M1984

That was a fun story, and I'm happy for Richie that he had an happy ending. Although I don't think I would have reacted the same way, in that situation. Especially after his father manipulating his son's affections by buying him a car for his birthday. I couldn't forgive him after what he had done, both before, and immediately after Richie's mother's death. I am just probably a lot more stubborn and unforgiving, than Richie, I think. Lol. Thanks Rony

I am a little surprised that Richie agreed to the sleepover after being ditched by Gabe and Freddie. And that's after Gabe guilt-tripping Richie into going in the first place. But I think maybe he's just tired of feeling alone and maybe bored, so he's willing to move on from it. It's not what I would have done, but I'm not Richie. I'm just along for the ride

I feel the same way. I could never forgive my dad had he left my mother when she was dying with cancer. Him paying for Wade's funeral, even if his intentions were entirely noble, wouldn't make up for what he had done. I'd never be able to forgive a parent for that. And his handling of the situation after her death, him thrusting a new family into his children's lives, being unsympathetic with Richie's grieving at the wake, throwing him the pool, the beating, etc. Sure, Richie has been a little hostile at times, but he's a grieving 15 year old. His father doesn't have age, or relationship (since he left her for someone else) as an excuse.

I actually understand and sympathize with Richie, and the anger he's feeling. The only thing I would do differently, is I wouldn't be nasty towards Richard's new family. It's not their fault. I would probably (in Richie's situation, being angry and upset) ignore them. I loved the moment he had with Andrew when he talked about his mother being inside of him.

Thing is, Richie is close to 18. Richard might have custody for a couple of more years, but if he presses his luck, that's the only time he'll have Richie a part of his life. It certainly would be that way if it were me, and I was forced into a similar situation. I'd also make the three years living with him, a difficult time too. Since it seems it's not out of his compassion and care for his children, but for selfish reasons that Richard is imposing himself on Richie and his siblings at all. The same selfish reasons he abandoned them and his sick wife, in the first place. I do feel sorry for the mistress and his kids though. It's not their fault, but being nice with them would be seen by Richard as him getting his own way.

I loved this opening chapter. But I also couldn't help gritting my teeth (even though this is fiction, I've heard it said in real life), how the recently deceased is now "in a better place." It's often said to grieving family members. And I honestly don't understand how this is supposed to be a kind saying. I find it horrible, and don't understand why anyone would say such a thing. A young mother belongs with her young children. There's no better or more appropriate place than that.

Oh Zac!

I just find the hypocrisy of Adrian irritating.. Zac needs to shut that third door firmly shut. Adrian got pissed and jealous when he saw Zac on a date with Omari, and then next minute he's dating a girl. I understand his difficult situation, but not the hypocrisy. Hope Austin turns out to be his Mr Right on a white horse.

I have several different feelings after reading this chapter. I think, first of all, Zac is probably rushing into things. He's only just "discovered" he's gay. And further, with him being a senior, and not, say a freshman, relationships tend to be a lot more serious in nature. So he needs to figure out what he's feeling before engaging in a relationship. I don't think Adrian or Omari are right for Zac. At least right now. Omari is several years older, and much more experienced, not just with sex and relationships, but with who he is as a gay man. And Adrian's so deep in the closet, won't defend, or even speak to Zac. So he's not ready, if ever, for a relationship with Zac. If I were Zac I'd slow down a little. He's going to university soon anyway, so any relationship at home would be vulnerable, and he'll have more opportunities at university to meet some cute gay guys.

I've heard about latent sexuality (discovering a sexual attraction to the same/opposite sex later than most do). I've always found it odd. It's interesting and confusing to think that some people don't realize they're gay, or bi, until their twenties and even beyond. I've even heard about men who thought themselves straight until their late 20s and then ten years later, they identify as gay and have no interest in women. Maybe sexuality isn't fixed, but it's also not a choice. I only have my own experience to relate to.

I liked this chapter the most so far. It takes a look at the more unpleasant aspects of our main character. I like that about a story. Flaws make a character just as interesting as their strengths, if not more so. Kyle's a good person, I think, if a little snobby. But it's out of ignorance, not malice. And now that he recognizes it, will he try to fix it?

A lovely ending. I like how it was a happy ending, even though Rick's the one gay character without a boyfriend, and Nicholas & Stu, were the ones to become a couple. It's often the other way around in stories, they meet each other and fall in love, or make up at the end. Either that, or it's a sad ending with a break-up So this made a refreshing change. I hope the friendship works out, and I don't think it will be long before Richard has a boyfriend of his own. Not with a friend like Harriett around to be sure.

Jimmy's even worse than I first thought. He's not just following the social cues from the other lads, he seems to be the instigator. Or at least one of them. The other lads at the table didn't seem to care. Jack's parents. They're an all too real example of the general ignorance in society about sexuality, and gender roles, expression, etc. It's not necessarily coming from a cruel place, just an ignorant, ill informed place. The same sort of place where boys are looked at oddly if they don't care about sports, or if they like reading books. If girls don't wear feminine clothing, or they're the bread winner for the family. It's a different kind of bigotry to the one Jimmy's currently displaying.

It's a shame that Jimmy's homophobic. He's not a real friend at all, if he can't accept Jack's sexuality. But then again, he hasn't been given the chance to, because Jack's still in the closet. But that's Jimmy's fault for being homophobic in the first place. So I guess we'll find out if/when Jimmy discovers Jack's sexuality. Loving this so far. Now to chapter 3

I am already really enjoying this. I am happy to see that there is still a lot to read. On to chapter 3

Progress...! Richard has finally realized the truth about Nicholas. And what a good friend Harriet is. I wonder where Rick would be without her. Would he still be blind to Nicholas's ways? Would he still be blaming himself? I think Rick is lucky in a lot of ways. He has a good group of friends, and his whole family supporting him.

“So, when it’s two guys together,” Darren asks, “how do you decide who’s the boy and who’s the girl?” “We flip a coin,” Stu answers. “How can you tell if a guy plays for your team?” someone else wants to know. “By the colour of his handbag.” 🤣😂😆 This is a very serious story, but there's a lot of moments in it that have me laughing out loud. I think it helps from keeping the story becoming a depressing read.

It's unfortunate that he hasn't realized what a bad egg Nicholas is yet. Maybe it's going to take more heartache and cruelty coming his way. In fact it wouldn't surprise me if the thing with the idiot in the car, wasn't somehow Nicholas's fault, too.

It seems my initial impression of Nicholas, was right, unfortunately. Rick would do well to listen to Harriet, she's absolutely right. And Rick shouldn't hide who he is, for anybody, if he wants to be out and honest, sod Nicholas.

Well, today was a good day for Rick. I agree with @jaysalmn, Vicky's awesome. We need more people like her around. Nicholas? I'm not sure what his game is. Hopefully he just messed up and he makes up for it. But I remain cautious. It's nice to see Rick making new friends anyway, so he's not solely dependent on Nicholas. And now we have two other gay boys in the picture. I wonder if any of them will be a suitable match for Rick?

Well, at least something positive has come out of a not-so-positive situation. Without Nicholas to distract him, Rick is doing well at school, and it looks like he's half way there to making two new friends.

Man, Nicholas is such a bad friend. They've been tight friends for years, and he can just so suddenly walk away from a great friendship because of what some jerk at school thinks? Perhaps Ricky's better off without him. Hopefully he'll find new friends, and a new boyfriend. A serious one who isn't ashamed of himself, or Rick.

A great opener. Poor Rick! It seems like his whole world is falling apart. I think every teen feels that way, but he's more justified than most. He finds out his parents are divorcing, and his boyfriend and best friend leaves him boyfriend-less and best friend-less all in the same day. Oh, and is he about to become a big brother again, with his father's pregnant girlfriend? On to part 2.

That happened with me too. Haha He has an appealing personality.

I've never heard of the guy before, but he's really popular on social media, with 6 million Youtube subscribers, and 8 million on Twitter. I saw him trending on Twitter, and his coming out story was well put together, and rather funny.