Summerabbacat

"Billy smiled and nodded. “It’s entirely up to you if you want to engage in further activity. You are free to leave or to stay for whatever might happen. I just want you all to be prepared. Okay. With that, are there any questions or concerns?” All that ‘after-the-party’ talk made me a little uncomfortable, but I didn’t know what I needed to ask. “So, just to be clear,” Alan said, “you are saying we may be asked for sexual favors and it’s okay for us to, uhm, provide those favors?” “In a nutshell, yes,” Billy said." It appears having any sexual contact with the party guests is allowed after the party, even in Trevor's home. The only real restriction is that it cannot he a financial transaction as this would then be treated as prostitution. I am almost certain Alan will engage in some after party frivolity, quite possibly with Paul and Barry if given the opportunity. He may get more than he bargained for with two military men.

Adam is starting to exhibit behaviour consistent with his 35 year old self, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, specifically his imaginary life with Jamie. Jayden's teasing Adam does not help, and although Cindy appears to realise teasing Adam causes him some angst, at the very least, she does not really do anything about it. In her defence and in defence of Jayden, to a lesser extent, I don't think either realises how unsettled Adam is. He appears to be very good at hiding his real self from his family.

Marie-Louise likes cock, and I cannot criticise her for that. What I don't like is that she is so manipulative and dishonest. Edward Lamont certainly appears to be very disturbed. I wonder if the verbal abuse he suffered on a daily basis from Claude Moreau is the only abuse he has been subjected to on a frequent basis. An intriguing story @Lee Wilson. I look forward to reading Edward's history.

For all the good she has done, the sister that is. I seem to recall she went to Ireland, they can keep her. Olivia - the next Layne Beachley perhaps @Paladin?

Dallas' observations regarding his mother's acceptance of his relationship with JJ spoke volumes not only of his mother, but also of her relationship with Dallas: "Actually, no, it wasn't. She said that she was cool with the whole gay thing . . . I'm not quite sure exactly why yet, but I suspect that she knows someone who is gay and she has already talked things through with them. She said she had suspected this day would come eventually, so wanted to be prepared. She understands what we'll likely be getting up to, and provided we are careful and ask for help if it's needed, then we're all good." Perhaps she has a gay sibling like Pamela, Grayson's mother, or a gay relative of whom she is fond, or a close friend from her younger years who is gay, or maybe she was a serious fruit fly when she was single. Whatever the reason for her accepting behaviour, Dallas and JJ have much to be thankful for. And, if Dallas' father transitions to acceptance, they will have a very strong family support network for when it becomes widely known they are a couple. There will always be homophobic buffoons like the Baker boys (who are anything but fabulous), but by and large I think Dallas and JJ can look forward to generally being accepted, although the school may not be welcoming. A pivotal chapter @Mark Ponyboy Peters, although I was a little miffed you did not leave Pompous Pious Pearce as a one-dimensional homophobe whom I could continue enjoying to loathe (LOL). In all seriousness, I think his slight shift in attitude is very believable. He has had a little time to mull over his argument with his spouse and with Dallas, with whom he has apparently enjoyed a very close father-son relationship.

I found it interesting Dallas' father said "I'm . . . I'm sorry boys," not "I'm ... I'm sorry Dallas". Given this dual apology, his haggard appearance and his eyes brimming with tears, it appears to me Dallas' father's sorrow is genuine. I think the genuine apology augurs well for repair of the father-son relationship @weinerdog. I will have to rethink my name for him, Pompous Pious Pearce (I got the spelling right this time @Mark Ponyboy Peters) seems too harsh now. I shall from now on refer to him as Plaintive Pearce. I found myself wincing at Mark's precise, clinical description of the nipple ring removal. All I can say is thankfully he was not having a Prince Albert removed and Mark described it with equal precision.

Have you ever seen the video for it? Fabulously trashy.

Sarah Brightman and Hot Gossip @Robert Hugill, although it was I Lost My Heart To A Starship Trooper? If this is your reference, I am surprised you are even aware of this song, given it was disco at its most "ridiculous" (this does not mean I did not like it though). I guess given it was a substantial hit in your homeland it would have been hard to "avoid" it, even if you did not like it. I forgot to comment on Dawn's witticism "Lock him in the attic, like an unfortunate aunt?”. I wonder if this statement is prophetic.

I had the same thought @Philippe and made comments to that effect on chapter 10. I speculated the deceased may have been Caleb's lover, who at the time was unknown. A debt collector is someone whom I imagine has visited Ira on more than one occasion. I guess Arsehair has redeemed himself to some extent, but not completely. He at least recognised Caleb is economical with the truth. Judy impresses each time she makes an appearance. I like her sense of humour and self-deprecation. Ticking along very nicely @Josh Aterovis. I am still inclined to believe Finnegan is the murderer, however, with @Philippe also now questioning if the deceased is in fact Ira Cohen, my speculation regarding this does not seem so "off the planet" now.

Dawn scored multiple brownie points from me for her diss of those dreadful "K" creatures, one of whom at least, has an arse that likely requires its own postcode. I too would enjoy a Dawn/Bas gossip session, one at which Vince and Gray at least could just sit back and howl with laughter. Peter would likely cope, but I am not sure Matt would be ready yet for such a session. As noted by @drsawzall another Hugillism appeared in this chapter, bumph. I also don't recall ever seeing this word before, which is perhaps unusual because many British slang terms make their way to Australia eventually. I think Jacob is going to add some interesting "spice" to life at Philpott Towers. I cannot see him restricting himself to his rooms, he is much too gregarious to do so. I think he will integrate himself into the household at large, frequently, and I cannot imagine he will not be welcomed. Thankfully for we readers, your writing is decidedly lacking in bumph @Robert Hugill, quite the opposite in fact.

I particularly like Olivia @Paladin. She is an independent thinker with strong convictions. I cannot imagine her participating in cyber bullying of her fellow female teens, which is apparently a widespread problem. I sense she is a teenage girl with a much greater degree of maturity for her age than many of her contemporaries, one not obsessed with her appearance, popularity or the latest trends. Her response to Josh's revelations was exactly as I anticipated - sympathetic to Josh, with controlled anger towards the perpetrators of his abuse. Kevin and Daniel seem to be quite taken with each other, which would make Josh the only straight male in his family. One of my friends is one of four sons, three of whom are gay, including my friend. His only straight brother has two sons by two different wives and both of his sons are gay. This is not uncommon I believe. Another delightful chapter @Paladin. Keep them coming.

So far. Is he all he presents himself as, or is it a show to lull Killian into a false sense of security? Unfortunately for we sceptics, I do think he is what he presents @drsawzall, decent and genuinely interested in Killian as a person, not just a "cherry" to burst. Unlike several of my fellow readers, I like Killian. He is a little flighty at times, probably should listen a little more to advice he is given, and probably should refrain from driving, but his motivation is usually to help others rather than a purely selfish motive, unlike Arsehair. It was a relief to have no Arsehair in this chapter (and no shaving cream and razors were needed to achieve this @drsawzall). I sense the end is nigh @Josh Aterovis, the identity of the killer is no more obvious now than it was earlier; a real puzzle this one.

He never got the opportunity to laugh all the way to the bank on the royalties he would have received for writing the song. Dr Hook's version was a top 5 hit in Australia, USA and Canada.

@Altimexis and @drsawzall have made some very good points about mental health problems and the treatment thereof, and @Altimexis has supported his comments with professional and personal experience. Whilst I have no professional experience with mental health issues, the comments made strike me as well thought out and reasonable. The only additional comment I would like to add is one I have made in at least one prior chapter, and the comment relates to Nick's eating habits, in fact the eating habits of all of the main students - stop eating so much junk food and drinking so many soft drinks. There has been little mention of the food provided at mealtime by the school that I can recall, but if it is similar to what the students eat and drink at other times, then they are rarely eating healthily. Some may argue, but I think it is essential to fuel one's body with healthy food to support physical and mental wellbeing, particularly at a period in life when many are experiencing growth spurts, significant hormonal changes and the "issues" that invariably accompany such changes. @Altimexis' comment about the circumstances of Nick's father's death possibly contributing to Nick's depression may well be fundamental to his treatment and recovery. A very thought provoking chapter @LittleBuddhaTW, an achievement in and of itself.

Should we start referring to you as Lee-dy Macbeth or Macbeth Wilson from now on @Lee Wilson, or at least for the duration of this story. I wonder if this chapter might have been more accurately titled School Begins With a Chop or School Begins With a Splatter? Edward Lamont certainly sent a strong message to Claude Moreau that he was fed up with his homophobic teasing. Claude won't be doing any more teasing any time soon, at least not in this world. I am intrigued how George appears to have known with immediate certainty that Ed has killed Claude Moreau. Is George Sr perhaps a relative of Avery Noonan and by default George Jr is as well? I imagine he is going to become embroiled in the investigation of Claude's murder. Depending on the outcome of Nelson's request to Marie-Louise, the "bang" may or may not cum in the next chapter. Billy is certainly entrepreneurial, seizing the opportunity to make money from his cousin's "friendly nature". A future in politics or his own mega-church may await, or ownership of property in Nevada. Whatever the outcome of Nelson's request, Billy appears to have "forgotten" the trouble he has already found himself in, with the trouble revealed thus far potentially only the tip of the iceberg. If, and when, the sperm donor is identified for Marie-Louise's unborn child, he may have to become even more entrepreneurial if he is identified as the father. Unlike Marie-Louise herself, raising a child isn't cheap. You have delivered many surprises in your stories published to date @Lee Wilson, and some of the violence has been truly grotesque (Kathy Nelson Taft's murder of the young boy whose name I have forgotten being the worst I can recall), but Edward's reaction in this chapter has easily been the biggest shock to date. His reaction was so unexpected, but then we do not really know anything about him yet, other than that he has a temper and should not be allowed access to any garden implements.

When they were Sharing The Night Together and they looked into her Sexy Eyes and noticed that Baby Makes Her Blue Jeans Talk.

One could also attribute at least part of Chantel's realisation to Walter Samson III aka The Turd @drsawzall; he does not know how to live any other life than the one he has lived. He has distanced himself from his sons because that is how he was treated as a son, apart from the molestation by his father. This is where the similarities end though. Chantel's primary motivation for distancing herself has been selflessness, whereas The Turd's motivation has primarily been selfishness, to ensure the family name is still held in high esteem. Of course, the irony is that his actions will do more to bring the family name into disrepute when his misdeeds are exposed, than Walter Samson IV could ever do. "Angelica realized now that she thought of him more as a Walter Samson than a son, but she had seen how Teyshawn Jones, a boy her husband vehemently despises, looked at him. Teyshawn loved her son, and she could only assume Walter loved him in return. The thought made her smile as she imagined Walter Samson the First rolling in his grave. She was suddenly glad her husband hadn’t been at the hospital to witness Devon’s nephew crying over his precious heir. He would have – Angelica froze. Seemingly disconnected memories leapt in her mind as the blood drained from her face. “Oh my God!” Devon and Sandra turned in time to watch helplessly as Angelica Samson crumpled heavily to the floor, neither having a clue that her entire, fragile world had collapsed from underneath her". I am in total agreement with @CincyKris; I believe Angelica has realised The Turd is behind the attempted murder of their son. I also think it is very fortuitous Henry is currently in the same hospital, albeit unknown to Angelica, because the brown stuff will hit the fan once Angelica reveals her suspicions to the police and The Turd becomes aware of this. He already appears to be showing signs of a complete breakdown, and once his mind is totally unhinged, who knows what harm he could inflict on his sons. I suspect he will either die in a hail of bullets in a shootout with the police or will take his own life. Superbly written once again @empath.

Maybe just A Little Bit More, after all they were Only Sixteen (in mind, obviously not in body).

You may find this difficult to believe @Mark Ponyboy Peters, but I rather like Dr Hook. I have a Greatest Hits compilation on CD, and like your favourite Kenny Rogers (of whom I also have a Greatest Hits compilation on CD), they are a "guilty" listening pleasure. We were one of their biggest markets. I can still remember Walk Right In being massively popular in 1977, and one of my brother's had the parent album on vinyl (the one who loved AC/DC, Judas Priest and the Sex Pistols). One could not help but like them because they always seem to be enjoying themselves (weed maybe?).

"I don't think I'll ever understand why my family hadn't come down on me like a ton of bricks, though I am grateful that they didn't, because chances are I would have rebelled even harder. As it was, I was given the opportunity to find my feet, and that is probably why I am still here today. I can tell you that through some of those dark times, as I mourned lost friendships, suffered at the hands of bullies, and hit rock bottom, I had thoughts that could have easily overwhelmed me. But now, that was all in the past, and as I lay in bed that 'new me' mantra was all I could think about, and it was going to start first thing tomorrow. When I finally accepted that reality, sleep then came to me, and while it had been brief, I felt all the better for it when I woke a few hours later. Friday morning dawned bright and clear and my state of mind finally seemed to match it. There were still details to work through, you know, to dot the i's and cross the t's and all that, but I was confident that the future was looking better, even if I knew that there were also some challenges in front of us." A drastic change for our young JJ @Mark Ponyboy Peters. JJ, a lot less Sex Pistols, a little more S'Express. I did not mind the former and loved the latter. I remember S'Express were very popular at the height of my clubbing days. And yet another embarrassing faux pas. I have continually spelt Pearce incorrectly as Pierce. Clearly a little more Guy and a lot less Brosnan is the answer to this problem. Felicia would not be impressed.

I had a similar thought @Philippe. If Timmy is the "slurpee" then I fear the "slurper" has been "doing the slurp" under duress, as I cannot imagine anyone volunteering to slurp on his icy pole. I hope it is the two boys whom JJ recognised when they emerged onto the balcony, although if he recognised one of their voices in the bathroom, one would think he knew them to some extent. Maybe the voice was that of "Mr Repentance", the younger student who branded JJ a sinner for having been caught by Tommy blowing a guy at the mall toilets.

A crutch to the crotch such that Timmy has to crouch to the sound of the crunch. Ouch!

Perhaps one of Morrie's "posing pouches" then @Gary L, or a wrestling singlet with the butt cut out? Embrace your inner Almodovar.

“What would you do if they were, you know, doing it. With each other. Would it freak you out? Your dad and your uncle?” ‘I think it might have done once, but this year has been so odd. Doing all this, seeing Dad naked, seeing Jason naked, finding out Dad likes guys. All that stuff. And when the idea popped into my head I just, well, I took it on board.” He was quiet for a bit and then continued in a low voice. “And it’s not as if Mum is around. It’s ten years. Dad explained about all that when I was old enough to understand; that he might have another girlfriend, but it didn’t mean he’d forgotten Mum.” “Shit, I’m sorry.” “It is ten years, and Dad needs someone. I like Jason, I like having him around. It’s just a bit freaky that he’s my uncle, though it’s not against the law.” This latter said rather fiercely. " This is what you do soooooooooooooo well @Robert Hugill, write tender moments between father's and son's or between men, without it seeming overwrought, trite or sickeningly sweet. This discussion although not between father and son, discussed the relationship between father and son and the impact of a sexual relationship between father and uncle. Matthew's fierce defence of the legality of such a relationship between his father and uncle moved me tremendously. The characters in this story have grown in leaps and bounds, and I am enjoying this story so.

I have little doubt it will involve butts and balls again, with a "bat" thrown in for good measure. I wonder who will be the first to raise the suspicions of the girlfriend or tire thereof.