Date: March 20, 2008 02:55 pm Title: Chapter 1
Oh Roy, how can you be so dense? Loved your Josh/Pam interaction. Looking forward to the slow build up to fluff/smut!!!
Author's Response: I know! But I swear, I can imagine him being totally blindsided by Pam breaking off the engagement. I mean, HELLO, he thought Jim was gay...!?! Hee. Thanks so much for reviewing!
Date: March 20, 2008 02:53 pm Title: Chapter 12
I gotta tell you, babe...this is just...out of nowhere. Yeah, if you're a big doofus -- oh, wait, you are.
Author's Response: Heh -- your reviews kill me, lisahoo. :o) And yeshh, in this story at least, Roy is an enormous doofus. :o) Thanks for reviewing!
Date: March 20, 2008 01:48 pm Title: Chapter 12
Another wonderful chapter here, painfully real. Roy's reaction is absolutely spot on. Looking forward to more.
Author's Response:
So glad you enjoyed it! Like I said, it wasn't the most fun chapter in the world to write -- but that probably has as much to do with my having written a gazillion break up scenes over the past year and a half as it does with my impatience to get to the good stuff, LOL.
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: March 20, 2008 01:21 pm Title: Chapter 12
As always, a riveting read, girl7.
Author's Response: Thank you so much, NanReg!
Date: March 20, 2008 01:11 pm Title: Chapter 12
I'm diggin it. I love the last little punch in the gut of Pam taking the ring off...like it hadn't been a thought until just then. Now her finger is naked...and so shall she be, soon, with Jim! Holla! I'm ready for the fest and will try to be reviewing as much as I can during the NCAA tournament...which will take over my life for the next few weeks! But awesome stuff, girl7!
Author's Response:
Okay, I laughed out loud at your comment about Pam's finger being naked, just as she will be soon! (But, uh...I suspect you might just be right about that one. *evil Kevin grin*) And might I say that I'm jealous of you for your love of basketball -- this time of year always makes me wish I got it, but seriously...I don't get it. :o)
Thanks so much for reviewing -- and enjoy the March Madness!
Date: March 18, 2008 09:51 am Title: Chapter 11
I honestly didn't notice any shift in tone at all. Things had already gotten to a much quieter, though slightly less *desperate* place the last chapter and this felt like a perfect continuation of that. I really liked the exhausted and defeated feeling to their interactions. Everyone can tell they really are about to embark on something new. Well, not Roy. HA!
Author's Response:
Really? I can't tell you how much I appreciate your thoughtful feedback on that, because -- as I keep saying -- I was seriously worried that the shift would be too abrupt. Glad as well that the exhausted-ness came through, because I felt like the only way for Pam to have finally been that honest with Jim would be if she were simply too exhausted to do otherwise, you know?
And yeah, poor Roy. Hee. :o)
Thanks for reviewing!
9 [Report This]Date: March 17, 2008 08:47 am Title: Chapter 11
SQUEE! So, next Pam wakes up because she "hears a noise" and is scared and needs Jim to sleep with her, right? Right?
Oh, okay, I guess I can let you do whatever you want, since the story is fabulous so far. I trust you. (But I'm telling ya: ooh, scary noise!)
Author's Response: Heh -- all in due time, my friend. :o) (Love the scary noise idea! Or sleepwalking, maybe....) Thanks for reviewing!
9 [Report This]Date: March 16, 2008 05:02 pm Title: Chapter 11
I just wanted to let you know how much I'm enjoying this story and how I'm looking forward to reading the next chapter. Thank you.
Author's Response: Well thanks so much; I really appreciate your kind words, and I'm glad to hear you're enjoying it. :o) More to come -- happier times, I promise. :o)
Date: March 16, 2008 06:18 am Title: Chapter 11
Loved this chapter. I thought the transition was handled very smoothly, and the combination of Pam's hesitancy and honesty was pitch perfect. The awkwardness in the bedroom was adorkable as expected. My favorite moment was when Pam asked Jim to stay, and he didn't even have to think about his answer. So "not Roy", as you pointed out.
I'm glad to see that we've finally turned the corner and have some happiness to look forward to for our couple.
Author's Response:
Gah, thank you so much, EH! Seriously, it's a relief to hear that you thought it wasn't off tone here, because I had worried about that. Glad you liked the silly moment -- I just couldn't resist. :o)
Thanks for reviewing -- and yeah, happy times are on the way!
Date: March 16, 2008 03:55 am Title: Chapter 11
Some of your best work! Please continue.
B
Author's Response: THank you so much, batman! :o)
10 [Report This]Date: March 15, 2008 09:32 pm Title: Chapter 5
Beautiful job weaving in the Casino Night dialogue, just perfect! I get exasperated with Pam being so hesitant, but it's also really great to watch her find her courage.
--Strider
Author's Response:
I'm glad you liked it! I love the confession scene (which cemented my belief that Steve Carell is brilliant), but I was disappointed by GWH -- I really expected to hear more from Pam, even if it was a continuation of her rejection. So what I tried to do here was take what I liked from CN, then write it from there as I think it might've also happened. (Did that make any sense at all?) :o)
Thanks so much for taking the time to review each chapter like this -- I know it's tedious to do that, and I so appreciate it. :o)
10 [Report This]Date: March 15, 2008 09:11 pm Title: Chapter 2
Another excellent exploration of those moments on the boat; very nice!
--Strider
Author's Response:
Listen, I am obsessed with those moments on the boat. I'll never forget when that episode aired for the first time -- my husband watched the show from season 1, and while I was always in the room, oftentimes I was half paying attention, flipping through a magazine or something (I KNOW!). But I don't think I turned my eyes away from that screen once during BC (nor did I breathe throughout the whole 27 seconds scene). I felt almost haunted by it and was relieved to read an interview with JK & JF wherein they talked about how incredible and intense that scene turned out. I absolutely love it. :o)
Thanks for reviewing!
10 [Report This]Date: March 15, 2008 09:05 pm Title: Chapter 1
Beautiful angst! Those moments were so intense, and I love how you've carried the intensity over.
--Strider
Author's Response: Thank you so much! I'm well aware that I can get carried away (like, seriously carried away - hah) with the angst, so it's always nice to hear someone say he/she enjoys it. :o) Thanks for reviewing!
Date: March 15, 2008 03:51 pm Title: Chapter 8
Well, I'll be. Damn. You really took my advice and ran with it! *fans self* Damn. I loved how you played with the symbolism of the seat belt-- it really does seem like an indicator of what she was facing. And the last line was haunting. Having her running to the house she shares with Roy? Just haunting. Bravo!
Author's Response:
Heh - yes indeed, I took your advice (and I think more than one reader was grateful to you for prodding me, LOL). I have no idea where the seatbelt thing came from, actually, but the more I thought about it, the more I liked it as a metaphor.
You rock, as usual!
Date: March 15, 2008 08:03 am Title: Chapter 1
WOW! That was just wonderful. Absolutely love this chapter.
Author's Response: Yay -- so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave feedback! :o)
10 [Report This]Date: March 14, 2008 08:03 pm Title: Chapter 11
Oh. My. God.
Is it too early in our relationship to say that I love you? 'Cause I totally do. Can't help it -- you are just that amazing. WOW. Seriously wow. This chapter just totally blew my mind and made me all gooshy and teary at the end. It was so perfect! I love that every little thing that Jim did, even when he was awkward, made it that much clearer to Pam that he is everything that Roy isn't. He's considerate and he actually cares more about her feelings and happiness than his own -- which, of course, is what love really means. Which, of course, Roy will never get in a zillion years. I kind of can't wait for her final confrontation with Roy when he realizes that she wasn't kidding and that wants more than he's ever going to be capable of giving her and that hello! Pam's found her spine and her dignity and she's not taking his shit anymore.
I also adored it that she had the guts to bring up the transfer and that she asked Jim to stay. A perfect little moment that really showed Jim that things were changing and that even if he wasn't getting exactly what he wanted just yet, that he was incredibly important to her. Just lovely!
This chapter was freaking brilliant and the only problem I can see now is that I'm desperate for an udpate. SIGH. :-)
Author's Response:
What? What do you expect me to say to that? Well, I...can't? Bwah! (Sorry -- couldn't help myself....) Your reviews, I must tell you, are so awesome -- love the way you comment on the specific things you liked; it's so much fun to read your thoughts. :o) I'm really glad you liked the contrast between Jim and Roy -- I've always said that I think Pam would have to be absolutely blown away by how different Jim is from Roy -- considerate, interested in what she's thinking/feeling, attentive, respectful.... :o)
Thank you so much, as always, for your kind words!
Date: March 14, 2008 06:19 pm Title: Chapter 11
*sigh*
This was just brilliant, I kept glancing at my scroll bar and wishing more scrolling space would just magically appear so I wasn't at the end. Anyway this was wonderful, the awkwardness in the bedroom was just so painfully realistic. Pam's meltdown and Jim's reaction was spot on, I could almost completely see it in my head. Looking forward to more.
Author's Response:
Oh, thank you so much. :o) So glad you found the awkward bedroom stuff realistic. (Now that was a hell of a sentence, yes? Hee.) And I must confess that one thing I regret we never got to see on the show was Pam just breaking down in front of Jim, because you know he'd be so sweet....sigh.
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: March 14, 2008 05:48 pm Title: Chapter 11
Terrific. I love how patient Jim is with her and all that Pam says or attempts to say in explaining the situation is so well done.
Author's Response:
Gah, really? Thank you so much! I keep saying in review responses that I had a tough time writing that conversation, because I wanted her to be honest yet sort of fumbling (from exhaustion and from the sudden epiphany she's had), and I didn't want it to come off as thought Pam were telling Jim, "Mmkay, so I'm done with Roy -- next!" LOL.
Thanks so much for reviewing!
Date: March 14, 2008 05:15 pm Title: Chapter 11
Okay, wow. I think that may be one of my all-time favorite chapters in any of your stories. Which is saying something, because you know how much I love your stuff.
But this was just so... rational. Not that I'm saying your other stuff isn't. Okay, this review isn't working out the way I wanted it to.
What I meant to say is that I love the way Pam said exactly what she needed to and nothing was misinterpreted. For an "I just broke up with my fiance" conversation it was pretty much perfect.
And now to the super-girly stuff, I love that she cried and he just held her. So cute! And the whole boxers thing, and saying good night, and the fact that for once she actually told him how amazing he is!! I was melting by the end of this. Seriously, adorable. I am very happy right now. :)
Author's Response:
Wow -- so amazing to read that review; thank you! And you couldn't have given me a higher compliment than to have called this "rational," because I had concerns that the conversation was too disjointed and circular. I was trying to convey both her exhaustion but also her sudden awareness (and the certainty that came with it) that she needed to end things with Roy. I didn't want there to be a lot of "mystery" there -- in other words, I wanted her to be straightforward with Jim about the fact that it was over with Roy, but also about the fact that she does have feelings for him. And I found all those things to be a bit daunting to work into one chapter -- so I'm really glad you found it believable and organic. :o)
So glad you're enjoying this, really -- and thanks, my friend, for reviewing!
Date: March 14, 2008 05:03 pm Title: Chapter 11
Not abrupt at all and thank you for posting this so quickly. You rock, girl7!
I love the change in Pam - how she acknowledges the hurt that she knows Jim has felt in the past few weeks, too. The tone and the transitional nature of this chapter are perfect for their characters!
Author's Response:
Shew - glad to hear the shift didn't cause a screeching sound. :o) I really did want to convey Pam's awareness of and -- perhaps more importantly -- her regret about how much she hurt him, even if she hadn't intended to do so.
Thanks so much for the support & feedback!
10 [Report This]Date: March 14, 2008 04:39 pm Title: Chapter 11
i love this story soooo much. I've been reading it for a while now but dont' think I got around to responding. Its just all kinds of amazing. I'm so glad Pam's come around, I wanted to kill her for a while. I've always been more sympathetic toward her than Jim during their whole angsty emo-fest of S3 (mainly b/c Jim was such a heartbroken asshole) but you've done an amazing job of kind of turning that all on its head for me and really reminding me of the pain he was going through. I don't think I'll ever be on his side in terms of the actual show, but in your fic, I am one hundred percent. Now that I've rambled I will finish off by saying AMAZING work, can't wait for the next update!!!
Author's Response:
I know -- as angsty as I tend to write Jim, I oftentimes write Pam as absolutely maddening, and I'm not sure why. :o) It's always interesting to me to hear people's thoughts regarding which character they sympathize with. I'm probably far more forgiving of Jim than I would be in real life because of my affection for JK (heh), but really, all throughout season 3, I wasn't really on one side over another. I thought the whole thing was sad -- for Jim, Pam, Karen, and Roy. This is not to say that I didn't want to smack Jim a time or two, though.... :o)
Thansk so much for sharing your thoughts!
Date: March 14, 2008 03:59 pm Title: Chapter 11
Wow. Amazing. I love the tenderness between them in this chapter and who else would Pam go to when her world explodes? Her best friend.
Can't wait to see what's next. I guess Roy's in for a surprise!
Author's Response:
Ah me -- it's really lovely to read that what resonated with you about this chapter was the tenderness, because that's exactly what I was trying to convey. I wanted it to be less about their romantic feelings for one another than about the incredible bond they share...and Jim's inherent, unfailing kindness.
Yesh, poor Roy has no idea what's about to hit him! :o)
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: March 14, 2008 03:32 pm Title: Chapter 11
Another divine chapter, girl7. I don't think I've mentioned it before, but I really enjoy the addition of Josh. Glad that Miss Pam is wising up.
Author's Response:
You know, it's always so great to hear someone say he/she enjoys the addition of one (or both) of the brothers. I don't know why I'm so enamored with the idea of writing Jim's siblings (whoa -- started to write "Jim's offspring" -- wayyyy different thing, that, LOL). I've had fun writing Josh, because he's totally based on Zach Levi's Chuck -- who is so freaking adorable. Sigh.
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: March 14, 2008 02:49 pm Title: Chapter 11
Is Mr. girl7 going out of town again anytime soon? ;-) For our sakes, I hope he is so you can get the next chapter up pronto! Amazing stuff! Can't wait to read more!
Author's Response:
Hee -- he's actually got another business trip scheduled, but it's not until April (by which time I hope this is finished!). Still...love to write when he's out of town, because it makes the time just zip right by, and I can get all immersed without having to stop for dinner and actual conversation and such. :o) (Yes, I'm a nerd -- why do you ask??)
Thanks for reviewing!
10 [Report This]Date: March 14, 2008 02:40 pm Title: Chapter 11
UGH. so wonderful!!!! man oh man.
Ok so my three favorite parts were when Josh first interrupted them on the porch or wherever and was like "Go back to what you were..." that made me laugh so hard.
Then obviously the whole boxer exchange. Not only was it hilarious but also...Jim's boxers. Yum.
And last, but not least at ALL, Jim's "sleep well." Melting in my chair. God. I love this story.
Author's Response:
Wow - thank you! I'm glad you liked the Josh bit -- don't know if you watch "Chuck" or not, but he is always having those kinds of awkward moments on the show, wherein he ends up sort of fumbling and bumbling, and Zach Levi is so hilarious when he does that.
And who doesn't love thinking about Jim's boxers? (Well now if that didn't make me sound like a skeevy little perv, I don't know what would....)
Thanks so much for reviewing!!!