Summerabbacat

I was well into reading this chapter @James Carnarvon with no tears shed and then WHAM! SLAM! KAPOW! you walloped your readers with"Emilia nodded. “I guess so. Although, what do you give to the boy who’s spent his life with nothing?” “Love, I guess,” Daniele murmured." followed shortly thereafter by"What made you go for the photo album?” Emilia shrugged. “I thought he’d like to start building some good memories, now, you know?” I have not paid much attention to Emilia before, but the kindness and empathy she displayed with these few brief comments made me realise why she was previously attracted to Dani. They are seemingly much alike. Further tears, but this time tears of joy with "Marco laughed slightly, his cool grey eyes flicking from one foster father to the other. Daniele looked on, heartened to see the ease between the three of them. He wondered if the other boy had ever felt so safe with his birth parents." and "Marco backed shakily away from the table and hurried round to the other side, where he pulled his two foster fathers into a hug, mumbling something indistinct into Gianni’s chest" and "Marco nodded. “There’s more, though. Gianni and Angelo are taking me away for a few days. We’re going to Rome!” The smaller boy’s grey eyes shone with excitement as he said this, and it occurred to Daniele that it might be the first chance he had ever had to leave the coast. “You’ve never…?” Daniele asked. Marco shook his head. “We’re going to ride the Metro and see the Colosseum, the Forum, the Vatican City… it’s going to be epic.” I challenge anyone to dare making disparaging comments about Gianni's parenting skills in relation to Marco. He and Angelo are doing a wonderful job, bringing joy into the little mouse's life which his birth parents never brought. And it is not just the gifts, it is the sense of safety and self-worth and the joy for life and in living, these are the greatest gifts Gianni and Angelo are giving Marco. The good doctor, @drsawzall, has expressed beautifully what is perhaps the most striking development to emerge in this story to date @James Carnarvon The differences between he and Marco could not be more striking, as Marco discovers more about the good inside him, we see Giaco a bit more clearly as the curtains are peeled back. He's becoming a bit more unsure of himself, finding growing up isn't easy or easy to cover the feelings radiating out of him. He's a bit less confident as Marco becomes so. Another wonderfully entertaining, well written and thought provoking chapter @James Carnarvon. No thoughts of Kate Bush in this chapter, although your favourites, the Pet Shop Boys, with a guest appearance by that most wonderful of Springfield's, Dusty, did make an appearance when Emilia commented “Wow, you must really… although I’m not sure what he’s done to deserve it.” Not the exact title, but very close to one of their most enduring, and in my humble opinion, one of their very best songs.

I'm getting the sense that it doesn't take much to make you think of Kate Bush. 😉 You are partially correct @James Carnarvon. I cannot pinpoint any particular evidence, but just like Kate I find your writing very British, something which appeals to me greatly. Kate has also often been inspired by literature and film when writing her songs. Oddly enough she had not read Emily Bronte's masterpiece before she wrote her masterpiece, she had seen a 1970 British film based on the book. I have not seen it myself, although I have seen a little of the 1939 film with Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon. What I saw I did not like at all. He was all wrong for Heathcliff; he was far more suited to play Edgar Linton. Many of Kate's songs are visual too, much like your work. I hesitate to sound like some kind of pretentious film critic, but I cannot think of a better way to describe much of your work and her's as "cinematic". I have read other works where occasionally one of her songs might "pop" into my head, but not with the same regularity as yours. Perhaps it is knowing you are both British which subconsciously influences this, but whatever the reason it is a happy combination for me. For obvious reasons I have had the occasional Dean Martin track "pop" into my head too when reading your work. You may not be familiar with him given your age, but he was multi-talented and always seemed very likeable.

That would explain why I in Australia "got in early" for once with my comments.

The aftermath of the disco and the rejected invitation to dance "The sunlight was streaming through the cracks in his shutters; normally, he would have rushed to throw them open, welcoming the summer into his room, but today it felt like too much effort." It must be a legacy from the musicality of the previous chapter @James Carnarvon because the listless Dani cooped up in his bedroom pining for Giacomo found the haunting beauty of Kate Bush's voice on 'Wuthering Heights' meandering in my mid-morning mind. Although they believe, or have convinced themselves to believe, they have restored their friendship to its former glory, there is a sense of malaise in the friendship between Dani and Giacomo, a malaise which the other three friends picked up on, especially the little mouse. "Marco, alone, looked unconvinced. He was wearing the faintest of troubled frowns, taking in the way they were standing together, the way they were dressed. Daniele supposed he was remembering the state he had been in on the night of the disco and was wondering how they had managed to sort everything out so quickly." As much as the "deep" Giacomo is surprising me @James Carnarvon, the empathic and very perceptive Marco is an even greater surprise. I suspect it has always been there though, but it is only now when he is beginning to enjoy life more and have a little more confidence that he is willing to speak up. Speaking of Marco's transition to happiness, Gianni and Angelo should be knighted (or its Italian equivalent). The pleasure they are bringing to Marco's life with simple yet much treasured day trips and other everyday things which others take for granted is a joy to witness. “I don’t understand what happened,” Giacomo said, “but I know one thing.” He looked back towards Daniele, a faintly pleading look in his dark eyes. “I really don’t want to lose my best friend over this. Do you?” And if "deep" Giacomo isn't enough of a surprise @James Carnarvon, we now have vulnerable Giacomo too. I suppose he previously displayed some degree of vulnerability when he was "dating" Laura, but not to the extent he is now. And in honour of the much featured Ravello hemiptera, I propose a little bit of frivolity @James Carnarvon. Absolutely Fabulous (The Scraping Cicada Remix) by the Pet Shop Boys featuring DJ Carnarvon and the Ravello Rapture.

I had the same thought @Shadow086, but seeing you express the same sentiment made me laugh until I cried. She is truly vile. I think she is Craig's beard and she is desperate and gullible enough to believe he is attracted to her and perhaps may even be in love with her. I shall enjoy watching her fall apart when it is revealed, as I am certain it will, he cares nought for her and has just used her. Being Stacy I am sure she will play the victim to the hilt and with the full support of Mommie Dearest will no doubt increase her vicious and spiteful behaviour towards Seth. Perhaps we will see the emergence of the hitherto only spoken of father. I am still speculating that he may be gay and Mommie Dearest has banished him from the life of her children. I do not trust Mommie Dearest at all and think Stacy well may be "a chip off the old block".

Please no, not wholesome. That makes her sound like a 1950's wife from on an American movie/sitcom where any bedroom scene shows she and her husband sleeping in separate beds. She aims to be the perfect wife, mother and neighbour. Always immaculately groomed and with a "sunny" disposition. A complete fucking fraud. The groundwork you laid meant that when the time came it seemed a natural progression of the less constrained affection Giacomo was displaying towards Dani, and the fact that this less constrained affection felt genuine.

“All right,” Giacomo smirked. Composing his face into a more solemn expression, he extended a fist towards Daniele and Marco. “I just want to mark this moment. Make a triangle with me.” Was this moment portentous @James Carnarvon? Perhaps we won't have to choose between Diaco and Darco. Perhaps it will be Diarco. Ravello's first throuple, Dani, Giacomo and Marco.

Wow! That was one incredible chapter @James Carnarvon. So much laughter, especially "Daniele smiled. “So, I’m… what, your silver lining?” “More like golden boy,” Marco murmured, casting his grey eyes casually to the heavens for a moment. Giacomo snickered. “Make that platinum baby,” he said, reaching for a lock of Daniele’s hair" and "What would Giacomo be wearing, he wondered? A tux, like Marco? Jeans and a shirt? One of his trendy athletic jackets? Daniele’s old red tie-dye t-shirt? …nothing at all?" The poignancy of the teacher's observations of Marco, Giacomo and Dani as they departed the school for the last time. Her observations of Marco I found particularly moving. "No, there would be no confessions of undying love at the disco; just a couple of hours of enforced awkwardness, and then they would all be free to go." The text in bold I thought could be the title, albeit a long one or at least a lyric from a Pet Shop Boys song. It has a theatricality or imperious ring to it don't you think @James Carnarvon. It was a rather convenient segue for me into the songs to come too. "Oh, you look gorgeous,” she said. Daniele fidgeted slightly in embarrassment. “Ah, c’mon…” Patrizia shook her head. “I mean it… you look so grown up.” She sighed sadly. “You’ll make some lucky boy very happy one day.” Is it possible Patrizia could have said anything more wonderful to Dani than this? It may have embarrassed him, but what a positive reinforcement of her love for him and the fact that his sexual orientation is no more or no less important to her than the colour of his hair or the colour of his eyes. "The low, golden evening sun had dipped behind the hills, casting Daniele’s side of town into shadow, but there was still a heady warmth to the air. He took the climb gently, keeping his heart rate low; it wouldn’t do to overheat in his shirt and tie before the party had even started. His smart black shoes clopped against the crazy paving of the ancient steps, echoing off the buildings and high stone walls to either side." This is where the music began for me @James Carnarvon. I heard the slow sultry beat of Donna Summer's Love To Love You Baby with Donna's orgasmic cooing starting to ring through the vast expanse of the hillside. "Im .... spinning around ...." Kylie Kylie Kylie. Yes Yes Yes. Spectacular. I assumed Sonique and was greatly impressed. "Paninaro" Pet Shop Boys. One of their better lesser known songs. The finale did not surprise, but the extraordinary depth of Marco's perception and compassion did. "Daniele spread his arms helplessly. “All the things we’ve done together,” he said desperately. “Like helping each other to climb mountains, or the way we looked out for each other during the business with Ettore last year… I trust Giaco with my life. Just not…” He tailed off miserably, drawing another ragged breath. “…with your heart?” Marco suggested quietly." I was sobbing, not only for Dani and that most beloved little Mouse, but for Giacomo too. The good doctor was right, the latter is a confused boy. Had it been before this story I would have thought Giacomo acted without care for the feelings of others, but now I believe he is struggling and there was no hint of malice or ego.

"Come on, Craig,” insisted Stacy as she pulled him away. “Don’t spend your time with these losers.” Stacy is way too stupid @weinerdog to realise how ridiculous this statement is. It has struck me before but never so vividly as in this chapter, particularly with this statement, that Stacy and Craig are the Christie and Billy respectively of Romy & Michele's High School Reunion. If you have not seen the film do yourself a favour and watch it. If you have not and do not, Christie and Billy are the "beautiful couple" in their final year in high school who marry after school and their life turns to shit, basically because both are narcissistic, obnoxious. spoilt and vicious, particularly Christie. They have nothing to offer society but expect to be given everything because they consider themselves superior. It was a joy to watch their fall from grace and the grotesque stereotypes they became. I suspect Blake's problems may run far deeper than his parent's hating him. He is I believe a very troubled boy. If he and Seth do become closer I expect Craig will cause either one or both a great deal of trouble. His behaviour in the restaurant was very disturbing. Some very humorous moments in this chapter @Ronyx, particularly in the pizza place. Ty and Amber both displayed a good sense of humour, although Amber did perhaps go a little too far. Ty is definitely aware his friend Seth is not what he is pretending to be.

Maybe or maybe not @gdaniel. If Seth were Stacy instead and she behaved with Craig in the same manner would you have been equally appalled at the behaviour? I suspect you may have. I have known numerous gay men in my life whom others would regard as promiscuous, just as I have known numerous straight men and straight women whom others would regard as promiscuous. You have your own moral values @gdaniel, and whilst others may not agree with you, it is your right to have such values. As @weinerdog and @Ronyx have both pointed out, Seth is a 16 year old gay boy who is eager to experience gay sex. I imagine many boys his age, including straight boys, have experienced some kind of sexual interaction with other boys, as would many girls. Craig is "offering it to him on a plate" so to speak, so why not go for it. Whilst it appears Seth is a "victim" and Craig a "predator", it is apparent Seth is a willing participant. I personally don't have a problem with Seth blowing his sister's boyfriend as I agree with the universal opinion, Stacy is a bitch. Perhaps one could say Seth is using Craig to a certain degree, perfecting his sexual skills "until the real thing comes along". I am increasingly beginning to think Stacy is merely a convenient "beard" for Craig's true nature, she is after all not demanding anything of him sexually. All I can say is he must have a strong stomach though to be able to tolerate making out with her. She is one of @Ronyx's more repugnant teenage girl creations. I also suspect @Ronyx is developing a "predator" and "willing victim" relationship between Craig and Seth until such time as the shit hits the fan and both are exposed. This would certainly explain the story title Seth On The Road To Chaos.

Akin to your fellow countryman and dare I say "idol". Very Tennantesque. Yes, yes, yes. Team Darco has such a wonderful ring to it. Dark chocolate.

I hope I am not completely predictable and my comments on this chapter take you by surprise @James Carnarvon. In response to my comments on the prior chapter you stated "Chapter two may not be quite so great... still quite a bit of setting up to do... but from chapter three onwards the story will really kick into gear." I have to disagree with you vociferously; this chapter was superb, perhaps one of the best, if not the best, you have ever written in my humble opinion. Your climatic descriptions which I ALWAYS enjoys (even if winter) were amongst the best ever "three whole months of total freedom amidst the endless days, blue skies and soporific heat of the summer" and "It was the last day of May, meaning that it was literally the eve of the summer as the town baked its way through the hottest part of the day, the pace of life in the square was gentle." Admittedly you were describing my favourite season, but it is testament to your literary skills that for a brief moment I smelt the coconut oil of my younger days (SPF4 only please) which I used to slather myself with to maximise my tan. The winter blues retreated even if for only a moment as precious memories of summer came to the fore. Even the mundane had a sense of style or beauty in this chapter with such simple yet vividly written descriptions as "Down among the older buildings, tourists would be coming and going from the restaurants and boutiques that lined the narrow old alleyway, oblivious to the mundane reality of education taking place only a few metres away." The "mundane reality of education" just blew me away. It may or may not have been deliberate on your part, but I loved the alliteration of "Daniele wrestled with trigonometry, with its tirade of troublesome triangles". I had a great chuckle reading this. Much of this chapter moved me to tears too, some from melancholy and some from joy, none more so than "Over the four years since their move from Milan, he had taken root in Ravello, and he was in no hurry to leave." Dani is exceptional, as beautiful on the inside as he is on the outside. He along with Gianni and the little mouse that roared, are my favourite characters you have created. I love how Dani still has a certain naïveté which only adds to his appeal. “You like me checking you out?” Daniele asked incredulously. “It doesn’t suck,” Giacomo admitted. Daniele frowned as he reflected on the other boy’s words. But why, Giaco? What do you get out of it? You are stroking his ego constantly Dani, although I have to say it again @James Carnarvon, Giacomo's new found, or is it perhaps only just emerging with maturity, depth of feeling is such that I don't think him the shallow boy I once thought. Like the good doctor (@drsawzall) said, Giacomo seems to be somewhat confused at times as to what his true feelings for Dani are. The physical description of Enzo and Assunta Neri were both very humorous. I particularly liked "Stocky and strong, with unlovely facial features". What a kind way to say someone has an unattractive face. "We dropped our school things off at my place first" Marco replied". Before even reading the next sentence in which Dani noted this comment, it struck me that this was a most un-Marco like thing to say. With the change in family circumstances such positive and proud comments will hopefully become more commonplace for this most adorable of boys. I could write so much more @James Carnarvon about this most wonderful of chapters, but my comments may end up "dwarfing" the chapter itself. I do however, have to state that: "Hanging out with Marco was easier than hanging out with Giacomo, somehow. The nervous energy that the dark-eyed boy brought out in him could be exhausting. With Marco, Daniele felt more in control of himself and his body. Every so often, as he had that morning, he would suddenly find the smaller boy hanging off his every word, but usually their relationship felt a little less fraught. He wondered which of his two best friends he would turn to if he ever had a really serious problem that he wanted to talk about. It’d be Marco, wouldn’t it…?" is the most emotionally rewarding and joyous thing you have written. I hope my positivity is not premature, but I can almost hear a slight rumble in the little mouse's chest as he is readying himself to one day roar, a roar that will be heard throughout the Amalfi coast when Dani realises Marco is his true love (fuck I am even weeping as I write this).

Perhaps frenetic was not the correct word to use to describe the chapter @James Carnarvon. What I was trying to say was that compared to the usual languid pace of your writing which mirrors the idyllic charm of Ravello itself (which I relish), this chapter was bursting with energy. This may be due to the appearance of virtually all the main characters from the prior stories being together in the one place at the one time, and the joy and happiness which the gathering seemed to bring to all. There was a frenzy of activity on the beach with Dani and Giacomo in particular moving from one group of party dwellers to another. Feral cats are a huge problem in Australia, one which is solely attributable to the stupidity and selfishness of the human species. It is one which ignites my fury in the first instance and my abject horror with the method many feel is justified in resolving this issue. This problem is an indictment of the human species worldwide seemingly.

Another feather (please make it a faux one) in your cap @James Carnarvon. The riotous joy and humour provoked by not only your story, but the comments made thereon.

OMG @James Carnarvon. This chapter was like a favourite line from Absolutely Fabulous (episode 1) and my favourite Pet Shop Boys song of the same name. Chanel, Dior, Lagerfeld, Givenchy, Gaultier, darling. Names names names. Spectacularly written and entertaining, the chapter moved at an almost frenetic pace at times. There was so much to love about this chapter it left me almost breathless and joyful beyond belief (it is almost winter after all). Dani; Claudia’s cheeky appearance via mobile phone teasing not only Dani but Giacomo too; Marco’s growing affection for and attachment to Gianni and Angelo and they to he and the rewards it is reaping for all three; Patrizia’s reminiscences of a younger Dani; the appearance, albeit briefly of Toto, Michele and Isabella; the pizza; the beach (even the grey volcanic sand which is so not like beaches here in Australia); Dani's tie dye T-shirts; Dani and Giacomo’s reminiscences of their first meeting; the astonishingly deep and intimate feelings expressed by Giacomo; and the absolute pinnacle of joy and celebration “Daniele was a summer child at heart, and the return of the cicadas always gave him a lift, bringing with it the knowledge that summer was finally just around the corner. Soon, the swifts would return, too, unleashing their shrill cries as they flew over the hillside in search of insects.” The only “sour” point for me was the appearance of the feral cat scrounging for food. I am going to console myself by believing Dani raced to a cafe and bought something tasty and plentiful for the cat to feast on. He is after all a wonderful boy and I seem to recall he has expressed a fondness for cats in a prior story (or is this wishful thinking on my part)? I have but one question to pose to you @James Carnarvon, does Dani like ABBA? If the answer is yes, he is perfection.

You can "blame" me for this @James Carnarvon. One of many things that sets your stories apart from many others is the descriptive and beautiful manner in which you describe the natural environment of Ravello and the surrounding towns, and as part of this description quite often the weather at the time, which for towns so heavily reliant upon tourism, is ultra important. If you are able to improve my mood in winter the potency of your story telling cannot be underestimated as I loathe winter. Of course, there is also those wonderful scraping cicadas, the delicious Italian vegetables (the tomatoes, the aubergines and the garlic) and the perfume of the ever present lemons. I have to say that for me the lemons and the scraping cicadas in particular are almost as comforting as my favourite characters.

And I have just realised by reading the start of chapter 1 the story will be set in summer @James Carnarvon. Clearly the Six Months Ago which prefaced this chapter did not find its way through the tundra that is my brain at present. You would b entitled to think the title of this latest tale would also have given me "a clue" too. How embarrassing.

I did not remember the reference to “the kiss” in chapter 9 of The Star In My Eye @James Carnarvon. I think I was too busy taking offence on Gianni’s behalf at the comments made regarding his allegedly poor parenting skills and becoming increasingly annoyed by Sami’s behaviour. “I thought you liked girls?” he whispers. Giacomo looks away for a moment. “I do, but…” he glances back at Daniele. “I’ve never met a girl who means as much to me as you do.” I was very impressed by Giacomo’s frankness. I find this encouraging in that if he ever develops feelings for Dani which are more than platonic, he will not be afraid to express them. I was also very impressed by Dani's mature response to "the kiss". He will blossom from a delightful pre-teen into an even more delightful teenager. My hope is that it will be with "the little mouse who roared" by his side. I hope Dani’s pyjamas are also tie-dye. Another sojourn to Ravello, a very welcome respite from winter in Sydney, Australia @James Carnarvon (even if it is winter in Ravello too). After a cool summer (very few days above 30C) and short autumn, winter arrived early in April, along with the ‘flu (which I have had and been fighting with since Easter). It is not even officially winter yet, but we have already had a number of days with a top temperature less than 18C and it has been raining ad infinitum. Dani has a herculean task to break the winter blues, but I already felt a little warm glow with this scene setting chapter. Viva la Daniele.

OMG @Jeff Burton Gavin is certainly a busy man. You realise now that you have made him a "star" you are going to have to give him his own show, or at least have him reveal a little of himself in at least one, if not all three, of your current literary tales. I think unless Nathan has a set back, Gavin's work with him will be for a far shorter period than his work with Tyler, but more particularly with Jacob and with Ben. In the face of imminent danger Nathan still managed to maintain a sense of humour or perhaps it was bravado, “Seriously? You get in trouble and almost kicked off the team, yet you’re two remaining brain cells still think this shit is a good idea?” I said raising my arms in a defensive posture." As the subsequent melee proved, Nathan has overestimated Jackson's intellectual capacity. Clearly Jackson has a bright future, perhaps he could run as the Republican nominee for state Governor one day @Jeff Burton. I am perhaps naive, but I don't think schoolyard violence in my native Australia is anywhere near the level it is in the USA. As a non-American the "gun culture" is something I cannot understand at all. Fortunately, you have not included any of that in your stories, but the mentality of at least some of the students is such that a gun in their hands would be a very dangerous and unpredictable thing. A relatively short chapter, or so it seemed @Jeff Burton. Perhaps it seemed so because it was not replete with the emotional upheaval of prior chapters. Apart from the violent vignette involving Jackson and his goons, the rest of the chapter was comparatively light. Once again your literary skills were amply displayed.

It certainly appears Craig may be bisexual if not gay @raven1. @weinerdog may be correct yet in his conclusion Craig is gay. If so, he has certainly chosen his "beard" well as Stacy continues to play the prick-teasing virgin. If Craig's sexuality is fluid or if he is in fact gay, I doubt he will ever acknowledge it voluntarily as he has reputation as a lady-killer to maintain. The appearance of Blake is a welcome addition to "the cast". I am intrigued to see what his story is. I daresay @Ronyx will reveal all in forthcoming chapters.

So do I @Wesley8890 which is why I have no moral dilemma with Seth blowing Craig. Seth is not Stacy's keeper and given her treatment of him he owes her nothing, except perhaps a kick in the arse to push her out the passenger door as he is driving at high speed transporting her and her equally odious friend, Maggie, to the football game/school dance/shopping mall. Whilst on the topic of Maggie, she makes another appearance, albeit not in person, and proves once again she is a nasty bitch too. I think @Ronyx has a test tube or petri dish where he cultivates these verminous teenage bitches and every so often one of them is born. Stacy is very much in the same vein as Ashley from Losing Kevin and Melissa from Dancing With Madonna. Given how desperate she is to please Craig she could end up pregnant like the aforesaid Ashley, although she herself has to date displayed none of the "bitch on heat" behaviour Ashley did. Whilst I care nought for Stacy's feelings, I think Seth blowing Craig is fraught with danger as Seth is bound to be the one hurt if it becomes public knowledge. I recall comments made after a prior chapter by one of my fellow readers (it may have been @weinerdog or @scrubber6620) that if this event occurs Craig will somehow turn it around and portray himself as the victim and Seth as the aggressive "faggot". I know Seth is a typical teenage boy in many ways, but I do wish he would stop worrying about what his peers think. A friendship with Roni and Cindy could be very beneficial for all three. He should forget about what others may say and adhere to what he said to Stacy and tell any detractors to "go fuck themselves". "Cindy said playfully, “You better not try to do something with my girlfriend at the dance.” Ty laughed and said, “I don’t think you have anything to be worried about.” I have made the comment before that I believe Ty may be aware Seth is gay and is NOT at all perturbed by this. Another terrific chapter @Ronyx. The shared opinions of your readers appear to be: Stacy is a bitch Craig is a user with a sense of entitlement Seth is heading for trouble if he continues as Craig's personal cocksucker

So many astute and perceptive observations from my fellow readers, particularly @J.El, @weinerdog and @drsawzall, has left me with little to contribute. Like @drsawzall I was disgusted with the slime ball landlord, particularly his belligerent behaviour and questionable personal hygiene. I know it is a stereotype, but I just bet he owns more than one such establishment and is miserly and totally lacking in compassion. The only good thing to be said about the transitional apartment is that it is apparently clean and in relatively good condition. It made me sad though that Ben's life has been so joyless to date that such an apartment appears, to some extent, to be almost a paradise to Ben. I like @J.El and @weinerdog am concerned that this transitional phase may be when the "wheels fall off" for Ben, although I think it is unlikely to be of his own doing. How this boy has survived the turmoil and abuse that has come his way for the past 8-9 years is testament to his resilience and selflessness. He is a remarkable boy. I think a closer friendship with Josh is imperative as was clearly recognised by Gus. Beneath that gruff exterior there lies a pussycat. I suspect he has been through "the system" himself and is one of those people who passes fortune forward in gratitude. Another moving and beautifully written chapter @Jeff Burton. I was "holding it together" very well until "I spent the last night in my room which had never been filled with a second occupant like the others and stared out the window at the night sky. This was my last night as Benjamin, the foster kid nobody wanted, and tomorrow I would be Benjamin, the… the… I honestly didn’t know." The thought in bold was my downfall, particularly as Ben appears to have such thoughts and make such statements without any sense of bitterness or desire for sympathy. He is neither maudlin nor resentful. I think he is your most tragic yet most beautiful creation, and I so look forward to further insights into his world.

Just like Madonna's Vogue this story is a classic too. I found the four lead characters very appealing and the trials and tribulations they encounter believable and very authentically written by a well-loved author. As is the case with a number of @Ronyx's stories there are several characters who are not so likeable, one in particular whom I would like to have seen unspeakable things happen to. If you have read any of @Ronyx's stories before, I am sure you will find much to like about this one too.

Wonderful story, although I think Brad got off way too lightly. His whining about not being able to socialise and getting kicked off the football team made me want to vomit. He viciously beats Buddy causing Buddy to be hit by a car and he is whining about his punishment. He is still an entitled prick and I don't for one moment believe his half-assed apology represented genuine remorse. Melissa, maybe. The four boys, a wonderful quartet.

A beautifully written chapter @Ronyx which had me laughing and crying, sometimes almost at the same time. If either Brad or his parents had even an ounce of decency they would pay for Buddy's hospital treatment and any ongoing care he needs rather than letting the taxpayer foot the bill. I suspect they don't.