All I can do now is cross my fingers (and pretty much everything else I've got) and hope everything works out for these guys. You sure know how to keep me turning the pages (in a manner of speaking).

Chris really is a good friend. Right now, I'd say he's the best friend Clare has at this point.

My love for Jamie has increased tenfold in this chapter alone. And I love Chris even more than that for sticking up for Clare right to JC's face. That would have been an interesting read.

I've seen some depressing stuff before, and you sure know how to pile it on.

Now I really don't like Alyson and I can't say I'm feeling too sympathetic toward JC right now. At least Chris takes Clare's feelings into consideration. Right now, "Tearin' Up My Heart" would be totally her song.

Talk about an emotional turmoil. This is practically an emotional hurricane.

Clare sounds like she could use a great big hug. Maybe even a dozen great big hugs.

Aaaaand...things go from bad to worse. It was surprising enough to read that JC was planning on staying with Alyson for good, but to read that she was carrying his child--good grief.

I can't say I blame Justin. It's always hard to see someone you love in trouble and you can't do much to help them. I know because I was that way when my mom had cancer. I still visited her and did my best to show her my love, but it was rough. The house sure didn't feel the same without her, and the first few weeks can only be described as a nightmare. You capture the emotion of such an intense moment beautifully.

I'm a bit disappointed that we didn't get to see more of Lance, Joey and Chris's reactions to the accident. I guess it makes sense to have the primary focus on Clare and Justin, and I liked seeing JC try to console Justin on the hospital floor. Still, I would have liked to see at least a bit more of the rest of the gang.

Very realistic and very poignant.

"Sometimes it's okay to let go. It's better for you than trying to keep it all in." Few words ring truer than that statement. No one is as invincible as they may claim or even believe themselves. Sooner or later, you just reach that point where it all has to get out somehow. 

Oooooh. Makes me cringe just to read about it.

Hits you right where it hurts. I loved the inclusion of Justin's mother; a mother's presence somehow makes everything better, or at least more tolerable. It's sad to see Justin cry; I think seeing Chris cry would be even sadder.

Author's Response:

I don't think I've made Chris cry... yet. It's in the works. I'm coming for you, Kirkpatrick! 

I hate hurting Justin, even if it's only in print, but I'll be making it up to him eventually. He'll get his day in the sun, as we all hope to. :)