Summerabbacat

Male pregnancy @ReaderPaul! WTF is that all about? I think this chapter has illustrated, perhaps more than any other, the writing skills and story telling prowess of our author @Wombat Bill. Dare I say, this chapter may well be his magnum opus. It has, if I am not mistaken, provoked more comment and discussion than any of the prior chapters, in any of the books he has published to date. I have said it before, and I apologise if I sound like a "broken record" @ReaderPaul, but I think you have hit the proverbial nail on the head with your second comment above. In all of the four books to date there has been drama (incestuous birth perhaps being the most controversial), but @Wombat Bill always maintains a strong sense of realism (no Fallon Carrington Colby being kidnapped by aliens in the Mojave Desert will ever be found in one of his works). He does not rely upon melodrama or sensationalism to get across his point. He has a skill, much like @chris191070, one which I can only yearn to possess, he says so much more by saying less.

@ReaderPaul I recall it was a gay website, much like GA, but I may be mistaken. I find I have often read things which are not there, but are perhaps implied or are a logical conclusion to draw. A little like the brain auto-correcting spelling or grammatical errors when reading (totally unlike the annoying auto-correct on mobile phones though).

Also a very interesting observation @ReaderPaul. I had not given any thought to Craig's reaction to Edward's death, only Romel's. You are right however, Craig may not always have agreed with Edward, nevertheless I believe there has always been a great deal of respect and affection between the two.

That is a very interesting and astute observation @chris191070, not one I would have made, but I strongly suspect you might be onto something. I have never contemplated this before, but Justin may well be embarrassed and/or ashamed of his behaviour, particularly given his relationship with Jared "went south" at the end.

Hear hear @quttzik! I have oft said that Edward/Ed Wiener is @Wombat Bill's Anna Madrigal. Although not transgender, I too have viewed him as the father/mother figure for the group. He has oft displayed the qualities associated with both genders (albeit narrowly I think), nurturing, caring and protecting. Perhaps this is why Peggy chose him to be her human too.

I have to say @quttzikI was less concerned than you with the infidelity; what concerned me was the effort Jared and by default Justin, went to to conceal the infidelity and the blatant lies they told when questioned about it by their respective partners. In similar circumstances, I believe I would find it very difficult to trust my partner, which would lead to suspicions, perhaps not justified, and jealousy. I am surprised Craig did not press the issue further. I have wondered if his response was perhaps diluted by the fact Justin strayed with his own brother rather than a complete stranger. I suspect Craig may have seen through Jared's act too, and recognised him for the manipulative bastard he proved to be.

Well said @quttzik I was very disappointed in Edward's behaviour in the last chapter, but softened in this chapter when he was clearly remorseful that he had caused such distress to Justin. In hindsight, I believe Edward was genuinely surprised Justin was so upset; he was, I believe, naive at worst not to have contemplated Justin may be distressed. Another aspect I had not considered until this chapter is that circulation of Edward's novel is to a small and select audience (presumably), most of whom would be unfamiliar with the "inspiration" for the story, and perhaps most importantly, Edward makes no profit from the story. If Edward lives (and I sincerely hope he does), Justin should re-examine his response. I do not envy Romel, he is caught between a rock and a hard place. If Edward dies, he will be inconsolable, as will Peggy. Cats are so intuitive, Peggy knows exactly what is going on. I suspect Edward will live, but will he ever be the same, will he lose some of his joie de vivre. OMG @Wombat Bill this is THE most upsetting chapter you have ever written. Of all the story lines, this was the one which has saddened me the most. Edward cannot die, he is the glue that holds the CWB group together, even if that glue seems to have come unstuck for the moment (hopefully not permanently). As for those two bitches, Alma and Brenda, I quote Justin "Now fuck off out of my life”. Their behaviour was selfish, calculating and sinister. They have thought of no one but themselves. For the sake of Dean, Andy and the unborn child, I hope Brenda has a miscarriage. She is a see you next Tuesday, and Alma in apparent complicity, is not much better. With these two bitches as friends, Dean and Andy don't need enemies. I sense though Alma may not be as impressed with Brenda's "initiative" as what Brenda herself is. Brenda did not seem at all concerned when Smidmore indicated what she had done could be considered rape, however, I am not so sure that this was how Alma felt. I wonder if the method of conception of the child may ultimately sour their relationship to the point of collapse. If so, Dean, Andy and Alma, will all need to get "lawyered" up; I do not trust Brenda one iota.

My memory may be failing me @ReaderPaul, but my recollection of the chapter is quite different to yours. My recollection is that the boys made no commitment, they commented they would think about it, but afterward confessed to each other they had no intention of donating sperm and hoped Alma and Brenda would just "forget about it". If your memory is correct then I have had an even more stressful year than I thought.

I must say I was flummoxed by Edward's thought when he "walked away, a little disappointed and puzzled, that one of his closest friends did not seem to like his story". That Edward appears oblivious to Justin's discomfort and the likely cause of said discomfort, is very surprising. Edward has so often shown great empathy and understanding when one of his friend's was having a hard time or facing a personal challenge or crisis. In fact, I would go so far as to say I am rather disappointed in Edward, his attitude towards Justin's reaction borders on arrogance and conceit, not characteristics I would have associated with Edward until now. I was also surprised at Dean's, and especially Andy's, reaction to the "method" Brenda used to become pregnant. I believe her actions border on, or are in fact rape; and, the fact Andy and Dean have been friends to both Brenda and Alma, makes her behaviour even more reprehensible. I recall several of the CWB groupies commenting that one or both of the women may have helped themselves to the "sauce direct from the source", and it seems this is exactly what has occurred. Imagine if their actions were reversed and Dean helped himself to Brenda's uterus without consent to incubate a baby for himself and Andy. Dean would have been charged with rape and be facing time as Bubba's bitch. What is even more disappointing than Edward's behaviour, is the behaviour of Alma, and even more so, the behaviour of Brenda. Neither appears to have a problem with the action Brenda has apparently undertaken to become pregnant. A very well written chapter @Wombat Bill, factual and succinct. You have left it to the reader, whether intentionally or not is unknown, to draw their own conclusions, particularly I think regarding the behaviour of Brenda, and to a lesser extent, Alma. If I were in Dean's shoes, or even Andy's to a lesser extent, I would likely cease all contact with Alma and Brenda because of what Brenda apparently has done. The selfishness and conniving of both, particularly Brenda, is hardly a good example to set for a child and does not bode well for the future of the child.

I commented before that Jason and Nathan may be twins; I also commented they may be half-brothers, born of the same father, but different mothers. It would certainly be a huge coincidence if Nathan's father had an affair and the offspring of the affair, Jason, was born the day before the offspring of his marriage, Nathan, but stranger things have happened. Now the boys have contemplated a DNA test surely they will follow through. No surprises Jason's mother knew he was gay because of his interactions with Connor. It is not clear if she shared that information with his father. I don't think his father was being judgmental when he said Jason had chosen to be gay, I think it was just an unfortunate choice of words. Although I am disappointed in his reaction, I don't think his intent is to disown or be cruel to his son. He is an older man who may take time to adjust, but I believe he will, particularly if it transpires Jason and Nathan are not twins. Did Nathan's mother accompany his father on his overseas holiday? I recall they were scheduled to go overseas anyway for the festive season, so perhaps there is nothing sinister in his "sudden" departure. A very intriguing chapter @Filzmoos. Just when it appears one conundrum is solved, two more raise their heads. I chose the sad emoticon for this chapter because of Jason's departure from his family home. Both he and his parents were devastated; I hope a break will ultimately mend their differences.

Delightful marvellous splendiferous. The welcoming of Caleb into his new home reminded me of days gone by when my cats and I welcomed a new foster cat(s) or kitten(s) into our home. It was always such a joyous occasion. Bassey was always the welcoming party; he never met a cat or kitten he did not like. Ava sometimes "spat the dummy", mainly if the foster was a similarly aged female, but if they were kittens she assumed her matriarchal role and soared with joy. Kiki's usual reaction was "what's all this fuss about, not another bloody newbie". @Wombat Bill a treasured chapter by this "old queen". The Candy/Francesco exchange was hilarious. You have become very adept writing these comedic conversations with a double-meaning. Andy/Dean and Alma/Brenda, very intriguing. Perhaps all is not as many of us suspected after the boozy dinner.

It is a more measured approach and ultimately more effective strategy @chris191070. I try at times to be more rational about this issue and less "hot-headed", but invariably I fail as evidenced by my comments. I am not diplomatic at the best of times, and on this issue, I have little or no patience or preparedness to compromise.

Don't feel too bad about judging Jack and Candy harshly @quttzik; part of the fun of being a CWB groupie is writing outrageous and sometimes scurrilous comments about the characters. I think sometimes our comments get @Wombat Bill's creative juices flowing too. I am almost certain Jack and Candy are not as noble and squeaky clean as they have portrayed themselves in this chapter. Our beloved author @Wombat Bill has used this ploy in the past when we critics have been a little too mean about character, he has given them a redeeming storyline, only to find out the truth was often somewhere in the middle (think Jared for example). As I said in my first comment I am still sceptical; I don't think Jack and perhaps Candy have given full disclosure on Francesco's circumstances.

Your comments prompted me to research @ReaderPaul. I was familiar with the NSW Protective Commissioner who was appointed to oversee the affairs of those who could not look after their affairs themselves, generally those with mental health issues, the disabled and probably those with addiction problems. I have learned that the Office of the Protective Commissioner and the NSW Public Trustees merged in 2009 and became NSW Trustee and Guardian. Another bonus from your wonderful literary masterpieces @Wombat Bill, they so often present or encourage learning opportunities. Entertaining and educational, much like Donna Summer, Abba and my beautiful feline family. Priceless.

Well well well. Perhaps Jack is not as big a prick as I thought he was. It seems he can see times are changing and circuses are a thing of the past (I am not sure he thought of the animals at all though in drawing this conclusion). I am still somewhat suspicious though as to why he and/or Candy have never shared the information with Francesco that he has a trust fund. Apart from this, it does appear they have taken relatively good care of him over the years, but there is still the issue of the "gentlemen callers". James is THE BEST. I am familiar with the four animal rights groups he has cited. Animals Australia campaign relentlessly for the rights of animals and have run some very effective campaigns. They have campaigned heavily against Australia's disgusting live trade exports. Voiceless are a much smaller group started by a father and daughter in the early 2000's. Four Paws I am not as familiar with, but I have signed a petition circulated by them at some stage as I get regular petitions to sign. PETA are international of course. I take issue with some of their ideologies, particularly regarding domestic pets. A wonderful chapter @Wombat Bill. Thank you for mentioning the local animal rights organisations. Just seeing their name in print in a "forum" such as this has made my day.

I also have to wonder @ReaderPaul if Francesco had, unbeknownst to him, a pimp sending the men his way. It would not surprise me at all to learn that Jack and/or Candy may have made money from more than just Francesco's "legitimate" circus act. I can appreciate James' frustration with bureaucracy. I had to obtain a NSW Photo Card to apply for a home loan with an institution I had banked with for nearly 30 years (a requirement under some anti-terrorism act). I don't have a passport (I had an expired one) or a driver's licence. I had to provide a copy of my birth certificate (I think), not a birth extract but the original certificate (which due to age was yellowed and had fallen to pieces). I grew up on the coast in Australia and spent much of my youth (and my 20's and 30's) at the beach or the pool in summer. I am always astonished when I meet fellow Aussies who cannot swim. I am not a great swimmer, but would be able to save myself in a rip I think. I am always equally astonished when I see tourists at the beach who have to be rescued by lifeguards. I am sure @Wombat Bill has likely seen them too, they are usually from south east Asia, cannot swim and yet go out into the surf and out too far.

A splendid summary @Wombat Bill. For our international readers, especially @chris191070, @ReaderPaul and @quttzik, a couple of important additions from moi. Employers (individuals, companies, trusts or partnerships) are required to withhold a tax (PAYG withholding tax) from the salary and wages of their employees. This is also collected by the Federal taxing authority (Australian Taxation Office). Employers are also required to make superannuation contributions to nominated superannuation funds on behalf of employees. If these contributions are not paid or are paid late, the ATO raises an assessment against the employer for the employees superannuation entitlements. The great thing (from my point of view as a person who is "big" on worker's rights), the individual employer or directors of companies who are employers, are personally liable for the withholding tax and the superannuation if it is not paid. There are some other types of withholding tax too such as royalty withholding tax, interest withholding tax (charged on interest bearing deposits held by non-residents) and TFN withholding tax (charged on interest paid to residents who have not quoted their tax file number to the financial institution paying them interest). Another thing @Wombat Bill did not mention (probably because it is not relevant to this marvellous work of his), is that there is always squabbling between the Federal and State governments , especially over GST distribution to the states. This squabbling is not restricted to opposing parties either i.e. the same political party at the Federal and State level will even bitch about the other. I think the biggest "issues" the Federal and State governments tend to squabble over are health and education. Each blames the other when things are not going right. I am sure this happens in other countries too. There have been many "calls" over the years to abolish state governments in Australia and just have the Federal Government and local councils. I can see arguments for and against this proposal.

Jack finally makes an appearance, although not in person, and proves my suspicion; he is an arrogant prick. He almost certainly does not pay the appropriate income tax, GST or withholding tax on behalf of his employees. I would lay odds he underpays the circus performers (or in the case of Francesco does not pay them at all). I also doubt he has insurance to protect the circus performers in the case of workplace injuries or death (I imagine injuries in the workplace in a circus would be more common than in many other workplaces). If he skimps on the employees and their entitlements and under declares income, I have no doubt the animals are abused and are not subject to the veterinary checks etc the animal handler/manager claims take place. I dislike Jack even more than his skanky wife and daughter. I shall climb off my soapbox now (worker's rights and entitlements are another issue I feel strongly about, not quite as strongly as I do about animal rights, but strongly nevertheless). The burgeoning friendship/relationship between Caleb and Gran is a joy to behold. They are as alike as chalk and cheese, and yet something has attracted the two to each other. Gran's reminiscences of her visit to Peter's of Kensington with Nigel brought a tear to my very tired eyes. The teaser for the next chapter - I am going to suggest something risqué. Gran is naughty again (after one too many afternoon G&T's) and discovers Caleb sniffing Justin and/or Craig's discarded speedos after the three of them have been for a swim. Upon catching him she remarks with a giggle or knowing smirk "so that's what speedos are for" (what a hoot if this is the case). A delightful chapter @Wombat Bill, beautifully written as usual, particularly the Gran and Caleb storyline. The behaviour of Jack is sooooooooo familiar, this being the reason for me rating the story with an "angry" emoticon. People who rip off the tax system and do not properly treat the employees from whom they benefit, piss me off severely as I resent subsidising their dodgy behaviour.

Perhaps she will have one too many afternoon G&T's and flirt outrageously with Caleb (or Justin). Whatever she does I am almost certain it will be perfectly harmless (except perhaps for a hangover).

OMG Francesco has led a life not unlike the life the Amish are portrayed as living (apart from his sexual freedom). Everyday things most of us take for granted are totally alien to him. I sense he has had little, if any, love from his foster parents, if in fact they are his foster parents in an official capacity. James, Hannah and Julia have noble intentions to assist Francesco (and I would have the same intentions if I were in their shoes), however, I hope it does not backfire on them resulting in Francesco becoming homeless, particularly if he is not officially being fostered by Jack and Candy, under which circumstances they would not likely be receiving any payments for his care. An enlightening chapter @Wombat Bill. One cannot imagine the life of deprivation Francesco has led, and yet he appears to be a remarkably happy and content young man. I daresay that says more about me than it does about him. I compare it to reports I have read regarding the "human happiness index" (commissioned and reported by whom I cannot remember), in which it is often the case that those with less and lower expectations are generally happier than those of us with more and higher expectations.

Hannah and Julia - wonderful in their support of James' desire to help the circus animals and Francesco. Alex - he just doesn't get it does he. He was outraged at the treatment of Francesco, but annoyed at James' for his animal rights activism, for no other reason than it could "cock block" him with Wanda. His speciesism irritated me severely. I love Hannah's take charge attitude to the plight of Francesco. Her suggestion of contacting PETA to help the circus animals was a good one too. A most enjoyable chapter @Wombat Bill. Hannah and Julia both impressed me with their support of James and their desire to help Francesco. Alex is the "odd man out". I can see him behaving like a petulant child if his "relationship" with Wanda does not get off the ground. James' actions will be convenient for him to blame for the failure.

A somewhat "troubling" chapter for me @Wombat Bill. I am very pleased James has not softened his stance on the issue of animal rights in the circus; and, am also very pleased he has seen the parallel between the treatment of the animals and the treatment of Francesco. James is a very perceptive and sensitive young man, but I sense trouble ahead if he tries to improve life for either Francesco or the animals. Francesco's gratitude to Jack and Candy for having assumed the role of his deceased parents, appears to be too strong to allow him to recognise they have taken advantage of him, perhaps not intentionally, but they have certainly benefited greatly from his talent. I very much doubt James will be able to liberate Francesco or the animals from their captivity though. He may be able to highlight their treatment, but unless Jack and Candy are doing something illegal, his chances of success are limited at best. I am very keen for the introduction of the first (known) transgender character into the story (assuming this is going to happen at some point). For this reason I am perhaps seeing things which are not really there at all. I fleetingly wondered if perhaps Candy may be transgender, but then realised I was guilty of stereotyping because of James' observation of her masculinity and Francesco's revelation that she had a strongwoman act. I also realised I am guilty of assuming the transgender character will be a transwoman, when in fact the character may be a transman. Whatever the case may be, I am confident @Wombat Bill you will write the character in such a way that his or her transgenderism is incidental. I don't like Candy or Wanda, and I doubt I would like Jack either. His "appearances" have been so limited to date, so I shall give him the benefit of the doubt. Hannah displayed a very appealing sense of humour I did not know she possessed. Well written as usual @Wombat Bill. I am liking James more and more, each time he makes an appearance he earns more "brownie points" from me. I hope his sensitive nature is not going to see him too crushed when his "circus relationship" ends, as I believe it inevitably will.

I had raised the possibility of Jason and Nathan being fraternal twins in comments I made on chapter 41. With all the drama in the story since I had completely forgotten this, but am not surprised at the revelation in this chapter. Unless Nathan's mother is a very good actress (and a really manipulative horrible person), I think Nathan's father is telling the truth, the boys are twins. I am a little disappointed in Jason's father and his comments that he will no longer be welcome if he persists with his relationship with Nathan. He may come around when he has time to think about it, it was a shock after all for he and Jason's mother too. I agree with my fellow critics @drsawzall and @bottomguy there are further lies told by Nathan's father which are yet to be exposed, the identity of Annie's father and the circumstances of Nathan's arrest, but two. A riveting chapter @Filzmoos, with more drama yet I sense.

I had never heard the expression at all @Wombat Bill. I consulted Google to see what it might be and found what it was. Your ignorance was only partial, whereas mine was complete. The only expression I had ever heard which resembled this is "He's as rich as Rockerfeller". There is no such thing as a bad wombat, only one which is less industrious than its fellow wombats.

OMG @ReaderPaul it was in the next paragraph when James affixed his posters to the light poles. I will blame this "oversight" of mine on fatigue. Yesterday was a long day at work, and only my second day back after having been sick for the previous 8 days with a severe infection. My intrigue when reading the chapter was the content of the posters, by the time I finished reading though I had clearly forgotten this. I am highly embarrassed. The Religious Discrimination Bill is appalling. The GLBTQ community is one of the usual targets , but anyone "different" could be affected. I received a petition to sign, which illustrated a number of examples of a 'statement of belief' which will be legal under the bill. The example I found the most disturbing, is that it will be legal for a health professional to tell someone with a disability e.g. someone with cerebral palsy, that they have the devil in them and this is what has caused the disability, if this is their religious belief. One would have to wonder why such a person would be practising as a health professional, but it is possible. The content of this bill is not what I expect from anyone living in Australia, it is the kind of lunacy I associate with the likes of Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Goetz, Ron De Santis or Donald Trump Jr. I am very concerned that this rise in religious conservatism, if left unchecked and unchallenged, could lead Australia in a similar direction to Poland, Russia or most of the Middle East. I would hate to live in a nation where it is legal to blame all the ills of the country from natural disasters to economic hardships on the "gays and the Jews"; where it is believed it is god's punishment for allowing such people to exist.