SilentandBroken

There’s a lot to unpack in this chapter. Let’s start with the chemistry lab “explosion”.the move was borderline desperate on Jesse’s part but it worked I guess. Jesse obviously had wants to win favor with Shaun and is it also backfires by making him even more popular. Speaking of Shaun, that dude has some serious psychotic tendencies that should be glaring red flags to Jesse but instead they make him even more interested. They had some interesting conversation on the way home walking back from school. It doesn’t surprise me Shaun likes to shoot things. Weapons talk etc. Then Jesse gets home and has this bdsm erotic dream involving Shaun and I think he was talking in his sleep because Sam gave him a look. That was also Shaun in the shadows. Had to be. Gives this some creepy country Texas chainsaw massacre vibe and it didn’t phase Jesse at all. Kyle appears to have the hots for Jesse to and this dude might make Shaun more jealous and want act on his violent impulses.

Well that was an eye opener. Is it the shunning from the rest of the students that feed Shaun’s hate and self mutilation? He does seem the inwardly crave attention but doesn’t know what to do with it so I guess he hates it and himself for it. The grandparents definitely play it fast and loose with him for the most part. The kid is intense.

I’ve started this story I think once or twice. I’m bound and determined to see it through now. First thoughts: yeah I’ll imagine Jesse is closer to 17 vs 18 and it fits more. But it’s not a big deal. Shawn is… curiously dangerous it seems. That or that’s the vibe he wants to portray. Why constant hate and internal rage just barely below the surface? I’m sure we will learn. Jesse seems to be in a nearly impossible position however this does make him much more mature and patient that most his age. He doesn’t worry much about what he can’t control which is a breath of fresh air. He’s outgoing and honest and obviously caring. That makes him very appealing. Shawn it appears, is the exact opposite. I sense the attraction already.

I’m not so sure he’s mirroring it so much as letting his panic and emotions control things. But, on the flip side, he, from what we can tell, doesn’t know any different either since he doesn’t have friends or really interact with other adults so it may feel like normal behavior to him too. Hopefully he doesn’t turn dark and start to abuse Colt. Often times, abused kids turn into abusers as adults for the very reason above I just mentioned. Right now however, I feel Noah is still savable. But it better happen soon. The boy needs a lot of deep therapy.

This was a much needed change of experience for both boys and, I suspect, an eye opening experience for Colt’s mother. While I agree that Vincent and his partner would be better parents than Noah’s, I don’t know if Pamela would be charged with anything should the authorities ever get involved. That said, she HAS TO at least suspect physical and verbal abuse perhaps not the sexual abuse. I also agree that Vincent is quite perceptive and the subtle warning was to both boys. It was also a warning to Colt’s mom who, it would be safe to assume, is unaware of a lot. I suspect her and Colt will be having a conversation about his temper, his past activities at his old school, and certain events that line up way too conveniently to be coincidence. Let’s hope they heed that advice.

@mastershakeme this.

I still stand by my suspicions regarding Brett and his dad. If George is all buddy buddy with the Sheriff, and Brett outwardly shows hate for Noah, especially as cold as it is, there has to be more to that story

I disagree here. I think Colt’s mom feels stuck yes but I think he agreed with Noah more out of the feeling that he’s not going to change Noah’s mind.

Happy the news was accepted well. I’m happy Brett wasn’t too badly injured. I wonder though what is going to become of THAT situation. Is Brett going to know his truck well enough to know that those lug nuts shouldn’t have come loose like that on their own all at once and start to question things? Or will it end there, writing off the accident and an inexperienced driver? The conversation with Noah later is going to be a big one. Hopefully, Colt can change Noah’s mind on premeditated murder thoughts and instead go to the authorities. I also don’t think Colt’s mom was satisfied or fooled by Colt’s answer. Hopefully she will start to press Noah’s mom for more info, sharing what she noticed and maybe, just maybe Noah’s dad gets caught in the act or at least Noah’s mom gets Noah to talk without Noah’s dad being aware because if he finds out, I wouldn’t put it pass him to have his own premeditated murder thoughts for both of them.

Im not convinced the boys wouldn’t be believed if they went to the authorities. I think there is ways to obtain proof. There’s no reason why Noah couldn’t have done what Colt wanted and come over maybe draped in a blanket or something and called the police from there to respond. It doesn’t have to be the sheriff’s office. This story seems to be in modern era so there is enough “see something say something “ advocacy out there now. Hence the other teacher’s inquiry. Any nurse, or medical provider has the obligation to report any possible suspicious activity against a child in a well care check up. The problem is ppl are scared of being getting it wrong and getting sued.

This an extremely likely scenario. I hate it when im right. The plot Noah has is very risky. There are still other ways to catch him and free Noah. I feel Noah’s mother is in denial.

I’m just being silly don’t mind me

Of course lol 😂

I object. My are most realistic

Shit. My deepest darkest fears did think that maybe the sheriff was in on it last chapter. Then I took that thought a bit further. What if, Brett’s hate of Noah isn’t because he ratted on them but instead using that as a deflection and mask of the true reason. What if the Sheriff abuses Brett too? What if Brett hates it so much and instead of supporting Noah, may think that Noah is a willing participant as well instead? Misplaced anger and pain in his own trauma perhaps. Then there’s Noah’s cold reactions when Colt brings up Noah. What if Noah feels the same way towards Brett?

That’s a great question . im surprised he opened up to the librarian

Michelle needs to start looking for bruises and such on Noah’s mom too. Noah is going to catch hell.

My suspicions are that he’s being raped. George is probably a bit big for a 14yo boy. A lot of abusers know how to hide their work. They beat their victims only in areas that can be covered up and bruises not visible. Colt has seen Noah naked so that only leaves one possibility in my mind. If you’ve ever been a bottom for someone who’s well endowed, you’d know that sometimes the day after, especially after riding on a bike can be very painful. Noah is good and hiding it but the cracks are being to show. That’s the second time he’s blurted out “daddy”. Also, it irks me how nonchalant everyone changed the topic of a serious accident that involved someone they know. Also, the way Michelle shifted gears at the table so effortlessly is worth noting. Also, fingerprints on lug nuts eh..weak argument. I’d be more concerned that the boys got picked up on security cameras. There wouldn’t have cause to look until they see both tires messed with. They should’ve only messed with one tire. Now tampering is way more obvious. also getting caught by George is very bad. There will be signs I suspect of beatings this time that won’t be easily hidden.

Exactly. Their logic is basis self preservation

Andy has it right with regards to the truck. Better to just pour sand or sugar into the gas tank

I need to emphasize the accuracy of the food control statement as a form of abuse. I think the author did an excellent job depicting Noah’s 💯 change in demeanor around George. Kids like this get incredibly skilled and masking it but you can see it if you’re looking for it and once you do, you’ll never NOT see it. It’s a shame folks to who don’t recognize it for what it is and just blow it off

Spot on. I’m thinking it might’ve been George and NOT Brett who burned that treehouse down. Just because Brett threatened it, doesn’t mean he did it. George however has super easy access and means and a super easy escape to avoid detection. Clearly he suspects something between the boys already and that’s motivation. It adds up for me. Proud of Colt to tell Michelle the truth and for both of them to see the risks to Noah acting too quickly. Things are going to start happening now.

You may be correct although I cannot say for certain if he’s actually him vs just forcing him to perform orally. Who knows at this point. It could be MUCH worse using sadism and actually physically hurting Noah but every time he reappears after a few days of being “sick” he seems fine and no wincing or lingering pain mentioned. I’d expect that if there were, Colt would’ve picked up on it right quick.

Rory is smart enough to recognize how he and Robbie need each other even if it is just as friends.” But he’s got enough pride to be in denial about his role there too.