The Cockney Canuck

I should never read or reply to reviews before 10 am, as just like Robbie, I am not really much of a morning person. In fact, there is an awful lot of me in Robbie, which is probably why I take criticism of him a little too personally. That doesn’t mean he’s going to get much smarter or start treating people any differently anytime soon because that’s the way he is and he believes that he’s the good guy. However, as you rightly point out, he is a ‘confused and emotionally fragile’ teenager and has a lot of serious issues that are yet to be resolved.

Like most people, Robbie is flawed—perhaps more so—although he doesn’t really know it and even Nathan, is quick to point out that he’s ‘far from perfect’. However, he also considers this to be part of his boyfriend’s appeal and he’s made it clear that he doesn’t want him to change in any way. Robbie’s difficult past has perhaps enabled him to get away with a little more than he should have as a fifteen-year-old and he has been quick to use this to his advantage and play the sympathy card whenever he can. This is quite normal under these circumstances and not only doesn’t he see anything wrong in it, but regards it almost as compensation for the hurt he has suffered in recent years

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It’s worth remembering that this story is seen entirely through the eyes of a very problematic teenager, who makes mistakes and is often careless, but he’s no villain. Underneath all that mayhem and false bravado is a troubled young boy, who has had to grow up far too quickly and with very little guidance along the way. As Nathan is discovering. though he has a lot to offer and a big heart and maybe he will be the one who can bring out the best in Robbie and help him to conquer his demons.

Uh... Very problematic??  Judgy much?   LOL... You know, anyone who has been through the kinds of trauma Robbie has been through... well... he's doing pretty good... and look, ma, no counseling.   Has he got himself into some scrapes? Sure. But the fact that he doesn't enjoy hurting people, the fact that he genuinely appreciates people for who they are... (Ok, maybe he's a little ga ga over Nathan... but I've been married for over a decade and I'm still a little ga ga over my guy...) all point to a Robbie who, (unless I miss my guess...) is truly a good guy who is stronger, and more capable than he, or his author knows yet...   and who knows... maybe there's a good bit of that intellect and strength in this guy named Dodger who writes about him... (I'd bet there is... and I'd bet that Dodger's got a real task-master of an inner-critic too... LOL...   )  My suggestion, be gentle with your characters, and be gentle with yourself--you'll be amazed at what you all will create together...   (Yes, I smile like this in real life too!  )  

+100 on what davey said.  Robbie will grow up and, hopefully, conquer his demons.  If I read the future right for him, he will grow into a fine man who travels the world and maybe even has a side hobby of writing about his youth as a gay teen who is coming to terme with the hand delt him by the fates.  Just my guess, but I am going to keep reading to find out......

Sue: “That wasn’t funny Robbie.”

No, no it wasn’t.  Those were his second thoughts that he denied having.  I’m really disappointed that Robbie didn’t seek out his options and learn what his rights were. There needed to be conditions before this proceeded.  They weren’t even discussed.  He has real problems and is adamant that Don isn’t his father?  Well the time to discuss and resolve that was before he told the judge everything is just peachy and let’s go ahead with this adoption thing.  

Also, the pool thing?  Yeah fuck that.  Not funny.  If that were me I’d have literally no problem walking out of “my” party. I’m probably just a stick in the mud though.

I totally agree with both those observations, @spikey582 - but I guess we have to accept Robbie isn't good at making his opinions and dislikes known in a rational and efficient manner.   

42 minutes ago, spikey582 said:

Sue: “That wasn’t funny Robbie.”

 

No, no it wasn’t.  Those were his second thoughts that he denied having.  I’m really disappointed that Robbie didn’t seek out his options and learn what his rights were. There needed to be conditions before this proceeded.  They weren’t even discussed.  He has real problems and is adamant that Don isn’t his father?  Well the time to discuss and resolve that was before he told the judge everything is just peachy and let’s go ahead with this adoption thing.  

 

Also, the pool thing?  Yeah fuck that.  Not funny.  If that were me I’d have literally no problem walking out of “my” party. I’m probably just a stick in the mud though.

I  agree with both of these things. Robbie struggled from beginning. Should have had counseling after the death of his mum. Most certainly after attack. I don’t think he realizes just how serious the situation is. He just gave them legal control. Knowing that Sue and Don do for themselves.

Thank you to everyone who has commented on this story.

Almost four thousand comments have been posted, and all but a handful have been positive and encouraging.

I've always regarded The Cockney Canuck as more of a soap opera than a story, and readers come and go, but there are some who have read every chapter. I tip my hat to these small but vociferous group of hard-core fans who have taken Robbie into their hearts and kept me focused over the years.