert, and hi to the rest of the gang. I've been up and about for about six hours already, but then I am in a different time zone to most of you.

Maybe his mama needs to put him across her knee for a good spanking.

Why?

I'm not jealous 😐

We've been having some nice calm warm weather and more is forecast.

You are teasing us lol

I'll swap some of my cheesecake for some of your ice-cream

I settled for something light Pork pie Cheese Coleslaw Potato salad and fresh garden salad It made a nice pleasant change to eating a heavy meal

They look really nice, I may have the same for my lunch tomorrow 😛

If you fancy a cycling holiday try these

Mine, I need a hunky bed warmer 😜

I just watched this on YouTube, it's brilliant but I had to laugh

I don't have it very often, but when I do it has to be a meat feast, no pineapple on pizza here lol

I'm good thanks, just enjoying a nice pizza for my lunch 🍕

Aloha Albert, I hope all is well with you

Good morning Clo, I've just been enjoying a coffee while sitting on the balcony. It's so nice and peaceful at this time on a Sunday morning

Maybe he needs to be impeached too.