John Henry

@Arch Hunter I hope all is well.

I had to stop reading the last few chapters, because everything that happened from the date onwards is still too fresh and raw, emotionally. They are some of the best writing you've done, thus far, @Jeff Burton, which is also why they're difficult to get through in hindsight. I know what's coming, and I can't cope with that kind of anxiety right now. Please, take it as a well deserved compliment for the empathy you allow your readers to have. Hopefully, the next chapters are on their way.

I don't think I could've forgiven Max, and if I were Corey, I wouldn't want him around Nate. The advantage to rereading is knowing how the date goes, and downside is knowing what happens after.

I had forgotten why I hated Max, but this definitely brought it all back. I get that some people aren't fighters, but, to leave a guy you want to be friends with (or more than friends with) to get attacked by a group of thugs, is absolutely unforgivable. Max is lucky Jess did use her spoon on him. If I were Corey, I would've knocked out a few of his teeth.

Even better the second time.

Not any less emotional the second time around. The deeper I get back into the story, the easier it is to visualize Corey and Nathan. Corey's personality is also becoming more clear, and it's easier to see who he is outside of Nathan's perceptions and bias.

I liked Corey's microaggressions to get Nathan's attention. Yes, he takes things literally, but he also uses that to his advantage for humor, which disarms Nate and pleases Corey more. Well done, Sir.

I first read this chapter on Nifty and decided to reread it on here. In retrospect, knowing what I do about Corey, his behavior after the fight makes sense, but it doesn't really explain his bullying. Love this story, though.

I'm very much the same way, except I go out of my way to get people to not acknowledge my birthday (some family and little kids are an exception). Having the school support Nathan is to be expected, but if I were Nathan, I'm not sure I would've handled it as well as he did. I'm glad he got through it without losing his shit. Hope your B-day was a good one.

This was very emotional, and I'm glad that Nate and Corey are back together. The scene when Nate returned to school was very cringy for me, as I don't those kinds of moments in real life or in fiction. I love the scene where Carla wasn't letting Nate object to their plans; that's something I would do in that situation. It's a great chapter, and hope chapter 11 isn't devastating.

I honestly thought you were going to kill Chris off in this chapter, though.

Hit me up if you want my take on it.

I don't chew gum. I bite myself every time.