Clancy59

Yep, I’m still here. I almost missed this except for the notice of you mentioning me. I have to gear my mind around the 2 stories, one of which I haven’t seen in over 35 years!

Wow. This was quite a chapter! It was a lot to follow. I was almost afraid that I would see ‘The End’ after the battle and the other Brothers showed up. I’m glad it’s not, because Novo does have some soul-searching to do, as do the others. I’m a little confused about that, in fact. Were all the Pledges there for this talk? All of them have to make this decision? Is Track’s mom still alive? Why shouldn’t they go far from the House? I know those last couple of questions will be answered in the next chapter. There seemed to be a hint in there that Beckett and Halverson may have been a bit more than simple buddies for him. I’m not saying anything more than they may have been untapped, untrained members of the Flamekeepers. I may be way off-base, but it was something I caught.

😢. This storyline was to continue once a year, ironically this month. I hope someone is able to take up Carlos’ reins and continue his various story adventures. ❤️

I remember seeing that a very long time ago. Thank you for the connection!

Pete had a difficult time letting go just as much as Michael did. Now that they have reached a mutual agreement, they can move on to the next stages of their lives in the full knowledge that they are not abandoning the other one. They will be there for each other. Pete has acknowledged Michael’s relationship with Eric by asking how his opinion fit into the plans. Even when Michael finds Pete had had an accident while alone at home, Pete was able to assure Michael that everything was under control. And as for Michael’s legitimate concerns of future incidents, Pete has indicated his desire to move closer to easier assistance, thereby easing Michael’s concerns. Michael then tours the college again, trying to think and make a decision. When the same Professor greets him again with an acknowledgment and recognition of Michael’s obvious interest in a topic dear to his own heart, it is enough to tip the balance. Whether he realizes or not, Michael has just met his mentor who will probably also become a lifelong friend.

I got the link with ET, but am unfamiliar with the second story. What is it, please?

Not surprised where Caleb wound up. Good for him. We had lost a family member last year to addiction. (A doctor gave him OxyContin against his parents’ advice after telling him their son had had addiction problems in the past with alcohol, etc. Guess what? He fought it—hard—for several years before succumbing.). His youngest brother took it the worst of all, except for their mother. This boy had dropped out of high school with one semester to go because he just didn’t know where he was going to go after that. Nothing we could do would change his mind. Imagine our shock and joy when he presented his mother at Christmas with his DIPLOMA (not a GED) AND COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE LETTER! He had done it on his own in secret as a surprise. His brother’s death spurred him. He has decided to get his medical degree so he can help prevent other families going through what theirs has for the past year. He started in January. 🩷

Is Jonathan an albino? Isn’t it dangerous for albinos in the wild? Although, if they have done their jobs properly and taught him how to be a wild lion, he just might be able to overcome this ‘handicap’ in the wild. Please tell us this will be a successful release! 🦁

Wow! This one sounds like a doozy! I can hardly wait for that class discussion—I love when CJ butts heads with people who don’t necessarily think things through.

I hadn’t realized there were so many different versions of the Babybel Cheese Ninja commercials! https://www.ispot.tv/ad/1DWq/babybel-snack-heroes

Yes, Michael. It’s terrifying to think of such a major change in your life. However, the decision doesn’t need to be made tonight. Eric is simply giving you the opportunity to truly think about it and explore the real possibilities today. He knows you’re worried about your grandfather and the expenses and your job. This promotion needs to be taken into consideration, as well. You were smart to say you needed to think about it—it’s like your subconscious knew something else was coming. But you don’t seem to feel as happy about that as you do about the chance to get your degree, despite the obstacles. He’s even suggesting that the living situation isn’t difficult. There is plenty of financial assistance available for older, returning students, too, so money shouldn’t be a major concern. And you already have a portfolio sitting in your closet? Sweetheart, whether you know it or not, your heart is at school. If it wasn’t, you wouldn’t have held on to that portfolio all this time. Michael, there’s just no real decision here. You want to go to school and get your degree. Do it. Move in with Eric. Pete is doing well right now, and once you get that degree, you’ll be in an even better place to take care of him. Do it.

Yep. A narcissist is never wrong. Even when he is, everyone else is at fault and must be punished, but not him.

I had to laugh. This morning I had the morning news on and a commercial came on for those Baby Bel cheese bites. They were being presented like mini-ninjas! I had seen the commercial before—it’s been around for several years—but I had forgotten about it until now. When I saw it, I thought of Retail Ninja!

Reading this chapter, I kept thinking of a local chain called Market Basket. It was started as a family company, but is now owned by the employees. There are multiple locations around Southern New England and when they open a new location, they actually build it themselves! Sometimes they’ll use an existing building, but tear everything out and just use the shell and completely redo the interior. It’s very popular around here.

OK. It took a while for you to bring this back, but this story is coming back with all its engines blazing! We have a psycho lion emperor, a forbidden love between a lion and a cheetah, a mysterious snoop and now awakening god-like being. This is going to be good!

You’re back! You’re back! The bears and company are back! Yay! Granted, I’m going to have to go back and reread the whole story to remember everything, but this chapter really sets up the story quite well. The Delegation will present itself well and let the Lion King know exactly where they stand. And he will quickly discover that they will take no garbage from an entitled narcissist.

So, Aidan just told Talon he was interested in him ‘in that way?’ Seems he has decided to take advantage of this chaos!

The word is supposed to be ‘rescinded.’ Stupid auto-correct!

I had one of those! We had 2 claims after 2 storms in a month for wind damage totaling less than $2000, less than our deductible. I had called them just in case the damage was more severe than it turned out to be. They cancelled us for excessive claims! I blew my stack and got policies at USAA (hubby was in NG for 31 years). When our original agent found out about the cancellation, she called the original company and read them the riot act. They reminded the cancellation. I stopped in for some paperwork connected with the cancellation and told them not to bother.

This was hysterical! I loved it! As soon as you started describing her at the register I realized she was a Karen and I was looking forward to seeing the karma she was about to reap. It was perfect! I wish Retail Ninja was in a few of the stores I’ve been in over the past couple of years!

No to pumpkin anything! Just plain Vanilla. That’s why I was so disappointed when Dunkin changed their chai recipe. It’s terrible now—and evidently a lot of people agree with me. I had a manager call me when I gave a local one a very low review after getting some very badly made food and drink items and when I mentioned the chai, he told me a lot of people have complained, but corporate wont listen.

Coffee—ugh! Vanilla chai for me. Hot. My mom always said she was too young for coffee. So, logically, if she was too young at 84, I’m too young at any age!

I can understand Michael’s position. It’s incredibly difficult to pull oneself out of a rut, especially after several years. It can be a very frightening prospect. His world is currently changing, and he hasn’t figured out how to handle it yet. It may seem simple to Eric for Michael to go to college as an older student, but he has to remember that he has been to college already and seen those older students. Michael is from a small town where college isn’t necessarily something to aspire to straight from high school, let alone after a break. I know how he feels. I didn’t go to college straight out of high school for personal reasons. I finally decided to go back a couple of years later. It was daunting after just 2 years, I can’t imagine how it would feel after 8! (Even after all that, I was the first person in my entire family to earn a BSE and the only person with a Master’s.) Michael has responsibilities he takes seriously. Before he considers changing his life, he has to make sure his grandfather is cared for. Pete hasn’t exactly been helpful with this, but may be changing his own ways with contact with Maggie. He’s probably concerned about money to support Pete and himself. He could probably bring himself to live cheaply in a single room, but he wouldn’t subject Pete to that kind of existence. How would he pay for rent and living expenses, as well as tuition, books and all the attendant fees? How long would it take? Where? Yeah, there’s a lot to consider. Eric may be putting the bee in Michael’s bonnet, but he’s going to have to help him gather some honey instead of simply being stung!

I loved seeing the chapter in the lineup, although I was sad knowing it was the last chapter in this story. I was disappointed that we didn’t get to see Randy’s Turning, however! I thought that would be in this chapter! Well, it just means there will be another story coming! Right, @WolfM? On the other hand, I loved seeing Shannon get what she deserved. I agree with the others and think Trevor needs to get that paternity test yesterday! He really needs to get those ducks in a row! Although I would love to see them try to explain a half-Lycan baby to that witch! Thank you, @WolfM for another enjoyable story. I’m sure we are all looking forward to more from your talented fingers.

This was a great way of wrapping up a lot of storylines. I loved this entire story and look forward to Randy’s turning. I enjoyed the visit to the caves. When we were in Ireland, umpteen years ago on our honeymoon, we visited a set of caves there at the edge of the Buren. I know I am misspelling it, but it was called the Ailwee Caves. They were huge! They had made an entire visitor center in the entrance area that had the typical souvenir gift shop, as well as, a full service cafe. It was fascinating walking through as they explained how the caves were discovered (a Shepard’s dog fell into a hole and he had to get him out) and the various things they found there, including the bones of a prehistoric cave bear! At the end, the guide talked about how dark it really was in the caves, and to prove the point, turned off the lights! Wow! I’d never truly understood what true darkness was until then. I’m not ashamed to say I grabbed my husband’s arm in disorientation! Although I will be sorry to see this story end, I am looking forward to future adventures at the same time. Thank you for a great read!