I love your storytelling. You have a beautiful imagination. I am currently re-reading this series. I loved it the first time and still find it as beautiful the second time. However, you are waaaay too forgiving when it comes to Michael, Melanie, Lindsay, Joan, and Craig. I think Joan and Craig deserved the attitudes the family had towards them. They asked for it with their behavior and belittling of their children. I don't feel that Joan has any right to expect Brian to pay for anything regarding her. As far as Michael, Melanie, and Lindsay are concerned, I'd tell them to kiss my ass and mean it. Brian is not responsible for their bills, their choices, or JR. JR is a wonderful child and we all know Brian and Justin will look out for her future anyway because she is family and they love her. But Mel and Lindz have no right to try to force their hands when they chose Michael as the father. They knew he wouldn't be able to provide for her when they asked him to be the father. Their choice, their consequences. And if anybody talked to my spouse or myself in such a denigrating way, their would be no friendship after the first three warnings were ignored.