centexhairysub

I actually agree, I think it will be harder for the fourth generation to be as tight and cohesive as the previous ones but I think they will do it. I am not sure who will be the head of the family in that generation yet. I also think that Claire will probably be the head of the family when JP dies as well, Brad is just too hot headed still at times and Claire is the only one that everyone actually listens to. I know that with Stef's money going to Brad, he will be the richest, but that doesn't always indicate who will be head of the family in these types of families.

OMG... I loved loved loved chapter 12... This story is finally growing on me and I am getting really into it. I really liked the action in Claremont with Gathan and Kristen and I equally like the action in Cali with Will and John. I hope that this trip to France will be as interesting as the last one. Isn't Armand's brother a big shot doctor in Paris? Maybe we can bring some of that part of the family back into the story... Love those Frenchmen. Well Mark knows he can't kill JP off, finding out where Mark lives as I write this. Keep up the great work and can't wait for the next chapter...

Amen

No, what I was arguing is that the odds of any of the main protaginist knowing someone that dies on 09/11 is so small that everyone reading this would have a better chance of being hit by lightning... There was a really good article about two years after the event in New England Journal of Medicine that estimated that the odds of an average person in the US knowing someone that died on 09/11 was something like .00027; the article was examining the way that people reacted to the tragedy. The article talked about how the magnitued of the incident was greater in the public arena versus any actual personal connection. The Danfields as Mark has written them are very very Blue Blooded... There are several former Governors, Senators, etc... in the family tree. I will say once again, the Senator and Elizabeth Danfiled might have known the Olsons in a political or work venue but there is no way they would have in a social venue. Plus, Matt being so much younger would have rarely socialized with any adults outside of close family friends or family in Washington DC.

I don't think that George will ever be a one person kinda guy, so to speak; but I do think he always seems to have one man in his life that is more important that the rest at the time. I just think he needs that one person, besides Caroline, that is his rock.

Well, you could leave Claremont, OH and be pretty much anywhere in New Jersey under six hours; it takes longer to go from northern California to southern California. On top of this, you would be fairly close to both Columbus, OH and Pittsburg, PA so air travel wouldn't be that bad either. I just think that for those on the list John Carullo is the only one that makes sense. Having said that, I could easily see Gathan ending up with a girl like Kristen H. John has already proven by picking a school all the way across the country that he can be away from his family. I know that John would be through with college in the next year or two but could stay in the area getting a Masters or Doctorate degree, although I could see John being one of those guys that when 9/11 happens joining the military.

Methodwriter and Tim, I don't think either of you really understand how insulated Washington DC high society is in reality. I can see the Senator and Elizabeth having known Barbara Olsen from political functions, they are both rabid right wingers after all, but not socially. Elizabeth Danfield came from mega money and married into a truly blue blooded family of Virginia politicos and the combination would put them at the highest level of Washington DC society. Barbara Olsen was married to Theodore Olson, the Soclicitor General of the United States, but this is by no means on the same level. Neither the Olson family nor the Bracher family from Houston would have been on the same socioeconomic level of the Danfields. I can give you that Wade's parents probably had met her at some political gathering but would be shocked if it was a social setting. On top of that, it is rare in Washington DC high society for children under 21 to socialize at many gathering with older members of society that are not family. So many on that level of society have the kids off at boarding or private schools that the odds would be that Wade would never have met someone like Barbara Olson. The Olsons and the Danfields just would not have been on the same social scene together. There is a big differnce between political and social functions in Washington DC. Now, I understand methodwriters seeming desire to see an intimate connection to the tragedy for someone in the family. After all, it will make for a better story for there to be some type of personal connection, I just don't think it is needed. There was such a viseral connection for all of us that witnesse the tragedy from either up close or far away. The enormity of the situation was such that you felt the essence of pain suffered by those involved; even if you had no direct connection to the tragedy.

I am not just being argumenative here but I think the odds of Wade knowing one of the victims at the Pentagon would be even less than knowing one of them at the World Trade Center. 125 people were killed on the ground at the Pentagon, this doesn't include the 58 or 59 that were on the plan that crashed into it. Lt. General Timothy Maude was the highest ranking officer killed. He was the deputy chief of staff for personel at the Pentagon. He often testified before Congress and might have been known to Wade's father but he was 53 years old and I doubt that Wade would have known him. Even as insular as Washington society is, I really think it would be rare for Wade to actually know anyone in that small group that died. I can see the Senator or even his wife knowing one or two of the people but not Wade. There were about a dozen others of command rank killed but once again because of age or position, they would probably not have been known to the Senator and his wife, much less Wade. Washington DC is a very stratified community. With the exception of the Lt General, I don't think any of the others killed were of a level that they would have ever met the Danfields in a social situation. Now, if one of them came from a money or blue blood background, they or their kids might have met Wade at a private school but even that would be a stretch. the Danfields as they are drawn would be at the very top because of the Senator's position and Elizabeth's family money; they would not associate socially with many out of that arena. I am not trying to be difficult here, I just think we have a tendancy to want to make a connection to this tragedy to give it a greater since reality. I think the scope of the tragedy iteself does that and don't believe we need to have that one on one connection to realize the magnitude of it.

I completely agree, Gathan may not end up with a man at all. Kristen does seem like a really interesting person. Plus, even though almost no one actually knows, she is related to JP and would just add to the mixing of the families. I still want Gathan and John Carullo to met up and play around, he was my pick from the list but I can say I wouldn't be upset if he ended up with Kristen...

I think that you are over-estimating the number of people that actually knew someone that died when the towers fell. I live in Texas but did know one person that was from here originally that I had stayed in contact with over the years and even visited a few times in New York. I have several friends from that area though and we actually talked about this a few years after the tragedy. One of my friends was a commodity broker and had been for almost 15 years when the towers fell and even though the vast majority of the firms in the towers were financial in nature, Steven did not know one person that actually died. I had a couple of other friends that grew up and have always lived in the area, one from New Jersey and another from Queens. Bonnie lived in a fairly small town in New Jersey and about half the people left every day going to New York City to work, she did not know anyone that died in the tragedy either, nor did Mark from Queens. Now, they all knew someone that knew someone that died but I actually am fairly good friends with about a dozen people that live in the area; and I am the only one of them that personally knew someone that died on that day, and I live in Texas... Now, I know that sort of proves your point, you don't have to be from there to have known someone but I just really don't think that many people in California are going to necessarily know someone that died that day. Now, I do think that Wade, Matt, John, Darius, etc... will all know someone that goes off to fight and maybe die in Iraq or Afganhistan. I just am not sure that even people as connected and diverse as this clan is will have anyone that personally know that dies when the towers fall.

I loved this chapter... I really am enjoying this story. I love how Mark is able to bring the story to life and I almost feel as if I am in the past experiencing these things with Granger. I am sort of sorry that we won't have Iggy around but I have to wonder about Brigadier Lord Charley. I wonder if he is going to be the one to replace Travers. Even though Granger seems to enjoying being on top ever so often, I really do believe that he is more of a bottom or even submissive naturally, when it comes to male on male sex. He is very take charge in life but I just believe that his true nature is to be submissive with a truly alpha male, which I sort of wonder if Brigadier Lord Chartley isn't Alpha with a capitol A... I really do think that Granger will end up with a man that can sexually put him in his place. This new additiona might be the one, although having him in the army, would be hard to take... LOL... Keep this story coming Mark, I think it is the best one you are working on right now... LOL...

Oh, I could see the information of JP's true parentage causing all kinds of issues... I am sort of suprised that this chapter did not get a better rating, it was the first chapter in this series that I liked completely... I am starting to think that some people here are heterophobic....

I did not really get into this forum when it was first done a couple of years ago because I was sure that Mark would have two or three stories before the tragedy of 9/11, and I was right... I voted for none of the above. You did not have to know someone that dies to be profoundly effected by the happenings that day. Just being alive was enough for you to be effected, although I did know someone that died when the second tower fell. I don't feel the need to have any of the family perish to make that day any worse. I can honestly say that those that picked JP, are you all crazy? JP's death will end the series, it is after all really all about him...

Well, I really enjoyed this chapter fully. I think this is the first chapter of this story that I can't find anything to really bitch about, I know, a miracle. I really am enjoying the dual narration and think it is giving a really interesting perspective to the story. I think that at least to some extent Will is behaving just as his parents have raised him. Brad has always seeming treated Will as a young adult. Brad and several others in past stories have talked about how mature, serious, and grown up Will is. Suddenly, Will decides to act like an adult and start to make some of his own decisions and everyone is freaking completely out. I think it is harder to gauge Jeanine's parenting style because you just haven't seen much of it, although, I get the feeling that Jeanine was pretty loving when the kids were little but after they got a little older, each child seemed to pick a parent to bond with more closely. Darius choose Robbie, JJ choose Jeanine, and Will choose Brad; and each of the kids seem to reflect the personality of each of those parents to some extent. Although I think Tim makes some good points, I think that ultimately he is not realizing that a threat can be more to just someone's physical well being. I think that Will views his parents behaviour as a threat to the very core of who he is. When Brad and Robbie ran away, there was not any immediate threat that Robbie was going to be taken, but Brad and Robbie believed it was a possibliity so they acted. I actually agree with some others that say Will is more mature at 13 then Brad was at 17. I don't think that Will is acting in a totally irresponsible manner. I do think that Will needs some more structure in his life but sometimes parents are not the best ones to provide that. I can't wait for the trip to Paris... Have we ever found out who all is going? I sort of hope just Stef, Will, and John but might be more drama with a few others going... Gathan and Kristen would be an interesting addition. LOL... Really like how Gathan related to Kristen and found that part of this chapter very interesting. Wonder where Kristen is going to college?

Goon by dkstories would seem to fit the criteria perfectly... It is one of the better time travel stories, that I have read in a while. Plus, it is complete...

I so enjoyed this chapter of St. Vincent. It was a nice Easter gift. I really do think that writing in this series is among the best on gay authors, period. Mark's research and attention to detail makes this story so historically accurate and yet compellingly enjoyable. I love the interplay between Granger and Nelson and even between Granger and Miller. I really do think that Granger maybe Mark's most completely developed creation. I am excitted to have Iggy back, even for a short while, I wonder if his whatever that tried to slit Granger's throat last time, will be traveling with him... Will be interested to see if Iggy has the same marks on his wrist that Granger does??? Plus, Granger will at least get to spend a little time on land when he gets Iggy back to London. I think that Granger is wonderful for taking time to try and help Perkins. I realize that Granger understands that he is attracted to Perkins but at the same time he understands that Perkins suffered in the past and needs help. Most people in Granger's position would not be like that, they would only be out for themselves or to see if they could use the situtation to their advantage. I can't wait for the next chapter of this story....

Well, I really liked half of this chapter... LOL... I really like the part with Will. I do think that Will needs to have a little more parental control but unlike some others, I don't think he came across as out of control in this chapter as others did. As Mark stated, all 14 y/o believe the world revolves around them. I actually thought Will handled the confrontation with Jeanine pretty well overall, and I liked that he realized in the end that she did love him and he her. I agree with methodwriter that it is great that John doesn't feel the need to declare himself to be gay, he can just go with the flow... And you just knew that Claire and Jack were going to be okay with it. I can't say that I was as fond of the Gathan section although the ending with him going off with the Hendrickson girl worked for me. I just think that he and Zach are just way to combustible and Gathan should realize this and stay as far away from Zach sexually as he can. I can't wait for the trip to Paris... I just know something good is going to happen there... I wonder if Will's mistake, where he will learn he isn't perfect, will happen there???

I vote for the Ancient Roman or Greek or even Egyptian story... While I will probably read whatever Mark writes next, I can say I have never been a huge fan of French Literature, love French philosophy, religion, or history but not so much the literature, as far as the French kings; well we all sort of know how that ended up...

Really enjoyed the latest chapter of Poor Man's Son, I am finally getting into this story a little bit more. I really think the trip to Paris will just be Stef, Will, and John. When Stef and Will talked about it in the previous story, my impression was that it was going to be just the two of them but I can see Stef wanting to include John since I am sure he knows something is going on there. I thought the way that Gathan handled the situation with Harry and Ed was really masterful, this is the first time that I sort of felt that Gathan might actually be an okay guy; then he screwed it up by sleeping with Zach... I don't think that him and Zach should even be in the same house together, I can see this all coming out and being a major issue at some point. I think Zach may end up the Billy of his generation, in actions if not in having the same fate. I think having Will stay with JP and Isidore might be just the thing, part of the reason is that I really like him and John together; but also because I think that Claire might actually help him. I don't think that she will be putting up with any of this crap the way the rest of them do. This might be just what he needs, to have an actual parent around. Keep up the good work and let's not forget the next chapter of the Bridgemont series either....

You say this like it is a problem?

There have been some really good comments about Jeanine and Will's relationship, and I agree that this is really the first story were it has been discussed in more than a passing manner. In all the previous stories, it was made very obvious that Will did what he wanted to do without any consequences because Brad always backed his play in the end. I really think that those that questions Jeanine's parenting abilities should be looking at Brad's in reall horror. He seems to let Will do whatever he want and allows him to run over anyone that objects to his behavior. He basically ignores JJ and only seems to mention him in passing when he is trying to keep the peace with everyone else. Brad had one or two good talks with Darius in the last story, but even then it was obvious that Robbie not Brad was the one that Darius really trusted and looked up to. Now, I have never been one that believes this crap that each parent loves all their kids equally, I just don't believe that is true. I think most parents have one child that they are closer with for whatever reason, not to say they don't love the rest but they have more of a connection with one. Because of this, I don't have a huge issue with Brad having such a clear favorite like Will. What I find dangerous is the fact that Will seems to run his own life with no substantial input from any adult. Brad mouths platittudes but in the end allows Will to do whatever he wants. When Jeanine or even Robbie tries to give him any structure or boundaries, he just completely ignores them and does his own thing because he knows that Brad will back him in the end. The glimpses we had of Jeanine in early stories when she was Darius and JJ's nanny was a loving devoted girl that was willing to do whatever was best for her charges, I really doubt she would do anything less for her own child. I think that the idea that she is suppose to show Will respect is a crock of shit. Will has never shown her any in any story were they have interacted. When Jeanine has tried to be there for Will or tried to set expectations, Will has simply ignored her or done what he wanted anyway. Now, having said all that, I do like Will and think he is really interesting. As someone else said, I do wonder how he turned out so mature in so many ways, since it is obvious that Brad has never been a real parent with him, and when Jeanine or Robbie tried they were blown off. Maybe the fact that he seems to have raised himself almost without a parent explains his level of maturity. Plus, I really want Brad's son and Jack's son to end up together...

Well I really enjoyed this chapter immensely. I really enjoy the timeframe that St Vincent and the Bridgemont series takes place in. I think that Mark is able to capture so much of the era in a wonderfully intimate way without giving up that level of authenticity that those of us that are history buffs so enjoy. Well, it looks like Mr Darby did come back to bite Sir George, at least in a way. I sort of hope that we haven't seen the last of him, because I do think part of the problem was as Granger suspected; their involvment so soon after Travers death. I think they both needed each other to heal but that Darby because of his lack of maturity just didn't handle the situation as well as Granger did. I am glad to see Granger and Nelson back working together. Granger always gets up to the most interesting situations when he gets moved into a fleet of ships with Nelson in command. I really like how he handled the Committe of 30. I look forward to the next chapter with much anticipation and longing.

Hmmm, Will at Gunn, I have to admit I never even thought of that. It would be so interesting to see Will at Gunn and being up there with JP et al. I really like the idea because it would put Will with John almost full time and I love that idea. Plus we could see Will where Brad was and see how he would handle things differently and what he would do the same. I do think that this can't be a decision that Will and Brad make just by themselves. They are going to have to get Robbie and Jeanine's input and I am not sure how supportive she will be about it with Will's recent behavior. I do think that Will has a point but so does Jeanine and I really do think that Brad has let Will call to many of the shots lately, starting to wonder who is the parent and who is the child. Oh, I never thought about Tiffany ending up at Escorial either but I guess that makes sense as well with Matt and Wade being so close by. They would be able to help her out and stay sort of bonded. I am glad to see Gathan back in Claremont and see some of the story move back there at least for a while. I really enjoy anytime the story moves back there, I don't know why but some of the best chapters throught the CAP series have been there for me. Plus, we have to see who Gathan can get into trouble with next there.... I can't wait for the next chapter, keep up the great work Mark.

I loved loved loved the latest chapter of this story... I really like the dual narration and find it is really making the story more interesting for me. Now, down to brass tacks so to speak. I do think Brad, Robbie, Jeanine, maybe Tiffany, and Will are going to have to have a come to Jesus meeting soon. As mature as Will is in many ways, he is not an adult and is going to have to do what the adults in his life dictate to some extent. He may think they are idiots or are just trying to ruin his life or control him; but that is their job to some extent. LOL... If any teenager is completely happy with their parents, then the parents are not doing their jobs the way they should be. I think in the end Brad is going to have to be the one that really draws the line, Brad has allowed Will to ignore to many of the others for to long for them to have enough authority to force a change. Someone suggested earlier that Will needs to make a really bad mistake and realize that he doesn't know it all; I at least hope this doesn't happen. That is part of a parents job is setting enough boundaries that the child or teenager doesn't get to that point. I am also glad that Gathan is going to go home to Claremont for a while at least. This will give him to to digest and absorb what has happened to him recently, and no not just the shooting. He needs to be away from turbulence and see how it's effects are going to shake out in his life. Plus, Ella is gonna need a shoulder to cry on with Darius going back to Cali for a while... Can't wait to see what is next...

Well now I have to apologize as well, I should have considered the technical issue as I too have issues with the site on an ongoing basis or I am just bad with computers... I think the fact I had just had a flaming emailing in my personal box away from this site yelling at me about some of my previous comments probably had me more on edge that I thought. I am really sorry that I didn't take the time to look at what you wrote in other contexts but the one I took. I really have enjoyed using the forums on gay authors and find it interesting to see others points of views on what Mark as written and how everything is colored by our own experiences. I have blocked the two that were sending me emails to my yahoo account and have decided to just not take what they said seriously. I would hope that even when we all don't see eye to eye that we can maintain a sense of propriety and manners. Let's enjoy the give and take of the forum, the discussion, and the delicious anticipation of Mark's next chapter appearing...