Arran

I, too, am wondering how Rachel will react when she hears that her boyfriend has a boyfriend. Will he go into detail about the depth of his cheating? Will she ask for it? Will she remain with the band? Another good chapter, unilive. Looking forward to the last chapter of part one. Thanks.

I agree with IBEX; Mark seems to know a lot about fucking a guy for someone has assumed that he is straight up to now. And yes, however he wants to spin it, he is cheating on Rachel. Good chapter, unilive. U-N-I is on to better things!

Apparently they rocked, a nice compliment to an intimate afternoon. Look forward to the next chapter. Thanks, unilive

Hey, Katya Dee. Are you going to change the status of this story to complete? Can’t review it if it’s not complete.

Well, congratulations. Your English is remarkable.

Great story, unilive, and great start! I especially like that this has already been written so we won’t be disappointed by long delays between chapters that disrupt the flow of the story. It’s the way I like to write, too, because my readers mean a lot to me. It won’t take long for your community reputation to soar! And it’s well-edited because I didn’t notice any flaws. Twenty-five chapters is a lot to take on your first time. I’m impressed and looking forward to more. Thank you.

I agree with Danners: Andrew has matured remarkably since the beginning of the story. Apparently, Aubrey seems to think so, too, having fallen asleep naked save for the towel around his waist on Andrew’s bed. Obviously, Andrew spooning Aubrey naked from behind wasn’t such a ‘bad idea’ since Aubrey made no effort to wrestle himself away from Andrew’s arms. In my chapter 10 comment I had hoped that Andrew wouldn’t take advantage of Aubrey again, but he did and it seemed to have a good effect, Aubrey’s reaction completely different from the first time. Things appear to have smoothed out somewhat between them, but can it last?

You often have two conversations in one paragraph, like: “Alright, I get it. You feel vulnerable because we slept together, so you’re lashing out at me to keep me at a distance and protect yourself from being hurt. It’s smart, it makes sense given what you’ve just been through. But can you please stop taking it out on me? Can we just get back to the good place we were in before I let things go too far?” Aubrey let out a frustrated breath. “I just want to finish up the Foundation piece and then both of us can just go back to living our lives.” I suggest: “Alright, I get it. You feel vulnerable because we slept together, so you’re lashing out at me to keep me at a distance and protect yourself from being hurt. It’s smart, it makes sense given what you’ve just been through. But can you please stop taking it out on me? Can we just get back to the good place we were in before I let things go too far?” Aubrey let out a frustrated breath. “I just want to finish up the Foundation piece and then both of us can just go back to living our lives.” Another: “I really wish I could help, but I can’t,” Aubrey replied after a moment of thought. He sounded sincere. “God you’re annoying,” Andrew said before he could stop himself, and Aubrey made a surprised face then laughed suddenly. “Why did you leave last night?” This is really a difficult one, but I suggest: “I really wish I could help, but I can’t,” Aubrey replied, sounding sincere, after a moment of thought. “God you’re annoying,” Andrew said before he could stop himself. Aubrey made a surprised face then suddenly laughed. “Why did you leave last night?” Andrew continued. I really don’t mean to be critical, MosLover, because we all write differently. I just think that running conversations together in the same paragraph can be confusing to the reader. Hope this helps.

Nice first chapter. Looking forward to the next. Thanks, SidLove.

Andrew’s response to Aubrey’s question in the laundry room was trite and irresponsible, said out of anger or frustration. I guess if I was Aubrey, I would have left too. Then, as was mentioned above, Andrew showed up at Aubrey’s motel room and corrected his response with what he should have said in the first place, then kissed Aubrey. I am interested to discover Aubrey’s reaction to that. Now all Andrew has to do is respect Aubrey’s space, which doesn’t include a repeat of last night. Good chapter, Moslover. Your writing style tends to be abbreviated sometimes which forces me to have to reread sentences to get what they mean. Thanks for following up with this chapter so quickly. I was pleasantly surprised.

Well, I definitely wasn’t expecting sex between Andrew and Aubrey in this chapter, and I didn’t expect Aubrey to drink himself into a stupor and lead Andrew on. But he did beg for what he got. Now he needs to face the fact that he isn’t the guiding light that he thought he was. As for Andrew? He could have used better discretion knowing that Aubrey was in a bad way and totally out of character. i can’t believe that Aubrey just went off and left his dog in the hotel alone that night.

Thank you for the comment, proeros.

After three long years, a great comeback chapter, Jwolf, and great climax. I have to admit that I was numb when I thought this story had come to an utimely end. I’m so happy that it hasn’t because the story is too good to just let it wither and die. Thank you.

Great job, Katya Dee! Good story. The chapters were the right length and the story was the right length. Now you need to change the status to completed so we can say good things about it.

Well, I don’t have the tech savvy to insert a cartoon here, so you’ll just have to accept my old-fashioned written congratulations for a job well done, Katya Dee. Thank you. And here’s another kick for good measure.

I’m sorry about your pet bird, Katya Dee. I’ve had to put down several cats and a dog, so I understand how they can be as much a part of your life as a child. Another good chapter. And we’re nearing the end! Thanks.

He’s in shock. I wonder how I’d react facing the barrel of a gun. Hopefully I’ll never find out. Another good chapter, Katya Dee. Thanks.

I thank you for the kind and thoughtful response and explaining it from your perspective, Jwolf. I really didn’t mean to sound harsh in my comment; I just like the story so much and was saddened to think that it didn’t look like it would be completed. Obviously my comment upset you and for that I’m sorry. I’m happy to hear that it will continue to completion. If the story was put on hold, I didn’t notice it. I will be more careful about that in the future. Still, because of the long hiatus I will reread the The English Year from the beginning before reading the latest chapter and any that follow because I think the story deserves it. Again, my apology. I applaud your effort at creating such a great and provoking story. Obviously you do love writing to produce a story of this caliber. Thanks for the effort.

This story began eight years ago in Aug, 2012. The author posted 34 chapters over a span of four years, then abruptly and mysteriously stopped posting more than three years ago and I thought, “Well, another good story cheated of an ending.” Now after well over seven years into the story chapter 35 appears without so much as a reason for the lengthy hiatus. When the story was being posted rather regularly it was without a doubt my favorite and I looked forward to each and every post. Then suddenly nothing. To me, loyal readers deserve more than that. Now I am reluctant to read chapter 35 and continue The English Year because to do it justice, which the story deserves, I would have to reread everything before reading chapter 35, and I’m not sure that I want to do that given that this could very well happen again. This is why I think that a story, particularly a story as good as this one, should be completed before posting. I welcome a comment from the author.

I don’t know what you’re lofty standards are, wildone, but there was actually a hint in this chapter: “Rebecca obviously hit the jackpot with Rory, although I still wasn’t totally convinced he was playing for the right team. I would have gladly taken her place and made him finish a lot quicker too.” A lot of people are convinced that it is Tom, but I’m holding out for Rory who was Robbie’s first crush after coming to Cobourg I believe. Care to comment, Dodger?

I agree. Both boys are carrying too much baggage, particularly Robbie. However, it might have helped had Connor surrendered himself to Robbie as a good will gesture to soothe things over. Another great chapter, Dodger.

You’re welcome, travlbug. Thank you for reading and thank you for the comment.

The argument in the car got Andrew to reconsider his strategy with Nelson. The conversation at dinner got him to consider his role as the “shitty boyfriend”. Overall, he seems to be making progress. A number of things going on here: the Foundation, Aubrey’s plan to go to Iran despite the danger and Andrew’s objection, and Tom’s and Kat’s scheme to bring Andrew down. Got anything else in store for us, MozLover? I agree with Canuk; Aubrey is drifting away from Tom because Tom doesn’t really know or understand his partner. Another good chapter, MozLover.

This is a surprise!

I sure hope so. Alex should be worrying about his future too.