Summerabbacat

As a non or occasional-believer @gdaniel, God could not do any worse than many of the world's current politicians. As a non-conservative (on most, but not all issues) those who rely heavily upon their religious beliefs to bludgeon those who do not agree with them are the very worst "advertisement" for the possibility that God exists. This comment is not restricted to Republican Americans either. The very worst current example is the former leader of a nation to your south @gdaniel whose very conservative Catholicism seems, to me at least, to be at odds with his murderous leadership.

Another mother who takes her life's frustrations and failures out on her child, her responsibility who did not ask to be born. The best thing which could happen to TJ would be his mother and brother dead in a murder/suicide. What a disgusting pair of selfish parasites. Deanna is obviously very insecure, but I don't care. I find myself loathing her already. Perhaps she and Butch could become an item. Randy and TJ, never a better example of opposites attract. I strongly suspect this one is going to be an epic tearjerker @Ronyx.

It would not be a @Ronyx story without some tears (OK a bucket load) @gdaniel. I too find myself getting a little weepy if I have a few too many drinks, particularly when reminiscing about my favourite felines long departed. Unfortunately life for members of the LGBTQI community in many parts of the USA, including your home state, has become more dangerous in recent years with anti-trans hysteria perhaps the most virulent, and seemingly openly encouraged at the "highest" levels in public life. If only more people of faith could undergo the same "transformation" as you have, society as a whole would be much happier and less violent. I too have read this story before @Ronyx, but cannot recall much of it. I look forward to refreshing my memory. I have to say I find Randy somewhat shallow, but have to remind myself he is only 16, a time when looking cool and dressed in the latest fashions is just soooooooo important.

Given how Brett's life panned out in the end Corey was "lucky" to have escaped what surely would have been a life of heartache and uncertainty, both of which Brett seemed to experience continuously. Brett proved he is not a bad person, I believe he is someone who will never be truly happy because for him "the grass may always been greener on the other side". Perhaps his expectations are unrealistic, one cannot be truly happy ALL the time. I had never read this story before @Ronyx on any other site. I am glad that I have now done so.

Indeed @drsawzall. This revelation greatly surprised me. She is apparently nothing like the woman who to date had made only one appearance with: "Corey Isaac Andrews.” She almost yelled, causing me to stop and watch the spectacle. “Mom--” “Don’t mom me. Get in this car right now. What the hell is going on with you? The school called me at work, do you know what it’s like to be told you’re son’s a bully? We didn’t raise you that way. Get in the damn car NOW!” Mrs. Andrews said, her voice growing louder with every word." Your comment was food for thought. Perhaps her strong reaction on that occasion was doubly motivated - firstly she had to take a blunt approach admonishing Corey given his condition and, secondly she was very upset he had participated in something (bullying) which he has no doubt been a victim of himself. Whatever her motives, I don't believe now as I did then that her intention was to embarrass and humiliate Corey. Clearly Corey understood the reason for her displeasure as evidenced by his comment "My mom worked hard to help me understand empathy, and what other people feel when I say things I shouldn’t. And I knew as I said it that I hurt you badly before you dragged me to the ground. I could just feel it radiating off. I knew it was wrong. My mom raised me better.” I also re-read my comment and realised I may have given the impression, albeit completely unintentional, that the person I knew who was diagnosed with Asperger's was thoroughly unpleasant because he had Asperger's. This was not the intention. He was just thoroughly unpleasant.

I don't know a lot about Asperger's either @weinerdog, although a friend of mine was in a relationship with a guy who had been diagnosed with it. His behaviour was certainly more "typical" of what I have read of the condition. He was thoroughly unpleasant most of the time (the boyfriend, not my friend), which Corey has certainly not been to date. I was astonished by his comment: “Maybe I should wait down here.” He said quickly. “Down here? Why? It’s not like we haven’t seen each other naked before.” “It’s different.” “How?” He finally raised his eyes to look at me, “That was school, this is here. Your home. It’s intimate.” For one so young and seemingly inexperienced, he shows glimpses of remarkable maturity and perception. I just hope now that Nathan and Corey have connected as friends and sexually that Max does not pursue Nathan. Corey has already expressed an intense need for Nathan's friendship, now that he has it and more, I have to wonder what the repercussions for him would be if he lost either. I fear they would be far more crushing for him than for Nathan. Well @Jeff Burton Corey's revelation came as a complete shock. I thought him to date somewhat enigmatic and perhaps shy. I was very pleased Nathan reacted so positively to Corey's revelation too, in fact, his revelation appears to have been a very positive one for both. I have to say it, which will probably surprise some of my fellow readers and perhaps you, but I am beginning to find Jessica just a little too full of herself. Her badass Foxy Brown/Cleopatra Jones persona is wearing a little thin with me now. She needs to take a step back and let Nathan and Corey's relationship develop at its own pace, it does not need her interference, comment or approval.

Darla, another ho to add to my list of ho's I would like to see drink rat poison. @Ronyx perhaps you could arrange for Carrie to visit this school when it has its annual dance (assuming it has one). Now that would be chaos most welcome. Although she should not have to, Roni was a little foolish kissing Cindy at the cinema, although such a venue is often fertile ground for horny teenagers. If only other horny teenagers would mind their own fucking business. I too believe Roni may be the lesbian Craig referred to in the prior chapter @weinerdog. I assume Roni's mother and Craig's mother may be related somehow for Craig to know this. If the mother's were just friends I imagine Roni's mother would be less likely to discuss such a "shameful" embarrassment, but if they are related I imagine Roni's mother going all out for the "sympathy card" before the news spreads throughout the town. @weinerdog you have raised another of your oft interesting speculations. I must be as dumb as a post too because it has not occurred to me Craig could possibly be gay. Bisexual maybe, because after all "a hole is a hole so I will just fuck it" (his attitude I expect, not mine). I have assumed, and still assume, he was like most boys at the age of 12 (before his balls began to drop) and found girls annoying, and possibly somewhat intimidating. Whatever his orientation, I have little doubt he will be a dud fuck as he will only care about getting himself off, with little or no regard for the pleasure of his "fuckee" (partner would be just too "icky" for him). Seth and perhaps Ty appear to be "fish out of water" at this school, boys who are not interested in or uptight about the sex lives of their classmates. Unless the little we know of Ty thus far is atypical, I don't think he will have a problem with Seth being gay. Stacy is certainly a little prick-teaser. I wonder if she learnt this skill from Mommie Dearest. I think @scrubber6620's speculation is right on the mark, hence my angry emoticon to his astute comment."Yes and when Stacy catches them in the act, he will blame Seth who heard them talking and finding out she would not give him a blowjob or such his dick. Seth asked to help him out. Stacy will scream, not blame Craig ,and unload on her mother who will go ballistic on Seth." This could well be the precursor to the peak of the chaos. @Ronyx another marvellous chapter. The angst is ramping up with teenage hormones continuing to simmer beneath the surface. Whose hormones will get the better of them first?

With this chapter you have surpassed your prior efforts in all three of your stories @Jeff Burton. I did not think it possible you could write a chapter more emotionally devastating than either ‘That Dark Good Night’ or ‘That Dark Day After’ from Jacob’s Advocate, but write it you have. The good doctor (@drsawzall) and the canine wonder (@weinerdog) have already expressed much of what I thought of this chapter, far more eloquently than I of course. Chris’ hyperventilation and subsequent breakdown was somewhat reminiscent of Tyler’s breakdown, but for some reason affected me even more so. Perhaps it was because Chris had been so resolutely strong, bearing much of Nathan’s and to a lesser extent their father’s grief and anger since the death of their mother/wife. I had previously commented he kept things very close to his chest and I wondered if he would eventually “break”, well “break” he did. The episode was so powerfully, yet so gently written Jeff, and again with such authenticity. A truly remarkable piece of writing. I did not like Jessica to begin with. Her badass Foxy Brown/Cleopatra Jones persona I found a little too contrived (perhaps I took her too seriously), but when she took Jackson down all was forgiven. The words “mean motherfucker” rang in my head as she threatened his genitals with all sorts of damage. The one “light” moment in this chapter was the threats she made against said genitals. Methinks Jackson would do well to avoid her, or at least wear a cup whenever in her vicinity. I found myself beginning to tire somewhat of Nathan’s “oh woe is me” attitude part way through the chapter. I have to agree with the good doctor again; Chris’ meltdown may not only prove cathartic for himself but may be the “kick in the arse” Nathan has needed to make him realise he is not the only one suffering and grieving, and that Corey may have something to offer him other than grief. I was very pleased Nathan took on board Corey's suggestion to tell Chris just how much he meant to him when he was released from hospital. As for Corey, well he has bigger balls than Jessica, Nathan and Chris combined. His honesty in this chapter was remarkable. I think he proved once and for all that @weinerdog was correct, he was attracted to Nathan long before “the incident” took place. I think this chapter may be the turning point for the lives of all of the main characters i.e. Nathan, Chris, their father and Corey @Jeff Burton. With the promise of therapy to come or continue for the former three and the potential friendship of Nathan with the latter, I believe all four may slowly emerge from their Life in Suspension and I for one, look forward to witnessing this emergence.

Perhaps @chris191070 is living by the old adage "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" with a slight variation to align with @Jeff Burton's "profession", "a chapter a day keeps the doctor away". Whilst we do not want to pressure Jeff too much, he really only has himself to blame. If you are a worker and you produce quality, the bosses (in this case we faithful fans) will only expect more of the same.

Both underrated, particularly the latter. I have about 20 of Doris' movies on DVD and about 25 of her albums on CD, many of which are soundtrack albums. She could sing effortlessly in any style. She was much admired by other artists, both Frank Sinatra and the spectacular Sarah Vaughan were reported to have been fans. As much as I love her movies and music, it is her animal rights activism I admire her most for @raven1 and what she too wanted to be most remembered for.

My first "encounter " with Eve Arden, and until I was an adult my only encounter with her, was as the school principal in 'Grease'. As an adult apart from 'Mildred Pierce' I have seen her in 'My Dream Is Yours' and 'Tea For Two' with one of my favourite actresses of all time, 'Calamity Jane' herself, the wonderful Doris Day. I loved Eve Arden's voice and her sense of comedy, much like the wonderful Rosalind Russell. The latter is sublime as 'Auntie Mame' and Sylvia Fowler in 'The Women', two of my very favourite movies which I can watch time and time again and never grow tired of them.

I had the feeling after the first chapter that Corey may have been interested in Nathan before "the incident", but had not contemplated he had acted deliberately to serve detention with Nathan as a means to getting close to him. An interesting speculation @weinerdog; as you stated people do strange things when they are attracted to someone. @Jeff Burton you express teenage male angst, in fact make that male angst, so vividly with just a few words. "I nodded and he gave me a peck on the forehead before disappearing upstairs. Chris was seriously the best older brother a guy could have and I hoped one day I could bring it to myself to open up enough to let him know that before he went to college." Oh how many times have I tried to tell someone I love them, but have found it very difficult to do so. “Just leave it Chris.” I said as my chest felt tight. “No, not this time. I’m done leaving you to self destruct. I refuse to watch you go through whatever is in your head alone anymore. You’re my baby brother and I just won’t do it anymore Nathan.” He said in a serious tone that made me flinch." Nathan is very fortunate to have a brother as loving, caring and accepting as Chris. This scene was terribly moving, and ultimately cathartic for Nathan, and perhaps for Chris too. We still don't know how much he has suffered due to the death of his mother as he keeps things close to his chest. "Seriously, I’m not going to explain the books, look it up and you’ll understand me better. It looked like he was half way through it, already. Had he seen what I was reading the other day? Why was he reading it? Wait, he can read?" Nathan showed a glimmer of his wicked sense of humour again. Is romance blossoming in this story too @Jeff Burton? I look forward to reading more of this enthralling tale too.

I have to confess @Jeff Burton I thought Tyler's monologue was a prelude to Jacob's sudden death. I am glad you, like Tyler, decided he was worth saving. I took a long time to read this chapter as I was firstly cooking and then eating dinner whilst I read it, accompanied by the beautiful vocals of two of your nation's finest songbirds, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris. The beauty of your words in this chapter seemed to soar with the majesty of Linda and Emmylou's vocal accompaniment. I have to agree with your decision to split chapter 6 into two smaller chapters of 6 and 7. I think had you left them as a single chapter the emotional impact on some of your readers may have been too great to bear. I like my fellow "critic" @weinerdog found myself weeping profusely, much to the concern of one of my beloved feline companions. The pain, both physical and emotional, experienced by all the characters in the aftermath of Jacob's accident was told with great authenticity. I am not surprised to learn you had a personal experience similar to Tyler's catatonia; one could almost feel his emotional suffocation. An exceptional chapter @Jeff Burton.

Edith honey it is time to take those bitch pills and kick arse. And when you kick the good Reverend's arse to the kerb, put the boot into Sheila's arse too. I suspect he is holed up with her somewhere.

Jennifer's behaviour was puzzling. What was her motive? The only conclusion I can draw is that her plea with Corey in the previous chapter was the action of a manipulative and conniving actress hellbent on protecting and/or saving her precious son and to hell with the consequences for others.

Veda is a reference to Joan Crawford's daughter in the movie Mildred Pierce, in which Joan plays the part of Mildred. Veda is a spiteful, nasty, manipulative, selfish, spoilt brat (and those are her good qualities). Mildred's best friend, played with absolute relish by Eve Arden, comments on Veda that "Personally, Veda's convinced me that alligators have the right idea. They eat their young". This is indicative of how hideous Veda is. I think Seth's mother may be taking out her hatred of her ex-husband on him. I won't be surprised to learn her ex-husband is gay.

If only Sheila had even 1/10th of Jennifer's love and compassion Corey and Brett by default may have had a less traumatic break-up. I just hope @Ronyx has something befitting in mind for the good Reverend and Sheila. Corey's father is a delight. He is due some "fun and lovin" after being married to that harridan for 19 years. He could have murdered her and been out of prison in less time.

No surprises. The good Reverend and Sheila are fucking. I hope Edith does know and one day snaps and as is said hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Adrian's prior attempt at suicide comes as no surprise either. The good Reverend's lack of sympathy and understanding was all too predictable. It is hard to believe he and Cornelius were birthed by the same woman. Adrian's accident may well be the catalyst to Corey accepting his life with Brett as he knew it is over and accept that it was a "false" life as neither he nor Brett were living their lives authentically.

And don't forget Veda too @raven1. I really think Stacy is a "chip off the old block".

It is a widely held and proper belief that one should not strike a woman, particularly one's own mother. Well that should hold no water in this case. The incubator assaulted her son and I for one would have cheered if he had hit her back. I am almost certain she is fucking the good Reverend, and if so, shall rejoice when they are exposed as the tyrannical hypocrites they are. Corey's father summed them up perfectly "I am throwing out the trash". Excrement both.

😭😭😭😭😭Oh fuck.😭😭😭😭😭 Even the good news for @weinerdog with Riley and Travis' likely attraction to each other could not "save" the doom and gloom at the conclusion of this chapter. @Jeff Burton this has to be one of the most devastating cliff hangers ever in the printed word. I hear the part of Cruella de Vil is up for grabs (LOL).

An asthma attack occurred to me too @drsawzall, but I discounted it, thinking (perhaps foolishly) Blake's parents could not be so repugnant as to be embarrassed by him having an asthma attack in public. I guess we will have to wait and see what @Ronyx has created for our enjoyment.

Stacy is a nasty spiteful bitch. I don’t care that she is only 16, laughing after Blake was verbally abused by his parents is inexcusable. I recall as a teenager (back in the paleolithic period) teenage girls were usually much more vicious than teenage boys and from what I have read and seen online, this has not changed. I think @Ronyx's portrayal of Stacy is therefore very realistic. As for turning Blake's sadness into a guessing game, Seth should have opened the passenger door to the car at high speed and pushed her out when he was driving her home. Blake’s parents appear to be anything but understanding and sympathetic. Regardless of what he has done, and from the reaction of his sperm donor and incubator it is apparently serious, he is seemingly physically unwell. Surely his physical health is more important at this point in time than his parents’ reputation. Perhaps if Irene spent more time with her son than with her fellow "Stepford Bitches", Blake may not embarrass her quite as much. I think I am going to enjoy detesting them both. As for threats of what awaits him at home I suspect military school or a date with the family pastor. It is hard to imagine which may be more detrimental to his mental health, unless the latter is not a pious, bible-thumping, zealot. Seth’s sense of humour came to the fore. His description of Jennifer Drummond gave me a good laugh “Sherman is rather thin, and Jennifer looks like she’s been eating at a buffet all day." The comment itself did not appear to be malicious, just matter-of-fact, which is what made it so much the more amusing. "I turned and watched Craig and Stacy as he walked around like a rock star. Even a few teachers approached and talked to him". Wonderfully descriptive @Ronyx. It made me want to puke. “Come on, Craig,” snarled Stacy. She looked angrily down at me and hissed, “I don’t know why you’re thanking Seth. I’m the one who took care of you.” Craig winked quickly at me, and then he walked away with Stacy clinging to his side." Craig and Stacy are well matched. Truly horrible both. "Can’t you get a date?” “Mom,” I insisted, “I don’t want to go.” “Perhaps Craig knows a girl you can take,” she suggested. “He’s very popular with the girls, you know.” Whilst I disapprove of poisoning rats, I cannot say the same thing for humans. A dose of rat poison in Mommie Dearest’s dinner would receive my wholehearted support. No wonder Stacy is such a bitch, she is a replica of her mother. Is Mommie Dearest’s given name Veda by any chance @Ronyx?. And may I suggest If there is any poison left over, Maggie may like a little drink. A wonderful story @Ronyx. I cannot recall ever having read a story where so many vile characters have been gathered so early on in said story. I am having so much fun, riotous fun in fact, loathing them. Whilst I may not appear to be taking the story terribly seriously thus far, I am acutely aware there is some truly disturbing events taking place. @weinerdog, @scrubber6620, @drsawzall and @raven1 have highlighted the concerns I share for Seth and Blake. As for the rest of the cast, NO.

I find myself in agreement with you again @weinerdog. Nathan, Chris and their father appear to be living in a state of shell shock resulting from the death of their mother/spouse. Each is dealing with grief in a different fashion; Nathan has become aggressive and sullen and his father withdrawn and depressed. Only Chris appears to be coping emotionally; I just hope he is not neglecting dealing with his own grief to take care of his brother and father. Although their lives are somewhat fractured they still shows signs of familial connection and affection. I was left gobsmacked by: “I understand Nathan, and I’m sorry I’ve been mixed up in my own emotional problems to help deal with yours. Do you think you need to talk to someone that can help you with that anger. You know a professional?” He asked. “If you sign up first.” I said a little too quickly. “I already have son.” He replied as I looked up at him shocked" “Really?” “I started two months ago. I go once a week and it’s starting to help.” My dad admitted a little uncomfortably, “just think about it. I won’t force you to do anything you don’t want to do unless this gets worse, deal?” Clearly Dad is a far more enlightened and caring than what Nathan has believed. Given his attitude and the calm demeanour of Chris (at least externally), Nathan does have the support in place to help him deal with his grief more positively. I don't believe Corey was aware Nathan's mother had passed away. This surprised me, although I don't know the size of the school they both attend. News such as this would normally spread quickly in the school environment, although if as stated Nathan has no friends, I suppose the death could go "unnoticed". I think it very likely Corey was trying to be cool, act tough or just agree with his jock friends regarding Nathan. If he is gay like Nathan, such behaviour would almost be "essential" to protect himself from any suspicion. A spirited start to your latest work @Jeff Burton. I am wondering how you are going to ensure character names and plot lines will not get mixed up and end up "appearing" in the wrong story. I have seen this happen before when authors are writing and publishing more than one story at a time. My initial impression is that Chris is the most interesting of the characters, primarily because he is somewhat enigmatic at present.

“Amanda studied Jacob for a moment while she thought then said, "you where going to let them beat you weren't you?" I raised an eyebrow and turned to look at Jacob who was looking down at the table. "Jake?" I asked, "is that true?" He looked at Amanda, then at me, then back down to the table and nodded.” With this event it occurred to me Jacob is perhaps suffering something akin to PTSD. Tyler well may be too, but I feel Jacob’s is probably greater as he has likely had a fear and self-loathing festering since his father beat him as an 11-year-old. As we now know this event led directly to Jacob’s beating of Tyler. Gavin is certainly proving to be worth his weight in gold, encouraging both boys to open up to each other and in essence allowing them to self-heal. I have to wonder @Jeff Burton at the sudden appearance of Riley. Is his sudden appearance a precursor to events yet to happen. It may be purely coincidental, but perhaps he may be the “somebody” for Travis that @weinerdog and a few others have hoped for. I will keep my fingers crossed that this is so for weiner’s sake. I also have to wonder if Preston or any of the other members of the football team will have a change of attitude towards Tyler and/or Jacob when it is revealed the true nature of their newly realised relationship. It appears both are integral members of the team so this may quash any negative feedback, if not, Super Travis will deal with them with help no doubt from Matt and maybe even Amanda. As an aside @Jeff Burton I was listening to a CD by The Manhattan Transfer whilst reading this chapter. My favourite song by them Chanson D’Amour was playing at the emotional peak of this chapter, which I thought was most apt. A fantastic song which enhanced the joy I felt when reading this. Another sensitively written chapter. The description of the ongoing grief Tyler and Jacob are experiencing was delicately and authentically presented, not too melodramatic, just right.