All Comments on 'At What Cost Friendship'

by woodmanone

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  • 107 Comments
Harryin VAHarryin VAover 14 years ago
Interesting story-- but the ending ...JENNY?

This is one of this author's betetr stories. There are alot of aspects to consider.

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SOME readers will equate Lesley seeing BILl in secret and seeing John openly as Equal to John in High school mistreating Lesely. The Two incidents are NOT equal.

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First the Two events were several years apart. Once Lesley agreed to start going out with John and see how much he had grown and matured she was in a NEW relationship.

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Second Its clear Lesley was seriously dating Bill... the other guy. The ONLY reason she started seeing John was the Bill was out of the country. Thats OK as long as Lesley was up front about it with John.

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the other woman in Johns's life...Julie... whom he was planning to marry is an awful person. She only saw a threat to her from lesley.

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Lesely did NOT need help moving her furniture or with plumbing. She was being beaten DAILY... and could of been beaten to death. Yet Julie's #1 concern was Julie.

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It is a GOOD thing John did NOT marry Julie. Finally I am not sure I see why John is now dating Jenny. Seems to me... he needs a Fresh start.

AnonymousAnonymousover 14 years ago
This guy is an idiot.

What he calls love is just lust. Lesley at best was a slut good ridance. Julie was right in all regards. He had no business helping her. Jenny was wrong to involve him and Julie was right in saying he should not interfer. And to suddenly jump into a relationship with Jenny is just plain stupid. Wonder if that one last more than six months. As I started out this guy is a stupid asshole, nothing good there.

JADED_ONE1969JADED_ONE1969over 14 years ago
Hello Woodman

Interesting story as always. But the friendship with Jenny? not sure about that one. But keep the stories coming.

AnonymousAnonymousover 14 years ago
This is a He-man, hero type story

This is very definitely NOT another wimp story!! This guy is the equivalent of Gary Cooper or John Wayne of Hollywood movies. He should be the standard Man go by and Women admire. So now, Woodmanone, you've got a hero you can use as a template for some of your future tales. Where do these stories take place? I'd assume this one occurred, in your mind, in Arizona. The choice of Jenny as his [now] new girlfriend seemed inevitable. RAG

AnonymousAnonymousover 14 years ago
Heaven help me

For once I agree with Harry completely! With the exception of giving Jenny a try I think this is a great story. I think it's time for him to get away from all the women in his past and start over.

digdaddyrichdigdaddyrichover 14 years ago
Good story even though it didn't have any sex in

Well writen and totally believable. It seemed to me that this guy needs a break when it comes to women he falls in love with. I guess it was really good luck that he didn't marry Julie. She is so self-concerned that she hasn't any compassion for anyone other than herself.Thanks for the good story..............Rich

TE_RossTE_Rossover 14 years ago
A good read

<p>The intriguing question for me was whether Julie was correct in breaking off with John. I concluded that her position was indeed valid: John did have some residual feelings for Lesley and it was completely Julie's call as to whether that risk was acceptable or not. </p>

<p>John risked his livelihood, his fortune and his very freedom, to help his former lover. While his actions were commendable, they were also reckless. John exhibited the same recklessness when he gave consideration to establishing a relationship with Lesley's sister Jenny. </p>

<p>Is that town so small, and available single women so few that Jenny should become John's best candidate for a love interest? John needs therapy, and pronto.</p>

<p>Thanks for a very thought provoking read.</p>

Harryin VAHarryin VAover 14 years ago
TE Ross NO Julie was playing a GAME

Nice try TE Ross... but Julie IS a shallow self centered bitch. You see there IS a way Julie COULD of allowed John to help Lesely BUT also keep him away from Lesley.

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<b> Julie should of Gone with John to see Lesley.</b> This would of

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1) presented Lesley with a UNITED front of Julie and John together and sent a clear message... He is mine.

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2) Julie would see that Lesely WAS in fact being BEATEN.

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3) John was NOT making this up as part of some sort of scheme.

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<b> But if Julie does that then and Julie STILL says "NO way you cant help her John "... then Julie looks like a Bigger god dman cunt than she really is. </b>

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so by NOT seeing the FACTS and REALITY for herself Julie can keep up facade of being reasonable.

AnonymousAnonymousover 14 years ago
As I see it

Well that was soo high school !!

TE_RossTE_Rossover 14 years ago
Harry, I disagree. Julie is correct.

<p>Harry, I have to respectfully disagree with your assessment of Julie. She was John's finance, not his wife; and as such her obligations to him are much more limited. There were a multitude of ways that help could have been provided Lesley without such a high price being extracted.</p>

<p>We have a very sophisticated system of justice that includes law enforcement agencies that deal with the problem of spousal abuse every day. And while the failures of the system make their way into the media, the successes are never reported. As a citizen, your first responsibility is to alert law enforcement. Vigilantism is only to be used as a last resort.</p>

<p>Julie was under no obligation to support John in both an illegal and reckless act. She was not his wife. And even if she were his wife, how far does her obligation to him extend if he were to say, kill Lesley's lover? <b>While John was correct in going to her first, it was Julie's choice to accept the risk to her future that John's acts entailed.</b> It was her choice and not her obligation. </p>

<p>What game do you claim that Julie was playing? Certainly she was jealous of Lesley. Why wouldn't she be? Her finance says he is willing to risk it all on an ex-girlfriend that he no longer has feelings for. Who would believe that statement by John? Were the situation reversed, and Julie was acting to risk it all for an ex-boyfriend would John be right in saying that she still had feelings for her ex? Of course he would!</p>

<p>If you believe that John did not have divided loyalties, that Lesley was just someone he wanted to help, then what should Julie expect of John in the future? Should she worry that he will eventually risk his freedom in support of another mere acquaintance? Should she worry that he has some hero complex? And when is Julie to be the most important person in John's life?</p>

<p>Julie's was a very mature response. She is under no obligation to share her man with anyone, regardless of her man's statements.</p>

<p>And yes, self preservation is by definition selfish. <b>Last I heard, we all have the right to be selfish.</b> Without casting aspersions on woodmanone's story, I could would have liked to have seen a different plot line. </p>

<p>What if, after having been informed by John of his intentions, Julie had called the police and interceded to have them help Lesley, and shortly after she still broke off her engagement with John? How would you feel about her then? Is your objection to Julie based upon her not acting (directly or indirectly) to help Lesley? Now suppose she did and still split with John because of the same reasoning she had about him and Lesley. How do you view Julie then?</p>

<p>The idea that the narrator, the hero in these stories, can do anything he damn well pleases and that his womenfolk should merely follow along, defies all logic.</p>

bruce22bruce22over 14 years ago
Fine Story

Like most everything this author has posted. Certainly neither he or Jenny have to hook up but it was a possibility from the previous encounters, but I do not fee he should be in a hurry....

Vulcan_in_OhioVulcan_in_Ohioover 14 years ago
Interesting story, needs better editing . . .

The story was interesting but there were quite a few instances in the story where a little proof-reading could have made it much more readable. I can't see why John didn't just call the police to help his former friend Leslie. Frankly, why didn't Jenny go to the police on Leslie's behalf? Just as well to find out about Julie -- she is correct to be concerned but wrong to be jealous of Leslie. Leslie was not a threat to her relationship with John -- can she really be that insecure? The fact that John fixed Julie's car and then took her home shows he likes playing the hero, he gets something out of doing good deeds. Suppose John had had a girlfriend and did his unselfish deed for Julie, should his girlfriend have been upset and/or jealous to the point that John is to never speak to a woman (other than strictly for business purposes)? He has a generous soul and maybe it is a character flaw in today's world but maybe it is also a good quality. Suppose John were a police officer, or former officer, and he was really just trying to help an old friend? Would it then be OK? Julie's father did not seem to feel John was doing anything to hurt Julie. If Julie really loved John she would understand the idea of selfless courage and sacrifice and would have gotten involved to help Leslie along with him -- she could have gone to the bar and been the lookout, or called the police for him when Bill would inevitably attack John. If John were trying to become friends again with Leslie, that's one thing, but it was nothing of the sort. Better John learned that Julie was this way before he got married to her . . .

AnonymousAnonymousover 14 years ago
TE Ross got it right

First, I enjoyed your story. However, when it came to it issue of Julie I thought it became a little two dimensional. I do not understand why the hero had to set up the brawl. There was more than enough to put her abuser into jail w/o it. Also, Ross is correct that the engagement period is not like a marriage. During that time, if your intended shows character flaws that make you reconsider, you should do so. Julie did have a mature response. As a writer you may have been able to come up with more options for her, where she could assist Leslie but still protect her own. I thought Jenny was a mistake. She willingly double dated with her friend, even though she knew she wsa two-timing him. I think that he is in for more trouble down the line. Thanks for your story! Ttom

AnonymousAnonymousover 14 years ago
Pretty Good

This story portrayed a normal American male today. Screw for the fun of it when young, without any responsibility for the heartache caused. Then he falls in love after growing up a little, but demands perfection from his women now. He wants Julie to understand his personal desire to assist the woman he once loved in her need. Yet, he still does not want Lesley because she lied to him when he loved her back when. Julie refuses to accept his acting the gallant knight he thinks himself as. Jenny helped betray him with Lesley but is his new squeeze because he either did not want, or did not get the other two... Whew! Confusing! Sounds like a very self-centered, really not very loving, prideful, self-serving male with a hero-complex to me! Did I mention he was probably very sensitive to everyone else's feelings and thoughts as he went through life? Sorry for being a smartass...Interesting story!

AnonymousAnonymousover 14 years ago
Not one of your better stories!

The characters all seemed to be sixteen years old.

AnonymousAnonymousabout 14 years ago
great story

This was a fun story. I loved the down to earth hero, the friends, and all the little twists and turns. Well done.

SilverWolf78754SilverWolf78754almost 14 years ago
A question Popped into my mind...

I read this story a few weeks ago and have pondered it off and on since. Remember how John had changed and grew up from the beginning of the story and asked Leslie to give him another chance after his return from his traveling? Don't you think Leslie hasn't grown up and would never deceive John ever again? Isn't it quite hypocritical for John not to at least give Leslie another chance? After all, he grew up by going through tough times, why wouldn't the same be true for Leslie? John still has feelings for her, or he would not have helped her get free from the abusive boyfriend.

AnonymousAnonymousabout 13 years ago
GOOD STORY

I ENJOYED YOUR STORY AND FOR ONCE THE MAN WAS A MAN. MAYBE NOT THE DRINKING IN HIS BEER; BUT TO MARRY SOMEONE WHO LIES IS LOOKING FOR TROUBLE. JULIE WOULD HAVE BEEN ANOTHER MISTAKE AND WHO EVER MARRIES HER WILL PAY PLENTY FOR IT. IF SHE HAD DOUBTS SHE SHOULD HAVE CHECK UP OR AT LEAST MET WITH LESLIE TO VERIFY AND SEE IF SHE WOULD STILL HAVE THAT ATTITUDE.

AnonymousAnonymousabout 13 years ago
crappy

terrible story someone needs life experience.

RePhilRePhilabout 13 years ago
Great tale

And so was she!! LOL

cpetecpetealmost 13 years ago

Well done Well done!

OldHidekiOldHidekialmost 13 years ago
Losing a fiancee that doesn't trust you is not much of a loss.

John did the right thing by helping out a woman in distress. If the fiancee finds fault in this, well... it is her loss.

And Yes, Life Goes On.

jasonnhjasonnhalmost 13 years ago
Very good story

I liked how John keeps his balance throughout the story. <br><br>

Lesley deserved to be dumped. She was dating an old boyfriend, breaking dates with John, and lying about the whole thing. No thanks.

Re:Julie: Julie states that she would have NO objection if John was going to help out a friend. It was the fact that Lesley was an old girlfriend that she objected to. These are Julie's own words. So she doesn't trust John. plain and simple. It's not because the plan is risky. It's because it's to help Lesley. John didn't try to do it behind her back. He was upfront and reassuring about it. She is being overly jealous. Even after when it's over and Lesley is basically out of the scene, Julie is still unwilling to accept that John wasn't still in love with Lesley. Again, Julie's words. Julie is a very jealous woman. Even so, John didn't dump her. Julie dumps him. Good riddance. <br><br>

As to the choice of baiting Bill into a fight, I can easily accept that as part of the story. People often get personally involved in helping friends, even if it might be better to take other, perhaps more legal, actions. And in this case, if Lesley simply charged Bill he would still be out and about and she would be in danger. Eventually he might end up in jail but not right away. John's approach got Bill into serious legal problems and kept him in jail and Lesley safe. The law DOES have some successes but it also has big failures, especially around domestic violence cases. You never know which way it's going to go. John was pretty gutsy to set Bill up. <br><br>

Also, as to being a difference between a fiancée and a wife. Bullshit. Marriage does not create a relationship. It is a formal acknowledgment, a declaration, of a mature relationship that already exists. If they are about to be married and Julie isn't willing to stand by John, marriage wouldn't have magically made it any different. This is the same stupidity as someone who is engaged saying they are going to have one last fling before they are married and "have to be faithful". If they are at the point of planning to be married and can't remain faithful by respect for their partner then they are already in trouble and marriage won't make them any more faithful. If Julie the fiancée won't stand by John, Julie the wife wouldn't be any better. <br><br>

BUT GOD, WHY JENNY? There are only 3 eligible women in this town?

DWornockDWornockover 12 years ago
I suppose it is a well written story.

However, there was so much stuff, the story seems fake. Therefore, I didn't enjoy it.

tazz317tazz317over 12 years ago
WHAT ONE WANTS

the forest for the trees, as plain as the nose on ones face, open your eyes. TK U MLJ LV NV

norcal62norcal62over 12 years ago
Really tired of main male character drunks.

It's too easy a literary device to have the guy drinking at all occasions. I agree that the characters drawn were very immature. That degraded the story. Making the lead a supposedly macho woman protector was lame, as others have explained that the simplistic vigilantism was not realistic.

Other elements of the story were okay since they are the creation of the author.

jiminabjiminabover 12 years ago
Thank you

That was a good read Woodman. I really enjoyed it. To digress: jasonnh ... that was the most beautiful comment about marriage and relationships.....also Woodman, I really love your house. TTFN Jim

UndrApprctdUndrApprctdalmost 12 years ago
Sort Of A Mini-Novel

I liked it, except for the excessive drinking.

Danger09Danger09almost 12 years ago
I don't know

He broke up with Leslie for lying to him; but I can't help but think he lied to get into her panties so what's the difference? She didn't sleep with bill.... His finance is a insecure bitch! He should be praying up to the heavens that he didn't marry her instead of drinking his life away. She seems like the type he'd need an iron clad pre-nup with. She should be proud that he wanted to help a woman get away from her abusive boyfriend instead she calls of their wedding. At least he talked to her about it he didn't have to tell her shit! The marriage wouldn't have last she would've taken him to the cleaners.

NellaBarely2NellaBarely2almost 12 years ago
What makes a short story Worthy?

What makes a story worth writing? If continued reviews are a measure then "At What Cost Friendship" measures up through the years. I just read for the first time and commend Woodman on this early posting. Life isn't always a bed of roses or screwing every other paragraph. LOL. And every reviewer proves that 'typos' Happen so can't beat an e-pubed author for weak editing. Interesting how Harry and Jason can over analyze 'what already IS' when Ross and i see it for what it is - a temporary diversion for those of us with nothing better to do with our time but read and relax ... and encourage writers to do what WE can't, or won't attempt to achieve.

Woody, all your stories are more than Worthy and Entertaining. You continue to prove to be Thought Provoking. Do you suppose your high school teachers realized the impact they might have on just this one single student.s future.

GOOD WORK.

solotorosolotoroalmost 12 years ago
What an idiot

He should have convinced her to go to the police. That's the right thing to do. All this bullshit was stupid and dangerous. Julie was well rid of that fool.

Huedogg2Huedogg2almost 12 years ago
I agree with solotoro

he was a dumb ass, why risk you life over a whore that fucked you over?

tazz317tazz317almost 12 years ago
#2 AFTER THE BREAK-UP

life goes on just like before, TK U MLJ LV NV

AnonymousAnonymousalmost 12 years ago
Huecuck, the admitted cuck, asks

a question that has no answer, thank god there is an admitted cuck around to pose rhetorical questions.

AnonymousAnonymousalmost 12 years ago

Why did you bother writing this?

betrayedbylovebetrayedbylovealmost 12 years ago
Interesting Choices

John did a lot of different things. Its unrealistic that things would work out the way they did but that's why it is fiction. Good read anyway.

AnonymousAnonymousalmost 12 years ago
traitor

gobbling a fat cock, his pooper took the meaty one, betrayed!

tazz317tazz317over 11 years ago
#3 SOMETIMES YOU DONT SHOOT THE MESSENGER

your fall in love and marry them, TK U MLJ LV NV

BfreetorunBfreetorunover 11 years ago
I know it is just a story, I want to point out one thing...

Even if this thing with Lesley had not come up he probably have not made it with Julie, would have just wasted how ever many years for her true personality to come up. With his luck with women it is a surprise that he stayed straight, LOL. I guess he just got paid back for being a big-time player early in life. Good story.

carvohicarvohiabout 11 years ago
I liked the guy, liked the story

I sort of knew he'd end up with Jenny. I felt bad about Julie though; she had a point. I found a couple insignificant errors, but they didn't interrupt the story. I'm glad I read it. Of course if was a five. Keep writing.

AnonymousAnonymousabout 11 years ago
Huh?

Very interesting story but really freakin stupid main character. Main character has to be an idiot to go through the actions he did. His idiocy killed it a little for me.

elHosedelHosedalmost 11 years ago
Quite liked it...

...not much more to say then that. Ok, one thing to say. Was good that the Julie relationship blew up BEFORE they married because it became evident that it would have eventually no matter what 'our hero' did.

chytownchytownalmost 11 years ago
Very Entertaining Story****

Thanks for sharing I liked the twists and turns in the story very different.

chytownchytownalmost 11 years ago
Very Entertaining****

Good read. A lot of twists and turns. Thanks for sharing.

sugnasugnaabout 10 years ago
Great Writing

Good story, great writing, thanks!

Huedogg2Huedogg2about 10 years ago
good writing but stupid story

Why put everything at risk for someone who fucked you over. You guys didn't have kids, you were never married. Let's ask the real question, If Billy asked Les to help him what would have John said. I can answer that....hum "fuck no" and that BS about telling him the truth about Bill, yeah right. Gave it a 3.

AnonymousAnonymousalmost 10 years ago
Julie

Julie was the one in the right.

He could have made her part of it.

She was an ex lover,with his personality if the roles had been reversed he would have said the same thing to her.

Still all's well that ends well.

Tw0Cr0wsTw0Cr0wsalmost 10 years ago
Julie, take 2

Julie said that John acting to save Lesley told her about John.

Julie being opposed to helping an abused woman says things about Julies character as well, things that are not good but better to find out before marrying her.

FD45FD45almost 10 years ago
Thank you

I enjoyed the fact that it wasn't a 'Hollywood' story, with some depth, some moral ambiguity, and tension. The fact there was a bit of action also helped.

One gets tired of these main characters who don't need a bridge to cross a river, they can just walk. Perfect men who all are utterly devoted, pack serious wood, good providers...who are all these things...and yet their wives cheat on them.

This main character, in contrast, felt more real. He was a snot in the beginning...and he grew. It would have been nice to see Julie perhaps conflicted over this. She made a decision which worked for her, but considering even her dad was not on her side, a bit of self reflection on her part would have been natural...unless she had a history not outlined.

These are quibbles. I had read this before but hadn't commented. A trifle dry, but compared to most of the fodder here, this was a delight to read.

FD45

TavadelphinTavadelphinover 9 years ago
Good story - good message -

He did the right thing - for the right reasons

To bad Julie does not have the compassion to understand that what if it were her???

Jenny eh? now that was a fun twist and took a couple of lines before I knew where you were going there.

Thanks for sharing

xtchrxtchrabout 9 years ago
Made Me Think!

What an interesting story. As I read it, I thought Julie was being unreasonable. But when I thought about it being reversed, I didn't know anymore. If my fiance came to me and said that her ex-lover was in trouble and she was going to help him, how would I feel about that? I think I might be more like Julie than I care to admit. Boy, did this story make me think. Thanks for writing a very interesting story.

Huedogg2Huedogg2about 9 years ago
xtchr, Look at it froma different angle

What if it were his brother? Or his best friend? What if it was her ex-husband or best friend? Maybe it was the friend that fucked her over. And she did the same thing as he did, how would the story come out then?

ACP45ACP45about 9 years ago

It might hurt but if your SO, male or female, doesn't have your back when things are tough, you're better off without them.

Drbeamer3333Drbeamer3333about 9 years ago
Enjoyed it

an interesting tale. Thanks.

tazz317tazz317almost 9 years ago
IF A MAN PLAYS HIS CARDS CORRECTLY

he can always find a change of clothes. TK U MLJ LV NV

RhomanovRhomanovalmost 9 years ago
*****

She either trusts him or not. Better he learned that now. She should have clued in when daddy didn't agree with her.

AnonymousAnonymousover 8 years ago
friendship

5* Last comment was charity, but this one was earned. I think that he should have gone back to Leslie, she had well learned her lesson and she could have been in his business as office manager and book keeper. a family business is ideal.

Ed Grocott

edgrocott@gmail.com

AnonymousAnonymousover 8 years ago
Not Bad

The real bitch of the story was Julie. Did she expect him to drop all of his friends to marry her? Good riddance to her.

AnonymousAnonymousover 8 years ago
Happy to see Julie history before he married the crazy bitch.

What woman is so paranoid that she can't let her man help someone? Even if that someone is an ex girlfriend? Did Julie have so little self confidence that she thought John would just dump her? Ugh! So not a bad story. Until you put John together with Jenny. That seemed to be a real reach. Jenny never liked him. She never got to know him. Why would he want to start a relationship with a good friend of Leslie's? Not good. Not good at all.

AnonymousAnonymousover 8 years ago
Too many people, including the author, missed the big point.

He told Julie he was risking the loss of his business and possibly jail time to help her. This just a few months before their wedding. When you ask a woman to marry you she and her future become your first priority, otherwise you are not much of a man. Want to help a friend? Fine, get her to a shelter and get her to go to the cops. You don't risk your family's future on some dumbass scheme to do it. John wasn't heroic, he was stupid and selfish. Julie dodged a bullet.

racfguyracfguyabout 8 years ago
That Julie is a real piece of work!

She reminds me of my ex-wife. Tori got really pissed at me because I had a recording of the old CCR song Suzie Q. I had dated a girl named Susan long before Tori and ever met, therefore I was "cheating" on Tori when I listened to it. We didn't last very long.

Glad I left her - the current wife is the absolute best!

MorganDeWolfeMorganDeWolfeabout 8 years ago
Something Makes This A 1 Star Story!

Something about John being a womanizing bastard leaves me thinking he does NOT deserve a decent woman in his life.

Something about Lesley being a lying cheater reminds me that "once a cheater always a cheater".

Something about Julie being a basic bitch encourages me to shout "Run John, don't just walk away" from her!

Something about Jenny being a two faced opportunist makes her perfect for John. May they live forever in the mutual hell of their personalities.

The only likable character in this story was Julie's Dad. "He told me that Julie had told him what I was doing". "It's a good and honorable thing you're doing John. Don't let my silly bitch of a daughter persuade you otherwise." Now that's a honorable man.

Just My Opinion, YMMV

Morgan DeWolfe

AnonymousAnonymousover 7 years ago
Read the story carefully

He said in the beginning that he was a 'player'. He also said that most of the women he dated were players also. The exception was who the story was about. He even said that he tried to slow things down 2 or 3 times during their interlude at the river. Lesley wasn't drugged, conned, or unwilling. She was there because she wanted to be there. They went to the same school, so she must have known the crowd he hung with and the type of guy that he was. So everyone who is saying that he's no better than 'scum' should read the story again. As far as Lesley meeting Bill to figure out if she still had feelings for him, I call 'shenaigans and bullshit'. You tell John Henry what's happening or drop him. You can't have your cake...etc. Besides, if she really loved him enough to want to stay with him, Bill should have been history. Julie is just a nut-case. She wants to keep John in a jar on the shelf away from everyone else. That marriage wouldn't have lasted more than a couple of months before she had him explaining his every move and wanting to know who he was with. Very good story. 5*.

PeteCedar

ScorpioJJScorpioJJover 7 years ago
Another car crash

Parents killed in car crashes is an epidemic on Literotica.

silentsoundsilentsoundover 7 years ago
Not LW category

But good story

Bo47Bo47over 7 years ago
read it before, liked it then, like it now

My comment is about the hero, John, the mechanic. I, myself admire mechanics, people who fix things, extending their useful life, and tool salesmen, who provide tools to do that, and factory works who make things we need for better life. They are all heros in my book. It's all the lawyers and marketing executives and addmen that have free time to get into difficulties and sneak around playing spy that I have a hard time empathizing with. Just a thourgt.

BuzzCzarBuzzCzarover 7 years ago
Good Solid Tale

I enjoyed the story. You developed the main protagonist pretty well but the rest of the cast could have used more than a little fleshing out. All in all, enjoyable.

texcavemantexcavemanover 7 years ago
congrats to the author

You have your readers convinced these are real people with real people issues.

I don't say that negatively. Keep up good work

AnonymousAnonymousabout 7 years ago

Lesley and Jenny should both be on his shit list.

AnonymousAnonymousalmost 7 years ago

Maybe it was better to find out that Julie was a VERY JEALOUS woman before marrying her.

oxynam25oxynam25over 6 years ago
Sucks, but probably for the best

I don't see anything wrong with him helping Leslie. He didn't even get back together with her after so there was nothing wrong with what he did. It's most likely for the best him and Julie broke up before they got married.

AnonymousAnonymousabout 5 years ago
Too funny for words

John must have the IQ of a squirrel. And he sure needs some new friends. My first question is why wouldn't he hire an attorney when his partner is cheating him to maximize his money? Next, why would he go back to his small hometown? There didn't seem to be family there and he would have to know the chances for a good job were limited. Why take back up with Lesley? Too much bad blood there. And then along comes Julie. What was wrong with her? Her reactions to him helping Lesley just seemed extreme and unexplained. Like I said. John needs new friends and a new location far, far away. And then you dump Jenny on him. All those times he was around her and she was never of any interest. And now she just seems like the last option. Not a very satisfactory ending.

etchiboyetchiboyover 4 years ago
Last anony re: Arizona business and law suit.

He did threaten to get an attorney, which was when partner bought him out.

John seemed to know how much the business was worth, so knew about how much he could get out of the partnership. If he got anywhere near that amount (way beyond small claims court), and DIDN’T have to pay attorney’s fees, then why not run with it?

Also, he was trying to get out of there soonest (that seemed to be a weakness of his — running away when things got tough emotionally), and a law suit would have taken time, probably several months.

So put it all together: paid about as much as he figured he was owed, no lawyer fees, and out ASAP. Simple.

etchiboyetchiboyover 4 years ago
Leslie obviously didn’t love him enough, or she was just too insecure.

Tough boat for her. Probably best he lost her, as this fragility in the relationship very likely would come up again. And again. And...

Hell, she met him when he was doing a bit of “white knighting”, which obviously attracted her to him to some degree. In a way she was selfish; white knighting reserved for her only.

Original story line, as usual. 4-stars

etchiboyetchiboyover 4 years ago
Last anony, re: going home again.

For some the attraction of “back home” is just too strong, irregardless of how “small town” or lack of living relatives there are. There is, for many, just a certain comfort to the place you grew up in, despite any negatives.

I’m back in my small home city, for awhile, despite having lived in the “Big City” for almost 20 years. I have only a couple of friends left here, and both parents are gone, yet I still feel I “belong”. Oh, I miss big city life, at least certain things. I especially miss the varied and good food. But yet... I suppose it’s like salmon running home. I feel “centered” here.

You discount that feeling too easily. Maybe it’s different for you — great. But don’t dismiss it.

Huedogg2Huedogg2over 4 years ago
I'm on Julie's side in this one

this is like when a husband tells the wife to stop listening to a cheating girlfriend. She ignores her husband then a week later their going through a divorce because she cheated. What I don't understand, is why risk your love and life over an ex that fucked you over. He said I owed her that much, How ? She an ex that you haven't seen in two years, you get in to a fight with a couple guys and had to get saved by the bouncers. You owe her you life, did she give you a kidney? Julie was right you were willing to risk everything for an ex.

26thNC26thNCover 4 years ago
Well written

Another very well written story. Enjoyed it.

Just_WordsJust_Wordsover 4 years ago
Excellent story!

I never had a girlfriend break up with me with kisses and laughter and dancing, etc. She was either a cheat or too immature to live in the relationship. That was an interesting and varied story. Well told!

AnonymousAnonymousabout 4 years ago
shouldn't have gotten involved

I completely agree with Huedogg2. It was completely reasonable for Julie to expect him to stay out of his ex's life. Lesley was no longer his responsibility, his relationship with his fiance was.

LilacQueen15LilacQueen15about 4 years ago
Type of Man

John was a stand up guy. What he did is what men do for abused women and for friends. Julie was wrong.

moblanemoblaneabout 4 years ago
went the wrong way

John was written as an intelligent, thinking guy who had seen the mean side of women... I completely agree with Huedogg2. Lesley was a 'big girl' all that was needed was a call to police and a order of protection filed against the abuser. John had no other business in Lesley's relationship. Julie was right to be suspicious of John's motives. John should have known better. Many a knight has perished trying to save an unworthy 'damsel in distress' Seems like a shaky bet to hook up with 'Jenny' some guys never learn! Good story though 4**** Thank You

Artie88Artie88almost 4 years ago
Too Slow and Boring

I am not sure why this author keeps writing these stories. They all seem pretty much the same.

The hero survives despite his best intentions and the women in his life. END OF STORY.

Nothing original. Hero is virtually the same in every story. Boring

AnonymousAnonymousalmost 4 years ago
Julie Seemed To Be

A might bit insecure, since there wasn't any indication that John had been doing anything to warrant that, it seems plausible that she was going to get worse if they married. If he was up to no good would he have insisted on talking to Julie first? Not a chance. Probably best to find out what life was going to be with Julie before rather than after. Should he have tried to help out Lesley simply as an old friend? Some people are just wired that way, not enough of them in the real world if I were asked.

"Just because your paranoid, doesn't mean they're not after you. Remember that." If you have a noid and you add a noid then you have a pairanoids. Notice I didn't correct 'your' with 'you're'. "A knight without armor in a savage land..."

Signed: BTW

FifteenyearscotchFifteenyearscotchover 3 years ago
Dodged two bullets, struck down by third lol

Julie was so insecure she couldn't understand him helping out a battered woman? Scary lack of confidence there, major red flag! Cousin Jenny aided and abetted Lesley stepping out behind John's back, shame on JOHN for forgetting that!

Where to start with Lesley?! All kidding aside, Lesley is the biggest asshole in this story, not Bill! Bill may be a woman beater, but Lesley is the woman sticking around for the beatings!!! That is toxic behavior, and she can't even say she was sticking with him for the kids, there weren't any! Sorry, but women have to take responsibility for this kind of B.S.

26thNC26thNCover 3 years ago
Again

John was a decent man with terrible taste in women. He tried to do the right thing with Lesley, and it cost him Julie. Losing Julie might be a good thing if he and Jenny can make a go of it. Not a happy story.

kencorokencoroalmost 3 years ago

Agree with Huedogg2 and moblane. Julie is right, John didn't have to go that far. There are other way to protect others you're not involved with.

AnonymousAnonymousalmost 3 years ago

Julie is right to be doubtful. He only bothered going heroic because it was Lesley. The best thing he could have done is convince Les to go to police.

And another thing, does Les have no other family members? Parents? Siblings? Just her cousin? This situation seems to be better handled by family instead of 'old friend'. Unless, the hidden objective is to get them back together. And the 'manly hero' bought it. That's why in my opinion, anyone in this situation should convince the victim to go to the police.

AnonymousAnonymousalmost 3 years ago

Agree with 26thNC. Not a happy story. 4*s.

AnonymousAnonymousover 2 years ago

Julie reminds me of several controlling bitches I've encountered. He's well rid of her and her selfish, me! me! me! attitude.

AnonymousAnonymousover 2 years ago

This story is known as Situating the appreciation! Woodmanone decided to get the MC and Jenny together and the story was milder accordingly! Most made no logical sense

AnonymousAnonymousabout 2 years ago

stupid story , a stupid man.

kirei8kirei8about 2 years ago

Why didn't Dad read daughter the riot act on John's behalf? Only three stars because you never let us know how the third woman in John's life turned out. FTDS!

ewray321ewray321almost 2 years ago

Youre stories are good. But when you get to the ending they are weak and shallow.

Demosthenes384bcDemosthenes384bcalmost 2 years ago

Very similar to the last story of yours I read (running down them in alphabetical order). I like the easy read and style but I hope there's more variety as Igo on. Great twist at the end with Jenny! 5*

AnonymousAnonymousover 1 year ago

Great story with an incredible lesson about life. Rad and benefit. Well written Romance. 5

xhristianjxhristianjover 1 year ago

So basically this guy is the stupidest, most ignorant red neck ever with the worst taste in women and he's a total wimp as well😂😂 Oh my Hero🤕🤕🤕 He got beat up by two guys drunk off their asses and isn't even land one punch fuck me days that's pathetic

Schwanze1Schwanze1over 1 year ago

Read again. Slice of life. Good story. But did door number three have to be the girl who was out with Lesley when Lesley was cheating on him?

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I believe age and cunning will overcome youth and enthusiasm every time. Being some what of an egomaniac I believe my stories are very interesting. Only the readers can verify or disprove that premise. Several of my stories are based on my own experience or most have a little ...