Summerabbacat

I hope you jest @Jeff Burton, but I fear this will not be the case.

As with its prequel/sequel The Boy On The Porch, this story is at times harrowing to read. The subject matter is not for the faint hearted and in lesser literary hands than those of @Lee Wilson its grotesque events may have obscured all that was good, of which there was plenty. Some may question that two humans, particularly the parents of three innocent children, could be so depraved. If this be the case, research Rosemary and Fred West. An excellent, if disturbing read from a prolific contributor to GA.

Although not the intent of your comment @Jeff Burton, I am more than happy to comment (read vent like a madman) on mobile devices. They are the scourge of my existence. I hate the fucking things for anything other than talking on and taking photos of my cats. I loathe how totally unhelpful and unfriendly they have made many become both at a personal and organisational level, and how "disconnected" from the so called "real world" they make me feel more often than I care to admit. I have my own "Benjamin Thomas moments" and more often than not they are caused by those fucking things or some other "digital interaction" forced upon me as there is no other alternative. 😠😠😠😠

Neither this nor The Boy On The Porch were "easy" reads @Lee Wilson and there were times I considered giving up (I was especially reluctant to read the prior chapter of this story given it dealt with the death of Joey Keys), but I am glad I persevered. Although I have only read a few of your stories to date, you appear to be gaining confidence with each one you write, which has improved the "quality" of your writing too. You certainly appear to be one of the most prolific writers on GA at the moment, a bit like Prince Rogers Nelson, the "purple" genius.

You may think me a harsh judgmental SOB @John Henry, but my disappointment in Nathan was solely because the recipient of his treatment was Corey, who has his own significant issues to deal with. If Nathan had behaved in such a fashion towards anyone else I would likely have let it go. I also must say that I could see myself behaving in the same manner as Nathan, albeit for different reasons, and I would have judged myself very harshly for such behaviour. Maybe I am odd, but I cannot imagine why anyway would be creeped out over the science project and the impact it had on Corey. If he had stalked Nathan all this time it may have been creepy, but he kept his feelings to himself for a long time, which is possibly harder to do when one is that young. I must say I did not think of the possible challenges having a relationship with someone like Corey would present, primarily because to date they seem not to have had any negative impact upon Nathan since the two became friends, and more particularly since the friendship changed to boyfriends. I certainly admire him for this, particularly after the surprise expressed by Linda and Carla as to how affectionate and comfortable Corey is with Nathan.

Although I did not warm to Travis, he clearly was not a homophobe. The distribution of his and Yvette's assets the greatest "fuck you" to the incubator possible. Joey Keys' death was even more horrific than what I imagined @Lee Wilson.

Similarly to @CincyKris I felt this story is the "completion" of After We Danced and Song For Guy, although both those stories stand complete on their own. If I recall correctly I read this one prior to the other two and read it on crvboy. Ben did not make a great first impression on Matt, who described their first meeting as awkward. Ben was his often smartarse self, but unfortunately for Luke and moreso Matt, did not make his remarks with his usual trademark mischievous grin, apart from the remark on the apparent coldness of the ocean and its affect on Matt and/or Luke's "shrinkage". The frostiness eased a little prior to his departure to collect Samantha, but they have some way to go before the thaw is complete. Your usual high standard of writing @Mark Ponyboy Peters.

I am somewhat disappointed in Nathan @Jeff Burton and the teenager "excuse" does not cut it on this occasion. As suggested by @weinerdog Nathan could have at least sent the promised text to Corey. As he himself thought at the conclusion of the chapter "My thoughts rattled me on the walk home, as if something was trying to sabotage the good I had been feeling. The shitty part about the whole thing? I never sent that text to Corey to see me. He had to wait the whole weekend to see me again." He is fully aware of Corey's vulnerability, the angst his behaviour has likely caused Corey, but he did it anyway. A simple explanation would have sufficed, words akin to "things have changed so quickly in recent weeks Corey, largely for the good because of you, I need a weekend to myself to adjust to this new happiness so that I don't fuck up and sabotage this good thing we have going". Given Corey's difficulty with social interactions which most people take for granted, I believe a simple explanation like this could have assuaged any anxiety Nathan is likely to have caused Corey. Bad boyfriend Nathan; it is time to stop feeling sorry for yourself, put your big boy pants on, and get with the programme. Of course I know fuck all when it comes to relationships which is why I am eternally single. A wonderful chapter @Jeff Burton with some much needed riotous humour for Nathan and likely for Corey too, especially the following post-date conversation at the breakfast table the morning after: "You guys have a good night?" Carla asked as her eyes shifted between the two of us with a knowing smile. "Carla!" Linda admonished as she set plates in front of us. "What! I was being nice!" She replied with a giggle. "It was nice," I started then took a drink of the orange juice Linda set in front of me. "But you guys can relax our virtues are still intact." I finished with a smirk. Everyone stayed quiet for a moment before I added, "Besides it's not good manners to bang your boyfriend senseless after the first date in his mom's house."

A fire sale? I would love the weather there (well the heat and the humidity anyway, not so much the hurricanes), but I don't think I could live in a state with such a high number of Republican supporters even if I was able to migrate to the USA. For every Harry Wayne Casey or Michael Tolliver there seems to be a dozen or more Anita Bryant types.

Russian organised crime and the Russian government; I imagine it would be difficult to verify to which certain persons belonged at any given time. Who snitched on Ethan and Maxim? The obvious choice is Dumarov, but perhaps he was also followed by someone representing Volkov. A very intriguing chapter @E K Stokes, with some of those involved like pawns in a game of chess. Will the body count increase now that Volkov and the Russian government are involved? Will Maxim be granted political asylum? Is the real white diamond in the possession of the Siberian monks? Will Rasputin by Boney M be a hit on the pop charts again?

What is the going rate for these condos @drsawzall?

Fantabulous! I love that word but had forgotten it. Very Connie Bradshaw. Well done @Ticklishboy30.

In Australia in times gone by Gordy would have been nicknamed 'Bluey', which is far more pleasant than 'Fire Crotch', although in the right circumstances 'Fire Crotch' could be very complimentary. I, for some reason, did not think Gordy posed any real threat to Damian when he made his first appearance, although I would not have been as laissez-faire about the episode as Jackie was. I thought Ludo overreacted somewhat, but then this is easy for me to say as Damian is not my child. Speaking of Damian and his mother Jackie, I seem to recall Damien (with 666 carved into his head) was the son of a Jackal. Coincidence in the names @Robert Hugill? Just saying. Might this be the sinister turn the story takes? Might Jackie be a bitch in every sense of the word? First Ralph and now Ludo, disclosing their newly revived or belated interest in blokes respectively. I must say @Robert Hugill most, if not all, your stories' blokes belie the old cliche, No Sex Please We're British. A right royal bunch of randy rooters the lot of them, even those who were slow off the mark e.g. Ralph, Keith, Thomas and Colin. And this should be celebrated, particularly as none fit the physical image of the perfect gay man as depicted in much of "mainstream" gay porn (not that I ever watch any such "decadent" entertainment). Another fine chapter @Robert Hugill with @Cane23's pubes featuring prominently, dare I say taking a starring role. Well done young Cane.

If the little I watched of the first one, more than enough. Maybe I will give it a try again one day and watch, but then again maybe not. I did very much like Close Encounters Of The Third Kind though which was released at roughly the same time.

This self-perception I am intimately acquainted with so your reluctance is well understood by me. I am glad you saw fit and were brave enough to adopt the attitude "to hell with the consequences" and dipped your toes into the literary world. Now that said toes have been "dampened" and received with such appreciation and joy, I hope the reluctance has been reduced at least.

Not this little black duck. I started to watch it on VHS and was bored after a short while and turned it off. I do like Meco's disco version of the theme tune though if that counts @Cane23.

This is not at all the type of story I am usually drawn to (so shoot me I don't even like Star Wars). I only read this first chapter because the author is @Paladin, and I am pleased that I did. It has a certain sense of whimsy which I found very charming and the characters are interesting and believable (even Aaron) as far as their "humanity" goes. I look forward to reading further chapters and seeing in what direction the story goes.

A story not for the faint-hearted, this story is likely to provoke a range of emotions, many of them to the extreme; rage, sadness, anxiety, melancholy and joy. The author @Jeff Burton has infused the main characters with many, if not all, the emotions experienced by the reader and written these characters without any artifice. The reader is exposed to a warts-and-all view and not all is pleasant to view. Jeff does not resort to melodrama; situations both pleasant and unpleasant are presented factually, which I found only increased their impact, such that some of the events are very upsetting to read. The greatest strength of this story is the authenticity of the characters and their development in response to life and its ups and downs. I thoroughly recommend this wonderful story to anyone who admires literary craftsmanship of the highest order. Well done @Jeff Burton.

Likewise @weinerdog. I simply must know the full extent of "Jacob then finally reached the climax, the breaking point, the explosion from everything that had been building and just completely crashed. His fight with himself was over, and his whole sense of being shattered like a mirror. It was only then that we were able to pull him from the brink, and help him find the pieces that would make him whole again." I agree @Lee Wilson, although I must say enjoyed understates the pleasure derived from reading this story for me. It was not of course all "happy sailing" for most if not all the readers any more than what it was for Jacob and Tyler in particular. There were some heartbreaking moments, moments of complete despair, moments where one or more of the characters was infuriating (mostly Jacob), but ultimately patience and persistence was rewarded with Jacob and Tyler realising, and acting upon this realisation without reservation, that their life was better with the other in it. Whilst I am very sad to see the conclusion of this story @Jeff Burton I have forced myself to be objective (with a great deal of effort) and recognise that Jacob's story is much better told by Jacob. Hopefully the questions that many of us still have will be answered when we readers are rewarded with Jacob's Story. And a heartfelt thank you from me for this story @Jeff Burton. Whilst I have found much of it disturbing, upsetting and challenging to read, it has been a journey worth taking.

I have just re-read the conversation between Therese, Barb and Dee and it appears Dribble's performance belies his nickname, although he is somewhat unkindly referred to as Mr Safe and Boring. Given the latter description of him I can only but think the twins will likely refer to him as "lame" @gmc. This seems to be their "go to" adjective to describe something which does not appeal to them for any number of reasons.

It appears @Cane23 Ralph is far more adept at coping with the twins when they are at their most boisterous and inquisitive. With Nolan part of the family dynamic now it should be even easier to satisfy their inclination for boisterous "unladylike" activities, such that they may settle down a little with Therese during the week, thus allowing Therese more quiet time for herself an/or to spend with Dribble. I forgot to mention @Robert Hugill how much I laughed when you mentioned Therese's most unladylike snort. The only thing which could have made it even funnier if she had accidentally let out a most unladylike fart.

Therese is "growing" on me too @Gary L; she appears to be less stuffy than she originally presented. I do however, think Ralph should be a little more cautious with what he discloses to her. Whilst she herself may be relatively trustworthy, I am not so sure about Dee and more especially Barb. This aside, his love life is in fact his private life and therefore none of Therese's business. Therese has not disclosed anything to him about her love life, although if his nickname Dribble is indicative of his bedroom performance, it may be she has nothing to boast about with her new beau. Nolan continues to charm with his unaffected and easygoing personality, in addition to his apparent sexual prowess. @Gary L's comment regarding your economy with words @Robert Hugill is so often the case with your stories. This one continues to delight, particularly with the emergence of witty, self-appreciating and happy (for the most part) Ralph.

I assumed the authenticity was based on personal experience @Jeff Burton, but refrained from saying so for fear of being presumptuous. If as you say Ben is autobiographical and his life experiences are your life experiences (and I don't doubt for one moment the veracity of your statements that this is the case) then you have much of which to be proud, in addition to your literary talents.

Or had one too many vodkas.

A well-written chapter @KKirk. I felt Calvin's anxiety at the impending closure of the Residence Halls. His father's response was measured and more sympathetic than I thought it would be. I have not expressed it to date, but I have been somewhat disappointed in the reaction of his family. I can understand them wanting to protect Calvin's grandmother, but their steadfast refusal to allow him to return home to date has been disproportionate at the very least. Alan improved a little again in this chapter, such that he is not the complete putz (love that word @drsawzall) that I originally thought him to be.