Paladin

Tim and Guy, and Matt and Luke seem to be very relaxed with each other, even it it doesn't lead to a foursome. There is still the court case hanging over them but now they can enjoy the weekend and consider the positives ahead for them including university and moving away from their town. Matt could also look at further study possibilities and both could look at available work.

Why are so many readers getting hung up on the people in the window being actual apparitions of people from Phil's past or dead present? At no time did I believe there were actual spirits manifesting outside the window. I saw the window as being where Phil projected his reminiscences of his past and now in the case of Stanley as an expression of what he hopes will happen. I suspect his perspicacity will not be far wrong.

It is not surprising that Stanley is on suicide watch given the statistics of suicide rates amongst adolescent gay males. This was a serious risk for Stanley from the moment he ran away. But, 'indicators' of suicide are usually a "cry for help', which seek understanding and support. The suggestion is that Stanley will accept both and has both available provided Colin doesn't put off letting Phil explain the situation for too long. 🤞

At the same time I'm humbled by your skillful writing. I stumbled upon this story and now I have to make time to read not just this, but your other stories.

Wow! What an amazing, beautifully written chapter. The only part of the plot I expected was Ollie's father's reaction and to some extent Nathan's acceptance of Ollie. The rest was a delightful surprise which realistically fleshed out the characters and their interaction with each other. Thank you @CasualWanderer82. This chapter has left me wanting more.

This is exactly what Andre and Chris are hoping. Fingers crossed.

Another wonderful and engrossing chapter. I think, (Quote) "I looked out the window and saw a teen boy peering inside. He is the same boy I saw after talking to Susan earlier" tells us that the boy in the window is Stanley, because of him being associated with Susan. Phil has changed so much since the start of this story. He even got out of bed and moved by himself to comfort Susan. At the beginning he needed help to get out of bed. He is now very comfortable relating to Susan, and especially with Colin and Jason. I can't imagine him interacting with Jason and Colin the way he does now, when we first met him. Colin and Jason are great together and hopefully will continue that way. I hope they can all help Stanley (and his boyfriend).

You got me there @Al Norris, there will be conflict. Stay reading to discover when, what and involving whom.

Well @Lee Wilson, like @Al Norris why do you think something could go wrong with an extended family barbecue and a birthday party? I'm still not telling

Thanks @Al Norris but what makes you think there could be some bumps ahead? I not telling.

Thanks @drsawzall, I'm pleased you enjoyed the chapter. More on the quilts soon.

And will forgive but not forget.

Yes @chris191070 he is, but he still misses his dad.

Is Bruce really the type of kid, who would treat not going to school for a couple of days, a punishment?

Clean and with freshly brushed teeth, Ollie said goodnight. We hugged and watched him slide into bed. We turned out the light and closed the door. It was the first night of us living together. Tuesday morning, we didn’t have to wake Ollie as, dressed in his clean new school uniform, he joined us for breakfast in the kitchen. I hoped this enthusiasm for school would continue into next term. Andre and I both decided that outside of our bedroom we needed to be more “modestl

You are so right about bullying @Cane23 which is why it continues, not just in school but in society and relationships. About the school contacting Manny. It's possible that Manny only gave his name when the school asked for a contact person. He should have included Bass as a contact as well and not answered his own phone in hospital. At the same time the school hasn't shown much sensitivity.

I'm pleased that the school principal took some action over the fights. Witnesses always help in deciding consequences, if asked. I hope Bruce ended up with more than some detention. It looks like Rocky is facing a dilemma: remain gay hating or have friends. He does seem to be starting to recognize that he's not going to be molested by every gay guy, and importantly there are gay guys he likes. The psychiatrist has really helped Manny and he is being more realistic about his future. It all seems to be going too well.

I'm hooked already. So much covered in the first chapter that leaves me wanting to know more; Nathan's relationship with Ollie, Rafaella's illness, John's feelings towards Ollie, Sophia and Jason and Ollie, and finally how will Ollie's feelings for Niko play out. Thank you. I just have to keep reading.

It was Tom, co-pilot, who said it and anyway I still think he was pranking Mac, and Mac fell for it. Maybe all that time without having sex clouded his thinking.

Yeah a very interesting chapter. Matt is still refusing to reveal his TER score. They could be the lowest in the group or they could be irrelevant. His interest, knowledge and ability working with cars is shown in his restoration and now respraying his car and he works in a car related shop. He could see his future working with cars, not going to university. If that is the case he will find training and work wherever they end up together. Barbie doll Candice hasn't garnered any support from readers and it does seem that their fiancee relationship was not going well even before the kiss. I am worried that Luke described Phil's look towards Hoss early on as "predatory". I hope it wasn't. I also hope that Candice doesn't create problems for Hoss by telling his parents. Country towns can be wonderful places to live but they can also be lethal. What do you do with an engagement ring that has been thrown back at you?

A very enjoyable chapter. The boys are safely back home and enthusiastically looking forward to next year's adventure. They are both doing well in their studies and, on that, I hope they told their parents how well they had done. Transitioning in the SUV will now be easier for Devin. All is looking good for the boys. Now cousin Ben. Is he or isn't he, that is the question. My fingers are crossed!

No, it’s not your imagination and the flights westward always takes less time, due to the rotation of the earth,” Tony said. “When we fly east, the earth rotation keeps moving our destination farther away, so we have to travel farther and it takes a little longer to get there. When we’re flying west, however, the destination is moving toward us, thus decreasing the flight time.” I think Tony was pulling Mac's leg as it were. Flying East is usually faster than flying west. for example flight calculator gives flight time between LA and NYC as 4hr 47m and flying NYC to LA as 5h 23m. The difference is due to wind at altitude. Flying East (from West coast to East coast) planes have a tail wind and higher ground speed while flying West (from East coast to West coast) they have head winds and slower ground speed.

We saw a very realistic response from Manny immediately after having his hand amputated. Rocky certainly had a dramatic introduction to his new school. The teachers seem to be taking a very laissez-faire attitude to violence between students. If the bully's parents decide to take legal action they will find Rocky has the money to fight them in court.

Another delightful short story @chris191070. Matt and Tom's compatibility and tension nicely told. Matt seems sure that his family will accept his love for Tom. 🤞