Chester57

Jashley didn’t say exactly, but I’m going to assume that the restraining order applies to everyone in the group (as well as Jessica and Ted). So far as we know Brad has only called Jack and Jessica. She’s probably too scared to tell her folks so it remains to be seen what Jack will do.

Remember what Mike Harrison said to Jack about the restraining order back in Chapter 61— “He cannot contact you in any way, shape, or form. If he does, he’s getting tossed right back inside.” This means that Brad is already in violation of his parole for just calling Jack. If he wanted to, Jack could simply tell his dad and Brad would be gone. Of course, we know that won’t happen.

It seems to me that the twins already know that they’re through with each other but you’re right that there’s a confrontation coming. The fact that Amanda admitted she’s been talking to a classmate but won’t say who suggests that it’s someone Jack knows. I thought at first it might be Kelly but now I have someone else in mind. I like Jack’s observation that his Lit teacher, Ms. Pallin, doesn’t like guys. That could be interesting.

Good timing! Something to read while watching the parade.

Congrats on passing your exams although we never had any doubt! Any idea how long until you get posted to duty somewhere?

Know exactly what you mean but those days are gone. When the story began Jack was a model student who never caused a problem. Now, however, he has the reputation of a trouble-maker and the distinction of being Number One on the principal’s shit list. I’m sure that all of Jack’s teachers were told to watch him very closely and report anything unusual. If there’s any action at Brow Ridge this year then Jack had better stay out of it. (yeah, right!)

I’d almost like to see it happen. Especially now that Jack is going to be spending a lot of one-on-one time with Jessica playing kissy-face as George and Emily in Our Town. I’d love to see Kayla get insanely jealous. What this story needs is a good knock-down, drag-out cat fight.

The reason I think Amanda was talking to a classmate is that she said, “Oh, okay! I thought you were talking about the assignment...” Also, I don’t think she would sound so giggly and happy if talking to Brad.

Good chapter. A few things I noticed— It’s been a year and a half since Brad was expelled and jailed but Jack, Jessica and Joe are obsessed with the possibility that he’s got some Machiavellian scheme to get revenge. I think that Rhona was right— if Brad was going to cause trouble, it would have happened by now. He’s got to be afraid of violating the restraining order and going back to prison which is why he took off after accidently running into the group. They need to forget about him. Especially Jack. Ms. Cartwright’s attitude toward Jack when he approached her seemed a little weird considering their past history. I wonder if she’s been hit on while at school and this is her defense mechanism when a student gets too close? We’ll see. Who do you think Amanda is so chummy with all of a sudden? Obviously, a classmate— but boy or girl? I’m betting girl.

Thanks! One thing that I’ve been wondering about is the friction that seems to be coming from both Joe and Kayla. Joe’s crack, “Because that’s what you do,” and Kayla’s cynical “Nothing” comment tells me that they’re both fed up with Jack doing anything that even might call attention to himself. Be interesting to see where this leads since we all know that Jack can’t help but call attention to himself. Also, what do you think Joe is really up to? Going to the counselor’s office before Homeroom on the first day? Forgetting his phone? Could be that he’s trying to distance himself.

Thanks, Joe… and congratulations on your promotion to ‘Groper’ status!

Don’t sweat it. Our patience is legendary.

I don’t think they’ve ever talked about their favorite music— at least that I can recall. At the Homecoming dance Jack said that ‘Under Pressure’ was one of his favorite songs. I’m trying to remember when Jack and Kayla actually did have a slow dance. He got banned from the Prom last year so I don’t know where else they could have settled on a special song. Perhaps Jashley can remedy that when Valentine’s Day comes around.

The restraining order against Brad explains why he bolted out the back door of the restaurant but I wonder if he lost his job doing that? If he got fired then he’ll blame Jack. How might Brad try to get revenge? Simple, really— get someone else to do it. That’s assuming Jack isn’t stupid enough to go after Brad himself. “I’d fucking end him. I’d end him and hang the consequences. It would be worth it.” Maybe he IS stupid enough.

That’s really good! Keep going...

Merry Christmas all!

Good of the Navy to give you the holidays off but I wouldn’t get used to it, especially if you get posted to a sub. Best wishes to you and your family for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Hey, and don’t forget— we still want a few stories from Boot Camp!

Well, that was interesting. My first impression is that Jack showed more maturity when he was a sophomore than he does as a senior. He came across as a whiney little brat when he yelled at his dad. I was hoping that Mike would slap him upside his head and scream, “Grow a pair and deal with it!” Anyway, it’s good to see that Belle is back… and AP PhysEd with Ms. Cartwright? Drop and give me twenty, Mr. Harrison!

Thanks! The anticipation is high on this one.

Jack retires his White Knight persona and becomes the Demon Hunter. I like it!

Also recall that Mr. Nightingale had lost his job back when Brad was blackmailing Jessica and Ted so I guess anything is possible. Maybe his folks abandoned him and he was declared a ward of the state? Just gonna have to wait and find out what his situation is.

That’s a good point. I don’t know what else they could have been worried about except Brad. In 20/20 hindsight, Jack said he wished that he hadn’t blown off Jessica at the beginning of the summer. It’s likely that Brad has been in contact with Jessica and Ted for a while, using veiled threats to get info on the group. I bet he thought about Jack every single day he was in juvie. One thing I’d like to know is whether Brad is still living with his strict parents or if they kicked him out. His folks were the only people that he feared and respected, so without them he would be pure trouble. Brad will use the happenstance run-in at the mall to try and worm his way back into Jack’s good graces. Yeah, pure-D trouble ahead.

Whoa! Pretty good cliff-hanger. It’s going to be a very long year for everyone. I have a good idea what Mike Harrison wants to discuss with Jack before he leaves for college. That will be an interesting conversation.

Aarrghh!! Second time in a row you've posted a new chapter and I'm at work! But thanks-- I'll read it tonight.

Looking forward to it.