so i watched the new trailer

WIBTA if i contact my friend when he seems to be avoiding me?

i’ll try not to include extraneous details bc this could b a very long story. essentially, in december last year there was a situation where my friend (m 22) didnt do anything wrong, but i (x 21) had a lot of anxiety abt my life circumstances and unfairly snapped at him over text n accused him of not caring abt me. id talked to him a lot abt my stress and thought he was disregarding it and not caring abt my feelings, but more likely he just didnt remember or understand what i was going thru. after i snapped at him, i ignored his messages for a month bc i didnt want to face his potential anger, and then i finally got the guts up to send him a long apology. i explained my actions but said it wasnt an excuse for being rude. he seemed to accept my apology and said we could move on.

after that, we didnt rly talk. he didnt send me a message on my bday, which hes never forgotten before. hes always been great at remembering dates and hes told me he puts them in his calendar, so i thought it was on purpose, but anything couldve happened. i sent him a happy bday message on his bday, and a bit after that our friend group tried to organise to meet up for lunch. but everyone cancelled except for me n my friend. it was very awkward bc i didnt know if he was still upset at me. when we hung out it seemed like he was. he seemed to make some subtle digs abt the situation and left immediately after we’d finished eating. but i couldve just been misreading him due to being anxious, maybe he just picked up on my awkwardness n thought i was upset at him idk.

since then, our only contact has been when i left him a compliment on one of his social media posts, and he liked it and then liked one of my posts for the first time in ages. idk if thats a sign he wants to keep patching things up, or if it was an act of politeness but he doesnt want anything to do w me. we havent spoken in several months, i was leaving it for him to choose to approach me bc i didnt want to push anything if he wanted to b done w me. ive accepted that we’re not friends anymore, but if he wanted to be friends then i would.

WIBTA if i continue to do things like interact w his social media, or if i message to ask him where we stand, when it seems like hes sending clear messages that he doesnt want to continue the friendship? i know this is prob a “just communicate” issue, but i dont want to approach him if theres obvious signals im not fully picking up on, and he’d just be annoyed and awkward to have to formally end things

What are these acronyms?

since everyone is talking about SYG, i will too. i understand why you would dislike a work from around 3 yrs ago, you guys improved so much!! but SYG was honestly kind of a lifechanger when it comes to creepypasta fanfics. i will never read an undercooked creepypasta x reader ever again. my standards changed so much ever since i read it, in the best way possible. i feel like even tho SYG was kinda messy or nonsensical in some parts, the plot still remained consistent and ACTUALLY INTERESTING?? the somewhat fluffy scenes w the boys and the way they grew closer to mc was literally everything to me because in most creepypasta fics mfs try to make it "realistic" and instead of buildup the characters go from hating the mcs guts and spitting in their face at every chance they get into straightup obsession, which is honestly so cringe and 2015 wattpad coded. anyways thank you both for your contribution, i think for SO many people in the cpp fandom you guys changed our brain chemistry

This is also from awhile ago from my drafts:

I try not to get a big head but I'm aware syg is... a lot better than most of the options out there in cpp x reader space. I only started writing it because I thought the majority of fic was underdeveloped, stupid, or plotless. And looking back syg has plot holes, things that don't make sense development wise, a rushed ending etc- but it at least had sex and an actual reason yn loved them and they loved her other than ooogg yandere.... ooohhhhggggg!!!!

Id again like to issue a formal apology for the poggers scene. Do I think it's funny? Yes. If I was reading it and saw that would I immediately stop reading? Yes.

I'm really excited to get the book version out there because we've improved so much! I'll try to post some concept art for the characters soon

A movement that cannot be criticized cannot achieve positive goals

The hardest part of talking about malignant trends on the broad left is that, well, you’re not allowed to talk about them. It’s no exaggeration to say that criticism has become fully conflated with violence. If you attempt to engage critically with a left-liberal writer--regardless of how thorough and respectful you may be, and regardless of how powerful, public, or insulated the subject of the criticism--you will be accused of dismissing and erasing the writer, of inciting violence against the writer, and of committing some form of genocide against whichever identity groups the writer belongs to.

Conversely, if you don’t provide specifics, you’ll be accused of making stuff up. The same people who claim it’s an act of aggression to ask for proof when they make claims of victimization turn into immense pedants the moment they encounter a heterodox opinion. 

Unsurprisingly, a discourse milieu in which critical analysis is forbidden is a prime breeding ground for unsustainable (and even horrific) behavioral standards. Never mind improving the world that exists outside their sphere of influence... these people are perpetually on the brink of destroying their allies, their institutions, and themselves.

Today I dug into an especially profane case that highlights both of these points. It’s a matter of public record, so I hopefully won’t get accused of “doxing” anyone for discussing it. It’s also the sort of story where if someone cares about it, they’ll have an opinion of it within a second or two of reading a headline describing what happened. This means it’ll only be of interest to the sort of cranks who read this blog. My goal here isn’t to express outrage or advocate for one side or other--although it is outrageous, and you won’t have to try too hard to see which side I favor. Instead, I’m going to try to move beyond that, to use this instance as a broader cautionary tale in regards to the more horrific tendencies of the identitarian left, and to begin formulating some means of resistance. 

In other words, this might get boring. Even more so than usual. 

The story involves a court case, documented here, in which a young man named Kieran Bhattacharya is suing the University of Virginia Medical School. Mr. Bhattacharya (a white supremacist name if I’ve ever heard one) was subjected to formal censure, repeated psychological evaluations, suspension, and eventual expulsion. This all happened because he raised some concerns after a White Fragility-inspired panel on microaggressions.

This is one of those cases where both sides are going to assume there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface and, like I said, are going to be disinclined toward actually reading the available evidence. Thankfully, the court brief is fairly exhaustive and--importantly--the account provided in the brief has received the approval of both plaintiff and defendant. To stress, everyone involved in this case agrees, legally, that the account provided herein is an accurate picture of what happened. Additionally, we also have audio of the initial microaggression seminar (Mr. Bhattacharya’s comments start at around the 28:30 mark), as well as of the pursuant committee meeting that ended in his expulsion. 

Here is the initial exchange, as documented by the brief:

Bhattacharya: Hello. Thank you for your presentation. I had a few questions just to clarify your definition of microaggressions. Is it a requirement, to be a victim of microaggression, that you are a member of a marginalized group? 

Adams: Very good question. And no. And no— 

Bhattacharya: But in the definition, it just said you have to be a member of a marginalized group—in the definition you just provided in the last slide. So that’s contradictory. 

Adams: What I had there is kind of the generalized definition. In fact, I extend it beyond that. As you see, I extend it to any marginalized group, and sometimes it’s not a marginalized group. There are examples that you would think maybe not fit, such as body size, height, [or] weight. And if that is how you would like to see me expand it, yes, indeed, that’s how I do. 

Bhattacharya: Yeah, follow-up question. Exactly how do you define marginalized and who is a marginalized group? Where does that go? I mean, it seems extremely nonspecific.

 Adams: And—that’s intentional. That’s intentional to make it more nonspecific . . . . 

After the initial exchange, Bhattacharya challenged Adams’s definition of microaggression. He argued against the notion that “the person who is receiving the microaggressions somehow knows the intention of the person who made it,” and he expressed concern that “a microaggression is entirely dependent on how the person who’s receiving it is reacting.” Id. He continued his critique of Adams’s work, saying, “The evidence that you provided—and you said you’ve studied this for years—which is just one anecdotal case—I mean do you have, did you study anything else about microaggressions that you know in the last few years?” Id. After Adams responded to Bhattacharya’s third question, he asked an additional series of questions: “So, again, what is the basis for which you’re going to tell someone that they’ve committed a microaggression? . . . Where are you getting this basis from? How are you studying this, and collecting evidence on this, and making presentations on it?”

You can listen to the audio if you like. There’s nothing there, in my opinion, that is not captured accurately in the written description. Bhattacharya does not yell or raise his voice. He sounds skeptical, but in no way violent or threatening. Nor does Adams, the presenter, signal that she is experiencing anything that approaches fear or trauma. 

Immediately after the event, a professor who helped organize the discussion filed a “Professionalism Concern Card”--a cute academic euphemism for a disciplinary write up--against Bhattacharya, alleging he had displayed a troubling lack of respect for differences (the irony here probably does not need to be explicated).

Soon after that--literally still the same day of the panel--Bhattacharya received an email from faculty asking him to “share his thoughts” so as to help him “understand and be able to cope with unintended consequences of conversations.” The tone of the email is polite and professional, but the text hints toward an attempt at entrapment. You’ll see this a lot in woke spaces--invitations to come to an understanding with one another that are, in actuality, attempts to get a person to say something cancellable.

Bhattacharya took the bait, and, well… 

During Bhattacharya and Peterson’s one-hour meeting, Peterson “barely mentioned” Bhattacharya’s questions and comments at the panel discussion. Dkt. 33 ¶ 73. Instead, Peterson attempted to determine Bhattacharya’s “views on various social and political issues—including sexual assault, affirmative action, and the election of President Trump.” 

At this point, the kid was fucked. He soon after had an uneventful-seeming meeting with a dean. Two weeks after that, a separate panel found him guilty of “patterns of unprofessional behavior and egregious violations of professionalism” and strongly encouraged him to seek psychological counseling. 

Pre-Trump, Bhattacharya still probably would have been fine if he had just kept his head down, gone to a couple therapy sessions, and maybe issued an empty apology. Since 2016, however, the rules have changed. An accusation is now absolute proof of guilt and no amount of ablution can save someone in a vulnerable position. 

Eleven days after receiving the ostensible suggestion that he receive counseling, Bhattacharya was informed that he would not be permitted to return to classes until he had been evaluated. A day after that--before even having the opportunity to seek the mandated counseling--he was given a mere 3 hours notice before having to attend another disciplinary committee meeting. 

This meeting found that Bhattacharya’s continuing behaviors were proof that he posed an imminent danger to the campus community, although the committee did not bother to explain what those behaviors entailed. His behavior was simply noted as “unusual” and this was proof that “Any patient that walked into the room with [Bhattacharya] would be scared.” The following day, Bhattacharya was forcibly removed from campus and told he could not return until he had been screened. He was, subsequently, not allowed to receive sanctioned screening, because of his status of having been removed from campus after being deemed a security risk.

Again, none of what I have described is an exaggeration. None of these details are even being contested. 

Now for my own conjecture: the problem isn’t that anyone genuinely believes Bhattacharya poses a threat to anyone’s safety. The problem is that he attempted to question the ideological firmaments of contemporary anti-racist training. These firmaments are protected with aggressive viciousness precisely because they cannot withstand scrutiny. Had Bhattacharya merely scoffed at them, or even if he had been outright condescending and dismissive, he probably would not have received such a severe punishment. The problem was that he was right, and his accusers knew it.

Understanding speech in the manner prescribed by the peddlers of microaggression theory cannot possibly be codified in a way that won't result in arbitrary punishment. Bhattacharya’s experience demonstrates that with horrific irony. 

The assertion here is that the intention of a speech act should have no bearing on how we adjudicate the morality of that speech act--such a point was made repeatedly in the initial discussion, and stressed once again after Bhattacharya’s concerns have been raised. This standard contradicts how we've processed the morality of speech for centuries, but that's what people are very explicitly demanding.

How is this workable, when literally any statement could, conceivably, be considered offensive by at least one individual? This, I feel, was the point Bhattacharya reaching toward. If you were to say, I dunno, "I love trees" to a group of 1000 people, 999 of them could regard that statement as benign. But what if one person takes offense to it? What if they work in the lumber industry, or they were molested by guy in a Smokey the Bear costume? What if that person then files a report accusing the tree lover of offensive speech? Will the speaker be disciplined? Or will the powers that be take intention and effect into account?

Of course, we're not going to criminalize all speech in this way. Like all extreme and broad-reaching disciplinary standards, this one will only be selectively evoked in order to punish people with heterodox opinions and/or those whose presence threatens the status quo. Someone who says something much more incendiary, like "all men are rapists" or "white people shouldn't get social security" would not receive a reprimand regardless of how much offense their statements caused, because they're saying something that's acceptable in our current milieu. And right now, the least acceptable speech is that which shines a light on the manifest flaws and hypocrisies of corporate anti racism. 

Back to my hypothetical example, if the tree-loving speaker was on good terms with everyone, the complaint would most likely be ignored. But if he had said or done other things that for whatever reason displeased the people in charge, the specious accusation could still ruin him. What's worse, the person who filed the allegation of offense might not have even actually taken offense at the statement--they were just looking for a way to get rid of him.

Bhattacharya was attempting to voice legitimate criticisms about a political movement whose suggestions are functionally unworkable and that, even if it were implemented fully and uncritically, does not contain even a hypothetical explanation in regards to how its goals would result in improved racial equality/equity. Because of that, he was cynically labeled dangerous and expelled from a public university. 

You'd think a group that obsesses over power differentials and their own marginalization would have some grasp of this. Regardless of which side you fall into with this particular culture war, it should fucking terrify you that a movement that’s been tasked with addressing pressing social problems is designed in such a way that any substantial criticism is met with aggressive punishment. 

There’s no way you can win if this is you is how conduct yourself. This is why we’re losing. This is why even if you get all the censorship and deplatforming you can ever dream of, even if every major bank and multinational corporatation professes fealty to your movement, you will still lose. Because there’s no way you can win. 

Quick first thoughts on the first ep of the Hypmic Anime. Spoilers beware (and im writing this as I watch so :p)

Otome’s speech is.... questionable from a persuasive point of view. Manga did a great job of introducing her (which you can read here) but they really cut out the more terrifying parts of her speech and how she uses force to show people that she's not to be messed with

Its cool seeing everyone in their respective environments though. thats cool. Though they could have added Sasara and Kuuko (shhh i know why they didn’t let me dream)

I love how poppy the typography is. Its amazing how the visuals just leap out at you. The OP does a great job of this. The first few seconds before the title really gives me Persona 4 OG OP vibes with the influx of information given. The rest is a clear concise and streamlined way that still gives character. Animation is sparse but still carries across a general idea of each character and shows off each character object. Rendering is really nice and pays a bit of homage to the posing artwork thats done for the MVs. They also do their division hand signals and thats cute

Love how the OP has blatant HifuDoppo and DRB matchup foreshadowing

so far I really like what theyre going for. BB is about brotherly familial bonds and they show the goods and the bads. Jiro and Saburo bickering right out the gate really cements the fact that they get along like cats and dogs but you can still see that they love each other, working together when the situation calls for it

Now the 3d models. Theyre... not great but usable if you don’t look too hard. They serve their purpose and don’t actively detract from the viewing experience.

Visual typography in the rap itself are fun and poppy but they dont.... speak to me? like theyre there yes and I appreciate them but the only ones that got me excited were from Ichiro’s rap

I take my words back the group portion was kickass and I apologize

I love how they interpret the Hypnosis Speakers though. Esp. Saburo’s organs. That was super creative and I love it! If there was one thing that I felt was missing from the franchise was a deeper exploration of the speakers but the anime puts a new and fresh spin on it! Love it, especially with their attack patterns!

If the production team ever feels inclined to, Id love to see those info sheets on Otome’s desk released. There seems to be very interesting info and stats written out about each member (like capabilities, personal status etc.) They all seem unique too so I really really really hope they release images of those sheets

OOOOOOOOKAY MTC. I have such a big biased for them so Im very torn to see what unfolds

Rio striking out on his own is interesting. Out of everyone in MTC hes the biggest team player yet here he trusts his teammates to go ahead. This either displays Rio’s willingness to trust his teammates or it becomes very OOC if the anime wants to set him up as a lone wolf like character

I love how they specify its a drug deal. It means that Jyuto surely will show up and it also shows that Samatoki knows Jyuto’s motives and willingly gives black market info that he knows aligns with Jyuto’s goal. Thats A+ detail writing there and a great establishing characteristic for both of them

OOohhhhhhhhhhhhh man Asunama-san’s voice acting is god tier his work as Samatoki is phenomenal. He pulls of Samatoki’s threatening voice so well with those almost calm words before his voice becomes loud and confrontational. Those rolling syllables in contrast to Komada-san’s almost lyrical and airy speech and Kamio-san’s strict and enunciated words is such a delight to hear. It just speaks to how amazing and great these Seiyuu’s are in order to pull of such amazing work

Im so biased but MTC has such a better rap than BB im so sorry. Just by watching Samatoki’s part, the imagery is amazing. Even the arrival of his Hypnosis Speaker was awesome and sent a shiver down my spine. using the lyrics to form blades and blood was such a great thing to do. Theres so much more variety that just him standing there and shots of his hypnosis speaker. The old fashioned vignette shots, the four panel spread, the nods to old Kurosawa era films are great and I love these small details. Even the typography looks better.

Again, the interpretations with the speakers is fresh and new. Its great and I love the different imagery and attack patterns. Each one is so unique but carries across each different style of rap.

The 3d modles aren’t any better tho lol

(Hi this is Astro who is reading over their assessment again and making a note. Yeah I’m a bit harsh on BB’s rap. I’m not going to change it since I still stand by it and this post is supposed to be a documentation of my first impressions. I think one of the reasons why I’m so harsh on BB is because of their dynamic as a trio of brothers. They Have to have a more uniform approach than the other divisions. Which in of itself isn’t a terrible thing, it just doesn’t catch my eye as much as MTC did. Thats all! I definitely don’t hate BB, they’re maybe my 3rd favorite division out of the current lineup [not including TDD era teams like Kujaku Posse, MCD, and Naughty Busters] its just that their rap was pretty meh)

Samatoki crouching like a real gangstar and the cigarette kiss killed me

sadjkhfjkasdghsadjkcsdjhsdfsjhf im dying i love these trio of dumbasses so uch oh y fod someone save me aaaaaaaa (Astro note here! yeah i died when the jyuto and samatoki’s stomach growled im weak please. Samatoki’s face is just so precious and funny I might set it as a profile pic somewhere)

But also my initial assessment of Rio possibly being characterized as a lone wolf is very much jossed and im very thankful for that. It seems that Rio was simply trusting his teammates to carry out their part of the plan while he carried out his own. I like that, it really shows how much of a team these three are and that they genuinely trust each other. He’s also comfortable enough around them to invite them to dinners after work casually and not just for special occasions.

I really love MTC guys

Oooh! we get Ramuda on his design process which is really cute. the inside of his studio is super cute and retro and i love it. the poppy old music you would hear in a cafe or 90′s resturaunt is also really cute (astro note: yeah i know that in ARB you see the interior of Ramuda’s office but its kinda different seeing it animated)

the translation i have has gentaro speaking in early modern english (Shakespearian english for those who aren’t english nerds like me) but from what I can hear, he doesn’t speak in a particularly old fashioned way? Its more formal than old? and hes speaking without any of his character persona lying thing that he likes to do (as he refers to himself as “Shousei” throughout the segment where hes in Ramuda’s office which is kind of his default pronoun of choice). so its kinda odd for the translation to go in that direction but im not complaining

Gendice banter is gold but it feels... flat? a little? it doesn’t have the same impact as in the drama cds or in the manga? i feel? Also Ramuda using gratuitous english is??? idk how to feel about that

kjshf thats against the rules Ramuda omgggg,,,,,,,, (astro note again: while watching i was under the assumption that using your hypmic for monetary gain such a as buskering [which is what FP is doing] is against the rules. May not be the case but whatever)

FP’s rap might be my favorite in terms of tune and lyrics though. It’s a nice laid back bop and really gives of chill vibes. the integration of 3d and 2d is really nice and i love how they play off each other in the rap. The wordplay is so fun with little nods here and there and the beat is poppy too so it really energizes me.

Ramuda’s rap concerns me slightly since he makes very subtle and small nods towards his past (being created in a laboratory, warfare, and his overall very unpleasant life experiences) but spins it into something cutesy. It could be a coping mechanism, it could be me overthinking it. But it does make me worry a bit. Gentaro and Dice’s rap really play off each other with Gentaro sticking to stories and Dice taking up the baton by carrying on that same imagery but putting his own spin on it.

the self awareness of how scattered they are as a team is interesting though. It doesn’t seem like something you’d speak about in a rap? but i guess since its not really a do or die situation they can afford to be looser on things like this.

Right off the bat, i don’t like how they handled Hifumi and Doppo in relation to Hifumi’s fear of women. Slug made a post once talking about this and I echo many of his sentiments. Hypmic has never been very tactful about tackling this particular issue and while I didn’t have high hopes that the anime would be any better it hurts to see Doppo take away the one thing that allows Hifumi to function within society.

Doppo’s breakdown mirrors a lot of my own mental state when I spiral though its shown a lot quicker than what happens to me oof. that hits close to home. though Jakurai’s advice is. Questionable. Its not the best advice to give to someone but we have no idea what kind of doctor Jakurai is so ill let it slide

Jakurai’s pose looks like hes going to do a mahou shoujou transformation lmao

I don’t have many thoughts about the rap though again. How they visualize the rap is interesting. the different imagery is quite interesting for each of them and the typography is nice a distinct but im still on the fence about the visuals here

The sound is in the same boat. The sound effects either drown out the rap or are too quet but some parts are nice at least. When they talk about Tokyo’s beating heart, the heartbeat sound is a but distracting especially since its only played once. But the imagery is at least nice

I wonder if for the eds they’re going to take a similar approach to what Enstars did and have a four different endings, one for each division. I love the blend of styles here and it really accentuates that although they’re different they mesh well together.

Ramuda’s silhouette though is hilarious. Love it.

:p and thats it. Uh not bad for a first episode. Established all 12 characters really nicely and their dynamics. I had some problems with it but then again nothing is perfect. I look forward to what they show us next week

much ado about nothing

I just really need to write out the harrowing saga of my diploma authentication, so I can look back on this later and either laugh or cry.

So I needed my diploma authenticated according to Chinese standards for this work visa business. I have an original copy of my diploma in my immediate possession (because I just carry all these things around with me now for these kind of scenarios). It has an apostille on it from when I went to Korea. Apparently apostilles are not valid for China, and mine is too old anyways. Document agency people told me depending on whether or not the province I would be working in accepts it, they could either make a copy and authenticate it, or I’d have to get an original re-issued by my university to start over. Turns out I need an original. 

So I started pestering the registrar of my university about whether, when my diploma is re-issued, she can attach a very specifically worded, signed, and notarized statement of authenticity that the Chinese embassy requires. We argue back and forth with polite passive aggressiveness because she’s adamant that I don’t need this paper because she thinks I’m talking about something else. Finally I got a PDF of an example from the document agency, we agree that we’re not talking about the same thing, and she says to ask again whenever the university re-opens post-Covid-19 situation. 

Then. Then the recruiter tells me oh, you can just have your diploma verified by this Chinese government site that deals with the diplomas for Chinese students who’ve studied abroad. Why doesn’t everyone do this instead of dealing with that embassy authentication bullshit?, I wonder to myself. Well. First of all, it’s entirely in Chinese, zero English (although Google translate actually does REALLY well with super official language). I found a 21 page instruction PDF on how to use the website, got through 7 pages of it and had scanned a QRC code to download an app to scan another code that was supposed to scan my face to verify my identity so I could start the application (or something) but it wouldn’t scan because the code was expired because...this whole instruction PDF was completely irrelevant, I guess. So I finally found the right link for the application process. First I needed a Mainland China phone number. Thankfully my Taiwanese friend is living in Shanghai now and I borrowed his (the form actually recommended to use a friend/family member’s number...even though I could get the registration code by email). I went through multiple harrowing pages of intricate details and confusing questions that would all reset if I clicked the wrong thing or it timed out. I finally uploaded all my scans and photos that had to be a certain size and format, including a release form that HAD to be printed out, filled out BY HAND, and re-uploaded. 

Then I have to pay the fee. Of course they ONLY accept Chinese bank cards. I spend a while trying to connect my bank account to my WeChat account (fruitlessly, because I don’t live in China) and finally give in and ask this Chinese guy I worked with for 2 days at the last roadhouse if he can do it for me (because I’d be able to pay him back immediately by Australian bank transfer, otherwise I would have just asked Taiwanese Friend but I wasn’t confident about being able to send the money back to him in RMB on Transferwise) and thankfully he was super chill about it. It was accepted. My application is being processed. I’m home free, right? 

No. A couple days later I get a notification telling me my university has not updated some critical thing they need, so can I send my student ID, password, and the login link to the email provided so they can check my transcripts? (I already uploaded copies of my transcripts during the application). I can’t remember my student number for the life of me and lost access to my university email in 2014. I start pestering the university IT department to reinstate my access to these things. I also debate with my partner whether or not I should actually give the Chinese government this personal information of mine. I procrastinate on writing a reply in Mandarin because I’d have to look up so many words. He agrees to write a formal sounding apology in Chinese for me saying that I don’t have access to that account but they can feel free to contact the registrar (my ultimate passive aggressive revenge). Multiple emails later, I have access to my student account again but giving my password out would be like waving a giant red sign saying STEAL MY IDENTITY so I log in to my email (the hotmail account with the embarrassing LotR themed name that I made in high school but am using because China doesn’t like Gmail) to send the message my partner composed for me...

And I have an email saying the verification is done and I can download the certificate. 

Coffee Date

Bree

*thinking about going to grab some coffee. Picking up my phone I decide to give @SI_SASBDB a call to see if he might be able to join me. Pulling him up in my contacts and hitting the call button*

Si

*I was sitting at my desk looking over some papers of transactions. My phone started ringing I looked up and saw it was Bree. I answered the phone “Si speaking.”

Bree

Hey Si it's Bree.*trying to keep my nerves from showing* I was wondering if you might have some time to meet me and get a cup of coffee?

Si

Hey Bree. *listens intently and wonders if she’s going to ask em to come visit.* “Sure I do. Where do you have in mind?”

Bree

Mystical Coffee on Grady St, in about 30 minutes.

Si

I can be there in 30 minutes. Do they have lattes? I’m a big Latte guy”

Bree

*laughs* Yeah they have them. It's similar to Starbucks but a local place.

Si

Ohh right on! I’ll be there to see your face and it’s on me beautiful. I’ll see you in 30.

Bree

See you then. *hanging up the phone I hurried to change. I selected a pair of jeans and a sweater to wear. Once I was dressed I looked at myself in the mirror and as I did a song came into my head and it brought a memory with it. The song was an old country song titled Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On. It was a song my father used to either sing or play everytime my mother would wear jeans. I started to laugh as I saw them dancing around the living room as my father sang to her. They were both so happy that day. I turned from the mirror humming the song as I slipped my heels on. I went upstairs and told Hafwen I was heading out for a bit then I kissed Kiehran and went out to the back patio to demat to the alley behind the coffee shop*

Si

*I got up from my desk. I let my secretary know I was out for the rest of the day. I told the goon squad where I was dematting too. They all mutters and teases from them. “Yes well don’t be a hater just cover my 6 and hers.” Oi bunch of nancies. I mutters as I dematted to the coffee shop.*

Bree

*I arrive in the alley and not seeing anyone I walk around to the entrance of the coffee shop. I decide to wait outside for him to arrive*

Si

*I came up right behind Bree when I undematted. I smiled seeing her but she hadn’t noticed I was here yet.* Hey Bree.

Bree

*jumping when you say hello I turn around and smile looking up at you* Hey yourself!

Si

*I look around seeing barely anyone around the area but a huge line.* “This seems to be a pretty popular place.”

Bree

I think it's the best coffee shop in town. Shall we get in line? It usually moves fast.

Si

Sure why not. I usually have my secretary get our coffee order. Do they have good donuts here?

Bree

*walking to the end of the line and joining it* They have different pastries. Everything I have tasted has been great.

Si

How long have you been going to this place? *I asked checking out all the scenery and the building structure trying to figure out if this was my crew that built it or what.*

Bree

I started coming here when the place opened two years ago. *watching you scan everything. Glancing around to see if I can see his guards as I doubt he came alone.*

Si

*Finishimg my scans and I look back to you. Smiling as I returned looking into your eyes.* Sorry  like you look at buildings. I have a construction business I own as well.

Bree

*grinning* I see. Sounds like a good business to be in.

Si

Something is always needing building. I dabble into a lot of things here in Caldwell.  I like to keep a pulse on the town and ya. Us.

Bree

*grins up at you as we move up in line* You know the night at the club it didn't dawn on me that you were this tall. *laughs* Even with heels on I barely reach past your waist.

Si

*He looked down at her and chuckled. Now realizing she was indeed shorter than him. He was wee bit tall and that was ok. Her being short was no bother.*  I don’t mind the height of things. *He winked and kinda touched her hand.*

Bree

*his touch causing goosebumps, looking up smiling* Thats good since I can't help it that I'm short. *walking into the coffee shop I walk up to the counter and order a chai latte. *stepping aside so you can order*

Si

*I order a white mocha latte and a chocolate glazed donuts a dozen. The lady looked a me quite puzzled. I leaned forward “I got a real sweet tooth.” I winked softly and turned to Bree.” I’m eating for two *winks*

Bree

*covering my mouth as I laugh* Glad it's you and not me especially right now. *telling the cashier that it's to go as you pay then stepping back to wait for our order as all the tables are full.* There's a park a couple blocks from here that we can go to.

Si

*I grin at you. Seeing you trying hard to not laugh. I see then bringing out  our order.* Oh, I’d love to go to the park. Give me a sec to message the Goon Squad where we  will be. *He smiled firing off a text*

Bree

*accepting our drinks as you text your guards* I knew they couldn't be far. You can grab your donuts. *thanking the staff as I turn to go to head to the door*

Si

*I take the donuts and incline my head saying thank you and leaving a generous tip.* Is it a nice walk there? I don’t mind walking actually. It’s nice out tonight.

Bree

*walking out the door and walking towards the park* It is actually. I love spring nights like this. It's perfect weather. It's nice to take a bit of time away. Kiehran teething so he's fussy most of the time right now. Unless I'm walking and swaying him that is.

Si

I’m sure being a parent of a wee one teething isn’t fun at all. I heard of you get this little thing for them to bite on while they are teething. I read it on the inter webs. *chuckled*

Bree

*looks over at you curious why you were looking up stuff on babies.* A teething ring? Yeah we have several for him and he loves them but only when we are holding him. He's very clingy right now.

Si

He’s only a little baby boy. It’s ok for him to be clingy. I know I would if my aunt was hit like you. *I winked as I plowed my teeth into a donut.*

Bree

*laughing* I know but the hard part is he seems to want me and no one else and I can only walk for so long. Luckily he's been sleeping in spurts. He was asleep when I left. I have sneaking out like that but if he sees me he won't let anyone else hold him. Between taking care of him and training the puppies this is the first time I've had to myself in about a week. *sitting on a bench in the park. Looking around at the flowers that had bloomed.* It's just hard. I'm not really complaining, I'm just venting I think.

Si

With you being a single parent and handling two pups on top of it. I’m sure it can be a bit overwhelming. You’ll manage with the digger I bet. *enters the park Nd looks for a place to sit.* Nice place this park.

Bree

Yeah, it is. But I made the decision to add the puppies into the mix. The Doggen do help but I'm insistent on training the pups on my own because I want them to obey me not them. *shaking my head* Sorry I didn't invite you here to bitch about my issues.

Si

It’s alright. We’ve got to have someone to listen too. *Takes a sip of my coffee. Then grabs a donut.* Want a donut to chew on a bit?

Bree

*smiles as I shake my head* No thank you. Your sweet to listen but I'm not going to spend this time venting about this. I'd like to see you again and don't want to scare you away. *chuckles*

Si

*scarfs down another donut. Listening to you, squatting down on the bench. Patting it next to me.* Sorry I didn’t eat today. Oh if I was  afraid I’d a single woman having a difficult day.  Well I mean I’d be happy to go on another date.

Bree

*sitting down as I making a tsking sound* You're glutton for punishment huh? I'm sure today won't be the last hard one. In fact I know it won't be.

Si

I’ll have my phone on me in case you call to vent. *Winks*  Anyhow, I certainly hope to have another date with you. Maybe we can grab dinner somewhere? Do you like Mexican food?

Bree

I would appreciate that. *smiles* Normally I call my best friend but she is getting mated soon and is busy with that. *laughing* I do actually and I would like to grab dinner with you.

Si

Do you know of a good Mexican restaurant here? As you can tell I don’t eat out much. My doggen cook for me. *smiles*

Bree

*laughs* I'm very familiar with that. Hafwen, one of my Doggen, hates it when I tell her I'm going out to eat. However, I do try to eat at least one meal at home a day. When we're eating it's the only time we have to talk about things over. *seeing the disbelief on your face at my mention that the doggen eat with me. I feel compelled to say something* When we moved into the house I didn't like the idea of eating alone. Even though my family wasn't exactly formal this was still hard for them to do.

Si

I tend to have my guards eat with me. They are paid but are something like family to me.  So in honesty I know it’s kinda forbidden or frowned on. Anyhow I get it. Everyone does things differently. That’s quite alright though. *he smiled.* We are both different in the way our home life operate.

Bree

That is true but most would frown upon it. *looks down then back up to you* I apologize for assuming you would have a problem with it. But since it's just the 3 of us it doesn't make sense to make them wait to eat. It's different now and we're all adjusting to it.

Si

It’s alright. I don’t play by the Glymeras rules. I make my own rules. Id not even piss on them if they were on fire. So tradition and standards can be fucked in my eyes. My doggen serve us and then they serve themselves and eat in their room. It’s a family thing.

Bree

That's how I feel about Hafwen and Nerville. *my phone starts ringing so I take it out of my pocket seeing who it is* I'm sorry I have to take this. *answering the phone I her Kiehran crying before Hafwen starts talking. She says that he won't calm down for either of them. I tell her that I'm on my way. Aftering hanging up I look at you* I'm sorry I need to go Kiehran won't calm for either of them. I need to get back. Call me and we can set up that dinner. *smiling at you I stand up and put my phone back in my pocket*

Si

No worries, you be careful and take care of that nephew of yours. I’ll see what day I’m free on to hit upon. *He smiled and grabbed his donuts for the Goon Squad.* Boys as in stand by, so enjoy your night. *He smiled once more and headed off*

Bree

Okay, that sounds good. *smiling* I'll be waiting for your call. *going up on my tiptoes grabbing your arm to steady myself and to pull you towards me I kiss your cheek* Have a good night. *walking away to the shadows to demat home.

#CoffeeDate

#UnveilingTheVillian

#Part4

#SASBDB

#BDB

#SaintsNSinners

Clams ==> Talk to Chosis.

periodicPsychosis - Today at 8:03 AM -- PP began texting LS -- PP: meenah told me to talk to you. lonelySeahorse- Today at 8:04 AM LS: hey cho LS: howws it ZZ3B? i heard u got guests an such periodicPsychosis - Today at 8:05 AM PP: they just needed somewhere warm to stay the ni9ht. the forest is quickly settlin9 into winter. itd be cruel to leave a person out there to wander in the dark. PP: meenah told me to talk to you. lonelySeahorse- Today at 8:06 AM LS: yeah its fuckin cold here too LS: yeah i just wwanted to uh LS: talk i guess aboat wwhat you said to her LS: pike i unno, i wwanted to make sure wwe understood you correctly LS: cause pike u said "i need to ask some things of you" but then you didn't exactly make them sound like you were uh LS: askin LS: you sounded pike these needed to be done or else LS: y or no periodicPsychosis - Today at 8:08 AM PP: she can do those thin9s and earn my for9iveness, or she can not. PP: i asked her to do these thin9s to earn my for9iveness. lonelySeahorse- Today at 8:11 AM LS: ah LS: so all a them non negotiable on anyones part then i'm assumin LS: i mean honestly dinners a big step i wwas hopin for somethin more pike, breakfast or lunch but dinner has some big fuckin connotations to it LS: i'm assumin you talked at vvis an sal aboat this LS: i mean i wwish you'd talked at me first LS: how you said that really uh LS: i mean you knoww meenah at least a little LS: tryin to control her or corner her into a decision makes her wwanna run the complete opposite wway or hate the wwhole codamn thing LS: i'vve been wworkin at gettin her to do those things myself LS: but i don't think she's LS: ready wwith her owwn thought processes to make such a big decision or such LS: only just got her to evven think about talkin at sally LS: been tryin to take it in steps LS: i wwant this as much as you do LS: rifts, fightin LS: you uh LS: you knoww vvis' origins yeah periodicPsychosis - Today at 8:13 AM PP: no, theyre ne9otiable. i told her if she needed clarification on any of them, she could ask. PP: breakfast and lunch doesnt really mean family to me. those more mean just me and her. my offer to her isnt about me. PP: i havent talked to them, no. but they told me what made them really upset about this whole thin9. lonelySeahorse- Today at 8:14 AM LS: all the fightin an shit that surrounded him wwhen he came into existance LS: oh! aight okay periodicPsychosis - Today at 8:14 AM PP: if i can be honest, clams. PP: at least im 9ivin9 her somethin9. lonelySeahorse- Today at 8:15 AM LS: yeah an i mean it's LS: quite the turnaround LS: from before i mean LS: kinda broadsided the both of us wwith your tone in the wwhole thing but i can see noww it was more than likely just a mis-readin on our parts periodicPsychosis - Today at 8:15 AM PP: the more ive thou9ht about the situation the an9rier ive become. lonelySeahorse- Today at 8:16 AM LS: evverythin seems pike a challenge these days but uh LS: thats wwhat happens wwhen evveryone's havin issues LS: just a wwhole lotta. stress. LS: oh LS: then not a misreadin, just anger pike i thought periodicPsychosis - Today at 8:17 AM PP: this isnt exactly a 'one emotion 9et it done' type deal. PP: i had my arm cut off by someone so deeply entan9led in my family that i cant just remove that threat. PP: at first i was scared that if i was ever an9ry, that if anyone was an9ry for me, she would hurt me a9ain. PP: i was quiet and complacent and 9uilty because i didnt want to 9et hurt. PP: but im SICK of actin9 like that. PP: im SICK OF BEIN6 SCARED. PP: vati hurt me ONCE and i havent STOPPED feelin9 scared of everyone i meet since! PP: do you know that abby talks to arch??? arch tortured wiz worse than anyone out of the bunch! abby talks to arch for protection! PP: so yes, im an9ry! but i swallowed most of that an9er because i knew if i didnt, then i was 9oin9 to do somethin9 i would really re9ret. PP: so i didnt. and i talked to felide. and i made my offer. PP: so she can either take it (with whatever clarifications she needs) or not PP: but im done with bein9 scared. lonelySeahorse- Today at 8:20 AM LS: i don't care if you're angry honestly you'vve gotta right to be an so does she LS: anywway aboat those three things periodicPsychosis - Today at 8:20 AM PP: ph my 6OD lonelySeahorse- Today at 8:27 AM LS: aight i'm gonna talk about your three conditions LS: you didn't set a timelimit on this an don't set one now, please, because it's just gonna givve out a wwhole lotta pressure on her an that's the last thing anyone needs right noww LS: twwo LS: if wwe havve dinner altogether, it needs to be after she an sally do their differences an apologies obvviously LS: an for that it's gonna take time LS: i promise you i'm wworkin wwith her on it. wwe had a convversation two days ago aboat sally an vvis an howw she needs to swwallow her codamn selfishness an anger an talk at them LS: it's just gonna take time an i ain't sure how much LS: i knoww they've talked before an they said they missed each other an they said they lovved each other but i think it's somethin they gotta work up towards LS: if you wwant i can keep you updated on that LS: as for vvis i uh LS: talked to her aboat that too an i put it in a wway that she understood LS: she showwed regret for wwhat she'd done, an understandin as to howw badly it fucked evverythin up LS: she knowws she wwas in the wwrong an i'vve made no holdbacks on tellin her so LS: she's wworkin on vvis too an i think that one wwill come. easier LS: i'll agree to your conditions but i'm puttin some of my owwn up LS: i need time LS: i mean i guess you can givve us a deadline but you nevver fuckin knoww wwhat might happen to take that awway, the kids are gone an there's still a good chance wwe ourselves could find ourselvves in some sorta fight with some sort of empress LS: they'vve assured me it's fine but i still fuckin wworry aboat that shit LS: second LS: dinner has to be in a third party location. not your hivve or mine, because both options wwill have the opposite party on edge LS: i'm thinkin vvis' hivve LS: i'll organize dinner tho unless u havve any claims to it or uh, wwant to help too, i fuckin lovve organizin nice dinners an shit ZZ3B) LS: wwearin nice clothes an all that unless uh, you wwanted it to be a more casual dinner? i unno, wwhenevver someone says dinner i think a fancy formal silvver platter sorta things LS: lastly LS: i understand feelin scared LS: i feel scared around sal still LS: an pike... if it helps, i'll make an effort to be there wwhenevver she's there wwith you or near you LS: so she wwon't lose it pike she did LS: so neither a you get hurt periodicPsychosis - Today at 8:29 AM PP: there is no time limit. PP: and the dinner i had planned was at my hive. for yule. PP: so i 9uess thats a kind of time limit but its the one i had in mind. PP: its a casual event. im makin9 dinner for the whole clade. everyone is 9oin9 to be there, everyone i can wrassle up. PP: so she should be there too. PP: id rather you hadnt put my emotions last on your to do list but whatever. PP: the moment has passed. lonelySeahorse- Today at 8:29 AM LS: yule, fuck, i almost forgot LS: cod this swweep is goin by fast LS: too fuckin fast periodicPsychosis - Today at 8:30 AM PP: and if she does 'lose it'. PP: i assure i wont be needin9 your defense. lonelySeahorse- Today at 8:30 AM LS: evverythin just. blurs. i blink an its been twwo wweeks ugh LS: cho i'm gonna tell you somefin periodicPsychosis - Today at 8:30 AM PP: yule is in december. the 22nd. you have time. lonelySeahorse- Today at 8:33 AM LS: if she loses her temper an goes after you again i'd rather stand in front of her an let her krill me than put this fuckin wwedge betwween evveryone again LS: i mean at that point the stress of the fallout wwill givve me a codamn heart attack anywway so pike LS: yeah LS: but alternativvely if you go after her wwithout proper cause LS: i wwill absolutely do the same for her LS: so you best think ovver real hard your actions if she ain't actively goin after you or yours an you just decide to get in a pre-emptivve first strike aight LS: i'd rather fuckin die than let this happen a second time periodicPsychosis - Today at 8:34 AM PP: im not 9oin9 to fuckin9 attack her. PP: THE WHOLE POINT OF MY OFFER WAS ME NOT ATTACKIN6 HER. PP: BUT IM SICK OF BEIN6 SCARED, CLAMS. PP: I AM THE FEROCITY AND I AM SICK OF BEIN6 TAMED. lonelySeahorse- Today at 8:35 AM LS: then i misunderstood wwhat you said wwhen you said "i assure you i wwon't be needing your defense". periodicPsychosis - Today at 8:35 AM PP: IF SHE COMES AFTER ME A6AIN. lonelySeahorse- Today at 8:35 AM LS: an i apologize for that LS: i just wwanted to make my stance knowwn periodicPsychosis - Today at 8:36 AM PP: i dont. need. your. defense. lonelySeahorse- Today at 8:36 AM LS: i mean to me it just sounded pike a threat so LS: i knoww you don't, cho periodicPsychosis - Today at 8:36 AM PP: if she is a threat to me, i will be a threat back. lonelySeahorse- Today at 8:36 AM LS: but i need mine LS: for me LS: myself periodicPsychosis - Today at 8:36 AM PP: i am not 9oin9 to let her hurt me a9ain. no matter what that takes. lonelySeahorse- Today at 8:37 AM LS: yeah an me too LS: i mean no ones really stopped to ask me howw this shit's affectin me you feel LS: pike LS: you knoww i see vvis' nightmares yeah? or is that a thing you havven't heard yet periodicPsychosis - Today at 8:38 AM PP: clams. PP: i care about you and for that reason i am tellin9 you that ri9ht now is not the time to open up to me. lonelySeahorse- Today at 8:38 AM LS: my point is if i gotta see evveryone fightin like that again i ain't gonna be happy an i'm gonna LS: try to prevvent it best i can periodicPsychosis - Today at 8:38 AM PP: i am too an9ry. PP: i need to 9o eat. lonelySeahorse- Today at 8:41 AM LS: fine. LS: you wwant dinner on the 22nd, an apology to sal, an a promise to vvis LS: no promises on the actual date but i'll see wwhat i can do. LS: until then i think it best that you don't talk to her LS: pike at all, unless she instigates it or it's important LS: aight LS: aight. consider this convversation finished.

lonelySeahorse has ceased trolling periodicPsychosis --

As the Winter Formal comes around, so comes a lot of drama. Of which Casey and Sam find themselves in the middle of.

High Confessions: Elsa, Casey, Sharice

As Elsa leaves Nick’s bed once again, she does so with a high. Not a sort of elation from how happy she is, but an actual, I just smoked weed, high. With that, she blabs to April (Nakia Burrise), one of the track team moms, and that causes a slew of issues.

Most of which affects Casey, but also Sam. But as for how it affects Sam, we’ll go into that later. Especially since for Casey, the effect is much more massive. You see, being that Casey is the Lebron to the no-name players when it comes to Newton High’s track team, the prospect of her leaving is devastating. Making it where the parents, and particularly the girls, they get petty — including Casey’s best friend since the 3rd grade, Sharice.

First, it is simply by icing Casey out. This is followed by, after Elsa pushes for Casey to try to mend bridges, the girls, Sharice in particular, taking Casey’s clothes while they all are dress shopping for the winter formal. Thus leading Elsa to bring how she would act if someone was messing with Sam, to how she parents Casey. Making it so, Sharice basically gets kidnapped and forced to explain herself. Which, after confessing how she felt sort of abandoned, it leads to Casey reconciling with her.

No points are given to Elsa about this though.

Commentary

Casey is a better person than me. Just the idea of my best friend from 3rd grade, who my mom buys certain snacks for just for when she comes over, betraying me because of pressure from people we just met? I couldn’t forgive that so easily. And never mind the icing Casey out, that was bad enough, but she took her clothes and then apologized, signifying she knew it was wrong! Yet, she didn’t even come back later to make sure Casey was okay.

I don’t know about you, but with Sharice showing she was capable of doing such a thing, all because she wasn’t given updates about Casey’s life, seemed drastic. Like, how can you trust someone again who is capable of doing that to you? Who is to say when you piss them off or make them feel abandoned, they won’t take the piss at you once more out of pettiness?

But, I guess, with the only alternative being Doug or Evan, maybe Sam to a point, Casey doesn’t have much in the way of options. Also, considering Sam is her brother, I’m sure that has gifted Casey with the type of patience to tolerate more nonsense than the average person. Even if Sharice can’t use ASD as the reasoning behind her actions.

Silent Night: Zahid, Sam, Paige, Elsa

Being that Paige is your average eccentric girl, the idea of finally having a boyfriend and going to a dance with him is keen. Especially since her parents will be away and with that, she is thinking maybe Sam and she could have sex. Problem is, well there are a whole bunch of problems.

First and foremost, convincing Sam to go to the dance. Second, trying to figure out a way to get him into the actual dance and not just stand outside. Third, there is the whole sex thing – which is a huge issue for Sam since, while Elsa makes use of her hair stylist skills [note]Before Sam it seems that was her occupation[/note], he talks with another autistic kid who mentions the bases [note]A part of me wonders why Elsa doesn’t push for Sam to have more friends with autism?[/note].

The combination of those three things leads to a series of events which help illustrate the difficulties of having a kid with autism or being autistic. The first issue is handled by the possibility of sex. As for the second one though? Well, that is when April makes a second appearance. You see, Paige, as Sam noted he likes, is resourceful. So, she comes up with the idea of a silent night and brings it to the PTA. Meaning, rather than blaring music, everyone would have wireless headphones, donated by Techtropolis. As for the lights? They just won’t be as crazy and lit as usual.

However, April isn’t for the idea of her child, and everyone else’s, having to accommodate one child. Especially since she wants to be petty about Casey maybe leaving the track team and her bum of a child now not going to state because of it. Yet, April and her petty gang get out voted and silent night is on! Elsa even notes she’ll do the kids hair for free! Potentially saving many a parent, like April, $80+.

But that doesn’t solve the issue of the sex thing. That’s where Zahid comes in. For, as shown, Zahid is Sam’s life coach. He makes sure he gets condoms, pays for them I should add, and when it comes to the bases, he tries to take Sam to a strip club to become adjusted to the idea of seeing breasts. Tries being the key word for between the lights and sounds, Sam probably doesn’t make it past the entrance hall.

Luckily, a nice young woman named Destiny (Azur-De) not only gives Sam sound advice when it comes to his first time and shows her breasts. Giving Sam some of the tools he needs to hopefully make the night special for Paige. As well as freak out Casey when he draws Destiny’s breast next to her.

Commentary

Though it is for selfish reasons, you have to admire Paige’s tenacity. She found a way to both satisfy Sam’s needs, alongside make it so the dance could be fun for her and the rest of the school. Leading me to wonder what she wants to be growing up? Much less, considering that would require likely going to college, does that mean Sam may only be a high school boyfriend and that’s it? Future seasons I hope will answer that question. Though it is too soon to know if we may get a season 2. It usually takes about a month or two for Netflix to make decisions — they need to see the numbers first.

But, all credit can’t go to Paige. I think you really have to give props to Zahid. Though he isn’t biological family, he seemingly, like Elsa, will drop everything just to help out Sam. A relationship which is so deep and trusting that even when Zahid puts his hand on Sam’s shoulder, there is no flinching or anything. Which, I don’t know why, was so beautiful to me it got me teary eyed. For, despite how different Sam is, his relationship with Zahid I think really shows that, past the eccentricities which comes with being on the spectrum, Sam is just like everyone else. He desires closeness, trust, intimacy, and someone who he doesn’t have to feel uncomfortable around. A lot of which Zahid provides him.

You Are the Father: Doug, Elsa, Julia

Doug is feeling a little guilty about not telling his coworker about Sam being on the spectrum. With that, he tries to talk to Julia since she is the only person he knows who can provide insight. Much less may take his side. However, she has her own problems. She just got abandoned, messed up her ankle, and later finds out she is pregnant.

But, as for her time with Doug, she conveys her understanding. She, herself, had a brother who is autistic and wasn’t even as high functioning as Sam. Her parents, not wanting the social isolation, among other things, pretending he would just grow out of whatever issues he was having. They did that until he was 16.

Leading Doug to realize how lucky he is, alongside thinking he probably needs his own therapist to talk to. Something Julia is happy to refer to him since, considering how she is all about Miles leaving her, if he didn’t force her into the ER, who knows what may have happened with her foot. She’d probably, to keep herself busy, ignore it and just keep piling on work.

Commentary

I sort of feel bad for Doug yet still can understand why Elsa cheats on him. On one hand, nobody asks for a kid with any sort of neural or physical disorder. Everyone just wants a happy and healthy baby who can become an autonomous adult. Yet, Doug wasn’t given that. His first born, a son, is this kid who doesn’t smile, who he can’t share his favorite things with, and he struggles to connect to — outside of conversations dealing with dating.

Yet, it doesn’t excuse him from dumping almost everything on Elsa either. For the reason she has become so reliant on people depending on her is because Doug doesn’t seemingly do anything around the house besides bring an income. He does show up to the kid’s events and things like that, but the actual work, the things which Elsa does to keep everyone comfortable, he doesn’t seem to contribute. Which, as I’m sure you can imagine, weighs on a person. To the point where they need an escape from that life and that routine.

Which is what Nick provides. But I do remain unsure how Nick sees this whole situation? Is he just in it for the sex or does he love Elsa? May he asks of her to leave her family and maybe marry him? Will he ever try to meet her family? I guess what I’m trying to say/ ask is: What will happen, long term, between Elsa and Nick?

Other Noteworthy Moments

  The pharmacist handling all of Sam’s sex questions and Zahid unphased by them all.

  Question(s) Left Unanswered

Do you think Sam has gotten past the point of seeing Paige as his practice girlfriend yet?

Overall

Highlights

Paige showing how far she will go for Sam to be willing, able, and comfortable with, going to the Winter Formal.

Zahid and Sam’s relationship.

Doug realizing he needs to go to therapy and apologizing to Elsa about not telling Chuck about Sam.

Destiny being a kind and thoughtful stripper – no different than anyone else who has encountered and talked to Sam.

Low Points

The idea Sharice could do all that to Casey and then be welcomed back with her explanation being “I felt abandoned.”

On The Fence

The long term potential of Nick and Elsa.

#Atypical: Season 1/ Episode 6 "The D-Train to Bone Town" - Recap/ Review (with Spoilers) As the Winter Formal comes around, so comes a lot of drama. Of which Casey and Sam find themselves in the middle of.