Watching Brad

[Kyanimal]

O.K. I'm DENSE!!! I just don't quite get it! How could pushing Brad away be any good for Ted, or the kids?? Brad didn't seem to be "The Problem"! In fact, he was being a Great Help!! All I'm seeing right now is more Turmoil!

Yeah! I know he's just next door! (Despite Sheep's wishes! And who can blame him?? ) But, still, closing contact is "Good"???

But ... I do Trust You, Neil! You've brought "Us" this far! And there's NO WAY I'm about to stop reading Now!! I've GOT to find out where, and why, this is going as it is!! If only I could just "peek" over your shoulder ...

Only two more "Sleeps" 'til Wednesday!!!

Just wondering if I'm going to make it!!!

Keep smilin'!!
Chaz

P.S.
Sheep ... I just opened a little package from Flash. Seems to contain what could be "yacht keys"! Now ... why would that be???

 

[dave_63]

...I'M DEVESTATED!!!!!

<-- for Brad

 

[radames]

It is getting to the point that I do not want to continue the story. This breakdown is too much along with kicking out Brad. Yes, I know what life is like, but Ted and Brad are getting so much of it that it is becoming unbelievable--and too real.

 

[caddymac]

Well I guess I am stupid because I am like the twins, I don't get it! My heart can not take this one. This is not what I was enjoying about this story. I already have too many lives like this in my life and was enjoying the way this family was getting through it all TOGETHER. I can't take it like this.

 

[gsdx]

I have to be honest. I did not expect this reaction. I have been vague in the story for reasons of suspense and anticipation, but it has backfired.

I'm rewriting portions of the next chapter not to offer a solution but to tell you what I have been avoiding telling you. You will learn the reasons for the break-up. The solution will proceed as planned, but at least you will know what in hell is going on.

Now I'm beginning to rethink that other 'cliffhanger' I have been planning. It's worse than this one.

 

[Blktiger58]

Hello Neil,
I was sadden by the events in this last chapter. But I realize this what happens in real life. Oh...I loved those happy times. thank you for the reality check. Once again nice chapter. Looking forward to the rest.
Fellow Jubbers hang in there.

 

[Dave1963]

Wow - I did not see this particular cliff hanger coming. I knew that Ted was headed for further troubles when I read last weeks postings. Enough worried that I started re-reading the entire story last night to see what I had missed. I am back up to chapter 25 - again.

Ted's controlling personality has probably played significantly into where he is today. He tried to control too many destinys. My take on the situation is that Ted may have to give up something to realize what he had the entire time - some of what he took for granted at times. If they had married on the current path, I am not sure Brad would have ever been an equal; even though he was ok playing second fiddle. Would it have been fair? Brad would have figured this out as he grew older.

Even though this chapter was extremely rough to digest, it is my hopes that Ted's father and his wisdom in stating he would guard Brad's ring with his life provides some small glimpse into the Ted and Brad's future.

Let's think about this - each of the kids brought up the notion of Brad being their dad - if memory serves me correctly, Ted said "no" each time. Why not?

I am rambling - I have a few other thoughts on this, but I need to let this digest before stating them.

Neil, thank you for a sincere story and for one of the best written stories on this site.

D

 

[gsdx]

Wow - I did not see this particular cliff hanger coming. I knew that Ted was headed for further troubles when I read last weeks postings. Enough worried that I started re-reading the entire story last night to see what I had missed. I am back up to chapter 25 - again.

You didn't have to go back that far. Remember, I didn't know Ted's breakdown was going to happen until Connie phoned him.

(Just thought I'd save you a bit of reading )

 

[Dave1963]

Thanks Neil, but I would have eventually re-read the story any way. It's such a love story.

D

 

[botboy03]

Well, I think I am going to go back and start at the beginning again( which would be the third time I have restarted this one and I love every minute of it). I think that the nearly 100K views on this thread say it all. Its great reading. I am also glad you are re-writing some of the next chapter for us. I think you are a great writer and please, please, please continue.

Zac

 

[kcm17480]

Neil, this has been one of the most engaging and emotional stories I have ever read, and I have read a lot of them. I really think in my personal opinion it is your story and you should be the one who dictates how the story should go, but that is my personal opinion. With that being said, the reason we are all here reading this story is because of how you have written it and the heart you have put into it, and that is why you seem to have quite the following. I for one am glad to be reading this.

If those people want to leave it because it is not going their way, then adios. They need to write their own story. I personally don't think that Brad deserved what he got but then life can really be shitty like that. I personally don't put much trust in psychiatrists in real life and I think they need to be psycho analyzed. I think everything will turn out for the best one way or the other. This is just a story after all. A very good one at that.

Thanks, Ken

 

[ronboy]

Neil, that last chapter just blew me away....

I can't wait until Wednesday's installment is posted!

Excellent job, my friend!

 

[operafan]

I have read every chapter and shared it with friends, but I WILL quit reading if the next thing that happens is worse.
I do think you have great talent for writing (I am a former college English professor), this is something I do not want to continue!!

 

[Teebzorz]

i am in total shock... i want to cry so much! I don't see how this can be healthy for Ted..

 

[dlf0001]

Neil-- I think it may be a mistake to bow down to criticisms and suggestions from readers that are in direct conflict to YOUR ideas and plot line.

And, for those that are threatening to quit reading due to events in a fictional work: You <along with Ted> need to get a grip.

Neil, you are very talented and a fabulous author. I have not purchased a book in months because I have been reading your story from the beginning...

Let the complainers leave if things don't go their way... my guess is they'll regret their decision and continue to read... and eventually apologize to you for their decision.

 

[wyndhampaul]

Neil ! As "shinxan" said in his first posting, this is your story. I believe that you have the plot well in hand. Certainly I do not understand the motives behind Ted's desperate sudden rejection of Brad, but I have become addicted to the quirky twists and turns of your writings. I'm sure all will be revealed (in more ways than one) in due course. On my part, I've ordered a new set of ungnawable fingernails and stocked up on Kleenex.

 

[Trent0n1]

All I'll say Neil is...I look forward to the next chapter, and I hope that some happiness returns to Brad's life. This may (or may not) be right for Ted, but Brad did not deserve to be treated so poorly.

Thanks for continuing to share this story with us Neil.

Trent

 

[fifer_066]

I've been a fan of this story since I joined JUB in August, and this is my first post, Im writing now because i'm actually quite scared for the future of the story. I know the story is Neils baby, and he has written it so well, that alot of the time I have to remind myself that it is just a story and that the characters aren't real people. However, the way the story is going, i've got a suspicion that Ted is going to declare his love for Warren, and the story is going to turn into a cliche, where Warren gets his first love, despite all the obsticles in their way...after all these years... Warren at deaths door, blah blah blah. This story is so much better than than that. I hope my suspicions are wrong.

I hope that some time apart will make Ted realise how much he loves and needs Brad, cracked tooth and all.

 

[gsdx]

Well, I've already rewritten the chapter to give the everything that has been missed. I assure you, there is no solution offered. Only explanation.

At the beginning of Chapter 113, I wrote:

Brad fell silent and closed his eyes against the tears. His head dropped until his chin was resting on his upper chest. I fought my own tears as I watched his body being racked by sobs. It was tearing me apart inside, but I forged ahead and told Brad everything there was to be told.

Ted told Brad everything there was to be told, but I didn't tell you. Now I have, and I don't have time to go back and rewrite it again in time for tomorrow's posting. It won't change the flow of the story, or the direction it has taken, but at least you'll understand what I've been keeping secret from you. You would have found out a few chapters down the road anyway, but it's too late now to go back and rewrite it again unless you want to wait until Friday for the next chapter.

I get the feeling you wouldn't want to do that.

By the way, I've decided to go ahead with that other 'cliffhanger'. I've put too much time and research into it already to simply toss it aside. So, to paraphrase Bette Davis, you'd best fasten your seatbelts. You're in for a bumpy ride.

 

[consult28]

Neil, You sure have stirred up the hornets nest. I, for one, hope you keep to your story line. In the long run it will be the only one that will make any sense.
Sheep- Remember that Brad doesn't like heights and I believe sailing wouldn't agree with him either. Please set him down at the nearest air port and send him home to me. You can have him after I'am gone. I really don't think I could take him for more than 20 years.