Hi Guys,

I know, it must seem like your eyes are deceiving you, since it's been SO long since there was an update to this story. For that I apologize, between working on other stories, and being afraid to say 'The End' I'm pretty sure I was stalling. I hope it was worth the wait, and that you like the last chapter of my very first story. This chapter is about twice the normal length, so sit back and enjoy THE END!

I want to take the chance, while I have it, to say thank you to all of you have have read and commented, emailed, or PM'd me about it. I've read every word, and laughed and cried right along with you, so thank you. And to those of you, and you know who you are, who have helped me, and been eagerly waiting to see every chapter, right up until the end, I just want to say that I appreciate it more than you'll ever know.

Let me know what you think, okay?

Hugs, Vivian

Just loved the series, love Stephens letter to his mom.

Have a great weekend VIV

Hi Viv,

Great ending to great story...I'm going to miss Stephen & Jesse...Look forward to your next one

Luv

Ppete

Ohh Viv, you made me cry! But in a good, happy way of course!

It was an awesome story and I thank you so much for sharing it with us. It really gives me inspiration and perspective for what I want out of life and I just can't imagine anything more...perfect!

thank you again!
-Kevin

Well, you already know what I think about it. So I'll just give you a

Tob

Viv,

Loved the final chapter.

It was great to follow Stephen as he grew up and learned how to accept himself.

It seemed that he learned one last important lesson when Jess gave him a new journal/diary. He realized that he could move on with his life and continue to share that life with his mother. It was a very touching moment, and made my eyes misty.

Finally, kudos to the way that you finished the story. It wrapped up the loose ends for the immediate future, but will let us readers decide what will happen in the future. Knowing that Stephen will play ball next year, have Jess by his side throughout the coming year, continue sharing his feelings with his mom, and having his friends and family all supporting him was icing on the cake. As far as Tim goes, he also came to the realization that no matter how hard you try, some peoples opinions will not change.

Thank you once again.

Steve

Wildone has said it better than I could, so I'll just add;
Wonderfully done, and you ended it very well indeed. Endings are always tricky, but ending it with the letter just fit.

No words to describe how I feel for the story, Viv You have ended the story so beautifully... a true masterpiece

I will miss Stephen and Jesse but when I do, I'm just gonna re-read the story all over again

Hugs!

I agree with CJ, Steve said it best.

Well done, I'm very proud of you that managed to bring yourself to close this chapter and being anew.

Great job Vivian, you did a wonderful job.

The letter to his mom was a great way to end the story Viv.

We could all use someone like Jesse in our lives. His patience and understanding with Stephen while he was struggling with accepting his sexuality.......what a great guy!

Your stories are the best Viv

Just stopped by to say I think your writing is amazing. I loved this story. Lissa

I loved it too. I just finished. I really liked the ending of it. It was nicely done. Is there any chance of a sequel?

Thanks Lissa! I got your email and was like... wow! Coolness I always like hearing from you guys, and especially when it surprises me out of the blue.

And TL... Never say never... I guess, but as of right now, I think that probably won't happen. Thanks for reading!

Hugs, Viv

Hi Viv,

I don't know if you're like me and sometimes go back and revisit some of your favorite stories. I do that from time-to-time and FBTE is definitely among them. Sometimes I let my mind wonder and think aloud about what might have happened to the characters since the story ended. In this case, I can't help but wonder if Stephen caught any flack from the college scouts for coming out. Did his being gay in any way hamper his getting a baseball scholarship? How did the college team he joined react to having an out gay player? I'd like to think they were cool with it, but jocks can be such homophobes, as we witnessed in Tim. Was Jesse able to get into the same school as Stephen? Did he choose to? Did they have a commitment ceremony, or maybe even a legal wedding? I'm a "Happily ever after" kinda guy, and mostly an optimist.

A.