Fragile Chapter 5 "Sweet Gerberas Part 1"

[fridayblues]

Title: Fragile
Author: fridayblues
Pairing: Ennis/Jack
Disclaimer: Ennis, Jack and BBM belong to Annie Prouxl. I'm writing from love and making no profit (and don't want to). Some main events in this not-so original story is based on the Japanese novel/series "Bara no Nai Hanaya" written by Nojima Shinji.
My Deepest Thanks: to judy_blue_cat, the beta babe who is better

Comments

Fragile part 5

[george66]

Oh Blues,

With each chapter this story is becoming more and more complicated. But the brilliance of your storytelling is as masterful as always. Of the three main characters (Ennis, Ethan and Jack) there is no bad person. You have created three sympathetic individuals whose POV you can easily see even if their actions are questionable.

Your heart breaks for Ennis. He is in the center of a major tug-of-war. What Jack did - without any malice - is actually unforgivable. Jack brought chaos into Ennis' peaceful world. And Jack is correct: under normal circumstances not only would Ennis probably knocked Jack out, he would be hating him as well. But these are not normal circumstances. Ennis is in love...and that emotion always complicate these and Ennis knows it. He's trying to play that fine line of rational thought. Because he is correct in the fact that McAllen's arrival and confronting this issue about Junior would eventually happen. But thanks to Jack's action that arrival came sooner then expected. And Jack knows this.

He is fully aware of the problems he has caused the Del Mars and the guilt his feels is perfectly displayed. He stepped up to the plate and turned the money down - at the risk of his father's health - but the damaged has been done. You can't truthfully admire what Jack has done, but in your hands, you can certainly understand it. The ironic thing is that his father doesn't seem to want the help. John Twist is the type of man who doesn't want charity or hand outs. If he can't do it on his own then he doesn't want it. Also you get the sense from him that he is more then willing to accept the possibility that this maybe his time to die and he is perfectly willing to go.

But he doesn't wish to spend that time in a hospital. He rather be doing something, like fixing up the ranch in PA and in turn selling the place for a profit. I like the idea of both Jack and John working together in order to make that happen. Father and son doesn't have the best relationship but you do get the sense of a developing sense of respect they have with one another.

You heart also breaks for Ethan. While Ennis is correct that running hasn't solve anything but from Ethan's POV, the possibility of losing his daughter (yes at this point I think it's safe to say that Junior is his), you certainly understand his reason for wanting to run. And of course the Jack issue will definitely cause problems between the brothers. Ennis is trying to keep a middle ground because he is in love with Jack. Ethan on the other hand doesn't had to do that. He isn't in love with Jack so that cloud of emotions isn't in play with him. And what he said about Jack was right in regard to bringing this problem to their front door. But Ennis is also right in pointing out that this problem was coming eventually and now that it's here they will have to deal with it.

But Ethan's fear at possibly losing his child is currently overriding Ennis' logic and he is pushing Ennis into having to make a choice: either the family or Jack. And while on the outside that may sound cruel, you can't help but understand Ethan's desperate POV. After all he is thinking of the welfare of his only child.

And unfortunately I think Ennis made that choice...and he did it in a desperate moment that may come back to haunt him. He basically made a silent agreement with McAllen in order to save John's life that will have devastrating consequences to his family. In order words Ennis - in a moment of intense drama - sacrifice the stability of his own family in order to save another. No matter how intense the moment...you don't do that. Now there is definitely parallels to the actions of Jack and Ennis in this regard. Jack turned down money that could possibly save his father's life and of course that was a sacrifice. The difference being that Jack was alone...he doesn't have to answer to anyone in terms of his actions in regard to his family. Ennis doesn't have that luxury. He has two people he has two answer to for his actions: Ethan and Junior. By helping Jack he may have destroyed his family. A decision I don't think Ethan will be happy with at all and under the circumstances you can't possibly blame him.

Masterful storytelling!

hugs,

george

Re: Fragile part 5

[mariez65]

What an excellent summation, George! I agree with every word.

Marie

Re: Fragile part 5

[kmdlrd]

Amazing comment. I couldn't come close to saying it, but I agree with it completely. Great job, George. - B.

Re: Fragile part 5

[fridayblues]

Dear George,

First of all, I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year! This fandom brought us together and I'm so thankful that you read my stories. I'm also thankful that you share your thoughts with me. believe me, your comment always bring me joy and brighten my day :)

Now we know Ethan is the father. But I believe there're a lot of things about him that we need to explore (and I hope to write more about him in the next, and the next chapters) And now that there's other person in Ennis's life, the Del Mar brothers will face the challenge that might, or might not break their bond. Although Ethan is perfectly ok with the fact that Ennis is gay. But he used to have his big brother all to himself. Ennis has always been there when Ethan needs help. Now Jack is here. Ethan is bound to feel something, no doubt about that.

And for Jack. You're so right. He might act tough, but deep down, he wants to get along with his father so the dream about the land in PA isn't John's dream alone. Jack secretly dreams about that, too. That's when he thought he wouldn't meet Ennis again. Now things turned upside down. He had to take the road he had aimed not to take. His feelings for Ennis won't help improving the situation now.

And there's Dr. McAllen. I'm looking forward to write about him. I can't wait to see readers' reaction when he have a chance to say what he wants to say.

Thank you again, George. I'm sending you a big hug!
xxx