Summerabbacat

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.

It has been brought to Mark's attention @Rarity2 and he is going to attempt to fix it this evening.

Mark is currently posting After We Danced @Mark Ponyboy Peters fans and it is a gem, the first of the Thompson River Tales I think @Marty and @Al Norris.

Obviously Mitch's rimming skills were not as memorable for me as they were for Peter @Al Norris, or maybe my usually good memory has been reduced by too much stress of late.

There would be no "Keeping Up With ..." or the "Real Housewives Of ...." reality TV shows for a start @drpaladin (and I do not and have not ever watched such trash, but I have a good friend, a straight male, who loves such trash and likes to sing their praises). Mitch is either extraordinarily arrogant, insensitive or stupid, or perhaps a combination of all three. If he has managed to bed a number of his fellow teenagers it does not appear that he did so by turning on the charm. Perhaps he is extraordinarily gifted at rimming, which if I recall correctly, he offered to Peter on their one night together. I wonder if Glenn and Dorothy will have a talk with their son. I wonder if Uncle George's visit to the court house may have something to do with formally adopting Peter, thereby granting Peter his wish. Given all the melees Peter has been involved in, albeit through no fault of his own, it may be advantageous for both Peter and Uncle George to formalise an adoption. I assume his former sister-in-law (is this her correct relationship status with George given she is widowed rather than divorced?) would have to surrender parental rights, which she may have already done (I cannot remember if this is the case). Jimmy and Peter will I believe build a strong friendship as they seem to have much in common, apart from one having a great mother and the other a ho. They appear to be well matched intellectually and neither has much experience with the carnal pleasures in life. Another enjoyable chapter @Al Norris. Your characters are well-rounded and interesting.

"Manny held back, and resisted yelling, "No, what?" Rocky obviously didn't get much discipline from his parents. He looked at Manny, confused. "No, I don't want to try for three?" Manny's temper rose another notch. Rather than explode, he used this as a learning opportunity. "When you're basically told, you did something wrong, you need to respond with respect and apologize, so 'no sir, I'm sorry' would have been the proper response." I was pleasantly surprised Manny recognised that Rocky's rudeness is quite possibly due to lack of discipline on the part of his parents. This has been quite apparent from other revelations from both Rocky and Bass, in fact, I think Bass may have alluded to this in an earlier chapter. This combined with the fact that Rocky appears to be a very intelligent boy, has not necessarily done him any favours as far as social interactions with other people, more particularly adults. I get the impression that Rocky has had little to do with other children, apart from fellow school children. I was pleased Bass' cock was not in proportion with to extraordinary height. I thought he may have a gargantuan appendage ala John Holmes or Chad Douglas. I recall my first sexual encounter was with a heterosexual policeman who was 201cm tall to my 173cm. His height may have been impressive, but the rest of him, both physically and emotionally, was very much less so. Suffice to say it did not result in a repeat encounter (mostly because he was a liar and a thoroughly unpleasant person). I am enjoying the character development in this story very much @Lee Wilson.

You are clever wordsmith @Robert Hugill, such that sometimes I think you are having an “each way bet” in the description of cast characteristics. “Both women, Suki and Valentina, were a certain age, well preserved glamour. Suki was very stylish, simple shift-dress, heels to die for, little make-up. Valentina had a halo of fluffy dark hair and was all rich flowing fabrics and bangles; but all very expensive.” At first I thought this comment from Vaughan was very bitchy and I found it very amusing. I assumed he was commenting on how obsessed Suki and Valentina were with appearances and how shallow they were. Subsequent comments about Suki though made me think that perhaps it was genuine admiration Vaughan expressed, for Suki at least (nowhere near as amusing if it was genuine admiration though). “A dinner lecture series, people come, mingle with a drink, there is a talk by an expert then dinner, at some exclusive venues with good food.” She stared at me. “These are not adult education classes; my friends expect experts in their field who can be entertaining. The events are exclusive”, the second time she had used the word, “and not cheap. But all profits go to charity.” This observation by Vaughan had to be a comment on Suki’s shallowness though surely. Mae shrugged, “She is canny too. And all the money goes to Francis Heyward’s pet charity.” I got very excited when I initially when read this, and my opinion of Francis Heyward increased significantly. Alas I soon realised the “pet” charity was not a charity with the aim of rescuing and rehabilitating abandoned and abused domestic “pets”, it was a favoured charity, at least I think this is what it likely meant. I have liked Dante from the get-go, but it has taken me longer to warm to Vaughan. I think in this chapter he showed he takes himself far less seriously than what I first thought. I don’t think he necessarily is the pretentious art-snob that I first thought he was.

I remember the bone-handled cutlery as my grandmother had it too. Grotesque when one thinks of it now as I vaguely recall the handles may have been made from ivory. Thank you for your kindness.

Keith and Thomas continue to delight. Keith's naïveté and propensity to be easily shocked and embarrassed is charming. I admire both he and Thomas for disclosing their "sparse" experience in the ways of gay sex and for not being embarrassed or ashamed of this. I recall as a younger man when I was more inclined to go clubbing "on the scene" many judged you harshly if you were not out fucking someone different frequently, just as they judged you harshly if you were not well muscled, with a perfect tan, perfect skin and teeth, and very butch. I was none of these things. It appears Gran may have known far more about young Keith than what she let on, and equally that what she did know did not change her love for him. No wonder he treasures her so, the one person from his young life who was worthy of his affection. Sheffield, formerly well known in Australia for making knives and quality cutlery if my memory serves me correctly, and the origin of two of my favourite bands from the 1980's, ABC (fantastic band) and The Human League (loved them too, but not quite as much as ABC). A delightful chapter once again @Robert Hugill, one which I sorely needed after a particularly sad day. Thank you.

You have been in fine form of late @weinerdog with a number of humorous comments on other works too. Perhaps calling someone the "town bike" has its origins in the UK or Australia @Paladin. I have certainly heard this expression on many an occasion and can remember it being used in such a scenario in my teen years in the late 70's. I am feeling somewhat "left out" @Lee Wilson with all the references to "hiding the salami" or "hiding the sausage". As a long-term vegetarian I demand "equal rights". I guess I will have to be satisfied with "hide the zucchini" or "hide the cucumber". I am warming towards Manny and more particularly Rocky with each chapter. I found Rocky's statement to Manny "Mom used to say stuff like that to Dad all the time. He liked men and women. Mom didn't want him 'fucking the whole Elk's club." hilarious.

I finished Year 12 in 1981 too @Mark Ponyboy Peters. I did not realise Matt and Luke had come so far south from the Gold Coast. I grew up in Taree and have been to Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour many times in my formative years as my maternal grandparents lived at Macksville (a town I have very fond memories of because of my beloved grandparents who are now long-deceased) and we often met them at Port Macquarie for the day or holidayed with them and visited Coffs Harbour. I have never liked Port Macquarie, but do like Coffs Harbour, although I have not been to either for many years. I have also been to Lake Cathie, but cannot remember a thing about it.

The journey into adulthood for "the boys" has begun in earnest and had me feeling very nostalgic with just a touch of melancholy. I went to "schoolies" at the end of high school (back in the early 80's) although it was not a "thing" then like it is now. I have returned to the Gold Coast many times since, particularly in the mid to late 90's, but have not ventured there since 1999. It is certainly very commercialised, but I still love it. The description of the far north coast and all its attractions was spot on. I have often tried to work out if Thompsonville and Macquarie Harbour are based on an actual town, but have never been able to do so. I don't remember many of the towns off the highway, apart from Murwillumbah or is it Mullumbimby? I have fond memories of Lennox Head, Casuarina, Brunswick Heads and Woodburn. I had forgotten about Tim and Guy, who have their "own story" which I have read and enjoyed too @Mark Ponyboy Peters (I think perhaps on Crvboy). I see a firm friendship forming between the four, who as Luke stated, have much in common. Delightful chapter @Mark Ponyboy Peters. I have read it in my home in wet (very bloody wet) and cold Sydney. For just a few moments I almost got the much loved smell of the salt air and a personal favourite, the Tropical Blend Coconut Oil Suntan Lotion (only SPF 4 please), and I could almost taste a piece of flathead cooked on the spot with chips at The Spit at Southport. Such simple pleasures, which bring delight many years later when reminiscing, although I would no longer eat the flathead, but the hot chips, bloody delicious.

An exceptionally well written story from the pen of @J92. The two protagonists are facing very difficult challenges in their life, and to disclose what they are would spoil the journey you will undertake if you read this story. Suffice to say they both overcome some truly terrible setbacks, but triumph because of the friendship each finds with the other.

Ditto @J92. Beautifully and sensitively written story. Your "handling" of Thomas' transition and the "fallout" from it, whilst a challenging read, had a ring of authenticity. And your "handling" of Zack's cancer was exceptionally well written.

Zack's revelation was not entirely a surprise. Did he find the courage to declare his real feelings because the feelings of possible loss of Thomas overwhelmed him? Perhaps it was the catalyst; whatever the motivation, they will both derive much from the revelation. I hope Adam's parents are also at least questioned about his assault on Thomas. If they knew about it and instigated or encouraged it they should be locked up too and the key thrown away. Disgusting human parasites.

The scene in the field was very confronting @J92. It had the hallmarks of the Ku Klux Klan and it made me think of what Matthew Shepard must have suffered at the hands of his killers. And @drsawzall's comment is just so pertinent in scenarios such as this. Unfortunately when dealing with persons such as this they will always justify their abhorrent behaviour with a statement to the effect that they are "obeying God's will". Completely delusional and dishonest. ''You are the most selfish asshole I’ve ever met,’ yells Adam, pointing at him. ‘Mom had a nervous breakdown because of you.’ No Adam, if your mother had a nervous breakdown it is because her heart is a toxic waste dump of hatred and she is as delusional as the rest of her poisonous family, apart from Thomas. I sense a shift in the dynamic of the relationship between Thomas and Zack. Maybe Zack has been holding back his real feelings, perhaps with a desire to protect them both.

Adam and presumably his parents are clearly deranged. One thing which puzzles me greatly is that although they refuse to accept Sophie identifies as Thomas and has had gender reassignment surgery, they are "happy", conveniently so it apepars, to treat Sophie as if she were male by beating the crap out of her. Either this, or they do not have an issue with men inflicting violence in men generally. I have never worked in private enterprise so perhaps it is a common practice that an employer has in place restrictions on employees having inter-office relationships. Whist I can understand such an arrangement perhaps being desirable, surely it must break employment laws. I am almost certain in Australia this would not be legally acceptable and many would find it an invasion of an employees private life. I am so enjoying this story @J92. It is very well written and has raised a number of issues with which I am not familiar or had no experience.

Forget Katy Perry, forget Pink, return to Dusty, Thomas. Plunder the Springfield catalogue to reveal your true feelings to Zack. There are so many to choose from. Reiterate I Only Want To Be With You, don't just dance it, prove it. Beg him for Some Of Your Lovin'.

Well it was downhill all the way for Thomas in this chapter. After the musical delights of Dusty Springfield accompanied an evening with Zack in this chapter it was Katy Perry accompanying the work colleagues for a night of "shots". What a comparison. NOT. Once again @drsawzall has given you sage advice Thomas so FFS follow it.

Another musical interlude for Zack and Thomas and what an interlude, Dusty Springfield. I have a few words of advice for you Thomas. Stay Awhile with Zack, Wishin' and Hopin' that he'll give you The Look Of Love. Then ask yourself In Private, What Have I Done To Deserve This?

I realise the reason for this hearing is a very serious matter, but this chapter was hilarious @John Henry. Billy demolished Calvin, continually backing him into a corner with consummate ease. “Hardly, Your Honor,” Billy said. He looked to the back of the courtroom and waved. An older, Hispanic man stood and opened the courtroom door then waved into the hall. Within a minute about 20 women walked into the courtroom. “What's the meaning of this Mr. Parker?” Judge Arthur demanded. “My witnesses, Your Honor. Every single one of these women were former partners of Mr. Johnson, including Ms. Debra Jackson. They're prepared to testify against Mr. Johnson and the lies he told every single one of them regarding the details of this case.” I almost fell off my chair laughing, particularly at the image of 20 women walking into Court to testify against Calvin. Whatever he has going for him that he has been able to con at least 20 women into finding him attractive must be well hidden. He must have a magic 👅, because he is rarely gainfully employed, apparently has less than satisfactory personal hygiene and does not possess a sparkling wit or ability to charm with either words of sincerity or insincerity. My absolute favourite line or thought in this chapter though was "Calvin's face turn from red to white at the sight of some of his ex-girlfriends. Diego looked over and saw the look of hate on Ashley's face, who seemed to be greatly upset at the revelations in Calvin's testimony. Seeing how upset she was made him feel bad that she was yet another victim of Calvin's...but then he remembered that she lied for Calvin on the stand to make Bryan seem like a bad kid, who was willing to harm him is little brother, and thought, fuck that bitch!" Way to go Diego. Teach "Mrs Johnson" a lesson. Don't fuck with "the babysitter" bitch. LOL.

Agreed. Zack must have married Billy when he was 18, which is awfully young to have done so. It is no wonder the marriage did not last, in fact, I am surprised it lasted until the 7 year itch had to be scratched repeatedly. Dancing In The Dark. A blast from the past. I am not a Springsteen fan, but I do have the album and enjoy it all. I have enjoyed his more mellow works, including works with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt. No sign of Adam in this chapter.

Maybe its set in Texas or Alabamy @drsawzall. After all, mamma does not leave the house apparently as the neighbours are whispering. I would think she would have a firearm to take care of those pesky neighbours and their uncharitable whispers. After all what good is a cache of weapons if you can't use them. You are soooo suspicious. And so am I. My immediate thoughts were exactly the same. Billy wants brass.

The undertakers and a hearse would be better. And that goes for Thomas' parents too if they are stirring up trouble as well. Obviously their own lives are so dull and unhappy that they have to try to make Thomas miserable to give their life purpose. What a tiresome little nuclear family they must be. Staunch Republican voters living a Christian life with the fear of God guiding their way. Completely fucking delusional.