Graeme

So sweet Thank you!

Thank you! As I've said before, Peter is in a no win situation. If things get worse, he's better off telling Alan how he's feeling, but he also doesn't want to put any more pressure on Alan. We just have to hope he either comes to terms with the new situation, or he talks to Alan before those little things become a big thing.

Teapot cozies are incredibly useful things... As for the grandparents, you're right. Life would have been so much easier for the guys if the Lyntons would just help and not hinder.

Unfortunately, with kids of her own and a business to run with her husband, it wasn't really an option for Merry to look after Bradley. Did you like Keidan's definition of porn?

Thank you! Food is one of the core issues with kids. Playing games is another, and for the older kids, school. These are what they see as important, and therefore they're a big thing for them. I'll admit that I was also a stubborn kid, but I wasn't a fussy eater. I've got two boys who are, though...

Thank you! Yes, it's a huge shock to both Alan and Peter, and a critical time for Lisa, Troy and Bradley. This is a time when the family needs to pull together, and it's not good that the grandparents aren't on board with that...

If Ryder overthinks things to much, he's going to go into a meltdown over his first date. I love the way Shawn arranged that I just hope it goes well. Ryder will probably have a meltdown if doesn't, and I wouldn't want that to happen to him. He's been through enough...

Tim, Tim, Tim...why do you keep doing this to me? I can't comment without spoiling the scene with the doctor... Seriously, though, you're right. A lot of the time, it's the adults who cause problems in the kids. Without them, kids would be much more sane (says the parent of two wonderful boys).

Thanks! Good friends are definitely worth their weight in gold

Thank you! Yes, it's great to see them getting the help they need. Now, as you've said, they need to be find some personal time for themselves.

“How long do you think you’ll stay, Mum?” Alan asked, hoping it would be for some time. “I really don’t know, dear. I want to see Lisa and spend some time with Troy and Bradley. Then I’ll let you know.” She gave him a penetrating look. “I won’t go while you need me, if that’s what you’re worried about. And your father and I will come back as soon as we can after I do go.” Alan gave her a wry smile. “Thanks, Mum. I’m beginning to get the hang of this, but there’s a lot still to learn.” “I know

It was all to do with who would be drafted and to where. I had a number of options as there were characters whose draft prospects were uncertain, so I had to make some decisions. In one scenario, two of the characters ended up interstate, with associated complications for their personal lives. I eventually decided against that option, but it was tempting for a long time. I'll PM you the names

Kids at that age tend to live in the 'now', not the past or future. Plus, they're still talking to their mum, even if they're not seeing her. Not every kid is like this, of course, but be thankful for small mercies. If the boys had significant psychological issues as a result of the accident, things would be that much tougher for Alan and Peter. It's up for debate, but I think Lisa made the right call in forbidding her boys to come and see her. If they saw her regularly while she's still badly hurt, it would definitely affect them. As for Peter, sadly this is not an uncommon story. It's the reason relationships sometimes break up after a child is born -- the new member in the relationship disturbs the balance, and sometimes they disturb it enough to end that relationship I wish that wasn't true, but...

It looks like Jason has been kidnapped, possibly by his mother, though the tense tone in her voice may indicate she was forced to call and say what she said. I'm pretty sure that second message from Jason wasn't really from him. Now we wait...

Stubbornness can certainly run in families Though, to be fair, Rosalie didn't really fight him, she just acknowledged it was for the kids. She probably wouldn't have accepted, otherwise.

Thank you!

Unfortunately, you're right. Lisa's mum is not going to takeover from Alan and Peter. She's there to help, but Alan is still the primary carer.

Thank you! Most new parents have a support network in place, but for most of them that network is in place before the child arrives. Alan and Peter have a network, but no one was prepared. That's slowly being fixed.

Thank you!

A great suggestion! The only problem is contacting them to pass it on... Maybe one of them will think of it independently.

“Alan, Dave, just the two people I wanted to see.” Alan exchanged a perplexed glance with the new apprentice before turning around. “G’day, Merry. What’s up?” She smiled. “Do either of you have plans for the afternoon of Saturday week?” Dave shrugged. “Not really.” “Me neither, though we’ll probably be doing something with the boys.” With all the challenges of looking after Troy and Bradley, as far as Alan was concerned nine days away was too far into the future to worry about. “Good! Then

Everyone else has already said most of what I was going to say, so I'll just mention how much I enjoyed the opening dream sequence. Ryder definitely has a crush And the chapter ends with Ryder and Shawn alone in the house...

Thank you! The problem you mentioned with Tremen is a sign of my inexperience as an author. I had originally included all the details in the final chapter, but one of my early readers pointed out that he would never had given out those details in public, so I had to do a massive rewrite at the end. Essentially, Tremen's father was gay and cheated on his wife. He eventually left her for another man...and the in process turned his son into a homophobe. There are hints in the final chapter as to that fact, but after the rewrite it wasn't explicit. That, by the way, was inspired by a real-life event. WHen I came out to my wife, the counsellor who helped her told her about a man who did exactly that to his wife. Under the circumstances, I wouldn't have blamed their son for turning out to be homophobic...

I like how Ryder was concerned about hurting team morale if he tried too hard. He also knows his dad doesn't like him showing off. I'm hoping Coach Q okayed what he did with Ryder's dad beforehand. Ryder's concern for Jeremy is also touching...and frightening. Something has happened, and it's obvious that when Ryder finds out, it's going to affect him. However, I think Ryder's concerns have helped him with Garret. Ryder's comment about how Garret would feel if Shawn disappeared probably has helped Garret understand Ryder a little better. Regarding Garret, I didn't get the impression from this chapter that he's out to get Ryder. He tried to get him to look bad, but it didn't seem to be done in a malicious way. Even the nickname he's using no longer feels like a sly dig at Ryder. It's almost as if Garret is acknowledging Ryder's skills, evem though he doesn't really want to.

Luke seemed remarkably relaxed at the idea of people being told he and Jackson are a couple. I think that's good -- it shows he's ready to be out to his parents if the worst happens. He doesn't want to be out to them, but he appears to be mentally prepared if happens. I also like how much poor technique Jackson has with his swimming. That, combined with his still decent enough times to get a scholarship (even though it was later revoked) shows that he has a lot of native talent. I expect his times at the meet will be below his best, simply because retraining his muscles to a new technique will take time, but I wouldn't be surprised if he still does well.