Introspection

Introspection 6

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This document contains homosexual themes and acts. If you are underage or don't like the subject, then don't read it.

The story is not autobiographical and is a product of the writer's fertile imagination.

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Previously

There were surprises and more surprises. I took Julie out sightseeing and shopping, well shopping mostly. As she said there were slim pickings back home. Back at our place, Phil outlined his thoughts about returning to school and community college. Andrew was delighted as many of his thoughts had been triggered by his new view of his brother and his partner. Oh and he and Julie were getting very close and she would want more than he could give with his present jobs and education. It was agreed that he would return after Thanksgiving to explore our community college. We would get material for him to look through in the next couple of weeks.

We all pitched in to prepare supper. Tony and Rob were the first invited. We asked one straight couple that Andrew knew. We included Keith and a friend he had met. So there would be 10 for supper. It was great. We drank too much, ate too much, talked and laughed a lot and we had a riotous time.

We felt real regret when Phil and Julie left. Luckily, my sister wasn't arriving for 2 weeks and then it was Thanksgiving with the Taylors. I realized how different my life was from this time last year. I had learned that I could have deep emotional attachments. I couldn't even imagine my life without Andrew. I loved it.

Present

September passed in a blur of activities. Our weekend with Anne and Jason, was absolutely great. In fact, I was almost jealous of the strong bond that formed between Andrew and Jason but I could tell how pleased Sis was. I knew that he and I also had already formed a strong bond as well.

I had been talking to Dad on a regular basis, sometimes twice a week. Often it was just chitchat about 'the state of the world'. We laughed and joked and I came to look forward to our chats. Mom was still unwilling to look at my situation in any alternate way. It was nothing that Dad said but I began to realize that I had been strident, not wrong, but as emotionally charged as she had been. I also realized that we had stayed at the Taylor's cottage not the house on our first visit with Andrew's family. This was almost like my recognition of the divergence of views that Peter and I had had over what a relationship should be. However, I did not want this difference of opinion to end the same way but I was as lost as Dad as to what I should do.

Phil's visit to check out the community college took up a lot of time as did work, our workouts, martial arts classes and then preparation for Thanksgiving. It was early this year as October 1 had been a Monday. So a lot of my rumination about Mom and me went by the wayside.

We had a great time with Phil; I guess that we were seeing a new side to him. He wanted to talk about investments, loans and money in general. He had saved a bit but not enough for a first term in January.

On the evening after his departure, we were sitting reading. I put my Kindle down. "Just had a thought."

"You make it sound like a rare event!"

"Smart ass! Actually it has been rare on a couple of things." That got his attention. "Is there a way we could help Phil out?"

"It is you that had the thought ."

"Well the most expensive part after tuition is room and board." I let it hang there.

"Paul, I can't ask you to do that."

"You didn't. It was my own little thought."

"But it is your condo."

"Wrong answer, very wrong answer." I looked very hard at him, eyes narrowed. "What is this place? And I expect the correct answer!" I held my hand to indicate a spanking.

"Careful, I might deliberately give you the wrong answer." That lightened the tone. "Our home." I breathed a sigh of relief. "But the inconvenience, less privacy, the expense."

"And Phil does not take on a mountain of debt. He starts early while he is keen. It is going to be hard enough for him as it is. Why don't we think about it for the a while?"

"What are the other things you have not had thoughts about."

"You do listen and remember. My mother. How to deal with the situation. It is OK. It is percolating in my brain. Dad and I are at a loss. Something will turn up."

"Yea, it is always tough, who makes the first move."

We talked a bit more and went back to reading. I didn't realize until considerably later that Andrew's last comment lodged in my memory.

If you live in the north in October, you know what our drive to the Taylor's was like. Breathtaking day. Blue sky, fluffy white clouds, temperature in the high teens, low 20s Celsius, just a little breeze. And the trees! It was a mixed forest with evergreens, birches turning yellow, oaks in muted shades, and the magnificent reds of the maples. Oh, we knew what was coming, gray, rainy, frigid November, first snows of December, brilliant cold days of January, for me interminable February since I had stopped skiing and finally hopeful March. For this weekend, you enjoyed the bounty of the harvest, the good weather and the fellowship of family and friends.

It was an enthusiastic welcome. It appeared that everyone was glad to see us. I felt welcome, part of the family, a feeling that I had not totally felt for a long time.

Later in the day, Andrew broached the topic of church the next day. The family always attended the local Anglican Church on Thanksgiving Sunday where they had been members for decades. I was actually looking forward to it. I loved the hymns and liturgy and the Anglicans were slowly moving to a more inclusive definition of marriage and relationships. I was told that I could even take communion if I wanted. Andrew was pleased at my reaction. I wanted to say to him that I wanted to do what my wonderful new family wanted to do.

I had sung in the choir at university but not since then. I loved singing. I remembered going to practice, being down about something and coming out rejuvenated. So I joined in the singing the next day with enthusiasm and enjoyed the Anglican liturgy.

I was prepared to tune the pastor out when he started his sermon but he started lightly with a few quips that had us all chuckling. His welcome of the visitors was genuine, no snide comments about people who only came at major holidays. Thanksgiving and forgiveness was his topic. The strange juxtaposition of words, caught my attention and imagination. I opened my mind and let him in. This was a sermon that a believer or nonbeliever could learn something from. He opened my mind to possibilities.

I had decided that if the family took the Eucharist, I would treat it as a coming together, a celebration with my family. Andrew looked at me. I whispered yes if you want to. His smile of thanks confirmed my decision.

The body of Christ. The blood of Christ. The words of centuries. For me the celebration of a heritage, a tradition and one small group of a family taking it together. For the first time, the sacrament had a meaning for me that I could accept. Suddenly, nearing the end of the service, I saw the words, the Peace, in the Order of Service. The minister said something, the Peace of the Lord, I think, and suddenly people were turning and shaking hands.

Andrew turned and took my hand. "Peace and love, Paul."

Quietly, "Andrew, love. Peace and joy." We held each others hand just a little longer than we should have. I wanted to kiss him.

Jack reached over. "Thank you, the peace be with you son." That almost brought tears.

Janice turned, reached over and leaned across Andrew and hugged me. "Peace, Paul. We are so glad to have you." Then she embraced her son with her eyes shining. I heard the word love.

I turned to Phil. "Phil I want all your dreams to happen. Strength and peace." We shook hands.

I leaned over to Julie with a short hug. "Peace and happiness."

I had been moved by the sermon, by my thoughts of communion and very much more by the simple acts and words of the Peace. I managed to pull myself together for the benediction and recessional. I sang the recessional hymn with gusto. I received a big smile from Janice at the finish. We stood in line to greet the minister.

Jack, "Father, my son Andrew you know and his partner, Paul." Those words from Jack? I was speechless. So I simply shook the minister's hand. I finally managed to mutter that I found the topic and subject matter of his sermon had a lot of food for thought."

"Don't hear those words too often. I try. " He chuckled. "Ah, the Paul I have heard about. Only good things. Mostly from Jack and Janice so a biased sample." Big smile. "My choir director was looking for that wonderful tenor voice she has never heard here before. You would be conscripted immediately. Maybe a solo in the summer?"

"I haven't sung for years and never a solo."

"You should consider a choir. They say it is good for the soul." He winked at me and shook my hand warmly. The rest of the day went much the same way. We worked together preparing for the lavish feast of Thanksgiving. No one was allowed to sit and do nothing. Even Jack had his job. It truly was a labour of love.

We all had been up early for church and had worked and ate hard. After a quick game of hearts, we all made our way to bed. Once inside our room, I pulled Andrew to me looking him in the eyes. "Lover, I have never had a Thanksgiving like this in my life. Thank you."

"Paul I have a family back."

I put my fingers on his lips. "I have another family. One that cares for me and accepts me. Your father, introducing me as your partner, amazing. Do you remember your definition of a date?" He nodded yes. "Still think we have to date?"

"I haven't been dating you for quite a while."

"You usually are one step ahead of me. You know I think that I stopped the night of the ballet."

We started with light erotic kisses which became more physical very quickly. It is amazing how the mind dominates all our physical reactions. The day had been filled with so many poignant moments, strangely for me especially our time in church. I felt so close and intimate to this man that I could not get enough of him physically at this moment. I wanted to touch and be touched, gentle touches, then harder ones. I wanted to dominate and then be dominated. I wanted to be inside him, dominating, giving him pleasure and then I wanted him inside me stretching me, forcing a strong hard rhythm sending shock waves through me.

We had to be quiet so I whispered all these needs to Andrew. So we shared them, alternating several times. How I wanted to yell out in joy as he finally finished in me and when I entered him it was hard and fast. I heard myself encouraging him to bite my shoulder, harder, harder until I was in total overload as I literally exploded into him. It was a joyous rut.

Early the next morning, we explored each other more slowly and with care. It was different and when I finished, I finally whispered the words, Andrew I love you.

There were tears in his eyes. "You got to say it first. I could have said it weeks or months ago."

Phil and Julie came into the kitchen as we were preparing coffee the next morning. We had our arms around each other. Seeing them, I dropped mine. Phil was smiling. "Don't stop that because we are here." He had his arm around Julie. I only hoped that their night had been as meaningful as ours. I put my arm back. We had come a long way.

We sat down with Phil after breakfast. I had told him that we wanted to talk.

We had decided that Andrew would start. It became clear that he wouldn't be talking long. "Paul had an idea a couple of weeks ago. We would like to discuss it with you. We are really excited about your community college idea."

"I don't know guys. It is so expensive and a long way off."

Andrew gave me a look that said you are on. So I told him my thoughts.

" You would do that for me?"

"I would not bring this up if I did not want to do it."

"Why." He shrugged his shoulders.

"I was lucky. My parents helped me get through with no debt. I had to work but they made up the difference. I hate to see people end up with mountains of debt. I would also like to see you start as soon as you can so that you finish as early as possible. We have a room that is free and is costing us nothing."

"But why me?"

I looked at him. "I consider you family." I paused to let that sink in. "Take some time to think about it. You know the apartment. Your room will be your room. You come and go as you please. Would appreciate help keeping the place clean. If your life style matches ours there should be no problems. I can always kick you out." I gave him a big smile and we all chuckled.

"Guys this is a bit of a shock. I have to talk it over with Julie and then with Mother and Father."

"There is no expiry date. Please we both really want to do this."

We had lunch, turkey leftovers, the best! We were getting ready to leave. It had been a great weekend but we had to be at work the next morning and it was a few hours drive. Our luggage was at the door. Janice and Jack came out of the living room with Phil following.

Jack came up to me. "I do not know how we can be so lucky." I gave him a puzzled look. "We just talked to Phil!"

"For heaven's sake the room is empty and it costs us nothing. It will give me someone to talk to besides your other son." I gave Andrew my most disparaging in look.

"Don't play the clown with me. Thank you."

Janice came over and gave me a big kiss. I was getting embarrassed. "We shall be in touch. Andrew will phone when we get home safely. It has been one of my most memorable Thanksgivings ever. Thank you so much. Phil give us a call if you want to come to see the college again or go in and talk to the registrar if you decide to start next term." We shook hands all around and I got another kiss from Janice.

It was a great trip home as we talked about the highlights of the weekend. We had offered to come back in a couple of weeks to help close the cottage but Jack had said that he and Phil could do it and some of the heavier work would be done by some of the locals. I knew that I would miss them.

Work the next week was very busy. Something was happening as there seemed to be a lot of closed door meetings of managers and owners. There were rumours eventually, of changes, sale of the company, expansion, retrenchment. I stopped listening by mid week.

Towards the end of Thursday afternoon most people were off talking about yet another rumour and I was sitting daydreaming: the weekend, the Taylor family, church, the sermon. It all swirled around in my head. Somehow some of the themes and ideas of the sermon were bouncing around as well. We have to be thankful for many things big and small in our lives and sometimes we have to forgive ourselves and sometimes we have to accept responsibility for situations that we helped to create. To be truly thankful and forgiving we had to put aside our feelings and reach out. Even if we fail, we will have tried. From out of the all the thoughts, Andrew's comment that it is always tough, who makes the first move seemed to bind everything together. I almost shouted out 'of course'. I knew what I had to do.

I was so worked up that I finished the little bit of work that I had left and just left the office. I knew our schedule; this weekend was out. Perhaps next weekend if Anne and Jason were free. I would have to check with Dad after I talked with Andrew tonight. I was excited when I heard his key turn in the lock.

I was nervous but prepared. I rang the bell. Dad came to the door. He gave me a big hug and a quiet thank you. Then out loud, "Paul so good to see you. Phyllis, Paul is here." Mom came quietly into the hall looking surprised and not entirely happy to see me.

"Actually, it is Mom that I came to see for a few minutes." I walked into the living room. Mom came in and sat down. Dad disappeared; I think that I heard the garage door open and the car start. Escape. Smart man.

"It has been a little while." Mom said that looking tense. There was a little acid in her voice. She was not totally pleased. Understatement! I had taken her by surprise which was in fact part of my plan. Wise plan? Only the next few minutes would tell.

"Mom, I am not comfortable with the way things ended last time."

"And well that you shouldn't be! You walked out of the cottage and haven't contacted me in over a month."

Ignore. Stick to your feelings and the plan. "You are right and I want to come to an understanding so that does not happen again."

"What do you mean by an understanding? An apology would fix it."

"Actually, it wouldn't fix it. You were right; we have not discussed certain matters that have to be dealt with." I paused looking at here. "Mom I am going to be blunt. I am 31. I have a life apart from you and Dad. I have a very good job. I am financially in very good shape. I am gay. I have a wonderful partner."

I held up my hand as she started to interject. "I understand that you have objections to my orientation. I don't consider myself sick, in need of help in any way. I consider myself so fortunate. I was given a good upbringing, the best education. I feel that I have a very good set of moral values that you and Dad have helped me develop. I have finally found a partner who completes me. I shall not ask you to do things that you are uncomfortable with. If you don't want my partner and me to sleep in the same room together in your home, we shall work something out in advance."

"I haven't heard an apology."

I smiled a little smile. "I think that we have to understand each other first Mom.

"You know the stand the church takes on this."

"I also know that other churches take a different stand. Mom on this issue we shall have to agree to disagree before anything can change. I want to have all my family back. Can I make a suggestion?" She did not object. "Why don't we take some small steps. We are staying at Anne and Jason's place this weekend." Mom looked surprised. "We have invited them out for lunch tomorrow before we head back. I would like you and Dad to join us."

Mom paused. She looked as if she was considering something. "Would you come to church with us?"

"With or without Andrew? We all attended his families church at Thanksgiving."

"How did they introduce you after the service?"

"His father's exact words were 'Father, Andrew my son you know and his partner, Paul'. Even I was surprised."

"To a Catholic priest?" The tone, total shock.

"Anglican."

"Ah." That was all that she replied but her tone spoke volumes. I wanted to chuckle but knew better.

"Mom, you could introduce me and then Andrew as a friend. It is not a lie. Mom, this time, I shall go with your decision." I did emphasize 'this time'. "What ever your decision is, lunch after mass?"

"Give me a call this evening. I shall discuss this with your father."

Andrew gave me his 'I don't mind either decision' look with a kiss in front of Jason and Anne. Later in the day my phone rang. Dad. It was a thank you for taking the first step. Then I called Mom. I was going to church without Andrew. We would go to lunch after the service. I have to say that I really appreciated Andrew's patience. I had explained my plan to him in detail, probably too many times.

I really appreciated the Anglican service and the Taylor's minister. The service at Mom's church was dull and the homily was almost incomprehensible. I almost drew blood biting myself to stay awake. The service ended but I guessed that things were not finished for me.

"Father Sebastien, my son, Paul."

"Paul, so good to meet you. Just you? Your mother said that you had a partner."

Yes I do, a wonderful man. No father, we have not deserted each other and I have not renounced my orientation. You still have a chance to save me. "We decided to come as a small family today." I gave him my most genuine smile. Mother looked pleased.

"Wonderful. You know that your mother is quite concerned about you. We have a really good program in the city that could help." He looked at Mom and then me with the most compassionate look.

Oh really. This is wonderful news. I have been looking for a way to ditch the man I love. This could be my answer. "Yes, Mom mentioned something about that. What is it exactly?"

"It is a program that challenges people about their conceptions of themselves."

Oh, Father very, very smooth but your homily was awful. "Excellent, I have some straight friends as well that could use this type of program. Could you give me the information for it?" I said it in innocence and excitement .

He at least had the decency to look embarrassed. "Well we may have something more tailored to their needs but this one is more geared to people with your needs."

Sounding as genuine as I could, "Father, as I explained to my mother, I discovered my true self over ten or twelve years ago. I am very comfortable with who I am. I am out to virtually everyone I know at work and elsewhere and I have met a very moral, intelligent man who I consider my partner for life. I really do appreciate your concern but ...." I shrugged my shoulders and held up my hands in what I hoped was regret and thanks. Why did my father cover his mouth? He was either wiping off a lot of breakfast crumbs or the biggest grin of his life.

"Well my son, if you ever change your mind, we are here for you. You know the teaching of the church on this."

Yes I also know how some in your church have dealt with priests that have had gay encounters with young altar boys. "Thank you Father, for your time, advice and concern."

We shook hands. I had kept to my game plan. I was so glad that I had thought this through in detail.

Mom did not look pleased. Dad started talking. "Very good of him to offer the information. Son, thank you for listening and explaining yourself so well. Now I think that we have the rest of the family to meet." I suspected that Dad would get an earful later but he laid out his ground rules in advance. Mom was silent. She looked as if she had a lemon slice in her mouth. Things had not gone according to plan.

We were together as a family. I had treated the priest with respect but I had been honest, well there were some sins of omission and some errant thoughts. I had gone to church alone and Mom was coming to lunch. A start.

We arrived first but very soon the other three arrived. What an entrance! They were laughing and joking with each other. It was clear that Andrew was part of the family in Anne and Jason's eyes. We actually had a good lunch. Even Mom ended up talking to Andrew. She looked as if she was engaged with him. At one point, Dad had moved Jason out and sat beside Andrew. I watched their conversation ebb and flow through serious and lighter subjects. At one point, Andrew was expostulating on something making Dad laugh uproariously. My heart soared.

Before we left, I mentioned the opera that would be in town in late November and invited Mom and Dad to it as a special treat. It was La Traviata, one of Mom's favourites. I told Dad quietly that they were welcome to stay at our place but we understood, if they chose to stay in a hotel. I got a big hug from Dad as thanks with a whispered, well done.

When we got back to Anne's, she stopped in the living room looking at me. "I don't know how you did it but masterful, brother. I may have to take lessons."

I merely shrugged.

Andrew, "Jesus, he is being modest. He thought about this for weeks and then planned his strategy like a General planning a major battle. Well done, big guy." He sighed pathetically. "Now I have to learn about opera, especially, la Traviata." He rolled his eyes. I held up my hand in our now private gesture. To the quizzical looks of Anne and Jason, we laughed.

"She hasn't said yes."

"Did you not see her eyes light up. They are coming." The telephone call mid next week proved Andrew correct.

I went back to work on Monday to find a message that the Head of Human Resources wanted to see me at 10. We all have our secret little weaknesses and doubts. Had I done something wrong? Was this the first move in downsizing? I had never been asked to a meeting like this before. When I arrived there was the Head of Human Resources and the CEO of the company. Oh shit. I put on my most confident and in charge look. We passed pleasantries.

One of the rumours was true. The company was expanding and there was a contract that involved work in a suburb of Paris. I spoke French and my engineering expertise fitted the job of Team Leader. It would mean some trips to France and some extra hours here in Canada. Was I interested? It was a promotion with a raise in pay. I told them that I would have to discuss it with my partner but that I was interested if it didn't mean too much time out of the city. They gave me their estimates as the French team was prepared to meet here some of the time.

Andrew was surprised, elated and happy for me. I would insist that he get to do some travel with me when I went. He had never been to France and wanted to go badly. I discussed that with the Head of Human Resources and the CEO, Alexander Grey. Mr. Grey was surprised when I told him the situation. He didn't know that I was gay. I asked if that bothered him or if it would have affected his decision. He asked if I had been gay when I joined the company. I asked him why he asked that question. He said that my work had always impressed him so my being gay was immaterial. But he jokingly asked what I would have done if he had said that it mattered to him. I told him I would have turned the position down and probably looked for another firm to work for. I think he liked my answer as he laughed heartily and shook hands still chuckling. I looked at him and told him I would ask him how he felt after I brought Andrew to the Christmas party and danced with him. He told me that he looked forward to it. I accepted the position.

The weeks passed quickly and suddenly the Opera was on us. I had let Andrew make most of the arrangements with Dad and Mom. He had given them the choice of our place or a hotel. Dad had quietly said a hotel which, with our busy schedule, actually suited us fine. Andrew, making the arrangements, worked more than fine. I overheard him and Mom discussing the Romeo and Juliet ballet one night for the longest time. She asked him about Opera and he was totally frank but told her that he reading up on La Traviata and listening to it on his iPod.

Dad let me know that Mom was actually quite taken with Andrew. We had booked them into really nice boutique hotel that Andrew had discovered and visited. Mom was was delighted with it and Dad was insisting on paying when he had discovered that I had already prepaid the bill. I suggested supper before the performance. He reluctantly agreed stating that it still wasn't enough.

We had a delightful evening with Andrew wiping the 'dirt out of his eyes' yet again at the end of this performance. I had received a not so gentle poke in the ribs when I whispered, ah, my Julia, to him (Julia Roberts reference, Introspection 3) but he did give me a really lovely smile. Mom and Dad left on Sunday afternoon with accolades from both of them for a memorable weekend.

Dad phoned me at work on Monday and couldn't stop telling me what a wonderful thing that I had done and to expect a phone call from Mom about Christmas in the very near future. Several days later Andrew took the call from Mom and they spoke at length with lots of comments and laughs on his end of the phone. I heard him say that we would discuss possible bookings with Anne and Jason or could Mom suggest a good hotel. I watched his face after that exchange. His mouth fell open and he stammered, "Phyllis, I shall have to talk to Paul. Thanks, talk soon."

"Phyllis??? First name? What have you done to my mother. Are you crazy?"

"She asked me to call her that!"

"When I heard you call her that you could have blown me over with a feather."

Andrew paused. Looked serious and then got his little smirk. "Feather? I would like to blow you," he paused dramatically looking at me, "over. But not with a feather."

I chuckled at his play on words. Quite clever. Oh, oh, he was serious. His eyes were not focused on my face but much further down my body. I decided to go with him. I put my arms out on the back of the chair and spread my legs far apart leaving my body wide open. I gave him a challenging look.

He smiled as he knelt between my legs. He tapped my crotch several times with his fingers. "Ah, firming up I see." He undid my zipper and pulled everything down. He just stared. We both watched my erection grow. "Flaccid to arousal in just a minute. You are a horny bugger, Paul Watson. Now to taste my favourite delicacy, Paul after a day's work." He licked the head of my now very hard cock. I moaned. "Delicious, piquant with just a touch of muskiness." He pronounced it with hand movements like a fine wine taster. He lightly ran his tongue up and down the shaft, savouring it. He used his thumb and one finger to squeeze for the bottom to the top. A little pearl of liquid appeared. "Now for the real taste sensation." He used his tongue to just lick the pearl up. "Exquisite." He surrounded the head with his mouth and sucked me.

I think that I used every expletive in the dictionary. As he sucked me, he fondled my balls always a very sensitive area. Then he theatrically wet a finger. Looked at it glistening with his spit. He looked at me with his eyebrows raised. I just closed my eyes waiting for the sensations to begin. He put his finger in slowly but quickly found the spot. I think that I found even more expletives and he used his other hand to keep my body from moving too much. The sensations were overpowering. I pulled him off whispering too close and pulled him up for a kiss. I think that I could taste some of myself in his kiss.

"Enough! Now for the best part." He started to suck me hard and fast with his finger in me moving over the spot lightly and then pressing, alternating. There was no stopping now.

"Oh Andrew, love. Save some to share. Oh shit, it is as if you have electricity flowing through my body. Oh the tingling and feelings, it is starting in my groin. Shit first pulse up, up...." And I just finished with a whimper. It was pulse after pulse with my body stiff and my legs trying to move side to side. As I finished, he looked up with eyes glowing and as he kissed me, I could taste what he was tasting. We kissed for quite a while.

My body relaxed and my erection started to soften. There was still semen coming out. He licked it up. Very sensitive. I tried to get him up so that I could reciprocate but he stopped me saying that he wanted to wait until we went to bed; he had plans.

I suggested bed very soon and he smiled. As it turned out, he definitely had plans. Only 30 minutes later, he had me aroused again and in him. He called out my name as he came all over his chest and stomach. I licked it up sharing with him. Minutes later, I had a second mind blowing orgasm. We lay spooning together falling asleep murmuring words of endearment to each other.

Author's Note

There is another chapter being written. I hope to publish next Thursday or Friday.

Let me know your thoughts on this chapter preecherdave@gmail.com

If you liked this story, you might want to read the others that I have published on Nifty. In particular, Unexpected Change which has had the most positive comments and one of my favourites, Getting My Act Together.

Unexpected Change, Nifty, College, April 16, 2011 Friendship, Nifty, Adult Friends, May 20, 2011 Surprising Last Year at University, Nifty, College, June 9, 2011 Murder Changed My Life, Nifty, Beginnings, July 8, 2011 What is Love?, Nifty, Beginnings, August 31, 2011 Getting My Act Together, Nifty, Adult-Friends, November 10, 2011 Surprised, Nifty, Adult-Friends, January 14, 2012 Surprised Eric and Dave, Beginnings, February 10, 2012 Surprised Graham and Robert, Nifty, Adult-Friends, March 22, 2012 What a Difference a Year Makes, Nifty, Adult-Friends, September 13, 2012 Discoveries, Nifty, Beginnings, November 1, 2012 Introspection, Nifty, May, 2013