Bittersweet Candy Bowl

uh-oh….the “cat’s” out of the bag now

But will it blend?

Poor Abbey.
Now he’s going to feel like this is ALL HIS FAULT.

Fortunately, he did the right thing telling his mother, just not at an appropriate time.

I like the lighting and framing you did on this page, Taeshi. Wonderful job. It helped it to bring the center of focus to Abbey all the time, which was what the point was. Also the color change behind his mother helps turn the attention.

oh gosh Abbey, you just had to let the name slip TT.TT sorry Mrs. Abbey’s mom.

damn abbey, way to keep a secret

ooo cynthia this will be fun

Ohh abbey not a good move

That’s a terrible way to find out something like that….

CYNTHIA WHO???

Initiating comments test.

Gum in hair eh? Or in this case fur… Wait, which is it?! I dont have a cat!!

Hah ! Whoops.

Abbey looks pretty good on this page, that fifth panel with him is really cute. I like the 3 panels of his mama after that, though her arm looks a little too skinny in the sixth panel. like it almost looks like just flesh n’ bone. the colouring/shading looks great, though, nice n’ smooth.

Yay! Another angsty flashback!

P.S.
My psycoanalysis of Abbey is gonna be posted @ 4:30pm EST. I finally have enough relative data on these frequent flashbacks that he’s been having since Ch 50, I think it is…
Anyways, foreboding atmosphere, so to that I say, SCREW YOU TAESHI!
-sorry, I really do love your work, it has literally changed my life, for the better I might add
P.P.S.
I’m doing this on my new 3DS

@ rishi-chan: first of all, cool SWTCW reference in your name. Second, her arm is thin most likely because when one is being stressed (in this case beaten) they dont usually eat.

This chapter’s pretty deep…. I honestly can’t think of any reason to really dislike Abbey anymore…. he’s got depth, he’s still capable of being humorous, he’s got his ups and downs… I like Abbey…

Art Critique: I believe it would be the right side, but one of Young Abbey’s Cheeks in the last “panel” seems like it’s a bit too small compared to the other side. Even though they’re about even, it still seems odd..

That’s quite the shiner she has. The ******* must have hit her hard.

Why does Rugrats come to mind.

And now the chaos will begin yet again way to go Abbey.

Damn, it hits the fan.

I’m actually very intrigued to see where this chapter is going. Its obviously a lot less about LucyxMicheal angst and more about another main character’s (Abbey) life, past and present. The only thing that irks me….is the stupid idea I had today.

Abbey’s mom is a zombie. A dumb theory, yes, but not totally irrelevant.

Yeah, I think I was wrong. She’s almost certainly dead.

ABBEY WHY. WHY.

So that biznitchs named Cynthia? Huh… Is it just me, or did our adorable resident Abyssinian just set off A Series Of Unfortunate Events? Nah… probably not.

“I MEAN IT’S NOT LIKE YOUR MOMS DEAD OR ANYTHING”

If that was the case, I’d bet 5 cash money in pounds, dollars and gold pieces.

Curse you loose lips! CURSE YOU! This will not end well.

lol abbeys face in the last panel reminds me a little of a face from family guy

Oh dear.. This will not end well. His poor mum!

Whoever believes Charlotte did Abbey Sr. in, RAISE YOUR HAND! *cricket*

not dramatic enough okay then

Abbey is destined for great things. He has his mother’s eyes.

She’s pretty…. appreciative of little moments of kindness. Scary how much I relate to this.

OMG, Poor Baby! Abbey’s mom is either dead or in some sort of critical state, isn’t she? Or worst case scenario; she back with his dad! I mean, judging by the panels, it looks like Abbey’s mom really loves his dad, or at least still holds some sort of affection (but it is a flashback, so I could be wrong as to how this applies to the present situation). But with the Cynthia comment…. I guess that’s what was probably the last straw for her, maybe (my guess of what happened before/what caused Abbey and Molly to live with Janet) . I just hope that was enough to make her stay away from the *******, presently, or forever and ever.

When did he learn her name?
Can someone tell me?

dun dun duh

It is good to nap. Sometimes.

@ Invader Rex actually I don’t know what you’re talking about when referring to my name. ^^; my name’s Lizzy so I just go by rishi-chan durhur I can be lame like that. and actually looking at the drawing again, I see that some of her arm is kinda hiding behind Abbey’s ear, but it still looks kinda thin to me. I don’t think her arms would be that thin seeing as how they were thicker in previous pages and she has a round tummy. unless she was pregnant at the time and only had a big tummy from it, I doubt her arms would be that thin.

my first reaction was just, “cynthia, she’s a really cool dancer, cynthia, boogie to the groove now”

BACK TO DRAMA

Abbey, no!

My heart is racing from this. Like wow! I’m so anxious to know what happened with his mom. My guess is that she’s not dead but she’s in a..worst state then she was when Abbey and Molly left?
That’s my only hope for now.

Or a twist is that his father is back in the picture and with her again? So many theories. Hang in there Abbey!

no ! O_O abbbeeeey!

: D
i just spent the last three days reading this comic..
READING> ALL. OF. IT.
but methink it was worth the very very long time : )
I love it and i’m glad to have finally caught up so i can actually comment! So many times i wanted to……and then saw that it was a 2 year old page…..
i love abby. he’s one of my faves : )

wait. what. who? I’m confused.

….Well. ****. Good job, Abbey.

Guesses as to Charlotte’s current state:

1. She cracked after that last awful beating from Abraham Sr. and is in a mental ward.

2. She has moved on with her life… so much so, in fact, that she wants nothing to do with her kids, who are only reminders of her past abuse.

Whooops.

Oh no, just oh no.

Here is where the Abbey’s guilt comes to light. Poor Abbey, you aren’t to blame for the slip. Seriously Daisy just got latch to him with that carebear sunshine hug of yours.

Uh oh. Things just got a lot more heartbreaking.

ok………….

Cynthia?
This is not good.

hmmm…. last panel of abbey.. i cant stop being reminded of family guy

im loving the style taeshi, the lighting and colors are great and i really like abbeys mom.. she’s cute and pretty

Oh God, THIS is where it gets real ugly…

Oh noooooo. Abbey, you poor thing. You didn’t mean to let that slip out.

Oh, I see now…that’s bad…

The suspense is madding!

Oh jeez… that’s not a good way to find out…

Oh shi- Not good.

Cynthia, Maybe a person who is related to Abbey’s dad,
maybe his 2nd Wife???
Or someone that only abbey knows

What if….. I know this sounds really stupid… but what if His mom is back with his dad? I seriously doubt it though.

I repeat “DUN DUN DUUNNN”

I think I dont want to see the next page, but somehow I cant wait for it either. Anyways,

The name Cynthia instantly reminds me of Angelica’s doll from “The Rugrats”. Looks like Abbey let the cat out of the bag! I have a feeling that pun won’t go over very well…

@EricKm: Or you know, just that woman he is cheating on his real wife with. Which was shown briefly earlier in the chapter.

I stumbled across the comic and thought it was adorable, so I went back to page one and have been reading ever since!

I was sad to reach the end, but I’m bouncing eager for more.


Just want to say…MIKE IS A JERKFACE! And so far I adore Paulo and Augustus >_>

Whoa dear this can’t be good

Who is Cynthia?
DUN DUN DDUUUNNNN!!!

Yes you just gotta hate that father. Want to beat him up until he won’t be able to make babies anymore.

Also now more thing @ Emy:
ノಠ益ಠ)ノ 彡 （ヽ.□.）ヽ *Quit flipping my effin tables!*
ლ(ಠ益ಠლ) *Who’s next?*

Dun dun dunnnnnnnnnn…

hmmm maybe she is gone due to MURDER charges.

The black eye is a nice touch

AHURHURHUR WOOPSIE

wow I thought i was early getting to the comments.

why must this comic be sad …. but i LOVE it! keep em comin!

For some reason I can’t shake the feeling the mother is going to do something very rash… like hit abbey I hope I’m wrong

THEN EVERYTHING GOT REALLY AWKWARD

Ouch. Truth comes out.

ABBEY’S FACE LOOKS LIKE ONE OF THE FACES THAT ARE OFTENTIMES USED ON FAMILY GUY. i know it’s a serious page but i laughed at the last panel for that reason also i like the way abbey’s mom smiles in panel number 7. and little abbey is so cute!

… Who leaves gum on a couch? And, uhh… Don’t talk about stuff like that with your children, … Abbey’s mother? I dont know your name, so that will have to do… And I think I remember when Abbey saw Cynthia…
(LOTS of dots)

Heeey, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAVID!

Go check the ”about” section, it’s the 22nd of february, which meeaaans DAVID’S BIRTHDAY!!!

I really love this chapter… I dunno… It’s just. People actually experience these kinds of things. (Not that we don’t go through the romance and stuff). But I like it.

awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww T^T

HEPPEH BIRFDEY DAVEY!!!!!

Only 82 comments?
lol
And the gum in the couch it’s classic
kkkkk

All of my tears..

Oh wow, poor guy.

Poor Abbey…

Love Abby’s “DOH” face. Classic

I can’t tell which is worst….
The forums
or the comments….

Cynthia? Uh oh, I bet Abbey’s dad is cheating on his mom. Duh duh duhhhhhh.

Uh OH!!!!!!!!!! Abbey told his mom something that should have been a secret!!!!!!!
Well it appears that Abbey is once again in his little world so lets have some brainstorming!
YAY! TOP 90!

In general, you’ve been really improving when you draw cars. Interiors are pretty hard to get right without skewing something. It’s a cool perspective you have going on in the first panel, but it’s not quite right. I think to complete the effect Janet should be bigger, since she’s closer to us. If Janet is seated that far back, the steering wheel should at least be visible, and you have enough space to do it in a way that wouldn’t obstruct Abbey. I hope this is helpful!

i hate Abby’s dad

I am now more certain of Charlotte’s death.

oh god. WHY ABBEY. WHY DID YOU SPILL THE BEANS?!

Well it is better she knows the truth. Ignorance is bliss I guess…I would want to know anyway.

the page before and this one makes me wonder if Abbeys mother got killed or something judging by Janets face when she picked him up from Tessas party. Or she could be alive and suffering from permanent scares and bruises from abuse. Just makes me wonder what Janet found out about Abbeys mother and all the possibilities.

OH SNAP ABBEY!!!!!! WRONG THING TO SAY.

Uh oh.

That “…Cynthia?” leaves with little confidence that this will end well.

@Emy Dont flip your **** dude

I’m worried Abbey might have more psychological issues then we already knew about. All these crazy flashbacks suddenly being triggered. Little guy has had a rough go that’s for certain.

taeshi please answer my question i am about to ask
are we able to send fan mail

She can’t really be dead, can she?
Maybe she’s just kinda messed up and doesn’t want to see them?
……She totally killed herself.

Oh my gosh this is super intense. Like holy cow i want to see what happens. Poor Abbey…he has it so rough. At first I thought he was just a major jerk but this shows hes just a frightened kid who grew up in horrible circumstances. Poor guy.


In other news: Happy Birthday David. Keep on keepin’ on.

WOW now 2 good things in one day! This is a great 16 for me. But it will take a hell of a long time to download GTA IV lol. I am taking that Abbey’s mother didn’t know who Cynthia was until ABBEY opened his mouth.

I hate that everyone keeps saying bad things about Abbey. He was young and of course he accidently let it spill, think about it. If you had been in that situation at that age could you of held something in like that for so long? The answear is no.

On another note I believe that his mother either is:

A: Dead from all the stress her husband put on her and losing her kids.

B: At a Mental Hospital because shes finnally flipped her lid from the abuse.

C: At a Womans Shelter for fear that her husband will get out and hurt her.

or

D: Her husband did infact kill her, Which I hope isn’t the case

whoa… i bet Abbey feels bad now. Dont feel bad! it isnt your fault your father is a bad person who cheats. That must of been horrible for his mom. At least now he has awesome friends and can enjoy himself. I wonder what happened to his mom…

ASDFKJSDFHKJDSHLKJL

WE STILL DON’T KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON WITH HIS DAMN MOTHER OTL

Ooh, Cynthia? I bet Abbey’s mom told his dad and… hospital happened.

Uh oh. •_•
Man, it sounds as though abbey’s dad was actually a nice guy. Wonder why he got so violent. I mean, he could have just divorced her… Right??? :’(

WHOOPS DID I JUST SAY THAT OUT LOUD?

awww poor Abbey’s mother DX
Some times i wish Abbey didn’t know too much..

And why is Mike saying he didn’t do it WHEN HE DID
…mike just say you love her .. you know you do

I think there’s a minor typo in panel 10, it should be “i wish he’d…” or “i wish he would…”

Awww snap, looks like Abbey’s mom is making a realization

I like how his back story is being revealed as occasional flashbacks rather then being dumped on us all in one prequel chapter. I noticed in the graveyard for your scrapped ideas you started an Abbey chapter but I can see you’re conveying basically the same thing in a cooler way, with memories that have to with what’s actually happening.

dun dun dunnnnnn…. poor abbey

Oh my Abbey just said that

Uh oh…. This is where the drama begins!

Abbey reminds me of myself…HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID!<3

Oh wow………………….. The things we say we before we really think about what we are saying…………….

…aww ****.

Abbey’s father is a filthy cheater that deserves to go to hell. Poor Abbey…

Please let her be okay please let her be okay please let her be okay…..

“Cynthia? There’s another woman? He… doesn’t love me?”

As my redundant comment doesn’t tell, I’m pretty excited as of where this is going. Good work.

I’m getting very strong “Death of a Salesman” vibes.

That is not encouraging for abbey’s future.

Razorsharpfang somewhere in his childhood in-between page 12 & 13

I feel bad for Abbey and his mother…
*throws random table* (ノಠ益ಠ)ノ彡┻━┻
RRAAAGGGGGGEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!

****, I’m getting some ‘School Days’ vibes, some ‘Oh sweet Jebus, I think I already know how this will end’ vibes, and some ‘one of these two (Cynthia or Abbey’s mom) are so very screwed’ vibes. Me, I think Cynthia is likely a comatose cat walking, and Abbey’s mom isn’t going to be much better off.

I has decided to make a poker face now
Commencing in 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1,0
POKER FACE
•_________________________________________________ __•

who is this cynthia im just hearing about

@Suitcase/Taeshi
By the way, I forgot to mention this in my main comment, but thanks for the awesome update to the site (at least, I think it was; it was that, or my computer (or possibly my eyes) was more screwed then I thought, and I somehow missed it for over 68 chapters… ). The random pages banner… thing reveals some stuff I might not have found out about on my own. Anyway… yeah, thanks for that!

when are you going to update not enough rings

omg!abbey why did u have to ruin the mood bro?!?!?

Why do I think someone is cheating with abbys dad?

At first, when I saw Abby’s mom, I thought “AAAAH! How was she hiding in the back seat like that?!”
Then I realized it was a littleabby flashback.
That would have been funny though.
She does seem awfully happy for a beaten wife… Perhaps the beating cpmes after the ‘u cheatyn on mah??’ confrontation.
Also: hmm… Stars on comments? I expect a long, prosperous history of… Not stars. I’m not as vain as I seem.

Curtisimo - born on third

I really like Abbey, but cutting the “lucy just got every hard cold fact thrown at her face” problem really ****** me off!

Wait, insightful comments? Imma be dissapointed if mine isn’t highlighted…

Anyway… I hope nothing bad happened to Abbey’s mother, he’s not my favorite, but yet he’s still sweet and doesn’t deserve anything bad to happen to him… ;-;

Edit: No more stars?

Stars, eh? I wonder.

On note of the comic, damn…was Abbey trying to keep that a secret?

Abbey’s mom…could really use a hug…seriously, she could.

aww so sad man i hope abbey can live well if his mom is already dead

poor mom

i wouldent be surprised if is hiding in the car and is about to say “OII SROOGE, WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR A KLONDIKE BAR !”

Cynthia? The plot thickens…
I do notice a slight pang of regret in young abbey as he says this to his mother, perhaps he indirectly affected her disappearance??

A mistress?

epic fail
AND ON MY BIRTHDAY TOO!

Wow, I was the first to notice it was David’s birthday. Also, Taeshi, Y U NO EVEN HAVE DAVID IN THE COMIC ON HIS BIRTHDAY?

HOLY S*** a star come on abby

dammit Abbey, why your past so sad.

The reorganization of the site looks awesome, Taeshi!

:c Poor Abbey and his mamy

panels 6, 7 and 12 <3

Boom. Friendzoned.

i dunno why i said that.

I don’t understand why Abbey didn’t tell his mom about Cynthia in the first place….

CRYING BECAUSE APPARENTLY THE WOMAN WHO ABBEY’S DAD SAW BEHIND EVERYONE’S BACK HAS THE SAME NAME I DO

Sweet mother of cats.

Oh wow, I JUST noticed his mother had a black eye…am I really that blind?! GAH!

I know why he didn’t tell his Mom right away, Somali.

Because to a child, your parents are God and your household, your family, is the Universe, and anything that would disrupt that…

… that is too scary to even think about.

So, who is Janet?