thismy

Wow, it’s been a while. I went back through a lot of the discussion I missed since I dropped off again. I do agree that part of the reason I stopped reading was the change in Jack’s character, and the constant shit he always did. However, I’d be lying if I said it was the reason I stopped reading. Life gets in the way, and mine did. I’m gonna give it another go, and it seems like I’ve got a lot of story to catch up on. Congrats on the 100 chapter milestone, and I know the place isn’t as active as it used to be. You should know that I think about this story a lot. Sometimes it just comes to me in the middle of the day. I think “I wonder how Jack and Kayla are doing.” It was a part of me as I struggled with things, and as I grew up more. I think a lot of what frustrated me about the story and Jack is, that while the situations weren’t too similar, I found them to be real, and hitting a bit too close to home sometimes. I don’t really know how to explain it, but sometimes, it was hard to come back here. It was like coming back to a part of my life that I couldn’t get back. The point being, you’re an incredible writer, and your story has had a tangible impact on me. It inspired me to write on my own and to do it often.

I'd forgotten about 42 & 43. Those two chapters were a beautiful mosaic of failure, betrayal, and despair.

Those two things are angles I hadn't though about. I've been following the "Kayla feels suffocated" avenue pretty hard, but that could be only a side issue. Yeah, maybe she is feeling a little pressure from Jack she doesn't want. But the possibility that she is worried about her home life and her parent's life is likely, and that she is feeling pressure from her mom. I think that issue is most telling about their relationship. Jack and Kayla are shown to use through Jack's eyes. They are, in his mind, the perfect couple. They've grown a lot over their few years together. Yet they still have a lot of growth to go. There are a lot of things yet to come to set them as an ironclad couple.

It was incredible. I was feeling the same things. That nervousness, that sadness, even a bit depressed. That really damn good writing to do that to me. We see more and more of Kayla every chapter, and I love it! So chapter 81 was strong. Very strong. I'm reminded of my high school graduation, which was hectic and crowed, but I had it a one of my town's many event centers, not a university. I got Jack's feeling of being out of place at the arcade. Went to one of those for a party my senior year, and it was pretty bad. And Arthur throwing some shade! It'll be interesting to see how he and Tara work out. But Jack and Kayla have been splitting. There are definitely weak links in their relationship, and those are being stressed. The last conversation of the chapter seems to confirm our theories of Kayla's feeling of suffocation. It's technically not too late to change, but Kayla is in pretty deep. This, above all else, might actually be the biggest strain on their relationship. I know we all assume that Jack and Kayla are endgame, but this should be good to see.

I also just recently got back. It's a rough few chapters (rough as in for Jack. Great writing) but I like the direction. Took a while to catch up, I left off about the same spot as you.

Ch. 80 was soild. I sort of got my wish! Kayla attacking Jessica was a bit of a surprise, and Jack did have to rein her in. "Attacking," may be a strong word, more of a quick shove, but it did it's damage. Her final words were befitting, but we might get another glimpse of her, I think. The marriage point was quite contentious, and interesting to see play out. That was really the first time I can recall Jack and Kayla having an in depth discussion about it, and it's interesting that Kayla has been so set off. As Joe Long mentioned, college is a new window for Jashley. He can reboot, restart. Fresh characters, plot lines. New issues and challenges with Kayla. I think it's pretty safe to say they'll both go to ISU. Kayla may have second thoughts and so on, but I think they'll end up in the same place. They don't strike me as a couple that could survive the long distance. (few can, it destroyed my brother, though probably for the better. Hell, 50 miles ruined one of mine, but that was kinda on me) No slight against our heros, but that's just my perspective. The point about not having time in college, I don't buy that. At least not for freshman year. Right, Kayla will have some tough classes, Jack too but not as much. However, freshman year is mostly gen eds, lower level classes. Jack and Kayla have always seemed pretty smart. My freshman year, difficulty wise, was not that bad. And it was recent too. I had plenty of time on the weekends, and I often saw people all over campus. I suspect Jack and Kayla should be able to grab lunch at least twice during the week, and then on the weekends hang out. They can do homework together at the library, in study rooms all over. My school is not lacking in those. Free time abounds, even with homework. I'm really looking forward to Kayla developing her own group of girlfriends (maybe her roommate(s?) can be an in to that) totally independent of Jack. I think it's what Kayla needs, anyway. Maybe she rushes a sorority? She doesn't strike me as the type, but who knows. As previously trending through the thoughts on the last few chapters, the talk about marriage and other things, could Kayla be feeling suffocated by Jack? I don't doubt she loves him, but maybe she acts out to get her own space. The stress of college brings out booze party Kayla. She has her sorority-frat only parties. That could send Jack into another world of insecure. So many possibilities! I can't wait to see what's in store.

Chapter 76 about 2/3rds through: "“I have to check my schedule too and I think I’m supposed to go out with the girls on…maybe Saturday?” She thought about it for a second. “Or maybe it was Friday…Have to check.” “The ‘girls’?” “From work, genius. How many other girls do I know?” Before I could even state the obvious answer, she pressed a finger to my lips. “I’m not hanging out with Becca alone, Jessica’s out of the question, and Belle…” She grimaced sourly. “From work.” “How come I’ve never met them?” I asked once she finally pulled her finger away, “Believe me, I’m not gonna go after any of them.” “Good,” she said emphatically, her eyebrows arching, “Nice to know you don’t have a death-wish anymore.” “Yeah, well—” “And most of them are your mom’s age and married so…do with that what you want.” She smirked and folded her arms. “So what’s our next date gonna be?”" So yeah, I doubt Kayla has a lot of young male attention at her work, yet it is possible. However, I think Jack getting upset over it would be another big blow. "Jack, I love you. You still don't trust me?" Something like that. Kayla cheating on Jack is, in my opinion, highly implausible. Jack's insecurities, at this point in their relationship, would be kind of outrageous and probably a turn off for Kayla. I think you're right that Jessica shouldn't be taken lightly. I'm just not sure what she'd do. I doubt bring Brad back. Maybe try to humiliate them? Do something to get Jack or Kayla in a proactive position? It'll be interesting to see what her mom does and possibly meet her dad, who apparently she gets her stuck up entitlement from. Or is there one last villain or problem waiting in the wings for Jack and Kayla before they leave? With regards to Jeff again, I think the Brad thing is the problem. Brad was a significant character. We knew he'd come back, right. It was always likely. Personally I'd hoped he'd have changed, and Jack could at least not hate him, but whatever. Jeff on the other hand, we've never met, and haven't heard from for at least two years. Him coming to find Kayla when she and Jack were first together was likely, but not now. If he were to show up, It'd be very hard for me to accept without real good justification. I expect Belle might show up one more time, and we might get a tie up with the gym teacher whose name I'm too lazy to go spell correctly. We've still got a lot of story ahead of us. There are many things still to happen. Bombs, car crashes, water torture, engagements, wedding, college and all the things that come along with it, plus the items that haven't been teased. A lot of the story's recent conflicts have been past villains, old haunts. I expect we'll see something new.

The catfight seems most likely of the three, but personally seems far out to me. I'm not saying I have any better ideas, because as of now, I don't, but I just don't see it happening. I recall Kayla mentioning that her co-workers are all double her age, and Kayla doesn't seem like the older guy type of gal. So Jack probably wouldn't have to worry on that front. The Jeff point is possible, but I feel it'd be cheap, and Jashley usually leaves bread crumbs, which we've had none of. Jeff was a conflict. One that is far away and has been resolved.

That's what I want! Kayla has been on the same side in a lot of these issues. I'm hoping either it's something happening to Kayla that Jack and Kayla as a team, with our newly improved not fixing things as much Jack, work through. Or we get Kayla making a mistake. She's not perfect, and the biggest one I can remember is not telling Jack about Jeff. She's overreacted a couple times, but otherwise she hasn't made a big slip up. It's her turn, at least I think. Otherwise I really want a situation where it effects both Jack and Kayla and they're on the same page as to what to do, or maybe Jack has to reign in Kayla a little.

I forgot about Jessica's mom. That's an interesting one. I would also like to see more and was thrown by here frank discussion with Jack and Kayla.

79 was very quiet as well. Hmm. What is Jashley hiding? 79 was good, Jack and Rhona scene took up most of the beef. Calm and just what Jack and Kayla deserve, but will it last? I'm still over here waiting for Kayla to mess up. Yeah she's had her overreactions, and there was Jeff, but what else? Will Kayla slip up, make a mistake? Will it for once be on Jack to forgive? College is coming and we've still got so many known things to happen. Water torture, the bomb, possibly a car crash. I'm looking forward to seeing team Kack's next great challenge.

God, the ending to chapter 77 was beautiful. One of the better finishes to a chapter, in my opinion.

I gotta say, the ending to chapter 72 was pretty entertaining. I liked. Angry Jack and sibling Jack.

Oh I'm expecting it. I think I accidentally spoiled part of it for myself anyway.

I'm on chapter 70 right now, and I have to say. Jack fucking sucks. It's been a long time, I need to sort out my thoughts some. But damn. Everything he does pisses me off. He's too flawed.

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They once talked about a song they hated - 'Want U Back' by Cher Lloyd. That's the only other mention of music I can recall, really.

Jashley, serious question. Do Jack and Kayla have a song? Like it's 'their song.' Because the closest I can get is Under Pressure, and I'm not sure that one counts. If anyone else can answer this I'd take. Maybe we don't know 'their' song or maybe they just don't have one.

A double Merry Christmas! I mentioned my talk about proposals, and as a sort of Christmas gift (one you may or may not like) I've written up an opening piece to how I think a proposal might go. The Proposal: Jack stepped into the bathroom, doing last minute adjustments to his hair. He and Kayla had a date night tonight, nothing too formal, but Jack had big plans. His hand went insictivly to the inner pocket of his jacket. The small box was still there, inconspicuous and concealed on his profile. Jack had been planning for the right time for ages now. He'd bought it awhile ago, of course. He was just biding his time. What was the right time for the girl of your dreams, the love of your life? Jack had mulled over this question many times, never getting a straight answer. Why couldn't they write a book about this shit? The 'Here's The Exact Time To Propose Guide: All Things Engagement.'? He realized this was a ridiculous request, but all the same, some guidance would be helpful. He wasn't going to ask his parents. They knew his intentions, of course, but asking for advice would be too awkward. And he still wanted to be the one who came up the idea. Deciding that fussing over his looks would only make things worse, he pulled out his phone, idly checking the time. 5:20. Kayla would be home soon. He stepped back out into the hall of the apartment. He and Kayla had moved in together only recently, but he couldn't imagine living any other way. Kayla and him had talked about only doing that after they were engaged, and their parents weren't always 100%, but money didn't grow on trees, and Kayla was the best roommate he could ever ask for. Obviously, she wasn't without flaws, but love was the great equalizer, or something like that. Oh, and the sex. Couldn't forget that. It's a lot easier to not get mad at your roommate when they happen to be the sexiest person on earth. (No bias of course) He stumbled idly around the apartment for another 15 minutes, unable to settle. Then walked back to the bathroom, checking himself and going over his plans. How he hoped it'd go. He'd teased Kayla before, going down only to tie his shoe, bending to pick something up, or asking her a stupid question. He'd let off recently, in part because Kayla always ended up punishing him for his charades, but also because he wanted the suspense to build. They knew the were getting married. That was by now a foregone conclusion. Kayla and Jack both knew he was going to propose, at some point, but Jack still wanted it to be a genuine surprise. So he found himself, still home alone and nervous as all hell, thumbing through his contact to a familiar name. He clicked the call button and held it up. After a few rings, an enthusiastic voice burst from the other side. "Hey cuz!" Tara answered. Jack took a deep breath. "I'm doing it tonight." "You're doing what?" She questioned. Jack didn't want to outright say. He felt like even uttering the words would ruin the surprise. "With Kayla. I'm doing the thing." Tara let out a sound that was mixture of a snort and a gag. "You don't need to call me to tell me you two are going to have sex." She laughed, sounding endlessly bemused. Jack put his foot down, and turned his head a little. He felt like he was going to burst. "No it involves me going down-" Tara cut him off. "Jack! Gross! Stop!" "God no! Let me finish. It doesn't have to do with sex. It involves me going down on one knee." He said, quickly and nervously. Jack waited for it to process in Tara's mind. There was a moment of silence, then a piercing scream. Jack swore and dropped his phone, stumbling into the bathroom counter, in the process knocking over a bottle of mouthwash. His ear was ringing like he'd just been next to a bomb when it went off, and that actually wasn't that far from the truth. Once he'd sufficiently recovered from his disorientation, Jack bent to pick up the phone agian. He was pretty sure the scream had continued for some time, and the noise from Tara's end seemed to only just beginning to die down. Jack waited until she had finally silenced to speak again. He held the phone cautiously away from his ear, just in case. "I think you caused me permanent hearing loss." He groused. In hindsight, he should have expected it, but still. "Sorry." Tara replied, shrilly and apologetic. "It's just, I'm so excited! That's amazing!" "And I'm here shitting myself." "It'll be fine, Jack. She'll say yes." Tara reassured. "Do you have the ring?" "What?! Of course. How would I propose without one?" Tara giggled. "I wouldn't put it past you to accidentally leave it at home." Once again, Jack went to the interior pocket. This time opening the case ever so slightly and feeling inside. It was still there. "No, trust me, I've got it." "Can you send me a pic of it?" She asked hopefully. "Sure, when it's on her hand." Jack quiped with a confidence in his voice that caught him by surprise. "Darn." Tara pouted. "Don't worry, you'll get to see it." He assuaged. "And she doesn't know?" Her voice chimed, nervous and excited. Jack coughed and shook his head, though Tara couldn't see. "She's clueless." He replied, and he really hoped she was. "Who else knows?" Tara asked, voice hurried. Jack laughed a little, but he wasn't sure if it was because he was nervous or because Tara seemed more nervous than he did. "Only you cuz." "Ooo now I feel special." "Don't let it go to your head. I had to tell someone or I was going to burst. And you have to swear you won't mention a single word, picture, or any form of communication to anyone until you hear from me or Kayla personally." "I swear. Pinky promise. Cross my heart." "And I want you to know. Everyone else would let this slip somehow. I'm trusting you. " "I won't let you down." Tara responded stoically. He could here the salute in her voice. Just then Jack heard the apartment door open. "Hello!" Kayla called sweetly. "Well I gotta go. Kayla's home." Jack said quickly. "Good luck cuz, love ya." "Love you too." He finished and hung up. He poked his head out the door of the bathroom. Kayla had just turned the corner and flashed him a heart stopping smile. "Hey babe. Were you on the phone?" "Oh yeah, just Tara." Jack shrugged. "She couldn't have waited to say hi to me?" Kayla asked with mock disapproval. "Yes she specifically hung up when I told her that you came in." Jack joked, though it was somewhat true. Kayla shot him a withering look. "No she had to go. Something about dinner." "Dang. Speaking of which, I gotta get ready. I see you already are, sexy man." Kayla appraised, eyeing Jack's outfit. She walked over and kissed him. "How was your day?" "Good, getting better." Jack said, leaning against the wall and trying to sound relaxed. "You?" Kayak set her bag down by the bedroom door and rolled her shoulders. "Pretty good, same as you." She beamed, looking up. "Getting better."

Merry Christmas (I say after being woken up by my older brother)

I 100% agree with this. We might be able to atribute this to Jashley improving his writing skills and making Jack more of a teen (though he's nearly an adult) but he's getting older so the reverse is disconcerting. I'll use this moment to mention that I love who Kayla has become. Her character has advanced to be better and better, but I still do have my qualms with her.

So after my long hiatus, I've come back with my thoughts and veiws on the last four chapters. Maybe some personal details too. Disclaimer: some may be out of order, also, I might end up writing a full scale dissertation. As is standard, I skipped through most of the sex, although there was some important diolauge in there, and some funny too. It was good to see Kayla and Jack back in sync (for the most part). It's odd because although I skim the sex scenes, I still like to see them there. I can identify with Rhona on some level. I think of myself as very laid back person. This is a perception I've built. The 'i don't care and I'm chill' ideal. But sometime I do care and that can be really hard to express. I feel for her, because changing your perspectives and admiting to people that you're vunerable is really hard to do. I have trouble with, especially because people don't really understand sometime what you mean. Signing at restaurants is very dumb. I agree. I don't know why any restaurant does that and I don't know why anyone wants that. Expect if you or your friends are being dicks and letting the workers know it's someone's birthday Also "just what Kayla would want for my birthday!" Is a hilarious line. I choked at that one. Although it could be construed as passive aggressive. If it happens, everything willing, I feel like Jack's proposal to Kayla will blindside her. Like, she knows it's coming, but somehow doesn't expect it. That's how I want it to be at least. It's what I'm rooting for. I've been inspired thus far and I may make a write up of my ideas on how the proposal would go. (No promises) I did count to 180 in my head. Also, I'm pretty sure AP PE isn't a thing. Like, nearly 100%. Maybe my school just didn't offer it when I was there. Please someone prove me wrong. -- Whoops posted this too soon. I wasn't done. -- I think the reaction to seeing Brad was dumb. Nearly out of character for Jack. Like it was reactionary just to be reactionary. I didn't think any single character acted rationally and it seemed stupid to have them all panic and run. I did cheer out loud at Brad's return however. I was very excited about that. Just wish it had taken at least a slightly different turn. I also know, as most of us probably do, the thing about being really annoyed by your so, then being confused because they make you un-annoyed by them doing something sweet.

I've been away for awhile. (I'm on chapter 59 now) I'll have my comments when I'm all up to date. Joe, I just want to thank you. I've been facing some tough shit, and this made feel better than I have in a long time. Jack and Kayla's make up (fingers crossed that it continues) has me smiling and you're humor has me smirking and laugh again. Relationships are tough, I've been learning that myself. (Cause' I'm still a yougnun) Seriously, thanks so much. This means the world.

Rhona suggesting a threesome… it’s unlikely as it is unreasonable. We all know exactly how Jack and Kayla feel about sexual encounters with others. Kayla views Rhona as an active threat, that much is clear. Rhona, despite her affection and the hints of attraction we get, has made it perfectly clear that she will do nothing to threaten Jack and Kayla’s relationship. She also told Jack that Kayla would hear about any hint of unfaithfulness. Yet, that’s what scares me. I’d agree with the post made by alexander. This chapter seemed very out of character for the both of them. It’s not how we’ve seen either of them treat friendships. The ending is what really scared me. Jashley does like cliffhangers, and we get plenty of foreshadowing from him. I think Rhona will most definitely do something about it. I don’t see that ending well. At all. Now, I’ve been wrong plenty of times, and I pray I’m wrong this time. I hope we get to see Kayla and Jack figure their shit out, now that he’ll be 18. (All of Kayla’s reasons for no sex are complete bull aside from the emotional ones. I’ve done a fair amount of reading that indicates it’s perfectly legal for them. No matter, I understand and respect the decision Jashley says Kayla made.) However, my gut tells me bad things are to come. And when is Jack’s birthday again? Did Amanda say they were having a girl’s day out on that first day of the convention, because Kayla didn’t mention it at all, I don’t think. Overall, another good chapter, though it did seem a little shorter than others but I get the reasons for that.

Maybe they were struggling to have kids and Hannah took some fertility drugs. I know those can give people twins, triplets, and beyond.