1 [Report This]Date: November 25, 2017 08:20 pm Title: Earlier (and Later)
I wish this continues, but I love the AU. Great concept.
Date: July 30, 2010 12:40 pm Title: Earlier (and Later)
Here's hoping you're just busy and not fighting the dreaded block! I can't wait to read the next chapter...
Date: July 28, 2010 05:28 pm Title: Earlier (and Later)
Where are you, Blanca?! Dying for an update. Pretty please?
Date: July 11, 2010 09:52 pm Title: Now
Still absolutely loving this story! I love that even though Pam is there, she's still hesitant about how much she can really give...right now, and Jim's slight annoyance is right on target too. This continues to be great stuff.
Date: July 08, 2010 05:39 pm Title: Earlier (and Later)
This is fabulous. I love reading different scenarios following the Diwali text. The writers really left us wondering there. I love how you've taken it to a new (happier?) level here. Can't wait for the next update.
10 [Report This]Date: July 05, 2010 11:40 am Title: Earlier (and Later)
Aww, Pam. Don't break poor Jim's heart! But they'll settle things out eventually, I know. Blanca - thank you so much for coming back to bring us this amazing story - it's so fun to read and I'm really excited about where this is going to end up. Great job with your writing, and I'm so glad you're back. Keep going!
10 [Report This]Date: July 03, 2010 08:42 pm Title: Earlier (and Later)
You are killing me with each new chapter you write. The pain and desperation is so REAL and just guh. Please update soon *no pressure... maybe just a little*
Date: July 03, 2010 03:58 pm Title: Earlier (and Later)
Another fan here, Blanca. Enjoying every word of this, and am rereading often while waiting for new chapters. You're doing a fantastic job with the S3 characterization, despite having Jim and Pam in a new and different situation. Thanks so much for sharing your talent with us.
Date: July 02, 2010 08:27 am Title: Earlier (and Later)
Ah, miss Blanca. All those conversations we had about this where I was all 'But--but-- she wouldn't do that, would she?' Well, I tip my hat to you-- yes, I see this now, absolutely and heartbreakingly realistic. This:
In an instant everything became startlingly, achingly real. The implications of what they were about to do came crashing down on her and she was suddenly very aware that she was topless in front of him -- in front of Jim. She couldn't pretend that everything they'd said and done to each other didn't matter, that she was ready for the ways this would change their relationship permanently. He was drunk and worn out, not thinking clearly. The last thing she wanted was to take advantage of him, or rush into something they'd both regret. Or worse, something unimaginably wonderful.
(That last line, in particular. Guh.)
And this:
He rubbed his eyes with his thumb and forefinger and let out a long breath. "Right. The couch."
"'Night, Jim." Her eyes were filled with apologies, but he wouldn't look at her.
"Goodnight, Pam." There was a trace of annoyance in his voice, which she wanted to chalk up to alcohol and exhaustion, because the guilt was overwhelming.
You're trying to kill me, aren't you?
I can't wait to see how you finish this one. And I'm really glad to see you've got your writing bug back well and truly. :)
Date: July 02, 2010 08:24 am Title: Earlier (and Later)
I check multiple times a day for an update on this one. You make me almost feel like I am intruding on something I shouldn't be, so intimate and beautiful. Can't wait for more.
10 [Report This]Date: July 02, 2010 05:51 am Title: Earlier (and Later)
I was getting itchy for an update, Blanca, and here you are. This chapter has such a heartbreaking intimacy. "Are you really here?" he whispered to the ceiling before pressing her hand to his cheek. I know I mentioned it before, but I just love how Jim's drunken sleepiness has him letting down his carefully-constructed guard. It kills me (especially in relation to Pam's timidity), but I love it. So enjoying this.
9 [Report This]Date: July 01, 2010 10:37 pm Title: Earlier (and Later)
I have been eagerly awaiting this chapter. It did not disappoint.
The intimacy in the way you have written this chapter is stunning. Emotional intimacy is so intense for these two.
In an instant everything became startingly, achingly real...she couldn't pretend that everything they'd said and done to each other didn't matter.
There's something about this passage that just makes me want to cry for the pain and loneliness of their time apart.
I am loving the beauty of their reunion.
Date: July 01, 2010 08:04 pm Title: Earlier (and Later)
Ooh, this just gets wonderfuller and wonderfuller! I love how tentative and ambivalent this Pam is. That Jim can't help but let his annoyance show through. The dance you have them doing is deliciously in character. I'm hoping you have LOTS of chapters planned!
10 [Report This]Date: July 01, 2010 07:49 pm Title: Earlier (and Later)
i'm really loving this. can't wait for the next update!
one thing: he spent as much effort on housekeeping as he did on his personal experience... i think you mean appearance? i do the same thing sometimes!
Author's Response: Oh, wow. Thanks. I must have read that sentence a hundred times without seeing that. Grr. I'll be hiding under that rock over there if anyone needs me.
Date: June 29, 2010 12:56 pm Title: Earlier (and Before)
omg I'm in love with this--more please!!
10 [Report This]Date: June 28, 2010 08:17 pm Title: Earlier (and Before)
Blanca my dear, bravo. And I am blushing from your kind words. I find Pam's transition between S2-4 to be so fascinating. Your exploration of her confusion, desires, and need for closure are wonderful. Now, a few of my favorite parts:
She let him pull her inside, because breaking contact was unfathomable. The door closed behind her and he let go of her wrist, but she scarcely had time to register the loss before his hands wove through her hair and his mouth found hers in the dark.
"Jim." He seemed to recognize her tone, and his laughter died away. His eyes went wide and the terrified look in them caused a stab of guilt to pierce her chest. She knew she was to blame for putting that look there, and it solidified her resolve.
I can't wait to read what's next!
Date: June 25, 2010 05:56 am Title: Earlier (and Before)
Wow, I was expecting a good followup chapter, but you've outdone yourself. I started picking out descriptions I liked, but there were too many wonderful ones - I couldn't choose. Your depictions of the senations and emotions of each of these characters in this scenario make me see and feel for them so vividly. This is darn near perfect, and the last three or four paragraphs have twisted me into a knot again with poor Jim Halpert. Argh, but in a very, very good way. Best thing I've read here in a month of Sundays. Please continue. /DKS
Date: June 24, 2010 10:51 pm Title: Earlier (and Before)
Or...don't slow down. Especially you...Blanca -- write quickly please. :-) I'm officially addicted.
Date: June 24, 2010 10:38 pm Title: Now
YOU ARE A ROCKSTAR. OMG...
I'm sorry, that's not a coherent or appropriate review for something so wonderful as this! Has this ever been thought of? Because seriously....when it was going to be karen who came out of the restroom (and I totally thought it was - you had me), I already thought this was revolutionary. Maybe it's my naivete, but it had never occurred to me that maybe Diwali night was "the night" for Jim and Karen. ...But then you took it a step further and blew my mind with it being Pam! AWESOME. I am just SO excited about this. Haven't been this excited about fic in a long time my friend!
Date: June 24, 2010 03:22 pm Title: Earlier (and Before)
Guh.
Sorry, but that's all I have.
I cannot WAIT to see where this goes. So many moments of S3 are ripe for "what if", and the text message is one of my favorites.
Date: June 24, 2010 12:31 pm Title: Earlier (and Before)
I love how you captured their emotions as they don't exactly know what to say or do. I get so excited to see an update for this one.
9 [Report This]Date: June 24, 2010 11:39 am Title: Earlier (and Before)
Lovely, love love love. I loved this. Nothing about it was predictable to me. I'm waiting for the next chapter!
Date: June 23, 2010 07:56 pm Title: Earlier (and Before)
Another chapter so soon - what a great gift Blanca. Thank you.
The way you tell the story of what I imagine is Jim and Pam's first encounter since the Casino Night kiss and parting is nothing short of stunning and oh so real.
...his face a mixture of confusion and delight
Such a wonderful description of the emotions Jim would feel when seeing the woman he loved turn up at his doorstep in the middle of the night after thinking he had lost her forever. And the word 'delight' is just not used often enough for me - it describes the look on Jim's face when he saw Pam for the first time in The Merger...come to think of it, it describes the look on Pam's face as well.
...it was the closest she'd felt to normal in months
Pam's life from the moment Jim told her he was in love with her and then left her must have been one of the scariest and uncertain periods she'd ever lived through. She ended a relationship she had been planning her future around and woke up to the realization of how much Jim meant to her. I love that you chose the word 'normal' and not something like 'happy'. It's a non-conventional choice for a love story in my opinion but just perfect for Pam at this point.
...he whispered "Hi". "Hi," she offered back
This simple exchange speaks volumes to me and reminds me of what is still my favourite moment between Jim and Pam, the "Hi", "Hey" from Drug Testing. After hours of not speaking to each other, this simple exchange and looks on their faces could not have said 'I love you, i missed you' more if those words had actually been spoken. After months of being apart for them to have almost the same exchange is pure poetry and so true to these characters voices. Whether this was your intent or not Blanca, it was brilliant.
...and then he was kissing her again, smiling against her lips. Laughter turned into soft moans and back into laughter again.
What an awesome and joyful picture you paint with these words. As soon as I read them I saw the proposal in the rain kiss. I have always loved that scene for the joy John and Jenna brought to that moment...the smiles while they kiss and embrace...I want me some of that.
Chapter 3 cannot come soon enough but no pressure :)
Date: June 23, 2010 07:01 pm Title: Earlier (and Before)
Oh, I've missed your writing! This is just gorgeous. I can't wait for the next chapter!
10 [Report This]Date: June 23, 2010 03:27 pm Title: Earlier (and Before)
This is good - nice boldness, drunk Jim! Keep going, I just love this story!