YAY for a new chapter of this! Lots of good stuff. It was interesting to learn a little more about Jim's background, and I liked how you had Jim's mom mention that little bit about the baby shower when he was barely listening. I am reeeally looking forward to them meeting up again :) (Oh! And the Roy thing-- nice twist)

Author's Response: I'm so glad you liked this one. The phone converssation was the first thing I wront for this chapter. (I don't usually write in order, I let the scenes that mostly stands out to me come out first). I'm so glad you are still with me even after all this angst.

I'm not sure how you've done it (well, you're an awesome writer, so that's how) but you are the first author to ever write a story in which I actually care about an original character. Adele is so sweet and kind. I love how sweet she is with Pam. It's so sad how she thinks Pam is talking about her son, but Pam really means Jim. I also feel really bad for Adele because the baby isn't really her grandchild. But Pam did what she had to do. Gerry and his company sounds ruthless, so she did the right thing by leaving. I'm sad that she misses Jim though, sometimes you never get over your truest love no matter how much they've hurt you. I truly love this because you can very well go in a few different directions with this story and I'm really looking forward to where it goes. I can't believe Jim is living in Australia, and I think it's almost humorous how he thinks he's outsmarted his father, but his father's really brain washed him. I love the phone call with his mom where she's telling him about the baby shower. I don't know why I think like this, but I like that he's getting glimpses of his own child in that way. I'm so looking forward to the next chapter! :)

Author's Response: Adele is one of my favorite characters to write for. I needed her to be very appealing to the audience because she's the reason why Pam just doens't feel compeled to just...leave. I want the readers to go, "Oh, right... I wouldn't do that to Adele either," ya know? Jim will soon figure out he's not in control and hell will break loose! Jim will get some balls in a future chapter, which is by far my favorite yet! Thanks for sticking by and reviewing my fic!

No, Roy!  No!  Stay away!  ;)  Well, I'm glad that Pam still loves Jim.  Nice touches in this chap--Jim's mom talking about the shower (I was holding my breath there) and Pam being able to express how she feels about not wanting to move on (even though Adele thought she was talking about Kenny).  I'm looking forward to learning how the parents-to-be will reunite.  I'll be patient ;)

Author's Response: I Think you're the only patient one! lol... I'm so glad you are liking this one! Thanks for reading and reviewing!

I just reread my last review... how odd, somehow like half of it was cut off. I fished all my Karen and Jim/Karen thoughts and had talked about Pam and Adele and of course finished with telling you what a great story it is etc. and somehow it simply only posted like half. I knew when I first looked at it that I felt like I had written a lot more than that. Maybe I'll try to finish it later? (or maybe I should stop boring people with all my thoughts and feelings and theories. Hmmm......)

Author's Response: Finish if you want, but no pressure. I would love to hear your input on Adele and Pam.. that's the most complicated relationship for me to write, only because it is so delicate and usually when they are talking about "him" they are talking about different people.

Ahh! Jim's dad is so manipulative! Breaking them up and now keeping them from running into each other at the party... I can't wait to find out what his deal is.

As for Pam... glad to see her enjoying herself at least a little bit with taking the baby's picture to see Santa. I hope Jim's dad isn't a jerk to her.

And this was SO adorable: “Ohh sure one day I’ll love another girl,” he said and smiled. “And she will call you ‘mommy.” ... Eee! Cute.

Nicely done. This is such a unique story.

Author's Response: Gerry's manipulative streak is not over yet... He's got more things up his sleeve. Thank you so much for taking your time to read and review!

I'm just... I don't know.... tired. I don't even know how to feel about the mess the Jim and his a&&hole of a father created. I understand Jim not USING his last name first to protect him from his father and later to protect Pam as well. But, well, the Jim we know and this Jim as well don't seem to really think things through and understand the consequences of their actions. I'm just thinking, had Jim actually proposed to Pam, I am thinking (hoping) he would have then shared with her that she didn't know his last name, you know since once they were married it's be real nice for her to know her new last name. So, I'm thinking, I'm REALLY in love with this guy. I think I know everything about him. I want to spend the rest of my life being with him. He proposes and I find out that I actually didn't know quite what I thought I did because I didn't even know his last name and I had no idea about his family background. (I'm assuming since family certainly would have come up, that he lied to her about this.) I get engaged and this information starts surfacing and I know for me personally, I would FREAK out! I mean, I would question every single thing the guy had EVER told me down to his favorite color and if he actually brushes his teeth regularly. How Jim ever though he could exist on lies... I mean, I didn't really finish my thought. So he doesn't USE his last name and initially he doesn't tell any of this to Pam to protect both himself and her. Around the time that he's honestly starting to think this is real, maybe around the time he met her mom? He should have started talking and explaining himself to her and letting her know it needed to be kept between them. He knew her and his dad hadn't been around yet to poison his mind so he should have known he could trust her with this. Oh well...

So.. I'm wondering just how long decptive Gerry thinks he can just keep up this ploy of keeping Jim as far away from Philly as he can? I'm also wondering if his mom is aware that he called and basically ordered Jim not to come, going as far as giving Jim a trip to Austalia which I am betting is NOT something he just happened to have but rather something he bought knowing that Jim a) wants to stay away from the family and heck, he maybe would have still been tempted to go home to make his mom happy but now he has a trip on the agenda so he can't and b) has wanted to travel to Australia and wouldn't be able to pass this up and c) he buys TWO tickets thinking, hmmm sending Jim and Karen on a nice trip halfway across the world together. That should help move that relationship along even more.

BTW... I guessing by now that while Gerry deciding to partner with Anderson publishing causes some inconvieniences, like with this party. I bet that seeing Pam and knowing she is with this family right now is the reason why he made the decision to do it. Nice and easy way to keep an eye on her. I am wondering though, wouldn't this party be at the Halpert's home, or I imagine I should say mansion? I'm wondering if Pam is going to stumble across some pictures of Jim while she's there. THAT would be interesting.

It's interesting the position that Jim currently finds himself in. Oh and I just want to explain why I would still see Karen as a threat to the Halpert's as much as any other girlfriend, maybe more. Yes, she grew up wealthy but it's very obvious that she didn't grow up with anything near the wealth that Jim's family has. That much has become even more apparent in this last chapter. See, I cannot imagine that Karen would choose, if she had any real options, to work for Dunder Mifflin as a sales rep. I think it's far less likely that she would move away from the city and the things Karen likes and is familiar with, to move to Scranton, Pa of all places, if she had any real choice. Add to that the fact that Jim was making it clear from the time he heard of the merger that he just wasn't so sure about returning to Scranton and actually sounds like he was making it pretty clear to Karen even before that last part that he was seriously thinking that he was NOT going to take the job. I think if Karen's family had any real pull it just seems that it would be used in this situation to keep them together and away from Scranton. SO, I think girls like Karen (sorry, I NEVER liked Karen. Maybe had she been introduced in a different setting, like, not as a love interest for Jim, maybe I would/could have liked her. Being honest, I disliked her a lot. I felt all she ever wanted was to change Jim. He was never good enough for her the way he was.) Anyhow, I think girls like her want to climb that social ladder and lets face it, Jim helps her skip up several rungs. If she could bag him, then nag him back to the family business the way she nagged him about cocktail parties and promotions, haircuts ans the way he wears his clothing on the show (I'm assuming if not all, some of that was Karen. We KNOW the haircut was.

Author's Response: You know, Jim was going to tell Pam everything the night she told him she was pregnant. He was going to lay it all on the line because deep inside he couldn't keep it from her. In order for them to move one with their relationship, he was going to tell her all about his past. But then, she told him she was pregnant and, well... all that happened. If I had written the scene where Jim actually told her everything, I would have made Pam a little pissed at him, at first. Who wouldn't be angry after going out with a guy for six months and not knowing who he really was? All in all, Jim was stupid for not telling Pam his secret earlier. (Look at the mess he got himself into).

Gerry still has some tricks up his sleeve. His reputation is on the line, and he will do whatever to whomever to keep Jim away from Pam. The trip to Australia was definitely a ploy to get Jim away from Philly. Pam is not the girl Gerry wants for his son, at least not the ideal woman. So, he will try to keep Jim as far away from Pam as possible. The thing about Australia, is that Jim had always wanted to go there and his dad was well aware of it. He couldn't pass up the opportunity, specially since all other options were to return home or go to Scranton. If those were my options... I would definitely go to the land down under too! The two tickets was for him and Karen. Gerry likes Karen - she fits with his son. Gerry thinks that Karen will erase Pam out of Jim's mind in some way.

I imagine (all though as you will see, I don't go into mush detail on the party, other than that Betsy and Adele became really close) is a huge party. Probably held at a hall. a fancy, waiter-having, all liquor inclusive Hall thing. Gerry just wants to let this clients know he's the MAN. So, even though I thought about the whole mansion thing and Pam seeing something there, I just thought Gerry would be pompous enough to throw a bash on the fanciest place ever, ya know?

Karen didn't grow wealthy as Jim, you are right. And seeing the way you see Karen could be a threat to Jim. He's a nice "ladder" to climb (in so many ways - My mind is in the gutter). But I totally see your point. Karen moving to Scranton is just her way to keeping Jim. She likes him... and your train of though works here, going to Scranton means keeping Jim... her security blanket.

Once again, I love your imput! Can't wait to see what you think of the next few chapters!

D

This is an awesome twist! Can't wait to see how it plays out. Also nice touch with referencing moments from the show involving Jim/Pam, Jim/Karen.

Author's Response: I'm so glad you are liking my twists! I'm also glad you mentioned the references. Even though this fic is an AU, I wanted to keep the feel of the office, bringing some familiarly to the story. Thanks for taking you time to review!

Okay, I'm not going to lie here. There is a part of me, MUCH more than just a little part, that truly wants to tell Jim to just go F#$% himself and that I hope he dies lonely and alone about right now. I guess I'm going to deal with his side of things first this time. Before that I have to be really honest, first, NO WAY, NO NO NO don't even THINK about giving this up. If I'm going to be a good and faithful reader/reviewer/fan of yours and read even these chapters that are truly upsetting, if I'm not going to give up on you, you CANNOT give up on me until I get my nice happy ending.

Okay, this seriously, I think it was a lot more painful than even the last chapter to read. Maybe I'm making more out of what Jim and Pam had, but I thought they both felt it as that deep down, know it right away, once in a lifetime type of thing. I guess if that were the case, even if Jim feels he has no options but to move on, I don't get him diving all the way in with Karen so soon. I mean, I would just think that with what truly is not that much time that has passed, he would be still hurting for Pam whether he wants to or not. I'm honestly beginning to think that Jim just doesn't deserve to have Pam, or the baby, back. I mean, he was in love with this woman, he was going to marry her, but she didn't even know his 'ral' last name? HUGE violation! If I were Pam, that would be something that, when Jim finds her and it all comes tumbling out, I'd have a real tough time getting past that. What really gets me is again, he accuses Pam of knowing who he is and just wanting his money yet when Karen DOES know who he is, wants to dive right into a relationship fast and heavy, he doesn't suspect HER of using him apparently. Then, I was SO proud. Jim had a conviction. He wasn't ready to do any of the meet the parents stuff. He wasn't there yet, he knew he wasn't there yet and when Karen pouted he seemed to not care. I LOVED the flashback to him meeting Pam's mom. The thing is, that STILL doesn't make him ready to meet Karen's family. IMO when you meet the parents and especially begin spending holidays together you are basically saying that you have bigger intentions and are making moves towards the future. When Jim turned around and called Karen back, giving into her tantrum I was disgusted and thought no wonder your dad can so easily manipulate you, you have no backbone. At this point I'm thinking that Pam is damn lucky she broke free of him because the man (said not knowing that THIS Jim even acts like a man) that he is probably WOULD have allowed his family to manipulate him, Pam and the baby's life until Pam would have had enough of it and left his sorry self. I want OUR Jim back!!!

It made me sad,just like it made Pam sad, to have Adele at her side at the ultrasound and not Jim. They should be sharing this happy time together, picking out names, planning their future etc. It really brings a tear to my eye. I think in part because some of this is hitting so close to home for me. NO, no hidden riches or anything but when I was pregnant with my oldest my husband and I weren't married. It was a rough rough time for us and he didn't participate in the pregnancy at all. I was 19,living in an apartment all alone, having a really rough prenancy and working as many hours behind the counter at a Dairy Queen as I could to save money for when I had to take off. He chose not to be part of it and he chose no to be present for her birth (this is why I SO much want Jim to be able to be there for the baby's birth!) My husband has SO many regrets about especially THAT decision which became even more pronounced when he realized just WHAT he missed after being there for the births of our other children. He used to get very upset when I would tell her the story about her birth or the first month of her life, which was the time before he decided to stop being an idiot and come see his baby. He didn't even tell his mom about her until she was 3 months old. Anyhow, sorry for the detour but I think this is why I am having such a reaction. He was out dating around and having fun while I was going through a rough time having our child. Granted, Pam seems to be having it MUCH easier than I did. She doesn't seem to be aving much difficulty with the pregnancy and she has people taking care of her for free. All this aside I just keep screaming in my heart and honestly, I think it's from my own experience, I feel a physical ache because Jim should be there taking care of her. Supporting her and his child. Going to ultrasounds, rubbing her tummy and feeling his child move. Oh and BTW, he doesn't know his dad well enough to know that his dad's questioning about Pam, coming out of the blue, and him being all interested in Jim's relationship with Karen (BTW, why is it that his dad doesn't think that the apparently PERFECT Karen could be trying to do whatever it was that Katy did???) He doesn't see his dad's dismissal of him coming to Thanksgiving dinner and asking so many questions about Pam as being a bit odd. Doesn't wonder why?

You know, I wonder how a man becomes so heartless and cold like Jim's dad apparently is. Does having a lot of money just make people, even his own flesh and blood, just mere things to him. Things to be bought and sold, dealt with, disposed of or covered up? It's funny, the minute I read that Joe was in a meeting with an investor I IMMEDIATELY thought, OMG, the investor is going to be Jim's dad. I cannot believe I was right. His dad must have really become somewhat familiar with Pam in his looking for Jim and investigating things because how else could it be that 5 months later, her body bloated with pregnancy and he actually recognizes her. To the point where it makes him sweat. He even asks how far along she is, obviously because he KNOWS he was right all along and she is carrying Jim's baby. The really sad thing is, so now he knows where Pam is and he's going to hide that from Jim and give no thought to the fact that he's actually going to be a grandpa. The thing that really gets me about this cold, cruel man is that it should at this point be apparent since Pam left,and now he knows that she wasn't with Jim for the money, they were in love because she didn't even know his last name, but he's going to keep this vital information from his son. It honestly makes me want to cry, seriously. I hope he NEVER gets to have a damn thing to do with the baby n matter what happens. The thing is, one might say that Oh yes, he bought the story and thinks that the baby is actually the Anderson's grandchild BUT, you don't get to be a shrewd apparently heartless man like he seems to be without having very good instincts. I'm sure that because he was so certain Pam WAS pregnant before, he KNOWS it's Jim's and rather than coming to the realization that this IS his flesh and blood, he just wants to make sure the family money is safe from Pam and the baby so he just wants them to never be discovered.

I'm honestly really sad at the end of this one. I just think that forgiveness is going to be so hard with all things in place and really, no matter what the reasons Jim has for not looking for Pam (I would think that even if he wasn't going to hunt her down to try and continue the relationship, he claims he would have married this woman the very day he met her, I'd think he's at least want to find her and make sure she's okay.) I would think it would be hard for Pam to accept that he seemed to care so little after he broke her the way he did, that he didn't even attempt to look for her. It's just all so incredibly sad. Can you give ANY clue as to how many more chapters before maybe some little bits of happiness start happening? Any clue at all?

I'm sorry if this review is a downer. I HONESTLY don't mean it to be. It's funny how a story like this can dig up all these emotions that happened about 25 yrs ago for me. I mean, It's bringing out very raw and real emotion which I think says an awful lot about you as a writer to be able to do that.

You have another wonderfully written chapter with yet another sharp twist. If only one of these twists would twist those two towards each other. I'm starting to wonder if Jim is going to find Pam while Adele is still alive and either Pam will try to convince him that the baby isn't his, which I don't think she would, or if Jim will be forced to go along with pretending that it's Kenny's baby for Adele's sake. It would serve him right. Oh and I just thought, I think what it adding to the grief I am feeling for this situation is in part because Jim just seems to have cavilierely(sp??) pushed Pam from his mind and dove into a new relationship, even going to start meeting parents and spending holidays together. Then there is Pam. Last chapter she was still thinking about contacting Jim. This chapter he's heavy on her mind, her wanting him beside her with the stuff with the baby. I'm just wondering, the way Karen is pushing the relationshp, I wonder if she's going to be trying to force him into an engagement ring for Christmas? It wouldn't surprise ma and the way Jim here has no backbone, I'm afraid he's go along with it. God I hope not. Please know that THAT just might kill me!

Can't wait for the next chapter, at least I think I can't. I need to wash this one away. Gosh there has to be SOMETHING good coming SOON, right?

Great Writing and as always, thanks for the great and friendly responses to my reviews. Makes my day. Take care... T~

Author's Response:

Jim really messed up, didn’t he? Your anger towards him is very, VERY plausible. And I know this was (and has been) very painful to read. But hang in there, the sun will be coming out soon.

Even though Jim and Pam had this wonderful connection and he knew right away that she was the one, they had a really, REALLY bad break up. So bad of a break up that he feels he lost her forever…. So, in Jim’s mind he has no other option, but to move on. You are definitely right about them jumping into a “relationship” so soon after everything that happened. But Jim is just trying to fill the void. In my head I see it like this… You just built a jigsaw puzzle with 1,000 pieces. But there’s one missing. Even though you have 999 pieces together, it is not satisfying as if you had all 1,000. Jim has all the 999 pieces and he doesn’t feel complete. He almost needs to fill that empty space so he can feel whole and fulfilled. Does that make sense? Jim keeping his last name a secret from her, I see it as him trying to protect himself and her. If he used his real last name, don’t you think his dad would be knocking on his door the next day? The irony was that he did trying to protect them, but ended up harming them.

The thing about Karen here and that she knows who he is and Jim is not at all alarmed that might be pulling the same trick on him is because, in this fic, she also comes from a similar background as Jim. Her family is not as well off as the Halperts, but they do okay. Remember their fathers are friends, so Gerry does approve and perhaps, encourages Jim do date Karen (especially now since Pam returned to the picture).

Jim hesitated meeting Karen’s parents. But the reason why I had him agree to spend the Thanksgiving with them was because he refuses to acknowledge that Pam still has a hold on him. Him agreeing was as if saying, “Look, I’ve moved on, see? SEE???” That’s how I see it. And you are right, where’s the backbone in this kid?

Pam’s side of the story is much sadder. And I wanted to convey that longing that she felt. Because if you think about it, she was the one that left and she was the one to break things off (Yes, Jim made her do it because he is….an idiot) But I want her to slowly wish things were different. Every time that baby kicks and nudges her, I want her to remember him. I want her to slowly start to forgive him. I know this story is hitting home for you. And I’m sad to say it (even hesitant) that what will follow (according to what you’ve told me) with hit home… even harder. I apologize for it already! (I hope I’m not giving too much away) And I hope you keep reading this one too!

As usual, you were right about Jims’ dad and the whole investment thing. And Jim’s dad, Gerry, definitely know who Pam is. He knows exactly who she is and possibly whose baby she’s carrying. And of course you are also on point concerning the fact that Gerry will want to keep Jim away from Philly for as long as possible.

Don’t worry your reviews being sad or happy or long. I’ll take them however they are. So, I will not give this one up. I’ll see it to the end. -D

Another twist!  Jim's father resurfacing surprised me.  Looking forward to more.

Author's Response: Twists, twists, and more twists! Jim's father is just getting warmed up! Thanks for reading!

10

Don't fall for Roy, Pam!!! JIM stay away from Karen!!! AGH!
Now that I got that out of my system ;) Okay, objectively I can't blame either one for trying to move on. I am so looking forward to finding out the full story behind Jim's background and who his family really is. And... okay, call me crazy, but I can't wait to find out what Karen's reaction is when she finds out who Jim is too... cause that's bound to come up. I'm so anxiously awaiting the next update!

Author's Response: I'm glad you can see why they would try to move on. The full story behind Jim will be coming up in one of the later chapters. So, about Karen.... on the chapter in which she is first mentioned I chose to have her know who he was by making Karen's dad friends with Jim's dad (Chapter 5). So, she knows exactly who he is. But there will be other twists and turn ahead. Thanks for reading!

I liked Karen and I liked Roy, I just never thought they were right for Jim and Pam, so I'm reading this and I'm like, nooooo. I really am enjoying this though,and I can't wait to see what you have in store. Very excited :)

Author's Response: You are one of the few that actually likes those character. In all honesty, I like them too. They add tension, a little kick whenever they are added to a story. I LOVE fluff (I live for it), but it's nice to read (and write) them circa season2/3. I'm so glad you are enjoying this one. Thank for reading and reviewing!

I'm enjoying it, Dedeen, but at the same time I'm SO FRUSTRATED.  I'm feeling so Season 3 :D  I don't want to like Roy or Karen, yet I do.  Dang it!  I'll be patient.  ::goes off and sulks::

Author's Response: I know you're frustrated. Trust me I know! The season 3 angst is not the best feeling ever. Hang in there, there will be light at the end of this tunnel. Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Ok wow!! Another fantastic chapter and we really are starting to learn so much, unravel the various mysteries and understand where the diferent prsonalities came from. Oh before I forget, VERY sorry I am so late to review. Pain caught up with me and I was in the hospital for a little stay so while I WAS online a bit, I just haven't been up to much at all. So please forgive me for how late I am on this one. I assure you, I very much enjoyed it, as usual. (Well, as much as one can enjoy a story that has Pam in a setting with Roy and Jim in one with Karen. UGH! Well, we knew it was coming and for the sake of the story I suppose it can't be helped. I just very sincerely hope that neither are with each other, in ANY way, for very long!) ANYHOW...

I confess that to me one of the biggest mysteries is Pam's family. We have always known Pam to be close to her mom and really I always got the vibe that she was comewhat close to her entire family so, I can't help but wonder where her family is in all of this. Is she in touch with her mom? Is her family, which I picture to be working class and really not able to help her had the Halperts tried to get her baby so that still fits with her running even if she loves her family, she now loves and needs to protect her baby more. I mean all she knows of the Halperts is that there is something that both made Jim run from them AND more important probably, something about them that turned her loving sweet partner into a paranoid cold stranger at the drop of a dime. She knows she could never let the people that did THAT to Jim ge their hands on her baby, her piece of Jim that will always be just hers. But I just wonder, is her family aware of why she took off? Do they know where she is?

So, interesting developement here. Not only are the Halperts extremely rich, the ANdersons are as well. Funny thing, in describing the Anderson home and how warm and homey and welcoming it is, contrasting that with what feels to be a cold and controlling, not so loving, very, fake maybe? vibe, you know, people that need to keep up appearences, that vibe from what we know of the Halperts, I KNOW these families NEED to be portrayed this way for the sake of this story but in any other case I would always think that the Halperts would have the welcoming home while the Andersons would be cold.

So, I was right and Adele wanted Pam moved right into their home. I sincerely hope that this will be temporary, maybe Adele's illness is further advanced than it seems and once she is gone Pam won't feel the need to do everything she wants. I would just really love to see Pam as more independant. I would think that if Jim's father is keeping track of her, as I suspect he is, this would look very very bad for her. Jim called her out on going after him for his money so in his dads eyes, she goes right after another family with money. They are nicer, they buy into it and take her into their home. The question is, I think either way Jim''s dad is going to keep tabs on Pam because I think it's very clear to him just what she means to Jim, BUT, does he realize that this baby really and truly IS Jims OR, could he be thinking that it is or could be Kenny or Roy's and that she also KNEW that the Anderson family had money and that was her fallback plan and maybe she was sleeping with both sides and doesn't even know who the baby belongs to. Just some interesting questions that flit through my mind.

I'm still convinced that when it all starts tumbling down and the road begins to be paved for Jim and Pam's reunion and for them to somehow gain the trust that has been completely destroyed, I totally believe that in some way mommy Halpert is going to have a key role and that it's going to be about proving to her son how much she really loves him. Which reminds me, I'd also love to know about if Jim has siblings and how they have adapted to their parents (father's?) manipulations of their lives. Did they just go with the program or did anyone else rebel?

So, Roy gets further embedded into Pam's life and I have to believe that this is him doing it on purpose. I'm glad he's being nice and sweet with her but I think it's clear what his intentions are and let's face it, she's vulnerable and also indebted to his family at this point. Maybe Roy trying to push too much will be the catlyst for Pam as far as getting out on her own. I admit, I was disturbed that she allowed him in on her sonogram. I was thinking, you barely know him, don't cave to him. I think though that when she begins to see his intentions she is going to become protective of her little part of Jim, unwilling to share that part. I think it will just feel like it's just, IDK, private maybe> Anyway, I think she is going to be honestly unwilling to have Roy take a paternal role in the baby's life, even if it isn't born yet. I think she will struggle with feeling that it is disloyal to Jim and the love they shared even if he was ugly about things in the end. I just couldn't help but note a few things about Roy. Apparently Roy (amd Kenny I guess) have a big thing in common with Jim. They each have a controlling father that they needed to get away from. I mean, it must have been bad for Roy to run and take a position as a laborer in a warehouse. That's worse, much worse IMO than Jim's job as a salesman. Maybe, just maybe this seeming similarity will become apparent to Pam and she will be able to at least see a bit of what Jim's life was like, why he ran and why he was so terribly jaded. That would be a very redeeming part of the Roy factor for me and would hopefully make Pam more ummmm... open to Jim, willing to at least hear him, when the time comes. Also, Kanny was going home to help but according to what Roy had told Pam, he had a spare room. That means that Kenny had no intention of living at the Anderson Estate and wanted to remain independent. One would think that if Roy felt strong enough to flee, and had that many issues with his dad, that he would follow what Kenny had planned. Interesting that with Pam going to lve in the house, Roy decides he's going to move back into the home he fled from and live with his father who he doesn't see eye to eye with. I can only think that the Pam factor has everything to do with this. It seems to me that Roy has started falling and is falling fast. Hopefully he will remain nice with Pam but I sincerely hope that she can see this for what it is and understand what is happening. I can see the mother as pushing this because if Pam can't raise Kenny's baby with Kenny, well, Roy would be the best replacement and will keep the baby with the family. I am shuddering at Roy being around Pam this much!

So now our other lovely duo. I was right about Karen knowing about who Jim is. I do wonder though, so the parents are friends but, are the Halperts much more wealthy than the Fileppelis? I ask becausw, well, it fits with the way I think the story is moving. You know, Karen wanting to get her claws into Jim because then she will be set. If she's already from a family as wealthy, or close to it, as his, then it wouldn't seem that it would matter. Also, I couldn't help but notice that while you had Karen ask Jim the logical question, why he was working for DM and not the cushy daddy supplied job. Jim did not ask the same of Karen and Jim IS now at least assitant manager while Karen is simply a saleswoman. It seems to me that Karen's family maybe has SOME money but nothing like what the Halperts have and they don't have an empire of any sort where they could provide her with a job. Now onto Karen herself. I think she is a sneaky devious snake who has devised a plan with the intention of snaring the wealthy Jim Halpert. Of course once she were to snare him, DM will no longer be good enough for either of them and it would be her total focus in life to get him back to his family, to his cushy job making what I assume would be a fantastic salary and her goal would be to no longer work and find ways to spend his money. I suspect that her returning to the office, down about not making sales and needing help is all the beginning of her deception. I think Jim is getting worn down by being alone and wants a friend, nothing more. I am sure that Karen has already turned on her charm, full tilt, smiling and all but Jim, thinking only of Pam didn't even see Karen so she needed to come up with something new. SOOOO I think she has noted that Jim, because he is avoiding his empty apt. and equally empty hours, so she knows he stays at the office as late as possible. She knows if she waits to go back in, he'll be alone in there. Then she needs a plan to get him to socialize with her SOOOO she knows he has thrown himself into his work so she plays the damsel in distress. 'Oh Jim, I just can't do it and oh my I have this big pitch to make and I just can't fail at it oh my.... what am I to do??? She very convieniently invites him to a bar where I think she has every intention of loosening him up with alcohol. Taking advantage of the situation if she can. (My only real question mark at this point is if she is doing this under the guidence of Jim's dad. I would think that he would very much want to get Jim interested in another girl hoping it will make him finally forget Pam. I think this man, Mr. halpert is so jaded by life that he either never waited for true love or has forgotten what it feels like or how powerful the hold is. Perhaps part of Jim's grand plan in sending him to Stamford, oh wait, THIS makes sense... Jim's dad suggests Stamford where his friend's very attractive daughter works. He gets the daughter to work on Jim and in their minds this is what eventually brings Jim home. They are severely underestimating MY theory. I think that Jim's mom will know/see right through all of this. I think she knows her son is much different, has a gentler, kinder, more sensitive heart and soul than his dad and she is not going to want to see Jim turn out like his dad and see Jim settle for someone when he has true love and a child that is being grow, just waiting for him!!! Yes, I think Jim's dad factored Karen into the plan in sending Jim to Stamford all along. I really had wondered why he would think that asst regional mgr at a failing midsized paper co was much better than salesman but now it makes sense!!!!) So, we are left with Jim having too much to drink, seeming to like Karen's smile and just really wanting a friend. I think he wants life to not be so empty. I think I'll lose it if he completely is giving in and living it up with Karen in Stamford while Pam is going through pregnancy which even an easy one isn't REALLY easy, especially if the one you love isn't with you. She is also so doubt thinking about him A LOT and I think she is going to in many ways try to be true to him even is she can't be with him. It'll make me want to maybe shoot Jim if he is sleeping around and just drowning himself in Karen (I can't even think that name without thinking UGH!!!) while Pam is busy worrying about the pregnancy, being a good mom, I'm sure thinking of ways to teach their baby what a wonderful man it's father was, and just trying to clutch onto the piece of Jim she has.

I have to say, I LOVED the flashback. THAT is without a doubt one of my very favorite scenes and I am so happy to see it incorporated here. Maybe at some point Jim will think about it too and realizr that if Pam was after who he is she could have easily jumped at the chance of moving in with him when he offered. I believe that probably even in this story, Jim probably still bought the ring a week after they started dating. I'm wondering when it all happens and they are together and he at long last proposes, I see him still proposing with that modest ring, or maybe it will be upgraded just a bit because he did get a pay raise with his promotion but even if he upgrades it will still be modest compared to a) what he would normally propose with if he were still living 'the life of a Halpert' and b) I believe that Roy, even if they aren't much more than friends, I see him proposing thinking he will 'save her'. Take care of her and give the baby a name. I think if I'm right and Roy does propose, I think it will be a fairly significant ring. One bought with the 'Anderson money' rather than money he earned independently like Jim. I think the sizable ring I see Roy offering will simply not be Pam or anything like her. It's just meant to impress where I believe that she will see herself in Jim's ring and I think Jim will offer a sizable 'Halpert' upgrade that I believe that Pam will turn down flatly because I think she will LOVE her ring. Oh dear, here I go with all my far flung theories again. I'm at least glad that you don't mind all my thoughts and actually seem to snjoy them. That makes me smile because I really do enjoy really delving into the stories like this and expanding on what it looks to me like is coming bades on what has and is happening. Thank you SO much for being so extremely kind to me in your comments about my reviews. It makes me feel good and makes me feel like it was worth it to really get into the chapter so much. It's really made reviewing fun again and I sincerely LOVE that you feel that I am insightful about the story and the fact that you say that we seem to think alike. Thank you for say/sharing those things with me.

As always, thank you for sharing the creations of your mind. I know you feel like you went out on a limb and that this was certainly different than your normal stuff. I hope that you are seeing that this story was/is without a doubt worth the risk. There is no doubt that it is not easy to come up with Pam/Jim scenerios that haven't been done in some way or other but yours is truly one of a kind and I don't think this has in any way even been approached. I mean, heck, the closest in any way and it's totally different is one where Pam comes from a family where her dad is a DR, mom I think is a nurse, Pam was expected to go into medicine and sister is going into medicine. Her family is cold but does come around. Anyhow, THAT is the closest I can think of but like I said, not close at all. This IS unique. You took a risk and I think it's really paying off. I think people are really interested and the credit all goes to you because I DO think that a story like this has to be done just right and has to be written well and, well, you've nailed it! I just can't wait for more!!!