Summerabbacat

Doctor's Orders was a minor top 40 hit in Australia in 1975 but I don't recall ever hearing it then (and I loved my disco even then). It was a huge hit across the Tasman (#3) and in Canada (#1) and Spain (#2). Carol is an American and it charted at #11 there. She had a few other minor hits and did some truly dreadful covers (ABBA's Dancing Queen, the Bee Gees Night Fever and R & J Stone's We Do It). The Thompson's would likely have a few family members they would prefer to sweep under the carpet I daresay.

A chapter of great contrasts @Robert Hugill. Ralph's blood ties could not be more different. The twins are accepting, practical and for the most part, delightful. Mother and father are judgmental, pretentious and for the most part, fucking annoying and overbearing. Fortunately Ralph's balls have finally dropped and he is no longer allowing his parents to dominate and control his life. I have to say I truly admire his patient and still pleasant demeanour with both of them. I doubt I could be so pleasant and rational. The questions beg to be asked, were Sheila and Norman ever children/teenagers themselves? Have they ever been happy and satisfied in their adult life with anything? Is Ralph the by-product of the one time they had sex, and was said sex under the cover of darkness with an immediate scrubbing of their bodies afterwards to remove all traces of such an indecent and degrading act? I so wanted to "jump" into the story and knock their heads together. " "Spicy vegetable pilaf and dal with grilled tofu". Delicious. I have never grilled tofu. I shall to give it a try.

Another Thompson, another twat. This chapter occurred approximately 28 years after Frank Thompson raped Jake at Hidden Beach. Andy Thompson could well be his son, but I suspect he is more likely to be his nephew as surely no woman would have been desperate enough to conceive a child with Frank unless she was raped too. Aaron was very lucky, the attack on him could have been so much more vicious. He was not as I feared may have been the case, raped. He was also fortunate that Matt and Luke's intentions were only of the noblest kind. It is interesting that Scott noticed Ben's apparent fascination with Justin too, yet neither Samantha nor Justin seemed to be aware of it. The mention of Justin's parents and the revelation to them that he and Scott are in a relationship was a welcome surprise. I had forgotten this too. It appears Peter Black may have finally become a Dad to Justin, rather than just an authority figure to be feared and obeyed. An interesting chapter @Mark Ponyboy Peters with Luke introduced to Thompsonville's seedier side, something he appears to have been blissfully unaware of. I assume either Andy and/or Aaron are going to appear in this story again at some point, although I cannot remember either of them. And now in recognition of two of the storylines in this chapter I am including not one but two disco classics, one from the 1970's and one from the 1980's. The former is in response to Scott's comment about the new group of friends "Maybe these guys could be just what the doctor ordered?" and the latter is very obvious (although the song appears to have a different meaning). And I offer no apology for either song as I have posted little of late.

It is a story @E K Stokes and therefore I did not expect it to be realistic. I don't for one moment have any admiration or respect for Russia in its present state, although I am sure not all of its citizens are homophobic, barbaric, anti-semitic, drunken thugs.

I found much to amuse in this chapter @ObicanDecko whether intentional or not. "The old wooden staircase complained loudly under Clementine’s feet as the chef made her way down in her nightgown and slippers, the creaking noise amplified by the stillness of the large house." Is this code for Clementine is a heavy set frump? "There was no telling what Kelly was feeling - other than pursing her lips, her face had barely moved.". She has had so much cosmetic refreshment to ensure a youthful appearance that she is incapable of moving any facial muscles at all. “But it’ll take more than that to intimidate me! They don’t call me the female Sherlock for nothing.” “Who… exactly calls you that?” Kelly couldn’t hold back from asking." What Kelly was really saying with this restrained comment was "You have got to be kidding me Tiffany, you're as thick and rubbery as the tofu you eat. You're a stupid TV starlet". For me the "acting" award thus far would have to go to Eric. He has the patronising, condescending attitude I would expect from someone named Father Tabernacle down pat. The number of times he stated "Yes my child". I wanted to scream before I laughed. My bet is on Father Tabernacle as the murderer @ObicanDecko, but I will freely admit I am biased. If not he, then Nicholas' sister or estranged daughter.

That would certainly appear to be a very real prospect @drsawzall and entirely in keeping with Jackie's demonstrated behaviour and character to date. I agree money laundering appears most likely, but I still cannot rule out something nasty involving other innocent victims, unless those innocent victims are as has been suggested by a number of you are Ludo and Damian only. Either way, Jackie has pulled a cunning stunt.

Unless Zach was gay and expressing internalised homophobia as speculated by @VBlew, it may be that Seth was not murdered because he was gay. What if Asher's speculation is correct: “That’s just it. We don’t know. Any of us could be targeted because you’re being targeted.” “What do you mean?” “That guy in the Batman costume, your broken windows, the note. You’re in danger. Maybe you always were and I was just naive, but it seems more real now. And if you’re in danger, that means anyone who is close to you is at risk, too.” If this be the cause it throws wide open the identity of the killer. Killian's father, Toby, Gilly (we have all assumed it is a man) and I still can't discount Pastor Mike. I will acknowledge my suspicion of him is based solely on the fact he is religious and I wonder if he is as gay-tolerant as he appeared to be. Riveting @Josh Aterovis. I admit I am in the same school of thought as Killian regarding the murder of Zach. His murder does not automatically entitle him any respect or sympathy, and does not alter the fact he was a fuckwit when alive, but I guess he did not deserve to be killed, particularly in such a brutal fashion. If anyone else has to be murdered before the story is concluded may I nominate either Jesse or Gilly for the honour if it has to be those perceived as a friend of Killian's, and if not, Eve or Gary. I know the story is already complete and unless you are undertaking a major re-write will not be changed to accommodate my plea, but it is fun at times to be frivolous when commenting.

Brilliant again @Cane23. Again it had not struck me, the obvious often does not. I hope she has fled to a life of misery or constant worry about being caught.

I had the same thought @Al Norris. What particularly worries me is "Some of his clothes were scattered on the ground." Another calm friendship-building chapter, but this time with a confronting conclusion. What is the fate of the crying boy? I almost smelt that salt-spray as Matt and Luke walked calmly along the beach @Mark Ponyboy Peters such is the power of your words.

This chapter has me wondering if the comments @Cane23 made on a previous chapter that Jackie's whole life since meeting Ludo and having a child has been a sham, a sham to cover up her wrongdoings, has more than an element of truth. What a c#$t she is. Is she perhaps a chubby chaser too @Robert Hugill or is Herr Huber's corpulence not something which drew her to him? If she is being used by him it will not surprise me if she turns up as a corpse somewhere. If she does at least Ludo won't have to divorce her or worry about her returning some day to make his and Damian's life unpleasant again. I don't know if the behaviour of the police in this chapter is typical behaviour but I was disgusted with the way they treated both Ludo and Damian. I guess it could have been worse, in the USA they would likely have shot both of them first before asking questions. I cannot imagineSgt June Ackland or Inspector Morse behaving like this, although I can imagine DS Dalziel behaving in such a fashion at least with Ludo. Very good writing @Robert Hugill. The police incensed me and if they ever find Jackie they should let Ludo and/or Damian throttle her without any repercussions.

I have to wonder if Calvin will be able to endure Alan's pomposity on an ongoing basis.They should definitely get a 2 bedroom apartment or house otherwise they will be living on top of each other literally. Familiarity is nice for a time, but after some time it can breed contempt. And as much as we would like to believe it not to be the case, there can be a thing such as too much fucking. One cannot live on sex alone and a "relationship" built entirely on sex is likely to fail (says I who is sooooooo successful with relationships). Cohabiting will be an interesting observation @KKirk. Alan may become a pain in the arse literally.

Every time I read a chapter of this story @E K Stokes Rasputin by Boney M. starts looping in my head. They were critically maligned, but I was a teenager growing up in rural Australia when they first hit with Daddy Cool and loved them immediately. It did not surprise that Volkov was heavily involved in criminal activities. There appears to be a very blurred line between the legal and the illegal and the criminal and the non-criminal at many levels. I look forward to reading more works by you @E K Stokes.

👍👍👍👍👍👍 I am loving Chris' story and you are telling it beautifully @Ticklishboy30. I hope you reconsider his role in this story and he features more prominently, particularly if he is pregnant. Ev'lynn is certainly a character. It would be very unwise to "mess with Mamma". I guffawed at her explanation, one shot for each ball. Perhaps she needs a visit to Washington DC after November 5th.

It appears Tiffany may have been miscast as Miss Maxwell, her detective skills more akin to those of Inspector Clouseau than Lieutenant Columbo. Some of the celebrities are revelling in their roles, particularly Gloria, Alana, Troy and Samson. There has been some spirited discussion already, with several accusations made and much denial. I have to wonder how difficult it will be for the celebrities to separate the person from the part they are playing, particularly those who are less popular e.g. Kelly. An intriguing start to this story @ObicanDecko.

I am very literal @ObicanDecko and assumed from the synopsis that Nicholas Stone was murdered too as he is hosting the party. My bad.

I have zero sympathy for Gilly. It is she who suggested she be Killian's beard. If I remember correctly, Killian has asked her on at least two occasions if she was comfortable maintaining this facade as she was not getting anything out of it other than Killian's friendship. She did not hesitate to respond positively, even acknowledging they could not be boyfriend and girlfriend in the true sense of the word. In this chapter she throws a hissy fit because her brother Todd blabbed to her that he caught Killian and her twin Jesse kissing; and, she had the audacity to commence outing Killian to all those present at the party. I like @VBlew think she is the likely culprit who smashed all of Killian's car windows. If I were Killian I would cease being her friend immediately, even if it is not she who damaged his car. She is not a friend, she is a spoilt, selfish, conniving millennial princess who does not deserve Killian's friendship. Asher and his brother Marcus went some way to making amends to Killian over their recent treatment of him. I liked the fact that both readily accepted Kane and included him in their celebration at the party and watched out for him when Killian was "visiting" with Batman. Speaking of Batman, I strongly suspect he is Seth's murderer. I believe Killian recognised the tone of Batman's voice being similar to that of Seth's murderer but has not realised this is as yet. I still wonder if it is Pastor Mike. Very suspenseful chapter @Josh Aterovis. If Batman is Seth's murderer it is an interesting reversal of the fictional character's moral compass, although there was, if I recall correctly, a hint he a darker side in the 1989 film version, the only one I have seen. Certainly the 1960's TV series never suggested anything other than that Bruce Wayne, and consequently Batman, was a man of integrity and truth.

Is it another word commonly used in Northern England?

Implacable and inexorable Ralph. What a turn that must have been for Nolan. Woof! Spank me Daddy. “So, his feet won’t hang off the end”, she smiled. “And at weekends?” “My bed, if it doesn’t freak them out.” “And if it does?” “Rig something up in the office downstairs.” “Just do it.” “Share my bed?” “Yeah. They’ve already quizzed you about boyfriends. They’ll soon let you know if they’re not happy.” They both smiled at each other." You should have had a warning at the beginning of this chapter @Robert Hugill, something akin to "make sure you are seated when Therese makes an appearance as she will be very pleasant and sincere". Her response to Ralph was genuinely warm and dare I even think or say it, affectionate. Given Ralph's parents dislike of her and her "unsuitability" I should have realised there was at least something to like about her. Worritting. Never have I ever heard or read that word before. I assumed it was a rare spelling error for you @Robert Hugill, but alas it is a "real" word.

I am the "odd man out" as I don't think Ben is at all interested in men. The historical comment he made that watching Tim and Guy kissing was "hot" was made, if I recall correctly, at a time when his only sexual outlet was his hand i.e. pre-Samantha. As a 17 year old his hormones were raging and out of control and sexual contact of any sort and with any number of participants would likely have made him horny. I could be wrong, maybe he would like to have a same sex experience or maybe a bisexual three-way with Samantha, or maybe she would like a bisexual three-way. Only @Mark Ponyboy Peters knows and he is not telling, well at least not yet. As for Ben's interest in Justin, perhaps Justin reminds him of someone else. All in all a very calm chapter @Mark Ponyboy Peters with a little humour at Matt's expense e.g. how does Luke manage to restrain Matt's natural ebullience when restraint is warranted or preferred. Was this chapter the calm before a storm?

Now that is a nickname for England that I have not heard for a long time @Gary L. It was 26°C in Sydney today, the first time for many days that I have not had a coat/jacket/hoodie on, albeit briefly. The long range weather forecast for summer here is not promising (for me anyway), with barely a day over 30°C and lower than usual humidity.

I was emotionally wrecked after reading the last two chapters today and had put off reading chapter 9 for several days because I was not in the right frame of mind to read of the end of the relationship between Nathan and Corey. Little did I know that was "mild" in comparison to Chris' accident. You Brits are made of sterling stuff @Gary L if you were able to withstand the emotional onslaught of five chapters. It must be that stiff upper lip and the bloody awful weather which strengthens your resolve. PS. I hope your review "threat" is persuasive and @Jeff Burton presents us with a positive outcome for Chris.

Well you are off to a rollicking start with this reunion @ObicanDecko. It may prove difficult to divorce oneself from the character of the guests and accept them for the characters they are portraying. Kelly does not appear to have changed since the original story. She is still a bitch. Her not so subtle put down of Tiffany was understood by all, apart from Tiffany it appears, although perhaps Tiffany is being the "bigger woman" and ignoring Kelly's comment. The guests, and staff in the case of Mr Olive, of Nicholas Fortescue are a motley crew, much like one would expect in a novel by Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh or Dorothy L Sayers. The real "intrigue" for me at this stage of proceedings is will the killer of Nicholas Stone and the killer of Nicholas Fortescue be one and the same? And what is the motive for the murder of Nicholas Stone?

I for one DO NOT want Chris' accident and its outcome steeped in reality. I don't care if it is unrealistic for him to awaken without having had any brain activity and is not brain damaged, or if he has some short term issues such as memory loss and loss of the power of speech. I just want him to awaken and return to his normal self, even if it takes some time. Nathan and Chris' father is a remarkable man. Nathan at least indirectly contributed to Chris' current crisis, yet his father has "forgiven" him. I am not sure I could be so forgiving. Corey is also very forgiving, far more than Nathan deserves. I struggled to finish reading this chapter, fearing at any moment Chris was going to die either of his own accord or his doctor(s) were going to recommend life support be switched off. The fact he is still alive gives me some hope he will awaken @Jeff Burton. If someone must die let it be one of the minor characters, one of the homophobes for example as no one will shed a tear over them (and I have just about run out of them of late).

😭😭😭😭😭😭 No, no, no @Jeff Burton, you cannot sacrifice Chris at the altar of Nathan's stupidity and selfishness. Nathan should feel guilty, very fucking guilty, even if Chris does survive he is going to need ongoing care I would envisage for some time. Nathan is as he accused himself of being, a complete fuck up and I have just about lost my patience with him.

I am not sure which was more exciting to read, Brandon meeting his Potential New Boyfriend, Rhett, or Brandon meeting Dusty. I hope it is not too long before we readers learn more about Chris' life and the outcome of his trip to the medical centre @Ticklishboy30. I see great potential for that storyline, one which I do not think you should be "afraid" to explore. The chapter introducing Chris was very well written with Chris' situation sensitively portrayed. I had never seen the video for Dolly's song. It is a very 80's concept and Dolly's hair, most likely a wig, very reminiscent of the early 1980's. I remember the song as it was a reasonable hit for Dolly in Australia, something which up until that time, was relatively rare for Dolly.