Marty

I dunno, Gary. I was asleep at the time

God, Val! What does he keep looking for under the mattress? 😮 This is how I want to spend my night:

Good morning to you as well, B But it's just turned one o-clock in the morning here. So I think I'll just say goodnight to everyone.

Strangely, at this point of the story, knowing there's only one chapter left before the end, I am finding myself more concerned about Rob than any other character. It feels to me that he is suffering from some deep seated internalised homophobia. I'm not sure what can be done to overcome that, but I'm wondering whether what's causing, or what caused, it is something that he really needs to overcome. I've a memory from a much earlier chapter of Rob's mum saying something about two very close gay friends of hers that she had become estranged from, and Justin suggesting she should try to reconnect with them. Could her deciding to do that help Rob, if only by showing him that a same sex relationship isn't only possible, but can also be meaningful and fulfilling? Pure speculation, Marty! The last chapter's up, so just go read it!

Some great developments in this chapter. I'm not sure just how comfortable Rob will be about the kiss, but at least he now knows what one feels like, and that kissing another guy does not necessarily mean that the world is going to come to an end.

Hi, Val Things are good, thanks. Yourself?

Excellent! Same here. Just back from dinner with a friend and her 80 year old mother. Homemade pizza (and excellent pizza at that). And then a few hours chat.

Hey, young Albert! Hope all's well with you.

Hey yourself, Mr Gary!

Looks like someone's ready for bed...

Good day, duggie! Rainy day here. It was a bit windy overnight (some of my lupin flowers will need re-staking), but calm enough now. Currently 20°C/68°F And good day to everyone else!

It is. As all of @Dabeagle's stories are.

That comment made me think of this story of @Dabeagle's:

I can't see a beard, either....

Sorry, Albert. Things are a bit busy in Marty life just at the moment, hence my slow reply. As for Marty land, if you're referring to Ireland, things are probably no better, or worse, than they are in many parts of the world. And how's things with you?

Hey, Albert!

Hi, Page

I usually deliberately don't read other comments to a chapter before posting my own. That way, I won't be influenced by what other readers have said. I broke that rule on this chapter, and found myself giggling at the "Where's the ending?" type comments. It was when I looked at the date of posting the first 12 chapters, compared the dates, and read @TheZot's final comment that I realised not only had people been disappointed, but had been for an awful long time. Bad Zot!! And good Zot! For at least rectifying your oversight.

Maybe seeing Justin apparently checking out Trevor's butt may give Rob the impetus he seems to lack...

Good afternoon, Gary.

Justin can surely think quickly at times. Now, I wonder what Steph's reaction is going to be?

And now we find out that teachers and coaches aren't just two-dimensional figures as well. Might be nice to actually meet Justin's parents eventually...

Damn! I shouldn't binge read. I'm running out of tissues...

If that means what I think it might mean, that's what I started thinking as well; just as soon as I read the following: "From what I'd gathered around school, she and Bobby had been friends forever..."

And if all he was doing was thinking, then I see no problem. No harm, no foul.