Summerabbacat

Otis appears to have few social skills and applies the literal interpretation to everything he is told. Cooking the bacon and egg sandwich, although repulsive for me to think of, was very funny. I don't believe he will be deterred by Hudson's apparent brush off. Watkins makes an appearance at Hudson's apartment and Jackie makes an appearance in the restaurant at which Otis works. Coincidence? Perhaps, perhaps not. Both are slimy, although Watkins' agenda is at least not a hidden one. I found his response to Hudson's query as to what sort of young men he preferred, desperate, chilling to say the least. I wonder if there is some sort of connection between Watkins and Jackie or is it merely coincidental they each appeared in the lives of Hudson and Otis at the same time, both with questionable intent at least.

I have just re-read my comments and realise I have been careless in presenting my alternate theory regarding the murder of Sam. My following comment has been slightly re-written to make it clear what I really meant "Might it be someone has a psychotic hatred of Micco and murdered Sam, whom Micco seemingly still loved, and used Kane, whom Micco definitely loved, to achieve this purpose, knowing Kane would be executed without a trial for apparently having mauled Sam to death. Perhaps the hatred extends even further, the person may have concluded Micco might be suspected of and convicted for murdering Sam. Far fetched yes, but I am already getting a "Twin Peaks vibe" from this story, so such a speculation may not be so fantastical."

One is reminded all too often of the 'shoot first, ask questions later' mentality when it comes to non-human animals Libby. And the story is set in Florida after all, where the same mentality applies to human animals, other than those deemed 'suitable' in the current political climate.

This is my first time reading a story by @Laura S. Fox; it would appear I have chosen well as an introduction to her talents. Otis is charming, a delightfully naive 22 year old surviving life, triumphant over some serious challenges, or so it would seem at first glance, without a hint of cynicism. Hudson appears to be the polar opposite in life experience at least, an apparent strong sense of justice, combined with an impressive and perhaps imposing physical appearance. I look forward to learning more about each of them as the story develops.

@VBlew speculated in comments made regarding the first chapter that Sam may have already been dead and his body placed in Kane's cage to make it appear Kane was the killer. A very possible scenario. Kane may merely have licked Sam in an attempt to determine if he was dead and/or to resuscitate him, thereby getting blood on his muzzle. If Sam was killed elsewhere or if he were lured to the shelter and then murdered it would explain why he was there after hours. I am certain he was not there voluntarily. I agree with @CincyKris, Micco did not kill Sam and I don't think Kane did either, but if not either of them, then who. @Libby Drew I want revenge not only for Sam, but perhaps even more for Kane. Whoever killed Sam is also at least partially to blame for Kane's death and they need to pay for both, heavily. Perhaps a visit to Banshee and Outlaw's cage before they have eaten would be a good start to their punishment.

Absolutely riveting @Libby Drew. I was torn between the angry, sad and love emoticons for this chapter. I am still seething, perhaps even more so, over the execution of Kane, am saddened by the apparent murder of a young man who seemingly offered so much and asked for so little in return, but the love of your writing and story telling prevailed. I like @weinerdog drew the obvious conclusion Sam has been murdered for his inheritance, but then I let my mind wander and drew at least one less obvious conclusion. Might it be someone has a psychotic hatred of Micco and murdered Sam, whom Micco seemingly still loved, and used Kane, whom Micco definitely loved, to achieve this purpose, knowing Kane would be executed without a trial for having done so. Perhaps the hatred extends even further, the person may have concluded Micco might be suspected of and convicted for murdering Sam. Far fetched yes, but I am already getting a "Twin Peaks vibe" from this story, so such a speculation may not be so fantastical. I love the names you have chosen for the wolves and the panthers @Libby Drew, especially Banshee, Outlaw, Luna and Acadia; were these names chosen at random or did some thought go into the name selection? I am also very impressed you have created a major character and given said character a connection to non-human animals others would question as being "real" or "sane", and especially for said character referring to these non-human animals as his brothers and sisters. I do not find this odd or question Micco's sanity, to me it is perfectly normal for him to have these connections to his non-human friends. I can only but speculate it is they more than any human animal who have sustained his sanity to the point his PTSD is manageable for the most part. Speaking of Micco's PTSD, I don't think @weinerdog has yet speculated what happened to Micco's family which appears to have led to his PTSD. I speculate they were murdered, possibly due to their Seminole heritage, by setting fire to their home and ensuring they were unable to escape. Micco was either able to escape somehow, or was witness to the event having already left home or was away from home at the time. Now for something light-hearted and hopefully not offensive to any other reader. Sam took a huge risk by singing the latest Adele tune to protect Rory against two snarling wolves. All I can say is Rory was very fortunate Sam did not play Adele singing the latest tune herself, it may have resulted in a very different outcome. All the wolves could take lessons in whining from Adele.

Whist I don't blame Caleb entirely for his "disappearance" I differ from others who have commented in that I believe he is old enough to have been more responsible. Bryan must shoulder some of the responsibility, but Caleb is the one whose actions were deliberate. Thankfully he showed some remorse at least at the trouble his behaviour caused. I hope Diego, in conjunction with Bryan, provides full disclosure to Caleb on what Calvin is really like as clearly he still does not understand. Billy proved himself a force to be reckoned with. I do hope he pursues Thomas Walker regarding his unprofessional conduct. I was very pleased with Diego's acceptance of Steve's proposal. I see this as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between Diego, Bryan and Caleb and should provide a good role model for Bryan and Kenny. Very rewarding chapter @John Henry.

Mommie Dearest/Julie's abusive reaction came as no surprise to anyone, least of all her sister and brother-in-law. A sad indictment of her parenting skills, or lack thereof, that Aunt Marie "was crying as she said, “I knew something like this was going to happen. That’s why Steven and I rushed over here.” Mommie Dearest's immediate laying of all blame at the feet of Seth was also no surprise. For someone who is allegedly smart (and that is debatable) she has no concept of human behaviour. I am more intrigued than ever why Seth and Stacy's father left her. I hope @Ronyx intends to reveal all at some point in the story (hint hint). Stacy is a spoilt, entitled, stupid and ugly brat (and they are her good points). Mommie Dearest has indulged her for far too long, but predictably this does not look like it is going to change unless Mommie Dearest is ordered to change her attitude to Stacy, and said skank, well what can one do to improve her. A coffin is the first and most fitting improvement which comes to mind. My fellow readers @weinerdog and @drsawzall have in particular done an in-depth analysis of this chapter which I cannot fault or disagree with. My only additional comment would be that both are far more measured in their critique of the behaviour of Mommie Dearest and Stacy. Both of them (Mommie Dearest and Stacy that is) need to be sent to the "naughty corner" until they can learn to behave. Neither of them have any redeeming features they have yet revealed and are a menace to and blight on society.

I found much to admire about this short story, which I also believe to be a solid basis for at least another chapter or more. As one would expect from the pen of @Ivor Slipper, the characters are well written and the story interesting and wholly believable. I initially did not care for Harlan IV at all, especially after his threatening remark “Terry, I'm going to say things and tell you things that must never go outside this room. If they do I'll make your life in Atlanta such a misery that you'll be pleading for your parents to send you back to England. But, I have a feeling we can both benefit from an arrangement.” I am also turned off by allegedly straight males who want to dabble in some gay sex, but find they have to preface any request to dabble in such activities with the disclaimer that "I'm not gay, but ......". Oh puhlease Mary, give me a break. In Harlan's defence (I can be reasonable) he is living in Georgia, a state surrounded by equally "enlightened" neighbours like Florida, Alabama and Tennessee. As a non-American it is hard for me to remember Georgia is the birth state of people I genuinely admire like Jimmy Carter, Martin Luther King and Cindy, Ricky and Keith from The B-52's, when one is reminded constantly it also the birth state of a certain loud and very stupid current far-right politician and conspiracy theorist who "represents" her home state and seems to get a lot of press coverage. I loved Terry's comments regarding Harlan IV's parents, most amusing. The description of his mother Darlene as"Naturally she was very well dressed and made up, but was now past the first flush of youth" had me in stitches when reading "between the lines" as to what this really conveyed. As for the description of Harlan IV's father Harlan III as one who"ate the steak, a good quantity of French fries plus some green salad as well as consuming what appeared to be most of a bottle of wine. Terry could see further expansion of that waistline was inevitable" had me gagging when thinking of not only eating a T-bone steak, but one of such magnitude. Mr Creosote from Monty Python's The Meaning Of Life made an hilarious visit into my mind to ease (read mock) the grotesqueness of Harlan III's apparent carnivorous gluttony. I have to say I would be very interested if the author were to explore a developing friendship between Martha and Terry, and knowing more about Martha's life before and after she entered domestic servitude. It appeared from the few comments she made she would be able to reveal more about Harlan IV and perhaps paint a more affable picture of him than the one he painted of himself.

I agree wholeheartedly @VBlew. Given the story is set in Florida I was not all surprised by the execution of Kane. I was very angry and at the same time very sad. Speciesism is always ugly. An outstanding start to your latest work @Libby Drew. A story with non-human animals playing an integral part, as long as they are not being hunted or abused, is a story bound to attract my interest. I share some of Micco's sentiments, my cats are the pinnacle of joy for me (even more than ABBA and Donna Summer). I look forward to witnessing more of your literary talents as this story progresses.

Firstly, it appears your crystal ball is working very well @weinerdog, the last chapter certainly was the "calm before the storm". The obvious conclusion to draw regarding Caleb's apparent disappearance is that he has been kidnapped by Calvin, but isn't it perhaps a little too obvious? To accept this conclusion one must assume Calvin has been following the boys wherever they go, with or without Diego and/or Steve, hoping an opportunity would present itself to snatch Caleb and/or Bryan. If this has been Calvin's modus operandi it makes sense he would attempt to snatch Caleb in preference to Bryan as Caleb is less likely to put up a struggle, in fact, Caleb may even be foolish enough to go with Calvin voluntarily. Whilst the conclusion Caleb has been kidnapped is easy to accept, our author @John Henry may have concocted his apparent "disappearance" as a ploy to make all parties aware, Diego and Steve included, they must be extra vigilant whilst Calvin's whereabouts and motives are unknown. If Caleb has gone to the arcade or wandered off somewhere because he was annoyed with Bryan for scolding him then he needs to be grounded indefinitely, at least. If I can find fault with what we know of Diego's parenting, it is that he has not been as brutally honest with Caleb regarding Calvin's true nature as he perhaps should have been. I realise it is easy for me to say and that many people believe you should not be too critical of a child's parent to the child in question, but in this case I believe Caleb should have been informed as to what his father is really like as Caleb does not remember him. Additionally, one must remember how Caleb was so easily conned by his mother that she was a good person deserving of his love and respect. Caleb is gullible and I guess at an age where he cannot comprehend how manipulative, scheming, dishonest and vile other humans can be. Perhaps Bryan did overreact to Caleb's behaviour in the shop with the sex toys, however, they had already been spoken to for being noisy and goofing off, so I think Bryan had every right to be annoyed with Caleb. I don't buy Kenny's statement Caleb may not have known the dildo was a sex toy. And now for poor Steve. I don't think he will be getting a response any time soon to his proposal, unless Caleb has just wandered off to the arcade. A cliffhanger to beat all cliffhangers @John Henry. Unlike Kenny and Terra and seemingly at least some of my fellow readers, I do not think Bryan was unfair to Caleb. I thought Caleb was behaving like a sooky brat, behaviour which I must say is most uncharacteristic of him.

Hooray for Aunt Marie and Uncle Steve. She has previously revealed herself to be a caring woman and a far better judge of character than her useless sister. I have a feeling Uncle Steve is going to play a "bigger role" in the story and be a wonderful role model and caring father to Blake, which is just what he needs. I don't think Uncle Steve will put up with any bullshit from his skanky niece either. He may be needed when Seth returns home as I am sure Stacy will have painted both Craig and Seth in the worst possible light and Mommie Dearest will have fallen for it hook, line and sinker. I fear Stacy's violent nature may come to the fore too, particularly given the police had to restrain her (what a shame one of them did not "lay the boot into her"). May I suggest @drsawzall the best "therapy" for Stacy would be formaldeyhde, and if Mommie Dearest does not start treating her children equally she may be in need of a dousing too. Or perhaps those dreaded wire coat hangers could be used to inflict pain on the horrid little skank. Another wonderful chapter @Ronyx. Behind the humorous moments lay tragedy. Somewhat like real life dare I say.

The "protective posse" suggests to me there are other students outside the LGBTQI students who dislike Dan Thomas and his clique of bullies. Hopefully this holds Kenny in good stead if Dan's mother and the school board try to expel Kenny for fighting. Methinks when the shit hits the fan and Calvin reveals why he has returned that Bryan and to a lesser extent Diego and Caleb will realise what an integral part of the Padilla family Steve is. He may also be privy to information in his new job at Washington High which will help Kenny if he does have to come up again the school board. A relatively calm chapter @John Henry. @weinerdog may well be correct, the calm before the storm.

Dare I suggest an undertaker @Shadow086? "Loseress", what a great word @Shadow086. Perhaps the two "loseresses" might choose matching coffins. I think it might be a race as to who can ensure they make good use of those coffins and PERMANENTLY.

You have made a very valid point @weinerdog which I don't recall any of our fellow readers having voiced before in totality. Blake's parents are detestable; merely a sperm donor and an incubator, both more concerned with their social standing than the happiness of their child. Craig's father at least is an arsehole. He appears to be what I had previously speculated he may be, a parent living out his own dreams (which are apparently unfulfilled) through his son. He certainly would not be the first parent to do this ("stage" mothers and "sporting" fathers are a dime-a-dozen), but his comments on Craig's desire to be a dancer proved him to be a fuckwit in the first degree. And you are right, Mikhail would whip his arse. As for Craig's mother, a vacuous doormat totally without an original thought or idea which challenges the status quo. Seth's mother continues to lower the bar each time she appears in person or in hearsay. She is disappointed in her son because he is gay. My response to her, WHAT ABOUT YOUR FUCKING LOSER DAUGHTER?. Stacy had no business contacting Craig's parents to disclose what had happened, but of course being the spiteful excrement she is, she would have embellished the story no end to portray herself as the put upon victim. She so needs to be terminated. Twas I @weinerdog who speculated in comments I made on chapter 2 that Seth and Stacy's father may be gay. I don't know if our learned colleague @drsawzall has also made similar comments. The thing Stacy is in most need of is a bullet and Mommie Dearest should have to pay for said bullet. Wonderful writing again @Ronyx. In the space of one chapter you have turned Craig from a villain into a boy who is as misunderstood as Blake, albeit one who has been much better at hiding his true self. I have to express my admiration for Blake yet again for taking a fuck you approach to the haters, including his odious parents, even though it has cost him dearly in many ways. And thank you for making one of the major female characters, Aunt Marie, an honourable and decent person. Her only competition for this title may be Carol Rinehart. As for the rest of the female characters they are mixture of inconsistent, equally likeable and unlikeable (Roni and Amber), to thoroughly unlikeable (read vile) most, if not all the time (Mommie Dearest, Maggie and Mega-Ho, Stacy).

You are too kind and forgiving @weinerdog. For me there was no almost about it, although I was hoping Stacy would throw herself at the car as the boys were driving off and not survive. She no doubt will play the victim to the hilt and likely get sympathy from Mommie Dearest and the odious Maggie. Whatever the outcome for the boys, at least Stacy has been humiliated and it could not have happened to anyone more deserving. I too believe Blake will visit Craig and Seth at his "secret hideout". For all the hurt and rejection he has suffered, he has remained true to himself. I suspect this may in some way help Craig and/or Seth, and I have no doubt Blake will freely give them all the help and friendship he can. He may be their greatest ally in the shit that is likely to come their way. I also believe Aunt Marie and Uncle Steve will be there to support Seth and by default Craig and perhaps even Blake. I doubt either will have much sympathy for Stacy, particularly her behaviour in outing Craig and Seth. I too was very concerned Craig was going to kill both Seth and himself with his alcohol-infused reckless driving. Thankfully he did not, nor was he able to find any rope. A marvellous chapter @Ronyx. I have to say I was quite surprised at how Craig and Seth were finally "exposed". It appealed to my dark sense of humour, particularly the delicious irony of the skank being the one confronted with the evidence. I so hate her.

I think as he has grown older it has become less of a "problem" and only occurs now under extremely stressful circumstances. Given Donna and Calvin's irresponsible and selfish behaviour anything is possible @weinerdog.

I thought, up until now, Diego was supposedly the smart one. What the hell did he return to Holden, Wilson and Burns for. Surely one visit was enough after they conned him into paying a retainer. And to be confronted by another haughty bitchy receptionist. He should have said "you are only a shop girl bitch so drop the fucking attitude". Start listening to Steve's advice Diego, it could not be any worse than your own judgment. To be fair though, Diego is under enormous pressure delving into fields he is not au fait or comfortable with to not only ensure the safety of his own sons but to protect Kenny now too, so he is bound to make poor decisions. Do not let Calvin, the school board or bitchy receptionists win. He should also report Holden, Wilson and Burns to his new lawyer (Steve's friend) to determine if he has any recourse against them and their totally unprofessional and rude conduct. Great chapter @John Henry. I was seething and am now merely ranting about the behaviour of the skanky little millennial princess who called herself a receptionist. Stuck up little bitch needed a fucking good slap and a reminder of her station in life.

Surely one of the males in this story plays baseball. If so, Seth or any of the "cast" apart from the odious Maggie, have every reason to borrow it and teach Stacy a lesson on how to behave. Slapping Seth, continually addressing him as "fucker", reason enough for him to shut her up permanently. Roni annoyed me again in this chapter. Craig's emotional problems may have been contributed to by Seth (at Craig's "request"), but Seth is not his responsibility. If Craig was to finally admit to himself what he truly is or appears to be, he may have less angst. Unfortunately for Craig I strongly suspect his father is a "sports fan" who expects Craig to achieve what he himself probably could not (and being gay does not fit into that equation). You were correct in your assessment of Craig's sexuality @weinerdog, but I am hard pressed to believe Ty is gay. I believe Ty is one of those rare heterosexual male school friends, someone who is not at all bothered by gay male teens and only wants what is best for his very best friend. The flip side to my belief is that Blake is very observant and as you have pointed out, he thought Ty may have been Seth's boyfriend. Another exciting chapter @Ronyx. Stacy continues to appal, annoy, agitate and anger, but definitely not arouse (hardly surprising Craig could not get hard for her, even if he were straight it would have been a miracle for it to occur). As for the rest of the cast (apart from Aunt Marie and Uncle Steve), their behaviour would be best described as snafu. I am assuming Aunt Marie is Mommie Dearest's sister as both are fully aware of Stacy's appalling behaviour, but neither appears to have the intestinal fortitude to address it.

They often have the cash to cover up their "sins" too @Mancunian. If they need an abortion they will pay for one and for the discretion of the doctor. If they want a same-sex experience they will pay for one and for the discretion of the escort. When caught they also invariably have a 'come to Jesus moment', pray for forgiveness and all is forgiven by their followers. I got the impression Dan's mother has only become friends with the district superintendent. They well may have met at their local chapter of Moms For Liberty (or its equivalent) and recognised a fellow Nazi sympathiser.

Excellent chapter @John Henry. I can only but imagine a group akin to Moms For Liberty frothing at the mouth to have Kenny removed from school. The true faces of evil are very scary and very fucking ugly. Diego won't put up with any of their neo-fascist bullshit.

@drsawzall I think you have unfairly judged the hitherto unseen family cat, Sheena. She has shown remarkable restraint to date in her acceptance of her humans’ irrational and erratic behaviour. She could so easily have used Stacy’s face as her scratching post or Stacy's, Seth's or Mommie Dearest's beds, wardrobes and/or shoes as her litter tray. Perhaps @Ronyx is saving those treats for a later chapter. I believed Seth to be a lot smarter than Stacy until this chapter, but it would seem he has taken one of her stupidity pills. He is at least aware though that his reaction to Craig’s dismissal of their trysts is absurd. Stacy is too stupid to realise anything is amiss at all in her relationship with Craig. I can only hope this story concludes with her as a corpse, in a nunnery or in a same-sex relationship with Maggie. Roni disappointed again with her plea on behalf of Craig for Seth to keep quiet and accept Craig's trysts with him were all a big mistake. I wonder how she would feel if someone encouraged Cindy to state her relationship with Roni was all a big mistake. Not too bloody pleased I would think. Once again I think Seth should have told her to go fuck herself. I don' t think he should broadcast he has had sex with Craig (I would be too ashamed to admit I had sex with such a loser), but he should not deny, at least to himself, that it was all a big mistake, poor judgment perhaps, but hey he was horny and opportunities presented themselves. Craig will not have to worry about Stacy castrating him as he has no balls to remove. If his rocket fails to launch on a second occasion he may find Stacy less agreeable to keeping quiet. He could always attempt to quell any suspicion by laying the blame at Stacy’s feet, she is after all a thoroughly unlikeable person. Blake is perhaps the most principled and sensible of all the main characters @weinerdog. He is certainly the most honest to and about himself. I had high hopes for Aunt Marie, but alas she let me down again in this chapter. I suppose I am being unrealistic in thinking an aunt would chastise a niece or nephew for bad behaviour, but she could at least have taken to Stacy with a meat cleaver. A riotous chapter again @Ronyx. I feel like Sheena, an observer gobsmacked, but guiltily entertained by the animals in the circus. Although I despise the use of animals in a circus, those in this circus garner no sympathy from me.

I had a great chuckle at the spelling mistake "food" instead of "good" Chris.

The biggest development in this chapter, which I think has been building for a while, was Bryan's declaration of love for Steve. He has seemingly shed most, if not all, his opposition to Steve, and has recognised that Steve is not only good for Diego, but also for Caleb and himself. After reading the confrontation between Diego and Calvin I have had many different speculations as to the reason Calvin wants to see his boys. All speculations relate to financial gain. I am wondering if he is stupid and/or desperate enough to try and kidnap them to force Diego to pay a ransom for them. Bryan's continuing display of emotion may ultimately be therapeutic. Kenny is certainly assisting in this respect. He, Kenny, is not ashamed to display his emotions, even if he is teased by other students for doing so. @John Henry the revelation as to Calvin's motive must surely be getting closer as he appears to be becoming more brazen or is it desperate.

From the pen of a slightly younger cranky old bastard (I was born in 1963 so my truly formative years were the 1970's), I have to agree with much, if not all of what you opine @drsawzall. I think the ethos of many developed nations is similar to that of the USA, although perhaps not as extreme. I may be wrong, but I think the obsession with "celebrity culture" is pervasive world-wide, but perhaps at it's most repugnant in your homeland. For me personally, the "gun culture" and extreme religious conservatism of many of your fellow Americans is something I cannot understand or tolerate at all. I could lament for 10's of thousands of words about the decline of civility, civic pride and compassion, the appalling treatment of animals and the destruction of the environment, but it mostly seems to fall on deaf ears. It is "communities" like GA which afford me admiration for some of my fellow species, something which declines with each passing year. I think one of your fellow countrymen has mentioned the Texas energy abomination in comments before which I have read, and if I remember who it was correctly, he is a proud Republican, but even he was appalled. I am well aware that not all Texans are the same, but as a non-American I have to say Texas, Georgia (except for Atlanta), Florida (particularly in more recent times) and smaller states such as Kansas and Alabama, are synonymous with bigotry, stupidity, cruelty, religious zealotry and right-wing solidarity.