10

This story was so beautifully written, Sweetpea. I usually can't get into AU-type stuff, and especially with the characters (namely Pam) being so different from the show--but it turned out to be just a really great piece of fiction in general. Beautiful, poetic, and heartbreaking(ly hopeful)--and of course, Neruda just makes it that much better. Well done! Hope to see more of your work :)

Author's Response:

What a wonderful review, okayibelieveyou!  I've never done anything like this before and the more I thought about this world, the more things opened up for me in a kind of scary way.  If there's never been a DM nor a Roy here, how does that change both characters?  I knew Pam would be significantly different and it was extremely enjoyable for me to write her in this story.  I loved giving her so much color and life and I hoped that readers would accept her that way.  I think Jim is different here, too - he's more tender and less cynical.  I think those are the differences in a world where they've always been working at things they're passionate about.  And, gosh yes, Neruda makes everything better, doesn't he?  

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing!  See you next time.

10

Ugh, so beautiful, so gut-wrenching - this chapter is written beautifully! I absolutely love all the poems you've chosen for each chapter :)

Author's Response: Thank you. :) I have to give a lot of credit to Dorothy. She\'s the boss.

10

This story was absolutely fantastic! I would have reviewed each individual chapter as I read (because I've been following pretty much since the beginning), but I'm just lazy. I must tell you, though, that this baby caught me by surprise. I was turned off at first by the different setting, the slight differences in some of the characters, etc. but then I found that it was easier for me to connect to the characters as college students (as that is what I am, and these are some of the things I'm going through). I liked thinking of them as having lives and futures, rather than being stuck working in an office in Scranton. And it was a little more pleasant to think about Jim & Pam getting together in this way, naturally, instead of going through all the drama that they did on the show. I liked seeing their story from the very beginning and witnessing the natural progression of their relationship. I also really liked how you incorporated the personalities of the rest of the characters - although sometimes it was a little hard to pin down Angela's persona or to imagine her, Pam and Kelly being so close.

But yeah, overall, this is one of my favorite stories on MTT. Great job!

10

Great chapter. I loved seeing the flashbacks, having little extra pieces to moments that were glossed over before, and seeing the progression of Pam's feelings. And the ending was so lovely! Can't wait for the next chapter - your updates always brighten my day :)

Author's Response: Well, I\'m happy to hear that this chapter provided a little bright spot in your day. :) Thank you so much for the kind words. I\'m glad you enjoyed all of the little \"deleted scenes\" from the previous story- kind of a detour from all of the serious stuff that Jim and Pam find themselves having to deal with as the wedding approaches. The wedding will be here soon! Ahhhhh...

10

Interesting take on Pam's path to independence! It seems like the go-to way of describing her time after the breakup is depressing- with good reason, because obviously breakups are always sad, no matter what the circumstances- but it was refreshing to think of her finding the bright side of the situation rather than be upset about what her life had become. Great concept & writing!

Author's Response: Thanks so much! I tried to portray Pam as feeling a sort of reluctant happiness at the idea of sleeping alone. Like, she knows it might be a sign of a problem, and that\'s bad, but... darn, it feels good to have the bed to herself! I\'m glad you liked the fic, okayibelieveyou.

10

So beautiful and sweet. I loved it!

10

I'm LOVING this story, even if it isn't happy. I read so much fluff, it all starts to blend together a little - the drama is a surprisingly nice break. Great job expressing the frustration felt on both of their ends; it makes it easier to understand how something so awful could drive two people apart. Anyway, can't wait for the next chapter! :)

Author's Response: Thanks for such a great review, OK... Fluff can definitely start to blend (despite my absolute love for it, haha) so I wanted to start with something kind of terrible to lead into it :)

10

I'm really loving this story despite my aversion to drama - this chapter was really great. Realistic and interesting (who knew you could learn so much about childbirth through fan fiction?) I especially loved Jim's mini-meltdown when he went to get the blanket, followed by his primal instinct to be the calm one, and the very end, when he reassures Pam and it's just the two of them. I can't imagine the panic I'd feel if I unexpectedly had to deliver outside of a hospital, but there's something really sweet and intimate about the idea of a home birth, the baby delivered by its daddy.

Looking forward to Baby's appearance! :)

Author's Response: Thanks muchly okayibelieveyou. I have to admit, I love drama. Busted. I'm so glad you're enjoying the story and appreciate the detailed comments! BabyTuna will make his entrance in the next chapter for sure.