crystalline

Ahhhh finally!!! 😍😍😍 When I checked my emails this morning, I did not expect to see the notification about this new chapter. It was such a pleasant surprise to wake up to. Now, I feel like I'm floating. I have a tonne of work to do but there's no way I can concentrate with all these lovely, light, floaty feelings in my chest. My imagination is running wild about their first time. I do hope we get to read that part of the story in a future chapter. As @Mark M said, "I just want to read it, live it in my mind!" 🥰 I felt bad for David (oh rejection at that age!) and even a little bad for Chip. I know, he was being a dick and I was very proud of how Corbin handled him. But when he asked why Corbin was so cruel? He seemed like such a lost little boy. Hopefully he learns and grows from this experience. But yes! Corbin and Pete... FINALLY!

Yay you're back! I enjoyed Corbin standing his ground and putting Chip in his place. Though I don't expect that will be the end of it. Initially I was frustrated that Pete didn't reply to Corbin's voicemail and just turned up at the party... like WTF Pete? That is some confusing shit right there. But then the kiss that Pete initiated and progressed to an hour or so make-out session... wow! I'm glad they didn't go further at this stage and that they spent some time communicating their needs to each other. Can't wait for what's next, hopefully Pete will be less confusing now that they've made this progress!

You’re so welcome! I love this chapter. The anticipation was built so well, with humour and good communication thrown in. So many funny bits like “so many condoms, so much lube” and when Penn was willing to let the boys take the fall for the condoms 🤣 Nash did a great job of playing cool throughout the day and then finally showing Penn how much he wanted him 💕

Corey has come such a long way on his journey of self acceptance and love. You wrote him so beautifully and authentically ❤️

Aww Jenny! Saving puppies and showing her support for Corey, she is a sweetheart. I’m so glad he has someone who knows now.

Yes I saw that and I’m glad you haven’t gone down this path for Corey! Especially now that you’ve explained what happened in the original story. The poor kid has so much pressure on him - his dad, football, society etc. I’d hate to see him used by a lover, especially at this stage of his growth.

Interesting development with Clinton.... I feel more sorry for Greg now. He’s confused and in denial. Whether he’s gay or bi I don’t know. I would actually like for he and Corey to have a friendship in the future, once they’re both over what is happening right now. Right now he’s the catalyst for making Corey explore his sexuality. They are helping each other learn things about themselves - while it’s confusing in the moment I think that meeting each other is something they both needed.

Wow I didn’t expect Greg to be engaged to a woman. I thought there was someone else but couldn’t figure out if it was a girlfriend or a secret boyfriend. Now he’s opened up a can of worms for sweet Corey Corey was going to have to deal with his sexuality eventually but it sucks for him that his first experience with a man is with someone marrying a woman. Greg clearly isn’t going to be fulfilled marrying Amy if he’s already making moves on a high schooler (and who knows what he’s done with other guys whilst having a girlfriend). I don’t know the full story yet - part of me doesn’t like Greg for his behaviour but the other part feels for him because he’s closeted and can’t be himself.

Aww Corey is so naive. It’s sweet to see him try to figure things out ☺️

Loved this tale of growth, learning, family and love. People often forgive family for their wrong doings because they are family. However this story shows that forgiveness has to be earned and you can choose to surround yourself with people who genuinely care for and respect you. I would like to think that Owen and Aiden remained high school sweethearts. Yes, they are still young and teenage relationships don’t always last. But their relationship is something special and has the qualities to last long term. I wonder if Dennis is gay, bi or was just questioning prompted by his former close friend being gay. I’d be curious to know what happens in his life after leaving the stranglehold of his family. His involvement with what happened to Ben is despicable but I still think there is hope for him to be a decent human being.

Wow 😢

I’m worried about the implications for Storm. There will have been a lot of witnesses who saw him shoot Ethan

Ergh Ethan is gross. “My little treasure” says it all! Poor Sean

Zeke and Skyler are my favourite couple 💕 💕

Yayayayay 👏🥳❤️ This chapter has put a huge smile on my face 😃

Yayayayay 👏🥳🥰 so happy right now 😃

Woah Nelly!

Aww Shane you big dumb boy! I enjoyed reading this and understanding him better. Hopefully he can get his shit together and communicate better!

Oh my lordy you had me laughing out loud with the details of the escape and the imagined conversation at bingo 🤣 How certain is Donovan that a condom wasn’t used? Shane’s treatment of him was bad enough, but if he disrespected him in that way then he has a lot to answer for!

Wowee 😅 That was intense, definitely not just “decent” sex for Donovan. It is going to be very interesting when they wake up...

Hehe what an entertaining start!

These past few chapters have been painful to read. You do such an amazing job of making the reader empathise with what’s going on. In the same way that these chapters have left me sad, I felt giddy after reading chapter 12 when they got together in Thailand. Giddy like a teenager! Penn has built some sturdy walls around his heart. I can’t blame him after what he went through. The good thing about that is that he’s gone slow with Jason and it’s more of a friendship with a physical aspect. Although now that he wants to leave Lincoln and move to California he could be thinking of developing something more. It’s a good thing that he’s having another relationship aside from Nash because he needs to have other experiences. As long as that helps him realise where his heart belongs. I’m glad the Knotts arranged to get Nash on this holiday. Their meddling in general is a bit much for poor Penn, but this was needed. In Penn’s attempt to protect his heart, he wouldn’t give Nash the time of day otherwise. Their major problem was communication and it’s time to get communicating! Nash is doing the right thing by fighting for Penn. Penn followed him to Thailand, Nash ran off to Costco... now it’s Nash’s turn to go after what he wants and prove himself. It may be painful getting constantly rejected and hearing Penn’s feelings (“I used to be in love with you which was the only reason I ever ran” 😢💔) but they need to get everything out in the open. What they had in Thailand was short lived, but as they say it’s quality not quantity that’s important!

Communication is key! If Penn had led the street side chat with “I’m not Cam’s baby daddy but will be there to support her as a friend” things would have turned out a whole lot differently. Of course Nash would assume that Penn was the father and feel like he’s been lied to 🤦🏻‍♀️ Nash is also at fault, he and Penn should have had a proper conversation before he ran away to Costco.

Umm what??!? I had suspected she was pregnant when Penn said that there was a lot going on with Cam but that didn’t stop me from feeling shocked when it was revealed! Wtf Penn? As if you don’t mention this to Nash after everything he’s gone through. Even if it isn’t what it seems, how is Nash going to trust you again??! 😤

I was about to pull his shirt off when he gripped my wrists, stopping me. “Just...let me have this moment. I only get to unwrap you for the first time once, and I’m going to do it the right way. I’m going to savor every second.” Swoon 😍 Wow, what a beautifully written, emotional, sexy and tender chapter 👏👏👏