SilentandBroken

I haven’t read those yet, but but I’m sure I’ll get to them

you succeeded

Well my dirty little secret is by using my iPhone, I highlight chunks of a chapter at a time and use the speaker function with the Siri 5 voice setting which is as close to an American teenage boy’s voice, and I let it read the story to to me through my earbuds. It’s almost real at times with certain phrases and inflections working, other times not so much but I don’t care. I confess this site is my slight addiction once I finish bd a long story much like this one so no worries, I’ll burn through this pretty quickly. Your skill and mastery at capturing the American teenage boy’s attitude is great..

Ok what a great chapter. Interns dynamics between Allison and Luke. The tension between the is palpable. What I REALLY appreciated was the impromptu swimming lesson Jackson gave. It seemed to help Luke immediately. I hope it sparks more interest for Luke. That said, it was short and unfortunately so was the deep conversation that sort of happened poolside before they headed to the locker room. I don’t think Jackson even realized he was asking Luke out of pure genuine interest. Man it’s a slow burn but I hope this dance is worth it.

Oh and I wouldn’t last one day under Luke’s or Jackson’s mother’s thumb! Dad’s need to stand up to this crap.

Exactly! Jackson’s parents at work-aholics and let’s really be honest here, is what Jackson’s pranks really all that bad? No. The fight during ISS wasn’t his fault. The soapy nude slip’nslide actually was genius and probably quite hot given how good shape he’s in to be a swimmer. In fact they’re hilarious…unless you’ve got a stick up your ass and no sense of humor. Now that the tables appear to be turning on Jackson and Luke, Jackson is seeing a different perspective and I think he’s really beginning to feel sorry for Luke and that might help these two opposites attract. 💕💕💕💕💕💕

I laughed at the end of this chapter because Jackson was cute when he pouted not getting his way stomping into the house. I think subconsciously he’s onto Luke’s interest in him a little bit, which is why he’s a little bit. I think Jackson honestly is restless and bored with his friends and girlfriend. He’s 18 right? He’s going to test the boundaries. That’s natural. His parents are late to the game to try to correct Jackson at this point. His against the system mentality is already set. The only way that changes is to changes his influences. Enter Luke. But here’s the problem. Luke is also bored with his toe the line life and Jackson is ever so appealing. I’m waiting for Luke to offer to take Jackson to swimming practice. Perhaps there’s something to happen from that. As for Luke‘s mother, yep. I think Jackson was right about her concerns I bet. All in all, I think both boys will help each other find a nice happy balance and IN that process, maybe their parents will learn to let them test their wings a bit more and they won’t be so quick to push back.

Me thinks Jackson has become a bit a tempting challenge to Luke to correct his behavior and in the process…🤔

Ha! This kid is a hoot for sure. I really enjoyed the clever rearrangement of the old yearbooks. I love witty subtlety in harmless pranks like this that act as sand in shoes.

I will say yes, however Gabe DID make it right with Ridley because Ridley’s mom’s permission vetoed Ridley there a bit and Ridley also finally got his head out of his own ass. I still want to see more growth between the boys. What about college scholarships? Ok ok I’m done I’m done ..maybe. 😆

UGH NOOOOOO! I wasn’t done. Gabe FINALLY got him to open up enough to start healing and growing. But to be honest, both his mom and his sister gave sage advice and testimony on how Ridley has been and how his behavior has affected them for the past two years. I get the task is daunting to come up with enough substance to make a respectable sequel that has its own storyline. I do. But man does this story need one. Even a time jump. Alas, I will accept your decision. Nicely done

Well that was disappointing. Cheer up Cal. Someone will cross your path and you won’t be able to resist. I’m glad you found the sense to listen to your intuition and hit the brakes with that asshole Draven. For that matter, with Kyle too. There’s more boys out there yet and you’re just starting to grow into yourself. Jonah is right about all of it. Listen to him.

Noah’s over the top efforts of compliments to Nick’s mom was a little nauseating.. the whole weekend at Nick’s was …surprisingly uneventful. This patience by Noah was also surprising. It definitely oozed experience to me. It was ..almost too perfect. Now my guard is really up and twitchy. As for Jack, sigh…it feels like he’s given up. I think he knows Bout him and Noah and perhaps the rest of the mealtime table too. He definitely missed Nick over the weekend. I must’ve missed the fact in the beginning Nick’s mom was a doctor. This might be important down the road. I’m really worried about Jack and I don’t think Nick has caught on yet. Jack is teetering on another breakdown.

UGH!! What just happened?! Like I know what I read but…RIDLEY!!!! What are you doing?! Pushing away a boy who obviously cares about you more than you understand. What is so bad so wrong so..too personal to let people know about what happened to your dad and why you were named after your father’s savior? And Gabe!! YOU! Ok yes you did an amazing job in that article but dude…you missed one major opportunity here in the still of the night. What Ridley doesn’t know he needs to hear is how you feel. Yes Ridley told you not to publish the story about his dad, and it’s fair for him to be a bit pissed about that, but ugh! I don’t even have the words at the moment to express what I feel. Gabe, you better make it right with Ridley. Ridley, get your head out of your ass. rant over. It’s clearer now that Ridley has accepted his orientation, I guess wanting to wait until after high school to come out but dammit. Sigh..

Ok HOLY FUCK I didn’t expect Ridley to be so bold so quickly. I mean yeah I knew he was frustrated and was feeling kinda horny ogling all that eye candy in the locker room but damn boy got after it. The way he just snatched his shirt ..I about teared up there more than the phone call scene. I couldn’t determine whether it was an impulsive kiss at first or an emotional one but then as Gabe settled in for it…sigh…. ok I’m drying up getting my shit together.. that last scene in the parking lot, lots in signs here that Gabe is a little Romeo. Held the door out of the gym after waiting for him after the game. He took his bag, and hustled around to get in. The amount of thoughtfulness he put into the gifts he’s giving to Ridley. Hell the amount of patience he’s shown Ridley from the first mtg makes me think he’s had him on his radar for quite a while. Not only is this cute all his doting, but how Ridley almost lost it emotionally when he realized what Gabe had actually done for him… I’m ok I’m ok..breathe…whooo. ok NOW.. looking back to the rest of the day and evening before all that ..all I can think is Jesus what the hell did Gabe write? In the span of basically a school day morning, all of the sudden Ridley is getting respectful looks and smiles from just about everyone who makes eye contact with him. His teammates are giving him the evil eye every chance they get and Matt! OMG Matt acts like they’ve never fought and are back to friends again. What the hell was in that article?! bravo Krista

Yes but Nick put himself in that spot. And well sometimes Jack too.

Ok I’m gonna drop my thoughts and then go back and read everyone’s before I lose mine. First off, this was a very telling chapter. But not just for Ridley. For Gabe too. For starters, Ridley is missing the opportunity given to him to use the article to express his wishes people stop using his given nickname he hates. BUT, since he doesn’t it’s become a bit of a double entendre. Sure it’s a play on his name but he’s keep his personality and life so close to the vest and pushed away everyone, he’s intimidated everyone in a sense because just as Gabe said, they DON’T know him so they make shit up. Ridley just doesn’t care to fix it. Gabe apparently is the only one who’s not intimidated. More on that in a minute. The other part of the double entendre is even more so because as with the true definition of a double entendre one side being sexual, sure it’s obvious to us readers Ridley is gay, I don’t think he is completely at full realization or at least acceptance that he is. So, maybe a double double entendre? Anyway, back to Gabe. He has given more inclination to lead us to believe he’s attracted to Ridley by way of is physical light touches, the respect he’s giving Ridley, the understanding, and patience. What’s more, is that I don’t think Ridley really even sees it. I think Gabe has gotten a true honest look at what Ridley is going through, the hidden pain he’s experiencing without Ridley even realizing it. Yeah Ridley is pretty selfish when it comes to socializing. That’s what he knows that’s safe though. Unfortunately in this instance, it’s doing more harm with the isolation. I think that’s the cusp of the issue between him and Matt. I hope Gabe sees that. I hope Gabe can bring Ridley out of his hiding and get him reconciled with Matt and possibly open to exploring a relationship with Gabe. great chapter.

Awesome start. Ridley comes off as feeling disrespected because people ignore his requests at using his name vs his nickname so why should he care about them either or their small town. I don’t blame him one bit. The students and staff, not all but a good portion seem shallow. Matt seems not but it’s fairly easy to assume why their friendship dissolved. Or maybe not. The way Matt spoke to Ridley seemed almost ..resentful but not why. I’m sure that’ll come up. Both boys seem to be ready to snap. All that’s needed is just a little more prodding from someone who is likely clueless. Gabe’s nudge was…interesting. Almost, affectionate, knowing. I hope something develops there. Others think Mara is the one who Ridley will lean on, my money is on Gabe.

I see it a lot. It’s sad. The primary logic is (using Phil as an example here) they don’t like conflict & it saves fighting just to not cross them. I’m like Oh whatever. It’s just delaying the inevitable and I really want to counter to Phil with “and what have we learned? In my mind he’s just as complicit in destroying the family because he cowed. However there’s another thought.. he might simply be in shock since all this and is starting to come around..

Ok I agree to a few points by others above. Small town rural mostly (I’m guessing here) white blue collar where in Joel’s family the mother wears the pants and is the boss and Phil goes along to get along. Trace on the other hand, pisses standing up as a man should. I can see, as mentioned, Lisa and Trace having similarities on paper but there are also some very stark differences between them too. One of them being, you accept your children for who they are, not ostracize and otherwise disown them. Lisa is blinded by her prejudice and shock..allowing those emotions to dominate her reasoning. Because of that she is weaker than her husband Phil. Joel is right. Lisa tore the family apart. If Phil grows a pair and stands up to her, will she kick him out too for siding with Joel? Hmm

Absolutely

I’m gonna go on for a bit here and sorry but I feel it needs saying to have it said. I can’t say for sure whether or not American boys at 14 are generally more mature that their European counterparts but I would imagine there wouldn’t be THAT much difference. That said, I think it honestly depends on the individual upbringing. We are dealing with kids that are already trying to cope with life that is ..well..let’s face it, a tad not normal. Not every 14 year old boy comes from abused homes or is abused in other ways. I’d say MOST don’t. At 14, there’s still very much an innocence to kids, that is by and large unless of course they’ve had traumatic experiences that force them to mature earlier. In my mind, it becomes the difference between the bullies and the kids being bullied. The kids doing the bullying are still ..invincible and don’t really comprehend the consequences of their actions on others. There aren’t repercussions for them. Hell, if it’s a group of them, they encourage it and that’s affirming the negative behavior. This behavior can go on full on into adulthood if the bully is never stood up to. Look how long it has taken US schools to instill anti bullying policies. They fail to work of course. The teachers and staff still don’t recognize it for what it is. Not until it’s too late anyway. Sadly teaching what to look for will never equal being able to recognize the behaviors of both parties unless they experienced it themselves. Bullied kids are forced to mature quicker as a means of survival for them. There are many forms of bullying and many levels of it. The more severe forms are obviously more easily recognized but usually by time the bullying has reached that point, that level of severity, it’s too late. The damage has been done. Trauma changes the mind. Literally. Areas of the brain develop quicker in some areas than regular kids and other areas fall behind elsewhere (social skills). I swear it feels like some folks who have never been through “it” don’t take it seriously and blow off the red flag warnings given by those who have and that’s one reason why the advocacy and research of childhood trauma specifically is so far behind. Abused kids learn as a survival method not to say shit to anyone in hopes it’ll just go away. One of the great things about GA is many of the stories bring a voice personal experiences of folks in a means of safely bringing to light what they experienced in a sort of semi-fictional safe format that is affirming which is HUGE to the abused person’s view of their own self worth. They feel safe enough to tell their story. Some of the anonymity of the internet helps there obviously. Sorry for the minor soapbox rant but I had to say it. It wasn’t meant as a berate at anyone or anything. I just wish I could write my story in a fictional style and write as beautifully as many of these authors do here. For that and the engagement all the readers bring to the stories, I love you all. Keep spreading love.

I wasn’t speaking about the anger he showed towards her on the phone in my previous comment. I was referring to his comfort he seeks with Nick in bed. Yes, you’re correct, we don’t know what’s going on and for a 14 yo kid to rip into his mother that badly, he clearly blames her for whatever he’s gone through.

I have a bad feeling Mark is going to spill the beans to Jack who Nick went with while they’re still gone and by time they get back, and repairing that needs to be done by Nick will be beyond difficult. Hopefully it won’t be irreparable.

Yep. He needs pick one and quickly ..before it’s decided for him. I’m for Camp Jack but that’s just me. I have soft spot for broken kids as I used to be one. Something happened to that boy.