Graeme

Thank you! Yes, the build up has taken weeks. I kept trying to jump the story forward, but other things kept interfering.... If this was a print novel, you'd be able to see how far there is still to go. The story is over halfway through, but there's still a long way to go.

Thanks, Cole! Neil's changed a lot over the two months since he first tried to contact Jim. He's still got his problems (like running away at times), but he seems to be the right track at last.

Thanks, Maarten! Yes, I think Neil's received something really special for his birthday

There are certain things that are no printable. Liam's actions were one of those things

“Thanks for giving me a lift, Deon,” Clarissa said. “I really appreciate it.” Deon chuckled as he drove out of the North Port Oval car park. “You weren’t going to be left behind. It was just a case of working out who went in which car. Dad and the brat were always going to be in the same car, especially after the way the brat stormed out of the change room at the end of the match, and naturally that meant Tony and Karen were with them. I had a spare spot, and I’m heading back to the same house,

Great characterisations and nicely written. Well done!

Lovely! Thank you

Sorry, but I'm not going to be able to answer either question. Firstly, my favourite story isn't constant. In fact, I don't think I really have one. There are different stories I read for different reasons. Secondly, I can't compare authors. There are many that I like and trying to put them into some sort of order to come up with one at the top feels...wrong. I'm happy to list authors and stories off the top of my head, but don't ask me to rank them. I cant.

It's only absurd if she gets the money. Asking for ridiculous things isn't absurd -- getting them is what makes it absurd Interestingly, I saw no mention of a partner for her to marry. Maybe that's the next demand she'll make? "It's a basic human right to marry the person I want. I want him", she said, pointing at Daniel Radcliffe, "so he has to marry me. It's my right!" Daniel Radcliffe's response was, "Don't I get to marry who I want?" "No! I'm the one with the rights here!" Some people are selfish. Enough said.

It's traditional at GA to complain about poll options. Congratulations! You've just graduated

Take care. There are more important things than writing, so don't worry about that

Ty had been insulted. Jim was being used to insult him. Naturally he reacted. He then overreacted to the poor-taste joke, but given he had been worked up about the initial insult, it's a natural overreaction.

Footballer turns coach after becoming quadriplegic

I'll admit that I like happy endings. But that doesn't necessarily mean that the characters get the ending that they want. Liam's very much aware that he can't dictate to Neil. Unless he gives Neil control, he's not going to get the guy he wants. As you've pointed out, there's too much history for it to work any other way.

When I write, there are times that characters start to take over. I originally gave them minor roles and they vigorously disagreed. Ty did that in the first book. Clarissa's doing that in this one. As for whether Doug and Liam can pull off their deception...

Thank you! Neil is growing up at a fast rate. That's a consequence of suddenly finding himself independent from his parents and being pushed into the spotlight of public attention (even if it were only for a short time). At least he has good role models to copy.

LOL Thanks, Maarten. Yes, Timothy did leave a rather comprehensive review

Wow, thank you Timothy! Neil's parents may be homophobic, but they also love their son. That's the struggle they're having, and that's what you (hopefully) are seeing in the story. While I've heard of and seen parents disown their children, it's still an alien concept to me. My parents may've disapproved of some of the things their brood did, but they never stopped loving them. The football match between the VFL and SANFL was real. As was the result. For story purposes, I would've preferred that the VFL won, but that wasn't to be. As per the story, the squad was announced earlier in the week, and they selected the final team on the Thursday night. I've checked the official lists, and for some reason Ty's name is missing.... I'm not sure why that is Thanks again. At least the story is now up to the day of Neil's party. I'll leave it to you as to whether you think I can squeeze another chapter between the end of the VFL/SANFL match, and the start of Neil's party

“Liam, are you free to talk?” Doug asked. Liam glanced around to confirm he was alone. He had been busy hanging out the washing when Doug rang, but his parents appeared to be inside the house, not surprising considering the imminent rain. “Yeah, at least for now.” “I’ve got an idea if you think you can pull it off. Monday, we’re getting a joint project that is due the following week. You’re going to have to come to my place next weekend to work on it. You might even have to stay the night on S

I'm trying to get the balance right between the sports content and the rest of the story. I know that not everyone will like the football parts, so I'm trying to ensure that they don't dominate the story. As for the dated chapters, you can thank Ken84050. He did the hard work to go back over the previous chapters and work out the dates. Maintaining that after he did the hard work is easy. I have a spreadsheet for when each chapter is due to be posted, and all I've done is add an extra column to indicate the starting date for each chapter.

The plural and possessive examples are the wrong way around As someone who constantly makes mistakes with apostrophes, that one jumped out at me

I just wanted to point out that since you are at the age of 20, my two boys consider you to be old...

I haven't read a lot of Cynus's stories, but what I've read I've really enjoyed.

I think Liam's parents are being reasonable He's shown he's got a temper, and he can be dangerous if he gets angry. Their concern about what he might do if Neil rejects him seems reasonable. It may not be Neil who is on the receiving end of that anger, but who knows what Liam might do?

That prompt response shows promise. Exactly what it's promising I haven't worked out, but keep trying!