centexhairysub

Well I have to wonder how Jason will take it being back in that tower during another seige. What kind of memories will this bring up and how will it effect him? The bravery of the men that are staying on the front line is what makes those that protect others so remarkable. That idea that their own lives are given freely to protect others...

Well, Granger is set for another grand adventure and battle. I can't wait to see what all happens when they take the fort and the second ship. I don't know that even with all three ships that they could battle and win against a ship of the line but it would make a more interesting fight. I am not sure that Granger will endanger his men to that extent however. I find the most interesting question is how did the Spanish find out that Granger was headed that way two months ago??? If Maidstone provided this information, Granger could have him charged with treason. I think finding out how this information was leaked will be an important part of the story. Senor de Arana may prove to be a significant help to Granger even after he leaves the crew to go back to his own people. If he can cause enough of a problem, the Spanish might have to focus more on problems on land rather than at sea.

Where to start with the latest chapter..... Well, I have personally always believed that an open relationship can work as long as both people are completely secure with themselves and the situation; the problem is that no one is that secure.... I really believe that what Matt and Wade have would work as long as neither gets emotionally involved with another person; the problem is Wade is fast becoming totally infatuated with Brad. Not sure if it is looking for a Father figure that he can really trust or if he just really wants to be able to give up control to someone that he fully trust; but he has found something in Brad that is lacking in his relationship with Matt. I have a feeling that these encounters mean a lot more to Wade than they do Brad; don't get me wrong I think Brad cares deeply for Wade but I don't believe the sex means the same to him as it does to Wade. I think that no matter what happens Matt and Wade have more to work on in their relationship than anyone realized. Wade keeps setting up situations to test Matt's loyalty and trust in him and Matt keeps seeing how far he can go before Wade pulls him back; sooner or later one of them is going to set something in motion that they may not be able to keep in check. Brad and Robbie have issues and more than I have time to list. The question is do either or both of them want to still be together? I have to believe that both Brad and Robbie as well as Matt and Wade will end up staying together but how much of the family dynamic will be altered by the actions in this story??? Is anyone else having trouble getting into the chapter reviews at the end of the stories? It seems like one chapter I can get into them and then the next I can't. I would say it is my computer but I tried to access the chapter review at the end of the latest chapter on both my laptop and desktop at home today and couldn't get in on either one??? Anyone have an idea???

Great chapter and nice to see they are now on the Pacific side of South America, I think the voyage will now start to get more interesting... LOL... Granger has a good reason to put in and get the fresh water and firewood but I have to hope that he doesn't get any unplesant suprise in the land of the spirits... There are some places that you just really should stay out of; but Granger is pure of heart so maybe the spirits will be forgiving...

Well this was an interesting chapter, glad to see the rescue worked but Warren should have been secured and killed, he is going to keep causing problems... I am not sure how they are going to resolve the issue with the war on Domus but I don't think it is going to end up happily for anyone.

Tim is right, you have to have major grades or scores to get into any of the service academies. I had a kid that I was counseling get into one either eight or nine years ago and he had a 3.7+ gpa and really worried that it wouldn't be enough. I don't care how much pull your family has, you aren't getting into any of them without the grades... I really think that Will maybe the one to save JJ; I think a major crisis is coming with him and I am not sure anyone else is going to be able to help him in the end. From personal experience, you may hate your siblings but in the end you will always try and protect them from the outside world. I thought is was really telling that Will viewed Alistair as the one person from H/W that he was really going to miss. Great job setting up the last few chapters Mark... Can't wait to see what happens.

I am glad that a couple of the people in the story are finally getting wise to JJ change in behaviour. I still think that there is something really major going on behind JJ's change in attitude and his obsession with skating. Will handled all of the situations really well and showed his maturity level has just grown tremendously over the last few months... Brad and Robbie are going to have some major work to do if they are to survive this latest crisis. Brad is going to have to decide if he is willing to do the heavy lifting that is going to be required, if and when Robbie comes to his senses. I can't wait til we get to the bottom of the JJ situation, which I believe Mark is leading us to. If what I suspect is the problem is revealed, damn, watch out for the fallout....

Thank God... I can stop self medicating and start to reduce my lithium intact... I was so excited to see a new chapter in the Bridgemont saga up and posted when I arose this morning. Well, I am sure that Granger and the crew will battle through the waves and wind and arrive safetly on the Pacific side of the Cape. When they get there the adventure can really begin. Granger has picked up an ally that can arrange problems for the Spanish on shore while Granger goes after their ships. I can't see Granger having a problem with mutiny; he treats his crew so much better than the average seaman in the British navy was treated at the time. That being said, his solution to the Spaniard that attacked the native did show the true power of the Captain. I am happy to see a chapter and think you made the right decision, we can all learn a little patience... Okay, maybe not but we can try...

Great to be back with Granger and our grand adventure into the Pacific with him, I am so ready... Much like being in a position to help Spanish nobles or the Dutch head of state, the recovery of the native may prove very lucky for Granger. He will now have someone that can give him some information and cause problems for the Spanish on land while he goes after them at sea. Granger did what he had to do with the Spaniard that tried to kill the native was just the right move to make in that situation. Granger treats his men so much better than the average sailor in the British navy during that time; but even so, sometimes it isn't bad to have everyone remember the power of the Captain. Can't wait for more adventures once the Granger and the crew reaches the Pacific side of the trip... Great job, Mark, and thanks for giving us all a treat today...

Okay, I have had more time to think but still have to start out with what I said in the reviews, Magnificent... I really like how Will is handling the situation with Tony. Will has taken time to really analyze the situation and seems to understand where Tony is right now. Will may not fully understand why but he is willing to so along and not rock the boat with Tony and let him deal with the issues at his own pace. Will has grown so much even from just the last story to this one. I thought Will handled both the situation with Dana and Gathan perfectly. He let Dana make all the moves and just countered what she did but by staying cool, he comes out on top while she looks bitchy... Will read the situation with Gathan and realized he was about to blow up about Darius and Ella and got him out just in time. He also gave Gathan a great ego boost, which led to some good sex... OMG... I just did not see the hook up with Brad and Wade coming at all. I loved it though. It wasn't a trashy tawdry exercise in sex but a really cementing of true friendship between them. Wade realized that Brad needed someone and was there for him when he really needed someone to be, plus he can let Matt live vicariously through his encounter with Brad... Now, we just have to see where the encounter in the hallway leads...... Bravo....

Great chapter, nice to see what is going on from so many different perspectives. I can't wait for the angels and demons to meet up. It was a nice touch having a woman turn into one of the angels...

I am in such a state of shock that I don't even know where to start so for the moment I am just going to say, Magnificent....

Okay, my turn to whine..... I don't want Brad and Robbie to break up.... I want them to stay together.... I want them to work things out......

As someone that deals with those suffering emotional abuse, as well as physical and sexual; I can tell you that teasing can often be perceived to be a form of emotional abuse. I have stated several times in this forum that both Brad and to a lesser extent Stef have both been guilty of abusing Robbie. Someone being teased for years about their weight/being fat, sexual practices, and other issues can be beat down and really suffer significant emotional damage from the teasing. Often the person doing the teasing does not understand the damage they are causing, but this isn't always true; some people use teasing as a weapon that can be just as damaging as a fist. It is how the person being teased perceives the teasing not the meaning of the person doing the teasing that determines if it reaches the level of abuse.

Well, what can I say but drama drama drama... I do think that sometimes to keep a wound from festering you have to rip the scab off and let all the pus and bad blood drain out before you can get it to heal... I sort of think this might be the same process except instead of a wound it was the actions of those in the story. I would think that Frank and Matt's words and behaviour would be the hardest for Robbie to ignore. I can't and won't try to defend Robbie's actions during this story because I can't. They just don't make sense to me, that being said, I still like Robbie and don't think the story would be as interesting with him gone. I have always felt that Brad and to a lesser extent Stef has always bullied and emotionally abused Robbie; this has been going on for years. It is often done under guise of jokes about his weight, emotionalism, etc.... Those comments have been going on for years and they do take a toll. Part of Robbie's reaction to Will's behaviour maybe to fight the issues he has with Brad out with Will using him as a proxy for Brad. I do think it is important to get JJ to see someone. I still think there is something going on with him besides the obvious. Brad is going to have to make sure that JJ can't hide behind Robbie or skatting or something else to keep from confronting the issues in his life. Wade and Nana have such an interesting dynamic. I can't wait to see how it continues to develop. I have to say I think a trip back to Washington by Wade/Matt and Nana could prove eventful. JP has made is clear that Nana is part of the family and I for one believe it is a great addition...

Really enjoyed the latest chapter, I miss Alex as well. I can see a rescue mission coming on, at least I hope... I can't seem to figure out where this story is going, I usually have at least a feeling but can't seem to get a grip on this story after the last couple of chapters. I can't decide how war is going to come to Jason, but I am sure it is coming. I am really glad to see that the transformation has restored Gideon back to wholeness. I had to think it would, angels usually have very few imperfections...

Mark, you have blessed us with arguably the two best fiction series on the internet... You have earned the right to get the chapters out as you need, I will just up my dosage of lithium until the Bridgemont series returns...

Chapter 81, I read it and my heart broke and I cried.....

Hmmm, I always saw Stef as more the wife than the husband... LOL....

Okay, this was posted after I started writing my last post but before I posted it; got sidetracked by family drama... I think in many ways JP has supplimented Jim as head of the family as a whole. I think it started when their father was still alive and Isidore split from Crampton Construction with JP's backing. Then you had the whole issue of Jim and his son both sleeping with Bitsy, Maman's will, Ella's parentage and the fall out from that, and JP coming back to Claremont to help turn it around. In the last story, we even had mention that Jim and his branch is holding onto control of Crampton Construction only through the support of JP and his group, so even in business JP is maybe not leading but his support is what counts. Of course, Mark is the creator and it is his how he views the CAP universe that ultimately drives it forward but I think to some extent JP isn't just over his branch but over the other branches and even other families that have come into the Crampton sphere....

Okay, I can see where both MJ85 and Jeremy are coming from on this issue but we don't see the situation the same way. In almost every story since " Be Rad " that Claire has been featured in there is some point where others turn to her for help or support, although I agree we don't see nearly enough of her. As several have stated there are always actions that occur offline for a better word; parts of the story that Mark hasn't written about but maybe mentioned in passing or come up after the fact. This is one reason we don't have to have actually seen Claire in that role; both JP and Stef have made comments that she maybe the one to succeed JP in the family. Do we really think they would come to this decision lightly or without seeing Claire tested and viewing the results with practiced and unbiased eyes??? No, I think if this is the decision they make, it will be for the right reasons. Am I saying that Brad is definitely not going to have a shot at retaining his position; no, but each story recently has shown reasons that is beginning to look more and more unlikely. Will there be a split leadership in the family and I say no to this again; spliting the leadership would only dilute the influence and power of the family and make it harder for the family to present an united front. The quickest way to sink a boat is to have to many captains and not enough officers and crew. I do think the Jeremy is right and the family is moving into a bi-costal position of power, not just because of Wade but both JP/Stef and Brad/Robbie have bought houses in Ohio; Brad is now chairman of the board of a major defense contractor located primarily on the east coast and in the eastern half of the country; and we are getting additional members of the family coming into play from Ohio and Missouri, as well as Wade and his additions to the mix from Virginia. I think that MJ85 is correct as well that the family branch in California is split between Malibu/Hollywood and Palo Alto for home bases; but each time something really drastic happens the action always ends up being resolved in the Palo Alto sphere of influence more than the Malibu/Hollywood area. I guess I view this expansion of influence as just that an expansion from a centralized authority not rival locations springing up to usurp authority from the centralized one. Within JP's immediate and extended family, he has always been the primary authority; but with the passing of Tonto and Maman, even the other branches of the Crampton and Schulter families as well as the Hayes and Hendricksons to a lesser extent have recognized JP as the ultimate familial authority. Even Jim, JP's older brother seemed to abdicate that authority to JP in matters of family, not necessarily business matters. Even though he hasn't lived in Claremont in decades, it is his voice not the family that remains that carries the most weight. If Stef outlives JP, he will certainly remain an authority figure but I can't see him being the next in line. If he is there, Stef will advise and support the next head of the family but won't move into that position himself. Outside of the family, Brad will be the one most visible and with the most external trapping of authority, wealth, and power; but none of those will be the deciding factor on who leads in the next generation. Stef is the wealthiest of his generation but no one would have every really considered him to be the head of the family in the generation now in power within the family. I am going to compare the Crampton/Schulter/Hayes/Hendrickson/etc family dynamic to two others that I believe resemble them in how their power is centralized and passed from generation to generation. Both examples are a little grandiose, but I am using them because they fit my arguments... LOL... The first is a little far fetched but I am using it anyway. The old school Italian mob has always been and continues to be controlled by a centralized power base. Even when the family/families expanded locations and into new enterprises the control was retained by the the individual heads of the family, usually located in New York. Even the head of the individual families would submit to a centralized Boss of Bosses, that was usually agreed upon by a majority of the other head of the families. No matter how much the family grew either geographically, by expanding into new areas of business, or by adding or absorbing smaller families; the control remained centralized. My next example is the house of Hanover and Windsor. The last British ruler from the house of Hanover was Queen Victoria and her son was the first of the line that would become the house of Windsor. Queen Victoria, through her nine children, tied herself and the British royal family to almost every Royal and Principal family in Europe. Even today, more than a hundred years after her death, the British family remains the dominate one in many family matters even within other branches that are headed by independent principalities or duchies. Several of those require permission, albeit nominal, from Queen Elizabeth II to marry and conduct certain business. The house of Hanover and later the house of Windsor has expanded ita reach and influence but still retain a centralized family control, true in many senses the control is purely nominal or symbolic but it is still there. Growing up here in Texas, I have known several families with dynamics similar to the Crampton/Schulter/Hayes/et al family. The ones that have managed to grow and still retain their ability to flourish and prosper are the ones that are lead generation after generation with one voice in each generation being the dominate one. It is these families that truly shape the politcal, cultural, social, and economic landscapes for generations on end.

First, I have to say really enjoyed this nice Christmas gift of a new chapter of Paternity. I thought that this chapter showed Will for what he really is a teenager that is vastly more mature than most of his peers but still a teenager. The fact that Will did not really want to go to the family dinner/party for JJ but ended up reacting the way he did was so well written. This is an emotional response that rings so true for those of us that deal with that age group on a regular basis. That push and pull of emotions and feelings that never really balances out but has to be dealt with. I really like how Will is bonding, even in a limited degree with Nanna. I think have a strong female perspective can be very important in getting a well rounded world view. The earlier generations have had Tonto and Maman, this generation has Isidore but we don't really see her impact on them. Claire is definitely a strong represenative but is just the next generation up and it is different when coming from someone much older. I really liked the scene with Will and Matt. They have never really been as close as Will and Wade but you can tell that Matt is starting to see Will in a new light. Matt has always been closer to JJ, but I think that recent actions have made Matt look at everyone from a more open perspective. The fact that Will is able to recognize that Jeanine's issue may one day effect him because of the genetic links and how he deals with that issue will resonate always with him. The way that he is even now addressing that issue even in passing shows a great deal of maturity and wisdom beyond the level posessed by most of those he would call peers. Okay, now on to the recent comments about no one ever saying no to Will at least in a sexual situation. Like his recent encounter in the weight room re-enforced, Will because of his physical maturity is never going to have problems attracting the attention of another man or boy. Not everyone is going to be physically attracted to Will, I personally never cared for anyone close to my own age when I was in my teens; I always found men in their late 20's and early 30's with facial hair, hairy bodies, and a more rugged look than someone my age much more attractive. Except for one encounter that I already relayed in this forum, I have never slept with anyone younger than I was until I was in my early 30's. There are going to be men that can look at Will and say, DAMN, he is cute/sexy/hot but I have no desire to sleep with him. I don't know that we are going to see that many of those encounters because they in general will not be as interesting as the ones that end in sex; that doesn't mean they don't happen. Now, that being said, I do think it would be good from the standpoint of Will learning to deal with adversity to have a man or two that he finds attractive say no, I find you attractive but you just aren't old enough or my type; because we all know that will evetually happen. I even really like Gene Splicer's idea of someone sleeping with Will, then finding out his age, and really freaking out about it. Maybe even have him meet up with someone on campus and the guy turns out to be a junior level professor in the history department of Stanford; then the guy finds out he slept with the underage grandson of the chair of the history department, YIKES!?!?!?!? I really do believe that we grow more and learn more while dealing with adversity and hardship then when we just get everything we want handed to us. The issue that Will faces with this is that as Mark pointed out; he is rich, from a powerful family, physically mature and attractive for his age, and maybe most importantly smart and confident. All of these factors make it harder for him to encounter hardship or adversity in any aspect of his life, except with dealing with issues like Jeanine or family. While this is an extrodinarily well written gay erotic story, Mark has always made it so much more by keeping the story grounded in a level of reality and maturity that is missing in so many other online offerings. In life, there are always limits and boundaries and would we really want to live in a world without them???

Well, I finally have a few minutes in the midst of the madness to take a moment, go back over the latest chapter of Paternity, and digest what the latest action was... It was another great chapter and really moved the story along, at least in my opinion. I found Will's idea of selecting Darius as the one to be in charge of Jeanine's treatment to be exceptionally levelheaded and mature. It not only moved someone into the decision making that seems be without some of the recent baggage acquired by others, but was a first step in reaching out to repair some of the family fault lines. I was also suitably impressed with Robbie for agreeing with the idea. I do think the way that Will presented it helped Robbie reach the correct decision. I am quite sure that Robbie does want to repair the rift between him and Darius; as well as the one between him and Brad and Will. I am quite sure that Darius isn't the only one upset by how Will was asked not to attend the family dinner. I do think JJ should have a choice at his actual party but to remove Will from the family dinner was a mistake. I have a feeling that Robbie and JJ maybe in for a scolding from more than one person in regards to that decision. I am really glad to see Will's friendship or whatever it is with Alistair continue. Even with him moving to Palo Alto, I would think they could stay friends. Alistair's family appears to be very wealthy as well and it would be nothing for him to run up to visit over weekends or have Will come down to Malibu and see him as well. I don't think they will ever really be anything more than friends with benefits but it is a nice friendship that could prove to be important to him in the long run. I also can't wait to see what develops with Noah. I had a thought; do we know that the people answering the phone at Noah's are is parents? Could they be someone else? I really hope we get a little more background on him soon. Okay, I am now going to start stepping in the middle of a couple of issues in recent post here in the forum. I do think that Tony is gay; but he is always going to be tortured by Sam's past when dealing with his own sexuality. I don't believe that he is anywhere close to being ready to deal with this issue head on. Tony is going to be the one that will have to work his way out of a maze like closet; and that is if he evers successfully makes it. I have really never been in any closet, except to try on that delightful little black dress when I was twelve. That being said, I do understand how even in today's era of growing acceptance; in the right area of the country it can be very hard to be out and proud. We must not take for granted the ease in which some of us live our lives out in the open. We can only continue to work and fight so that each and every person is free to make whatever lifestyle choice they desire without threat and animosity towards them. I am going to split the issue on the Ace/Jack and who is Darius most like. I do think that Darius is probably more like Jack in personality and how he deals with and views life; but I do agree that he is fullfilling a role more closely associated with Ace during Brad and Ace's teen years. Ace was someone that Brad always counted on to be there for him during high school. While Jack and Brad were friends; I think Jack being younger relegated him to the background until both he and Brad were older. I think by the time they were out of college or soon afterward, Jack began to play a more important role in Brad's life. I think this was from the reviews but I am going to bring it up here; Claire is JP's heir apparent. I think it has been obvious really for the last couple of stories that she is the only one that brings all the necessary traits to the table to step into JP's shoes. I think Brad will always be an integral part of the family and someone that others seek out for counsel or help, especially in business matters; but Brad just has too many negatives to really take JP's place in the family. A suggestion was made that Will might be the one to follow in JP's footsteps but unless ever member of the previous generation ends up dead, Will really cannot be JP's immediate successor. Plus, I am not sure that Will will even be the defacto leader of his generation. Like Brad, he has several personality traits that make it hard for him to step into that role. I do hope that each and everyone of you have a wonderful Christmas/Holiday season... I hope that everyone can take a moment and reflect on the past year and find something in their lives to be truly thankful for... p.s. I have been blessed in the past to get a few " likes " from Sharon from time to time. Each of them should be treated as manna from heaven; when I get one, I always go back and see what I wrote... Sharon, a special thanks to you and all those that support Mark in his writing; the job you all do is so important and I know that Mark appreciates it and I hope you and the others know how much the rest of us do as well... And finally, Mark, thank you so much for giving us all this great treasure that both the CAP and Bridgemont series have proven to be. I do wish you and yours all the best as we leave this years and prepare for the next...

Mark, you brighten all of our world and make it just a little better with your talent and zest for life. I hope that each and everyone has a great Christmas or whatever holiday you celebrate....

Darius was a great choice in light of the factors involved. Will was really insightful in how he came up with the idea and involved Robbie first. That Robbie agreed to the idea, and that Brad went along with it; says a lot about where everyone is at the moment. I really like how Will is handling the situation with Tony. Noah maybe someone that works into being important in his life, but will at least give him a view of someone in another socio-economic level. A little background on Noah would be good but I am sure that Mark has that coming down the pike.