Summerabbacat

OMG @John Henry. To quote an American band (if a duo is a band) I do like, Daryl Hall & John Oates, Say It Isn't So. I have just read about her and was not at all surprised to read her church was the subject of alleged financial improprieties (how often is this the case). And WTF are the "satanic pregnancies"? I cannot believe people fall this kind of bullshit and donate money. That money could be put to such good use in principled hands. She appears to be very fond of cosmetic refreshment too. Is that part of the prosperity gospel ethos? And people lampooned Tammy Fay Bakker?

Is that the Log Cabin Republicans you are referring to or are there others even more conservative than they? I have to say I have never intentionally listened to Journey, although I have heard the odd song here and there. I would group them with REO Speedwagon, Survivor and Kansas (all of whom I unfortunately heard as a teenager on my local radio station on which Casey Kasem's American Top 40 was broadcast). Not a fan at all. Are they known for their support of the right?

And you are succeeding @John Henry. I think he is perhaps your best drawn character in this story; a very believable mix of teenage angst and cockiness. He has certainly done some stupid things, but he is intrinsically a very kind, caring and protective mid teen boy, the kind whom it would be hard to stay annoyed with for long I think. I find his vulnerability his most attractive characteristic, maybe because he has tried so hard to conceal and at times crush it, but is now realising that such behaviour is not healthy. It is easy to see why Diego, Steve and Caleb love him so much.

I adore cats of any age so choosing to read this story was a "no brainer". The kittens and cats are as I expected, beautiful and personality plus, but what I did not expect was to be so delighted by their human friends, Evan and Maison. Of course like all entertaining stories there has to be at least one character who is less than engaging, and in this case it is two who are totally abhorrent. The premise of the story is one I am very familiar with. My youngest is at times "difficult" to find inside my apartment and usually does not show herself when "hiding" until I have reached the near-hysteria stage. You would think after all these years I would be wise to her ways, but alas I am not. Who is the smart one in this relationship? A great story which I too would love to see "fleshed out" into a lengthier tale.

I almost fell off my chair laughing at Bryan's comment Chris. It was certainly hilarious and demonstrated that he is a very quick-witted teenager, far more so than he has ever appeared to be.

As much as I despise the Christian right @John Henry I don't think they alone spout this bullshit about "traditional families". I think you would find the conservative members of any religion would hold similar views, some no doubt even more extreme than the Christian right, in fact right-wing nutters in general likely hold similar views when it comes to traditional families. We are also a product of our times and experiences. I was listening to the album Family Reunion by The O'Jays two nights ago and as is usually the case I was cringing at the lyrics of the title track. The album was released in 1975 and had I heard it then, my 11 year old self would probably have reacted only marginally, if at all, to some of the lyrics, which are by comparison to the rhetoric of the Christian right quite tame.

For some reason I cannot get multi-quote in one comment to work today (and if I see one more fucking ad for Temu you will hear me swearing all the way over here in Australia). According to Wiktionary @weinerdog the word shittiness means badness, crappiness, horribleness, suckiness or fuckedness. I have certainly seen the word shittiness spelt as such in other stories and/or written works before.

Brilliant description of Caleb who to date has been so meek and mild tempered. His alleged attempt to strangle his sperm donor proof of the oft said "be careful of the quiet ones".

"He was dressed in the uniform of a Roman Centurion. I was lying on the ground. Naked and helpless, and he had one foot on my stomach, pinning me there. He was holding a spear, which was pointed at my chest. He had me right where he wanted me. And I was sure I was going to die." What type of spear was it Tim, was it perhaps Guy's own "personal spear"? And what type of death was it likely to be, perhaps it was the post-orgasmic "little death"? My apologies @weinerdog and @Mark Ponyboy Peters, but I am seeing song titles in this chapter too. I often do this with stories, and in the case of this story, it is happening moreso because of the musical to be created by the students. ‘Tim? What’s wrong?’ she asked. ‘I don’t want to talk about it,’ I said. On this occasion this one jumped out and smacked me in the face immediately, a great song interpreted by Rod Stewart, a singer I have always admired. Similarly to @Paladin I have my suspicions about Ben too. I think the urgent pee break was a ruse to get Tim and Guy talking whilst Ben was not in the room. I think Ben is very observant of human behaviour and is also very quick thinking and decisive. After all, look how quickly he obtained Guy's address when the opportunity presented itself (plus he got to flirt with Rosie). I like @Gary L's description of your writing style @Mark Ponyboy Peters, "all written with a deft touch of humour". Quite an accurate description.

I made the comment after the last chapter @weinerdog that Roger "has by default also distanced himself from his own son and grandson by fleeing to Colorado like a petulant child." I think your speculation that Allen and Roger had words when Allen discovered Phil is not dead and Roger responded with "I'm moving YOU be his POA" makes a lot of sentence. Then again, Roger may just be a completely self-centred bastard who does not like his son and grandson either. Maybe Allen is also gay and his life somewhat parallels that of his grandfather. Oh the delicious irony if this is the case. I think he might too @weinerdog, but he has his head buried so far up his own arse that he would not even see his mother, or if he did he would assume (because he is a self-righteous prig) the frowning and disapproving face of his mother was one casting judgment on his father. She may have initially @pvtguy but according to Phil, during one of his discussions with Colin, his ex-wife had long forgiven him and they spoke as friends when she revealed to him she was dying. You would be conducting research for a documentary @Paladin. A new form of bartering @weinerdog? A terrific chapter @Ronyx. Phil made more progress, both mentally and physically, in this chapter than in the prior 15 chapters combined. At least some of this progress was motivated by his outing with Gary. I did not care for Gary much in his prior appearances as I thought his motives were a little "shady" at best. I believe I have misjudged him and similarly to Phil he is lonely and looking for the company of a like-minded gay man.

It happens @weinerdog, far more often than you would think. I live in a split level 1 bedroom apartment with a large terrace off the bedroom upstairs which the cats are allowed to access when I am at home and a smaller balcony downstairs off the living room which they are not allowed to access (although they occasionally have been too quick for me and gotten out onto it when I have gone out onto it). There is only one internal door and that it is to the bathroom/laundry which is off the bedroom so you would be entitled to think the cats never go missing inside, not so. The youngest one, 11 year old Missy, has on many an occasion "hidden" in a box on top of the pantry which I can only see if I climb onto a ladder or if she pokes her head out of the box, or under the lounge up inside its framework, or inside the bathroom vanity cupboard or a kitchen cupboard and I have closed the door unaware she was inside. It was only this afternoon I could not find my other surviving cat, Frida, the soon to be 15 year old. I was upstairs and had been talking to her, then turned around and she was gone. I called her but of course she did not answer (they rarely do when one calls them), and for one terrible moment I thought she had climbed into the front-loading washing machine which I had just turned on as it made a 'strange' noise. It was not her, she was downstairs in the kitchen and I had not heard her go down the stairs. Missy has also visited both my neighbours on occasion by jumping over the wall that divides our balconies. Fortunately both neighbours adore her so she has never come to any grief.

Another fine example of why CATS RULE. Compare the loving acceptance of the cats at the Cat's Pajamas to Maison's incubator Michelle and sperm donor Amos. What a pair of c*#ts. I think the most repugnant thing about these two abhorrent creatures was that they only let their son return home because their friends gave them grief for having thrown him out of the family home. Homophobic and spineless. Evan, what a wonderful friend, selfless and loving. The only thing which could have improved this story would have been if Evan's mother had shown Maison's parents exactly what she thought of them and slapped them both into the middle of next week. I echo @Mancunian's comment "I'd love a follow-up in the future letting us know if they progress into the relationship that Evan wants." (although I would also like a little more kitten worshipping time too).

What a profoundly moving chapter. Keith's journey to his childhood home was a mixed blessing; he perhaps put some ghosts to bed, but found nothing to remind him of his mother. I found this exchange between Keith and Thomas astonishingly honest on Keith's part: “It's not your fault.” He sighed, “No, but not all of it was Dad’s fault either. I never really did know what was wrong with him.” “His lungs?” “I think so. He never discussed it and I daren’t ask. When I got older, I could easily have. But by the time I was old enough to have dug around a bit and asked questions, we weren’t speaking properly. Never did in fact. I often wonder whether his temper was linked to it. Couldn’t cope.” The what if's of life are amongst the most difficult to cope with, which is why Thomas' query “Would you like to find him?” “Dunno. I think so. But it might be like this, all changed, and you regret doing it.” “And you might not regret it, but you might regret not trying.” “Yeah. You’re right.” “Look, let’s make it a project. Write down everything you can remember, and we can start. OK?” demonstrated how much he cares for Keith and his wellbeing. In fact, the events of this chapter will ultimately be very beneficial for Keith, and Thomas has been there to support him all the way. Perfect @Robert Hugill, just perfect.

They will add immeasurable joy to your life. Are you getting tan, black or black and tan; miniature or standard; smooth, wire or long-haired? How exciting to have their arrival impending.

Why thank you kind sir. I am an opinionated SOB and have no literary or musical talent of my own, hence my propensity for commenting ad infinitum on those who do. I note you have changed your profile photograph. Is this the newly-retired, relaxed and carefree Gary look? You appear to have a healthy tan too.

I think you might be right. I imagine Megan would find it very amusing too, maybe even hot. If Dr Kinky was with her he would probably give Kai and Adam feedback on their performance.

And should he have to adjust all his routine and behaviour to suit Kai @centexhairysub? Certainly some of Adam's regimented behaviour is somewhat excessive (the newspaper folded the wrong way, LOL), but being "uncomfortable" when Kai's family visit whenever the fancy takes them (especially as early as 8.15am), perfectly understandable. I would be less than happy in such a situation. Perhaps Kai's family will also have to compromise a little and not just drop in unannounced at any time, although Adam does seem very understanding (much nicer than me). Fortunately for Adam and Kai they are both morning people and neither seems to have an issue with "morning breath". I am not a morning person at all and wear a C-PAP machine during the night so I know what my breath is like first thing (not much better than the cats' litter trays). Their little wake up routine was endearing, but imagine if it had led to a more amorous situation and Megan turned up unannounced. She may have got more than she bargained for. A delightful chapter @Andr0gene. Adam is keen to please Kai and "relax" some of his quirks; I just hope he retains some though as they are part of his charm (the incorrectly folded newspaper quirk can go though, and quickly).

To quote another beloved singer of mine @weinerdog, Que Sera Sera.

Not from me. The comment above was just a bit of spur-of-the-moment silliness because I have been unwell on an off for the past few months with a winter virus which has left me very tired and grumpy. When @Cane23 made his complimentary remarks about Kylie after chapter 1 it got me thinking happier thoughts, which have been rare of late. Music is one thing which usually cheers me up and a story in which music is going to play a big part is bound to have a positive impact. And it has to some extent (if only it could drive the virus away for good though).

My apologies in advance @Mark Ponyboy Peters for singing the "budgie's" praises but I just have to write the following little bit of nonsensical fluff in recognition of @Cane23's impeccable taste and the sheer joy this story has brought to me to date: It certainly looks like the Word Is Out that Tim is gay and I don’t think Guy is at all Shocked. Tim needs to Breathe, Slow, and share his Finer Feelings with Guy. Put your Hand On Your Heart Tim, take a Step Back In Time and extend an invitation to Guy "Come Into My World". Say something to him, Magic if necessary, as the only way you will experience Some Kind Of Bliss is to stop Spinning Around and confess to him, I just "Can’t Get You Out Of My Head”. Take a trip to Where The Wild Roses Grow and profess your Love At First Sight, after all What Kind Of Fool does not know that it is Better The Devil You Know. On A Night Like This, when a Celebration is to be had, scream out "I Should Be So Lucky". Well may you say "What Do I Have To Do" to Guy, to which he will reply "Confide In Me but Give Me Just A Little More Time because All The Lovers will never ignite you to 100 Degrees like I can as I am not like The Other Boys". Sorry, I Did It Again. Maybe I have eaten too much Chocolate tonight. Now I have Got To Be Certain that I can get off this bloody Locomotion so Get Outta My Way before the Kids have me committed.

So many references to song titles in this chapter and I don't think the boys even realised it. In a short space we had Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad by Meatloaf (I would expect both Tim and Guy picked up on this one), Downtown by Petula Clark (a 1960s' gem and I love the cover The B-52's did on their debut album), Bus Stop by Fatback Band (I know not quite the full song title) and Milkshake by the Village People (another Can't Stop The Music reference @Mark Ponyboy Peters). It appears the attraction between Tim and Guy will be solidified very early in this story. The only disadvantage for Tim in having such an accepting friend in Ben is that Ben forgets that not everyone is as accepting as he is. His size and position in the rugby team may assist in protecting Tim and Guy if they are outed at school and get any grief because of this. Although he has not given any indication of his stance, I sense Snowy may be an ally too if necessary. I recalled Guy's back story @Mark Ponyboy Peters, but got the wrong parent. I had thought he moved to town with his father rather than his mother. I had to look up what a Mitsubishi Galant was too. I vaguely remembered the name, but I cannot say I recall the car after looking at it on Google. My father used to have a Sigma but I cannot recall if it was a Chrysler Sigma or a Mitsubishi Sigma. I have never owned a car and have not driven one for almost 40 years, hence my ignorance of most things automotive.

I think Thompsonville may have been the first one I read @Mark Ponyboy Peters. If it is the one I think it is then it is your magnum opus IMO.

I think I have read many of the Thompsonville stories in the wrong order too @Al Norris, either on crvboy or Nifty. It has been interesting to see how much I have remembered of each of the stories thus far. I remembered a lot of After We Danced, very little of The Rip and so far most of Song For Guy. I seem to remember a lot more about Scott and Justin though, so I am assuming they must feature heavily in a later story.

I do remember records @Al Norris, in fact, I still have about 200 albums on vinyl (most of which I also have on CD, which is ridiculously wasteful). I have to say apart from a few of the songs from Tommy as sung by others, the only song by The Who I can recall is Who Are You?

I grappled with the correct word to describe my response @Andr0gene and did not want to use misogynistic because I think it is a word which is overused and to some extent has had its true meaning diluted. I toyed with abhorrent, revolting, offensive and grotesque, but in hindsight probably should have stuck with misogynistic. Having said this, I can see, once again in hindsight, in "Dr Kinky speak" it is less likely to have the degree of "offensiveness" it would have had if it were the words of a more traditional male (dare I say a Republican supporting, gun-toting, right-wing, religious nut job).