Date: Oct 14, 2018 11:42 pm Title: Chapter 27
What a wonderful story, you write beautifully and I love the world you have created for Brian and his children.
Author's Response:
Awww, thank you so much :) I am glad you're enjoying the story.
Thanks for coming along on this wild ride. More will be up soon :)
Date: Oct 14, 2018 10:35 pm Title: Chapter 27
Great chapter. Glad that Gus is doing better. Now it is Dad's turn to feel better, too.
Author's Response:
Gus deserves some good news and deserves to do better. Poor guy has been through enough...
Hopefully Brian will accept Billy's advice :)
More will be up soon!
[Report This]Date: Oct 14, 2018 9:24 pm Title: Chapter 27
Things are improving. Let's hope Brian takes Billy's suggestion to heart.
Author's Response:
Yes, they are indeed and they might even more if Brian will listen to Billy's advice.
More will be up soon :)
Date: Oct 11, 2018 5:25 pm Title: Chapter 26
Poor Gus, no wonder he has bad nights. He must be frightened to lose his dad too. He doesn't deserve what is happening to him and Brian, with all his love for his son, won't be able to help him pass this step.
Who did Justin meet? I hope it's not Ethan n°2.
Author's Response:
Yes, poor Gus indeed :( I feel so bad for what I am putting him through. At least we know he'll get his happy ending eventually :)
All we know is that whoever Justin has met will not be part of his life anymore when Justin returns to Pittsburgh ;)
More will be up soon :)
Date: Oct 11, 2018 9:48 am Title: Chapter 26
Hi again! First, of all, I've to praise you again! Your writing-style is so amazing and no matter what feeling you want to express, it works. I feel so much joy when Luke only "giggles" but also so much pain and dispair when Gus is crying. Awesome! I feel so sad for Gus! I want to hug him! therapy will be good for him!
Jennifer... What can I say. On one hand, I'm really so happy for Brian. Can't imagine how he would have went through it all without Jennifer by his side. She's really the mother he unfortunately never had. On the other hand... I still want to strangle her. And with this chapter I realised clearly why. I think everyone, Debbie, Ted, Brian, they all decided at one point not to tell Justin, but they also didn't had anymore contact. Jennifer's the only person who continues to see him. So, there's her life as the "good" mother of Justin and then there's her life as a grandmother to Justin's child and as a "mother" to Brian. And I really can't imagine how she's able to handle this. Visiting Brian, baking cookies with Luke and also Gus and then going to New York to be with Justin. I really don't understand how she was able to behave this way for five years. She really leads a double life. And if Justin hadn't returned to Pittsburgh she would have never said a word!?!? In my opinion, she's the one who is betraying Justin again and again. And I also think that it's really not fair to speak wih Brian about Justin, telling him about a new boyfriend and such stuff, but not telling Justin anything. Wow, you see, I'm getting angry all over again. :-) As for a new boyfriend... I've told you before, I can't stand stories in which Brian falls in love again, because for me, he's the type which only loves once and a new relationship would mean - in my opinion - that he really hasn't got any more feelings for Justin any longer. With Justin, it always feels different for me. Okay, so there's a new boyfriend, but deep inside, he'll always love Brian the most. I hope, it's understandable what I wanted to eypress. It's really hard for me to do it in English. And of course it will hurt Brian, but he could have had it differently. So, have a nice weekend and warmest regards!
Author's Response:
Awwww, thank you. You say the nicest things :) I am blushing reading your comment!
I want to give Gus a hug as well. I feel so bad for what I am putting him through - poor guy :( He deserves all the hugs he can get!
I totally understand what you're saying about Jennifer and I can only agree. I think she felt like it was what she had to do to make sure that Justin would become the artist she knew he could be, but that doesn't excuse her behaviour. Just like it doesn't excuse Brian's :(
I also totally agree with what you said about Brian and Justin having relationships. Brian to me can only be in a relationship with Justin and that's it. Justin would be the only man he loves and would be in a relationship with. All the other men are just meaningless fucks, but Justin is the one that means something and always will be THE ONE!
As for Justin: We have seen with the fiddler that he's able to fall in love with someone else while at the same time continuing to love Brian on a deeper level. Justin always had the dream of having a family, of getting the house, the picket fence and to me it only makes sense that he would try and pursue that dream even if Brian isn't involved. That won't mean he stopped loving Brian, but it means he's trying to move on.
Yes, Brian made the decision and now he has to live with the consequences. All of them! Which includes Justin loving another man :/
More will be up on Sunday - see you then :D
[Report This]Date: Oct 11, 2018 1:49 am Title: Chapter 26
How to explain things to a youngster? I think the therapist idea is a good one. I could use one.
Author's Response:
The therapist is a good idea indeed. And I think at times we can all use one ;)
Thanks for your comment! More will be up on Sunday :)
Date: Oct 11, 2018 1:33 am Title: Chapter 26
It was so heartwrenching reading about Gus. His bedwetting, which was certainly brought about through abandonment issues, was written so well. I could hear the fear and uncertainty in his voice, while begging Brian not to leave. Gus is way too young for a child to lose two parents. Especially the way Melanie had left him. So it's a good thing Jennifer and Blake are suggesting a psychologist. Because right now, it's the best thing he can do for Gus.
Justin having met someone was a twist I didn't see coming. I can see it as plot progression (something Brian has to deal with by making the choice to push him away) but I can only hope it dies before getting too serious. Justin doesn't need more disappointment in his life.
Thanks so much for this wonderful update. I'm still looking forward to Sunday's.
XOXO ~ Cathy
Author's Response:
Yes, poor Gus. I feel so bad for what I am putting him through :( Poor guy doesn't have an easy time in this story...
At least we know that he'll get his happy ending in Back for Good :D
As for Justin meeting someone: While I do agree that Brian would only ever have a relationship with Justin and no one else, I don't see Justin the same. While Justin will always love Brian, he will also be able to love other people and have other relationships. We saw it with the Fiddler and I really can't see Justin being on his own for five years. Especially since he was the one that wanted a relationship, wanted the picket fence and the family. As for that relationship getting too serious: At least we know it won't last forever :P
Thanks for your comment! More will be up on Sunday :)
Date: Oct 11, 2018 12:49 am Title: Chapter 26
Great chapter. Poor Gus going thru so much and now Brian having his own issues. Terrific writing.
Author's Response:
Yes, poor Gus indeed. I feel so bad for what I am putting the poor guy through :(
More will be up on Sunday :)
Date: Oct 10, 2018 10:08 pm Title: Chapter 25
This story and the other Pittsburgh story are fantastic enjoying them so much xx
Author's Response:
I am glad you're enjoying the stories :) Thanks for coming along on the ride!
Date: Oct 10, 2018 5:41 pm Title: Chapter 25
What an uncaring bitch Mel can be, so blinded by her jealousy.
Author's Response:
Yes, it's really sad :( And the only one who will suffer from it is poor Gus :(
Date: Oct 10, 2018 2:35 pm Title: Chapter 24
I'm surprised by two things: first, Brian being so delighted by Luke's progresses and not once feeling guilty regarding Justin missing said progresses, especially when Brian remembers how he missed Gus' firsts. Secondly, I don't know how Melanie could start this battle, knowing she wouldn't have the financials to support her new life and her kids'. I often hate Melanie, but she is all but stupid; I don't see her doing this, even if her goal was to hurt Brian. As a lawyer, she knows that finances are a great part of the family life; she would also know that Brian would fight her and she would lose the money he sends her every month, therefore she wouldn't have enough money to live with two kids.
Other than that, it's great for Gus and Luke that Brian gets the custody.
Author's Response:
As for your two comments:
1) Brian has made his peace with his decision regarding Justin a long time ago. He isn't constantly beating himself up about Justin not being there and won't do that until Justin becomes a part of his life again and he sees firsthand how much damage his decision has caused to both Justin and Luke. We are not to forget that at this point in his life Brian is a 100% sure that he has made the right decision for Justin and that Justin wanted his career. Why would he feel guilty if he is absolutely sure that he's done the right thing for Justin? That guilt will only come into play once he sees Justin's pain with his own eyes and realises that he was damn wrong :(
2) Melanie is not thinking clearly at the moment. She is guided by pain and anger and those are never great motivators :( Her pain over her family falling apart (for which she blames Brian) and her anger at Brian for causing that pain makes her want to lash out at him in the only way possible: Hurting him by dangling the "you have no rights to Gus"-card over him :(
Thanks for your comment - more will be up soon :)
Date: Oct 09, 2018 9:30 am Title: Chapter 25
Hi again! Gosh, how cruel and bitter Mel is. You know that I don't quite agree with your version of Mel. At least I always liked her a bit more than Lindsay. I often felt sorry for her, because Lindsay knew exactly how to play Brian and Mel against each other. And Lindsay was just annoying me at some point. This... I have a very special relationship with Brian, I am the mother of his son... She always felt so damned special in this role. So I like stories in which both Brian and Mel recognizes her bullshit for what it is, don't let themselves be played any longer and even become friends. But as I wrote before, I can understand, if and why one portrays her character like that.
Terrible and pathetic, how she blames Brian for everything. And that she doesn't even bother to listen to Brian's view of things. She could've contacted him much sooner to talk to him about Lindsay and her behavior. But no, she also has her deadlocked image of Brian full of prejudice. That all three of them don't trust him or better, wish that he matures in his life, is so fucking sad. And it's a bottomless impudence, how she treated him here. To blame him for destroying her family and her life, to say that Ted is only his friend because he bribes him with money.... To lie to Gus about Brian and the reason for his absence... And in the end, first and foremost, she's hurting only one person with her behavior, and that's Gus... This is so pathetic, cruel and I have no words for her... Poor Gus, it's really understandable, that he'll need help. First, he's lost Justin, then Lindsay and now also Mel (although I don't feel that she deserves to be around Gus any longer - I think, she would have always saw Brian in him, and wouldn't have treated Gus without prejudices). Great chapter! Warmest regards!
Author's Response:
Hi, thanks for your comment :)
I totally get what you are saying about Melanie and when I started writing this story, I thought about what kind of character I wanted her to be for a long time. I totally agree with you and also like stories where her and Brian figure out how Lindsay is playing them and become kind of friends and I was really thinking about going down that road with her for a long time, but then the angst-lover in me took over and won and I thought it would be a lot more dramatic if she turned out to be a real bitch about things and Gus lost her too, so that in the end he would only have Brian. In my opinion that made for a more dramatic storyline, also having in mind Gus' reaction to Justin reappearing in his life and other story arcs in Back for Good. But that's just my opinion.
And I totally agree about Lindsay - her whole "I am the mother of his child" act annoyed the hell out of me... Just like Michael's "I am his best friend"-routine.
As for Melanie, I think she is controlled by her anger and pain and not thinking clearly. Her anger and rage at Brian clearly took over and is controlling her actions which, as you said, in the end only hurts Gus :( Poor guy!
He has been abandoned by so many people he loved and considered parents and at the end only Brian is left :( No wonder that Gus will have issues adjusting. I feel so bad for what I am putting the little guy through. But once again: I love drama and my muse demanded drama! At least we know that he'll get his happy end! :)
More will be up tomorrow :)
Date: Oct 08, 2018 7:33 pm Title: Chapter 25
Wow! Mel the superbitch!
Stll loving this, although prob going to end soon.
Thanks for explaining to me about the charges/DNA issues before. I think I was getting my timeline on he story messed up! So may stories to read and to many to keep straight in my head at one time!!
Looking forward to the rest of it.
TTFN
Deb
Author's Response:
Yes, I like your description of her ;)
We are nearing the end, but there's still some stuff to come. So don't despair yet :)
And don't worry about getting stuff mixed up, I know how that goes only too well. If there are any questions or confusion, please don't hesitate to contact me and ask me - I'll try to clear up what I can :D
Thanks for your comment. More will be up soon!
Date: Oct 08, 2018 11:46 am Title: Chapter 25
Wow she really didn’t love him because if she had there is no way she would let him go without getting a visitation program and promise to see him again soon
Author's Response:
I think on some level she must have loved him, but in the end her anger and rage at Brian took over and clouded any feelings of love she might have had for Gus. Poor guy :(
More will be up soon :)
[Report This]Date: Oct 08, 2018 2:27 am Title: Chapter 25
Melanie is completely delusional.
Author's Response:
Unfortunately yes :( And the one to pay the price for that will be Gus :(
Date: Oct 08, 2018 2:13 am Title: Chapter 25
Maybe it would have been better if Brian would have had Watson go with him to pick up Gus, instead of Ted. Maybe then, the vile, hate-filled words that spewed from Melanie's mouth could have been stopped. Watson could have pointed out the emotional, traumatic environment Gus was being raised in, and tell her he should have his client sue for defamation of character. ANYTHING to get that bitch to shut up! Brian will have Jennifer to help him with Gus, and maybe from a woman's perspective, she will be better able to help him understand the lack of Mel in his life. Mel spouted out how JR was going to be raised without Lindsay as her mother, and without Michael as her father. Well, I say 'good riddance'. Mel should have taken a page out of Ben's book and be glad they were gone.
How cruel was Melanie to not have explained everything to Gus. She didn't even have his clothes and toys packed. And the lowest of the lowest, she didn't even say goodbye to Gus. Just tossed him away. Makes you wonder how much she really loved him, or if she was she just using him to have something of Brian's that he loved and wanted. I have to wonder how Melanie felt when she saw the excirement radiated off Gus that he was going with Brian to Britin. So in regards to that, I'm happy they are all headed back to Pittsburgh. Brian can get his life back in order, and have his two Sonny Boy's with him all the time.
I know you knew what I meant when I said, I wasn't aware that you don't live in the U.S. So, I have to commend you on your writing ability that much more. But, incase other readers and reviewers are wondering, what I meant is that it should be common knowledge that people that live in other countries other than the U.S., can read English really well, but find it hard to write in English. So, to put out a story of this magnitute, it just surprised me to learn that.
Thank you for this wonderful story. I will be looking forward to Sunday again.
XOXO ~ Cathy
Author's Response:
I think Brian wouldn't have liked having his lawyer there as that would have made it more obvious to Gus that something "weird" was going on. I think Brian was hoping for a civil interaction with Melanie that would have as little impact on Gus as possible.
I agree, it's probably best for JR that Michael and Lindsay won't be too involved in her life. Those two aren't what should be considered a good influence on children :/
I think Melanie was just guided by her own pain and hurt and didn't think about Gus at all - which in my book makes her an incompetent parent. Your child's best interest should always be at the forefront of your mind. Not your own pain and hurt, no matter how hard it might be for you personally :(
Yes, in time Brian (as well as Gus) will get his life back on track and we know that a couple of years down the line they will all get the happy ending that they deserve once Justin is back :D
To be fair, I have learned English for more than 20 years now, have studied it at university, have lived in the US and Northern Ireland and am currently living in Ireland. By now English is mostly my first language and German is only used as a second language when I am talking to my family or some friends. My work, my private life, most of it is in English nowadays :)
Thanks for your nice comment! More will be up tomorrow :)
Date: Oct 07, 2018 11:07 pm Title: Chapter 25
Wow, Melanie is turning out to be as bad as the idiots. Well it is her loss. Great update. Gus will be where he belongs.
Author's Response:
Yes, it's her loss. She doesn't know what she's missing by giving up Gus :(
More will be up soon :)
Date: Oct 05, 2018 7:35 pm Title: Chapter 24
Hi again! Great chapter! And again, my goodness, also Mel had built her entire arguments on Brian's past. Didn't she realize that this argument hasn't helped Lindsay and Michael? What I find really sad and pitiful about this is that all three of them don't know Brian at all. They've built a picture of him and aren't interested in seeing the real him, his mistakes, his fears, his dreams, his changes, all of that. They're all so pathetic. What I also don't understand is that Mel herself doesn't seem to find it necessary or important enough to be present. Was she really so sure of winning... I didn't expect that it would more by chance happen that Brian gets the sole custody. But that makes sense to me. Brian would have been satisfied with a continuous visitation. He would never have harmed Gus through trying or intending to separate him from Mel. I feel terribly sad for Gus. Actually, he's the loser here. Had Mel been given sole custody, she would have denied him contact with Brian. And now that Brian has been given sole custody, she decides not to see him anymore, although Brian intends to grant her a visitation right. And this after he just lost his mother. The poor guy. Mel behaves really terrible, inhumane, pathetic.
As for Jennifer ... I understood how you meant it. But I think I'm just too biased towards Jennifer. Somehow I just can't forgive her for what she did to Justin, her own son. And so for me that "this time it has to be different" sounded in this moment simply not right. I mean, I can really imagine that they all would behave in this situation the way they did. Except Jennifer - no matter if she now thinks that she married too young or maybe even for the sake of her children has renounced a career of her own... But I will try to be more forgiving with her... :-) Warmest regards!
Author's Response:
I think all of them (meaning Melanie, Lindsay and Michael) have problems accepting that Brian has really changed and grown up. Which might also have to do with them not having spent any time with him and just going by what they thought he used to be. But as you say, it only shows that they didn't know Brian at all. Even after five years apart and through all his pain Justin still knew Brian better than those three ever did :(
I think Melanie thought that a judge would always side with the mother and that she had the cat in the bag so to speak. As we know now, she was wrong...
Yes, Brian would have been satisfied with continued visitation. It was never his intention to take his son away from his mother. Especially after Lindsay disappeared on Gus by being in prison, Brian would have tried what he could to keep his son as happy as he could be and if that meant letting things go on as before, Brian would have done so gladly to avoid any harm from coming to Gus :( It only shows how much he loves his son and definitely more than Melanie could ever claim to love him. If she had really loved Gus, she would have known and accepted how important Brian and Luke are to Gus and would have tried everything she could to keep them in Gus' life instead of blocking his access to them...
A true cold-hearted bitch through and through :/
Haha, I do understand about your feelings for Jennifer and if you don't want to, you don't have to try to be more forgiving with her. Feel free to hate away all you want ;)
More will be up tomorrow :)
[Report This]Date: Oct 05, 2018 1:38 pm Title: Chapter 24
Melanie should have known better. I do wonder about what will happen with JR.
Author's Response:
Well, we already found out in Back for Good that Melanie took JR and moved away from Toronto, breaking off all contact with Debbie and Brian and Gus and in Back for Good Brian voiced his assumption that he thinks she might have never told JR about having a brother and family in Pittsburgh. JR was still a toddler so probably wouldn't remember much about them :(
We'll meet Melanie in the next chapter and will hear more from her directly :)
Date: Oct 04, 2018 3:57 am Title: Chapter 24
I question why I'm still reading this story, because it pisses me off so much, must be the fine writing and wanting and hoping that Justin takes his pound of flesh off of Brian in the 2nd part.
Reading how Brian loves watching Luke grow up, learning each new step in his life just makes me angry, because he never gave that choice to Justin.
And he actually wishes he could make up with Deb, not give Justin the same joy he finds with Luke, but Deb, wtf.
And then watching him go through a custody because he doesn't want to lose his relationship with his son tears my heart apart, not because he hurts so much, but because HE NEVER GAVE JUSTIN EVEN A CHANCE TO FIGHT FOR HIS CHILD.
If you weren't a good writer I'd be long gone.
Just two small things, it's not alimony, that's what a partner gets after a divorce, what you are looking for is "child support", not alimony, that kept throwing me out of the story. 2nd thing is no lawyer can change going from visitation to full support WITHOUT talking with the client first, that is totally illegal
Author's Response:
Haha, I do feel your pain ;) I was asking myself the question of why I am even writing this story a lot when I wrote it *lol* But in the end the result made me happy, so I guess it was worth it after all ;)
Where I am from alimony gets used for both - in German the direct translation for alimony (a word we call Alimente) even refers to children specifically in its first meaning and to adults (as spousal support) in its second meaning. I guess it must be an English-German language thing to make the distinction. Sorry that it threw you out of the story, but I guess that's what happens when the author is not native ;) Good thing the word was only used five times, so it hopefully didn't throw you too much :* I do apologise for that!
As for your second comment: We're talking a story where a man gave birth to a child. This is all fiction, so shouldn't be taken too seriously. I do get your point and am actually aware of what you're saying, but this is a fun little story that shouldn't be taken too seriously ;)
Hope it doesn't take away from you further enjoying this journey we're on :)
More will be up tomorrow!
Date: Oct 04, 2018 1:28 am Title: Chapter 24
First... Thank you for this very long chapter. I could never picture Brian giving up his role of Father to allow a stranger to raise his son. With the house and parents he grew up in, I can't see him relinguish control of his son, not knowing how he might be treated in his absence. It was different with Gus, as he knew Mel and Lindz, but even that scenario didn't turn out well.
You wrote what started out as a visitation hearing, that changed mid-course to a full custody battle, beautifully. I don't know what Melanie was thinking by denying Brian his visitation that first weekend, as it was court ordered. Her, as a lawyer, should have realized what a stupid move that was. A person can't just go against a judge's ruling without filing for that change first. And her reasoning was so lame. Lindsay has been in jail for how long now? So the fact that she was now in prison, doesn't make much sense, since Lindsay wasn't around when Brian started having his visitation. So IMO, she really deserved to lose full custody. And that is where I was mentioning to you that I thought Brian's lawyer should have brought up Mel's posing nude in a men's magazine as I knew she would play dirty. That really would have thrown Mel's lawyer for a loop. But at least Brian's lawyer was smart enough to bring up finances. One thing the lawyer should have stressed was Medical for Gus. How in the world would she have paid for a medical expense for either child if something came up? Just an overnight stay in the hospital could easily run up to a $1000. What did Melanie expect? That Brian would continue to send her $5,000 a month? Stupid woman. She let her jealousy, pigheadedness and hatred get the best of her, without even thinking of Gus in this situation.
Will we get to see Mel when she learns the outcome of the hearing? Or when she has to hand Gus over to Brian? I'd love to see her put in her place the same as Lindsay and Michael. (kind of like gloating! :) Since the day Gus was born, Brian always put Gus' needs first, or at least what he felt was best for Gus. So I feel Brian and Gus finally both got what was best for them. So thank you on a winning court battle. It was the only outcome that really mattered.
I wasn't aware that you that you don't live in the U.S. So, I have to commend you on your writing ability that much more. Looking forward to Sunday.
XOXO ~ Cathy
Author's Response:
You're very welcome for the long chapter :) And I agree, knowing that Gus was being raised by Melanie and Lindsay was one thing, but Brian would have always needed to know that his son was happy and well taken care of.
I think at the moment Melanie is blinded by her hurt and anger and is letting all of it out on Gus and Brian :/ There might also be some frustration about how her life in Canada is going. Who knows?
I like that even though people tend to play dirty and bring up Brian's past, he tries to keep the fights clean and above the belt. He has always kept in mind that Melanie is for all intents and purposes Gus' mother and that his son loves her. Brian wouldn't have destroyed that for anything because it would have impacted his son's happiness.
Concerning the medical expenses, I think we're forgetting one thing: They are living in Toronto, Canada, not in the United States. Canada, unlike the United States, but like most Western countries has a publically funded health care system where your insurance covers all/most costs and Melanie has a job, so she would be covered. I have never in my life paid for any visit to a doctor or hospital until I moved to the United States, to be honest. Luckily I have always lived in countries with publically funded health care systems and have enjoyed free/very cheap health care (covered by my insurance). Even now living in Ireland where there is no public health care available and you have to get private insurance, I am covered by my insurance which doesn't cost me an arm or a leg - thank God ;)
We will hear from Melanie in the next chapter and will meet her in person then :)
I wasn't aware that you that you don't live in the U.S. So, I have to commend you on your writing ability that much more.
Why? Does not living in the US mean people write worse? :P Just kidding, I know what you meant. I have only ever lived in the US for 6 months in 2005 when I went to university there as part of an exchange programme from my German university. Other than that I have only been over for vacations ;) I am German, but happily living in beautiful Ireland <3
Date: Oct 03, 2018 11:45 pm Title: Chapter 24
Fantastic chapter. Gus will finally be where he belongs.
Author's Response:
Gus will finally be with his Daddy and his baby brother :)
Date: Oct 02, 2018 7:06 pm Title: Chapter 23
Hi again! My goodness, they have indeed built their entire defense on Brian's past. Are they really living in a totally different world and can't see how much Brian has changed or do they actually see it and just try to ignore these changes? They are both just so stupid and so pathetic. I have no other words for them. They're not even clever. How Michael answers to all those questions... All in all, however, you let the proceedings run very smoothly. I didn't expect them both to stay so quiet and take their punishment almost calmly.
Once again, you wonderfully portray Debbie and here, her pain. Even if the two idiots deserve this punishment, you've portrayed grandly that they didn't expect it at all. Whether their defender has prepared them for it? Michael doesn't seem to understand the world anymore. And as a mother, even though I don't share Debbie's opinion at all, I can feel her pain, her worry, her fear. but as so often, she blames the wrong person for her son's faults. And she has absolutely no right to behave this way, to slap Brian, to insult Brian and Blake. I'm feeling sorry for Carl. This situation has to be very hard and difficult for him and Debbie can be glad that Carl apparently loves her so much.
One thing made me a little startled. Brian is afraid that, like in Justin's case against Hobbs, no justice will come to him either. Okay, I understand that. But why does Jennifer say "This is different" and then "It just has to be"??? Maybe I didn't understand something, but I don't understand how she can say that. It sounds to me as if in her opinion the trial against Hobbs was not as important as this one. How can she? she's betraying Justin again. But maybe I'm overreacting here or interpreted it the wrong way. I just think my opinion of "your" Jennifer won't change. Warmest regards!
Author's Response:
They are delusional - it's as sad and simple as that :/ As for how much Brian has changed - both of them only ever wanted Brian to live up to an image and as long as he portrayed that image, they were fine with him. Now that he doesn't live up to the image any longer, they showed their true faces :(
Of course their lawyer has prepared them for the sentence, but the problem with delusional people is that they only hear what they want to hear and only accept their own version of the truth. So most likely they ignored him and didn't believe him when he talked about possible prison sentences...
We'll hear from Debbie and Carl again and will see how Brian will react when they try to get in contact with him again.
I honestly don't quite understand what you were saying about Jennifer and how you thought she meant the trial against Hobbs was not as important as this one. I think you lost me there :( She didn't say that, she didn't imply that and it certainly wasn't meant in that way.
Sorry for any confusion caused by that part, but all Jennifer was saying with those two sentences was that just like Brian she knows from experience how flawed the justice system is and how they didn't get justice for Justin at the time and how much like Brian she hopes that this time they will get the justice and that this time it just has to be different than it was with the trial against Hobbs. She is basically feeling the same insecurity as Brian about the justice system failing them once more and is trying to encourage him that this time things just have to be different and they will get their justice - which in the end they did :)
She was not betraying Justin again and she certainly didn't say or imply that this trial was more important than the one against Hobbs. I know we all dislike Jennifer for what she has done to Justin, but we have to be fair. She was just trying to encourage Brian here and just like him was reminded of the time when they were waiting for justice on another trial and in the end never got that justice :(
More will be up tomorrow :)
Date: Oct 02, 2018 7:21 am Title: Chapter 23
Thank you for this nice long chapter. I was really happy with the way the courtroom scene unfolded. The DA questioning had Lindsay putting her foot in her mouth. And the definitions of Michael and Brian as to who the club boy was, well Michael ended up making himself look like an idiot. Sentencing put the proverbial nail on the coffins, so all ended well.
Debbie... well what can I say? Seeing as I know the long-term development, all I can say is for now, the woman has temporany insanity. She should have taken those blinders off a long time ago. Like I said in an earlier review, with the way she saw things developing with Michael's reaction to Luke, she should have been more intune with noticing Michael's guilt in the kidnapping. But with her once slapping Brian, in a courtroom no less, she should have some sort of punishment coming her way. Even if she had to do some nasty community service time, it would be nice.
Okay, so now that Lindsay and Michael are taken care of, I'm hoping the next chapter will cover the Parental Rights court battle. Looking very forward to what will follow coming up on Wednesday.
Thank you for writing and sharing this story was us. Looking forward to Wednesday.
XOXO ~ Cathy
Author's Response:
I am glad that you were happy with the courtroom scene. Obviously I am not a lawyer or anything, so I always struggle a bit with scenes like that that involve a lot of local knowledge about how things are done in the US. Especially since I am not American either ;) Good thing that in the end it's all fiction and we can do what we want ;)
The two idiots finally got what they deserved :)
As for Debbie - we'll hear from her and Carl again and we'll get to see how Brian will react to that attempt to get in contact with him!
Yes, the next chapter will indeed be about Melanie and the custody case and it will be up tomorrow :)
Date: Oct 02, 2018 1:17 am Title: Chapter 23
I tell myself not to read WIP but it seems that I have failed with this one. I was curious about this story because you are writing two stories at once. I'm hooked on this one and will be looking for your next update.
Author's Response:
Hi Peggy, I think you might have missed the Chapter Notes on chapter 1: The story is finished already and has been for months. It will be updated twice a week on a regular schedule. So no worries about this becoming an abandoned WIP ;)
And honestly, I haven't written both stories at once ;) It was Back for Good first, then came the Pittsburgh Years afterwards when I felt that I wanted to explain some events in more detail than I was able to in Back for Good.
More will be up tomorrow :)