Summerabbacat

To what math and logic are you referring @empath? I think you will find both sadly wanting.

Joey is not worth the energy of hating. His death will be met with indifference at best. My opinions of Pastor Lowell and his wife were as subtle as their excision of their son from their life.

Joey surprised me too @Al Norris. A semi-literate homophobe who thinks pussy in all its flavours, together with beer and weed, is the only road to happiness and the answer to all that ails. His admonishment of Will to grow up when Will made the comment about his use of weed, followed by his school boy tale telling that Aidan is gay and his remarks about "fairies and queers", clearly illustrated how true Will's remark was that Joey "wasn't the most perceptive or sensitive guy in the world." I have to say my response now to Joey's murder will be "Joey has been murdered. Boo-hoo. Shit happens. Next". Laura surprised me even more though @Al Norris. Unless her words were solely for dramatic affect, said to try and pull Will out of his funk, I got the distinct impression she does not like Joey very much at all, and I don't think her comments were the result of jealousy either. I think she has likely seen Joey for what he truly is for far longer than Will has, but kept her opinions to herself to save whatever friendship she had with Will. She improved significantly in my opinion in this chapter. Will's father's reaction, how predictable. "Will, you are my son and I love you. I will always love you, no matter what. But as the leader of this church, I cannot have my employees living in sin. I cannot accept homosexuality. If this is the life you choose, as your father, I will be deeply saddened, but, as your pastor, I will be forced to take action." 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮 What a crock of shit. This is almost as good as "love the sinner, but not the sin". Self-righteous, sanctimonious, prig. And as for Will's mother, crocodile tears bitch? Take Hosea 8:7 and insert it where the sun don't shine, and while you're at it, take a phenobarbital or twenty and have a good lie down you spineless twat. And Aidan. What a friend Will has in Aidan. Selfless, one who expects nothing in return for his friendship and care. He has more Christianity in one pubic hair than Will's parents combined. Riveting, enthralling, illuminating and infuriating @Josh Aterovis. This chapter had the lot, apart from Nikki's pornographic sculptures. Maybe Joey can take photographs of those and send to Rev Keegan as further examples of Will's degenerate behaviour, or maybe one will be used to clobber Joey to death. Speaking of Rev Keegan, am I correct in assuming his given name is Lowell?

Me too @Tris. My comments on GA exemplifying this habit of having to know the cause and likely outcome of everything.

Quite so @Jeff Burton. Dad is the polarising politician, the one who incites fierce adoration from his or her followers and equally fierce detestation from those who decry his or her beliefs, whereas Mum (sorry but I hate the American spelling) is the wishy washy fence sitter, who either lacks policies or a backbone, the one whose alliances will change with the wind so as to do what is best for themselves rather than anyone they claim to represent.

"Your" beloved Bjorn, with some assistance from Stig Anderson, was the lyricist @Tris. I must confess I am nearly always captivated by the melody first, but this is one song for which the lyrics were as impressive and captivating from the get-go, as the melody, much like my favourite song by ABBA, and joint-favourite song of all time, the incomparable, Knowing Me, Knowing You. Magnifik.

@drsawzall might I suggest parricide for both parents, or at least a large vibrating dildo fitted with a sulphuric acid squirter, one which will not take no for an answer, for Daddy dearest, and a cayenne pepper infused enema for Mommie dearest. As for the stench of the self-doubt and anxiety in which Jamie is drowning, it is possible Luca may hold the solution to deodorise, exorcise and energise Jamie, encouraging him to prioritise the desires of Jamie, rather than those of Robert and Marie. Such profundity from one so young @Jeff Burton, a healthy dose of cynicism and experience producing such gems as this from Luca: “That was me, right before I left. You get tired of performing for people who aren’t even watching.” and “I wish it were ghosts,” he said with a half-laugh, but there’s an edge beneath it. “Ghosts don’t ask for favors. People always want things—attention, time, validation. But you can only give so much before it stops being friendship and starts being a transaction.” Whilst the first chapter was heavy going, this chapter, although somewhat heavy going still, was also invigorating, giving some hope for Jamie breaking free of the shackles of expectation, and the resulting guilt of disappointment, his parents have imprisoned him in. Jamie's father's admonishment of him is dare I say more honest than his mother's. His father truly believes the bullshit he spouts, whereas his mother maybe does not, but she manipulates and guilt-trips Jamie all under the guise of "he is only doing it because he cares" and "you don't want to disappoint your father do you Jamie". In some respects I think Jamie's mother is worse than his father.

Indeed @Cane23. It appears from the Prologue that Walter Samson III's second son was also unwanted or at least was of "no use" until it became apparent Walter Samson IV was unlikely to marry and produce a Walter Samson V. Walter Samson III appears to share the same antiquated views as some of the Royal houses of Europe and other parts of the world.

A very unsettling chapter @Jeff Burton, primarily because I am not sure what to make of Jamie yet. He is very difficult to analyse with any degree of certainty (or even uncertainty). At first I wondered if he is an unremarkable angst-riddled young man, a younger version of many a character featured in any number of Woody Allen films, one without the self-deprecating sense of humour though. As the chapter progressed darker thoughts permeated, is he someone far-more troubled, someone with serious self-esteem issues, someone who has thoughts of self-harm but would never give any indication he contemplated such action. I still don't know and that is what is unsettling. It appears Luca is far less complicated, although this may not be the case at all, as we have not been privy to his inner thoughts yet like we have with Jamie. He may be just as troubled as Jamie, perhaps he is better at disguising himself. He does not appear to have the same desire for invisibility which Jamie seems to have. Luca is also more talkative, freely speaking with Delores, sharing smiles and jokes more than Jamie. Luca also revealed he has seen Jamie around more than once at the community college they both attend, a revelation which startled Jamie. Jamie gave the impression he constantly lives on the outside of society, the group, a loner who observes others living but rarely participates in life himself. Some wonderful imagery in this chapter, none moreso than: “Oh this? It’s um, it’s uh for class. Nothing important, it’s not even that good.” I said quickly the words tumbling over each other like a washing machine falling down a mountain." And as is the case with many stories I read on GA, the reading of this chapter was accompanied by a song, one particularly appropriate, one very much underrated, one which is one of many masterpieces from my beloved Swedes.

This from the Prologue @Cane23 suggests Walter Samson III is obsessed with the legacy of the Samson family, and given Walter Samson IV is gay he assumes the legacy will not be continued through him: "The man wrapped an arm around his second son’s thin shoulders as they stepped out into the crisp air and gently falling snow. He barely knew the awkwardly proportioned pre-teen who looked up at him with a surprised, but pleased, silver-toothed grin. The boy had been a contingency up to that moment, but directing all his paternal energy toward his heir presumptive had clearly been a mistake. The man returned the boy’s smile for perhaps the first time in his son’s young life. His focus needed to shift if he was to protect his family’s future and ensure his legacy." When he is arrested for hiring Damir to murder his heir presumptive, Walter Samson III will be exposed as the corrupt, evil, egomaniac he is. What a legacy to leave his children, a man so hellbent on public image and ensuring he was held in great esteem even after death, he was prepared to kill his eldest son to preserve his illusion of his own worth and contribution to humanity.

Something to really look forward to Robert. If only Kate were even 1/10th as prolific as you.

No surprises @drsawzall, the virulent pus known as Walter Samson III, hired Damir aka the Wolf to rid himself of the embarrassment of his son, Walter Samson IV. The reason for wanting his son dead appears to be a combination of Walter IV being a "faggot" and having an African American lover. Walter Samson III certainly is a kindred spirit of the Cuntess of Chicago. Why didn't she marry him instead of John Renkin? It appears they would likely have moved in similar circles, although from what Melissa said, Walter Samson III appears to have a reputation for some less than legal activities. Peter Motts may formerly have been as big a c&#t as his despicable daughter, the Cuntess, but there has not been any suggestion that I can recall he was involved in anything illegal. Given this he may have discouraged such a union had it ever been a possibility. I have to wonder, or am I merely projecting what I would like to happen, if Peter Motts may somehow help in bringing about the downfall of Walter Samson III. It appeared from his very cutting remark he made upon arrival at Walton Prep, that he, Peter, has little respect for Walter Samson III. Thomas' calming of Boy to the point where he retreated into the recesses of Micah's mind and allowed Micah to reengage was extraordinarily written @empath. I have, as far as I am aware, never known anyone with multiple personalities, but your portrayal of the "battle" between Boy who was protecting Micah and Micah himself, was remarkable. I found it believable, frightening and sobbing-inducing. As I stated in comments on the prior chapter, I hope Micah's realisation as to what Boy did in protecting himself, Mary, Teyshawn and Walter, who would almost certainly have died before help arrived, has a profoundly cathartic affect upon him, even if that is not realistic. There is so much more I could write and analyse @empath, but I have promised myself I must try to stop writing too much in my comments and allow the story to tell itself without me having to analyse every word, sentence, thought or event. This was another fine example of why your stories are so beloved.

I wrote my usual long-winded comment on this chapter last night and thought I had posted it. Perhaps a blessing for my fellow readers that I obviously had a "senior's moment" given its absence. Prior to their arrival in Naples, Étienne, Alessandro and Giovanni had completed a charmed journey, revelling in their newly found love and companionship. The description of the countryside as the three boys travelled to Naples was vivid and very appealing @E K Stokes. Your description of the squalor of Naples was also very effective, I could almost feel its oppressiveness and smell its stench. I was not surprised Étienne chose to stay with Alessandro and Giovanni, but I was a little surprised at the sadness I felt when he bid Charles farewell, and at the generosity of Charles, a generosity which served the three boys well in Naples. I was also very pleased to observe Étienne passed that good fortune forward by pressing an extra coin into the hands of Marco for coming to their aid when they were arrested for "stealing" their own wagon, donkey and provisions. Given the story's title I have to wonder if we have not seen the last of Charles. Will he become the King of England at some point in time and be reunited with Étienne in some way? I look forward to reading more of this delightful tale. All in all a beautifully written chapter @E K Stokes. I rated this chapter with a sad emoticon solely because of the impoverished life being led by Marco, which overwhelmed me.

Jess strikes me as somewhat naive too @Paladin, which could explain the pregnancy. It is quite possible Bernard was her first sexual experience, and she may have thought she could not get pregnant the "first time" as apparently some people do have this belief. A lovely observation of Tony's reaction to Charlie Wong. I was shocked when I last saw my mother, not having seen her "in the flesh" for several years. At our age it is a reminder of our own mortality too (and I know you are a little older than me).

I have always believed one of @Robert Hugill's greatest story telling strengths is his ability to include the minutiae of life, without fanfare, and make it interesting and dare I say, appealing.

Oooh. I like the reference to the "next story". That means you have more Hugillicious wonders in your treasure trove to delight us with in the future.

I have just remembered @Robert Hugill both Gus Kahn and Madeline Kahn's family name is spelt Kahn. I knew he was Jewish and assumed she was and had noticed the different spelling of their family name, but had forgotten it until just now. What a duffer.

It was worth the wait, with Walter well and truly fucked after a night, early morning and morning, of passion. Amazing stamina for men of their age. It's now onwards and upwards for the newly-minted lovers.

I concur with my fellow readers who have already commented @Bry Bryant, a very impressive literary debut. What I particularly applaud is the fact Bry has been true to himself. I get the sense he has a degree of angst that at the age of 24 he is still a virgin, but it is not all consuming, such that he has felt compelled to have sex merely for the sake of losing his virginity. There is extraordinary societal pressure, even more so amongst gay men, to have sex frequently, and if one is not doing so then one is in some way lesser. I also admire Bry's courage for seeking employment in a job he enjoys, one in which his tertiary qualifications would not have been a prerequisite. As someone who loves music (I have almost 2200 albums on CD and/or vinyl), a job in a record store is very appealing. Bry's body image issues are very real, and something not exclusive to women. I think you are presenting them in a very authentic manner. Well done on many fronts @Bry Bryant. I too look forward to being able to read more of this story.

I think this would be one of the hardest things to achieve when major characters from one story make appearances in other stories as minor characters, with a plot common to both but from the others point of view. Kudos to you for achieving this.

A very educational chapter for me @Robert Hugill. I had assumed, quite incorrectly, Russ' father was likely of Indian or Pakistani descent, which would have made Russ of Indo-Caribbean descent I think. I had no idea that by spelling the family name as Kahn rather than Khan it signified the family was of Germanic Hebrew origin. I had wondered at the variation in spelling from Russ' very first appearance, having never encountered the spelling as Kahn, but did bugger all about researching it. Now I don't have to. The receipt of the photographs of Warren in an Iverson thong and the discussion between Russ and Brian and Gordon, specifically Russ' suggestion that Brian and Gordon should participate in a photoshoot modelling the gear as "ordinary blokes", has cemented in my mind the timeline of this story and these events as they appear in Ralph: Breaking Free. I had been a little unsure up until now, which in the grand scheme of things is of no importance, but for someone who likes "completeness" (read anal retentive), it was reassuring.

I forgot to press the 'Quote' button again @Mark Ponyboy Peters and cannot do so now. The comment below was made in response to your comment: "Wow! Some effort went into that one @Summerabbacat. Thank you. ❤️" As noted by @pvtguy, this was a "loaded" chapter, which I assumed meant densely packed, with a lot of revelations and relationships growth, plenty of "fodder" for a long-winded wannabe critic like me to get my teeth into.

One of many poignant moments as you have commented @Paladin. Perhaps @Mark Ponyboy Peters should change his nom de plume to Poignancy Ponyboy Peters?

I don't think Patrick is Nan and Pop's son @CincyKris, I think he is their nephew. If he was their son then he would be the brother of Kieran's mother and Aunt Trish, not their cousin. I suspect he is the son of Nan's sister and brother-in-law or Nan's brother and sister-in-law, and it is for this reason she was particularly emotional i.e. he is a "blood" relative of Nan's.

Enough to correct those "flaws" due to the ageing process, at least, @Mark Ponyboy Peters. Whatever you do though, do not use the same surgeon as Madonna as you may end up resembling a pony in more ways than just name, or worse still, find out afterwards you have accidentally been "gelded". I agree wholeheartedly @weinerdog; the Monolith needs to be afforded the same treatment that she has afforded her children. Like @Al Norris commented, I think she would dismiss out of hand any feedback from her children and/or their "deviant" cousin and/or his "deviant" friends. I vaguely recall her sister, Luke's mother, trying to reason with her in After We Danced, and she did not budge in her self-righteous condemnation of Luke, so there is next to no chance she would heed anything said by a bunch of homosexuals and/or lesbians. She is one Happy Clapper who would not be missed @Mark Ponyboy Peters. Most of my fellow readers have commented on the unusual circumstances of Jess' pregnancy. I may have jumped the gun somewhat with my comments in the prior chapter, as it does not appear Jess is expecting anything from Tony, including sympathy, and it appears she is taking full responsibility for her actions and not blaming anyone else, including the father of her child. I can understand her reticence in disclosing his identity to Mike given the comments she made regarding Mike's temper. Perhaps rash behaviour is something Mike "inherited" from, or at least learned from the actions of, the Monolith. I have to agree with @Al Norris again in that Bernard, being Kelly's brother, is an "ideal choice" as father of a baby for Jess and Kelly to raise together, if this is what eventuates. Although it makes little difference @Mark Ponyboy Peters, was Tony's father the Monolith's first husband, and the father of Michael and Jess her second husband? The only reason I ask this is because of a recent remark Tony made where he stated he could not remember much about his father at all as he was quite young when he left. Another chapter @Mark Ponyboy Peters where tissues for some (sleeves for others) may have come in handy. On this occasion, it was the comment of a secondary character, Charlie Wong, which moved me tremendously 😹😹😹😹😹😹: ‘"You two. You should not be apart. You are good for each other. But you are so blind.’ ‘I’m beginning to see that, my friend.’ ‘Then you must do something about it,’ he scolded. ‘You must be happy in life, or there is no magic!’ ‘Yes, Charlie. I think you are right,’ I said, as I reached across the table and placed my hand over Aaron’s. ‘Always good boys,’ Charlie said. ‘Always good boys." And finally, speaking of Madge, this song of hers, the double A side with Vogue when released in Australia, seems rather appropriate given the revelations of this chapter: