Summerabbacat

Rory and Slav appear so "mismatched" physically, and yet it is this mismatch which appears to not only attract, but also endear one to the other. Slav has, in his own words, a big belly and a big fat hairy arse. Physically at least, one could be forgiven for thinking he would only be the object of lust of a fellow bear, certainly not the object of lust of a young, slender, non-hirsute (as far as we know) senior high school student. And yet, their attraction appears so "natural", without any contrivance. Slav's pride in, and desire to protect Rory, are a bigger part of him than his largesse. Whilst his largesse and hirsute appearance may not appeal to many, myself included, his character is very appealing. I for one, am glad he and Rory have what appears to be a strong mutual attraction, as this attraction is greatly adding to the happiness of each, each finding a contentment previously lacking. I like it when you "flip the norm" @Robert Hugill.

Your imagination shone again in this @Lee Wilson lite festive classic. Like @drsawzall, I needed a tissue, but likely for a different reason. "For his own parents, aside from increasing their animal count, and feed, he created a butcher shop in the barn for his father. Now he’d be able to more easily butcher the animals for their meals, and make some additional money by doing the same for a few neighbors". I spent Christmas day with friends, 9 of us in total, including 2 pooches. I was the only vegetarian amongst the group, and no one made a great "show" of gorging themselves on turkey or ham, but I still found myself feeling greatly saddened by this on a day which is supposed to be a happy occasion. I find the older I get, the more the consumption of animals upsets me, with Christmas and Easter particularly grotesque.

Now that is very clever. I would never have guessed it was an anagram, and a very apt one at that. I hope your Christmas day was enjoyable and relaxing. Mine was cool (22°C) and today it is cold (17°C , when only a few days ago it was 36°C). Not even close to my preferred Kylie and Dannii Christmas (my 2nd favourite Christmas song).

I like Lee Wilson lite, and this one definitely fits into that category @Lee Wilson. Christopher Klinger (Maxwell's grandfather or great grandfather perhaps Lee?) is such an unselfish lad. I know the story is set in 1889 so his choice of Christmas wishes was far more limited in terms of material gifts, but even so he wished for things which would help his family as a whole, rather than wishing for things for himself only. Watching the Band Aid video was very sad, 9 years today since the death of George Michael who wrote, produced and sang @Summerabbacat's favourite Christmas song, Wham's Last Christmas.

Mr X, who may or may not be Corcoran, although it seems increasingly likely he is Mr X, appears to be very brazen. Previously his "stalking" of Rick was undertaken on the down-low, but this seems much more open. What would he have done if Rick had been at home and he had met him? What if Mr X is not Corcoran but is someone Corcoran knows, someone who has been watching Rick to warn him Corcoran is out to get him. It strikes me as incongruous Mr X would have announced himself to Brad and Nick, if the reason for his visit to Rick was to harm him in any way. As for Rick's possible "memory block", I think he may have done it in the immediate aftermath of Martin's murder. His comment to Adam: "Did this really happen, I wondered? Had I held the key to this whole mess inside my head for all this time? Could I have actually prevented Marty’s death?", particularly the text in bold, may well have occurred to him before, and the memory block was to save his sanity. The suspense ratcheted up several more notches in this chapter @Mark Ponyboy Peters. Was the appearance of the possible Mr X at Rick's apartment block a red mullet, or is it integral to the plot. Only you know Mark, and you're not telling.

AC Barrett must surely realise it won't be long before his cover is blown, or is he so arrogant he truly believes he is above the law. If he realises his arrest is imminent, he may do the taxpayers' of NSW a favour and commit suicide, or Mrs Barrett may take "matters" into her own hands, in addition to a chain saw, and attempt to "geld" him, ala Lorena Bobbitt. I imagine the lives of Jarvis, Azzopardi and Ryan may be in jeopardy as they are now a liability. If AC Barrett is being protected by someone above him, I can only assume it is because AC Barrett has "dirt" on his protector, then he too may be in danger of being silenced. Any lingering doubts I had about Adam were silenced in this chapter. His offer to show solidarity with Shane and Jimmy and have himself tested for STI's was very well received by Shane and Jimmy as well as Rick. I must agree with my learned fellow feline devotee, @chris191070; this appears to have been a pivotal chapter. The arrest of Ryan and Azzopardi, and the ongoing detention of Jarvis may have a domino effect. We can only hope this proves to be the case. And finally, I wonder if Corcoran at one stage may have been a victim of sexual abuse, perhaps at the hands of AC Barrett, which has led him to commit the murders he appears to have committed, or should we pay heed to the "warning" given by @weinerdog, to proceed with caution before assuming Corcoran is the culprit.

It appears both Liam and Adrian have grieved over someone important they have loved and lost, although I suspect Adrian's grief may not have resulted from the death of a partner. The "Kevin coincidences" continue to mount up. Are they as real as what Liam believes them to be, or is he so desperately lonely and seeing things he "wants" to see? I don't think so, but even if Liam is mistaken, does it really matter? A most enjoyable read @ChromedOutCortex.

Hilariously named drag queens, witty and biting (at times) dialogue, and a sprinkling of pop culture references. It sounds like another offering from the connoisseur of crimson coloured comedy, the doyen of drag, @Rafy. And a @Rafy would not be complete without a musical inspiration, on this occasion the result of this statement of fashion glamour: "Tonight, Bubbles looked… well, she looked like she’d raided a dumpster behind a fashion studio. Her gown was a masterpiece of black bin bags and industrial-strength duct tape. She held a wand made of a toilet brush spray-painted gold, and she was coughing violently from the vape smoke. MacBitch’s face fell. The look of betrayal was absolute. “You,” MacBitch accused, pointing a trembling finger. “You are not a Schnapps. You are a bin liner.” Deborah Harry chic. Glamour plus and disco perfection.

I had heard twee many times growing up in Australia @drsawzall but had never, until now, encountered owt or nowt. And I am clearly having either a senior's moment or a blonde moment, as I still cannot manage to pronounce Pericles such that it rhymes with bicycles. The introduction of Gloria Inman had me in stitches for a moment @Robert Hugill, assuming it was a very "flamboyant" gay man ala John Inman. There is a very well known Australian radio "personality" who has been caught in a "compromising" position on more than one occasion. He has vehemently denied he is gay, although no one believes him. He is reportedly known as Gloria to his friends. An odious little creep who has reviled gay men on more than one occasion on his shock-jock radio programme. I am sure it will be very interesting to read of Joss' and Gloria's observations of Thomas. I like her already.

It is difficult to say anything positive, pleasant or charitable about Daisy, so I won't waste my time or anyone else's time bothering to try. Daisy is like many not born into a particular religion who subsequently, for a variety of reasons, embrace that religion. They embrace it with the fervour of the most ardent zealot, much like what @Seraph28 has described has happened in more recent times in Uganda. Daisy is completely fucking delusional. The death of her husband, the man who apparently introduced her to this evangelical religion, has likely heightened her hysteria, clinging to her religion like someone clinging to a lifeboat at sea. Daisy's addiction is religion, an addiction much like any other addiction, although she would no doubt deny it and state her devotion to her belief system is healthy. I call bullshit, make believe. Daisy's pastor is an odious man, preying on the weakness of people like Daisy, people who need a crutch to lean on, people who regard religion like it is some kind of roadmap to life. I try to have sympathy for people like this because they are weak, but alas I cannot as they are a waste of space, oxygen thieves. I would rather apportion my sympathy to animals or people who are genuinely suffering. Personally I don't have an issue with Daisy rejecting the culture of her birth, although the reason(s) she did so are questionable at best, However, she has no right to withhold knowledge from her nephew(s) and children should they wish to at least enquire about it. I loved Lily's reference to herself as a regular old garden variety dyke. “Oh yes! Almost all North American tribes were aware of the existence of two-spirit people, though they would have had different names for them. Two-spirit is a modern umbrella term. The Navaho called them nàdleehé — one who is ‘transformed’. The Lakota Sioux called them winkte, the Mohave alyha, the Zuni lhamana, the Omaha mexoga, the Aleut and Kodiak achnucek, the Zapotec ira’ muxe, the Cheyenne he man eh. You get the picture. They all believed that two-spirit people were born that way, and they not only saw them as normal, but as a necessary part of society. They almost always became spiritual leaders in their villages.” This was fascinating @Josh Aterovis, the wordplay reminding me of one of many musical masterpieces from Kate Bush, this one the title track from her most recent offering 50 Words For Snow, with guest "vocals" by Stephen Fry.

Theodore best have spectacular carnality to compensate for his total lack of people skills. He is unnecessarily rude, arrogant and aggressive. He was somewhat amusing to observe initially, his flustered responses to Jack particularly so, now he is merely tiresome and very unappealing. If he is unable to put his tongue to good use with pleasant conversation, then he had better be prepared o deliver exceptional ball-licking and rimming services as a bare minimum. I seem to recall Jack's cards indicating that not all of Theodore's pack were dead as he has always claimed. If his attitude towards Jack and Vince is any guide, this could well be true. His pack may have up and left voluntarily, tired of him being such a douchebag.

This Dean, slowly shedding layers of hurt, anger, resentment, self-doubt and self-destruction, is the authentic Dean, one who is far more appealing than the one who was still trying to please a dead bigot and live by his beliefs and pronouncements. This Dean is actually likeable, very likeable in fact. This Dean is someone Kris could take home to Mamma and introduce, which would be a pointless exercise of course because she has already given him the seal of approval. Positivity from Dean, I am not sure I can cope @ChromedOutCortex, LOL. I just hope he does not fuck it up as Learning to Stay in Kris' orbit, wherever that orbit may be, appears to be something which brings him joy and contentment, something he has rarely known.

The other option @centexhairysub is that his toast might not be buttered at all. Aunt would almost certainly have forbidden discussion of such "things", and Ian may have been too frightened to take matters into his own hands for fear of Aunt bursting in and rebuking him for such deviant behaviour.

They are ALWAYS right @drsawzall. If they are unable to change minds, then those whose minds cannot be changed are deemed unworthy to breathe such rarefied air, and are disposed of like yesterday's garbage.

It reminds me of what I have read of similarly violent and despotic regimes which remained in power in Argentina and Chile.

I thought the barbecue was going to be a total bust @Mark Ponyboy Peters, what with the prawn skewers and ham steaks (I had no idea what this was, I don't recall ever seeing them before), but all was forgiven when it was revealed Tom had barbecued pineapple. @Summerabbacat loves barbecued pineapple (and it DOES belong on pizza too). And as for that lemon meringue pie, delicious. And did you know Mark that you can make meringue without egg whites? You substitute chick pea brine, and whip it up just like egg white. I am inclined to believe in the "supernatural" elements which feature in this chapter, although I have never experienced such a thing myself. Gus' little black book is likely to prove invaluable in identifying those who have been involved in cruelty towards any of the boys. I imagine all the boys are underage so it will be interesting to observe how far the police are prepared to go with arrests. As many have commented, Jimmy and Shane have settled in remarkably quickly and amiably with Beth and Tom. Mama and Papa seem to have adjusted very quickly too in welcoming their young charges. It appears Love Is In The Air on the Hunter. Delightful chapter @Mark Ponyboy Peters.

I hope you and @Seraph28 are correct @drsawzall. I had an image of Skye resembling a young Felipe Rose from the Village People in a loin cloth and a full on headdress.

“I was marbling a bog this morning!” Charlie grinned. “As in an actual porcelain toilet? Or just the room?” “The room, idiot. Some woman with ideas above herself. Evidently the Queen’s bogs are marbled.” Shades of Hyacinth Bucket, the lady of the house. I knew you were referring to QEII rather than the Rottweiler @Robert Hugill. Valentine Emmanuel. I had an image of an African-American gay male porn star. Smooth dark chocolate velvet-like skin, huge pouty lips, an arse you could crack walnuts on, and a rocket launcher to shame Jeff Stryker. Instead Valentine Emmanuel was anything but "exotic", a rather plain Jane. Your usual high-standard Robert.

I know very little about Franco as I was only 12 years of age when he died, but I vaguely recall his death reported on the TV news, even down here in the Antipodes @Gary L. I of course, was far more interested in other things than the death of some despot in a far away land called Spain. Everything I have read about him since, which admittedly is very little, paints a picture of a man I believe I would despise. I assume Gerardo may be Otto's papa. His foreknowledge of what was about to happen is intriguing.

OMG @Gary L. You are a "brave" man, giving the girls "starring" roles, especially Señorita Lilibeth. She may become even more demanding, and jealous of her sister if Greta gets more attention than she. You may have another Olivia de Havilland vs Joan Fontaine lifelong feud on your hands. The synopsis of the story is very appealing. It reminded me of a quote attributed to Almodóvar, when an up and coming film director if I remember correctly. He indicated whenever he set out to make a film, one of his intentions was to make it such that it would have offended Franco.

Perhaps Adrian thought he could have a drink of water at one of the washrooms along the trail @CincyKris, or a bottled water or cafe latte at one of the coffeeshops along the trail. He is very fortunate Liam coincidentally is hiking the same trail; he may have got into some strife left to his own devices. And just quietly, Liam is fortunate to have met Adrian again; he was unnecessarily terse to him in the gym, something which he realises. I suspect Adrian only quit the cycling group because of Liam's attitude.

“Jacy, the reason your grandmother and I separated — and part of the reason your aunt tries so hard to pretend I don’t exist — is because I am two-spirit.” It was not predictable, but I sensed Fletcher was going to disclose this. Firstly, it was the maroon coloured Harley Davidson, then the admission he began to find himself prior to divorcing Grandma Allen. Daisy is going to have a conniption when she finds out her nephew is a "two-spirit" like her biological father. She may need a dose of prunes AND psyllium husks to get her through such shame. No amount of speaking in tongues or feeling the power of the holy spirit cleanse her and knock her to the ground will help her overcome the "blockage" of shame this will bring to her. Jacy may have to move to live with either Lily or Fletcher. Lily's warning about Skye was somewhat ominous. He seems harmless, although clearly besotted with himself. Perhaps he is a player, someone who will steal Jacy's heart, not to mention his V card, before he tires of him and moves onto a new conquest. I think he is very aware of Jacy's "gift". Intriguing and enjoyable thus far @Josh Aterovis, with not a red herring in sight (yet).

A pillar of the community in his eyes and the eyes of many of his followers. Pious and superior, a true believer. In his eyes not guilty of any of the claims made about him, a "model" priest. 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

People in very high places are invariably protected; one only has to recall a certain very prominent Australian cardinal from a few years ago, now deceased. I will never be convinced he was not involved in what he was accused of; and, without a shadow of a doubt he turned a blind eye to sexual misconduct within the clergy and BLAMED the child victims. He was so fucking arrogant. May he rot in hell.

The hypocrisy of religious organisations is one of the things which rankles me most. The old adage, do as I say not as I do comes to mind. I don't care if individuals are religious as long as they keep it to themselves. I resent subsiding religion with my tax dollars. I would much prefer my tax dollars be used to protect and care for non-human animals, creatures who live the "ideals" of zealots far more than what they themselves do. If you had gone into more detail about what Mr Cunningham and the school did and did not do, then we stroppy bastards would not have had near as much fun speculating and pontificating as we have had. Given what Robbie said about Mr Cunningham and the reaction of the man himself to Rick's revelation of further murders, I think his conscience will be his just desserts. I don't judge him as harshly as the school board or the diocese as he was restricted in what he could do. Like I commented above, I have absolutely no doubt had he reported it to the police, the diocese would have been successful in "persuading" the police to sweep it under the carpet, whilst ruining Mr Cunningham. It is pleasing to know the comments we readers make is an inspiration at times.