Summerabbacat

I neglected to comment on @Cane23's astute observation. The primary concern I have with such a revelation being made is that it will either embarrass Jordan and/or Cameron, or prove very upsetting for Cameron such that he questions the entire basis of his relationship with Jordan.

From the pen of another author the secret(s) of Jordan's past and their relevance to Cameron could be something very sinister, however, in the hands of @Paladin this is unlikely. Whatever the secret is, it seems as noted by @Flip-Flop, that many friends and associates of Jordan's family are familiar with what is being withheld from Cameron. Whilst I realise Jordan and Cameron are a new couple and still have much to learn about each other, as it should be, the little comments made here and there by various people expressing surprise with things such as the visit to Stingray Heads, appears inconsiderate of Cameron's feelings at best. Cameron is aware something is being withheld from him and to date has behaved as a perfect gentleman, but even his patience cannot be endless. Vanessa in particular has made several comments which Cameron has picked up on but has not as yet questioned. I finished reading this chapter last night at about 10.30pm @Paladin and was all ready to make my comments then, but GA "crashed" and I could not access it at any time up until 1.30am when I decided to go to bed. I noted I was able to access it again at about 2.30am (I checked it on my phone), so I am not sure what happened. It is perhaps a "blessing" that I was unable to comment then as I have "calmed" since then. I am beginning to dislike Vanessa, although somewhat less scathingly so than last night. I think she is manipulative, not necessarily causing any harm with her behaviour, but has been allowed to be so for a long time to the point she is smug at times. She may have Jordan's best interests at heart, but I think she may be a little closer to being a Mumzilla than what she initially presented. I am renowned for being harsh and unforgiving, but she is close to wearing out her welcome with me.

I found the whole story tremendously moving, that line in particular evoked the same powerful images which occasionally haunt my dreams.

The ambition which drove Ludo and Arthur, and by default Damian and Adam in this chapter, was serenity through communication and recuperation. Arthur's descent into tears and the impromptu trip to the Arboretum appeared beneficial to the foursome, if one assumes Adam felt as Damian did. The diversion of an afternoon of nude fun romping under Gordy's sprinkler and watchful eye also soothed the foursome as it did Gordy. It seems Gordy may have been bitten by the "love bug", with Gordy's conquest, Alessio, offering more of himself to Gordy now that he is able to move on and work elsewhere. A delightful chapter @Robert Hugill, with only a brief mention of Jackie "souring" temperaments for but a moment.

A delightful tale @Ivor Slipper. I admired Paul from the start, but when he declared the horror he feared having to work in a slaughterhouse and made the statement "Can't stand seeing an' hearing all them animals waiting to be killed. They knows what's gonna happen to em, Martin!” my admiration for him grew exponentially. What an extraordinary young man, particularly so given the male "role models" in his family.

Hopefully not @chris191070. Hopefully the sentiments expressed by Gladys Knight & The Pips will prevail.

What's the view like from that bridge @Mark Ponyboy Peters? Maybe Kim Wilde knows but she is not telling.

It is possible Oliver will slip up and out Grayson to his father; it is also possible Tom Goodwin's father may intentionally do so. He may know Richard and complain to him that his son was sacked, blaming Grayson because he is a "poofter" and only got what any "normal" red-blooded male would deliver to such a person. It would not surprise me if the apple has not have fallen very far from the tree; Tom's father is quite possibly a boofhead like his son, taught him everything he knows on how to be a boofhead. It seems Grayson has more support from his work colleagues than he anticipated, apart from the Thompson cockroach. If he or Troy try anything again they will likely be dealt with in a similar manner to Tom Goodwin. What a trio, the three boofheads, with a combined IQ which barely makes it into triple figures. Another sterling chapter @Mark Ponyboy Peters. I sense, as so eloquently and amusingly stated by @pvtguy, the excrement is about to hit the fan, and sooner rather than later. I think Grayson should have a discussion with his father, he is only delaying the inevitable.

Apparently Catherine was a ruse to throw idiots like Fred "off the scent". All bar moi deduced this. Well done men. Next time the men have a golf day Tom and/or Geoff should suggest to Fred he invite his boss and his boss' husband to a golf day with them and make it a sixsome.

I think it is the sound a duck makes @Paladin. Another benefit from Madeline's healing hands @drsawzall, the eradication or at least restriction of corporate parasites. I daresay Madeline will be subject to all manner of accusations from witchcraft to quackery to heresy to preying on the weak and vulnerable. As with her brother PC's "gift", I hope there is never a time she is unable to heal someone with leukaemia as she will be remembered for her failure(s) rather than her successes.

Wonderful chapter @KKirk. Was it just a coincidence Grandma Grace quoted chapter 4 of Ecclesiastes in recognition of Alan and Calvin's new shared accomodation? Methinks not. She struck me as an observant and cultured woman, one unlikely to be troubled by having a gay grandson. She impressed Alan no end it seemed with her knowledge and appreciation of his homeland generally and his hometown and province specifically. Carrie was slightly less annoying and predictably ridiculous in this chapter. Calvin's description of her flirtatious behaviour was most amusing. I imagine she is obsessed with social media and follows fashion and lifestyle "influencers" with zeal. A thoroughly shallow and vapid millennial princess.

Ralph and Therese have reached a point in their relationship where she no longer needs to use emotional blackmail or resort to trickery to "offload" the twins onto Ralph if she wants to go somewhere she does not want them cramping her style, or do something the twins would not enjoy. She now realises all she needs to do is be pleasant and be prepared to compromise and Ralph will usually accomodate her. I sensed in this chapter she is perhaps a little jealous or envious of the "new and improved" Ralph, one who does not shy away from telling Sheila and/or Norman to take a hike, one who is enjoying life with a suitable partner. Speaking of Sheila and Norman, the best Christmas gift Ralph could receive from them is a "farewell" card advising him they are migrating permanently to Trinity, Texas, where they can enjoy life at the Whispering Pines Golf Club; and, that he should not feel compelled to visit them with or without their granddaughters. If they move to Texas they can deny his existence, playing the golf circuit and the unfortunate childless couple. How appropriate and splendid for Ralph (and for Nolan too)."It" will almost be like a "religious experience".

I share the concern of @weinerdog and @wenmale64 that boofhead #1 aka Tom Goodwin may try to exact revenge against Grayson and/or Rafael and/or Mike for his termination. The other two boofheads, Troy and Dan, may be reluctant to assist Tom given he was sacked, but one should never overestimate their intellectual capacity when it comes to dealing with "poofters". Grayson and Rafael wasted no time in moving from "the kiss" to boyfriend status. I imagine Pamela and Oliver will be happy, Richard maybe not. It is going to be difficult for Grayson to conceal his true self unless he intends spending all quality boyfriend time with Rafael at his home only. Perhaps Rafael's father might have a word with Richard. Rafael is a very down-to-earth lad @Mark Ponyboy Peters. No expensive gifts or dinner(s) required from Grayson to woo him and seal the deal, a Macca's meal is all that was required.

I kept hearing Kate, Cindy and Fred singing Love Shack the whole time I was reading this chapter @chris191070. I just hope the inhabitants of this "shack" have as much fun as The B-52's and their friends had in the video for this song. You have my sympathy having to return to work tomorrow Chris. I started back on Thursday last week and am already "over it" and I work from home more often than not.

An outstanding chapter @empath, with the growth of Travis White the most surprising and most pleasing aspect of the entire chapter. He is clearly questioning his long held conservative beliefs, beliefs he at least needs to moderate if he is to reconnect with his son. It appears he at least realises Oliver will not likely return to live as a family unit unless it involves the other boys whom he loved and protected. It also appears he recognises Jasper is crucial to restoring Oliver's sense of self-worth and at least some shred of "normalcy". Jennifer Travis is the unknown amongst the three, although it appears she will likely agree with whatever Travis decides. I am quietly confident Travis will continue to question his beliefs and will come to the realisation how restrictive those beliefs were and will reconcile himself to the reality of Oliver's world. I particularly like @gmc's wish for Travis and Jennifer becoming house parents. I can perhaps see it of him but not her at this stage. So much to praise regarding this chapter @empath, all so authentically written. The thawing of the relationship between Peter and Melissa Motts and his startling recognition of the emptiness of his other daughter's marriage and life. Anthony Fatone's renewed sense of purpose a joy to witness, and his recognition of the trauma suffered by the boys and by Roger testament to his character. I also had a chuckle over his admiration of Rosa, the reference to her as General Ramos particularly amusing. The attraction of Juan Ramos to Robert Fenton, if I read it correctly, a delight to observe. The conclusion of the chapter shocked but at the same time did not. Mark's father I dare say sold his son. Truly despicable.

The photographs, particularly those of nature, only enhanced the story, even though none of them compared to the extraordinary photograph of the Canadian Geese in the prior chapter. Alan's gratitude and acknowledgment of his gratitude to the geese really surprised me. His character growth continues to surprise not only Calvin but we readers too @KKirk. This and Calvin's sadness seeing the geese who stayed behind, presumably to die, were for me by the most moving in this story to date. Neither was trite, their emotion was genuine.

"On the day Scott introduced Joshua to Melanie, as his girlfriend, a switch was flicked in Joshua and he was never the same person from that day onwards. He now smiled at school friends and when Melanie smiled back, in a way that said, this smile is just for you, he had a warm fuzzy feeling." Mmmmm, very intriguing @Wombat Bill. Is this an indication Joshua may be bisexual rather than gay? Might his former lust for Scott be replaced with a lust for Scott's girlfriend instead? If the latter, how will this affect any relationship Joshua may have with Malcolm? Does Lorna know yet Malcolm and Joshua are on friendly terms? Will Lorna get some action with Melanie? What are next weeks winning Powerball numbers?

I was thinking it may be Mack as Mack was the one who had to re-arrange the tee-off time to take his elderly mother for a medical appointment. HappyMan aka Mack may have used the excuse of a work meeting delaying his arrival as if he had explained the real reason for the delay, Geoff may have realised Happy Man is in fact Mack.

No. I saw him once at the Capitol Theatre when I went to see Billy Elliott many years ago. He is huge, even bigger than he appears to be on TV. He is 2 years younger than us and appears to be completely bald now if the images online are indicative.

I agree with you @Celian, Ludo should stay neutral for Damian's sake, but I don't think he should try to force Damian to love and/or respect Jackie if Damian no longer does. I think she has to "earn" Damian's love and respect if she has lost it, he should not be told it is the "right" thing to do because she is your mother which is what some may say.

I think you may be onto something with this comment @weinerdog. I strongly suspect the unnamed small black boy will be Alex's brother, particularly given both indicated they are new to Farmersville. I am going to speculate that Alex's brother may be gay and Alex very protective of him. I am also going to speculate the younger brother and Neil may become attracted to one other, shades of James and Dion from @Ronyx's classic tale Taking Off The Mask. For the sake of both boys I hope they have their very own Mr Wilbur, the beloved older black man from that story who encouraged their relationship as he too was gay and if I remember correctly had a white partner. Lucas is clearly very unstable. I do not think his threats of violence are hollow. He is a "mass school shooter" in the making. I now strongly suspect he may be subject to violent beatings at home, possibly from an older sibling, but more likely from his father. He is going to crack sooner or later and I fear that Neil and/or Alex's brother may be his target as I imagine Lucas is as fond of African Americans as what he is of "faggots". The threat of violence is palpable @Ronyx. Your usual quality writing on display.

“I doubt that, but I didn’t put it in far and now we’ll sterilise it anyway” After sterilising the rod, Malcolm returned from the bathroom and handed it to Joshua, who took it keenly and now feeling more confident, thrust it into his penis a full four inches and then screamed. “Oh it’s fuckin’ killing me” as he pulled it out and threw it on the floor. “What happened, did you stretch yourself too much?” “No...oh fuck that stings like hell” as he sat there panting with pain, he asked through clenched teeth “Did you wipe the Dettol off after you sterilised it?” “Wouldn’t that defeat the purpose of sterilisation?” “Maybe, but Dettol has alcohol and that stings sensitive skin” “Oh...shit...sorry mate...I forgot about that. Better get in the shower and see if you can wash it out”. For Felix's sake, never leave these boys alone with a cigarette lighter and petrol @Wombat Bill as there is no telling what damage they could do. I have a cousin who did this to her brother when they were very young. He survived but was permanently scarred; I daresay she may have been mentally scarred. As they sat naked, at the kitchen bench, eating muesli and fruit for breakfast, Joshua said “You said we should thank Scott, what do you have in mind?” “Maybe leave him a mystery gift” “Like our cum in his sheets?” Joshua is a dirty little fucker, but it was a great suggestion though. LOL. “And so you shall, but before that I’ll show you something else” “Your bare arse ready for me to lick you out”. With his enthusiasm for rimming and "can do" attitude Malcolm is going to be very popular, if not with Joshua, then someone or more than one someone else, separately or together. He has a standing invitation to visit me anytime he likes @Wombat Bill and I am not far from the Eastern Suburbs. I "felt" Joshua's stinging pain and it was not pleasant.

I was not suggesting Ludo denigrate Jackie, what I was suggesting is that he not attempt to force to Damian to have a positive opinion of her or have a relationship with her merely because she is his mother. Ludo should not defend her, let her fight her own battles. I love your comment @pvtguy that Jackie can ruin the relationship all by herself. I think she has already achieved this and Damian should not have to play nice to assuage her guilt or whatever else is motivating her to allegedly want to repair her relationship with him. I do not trust her and am very skeptical about her desire to repair her relationship with Damian, and if she does it is only for a reason to benefit herself not Damian.

@drsawzall have you somehow managed to "hack" into my brain all the way from Massachusetts to Australia? I am always APPALLED by the rhetoric spewed by the "anti-socialised" healthcare nutters in the USA. I also thought how selfless of Michael's parents to do what they did and at the same time was infuriated and disgusted they found themselves in such a position, not with them, but with the lack of compassion and care from the same people obsessed with this notion that universal healthcare is a dangerous thing. I hope @weinerdog's concerns are not realised, but it is certainly a distinct possibility. I am intrigued as to why Mia's siblings were deemed unsuitable as foster parents for her. I hope it was for financial or welfare concerns and not some religious bullshit. The discussion between Madeline, Colin and Michael found me in tears AGAIN @Lee Wilson. I swear I heard that frightened little boy.

@drsawzall you found your inner Summerabbacat and released him with a vengeance. Wonderful display of fury from you sir. 📣📣📣📣📣 After Jackie's interaction with Ludo in this chapter I detest her even more and I did not think that possible. And, what of Ludo? He has annoyed me in the past with his attitude "I must not say anything unpleasant about Jackie because she is Damian's mother after all", but this comment “As far as I see it, either I become Jackie’s apologist, or he resents her for life.” raised my level of annoyance to infuriated. If Damian hates his mother for the rest of his life and wants to have nothing to do with her that is not any fault of yours Ludo. Jackie is a fucking bitch and if Damian hates her it is no less than what she deserves. Jackie's discussion with Ludo confirmed it; with Jackie it is all about me, me, me. I am bored so I am going to fuck up your life Ludo and the life of my son, but hey I am still his mother. The best therapy for Damian would be if another prisoner put a knife in Jackie's back and she was no more. Whilst ever she is alive she will play games with Damian and his affection because she is a selfish, manipulative c#*t. I would not have thought to be suspicious of Hansi Huber's motives, but after reading the comments by @mayday I am now on guard. Outstanding chapter @Robert Hugill. You have welcomed the New Year with stellar chapters for both Ludo and Ralph.