CincyKris

It is as I feared! Has this fork ever tasted cake before?

This is my introduction to "cakeverse". I'm enjoying the Jane Austen-like setting, but hoping that Oliver does not turn out to be a fork. Because if there was ever a cake, it is our Timothy!

I happened to recently watch an old episode of Gilmore Girls (don't know if that show made it to Australia), where Rory's grandma threw a boring, high class birthday party that she hated. She went home to a fun, casual birthday party with her friends and loved ones that kicked ass. Vanessa has become an obligation, her kids are choosing to spend their time with chosen family they really want to be around. This will be the ultimate revenge, as much as I would love a more dramatic take-down! Those security concerns are starting to be concerning!

This was a very positive chapter. Levi is falling for Thompsonville, just like his new fathers. I'm wondering if Julie was part of a fringe religion, rather than Catholic or Episcopal. Her views were so restrictive. She seems to have been remarkably selfish in raising Levi, I can't help but wonder why. She didn't seem overly religious when she was dating Matt.

How did this chapter make me feel? Joyous, surprised, hopeful, angry, fearful, and hopeful (again). Albert isn't just a despicable man, he is a looming evil presence. I think we are so close to freedom in "Barnswallow", but Albert is the oppressive obstacle. I hope that Fletcher's parents can help come up with a plausible reason for him leaving his family ranch. Augie needs to write that letter to his gran! I'm loving this ride! I'm also not forgetting that literal cliff hanger you put us through in Sidewinder! I'm sure we have some surprises in our future.

There is nothing in the 10 commandments about being gay, but there is one about lying. That didn't seem to bother Julie one little bit!

It seems like Levi has lived in a weird bubble created by mom. I can see some very difficult times ahead as he processes what he has missed out on because of his mother's decisions (his father, friends, a "regular" upbringing), while mourning his beloved mother. Tough stuff for a teenager.

We discover August's escape plan. The contrast between then and now was striking. 11 miles. Then it was a journey made a few times a year. 11 miles is my one-way commute to work. 18 minutes, on average. 11 miles to a new life. I was encouraged by his fortitude with his brother. He got years worth of weight off his shoulders. He also warmed up to Fletcher, very encouraging.

Taggert was so concerned about Ash having a permanent scar, and his not letting anyone see his bare back in the shower, suggests that he has some serious scarring on his back. I wonder if his needing to pull away emotionally from Ash "to get through the day" is related to the same incident that caused the scarring? Wounded was a great title.

Sounds as if his mum's babying him his whole life has predictably created a big baby! At some point, adults have to overcome poor parenting and become a responsible person. Or not. I have met plenty who never really grow up. Hopefully Charlie will be a success. Regardless, Neil and Alex are progressing well.

I think Matt is handling this perfectly. Trying too hard would drive Levi away. Not trying at all would alienate Levi.

@kbois We in the Krew have been very patient! Maybe not the dog.

You managed to create a vile, hated character with just a few words! I actually had tears thinking about pa breaking the legs of those poor sheep. While I’m 100% certain that I’ll always hate pa, I’m eager to discover the source of the feud, perhaps something to do with the dead wife? I feel for Augie, he is in misery right now. I’m curious as to his escape hopes and his ma’s mother.

Neil strikes me as the type of person that is very routined, and getting out of his routine is a very big deal. It took an "event" to shake him up and urge him forward. I loved the peace offering!

I agree with the mob! I think we speculated on a possible pregnancy at the time of Julie’s disappearance, as she seemed to have put on a few pounds prior to leaving. I think they last saw her at their burger diner they always visited. The kid would be 17 by now. Also, mom sucks! We don’t know that dad knew what she said to Matt. Being shocked about a new adult grandchild is one thing, but she had to know what Matt would think!