Three little facts about me:
1) I'm a work-from-home mom from Kyiv, Ukraine.
2) I'm super late to the party, but I do my best to turn my excitement with the show into the content (hopefully, qualitative).
3) I care about Pam Beesly more than about any other fictional character in all the existent fandoms.
He was never meant to end up here, to meet her, and to have his life changed forever.
I’ve had a terrible migraine since yesterday evening, so I was sure that this morning would be terrible as well. And then I saw your update and reconsidered my previous opinion :)
Every single line of this chapter is precious, but there are three moments I'd like to highlight the most:
1) Katy. Oh, I love and disdain and pity her at the same time, because how can't you pity a girl who didn't get James Halpert? And Pam's response... ah! I love it when she shows her sass (and in the very, very well-mannered way!)
2) Troubles in the Halpert family. Okay, I'm here mostly for the JAM, but I really, really like that they can't just hide in their happy bubble for the rest of their days and that their (but mostly Jim's) actions have (and will have) consequences. You hinted about what kind of backlash they might receive, and I anticipate to witness it!
3) "I love you, James Halpert." I replicated that black and white fainting gif from Twitter here because this is my most natural reaction to this part. Just lovely!
Thank you so much!
Author's Response: I hate hear you had a migraine but I'm thrilled that this helped! Thank you!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
Sorry, I'm being over emotional here, but this is so, so good. Beautiful and beyond, and I have not enough words to express that this chapter made me feel. God, I love it so much, every line, every comparison, every metaphor. And her question
"Is this normal, do you think? What it feels like between us, is this what it is usually like with a man and a woman?"
And his response... oh, I feel something like that about their relationship and this part is a perfection.
I wish I have more jellybeans to give you.
1 Oh, hey, I found some similarities between James and me! I also can barely form coherent sentences after your chapter.
But I'll try.
First of all, war is terrible, and I doubt what its scars would leave James, but I really hope that Pam's presence soothes them a little.
Second, Roy's the worst. Literally, the worst. He doesn't even deserve the bullet; he has to meet with secateurs first. Usually, I'm not violent, but this is an exceptional case.
But forget about Roy. The conversation! Oh boy, I love it that they're so honest with each other, even when they were talking about embarrassing stuff. And I do hope Jim'll say his thanks to a candle master...
And Pam. I don't know how you do it, but I adore how you portray her, shy, and bold, and insecure and resolute at the same time. And all that happened after her suggestion to go to bed... okay, I literally paused a few times to make a couple of circles around my room to tame my... whatever it was. Excitement, probably. I'm dying from all the tenderness you created, and it's beautiful.
And feel sorry, really sorry for Mrs. Beesly and other women of the Victorian era (and even for the Queen herself, though it's doubtful) who were taught about intimacy that horrible way, and whose spouses weren't as caring as James was with Pam.
Can't wait to see how nice their morning will be!
And thank you for mine :)
Author's Response:
I'm so glad I made you make circles around your room! :) Yes, Pam is indeed quite a lucky lady (sigh) but she will heal James just as much.
Thank you Dernhelm as always!
1 Oh, I so in love with this story! I'm going to use the word 'love' a lot, but hopefully, it won't lose its meaning.
Okay. So.
The scene with Roy was impressive. The intervention of Colonel Vance was so well-timed (and the fact that there was real Vance only made it more awesome!), though I don't think I'd mind if Roy received a couple of good punches. Or a bullet. Um, no, not a bullet, James might be in trouble then... And I love, love, love fearless Pamela who went outside to send Roy away!
The wedding was... would it be a sacrilege to say that I don't like the show wedding as much as I should? I prefer your version so much more! James and Pamela's reactions made me feel giddy and put an enormous smile on my face because it was so, so good!
The goodbye scene is hard. I have a feeling that Beesly women won't meet again, and all they'll have will be rare letters. I hope I'm mistaken. I'd linger on that feeling of loss and farewell more, but then the second kiss happened, and wow, why did I feel so hot all of a sudden? I have no doubts that Pamela would be the death of James. Can't wait for it!
This chapter made me happy, though, at the same time, it left me restless. I don't like the looks Pamela received, and the absence of lock scared me, but I keep my fingers crossed and just hope that they'll leave that... um... place safe and sound. I don't know for sure, of course, but I beg you to keep writing and put me out of my misery!
And, to end on a light note — I love the way you add the canon things in your story! The perfect explanation of Jim's habit to keep his hands in pockets. Pam's 'me too' made me aww. And, of course, Pamela's hair down and James' reaction on it. It was so... erotic. Just wow.
I probably messed with tenses in this review much, but I'm excited and too eager to express my feelings right now, so I didn't check them much. Hope it isn't too horrible :)
Author's Response:
Thank you so much, Dernhelm! Your commentary always makes me smile. Please don't ever apologize for the grammar of your review. As someone who lives in a foreign country, I have the upmost respect for those who write in another language! I can barely muddle through my German or French conversations here at the grocery store and you write stories. So impressive!
Anyway, I'm so thrilled you enjoyed this chapter. It is fun writing them just getting to discover each other in this setting. Also, don't lose hope in seeing the Beesly women again. You never know! ;)
Thank you so much!
1 'You saw her beauty, but not the iron underneath.'
It was said about another heroine, but gosh, that's that I thought when I read about this Miss Beesly. Just amazing. Can't wait to see what happens next!
And I love your writing and admire all the researches you've made. Thank you so much for this story!
Author's Response: Oooh, that quote fits her perfectly. Thank you so much for your kind words!
1 I have no words, this is so beautiful. The setting, the style, the... well, everything.
Can't wait to see more!
And thank you!
Author's Response: Thank you so much Dernhelm! I am thrilled you are liking it so far! :)
I saw a notification about this update in the middle of the night when I woke up for a couple of minutes because of my cat. After a short yet fierce debate with myself, I decided to read the chapter in the morning. But... I dreamed of this unread chapter the rest of the night and woke up with determination to sort my illusion from the real one.
The real one is so, so, so much better!
I don't even know where to start. Every little snippet is a shot through my heart. James, noticing the painful changes in a familiar surrounding and himself, and yet feeling that Pam's presence healing him? Boom! Discussion about the separate bedrooms? Boom! 'Again?' — 'Always.' Boom, boom, boom!
I like the new characters very much, they are both caring, funny, but not excessively. And that Eleanore so clearly saw that James was in love... awww.
Also, and that might be sounded weird, but I like that the eldest Mrs. Halpert disliked Pam so intensely. That feels very real, and I'm here to see where things go (but I really, really hope that Peter's wife will survive this time too!). And Larissa's passion — oh, I hope they'll become friends with Pam!
And the last scene. Oh my. I have no words. Your story and your writing make weird things with my heart rhythm, and my cheeks, and my ears, and the rest of me. The best addiction ever, I suppose.
Thank you so much! I guess, you know how highly I admire your talent, but I'll repeat it again. You're fantastic, and please, never stop writing.
Sorry, if it's too much, but I'm overwhelmed a little.
Author's Response: Dernhelm, it is NEVER too much! I'm so glad this was better than you had dreamed too. I think we will see much more of Larissa too. ;) Thank you, friend, as always!
Pam lets Roy take her home after Phyllis’ Wedding.
Sometimes you just listen to Tegan and Sara’s entire discography, get lost in your feels about early Grey’s (particularly that time Meredith slept with George) and write this…
1 It took me three attempts to read this story (and gained several cracks in my heart in the process), but... totally worth it!
I wish, hope, pray that Pam won't hate herself that much. With (or without) Jim's support.
Also, I don't know why, but lately, I'm so fond of 'Pam snaps' stories, and this one is amazing!
Author's Response: Dernhelm! I was wondering if you had read this! I’m sorry it took you a few tries to read - it doesn’t start in the best place... No one really wants to read about Pam and Roy being intimate! I’m glad you made it through to Pam snapping and starting to work things out with Jim! Thanks for reading!
Oh, I enjoy this awkwardness and cuteness so much! My only regret is that I'm out of jellybeans now :(
Author's Response:
Well I don't need jellybeans if you're reviewing, it means so much more to me in written form!
Thanks for your feedback, I'm glad you're still enjoying it.
My cheeks are hurt. Otherwise, everything is perfect!
This chapter has so many these little cute and not-so-cute moments, and it's so, so awesome. Especially I like the line 'romantic and creepy were usually two sides of the same coin' (totally agree, and it's great that in this case, it was a romantic side) and, of course, the 'today was the first day of the rest of their lives.'
Oh, and, apparently, I'm a heathen :(
Fingers crossed for the sequel!
Author's Response:
I'm happy to hear this one had you smiling as well!
Pam's thoughts and opinions in no way reflect the author's - You're not a heathen! ;)
I've got an outline done for like the first half of chapter one, so... it'll be Soon™
Thanks for reviewing!
Yay!
I had to take a few breaks during the reading because I had an overwhelming urge to run around my room in excitement. Yep, I'm that emotional.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Author's Response:
Well I'm glad this was able to inspire such and emotional response from you, that makes my day.
Thanks for reviewing!
I LOVE the award Pam received!
Also, I'm grinning like an idiot (apparently, that's my usual condition when I'm reading happy, lovely and fluffy Jam). And I'm feeling blessed because I dodged the cliffhanger, and I'm going to go straight to the next chapter!
You did a fantastic job modifying the canon event into your AU!
Author's Response:
I'm glad you liked the award, I couldn't resist the canon nod there.
I'm really glad I can make you smile with this story, that's what I'm here for!
You definitely cheated that cliffhanger ;)
Thank you! Happy to hear you liked my Dundies adaptation.
For obvious reasons, I'm a slow reader to, but I'm not giving up ;)
I think the timeskip was okay. And I'm happy about all the positive changes in Pam's life and a little sad that Jim's best summer was also the worst. But I hope autumn would be better!
I don't know when I manage to read the next chapter(s), but I'm thrilled to find out what happens next!
Author's Response:
Well, you just get to enjoy the chapters for longer! I'm glad you're not giving up, I hope the payoff is worth it!
I look forward to hearing how you like the rest of the chapters!
Oh, this chapter is great, and I quite like that mutual and silent 'give me a sign' wish. It's a little sad that they couldn't be open about their feelings and intentions, but, given the circumstances, it's so, so believable.
Also, I adore 'The Princess Bride,' and it's so nice that they decided to watch this film. Hope, there would be more appearance of Larissa in the next chapters!
Author's Response:
I'm glad you liked the mutual pining going on there, as you say it is still much too soon for them to be doing anything without the big season 2 moments that they had, so they just have to sweat it out for a while longer.
Larissa may be around, not too sure what role she will play honestly, but we'll see!
The Princess Bride is also one of my favourite movies, I used to watch it with my grandparents all the time, so yeah I couldn't resist, especially since it's one of Pam's favourites too.
Thanks for reviewing! It's fun to track you catching up ;)
Catching up with the story!
Oh, like all Michael's ideas, this also backfired on him... and Pam. Poor girl, allergies are the worst. And yet, I feel a little sympathy for Angela here. I don't know why, maybe it's a cat person solidarity, or it's me being scared of big dogs, no matter how friendly and adorable they are...
But. There was another great moment, and I'm talking about "You give the best hugs." It's just... dawwww. And very, very promising!
Author's Response:
Glad you're enjoying it, I had a lot of fun writing those scenes. The best hugs line was definitely meant to inspire d'awws, so thanks!
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review!
Oh, I like this chapter so much! The 'Roy problem' - resolved, the 'Dwight incident' - settled, and Pam had Thoughts About Jim. That's nice, and I'd like to see where it will go :)
Author's Response: I'm glad you appreciated this chapter, thanks for reviewing!
'Pam got up from her desk determined to replace the disappointment on Jim's face with a stupid lopsided grin.'
That line made me 'awww' :)
Also, poor Toby. Maybe, I'm just too 'Toby sensitive,' but I caught there a hint... or it's just me seeing what I wanted to see?
Also, Dwight being Dwight. Perhaps, I get used to fanon 'friendly Dwight' too much and forgot that he could be insensitive and harsh :(
The chapter is lovely, and I'd like to see what happens next!
Author's Response:
Glad I got an 'aww'! Thanks!
Definitely a Toby hint dropped there, good on you for picking up on it.
Dwight could be quite harsh and insensitive at times on the show, but hopefully Pam and Dwight will be able to make amends and friendly-Dwight can make an appearance.
Thanks for reviewing! I've just started writing the next chapter, so hopefully it'll be out later give or take 2-7 hours.
1 No wonder that Pam's mom heard a lot about Jim. But Pam's dad? Meeting with parents could be awkward, but here it happened so smoothly... very nice!
Also, it would be lovely to see Pam as a pet owner :)
Author's Response:
In my mind Pam's parents are usually in the same room when she's talking to her mom on the phone, so he must have heard somethings. I'm glad you enjoyed the encounter regardless!
I am also looking forward to Pam as a pet owner.
Thanks for reviewing!
1 Yay! Amazing to see Pam snapped, and I'll be excited with any direction you choose (except with Pam going back to Roy, but I hope that ship is sailed).
Can't wait for the continuation :)
Author's Response: Thanks for your feedback! I too always wanted Pam to snap at some point, and that is why we write fanfic!
1 Such a great update!
The way Roy reacted here is both hilarious (seriously, did he think that Pam just overreacted?) and sad (was he so insensitive in their relationships as he showed it in this scene?).
And the exchange between Pam and Jim was so nice! I like that even in the darkest hours, they still could joke and laugh. It's lovely!
Author's Response:
Thanks, I'm glad that you like how Roy is potrayed! As far as Jim and Pam having a laugh, I don't know what I'd do with myself if they weren't allowed to. Thankfully I'm the writer, so I make the rules here.
Thanks for reviewing!
1 I don't know what I expected from Pam and Roy's confrontation, but... God, that was so, so good! Seriously, I like that they told to each other like adults and sorted things out as much as they could. And the fact that Roy lost the ring - just a little perfection!
Looking forward to the next chapter!
Author's Response: Thank you! The confrontation was really hard to write for me, I was concerned it wouldn't come across well. I tried to portray it as best I could and I'm glad you enjoyed it! And the ring... that was a fun moment of me going back and re-reading and realising I never had Roy pick it up, imagine that!
Oh, yes, I definitely want to see how Dwight would protect Pam from Jim!
Also - I grinned like an idiot when I read the whole moving-in scene (except for the part where Pam was crying; but it was needed tears).
And I enjoy so much the subtlety of the way Jim and Pam getting closer. All these hugs, and kisses on the cheek, and planning of spending time together... I'm a sucker for these things, I guess :)
Author's Response:
Oops, I may have yadda yadda'd that bit. I'll see if we can cover the Dwight saves Pam prank in a later chapter, as to be honest I forgot about that bit while writing the next one.
I'm glad the move-in got a smile from you, that's what most of my writing is all about!
Thanks for reviewing, glad to hear you're enjoying things!
"I have a dog that I love much more than you to take care of already, I don't need another."
Ouch. Ouch, ouch, ouch. I have no sympathy for Roy (okay, okay, a very-very liiiiittle sympathy for him), but that was harsh. And Pam, realizing it at the end of the night and wishing to be better than that... oh, so relatable, girl, so relatable.
And the fact that Pam didn't invite Jim... it's nice, in fact. For me, at least. I'd like to see things go as slow as possible, especially if that means that there will be more and more chapters ;)
Author's Response:
I'm glad you enjoyed that line, I wrote it down and said my myself "Oh bur~rn".
We'll see how much further we can string along the Jim-Pam dynamic before we have a revolt on our hands ;)
Thanks for reviewing, glad you enjoyed the chapter!
1 Awwww!
I like that Pam is going (I hope!) to be content and happy, that she's surrounded by loving and supportive people and that Jim is living nearby. Oh, and the dog!
It's just a perfect combination of happiness :)
Author's Response:
Thanks, That's my hope for her too, so I guess that means I get to make it happen!
Thank you for reviewing!
Multiple POVs are nice!
I'm glad Pam had that final conversation with Roy (also felt bad for him, but... well, it's kind of his fault that the engagement and relationships ended that way) and even more glad that Pam is moving on in all meaning! The kiss in the cheek was adorable, and her own reaction on it was priceless! Thank you for writing!
Author's Response: Thank you for reviewing! I'm glad you enjoyed it, writing this has been a lot of fun in an otherwise usually uneventful life nowadays.