Summary: MEMBER'S CHOICE - An alternate universe where Pam and Roy had a wedding, Pam goes to art school in New York, Dwight owns a restaurant and Jim works for a job in advertising that he likes a lot more and gets a lot more money at.
Basically? Dunder Mifflin never exists. And everyone meets under different circumstances.
The characters are pretty much the same -- personality-wise -- they just have different roles and work different jobs.
Rated: T
Categories: Jim and Pam,
Alternate Universe Characters: Angela,
Creed,
Dwight,
Jim,
Jim/Pam,
Karen,
Kelly,
Michael,
Pam,
Roy,
Ryan
Genres: Angst,
Drunk Pam/Jim,
Fluff,
Holiday,
Romance,
Hurt/Comfort,
Travel,
WeekendWarnings: Adult language,
Moderate sexual content,
Violence/Injury
Series: None
Chapters: 28
Completed: Yes
Word count: 67523
Read: 167518
ePub Downloads: 22
Published: June 01, 2007
Updated: June 15, 2007
Story Notes:
So I came up with this idea after literally wracking my brain trying to figure out what to write (to make a long story short, I live in the state with the one of the worst economies in the U.S. and I'm overqualified for every job I apply to -- making me miserably unemployed right now). And I came up with this idea.
The story is basically broken up into parts (I thought about making this a series but decided against it). The first few chapters are really pretty short and Pam-centric, and...I haven't written anymore yet, so I can't say anything.
I hope everyone enjoys!
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters are the property of the author. I am not associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. So don't hurt me.
1. Waking Up and Starting Over: Nine Years by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 20] 
3 (549 words)
A wedding
2. Waking Up and Starting Over: Departure by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 2] (1363 words)
The end of an argument, goodbyes and an uncertain plan of action.
3. Waking Up and Starting Over: Decisive Action by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 5] (890 words)
Pam and her mother sit down and talk about Pam's future.
What would a story be without Pam's loving mother?? :)
4. Waking Up and Starting Over: Acceptance by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 3] 1 (896 words)
A letter arrives in July.
5. Waking Up and Starting Over: New York and Settling In by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 5] 1 (2888 words)
How Pam adjusts to life in the city.
I promised the chapters would get longer, didn't I? ;)
A note before starting (if it isn't immediately obvious), italics are flashbacks. I had no other idea of how I could identify them. I hope it's not confusing or anything.
And a second disclaimer: I have never visited New York City. All that I know of the place is what I've seen/heard on television and movies and what a few friends have told me. If certain aspects of this story are WAY unrealistic in terms of living, landmarks, etc, I apologize.
6. New York, New Life: New Beginnings by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 4] 1 (2111 words)
After the holidays, Pam finally learns some things about a certain someone.
Don't be dismayed by the huge time skip. I have brilliant plans for late 2006/2007, and I'm just trying to set a scene of Pam's new life before getting into juicy stuff.
7. New York, New Life: Making Friends by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 7] 2 (4968 words)
Valentine's Day 2006. AU style. ;)
If it's not blaringly obvious by the word count. This is a LONG chapter. It's nearly 10 full pages in Microsoft Word.
There is one flashback in italics, and there is one phone conversation where one of the parts is in italics. It shouldn't be confusing, but I'm sorry if it is. :/
One final note of warning, the next chapter that I post, the rating is going up to 'M' -- for language. For some reason, I like certain characters to curse a lot.
8. New York, New Life: Guy Talk by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 4] (664 words)
Jim and Ryan talk briefly at the office.
I'm sorry that it took me all day to post this, I think if I waited any longer, you loyal readers might hunt me down.
I apologize that it's on the short side, especially compared to the last couple of chapters.
I decided at the last minute, that I'm not going to change the rating just yet (it will still probably go up in the future), so just be forewarned that there is some harsh language in this chapter.
9. New York, New Life: Blue Paint by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 7] 2 (2299 words)
Pam calls Jim late one night for some help with her homework.
I felt like we needed to learn more about Pam's life before New York.
10. Changes in the Weather: Pranks and Opinions by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 9] 3 (1357 words)
Jim lets Pam in on a prank and Jim goes to Michael for some advice.
11. Changes in the Weather: Strawberry Fields by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 7] 1 (2235 words)
Jim asks Pam a question and Pam states her "conditions".
12. Changes in the Weather: Crazy but Harmless by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 7] (1013 words)
Pam goes to ask Dwight to be excused from work the weekend of the gala and runs into a new character.
It's kind of a buffer chapter...but I like it because it gives some more face-time to the restaurant workers. :)
13. Changes in the Weather: A Gala and A Secret by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 8] 2 (2603 words)
Well, I think the title pretty much explains it all. :)
14. Changes in the Weather: Heat Wave by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 16] 6 (3062 words)
In the middle of a summer heat wave, Jim requests something of Pam and tells her something as well.
Man, how vague are these chapter notes?? Haha!
15. Calm Before the Storm: The Ex Factor by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 7] 4 (1932 words)
Pam has a run-in with Jim's past.
We finally meet his ex-wife (which shouldn't come as too much of a surprise, really...). This chapter is rated M for explicit language. Pam isn't too happy. ;)
16. Calm Before the Storm: Souvenirs by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 8] 3 (4614 words)
Jim gives Pam her souvenirs and the two of them celebrate Jim's birthday.
Seriously? This is probably the fluffiest thing I've ever written -- no smut (yet), just fluff.
17. Calm Before the Storm: Portraiture by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 6] 2 (1889 words)
Pam calls Jim late at night to talk about Dwight.
I love my Dwight. I don't feel like he gets enough opportunities to let his personality shine through.
It's kind of a buffer chapter, but I think it will be enjoyable.
18. Calm Before the Storm: Heat of Winter by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 9] 3 (4174 words)
Fluffy smut. :D
I changed the rating of the story for this chapter. I don't think that the smut is explicit -- I tried to make it as moderate as I could.
I hope you enjoy.
19. Calm Before the Storm: Poison by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 8] (3054 words)
Jim gets drunk and tells Pam about his past.
Here comes the start of the angst!
20. Calm Before the Storm: Happy Birthday by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 5] 1 (2082 words)
So I told myself that if the "Read Count" reached over 19,000 tonight I would post again. You guys are lucky. ;)
It's Pam's birthday. There really isn't any angst (as a matter of fact, it's pretty fluffy), so I guess I was kind of lying before. But it's coming. It's looming on the horizon. Watch out!
It's also kind of a filler chapter.
Italics are for flashblacks to the previous night -- that's probably pretty obvious, really.
21. Calm Before the Storm: Reassurance by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 4] (1137 words)
Pam gets a letter from the university.
This chapter here is major filler. I actually contemplated not even posting it and just forgetting it existed. Instead, I decided to post it. It still adds to the story in some way.
And after this, I refuse to drop any hints about where this story might lead. Because...I don't want to give it away. So yeah. There will absolutely be another chapter posted tonight, maybe even later this afternoon.
22. When it Rains, It Pours: Bitter Winter by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 9] 1 (1001 words)
Karen meets Jim at his office.
22,000!!! I can't believe this many people have read this!!
23. When it Rains, It Pours: Opening Night by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 16] 3 (3559 words)
The opening night of Pam's art show.
I'm still not really sure how I feel about this chapter, but I've read it over probably half a dozen times and I'm not going to edit it anymore.
Enjoy.
24. When it Rains, It Pours: Everybody Hurts by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 10] 2 (4061 words)
Pam has something bad happen.
How much more vague can I get??? :)
This chapter is dark. It's probably one of the more serious -- subject matter -- things that I've ever written, actually (certainly for fanfic). It has never happened to me, but it has happened to close friends so...if it's not quite accurate, it's understandable.
I also hope that nothing in the chapter grosses you guys out, and I hope that I haven't stepped on any toes. :/
So with those words of warning, enjoy!
25. This Is The Life I Want: The Graduation Gift by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 9] 3 (2134 words)
The happiness returns! :D
Jim gives Pam her graduation present.
26. This Is The Life I Want: Paris by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 9] 4 (6649 words)
Jim and Pam go to Paris!!
Like I said in the end notes of the last chapter, I DO know Paris. I studied abroad in France two years ago and spent about 2 weeks in Paris.
Now, I apologize ahead of time that this chapter is me-biased. Unfortunately, I have my favorite spots in the city and I made Jim and Pam go to said spots. None of the places that I write about are fictional. As a matter of fact, they're pretty damn awesome. And to prove that they are not fictional? There are photos at the end. So if you want to actually SEE some of the things that I mention in the chapter, you can. :)
Also, some of the things in the chapter happened to me. Specifically when they're driving into Paris. It was a special moment. Heehee.
Anyway, enjoy the chapter, this will be the only one that I post for today!
27. This Is The Life I Want: Meet Me At Strawberry Fields by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 8] 3 (3071 words)
Jim asks Pam a question.
I think we all know what it is. ;)
28. This Is The Life I Want: Leap of Faith by I Know This Much Is True [Reviews - 17] 11 (1268 words)
Last chapter!
Jim asks Pam one final question.
