Summerabbacat

Kody is adorable, all teenage angst and fangirl neuroses, without being a girl. Jake is still Jake, handsome, aloof and attracting suitors like moths to a flame. A split cup of coffee by one on the other might be the "incident" which forces the two to interact with a little more than customer/server chat. The rude spoilt customers and their petty complaints made for an amusing read @Josh Aterovis. I am sure if I worked in such an environment I would not find them amusing though. Murder would be on my mind often. I doubt I would last very long, I would likely give one a tongue lashing or quit in a moment of righteous anger. This story is a joy thus far. I like the leisurely pace, the humour and both Jake and Kody are very appealing. The supporting characters are pleasant too, not one Eve or Caitlin amongst them, yet. I have no idea about the video games though, never having played one in my life. A habit I am glad I have never acquired. Give me a cat or an album on CD or vinyl for company/entertainment, and I am as happy as Larry.

I chose the 'sad' emoticon because the story has concluded. I felt as if we were just getting to know Nathanial and now he has gone. A difficult read at times @J92, but a very worthwhile read. Nathanial was a wonderful character, surrounded by some truly vile people, especially Charlie and Alex. Perhaps you will revisit his story some day and share here on GA; it would be a most worthwhile sequel.

He is still a little Aussie battler at heart. A regular Bill Heslop, NOT.

A terrible “tragedy” for sure.

Perhaps they may enjoy a trip to your sister’s home to listen to some of your 12”s from your youth.

Once again Rick took his role very seriously, ensuring all the family were kept well hydrated at all times. Champagne flowed like the Franklin River, without a redgum in sight. (Lord) Martin is moving in rarified company now with a visit to Canberra to the British High Commissioner to collect his passport. I don’t think he was particularly comfortable with the arse kissing he received from Montague, but it is something he is likely to encounter more often now. A trip to Obelisk is on the cards. A word of warning from the Village People lads. Apparently the locals complain about too much gaiety at times.

Noah + yacht = a flood? I would be wary of taking two bitches, Natasha and Amelia, on board though. That “species” would be best left behind.

Lawrence and Bastien had as much fun as Sara, Keren and Siobhan in the bath in 1988. Lawrence had his Alan Turing moment "cracking the code", which went way over my head. His excitement was palpable, much more of this and he runs the risk of a coronary "episode". Sex and code cracking, a powerful aphrodisiac for our young sleuth, swooning in his first gay "love affair". You turned the heat way up again in this chapter @Laura S. Fox. You may not be responsible for global warming, but you sure are in the running for "global seduction".

Although their bath time was awash with more sexual exploration, I could not help but think of this oh so cute song @Laura S. Fox.

Perhaps Uncle Edwin can cough up the cash to have an upstanding expatriate like yourself accompany his grand-nephew and his boyfriend to the opera. You had best watch out though, Uncle Edwin may expect you to "put out" in return.

Another terrific story from @Robert Hugill, the master of the understated. Alex and Neil, very different men with very different life experiences, begin a relationship so unlikely one could not envisage it lasting more than a few dates at most. To witness the growth of both men in their relationship and their lives in general, is a delightful experience not easily forgotten. As with most of Robert's other stories, the only "criticism" I have of this one is that it ended. Superbly written as usual Robert.

"And as for me, more time would mean we could go further afield and take in some musical events—though I wasn’t too sure about introducing Neil to Wagner, Richard Strauss or other large-scale opera. We could see." @Gary L, perhaps you may wish to accompany these two fine young Englishmen to a Wagner opera? What a fitting conclusion to this delightful story @Robert Hugill. I have to confess to being very moved by Neil's anniversary speech and gifts, and even moreso his proposal for their next visit to Dresden. The character growth in Neil in particular has been extraordinary, but described in your usual understated manner, which I for one find very appealing. And one cannot forget Mother. Quite a number of the Mother's in your other stories e.g. Connie, Sheila, Jackie, Deirdre and Neil's mother Anne, have been anything but appealing, but Mother Hanson was quite the opposite. Clearly her "inspiration" was a woman of substance and considerable charm.

It was a tough choice - Barry Manilow (whom I do like), Culture Club or Eurythmics. In the end Annie won because of the beauty of her voice and the soothing melody.

I'm sure Tony could have vouched for the suitability of the visit.

This was a very hard chapter to rate @Mark Ponyboy Peters; apply the 'angry' emoticon for what Casey more than likely did to Steven, or the 'love' emoticon for the friendship developing between Levi and Jamie, and the welcome Jamie has received at Avalon. To quote a oft used cliche, love won in the end (or a variation thereof). It appears a foster placement may be imminent for Jamie, which will about surpass all else which has occurred in this most wonderful of stories to date. "When the weekend arrived, Jamie was quieter than he had been at the beach bonfire. He carried a small backpack and looked around the house as if measuring exits. Levi showed him his bedroom, and the fold-out bed that had been added for him. Matt did his best to keep things light. Luke made sure there was always food within easy reach." and "After the car pulled away, Levi stood in the driveway for a few moments watching it, until it went around the bend in the road. The idea that had started as a passing mention was beginning to look like something more solid. He could already feel the next suggestion forming – that weekends might not be enough, that a real foster placement might be possible if everyone kept moving carefully in the same direction." This chapter did not need a "hay fever" or "tissue warning" @Mark Ponyboy Peters; it needed a "flood warning". The two passages above reduced me to a puddle; the first reminding me of all the cats and kittens I have fostered over the years, who not unlike Jamie, were often frightened when they first arrived, invariably having been rescued from a pound or from the streets. A truly wonderful chapter, and a miraculous one too. Brooke made an appearance and she for once did not infuriate me, although I must say she could have disclosed the story about Casey and Steven earlier, but then had she done so a vital part of this story would not have happened.

"What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked. She was heading to her seat, but turned around and walked back, staring at me directly in my face. “Get over him,” she replied angrily. “He’s mine.” My face turned red as she turned and walked to her desk. She sat down and gave me another angry look." Stephanie is an A-grade bitch @weinerdog. I don't think she will bother with blackmail; I expect she will out Taylor to the whole school so as to humiliate him and because she is jealous of his long friendship with Jason. I suspect Cynthia will stand by him and be a true friend. I doubt it will happen, but I would love to see Cynthia wallop Stephanie with a left hook to her cosmetically enhanced face. Jason sure is controlling; he just has to be the centre of attention, which is probably why he gets along so well with Stephanie, for now. I suspect Stephanie will have him "whipped" into shape, jumping to her beck and call, until he has had enough of her. In the interim, I expect she will ruin his friendship with Taylor, isolating the latter with her toxicity. I hope we get to meet Timothy and Jeffrey, and I am hazarding a guess we will. “You know your mother and I love you, don’t you?” He spoke almost in a whisper. “Yes,” my voice cracked. I buried my head deeper as tears began to flow from my eyes. “There’s nothing you can do or say that will ever make us love you any less.” He rubbed my back for a minute while I lay crying. “I’m here if you ever need me.” I believe Taylor's parents at least suspect he is gay and don't have an issue with it. Dad may be a tradie, but he did not present as a stereotypical beer-guzzling yobbo. They will need to find another church to attend though; their pastor sounds like a knuckle-dragging flat-earther. Chapter 2 and I detest Stephanie and find Jason insufferable. Superb characterisation @Ronyx. Stephanie will likely prove to be a mega-bitch in the same vein as Ashley. Hopefully Jason has more sense than Devin.

Thank you @Paladin; a most admirable man whom I agree with on many issues.

I wonder if Dylan and/or Jarryd might have started the rumour? If they know for sure Casey torched the Commodore single-handedly, they may have started the rumour to protect themselves, fearing they may be suspected of torching it because of their association with Casey; or perhaps they are tired of Casey's behaviour or maybe they are getting pressure from their parents to dissociate themselves from Casey. Zack and Aaron were abandoned by their parents, albeit under different circumstances. Aaron had the support of Scott and Justin at least to help him, but Zack seemingly had no one, at least initially. If I remember correctly, even when they both still lived at home with their parents they were largely ignored, having to fend for themselves, while their useless parents spent most of their time at the club getting hammered and maybe playing the poker machines (I cannot remember if the latter is true or if I have merely associated it with their drunkenness).

I wholeheartedly agree @Charles26. Levi largely took care of his mother by himself until the very end when she had to go into hospital. His grandfather was dead and the church congregation did little to provide practical help if I remember correctly. Apart from Matt's recent accident, Levi's nurturing nature has not had an opportunity to shine, and even with Matt it has been limited because Luke would have shouldered the bulk of the caring for him. I think Father Costas has opened the cage door, so to speak, and allowed Levi's caring nature to fly free and unhindered in applying itself to anyone in need, regardless of who they are and who they love.

Once again Shayna proves her lineage; bigoted AND stupid, just like Mama, Dixie Mae. Forget chilli (jalapeño) and garlic; laxatives and eye drops, a powerful combination, even more so than Ozempic. The highlight of this chapter; Dr McLarroy’s description of Shayna as”filth. ”.LOL.

That sounds so familiar, thankfully not personally familiar though.

I really liked the easy banter between Jake and Judy too. She is good for him; she treats him like an adult and does not expect perfection. She recognises he has had a tough time and gives him a break but won’t put up with any shit from him.

The shark well may spit him out “yuck, it tastes like a Thompson”.

Succeeding so far. Jake’s wit was borderline acerbic at times; he could give a drag queen a run for her money. He didn’t hold back with Becca; she had no idea. LOL. At this rate I am really going to like Jake as he is exceedingly funny. I suspect he possesses a healthy dose of self-deprecation too.

OMG @Josh Aterovis! Who knew Jake had such a wickedly catty sense of humour. His physical descriptions of Becca, Adrienne, Foster and Slug had me in stitches. I had an image of Becca resembling Sabrina Carpenter and Adrienne resembling Veruschka or Alana Hamilton Stewart. Unfortunately Becca does not appear to have any of Sabrina's sense of humour or irony. Jake's description of Foster and Slug's intellect was also extremely funny, particularly when Foster confirmed his caveman attitude towards women with comments like: "She's, you know, normal. I gotta go. Don't want her to wait for me." Foster looked confused. "Who cares if she waits?" I like this "new" more confident Jake. He did not make a grand announcement to Becca he is gay and a recovering addict and to Foster he is a recovering addict; he slipped the comments in at appropriate moments without a hint of shame or bravado or pretence. He is so much more likeable thus far than in previous stories, and certainly far more likeable than Foster, Slug or Becca. If Jake retains this sense of humour throughout this story @Josh Aterovis I can see myself using the ha ha emoticon frequently.