Summerabbacat

@James Carnarvon will have to substantially improve Giorgio before he is anywhere near good enough for our little mouse, but I had the same notion @drsawzall. I immediately thought to myself, why has James introduced this character. After he and Marco eyed each other up, I thought Giorgio may be the first person who takes a "real" interest in Marco as a sexual being. Marco's assessment of Giorgio's false bravado was spot on: "Marco snorted. “One of us?” he repeated. “Yeah, right.” He turned away, before pausing for one last parting shot. “Talk to me again when you’re ready to be your real self.” He is becoming quite the astute observer of human behaviour. Is this increase in confidence and observation as a result of Gianni and Angelo becoming his foster parents or is it due to his maturing or a combination of both. Any sympathy I had for Cosmo evaporated in this chapter, particularly when he so rudely dismissed Marco's concern that he, Cosmo, would lose his job if he did not show up. His little pity party with the questionable Elisabetta (a non-judgmental polite euphemism for what I am thinking @weinerdog) did nothing to improve their prospects in life. Methinks, Elisabetta may know of Cosmo's proclivities, but chooses to ignore them because it suits her to do so. Another beautifully written chapter @James Carnarvon.

Alec always wanted to "get out of Dodge" and understandably so. Finn always knew this. Alec has made a life for himself in Seattle, it may not be the best life, but he has escaped the small-mindedness of his incubator and Sunnyside. Finn is fortunate to have such a supportive family, a family whom I believe would support him if he also decided to leave Sunnyside. He is equally inflexible, perhaps even more so as he has not tried an alternative, unlike Alec. If neither is prepared to compromise then they should go there separate ways and stay the fuck away from each other as to keep re-opening old wounds is sheer madness. @Demiurge for the sake of Alec's tenuous sanity (and my decreasing sanity) end Mae NOW. She has stolen enough oxygen already and well and truly worn out her welcome.

Kenji is thoroughly unlikeable and untrustworthy. What does River see in him. It was like he and Finn were in a pissing contest or a contest as to who had the biggest cock. My bet would be on Finn for that latter. If Alec accedes to Finn's request for one night of passion (and damn it I think he should) he will not want to leave. I imagine Finn is going to ignite a fire in every fibre and cell within Alec's body. Damn it @Demiurge why isn't that bloody hideous woman dead yet? And while you are organising this, can you also organise something dastardly for Veronica.

Alec was very uncomfortable when Kenji arrived. He may be awkward, anxious and mostly socially inept, but he has often been a good judge of character. If Kenji made him uncomfortable there must be a reason. Time shall tell, but if Kenji does anything to harm River may a reign of terror descend on him like he has never known. River has an uncanny ability to know what Alec is thinking and challenges him constantly to come out of his comfort zone, even if momentarily. He has been such a loyal friend to Alec and has probably done more good for his mental health than his therapist and cocktail of drugs combined.

“So, the family papers?” “Presumed taken by the solicitors.” “Who’ve already told Sandra there is no germane paperwork connected to your grandad and grandma or the firm.” It may be time for Owain and Mhairi to retain Sawzall, Sawzall & Associates, forensic accountants, to conduct further investigations to determine if anything underhanded has taken place. Owain gave a smirk, “How about that we’ve not settled the wedding yet, but wondered whether we might have in Leighton, so it was nice and convenient for her.” Colin stared at Owain, “You don’t mean it?” Owain shrugged, “As long as it’s somewhere nice. So, we can look around”, then he gave an evil grin, “but might be fun to put the wind up her!” I had the same thought as Owain when I read Colin's mother's pathetic excuse for not attending their wedding. When I read Owain's suggestion I had a great chuckle. He has a mischievous streak, a streak which is appealing to Colin more and more as they become more comfortable in their relationship with each other. Moralistic Miles best pull his head out of his arse otherwise he will find himself returning to live with Mummy. Just imagine the shame, having to return to live with conniving Connie. Colin is far too nice for his own good, but if this eventuates I would love for Colin to rub Miles face in it big time. Joe has found himself increasingly involved in his uncle's life, largely due to his employ with Colin, which he appears to be excelling at and enjoying. What a positive turn of events for all involved. The injection of some money by Mhairi, Owain and Colin into the production of Joe's play at the library may well prove to be a good investment too for all involved. Another joyous, mostly light-hearted, and at times frothy chapter @Robert Hugill. I expect more positive comments for this chapter in the next few days.

Alec should not make any decisions to change anything until his mother is dead. I believe a tremendous weight will be lifted from his shoulders when this occurs. I also believe he WILL be able to have some sort of relationship with his father when she expires. Although they might not rejoice when she is dead (I would), they will breathe a huge sigh of relief. I suspect Alec will return to Sunnyside, maybe not immediately, but eventually once Mae has succumbed to death. Hopefully he (and we) won't have to wait too much longer for that to occur.

“How dare you talk to me that way?” Mae said, eyes wide and face absolutely livid. “Alec, have you eaten?” His father asked abruptly, ignoring her. “Not yet.” He answered while still trying to figure out what the heck was going on." Henry's balls finally dropped big time and they had an immediate impact upon Mae. He could not have been more disdainful of her had he tried. I had a wonderful chuckle when he completely ignored her temper tantrum. It was a real slap in the face for her, just what the doctor ordered (she has likely driven the hospital staff mad with her demands). Hopefully next time Alec "sees" her she will be in a box, the cheapest and ugliest one possible, in total keeping with the type of person she is. It well may be Henry, Alec and the pastor (if he is still around) will be the only attendees at her funeral. The chapter title had me very excited @Demiurge. I hoped it was indicative of the death of Mae, the end of her reign of terror in the lives of her immediate family. Ding dong, the bitch is dead (OK, a little "poetic licence"). Hopefully next chapter.

"After speaking with his father, his mother had forced herself back into his priorities. She wasn’t feeling well and Henry was desperate for them to spend more time together in case this was the last visit. He’d go to the hospital tomorrow and go from there." There is no indication Mae wants Alec to visit her, it appears it is Henry who wants Alec to visit his mother. Hopefully Henry's balls have FINALLY dropped and he wants Alec to be there when he tells her what he thinks of her as a wife and what an appalling mother she has been to their son. The final nail in her virtual coffin and hopefully one which hastens her placement into a real live one. "Alright, I’m going to smack you right across your pretty face. I’m going to kick you in the shin too. Listen to me.” “Riv-“ “No talk. Just listen. You talk enough to yourself in your head. My turn. You want Finn. He wants you. You’re both adults and he’s pursuing you. Finn might want a relationship and what’s so horrible about that? You’re throwing away your best shot at happiness in a long time Alec. It’s honestly hard to watch. You run around in circles, beating your head against a wall in your mind. I get you have trauma. Same. You can’t let it control your life now. If something feels right, just fucking go with it already. God, I love you so much but you’re exhausting me right now.” River took a deep breath, dragging his hands through his hair and messing it up. Then he frowned softly at him and rubbed his cheek and then the back of his neck." Alec is getting better advice for free from his best friend who is not afraid to bitch slap him for his own good when warranted. Get the lube and condoms ready Alec and "fasten your seatbelts it's going to be a bumpy night". @Demiurge you failed to get rid of Mae with that out-of-control semi-trailer and that woman is still breathing. How about a strategically placed pillow placed over her face such that she is unable to move it.

"River had never kept anyone a secret from him before. He’d met a few of his dates or he’d at least been shown a profile picture. This was odd. Was he deformed or something? Was he like 70 and in a wheelchair? No, there was no way his friend would develop feelings for someone like that." Why could he not Alex, unlikely yes, but he might. I remember seeing a TV program many years ago regarding men who were attracted to female amputees only, and one particular man liked them double plus sized as well. I remember discussing the program with a female work colleague who thought the men were disgusting and taking advantage of the women. I vehemently argued with her that she did not know their personal circumstances, but she would not have a bar of it, stating the men were obviously on a power trip as the women were "helpless" because they were amputees. She would not accept that these men found such women attractive; that some men had an unusual fetish, as do some women, and that this does not make them "sick" or "disgusting". Suffice to say I thought her an uptight moralistic bitch. It is very clear that Finn is not the only member of his family who wishes to reconnect with Alec. It appears Alec has a ready made family if he will allow himself to be loved by one and all. Who knows, once the harridan aka Mae drops off her perch, his father may even take some comfort from the Larsons' because let's face it he has not had any from the daughter of Beelzebub. River's behaviour is very intriguing. What, or more specifically who, has he got himself into. Ken, generally an abbreviation for Kenneth, but could also be an abbreviation of Kendrick, Kent, Kenyatta, Kenji, Kenneally, Kennedy or any other myriad of names. I wait with baited breath @Demiurge for you to reveal all.

@DemiurgeI hope I read a chapter soon, VERY SOON, in which Mae finally kicks the bucket. I imagine the sigh of relief breathed by Alec and Henry will be enough to stir up a mini-tornado. I wonder if the pious pastor is still around or if he has moved on. Alec you must give yourself over to absolute pleasure, become awash with the sins of the flesh, rejoice in the fragrance of sweaty mansex. Recognise your brain is overrated and centre all your energy in your core, prepare you body for mind-blowing fucking with Finn. I have a feeling Finn will be a masterful lover, one who will transport Alec way beyond what he imagines sex may be like with him.

Dare I say a blossoming friendship between Phil and Colin, with their roles shifting back and forth between confider and confidant. What a joy and catharsis to share their stories of young love. Similarly to many of my fellow readers I believe Stanley could benefit from their life experiences as marginalised persons, regardless of his own sexuality. Phil apparently resembled a young Paul Anka. I must say the only song of his I was familiar with was the evergreen My Way (and I have not heard his version that I can recall). I searched the 'net and found some photos of a young Paul Anka and some were of a very handsome man. I also recalled Tab Hunter was a singer/actor from that era and found some photographs of a young Tab Hunter. As a young man he was certainly handsome and like Marvin Gaye he improved with age. As a 30 something he was absolutely sizzling. Woof. I admired him for his courage too, he refused to bow to pressure and marry a woman to appease society. Poignant, the perfect adjective for this chapter @Ronyx. Teen angst and drama may be what you are renowned for, but I have to say I am as impressed, if not even more so, with your writing examining adult relationships. Beautiful writing and great story telling.

Wow! Just wow! What a wonderfully written chapter @Paladin. Although the interviews with both Ollie and Andre were largely superficial as written, the underlying trauma of what both had experienced resonated. As I stated in my comments on the prior chapter, a clever writer is able to inform and move the reader without resorting to excess melodrama and histrionics, and that is what you did again in this authentically written and very moving chapter. Good news for Mamma was welcomed by all and helped improve the day for them. And my favourite statement, and not just because of my love for such a dish: "Our serves of Lemon Lime Tart arrived. It summed up our day; bittersweet.”

A task for your "to do" list perhaps @drpaladin?

It is very clear both Alec and Finn still have a strong connection. Is it love or perhaps regret for what was not? I suspect the former, but it will take time for both to overcome the distance that time has brought to their lives. I doubt Finn will leave Sunnyside (so not an appropriate name), but Alec may surprise and return, although not before Mae is given a lonely send off. She has as much chance of changing her pious ways as I have sleeping with a woman. Milo, still blunt and full of life. His reference to Alec as "Jailbait" when he was a teen irritated me, but now he is older I can see it for the term of affection it apparently is. His disclosure that the whole family worried when Alec moved to California was genuine as I don't think Milo engages in small talk or platitudes. Nina seems well suited to him, with a wry sense of humour and an obvious care for his health without being smothering. Superb chapter @Demiurge, setting up a return for Alec and a relighting of the Alec/Finn fire. Aarrgghh the cool soothing voice of Dan Hartman with the scorching vocals of Loleatta Holloway, Relight My Fire.

It can only be but one person and I did think of her before "inventing" Luciana. Claudia, due to her spunky attitude would not tolerate Vincenzo's homophobia, nor would she be impressed by his flashy manners and ostentatious displays of wealth. She could give him "numbnuts" with a withering look or a subtle put-down. I could not remember if Claudia had met Cosmo either. I was very impressed with and greatly appreciated Cosmo's positive appraisal of Marco's looks, but completely forgot to comment on this because I was so incensed by Vincenzo's behaviour. His disdain for the simple gift Cosmo gave him irritated me too. I was hoping when he left Cosmo injured and upset that he would tread on a shard of the broken ceramic dish and sever a vein in his foot. Hopefully he will get his comeuppance (perhaps his brakes will fail on a hairpin bend and he will be forced to ride a Vespa too).

You could always switch your car nav on James, assuming you have a car (I don't and never have). And I have just realised this does not really work as you have a second r. Have I not noticed this before? I am not sure if I have or if I am suffering from temporary insanity (I don't have enough hair left anymore to be blonde).

Hopefully Alec's truth-telling will also have an impact on his father and he will finally grow a spine too. Let Mae die alone; a lonely, bitter and twisted woman, who drove away with hate and scorn those she should have loved. River stop smoking. It is a filthy, unhealthy, disgusting and very expensive habit. You are too good for smoking. I have but one thing to say @Demiurge and it you better work, Supermodel. Mae, long may you suffer and rot, bitch.

You should be careful making any comment which could be construed as anti-Russian @weinerdog. It could result in you being Putin an uncomfortable or very dangerous situation.

The little girl is Finn's niece. Veronica is still a nasty bitch. Alec's mother has not changed any more than his father has. I am looking forward to Alec's showdown with her. If she is her usual spiteful self I wonder if Alec's father may finally snap. Maybe he will pull the plug on her. Good riddance if he does. There is no doubt Alec has mental health issues, but then so do both his parents. His mother believes her self to be blessed, but she is surely addicted to piety and religious zealotry and has lived in a fantasy world for all of Alec's life at least. His father is weak-willed, nothing but a doormat for the hostilities and irrationalities of the odious woman he is married to.

LaKuntia has erased all evidence of her son. What a devotee to zealotry. Perhaps she thinks it will be her safe passage to "heaven". And Henry as we now learn is his name. It seems his balls still have not dropped. How did he ever manage to father a child. Perhaps he is not Alec's biological father. And Veronica, still a bitch. I heard her condescending catty tone as she spoke to River and Alec. Spiteful nasty harridan has not changed at all. And Finn, well I expect the next chapter will reveal much about him.

“I don't want to go back.” Alec muttered angrily, “They made my life hell for seventeen years.” “She's still your mother.” “She's still a bitch.” Alec lifted his head to glare at the empty bottles that sat in front of him on the glass. “That she is.” River leaned back, head turned in his direction, “Are you going to regret it if you don't go?” If Alec returns and it appears he is going to, and if his mother pulls her usual stunts and I cannot imagine she won't, he needs to be brutally honest with her, tell her how much he despises her, how much she hurt him, and deliver the ultimate fuck you to her, I have made a success of my life bitch despite your best efforts to ruin it. Hopefully she is suffering greatly and his visit only increases the suffering for her. River has not apparently changed in the 10 years since they left Sunnyside (how inappropriately named it is). Full of support for his best friend, but still capable of telling him how it is without sugar coating: “I don’t remember anyone asking you to weigh in on my dating life.” Alec glared at his friend. “Or lack thereof. I don’t remember ordering a wake-up call at four in the morning, but here were are cupcake.” Alec will of course run into Finn. I wonder if Finn perhaps resents Alec a little for having the courage to leave, something Finn perhaps yearned for but felt compelled not to by a misguided sense of obligation to his family. Time will tell. Well it is obvious LaKuntia did not get run over by that out-of-control semi-trailer @Demiurge. Maybe her "God" had bigger things in store for her. Hopefully the putrid pastor and vicious Veronica are still around too for Alec to ignore. Hopefully the latter is living in a trailer park, single, grossly overweight and working in WalMart.

Devastatingly sad chapter. Alec's lack of clear communication skills and discomfort with expressing his real emotions has never been so impactful. Finn's emotions were too raw because of Milo's situation to act as rationally and calmly as he usually does. A recipe for disaster from the start of their conversation, a cocktail of anger and bitterness against others fuelled their rage and discontent and exploded at each other, the one they love the most. Neither had the skills or experience to cope so their relationship lays shattered, ripped from its foundation by a hurricane of hurt. @Demiurge where is that fucking out-of-control semi-trailer whose brakes have failed? Order its appearance now, but not before Alec's pastor joins his mother and vicious Veronica for a coffee. Given the propensity for some Americans to make up the names of their children I am going to make up one for Alec's mother. I have named her LaKuntia. Three deaths in a town of 2,000 would make a difference too. What truly vile people.

Religious zealotry is the root cause of so many of the problems of the world today, just as it has been throughout the history of the human race. It is like a toxic poison or cancer eating away at the fabric of the community, condemning many to a life of captivity and suffering. Sheer fucking madness and arrogance. And humanity regards sheep as stupid. Laughable. Alec's mother should be euthanised and his father castrated, although it seems as if his mother has achieved the latter without and any implements or an anaesthetic. She is evil and his father a coward. Finn's life will almost certainly take a new direction as I cannot see him ever leaving his family whilst ever Milo is alive and/or cannot care for himself. Finn's relationship with his family appears to be very close without being claustrophobic. Another good chapter @Demiurge. Alec's mother is a classic example of why I support retrospective abortion. I bet she is a registered Republican. Truly evil c..t.

He and @James Carnarvon are holding the flag high for your birth nation @Gary L; both setting a very high standard indeed.

Indeed they do.