This was the most satisfying chapter so far. Andy was so brave sharing his story, and showing them his scars. He has shouldered so much on his own, both with his dad and after he ran. It is time to share the burden and let people help him move forward.
I made the mistake of starting this during my lunch break. Not only did I fight years (damn allergies!), I couldn't finish it till now. Wonderful story of love, mourning, survivor's guilt, and starting over. You write emotion better than anyone!
I noticed you didn't answer the reader's comments regarding Zander coming out to his closest friends. We have only been told he has come out to his parents. I'm assuming he is not out to his casual friends, resulting in the bingo going after him. I'm not loving his behavior right now. It's just as easy to get up from the couch as it was to remain sitting with her in his lap.
I'm a little disappointed in Andy's friends, though it seems realistic of teenagers to act this way. I'm guessing that Andy got locked out of the school and caught up in the storm. Maybe this is the beginning of him getting the outside help he needs.
I'm leery of this party, just like I was with the 4th party. I don't think I like Alyssa and her "beverages" ! It's been so long since I graduated university, I forgot about mailing report cards. A lawyer might come in handy.
It was not mentioned that their race is now extinct, that would be an awkward conversation! If they can escape the time loop, they will be the last of their kind in the universe.
This was a very upbeat chapter, hopeful for the future! Not to be a downer, but you took some criticism in earlier chapters for being unrealistically cruel to our sad hero. There was a story on the news this morning regarding a five year old homicide investigation of an 8 year old boy. At the time the father and step mom were investigated, but nothing was proven and family moved to another state. The other children are now adults and went to the police. The parents starved the child for 5 weeks prior to his death. They are now under arrest waiting extradition back to Ohio. This kind of abuse does occur and is often undetected.
Great chapter! Now our rebels have to figure out the best way to stay free and uncover the treachery of the Kardoval. Ases and his mech are going to be the key, how will they use them? Will Bouncer get to eat anymore soldiers?
We finally meet the lifeguard, sort of. Andy is certainly more self-assured than Stefan was, I think he would be surprised by himself, if he could look at his life objectively.
Will Andy meet his lifeguard at Blackburn High? Where will be find his new temporary home? Will Eustace and Marjorie ever meet? I could see them finding an easy companionship, if Marjorie isn't too bossy for Eustace. She can't be any more bossy than Ambrose! Hmmm, I'm guessing that business card for the lawyer will come up again. I am not a read ahead kind of person, but I peeked at the chapter titles. I'm not going to give out any spoilers, but I think Blackburn might be a turning point.
I'm sad that Eric had to leave his home, the farm, and Eustace. But, he hasn't met his lifeguard yet, so I knew he would be leaving at some point. I still hold out hope that Ambrose will be the key to clearing Eric. I'm so glad you started the story with the 2nd narrator, so we know it turns out ok in the end.
Eric eventually needs to get adult help to get out of hiding, even though he is not ready for that. I don't think he is actually "wanted for murder". That idea came from the local yokel cop and the lousy principal. They may have questioned him, but I don't think he would have been arrested. The real problem is Uncle Ray, he likely would have been given temporary custody, unless he was in prison for sexual abuse of a minor. Maybe Ambrose can help him.
I think this will be the start of Eric rebuilding himself. He finally can focus on more than just surviving, hopefully, with Eustace's help he can start thriving.