Great discussion!
SPOILERS....I couldn't believe Ennis left the restaurant so calmly. He really is being strong for both of the now.
This is something Sienna and I discussed a bit on her LJ. In my comment to the
previous chapter I expressed some concern that, although I realize Ennis is more mature and has a much more even-keeled personality, and that Jack is going through some really tough stuff with his father in particular, I was still worried that perhaps Jack was placing just a
little too much on Ennis's strong (but still young) shoulders. And that was before this whole restaurant scene happened! But, Sienna, being the sweetheart she is, wrote a beautiful reply that I'll share here because I think it describes the boys so perfectly:
...... Yes, Jack is high maintenance, and he's a lot for young Ennis to handle, but I think (hope)Ennis has a store of patience to tap into when the going get's rough (like here in a few minutes, story wise!) This maturity and patience are part of what gives him his special talent with horses - Jack is like a thoroughbred in this story - high strung and out of control at times, needing Ennis to rein him in. But when he's good, he's the best, the one you want your money on....Isn't that a great description? And, yeah, Fabienne, I can see how in ten (well, maybe 20) years this could be a funny memory
... I wish their big coming out moment to the community had been something sweeter, but I'm glad that they're out now none-the-less. It's a big step for them, and ultimately I think it's good that they're now out.
Well, yeah, in
theory I agree with you
- it's good to be out. But, there's a big difference between coming out on your own terms (and it didn't necessarily have to be sweet) and having personal details of your sex life screamed out in the middle of a busy restaurant in front of your high school friends, parents, and lots of other residents of a very small town. Cringe. Wince. Ouch. But, what's done is done and they'll have to deal with the fall-out. But poor Ennis...Jack threw him to the wolves in his moment of insanity (no matter what Jack actually said you know exactly what everyone in school will be specifically focusing on). And poor Jack, too. He has serious, serious father issues, and I agree that the turn of events and his reaction were completely realistic! I do wonder, though, how long it will be before Jack is able to take some of the weight off of Ennis's shoulders. I love watching the emotional development of her characters.
I'm sure you've read it, but Sienna *has* written a chapter about the two of them 10 years from now. It's the one called "Future Tension". I like it because it shows how they actually found a life together and made it work, but in true Sienna fashion things are never just easy and straightforward (no pun intended). ....
Oh, thanks for this heads-up! I'm relatively new to BFF, so I hadn't read this. I'll look it up for sure! I'd love to see the two of them 10 years from now!
Thanks,
Marie
