Mancunian

Saturday was one of those cold, non-descript, dull, November days that nobody looked forward to, but everybody wished away. After breakfast, Charlie cleaned the Ford Focus., inside and out. Then he removed the cover from Harry's Mini to inspect it and assess its condition and what work would be needed to make it roadworthy. Charlie was confident, knowing he could ask Joe or Spencer for advice when it was needed. Michael made sure the housework was done, and Missy was taken for her regular w

Thank you @JohnnyC, comments like this are very encouraging.

Thank you for commenting on Aunt May's Magic. Aunt May and Brad are good people as you know and offer their help unconditionally. Dale was fortunate to cross paths with Brad and that is when life started to get better for him. Many suffer the loneliness and despair of becoming homeless, the special occasions magnify that feeling for them. If we can all be 'a bit more Brad or Aunt May' we can help to ease that. I get annoyed too at the irresponsible behaviour of those who thoughtlessly buy pets at Christmas and birthdays only to dispose of them when the novelty has worn off. Taking on the responsibility of our animal companions is a lifelong commitment. If that commitment cannot be honoured then people should not dishonour the life of the pet they are purchasing, they should not buy any pet at all. An animal's life is as valuable as ours.

Hello and welcome to GA and our community, which is now your community too. I hope you enjoy the written offering we have, if you would like to share any of your writing we would welcome your contribution.

Because of the work carried out, and the generosity shown The New Boot will be able to continue in the work of its predecessor and fill a new role of being a stepping stone between the shelters and self-contained housing for homeless people. Its stories are yet to be written. The staff and volunteers will welcome it for its uniqueness.

I've just looked at the time and I'm thinking I should be in bed sleeping. I'll catch up with you all when I wake. G'night all

I think that Ian and Kevin know Stacy helped Michael get the job. Fireworks and a fair, what can go wrong? Thanks for commenting Chris.

I'm good thanks, just typing up a storm as usual, lol.

Aloha my friend, how are you and Steve?

Thank you for commenting @Lee Wilson, I love reading reader comments, please keep them coming. First, I will apologise to my readers for forgetting about happy tears, I hope my error did not cause any inconvenience. Second, I apologise if as a result of my first error, I caused your bed sheets [or any other reader's] to become wet, I hope you can dry them before bedtime tonight. Third, if I follow the schedule I started, chapter 12 would be due to be posted on Christmas Day. I'm guessing that most readers will be busy on Christmas Day spending time with family and friends. Due to circumstances that I cannot control, chapter 12 is the last of a buffer of chapters written in advance and I am writing like crazy to catch up on recreating a buffer. I am happy to post chapter 12 early and then continue posting as soon as the next chapter is written as I too will be busy on Christmas Day, I will be working. It is not work that I will be paid for as it is the same work that many of my characters do on Christmas Day. I will be helping to cook and serve Christmas Dinner to people less fortunate than I am. It is not hard work, it is fun and very enjoyable. When would others like me to post chapter 12, Saturday or Sunday.

To answer the question, Benjamin is 14. The sentence you refer to says that he appeared to be about 15 to Michael. Benjamin is straight and comfortable in his sexuality and totally accepting of gay people. Joseph is 12 and gay, he may have an infatuation for Michael, but next week he may well be infatuated with someone else. Joseph hugged because that is his way, it is simply a hug with no undertone. Ian and Kevin watch over them as close as any parent would and are very protective of their charges. GJ&C introduces them and gives background, it also explains how they are now with Ian and Kevin.

I liked the idea of writing Ian and Kevin into the story, I'm sure that their knowing Max and Stacy influenced their decision to employ Michael. It will be fun to see Michael's reaction when he finds out. Thank you for commenting my friend, it is appreciated.

Missy is a star in her own right. She is a big softy who loves Harry and seems to like adopting humans. As soft as she is I think she would stand her ground and be ferocious if anyone threatened any of her humans, especially Harry. I'm hoping that Michael doesn't feeo overwhelmed when he discovers the connection between Max and Stacy and his new employers. 🤞 Thank you for the continued sport my friend.

Michael has an opportunity to learn and develop in a job that could be a good fallback if his dreams of a stage career don't materialise. With the opportunities available it is now up to him to make something of it. Experts in pyrotechnics can create some amazing displays, I hope our upcoming display will be one of those.

It certainly can feel like it's a small world at times, and this could have been one of the reasons Michael got the job. If you like fireworks, don't miss the next chapter.

I have asked in the chapter notes when the readers think the next chapter should be published.

Thank you for commenting @JohnnyC. Things are looking good for Charlie and Michael, I'm proud of them for recognising their good fortune and are already giving back, so to speak. Working in a pawn shop is fun and interesting as you never know what is going to come in through the door from one day to the next. I worked in pawn shops with my dad and enjoyed it. As a qualified and experienced pawnbroker, I now work as a consultant to other pawnbrokers. Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year to you.

Yes, you. But I'll forgive you, just this once.

Banning firecrackers for personal use is a good thing and probably why your cats are less bothered by other fireworks. Unfortunately in some parts we have idiots throwing them al most anywhere causing problems.

The occasional spoiler won't hurt, just don't give them too many.

Many students fund their education this way, it is hard work but very rewarding in many ways.

Nope, definitely not missed.

GJ&C is a story with intrigue where we learn more about other characters from The Boot World, including Benjamin and Joseph's story. I'm an advocate of banning fireworks unless they are used in professional displays.

No, you haven't missed anything, @raven1 is teasing you.

Michael will do his best at his new job, nobody can ask for more than that. The surprise windfall, although small, will help in many ways. I agree, that professional fireworks displays can be enjoyable. It is irresponsible idiots who spoil the fun and cause problems, many pets are caused unnecessary distress because of them. Thank you for commenting.