Summerabbacat

😭😭😭😭😭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.

I won't be surprised if Cindy has at least some inkling that the prior friendship between Brett and Corey had sexual benefits. If she feels threatened at all I expect she will do anything to destroy Corey she can which may end up harming Brett too. I am ambivalent regarding Brett. I am very suspicious of his motives for wanting to maintain contact with Corey. I think his prime motivation is genuine, he wants to clear his conscience. Does that translate to him still having strong feelings of friendship for Corey? I somehow doubt it. I think Brett's loyalty has always been first and foremost to Brett. I won't be surprised if Adrian is also gay or at least questioning his sexual identity. If so, he will have a far more precarious situation to deal with than Corey. Hopefully his mother is not the doormat her husband would have her be and she will defend her son from his bully father.

Corey's incubator is one shallow, self-centred, hypocritical bitch. I was going to suggest the first thing Corey's father should do is to file for divorce from the wretched harpy. I am hopeful she will save him the trouble. It would not surprise me at all to learn that she and the Reverend Baker are more than just pastor and congregationalist. As for him, quoting from a novel which features a "true" story about a man named Jonah who lived inside a whale. For fucks sake, do these biblical literalists never to listen to themselves. Perhaps he will have a heart attack whilst fucking Corey's mother. Oh the beautiful irony of such an event. I was disappointed in Corey's father in the presence of the "good Reverend". I thought him weak to allow the bitch to treat their son as she did, but after he came to Corey's rescue literally at the lake, all was forgiven. The more Corey reveals of Brett's behaviour in the flashbacks the less I like him (Brett that is). I think he has knowingly used Corey for a long time. Perhaps the nasty little boy in the park when they first met has grown up to be the selfish and dishonest teen Brett has become. This story had a "slower" start than many of your other works @Ronyx, but it sure "ramped up" in this chapter. Corey's mother is irredeemable. I hope you have something dastardly in the pipeline for her.

It appears to me Brett has had the best of both worlds for sometime. Whilst he cannot be blamed for not loving Corey in the same manner that Corey love him, he can be hold accountable for his dishonesty, up to and including the date he commenced dating Cindy. I have to wonder if Cindy is aware of the sexual relationship between Brett and Corey. I too think Corey should ignore Brett. Brett has been inherently dishonest for some time now. I am suspicious about his motivation for wanting to contact Corey too. I am a pessimist by nature so I think Brett is likely contacting Corey so he can alleviate any guilt he may be feeling, rather than out of concern for him and his wellbeing. Charlie could well turn out to be the "real" friend Corey needs. She won't sugar coat anything which is exactly what Corey needs, no matter how painful it may be. Most enjoyable @Ronyx. I still don't recall any of what has happened thus far, so I think I must have skipped this one after reading the synopsis.

It certainly appears the relationship between Corey and Brett may have been "on the rocks" for sometime and that is no one's fault; however, I do think Brett should have been honest with Corey. Perhaps he was wanting to "keep his options open" in case things with Cindy did not work out. Corey's mother is a cu... I envisage as the story progresses her relationship with Corey's father will be severely strained if she does not change her attitude. She is concerned what her friends may think whilst having no concern that her son is grieving for a relationship lost. What a vile bitch. I hope she gets her comeuppance as the story progresses @Ronyx

I may have not read this one before @Ronyx. I may not have been brave enough to face the expected sadness and therefore gave it a miss. Brett's statement "I don't want to be gay" suggests to me he may be engaging in his own conversion therapy. If this is the case then he is bound to fail and be desperately unhappy. I hope Corey's mother's initial reaction is not indicative of how she is going to treat her son after his revelation. He needs the support of family at this point in time, not some uptight bitch with a moral or other kind of axe to grind.

I would hope that most school principals at least would have some principles @Jeff Burton and @PrivateTim. In this case, it appears Dr Yo does.

Shaun would have to have kissed my arse for a lot longer to be rewarded with forgiveness. I was almost getting to the point of forgiving him when he made reference to the notches on his bed head. I am not sorry to disagree with the majority of my fellow readers, I still think he is a prick and Gary would be better off without him.

I must be old and bitter too @jaysalmn as I don't think I would be forgiving Shaun either. My attitude, you made your bed now you lay in it. Gary does not need Shaun anymore, he has far better friends to support him, not to mention a likely boyfriend in Todd. Shaun's outing of Gary was completely unprovoked and he had no real proof at the time that what he was saying was true. Let Shaun remain in the past where he belongs.

"When he slammed his locker shut, I jumped. I guess I thought he was going to hit me or something. Todd was carefully watching me. I knew he had my back in case Shaun wanted to start something. However, he didn’t say anything. He just looked at me sadly and walked away". Oh diddums. Poor little Shaun. He is pathetic and should take his puny little self and fuck off. Wonderful to see the basketball guys come to the fore and stick up for Gary and by default Todd.

"It was the first time I had really thought about him over the past few days. Todd had been a pleasant distraction. However, I still have to deal with Shaun, my former best friend". The best way to deal with Shaun is to completely ignore him. Gary owes him nothing, well nothing positive anyway. Shaun is Gary's past, Todd is his present and perhaps his future. Shaun is amoebic dysentery, Todd is kittens and puppies. If I were Gary and Shaun made any overtures of friendship, I would tell him to "go fuck himself".

I happen to think this story is a fine debut @Ronyx. I am particularly enjoying the humour present in the past few chapters and the delightful creation known as Todd. With reader feedback and an increase in confidence your writing has improved, but that does not lessen the joy to be experienced in reading this fine work. I do recall reading Writing For Joe, but have to say I remember next to nothing about it. The two which left an indelible impression on me are Brittle As A Bird and Down The Darkened Path, both masterpieces. As a non-American I thought nothing of the interracial relationship featured in the latter, just as I thought nothing of the same type of relationship between James and Dion in Taking Off The Mask. Finding Good Trouble was the first time I had ever given such a relationship any real thought, perhaps because in that story race was the issue at the crux of the story, whereas it was not so in the other two. Suffice to say I have enjoyed all your works I have read and will continue to revisit them, even Writing For Joe.

Ditto @raven1's comments. Gary's mother is wonderful, but she is no pushover.

Todd is almost certainly gay @raven1 and if he is as close to Josh as he claims this could be part of the reason Josh feels so strongly about admitting his part in Gary's beating. Todd may be a gentle soul prone to tears, but I suspect he is much more resilient and stronger than he appears to be.

I was surprised and concerned Gary seemed to be prepared to forgive Shaun so readily, believing it was he who was his visitor. Gary, please get with the program. Shaun does not deserve your loyalty or friendship. He is a grade A arsehole and a significant contributor to the events which landed you in hospital. Gary's mother is a regular Dolly Levi. She clearly has heard the rumours about Gary and is seemingly aware Todd is likely gay. I hope her efforts do not go unrewarded.

I don't place any faith in Shaun or the three bullies who attacked Gary in the restroom. Unless one of them has a sudden attack of remorse, which I think very unlikely, they will likely go unpunished. The only possibility for justice for Gary that I see at present is that one of them will boast of their "beating up the faggot in the restroom" and it will be overheard by someone who will turn them in. Gary's mother will soon suspect something is amiss if Shaun does not come to visit or make any enquiry of Gary's wellbeing. Once she learns of Shaun's outing of Gary I hope she gives him hell. He is an evil little prick who deserves to have shreds torn off him literally.

Shaun is a despicable cu... Clearly Gary's friendship has not meant as much to him as what his has to Gary. Gary is better off without him. I just hope there comes a time when Shaun needs Gary's help and his plea falls on deaf ears. I hope Shaun and the other three from the restroom incident are exposed and thrown off the basketball team. They need to be treated like the losers they are. May I suggest retrospective abortion for all four.

I for one like the leisurely pace @Ronyx. It allows one to fully appreciate the characters, their motivations and behaviours. I recall behaving like Gary as a teen and being short tempered with my mother for much the same reasons. That was back in the late 70's and early 80's and yet I cannot readily remember what I had for dinner last night.

I have read this story before too (several times I think), but am keen to revisit it as I intend to do with all @Ronyx's "back catalogue". The common denominator with all the stories written by him is that he gets you in hook, line and sinker with the first chapter. Thereafter its angst, sadness, happiness, hate and love, all shaken and stirred to create a wonderful tale to entertain, educate and provoke. What more could one ask for from an author I ask you?

Like all of your stories I have read to date @Ronyx, this one was full of emotions, both positive and negative, which kept me enthralled, engrossed and entertained right down to the wire. So many wonderful characters, with even Donovan somewhat redeeming himself in the end. As commented by @tesao, the multi-generational friendship between Mr Wilbur and the two boys was a treat, a joy to witness. All three derived so much from their friendship. And what about Nurse Dorothy? She was also a rare gem. Her grief at losing a son to murder must have been horrendous, and then to almost lose another son as a result of that murder, is something I cannot imagine bearing. It is a testament to her strength of character that she put aside her own grief to save Dion from the darkness which threatened to end his life. I am particularly pleased @Ronyx that my memory of this story was defective regarding one character. For some reason my recollection was that James paid a "final" visit to Mr Wilbur to thank him for his kindness and wisdom, only to find Mr Wilbur had passed away unexpectedly in the preceding week. The fact that he was "alive and kicking" at the barbecue was an unexpected joy and the "icing on the cake" at this most joyous of occasions.

Me either. It has been raining (AGAIN) in Sydney, Australia, but it had stopped. I think I have just added significantly to the dampness in the air. I think it must be my allergies (it is not Love Is In The Air rather Mould Is In The Air). Wonderful story telling @Ronyx with just the right amount of melancholy and tears. I had forgotten just how profoundly Terrence's death had affected Dion.