Date: January 14, 2021 01:51 pm Title: Chapter 17
Jim is so close to the breaking point but I'm so afraid what is going to happen to him. I hope that Pam can be there for him in case that happen.
Please let them have a moment!
Author's Response: Thanks for reviewing! And I’m sorry haha - there will be moments...
Date: January 14, 2021 11:10 am Title: Chapter 17
This is so freaking heartbreaking! I can't wait for Jim to wake up one day and realize he and Karen aren't right for each other.
Loved the update!
Author's Response: Thanks so much, I’m really pleased to hear that! (Despite the heartbreak, lol).
Date: January 14, 2021 10:52 am Title: Chapter 17
So yes they're moving, but they're clearly not happy about it. Nice that Pam is with someone friendly. Karen just seems to still be walking all over Jim. It's like she has this blind spot when it comes to things that truly get him upset. She doesn't want to think about it so she'll pull a screen down over it and color in what she wants to see.
Should be interesting to see how working together goes for them all.
Author's Response:
Thanks so much! And yeah, Karen is - although to be fair to her, Jim is also not being entirely honest about how upset/why he’s upset about the bowl.
And hehe, there may be some shenanigans when they start working together...
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: January 14, 2021 10:22 am Title: Chapter 17
The details were really good here – you found a lot of really poignant small symbols of the life they’ve shared together and how they’re breaking it part. Jim clinging to the idea of having a storage space together, Pam crying as she sees him making the turnoff to Stamford. It’s a really clear glimpse into two people who are at the end of their rope emotionally (and one is refusing to look in the face the fact that he’s making a mistake). The “he has the horrible thought that he started too late and there may be things he’d not even realised would be the last time” is bracing and really true.
I’m glad Isabel is there for Pam – and intrigued by Pam’s honest moment with her about missing Jim.
The bowl broke and my heart broke too.
Author's Response:
Thank you so much, that’s lovely to hear :) apart from the broken bowl/heart, haha. Sorry about that.
Thanks so much for reviewing!
Date: January 14, 2021 08:22 am Title: Chapter 17
Im sorry.... THEY ACTUALLY MOVED?? What is happening. Their scene in the kitchen broke me. Him hugging her while she cries is just heartbreaking. And then him being so insistent on keeping the bowl only for it to break during the move. Ughhhhh. Im dead inside. But its okay because this story is so worth it.
Author's Response: Haha, I’m sorry - they did! I promise it’s all part of their journey...but I’m really glad to head that, thanks so much :)
Date: January 14, 2021 06:16 am Title: Chapter 17
Jim do you not understand why you are sobbing? I know you may not realize your feelings for Pam but when you sob when you just moved in with your girlfriend, that’s a bad thing. I have no experience with that but I think it’s not what is supposed to happen. So maybe you should just think about your feelings and just break up with Karen for once and for all.
Author's Response: Haha he will get there, I promise. Thanks so much for reviewing!
Date: January 13, 2021 12:17 pm Title: Chapter 16
I just realized I never reviewed this chapter. Which is a crime, really, for how much the ending broke me. I'm so happy that Pam got the job, and the reasoning on why she's receptionist instead of office administrator is perfect, even if I also wish she had gotten the administrator job. But then her and Jim's celebratory dinner and their hands brushing. And then saying "let's go home" and they both realize they won't be able to say that soon. Ugh. I'm gonna need this story to go on for forever but also like please make them kiss soon.
Author's Response:
Thanks so much for reviewing! and lol, sorry about the ending... but there will be kissing. At some point :D
Date: January 12, 2021 09:53 pm Title: Chapter 16
I liked the light notes of Pam being intimidated by Karen here and the awkward encounter with Ryan (who *clearly* thinks he has another shot, silly boy). But again it was Karen's attitude towards Pam that really caught my attention. The Andy thing was striking, and I feel like there's a potentially deadly conflict looming for Jim and Karen over her putting Pam in the receptionist job. I'm not sure he's going to put up with the level of disrespect Karen seems likely to show her on a regular basis. (Also, Karen being overjoyed at Pam moving in w/Isabel. Lol).
The ending was strong and did a lot of work and locating Pam's joy at moving forward and their tentativeness about each other and the history behind it. I also think the reminder that even though they're still going to be sharing a lot of their life they're losing the home they've built together was really important - this is less of an adjustment than it was going to be, but it's still gigantic. The sort of thing that HOPEFULLY MAKES PEOPLE THINK ABOUT THINGS HINT HINT JIM AND PAM.
Author's Response:
Thanks very much! So I will say that having the three of them in the office together may have some consequences that Karen didn’t quite envision...
And haha, Jim and Pam say they have registered your hint, and will endeavour to think about thinking about things. Maybe.
Thanks for reviewing! :)
Date: January 12, 2021 04:45 pm Title: Chapter 1
“She thinks of holding his hand on another reckless night when he’d been mad at Karen (and she knows he’s mad at Karen now). She manages to smile at him, and then gently pulls her hand back to drop into her lap.”
That was a low blow, Karen. Hiring Pam as the receptionist and promoting Polly just because she thinks Pam is to incompetent? Also, Pam has literally never done anything to present herself as incompetent? Not everyone is as arrogant and harsh as Karen is. I’m not surprised she views that as a weakness.
And the goddamn excuses. She might’ve ruffled a few feathers, sure, but in the end there’s no harm done. She’s playing her last cards to try and keep Jim happy, and she knows that he’s reaching his breaking point.
Lastly - as always - the quote above. Does Pam really think that Jim only wants to be more intimate with her when he’s mad at Karen? Does she really think he would use anyone like that, much less use her like that? This poor girl. They’re wearing me down. They need to get together soon.
BlindManCassidy
Author's Response:
Thanks so much! And on Karen: yeah, I think it comes down to, she’s selfish and is generally only prepared to do things for other people as long as they work for her. She was never going to totally stick her neck out for Pam. Jim is getting close to breaking point though...
For Pam, I think there is an element of: Jim is even more aware of how much he wants to be with Pam/lets his guard down around her more when things are bad with Karen. Pam just doesn’t know that the subtext is, because he’s in love with Pam.
Thanks very much for reviewing! :)
Date: January 12, 2021 04:42 pm Title: Chapter 16
I forgot about the fact Ryan is also at Stamford now too. Seems like he's still interested, but the way they left things, not so much with Pam. Good for you Pam. You don't need an opportunistic guy that's surprised you'd even be there in your life.
At least Jim has the guts to finally tell Pam it was his idea about the job. We'll count that as some kind of progress.
Still lots of tension between Jim and Karen. I'm not sure how much longer they'll really be together if that all stays in place.
Author's Response:
Oh yes, Ryan’s still there...and yes, small progress for Jim! And the Karen/Jim tension will continue to mount :D
Thanks so much for reviewing!
Date: January 12, 2021 04:28 pm Title: Chapter 16
Karen is probably the most clueless person ever. Those videos she sent Pam??? C’mon. But I get it, Pam doesn’t really put herself out there as a confident person. But her looks and beauty aren’t changed by her happiness! So, to see Karen surprised at Andy being attracted to Pam is just crazy. But, it will be great when she finds out the truth. I can’t wait to see her reaction to Jim being in love with Pam. I desperately hope you show us that. Great chapter as always.
Author's Response: Thank you! And haha, I think Karen thinks she’s being helpful...but sadly not. Thanks so much for reviewing!
Date: January 12, 2021 09:14 am Title: Chapter 15
Ugh cmon Jim!!!!
(I love how you've put the gun on his head finally, for him making half bake decisions all his life, and it also hurts that he's in such a messed up space, I wanna hug him. But this time Karen's really got a point and I'm glad you chose to have this balance)
Both Jim/Iz and Pam/Mark conversations were really well written. I'm hoping for a reunion soon!!!
Jim just being drunk and calling Karen for Pam has my heart. Again, you've shown this amazing complexity of emotions where he is so blindsided with the idea of just protecting Pam that he doesn't even account for this feelings for her.
This is turning into a roller coaster!!!!! Cannot wait for more.
Author's Response:
Thanks so much! And yes haha, I do think Karen has a point here, despite also feeling sorry for Jim. He is a huge mess. And I'm really glad to hear that about the Jim/Iz and Pam/Mark conversation, thank you :) They're a lot of fun to write. I can also confirm a reunion will be coming...
Thanks!
Date: January 12, 2021 09:11 am Title: Chapter 14
I'm going to miss college stories so much!! Mainly because the way you wrote them, there was still this layer of hope despite us knowing how they end up-- and that's just brilliant writing!!
The whole swing conversation is giving me the whole something borrowed feel again; Jim is silently begging her to stop him. The first time he wasn't sure of her feelings, and this time maybe he's sure that she's not up for this. Breaks my heart
The whole Jim/Karen getting back together is super telling of the whole foundation of thier relationship is based on insecurities, escapism, and maybe some desperation of settling. Really well written!
Author's Response: Thank you! That's really kind :) I really did love writing them - and dashing Jim/Pam's hopes, lol - so really glad you enjoyed them. And I think you're right, the second time around is slightly more of Pam actively shutting Jim down than she does the first time (but the fact that the first time happened makes it easier to do that the second time, and for Jim to believe it). Thanks so much for all these reviews, I really appreciate them!
Date: January 12, 2021 09:07 am Title: Chapter 13
Omg!!! This is beautifully wrttien. The pain of leaving each other which they are hiding by being supportive-- ugh! And it all makes so much more sense and is so much more painful, now that we know the past. SO CLOSE!
Jim getting inspired by Phyllis has my heart. Him going to just see her, has my whole heart. And yet again, circumstances happen. You are nailing this!!!
Author's Response: Thank you so much!! That's really lovely to read :) And yes haha, I had to have a bit of Phyllis in there, she's one of my other faves. Thanks!
Date: January 12, 2021 06:33 am Title: Chapter 15
Oh what a tangled web we weave. Though it does seem like with the return of Iz and Mark some things are starting to unravel a bit.
Pains me only a little to say Karen does have a point. Jim probably should have talked to Pam about the potential of a new job before approaching her. However that's the only thing that pains me. Karen is still only focued on herself it seems. She can't remember where Iz went. Can't remember where Pam used to work. Doesn't really ask what Jim wants, and keeps talking over him.
Is it odd to say I'm kind of glad Jim is getting more and more upset about all this? He's standing up for himself and I think that's great. The talk with Iz helped I'm sure.
Interesting dilema with Pam. She doesn't want to leave but what other choices does she have right now? Nice of Mark to show up and give her some advice. Though Mark says to Pam, go to Stamford while Iz says to Jim stay in Scranton. It almost feels like attacking the problem from either end. One one hand it seems like contradictory statements. Yet, I feel once everything is processed the end result will be a good resolution. I could be wrong though.
Nice job.
Author's Response:
Thank you! I do think Karen has a point haha, Jim is not the best at consulting people before he springs surprises on them (although tbf, this one was an impulsive/slightly drunk decision, where he wasn't really thinking). It is definitely a - series of very small - turning point(s) for him though, you're right. Although his ability to stand up for himself is generally connected to Pam at the moment, i.e. if it's in her defence or about his relationship with Pam.
Thanks so much for continuing to review! :)
Date: January 11, 2021 07:47 pm Title: Chapter 15
Another meaty chapter!
Jim’s gambit to just flat-out bring Pam with him to Stamford was sweet, in a “WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE DUMMY” sort of way. He just really can’t bear the idea of leaving her alone. (Also, I love the idea of Pam ending up as the Dunder Mifflin receptionist after all.)
Interestingly, I found myself liking Karen a tiny bit more here. In part because it comes through plainly that Jim’s go-along-to-get-along-not-really-talking-about-issues-when-they-come-up-so-passive-he’s-barely-aware-he’s-resisting-passive-resistance thing can be thoroughly difficult to deal with. I mean, she’s still condescending and superior and was far too angry about Jim suggesting that she hire Pam, and the fact that she can’t remember the name “Chili’s” just feels passive aggressive, but still. She must feel like she’s having to intuit what she’s thinking and take the initiative to deal with it constantly, and here she’s getting snapped at for literally giving him what he asked for.
(Although again, whatever Karen says or even thinks she’s doing, feels an awful lot like this is her reacting to the idea of Jim going to see Isabel. *Pam from dinner party voice* His long-lost lover.)
Isabel *and* Mark in the same chapter? Bless your soul. And they’re clearly coordinating, too (I’m going to go ahead and predict they’re up to something with the engagement party). Sorry Sara, #Misabel4LYFE. I appreciate Isabel’s level of frustration here. She and Mark both presumably feel like they’re having flashbacks. Clearly only the amount of time between her seeing Jim is keeping her from grabbing him by the shoulders and shaking him, and he could use her no-bullshit attitude at this moment.
I like the choice to have Pam’s dad moving on here – their lives were set so off course by her mom’s death, and now she can see him start to move on, and it feels as if maybe could help give her the push she needs to do the same.
Author's Response:
Thanks very much! Yeah, I felt like Jim some needed people in his life to point out how frustrating he's being...he is a mess. Turns out it's hard to do a Something Borrowed/Pam pining after a taken Jim storyline without having Jim be just a little bit useless occasionally. But it's all coming from the right place. And hehe, his long-lost lover. It's a sort of Isabel-is-the-catalyst-for-Karen-realising-she-needs-to-take-Jim-seriously situation, and the fact that the solution to that also ensures Pam's around to stop anything happening between Jim and Isabel is just a convenient side bonus.
And lol, Misabel4LYFE! So they are definitely up to trying to work out what the hell Jim and Pam's problem is...
Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
Date: January 11, 2021 02:59 pm Title: Chapter 1
I love that Isabel and Mark, after all these years, are still the ones who have to push Jim and Pam towards each other.
And I’m not too surprised that Pam’s father has gotten another girlfriend. It’s unfortunate that he didn’t tell them about her and about selling the house and moving, of course, but I can sympathize a little with him. You either go all in or go out.
Which leads us, as always, back to Jim and Pam (and Karen). I’m a little annoyed - again - at Karen’s total apathy towards Pam’s situation. She just got fired and she probably would’ve been evicted if she didn’t find a new place to move. Yet there’s no sympathy? Also, it annoys me so much that she didn’t even try to hide that she thinks Pam is just a token for Jim and that she can use her to make Jim happy instead of actually talking to Jim. In the end, I think it was more wanting to be with Jim and Mark’s advice that pushed Pam to apply for the job, but Karen’s manipulation still irks me to no end.
BlindManCassidy
Date: January 11, 2021 01:26 pm Title: Chapter 15
Basscop... Why are you the way that you are?
Honestly!!! Give these two a break! It's incredible the miscommunication between them! Hahaha, and it's weird because this time I agree with Karen. Jim told her to give Pam a chance for the job, and she did it! It's his fault because he can be honest with nobody!
Anyway... As always amazing chapter! Looking forward for more of this story!
Author's Response: Haha - sorry. Thanks so much though, really glad to hear you're enjoying it! :) And yeah, I'm also slightly more team Karen on this one...although to be fair, her motives are not entirely selfless. Thanks for the review!
Date: January 11, 2021 11:37 am Title: Chapter 15
Pam, Pam, Pam. Why? Jim was going break up with Karen and you go out and apply for the job. Now he is going to stay with Karen. Basscop you are evil. Luckily there is hope on the horizon. This engagement party is going to be important I feel. I’m not going to lie at the beginning of the story when you said it was loosely inspired by “Something Borrowed”, I couldn’t stop myself from looking up that movie and seeing the summary. And the summary says something about a certain 30th birthday party and is this engagement party the equivalent? I don’t know but I feel like the climax of this great story is soon.
Author's Response: Hehe, sorry :D There is hope on the horizon though. And I can confirm stuff will be happening at the engagement party, but I will say that I'm not following the Something Borrowed plot down to the letter (just to manage your expectations, lol). Thanks so much for reviewing!!
Date: January 11, 2021 11:19 am Title: Chapter 15
I really really hope Pam doesn't take the job in Stamford. I hope she moves in with Isabel instead especially since Jim still doesn't want to break up with Karen!
Author's Response: I can confirm all will be revealed in the next chapter :D Thanks so much for leaving a review!
1 [Report This]Date: January 11, 2021 10:20 am Title: Chapter 15
I just dropped in on this story and got sucked in, blinking into the sunlight hours later. Well done, you. The lack of communication and abundance of assumption is classic JAM. And oh so frustrating. And you do it so well. I'm dying for a resolution but this AU has me baffled as to what happens next. I love the college storyline interwoven.
Author's Response: Ah, thanks so much! That's really lovely to hear :) I do love some JAM frustration, lol. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review, I really appreciate it!
1 [Report This]Date: January 10, 2021 04:02 pm Title: Chapter 14
Really interesting here. Pam encouraging Jim to go back to Karen rings true from canon and them fighting about the apartment situation. Oh Pam, you're still hurting, but at least you can admit to yourself you love him.
Really kind of surprised with Karen. She thought it was Isabel that had the crush on Jim? Wow. It's like she doesn't even consider Pam could be a threat. That kind of explains a lot.
Jim's guilt about everything as the catalyst for them getting back together seems interesting too. Clearly he has doubts and there the big skeleton in his closest. Gives a lot of context to why he acts the way he does in the non-college chapters.
Author's Response:
Thanks very much! And yeah, I do think that's a slight difference between Jim and Pam here - Pam can admit to herself that she's in love with Jim, whereas he's not quite there yet (which was the same in the show, but the other way around, i.e. Pam wasn't letting herself admit it as she was the one in a relationship).
And some of the Karen not considering Pam a threat is also because Pam doesn't let herself be one - whereas Isabel is much more willing to say that she doesn't like Karen, or Karen with Jim. It's just that in Isabel's case, that's because she's rooting for Jim/Pam, not because she's after Jim herself.
And yes, I have had that in the back of my mind while I've been writing the non-college chapters - that Jim feels guilty about what he did, so is more willing to put up with some of the things Karen does as a result. So I'm really glad if that came across :)
Thanks so much for continuing to review!
Date: January 10, 2021 01:45 pm Title: Chapter 1
It’s so condescending how Karen continuously disregards Pam and doesn’t view her as the threat she really is. When Pam and Jim get together, hopefully we get to see just how shocked she is.
Also, Isabel? Of all people? Isabel and Jim spent time together, sure, but only when Isabel was berating Jim for not asking Pam out. I love how Karen thinks she’s completely right, too, and says that he doesn’t ‘pick up on those things’ when the biggest threat to her relationship has been living with her boyfriend for years.
And now I finally get why Jim went back to Karen. Of course he would listen to Pam, especially since she called their hookup a ‘mistake’ and basically rejected him. But I don’t understand why he would stay with her for so long when she so clearly makes him unhappy. Just say what you want to say and be done with it!
I’m gonna miss these college chapters, but I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in the ‘now’.
BlindManCassidy
Author's Response:
Thanks very much! And haha, so in Karen's defence...there is a bit of Pam not letting herself be seen as a threat here (rather than just Karen overlooking her). Isabel is much more openly hostile to Karen, and to Karen's relationship with Jim, so to me it made sense that Karen would see her a more of a threat. The thing that Karen's missed is that Isabel is partially doing that for Pam, and not because she's after Jim herself.
And in Jim's defence on staying with Karen, lol - he has conveniently, up until now, not actually had to live with her, while being able to blame their problems on long distance (and happily living with Pam). So part of is that he's been stuck in a bit of a holding pattern, even if he doesn't quite realise it...
Thanks so much for reviewing!
Date: January 10, 2021 08:32 am Title: Chapter 14
UGH. Okay. I get it. It makes sense on why Jim took Karen back, it really does. But gosh darn it, why did he take her back?! Ughhhhh.
I'm also sad that the college flashbacks are over! I loveddd them! But I'm also excited for more present time chapters!
Author's Response: Thanks so much! And haha, I know. I really did love writing the college flashbacks, so am very glad to hear that :) But hopefully there'll be enough drama in the present to be getting on with...
Date: January 10, 2021 08:27 am Title: Chapter 14
Ok, I just love love love Karen’s monologue here. It’s hilarious how her contempt for Pam is so freaking present that she thinks of Jim and Isabel. I just gotta say Karen, you better watch out cause Pam is about to come and bite you in the heel.
Author's Response: Haha, thank you so much! It was fun to write. I will say, it's not *entirely* Karen's fault here: Pam does also spend her whole time trying to pretend she's not interested in Jim and supporting Karen and Jim's relationship, whereas Isabel doesn't like her and doesn't like their relationship. I know which friend I'd see as a bigger threat if I was going out with someone in that situation...