Summerabbacat

I usually abhor violence, but I so want to see Audrey body slam Zoey, Gloria king hit Margaret and Julian throw Jillian through a table literally. I am in total agreement, the doctor's diagnosis of Jillian's disorder is just a fancy name and excuse for her being a total bitch. Perhaps she and her equally cuntish mother deserve each other. I hope Diego's statement regarding Julian was a genuine reflection of how he now feels. If genuine, then he has finally realised that his macho bullshit attitude was what made him boring, more than anything else. Ironic how he recognised the white trash who harassed Lance and yet his own behaviour was to certain extent only marginally better.

What a refreshing teenager Toby is. He is able to "live" without a mobile phone, social media, video games and music "sung" by BJ featuring Cumbucket, Motherfucker, Piggybottom and Da Fat Ho. Russ has previously commented on how much he enjoys Toby's company and it seems he won a new admirer with Arman. I had a great chuckle when Russ expressed his horror at the state of the accommodation. I am a spoilt precious princess myself when it comes to travel accommodation (although it has been many years since I travelled anywhere). I would never contemplate roughing it, even if it meant having sex with the hottest man on two legs. More delights from your deep well of imagination @Robert Hugill

Some great comments made by other readers on this chapter @AusGlitterati. I realise the story is complete so any "suggestions" I have to resolve various problems for the protagonists are a moot point, nevertheless I will make them: Zoey, Rachel and Jillian join forces to ruin Diego after Rachel learns of his "dalliances" with Sean; a subsequent car accident is fatal for two of them (Jillian may only be a child but she is a psychopathic monster); the surviving passenger is kidnapped by aliens (ala Fallon Carrington in Dynasty) and taken to another planet where she is never seen or heard from again, much to the horror and misery of the kidnappers Lance's parents move to the USA with Zander leaving behind the odious Lola and Nicky to a life of "chavery"; Zander becomes good friends with Julian which helps Diego to learn to like/respect Lance a little more Lance meets a non-Republican gay man of Cuban descent who is besotted with him and not at all troubled by his apparent femininity Gloria's ovaries experience a pre-menopausal "recalibration" and she becomes pregnant and gives birth to twins; she subsequently meets a very attractive 40 something gever and settles down to a life of domestic bliss with lots of hot shtuping Sean cannot decide between Ollie and Diego and because they both like each other too the three decide a throuple is the way to go Diego's sister returns to his life and is immediately attracted to Audrey; the attraction becomes mutual when Audrey realises that cock is not all that it is cracked to be

It is time for Zoey to pay big time. A hit man is well deserved, but then she would suffer only briefly. Bitch needs to suffer for loooooooonnnnnngggggggg time. Maybe Gloria can her rough her up a little bit too. I am liking Audrey more and more each time she makes an appearance. If nothing else, she is a good judge of character as she detests both Zoey and Rachel. She is seemingly not a leach like Zoey either. Lance is selfless and I think may become a great role model for Julian. Very well written chapter @AusGlitterati.

What a motley bunch of characters fill the landscape of this story. Like several others have commented, Diego is becoming somewhat tiresome in his continual harassment of Lance. Lance is a "flamer" certainly, but so what. Diego needs to get over himself and at least be civil to Lance (I must reiterate though, the red hair would be a challenge to me too). Diego also needs to stop prick-teasing Sean, particularly given he is the one who backstabbed Sean to become the champion (or whatever the wresting equivalent is). I am sure Sean will eventually become aware it was Diego and not Lance who stabbed him in the back, and I imagine the fall out will not be pretty. Hopefully Ollie will be well enough to return to wrestling soon and Sean will get over his little crush on Diego because Diego is not worth fucking up a relationship over. Diego also needs to make up his mind about Rachel. Frankly I don't know why he bothers, she is vile, but then he is not exactly Mr Nice Guy either, although I cannot but help still being fond of him. And he needs to tell Zoey to fuck off and get a job, lazy ho should not be relying upon him solely to support those twin brats. Perhaps you could arrange for Audrey and Zoey to have a wrestle that is not a fake @AusGlitterati, one where Audrey knocks the bejesus out of Zoey. No wonder Jillian is such a monster, her mother is a prize see you next Tuesday. Wonderful character development @AusGlitterati.

Or Elvis.

I am somewhat flight-challenged (read terrified of flying) and am prone to vertigo, so there is no fucking way I would ever go on some crappy flight to save money. I think Owain was very wise to insist on the more expensive flight given his recent bout of ill-health again, just as I think Colin was very mature to acknowledge Owain's insistence on the more expensive flight was ultimately the more comfortable and suitable option for their travel. Their mutual respect is something which continues to strengthen their relationship. And on this occasion they were "up with the lark" rather than "up at sparrow fart". I still think the latter is the more evocative @Robert Hugill, perhaps because it is the one with which I am very familiar. The weekend away in Oslo had much to appeal to both parties and both were prepared to compromise to satisfy the other. What a joy to witness their growing relationship. I am on the see-saw again @Robert Hugill in having a preference for this story or the equally entertaining and impressive Brian: Taking Courage. Is it coincidental that in both stories the protagonists are presently holidaying abroad?

OMG @AusGlitterati how desperate is Diego for female attention. Marisol, Zoey and Rachel, the adult axis of evil, and Jillian, Jillian, Jillian, the spawn of Satan and the child axis of evil. I am not fond of children at the best of times, but Jillian is a monster. The only "sympathy" I have for Rachel is when she is "forced" to endure Jillian and the significantly less, but still annoying Julian. If I was Rachel I would refuse to ever be in their presence. Lance is the epitome of defiance and resolve, qualities which have carried him to this point in life. I was shocked by his revelation of his younger self's worship of Diego. He is becoming more likeable with each chapter (except for the red hair, I have a "thing" with red hair, my hang up yes). Diego's homophobia is deep-rooted, but is it just because of the banishment of his beloved sister, Luiza, from the family home?

You painted the melancholy of Lance and Sean missing their families beautifully @AusGlitterati. Lance's reminiscences were particularly sad as they arose from the fear of his parents for his safety and happiness. "They'd been there for him every step of the way, no matter how challenging it was for them. They loved him unconditionally. Always. Nobody in history had ever had the privilege of better parents." I hope for Lance's, Zander's and their parents' sake Lance returns to his home to embrace those who love him. As for Lola and Nicky, hopefully they end up unhappily cohabiting with equally unhappy chavs. A pair of Vicky Pollards.

Delivered by carrier pigeon?

Rory may have told her as Martina appears to keep her on a "short leash" by means of intimidation.

Even a momentary peek into the lives of Colin and Owain is an enjoyable and enriching experience @Robert Hugill. In this chapter we learned of something integral in Colin's and Owain's formative years, they both had parents who were miserable bastards through and through, who seemed to delight in diminishing any fun Colin and Owain should have had in being children. And a chapter replete with very British language. "Did he want Owain washing his smalls for him, would Owain mind Colin getting up at sparrow-fart when he was busy and needed to get the work done ........." As an Aussie I was aware of "smalls" although it is not word commonly used by us, but "sparrow-fart" and its equivalent "get up at the crack of dawn" are very commonly used by us.

“Of course not,” he answers. “But you and I both understand she hasn’t been the same since Jacob died.” “‘Not the same’ and committing murder aren’t even in the same ballpark,” I reply, voice hoarse. “They can be,” Calhoun unhelpfully supplies. “And I suspect, based on what we’ve learned so far, that your friend’s murder was not premeditated. I do not believe, as Ms. Higgins indicated, that the original plot involved anyone getting hurt.” I strongly suspect there is more yet to be revealed which will disprove Calhoun's suspicion. I will not be at all surprised if Martina had every intention of murdering Sam. Surely after everything they have learned of her deceptive behaviour they cannot still believe she is a good person. She murdered Sam and if I was Calhoun I would be reviewing her husband's death too. I am hopeful Martina is lurking in the vicinity of the animal enclosures with the intention of killing Micco, relying upon his connection with them and his desire to save them, to put her plan into action. I am even more hopeful that the wolves are well aware she is there (they already know she killed Sam) and when she tries to kill Micco they will protect him and exact revenge for the execution of their brother, Kane, for which she is responsible. I don't want them to kill her if it will result in harm to any of them, just fill her with such fear that she smells worse than Long Ears. I note @84Mags comment "I believe there is a connection between all that is happening now and the murders of Micco’s mom and sister." He has made this comment before as have I and I am still in total agreement. I still think her deceased husband was somehow involved in their murders. This chapter featured some of your very best writing @Libby Drew. Much has been said of the sense of urgency you created with your words and the ferocity of the hurricane as depicted. I echo these comments. "What the hell happened to my calm, ordered, predictable world? Where my friends could be trusted, and my enemies were few or nonexistent. My predicament is an unsettling twin to the hurricane raging around us, unexpected and insidious.". The latter sentence is an extraordinary piece of writing @Libby Drew. The nightlight of this chapter must surely be "And I had to get to the animals’ enclosures and open the gates. My mind tumbles with poisonous facts and thoughts, and when I add the storm’s chaos to that mess, it’s a wonder I can sense any of my four-legged friends. They are there, though. Scared, wary, but there. I center myself, do my best to flush the negativity, and let them know I’m coming. Their joy and relief at my message have me itching to get moving".

As usual Monsieur Hugill so much to delight and amuse with young Toby's enthusiasm not dampened by the apparently inclement weather (although I guess this would not be so unusual given where Brian, Gordon and Toby live in the UK), the lack of understanding of the French language or an appreciation of French food. And I had to laugh at the obligatory "frostiness" between Brian and Gordon and the locals "They just had one drink, and the locals were polite without being that friendly, but it was a nice change of focus and routine." "Toby nodded, “OK. And will he want to put his feet up with you?” Brian laughed, “Cheeky bugger.” Brian and Gordon had got into the habit, when they returned from the day’s outing, of going upstairs to their bedroom. Brian’s comment, early on, that he and Gordon were going to ‘put their feet up for an hour’ had immediately been translated by Toby into code for having sex." Many of your readers have commented before on this, but what a healthy relationship Brian and by extension Gordon have with Toby. No wonder he is growing up to be a remarkable young man in so many ways. They are giving him a life that Deirdre never could have or would have wanted to. I am so glad of this for Toby's sake. Great chapter @Robert Hugill. I am looking forward to the arrival of "Mr Russ" and what change of dynamics there may be, if any, in the relationship between the current trio. I refrained from commenting on the French, but did have a good chuckle as noted above and on a couple of other occasions. I am VERY pleased there was no consumption of foie gras.

In prior chapters @akascrubber I speculated, somewhat facetiously, that Robot Voice might be Otis' mother or even Otis' Grandma. Not surprisingly this p proved not to be the case, but I am now thinking you might be onto something here with your comment. I believe they may be a link between Gideon Keres and Otis' mother; I just hope he is not Otis' biological father. Your description of Gideon was very powerful @Laura S. Fox. His physical appearance appears to mirror his behaviour and intent, a very unattractive man. Gideon's reference to Jackie as Watkins' "boy" may indicate his belief that Watkins and Jackie are lovers or at least Watkins would like this to be the case. I however, believe Watkins my be Jackie's father as this would indicate why he has taken a "special" interest in Jackie and largely shielded him from the less savoury side of his businesses. And like a number of my fellow readers have commented, Otis's expertise in marksmanship may prove very useful in time, protecting himself, Hudson or even Jackie. Riveting chapter @Laura S. Fox, the "highlight" of which was another unintentional comic moment from Otis “I understand,” he said courteously. “Please see to your obligations. I can wait until tomorrow.” No one but Otis could ever respond to rejection with such joie de vivre. He is perfection personified.

Humour a plenty in this chapter @Robert Hugill, hence my ha ha emoticon. The humorous highlights for me were “The Methodist Church was a rather unlovely 1950s building”, and "Him!" Mhairi laughed. "Time has not been kind to him. I remember piggy. Nasty, nosy little boy, always keen to find out things, make his eyes light up.” It was particularly pleasing to witness Mhairi loosening her tongue and making a somewhat unkind observation regarding Piggy. It reminded me of when she referred to her father as an old bastard, something the restricted self-editing Mhairi would never have done. Joe is proving to be so much more than he initially promised. “Well, Mum didn't do anything for her birthday", Joe shrugged, "she never does. And I thought it'd be fun, and I wanted to say thank you." "To me? What for?" He immediately looked embarrassed, Mhairi took over, "Being around, making him, making us welcome, and I think Joe's rather enjoyed his time helping Colin with your house”. Joe initially struck me as a little obnoxious and somewhat a wisenheimer (a word I had previously never encountered until just now). Perhaps he is becoming less his father’s son and more his uncle’s nephew. I am beginning to think he has formed a “friendship” with Toby, even if it is only a “cyber friendship”. Whatever the cause of his apparent change, he is far more likeable and interesting than I thought he would be. No surprises moralistic Miles and belligerent Bronwyn have shown no interest in Colin’s singing. It would not surprise if Miles thinks it a little “too gay” and whatever he thinks would be accepted by belligerent Bronwyn who seems to be incapable of independent thought when in Miles vicinity. It is only when away from him she finds her voice and then like Miles, whatever she says is the gospel. Another “highlight” of this chapter was quite accidental. I was listening to Bette Midler’s wonderfully camp My Knight In Black Leather whilst reading this chapter. She was describing her “knight’s” leather attire at the same time as I was reading what Colin was wearing to the concert. The song and the story combined and suddenly Colin was dressed in a black (leather) shirt and (leather) trousers, a red (leather) belt and matching red (leather) bow tie. I imagined Owain swooning at the vision of him in such attire. A superb chapter @Robert Hugill. Your British sense of humour always appeals and this chapter was no exception. Additionally, the delight Owain, Colin, Joe and Mhairi experienced in each other’s company so natural and carefree.

I changed Colin's mother's name from hostile Hortense to hostile Harriet to belligerent Beatrice to belligerent Bernadette to belligerent Barbara and finally "settled" on belligerent Bronwyn. I used to work with a woman named Bronwyn and she was and remains a nasty piece of work and is very lazy, so I thought it an apt name for Colin's mother. I really wanted to call her belligerent Brunhilde, but I thought this was a little too Germanic and given her attitudes, she could not be anything but English.

I had forgotten about the guy who wanted Diego to surrender the boys. I am going to focus on your comment, which I now vividly recall from a prior chapter, that "he has always chosen the boys over his relationships". I greatly admire Diego because he has never given up on the boys when he could so easily have just got rid of them, particularly when there has been so much drama in his life directly linked to his adoption of them. I can neither confirm nor deny to whom I was referring @John Henry for fear of breaching GA guidelines. Suffice to say I love hot weather. I liked Obama, although I know little of what he did whilst in power.

I have previously wondered @Robert Hugill if Val is an abbreviation of a longer name such as Valentin(e) or Valery as I thought this may give me some idea of the type of woman his mother is, apart from being a homophobe. I have decided I am going to call her Primrose, pious Primrose. @CincyKris has hopes of Val putting her in her place. I would like to suggest if I may, that she be put in Colin’s mother's garden along with Colin’s mother. Pious Primrose and belligerent Bronwyn, a right pair of grotesque Grannies who may make for good fertiliser. Toby continues to enjoy life and is being sensibly and maturely guided by both Brian and Gordon. He is less likely to rebel and do something stupid as Brian and Gordon give him plenty of encouragement to make his own mature decisions and do not “preach” or talk down to him. I think my intellect or memory or both have taken a holiday as I have read this chapter twice now and found nothing to indicate why the chapter is titled Holiday minus one. I immediately feared something was going to happen to Toby or he was going to decide he did not want to risk being seen with his father and Gordon by any of his friends, who might think him “uncool” for enjoying spending time with his parents. Another well-written enjoyable chapter, the only negative being the visit to pious Primsrose.

I had forgotten Bryan has previously resisted therapy @John Henry. I drafted my comments in Word before posting (primarily for grammar and punctuation checking) and had suggested therapy. I must have decided to delete the comment for some reason (either that I did a bad copy and paste job). I think you are being a little harsh on Diego or perhaps I have not appreciated the extent of his past relationships. I don't recall any mention of any relationships he had where he was abused (apart from Calvin) and don't recall any mention of any abuse of Bryan and Caleb by any prior boyfriends. He may have had quantity rather than quality, but one could observe the same behaviour in many heterosexual relationships, even fundamentalist Republicans (think two current incredibly stupid, right-wing, female senators from the Republican Party). Bitches make my skin crawl, my blood pressure rise and make me think of many other unspeakable things and I am not even an American. If they believe the bullshit they spout I am surprised they made it to high school. And in both cases one could not even say they have succeeded with beauty rather than brains.

Well said. This is the reason why I still don't fully trust Beau and think he is a bit of a user.

Bryan is drowning in a sea of anxiety, self-pity, fear and loathing, anger and despair. It appears he is quite a normal teen in that respect, although perhaps a little more extreme. Are Steve and Diego the "right" people to help with the multitude of issues he has, most seemingly caused either directly or indirectly by his birth parents? Steve and Diego's intentions are good and they seem to be doing what conventional wisdom would say is the right thing to do to help Bryan, but is it enough? I also don't think having Kenny living with Bryan is helping either of them. Speaking of Kenny, when is his mother going to put her big girl pants on and step up to the task of being a mother. Life's tough for her yes, but life is tough for lots of people and they don't shirk their responsibility. Terra has got her sussed out I think. She sounds not unlike Donna (seemingly without the drugs) and Calvin. Apart from Steve and Diego, the remaining parents in this story leave much to be desired. Ironic perhaps the gay couple are relatively very good parents, whereas the "normal" heterosexual couples who are either in relationships with each other or were at one time or another, are fucking useless. I know it is only a story, but these circumstances are not at all unusual and this kind of glaring evidence rebutting the theory that children do best in a "normal" nuclear family gives the fundamentalists and Republicans heart seizures (although not nearly often enough). Very good writing still @John Henry. The character of Steve is one you have developed with authenticity and obvious affection, making him an integral part of the Padilla family now.

Both Andre and Chris have been the victims of abuse, albeit at very different stages of physical and emotional maturity in their lives. Xavier was a real piece of work and a stint in prison is what he thoroughly deserved. Perhaps in prison he has become someone's bitch, someone bigger and stronger than he who won't take no for an answer. Dare I say he may have got a taste of his own medicine. When reading the account of Chris and Michael's high school friendship/relationship I could not help but be reminded of Holding The Man, even though they kept their friendship/relationship under wraps and were not "boyfriends" in the traditional sense of the word. Another beautifully, sensitively and authentically written chapter @Paladin. I think Andre and Chris can draw strength and comfort from their friendship with Jamie and Michael. For now it's full steam ahead to Easter in Melbourne. Don't forget to pack them warm clothes as Melbourne in April can already be quite cool, moreso than the Central Coast, although I guess both Michael and Chris are already aware of this, so scratch my advice.

It was finally revealed in this chapter how Diego stabbed Sean in the back and let everyone blame Lance for it. Not good Diego, a cowardly thing to do. I still don't like Rachel and have no sympathy for her. And as for Diego's family, what truly horrible people. I thought that "children are bastards if born out of wedlock" mentality died long ago. It seems some humans hang on to these primitive ways of thinking at all costs, no doubt bolstered by irrational religious dogma.

Safety is relative. If Billie isn't safe there, neither is his cat. Thank you for stating the obvious @drpaladin; it is so often overlooked. The best possible argument, one I don't think I would ever have thought to make. In Australia I think it is now illegal to refuse shelter to pets in times of natural disaster as has happened in the past. I think it became so after the bushfires experienced in 2019 in which it was estimated over 1 billion animals lost their lives. A truly catastrophic loss of life, which for once was given the press coverage it deserved.