Paladin

Ollie's mum doesn't seem very likeable does she. You'll learn more about her as the story progresses.

Thank you @Al Norris for continuing to read and comment.

Thanks @Al Norris for making the point about "enjoying it" not being relevant because of the lack of informed consent and the manipulation. This is one of the aspects of sexual assault of young gay boys that I wanted to highlight. It can be too easy for the abuse to erroneously discounted because the young victim is gay and enjoyed it.

In Australia de facto relationships have the same legal status as marriage across all of Australia. This applies equally to same sex and heterosexual de facto relationships. One irony was that when an anti-gay government made same sex marriage illegal, they didn't change the law regarding de facto relationships so gays in de facto relationships still had all the legal rights of marriage, even though they couldn't marry. The law now allows same sex marriage.

Always remember @Summerabbacat that there are lot of rescue cats seeking loving homes. All of my cats over the years have been rescue cats.

The "boyfriend" is manipulative and could easily be using a distraught mother with a young boy. Keep reading.

You are right @Al Norris that I have been vague about the offender's age, although there are some hints at ages. At this time I see him as 40 give or take 2 years either side. Andre's description at the time he was being abused was "Adult but not parent adult" and I saw that as early twenties. Andre is now 28 so it has been 13 years since Andre was last involved with the offender. If he was 23 when Andre first met him then he would be 39 now. As I said I'm allowing a 4 year window for the offender's age. Oh about Andre's age. When we meet Beau he's 24 and Andre is two years older. I think this is still realistic for the offender to be in a relationship with Ollie's mother even though she would be younger.

You are totally right @Al Norris. Casual babysitting can easily turn into permanent babysitting if you are not careful. The deal needs to stay at one day a week.

You are spot on @drsawzall and @Cane23. Chris and Andre will have a lot to learn and to deal with as Ollie grows through adolescence. As Michael said "you are both just so brave deciding to take on raising a teenager ".

Yes @Al Norris they have really bonded as friends. Will that bonding include a sexual foursome? Only the future will reveal

Yes Riley his neighbour and bestie, is very important to Ollie. Yes the 'surprise' at school was great for helping Ollie settle into a new school and catch up with old friends.

Let's hope he has found that in Andre and Chris. Don't forget the support from the Awesome4Some.

There's so much in here @Summerabbacat, You may never get to really know what is motivating Ollie's mum but there should be enough for you to assume on the balance of probabilities. I'm sure you'll put together every clue. What teenager can resist choc chip biscuits (Cookies) and make your own pizza toppings. At least the pizza only has the toppings you like. I can't say I've ever tried vegan cheese on a pizza or anywhere else. School counsellors still exist along with school psychologists performing the same role in NSW schools. If the system works we can assume the school counsellor in Ollie's current school would have access to information about Ollie's father's death and any previous follow up. The school counsellor would also be told that Ollie was in foster care but not the details. If Ollie wants to disclose those to the school counsellor he can. Outside of the story I have two cats that need to be looked after any time I travel. Fortunately I have a couple of cat lovers I can call on.

It is not just food that Ollie needs more of.

I'm with you @Cane23. I've learnt from experience. What are leftovers?

Spot on @Al Norris. To disclose or not to disclose. That is certainly a question hanging like Damocles sword.

All true @chris191070 but do you think it will be all smooth sailing. Of course he can. He's a teenage boy who can turn on the charm.

Ollie's back living where he used to live and he is able to re-establish the friendships he had then. Yes his mum is still in the background. Yes the guilty plea did move things along faster and less traumatic than a full trial. Being back in his former home means he doesn't have to establish a whole new friendship group.

@Al Norris you can see you're not alone in being uncertain about these guys, but don't those rough edges keep the characters intriguing? You'll have to wait for any train wrecks.

All good points @Al Norris and they seem to have you hooked on the story. I hope I can keep you hooked.

I hope @Al Norris you're not into spanking

Doesn't it make you want to read chapter two?

Well Chris and Andre did do a lot of flirting. Thanks for reading @Al Norris

Hmm, you'll just have to keep reading to find out.

Or just lucky he was last in the Uber. Calvin was hot for all of the three guys and would have accepted an offer from any of them.