1

Honestly, I’m glad that Jim’s relationship with Karen ended a little more quickly than it did on the show. As much as I adore his and Pam’s relationship, I feel like it was unfair of him to use Karen as a shield from Pam, to use her as a weapon to fend off his emotions for her, and I think she had a right to be angry.

But, of course, I couldn’t care less what happened to Karen if it meant that he and Pam ended up together, and they did. I believe the ending was realistic and true to the show, as all good office fan fictions should be, and I wish you a happy new year.

BlindManCassidy

1

Just... wow. This one hurt. A lot. I’ve read fics about Pam being sexually assaulted, but not like this. This one was so real. It was so powerful. Honestly... I’m speechless.

1

Thank God that Pam finally told off Karen. Anyone who’s reading this - know that sexual assault is not the result of being too ‘weak’ or not making yourself ‘equal’ to a man, or a woman. Victim-blaming is irrational and horrible.

That said, I enjoyed this chapter thoroughly and I am excited to see just how Pam’s surprise for Jim works out.

BlindManCassidy

1

That was... too real.

From Pam wanting to escape, to her parents, to Jim’s mom, to *Roy’s* mom... too real. It just makes me feel cold.

And seeing all of this through Pam’s eyes just sucks. It makes me sick - how the defense attorney defends Roy and makes it seem like it’s Pam felt when we know it’s not. It sucks to know that there are people like this. And I feel like this isn’t just Pam - it’s you too. And I’m so sorry for whatever you went through.

I’m just glad that Pam has Jim. It’s not just his love that’s keeping her afloat, but it seems to me like it’s a damn big part of her state of mind. I hope you have someone like that too.

I will say that Michael kept this chapter from being *too* depressing. Obviously he doesn’t understand the weight that this trial has, so he’s just trying to make jokes; regular old Michael. At least he’s been a constant. And I’m glad Jim’s mom came. It’s so sweet that she’d want to be there for Pam.

Anyways, I’m very interested in reading on to see the witness stands and what Roy and Pam have to say, though I do feel like blood eagling the former.

BlindManCassidy

1

That was... Wow. That was hard to read. Jim definitely kept his cool, but I can’t imagine being torn into like that for saving someone you love. I can’t imagine someone *defending* a person as horrible as Roy. I’m just glad it’s over.

Whatever you went through... I’m sorry.

1

Ok, I meant to leave a review but I don’t think I did. I wasn’t sure about reading a fic where the office characters don’t work in the office, but this is actually really good! Jim and Pam fit so well into their roles. And so do the other characters! Stanley as a careless history teacher? Angela as a librarian? I mean, come on.

This chapter was probably my favorite because of how much it revealed about Pam’s past with Roy. You can clearly see how Roy treated Pam, even if there’s no explicit conversation between them.

Basically, I love this fic. Keep up the good work!

BlindManCassidy.

Author's Response: This review made me SO happy! I love hearing that people love it even when they think they might not initially. Means I’m doing something right! Haha thank you so much for reading!! I’m glad you’re enjoying it. :)

1

Girl -
Damn..
From the title, I’d guessed that it was a breakup story or a season 3 story. And when I did start to read, the writing was so beautiful that I couldn’t stop.
That smut came out of nowhere and totally caught me by surprise, but in a good way. I remember when I thought that I was good at writing smut a few minutes ago. Bloody hell. That was some steaminess if I’ve ever seen it.
But, again, as much as I love me a good smut scene, I have to say that the post-coital thoughts were my favorite. “ Because although they really feel quite secure at this point, there’s still that lingering sense that it’s all too good to be true. That one day they might wake up and realize that it had all been a dream, or worse, that it hadn’t, and it was over anyway”. I mean - what do you even say to that? I’ve had many things seem to good to be true and turned out so, perhaps that’s why this little quote sticks with me.
Anyways, I just stopped to say that this story is absolutely gold. I’ve loved all of these little holiday themed stories, but this one is by far my favorite.

BlindManCassidy

Author's Response: Oh my goodness, you are too kind! It always means a lot to me when people point out specific lines that they like, and I'm glad that one stuck with you. Thank you so much for reading!

This. This is the best ending to a story I’ve ever read.

It’s nice to know that they did have stolen moments in college, where it was just the two of them together, enjoying each other’s company. Even if they had to ignore every single moment where it was something more than just a handshake or an elbow brushing, they did have time together.

I can’t imagine anything more perfect than standing on a boat in the arms of a lover. Sounds cheesy, I know, but it’s true. And Pam doesn’t have to ignore how his touch makes her feel anymore. That has to be so freeing, and you did a really great job of writing that in the story. Also, I loved how they were both thinking about the same thing. About that stolen moment back in college.

For some reason, I was surprised that this was the first time they’d had sex since college. Which obviously makes no sense - they’d been together for like a week - in secret - before she left to go to Paris - but I thought that they would’ve wanted to do the deed at some point before then. Although I guess Jim would’ve felt terrible having sex with her while he was still technically dating Karen.

And, of course, the next morning. All goes back to Jim’s question in college; where do you see yourself in ten years? Certainly a question we’ve all been asked at one point in our lives. And even then, Pam knew she wanted him in her life. Again, it must feel so good to know that she’d achieved at least part of that dream; the most important part, I’d say.

To me, this seemed like it was always Pam’s story. Most of what happened revolved around her and Jim’s love for her (though I suppose you could argue that it’s the same the other way around) and it ended in the place she wanted to be. Following out her dreams.

You’ve really written a great story, Basscop69. There was angst to the point of me tired of coming back to this story, but something about it always made me come back; like this story had some sort of gravitational pull. I hope you continue to write, but I think this is a fantastic ending to this universe. If I could, I would give you 9 jellybeans, because that is my favorite number, but I can’t.

Farewell for now,

BlindManCassidy

Author's Response:

Ah, thank you so much! That's so kind of you to say :) I'm so pleased you liked this chapter - it was really nice to write, and felt like a good break to all the angst haha. I agree that it's sort of ended up being Pam's story (I think my original idea was to spend a bit more time on Jim, but I love Pam's character so much that I find it very hard to resist...) 

Thanks so much for sticking with the story, and for taking the time to leave such thoughtful feedback!  

Well, that was surprisingly simple. They both just handed in their leaves and left.

That scene with Penny and Pam was cute. I’d been wondering about William; it’s odd that he’d choose to date someone so young, but like Pam said, it might just be a phase. As long as he and his girlfriend are both happy.

Of course Michael had to dish out some last minute wisdom. So what if he’s delusional? We all are! And of course he’d get choked up over a guy he worked with for barely a few weeks. Also, I’m glad that Jim had one last chance to throw Ryan under the bus.

I’m glad that Jim and Pam got to cuddle one last time before she left, but I’m wondering now if she will decide that it’s all too much and move back.

I was a little shocked that Karen and Jim were able to leave each other so civilly. Of course, Karen just wants to appear civil, but I feel there’s so much more she wanted to say. Honestly, I think it’s good that she’s out of Jim’s life.

Finally, I’m looking forward to seeing what Jim does regarding Athlead. Will Mark accept him, or will he be pissed that Jim is only now gaining the courage to ask to join when he already offered him a position?

As always, well done.

BlindManCassidy

Author's Response:

Thank you so much! 

Yes haha, I thought it was about time that something was relatively simple in the end...really glad you liked the scene with Penny! And yeah, I thought William being happy was an important moment for Pam after her mom (even if it is just a younger-woman phase, lol).

I did want some more Michael! And we are, haha - I think Jim needs a bit more of that, to be honest.

And we'll see on the Pam moving back :D

I think it's probably fair to assume Karen hurled a fair amount of abuse at Jim in some of the screaming matches I didn't get into, lol. I figured there was only so much unpleasantness we needed to see... 

Thanks for reviewing!    

1

“ She knew she was lying about herself. She knew she was lying, but in that moment she just couldn’t bear the thought of losing him. And it was a lie that was almost comforting in its familiarity, a lie that had kept their friendship afloat for the past three years, and she needed it because she needed him.”

Oh, man. Oh, *Pam*.

I was so happy for them! They’d finally gotten together, and then this happens. Poor Pam is having the worst luck right now.

And honestly, I think Karen’s reaction was super mature. She’d just seen her ex with his crush in their room the night after they broke up, and then she offers him some good advice? Good on her! I still think she’s toxic, though.

Lastly, I want to talk about the quote at the top. I understand that Pam’s mother has just passed, so suddenly, but it breaks my heart that she thinks she has to keep her feelings from Jim a secret or she’ll lose him, too. It breaks my heart because I’ve been there, believing that the foundation of one of my close relationships was built on lies.

You’ve wrecked us, Basscop69. You’ve wrecked me.

BlindManCassidy

Author's Response:

Thank you so much (and sorry for the wrecking!) 

So I actually agree with you that Karen's reaction was mature - and that she is toxic, but she's not a total bitch all the time. And I wrote that part thinking that she would genuinely feel bad knowing that someone's mom had died, and be able to get past her drama with Jim for a moment to offer him reasonable advice.  

I'm really sorry to hear that about one of your relationships - I can also fully relate. I really felt for Pam writing it, lol. 

Thanks so much for continuing to read and review :)  

I really let myself think that they could get together without at least one more roadblock...

But I’m excited to see Michael. I love the way you’ve written him so far. And I can’t wait to see how Ryan reacts.

As for Karen... I can’t say that I feel bad for her. She’s been horrible to everyone throughout this entire story. And I don’t think she deserves to be cheated on, but honestly, she’s been treating Jim terribly. He deserves someone better.

Lastly, I am glad that Jim didn’t screw up with Pam. They’ve acknowledged their feelings for one another, and they’ve kissed. Multiple times.

Can’t wait to see how it all comes together.

BlindManCassidy

Author's Response:

Ha yes, sorry about that... 

And thank you! Writing Michael is always fun. I'm really glad you're enjoying it :) I thought it was time Jim and Pam had at least one conversation where they didn't completely screw things up, lol. Thanks so much for reviewing!  

At first, it seemed like Jim was finally rebelling against Karen. He told her that he doesn’t have fun with her and would rather be somewhere else than with her. But she *has* to interrupt his dance, and start a fight with Isabel(who clearly doesn’t have feelings for him - for gods sake, he was dancing with Pam to a slow song!) and convince him that he hasn’t moved on since college, unlike everyone else(even though Pam clearly hasn’t moved on either?)

Also, Pam really never told Isabel that she slept with Jim? That surprises me. But at least she’s finally admitting that she’s in love with Jim(except she’s not an idiot and someone needs to show her that!)

You’ve got to get them together soon. It’s killing me.

BlindManCassidy

Author's Response:

So I will say that the fact that Pam was slow dancing with Jim may not have escaped Karen's notice either...or the fact that Pam seemed prepared to get fired to help him before that. So Karen *might* be starting to suspect something about Pam's feelings.  

And nope, Pam didn't - she didn't tell anyone. Not even Isabel.  

Haha - I promise we are getting to the climax! Thanks so much for reviewing :)  

1

Why won’t he just tell her what Ryan said???

Thank you for the updates and this story altogether. It’s been the past part of my day for the last few days, even if my stone heart is breaking for Jim and Pam right now.

BlindManCassidy

Author's Response:

Thank you so much, that's really lovely to hear! :) 

(Minus the heartbreak, lol. Sorry about that).  

And on the not telling her what Ryan said - in my mind it's related to the general weirdness he feels around Ryan/not really knowing how to interact with someone Pam might be dating. And the fact that Jim was also being ever so slightly shady about the Stamford transfer initially (i.e. not going for it, and not telling Karen or even Pam about it), albeit for very different reasons to Ryan. 

Thanks very much for continuing to review, I really appreciate it!