Summerabbacat

You were right @Topher Lydon, Garrett is beginning to grow on me. He needs to find a better job where he can get away from losers like Miller and his tool of an uncle, Rick the prick. I still like Finn too; he is desperate for his very own "Kyle", but does not yet realise it.

I hate donuts and started to watch Star Wars as an adult and was bored shitless. But I do love disco @drsawzall, LOL.

Kyle is a salve, a soothing balm applied internally, somewhat surprisingly, healing Garrett from the inside out. It appears sedate order rather than frenzied chaos is having a very positive effect on Garrett, both physically and emotionally. Who would have thunk such a scenario even remotely possibly? I am still not completely convinced however that he won't suddenly turn against Kyle and become his nemesis once again. Lydia is so full of herself. Lydia is so full of shit. She is not helping Finn's situation at all. A know all bitch, just as she was in Buckshot.

“It’s rustic,” Garrett said, the defensiveness in his voice surprising him. “It’s a hunting cabin. Not a goddamn bed-and-breakfast.” “Hunting what?” Finn asked, finally shrugging off his backpack. It landed on the scarred table with a solid, weighted thunk. “Clinical depression?” “Deer. Elk. My grandfather shot a bear off the porch in ‘78.” It is no wonder Garrett is such a fucking arsehole. It's genetic. His grandfather, what a man. He shot a defenceless bear off the porch because he could. Hopefully another one rip him to shreds. I have not been able to work out who Finn's parents were @Topher Lydon. It is possible I have read of them in one of the stories I have read thus far, but if so, I cannot remember. I remember Jenny-Lynn fancied West and was fancied by bullyboy Brad, but don't recall her having a sister.

Great song from the Temptations @Lee Wilson; the genius of Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong.

Wow, that is deep @weinerdog, real deep. And so true. I like both Finn and Kyle, but have not warmed to Garrett at all yet. He just irks me so.

Well bugger me sideways, Ian is not the shy hapless virgin I perceived him to be; he is morally direct, stating what he wants and what he is prepared to do. Who knows, he may be a bossy power bottom in a similar vein to Joey Stefano, LOL. Given Louis and Charlie's faulty gaydar in respect of JB aka Pericles, it is entirely possible Gus may be gay. He may also be attracted to Ian, but has chosen not to pursue the attraction given their respective positions at the garden centre. He certainly appears to be fond of Ian. We still don't know much about Tom. He keeps everything very close to his chest, withdrawing into himself if pressed for details. I am almost certain there is something "big" he has not disclosed about his departure from work. Was he perhaps involved in some activities bordering on financial crime.

I wondered what happened to Joey. And I agree, Kyle is awesome, although I keep having to correct his name from Kylie which I type automaton (and not because of that bloody Jenner creature, but our Aussie 'disco goddess').

I remember Lydia and Steve from Buckshot and I think Kyle too. Was he the boy who was painfully shy and had a boyfriend named Oliver? Jonathan Harding is his grandfather and West his uncle? I don't know how you keep up with the family tree @Topher Lydon. It appears Garrett has not just become an arsehole since his accident, he has always been an arsehole. Kyle is way more forgiving than I could ever be. If someone had treated me as Garrett has treated Kyle, I could at best ignore them. I would not seek to argue with them, but I could not see myself being friendly or helping them in any way. Kyle is clearly a very caring and forgiving person.

A rather unsettling chapter to say the least. Finn is clearly kind and compassionate; I cannot same the say the same about Garrett as yet. Finn has won me over, Garrett has not. He just cannot seem to let go of the "jock attitude", which is very unattractive. Finn's biting comment that he, Garrett, is a "cripple inside and out." a direct hit, one which sparked a fury in Garrett, likely because he knows it is true.

"I brought the only stuff," Levesque corrected, handing a bottle to Elias. "To drink bad wine is a sin greater than any I have committed, and my list is extensive." Jean's wit to the fore again. Samuel, a surrogate baby long before such a thing was a transaction between a surrogate and a couple wanting to have a child. Abigail proved herself to be just as selfless as she was in Buckshot. And now I know how the Harding name continued to current day Merrickville. I must ask @Topher Lydon, is the Harding farmhouse referred to in this chapter the one in which Jonathan, Martha, West and Joey reside? I suspect it is, although I assume it has been updated with some more recent amenities. Bobby and Timmy, Cameron and Henry, like Elias and Theo, ordinary every day couples living life and minding their own business, loved by the residents of Merrickville for who they are, not what they are. I think Jean would describe the conclusion to this story as magnifique, and I would wholeheartedly agree with him. Merci beaucoup @Topher Lydon.

Maybe more. Check this out. https://www.discogs.com/sell/list?master_id=70586&format=Vinyl&ships_from=United+States&condition=Mint+(M)&sort=price%2Casc&year=1977

Vinyl has made a huge resurgence in recent years @weinerdog, particularly post-COVID. And it isn't cheap, at least not in Australia. The average new release single LP retails for between $50-$70 and a double LP for between $80-$120.

I suppose I should have sympathy and/or empathy for both Finn and Garrett, the foster kid and the broken former jock, but I don't at this stage. Finn has seemingly had a shitty life, whilst Garrett was once revered until an accident crippled him and robbed him of his identity. I am finding it very difficult to like Garrett at all thus far, whereas Finn is at least likeable.

We learn Steve met a good samaritan in Frank who helped Steve turn his life around, and now Steve is passing on his good fortune to the boys. Kilby needs to fess up to Edward at least as I am not sure Steve will be prepared to lie to Edward for him. Unless he is lying, Steve's intentions with the boys really are noble. I wonder whatever became of Ryan? Did Steve perhaps "rescue" him from the streets too? Another surprise revelation @Wombat Bill.

Wow, that was bleak @Topher Lydon. Garrett, understandably wallowing in self-pity, being a rude obnoxious prick to Finn who has done nothing to warrant Garrett's bilious attitude.

I have read this story on that other site @Lee Wilson, I think just before you started posting stories on this site. It shall be a pleasure to read it again. I cannot remember if Virgil's parents are ever named, but wonder if their names might be Robbie and Joan? I am not usually a fan of folk songs, but The Night They Drove Ole Dixie Down is an outstanding exception. I have never heard the original by The Band until a moment ago when I found a YouTube clip for it, but I much prefer Joan Baez's version (probably sacrilege to "purists"). Her vocals are terrific, very moving I think. The story is off to a good start with the introduction of the main characters. I must say the Thomason's are dreadful parents, LOL. Naming their sons Timothy Thomas and Thomas Timothy. Could they not have considered some others starting with the letter T e.g. Tate, Tyler, Tyson, Theo, Travis, Tobias, Tanner? Are they fans of filmmaker John Waters who also has a penchant for alliteration? Scott's internal monologue is not promising. I can only hope he does not reveal what he has seen to their fellow classmates. I think he will though as that will create drama and friction, two key elements in the Lee Wilson literary arsenal.

Heartwarming and uplifting tale about two 14 year old boys who find recognition through friendship, and the resulting recognition to their “found family” members, all of whom derive benefit and find comfort, support and joy in the “found family”. A real 5 star treat from Merrickville yet again.

FAMILY (THE REAL KIND) FAMILY (THE REAL KIND) Secondary Dwelling These two labels affixed by Aiden to the front door of the two homes in which he found comfort, acceptance and recognition, summed up the intent and the achievement of the "found family" members beautifully. Reminiscent of the "spirit" which created Merrickville. The spirit of Theo Harding, Elias Sawyer, Bobby Grady, Timmy McCormick, Jean Levesque, Cameron Higgins, Henry Hickey, Mrs Hickey et al. Delightful tale @Topher Lydon. I shall have to investigate the others featuring Orel and Finn now.

Best it be with Andre and Chris I think @Cane23 as you could end up with Skye wanting to join in if it was with Beau. The only possible negative with Andre and Chris is Andre might not like the shower gel or be dissatisfied with the towels, either the wrong colour, the wrong fabric or both.

Are you sure he was not merely "redacted"?

Do you not have dating apps for that kind of thing in the Balkans @Cane23?

It has just occurred to me @Paladin that Bertrand did not introduce a spouse or children of his own. Is he widowed, divorced or never married? Was Dorothy his one true love, of the female kind anyway, or is he perhaps a "Friend Of Dorothy" too, who just happened to fall in love with a woman named Dorothy?

Clearly he is not having money troubles then, fighting off his creditors, bordering on bankruptcy.

Best it be interred then, at least 12 feet under.