centexhairysub

Damn, sometimes I feel like I am in an s/m relationship with Mark and these stories; hmmm... I wonder if that is why I am so addicted to them???

For most horny teens, they would have freaked out said something horrible, made Erik feel worse about himself, and then left him feeling abandoned and alone. Will let him know that he wasn't alone, was still desirable, and just needed to play safe to stay in the game. A good therapist could not have done much more for Erik than Will did in those few mintues after he found out Erik's secret. That he got laid as part of doing what was right was just a bonus point...

Okay, the suspense is killing me, I need at least a hint on if Granger got on the Leander or not.... Bad Mark, Bad Mark....

Okay, I am going to start by simply reposting the first paragraph of my review... I am really suprised at how unaware Will is at how he is viewed by others within the framework of the closed societies that he generally operates. Within the environs that he lives and goes to school; someone in his position would be at the apex irregardless of if he wanted that position or not. He is physically mature for his age, good looking, smart, multi-lingual, independent, wealthy, and his family is powerful in the movie business, real estate, construction, politics, charity, wine and vinyards, Silicon Valley, higher education, and well just in general; this covers just about every area that might might a 14/15 year old boy interesting not just to his friends and family but all those that are around him... I mean with the exception of oil/energy, manufacturing, and the legal profession; Will's family is at the apex of almost every important industry in California. His peers parents probably care more about that then his peers do, but to his peers he is this ridiculiously good looking, wealthy, independent kid that can live his own life without parental inteference; I have no idea why teenagers would find that intriguing?!?!? I would never have thought Will was this naive! Being a little lazy this morning and did not want to have to rewrite or remember all my points... If Marie is going to the extent of dating a guy she doesn't even like just to get back at Will what level will she go to in order to get back at him. Is John being honest with Will? Is John aware that Marie went straight to Erik and told him about Will and Kyle and that is why he acted so weird when it was brought up or were he and Marie really talking about it and he just assumed someone overheard them? I think that Will would be way more hurt by John lying to him than anything Marie has done up to this point. I agree up to a point with Tim about Claire. I would think she would be more aware because of everything that has gone on the last couple of months that Marie is now dating the person that she wanted excluded from the party and would be asking why??? On the other hand, even involved parents don't always know who their child is seeing. If Marie is on the lockdown that she appears to be how is she even seeing Noah? Do we see a boarding or military school on the East coast or Europe in Marie's future? I thought the scene with Stef and Will was just perfect, enough said. Will handled the situation with Erik and his revelations with a level of maturity and kindness that most men twice his age would not have been able to manage. I do have to wonder how the next part of this discussion is going to go. Will was just tested a couple of weeks ago for HIV and all STD's so we know that he isn't the one that gave it to Kyle and then had it passed to Erik. I wonder if that person is going to turn out to be someone interesting??? While I do agree with most of Tim's post above, I do think that Kitt is right overall on the issue of consequences. While Mark hasn't shown many consequences up until now with Will and his sex life, in past stories there have been several. In 1968, JP got gonorrhea from Jeff; in the Land Whore both Stef and Greg got STD's from people a couple of times, this percipitated them making the decision to limit who they slept with; starting with Be Rad and Armaund's death to those that followed including Roger, Mouse, Sam and other from AIDS; as well as several unplanned pregnancies or questions on who the father's were, Mark has shown their are consequences to sex. I think maybe Mark decided to lay off the issue with Will somewhat for whatever reason but there have been plenty of examples in the past that sex has consequences not only for those directly involved but others as well. Appreciating what is here but dreading what is coming.....

Had never heard the song or seen the video for Popular by Nada Surf, but it really fit the moment well. I totally understand why the last scene made you feel what it did, even if you didn't understand it yet... Really like the song by Blink 182; I actually thought they were one of the best bands of this era... The Marilyn Manson fits as well but I was never as big of a fan of his...

I am really suprised at how unaware Will is at how he is viewed by others within the framework of the closed societies that he generally operates. Within the environs that he lives and goes to school; someone in his position would be at the apex irregardless of if he wanted that position or not. He is physically mature for his age, good looking, smart, multi-lingual, independent, wealthy, and his family is powerful in the movie business, real estate, construction, politics, charity, wine and vinyards, Silicon Valley, higher education, and well just in general; this covers just about every area that might might a 14/15 year old boy interesting not just to his friends and family but all those that are around him... I mean with the exception of oil/energy, manufacturing, and the legal profession; Will's family is at the apex of almost every important industry in California. His peers parents probably care more about that then his peers do, but to his peers he is this ridiculiously good looking, wealthy, independent kid that can live his own life without parental inteference; I have no idea why teenagers would find that intriguing?!?!? I would never have thought Will was this naive! The first thing that popped into my head when Erik told Will that Marie and told him face to face about Will and Kyle was John... If John knew that Marie told Kyle why did he partially cover for her? Was this why John looking and acted so strange when this all came out or were he and Marie really discussing Will and he just assumed that Erik or someone else overheard the conversation? I think finding out John deliberately lied to him would really hurt Will. Will handled the revelations about the genital warts with a level of maturity and kindness that would be exceptional in those decades older than he is now... I can't wait to see the end of this conversation. The scene with Will and Stef was just perfectly done. It was so believeable and true to life that I felt as if I was watching it unfold before me. The depth of feeling that your writing can transmit from off the page into my being is remarkable, well done Mr. Arbour... Do I see an European boarding school in Marie's future???

A story or chapter by Mark Arbour with a twist??? What are you thinking!?

Well, that is the point; Will is emancipated and he does NOT have to consult his father when he decides to buy a house or anything else. Brad has a well established history of trying to control everyone in his life and this is just another example of it. I don't necessarily agree with Will's decision on the sex room but part of being emancipated is being able to make those decisions for yourself... p.s. The stocked bar is really pretty much a moot point. Tim is right that at this level of wealth he isn't going to get a ticket for minor in possession for something at this house. JP, Stef, Robbie, Jeanine, Hank, Scott, Matt, Wade, and yes, even Brad if he stops being an ass will be staying at the house and they all have a drink on a daily basis so I would be more suprised if there wasn't a stocked bar then if there was one. Unlike Brad, Will has no history of throwing huge keggers with hordes of drunk teens running around acting stupid.

If Calvert gets to do more than one more heroic thing, I think I will vomit....

I so loved " I Hope You Dance " by Lee Ann Womack... This was a great song and fits perfectly this moment... I really prefer traditional country like Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, George Jones, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, etc... I did love the Dixie Chicks but was never sure that I would have called them country... I honestly hated most of the male country singers that came out right before and after 09/11, especially Toby Keith and Keith Urban, he is just too horrible for words...

I enjoyed this chapter, even if it was away from Granger... Damn bad luck for Humphreys; I am not sure than he will ever be given another command even with Granger trying to help him. Losing two ships, even if neither time was your fault is more than just bad luck. I hope we get to see more of him but even if he isn't given a ship, the prize money on Santa Clarita; plus what is going to be rescued from Bacchante will make him a very rich man. Bad luck for Eastwyk, Kingsdale, and Andrews at finding a French corvette in port; but maybe it only has a small crew on board and they can take it and be gone before anyone realizes what is happening... At least they stayed far enough out to sea not to suffer the fate of the mean that headed south... Those poor souls truly suffered; although I was hoping that Maidstone might be unmasked and brought to public riducule in London... Glad to see that Humphreys realized there was something about the chest and opened it and then sank it and it's contents... As much as it would distress me, I hope that Calvert is close and can rescue Humphrey, the others, and the silver before the ship breaks apart completely. Even if Eastwyk and his crew can't take the French corvette, Santa Clarita should make short work of it... To say that I have enjoyed this voyage of delight and discovery with you, Mark, is a true understatement. You have given me and countless others hours of real joy and happiness with all of your writings; but for me especially the Bridgemont series....

Okay, I am going to start by saying that if anyone ever doubts Mark's genius, they only need to read this one line, " I decided that JJ probably wouldn’t ever be much of a pothead anyway, but he’d probably do drugs in college, or when he was done with his figure skating career, but only the really expensive, trendy, and popular ones. If Louis Vuitton made E, JJ would do it. ". This is truly priceless. I really like how JP and Isidore handled everything. I thought it was telling that once again, Isidore deferred to JP when making the anoucement. I really thought the best thing about this was the scene with Isidore and Darius. That was so well written and so heartfelt that it was just perfect. JP giving the rings back to Will and JJ was well done and had the right level of seriousness about it without being to over the top. I do feel that Will and Brad are starting to act like spoiled brats with each other. It is like to children or an old married couple that knows just how to push the other one over the edge. I am not sure but I think maybe Robbie needs to spank both of them, in a really non-enjoyable manner. You are just evil Mark; a commitment service on 09/11 at 9:11 a.m. in New York... This will get almost everyone in the CAP universe there. I do hope that everyone will be kept safe and unharmed but as I said in my review; I do trust you to handle this with dignity, honor, and a touch of humor. The ability to laugh through the tears is something that so few can pull off...

I really thought about going with The Box for my favorite CAP story but in the end had to select Chronicles of an Academic Predator. There is just something about this first story that drew me in and no matter how many times I re-read it, I can't find anything that I would ever want to have changed. I went with HMS Belvidera for my favorite from the Bridgemont series. This is the one to me that Granger really came into his own. Like life in a real navy, the first two books are where Granger is finding out who he is and where he fits in, but the third brought him into being his own man.... All of your stories, not just those in these two exceptional series have brought me and others a great deal of joy. I hope that you continue to enjoy sharing your talent and self with us and others, Mark... Keep up the great work...

I freaking loved this chapter... I was so sad about the ship, and Humphreys may be right; I am not sure there is enough influence even with Granger to get him another command. Although, I hope that I am wrong about this. I really loved how he told off Maidstone and in the end figured out what was in the chest and sank it. I really hope that Eastwyk, Kingsdale, and Anderws are able to overcome any problems in the port and get back to Humphreys and the ship... But as long as they are okay, that is the most important thing. Horrible way for those being sent South to die, well except for Maidstone and he deserved far worse. I guess being skinned alive and fed to the sharks is some punishment but I really wanted him to be exposed in England. I do think that maybe Calvert is closer than anyone realizes and will get to play the hero, ugh, I know he really doesn't deserve it but what the hell. If he can get there and rescue the men and the silver, then take on the French corvette. That ship would be no match for the Santa Clarita. Bravo and thanks for all the memories and the good times to come....

To say that I was happy when I got up and took a look at my email would be an understatement; I was thrilled... However, it got so much better while I was reading this chapter. The writing was beyond great and I really felt that I was a fly on the wall for the drama before and the emotions of the dinner. I really liked how JP and Isidore handled themselves during all of this. I thought that moment when once again, Isidore deferred to JP to annouce their decision was perfect. Then, when she took off her rings and made the statement she made and everyone understood that they both still loved and cared for each other was grand; but then you kicked it up a notch with the scene with Isidore and Darius and then again when Frank propsed immediately. This was just priceless... I have to say the idea of a commitment service in New York on 09/11 at 9:11 a.m. was just devilishly clever of you. This will mean that basically everyone will be in New York when those events unfold. I really hope you decide to keep those in the CAP universe safe and unharmed on that day but do believe whatever you decide will be handled with dignity, honor, and a little humor. If anyone doubted your genius, they only have to read this one line.... I decided that JJ probably wouldn’t ever be much of a pothead anyway, but he’d probably do drugs in college, or when he was done with his figure skating career, but only the really expensive, trendy, and popular ones. If Louis Vuitton made E, JJ would do it.

Damn, reading the comments in the forum lately makes me feel like Mark is writing an upper crust version of "Mean Girls" and I never realized it. I will ask this, if Will had done what Marie did would any of you that are dying about her behaviour have even cared? To be honest, Will has acted far worse that Marie over the course of the last year in CAP time and did not draw as much condemnation. Now, Marie should have apologized to Will and really needs to understand that family is more important but I really did not notice her drugging anyone, running away, or doing hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage...

All really good choices, but I really loved California by Rufus Wainright...

Well, this was a really nice chapter and a great way to end my night. I thought the scene with Will and Kai was really sweet and endearing. They both realize that they are just not ready for a long distance relationship and they really don't know what will happen but you can tell that they truly care about each other. I don't know that I could see them going much further than they have; but I hope they do stay in touch and keep up with each other. Kai is good for Will; I think he helps keep him grounded to reality to some extent. Kai and his families struggle and happiness is hard fought and it was nice for Will to see and experience that. I thought that the scene on the plane between JP, Stef, and Will was really well written and I really felt I was there spying on them while it was going on. Will has forgiven Stef and given absolution; and they seem to be back on a more even keel. Will knows something is up with JP but I think he is going to be really suprised and worried that his behaviour started the ball rolling when he finds out. Will did the right thing with both Isidore and Claire but they responed just perfectly to his actions. Claire has always been really important to Will and before this had backed him up more than almost anyone except JP and Stef. The relationship between Will and Isidore has been more implied than shown; but it always seemed really important to Will, glad to see it moving back to where it was in the past. I hope that Claire and Jack both stick to their guns about Marie. The quicker and earlier she learns that the world doesn't revolve around her and that her actions have consequences; the better off everyone will be in her life. I was also glad to see that Will and John seem to be moving back into a tighter relationship. I do think it will be good for both of them to have each others back. I can see any battle between Will and Marie being messy, tearful, and noisy but I have to say my money will be on Will; even though Marie has an early inside track. I don't think the battle will be over quickly or without casualties however; family battles rarely are. Glad to see that Will took the high rode with Erik and let him know that he was truly sorry for his action; it was the move of a big man to admit the way Will got played by Tony and how it made him realize what Erik was going through. Sunday dinner is going to be explosive; I can't wait to see everyone's reactions. Who will blame themselves, who will blame others, and who are just going to be in shock... Can't wait...

This was a sweet and sort of quite chapter. The goodbye between Will and Kai was very sweet but they both realize that neither of them are ready for a long distance relationship so it was bittersweet as well. I really like the talk that JP, Stef, and Will had on the plane. I thought that Will and Isidore and Claire all handled themselves really well. I am glad that Will and John seem to be pretty tight still, and glad to find out what Marie has been up to. I really do hope that Claire and Jack stick to their guns. The quicker she learns that the world doesn't revolve around her, the better eveyone will be. I have a feeling that even thought Marie is established at Menlo that Will may come out on top in the end; there maybe blood, tears, and a lot of screaming before that though. Glad to see that Will made his peace with Erik as well; after Tony he has a better idea of what he was going through. I do wonder how everyone will handle JP and Isidore's news; some of the reactions are bound to be priceless...

Well, I can see where Westie is coming from; being on Leander would fit the title of the story quite well, but I sort of want Granger to get back to England. I do agree that the issue with Maidstone will probably be resolved or in process before he arrives but George does have other matters to deal with. He has a new child that he is going to take care of, even though he isn't the parent; a new nephew, that might be his son; and his wife may have some health issues as well. While I do love Granger on a ship, and I think Westie is right here as well; he will get a bigger one, I do enjoy him equally on land. Well, whichever way Mark takes us; I will be there glued like a barnacle to the side riding the waves with everyone else...

Well, this was truly an interesting chapter. I loved the apperance of Jardines. You know that Nelson will praise him in his post to London and that along with a push from Granger should be able to get him somwhere more to his liking. I do think in some ways that he and Granger compliment each other as lovers but they could never really be more than that to each other. Granger knows just what to say to Nelson and how to praise him without appearing to be brown-nosing him. I thought it was unusual and a mark of just how much Nelson would have thought of Granger to have him explain his decisions and some of the choices that he would make. Unless this is going to be one of the longer stories any either of the sagas that Mark has written; Granger can simply not be on the Leander. It was captured by one of the ships of the line that escaped from the battle and headed north. The officers were held without medical treatment or decent conditions for months before they were exchanged, almost into the new year. The French actually looted the personal belongings of both the British officers and men. Berry and the Captain of the Leander, Thompson, were actually lauded in Britian after the defeat for putting up such a great fight against a ship with almost four times the firepower. I really can't see Mark delaying Granger's travels to the extent that he would have to if Granger boards the Leander. Not sure what is going to happen, but I think something will. Maybe Berry will do something to keep Granger off the ship, if so serves him right to get captured... Can't wait to see what comes next, great job Mr. Arbour...

Well, unless this story is going to be much longer than any you have ever written; Granger will have to be kept off the Leander. That ship was captured by the French in a battle with a much larger ship off of Crete and the officers did not reach London for an additional several months. They were actually lauded for the defeat as the ship that defeated them had almost four times the firepower. The French captain and officers and men were noted to have looted the belongings of the British officers and sailors... Interesting sidebar with Jardines; I am sure Nelson would make comment and that along with Granger's push should get him somewhere more to his liking...

For good or bad, it is almost impossible to escape your past and upbringing... With Jeff, it was what might have been with some love and encouragement earlier in life; and with Sam, it was the fact that he had that same encouragement...

I just cried for a whole day after reading this chapter... I was sad for the loss of potential and sad for the lost time.

I have hated this chapter since I read the story the first time years ago... Jeff had so much promise but drugs and perhaps mental issues took it away... The writing was great for this chapter but it just made me so sad... I kept listening to a " A Whiter Shade of Pale" for hours after reading this chapter... It just fit my mood...