Summerabbacat

I had wondered if her behaviour had changed so radically @Paladin and your first sentence above suggests she has not. The second sentence sounds ominous; I am speculating all kinds of horror stories for Ollie, but shall be patient and wait for all to be revealed by you. The most important thing for Ollie is that he has been removed from her care, and I use the word carver loosely as it appears that was little care on her part for anyone other than herself. I have to wonder if she was somehow involved with the drug dealer whom her husband was mistakenly killed for.

Perhaps I am naive @Robert Hugill, but if I were Dan and/or Vaughan I would be more concerned about possible financial malfeasance on the part of Heyward than any sexual malfeasance. There does not appear to be any suggestion(s) from any sources as yet that there has been any sexual coercion or underage participants involved in orgies or any other bacchanalian delights, but there have been questions raised regarding financial impropriety or financial difficulties on his part. I cannot get my head around going commando whilst wearing a tailor-made expensive suit. I am merely thinking of bodily functions and secretions which could potentially leave a stain if one had any kind of "mishap". Wearing underwear can lessen the "effects" of a "mishap" if nothing else. Anyroad - I had forgotten this particular colloquialism which I think I first encountered in Brian:Taking Courage. It is a rather quaint word, much like anywho.

So Ollie's mother is still angry with him that he allowed himself, a young teen, to be raped and beaten by her boyfriend. Reality check needed for Mum and soon; you are either incredibly naive or totally unfit to be Ollie's mother. Either way, you should never be given custody of your son again until you wake up to yourself. No excuses bitch. I hope Chris' work for the American's does not come back to bite him on the arse. It appears having David in his corner is going to be invaluable, particularly if there is any trouble with ASIO. Should Andre disclose to his parents his ordeal or not. I think I raised the same points as Skye in a prior chapter's comments (I cannot believe it, Skye and I agreeing on something, what is the world coming to). I am trying to recall if Andre is already aware of Chris and Beau's sexual trysts. I thought he was already aware, but in this chapter Chris stated “When I heard Andre disclosing tonight, I thought we should tell him, you know, about us" indicating this is not the case. Clearly my recollections are not as good as I thought. Whilst I liked the story of Chris and Beau @Paladin, I must state I think this story of Chris and Andre is infinitely better.

@Lee Wilson I also interpreted this comment to mean Liam was only gay for Mike, although it could also mean he was only gay for Mike thus far i.e. his same sex attraction may have only just manifested itself. I think Liam was pissed off because he wanted to hate Mike, thereby justifying the anger he felt towards his parents for thrusting a stranger intimately into his life without bothering to consult him. Is Liam jealous of the twins and the treatment they receive from their parents, is he annoyed by their exuberance or is it something more sinister?

I have never seen this TV show @Anton_Cloche as I don't watch TV at all, but I have to say I think as this character Dan Levy is smoking hot (and he looks hot as just himself too).

Clearly Charlie's research skills are vastly superior to those of Mr Clarke. He uncovered some major dirt on Crustypants, which Billy used to his advantage. Crusty has a penchant for blowing underage rent boys and being verbally humiliated by them because he really does have a small dick. The human ashtray fleshlight aka Mrs Amanda Johnson lied under oath when she stated it was something Bryan was wearing which caused Caleb's asthma attack. I assume the two rebuttal witnesses are Bryan and Caleb and the evidence may be a report from Caleb's paediatrician attesting to the fact that cigarette smoke aggravates his asthma. If I recall correctly Steve also videoed this incident on his phone. Mandy (a much more suitable name for this brain-dead, unitard-wearing ho) paid for Calvin's plane ticket for him to return to town (somewhere in Georgia, FloRida, Texas or Alabamy perhaps), and I dare say has paid for many other things since. I would like to be able to sympathise with her (actually I lie, just like Mandy herself) because I am certain Calvin is merely playing her, but she is such an objectionable and self-righteous bigot that she deserves what she will ultimately receive in abundance, NOTHING YOU DUMB C..T (except hopefully some jail time for perjury, where her skeletal frame will not sustain Big Momma's sapphic lust). Absolutely marvellous chapter @John Henry. I know the matter being argued is very serious, particularly for the sake of Bryan and Caleb, but I just had to choose the haha emoticon, primarily because of Billy's behaviour. Crustypants, Clarke and Mandy are playing into his hands and I am so going to enjoy seeing all three in deep shit as this farce continues.

Whilst I like Caroline, I do think she was just a little too inquisitive, particularly her question about Keith ever having a relationship with a woman again. Keith's response to her questioning seemed to please her, so I suspect her motives are genuine in that she is "fishing" to ensure Thomas is not going to be hurt. I get the impression she cares greatly for Thomas, whose relationship with his father appears to have been distant and fractured, although at least without the violence which plagued Keith's relationship with his father. Another of your wonderful physical descriptions @Robert Hugill. This time it was Isobel Bonner's turn. "She was a grey-haired woman, perhaps in her early 70s, tall and rather handsome with a very brisk manner. .... Rather proper, capable, and brusque, she seemed hardly the sort of person to be interested in art made from bits of plastic and Meccano. " I liked the description of Michael Atkinson's "artwork" too.

Or by Kathleen Turner as Beverly Sutphin whilst singing along to Barry Manilow's Daybreak.

I have suspected Uncle George is gay since chapter 1, and the frank advice he gave the boys in this chapter regarding the "less glamorous" aspects of gay sex have all but confirmed my suspicions. Said bus to be driven @drsawzallby Mary Wickes aka Sister Mary Lazarus or maybe just driven by Mary Wickes playing Mary Wickes (she was hilarious in the Doris Day/Gordon McRae films On Moonlight Bay and By The Light Of The Silvery Moon). It certainly appears Carl's family (likely Carl's father) has influence he has used to ensure Carl's "punishment" for his hate crime was laughable. With a little luck Larry Lundquist (love the alliteration @Al Norris) may be able to exert some influence of his own. The smell of corruption is not quite a stench, but there is certainly an odour in the air with both the police and the school principal treating Peter with indifference at best and homophobic contempt at worst. Methinks the "old boys" network and/or religious bigotry have raised their ugly heads yet again in Flat Earth Central. And what about Mary? What a c..t. I did not realise the extent of the boulder which killed Peter's father @Al Norris. I recall I read the chapter late at night or in the early hours of the next morning, so likely did not appreciate it. I recall realising he must have been disfigured and was appalled Mary made Peter view his body in the open casket, but a 15 ton boulder. I am surprised he was not just liquid with some shards of bone. Mary is despicable. I am a vengeful bitch @Al Norris so I sincerely hope you have a dreadful incident ready for Mary, one which will not end her without significant, long-lasting suffering.

A delightful chapter @Arch Hunter with Liam leaving no doubt he is at least same-sex attracted, if not gay (although seemingly there is still some lingering doubt in Mike's mind). Michael's apparently uncharacteristic behaviour and/or appearance resonated with me "Her husband follows closely. It’s been just a few days, but he looks differently. He clearly hasn’t shaved in a few days and his brand new baseball cap makes him look like he’s come from vacation, not a business trip". My suspicious mind immediately concluded he is having a mid-life crisis. Is the new look in lieu of, or in addition to, buying a Ferrari and acquiring a 21 year old millennial princess as his new plaything. If so, the Ferrari will ultimately cost him less financially, emotionally and time wise than a 21 year old millennial princess. Brody and Patrick are certainly a handful. I almost had a headache just reading of their hyperactivity and loudness, although given the dinner conversation, apparently loudness runs in the family. Thankfully, my immediate family are all feline and although on occasion "talkative", for the most part they are relatively tame and quiet, leaving me to enjoy my music loud. The family name - Cooper, Stone or Moore. Mike's mother's name has to be a little less commonplace as the rest of the cast, except for Brody, have relatively popular names. I think Eugenia or if a popular name it must be, then Susan.

As a teenager I was NOT a fan of Bob Seger, but as I have aged I have come to appreciate some of his more popular songs and particularly like Against The Wind. Knowing the lyrics of the song I think it a most apt choice to signify Phil's melancholic mood early in the chapter. Colin's ignorance of the devastation caused by AIDS, particularly to gay men in the 1980's and 1990's surprised me greatly, but when I stopped to think about it rationally, I can perhaps understand his ignorance as it is not the death sentence it once was and has lost much of the hysteria associated with it. The 1980's and 1990's were confronting times, watching people you knew, even if only by sight from going clubbing, waste away. "I looked over at the window and saw the emaciated face of Dwight. I had to blink away tears." A powerful and moving reminder of those times @Ronyx. And Colin's ignorance of the cause of Freddie Mercury's death also surprised, particularly when he said he was a fan of Queen. I guess given Freddie died before Colin was even born perhaps explains this. Colin's reverent recount of the times spent with his beloved grandfather was so beautifully and sensitively written @Ronyx. Shades of Mr Wilbur again (he is such a memorable character for me; compassionate, caring, loveable with a streak of the larrikin thrown in for good measure). The feedback for this story is overwhelming positive @Ronyx, feedback which I wholeheartedly endorse. You are onto a real winner with this warm, inviting, humorous and intriguing story.

You have certainly known some interesting characters in your time. I have known a number of bitchy Ron types. Several spring to mind whom I was very good friends with many years ago. Suffice to say as I got older I refused to accept their rudeness and arrogance any longer and have not seen or heard from them for a long time (and don't miss them either).

A chapter rich with interesting and in some cases, bitchy characters. Those physical descriptions you write so well were to the fore again @Robert Hugill. "By contrast, Martin had bulked up and was alarmingly like Mr Pickwick (luckily Dickens was his favourite author)", such a delicate description in lieu of "he was a fat porker". With just a few words of their physical appearance and/or attire I had a vivid image of most of those who made a guest appearance (for now anyway) in this chapter. The artwork exhibited by The Donald Mitchell (how delightfully pretentious) and Mirko sounded interesting. I am not one who appreciates great works of art at all and have rarely been to an art gallery in my life. I do like the photography of Robert Mapplethorpe, including his photographs of flowers. I saw an exhibition in the 80's or 90's and wondered why some people were so offended, although the fisting may have been a bit much for some (don't go and look at it if it so offends you), and like Andy Warhol's pop-art (I love the "Marilyn's"). Vaughan and Dan are embracing "coupledom" with such apparent ease and obvious enjoyment. You have once again created protagonists who are interesting, intriguing and immensely likeable @Robert Hugill. I really warmed to Vaughan in this chapter because he revealed a little more of his beliefs and has quite the sense of humour.

OMG all those Tim Tams and Coke consumed by Tyron and Bradley. Clearly neither has a problem with the scourge of many teens (and was certainly the scourge of my teenage years), acne. I know it is very un-Australian @Paladin I have never cared for Tim Tams. Now Mint Slice, they are a whole different kettle of fish. I rarely each such food now, but still enjoy chocolate with 95% dark chocolate my guilty pleasure. And as for that enormous breakfast eaten by Chris, Andre and Jamie, suffice to say I am vegetarian. A very light chapter, possibly before heavier chapters involving the trial of Ollie and Andre's rapist. I hope there is no confrontation between Ollie and his mother. If she dares to harass or blame him in person I hope she quickly finds herself persona non grata.

And how neglectful was I not to my mention, the most profound, the most moving, the most joyous paragraph you have perhaps ever written @James Carnarvon: “And you’re Marco Fardello,” he replied. “You help people without expecting anything in return, but when something’s not right, you burn. Around your friends, you’ve always felt like the odd one out… you’ve never thought anyone could really like you. But…” He leaned closer to whisper into Marco’s ear. “you’re way hotter than you think you are.” 😭😭😭😭😭😭💖💖💖💖💖💖

A return trip to Ravello is a welcome delight at any time of the year, but for this reader at least a return trip in the height of summer is when Ravello presents its most glorious self. From the avenue of oleanders to the scraping of my beloved cicadas, the lemons, the olives and the grape vines, the sparkling water off the Amalfi coast and the scorching midday sun, sheer perfection, and @James Carnarvon describes all with such reverence I can visualise myself there, enjoying these Ravelloesque delights. This story is somewhat darker than James' usual fare, but let it be said, his writing style is NOT reminiscent of a soap opera. Many of the reader favourites return, with the addition of three new characters who are integral to this latest work, all three of whom have had anything but happy childhoods. The highlight of this latest work for me was the growth, the extraordinary growth of Marco, my favourite "Carnarvon creation". Like Ravello itself, it was the "little mouse's" turn to shine, and shine he does. And finally on a very personal note, I have found James' stories of great comfort over the course of the last three years, through some very sad times. The joy his stories bring delight many, and it is the delight of these stories and the sharing of comments by his faithful readers, which have brought joy to me on many an occasion when sadness threatened to overwhelm.

Another entertaining and enlightening chapter @Al Norris. Unfortunately I was not surprised at the "punishment" meted out to Carl by the police. It hardly seems worth the effort of Patrolman Stoner to interview Peter for his side of the story. Unless Patrolman Stoner carries some weight, and given his position I think it unlikely, the visit is merely an exercise in formality, so that whomever is in charge can "tick the box" to declare both parties in the "disagreement" had been interviewed. My favourite part of this chapter was when Uncle George drop all pretence of civility and stated exactly what he thought of Peter's mother "The fact is, I’ve been waiting for something like this to happen ever since you got here. You’ve lived for eight years with that monster, never shedding a tear." Well said Uncle George, accurate and succinct.

I like the slow burn.

I have a strong sense of deja vu writing these comments @James Carnarvon, although I cannot remember which story it was or to whom the sentiments applied. I did not expect to be moved by Elisabetta's passing at all, but lo and behold you have done it again, moved the immovable, softened this hardened heart. With just a few well placed words you managed to have me in tears for Elisabetta of all people: "A flight of swifts darted shrilly by, drawing Marco’s eyes to the sky for a moment. As he stared up into the fierce summer blue, he wondered at the absence of Elisabetta and Giorgio’s parents, who were apparently too enmeshed in the consequences of their wrongdoing even to make their daughter’s funeral. Or maybe they just never gave a crap…". This summed up her life I guess. My sense of profound sadness for her was quickly replaced with anger at her parents, particularly her mother. Her husband very well may rule and subjugate her, but could she not just this once defy him to attend her daughter's funeral. Seemingly she is like Gemma, Marco's mother, unwilling to take a stand for the child she bore. Marco more than any of your other characters has developed exponentially. He is indeed my favourite. I just adore him, and with each chapter in this book that adoration became stronger. His gentle and caring nature in this book for some reason made me think more than once of Kofi Annan, a man whom I greatly admired, a man with a gentle voice and seemingly an innate kindness. Little mouse, little Kofi. This chapter was everything that is appealing, entertaining, enjoyable, enthralling and enriching in your writing @James Carnarvon. This chapter was worthy of not just 3 or 4 Kate Bush comparisons, but 5 Kate Bush comparisons (but I still don't like bloody Sami).

@Robert Hugill your physical descriptions of your characters always bring a smile to my face, primarily because they are invariably so politely euphemistic. In this chapter, I found myself giggling madly at the description of Caroline, whose hairdo at least resembles that of my stepmother "Caroline by contrast was small and dark, almost bird-like with her dark hair in a sort of pudding-basin haircut which seemed more to indicate practicality than glamour." You are so kind. Nate's physique was also described with great kindness "Nate was tall, slim to almost gaunt, with what looked like a habitual stoop as if he spent his life bending to avoid low beams (perhaps he did). He had reddish-brown hair, which was more than thinning on top, what was left was rather wayward, and, perhaps inevitably, he wore a pair of glasses." I also found the images of the "catmosphere" hilarious and very familiar. I who live with 3 cats, which has dwindled from 6 since mid 2021, was surprised the cats don't appear to have the run of the entire house. I live in an apartment and only 1 room has a door which can be closed to prevent the cats from entering, and of course it is the bathroom/laundry where their litter trays are stationed. Before having cats I was obsessive and spent a huge amount of time cleaning. Now not so much. Even if I vacuumed every day there would still be fur on the floors, the bed, the kitchen bench tops, any flat surface in fact. And I would not have it any other way. Of your stories published on GA to date, I think Keith and Thomas are the "slowest" to reveal themselves and to "cement" their relationship, which given their past experiences in life is apropos. With the passing of each chapter I find myself becoming more intrigued by each, wanting to know more of their past, and investing hope for their future together. I find both immensely likeable and your writing of them very sympathetic. Once again well done with character development, one of your greatest skills.

This story was the introduction for readers to the talents of @Robert Hugill, and what prodigious talents he possesses. The "cast" is not large and most of them, apart from Russ Khan, are ordinary people living ordinary lives. If that sounds boring, well nothing could be further from the truth. Robert's characters for the most part are likeable and without artifice. The relationships they establish, and in some cases disestablish, are believable and very well written. As noted by Robert in his précis of the story, there is some idiomatic language to be found when reading this story, which I invariably found amusing, charming and quintessentially English, and which adds further lustre to a very impressive literary "debut" (at least on this site). Highly recommended if you like stories which are well written, character driven, and laced with healthy doses of humour and repartee. A true 5 star experience.

Ashley aka FC (Fleshlight Chimney) aka CC (Cancerous C..t) is I imagine a CC (cash cow) for now at least. If Calvin is working for minimum wage in a fast food establishment then who paid for the fancy car and the lunches at the all? FC of course. She sounds desperate enough to believe the bullshit Calvin is feeding her @weinerdog. Methinks she is likely clueless. Mmmmmm, why has Calvin Sr suddenly appeared in the story. I wonder if he is a man of some wealth, or Calvin Jr believes he is a man of some wealth whom he knows to be dying from liver cancer, lung cancer or something akin, and Calvin Jr believes he is in line to inherit the lot. Perhaps Calvin Sr has reached out to Calvin Jr and wants to play "happy families ", including his grandchildren, before he kicks the bucket. Perhaps he has hinted that Calvin Jr's inheritance is dependant on the reunification of the family. But, I like your speculation better @weinerdog. He testifies in court that his son is an unfit person to be a parent to anyone and it has a decisive impact on Crustypants decision. Another enlightening and entertaining chapter @John Henry. FC smoking in the car should have meant an immediate cancellation of visitation with Bryan and Caleb regardless of Caleb's asthma. What a wonderful parent Calvin is exposing his asthmatic son to second hand smoke and then lung-damaging cold air so that the car can be rid of the toxic smoke from his cock-sock.

Perfectly said.

I will no doubt present as heartless, but I am glad there was Bonnie without Clyde, Thelma without Louise. Elisabetta had one redeeming quality in that she protected Giorgio from the worst of their father's beatings, but in the end her selfishness will haunt him for a long time to come. Her words to him left him her executioner, hopefully he will come to realise she was not his responsibility and it was her decision to die. She was as some have written "doomed" from the start, but she still had choices and made the choice to end her life. Her Uncle Maurizio showed her kindness and she threw it in his face. I feel sad for those she has left behind who for one reason or another still saw something of good in her, but for Elisabetta herself I feel no sadness. I have to agree with you @James Carnarvon regarding Marco, but I will go even further and state if Marco had not gone to fetch Luca it very well may have been Bonnie and Clyde and Thelma and Louise. Cosmo will no doubt suffer greatly from Elisabetta's death, but ultimately it may be a blessing for him. He will now have a chance to make something of his life, without the constant negativity of Elisabetta to bring him down. As others have stated this was an exceptionally well written chapter James. Full of suspense; one was not quite sure until the very end that it would not end well for Elisabetta, or perhaps it did.

@mikedup is so right in the comments he made on this and the prior chapter. Carl is as dumb as a post. He assaults Peter in clear sight of the whole team, not all of whom are intimated by him. The size of his brain is in direct contrast to the size of his ego and his mouth. It is no excuse, but I have to wonder if he is parroting the beliefs and behaviours of his family, particularly his father. What's the bet daddy is a raging homophobe who spends his time drinkin' 'n' huntin' with other similarly-minded neanderthals. "Perfect" specimens for retrospective abortions. Coach seems to be a fair-minded man and I doubt he will have Carl on the team, particularly as his ability is apparently not as he, Carl, believes it to be. He may find himself sidelined by Coach and the rest of the team, which will likely fuel his hatred of Peter even more. It is good Peter has found a kindred spirit in Mitchell. I just hope Mitchell does not become the target of Carl and his goons now too. And I have to wonder if perhaps Uncle George is not at least 100% straight. I hope more is revealed of his life as the story progresses @Al Norris. I also hope we have not seen the last of Mary. I want to know what has become of her now her slave has departed the family home. I am hopeful life has turned very sour for her. Long may she suffer and regret. Terrific story-telling @Al Norris. Although the plot thus far is not a unique one, you have certainly added enough of your own style to make the reading entertaining, enjoyable and at times enraging (Mary and Carl take the prize for the most heinous characters thus far).