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“The Passion of Sean Gillain” Full-Length Chapter Preview

Sure enough, I was sitting at a table with Caeleb and Tim at Macy’s Cyber-Cafe (one of the many on-campus coffeehouses that the students of RISD liked to frequent). After placing our orders, it was Caeleb himself who started things off. “Sean, Tim and I never really understood how rough you had it with being the middle child in a family of successful influencers,” he began. “But once we got dressed down by Alyssia and Liam who gave us the whole story, I personally wanted to know how you managed to stay strong with all of this going on.” 

I nodded, inhaling sharply. “Well, you can pretty much say that being under the harsh criticism of Horace and Reva Gillain as they both expected nothing but pure perfection I had plenty of time to tell myself not to care,” I remarked. “But I was under the care of my maternal grandparents and grew up on the farm back in Adams Falls, Georgia. Mom said that she never liked living in a town that never got down with the times and where there’s nothing else to do, so she saw it fitting to make sure that none of her children got to be in the same position.”

“But when it came to you,” Tim began. 

“It was easy for me to adapt to the rural life because my parents pushed me into my grandparents care,” I finished. And so began one hour of me letting out my life and times as the “Gillain family oddball,” not leaving anything out as I talked about how I saw passion as originally for the reckless and me putting away my innocence after the non-birthday dinner, vowing to help out my grandparents with the farm, the boycott after Ra’Keem and the others humiliating me at the celebratory dinner in his honor, and everything that led me to coming to Newport. “In a way, you two, I guess you can say that I’m still trying to figure out my place with the changes of life.”

Tim nodded. “Let me ask you this, Sean. Had it not been for your parents and older siblings wanting to control your plans for the Fashion Showcase, would you have entered?” he wanted to know. 

I closed my eyes briefly before facing the blonde. “Honestly, I wouldn’t have,” I stated. “Then again, I might have because Mom thought that I had talent with my designs when she submitted my sketches that I did back in middle school as part of my application portfolio. Who can say? I mean, I know that Jessica has her impossibly high standards and would’ve been ashamed of me if I had shown ‘anything shoddy and embarrassing to the family image,’ as she would like to say. Her twin brother Ra’Keem and our father- the biggest thorn in my side- would agree.”

“But you have talent as you said,” Caeleb pointed out. 

“Wouldn’t have made a difference. When it comes to the Gillain name, how one presents oneself is everything. And in my parents eyes as well as Ra’Keem and Jessica’s, I was basically the epitome of everything that they were against.”

“Damn,” Tim hissed, shaking his head. “That’s rough.”

I shrugged my shoulders as our fare arrived. “It is what it is. I’ve been the disappointment in my father’s eyes for as long as I can remember. So why should anything be different?”

Before anyone could reply, my phone rang with an unfamiliar number flashing on my screen. “Who’s calling you?” Tim asked. 

“Damned if I want to know, and double-damned if I don’t. All the better to just get this out of the way now,” I muttered as I pressed ANSWER. “Hello?”

A pause. Then, “Sean? It’s Monica, your younger twin sister,” the voice of the person in question replied. 

I inhaled sharply, pantomiming for Caeleb and Tim to be silent as I placed it on speaker. “Okay, Monica? What’s up?”

“Look, I got your new phone number from Uncle Jace because I really need to talk to you,” Monica stated. “And I just want you to listen, okay? Jamal and I have heard all about what’s been going on between you and the others- Mom, Dad, Jessica, and Ra’Keem. How you’re not entering the end-of-semester showcase because they want total control of your designs and all. And personally? I think you’re doing what’s right for you. You shouldn’t have to do anything that they want for their benefits or design something that’s based on their impossibly high standards.” 

I hummed. “What does Jamal think?” 

Monica snorted. “He’s fallen into the same trap that Ra’Keem and Dad’s been feeding him, that you’re not caring about the family name and that you’re too good for anyone who’s not like Grandma or Grandpa. Hell, Jamal’s becoming more and more of a prick by hanging out with the wrong crowd.”

“Damn, Monica. And what about you?”

I heard her sigh. “I’m just keeping out of this until the time is right to break out on my own. But Grandma and Grandpa told me that they’d take me in if things got too bad or I end up losing Mom and Dad’s favor,” she answered. “Probably for the best since Jessica’s been haranguing me about my weight and my looks. She’s putting me on these crash diets while Mom’s been all drill-sergeant on me about my grades. It’s a nightmare, Sean. And I thank God that you’ve been raised differently from everyone else. But I gotta warn you that Mom and Dad won’t let you slide on not entering the showcase. I don’t know what they’re planning, but it’s not going to be good. All I can tell you is that you at least have one more ally on your side.”

My heart ached for my younger sister. “Thanks, Monica, for letting me know,” I said, keeping my voice even. “Look, you play your role perfectly and plan for your own exodus from the Gillain circus. If possible, take up Grandma and Grandpa’s offer. And do me a favor?”

“Fire away.”

“Keep your eyes peeled for anything suspicious that our parents, Jamal, Ra’Keem, and even Jessica could be planning. One or all of them are on the same ‘Let’s-all-hate-Sean-for-being-different’ parade, and there’s no telling what can happen next. So play your part and do what’s been told. But if it becomes too much, call Grandma Evaline at once.” 

“I will, Sean. I love you. Don’t forget that.”

The line disconnected.

And as Caeleb and Tim came to my side while the tears that threatened to fall began cascading down my cheeks, I could only hope and pray that my sister would find the strength to become her own person. 

You’ll never forget the first time! “The Passion of Sean Gillain” is back with new chapters, available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it! 

“The Passion of Sean Gillain” Full-Length Chapter Preview

Sure enough, I was sitting at a table with Caeleb and Tim at Macy’s Cyber-Cafe (one of the many on-campus coffeehouses that the students of RISD liked to frequent). After placing our orders, it was Caeleb himself who started things off. “Sean, Tim and I never really understood how rough you had it with being the middle child in a family of successful influencers,” he began. “But once we got dressed down by Alyssia and Liam who gave us the whole story, I personally wanted to know how you managed to stay strong with all of this going on.” 

I nodded, inhaling sharply. “Well, you can pretty much say that being under the harsh criticism of Horace and Reva Gillain as they both expected nothing but pure perfection I had plenty of time to tell myself not to care,” I remarked. “But I was under the care of my maternal grandparents and grew up on the farm back in Adams Falls, Georgia. Mom said that she never liked living in a town that never got down with the times and where there’s nothing else to do, so she saw it fitting to make sure that none of her children got to be in the same position.”

“But when it came to you,” Tim began. 

“It was easy for me to adapt to the rural life because my parents pushed me into my grandparents care,” I finished. And so began one hour of me letting out my life and times as the “Gillain family oddball,” not leaving anything out as I talked about how I saw passion as originally for the reckless and me putting away my innocence after the non-birthday dinner, vowing to help out my grandparents with the farm, the boycott after Ra’Keem and the others humiliating me at the celebratory dinner in his honor, and everything that led me to coming to Newport. “In a way, you two, I guess you can say that I’m still trying to figure out my place with the changes of life.”

Tim nodded. “Let me ask you this, Sean. Had it not been for your parents and older siblings wanting to control your plans for the Fashion Showcase, would you have entered?” he wanted to know. 

I closed my eyes briefly before facing the blonde. “Honestly, I wouldn’t have,” I stated. “Then again, I might have because Mom thought that I had talent with my designs when she submitted my sketches that I did back in middle school as part of my application portfolio. Who can say? I mean, I know that Jessica has her impossibly high standards and would’ve been ashamed of me if I had shown ‘anything shoddy and embarrassing to the family image,’ as she would like to say. Her twin brother Ra’Keem and our father- the biggest thorn in my side- would agree.”

“But you have talent as you said,” Caeleb pointed out. 

“Wouldn’t have made a difference. When it comes to the Gillain name, how one presents oneself is everything. And in my parents eyes as well as Ra’Keem and Jessica’s, I was basically the epitome of everything that they were against.”

“Damn,” Tim hissed, shaking his head. “That’s rough.”

I shrugged my shoulders as our fare arrived. “It is what it is. I’ve been the disappointment in my father’s eyes for as long as I can remember. So why should anything be different?”

Before anyone could reply, my phone rang with an unfamiliar number flashing on my screen. “Who’s calling you?” Tim asked. 

“Damned if I want to know, and double-damned if I don’t. All the better to just get this out of the way now,” I muttered as I pressed ANSWER. “Hello?”

A pause. Then, “Sean? It’s Monica, your younger twin sister,” the voice of the person in question replied. 

I inhaled sharply, pantomiming for Caeleb and Tim to be silent as I placed it on speaker. “Okay, Monica? What’s up?”

“Look, I got your new phone number from Uncle Jace because I really need to talk to you,” Monica stated. “And I just want you to listen, okay? Jamal and I have heard all about what’s been going on between you and the others- Mom, Dad, Jessica, and Ra’Keem. How you’re not entering the end-of-semester showcase because they want total control of your designs and all. And personally? I think you’re doing what’s right for you. You shouldn’t have to do anything that they want for their benefits or design something that’s based on their impossibly high standards.” 

I hummed. “What does Jamal think?” 

Monica snorted. “He’s fallen into the same trap that Ra’Keem and Dad’s been feeding him, that you’re not caring about the family name and that you’re too good for anyone who’s not like Grandma or Grandpa. Hell, Jamal’s becoming more and more of a prick by hanging out with the wrong crowd.”

“Damn, Monica. And what about you?”

I heard her sigh. “I’m just keeping out of this until the time is right to break out on my own. But Grandma and Grandpa told me that they’d take me in if things got too bad or I end up losing Mom and Dad’s favor,” she answered. “Probably for the best since Jessica’s been haranguing me about my weight and my looks. She’s putting me on these crash diets while Mom’s been all drill-sergeant on me about my grades. It’s a nightmare, Sean. And I thank God that you’ve been raised differently from everyone else. But I gotta warn you that Mom and Dad won’t let you slide on not entering the showcase. I don’t know what they’re planning, but it’s not going to be good. All I can tell you is that you at least have one more ally on your side.”

My heart ached for my younger sister. “Thanks, Monica, for letting me know,” I said, keeping my voice even. “Look, you play your role perfectly and plan for your own exodus from the Gillain circus. If possible, take up Grandma and Grandpa’s offer. And do me a favor?”

“Fire away.”

“Keep your eyes peeled for anything suspicious that our parents, Jamal, Ra’Keem, and even Jessica could be planning. One or all of them are on the same ‘Let’s-all-hate-Sean-for-being-different’ parade, and there’s no telling what can happen next. So play your part and do what’s been told. But if it becomes too much, call Grandma Evaline at once.” 

“I will, Sean. I love you. Don’t forget that.”

The line disconnected.

And as Caeleb and Tim came to my side while the tears that threatened to fall began cascading down my cheeks, I could only hope and pray that my sister would find the strength to become her own person. 

You’ll never forget the first time! “The Passion of Sean Gillain” is back with new chapters, available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it! 

“The Passion of Sean Gillain” Full-Length Chapter Preview

Sure enough, I was sitting at a table with Caeleb and Tim at Macy’s Cyber-Cafe (one of the many on-campus coffeehouses that the students of RISD liked to frequent). After placing our orders, it was Caeleb himself who started things off. “Sean, Tim and I never really understood how rough you had it with being the middle child in a family of successful influencers,” he began. “But once we got dressed down by Alyssia and Liam who gave us the whole story, I personally wanted to know how you managed to stay strong with all of this going on.” 

I nodded, inhaling sharply. “Well, you can pretty much say that being under the harsh criticism of Horace and Reva Gillain as they both expected nothing but pure perfection I had plenty of time to tell myself not to care,” I remarked. “But I was under the care of my maternal grandparents and grew up on the farm back in Adams Falls, Georgia. Mom said that she never liked living in a town that never got down with the times and where there’s nothing else to do, so she saw it fitting to make sure that none of her children got to be in the same position.”

“But when it came to you,” Tim began. 

“It was easy for me to adapt to the rural life because my parents pushed me into my grandparents care,” I finished. And so began one hour of me letting out my life and times as the “Gillain family oddball,” not leaving anything out as I talked about how I saw passion as originally for the reckless and me putting away my innocence after the non-birthday dinner, vowing to help out my grandparents with the farm, the boycott after Ra’Keem and the others humiliating me at the celebratory dinner in his honor, and everything that led me to coming to Newport. “In a way, you two, I guess you can say that I’m still trying to figure out my place with the changes of life.”

Tim nodded. “Let me ask you this, Sean. Had it not been for your parents and older siblings wanting to control your plans for the Fashion Showcase, would you have entered?” he wanted to know. 

I closed my eyes briefly before facing the blonde. “Honestly, I wouldn’t have,” I stated. “Then again, I might have because Mom thought that I had talent with my designs when she submitted my sketches that I did back in middle school as part of my application portfolio. Who can say? I mean, I know that Jessica has her impossibly high standards and would’ve been ashamed of me if I had shown ‘anything shoddy and embarrassing to the family image,’ as she would like to say. Her twin brother Ra’Keem and our father- the biggest thorn in my side- would agree.”

“But you have talent as you said,” Caeleb pointed out. 

“Wouldn’t have made a difference. When it comes to the Gillain name, how one presents oneself is everything. And in my parents eyes as well as Ra’Keem and Jessica’s, I was basically the epitome of everything that they were against.”

“Damn,” Tim hissed, shaking his head. “That’s rough.”

I shrugged my shoulders as our fare arrived. “It is what it is. I’ve been the disappointment in my father’s eyes for as long as I can remember. So why should anything be different?”

Before anyone could reply, my phone rang with an unfamiliar number flashing on my screen. “Who’s calling you?” Tim asked. 

“Damned if I want to know, and double-damned if I don’t. All the better to just get this out of the way now,” I muttered as I pressed ANSWER. “Hello?”

A pause. Then, “Sean? It’s Monica, your younger twin sister,” the voice of the person in question replied. 

I inhaled sharply, pantomiming for Caeleb and Tim to be silent as I placed it on speaker. “Okay, Monica? What’s up?”

“Look, I got your new phone number from Uncle Jace because I really need to talk to you,” Monica stated. “And I just want you to listen, okay? Jamal and I have heard all about what’s been going on between you and the others- Mom, Dad, Jessica, and Ra’Keem. How you’re not entering the end-of-semester showcase because they want total control of your designs and all. And personally? I think you’re doing what’s right for you. You shouldn’t have to do anything that they want for their benefits or design something that’s based on their impossibly high standards.” 

I hummed. “What does Jamal think?” 

Monica snorted. “He’s fallen into the same trap that Ra’Keem and Dad’s been feeding him, that you’re not caring about the family name and that you’re too good for anyone who’s not like Grandma or Grandpa. Hell, Jamal’s becoming more and more of a prick by hanging out with the wrong crowd.”

“Damn, Monica. And what about you?”

I heard her sigh. “I’m just keeping out of this until the time is right to break out on my own. But Grandma and Grandpa told me that they’d take me in if things got too bad or I end up losing Mom and Dad’s favor,” she answered. “Probably for the best since Jessica’s been haranguing me about my weight and my looks. She’s putting me on these crash diets while Mom’s been all drill-sergeant on me about my grades. It’s a nightmare, Sean. And I thank God that you’ve been raised differently from everyone else. But I gotta warn you that Mom and Dad won’t let you slide on not entering the showcase. I don’t know what they’re planning, but it’s not going to be good. All I can tell you is that you at least have one more ally on your side.”

My heart ached for my younger sister. “Thanks, Monica, for letting me know,” I said, keeping my voice even. “Look, you play your role perfectly and plan for your own exodus from the Gillain circus. If possible, take up Grandma and Grandpa’s offer. And do me a favor?”

“Fire away.”

“Keep your eyes peeled for anything suspicious that our parents, Jamal, Ra’Keem, and even Jessica could be planning. One or all of them are on the same ‘Let’s-all-hate-Sean-for-being-different’ parade, and there’s no telling what can happen next. So play your part and do what’s been told. But if it becomes too much, call Grandma Evaline at once.” 

“I will, Sean. I love you. Don’t forget that.”

The line disconnected.

And as Caeleb and Tim came to my side while the tears that threatened to fall began cascading down my cheeks, I could only hope and pray that my sister would find the strength to become her own person. 

You’ll never forget the first time! “The Passion of Sean Gillain” is back with new chapters, available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it! 

“The Passion of Sean Gillain” Full-Length Chapter Preview

Sure enough, I was sitting at a table with Caeleb and Tim at Macy’s Cyber-Cafe (one of the many on-campus coffeehouses that the students of RISD liked to frequent). After placing our orders, it was Caeleb himself who started things off. “Sean, Tim and I never really understood how rough you had it with being the middle child in a family of successful influencers,” he began. “But once we got dressed down by Alyssia and Liam who gave us the whole story, I personally wanted to know how you managed to stay strong with all of this going on.” 

I nodded, inhaling sharply. “Well, you can pretty much say that being under the harsh criticism of Horace and Reva Gillain as they both expected nothing but pure perfection I had plenty of time to tell myself not to care,” I remarked. “But I was under the care of my maternal grandparents and grew up on the farm back in Adams Falls, Georgia. Mom said that she never liked living in a town that never got down with the times and where there’s nothing else to do, so she saw it fitting to make sure that none of her children got to be in the same position.”

“But when it came to you,” Tim began. 

“It was easy for me to adapt to the rural life because my parents pushed me into my grandparents care,” I finished. And so began one hour of me letting out my life and times as the “Gillain family oddball,” not leaving anything out as I talked about how I saw passion as originally for the reckless and me putting away my innocence after the non-birthday dinner, vowing to help out my grandparents with the farm, the boycott after Ra’Keem and the others humiliating me at the celebratory dinner in his honor, and everything that led me to coming to Newport. “In a way, you two, I guess you can say that I’m still trying to figure out my place with the changes of life.”

Tim nodded. “Let me ask you this, Sean. Had it not been for your parents and older siblings wanting to control your plans for the Fashion Showcase, would you have entered?” he wanted to know. 

I closed my eyes briefly before facing the blonde. “Honestly, I wouldn’t have,” I stated. “Then again, I might have because Mom thought that I had talent with my designs when she submitted my sketches that I did back in middle school as part of my application portfolio. Who can say? I mean, I know that Jessica has her impossibly high standards and would’ve been ashamed of me if I had shown ‘anything shoddy and embarrassing to the family image,’ as she would like to say. Her twin brother Ra’Keem and our father- the biggest thorn in my side- would agree.”

“But you have talent as you said,” Caeleb pointed out. 

“Wouldn’t have made a difference. When it comes to the Gillain name, how one presents oneself is everything. And in my parents eyes as well as Ra’Keem and Jessica’s, I was basically the epitome of everything that they were against.”

“Damn,” Tim hissed, shaking his head. “That’s rough.”

I shrugged my shoulders as our fare arrived. “It is what it is. I’ve been the disappointment in my father’s eyes for as long as I can remember. So why should anything be different?”

Before anyone could reply, my phone rang with an unfamiliar number flashing on my screen. “Who’s calling you?” Tim asked. 

“Damned if I want to know, and double-damned if I don’t. All the better to just get this out of the way now,” I muttered as I pressed ANSWER. “Hello?”

A pause. Then, “Sean? It’s Monica, your younger twin sister,” the voice of the person in question replied. 

I inhaled sharply, pantomiming for Caeleb and Tim to be silent as I placed it on speaker. “Okay, Monica? What’s up?”

“Look, I got your new phone number from Uncle Jace because I really need to talk to you,” Monica stated. “And I just want you to listen, okay? Jamal and I have heard all about what’s been going on between you and the others- Mom, Dad, Jessica, and Ra’Keem. How you’re not entering the end-of-semester showcase because they want total control of your designs and all. And personally? I think you’re doing what’s right for you. You shouldn’t have to do anything that they want for their benefits or design something that’s based on their impossibly high standards.” 

I hummed. “What does Jamal think?” 

Monica snorted. “He’s fallen into the same trap that Ra’Keem and Dad’s been feeding him, that you’re not caring about the family name and that you’re too good for anyone who’s not like Grandma or Grandpa. Hell, Jamal’s becoming more and more of a prick by hanging out with the wrong crowd.”

“Damn, Monica. And what about you?”

I heard her sigh. “I’m just keeping out of this until the time is right to break out on my own. But Grandma and Grandpa told me that they’d take me in if things got too bad or I end up losing Mom and Dad’s favor,” she answered. “Probably for the best since Jessica’s been haranguing me about my weight and my looks. She’s putting me on these crash diets while Mom’s been all drill-sergeant on me about my grades. It’s a nightmare, Sean. And I thank God that you’ve been raised differently from everyone else. But I gotta warn you that Mom and Dad won’t let you slide on not entering the showcase. I don’t know what they’re planning, but it’s not going to be good. All I can tell you is that you at least have one more ally on your side.”

My heart ached for my younger sister. “Thanks, Monica, for letting me know,” I said, keeping my voice even. “Look, you play your role perfectly and plan for your own exodus from the Gillain circus. If possible, take up Grandma and Grandpa’s offer. And do me a favor?”

“Fire away.”

“Keep your eyes peeled for anything suspicious that our parents, Jamal, Ra’Keem, and even Jessica could be planning. One or all of them are on the same ‘Let’s-all-hate-Sean-for-being-different’ parade, and there’s no telling what can happen next. So play your part and do what’s been told. But if it becomes too much, call Grandma Evaline at once.” 

“I will, Sean. I love you. Don’t forget that.”

The line disconnected.

And as Caeleb and Tim came to my side while the tears that threatened to fall began cascading down my cheeks, I could only hope and pray that my sister would find the strength to become her own person. 

You’ll never forget the first time! “The Passion of Sean Gillain” is back with new chapters, available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it! 

“The Passion of Sean Gillain” Full-Length Chapter Preview

Sure enough, I was sitting at a table with Caeleb and Tim at Macy’s Cyber-Cafe (one of the many on-campus coffeehouses that the students of RISD liked to frequent). After placing our orders, it was Caeleb himself who started things off. “Sean, Tim and I never really understood how rough you had it with being the middle child in a family of successful influencers,” he began. “But once we got dressed down by Alyssia and Liam who gave us the whole story, I personally wanted to know how you managed to stay strong with all of this going on.” 

I nodded, inhaling sharply. “Well, you can pretty much say that being under the harsh criticism of Horace and Reva Gillain as they both expected nothing but pure perfection I had plenty of time to tell myself not to care,” I remarked. “But I was under the care of my maternal grandparents and grew up on the farm back in Adams Falls, Georgia. Mom said that she never liked living in a town that never got down with the times and where there’s nothing else to do, so she saw it fitting to make sure that none of her children got to be in the same position.”

“But when it came to you,” Tim began. 

“It was easy for me to adapt to the rural life because my parents pushed me into my grandparents care,” I finished. And so began one hour of me letting out my life and times as the “Gillain family oddball,” not leaving anything out as I talked about how I saw passion as originally for the reckless and me putting away my innocence after the non-birthday dinner, vowing to help out my grandparents with the farm, the boycott after Ra’Keem and the others humiliating me at the celebratory dinner in his honor, and everything that led me to coming to Newport. “In a way, you two, I guess you can say that I’m still trying to figure out my place with the changes of life.”

Tim nodded. “Let me ask you this, Sean. Had it not been for your parents and older siblings wanting to control your plans for the Fashion Showcase, would you have entered?” he wanted to know. 

I closed my eyes briefly before facing the blonde. “Honestly, I wouldn’t have,” I stated. “Then again, I might have because Mom thought that I had talent with my designs when she submitted my sketches that I did back in middle school as part of my application portfolio. Who can say? I mean, I know that Jessica has her impossibly high standards and would’ve been ashamed of me if I had shown ‘anything shoddy and embarrassing to the family image,’ as she would like to say. Her twin brother Ra’Keem and our father- the biggest thorn in my side- would agree.”

“But you have talent as you said,” Caeleb pointed out. 

“Wouldn’t have made a difference. When it comes to the Gillain name, how one presents oneself is everything. And in my parents eyes as well as Ra’Keem and Jessica’s, I was basically the epitome of everything that they were against.”

“Damn,” Tim hissed, shaking his head. “That’s rough.”

I shrugged my shoulders as our fare arrived. “It is what it is. I’ve been the disappointment in my father’s eyes for as long as I can remember. So why should anything be different?”

Before anyone could reply, my phone rang with an unfamiliar number flashing on my screen. “Who’s calling you?” Tim asked. 

“Damned if I want to know, and double-damned if I don’t. All the better to just get this out of the way now,” I muttered as I pressed ANSWER. “Hello?”

A pause. Then, “Sean? It’s Monica, your younger twin sister,” the voice of the person in question replied. 

I inhaled sharply, pantomiming for Caeleb and Tim to be silent as I placed it on speaker. “Okay, Monica? What’s up?”

“Look, I got your new phone number from Uncle Jace because I really need to talk to you,” Monica stated. “And I just want you to listen, okay? Jamal and I have heard all about what’s been going on between you and the others- Mom, Dad, Jessica, and Ra’Keem. How you’re not entering the end-of-semester showcase because they want total control of your designs and all. And personally? I think you’re doing what’s right for you. You shouldn’t have to do anything that they want for their benefits or design something that’s based on their impossibly high standards.” 

I hummed. “What does Jamal think?” 

Monica snorted. “He’s fallen into the same trap that Ra’Keem and Dad’s been feeding him, that you’re not caring about the family name and that you’re too good for anyone who’s not like Grandma or Grandpa. Hell, Jamal’s becoming more and more of a prick by hanging out with the wrong crowd.”

“Damn, Monica. And what about you?”

I heard her sigh. “I’m just keeping out of this until the time is right to break out on my own. But Grandma and Grandpa told me that they’d take me in if things got too bad or I end up losing Mom and Dad’s favor,” she answered. “Probably for the best since Jessica’s been haranguing me about my weight and my looks. She’s putting me on these crash diets while Mom’s been all drill-sergeant on me about my grades. It’s a nightmare, Sean. And I thank God that you’ve been raised differently from everyone else. But I gotta warn you that Mom and Dad won’t let you slide on not entering the showcase. I don’t know what they’re planning, but it’s not going to be good. All I can tell you is that you at least have one more ally on your side.”

My heart ached for my younger sister. “Thanks, Monica, for letting me know,” I said, keeping my voice even. “Look, you play your role perfectly and plan for your own exodus from the Gillain circus. If possible, take up Grandma and Grandpa’s offer. And do me a favor?”

“Fire away.”

“Keep your eyes peeled for anything suspicious that our parents, Jamal, Ra’Keem, and even Jessica could be planning. One or all of them are on the same ‘Let’s-all-hate-Sean-for-being-different’ parade, and there’s no telling what can happen next. So play your part and do what’s been told. But if it becomes too much, call Grandma Evaline at once.” 

“I will, Sean. I love you. Don’t forget that.”

The line disconnected.

And as Caeleb and Tim came to my side while the tears that threatened to fall began cascading down my cheeks, I could only hope and pray that my sister would find the strength to become her own person. 

You’ll never forget the first time! “The Passion of Sean Gillain” is back with new chapters, available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it! 

This was originally going to be a blaugust post, but I didn't manage to finish it in time. So here you go now:
http://axxuy.com/blog/2026/what-is-nature/

#Blog #Blogging #Blogpost #IndieWeb #PersonalWebsite #PersonalBlog

New month, new post:
https://axxuy.com/blog/2026/september/

Also I had forgotten I made this fall theme for my site

#Blog #Blogging #Blogpost #IndieWeb #PersonalWebsite #PersonalBlog

Recap of #Blaugust2026

New post on #BurgeonLab

https://burgeonlab.com/blog/blaugust-2026-recap/

Really chuffed about my first go at this blogging event. The last day was exceptional with my second ever guest / collab post (this time with James).

Thanks for everyone who followed my Blaugust journey! I look forward to doing more next year.

This is post 91 of #100DaysToOffload
https://burgeonlab.com/tags/100daystooffload/

#blaugust #smallWeb #bloggingcommunity #personalblog

I wrote up weeknotes. Like all the cool bloggers. Am I a cool blogger now?

#Blog #personalBlog #personalWebsite #personalWeb #smallWeb #indieWeb

Cuz my life is dope and I do dope shit.

#Blog #PersonalBlog #Blaugust #Recap

https://lessthannonsense.com/posts/august-26

📝 New #Blog Post!
20260827 Purpose + intellectual life
The past month has been a blur. I had a bug for a few days, and then I had a few days off work that ended up being extremely busy…
The post 20260827 Purpose + intellectual life appeared first on The Wallflower Digest.

https://thewallflowerdigest.co.uk/life/blog/digest-blog/20260827-purpose-intellectual-life/

#Blogging #Blogger #BloggingCommunity #PersonalBlog #RSSFeed

New entry on my blog! A links post. It's been too long.

#indieweb https://antonyfb.com/blog/web-wandering-2.html

#GeminiProtocol gemini://antonyfb.com/blog/web-wandering-2.gmi

#personalblog #blogging #smallweb

New post on #BurgeonLab!

➡️ https://burgeonlab.com/blog/augustory/

It's my AuguStory entry for Robert Birming's blogging challenge! See his OG post: https://robertbirming.com/augustory-story-blog/ and consider joining in on the fun. 👍

This is post 13 of #blaugust2026 and
post 87 of #100DaysToOffload
📈 https://burgeonlab.com/tags/100daystooffload/

#blogs #bloggingcommunity #personalblog #personalwebsite #indieweb #blogging #blogger #blaugust #blogpost #augustory #smallweb #smolweb

The Weight of Snow and Regret & Bo Hopkins’ Blues

My Review The Weight of Snow and Regret by Elizabeth Gauffreau is a beautifully-written story that throws light on an important and largely unmet societal problem. One that has eluded us forever: how to house the houseless, including families with no place they can afford to live, people with mental health issues unable to care […]

The Weight of Snow and Regret & Bo Hopkins’ Blues

The Weight of Snow and Regret & Bo Hopkins’ Blues

My Review The Weight of Snow and Regret by Elizabeth Gauffreau is a beautifully-written story that throws light on an important and largely unmet societal problem. One that has eluded us forever: how to house the houseless, including families with no place they can afford to live, people with mental health issues unable to care […]

The Weight of Snow and Regret & Bo Hopkins’ Blues

The Weight of Snow and Regret & Bo Hopkins’ Blues

My Review The Weight of Snow and Regret by Elizabeth Gauffreau is a beautifully-written story that throws light on an important and largely unmet societal problem. One that has eluded us forever: how to house the houseless, including families with no place they can afford to live, people with mental health issues unable to care […]

The Weight of Snow and Regret & Bo Hopkins’ Blues

The Weight of Snow and Regret & Bo Hopkins’ Blues

My Review The Weight of Snow and Regret by Elizabeth Gauffreau is a beautifully-written story that throws light on an important and largely unmet societal problem. One that has eluded us forever: how to house the houseless, including families with no place they can afford to live, people with mental health issues unable to care […]

The Weight of Snow and Regret & Bo Hopkins’ Blues

The Weight of Snow and Regret & Bo Hopkins’ Blues

My Review The Weight of Snow and Regret by Elizabeth Gauffreau is a beautifully-written story that throws light on an important and largely unmet societal problem. One that has eluded us forever: how to house the houseless, including families with no place they can afford to live, people with mental health issues unable to care […]

The Weight of Snow and Regret & Bo Hopkins’ Blues

If you’ve been to my site before—you may have noticed a bit of a change since yesterday.

Last night, I pushed a lot of features and stylistic changes to my site (over 100 commits?!) It was long overdue and I’m feeling happy I got it done (but not too happy...

Full note:
➡️ https://burgeonlab.com/notes/2026/0822-2012

This is post 85 of #100DaysToOffload
➡️ https://burgeonlab.com/tags/100daystooffload/

And post 11 of #blaugust2026
➡️ https://burgeonlab.com/notes/2026/joining-blaugust-2026/

#frontend #personalblog #css #hugo #webdev #smallweb #indieweb #blog #blogpost

It's a quick one today: https://axxuy.com/blog/2026/short-posts/
#Blog #Blogging #Blogpost #IndieWeb #PersonalWebsite #PersonalBlog #Blaugust

You don’t always need to rattle the doors and blow the windows out when practicing.

I mean, sometimes you do, but not always…

#PersonalBlog #Blog #Blaugust #Music

https://lessthannonsense.com/posts/practice-setups

I have updated my website! 🥳

I added a new blogpost: The bliss of shouting into the void. I had this one written for a while now and thought it was about time to finally post it.
I also added a whole new page: Books I've read

#personalWeb #personalWebsite #personalBlog #indieWeb #smallWeb

I'm still here! Here's a quick post

https://axxuy.com/blog/2026/blown-off-course/

#Blog #Blogging #Blogpost #IndieWeb #PersonalWebsite #PersonalBlog #Blaugust

I think we've been told how we should do websites, how we should put content out there, or even brand ourselves online, to the point that we can't think of anything else beyond that sometimes.

For a while I thought if I didn't do my SEO right, nobody would find my website. So I wrote my articles a certain way, and it killed any joy I had for writing. But when I discovered digital gardens and the indie web, I realized that, you know what, I should stop caring about whether the SEO gods want to bless my website or not.

I think marketing has sort of infected the internet to the point where even ordinary people with nothing to sell feel like they should present themselves online like marketers. We don't have to. There's another way of doing it. So you do you.

#blogging #websites #personalBlog #indieweb #digitalgarden

Bet you can’t have just one!

#Blog #PersonalBlog #Blaugust #Gaming

https://lessthannonsense.com/posts/juggling-video-games

And another blost! This time blogging meta! :blobcatshocked:

https://jak2k.eu/post/blaugust-2026-ten

#blost #blogpost #blaugust #blaugust2026 #writing #blogging #personalblog #personalsite

PSA: Take Time for You (And a Portrait Too)

https://unscriptedjarrickexum.wordpress.com/2026/08/08/psa-take-time-for-you-and-a-portrait-too/

New page on #BurgeonLab!

➡️ https://burgeonlab.com/html-day/

It's about how to get started and some resources. I'm excited to attend for the first time.

My RSVP: https://burgeonlab.com/rsvps/2026/0806-1203/

This is post 5 of #blaugust2026 and post 79 of #100DaysToOffload.

Looking forward to the remote/online event!

#htmlday #htmlenergy #html #webdev #smallweb #indieweb #personalBlog #personalsites #smolweb

New short blost about Rust!

https://jak2k.eu/post/organizing-my-rust-workspaces

Another blost is in the writing, but I let someone proofread that first because it's quite long, and I'm angry about that topic.

#rust #blost #blogpost #personalBlog #cargo #rustlang

#BurgeonLab #WeekNotes 036 is out!

2026: Week 31/52 (Jul 27 – Aug 2)

➡️ https://burgeonlab.com/weeknotes/2026/w31/

This is post 77 of #100DaysToOffload
📈 https://burgeonlab.com/tags/100daystooffload/

And post 3 in #blaugust2026

#discourse #forums #32bitcafe #linuxcommunity #blogger #blogs #smallweb #weeknote #personalBlog #blogpost #weeklynotes #blaugust #PersonalSites #BloggingCommunity #indieweb #smolweb

New #blogpost on #BurgeonLab!

➡️ https://burgeonlab.com/blog/date-objects-hugo-javascript-node/

It's about date objects with Hugo, Indiekit, and Node.js.

This is the post 1 of #blaugust2026
Learn more about #blaugust here:
https://burgeonlab.com/notes/2026/0801-1551/

And is post 76 of #100DaysToOffload
https://burgeonlab.com/tags/100daystooffload/

#smallWeb #personalsites #personalblog #blogging #blogs #nodejs #hugo #indiekit #troubleshooting #techblog #npm #JavaScript

A few handy tools from my Linux toolbox.

#Blog #PersonalBlog #Blaugust

https://lessthannonsense.com/posts/a-few-linux-utilities

ONE TAKE PASS

The phrase “one take pass” is probably not proper English. It’s a common phrase you’ll hear in #HongKong for taking any sort of exam or test; meaning to pass the exam on your first try.

If you’ve followed my #weeknotes (W24, W30), you could work out I’ve been having lessons for about 2 months, once per week...

View full note: https://burgeonlab.com/notes/2026/0731-0440

This is post 73 of #100DaysToOffload

#personalblog #blogpost #personalsite #blogging

Freedom Day Five Years In.

It’s really been five years since they gave me the boot.

First off, let me start with saying, “no regrets.” Let me be the first to say I don’t miss the corporate grind or the corporate culture in the slightest. I definitely don’t miss four nights on, four nights off rotating while working 12-hour shifts. I certainly don’t miss the management.

As the Weird Al song Amish Paradise says, “I really don’t care, in fact I wish him (them) well
‘Cause I’ll be laughing my head off when he’s (they’re) burning in Hell”

That particular company will always have a spot of disdain and loathing with me for the rest of my life just given the way that last year went. (I still have PTSD from the butt chewings.) I won’t set foot in one of their establishments, and my family is free to do so only as long as I don’t hear about it. (LOL!)

But hey, I should be grateful, right?

That’s true. I am grateful. I’m more grateful to my loving wife for not kicking me to the curb during the lowest point of my whole life up to that point. But not having the burden of a regular job also came at the financial cost of not having a regular job.

About the time unemployment benefits ran out and the whole insane disability application process got rolling, I realized that being broke kinda sucks. Luckily for me I write from home. I hate being around people in general and don’t leave the house unless there’s no other alternative. Funny how no one in their right mind wants to hire me and I’m really, really okay with that fact.

Fast Forward four years and here we are.

It’s wonderful how I can never leave the house and still have plenty of things to talk about here within my own adorable little niche corner of the Internet. I’m glad I held off on the spiritual/self help guru idea that I had back in 2019-2020. I’m still following UFO/UAP, ET Experiencers, and paranormal topics daily; but again I’m not pursuing those interests past learning more about the subjects.

The way things are now I only deal with the people I want to have in my life or want to meet. If you’re in my kinda inner circle, family, tribe, (whatever-we’re-calling-it-today) chances are it’s because I really want you here. I don’t bestow that level of trust lightly since July 2021.

My hobby is one of the few things that keep me going.

Yeah, I know I likely would benefit from therapy. I sure can’t wait to inflict my own brand of weirdness upon the next unsuspecting therapist. If I wasn’t flunking every depression questionnaire the doctor hands me plus I’m already medicated to the nines for depression and anxiety. I wish some of these medical folks would just accept that I’m not meant to function in neurotypical society.

That’s one of the interesting parts of being a tabletop roleplaying gamer. We accept just about everybody. That has not changed since the dawn first broke over the hobby. Almost every gamer I’ve ever known has been just a wee bit different than most people around them. I’ve earned the right to fly my freak flag high at this point and will gladly continue doing so for as long as I’m around. Contrary to what some of these new kids in the hobby might say, we never turned anyone away based on gender, disability, political stance (*except Nazis,) religion, LGBTQIA+ affiliation, neurodiversity, or any other differences you can name. There were just too few of us in those days and chances are if you fit into our gaming group, you fit into our lives elsewhere, too.

Turning my passion for TTRPGs into sort of a job amongst YouTube, this blog, and DriveThruRPG has given me many more reasons to get up every day. I wouldn’t say it’s a “job” so much as a calling. If I wasn’t constantly involved in some aspect of my hobby, what would I be doing? Would I not be miserable doing so? I figured out in early 2022 this is where I belong.

This blog has been my lifeline.

When I did what I would call a rebranding in 2022, after spending over six months laying on the couch playing Fortnite, I decided to blog every single day. I felt like I was checking in even if I was barking in the dark. It gave me something to look forward to every day. Obviously not the same as a cash-paying job and we’re still no closer to monetization now than we were then, but at least it’s something regular. For nearly three years I felt compelled to do it daily even if I didn’t have much to say.

I finally relaxed a little bit on blogging after YouTube began to take off. Now, we still have a long, long way to go on YouTube on multiple fronts. As soon as the kids go back to school or the weather cools off significantly here in Iowa, I will resume creating audio to go with some sort of visuals. I’ve got plenty of video topics I want to cover as soon as I can go without being interrupted. The blog is a lot easier to get around to doing as long as I’m not getting the “Hey Dad!” every ten minutes. It’s gotten better, though.

DriveThruRPG is a different animal. I love publishing on there. I have so many ideas and so little time sometimes. I know I might sound delusional, but I have notebooks filling up with sourcebook ideas, adventures, tables, and all kinds of other things that I haven’t done here yet. There’s always been a disconnect between the blog and the projects. When I hit certain blogging milestones, I plan to change all of that.

I’m still around in one form or another. I’m still creating content for various platforms. Still a good duck. (Yippee!)

I’m my own employer and my own best employee.

As much as I joke about The OG GM being my boss, I’m really only held accountable for my actions here and elsewhere by one guy; me. I write the schedules. I create the deadlines. I revise everything when I have a pain flare, the depression hits like a ton of bricks, or one of the kids comes home sick from school. Hey, I never said I was perfect. Stuff happens. That’s life.

I would gladly accept a bag full of money; a position writing for an established TTRPG company; one of my own works to “go viral;” my entire DriveThruRPG wish list to be cleaned off and on its way to my house; all expense paid trips to conventions to speak on TTRPG related topics; and a private studio to record YouTube videos, but that’s all vision board stuff. Those are what my markers for success right now. I’d be happy for a cup of coffee and a quiet conversation about a game these days. Or just peace and quiet…

As always, more to come. I’m plugging away at several things and staying disconnected from social media (for the most part) has helped with the FOMO and imposter syndrome. I’m getting more done or what I feel are more meaningful things done. This article series might be ending or not depending on how I feel about it a month from now.

There is no adequate substitute for having my time free to pursue the things I want to go after in the way I want to do it. I love and respect you if you’re still in the daily struggle. I get it. Do what you gotta do to get by. But if the opportunity to do what you love and still get paid for it comes around, please say “Yes.”

I say it every year, but I think 2026 bears repeating it. This year I intend to write more, read more, and discuss cool TTRPGs as well as supplements. Most of all, let’s just have more fun. Let’s explore. Let’s save the kingdom from the evil warlord. Let’s discuss all the fun stuff in gaming that we love.

With the world in the state it finds itself in today, please be kind. Please be considerate to one another even if we don’t agree. Lastly, please pursue the thing that brings you the most joy without harm to others. Thank you!

This week on OWW - box fan filters, fungi, ai apocalypse, spcx tanking as predicted, obsessive art projects, and more from the Mesa...

#weblog #blog #personalblog #weeklynewsletter #links #curiosities

https://www.hargie.com/week-29-30-26-curiosities/

My Dumb Ideas

https://secretstoryteller2423.wordpress.com/2026/07/11/my-dumb-ideas/

“Edge of Seventeen” Sneak Preview (Grand-Finale Week)

“Skylar, did you have fun tonight with Jorge?” Dad asked me upon my entrance inside the house after two hours spent at the upscale diner and a matinee at the movies. And now, both my parents were waiting up for me in the living room with expecting looks on their faces.

“We did, but remembered that we had school tomorrow,” I replied as I took off my jacket. “Jorge gave me his undivided attention and I did the same for him.”

“And are you excited for this Wednesday when you’ll see him again?” Mom asked eagerly.

I inhaled sharply. “I am, but-“

“Ah-ah, no ‘buts.’ This is a week dedicated to you and you alone, Skylar, as your peers are hoping that you’ll make the right choice,” Dad cut me off. “Don’t you think that you deserve to have a bit of happiness of your own, especially with a boy like Jorge who grew up with you?”

“Enrique grew up with me back in the day as well,” I replied meekly.

Mom scoffed, rolling her eyes as she motioned to sit in between her and Dad on the sofa, the TV playing some reality show on mute. “Enrique Pinero’s your grandparents’ favorite, not ours,” she stated. “Yes, his family is well-to-do and they have their connections as well, but the boy is too enigmatic for my and your father’s tastes. That, and I heard that he’s too deep with that Simmons huzzy and her friends. No, Skylar. You and Jorge are meant to be together. Fate is binding you two, and everyone believes that you two need to make it official.”

But not everyone thinks the same way, I wanted to shoot back. “Well, Jorge did say that he wants to continue fighting for me as long as possible,” I replied before giving my parents a recap of what’s been said at the restaurant.

“Sounds like Jorge knows what he wants, and it’s not Simmons,” Dad intoned. “And he’s right with you needing to make the best choice for everyone, even when it means making everyone else unhappy. But your mother and I will not be so forgiving if you choose that Pinero boy or not choose at all. That year-long project is still in effect, and you can’t afford to fail senior year. Not when everything that you dreamed of is in close range for you to touch.”

“And think about the opportunities you’ll enjoy if you choose wisely- and I mean, if you choose Jorge,” Mom added. “You being given a place at the Fernandez table, being the favorite in all the students’ eyes and given many passes by the teachers, being voted ‘Cutest Couple’ in the school yearbook by your classmates. All of that and more can be yours, but not if you make the wrong choice.”

“And what about Greenlee?”

“Forget her for a moment, boy, and think about what you’ll leave behind if you don’t do what’s best for everyone,” Dad admonished me sternly. “As long as she doesn’t try anything reckless or put you in harm’s way, you won’t have to fear her. All you need to do is the right thing.”

All I could do is just nod. They just didn’t get it because they didn’t have it bad growing up like I did as a queer kid in a very conservative state in the Deep South. Or maybe they didn’t want to get it at all or just don’t care about the consequences…

You’ll never forget the first time! “Edge of Seventeen” is reaching the final several chapters all this week, available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it! 

“Edge of Seventeen” Sneak Preview (Grand-Finale Week)

“Skylar, did you have fun tonight with Jorge?” Dad asked me upon my entrance inside the house after two hours spent at the upscale diner and a matinee at the movies. And now, both my parents were waiting up for me in the living room with expecting looks on their faces.

“We did, but remembered that we had school tomorrow,” I replied as I took off my jacket. “Jorge gave me his undivided attention and I did the same for him.”

“And are you excited for this Wednesday when you’ll see him again?” Mom asked eagerly.

I inhaled sharply. “I am, but-“

“Ah-ah, no ‘buts.’ This is a week dedicated to you and you alone, Skylar, as your peers are hoping that you’ll make the right choice,” Dad cut me off. “Don’t you think that you deserve to have a bit of happiness of your own, especially with a boy like Jorge who grew up with you?”

“Enrique grew up with me back in the day as well,” I replied meekly.

Mom scoffed, rolling her eyes as she motioned to sit in between her and Dad on the sofa, the TV playing some reality show on mute. “Enrique Pinero’s your grandparents’ favorite, not ours,” she stated. “Yes, his family is well-to-do and they have their connections as well, but the boy is too enigmatic for my and your father’s tastes. That, and I heard that he’s too deep with that Simmons huzzy and her friends. No, Skylar. You and Jorge are meant to be together. Fate is binding you two, and everyone believes that you two need to make it official.”

But not everyone thinks the same way, I wanted to shoot back. “Well, Jorge did say that he wants to continue fighting for me as long as possible,” I replied before giving my parents a recap of what’s been said at the restaurant.

“Sounds like Jorge knows what he wants, and it’s not Simmons,” Dad intoned. “And he’s right with you needing to make the best choice for everyone, even when it means making everyone else unhappy. But your mother and I will not be so forgiving if you choose that Pinero boy or not choose at all. That year-long project is still in effect, and you can’t afford to fail senior year. Not when everything that you dreamed of is in close range for you to touch.”

“And think about the opportunities you’ll enjoy if you choose wisely- and I mean, if you choose Jorge,” Mom added. “You being given a place at the Fernandez table, being the favorite in all the students’ eyes and given many passes by the teachers, being voted ‘Cutest Couple’ in the school yearbook by your classmates. All of that and more can be yours, but not if you make the wrong choice.”

“And what about Greenlee?”

“Forget her for a moment, boy, and think about what you’ll leave behind if you don’t do what’s best for everyone,” Dad admonished me sternly. “As long as she doesn’t try anything reckless or put you in harm’s way, you won’t have to fear her. All you need to do is the right thing.”

All I could do is just nod. They just didn’t get it because they didn’t have it bad growing up like I did as a queer kid in a very conservative state in the Deep South. Or maybe they didn’t want to get it at all or just don’t care about the consequences…

You’ll never forget the first time! “Edge of Seventeen” is reaching the final several chapters all this week, available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it! 

“Edge of Seventeen” Sneak Preview (Grand-Finale Week)

“Skylar, did you have fun tonight with Jorge?” Dad asked me upon my entrance inside the house after two hours spent at the upscale diner and a matinee at the movies. And now, both my parents were waiting up for me in the living room with expecting looks on their faces.

“We did, but remembered that we had school tomorrow,” I replied as I took off my jacket. “Jorge gave me his undivided attention and I did the same for him.”

“And are you excited for this Wednesday when you’ll see him again?” Mom asked eagerly.

I inhaled sharply. “I am, but-“

“Ah-ah, no ‘buts.’ This is a week dedicated to you and you alone, Skylar, as your peers are hoping that you’ll make the right choice,” Dad cut me off. “Don’t you think that you deserve to have a bit of happiness of your own, especially with a boy like Jorge who grew up with you?”

“Enrique grew up with me back in the day as well,” I replied meekly.

Mom scoffed, rolling her eyes as she motioned to sit in between her and Dad on the sofa, the TV playing some reality show on mute. “Enrique Pinero’s your grandparents’ favorite, not ours,” she stated. “Yes, his family is well-to-do and they have their connections as well, but the boy is too enigmatic for my and your father’s tastes. That, and I heard that he’s too deep with that Simmons huzzy and her friends. No, Skylar. You and Jorge are meant to be together. Fate is binding you two, and everyone believes that you two need to make it official.”

But not everyone thinks the same way, I wanted to shoot back. “Well, Jorge did say that he wants to continue fighting for me as long as possible,” I replied before giving my parents a recap of what’s been said at the restaurant.

“Sounds like Jorge knows what he wants, and it’s not Simmons,” Dad intoned. “And he’s right with you needing to make the best choice for everyone, even when it means making everyone else unhappy. But your mother and I will not be so forgiving if you choose that Pinero boy or not choose at all. That year-long project is still in effect, and you can’t afford to fail senior year. Not when everything that you dreamed of is in close range for you to touch.”

“And think about the opportunities you’ll enjoy if you choose wisely- and I mean, if you choose Jorge,” Mom added. “You being given a place at the Fernandez table, being the favorite in all the students’ eyes and given many passes by the teachers, being voted ‘Cutest Couple’ in the school yearbook by your classmates. All of that and more can be yours, but not if you make the wrong choice.”

“And what about Greenlee?”

“Forget her for a moment, boy, and think about what you’ll leave behind if you don’t do what’s best for everyone,” Dad admonished me sternly. “As long as she doesn’t try anything reckless or put you in harm’s way, you won’t have to fear her. All you need to do is the right thing.”

All I could do is just nod. They just didn’t get it because they didn’t have it bad growing up like I did as a queer kid in a very conservative state in the Deep South. Or maybe they didn’t want to get it at all or just don’t care about the consequences…

You’ll never forget the first time! “Edge of Seventeen” is reaching the final several chapters all this week, available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it! 

“Edge of Seventeen” Sneak Preview (Grand-Finale Week)

“Skylar, did you have fun tonight with Jorge?” Dad asked me upon my entrance inside the house after two hours spent at the upscale diner and a matinee at the movies. And now, both my parents were waiting up for me in the living room with expecting looks on their faces.

“We did, but remembered that we had school tomorrow,” I replied as I took off my jacket. “Jorge gave me his undivided attention and I did the same for him.”

“And are you excited for this Wednesday when you’ll see him again?” Mom asked eagerly.

I inhaled sharply. “I am, but-“

“Ah-ah, no ‘buts.’ This is a week dedicated to you and you alone, Skylar, as your peers are hoping that you’ll make the right choice,” Dad cut me off. “Don’t you think that you deserve to have a bit of happiness of your own, especially with a boy like Jorge who grew up with you?”

“Enrique grew up with me back in the day as well,” I replied meekly.

Mom scoffed, rolling her eyes as she motioned to sit in between her and Dad on the sofa, the TV playing some reality show on mute. “Enrique Pinero’s your grandparents’ favorite, not ours,” she stated. “Yes, his family is well-to-do and they have their connections as well, but the boy is too enigmatic for my and your father’s tastes. That, and I heard that he’s too deep with that Simmons huzzy and her friends. No, Skylar. You and Jorge are meant to be together. Fate is binding you two, and everyone believes that you two need to make it official.”

But not everyone thinks the same way, I wanted to shoot back. “Well, Jorge did say that he wants to continue fighting for me as long as possible,” I replied before giving my parents a recap of what’s been said at the restaurant.

“Sounds like Jorge knows what he wants, and it’s not Simmons,” Dad intoned. “And he’s right with you needing to make the best choice for everyone, even when it means making everyone else unhappy. But your mother and I will not be so forgiving if you choose that Pinero boy or not choose at all. That year-long project is still in effect, and you can’t afford to fail senior year. Not when everything that you dreamed of is in close range for you to touch.”

“And think about the opportunities you’ll enjoy if you choose wisely- and I mean, if you choose Jorge,” Mom added. “You being given a place at the Fernandez table, being the favorite in all the students’ eyes and given many passes by the teachers, being voted ‘Cutest Couple’ in the school yearbook by your classmates. All of that and more can be yours, but not if you make the wrong choice.”

“And what about Greenlee?”

“Forget her for a moment, boy, and think about what you’ll leave behind if you don’t do what’s best for everyone,” Dad admonished me sternly. “As long as she doesn’t try anything reckless or put you in harm’s way, you won’t have to fear her. All you need to do is the right thing.”

All I could do is just nod. They just didn’t get it because they didn’t have it bad growing up like I did as a queer kid in a very conservative state in the Deep South. Or maybe they didn’t want to get it at all or just don’t care about the consequences…

You’ll never forget the first time! “Edge of Seventeen” is reaching the final several chapters all this week, available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it! 

“Edge of Seventeen” Sneak Preview (Grand-Finale Week)

“Skylar, did you have fun tonight with Jorge?” Dad asked me upon my entrance inside the house after two hours spent at the upscale diner and a matinee at the movies. And now, both my parents were waiting up for me in the living room with expecting looks on their faces.

“We did, but remembered that we had school tomorrow,” I replied as I took off my jacket. “Jorge gave me his undivided attention and I did the same for him.”

“And are you excited for this Wednesday when you’ll see him again?” Mom asked eagerly.

I inhaled sharply. “I am, but-“

“Ah-ah, no ‘buts.’ This is a week dedicated to you and you alone, Skylar, as your peers are hoping that you’ll make the right choice,” Dad cut me off. “Don’t you think that you deserve to have a bit of happiness of your own, especially with a boy like Jorge who grew up with you?”

“Enrique grew up with me back in the day as well,” I replied meekly.

Mom scoffed, rolling her eyes as she motioned to sit in between her and Dad on the sofa, the TV playing some reality show on mute. “Enrique Pinero’s your grandparents’ favorite, not ours,” she stated. “Yes, his family is well-to-do and they have their connections as well, but the boy is too enigmatic for my and your father’s tastes. That, and I heard that he’s too deep with that Simmons huzzy and her friends. No, Skylar. You and Jorge are meant to be together. Fate is binding you two, and everyone believes that you two need to make it official.”

But not everyone thinks the same way, I wanted to shoot back. “Well, Jorge did say that he wants to continue fighting for me as long as possible,” I replied before giving my parents a recap of what’s been said at the restaurant.

“Sounds like Jorge knows what he wants, and it’s not Simmons,” Dad intoned. “And he’s right with you needing to make the best choice for everyone, even when it means making everyone else unhappy. But your mother and I will not be so forgiving if you choose that Pinero boy or not choose at all. That year-long project is still in effect, and you can’t afford to fail senior year. Not when everything that you dreamed of is in close range for you to touch.”

“And think about the opportunities you’ll enjoy if you choose wisely- and I mean, if you choose Jorge,” Mom added. “You being given a place at the Fernandez table, being the favorite in all the students’ eyes and given many passes by the teachers, being voted ‘Cutest Couple’ in the school yearbook by your classmates. All of that and more can be yours, but not if you make the wrong choice.”

“And what about Greenlee?”

“Forget her for a moment, boy, and think about what you’ll leave behind if you don’t do what’s best for everyone,” Dad admonished me sternly. “As long as she doesn’t try anything reckless or put you in harm’s way, you won’t have to fear her. All you need to do is the right thing.”

All I could do is just nod. They just didn’t get it because they didn’t have it bad growing up like I did as a queer kid in a very conservative state in the Deep South. Or maybe they didn’t want to get it at all or just don’t care about the consequences…

You’ll never forget the first time! “Edge of Seventeen” is reaching the final several chapters all this week, available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it! 

“The Passion of Sean Gillain” Sneak Preview

“I think that you should consider joining the student showcase,” Trevor said as he, Liam, Alyssia, and I met up at the school’s student center with cups of coffee (iced tea for me under Jace’s instructions) on hand. “Who knows what talent you’ve got hiding under you? And believe me, bro, I’ve seen your designs. The cocktail dress inspired by the Cherokee rose is kind of my favorite.” 

“Yeah, but that’s where Jessica began her road to stardom with dressing celebrities for all the award ceremonies and whatnot,” I remarked. “And you know the standards will be high. What if she becomes one of the judges on the panel and she’ll make sure that I am barred from the fashion world for good? Or what if my designs fall flat?” 

“But what do you think will happen if your line becomes a success and you get some street cred?” Liam offered. 

I shook my head no. “That’ll never happen.”

“Sean, be serious about this,” Alyssia commented, pausing to sip on her cup of cappuccino. “You only get one shot of making it big while you’re presented with this opportunity. Do you know how many freshmen would kill to be presented with this moment?”

“Bully for them,” I stated firmly. “Then they can have my spot while I stick with being under the radar.”

“Worrying that your parents and older siblings will get under your skin?” Liam asked. 

Before I could reply, my cellphone ring with Ra’Keem’s number flashing on the screen. “Damn it,” I hissed. “I’ve been hoping to avoid this challenge from my therapist. Talking to Ra’Keem right now could spell disaster.” 

“But you know that Dad and Pops won’t relent until you do,” Trevor reminded me. “You gotta do what you gotta do.”

I knew he was right. “Fine, but I know that this is going to bite me on the ass,” I said as I pressed answer. “Hello?”

A pause. Then, “It’s about time you picked up the phone, Sean,” I heard my brother’s cocky voice over the line. “Dad’s been hoping that you’ve finally got the sense to talk to someone other than your uncles and your cousins.” 

“Well, I’m here now. So, to what do I owe this phone call?”

“Straight to the point, aren’t we? Fine, bro. I’ll play along. Look, I’ll be heading up to New York/New Jersey as the Falcons are playing the Jets, and Dad’s been on his spiel to make sure that everyone’s going to be there. It’ll be good for you to come along, but you gotta look like somebody. So Jessica’s coming over to Newport and make sure that you’re ready for your premiere.” 

I knew that this was going to happen. “I actually have other plans,” I began. 

“And they can wait until after your brother’s game,” came the sharp and condescending voice of my father as he got on the line. “This is going to be  good for you to start bonding with all of us, especially Ra’Keem since he still thinks that you’d be better off with him in Atlanta. Or maybe give some thought to move in with Jessica in Savannah or bond with me and your mother as well as Jamal and Monica in Macon.”

I shook my head. “Well, you did say that the move to Rhode Island will be good for me,” I commented. “That, and I’m not keen on being with people who see me as an expendable accessory to your golden children’s campaigns.”

There was a chilling pause. Then, “You really don’t want to disappoint this family more than you already are, do you?”

That was it, folks. Time to end this now. “I’ve been disappointing you and everyone else since I was born and living with your in-laws,” I replied coldly. “So why should things be different now? As for the plans regarding the game, I regret to inform you that I will not be attending.”

“Sean, you are really acting too cool for us,” Ra’Keem’s voice said harshly. “Maybe it’s best that you don’t be with us for my game. You bring us down with your holier-than-thou attitude and all that shit.” 

“Well, big brother, that makes it easier for me to say no and end this call right now.” And before I lost my nerve or let him or Dad say anything else, I ended the call…

You’ll never forget the first time! “The Passion of Sean Gillain,” available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it! 

“Edge of Seventeen” Sneak Preview

“Good morning, Centennial Grove High! It’s not only midterms week, but it’s also Homecoming week as our Grizzlies get prepped to take on Merck-Barnes High School’s Red Devils,” the cheerful voice of the school secretary chirped as everyone was filing through the halls. “And beginning with tonight’s town-hall meeting in the school gymnasium, our school’s having a week’s worth of events to celebrate our school spirit! Make sure to focus on your grades if you want access to the after-game school dance on Friday and get your tickets to Friday’s game and dance!” 

“It’s the week of school spirits and excess good-time fun,” Rhea harrumphed as she, Shandi, Andretta, Andelle, and I met up at our lockers. “If not for this year-long senior project, I’d be glad to stay home and thrash to some KISS or Linkin Park on Friday night. But I think that I might have a fair shake at being crowned queen.”

“Any of us could be crowned Homecoming monarchs, Rhea,” Shandra stated as she shot a brief glance. “Some more than others, given the current circumstances.”

“Well, my main worry is how everyone will be jockeying me to choose whom I’ll be official with- Jorge or Enrique,” I remarked as I unlocked my locker and got what I needed for the morning. “Add in Greenlee and her gang as well my family and the guys’ families, and I have a real party on my hands.”

“But the other option is to fail senior year and possibly repeat the grade,” Andretta remarked. “Mama and Daddy say that Uncle Julius has been acting strange lately and Aunt Mary Ella’s been miffed at him as I don’t know what.” 

“You guys don’t think that he’ll be working with Greenlee in wanting me to be with Enrique so she can have Jorge to herself, do you?” I asked. 

“Damned if I know, but we gotta keep our eyes sharp and our ears to the ground,” Andelle stated. To me, “And you have to focus on these midterms and Jorge and Enrique courting you so everyone will get off your back.”

“Really, loser? I think that’s not fair for O’Hara to hog all the guys,” came the delightfully drawling voice of Greenlee as she, Jeannine, and Kendall sauntered over with matching smug sneers on their faces. “And besides, everyone who’s anyone knows that Skylar has to be with Enrique. That, and at least drop out of the race for the Homecoming crown.”

I vainly fought the urge to roll my eyes. “You’d know that I can’t bow out,” I shot back. “Everyone who’s been announced as finalists for the Homecoming court need to have a fair shot like you do.”

“Is that right?” Jeannine said sarcastically. “Come on, O’Hara. If you really have the proper school spirit, you’d do Greenlee a solid and drop out right now. Not just out of the competition, but from the school completely. You may be on the diving team and all that, but you really have no place here. Not as long as Jorge is making googly eyes over you when he should be doing so over Greenlee.”

“Lord Jesus, do you have a muzzle that your parents need to use on you?” Andretta spat. “Bitch, you come for my cousin and I’ll come for you and your lady mistress too! Same thing goes for your friend here. And Skylar here is destined to win the crown.”

Just as Kendall was getting ready to crack her knuckles, the bell rang that signaled for everyone to head to homeroom. “To be continued,” Greenlee said threateningly as she motioned for her friends to follow her. 

I sighed as we got ready to do the same. “Batten down the hatches, girls, because a storm is coming to Texas by the name of Greenlee Simmons,” I intoned. “And whether or not I’m prepared, I gotta get through this long week.”

And that was the truth…

You’ll never forget the first time! ” Catch up with “Edge of Seventeen,” available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it! 

“Edge of Seventeen” Sneak Preview

“Good morning, Centennial Grove High! It’s not only midterms week, but it’s also Homecoming week as our Grizzlies get prepped to take on Merck-Barnes High School’s Red Devils,” the cheerful voice of the school secretary chirped as everyone was filing through the halls. “And beginning with tonight’s town-hall meeting in the school gymnasium, our school’s having a week’s worth of events to celebrate our school spirit! Make sure to focus on your grades if you want access to the after-game school dance on Friday and get your tickets to Friday’s game and dance!” 

“It’s the week of school spirits and excess good-time fun,” Rhea harrumphed as she, Shandi, Andretta, Andelle, and I met up at our lockers. “If not for this year-long senior project, I’d be glad to stay home and thrash to some KISS or Linkin Park on Friday night. But I think that I might have a fair shake at being crowned queen.”

“Any of us could be crowned Homecoming monarchs, Rhea,” Shandra stated as she shot a brief glance. “Some more than others, given the current circumstances.”

“Well, my main worry is how everyone will be jockeying me to choose whom I’ll be official with- Jorge or Enrique,” I remarked as I unlocked my locker and got what I needed for the morning. “Add in Greenlee and her gang as well my family and the guys’ families, and I have a real party on my hands.”

“But the other option is to fail senior year and possibly repeat the grade,” Andretta remarked. “Mama and Daddy say that Uncle Julius has been acting strange lately and Aunt Mary Ella’s been miffed at him as I don’t know what.” 

“You guys don’t think that he’ll be working with Greenlee in wanting me to be with Enrique so she can have Jorge to herself, do you?” I asked. 

“Damned if I know, but we gotta keep our eyes sharp and our ears to the ground,” Andelle stated. To me, “And you have to focus on these midterms and Jorge and Enrique courting you so everyone will get off your back.”

“Really, loser? I think that’s not fair for O’Hara to hog all the guys,” came the delightfully drawling voice of Greenlee as she, Jeannine, and Kendall sauntered over with matching smug sneers on their faces. “And besides, everyone who’s anyone knows that Skylar has to be with Enrique. That, and at least drop out of the race for the Homecoming crown.”

I vainly fought the urge to roll my eyes. “You’d know that I can’t bow out,” I shot back. “Everyone who’s been announced as finalists for the Homecoming court need to have a fair shot like you do.”

“Is that right?” Jeannine said sarcastically. “Come on, O’Hara. If you really have the proper school spirit, you’d do Greenlee a solid and drop out right now. Not just out of the competition, but from the school completely. You may be on the diving team and all that, but you really have no place here. Not as long as Jorge is making googly eyes over you when he should be doing so over Greenlee.”

“Lord Jesus, do you have a muzzle that your parents need to use on you?” Andretta spat. “Bitch, you come for my cousin and I’ll come for you and your lady mistress too! Same thing goes for your friend here. And Skylar here is destined to win the crown.”

Just as Kendall was getting ready to crack her knuckles, the bell rang that signaled for everyone to head to homeroom. “To be continued,” Greenlee said threateningly as she motioned for her friends to follow her. 

I sighed as we got ready to do the same. “Batten down the hatches, girls, because a storm is coming to Texas by the name of Greenlee Simmons,” I intoned. “And whether or not I’m prepared, I gotta get through this long week.”

And that was the truth…

You’ll never forget the first time! ” Catch up with “Edge of Seventeen,” available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it! 

“Edge of Seventeen” Sneak Preview

“Good morning, Centennial Grove High! It’s not only midterms week, but it’s also Homecoming week as our Grizzlies get prepped to take on Merck-Barnes High School’s Red Devils,” the cheerful voice of the school secretary chirped as everyone was filing through the halls. “And beginning with tonight’s town-hall meeting in the school gymnasium, our school’s having a week’s worth of events to celebrate our school spirit! Make sure to focus on your grades if you want access to the after-game school dance on Friday and get your tickets to Friday’s game and dance!” 

“It’s the week of school spirits and excess good-time fun,” Rhea harrumphed as she, Shandi, Andretta, Andelle, and I met up at our lockers. “If not for this year-long senior project, I’d be glad to stay home and thrash to some KISS or Linkin Park on Friday night. But I think that I might have a fair shake at being crowned queen.”

“Any of us could be crowned Homecoming monarchs, Rhea,” Shandra stated as she shot a brief glance. “Some more than others, given the current circumstances.”

“Well, my main worry is how everyone will be jockeying me to choose whom I’ll be official with- Jorge or Enrique,” I remarked as I unlocked my locker and got what I needed for the morning. “Add in Greenlee and her gang as well my family and the guys’ families, and I have a real party on my hands.”

“But the other option is to fail senior year and possibly repeat the grade,” Andretta remarked. “Mama and Daddy say that Uncle Julius has been acting strange lately and Aunt Mary Ella’s been miffed at him as I don’t know what.” 

“You guys don’t think that he’ll be working with Greenlee in wanting me to be with Enrique so she can have Jorge to herself, do you?” I asked. 

“Damned if I know, but we gotta keep our eyes sharp and our ears to the ground,” Andelle stated. To me, “And you have to focus on these midterms and Jorge and Enrique courting you so everyone will get off your back.”

“Really, loser? I think that’s not fair for O’Hara to hog all the guys,” came the delightfully drawling voice of Greenlee as she, Jeannine, and Kendall sauntered over with matching smug sneers on their faces. “And besides, everyone who’s anyone knows that Skylar has to be with Enrique. That, and at least drop out of the race for the Homecoming crown.”

I vainly fought the urge to roll my eyes. “You’d know that I can’t bow out,” I shot back. “Everyone who’s been announced as finalists for the Homecoming court need to have a fair shot like you do.”

“Is that right?” Jeannine said sarcastically. “Come on, O’Hara. If you really have the proper school spirit, you’d do Greenlee a solid and drop out right now. Not just out of the competition, but from the school completely. You may be on the diving team and all that, but you really have no place here. Not as long as Jorge is making googly eyes over you when he should be doing so over Greenlee.”

“Lord Jesus, do you have a muzzle that your parents need to use on you?” Andretta spat. “Bitch, you come for my cousin and I’ll come for you and your lady mistress too! Same thing goes for your friend here. And Skylar here is destined to win the crown.”

Just as Kendall was getting ready to crack her knuckles, the bell rang that signaled for everyone to head to homeroom. “To be continued,” Greenlee said threateningly as she motioned for her friends to follow her. 

I sighed as we got ready to do the same. “Batten down the hatches, girls, because a storm is coming to Texas by the name of Greenlee Simmons,” I intoned. “And whether or not I’m prepared, I gotta get through this long week.”

And that was the truth…

You’ll never forget the first time! ” Catch up with “Edge of Seventeen,” available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it! 

“Edge of Seventeen” Sneak Preview

“Good morning, Centennial Grove High! It’s not only midterms week, but it’s also Homecoming week as our Grizzlies get prepped to take on Merck-Barnes High School’s Red Devils,” the cheerful voice of the school secretary chirped as everyone was filing through the halls. “And beginning with tonight’s town-hall meeting in the school gymnasium, our school’s having a week’s worth of events to celebrate our school spirit! Make sure to focus on your grades if you want access to the after-game school dance on Friday and get your tickets to Friday’s game and dance!” 

“It’s the week of school spirits and excess good-time fun,” Rhea harrumphed as she, Shandi, Andretta, Andelle, and I met up at our lockers. “If not for this year-long senior project, I’d be glad to stay home and thrash to some KISS or Linkin Park on Friday night. But I think that I might have a fair shake at being crowned queen.”

“Any of us could be crowned Homecoming monarchs, Rhea,” Shandra stated as she shot a brief glance. “Some more than others, given the current circumstances.”

“Well, my main worry is how everyone will be jockeying me to choose whom I’ll be official with- Jorge or Enrique,” I remarked as I unlocked my locker and got what I needed for the morning. “Add in Greenlee and her gang as well my family and the guys’ families, and I have a real party on my hands.”

“But the other option is to fail senior year and possibly repeat the grade,” Andretta remarked. “Mama and Daddy say that Uncle Julius has been acting strange lately and Aunt Mary Ella’s been miffed at him as I don’t know what.” 

“You guys don’t think that he’ll be working with Greenlee in wanting me to be with Enrique so she can have Jorge to herself, do you?” I asked. 

“Damned if I know, but we gotta keep our eyes sharp and our ears to the ground,” Andelle stated. To me, “And you have to focus on these midterms and Jorge and Enrique courting you so everyone will get off your back.”

“Really, loser? I think that’s not fair for O’Hara to hog all the guys,” came the delightfully drawling voice of Greenlee as she, Jeannine, and Kendall sauntered over with matching smug sneers on their faces. “And besides, everyone who’s anyone knows that Skylar has to be with Enrique. That, and at least drop out of the race for the Homecoming crown.”

I vainly fought the urge to roll my eyes. “You’d know that I can’t bow out,” I shot back. “Everyone who’s been announced as finalists for the Homecoming court need to have a fair shot like you do.”

“Is that right?” Jeannine said sarcastically. “Come on, O’Hara. If you really have the proper school spirit, you’d do Greenlee a solid and drop out right now. Not just out of the competition, but from the school completely. You may be on the diving team and all that, but you really have no place here. Not as long as Jorge is making googly eyes over you when he should be doing so over Greenlee.”

“Lord Jesus, do you have a muzzle that your parents need to use on you?” Andretta spat. “Bitch, you come for my cousin and I’ll come for you and your lady mistress too! Same thing goes for your friend here. And Skylar here is destined to win the crown.”

Just as Kendall was getting ready to crack her knuckles, the bell rang that signaled for everyone to head to homeroom. “To be continued,” Greenlee said threateningly as she motioned for her friends to follow her. 

I sighed as we got ready to do the same. “Batten down the hatches, girls, because a storm is coming to Texas by the name of Greenlee Simmons,” I intoned. “And whether or not I’m prepared, I gotta get through this long week.”

And that was the truth…

You’ll never forget the first time! ” Catch up with “Edge of Seventeen,” available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it! 

“Edge of Seventeen” Sneak Preview

“Good morning, Centennial Grove High! It’s not only midterms week, but it’s also Homecoming week as our Grizzlies get prepped to take on Merck-Barnes High School’s Red Devils,” the cheerful voice of the school secretary chirped as everyone was filing through the halls. “And beginning with tonight’s town-hall meeting in the school gymnasium, our school’s having a week’s worth of events to celebrate our school spirit! Make sure to focus on your grades if you want access to the after-game school dance on Friday and get your tickets to Friday’s game and dance!” 

“It’s the week of school spirits and excess good-time fun,” Rhea harrumphed as she, Shandi, Andretta, Andelle, and I met up at our lockers. “If not for this year-long senior project, I’d be glad to stay home and thrash to some KISS or Linkin Park on Friday night. But I think that I might have a fair shake at being crowned queen.”

“Any of us could be crowned Homecoming monarchs, Rhea,” Shandra stated as she shot a brief glance. “Some more than others, given the current circumstances.”

“Well, my main worry is how everyone will be jockeying me to choose whom I’ll be official with- Jorge or Enrique,” I remarked as I unlocked my locker and got what I needed for the morning. “Add in Greenlee and her gang as well my family and the guys’ families, and I have a real party on my hands.”

“But the other option is to fail senior year and possibly repeat the grade,” Andretta remarked. “Mama and Daddy say that Uncle Julius has been acting strange lately and Aunt Mary Ella’s been miffed at him as I don’t know what.” 

“You guys don’t think that he’ll be working with Greenlee in wanting me to be with Enrique so she can have Jorge to herself, do you?” I asked. 

“Damned if I know, but we gotta keep our eyes sharp and our ears to the ground,” Andelle stated. To me, “And you have to focus on these midterms and Jorge and Enrique courting you so everyone will get off your back.”

“Really, loser? I think that’s not fair for O’Hara to hog all the guys,” came the delightfully drawling voice of Greenlee as she, Jeannine, and Kendall sauntered over with matching smug sneers on their faces. “And besides, everyone who’s anyone knows that Skylar has to be with Enrique. That, and at least drop out of the race for the Homecoming crown.”

I vainly fought the urge to roll my eyes. “You’d know that I can’t bow out,” I shot back. “Everyone who’s been announced as finalists for the Homecoming court need to have a fair shot like you do.”

“Is that right?” Jeannine said sarcastically. “Come on, O’Hara. If you really have the proper school spirit, you’d do Greenlee a solid and drop out right now. Not just out of the competition, but from the school completely. You may be on the diving team and all that, but you really have no place here. Not as long as Jorge is making googly eyes over you when he should be doing so over Greenlee.”

“Lord Jesus, do you have a muzzle that your parents need to use on you?” Andretta spat. “Bitch, you come for my cousin and I’ll come for you and your lady mistress too! Same thing goes for your friend here. And Skylar here is destined to win the crown.”

Just as Kendall was getting ready to crack her knuckles, the bell rang that signaled for everyone to head to homeroom. “To be continued,” Greenlee said threateningly as she motioned for her friends to follow her. 

I sighed as we got ready to do the same. “Batten down the hatches, girls, because a storm is coming to Texas by the name of Greenlee Simmons,” I intoned. “And whether or not I’m prepared, I gotta get through this long week.”

And that was the truth…

You’ll never forget the first time! ” Catch up with “Edge of Seventeen,” available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it! 

“Ry’Mir’s Dive” Final Full-Length Chapter Preview

As the Devil of the Pool, it’s my duty to sort out who’s worthy of being part of the swimming and diving teams…and the ones who are too tainted for the pool.

The latter’s mainly for the ones who are not the typical breed of being the American athlete of color: the homosexuals, the retards, the ones who are from the gutter, the scholarship kids- you know, those whom my parents have taught me to shun altogether

And when I joined this team, I was already disgusted that Langley supported everyone and anyone from that spectrum as long as they were putting in the work. So from my freshman year to today, I made sure that the football team would scare off any newcomers or persuade them to be part of the Gridiron gang or the cheerleading teams.

And despite being on the swim team, Battle and his two cronies- especially Parrish- knew that I could be trusted to keep their misdeeds out of the spotlight as long as I could exploit or ruin anyone unless they played ball with me and them.

Then came Ry’Mir Odoms from Missouri.

I course I knew all about him and what happened to him regarding Costello. That little brat put my uncle behind bars and my family was devastated. I initially hoped he was going to be wise enough to save face and leave the team and Harvick University all together. But once he started showing his balls, I knew that he had to go. And the football and cheerleading teams know it too. That’s why they’re all for what needs to be done: exposing his ass as the disgusting future pedophile that he and his friends are so all of them would be rightfully removed and I get what I deserved.

And if all else fails, Ke’Vante and his crew could easily put him and his Italian twink of a boyfriend out of their miseries for good.

Now that he refuses to quit, there’s nothing stopping me from enacting my revenge for my uncle Winston Costello. And I would make sure that the family name would be restored while no one would know who I am.

They think that they know me, but they have no idea.

And I’m still pissed off at Lancaster and his gang for standing up for him. Those Denzels and Vogues too! If they get in my way, all of Harvick University will be covered in their blood.

When the meet against Howard begins, there’s no going back! Bring it on, boys and girls, because the Devil’s got his pitchfork sharpened to perfection!

This Friday and Saturday, the final 4 chapters of “Ry’Mir’s Dive” drops and we’ll know the identity of the Devil of the Pool and see how it all ends! You’ll never forget the first time! Available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it!

“Ry’Mir’s Dive” Sneak Preview and the Next Book of the Series

Dr. Tucker’s office, the following day…

Sure enough, my usual teammates (Dioncel, Tre’Von, and Andre), Coach Langley, Chi’Anna & Ra’Nada (representing the Vogues with the former’s dad also in tow), Enrique (representing the Denzels),and I were in the good therapist’s office. Colton was also there with me, knowing that the final stage of this confessional was going to be mandatory if I was to not only gain closure with my past but also prepare me with the football and cheerleading teams, Dean DeGrawue, and “The Devil of the Pool.”

And despite the waves of nerves threatening to crash me out, I had to see this through to the end.

“Ry’Mir, last night was a long night for you and Colton,” Dr. Tucker stated after a bit of small talk. “It wasn’t easy for you boys to go beyond your comfort zone despite the consequences if you didn’t attend those gridiron boys’ party. How are you feeling at the moment?”

I inhaled deeply. “Honestly? I’m a mixed bag of emotions,” I admitted. “Mad because I was far from prepared despite all that we could do. Scared because ‘The Devil of the Pool’ could be watching and listening in on this without warning. And yet, I’m also feeling tired of having to run away from the past and ready because I want to be able to control my story from my point of view without being threatened with exiled or seen in a bad way. I just want this over and done, you know?”

“Including this session about Costello?” Tre’Von asked.

“Especially that.”

Dr. Tucker went into therapist mode as she grabbed her notes and pen. “Then let’s get started,” she said. “The days leading up to the eventual arrest of Costello, how was your mindset and headspace?”

With a nod from Coach, I dove right in. “Me having to play the games of survival with a man who can ruin your reputation if you didn’t warm his bed was like…it was like I was diving into the deeper parts of an inactive volcano,” I began. “I didn’t want to let him taint my body any more than he already had, but I also didn’t want to be sent to one of the state-run group run homes where kids like me were either beaten or left for themselves. So, I had to play the role of his young lover, let him take me into his pool house after coaching me on my diving techniques or when I had a meet for my school’s team or that in the YMCA.”

“Did your foster parents have any clue on what was going on?” Coach asked gently.

“If they did, I didn’t notice anything and I was wise enough to not let it show how I was hurting when I sat down. The man meant every word- if I didn’t comply or thought about telling Joel or Lois, he’d spin it to make them think that I came on to him and send me away without a fair chance,” I answered. “But on that fateful day, you can pretty much guess that things were about to go down south. Not for me, but for him…”

*********

FLASHBACK (The Day of Reckoning)…

The good news was that Joel and Lois had themselves an off day from their restaurant, allowing themselves time to step back and let loose.

The bad news was that they decided to go to the movies while believing that I needed someone to look after me while they were gone. And that someone, which was the worst news, was Costello because Joel thought that he could use some time away from his home and more time in theirs. “Plus, we know that he’s protective of you and says that you give him no trouble at all,” Lois said as she and her husband were on their way out the door. “So make sure to mind him and give him your undivided attention, Ry’Mir.”

As if I had any choice.

Soon after I came from a relaxing shower after a grueling workout session and a swim at the YMCA, the man was at the door with his shirt removed and his eyes were full of lust. “Such a pretty boy for me,” he said as he climbed on top of my naked body and started kissing my stomach and chest. “My, Lois and Joel are lucky enough to have you in their home.”

“Please stop,” I whimpered. “I’ll tell if you-“

“If you do open your mouth, no one’s going to believe you since you’ll be seen as a jealous liar and a little boy-slut,” he hissed in a seductive yet threatening manner. “You don’t want to make them mad at you, do you?”

I shook my head no, knowing that he was right. If I even dared to tell anyone about him grooming and molesting me, he’d paint me as the bad guy while he would get away with everything.

“Then you’ll play ball with me and I’ll make sure that you’ll be rewarded for your silence,” he said as he reached into his discarded jeans and grabbed some condoms. “Not only that, I’ll make sure that you’ll remember me as your first time. And I can be very generous to little pretty boys like you.“

All I could do was steel my tears from falling down my face as I let him place my legs on his shoulders before sheathing himself with the condom.

“Make this go away, God,” I thought to myself as he entered himself into me. “Let this nightmare end because I-“

“Oh, my Lord! Ry’Mir!”

My stomach dropped low to see a stunned Lois and her furious husband at the doorway, the latter ready to punch his friend in the nose. Only the man didn’t bother slowing down his pace as he ravished me. “J-Joel. Lois,” I whimpered.

It all happened so fast. One moment, Costello was continuously enjoying himself while I had to take it. The next moment, the man was thrown off of me while Lois wrapped me in a towel before sirens filled the air outside. “He liked it, you know?! Your little boy-slut was asking for it,” the disgraced man sneered as he was led away in handcuffs, Joel fighting the urge to knock the man out again as onlookers took in the sight outside.

“Ry’Mir, how long did he take advantage of you like this?” Lois asked while officers were by her side in the living room. “I’m not mad at you, honey. I need to know the truth.”

It was time to come clean as I finally let the waterworks go into overdrive and I told them everything. “I’m so sorry,” I bawled as I was wrapped in a hug. “Please don’t send me away. I had to keep quiet because he could paint me as the bad guy.”

“Son, you have nothing to be sorry for,” one female officer said gently. “We had him on our radar for a while, and your testimony will ensure that he gets what he deserves.”

“I agreed,” Joel grunted as his glare softened when he faced me. “Ry’Mir, I am so sorry I trusted that shithead into your care. If I had known, I would’ve gladly ended him sooner. The worst fact is that Lois and I were blind to the whole thing and the man had his sadistic thrill with other boys before you. So you’ve saved your life as well as those other boys.”

I only let the tears fall as I was gradually led into a whirlwind of testimonies at trials, days spent in solitude thinking, and even a period where I had to take basic therapy sessions with other survivors of child/teen molestation. But the moment the man was convicted and sent to prison, I made a vow: I wanted to bury the past and only move forward by focusing on my diving competitions and academics.

It was time for me to go forward, but in my own way…

***********

PRESENT-DAY

I inhaled deeply, not caring if the tears were cascading from my eyes as I knew everyone else was doing the same. “Some days were better than others,” I finished. “And before coming here, I had a few nightmares that left me sleepless at times for days. But I had to push all my feelings down and lock them away if I wanted to keep my eyes forward.”

“My God, Ry’Mir,” Ra’Nada said, stifling a sob as she accepted a tissue from a stone-faced Andre. “This whole story is…wow.”

“But now, we gotta deal with these people who seem to know about Ry’Mir’s story and are planning to expose him at the next meet,” Dioncel stated, crossing his arms. “And that’s today as we’re facing off against Howard.”

To me, “I hate to suggest this, bro, but you need to sit that meet out for your safety. These football trolls and cheerleaders aren’t playing around, and neither is Dean DeGrawue.”

“Well, the meet’s postponed for today since they had a lockdown scare,” Coach Langley stated. “But they’re going to meet with us the week after next. And I disagree, Dioncel. Ry’Mir said that he wants to tell this story for himself and keep control of the matter by his own terms.”

“But what happens if Ry’Mir gets jumped?” Andre asked. “Or worse? And we still have no idea on who this ‘Devil of the Pool’ is. Incredible!”

“Then that’s the chance I’ll have to make,” I stated. To my coach, “Can you get me that appointment with the school’s president?”

“Already done,” Enrique interjected. “He actually wants to see you for some reason, Ry’Mir. And I warned him that if he turns on you just because of your past, he’ll be answering to me and all the Denzels and Vogues.”

“That goes double for me,” Dr. Tucker said. “And yes, he knows about these therapy settings with you, Tre’Von, Dioncel, and Andre. And I told him that things are getting serious with your situation. So he’ll want to talk to you over tea. When is it?”

“Tomorrow. His private quarters, which isn’t far from the natatorium. You’ll be there after practice tomorrow.”

I nodded. “I don’t know how things will go after tomorrow, you guys, but I’m done running away from the storm. This time, I’m going to go into it.”

And that was the truth.

You’ll never forget the first time! We’re approaching the final ten chapters of ” Ry’Mir’s Dive (book one of “The Aqua Men of Harvick University” series),” available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! This marks the start of the grand-finale extravaganza. Don’t miss it! 

And Coming January 2027… Dioncel’s Story is Told! “Dioncel’s Winter” is Book Two of the Series.