Paladin

@Philippe I really like your analogy of the timing being like planets aligning. You are right about the difference in ages between Adam and Joshua.

Thank you for commenting. Emotional responses are always good.

Thank you @mate for his insightful comment.

Thanks @Ticklishboy30. You always like a surprise attack.

Indeed what are the odds? @Flip-Flop,I wonder what a Part 2 could be about. Yes @VBlew, there does seem to be a lot of coincidences. What are the odds?

Yes guys we are starting to understand why Jordan was so reluctant to, and uneasy about, returning to Stingray Heads. Now let's see how it plays out for the three of them.

Thank you for (binge) reading and commenting @empath. I'm thrilled that you enjoyed the story. I'm sure you'll also enjoy the Tim Tams. Original are the best.

To find out about Toby @empath, you'll have to keep reading. Ruby is easy to hate.

Yes @empath Chris and Andre's lives are undergoing major changes. You are becoming addicted to Tim Tams without even trying one. Such is their power.

I sympathize as it has almost reached the stage where I need a spreadsheet to keep track of everyone. I'm pretty sure I have it all worked out in my head, but don't test me. I still occasionally need my crib sheet or backtracking through to story to be sure. But the important characters are always obvious. Don't give up. Flow with the story. Minor "cast members" fade while the significant ones bloom.

For some reason I always associate prude with prunes. I think it might be because a prune resembles a prude's expression when you mention the pleasures of oral sex.

Tomorrow they would be driving to Stingray Heads. They were setting off on Wednesday morning to avoid the weekend traffic. The Lexus was already packed with all but their “last minute” items such as phones, tablets, laptops and house keys. Jordan had arranged for a roof rack to be fitted so they could take three surf boards. Jordan explained to a surprised Cameron that he had It done on a whim but thought that if they were going to a surfing beach, they should look the part and take surfboards.”

Guilty I'm afraid. Hope it's just a misdemeanor.

Not in this chapter but don't forget Melissa and Sam. They may not have given birth but they both have that special quality that makes them Moms.

@empath, another excellent chapter full of action and emotion. The problem is where to start commenting. I worry about Rebecca. What's the saying, "hell hath no fury like a women scorned". She is seeing her carefully constructed world dissolving around her even to the point of recognising that even her friends only like her for her status and money, not her personally. She sees a need to develop a plan to regain that world of hers. She is dangerous. Motherly love has long been a theme in this story set in a world of gay men and we see its power emerging strongly in this chapter all the way to lullabies. Rosa is a strong sparking gem of a woman and mother. There was no way she would miss the connection between Juan and Daniel. After seeing Roland rescue Miles from the car and stand up to Roger and Daniel I can only believe that his inner strength will will be invaluable in helping Thomas, Brendon and Oliver as they support their abused "brothers". Without being flippant, the image of Oliver and Jasper's parents experiencing the possibility of a "date night" in, I suspect they can't remember how long, warmed my heart.

An Aussie version of "lost his marbles" is "has a kangaroo loose in the top paddock".

Ah another reader who has experience changing baby's nappies. (diapers for Americans)

Back in Chapter 5 you correctly speculated that the abuser is a serial offender. I hope the disclosure was something of a surprise.

Yes @empath there is always a need to have some joy and hope in life.

Totally correct on both issues Mancunian. Thank you for reading and for your thoughtful comment.

I don't see Mac's mum as abusive but she is very controlling. She is obviously exasperated that Mac's dad is ignoring her regarding his weight and even challenging her regarding it. Hence all her comments. Mac and Devin have blocked her talking about a wedding. At least for now. They are going to have more difficulty keeping control of the wedding when they do decide on a date. Mac and Devin can tell that the "person" is a skinwalker so I would assume that it would be able to tell that they are skinwalkers. The question is what is its motive?

Yes @empath a tough chapter about a tough topic, as you well know. Andre needs to heal and importantly feel strong enough to report his historic abuse. If it becomes just a case of one person's word against another and the victim is openly gay, then it can be difficult for the police to press charges

Yes @Summerabbacat it is 12 months since I started posting Andre and Chris. It was shortly after I joined GA. Funnel web spiders are found on the Central Coast, in fact I believe The Reptile Park on the Central Coast is the only place that has a funnel wed spider venom milking program for the production of antivenom. In the last few days it has been reported that a new species of very large funnel web spider has been discovered in the Newcastle area.

Thanks @empath, I enjoyed writing that.

I wouldn't describe any paedophile as "amateur" even by comparison. It is demeaning to victims and overlooks the most common forms of child abuse.