Summerabbacat

A trip to Italy and my favourite chapter of this story which continues to grow from strength to strength. For once I am going to write very little @Robert Hugill. The beautiful pavilion in which Dante (I simply must call him Dante, particularly whilst he is in Italy) and Vaughan are residing, the contrived gardens (I agree with Dante, where are the flowers), the apparently beautiful pictures in the villa, the sun, the beauty of the Italian language and food, and the nude swimming. Bliss, sheer bliss, even with the pretentious elements, especially that bloody woman, Suki, again, so amusingly described "Yep. I reckon Suki lives through her richer friends, and the contacts they provide". And to round it all off, talk of marriage. Now that really surprised me.

Never climb off your soapbox @drsawzall. The world needs more sane people like yourself to keep the bastards in power honest, even if it is only slightly honest. I shudder to think what the USA would be like with a Trumpesque government without the likes of Bette Midler, Cher, Lady Gaga and @drsawzall making comments on their blogs and other media criticising such a "government".

"Another thing that might be too much like sex, but, if I like to, um, masturbate a lot, does that mean, I'm gay?" If this were true many heterosexual men would be gay too. I found this question from Bobby just too funny. Bass seems to be relishing his new protein-rich diet. Apart from its nutritional value, said diet does not require any crockery or cutlery to assist in its presentation and consumption.

Thomas confirmed what I have long suspected, he had a minor "breakdown" in Ghana, which is why he returned to the UK. What I did not suspect though was the events which led to his breakdown, the "disappearance" of some close friends who had confided in him they were gay. It is little wonder he himself has taken some time to embrace his sexuality. Fortunately he has chosen to do so with someone as hesitant as himself and they are learning together. Keith's confidence continues to soar, albeit quietly and in an unassuming manner. He finds pleasure in the small things he and Thomas undertake together, the trip to IKEA and its aftermath. I have only ever bought lamps from IKEA and they did not need assembling. I find some of their furniture quite attractive but would never buy it because it has to be assembled. I have no patience and find instructions for assembly of most products written in a language I do not speak, most in fact may as well be written in Swahili. The highlight of the chapter, the very last sentence "And then, in the pub waiting for him, eating a pie, was Thomas." Happiness for Keith is a thing called Thomas. Delightful as usual @Robert Hugill and another top 10 placing in the 'General Fiction'. At this rate you will be challenging Cliff Richard for the number of top 10 entries.

Many tender moments in this chapter, none moreso than that prefaced by Matt’s most extraordinary comment to date “Luke. You know I love you. I love you more than anything. More than my car even.” I found myself having a good chuckle at the latter statement; if anyone else made such a statement one may feel insulted but given Matt’s love for his black Holden Commodore this expression of love on Matt’s part was BIG. His follow up action placing his ring on Luke’s finger and indicating he would like to marry him if that was possible activated my damn allergies again. Matt and Luke’s stumbling upon the graves of three members of the Adams family was poignantly written @Mark Ponyboy Peters. I found my damn allergies activated yet again. The reverence with which Matt and Luke observed the scene and Luke’s promise to himself he would return to the site again one day was very moving. I don’t think your comments indicate you are a Debbie Downer @weinerdog, more like a Rhonda Realistic (although I am very much a glass half empty rather than glass half full type of person too). Matt and Luke will no doubt face many challenges in life, some of which are likely to be even worse than what they have faced recently, putting those experiences into perspective. I don’t think it is a foregone conclusion Luke will not obtain a placement in Southern Star University as he is on the waiting list and there are sure to be other students who applied to same who will reject their offer, thus freeing up a spot for Luke. I was reminded of your recently completed Beyond Salvation @Mark Ponyboy Peters when reading this chapter, primarily because of the vivid description of the beauty of nature. I know @Al Norris enjoyed that one too as he has commented on it previously. The relationship between Joel and Dallas has some similarities to that of Luke and Matt and that is all I am going to say so as not to spoil it for anyone who may be tempted to read it should you publish it on GA @Mark Ponyboy Peters.

The Monolith will keep as close an eye on Tony as she does on the refrigerator and the pantry @weinerdog.

Miss Diesel Tailpipe. What a gloriously descriptive and apt name for Amanda Rickman @drsawzall. Given her penchant for chain smoking she would match Calvin well in the 'stink stakes'; filthy, odorous creature that she is. @John Henry I was disappointed that: a) The large water-filled glass did not ricochet off Calvin's face and strike Diesel in the face b) It was only an ambulance which took Calvin away and not a hearse until I fully appreciated the legal ramifications for Bryan had such events taken place. I believe Bryan will learn from his mistake, particularly given there is now the threat that Caleb alone could be sentenced to a life with Calvin and Diesel. Caleb's confession was not surprising, but his comment: “But I don't want to be like me. I want to be anyone but me.” “Why's that, Mijo? Why don't you want to be you?” “Because I'm tired of being picked on all the time,” Caleb sobbed. “Ever since Bryan went to junior high, kids have called me names, pushed me, taken my stuff!” was very troubling. He does not appear to be suicidal, but one can never be sure, particularly given he is now the victim of homophobic bullying as well as bullying in general. I am very glad Diego and Steve are being proactive with regard to Caleb's bullying, not only in demanding action from the school, but also having Uncle Luis teach him some self-defence. Perhaps he should carry a can of capsicum spray in his backpack and spray it in the eyes of the bullies when he is confronted by them. Horrible little bastards, the Republican supporters of the future. Spay them now, regardless of gender, before they can breed. On several occasions now whilst reading this story @John Henry I have been reminded of some of John Waters' marvellous social critiques, particularly Serial Mom and Cry-Baby.

I had forgotten Bar-B-Q @Al Norris, although I think that might be more an American spelling. I don't partake in them myself being vegetarian. I thought prawns and shrimp were the same thing so it shows how much I know.

According to the 'net a peace bond is something common in Canadian law and is an order from a criminal court that requires a person to keep the peace and be on good behaviour for a period of time. Given this description @Al Norris it appears to be the equivalent of what is commonly referred to as a good behaviour bond in Australia. The most commonly used spellings of barbecue in Australia are the aforementioned and BBQ. In prior chapters @Mark Ponyboy Peters has used them interchangeably. A barbie is merely an abbreviation of barbecue. And in Australia we do not say "throw another shrimp on the barbie" as promoted by Paul Hogan to the USA in the 1970's. We refer to shrimp as prawns; a shrimp is a small person, and is usually a derogatory term.

The Monolith is unlikely to do time for the charge of Public Nuisance, but in my mind she will do time and share a cell with Big Bad Bertha, who has a ferocious appetite for sapphic delights and will not take kindly to The Monolith's homophobic protestations. She, the Monolith will be fed cottage cheese, carrot and celery straws, multigrain bread and plenty of lentils; she will not receive any cakes, sweet biscuits, fatty meat or burgers. In my mind after The Monolith left the court room she was accosted by Matt's seemingly mild-mannered mother who launched a fist right into her face, much to the delight of a startled and cheering crowd of onlookers. I was uncertain of the outcome for both Matt and Luke's father, Thomas, although seemed to recall Matt at least was given a last-minute reprieve. Whilst I can sympathise to a certain extent with Tony's situation, I would find it very difficult to be as forgiving, particularly as quickly, as Luke was. I hope Luke's mother cuts all ties with The Monolith. How could two sisters be so different? The appearance of the orange VW Kombi was a welcome sight, like an old friend from the 1960's/1970's. I remember them trekking up and down the Pacific Highway whenever we headed further north to visit my grandparents in Macksville, a gorgeous little town that I have very fond memories of from my youth. Much like the VW Kombi I have wonderful memories of tie-dye clothing too from my youth. I remember making my own tie-dye shirt once in Year 5 in primary school. I vaguely recall we brought a plain white t-shirt to school, tied rubber bands around it in various places and then dunked it in metal buckets filled with dye. I still like tie-dye patterns, although I don't have any tie-dye clothing. An uplifting chapter @Mark Ponyboy Peters, particularly with the withdrawal of Tony's allegation, the prospect of The Monolith being charged and Thomas being given a good behaviour bond in lieu of a much stiffer sentence. Now all we have to do is wait to see if Luke's short-listing leads to a position being offered to him at Southern Star University. If he gets in I hope one of his teachers is the VW Kombi driver.

I hope you got a nice "tan" from your extended stay at the beach @weinerdog. The beaches in Australia are beautiful and not overcrowded by and large.

I had to look this up. I have not seen any of the Lord Of The Rings films. I have to confess the only thing I knew about Orlando Bloom was that he was once married to Miranda Kerr, and I only knew that because she was from Australia.

It doesn't have the same "ring" to it though does it @Lee Wilson? I thought of using 'completely' at first, but that did not seem to fit. I thought perfectly fitted better because he could be perfect even with an arm still intact. It was a challenge when so many of my fellow readers had made some funny comments and after all Manny himself started the ball rolling with "Well, for one, jerk off with my left hand." It reminded of a character in a story I read once many years ago on crvboy (I am almost certain it was one of Carlos Hazday's CJ stories) who had lost part of or maybe both his legs in a war zone and another character referred to his as "Legless" (it may have been Brad Kennedy). Other characters were appalled, but the character who had lost his leg(s) laughed it off.

I don't think Matt cares @Paladin. He remarked once again "Wherever you lead, I will follow. I promised you that". Imagine having a human someone who adored you that much? Hard to believe, but maybe some people do. I don't think I have ever witnessed it in anyone I have ever known (and that is not just my relationships).

Unless you have a powerful religious institution behind you and then it's the child's fault.

Just adolescents @Paladin? I know plenty who would hardly qualify as adolescents who still have difficulty "fixing it". The divorce rate in Australia in 2023 supports my findings too, with 30% of first marriages ending in divorce and 60% of second marriages 60% ending in divorce. Both my male siblings have been married and divorced twice. I have to say of the four wives between the two, I only liked one of them even an iota. The other three were that unspeakable word. The most bizarre I find are those who marry and divorce the same person more than once. Why?

I think the four stories published by @Robert Hugill on GA to date have had this in common @Carybr. If you have not read the other three I highly recommend them.

What a difference many years can make to what is important to one @Mark Ponyboy Peters. I remember when I read this chapter many years ago on crvboy I immediately spent a significant amount of time searching the 'net for Southern Star University. I just had to know where it was located, not even initially entertaining it may have been a fictional university. I thought perhaps it was a fictional name for Southern Cross University which has campuses at Coffs Harbour and Lismore. Not satisfied this was the case I was annoyed and then realised it really did not matter, it was the story that mattered. Reading it now many years later I have to wonder why my younger self was so troubled I could not be sure of its location or "realism". I thought Matt's father's little outburst may have been the result of his realisation his son was "moving on", growing up and becoming his own man, no longer needing his fatherly love or guidance. The real reason for his outburst was reassuring, he really has come a long way from the man who at first was displeased his son was a "poofter". The reunion of the boys was a joy to witness. I recall what it will lead to, but will not spoil it for those such as @Paladin who have not had the pleasure of reading this story before. I had a chuckle when Luke was contemplating faxing off his university application. It was not that long ago faxes were still being sent; they are virtually non-existent now. I don't think my employer (a large Commonwealth Govt department) even has a fax machine anymore. I had a guilty chuckle when Luke spotted Kerrie while he "was carrying some cartons of dog food, while she was arguing with her mother about something or other." I suspect it was completely unintentionally, but I initially thought how ironic to have them meet amongst cartons of dog food. Another marvellous chapter @Mark Ponyboy Peters. With this chapter you almost attained the impossible, for a brief moment (a millisecond) I felt one of those beautiful summer breezes carrying the perfume of Tropical Blend Coconut Suntan Oil (only SPF4 thank you) through my cold, wet, wintery apartment in Sydney. At least I have the joyful sounds of several of Bright Light Bright Light's CD's playing whilst consuming this tasty morsel of mid-north coast life.

"Kenny giggled, "Yeah, it'd be funny to get a black guy's, or even a girl's arm." "It'd be a hell of a conversation starter. Would you be half-gay with a girl’s arm?" I have no idea how Rocky drew the conclusion, even if jokingly, that a man may be half-gay if he had a female's arm transplanted. Perhaps it's my prickly nature. I think Rocky showed remarkable maturity and pragmatism in learning Kelly was not his biological mother, and that his biological mother had been killed in a bomb-blast. Bobby's parents appear amenable to the idea of Manny and Bass speaking to him about being gay, but not so Paul's parents. I am not sure what their problem is, although @weinerdog has speculated they may be extremists. Whatever their concern, they need to be made aware Manny at least is perfectly 'armless.

I have stated before on a number of occasions that your writing inspires musical accompaniment for want of a better explanation @Robert Hugill, and this chapter found my mind awash with music, not with a tune from your fellow Brit, Kate Bush, but with a well known tune from the 1940's written by Rodgers & Hart, Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered, a song covered by many a singer since then. It was Doris Day's version which accompanied my reading of this chapter. Why this song, I am not sure, but maybe: there was something rather beguiling or bewitching about Greg and I don't think it is just his apparent physical beauty, he had an air of mystery about him there was something about Greg which bothered me, perhaps his brusque manners or the fact much has apparently bothered him since his time with the "old git" there was something rather bewildering about Greg; in the relatively short time Dante and Vaughan spent with him his mood seemed to swing abruptly and greatly, almost as if he was on some kind of drug-induced trip Despite Greg's somewhat confusing behaviour, it appeared Vaughan and Dante enjoyed their visit to see him and the environment in which he lived. I have to wonder if Len is maybe more than a friend, perhaps someone who has brought a sense of calm or at least reduced the chaos which apparently had plagued Greg's life. I don't know why I sense this, but I sense Francis Heyward's motives are sincere and that he will help Greg too. A very intriguing chapter @Robert Hugill. I feel Greg is going to become someone important in the lives of Dante and Vaughan and perhaps even Francis Heyward (or maybe I am on a drug-induced trip even though I don't take drugs). Whatever the aftermath of this chapter, I feel something significant will come from this meeting with Greg.

Now don't be a spoilsport @Ronyx, we love overthinking, speculating the most outrageous and/or ridiculous scenarios, analysing every little nuance (LOL). As I have commented before I am so enjoying this story where your primary focus is not only a non-teen, but someone in his later years in life. I am constantly reminded of Mr Wilbur (as I have mentioned before on a number of occasions), one of the most likeable, charming, delightful and witty characters in any of your stories to date.

This has to stop @weinerdog. Have you somehow planted a chip into my brain and are harvesting my thoughts because once again I had very similar thoughts to you but was also puzzled by their sequence? I also immediately thought it might be Stanley whom Phil first observed through the window in this chapter, particularly as he did not appear to know who the boy was. Perhaps in her description of Stanley previously, Susan has given Phil a mental image of what he may look like subconsciously. It still does not explain the appearance of Stanley unless he is dead though. The only other explanation I can offer is that perhaps it is a boy whom Phil counselled in the past whom he does not recall, someone who found themselves in similar circumstances to Stanley, someone whom Phil was not able to help for some reason or another, someone who took their own life but is overjoyed Phil is going to try and help Stanley. Having speculated this though, I think it is unlikely that such an event would not have severely traumatised Phil and his memory seems very sharp still. Speaking of Susan, I am glad she kicked her husband to the kerb. He beat up Stanley and thought strike while the iron is hot and he beat up Susan for supporting their son. The man should be in jail. Donna Summer and the Bee Gees and my favourite Village People song, Macho Man. Absolute bliss @Ronyx. I have many albums by Donna on CD and vinyl (and many on both), and quite a few by the Bee Gees and the Village People too (mainly on CD). I have never been ashamed to say that disco is my favourite genre of music; the number of disco songs I do not like I would be able to count on 1 or 2 hands at the most. Donna, ABBA, Boney M, KC & The Sunshine Band, the Bee Gees, Chic, Blondie (in all their musical styles) and an assortment of short lived wonders e.g. Silver Convention and the fabulous Amii Stewart, ruled my mid-teenage years in the mid to late 1970's and it was a world of wonder.

I wondered about Jonty too @drsawzall. I cannot say beer has ever been a beverage I have enjoyed. I enjoyed Bacardi, bourbon, whisky, vermouth and various horrors when I was younger (creme de menthe, blackberry nip, Tia Maria and Kahlua to name but a few), but my tastes have changed over the years such that I really only enjoy vodka, champagne and some white wines now.

Best she not sniff too hard @Lee Wilson. The aroma may not be a pleasant one.

"Dan was an amazing dad for Ollie. He loved Ollie and did great things with him, but we always thought his mum, Chrissie, was rather flaky. I can’t say she was a bad mum but she certainly wasn’t a good mum. There were times when I felt she really didn’t care much about Ollie. I’m not surprised that she picked up with the wrong people.” Finally, a little revelation about Ollie’s mum from a third party. It seems 'Crackhouse Chrissie' was already indifferent to her son before his father died. This would explain why being separated from her has not been traumatic for Ollie. In fact, I would not be at all surprised if she knew what the paedophile boyfriend was doing to Ollie either. I am still suspicious that 'Crackhouse Chrissie' was either directly involved in her husband’s death or perhaps involved with the drug dealer who was the apparent intended target of the murder. I think the police should be looking at her as a "person of interest" in her late husband's death. Several of my fellow readers in @Lee Wilson and @Al Norris have commented they don’t believe we have seen the last of 'Crackhouse Chrissie' yet, and I suspect they are right in this speculation. My fertile imagination has envisaged numerous scenarios, the most likely of which is that she may learn Ollie is being fostered by a gay couple who are seemingly well off, therefore she attempts to kidnap him and demand a ransom for his safe return. Ollie displayed vulnerability over the loss of his beloved Dad, Dan, with his request to Chris and Andre to tuck him into bed. Like the good doctor @drsawzall, I found my allergies were activated by this request and the ensuing conversation between Ollie, Chris and Andre. Given the loving natures of Chris and Andre, I think Ollie will be often greatly comforted by such small and yet very meaningful gestures on their part. Carol! Is she for real. I will freely admit I can be a little prickly at times, but she is a little too much of the “she who must be obeyed and informed of everything” a little too often. She laughed after making her comment regarding Chris and Andre’s new foster parenting role, but the subsequent comment about being forgiven but not forgotten seems a little disingenuous. She is a bloody sticky beak and a know-all, even if unintentionally. I am sure her heart is in the right place, but I don’t think I could tolerate her in large doses. Another entertaining, enriching and very enlightening chapter @Paladin. I wonder how much more Logan and/or Ashely may reveal about 'Crackhouse Chrissie'. My only disappointment, not a cat to be seen (yet) after this chapter. Now there's a storyline suggestion for you, a feline friend for Ollie.