Summerabbacat

"Keith went a bit red, “Sorry, I was thinking about the flat”, and with that Keith blurted it all out, “I’m worried that Greg and Thomas will want to eventually give it to another lame duck.” Keith, very much like Colin, still has moments when he lapses into low self-esteem, where he cannot believe that someone like he is entitled to the good fortune he has now found in his life, not just in his relationship with Thomas, but also in his accommodation. Speaking of which, I think the suggestion of enquiry about Greg and Bart's other outbuildings as possible rental accommodation for Thomas, is a terrific idea. Keith and Thomas have not known each other for long and each is used to being somewhat of a loner, so being lovers and neighbours before cohabiting seems a sensible compromise. The tours the boys are taking, particularly investigating architecture and its origins, sound very interesting. Although a relatively brief chapter @Robert Hugill much progress was made, with the boys broaching the idea of cohabitation, and most importantly having similar ideas about such a venture.

'The identity of the missing baby'. It sounds like the title of an Agatha Christie or Enid Blyton novel. My immediate thought was the same as that of @Lee Wilson, Mike is the "missing" baby. Although not categorically stated it is Michael who was holding the two babies, the implication is that it was he who was doing so, which at least suggests I think, he is the likely sire of both. If so, was he having an affair with Mike's mother or was it an arrangement between two women, Maggie and Mike's mother, that he would donate sperm to Mike's mother to allow her to have a child. Something that was said by Mike in an earlier chapter had me wondering at the time if his mother has had her illness, which is likely to be cancer, for a long time. She may have already had it when Mike was conceived. Liam's hissy fit about having to mow the lawn was a little precious I thought. Clearly there has been an "event" in the past which has made the relationship between Liam and his father, at least, somewhat tenuous. As for the twins. I could not and would not tolerate them shouting at 7.00am. At first I thought it may have been 7.00pm, which I could tolerate, but 7.00am. You have got to be kidding me. I have a close friend who often recounts a story of how he was evicted from a share household once because he was "too happy" in the morning. The first time he told this story I said I perfectly understood why he was evicted as he is the type of person who gets up in the morning, is talkative (loudly), switches on the TV (loudly) and is waaaaaayyyyy too bloody cheerful. For a non-morning person like myself (who is also a precious grump often) such behaviour could lead to murder. Looking forward to more revelations @Arch Hunter. I felt like a seagull reading this chapter, you threw us a few little tasty tidbits, but I screeching like a banshee am waiting for the "real" tasty morsels to come.

As an Aussie I cannot believe that such a draconian act is lawful. Absolutely appalling; this would not be tolerated by the vast majority (or am I living in fantasy land) in Australia.

Jeremy Souter, Bob Berger and Mark Scofield. Never has the term "shit for brains" seemed more apt, however, as speculated by @weinerdog perhaps they feel confident their brazen threatening behaviour is protected by unseen assistance from a party or parties sympathetic to the "Jordan Turner cause". Speaking of Jordan Turner, is his bullying behaviour only tolerated because of his financial influence? I think @drsawzall's cranium has been bubbling away for some time as evidenced by his comment "I am convinced Jordan Turner isn't as smart as he would like to think he is...if there were to be a popularity contest or an election between him and Uncle George, I would bet the ranch on who would win..", and I for one think he is definitely onto something with this comment. I wonder if Turner's bullying behaviour is compensation for his own shortcomings, could it be a case that he "suffers" from the malady known as "littleus dickus"? Turner's demand that Micca Breslen subject Jimmy to reparative therapy for the sake of his continued employment really pissed me off. Who the fuck does this goon think he is. He needs to be taken down if for no other reason than this threat. Perhaps you could arrange for him to be fatally gored by his prize bulls @Al Norris or if he has no bulls perhaps crushed by a stampede of his cows, whom given his cruelty to his fellow species are likely treated appallingly. If however, you cannot entertain "killing him off", could he at least be publicly humiliated by a gay, Democrat voting, African American vegan (LOL). Not dirty thoughts at all @Cane23. I had the same thought as you as Peter has come home on at least one prior occasion if I recall correctly and found Officer Farley "visiting". The cordiality of the visit may be more than expected if it were purely a professional visit to discuss Peter's ongoing issues, but there is no harm in the two being friends. If there is a little more to it than that then I say "go for it". Uncle George deserves to be happy as does Officer Farley and as I have speculated before, Officer Farley just has to be a stunner with the given name Farley. I was momentarily concerned @Al Norris that Tom Kowalski was not what he appeared to be and that the telephone call he was allegedly making to Uncle George was in fact a call to Jordan Turner. Fortunately for Peter he was genuine, but it really made me think Peter has every reason to be paranoid as Elko seems to have a very high incidence of bullying and apathy to bullying behaviour.

I had a really good chuckle early in this chapter @Paladin when I incorrectly read Ronald McDougal as Ronald McDonald and got an instant image of what he looked like. Suffice to say he is not a clown and appeared to be very professional and dedicated to his job. I also had a good chuckle at the comment from straight-talking Jenny "Ha, I’m not going anywhere. A dyke working in a LGBTQIA+ friendly construction firm that’s going to be run by a gay guy and a very gay friendly straight guy and has awesome parties. Where else am I going to find that.” We all cracked up laughing.". A response you gave to comments on an earlier chapter became very apparent in this chapter. You commented something akin to Ollie having abandoned his mother too, something which really struck me in this chapter. I have to wonder if he is suppressing any hostility or heartache over his mother's rejection of him, or was his relationship with her even before his father died and his mother found the new boyfriend, less than happy. Maybe it my pessimistic nature, but he just seems way too happy and together for a boy who has been through what he has been through. Another thoroughly enjoyable chapter @Paladin.

Christmas decorations. Every year I think I will buy some for my apartment and decorate it, and every year I don't because I think of the hazards such decorations could present to my cats, particularly my youngest, and how they would not make it to Christmas as they would be trashed in no time, primarily at the paws of my youngest cat who is 11 going on 2. A little pocket rocket whom most people think is about 2 because of her size and boundless energy and mischief making. Luke's mother is in a difficult position, caught between her husband and her son. If her husband had a history of violence I would say kick him to the kerb, but apparently he does not. I wonder again if he has some deep-seated mental health problems or has suffered a trauma in the past which he has buried and it is now raising its ugly head again. Hoss is essentially a "decent bloke", grappling with, for him, the uncomfortable or perhaps it is more the unfamiliar realisation that two of his life long friends are gay and in a relationship. If you add DJ to the mix as well then Hoss is left with Davo as his only straight friend. He is I believe a gentle giant, and his warning to Luke and Matt of Davo's threats proves he is in their corner. Quality writing again @Mark Ponyboy Peters.

With the revelation of more of the character of Boris and particularly Kelly, I cannot say I feel any sympathy for either. Like @centexhairysub, I believe Rocky has the right to know who his biological mother was, after all would it not be comforting to him to learn his mother was not the gold-digging ho he thought she was. And he may also benefit from having grandparents, although I guess there is the chance they could be awarded custody of Rocky which may not suit him, particularly given he is used to a more lavish lifestyle. The "staff" all appear to be faring well with the "new kid in town". I guess anything would be an improvement on Lady Muck, their former "mistress".

I find that I cannot read this story quickly @Mark Ponyboy Peters; I must read it slowly, absorbing every word, savouring the quality of your writing, and embracing all that is occurring. Just like @Al Norris, I read this story many years ago on crvboy and now reading it again much of it is almost new, much like a treasured film or album (vinyl or CD) in which I find something new each time I watch or listen. I did recall Luke's father's assault on him and I think I can remember the aftermath of this event. I suspect when I read this chapter in my younger form I felt nothing but contempt and anger towards Luke's father, and whilst I still feel contempt and anger towards him, I also felt something I did not expect to feel with such behaviour. I felt a great sadness and pity for Luke's father, particularly when Luke's mother disclosed he has had a similar meltdown many years ago. I have to wonder if there is a deep-seated underlying cause for this violent behaviour. Once again I was struck by what a remarkably mature and caring young man Matt is. His discussion with Luke's father and his offer for Luke to come and live with him had those winter allergies affecting my eyes yet again. And what of Matt's parents, particularly his father. What a difference in his attitude towards his son now to what it was before Luke and Matt went to "Schoolies". Perhaps Matt being an only child has challenged his father to rethink his attitudes because if he fucks up his relationship with Matt he has no other children to console himself. And DJ and Dwayne, now I remember. DJ is finally no longer the "bridesmaid but never the bride". I chose the sad emoticon @Mark Ponyboy Peters rather than the angry one because of the loss of the relationship between father and son.

I love the name Susan too @Robert Hugill. I checked on Google for the names I listed above and found they were very popular in the 1950's which is when I assumed Susan was born. Susan was a popular name then and well into the 1960's too. I know in my year in primary and high school there was a number of Susan's (and not Suzanne), Leanne's, Jennifer's and Carolyn's. I have always liked all those names as the girls who had them were all very pleasant, with one exception, a horrible creature named Jenny. She left school in Year 10 (she was not academically inclined) and I have always imagined she got married young, had numerous children, packed on the weight and her face turned really ugly because of all the mean-spirited things she said to me and others. She was what would be referred to today as a toxic bitch.

Vaughan's mother is delightful, a mixture of propriety and reserve, with just enough sauciness and sassiness to make her more interesting and believable. ,The conversations between Vaughan, Dante and Vaughan's mother were for the most part hilarious and interesting, particularly the one referred to by @Cane23 above. But below the surface of all that hilarity I detected a sense of sadness associated with the death of Titus at age 7; sadness which apparently was never discussed with Vaughan's father and which haunted him to his death; and sadness which has only been discussed superficially between Vaughan and his mother. Is this a case of that old cliche about the English, the stiff upper lip even in times of adversity? Perhaps Dante's Nonna should have a word, but limit the rosary beads and wailing. And by the way @Robert Hugill, we fans cannot keep referring to Vaughan's mother as mother even though this is what he refers to her as. She must have a given name. She has a friend name Edna, who has a friend name Julie. May I be so bold as to suggest Phyllis, Barbara, Peggy, Jacqueline (and not bloody Jackie) or Valerie. Dante charmed Phyllis with his gardening and cooking talents. Although Vaughan was highly embarrassed, I think it wonderful Phyllis has taken an interest in Dante. Vaughan should think himself fortunate Phyllis is selfless enough to discount any "concerns" she may have about him being gay to accept he is and take an interest in his happiness and welfare. Imagine how such a mother would have made a difference to the lives of fan favourites Owain and Colin. The best chapter of this book yet @Robert Hugill. Phyllis has added much additional information to what is known of Vaughan. She simply MUST be invited to stay the weekend. Perhaps she could be introduced to Dante's Nonna, Mirabella (or is it Patrizia, Antonietta, Luciana or Serafina?).

Making a phone call is much easier on the fingers and the eyes. In years to come humans will look more like ET with long extended fingers from texting and bulging eyes from reading information written with the tiniest of fonts. They will also not be able to perform even the simplest of tasks without any "app" telling them how to do it.

Me too. I only use mine for making calls, sending texts and taking photos. I refuse to do internet banking or anything like that on it as it is too bloody small. I cannot read stories on GA on it as I cannot get rid of all the other crap on the screen (it is an I-phone 6).

I got my first mobile in March 2020 when I had to start working from home. It is handy, but I can "live" without it.

I hope those chair legs are in poor condition too @Anton_Cloche, rotting with splinters aplenty. I have to agree with @VBlew that Luke's reaction to Matt's disclosure was completely selfish. He did not once attempt to put himself in Matt's position and ask Matt how he was feeling after a major development in his life. Perhaps subconsciously Luke's careless foray in the park's public toilet was the action of someone wanting to "out" themselves but be able to blame it on someone else. I envisage Matt will be the "bigger man" and only have concern for Luke's physical condition, which I assume will warrant a trip to hospital and an interview by the police. Now as for the walrus, the ring leader of the gay bashers, I hope he is publicly named and shamed at the very least. My memory does not serve me will with the "finer details" of this story @Mark Ponyboy Peters and I know the story was completed many years ago, but I do hope that DJ is not always "the bridesmaid and never the bride".

I did not make this statement when commenting before, but what a remarkably loving, caring and thoughtful boyfriend Matt is proving himself to be, what with the surprise birthday guests he arranged to attend and the gift with the engraved message. Are you sure he is only 18 @Mark Ponyboy Peters? He has also embraced his recently realised sexuality with an acceptance which belies his age and circumstances. This acceptance on his part bodes well for the future of his relationship with Luke, which will no doubt face challenges, particularly from their fathers' if their words of late are a reliable indication of their attitude towards gay men. "I thought I caught the beginnings of a smile on his face, but then, in an instant he was gone." I suspect the smile is an indication that DJ and Hoss may also be gay and in a relationship and will welcome the camaraderie another gay couple will bring to their lives. And those pesky seagulls which annoy so many made their presence felt at the beach. I confess to being annoyed by them at times when at the beach, but when examined from afar they really are a very beautiful looking bird (and I am not a fan of birds, being somewhat afraid of them all). Their "manners" are certainly vastly superior to the "bin chickens" which in recent years seem to have exploded in numbers in urban environments.

A happy and delightful ending to a week that has been anything but. Thank you @Laura S. Fox for adding that cheer. Otis is selfless, kind and loving to a fault. Zeus recognised it straight away and they have bonded immediately. For Hudson, life could not be any better, the two most important men in his life have met and it is as if they have always known each other. For Otis, life has come full circle; his happiness assured from such a simple pleasure, but one so difficult to obtain and retain “You’ve already done that.” Otis cuddled against his chest and pressed his head against it. “I will be happy forever, here with you.”

Your health must come first @John Henry. This chapter was once again very amusing, particularly after Mr Clarke gave up cross-examining any of Billy's witnesses. It is time for Judge Crusty Pants to finish this farce. I have to wonder if Caleb has been picked on by the spawn of one of the flat-earther's who protested outside the court house on the first day. Such parents seem to have no conscience when it comes to using their own children against the children of "the enemy" to further their agenda. I just hope Caleb is not injured as I cannot imagine him actively fighting, especially if attacked by a mindless bully.

I remembered far less of this chapter than chapter 1 @Mark Ponyboy Peters. Just like @Al Norris I had forgotten Chris' father's revelation. He could well be a source of support for Luke and Matt later on, if so, I hope he finds a "love" interest of his own, although it does not sound as if his son would be supportive of this. I recalled both Luke and Matt's fathers being somewhat suspicious of their sons, motivated apparently by gossip on the golf course, proving that gossip is not the sole domain of women. It appears James Bower's father is somewhat mouthy, just like Julie, the mouth from the south. It struck me that Luke's first sexual experience was a very positive one, and with someone he is genuinely attracted to. I wonder how many of us had such a great first time experience? I know I certainly did not, but I have only myself to blame for that.

I just had to read this chapter again @Mark Ponyboy Peters so the story "flows" properly to the newly instated "real" chapter 2. The second reading reinforced that Julie is exactly as Luke described her, a snooty bitch. I envisage she will make trouble if she discovers the real reason Matt is no longer interested in her. I have a sense she is a spiteful nasty young woman who will not take rejection easily, hence the pouting (I had an instant image of one of my ex-sisters-in-law, my least favourite of four, and it was not pleasant). The second reading brought back memories of my Year 12 formal (I hired a burgundy coloured suit - yuck). Suffice to say I had as much interest in girls as I did in cars. I don't think I got my driver's licence until I finished Year 12 and had to be parentally pushed to do say. I used it very little and have not driven a car since January 1985, and have not even once regretted I have zero interest in cars or in driving them. I was a bloody awful driver, with no patience and limited peripheral vision (which has been reduced to zero by a head injury in 2010).

Dare I suggest Stanley's father is the one who needs to be placed into "foster care" @Paladin. His mother does not apparently have an issue with him being gay, just his behaviour of late, which one could attribute to being a teenager and having a father who is from all reports a bully. Perhaps Stanley's mother needs to show her husband the door unless he can change his attitude to his son and tone down the testosterone. Better still, divorce the prick. The hypocrisy of Jason's mother at least was not surprising. Often those who preach sexual abstinence unless in a heterosexual marriage apply a different standard to their own behaviour and if caught beg for God's forgiveness (remember a certain American preacher who is a Pentecostal televangelist who has been busted not once but twice using the services of a prostitute). If Colin and Jason form a lasting relationship perhaps they can move in with Phil into his home. I think such an arrangement would be beneficial for all parties.

I "emerged" into the "gay world" in the mid to late 80's @Al Norris, and lived through and survived the plague that many did not. I believe I had a greater knowledge and appreciation of what those who came before me went through who paved the way to make things a little easier than what younger gay men do, although I suspect this is not restricted to younger gay men only. If you are an "old fuddy-duddy" then I am a slightly less older "fuddy-duddy" as I find I have little patience with millennials and their "me me me" attitude and technology-based condescension.

@weinerdog and @pvtguy captured my thoughts on this chapter beautifully and succinctly. Although elder abuse occurs in the type of care Phil is in, I think he would have been more susceptible to elder abuse had he been in Roger's care, unless Roger's spouse does not agree with his attitude towards Phil. I too think Phil and/or Colin should check to ensure no papers were signed by Phil under duress which may have given Roger access to his bank account(s). There has been much debate in the last two chapters regarding Phil's marriage to Eloise and the fact it was entered into under "false pretences" by Phil. I have to wonder though if Eloise did not have at least some suspicion of Phil's true nature. Unless Phil is lying, it does not appear Eloise bore him any malice for having "deceived" her either. Their relationship appears to have lasted beyond their divorce, particularly if as Phil stated she rang him to disclose her cervical cancer and told him she still loved him. It started out as a friendship and they appear to have similar ideals, so who is to say that post-divorce their relationship did not return to one as it was before marriage. It appears to me Roger needs to pull his head out of his arse, get over his childish behaviour, act like an adult and recognise his parents' relationship for what it was, an enduring friendship. The premise of this story is so relevant in today's world @Ronyx, with people living longer and often being put into "care" by their family members. Your execution of this story to date is unfortunately all too realistic. A master at work again.

Apart from the grotesque description of shooting ducks etc (I am a vegetarian after all @Robert Hugill) I got more laughs in this chapter than any other for quite some time. When Thomas was describing the "castle" and its environs I immediately thought of Four Weddings And A Funeral, and at any moment half-expected little Kristin Scott Thomas, Hugh Grant, James Fleet or Simon Callow to appear, the latter providing a cutting commentary of the aristocrats who may at one time have owned and/or occupied it. Alas it was not to be, with the appearance of "two young women" who"walked past, long blond, expensively glossy, bleached hair, heavy make-up, dresses so short you could almost see tomorrow’s washing". I almost unseated myself from the dining chair laughing at this as I had never heard this maxim before, only being familiar with "dresses so short you could almost see what they had for breakfast", but it only got funnier with Thomas' witty and caustic remark "Welcome to Leeds on holiday!”. I have little knowledge of Leeds, although I do recall At Home With The Braithwaites was set there and was a TV show I found quite amusing, back when I used to watch TV. Poor Leeds, does it deserve such a reputation @Robert Hugill, awash with the nouveau riche and social climbers with all arse and no class? Alison proved herself an amusing travel companion and clearly enjoys taking the piss out of others too. Both she and Thomas helped Keith a little further out of his shell in this chapter, giving him the confidence to experience new things he has not previously been exposed to. This story, much like No Going Back, is another "slow burner" @Robert Hugill, extending its joy beyond the first few chapters, and although quintessentially English in its location, style and characters, has universal appeal. It is a sheer pleasure to read such wonderful stories replete with such likeable characters.

Indeed @Cane23. His siblings may have been poisoned by their toxic viperous bitch and odious uncles, but to actively hate Peter is unforgivable. Perhaps a strategically placed earthquake can take them all out or at least leave them lamenting they were not kinder to Peter (hint hint @Al Norris). Peter is so good and kind he would probably risk his life still to save them from a fire. I would not, I would say "pass me the petrol".

The adoption was a fait accompli (for me at least) after the comments made about Uncle George (and now Dad) visiting the court house in the prior chapter. I have to wonder if Peter's biological father held similar views to his brother George or were his views more aligned to those of his conservative wife Mary. Once again I underestimated what a c..t she is; her "farewell" comment to her son just above her signature testament to how totally undeserving of the word mother she is (unless combined with another word to form a word far less "flattering") and what a worthless person she is. I hope you have something dastardly prepared for her demise @Al Norris or at least something planned which is going to cause unbearable pain and heartbreak. Like the good doctor @drpaladin I strongly suspect Jordan Turner may be funding Dr Danbury's escape from prosecution. Hopefully both will get their comeuppance at the hands of George.