Fry

Relationships are complicated, but this takes the cake. Everybody is winning and losing at the same time. We finally got some insights into Jacks relationship with his parents and it's worse than I thought it could be; not simply neglect, but downright horrible and hateful. No wonder Jack is moody, depressed, and withdrawn most of the time.

Jacks armour breaks and reveals his softer side!

I love the fun banter at the football game and the rest of the chapter; positively uplifting. Jonah is a hoot!

I still have no idea which way this is going. All 3 boys are messed up in some way. We know that there's some history between Jack and Noah but now what it is.

Speaking as someone who has spent far too much time inside his own head, it can become quite noisy, and confusing in there, often leading to sadness, misunderstanding and unfortunate choices/actions. I hope Nick handles it well. Jack is a mess, Noah seems great, but Jacks comments make we wonder, and make me consider Noah to be an enigma. both Jack and Noah need deciphering for Nick to know what's what with both of them.

Great story. Nice character development. I'm enjoying where it's going and the positivity of (most) of the principal characters.

The pressure is on for Joel to make decisions; time's running out for him. Definitely wondering what went on between Colt and his parents. Perhaps Colt will fill him in while driving? The lead up to Joel going to visit his little brother will be nerve-wracking for him, and the inevitable confrontation with his parents will likely not be pleasant, but maybe his dad will sort of hold his mother at bay and let the visit happen? He seemed to have possibly acquired some backbone in the initial confrontation by overruling his dominant wife - probably for the first time - and agreeing to the visit? He may be a whipped submissive husband but by fixing the truck, agreeing to the visits, and getting Westley to call him about baseball practice, it says to me that there's still some semblance of love there, even if there isn't enough.

I like this one better:

We finally get a glimpse into Davin's home situation. You could cut the sexual tension between them with a knife. Getting ever closer to Joel revealing more about himself. Davin is ever so softly probing and leading him there I think. There is tension between the brothers for some reason, and I don't think it's entirely related to their parents.

mmmmmm....Jackson. But I think bible boy is more my style.

I'm older. From your description, I think we had some similar experiences. I tried professional help for a short period, but I suspect it was far too late in life. The past had burned too long and too deep. I suspect I wanted advice to make it go away so it didn't help. We are all the sum of our experiences, are we not? 🤪

Traumatic experiences in youth are different for everyone as are the circumstances. My teenage years and early adulthood were very difficult. Psychological abuse, fear, and anger led to deep depression that almost consumed me a few times. I was told once that I wear it like armour now; I still don't understand what that means, if it's positive or negative. Random situations and events can trigger memories, feelings that I don't want, that can be overwhelming at times. Stories can be a release valve for me (I think?), or maybe it's a form of self-abuse?

I think that allot of people are drawn to coming of age stories for a few different reasons; it may mirror their own reality and they get to live it again (if it's positive) 🥰; it hits a little too close to home (negative) and it stirs up painful memories that let them release pent up feelings 😭 (it can be cathartic, or it can be damaging all over again) I know people that had very difficult experiences early on, and they survived by walling it up inside, not wanting to feel. Facing those types of stories allows them to feel what they probably felt at the time but suppressed in order to survive; it may reflect a reality that they wish they had experienced, or the sex reflects a fantasy they wanted to live; 🤣 or combinations of any of the above factors. I'm drawn to stories involving characters that went through difficult situations but were ultimately triumphant and stronger for it. For me, it's column B and C depending on the storyline.

I've read stories that have run for years that held my rapt attention to the very end. They were that well written. Also a couple that were almost as long but never finished - sigh - alas. 😞

I'm glad to see that Joel is slowly realizing he has to open up to Celia, even if it was forced by the phone call. It will be interesting to see if that lets/forces him open up a bit more to Davin while he's at their house. He did reluctantly make an admission that he is alienated from his family but wished he wasn't ,and Davin admitted he felt like he also was not welcome by his parents. They share that in common, and it can be the tie that binds them together in friendship. Love this story and I hope you keep it going.

The horse riding will be a good bonding experience with Lacey, to make him feel more part of the family. Maybe he will treat her as a proxy for his younger brother during their separation. Maybe it will help him loosen up a bit more. Lacey could provide him with more insights into Colt?

I enjoyed this chapter. Hearing from Trace that Colt was impressed by his fighting ability is nice, but must shake Joels trust in Colt a bit I would think for ratting him out. Having your life torn upside down and inside out and trust in people important to him broken like it was doesn't breed trust in others, and having it broken again so soon could set him back a bit. Davin obviously has family issues of his own that bother him. Trace has put him on notice that he can't keep avoiding facing his fear in opening up to Celia. It is an inevitability, but I think it's pretty obvious that she will be a supporter. Who knows what Colt will do. Joel is continually reminding himself that he will eventually have to deal with the school question and the future. I don't really see him wanting to return to his old school, but I foresee storm clouds on the horizon from his old team mates when they eventually cross paths. How that turns out will be anyones guess. Maybe it won't turn out quite as bad as I think it might?

I'm betting that Joel wakes up finding Davin spooning him. Colt's behaviour was weird. One moment showing annoyance at Joel, the next seemingly friendly towards him. Davin's disdain for Colt's girlfriend hints at possible jealousy and feelings for Colt.

I think we're describing the same kind of person (Johnny). Shallow. Travels with a posse because of the illusion of popularity, brings beer to the party, guy.

Anyone that expects someone can go from planning to commit suicide, to happy-go-lucky in a matter of a couple days, without having dark clouds hanging in their mind is not being realistic. Loneliness, despair, feelings of abandonment, suicidal thoughts, do not go away easily or quickly.

How's that president working out for ya?🤪

Colt was obviously hoping to spend some quality alone time with his girlfriend, and has been forced into babysitting duty by his mom. He's understandably annoyed. Every school has at least one Johnny. Self-absorbed bully and centre of attention. He's the kind that will be 40 and still wearing their high school football jacket, pathetically reliving their high school glory days. There will certainly be fall-out from this for Joel. He will be the subject of much discussion because of the fight. Attention that he does not want. Celia and Jase will be very concerned about his mental well-being. I think that Davon is the type of person that is more empathic than most. He would be looking after injured birds, lost puppies and kittens if he saw them in distress. My thought is that he senses Joel is hurting and his impulse is to help. He will be a good friend to Joel even if there is nothing else. Roy may be Johnny's friend but he recognizes Johnny's flaws and was trying to make peace with Joel for himself and warn him in advance.

Still loving the pace. This was a long one! At last, some plot/character development with Colt. He's exhibiting some some frustration at having his world disturbed. No telling how he will react when he learns more about Joel and the circumstances of his arrival. I'm hoping that he comes around to team Joel when he needs the support. Joel is on notice from Celia that the pity party will have to come to an end soon. Trace may have interrupted Joels despair and plan, but he has not erased it, and Joel is still feeling it. Hearing Colts comments must have been painful; it would have been to me. The time at the falls will be awkward at best. Let's hope that the absence of Grace and Celia and their moderating does not result in Colt openly exhibiting animosity toward Joel. Maybe this time together might soften his feelings a bit?

I hope you don't speed it up too much.

Still loving the pacing of the story. Some of the characters are becoming more developed, more glimpses of personality are being revealed. Starting to see hints of Joels emotional turmoil and the start of his grieving process. A suspicious mind would think that Davin was sent on a fact finding mission by the other two. A bit odd that he chose to bed down with Joel, rather than his twin or his best friend. Maybe he just doesn't like being alone? The two talking outside will start the ice breaking. I see Joel feeling guilty and lonely, offering to join them mending fences and herding cattle the next day, and possibly an invite to join the camping trip?