centexhairysub

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.

I want to say first of all that I am not advocating for JJ's death... That being said however, I don't think it would have to be a rehash of Billy's death, even if they died at or about the same age. I have been saying for some time that I believe there is something going on with JJ besides the obvious; maybe something even Mark doesn't know about yet, LOL..... You could have JJ die or even do himself in and then find out about what was really going on with him. There has been an issue of bullying with him in the past, maybe it has gotten worse or his is being abused by someone, a coach or official in the skating world. His death could either go ahead and push Jeanine over the edge or spur her to get better. She could become a champion of anti-bullying or the mother that brings needed attention to the abuse problem in the sport. This could open a whole new line of intrest. I have never hated JJ or felt really negative toward him, I do find his actions in this story very annoying but.... For me, he will always be the happy go lucky child that he was introduced as; I just want to know what is beneath the surface that is causing his recent behaviour...

The next chapter is up and another great one... I mentioned in my review but am going to make the point here as well; I think that Will loves and cares deeply for Robbie. The problem is that Will is the kind of person that is decisive in his actions, but only after looking at the issue from several angles. Robbie, at least in his personal life, makes most of his decisions on an emotional level or is at least heavily influenced by his emotions in making the decisions. It is much harder to back down from a decision made on an emotional level. Will just doesn't understand why Robbie can't see how is actions are playing out, and Robbie can't understand how Will can be so disconnected. Neither Will nor Robbie is really fully accurate in their perceptions of the others actions; the problem is that neither can really put themselves in the others place. I don't think that Robbie and Brad are going to implode over this issue. As, I have stated before, they have dealt with much more serious issues that didn't break them up, and I can't see this growing to that point. I thought it was great that Will and Alistair had some time together. It was nothing more than heavy petting really but just seemed to fresh and nice. I can't see anything ever really developing between the two, but it would be nice if they could be friends with maybe a few benefits along the way. I think that Alistair would be really good for Will. It was nice seeing Brad and Will getting back on a more even keel. I do think they are so much a like that they will always have some friction in their lives; you really can't put to Alpha males together and not expect a dog fight ever so often. I think a few observations from JP would be nice with him viewing Will and remembering how Brad was at that age...

Great chapter, I really enjoyed Will spending some quality time with Alastair. I think it was really nice that he had a episode that was nothing more than some making out with someone that was not as experienced. I don't think Will and Alastair will ever be more than friends but it would be great if they became good friends with a few benefits... I liked the conversation that Will and Brad had; it was nice to see them back on a somewhat even keel. I think the fact that they are so much alike is one of the problems they have; I sort of wonder how JP feels watching Will and comparing him to Brad at the same age. Robbie, Robbie, Robbie, I just don't know what to say. I thought Will handled that really masterfully. I think a lot of people don't get how much Will really cares for Robbie. There have been a lot of comments about Will toying with or playing with Robbie but I don't see it that way. I think Will cares about Robbie deeply; he just doesn't have much patience for the tangents that Robbie can go off on. Will is very decisive in his actions but he can step back and let an idea or plan marinate while he makes a decision. Robbie is the kind of person that makes a decision in his personal life, often made on an emotional level, and can't see the ramifications. I think that Robbie is trying to step in and mother, for lack of a better word, JJ while Jeanine is in the hospital. He really believes that he is doing the right thing for JJ and Jeanine, and can't or won't see the damage that JJ's actions have on Jeanine because he is trying to protect JJ as well.

I think we just need to see more of the midshipmen we already have... I still think that the one with the bagpipes, the Baron Kingsdale???, is going to play a major role at some point... I personally think that the main reason this story doesn't get as many comments is the sheer brilliance of the writing... Most people are just too in awe to make any comments...

Okay, I really enjoyed the action in the latest chapter of Paternity but I am getting a different view than some of the others that have commented here already. I am going to start with the issue that bothers me the most; that is JJ's actions and behaviour. I have gone back over the last month and have managed to re-read all the books in the series starting with Bloodlines and going through the current story. I did just skim The Box, as I couldn't find JJ represented in it really. Based on JJ's trajectory starting with Bloodlines to current, he really should be dead by the next story, probably by suicide. From a clinical standpoint, there is something really wrong with JJ that we are not aware of. Even moving into the top levels of a competitive sport and going through puberty isn't enough to change someone's basic personality this much this quickly. Growing up I had two friends that were world class competitors on a junior level, one in tennis and the other in gymnastics; both of them started traveling not just nationally but internationally by eleven years of age and both went through puberty while dealing with that stress. Neither of them ever went through the type of change that JJ has, nor did any of the others competitors I meet through them. I will say that most of the teens I deal with on a daily basis are generally 15 to 19 years old but I do see younger teens periodically and anyone that saw a complete 180 degree change in behaviour with only puberty and pressure associated with a highly competitive sport would warrant a serious closer look. I do realize that JJ has never been really fully developed and since he has never been a narrator we don't really get a view behind the curtain; but nothing that has been explored would explain his radical change in personality. If there really is nothing more than the onset of puberty and moving into the upper level of a competitive sports field behind his personality change; he needs to get out of that sport now because his psyche is much to fragile to survive. With only those two factors in play, JJ would have to be much to fragile to compete successfully at the level he has already reached. Now with all of that being said, I will make a caveat; there is never any hard and fast rules when dealing with adolescent psychology. One may crack under the same pressure that another uses to motivate and achieve greatness from; but there are certain patterns in behaviour that will generally tell you which will occur and JJ has not manifested any of those that would indicate such a complete change in behaviour. I also don't think that JJ is bonding with Robbie. I think that he is using Robbie to keep a connection with his mother, who is clearly the most important person in his life. I think if something were to happen to Jeanine, JJ would turn more to Matt than anyone else. I was really hoping that Darius would be able to shake some sense into Robbie. He has always been the one that related most fully and honestly with Robbie and they have always had a really good tight relationship. I sort of thought that Robbie was using Jeanine as a final battle with Will as an end gambit to the Will versus Brad/Robbie war; but I have moved past that. I think Robbie really believes he is doing the right thing; the problem is he just seems unwilling to see the damage that JJ is doing to Jeanine with his actions. I am also going to take issue with the use of ECT this early in a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. ECT is usually only used as an alternate treatment in long term management of the disorder when there is chronic and recurring issues with a medication resistance in patients, non-complieance with medication, or history of suicide attempts by medication. Jeanine has been in treatment less than four months at this point and that isn't nearly enough time to determine if she is going to be resistant to medicaiton based alternatives. Now, as I stated in a previous paragraph, there are always exceptions but to use this procedure when only one doctor is really advocating it and the patient team is in disagreement would be counter intuitive. ECT does have a very high success rate when used properly; around 70% of patients respond in a positive manner to the treatment, although memory loss does occur in about 35 to 40% of all patients being treated with ECT. ECT is generally a last result treatment, not something you would try after only four months of working with a patient. The only reasons to use it that quickly would be if the patient was clear and present danger to harm either themselves or others; and no, slapping Will in Norway would not be indicative of that. Now, the Brad and Robbie issue can be looked at. I just don't see this latest issue of Jeanine's treatment as even a major one between them. Yes, Robbie is going to be upset that Brad isn't backing him up; but considering some of what they have dealt with, this just doesn't have enough punch to really split them up... I mean they have both dealt with the other killing people to protect each other; they have survived a seperation and affairs; they have survived Robbie's whinning and Brad control issues; and they survived a full blown revolt of one of their sons, although I don't think Robbie ever really dealt with his feeling on this. After all of that, if an argument over Jeanine's course of treatment is what breaks them up; then Mark is just wanting to take them both in a new direction... Mark, I just have to say BRAVO!!!! This chapter and story has both been some of your finest work yet...

Much like Darius, I am starting to lose all respect for Robbie with how he is handling this issue. Robbie and JJ have made this their last stand and have decided to ignore all outside influences; usually this doesn't work out well, just ask Custer. I thought that maybe Robbie was using this as a final battle in the Will versus Brad/Robbie war but I don't really think that is the case. I think that Robbie really believes that he and JJ are right and they are the ones that are trying to help and protect Jeanine; the problem is that neither of them seem to be aware of problems that JJ's actions have on Jeanine. I don't think that Robbie's behaviour is really detrimental to Jeanine except in that he has put blinders on to JJ's behaviour and other options that need to be looked at in regards to her treatment. I was hoping that Darius would be able to get through to Robbie; he has always been the kid that has been Robbie's corner most of all and they seemed to have the best relationship. I know it has never been spelled out but I really thought because of comments in past books that Jeanine had a pretty cordial relationship with her family back East. I am a little suprised that we haven't had any input from them in regards to her illness.

Mark, thanks for the bonus chapter, it was great and really seemed to move the story along... I think Stef and Claire are right and part of Brad's attitude is that he really sees the situation with Jeanine in the same light that Will and Darius does. I think that Brad is more pissed off at Robbie and JJ then he is at Will in this instance. It seems to me that Will is acting in a very mature and responsible manner toward Jeanine; what's wrong with getting a second opinion??? Jeanine seems to be in worse shape now after being with this doctor then she was when she started treatment. Not every doctor/counselor works with every patient; some can be toxic together. I think reaching the conclusion of this side of the story is going to be very explosive. I really like this introduction to Marie; she reminds me of Claire in so many ways but with a really new spin. I hope that Claire and Marie are both around more often. Claire has always been one of my favorite people in the CAP series. I found Marie's comments about Noah and Carter both very interesting. After very little exposure, it looks like Will and Marie may have a great deal in common... Will seems to really have feelings about Noah, and I like it that he hasn't slept with him yet and isn't even sure how he feels about him. It would be nice to see Will take longer than 20 minutes to get someone in bed. I do think that Will needs to be careful that he doesn't come across as overbearing with Noah. Noah is obviously from more of a working class background and often someone with a lot of money can act in a way that is normal for them; but to someone from another background their actions seems overbearing. In general, I have always been more of a Robbie fan than a Brad fan. I do find Robbie's whinning annoying but I think a great deal of that is because of insecurity, which Brad's actions and behaviour is responsible for in no small part. That being said, Robbie's refusal to act in an adult manner in regards to Will and now about Jeanine's treatment is pushing me away from both of them. I can't tell if I think that Robbie is trying to use the Jeanine situation to get back at Will for coming out on top of Brad in their fight, although it was more of a Brad surrender in the end, or if there is some other issue in play. The less said about JJ right now the better, I just can't deal with his issues right now. I really want to see Will get back to Malibu and see what happens with Alistair. I can't see where this is leading but I do think that it maybe important to Will; I don't think Will finds Alistair attractive at all physically but I think he senses something there and I can't wait to see where Mark leads us. p.s. Is anyone else having problems getting into the chapter reviews? This is the second chapter in a row that I can't seem to get into. I can get into older ones but not the last two... Any suggestions?

I am not suprised by either milestone... Paternity and by extension the CAP saga is the second best serialized story going online for me behind the Bridgemont series, which is another of your magnificient creations...

Well, I tried to leave a review but everytime I try and click on the link my page times out; so I guess I will just give everyone my dose of wisdom here... LOL... I really enjoyed Will and Nana's conversation while riding. I think this was a great way to look back out how many of the men in this story have real significant issues with their mothers. I think Will wants more from Jeanine than Brad or Robbie have with their mother. I think it is as he stated that his counselor has helped him see he can't give up on Jeanine while she is going through this crisis. I think they always had a rather congenial relationship rather than a close one before she got pregnate. A case of post partum depression as bad as she appears to have can radically alter a person's behaviour. I think it would be really important for Will to try to not only help make sure Jeanine is getting the best treatment possible; but to make sure he did everything to keep the door open between them until there is no alterantive but to close it forever, I don't see this happening... I think it is really important that Will have some adult relationships with older people that are to some extent outside the family sphere; a plus that Nana isn't overawed or intimidated by the family. Will needs someone that can give him a honest unbiased view of what is going on in his life and family. A view from someone that can see the situation clearly but not be influenced by anyone involved; Nana fits this bill perfectly. It amazes me how often parents will shut grandparents out of their childrens lives when they don't approve of something; this really hurts the children and denies them an important link to someone to learn from. I thought the way the situation with Will and Tony was handled was really great; very well done, Mark... I enjoy Will and Tony's interludes but they are at such different places in their lives right now; plus even though Tony is more comfortable having sex with Will, I don't think he is anywhere close to being ready to have a real relationship with a man because of his father's past... Will handled this much better than he would have even a few months ago... He did not cause a scene but removed himself from the situation and gave himself time to process how he felt about the events. A very mature move on his part. In some ways, Will is more mature and aware of himself than Tony is; so much of Tony's actions and reflexes can be traced back to how he views Sam's actions. Tony has never really dealt with his feeling on this and until he does; probably shouldn't be in a serious relationship with anyone male or female. I just cringed when I saw the set up with John Carrullo coming up. I think that Carrullo will be horrified when he realizes who Will is and how young he is. Carrullo was obviously intoxicated and somewhat impaired; this seems to be an ongoing state with him and bothers me somewhat. That being said, you don't expect a 14 year old to be at a frat party. Will is physically mature and appears to be able to pass for a high school senior or college freshman fairly easily and I will just about bet anything that Carrullo thought he was one or the other. I can sympathies with him on this issue... When I was 20 years old and in a bar in Austin, Texas many years ago; I ran into a similar situation. The drinking age had been changed from 18 years old to 19 years old in the state and bouncers and bartenders were really checking ID before selling alcohol to anyone. I had a really hot guy drinking next to me and we hit up a conversation and both bought each other a couple of drinks before deciding to leave together. The guy looked, at least to me to be older than I was, and he had mentioned that his car was in the shop; so I drove him back to his place. He had a garage apartment in a pretty good neighborhood and I ended up spending the night. The next morning we spent a little extra time in bed and he asked me if I could run him to school as he was going to be late for his first class. I said sure and said what location and he started giving me directions. Austin has several colleges but it did not take me long to realize his directions were leading me to a high school in the area... By the time I had pulled up in front of the high school, I was really mortified... The guy turned out to be a senior and 17 years old but at that time, I had never slept with anyone younger than I was and just kept waiting for the police to pull me over and take me away. This was of course way before sodomy was decriminalized in Texas. I did end up hooking up with the guy about eight months later after he turned 18 but I never forgot the incident and was always much more aware of the age of those men I were sleeping with...

I wonder if some of the difference isn't about class or school size??? My high school only had 9-12 grades but didn't have four hundred students all together, my graduating class had eighty-two and that included four exchange students from Sweden. I think that in smaller schools the freshman versus senior lines get blurred more easily. It was the age or class that created groups at my school. The groups at my school were more along the lines of brains, jocks, stoners, cowboys/shitkickers, nerds, alternative, preppy, etc... We all crossed the age/class line very easily, it was much harder to go from group to group....

Okay, I am going to start by disagreeing with Tim but then he and I have never seen Will the same way; I think that Will is really mature for his age and would put him up against most of the 17 to 19 year olds I deal with on a daily basis... That being said, I agree with Tim on this more than Jeremy. I think because of the circumstances Will already knows how to play the game way better than 99% of the kids in any high school. I also think that Will cares about what others think and were he is in the social strata; no he isn't going to make it a priority but he still cares. Anyone that says they don't care what others say about them or how others view them are either out right lying or deluding themselves. Will has a lot going for him even going into a new school. He is rich, not just his family but he is already rich and has control over the money, plus his family is going to be so much wealthier than 95% of any of the families of the kids attending Menlo. He is physically mature and as written attractive, plus he is very well hung; that matters when you are in high school... He is also smart and athletic and both of these are big pluses as well. Will is also openly gay plus he has experience with a girl as well; in some areas this would be a detriment but not at Menlo. The fact that he is openly gay gives him a level of confidence that even those that may not agree with his choice will apperciate. Will has already proven that he can be manipulative and can use his physical prowess to intimidate. I do agree that Will is not going to obsess about his spot on the pecking order but he is going to be aware of it and will care about it. Even with his level of " independence ", Will isn't going to just float through high school as if he is untouched but what is happening around him.... Will may not need to be the Social King, but he doesn't want to be the Joker either... I really can't believe I am agreeing with Tim about anything, even partially; damn, I may need to call my therapist...

Well, I am late getting to this chapter; this time of year always seems to bring out all these hidden and buried issues that people have and I get so much busier... I really liked the new chapter, I was actually missing Will. I don't think Will's behaviour was out of line at all, he has been mad at his mother for a long time; but that doesn't mean that he doesn't love her. Will and his mother will probably never have a typical relationship but if they don't end up with some type of relationship then I don't think it will be Will's fault. I hope that Will actually gets to spend a little time with Alistair; I think they would both benefit from the experience. I do have to wonder how much of this is will really wanting to get to know Alistair and how much is another way for him to annoy JJ??? Okay, on to what I think is the heart of this episode, what is the freaking deal with Robbie and JJ??? Is Robbie trying to use the issue of Jeanine as a way to win a battle with Will and is he doing it to show solidarity with Brad or in spite of Brad? I know that Robbie has always held onto grudges better than Brad, is he still fighting the battle with Will over his independence? I am just really confused by his actions and attitude here. The bigger issue for me really is JJ. I just don't understand how his whole personality can change 180 degrees over the last couple of stories versus where it was when the kids started to be introduced in the stories before the last couple. I know he has hit his teen years and has entered a sports field at a very high level but that just isn't enough to cause this change, at least not as a rule. I am starting to wonder if JJ wasn't molested or had some other trauma that he never told anyone about or that Mark hasn't made us aware of yet. I had two friends that I knew growing up that both made the upper levels of skating and tennis at the junior level. They were both among the best in the world at that level, neither made it as far on the senior level. I knew them before, during, and after they reached that level and neither they nor the people that I met through them had such a complete personality transformation just from moving into that level of competition. The guy I knew was a skater and the tennis player was a girl. They both left Texas to train in Colorado and Florida respectfully but that didn't become a completely different person in doing so. Even if you through in an issue with siblings, that never were there before; it just doesn't explain JJ's complete transformation. p.s. I did a search and found over 20 world class athletes that go by the name JJ, am a little unclear why this name is considered immature?

Really loved the new chapter of Paternity, I missed Will... I for one am not suprised at all about Will actually wanting to get involved with what is happening with Jeanine. I don't find this out of place with him at all. Will was mad and upset about how Jeanine treated him and how she seemed to be obsessed with JJ and his skating career. Will and Jeanine have several issues that need to be resolved and I do agree that Jeanine probably should not have any control over Will. In the end, Will is always going to care about Jeanine, they may never have a typical mother and son relationship; but who in this story really does??? The person that I just don't get is JJ. His behaviour has just changed 180 degrees over the last few stories not chapters. He acts nothing like he did in the first couple of stories that introduced the kids in limited roles. I know he is now in a very high pressure sport but that just isn't enough to explain the change in behaviour. I am starting to wonder if he wasn't molested or something really traumatic happened to him that he never told anyone and we aren't aware of. As a general rule, hitting your teen years and getting involved in a competive sport isn't enough to alter your basic personality...

Well, Granger's decision on whom to send home made sense after you realized what his options really were in regards to this issue. As I stated in my review, the overall situation must be dealt with on one end or the other of this voyage, not in the middle... I do think his revealing his authority to the Consul was masterfully done. There really is no way for the Consul to warn Maidstone and get the warning there before Granger will arrive and it may make the consul a little more cautious in his actions... I can't wait to see who Granger rescued aboard the Spainish ship that they captured. I have a feeling it will be someone that will help Granger and cause problem for the Spainish. A indigenous leader that is trying to lead a revolt against the local government or a nationalist leader moving against Spain itself??? Either will be fun once the good doctor has him sorted out and ready to cause mischief... Can't wait for the next chapter Mark, keep up the great work...

Well, Mark has done a great job with leaving us with as interesting of questions as he answered in the earlier part of the chapter... I would suspect that the rescued man is an indigenous leader that the Spainish will be loathe to discover has escaped. There were quite a few revolts by indigenous people during this time periord. Also, several of the nationalist leaders were coming into their own during this time. Granger's decision on who to send home makes sense after you look at what options he had, I do think that the problem will have to be solved at one end or the other of the trip, not in the middle...

I don't think Chartley has ever been in love with Bertie, I think he was infatuated with him but I think he does care deeply for Granger. Bertie is his friend and he rushed back to him becasue he is his friend and they both have a lot of money involved that Bertie's removal without notice would endanger... I think Chartley is much closer to what Granger needs than Calvert... That is to be expected, that is what I meant, Calvert was all but promised another command if he survived the trip with Granger. If this occurs, then they are seperated again... I just really don't see with their situations and positions how they could ever work out; that being said I am going to stop bitching about this and just see where Mark takes us...

Well, I could see quite a bit of stuff left that needs to be dealt with... Yes, you have getting Will settled at Menlo but you also have him needing to resolve his issues with Ella in regards to that as well. Plus, you have him resolving or at least coming to terms with Robbie and to a lesser extent Jeanine, although I could see the Jeanine part being handled in a later story. You also need to have some closure with Darius and Ella, this would help in how Will relates to Ella. I do agree with Mark that in this instance size probably doesn't matter, never thought those words would come from my mouth... But I do think that MJ85 is right as well, getting Will squared away could take quite a few chapters... Plus, I am not sure that the deal between Wade and Elizabeth is exactly settled...

Well, I don't always think Matt should join Wade when he is with someone else; in some cases I think it would never work like Trevor or like when they got together with Sean it was just boring... Because of the rawness and rage behind the coupling of Wade and Gathan, I though Matt would have been a great addition... Matt can hook up with others without Wade and Wade can do the same, it was just in this instance; I thought adding Matt would have taken it to another level....

I say you are all full of it... Granger needs someone that will challenge and stand up to him. Granger needs someone at least close to or on the same social level as he is for anything long term to last... Granger needs Chartley dammit... I do agree that Calvert will always support Granger but that is all he is really capable of doing. He is never going to be able to do more than that without causing serious comments. Plus, if he gets another capitancy as was sort of promised, then he is off and away from Granger again, unless Granger makes Commodore and can keep him around as one of the ships he is in charge of but that seems extremely unlikely, even with Mark writing the story...