Date: Sep 05, 2018 1:36 pm Title: STAYING or GOING CHAPTER 4
God... this story just keeps getting better and better. All this time I've been thinking your current story, JTTOU, was my all-time favorite of yours, but I like this so much. They are so different in contrast, but, this one is more to true life, while following canon... with the exception of Gus dying... which was a shock. Apparently it was also Lindsay who carried JR? Was Michael the father of said child? It was good thing Jen was in Brian's office when Miss Deborah made her appearance. Good for Jen... laying it on the line. I feel Brian is right when he thought how Deb would react to what Michael said at the party. Actually, I hope that comes out to everyone during this story. Brian also needs to learn the truth regarding Kip. So many authors write that episode of Brian finding out, with him belittling Justin because of the danger involved. Sure there was, but, Kip was a bully, only able to assert power by blackmail. Which I believe, Justin recognized that. I don't think he was capable of violence. Too chicken shit. This would prove to Brian how much Justin loved and cared about him that first year... something his best friend wouldn't even consider doing for him. So, who was the TRUE best friend, even back then? Looking forward to continuing reading this story.
Hugs, Cathy
Author's Response:
Hi Cathy!
First, I'd like to thank you so much for all the reviews thus far. Not only are they encouraging, but they also help me to gauge how the story is unfolding through the reader's eyes and hearts. It lets me know that I am providing quality entertainment for you all, while providing a very important service for myself in getting this all down on paper. Any author would tell you that the characters are intrusive and have no respect of time. So if I'm asleep, 95 times out of 100, they will wake me up, demanding that their story be told. Sometimes they are welcome, but with a screeching character like Michael, and a histrionic one like Deb, I need a mental muzzle to silence them, so it's best to just get up and get writing, LOL
As for your confusion about Gus and J.R., they do not appear in this story. I never thought that Michael should have been a father, not even to a cactus, so this was the perfect opportunity to demonstrate that, even while changing the canon storyline entirely regarding Melanie and Lindsay. I don't think Lindsay will appear in the story personally, but hers and Melanie's history surrounding their breakup will be mentioned throughout as several points of reference. I want to show the journey of Mel from who she was within the canon to who she is now as a Judge and a woman on her own after a tumultous relationship that crashed and burned through no fault of her own. But at the same time, I didn't want to villify Lindsay, but to understand what she must have felt within herself, and then demonstrate Mel's true love for her in letting her go on and be happy, even if it wasn't with her.
I have gotten to the point where I absolutely LOVE having Melanie around, flourishing and growing as a person and within her career. I've always felt that she was possibly the most misunderstood character within the show, and had things been written differently for her, she could have been one of the most beloved people, right on par with Em, Ted, Brian and Justin. But with a vision clouded by jealousy in almost every aspect of her life, her character was always stifled a bit to me. So I work hard to recharacterize her the way I've always seen her potential growth.
I really hope you continue to enjoy BILG as much as I enjoy writing it. You're absolutely correct in how JT2U and BILG are so different in contrast, and I really love that about each of them. I set out to write JT2U as I would have if I'd been a writer on the show, while with BILG I simply wanted to challenge myself in a completely different way, especially since in one of my RL WIPs, I'm working with 12 main chaarcters, who are also all coupled up with the exception of one. I will admit that sometimes I feel that I'm way too ambitious for my own good, but hearing what the audience thinks of the work I do, shows me that it's a very good thing that I am.
HAPPY READING and HUGS,
~Nichelle
Date: Sep 05, 2018 1:35 pm Title: FIRE and ICE: CHAPTER 3
The last couple of chapters... I cried during reading about Blake's visit to his grandfather. Such a wise man, telling Blake not to let go of Ted. I don't think it will take too much to convince Blake to go to the island. When Gramps told him, "Your Grandie is here to get me, Blake", I lost it. Thank-you for adding him and Diane into Blake's story. Wow... so Blake's 5 brothers abused and taunted him too. The smackdown to his parents was fun to read. Stupid Curtis just couldn't let it be. I hope we are privy to the reading of Blaine's will, especially after he told Diane she wouldn't see any of the money he would receive. Haha! And, with everything already signed and delivered, they can't contest can they? Now, Blake is richer than Ted, but I doubt Michael will ever acknowledge that. What will Ted's reaction be as to where Blake went and why? Smackdown at Woody's... good thing Em showed up when he did. Ben delivered a resounding parting to Brian. Em putting the voice of reason to the situation. And, what exactly did he mean about, "Michael's version of the events". We didn't get to hear what those were. Bernard and Duke's conversation was interesting as coming from a counselors POV. And just what are they thinking at the end? Enjoying this so much...
Hugs, Cathy
Date: Sep 05, 2018 11:25 am Title: IN or OUT: CHAPTER 3
OMG! I just watched the video for this song! It was awesome... gave the words so much more meaning than to simply read the words. Apparently, Brian has a jealous, possessive streak. Regarding the last few chapters... I was wondering when Mother Dearest would an entrance. Not much yet, but enough for us to know where her allegiance will lie in this story. It seems as if Michael has an uncanny ability to show up at the most inopportune moment. Good thing B/J had finished their sex romp. I honestly think Brian might have done more to Mchael than to just order him out. Has Debbie called him yet? I'm sure Michael wasted no time calling her after Ben left. It was sad to learn of Alex's past with his father... I can't imagine parents who can act like that. I have 4 adult children, and I can understand disappointment in a child, but I would never go to an extreme like Alex's father. Nor, could I ever act like my son could do no wrong. Unlike Michael, my son is a very strong person, who has done well for himself, (wish I could say that about one of my daughters), but if he EVER tried anything like Michael, I would call him on his bullshit, and tell him what a disappointment he was, (just as I have with my daughter). Anyway, this story just keeps getting more and more interesting. I am Really liking it!
Hugs, Cathy
Date: Sep 05, 2018 5:03 am Title: FIRE AND ICE CHAPTER 2
Haven't posted for a couple of chapters... HATE Mikey more with each chapter. Thinking Brian owed him an apology and explanation... Well... let's just say the guy is so delusional. So glad Brian gave Michael a much needed, firm... GET OUT! Then, after Ted ignoring him by not answering, Em to the rescue... Another, smackdown. So glad he told Michael to solve his own problem with Brian and Ben... It would have been fun to hear Michael's response when Em hung up on him. Maybe when the next chapter of, 'In and Out' gets posted we might. BTW... how late at night is it, if Michael was at Woody's for a couple hours prior to this? Isn't Ben's anger skyrocketing during the passing hours? Glad Mel pointed out to Em about the 'satisfaction on Michael's face'... if nothing else that should wake Em up! Great story. I can hardly quit reading. I'm actually glad I didn't start reading this earlier, as I don't have to wait for updates.
Date: Sep 04, 2018 11:00 pm Title: FIRE and ICE: Chapter One
Now I've fininshed reading through each couples stories, I feel if B/J, D/E, and T/B, may have a chance if they put their all in the counseling. Writing the letters is a very good idea. It's always easier putting thoughts on paper, rather than saying them outloud... Well, all except Michael. Does he even spell good (I know, a little crass of me to say that)... I think Ted and Blake are in the worst situation than the rest of tem. They have so much more to lose, other than each other, if they resort to crystal. Bad, very, very bad. It was interesting to observe how Ben, Blake and Drew, thought about Justin in all of this. Maybe it's because they have been together the longest, and survived through more than the others. Because, if they can't come out of this, will everyone else will feel like giving up? And pray tell, Michael answering Ted's phone? And, devising a plan for enjoying the men on the island? Did he forget he's MARRIED? So, sorry I didn't start this story a long time ago. It's so much better than I thought it would be.
Hugs, Cathy
Date: Sep 04, 2018 9:32 pm Title: STAYING or GOING: Chapter One
There is so much more to this than you know and that I can tell you... ominous thoughts. What does Em mean? Did he think about what Counselor Duke said? I always thought Em was the voice of reason in the show. Didn't take others bullshit. So, maybe he will make it work out before the others. B/J are really in a bad place. It made me sad when Brian said, "Is that what you think, Justin? That our marriage is ruined?" I could hear the hurt in his voice. Hopefully, Justin makes it to the meeting.
Date: Sep 04, 2018 3:19 pm Title: BEFORE I LET GO: Chapter One
Just started this story. I'm already hooked. I love how you portrayed The 4 friends, especially Michael. I always considered him manipulative. I did read your Story Notes beforehand, which were quite helpful. There was another story with this Plot Bunny, but turned out to be a crack-fic, at least in my opinion. So, I'm really interested in this, especially after reading this chapter... Looking forward to the rest...
Hugs, Cathy
[Report This]Date: Sep 02, 2018 2:33 pm Title: STAYING or GOING CHAPTER 2
I started reading this in bed last night, and I couldn’t put it down and it’s so hardy to comment on my phone. I didn’t start reading this before now because I thought it was a Ted/Blake fic. I should never judge a fic by its banner and title. I ‘m so loving this one, even if my heart is breaking for Justin, and the others being manipulated by the whining weasel. Okay I have to get back to the fic, it’s like a drug with so many chapters to go!
Hugs Darling - Kathleen
[Report This]Date: Sep 01, 2018 6:30 pm Title: BEFORE I LET GO: BOOK II: CHAPTER 5: THE FACTS OF LIFE EXPOSED
Deb is willing to listen to what Michael has been doing to his husband and so call friends, but will she really believe it?
With Deb it is five steps forward thirty steps back because she really does believe everyone should sacrifice their own to appease her and Michael.
With Deb and Michael once they give you an ounce You Owe Them For All Of Time and you are never allowed a reprieve smh
Sorry that Lindsay, Mel and Brian lost the baby but I am not surprised it was caused by Michael he can't stand when anything or anyone takes the attention off him.
If everyone on The Avenue has to sit Deb down and tell her stories about Michael for her to realize browbeating everyone will no longer work then they will, or they will treat her the way she and Michael treat everyone else and ostracize them both from Liberty Avenue Forever.
Deb needs therapy to cure herself from saving Michael all the time and not seeing the truth.
Cause Michael is Veruca Salt and while he is shouting I Want It Now, Deb will follow him to Hell to make sure he gets it :(
Date: Sep 01, 2018 3:33 pm Title: BEFORE I LET GO: BOOK II: CHAPTER 5: THE FACTS OF LIFE EXPOSED
Okay so finally Deb will really listen, hopefully. Jeez, took her long enough.
I'm sorry, when did Lindsay miscarry? Did I miss something?
Author's Response:
Hey Shine,
I'm with you on the Deb-front. She'll of course, hear what they have to say, but the question is will she really listen. Hearing is physical, whereas listening is a mental and emotional process that always seems to have skipped certain characters, ie. Michael, herself and Lindsay (sometimes).
Part of the conversation about the baby is in FIRE and ICE: BOOK I: Chapter 3, during Em's introspection while he was speaking to Mel. The baby only lived a few short hours after his birth, which was on the same night that Brian met Justin. There is definitely going to be quite a bit to be said about that time in Brian, Mel, Lindsay's and ultimately, Justin's life during that time- both before and after the birth. Most of it will be addressed during therapy sessions and during the full-disclosure with Deb.
HAPPY READING and HUGS,
~Nichelle
Date: Sep 01, 2018 10:33 am Title: BEFORE I LET GO: BOOK II: CHAPTER 5: THE FACTS OF LIFE EXPOSED
Great update. Hope you are feeling good. It has finally dawned on me why Michael who is a disgusting, nasty and obnoxious creature continues to be the focus of so many stories. The only thing that he is good for is a story plot! LOL Got to admit without him who could we hate !!!! If you are celebrating Labor Day, enjoy.
Author's Response:
Good Morning, Marilynne.
As always, I appreciate your concern for my well-being. I still have some challenges, but am trying to get them taken care of. Also my mom had surgery this week, so I have to be a jack-in-the-box for her, even if I'm not at full strength yet. It's just what we all do around here...LOL
As for your view of Michael, I wholeheartedly agree. For my part, I always try to find at least one redeeming quality in him, which may change my perspective of him just a little. Yeah...still looking, and coming up empty so far. The best that I can hope for at this juncture is that he will at least learn something from this experience. But...yeah, as the writer I have a feeling that I am destined to live in hope. LOL
HUGS, and MUCH LOVE,
~Nichelle
P.S. Don't think I'm crazy for actually talking about them as 'real people'. The characters honestly live, breathe and move inside my head, just like the flesh and blood people of my life do when I think of them. It's a very invasive 'gift' we writers seem to have, even though when the characters are literally screaming inside your head in the middle of the night to 'WAKE UP AND LISTEN', you find yourself wishing they were flesh and blood so you could punch them in the throat for being so inconsiderate. They are very much like children who won't let you rest until you actually do what they want. It's also why I can channel Michael the way I do, because his whine is usually the main culprit...LOL
Date: Sep 01, 2018 7:04 am Title: BEFORE I LET GO: BOOK II: CHAPTER 5: THE FACTS OF LIFE EXPOSED
Great chapter: Deb can see the effects of public confrontation and humiliation.
I don't remember the baby; in which chapter was it? Thank you.
Good Morning Claire! You will find the first mentions of that time in Mel, Lindsay, and Brian's lives in Book I: Fire and Ice: Chapter 2, which is during Mel and Em's conversation. We'll get the full backstory about what really happened throughout the therapy sessions, and during the in-depth talk with Debbie in later chapters. HAPPY READING and HUGS, ~Nichelle
Author's Response:
[Report This]Date: Sep 01, 2018 4:39 am Title: BEFORE I LET GO: BOOK II: CHAPTER 5: THE FACTS OF LIFE EXPOSED
It's amazing that Deb is willing to listen even though she doesn't want to. I'm going to have to reread this from the top because I don't remember a stillborn, but that's a good thing because I'm gonna get to enjoy this all over again. I dearly want to read more!!!
Hey Phyllis, I made a small boo-boo, which has since been corrected about the 'stillborn' birth. It should have read (and now does) 'near-stillborn birth' since the baby only lived a few hours after he was born. You will find the first mentions of that time in Mel, Lindsay, and Brian's lives in Book I: Fire and Ice: Chapter 2, which is during Mel and Em's conversation. Thanks so very much for sticking with this story! HAPPY READING and HUGS, ~Nichelle
Author's Response:
Date: Aug 25, 2018 7:29 am Title: FIRE AND ICE: BOOK II: PLAYING FOOL TO CATCH WISE Part 4
Diane's speech is awesome! A punch in Debbie's guts.
[Report This]Date: Aug 25, 2018 2:54 am Title: FIRE AND ICE: BOOK II: PLAYING FOOL TO CATCH WISE Part 4
Deb was Never really a mother to any of them she was their warden who always made sure their first and last priority was Michael.
Now that everyone has grown up moved on and found their happiness like Michael she is just as determined to ruin everything just so everyone continues to take care of her baby because she is tired.
TOO DAMN BAD, MICHAEL IS NOT THEIR CHILD!!!!
Everything that Deb said is everything she feels and it's time for all them to severe the ties to Deb as well.
She made Michael the Spoiled, Over-Indulged, Pampered Brat He is and she can deal with it without any help.
No Sorry can ever repair the damage Deb inflicted so Michael always got what he wanted, if she could she would tear the world apart to satisfy Michael's tantrums.
Drew was smart to let Deb spew her vile and hopefully record it for the others to hear, Diane and Melanie telling the truth about why Michael got punched to Deb will have an impact for five minutes then she will be back to ranting again.
It isn't change Michael and Deb can't stand it's lack of control over everyone they pretend to love, cause loving someone isn't a power trip it is supposed to be one of many blessings.
After dealing with their relationship problems they should deal with The Novotny Problem because they aren't going away.
Thanks for the Update.
Glad You Are Feeling Better:)
Date: Aug 25, 2018 2:47 am Title: FIRE AND ICE: BOOK II: PLAYING FOOL TO CATCH WISE Part 4
I guess Deb had everyone on speaker, but so glad they told her off. I can't wait to hear what will happen now that folks have told her some hard truths.
Date: Aug 25, 2018 12:20 am Title: FIRE AND ICE: BOOK II: PLAYING FOOL TO CATCH WISE Part 4
OMG! This story is sooooo 'f-ing' brilliant!! My heart is pounding after reading this latest update. Drew was very clever in answering Deb's call without saying a word and just letting her ramble on. I'm betting he recorded everything she said and is sending that recording to the others. At least I hope so!!!
Looking forward to much more of this! Nichelle, you are a genius!
*HUGS*
Deb
[Report This]Date: Aug 24, 2018 9:54 pm Title: FIRE AND ICE: BOOK II: PLAYING FOOL TO CATCH WISE Part 4
I'm so happy to see another chapter of this. And the way Diane handled Deb was fantastic plus having Melanie back her up was icing on the cake. Hurray for out side.
Date: Aug 24, 2018 8:56 pm Title: FIRE AND ICE: BOOK II: PLAYING FOOL TO CATCH WISE Part 4
God love Diane & Drew! Woohoo! But poor Em for feeling so bad about losing Deb...it's understandable though, too bad she wasn't worth it in this case.
Date: Aug 24, 2018 8:37 pm Title: FIRE AND ICE: BOOK II: PLAYING FOOL TO CATCH WISE Part 4
Oh, what a treat to see that you are back writing this amazing story. This chapter is wonderful. So glad when I see an update from you because it gives me hope and reason to believe that you are indeed feeling better. Prayers are getting answered.
Date: Feb 17, 2018 4:18 am Title: THE WIFE or THE MISTRESS: BOOK II: CHAPTER FOUR: PLAYING FOOL TO CATCH WISE Part 3
Is Blake using again?
If Ted and Brian are after Michael, he won't last long!
[Report This]Date: Feb 16, 2018 4:37 am Title: THE WIFE or THE MISTRESS: BOOK II: CHAPTER FOUR: PLAYING FOOL TO CATCH WISE Part 3
The only way they can regain their souls is to shed a light on Michael's deception, their blindness and easy acquiescence to his whiny.
Bernard spoke the truth about Michael so now Blake can start to see his part in this situation and how he must stop hiding and ignoring the other issues from Ted.
Death is too good for Michael.
Date: Feb 16, 2018 4:23 am Title: THE WIFE or THE MISTRESS: BOOK II: CHAPTER FOUR: PLAYING FOOL TO CATCH WISE Part 3
so glad that they are finally seeing what Michael has done- now they just have to figure out how to talk to their spouses- of course, talk is only the first step- I'm still so loving this story
Date: Feb 16, 2018 3:14 am Title: THE WIFE or THE MISTRESS: BOOK II: CHAPTER FOUR: PLAYING FOOL TO CATCH WISE Part 3
Yeah, let Ted kill the idiot. I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. People are starting to realize that Michael is lethal. Great chapter.
[Report This]Date: Feb 16, 2018 2:33 am Title: THE WIFE or THE MISTRESS: BOOK II: CHAPTER FOUR: PLAYING FOOL TO CATCH WISE Part 3
Meeting and learning about Ted and Blakes doctor is interesting. His advice is sound. Ted finding out what Michael has been up to is enjoyable in that he's going to fucking kill Michael! Can't wait to find out how Michael manages to take what's been found out about him to heart. Or will he?