[Report This]Date: Mar 22, 2023 2:45 pm Title: Chapter 25 - Brand New
I had already read this story some time ago and, like all your stories, I really liked it.
But since then, like Justin, I opened my eyes to my relationship and realized that the man I've been married to for 19 years and with whom I have 4 children, is a narcissist.
Like Justin, it took me time to wake up, to accept reality... Unfortunately, because divorce takes time, because we own our home, leaving is more complicated. And because we have 4 children, he will always be part of my life.
But suddenly, these events in my life gave me a more moving reading of your story, bringing back memories that were not always pleasant.
So I wanted to thank you for this story which, even if it was not always easy to read, has the merit of existing.
Author's Response:
Oh, Sara! I'm sorry to hear you're going thru this. I know from personal experience how difficult it is. All I can say is, you WILL get thru it. Somehow. Just knowing the reality of what's happening is a big part of the battle. It will take time - Lots of time and effort - to get away from your narcissist. And there will be losses. But you'll figure it out.
Also, in case you need it, check out the book, 'Divorcing a Narcissist: One Mom's Battle' by Tina Swithin.
Good luck. And thank you for reading my story. I'm glad it helped you a little bit.
TAG
Date: Mar 02, 2020 12:56 am Title: Chapter 25 - Brand New
Well, I thought it was the perfect HEA ending. From the previous chapter when Justin made the important decision to go ask for help... Brian was there for moral support, but he didn't interfere, he didn't offer advice. This was something Justin had to do BY himself, FOR himself.
And as I mentioned in a comment on an earlier chapter, one of the things I always felt was important for Justin was having a place of his own, so I'm happy to see that's part of his plan.
Justin is taking care of himself, but is also learning he doesn't have to do it on his own... he has support.
And although I would LOVE to see Ethan get what's coming to him, I will let Karma handle that. Justin is busy - becoming the best homosexual he can be!
Thank you for this wonderful, powerful, amazing story. And I know it was semi-autobiographical, so I hope your plan has a HEA too!
Date: Mar 02, 2020 12:23 am Title: Chapter 25 - Brand New
Thanks for the story. Your right, it was difficult to read, but not, the ending which was fine. At that point I simply stood up and applauded. But, since this is a story (for me) of fiction, I do need some retribution and as a writer of feedback, I can get what I want. So here it is:
That person who wanted it ended with some someone found dead on the railroad tracks next to ae smashed violin, says it all for me… almost. I want them to find an alive person on the railroad tracks next to a smashed violin with his left arm cut off. I know that is a little gross, but this story deserves that. (Note: No need for a reply. This feedback was written by me for me.) DavidR
[Report This]Date: Feb 29, 2020 5:49 am Title: Chapter 25 - Brand New
A strong and positive new beginning for Justin. I can appreciate the decision not to seek revenge and further involve himself with Ethan at all, but I am going to content myself with hoping that eventually karma may come his way. Something like a small article in the news about a man found lying on the train tracks with a broken violin beside his mangled body - accident or assault, no one will ever know.
I truly commend you for being able to bare your soul to us all, your faithful and steadfast readers. The ability to be able to write about true life and apply it to our favourite fandom is a gift indeed. Thank you.
Author's Response:
Thank you for reading. I know this story pushed you almost to your limits. I'm so happy you kept reading! TAG
[Report This]Date: Feb 29, 2020 3:55 am Title: Chapter 25 - Brand New
Okay, there is no way, Brian being who he is, would not seek some form of retribution from Ethan. Even if he paid someone to do it for him!!! So maybe an epiloge?
Deb L
Author's Response:
My goal for this story was to try to make it as realistic as possible. Yes, in a fantasy world, Justin or Brian or someone else would be able to get even with Ethan. But if you're dealing with reality, there's no way you can take on a narcissist without getting damaged. My own story, is illustrative: I escaped my narcissist five years ago, however, because of personal circumstances, I was forced to have ongoing contact. When I finally decided enough was enough, I tried to take him to court. That process took over two years, cost me thousands of dollars in attorney fees, and ended up with him manufacturing lies in an attempt to get me arrested and thrown in jail. He actually succeeded, by threatening my attorney with disbarrment, in getting my attorney to drop my case. I had to go out, get another attorney, and we went all the way to court, before him, his attorney, and even the judge ganged up on me, and forced me to except a pittance in settlement. I basically got nothing. He has, literally, millions. And it drove me to the verge of suicide as well. The moral of the story is, just run. Get as far away as you can and don't ever look back. No amount of money or vengeance or anything else is worth the ongoing damage a narcissist will do to you. So, that's why I chose to end Justin's story where I did. I wanted him to get the happy ending I didn't. TAG
PS, thanks for sharing your story in the prior review. Sending you back all the support and love and trust you've given me by sharing. 😌
[Report This]Date: Feb 29, 2020 3:36 am Title: Chapter 25 - Brand New
Again, sorry for what you went through. I know I can't understand it and i'm sorry for that.
To add to my previous story; My dad was like this too. My mom suffered this type of abuse for years, coupled with his affairs shoved in her face. We all suffered mental and/or physical abuse at his hands. Mom took the full force of his mental/emotional abuse. Me & his daughter r a diff story. (mom:son & daughter, dad:son & daughter. Me between the 2 of thier 2nd marriage & youngest)
I ended up being their carer before they died. ( ur single don't have kids (my youngest nephew was 25 at this point!!!)).I always knew mom would go before him, and she did. He always made sure to tell us he was dying for the past 30 yrs of his life, to get the full attention he thought he deserved, to get us running around after him.
I had seen a documentary years before about psychopath traits & thought 'shit that's my dad'. But now I know he was a sociopath with narcissistic traits. I always made sure I was never pulled into these type of 'mindgames' with any of my partners.
The upshot; It was just me & him in the end. I made sure he ended up in hopsice care & other than me, no one in the 'family' cared enough to visit. So he got very little attention and I made sure he knew why. Ain't karma a bitch!!!
I also made sure that when I spread his ashes, I stomped on them real good, so that he would be shit on my shoe!!!
Again, sos for your story,
Deb L
[Report This]Date: Feb 29, 2020 12:35 am Title: Chapter 25 - Brand New
Well... that's a lot to take in. I have read the phone links you've left a few times. I finally understood it.
This was a very tough story to read, and I can't even begin to image how difficult it must have been to write. Ripping yourself open and baring old haunts could not have been easy. But, thank you for persevering.
I know Justin couldn't have even begun to heal, until he asked for help, and I'm so glad he did. This whole thing might have had an strong effect on Brian, and maybe he grew up just a little bit too. I'm glad they were able to reconnect and grow into a new and better friendship/relationship.
How do I feel about no comeuppance regarding Ethan? I TOTALLY understand Justin wanting to block Ethan, not be in his vicinity, not seek repayment... I really do... Clean break, fresh start... But really...
Where's the big bears that could break his fingers in a dark alley? The whispered words in that alley that would make him so scared to ever leave his apartment again? THAT could have been arranged.
Do you know what's next on your writing schedule? How about a mystery? A good one with Justin disappearing in Paris and the only thing found in his hotel room is a business card with Brian Kinney: Kinnitik on it? Ahh... sounds like heaven! LOL...
Thank you for this story... And congrats on another one.
HUGS ~Cathy
PS - You had: Alyssa got up (Instead of Ellissa) It's just it threw me for a minute...
[Report This]Date: Feb 28, 2020 10:22 pm Title: Chapter 25 - Brand New
Absolutely wonderful. Perfect ending to a very difficult story. Hope your life is going as well as what Justin is doing. And, just the fact that he and Brian are together in a totally different way is great. FANTASTIC.
Author's Response:
Thank you. I'm glad you liked 'MY' ending. I appreciate all your support and your kind reviews throughout this story. Readers like you are why I write! TAG