It may be online

Steve

I just read the chapter. That was an interesting discussion between and Scott. I can't help but wonder if it is foreshadowing of future problems. Luc seems lost. The poor guy probably thinks all men are out to abandon him. As always, it was a great chapter even if it is a sad one.

Wow. Just, wow.

You know, it's amazing seeing Scott through this different lens. He was such a great guy in Everybody's Wounded - a bit confused at times, maybe, but one of those too-good-to-be-true types of guys who always seems to be more attuned to and concerned about everyone else than about himself. "Wise beyond his years", as you put it.

But now... Well, he clearly still means well, but I can't help but think that he is creating a disaster situation. He's leading Luc on... don't deny it, you know he is, otherwise, why not phrase the email differently? He's throwing Luc and Matt into a situation that's bound to be bad for both of them. With Luc's fragility and feelings for Scott, Matt's fragility and feelings for Josh, and Josh's own insecurities, it almost seems like Scott is either naive enough or callous enough to not realize or not care what he's doing. How can this possibly turn out well?

I don't know... but you can bet I'm anxiously awaiting to find out how this is going to play out.

Oh, and Bran is still the world's best brother and friend. Too bad he's dating Laura, cause if he were single, I'd like to meet him. *Grin*.

I was totally cringing at the beginning of the chapter. This is just so not going to go over well...

Oh, and I'm pulling a CJ and declaring this a CLIFFHANGER! since we didn't get to see Luc and Scott's conversation yet...

Nice work, Duncan.

With all of the history, and the individual issues, the emotionally charged atmosphere is unavoidable. But I don't see disaster in it at all, mainly because the ones they are most worried about, i.e. Luc and Matt, both have something important to be gained by making this work. Luc gets to be where he wants to be, and Matt gets his peace and quiet. And that is really all Scott is trying to orchestrate, using what's available and having it work for everybody. After all, he knows what he wants most, and he has that; I see him wanting to help, not compelled to. To expect all the participants to take responsibility for their own feelings is to give them the opportunity to regain their self-respect. His obvious committment to be around to lend support and assistance will go along way toward staving off the disaster that is boiling under the surface of it all.
This just totally plays into my own way of looking at things. If i'm the only one who thinks it can work, well, it certainly wouldn't be the first time that's happened.

That we have heard so little from Josh, and none in this chapter, gives me a feeling detectives call "hinkey". :-) I agree it's a bit early to think I've a clue where you're going, but for 3 chapters in we sure have plenty to think about.

As always, thank you for your effort.

Tracy

I realy liked seeing a bit more of Matt and his past. It was explained briefly but the description was so strong that I could tell, even in those few lines, how bad it had been for him. Personally, that was the only sad part of the story.

Although it seems a bit rocky, and we don't really see how ok is Josh with this whole plan, I think it sounds hopeful. Slightly.

Scott is definitely a caring guy and it's in his nature to help. Bran is a great brother and I love that he is so protective of his older brother and willing to risk anything for him. Both have reservations, and Scott is definitely sympathetic of Matt's issue, but I can tell he still believes that things will work out.

Luc and Matt both have problems, but it's possible living together would help in the long run. Matt will get the peace and quiet he needs and won't be lured into his old lifestyle. He may learn to care for Luc deeply as a friend and understand the real importance/meaning of life and friendship. Maybe as he gets to know Josh on a deeper level, he'll realize Josh isn't all that or that he was never really in love with him in the first place; he was only in love with the imagine/illusion of Josh. Josh isn't the same person; he's grown because of Scott. How could Matt fall in love with Josh in a few encounters? I believe Josh is telling the truth...As for Luc, he can grow confident and get his life back on track.

The last line holds true for all the characters, but especially Luc and Matt: they're stronger than they give themselves credit for. You never know what you're capable of until you have to do something, to survive.

I'm very interested in seeing what happens. Great chapter as always Duncan.

Tiff

Tiff and Tracy, I see you two are the world's biggest optimists.

I've been described as a hard-core pessimist. I prefer "cynic" or "realist". But I just don't see such a rosy future for those two guys.

Matt is a recovering addict. Luc has attempted suicide three times. Both guys are being asked to live in the same building as the respective guys they're still hung up on, having that waved in their faces each and every day. This just does not add up to a recipe for happiness, at least not without a whole lot of drama first.

That, and it's only chapter 3. So we pretty much know things are gonna get more complicated before they get better.

But here's my question: We pretty much know Josh has no feelings for Matt, and is totally into Scott. But what about Scott? Does he still have feelings for Luc?

Hey Hotchikk,

You crack me up. I'm really not an optimist. I'm just really, really hopeful that the author won't drag us through the emotional muck of these characters, but judging from his first story, I'm sure that he will.

Nothing wrong with being a realist--at least you know what to expect...but then there's that whole self-fulfillin prophecy...

I think you're right, that it has to get MUCH worse before it gets better, and we all know for sure that there will be a TON of drama in between. Matt might crumble emotionally, might beg Josh why he didn't love him back. And Luc still has som sort of feelings for Scott, and although Scott is completely in love with Josh, I feel he has a definite soft spot for Luc and cares for him. Not too sure if he ever really loved Luc or sensed Luc's need for help and it's in Scott's nature to help the world, Mother Theresa wannabee

Sigh. I guess we'll have to wait patiently for those damn updates and see what happens....

Poor Luc...

I think he won't be able to handle a reality check.

Hi Duncan:

Nice job! This is the first time I'm commenting in your forum here (although I've sent you a couple of emails, which you graciously answered).

Chapter Three is excellent! Of course we're all worried about Luc, and now Matt, and then Scott and Josh - you have piled plenty of worries on our plate - LOL! But that, of course, if your JOB as our fearless writer. I'm hopelessly caught up in all the complexities of the characters and their interactions.

I have to say that I'm pulling for Luc at this point. I hope he gets a better shake. I root for the underdog, as usual, and Luc could use some good karma about now.

And you've peaked my radar around Josh. What exactly is he up to? Hmmm... I was confident he was really into Scott, having been a wounded animal himself, but now will he mess with Matt again!??!!? While he lives with Scott!?!?

And should I want Scott and Luc to be together?

Arrrggggghhhh... chuckle.

Way too many things to consider. Excellent job.

And thank you. We often forget to simply say thank you to an author for their hard work. So there it is.

My best,

Centaur

I'm not sure if i'm putting this reply where i'm supposed to, but we'll see.

I can go both ways :-) being sometimes an optimist and other times a cynic.
But in this case, i'm banking on Duncan- the obvious is rarely what you get from him (Hi Duncan) and these characters just seem, to varying degrees, more highly evolved. Even Bran, who is probably the least sophisticated, was admirable in his persistant pursuit of the gymnist (her name escapes me, what's that about) and in his sensitivity to her. Not to mention his rescue of Matt; as an ex-addict myself I know how very few people there are who could manage that! There's plenty of stories around with characters who "should have known better", but it feels like we're coming in to these lives when most of them have had enough of the more destructive aspects of themselves. This is getting closer than I ever want to to "writing ahead", so i'll just say that's my best case scenerio and go back to enjoying the ride. And what a sweet ride you are, Duncan. And I recognize some other fine names here--you all keep very good company.
Best wishes to all,
Tracy

Duncan, I have read the first three chapters of How the Light Gets In and appreciate your continuing the earlier story of all these wounded characters.

I assume we will see in Chapter 4 Luc's reaction to Scott's news that Scott will not be Luc's roommate. I hope that Luc will get over any initial disappointment and be agreeable to Matt's presence. It may seem to some readers that Luc and Matt are too wounded by past experiences to be of any help to one another, but their experiences are significantly different. A close friendship between them could result in each one helping the other. And we need to remember that Scott's experiences haven't all been good. His past experience with Luc would likely hinder their ability to objectively seek healing for Luc.

I'm looking forward to chapter 4. Thanks for a great story.

Hey everyone,

Thanks for your kind words...and your enthusiasm in following the guys! I wonder if you know how immensely gratifying it is for a writer to see that the characters he sweats blood over bringing to life seem to breathe for other people as well. Thank you all so much for taking the time to comment.

Chapter 4 is on its way -- literally. Gabriel's just finished proofing it...

D

Woohoo! That's the best news I've heard in ages.

Eagerly awaiting number 4!

Oh goody yum.
Tracy