Summerabbacat

An exorcism. For fucks sake, what century are these cretins living in. And why was it only Blake's sperm donor who was arrested? What about his incubator? Surely she could have been arrested for something too. I hope Pazuzu visits both of them and soon. Bring on those genitally-dangerous crucifixes for both of these vile creatures who do not deserve a child. May they both suffer like Regan McNeil, green projectile vomit and all. 🤮🤮🤮🤮 I suspect @weinerdog that we may see more of Mrs Bowen too. Although her appearance was brief in this chapter, it won't surprise if @Ronyx has introduced her for a specific reason and she will play a bigger part in forthcoming chapters. I suspect Seth, Craig, Blake and Ty will swap partners maybe more than once before they settle into more conventional relationships. I recall from my high school days three guys and three girls having a similar situation of swapping partners several times before settling into more conventional couples. One couple, both of whom were very attractive even married, although divorced many years late. She retained her looks, he did not. They produced equally attractive children. The story continues to enrage, enthral and entertain @Ronyx. It was a real treat to have a Stacy and Julie-free chapter, although their unpleasant presence was still felt to some extent with the mere mention of their names.

"His hands trembled as a memory came uninvited. Alone, in the dark, the door locked. Shouting for help, shouting for anyone, that never worked. The more he dared to do that, the more time he’d be left there, alone in the dark." What did Otis' mother do to him or perhaps the question should be what did she not do to him. If she is not already dead, may I suggest Hudson hunt her down and end her. Otis' naïveté continues to charm and ignite Hudson's desires. How much longer will he have to contain these desires and will Otis' be as receptive to them emotionally as what I anticipate he will be physically.

@Libby Drew I did not think you could make Micco any more appealing than what you had already done, but I was soooooo wrong. "Hi. What’s wrong?” I scooped the scruffy bundle of fur into my arms without a second thought. “Are you thirsty?” She was. I could sense it. The hand-me-down Spiderman thermos I inherited from my cousin was nearly full. I dug it out of my backpack and poured water into the blue plastic lid. She wouldn’t drink. The man found me there in the fading twilight, cradling the panting pup in my lap. I was crying, something I did frequently since arriving in Florida. I know it wasn’t how a man acted—that’s what my uncle said. A man accepted what he couldn’t change. A man moved on from tragedy. I’d made some progress with the first part. Just not the second. But this… this I had the power to change. The coyote’s thirst beat in my veins. She needed water. I had water. But she wouldn’t drink. “Attescha.” The man was old, wrinkled all over. He wore a simple full cut white shirt with a medicine man’s coat over it, embellished with patchwork on the front placket. He motioned me closer, then hunched down, bringing us eye to eye. “What do you have there, child?” He carried a halistchaway—a medicine bag—and, awed, I held the suffering pup up for his inspection. He made no move to touch it, but held his palm over her head for a long moment before sighing. “This young one is ready to return to the earth.” My tears, temporarily dammed when the man appeared, flowed anew. I hunched over, held my cheek to the pup’s scruff. “I can’t save anyone.” I wept profusely when I read this, even more so than when Kane was executed. Micco's gift is profound. I sense that even without having witnessed the murder of his mother and sister, he would have been emotionally vulnerable to much in life, particularly if related to his non-human brothers and sisters. He is beautiful, inside and out. There is not much I can say that has not already been said by my fellow critics, particularly the good doctors @drpaladin and @drsawzall, the former of who also made me weep with his moving comments. The only thing I can add is, like a broken record, my suspicions of Martina increase with every chapter.

Deirdre behaved as I expected. What a ho. Jasper may not be so enamoured with her now as I expect she will demand more from him as she has rid herself of her pest of a son (her apparent opinion, not mine). He may soon tire of her whiny, needy, bossy bitch routine. Brian was very wise to record his conversation with Deirdre as I have no doubt she will change her story when it is either convenient to her or Jasper dumps her and she is lonely. My advice to her, take out the trash honey and leave yourself kerbside. Toby is revelling in the new extended family environment. He and Grandpa Drew seem well matched in their interests. Marvellous chapter again @Robert Hugill. Dare I say you are making a habit of this high standard.

I have had these thoughts too @drsawzall. Unless Deirdre's bedroom skills are unique and/or very entertaining, I imagine Jasper will be out of there at the first "sign of trouble" between Deirdre and Brian.

@drsawzall I think Deirdre uses, and has likely always used Toby, as a tool to inconvenience, annoy or manipulate Brian as much as possible. I don't believe she is oblivious to her poor parenting skills, I don't think she cares as she has never had anyone challenge her over the standard care she delivers to Toby. I believe with encouragement from Denise, Gordon and likely from Toby himself, Deidre may find herself challenged as the most suitable parent for Toby, particularly as she now appears to be "annexed" to Jasper. That cactus must be very hardy.

I found much hilarity in this chapter too @Robert Hugill. Denise's "interrogation" of Gordon was most amusing. She is a crafty one, but her intent to protect her son and grandson cannot be faulted. I loved her reference to Deirdre as "poison". She clearly did not like her one iota; given Deirdre's treatment of her son and grandson, this is perfectly understandable. Gordon's parents were not as I expected them to be. Fortunately, their hippie ideals are stronger than any artistic temperament or pretentiousness they may have had, and which I expected. I am a person who likes colour in furnishings, clothing and in general (I cannot stand monochromatic, sterile, pretentious decoration), so the description of their home had quite some appeal to me. I used to maintain a pristine home, but after becoming besotted with the feline species, I now maintain a clean, but somewhat damaged and "fur-covered" home environment, so can appreciate a more "chaotic" home environment (most of the time). I found Drew and Evie an interesting mix of free-spirit and conventionality and ultimately very likeable. Drew in particular took a liking to Toby, which pleased me greatly. I think Toby is going to derive almost as much benefit from Brian's relationship with Gordon as Brian himself. Outstanding chapter @Robert Hugill.

Deidre showed her true colours in this chapter. Not only is she manipulative, she is spiteful and petty, even if it means harming or inconveniencing her son. Fortunately Toby is aware, and becoming even more so, of what a c..t his mother truly is. And, how can any parent who allegedly loves their child make comments such as those uttered by Deirdre that Brian "could 'bloody well look after' Toby for a bit as she'd done her stint". This is akin to those parents who whine about how expensive it is to have a child. My response to such comments is always "if they are so inconvenient or expensive then don't have them, but as you already have made the choice to do so, STOP FUCKING COMPLAINING as I am helping to pay for them". I thought Miss Wilson was impressed with Brian's honesty and his obvious concern for his son, something which I suspect she has not observed in his mother. She may well prove to be an ally if the shit hits the fan and Deirdre and/or Jasper try any nonsense. I envisage the trio of Gordon, Brian and Toby will be far happier than Jasper, Deirdre and Toby.

Some wonderfully humorous moments in this chapter, including "Gordon was dreading it and kept muttering about hand-made pots and tie-dyed curtains" and "Mum and Dad are going to want us to go over for a meal." "Is that bad?" "Well, I'm used to them." Brian laughed, "Parents are parents, you have to get used to them. You should have met Deirdre's." I have to say I would likely love the hand-made pots and would definitely love the tie-dyed curtains, although I am not a fan of curtains per se. The highlight of the chapter for me though is the apparent joyful anticipation Toby is experiencing awaiting his Dad's arrival home and his recognition that his Dad appears to be much happier with Gordon than he has ever known him to be. Most enjoyable chapter @Robert Hugill. Toby is a delight.

Brian and Gordon were certainly busy in this chapter, the former "catching up" on years of sexual deprivation. I just hope when they return to "real life" it is not too mundane for them and the relationship fails. I was very impressed with Brian's concern regarding the exploitation of foreign workers like Amad. It shows him to be a man of integrity and a strong sense of justice.

Superb chapter @John Henry. Billy's entrance into the hearing had me recalling the official video for Todrick Hall's Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels. Perhaps it was his sass, quick wit and the sheer force with which he tore the Superintendent's, Mrs Thomas' and Mr Thomas aka Thomas Walker's arguments apart. His expose of the Superintendent's prior bias towards Thomas family offspring was wonderful, but for me the piece de resistance was his expose that Mr Thomas aka Thomas Walker's licence to practice law is up for review given his leaking of privileged information to his cousin, Amanda Rickman, so that she and the sperm donor could gain access to Caleb and/or Bryan by whatever means possible. I don't suppose there is much that can be done to the Superintendent apart from having her dismissed from her position, but for Thomas Walker I hope he loses his licence to practice AND receives a prison sentence. I echo the sentiments of my fellow "critics". Your health must remain your number 1 priority, even if it means your chapter posting is less frequent.

Brian's realisation about the status of his relationship with Gordon (with more than just a little prod from Davey) has reaped immediate benefits, happiness, more stability and a new and hopefully better-paying and more stimulating job. This will benefit Toby too I think, particularly if things go south because of Jasper's wilful dismissal of Toby's interests and his apparent blatant homophobia. It will be interesting to see what Deirdre's reaction to Brian's new relationship will be. Part of me thinks she may be jealous as I have to wonder if she is really happy with Jasper. Given how manipulative she is I just hope she does not try and make a play for Brian again if she is not truly happy with Jasper. From all that we know of her, she seems to need validation, and that validation appears to come from "having a man in her life", no matter the quality of the relationship she has with said man. This story continues to entertain and delight @Robert Hugill. I like the leisurely pace and the natural progression of the relationship between Gordon and Brian.

I thought at first Brian was going to be one of those uptight "straight" men who won't kiss or do anything that might make them appear to be less than manly. To his credit he showed real progress in this chapter, but I hope he soon gets over his "no kissing" rule. Very interesting chapter @Robert Hugill and you exposed me to a word you used in a prior chapter which I assumed was a typo, anyroad. I don't recall seeing this synonym for anyhow in anything I have read or heard before.

Denise's concern for her grandson and her relationship with him is one which will no doubt sustain him if the shit hits the fan with Jasper, which it seems will almost certainly occur. She is clever too, her revelation regarding Jasper's nasty mouth was so natural as to not raise any suspicion with Toby as to the source of the information. I had no issue with Denise sharing Brian's revelation with her friend Vera. The manner in which Denise disclosed the revelation and Vera's response was indicative that for both the revelation was akin to Brian disclosing he had changed the colour of his hair or bought a new car. It was discussed briefly, digested and accepted. Next topic. There was no suggestion that for either it was scandalous and worthy of salacious gossip or hysterical melodrama. It may seem Brian was somewhat cowardly coming out to his mother via a letter. I am inclined to think he well may have delayed doing so until he could do it in person if it were not for the fact he thinks Toby may be gay too and his concern for Jasper's reaction to this if it happens whilst Brian is still in the Emirates. Another entertaining and revealing chapter @Robert Hugill. My only criticism is that I wanted more, much much more. I shall have to move straight to chapter 3 to satisfy my desires.

The jury has returned its verdict @Robert Hugill; E-numbers rock, Brian and Toby are beloved, Deidre not so much, Jasper not at all and the story is a winner. I am an Aussie and a great admirer of stories as written by Brits on this site and by Brits in general (Wuthering Heights will always be my favourite novel, Jane Austen, the other Bronte sisters and D. H. Lawrence were brilliant authors too, and Kate Bush is and David Bowie was, a genius). Now that that is out of the way, a comment on the story itself. The relationship between Brian and Toby is a delight to witness. Brian's struggle with the E-numbers in deference to Toby was very amusing as it is something I have undertaken on many an occasion. In Australia we have a similar numbering system for preservatives, without the E prefix. I have also on many an occasion had a similar struggle with labelling on packaging to check its "animal friendliness". Whenever I buy a new product, particularly one which may contain an animal product or may have been tested on animals, I have to invariably read through a raft of ingredients etc until I find the essential information "contains no animal products and not tested on animals". Some labels have a helpful picture to indicate this, but it is usually so small I cannot see it until after I have read through everything else anyway. I now often research these products online before purchasing as trying to read the labelling on anything is always a struggle, even if I do remember to take my magnifying glass shopping (I find enlarging using my phone too cumbersome). The conversation between Brian and Toby was wholly believable; a little awkward at times (as one would expect given their respective ages and their relationship), but one built on admiration and trust. Deidre is not wholly unlikeable, although she is clearly very manipulative. Jasper on the other hand sounds like a complete arsehole. Chapter 1 done and dusted and I am eager to devour more.

I have found something very "cinematic" about @Libby Drew's writing in most of her stories @drpaladin and this one is no exception. The word sprawling comes to mind when I think of these stories, the characters, their circumstances and the physical environment in which they find themselves, are for me at least, always vast. Perhaps this is why I get the Twin Peaks vibe or now that I give it more thought, a Lana Del Rey vibe too.

I speculated this after the first chapter @drpaladin, but had since almost discarded it, but with your comment about who was behind the attack on Micco's family, it has been reignited. I am unable to explain why, but Martina remains my number 1 suspect.

I have to agree with you regarding this comment @weinerdog, I am almost certain Julie "has something on him", which may be A same-sex attraction. I had assumed he was likely some distance away, but your speculation he may live in the same town/city and be watching over Seth is a distinct possibility (if he is a complete fool he may even be watching over Stacy). One sign of a really entertaining story dare I say. @Ronyx has got us all thinking, debating and assessing (and unanimously loathing Mommie Dearest, Blake's parents and up until this chapter at least, the skank aka Stacy).

I am in complete agreement with @84Mags and @CincyKris in that I believe Chase was devastated when Micco revealed he was gay and "reassured" Chase he was not attracted to him so as to not alienate him. Big mistake methinks Micco. It seems Micco's connection with his non-human brothers and sisters is more synchronised than that with his human brothers and sisters. I did NOT expect to be moved by any storyline in which Danny played a part @Libby Drew, but damn if you did not capture his vulnerability, lack of self-worth and doomed future brilliantly with "I am better..... but he wanted you anyway". It appears to me as if Danny's drug habits are indicative of his feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness or perhaps this is what I am "wanting" to see. I was predisposed to despise him, but alas I felt great sorrow for him because of that statement. He clearly craves validation if nothing else. I don't believe Danny killed Sam and I don't believe Micco did either. I am still trying to determine the how, but my distrust of Martina increases with each chapter (even though she has only made an occasional appearance). Riveting chapter again @Libby Drew. Although the location and characters are nothing alike, I am again getting a Twin Peaks vibe from this most spectacular work of art. The soundtrack for Twin Peaks was playing in my head as I read this chapter, as it has done with most of the chapters thus far (and what a wonderful soundtrack it was). A+++ chapter.

This describes Stacy's modus operandi perfectly @Mattyboy. And Julie puts a lot of top spin on most things, especially if they have anything to do with her precious little brat.

It is not often I seriously question my learned fellow readers, particularly @weinerdog @raven1 and @drsawzall, but I feel I must on this occasion. I am not a fan of many of our species and have been called a hard-ass on more than one occasion, but I am somewhat surprised that all those who have commented on this chapter appear to have believed Julie aka Mommie Dearest tearful revelation, without reservation, as to why Stacy is such a prize bitch. I am not for one moment certain she is lying, but I am not for one moment certain she is telling the truth, or at least the whole truth, either. She has disclosed this information at a very opportune moment; I am inclined to believe that even if there is an ounce of truth in what she has revealed, I am equally inclined to believe she has embellished the revelation to engender sympathy for both Stacy and herself. Too bad for her it did not work, at least in Seth's case. I agree wholeheartedly @Cane23. Stacy is a prize bitch and I still have zero sympathy for her and her equally badly behaved incubator. Seth would be much better off without both of these harridans in his life. I am with Seth. It is Blake's father who has beaten the bejesus out of him. Blake is a threat to he and his shrew's religious convictions and social standing. I can only but hope their "friend in the sky" smites them both with a bout of illness which leaves them yearning for death. Marvellous chapter @Ronyx. Although Blake's beating and Mommie Dearest's revelation are both shocking, I believe each will have a positive impact going forward on the lives of Blake and Seth at least. I can only hope for an even greater negative impact on the lives of both of Blake's parents and to a slightly lesser extent on the lives of Mommie Dearest and Stacy.

Watkins is grotesque. I almost feel the need to take a shower after every appearance he makes in this story. Whatever the outcome of this story, I hope his is not a positive one. Jackie's cockiness is certainly a cover for the fact he is neither worldly nor particularly intelligent. My previous feelings of extreme distaste for him have softened a little as I don't think he really knows what is going on. It is either this, or he is a very good actor at playing stupid. If and when Otis and Hudson finally get down to some raunchy fucking I expect to see steam coming out of the ports of my AppleMac laptop. I anticipate when stimulated sufficiently (and I don't think it will take much work from Hudson to achieve this), Otis will erupt like Vesuvius. The old adage "it's the quiet ones you have to watch" may never be so true; I expect Otis' sexual appetite will be voracious. Hudson may need to live on a diet heavy with oysters, okra, watermelon, pomegranate and pistachios liberally sprinkled (read saturated) with gingko biloba, to quench Otis' thirst for luuuuuurrrrrrvvvvvvvveeeee. I am so enjoying this story @Laura S. Fox. Hudson and Otis are such charming, interesting and quirky, particularly in the case of Otis, characters.

@Libby Drew and @drpaladin I don't recall ever having seen the word 'crocks' used like this before, only the similar words crockery or crock-pot. Now that I come to think of it though, I have certainly heard the adage "a crock of shit". I have never given this adage much thought; I just assumed it meant a "heap of shit". Now I am not so sure. "Your" display of crocks is very attractive (mostly) @Libby Drew, "spoiled" only by the noxious weed and one crock which looks like it contains meat. Very colourful.

@Libby Drew, @drsawzall, @drpaladin I vaguely recall from my pre-vegetarian childhood/teenage years in rural Australia, kale being used to "decorate" meat in butcher's shops. That is where it should have stayed, then I would never have to look at it. I remember you posting that photograph before @drsawzall, probably in the Christmas chapter in The Summer of the Selfless. It looks like the sprouts are wrapped in bacon. I don't understand the appeal of bacon. I have a number of Jewish friends, who although not observant, do not eat pork, except for bacon, which they love. I also have an acquaintance who is almost exclusively vegetarian, but sometimes relapses, and it is for what, bacon. The smell of bacon when combined with eggs has me gagging (separately their smell has me gagging). I shudder to think what a combination of bacon and Brussels sprouts smells like. And @Libby Drew. I almost ruptured some organs laughing at your comment. I was certain (almost) you weren't referring to crocodiles (crocks) on the salad bar, but it took me a second read to realise it was a typo, it should have read (I assume) cracks on the salad bar.

LOL. Do I recall correctly @drsawzall that you are one of only a handful of humans worldwide who actually enjoy Brussels sprouts (I think you made comments to this effect in @James Carnarvon'sThe Summer of the Selfless)? I am a long-time vegetarian and there are three vegetables which I will not eat under any circumstances, no matter how they are cooked/disguised - Brussels sprouts, peas and kale (the latter should not even be considered a vegetable, it is a noxious weed).