Michael is acting like such a baby! He honestly believes that he is still in competition with Justin. He is acting more like a drop-in Dad then Brian ever could, it is not surprising he is acting jealous and spiteful he always did that when no one was paying attention to him. Nice to see Deb not playing his game anymore the apron strings had to be cut sooner or later.

The girls are finally acting like adults and they are coming to realize that their actions do have consequences for Gus and Jenny Rebecca.

Glad Brian is refusing to play along with Michael the time has come for everyone to stop coddling Michael he is a grown man who should be more concerned about his daughter then himself.

So glad to see another chapter!! And I'm glad that Mel agreed to move to the caretaker's cottage. It was a really good decision for all involved.

Michael is- as ALWAYS- a selfish prick. He can't see to his daughter's need for fun and normalcy because he is so damn worried about his own. I'm glad that Ben said what he said to Michael about the camping trip and hopefully he and his sour self will STAY HOME! SMH... I'm also glad that Carl stood up to the whiny brat and for once, Deb did not automatically take Michael's side. That was certainly a refreshing change! 

Looking forward to MORE! Happy Writing and HUGS,

~Nichelle

First....*eyebrow still raised* at Michael... perhaps there is hope for him but I retain my right to be wholly and unequivocably skeptical. If he finds out that Mel and Lindz are thinking of moving back to the Pitts, I'm sure his selfish and invasive streak will rear its ugly head.

Speaking of which, I think Brian's idea of the carriage house is a splendid idea. Hopefully Mel will go for it! It is the best of both worlds and it would be nothing to invoke the same rules Brian has of not arriving without a courtesy call first. Hopefully the property is gated and requires a security code (for Debbie and Michael might I also suggest an electrified fence and spiked bobwire as well) to gain entry. Again, I wholeheartedly AGREE with Mel about not being so close to the Novotnys. Being involved in Jenny's life to a certain degree is one thing, but constantly butting in where they are not invited is another!

I laughed out loud at Brian's description of Mel and Justin. And I could really feel his relief at the change in Lindsay's conversation. Therapy really seems to be helping her and for Brian's sake, I hope it continues! 

Happy Writing and HUGS,

~Nichelle

To say that I wanted to smack Michael would be an understatement! I was thinking more along the lines of a FIST doused in some HOLY water to exorcise that demon of SELFISHNESS!! Michael is truly like a robot programmed and wound up to walk around talking about "What about me? What about me? What about ME?!" I STILL marvel at Brian being called narcissistic when in Michael's world, it's ALL about Michael! Perhaps Deb is FINALLY getting the clue that the rest of the family has had long since. I wonder if Ben will actually make any progress with his...husband.

On to the next chapter!!

Happy Writing and HUGS,

~Nichelle

Good to read the girls are going much better.

It would be nice if they agreed to live in the house near Britin.

I loved "Dad told her to find her own boyfriend. She turned red and ran to Justin."

Love this story.

Lorie

So how does one forget their child? Michael really needs to get a clue and fast. I  truly hope he does not try to sue for custody....he won't win and it would hurt JR  more than he knows.

And yes Lindsay asked the same question I always have....because Lindsay cheated with a man did that makes her indiscretion worse? Melanie never saw her little fling with Maryann as being as hurtful in comparison, but it was. Mel even chose to leave at that time not really taking Gus into consideration all the while she berated Brian who in fact was still around for him. Maybe the journals they are keeping will finally allow them to put things into perspective.

I won't get too much on my soapbox here LOL, keep up the good work.

Thank you for the quick update, and with 2 chapters!

I liked how you describes Deb/others:

"Deb believes mothers nurture like she does. She smoothers but she means well. I think with Michael, it was just the two of them, so she overcompensated and you have whiney Michael. The rest of us aren’t her kids, she helped us, was there when you needed her, but let us learn to solve our own problems. With Michael it was everyone doing for him."

I love how Ben, Justin and Brian put the kids first.  Mikey's not to that point yet.  Hopefully the girls figure out how to be better friends to each other and don't try to fight Brian on the custody matter. 

I hope the girls can keep themselves in check.

BRILLIANT! And once again two chapters. Loved it.

Michael just might surprised us and come around...who knows. Stranger things have happened. Ben is a dream. Gotta love him. knowing just what Jr would want to do.

Curious as to how this meeting will go with the girls. Could go any of several ways. Really looking forward to you dealing with it. I know Mel is recognizing her need to change regarding Brian, but I'm thinking it may take awhile.

Thanks for the treat!!

Cheers.

Elaine 

Poor Gus and poor Brian; huge weight on their shoulders. I hope that Justin will be able to put some off.

As for Jenny Rebecca, fortunately she has Ben, Brian and Justin by her side because her father has no damn clue at all, as usual, but this is worse because he considers her being a brat when she tries to express herself. What a dumb idiot (I know it's duplicative, but I can't help it).

I can't wait to read more of this story.

I like how you give everyone's POV and that you put Justin in this important role in the kids' lives.

He is almost still a "kid" himself for some things but very mature for some other.

So, he is the best link between the kids and the "family".

It's cute that Jenny is "in love" with him. It might be a problem with Michael as he is always jealous of Justin and maybe with Mel as well.