Date: 08/26/12 01:40 pm Title: Chapter 7
God, that was an evil place to end it! But lord did I love this chapter. It was so emotional, and real progress seems to have been made. I am seriously curious about the rest of Gordon and Simone's conversation went that she heard that he told Tom, and that meant she had to storm the house and talk to them immediately.
Great work! I can't wait to see more!
Author's Response: Sorry for leaving it there, but I wanted to post a bit faster than last time so I cut it off at a covenient place. You'll get a look-see at Simone and Gordon's conversation in the next chapter. And also Tom's view on things. I'm hoping to get the next chapter done by the weekend but we'll see how it goes. Thank you so much for continuing to read and taking the time to review, I'm so happy you're enjoying it. Love, Helen x
Date: 08/26/12 01:19 am Title: Chapter 7
if its already written, why dont you put it up sooner?
Author's Response: It's not all written yet, just a part of it. I posted what I had for chapter 7 so I didn't leave weeks between updates like last time. I need to finish the next part off and edit it. I don't like to post stuff with mistakes if I can help it but I do all my own editing so it takes time. Did you enjoy it, though? I won't apologise for the cliffhanger, it's how I write... leaving everyone wanting more. Hope you do want more. Hope you enjoyed what I did post and with luck the next chaper will be up by the end of the week. Thanks for reading and reviewing. Love, Helen x
Date: 08/25/12 09:47 pm Title: Chapter 7
You had me holding my breath!!!!!!!!
Author's Response: Please breathe again before I post the next part because it might be a week yet before its ready. I'm taking that you enjoyed it. Thanks a million for reading and for taking the time to review. Love, Helen x
Date: 08/23/12 03:40 am Title: Chapter 6
Sorry for missing this before. so intense, so hard for Tom, so hard for Bill! Gordon is struggling to be supportive, one has to admire his stamina and loyalty, even if he shouldn't perhaps take Tom's promise about the incest being consensual as 100 % truth when Bill isn't there... Either way, parents struggling with their children here... and Tom and Bill have to handle this new knowledge. So intense. Very good.
Author's Response: Thank you for reviewing. I think that Tom and Gordon are very alike just as Bill and Simone have things in common, even though Gordon isn't the twins real dad. They are both really devoted to the people they love and prepared to put up with their weirdness and be protective of them. As for Gordon taking Tom at his word that there's no abuse, the whole point is that Tom can't seem to lie convincingly to his stepdad so Gordon is pretty certain that Tom's telling the truth. Plus Gordon listened to those files and heard the love in the twins' words whereas Simone could only focus on the possibility of incest. The next couple of chapters will be pretty emotional, at least I hope they will if I can get that across to the readers. Thanks again for reading and taking the time to write a review. Love, Helen x
Date: 08/18/12 01:47 am Title: Chapter 6
whew, that was....intense
now im worried that simone heard Bill and think that Tom raped him.
oh man
please update ASAP!!
Author's Response: Thanks for reviewing, sorry not to have responded sooner. I've just posted chapter 7 and I'm already working on chapter 8. A lot more angst to come, and lots of emotion if I can convey it to my readers. Hope it comes across. Thanks again for sticking with this. Love Helen x
Date: 08/16/12 01:36 am Title: Chapter 2
yes, im reading this
took me a while to find it again
this is awesome
Author's Response: Really happy to have you back. Glad you're enjoying it. Updates are a bit slow because I'm kind of busy now but I'll keep on writing and I promise I will finish the story...nothing worse than getting into a story and then finding it gets abandoned. Thanks for the compliment. Hope you enjoy the rest of it. Big hugs, Helen x
Date: 08/15/12 06:08 am Title: Chapter 6
Brilliant chapter. It was the best! I'm really sorry I kinda disappeared and never got to answer your email, but things got pretty hectic for the past month or so... But I'm still here, still following you. Still sitting on the edge of the chair, holding my breath to what comes next. I love your writing, you know that!
This chapter was pretty much everything I expected from their tall, and more. Have I mentioned that I love your Gordon? He's like #1 dad all the way! Also, the twin bond, you know how much I adore it! Such a pity all the drama is about to resume with Bill (I must confess I was calling him a wimp and telling him to man up and face the situation the moment he started wailing. And then the chapter was over.)
You know, I think I really pity Tom, and I wouldn't like to be on his shoes. He's in a pretty shitty situation, suffered almost as much as Bill, and has always to sort things out, save the situation, be the strong supportive older brother... All that without getting laid! I think what I like the most about this chapter is seeing the reverse, seeing Bill to the rescue. It also made me consider if all Tom's care isn't kinda spoiling Bill, because he often seems stronger than that stubborn mindset of his shows, and usually when Tom is more fragile. I don't know, they say you can get addicted to a certain type of sadness...
Now I only hope to see more of this stronger side of Bill, Gordon knowing the whole of the situation (don't know why, but I was kinda hoping Tom would tell him the blackmailing circumstances in which the rape took place). And, of course,I wanna see this disgusting Max getting beat up. By Bill. In the ass. With a sharp knife.
Love you :D
Author's Response: Hi there. I'm so happy to hear from you. Did you enjoy your trip? I hope life is treating you better right now. So glad you're still reading and enjoying the story. Thank you for another amazing review. I love when you review, you're always so passionate about the characters and especially what you'd do to the baddies. I'm also hoping Bill will man up a bit, but he's so much easier to write all weak and vulnerable, and I do love having Tom take care of him. But I think Bill might well be going to take his fate into his own hands a little a chapter or two down the line. I'm happy you enjoyed the twin bond, I always think of you when I write about their special link. And Tom really couldn't tell Gordon the circumstances surrounding the blackmail and rape for fear of his stepdad getting suspicios about how Ralph really died. Like I wrote, he has to think of protecting David too, and he also didn't want Gordon in any way involved in the murder even just by knowing about it after the event. Next chapter will probably be mainly from Bill's POV but I think there'll have to be some Gordon and Simone in there somewhere...and perhaps a quick look into Max's twisted little mind. Once again, it's great to hear from you and thanks for reading and reviewing. Send me a quick email if you get the chance and feel like it. Big hugs, Helen x
Date: 08/15/12 12:25 am Title: Chapter 6
Oh Tom...no lying. Just...that was a really bad way to explain...*facepalm*
Omg god! Squueeeeee! Update! Iloveyouiloveyouiloveyou!
This was a surperbly fantastic chapter. Gordon and Tom's conversation was so incredibly well played out. I couldn't have hoped for a better outcome. Gordon was just so...he had the perfect balance of freaked out and understanding. I wish my dad was so understanding, he couldn't even accept me wanting to go to a winter dance with my best friend who happened to be Bi, and it wasn't a date at all. And he knew that.
Simone is really starying to tick me off with her huffiness. If her son, who is in therapy for unknown reasons, is freaked out about Tom out of the blue, she needs to be a little more understanding. Unless she really thinks Bill could be the instigating abuser twin, trying to not leave Tom alone long enough to tell anyone?
On a lighter note, I really enjoyed the part whe Tom first walked on the back porch and was talking about the 'manicured' lawn, if not for Scotty, and what the hell does he care what the back yard looks like so long as the babies are happy. And the dog mining comment.
Wonderful chapter! I really loved every moment of it, and am quite anxious for more! Keep up the lovely work!
Author's Response: Thank you so much. I was worried that I'd left it so long between updates nobody would even bother reading. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter so much because I worked really hard on it. For some people writing comes easy, for me its blood, sweat and tears to get things just right. I always knew from the end of KUA that Gordon was going to be supportive of the twins, but his real problem was with Simone's reaction if she found out. And, yes, she's a pain, but she knew Tom wasn't freaked for nothing because she was aware that Gordon was having the talk with him. She was trying to keep Bill from going back early because she was determined Gordon would have a real chance to grill Tom. She is determined to know the truth even those she'd also terrifed of what that truth might be. And I agree, Tom should be completely truthful with Bill if he expects the same back from his twin. He kind of copied Gordon and chose the easy way out by playing the recordings simply because he had no idea how to tell Bill and thought at least those files spoke for themslves...literally. Happy you liked the bits about Scotty. I felt a tiny injection of humour would lighten the heavy atmosphere a little. Okay, can't promise a speedy update but I'm working on it. I have a good idea how things are going to play out with Simone and with Max, the creepy therapist...I just have to find time to write it. Thanks again for your amazing review. Love, Helen x
Date: 08/10/12 11:41 pm Title: Chapter 5
I feel bad because I still havent had half a chance to read this, but check your emails because I sent you a new one and also, I got your letter. Delete this if you want and I'll try to read this at the library later this week. Love, Tisha
Date: 08/10/12 11:41 pm Title: Chapter 5
I feel bad because I still havent had half a chance to read this, but check your emails because I sent you a new one and also, I got your letter. Delete this if you want and I'll try to read this at the library later this week. Love, Tisha
Date: 08/10/12 11:41 pm Title: Chapter 5
I feel bad because I still havent had half a chance to read this, but check your emails because I sent you a new one and also, I got your letter. Delete this if you want and I'll try to read this at the library later this week. Love, Tisha
Date: 08/10/12 11:41 pm Title: Chapter 5
I feel bad because I still havent had half a chance to read this, but check your emails because I sent you a new one and also, I got your letter. Delete this if you want and I'll try to read this at the library later this week. Love, Tisha
Date: 08/10/12 11:41 pm Title: Chapter 5
I feel bad because I still havent had half a chance to read this, but check your emails because I sent you a new one and also, I got your letter. Delete this if you want and I'll try to read this at the library later this week. Love, Tisha
Date: 08/10/12 11:41 pm Title: Chapter 5
I feel bad because I still havent had half a chance to read this, but check your emails because I sent you a new one and also, I got your letter. Delete this if you want and I'll try to read this at the library later this week. Love, Tisha
Date: 08/10/12 11:41 pm Title: Chapter 5
I feel bad because I still havent had half a chance to read this, but check your emails because I sent you a new one and also, I got your letter. Delete this if you want and I'll try to read this at the library later this week. Love, Tisha
Date: 08/04/12 09:34 pm Title: Chapter 5
Hi, Helen. I really don't have a lot of time on here and I haven't had a chance to read this yet, but can you please try to email me again soon? I sent you one through the email address, the other one, not the one on here and it was short, but the one before that was longer. Did you get them? I'll read this asap. Right now I'm at a bday party and I'm hoping that you get this and forgive me for not reading yet. i love you and miss you and I'm hoping to get internet back by october. Please email me when you can!! Love you, again!!!
Author's Response: So happy to hear from you, sweetie. I did get your emails and I responded by PMing you through THF as you didn't seem to be receiving my emails. I haven't forgotten you and miss chatting to you like crazy. In fact I've sent you a letter this week so you know I'm always thinking about you. I won't say anything personal on here, but please know you are my dear friend and I will try like mad to keep our friendship going as long as you still want that. Love you, sweetie, and hope you and your family are all well. Big hugs, Helen X
Date: 07/25/12 05:21 pm Title: Chapter 5
I don't see this chapter as filler at all....there was a lot of insight into what's going on in Bill's head. Looking forward to more!
Author's Response: I'm really happy you enjoyed it. I sometimes wonder if people really do enjoy chapters without much action. I know I do myself because sometimes the little details of a character's life and their thoughts and feelings help me get so involved in the story it really makes it come to life. But I'm never sure if, when I write stuff like that, it just comes out boring. So, your review is really reassuring. Thank you so much for reading and taking the time to review. Love, Helen x
Date: 07/24/12 06:13 pm Title: Chapter 5
I've been dying to find out how this whole thing will end up, I can't wait for the next chapter, I think the situation with Max creates yet another twist and it's so interesting, plus the whole story is just written so well... please keep writing!:-)
Author's Response: Wow! Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I'm so happy that there are still people following this story who really enjoy reading it. I will be a little slow with updates as I'm also studying at the moment and have assignments to get in as well as a family to look after, but I'm not abandoning it and I have some great ideas now for future chapters. Thanks again for taking the time to review. Big hugs, Helen x
Date: 07/24/12 12:30 pm Title: Chapter 5
AWESOME!!! I loved Keeping Up Appearances and didn't know of the existence of this story but I have always wondered how it would have continued. This is amazing, as usual, and I cannot believe how lucky I feel to have found it!
Author's Response: Hi there. I'm so glad you found this sequel. Quite honestly it was only meant to be 2-3 chapters to finish off issues raised at the end of KUA. But like KUA it's taken on a life of its own and I have no idea exactly where it will finish up. I'm pretty sure it won't be as long as KUA, though. At least, I hope not because I have a great sequel in mind that takes us about 6-9 months on, bringing us almost up to date with where the twins are in real life right now. Anyway, that's for when this is finished. Thank you so much for reading and for taking the time to write me such a lovely review. Big hugs, Helen x
Date: 07/23/12 05:19 pm Title: Chapter 5
Random note: I love coffee so much and this description of drinking was so close to having a cup. I loved it :D
So glad Bill is getting lots of second thoughts about the therapist. He should listen to his own hesitation - it infuriates me that the man has this power over Bill. I am glad Tom kissed Bill, and Bill responded.
I find the way we get insights into Bill's and Simone's morning, into her worries about Tom and Bill very interesting. It turns into anger for her, she reacts strongly with almost anger, but I sense such a deep frustration and worry for her boys. I wish Bill would find the connection with her, and tell her about the therapist. He could just say neutrally that the therapist wants him to stay off sex, while Bill feels ready. I am sure his mother would love to be able to do something for him - and would tell him that Max is a freak.
I am sorry in a way that they feel so much more connected to Gordon. He doesn't push them the way Simone does, it's obvious that they want to handle things on their own. But maybe, sometimes we need help to handle bad things.
It's all so interesting but I feel bad about the therapist thing. It's somehow so senseless that Bill would feel bad about what happens there, AND bad about not being able to let Tom love him/love Tom physically, AND feeling bad about needing his threapist's permission, and still, it doesn't click into the realization that his therapist is wrong. But of course, it's easy to say that as an outsider.
Continuously interesting, and absolutely, you must keep writing to tell us where it is going. My suggestion for the Simone surprise is a dinner where they try to show her how "normal" they are, and how happy that she is their mom. Just something neutral sons could do to show their mother that they are grateful to have her, after the hard times they went through.
Author's Response: Thank you for such a great review. I can see you've really been thinking about things. The thing with Max is he plays so dirty, not only getting his victims to trust him as a professional therapist but playing on their vulnerabilities to get what he wants by suggestion and making them feel guilty for disobeying him. Someone like Bill who has been raped but in a sense allowed it to happen is an easy target because Max can play on his guilty feelings too...plus of course the man has him on medication and uses hypnotherapy to plant suggestions in his fucked up brain. I know with hypnotherapy they say it isn't possible to get someone to do something they wouldn't normally do, but Bill's already walked into an abusive situation once, and he's really not sure what's permitted and what isn't right now. He just wants to make things right with him and Tom and is prepared to suffer to make that happen. And sometimes couselling can make things worse before they get better because all kinds of repressed memories can be unlocked that a person might not have really faced before. As for Simone, she's really scared that her worst fears have come true so she's also confused, feeling both disgusted at the possibilty and also like she has to protect her boys from themselves. All she's doing though is alienating them. Bill just sees her as interfering when he's got enough to deal with as it is. Thanks for the surprise suggestion. I was thinking of something along the same lines...or maybe they could pull strings and get her to meet an idol of hers, an actor or an artist she admires. I'm still thinking about it. Thanks again for reading and encouraging me and taking time to write such a thoughtful review. Love and hugs, Helen x