For those readers who experience my writing as it is posted, this is the first time I've had a double-header. So far, you have seen when the two books, If It Weren't For the Two of Us and Hi, I'm Lance, have overlapped. This is the first time I wanted posts to appear simultaneously.
I will admit the continuity in this area of Trent's and Lance's lives is challenging to align with the chapters. It is not crucial by any means, but I would recommend Trent's version be read first.
Read If It Weren't For the Two of Us, Chapter 39 here.
Then, the longer chapter focused on Lance and Jakob will carry the story further.
Read Hi, I'm Lance Meeting No. 35 [Chap. 18] here.
I know my previous post, "Loss," was rather hard. For those who have stuck with the story, I hope you will find these two an uplift following the sadness that was experienced prior.
Chapter 18 of Hi, I'm Lance is a favorite chapter of mine, particularly when the families become involved. I hope it comes off real and relatable to you.
Married or not, couples in relationships immediately have to figure out how to work through the holidays. Jakob didn't have to worry about this for nine years. Now it is on his plate. And I feel this is a good thing.
I've enjoyed all my holidays with "in-laws" for years and years. Hopefully, my family has provided some good memories on the flipside, but each has its own quirks, as I'm sure all couples face.
A big component of Trent's healing was the blessing of friendship. I concur. In my life, my friends are so incredibly important. I would fit right at home at his Friendsgiving.
The latest chapter of "If It Weren't For the Two of Us" is really heartwarming. I loved it. I look forward to reading Chapter 18 of "Hi, I'm Lance" tomorrow, when I no doubt will have more to say.
ReplyDeleteI would love to attend such an event. You had gay and straight and alcoholic friends all mixing wonderfully. I'm glad it wasn't all clique-y. Touching.
ReplyDeleteWill we see more of Scott and Luke?
T.
Poor Tyler. It was clear that he was in deep trouble, but I really thought he was going to end up in hospital after his boyfriend beat him up and then sort his life out with help from his friends. But no. It was all too much. A contrast with Jakob. His life seems to have been as bad, maybe even worse, but he's clearly a survivor (and a lovely guy - both personality and looks, it seems).
ReplyDeleteI find suicide difficult. I have attended three funerals of suicides - one a close and very dear family member - and known another; while another close family member ended up in hospital after a suicide attempt. No funeral is easy, all deaths of people we care about are hard, but suicide has a particular awfulness. Of course it speaks of despair in the person who dies but it is also cruel to the survivors. It's so hard not to blame yourself, even if you've tried to help.
More cheerfully, I have enjoyed both of the new chapters. Life does go on, even when we're hurting, and good things are happening here, especially for Jakob.
C.
The contrast between the "Thanksgiving weekend experiences" at Lance's family home versus at Jakob's family home – all within a 24-hour period – was great. The warm welcome that Jakob received from Lance's mother was so nice, and the hug Mr. Wheeling gave Jakob as he left was, too. I must admit that I'm curious to know how Oliver's opinion and feelings might develop over time. And I also wonder if Xavier will appear again sometime in the future...
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the deep insight into the characters that came forth in these chapters. Trent is still dealing with some anger with his parents, and I am not sure he will ever let go. Jakob got to be with his family, and, even though his father did not approve, he couldn’t derail this time together. The story is working wonders for me.
ReplyDelete- M.
What a terrific pair of installments! The other commenters have covered the content nicely -- a holiday feast of sweet payoffs for basic human decency and kindness. I'd just add as a note to Timothy that I'm glad you shared how tricky it has been keeping the two books running in parallel, because reading these two chapters I probably wouldn't have given it muchthought -- they seem to fit together so naturally and effortlessly!
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