Different take on the Jim/Pam/Roy triangle and how Jim helps Pam leave Roy finally.
Domestic abuse, trigger warning.
Several recommends to share story here from fanfiction net.
UPDATE 4/6 - Marked Complete - see story notes for a message of explanation and gratitude.
What happened after Jim "struck gold" during his job interview in New York (season 3 finale) and before Pam went mining for celebrity sex tapes (season 4 opener), this chapter by chapter WIP has the story told through many points of view - none of them from the documentary film crew.
1 I really love this bit of restaurant background. Love Beth the Server; she seems unflappable yet really competitive.
Author's Response:
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Once. I love to hear from everyone.
You should have seen her at Chili's - not unflappable then. Funny how to me this character is as real and with as much back story as any of the Dundler Mifflinites - maybe more.
I never worked at a restaurant but I've worked in retail and other customer service oriented jobs where we've discussed our clientele so this seemed a fun way to show how the date looked to an outsider - but one that might be a bit more interested in it.
There will be more with Beth - in the works now. Thanks again for the review.
1 One thing The Office did for me was to broaden my taste in music. It's all pretty emo, but did you know Big Band music from the 40's had their own version of emo? At least I have a name for it rather than just cheesy.
Since we are all reading different things at the same time (boy, this library is big), every single one of us will have a different playlist. Here's the link to my MTT playlist on Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5RtmPxlxMD8xplizpEvU7m?si=MUbmGgXARDCajS9z8JecEg
During mid lockdown when my modem died and I had no Internet, during one of my many runs through all seasons of The Office, I did a spreadsheet with every song I could identify that was used in the show then cross referenced it to a list I found on Dunderpedia. Once I got internet back, I virtually ran to Spotify to create my Office playlist. I indulged my own flights of fancy and included songs that weren't in the show but certain episodes brought to mind. Here's the link to my Office playlist. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1cxjtAjG8iT43o8MwnzxQf?si=FYlrYYoATy64CvM79ZnVHw
If you click on the name Tink Smith (another nic I use, but it's me, really), feel free to poke around my other playlists if you want. All I ask is that you don't mock my cheesy choices in music.
Author's Response:
Many thanks Once -
Music is my Jam and my tastes are all over the map - from Broadway musicals, to Pop, dance, Country, big Band, Emo, Rock, - I'll try it all so I look forward to checking out your lists. In my biz I sometimes create montages (photos set to music for special events) so it's become a second nature to really listen for lyrics and apply to stages of life and situations. Sounds like you do same when it comes to The Office.
I'm sure I'll be expanding my list soon.
In fandom.
Hank was always one of my favourite supporting characters. Vale, Hugh Dane.
Author's Response:
I always enjoyed when Hank was on the screen and so I gave him a little more limelight.
Another observation: commentary always talked about the height of Jim And Dwight but really it was Hank who was the tallest on the show.
I hope you enjoyed my characterization of Hank. Thanks for the read and the review.
Sequel to The Other Pam
Jim/Pam relationship centric
Your writing is just so powerful. I'm still reading. Take as much or as little to tell the story. Cliffhangers are not necessarily a bad thing.
"The fog began to clear, reality took shape. Suddenly everything looked bright, real." is such a lovely way to express Pam turning another corner.
1 The holding room scene between Pam and Jim is so evocative. Two exhausted people checking in, staying in touch in the brief moment in a difficult day. It deserves a jelly bean on its own merit.
The layers of filth metaphor and Pam recognizing the filth is all Roy's is so good. The dirt was only clothing she donned while she was with him.
The last four paragraphs are a marvel. Pam finds the courage to face down her abuser. Such a very hard thing to do.
He folded like a cheap suit, and she has every right to feel vindicated, euphoric even. A victory lap around the courtroom wouldn't be amiss in that moment though I doubt the judge would take kindly to it. I don't doubt the judge who has probably seen her fair share of domestic violence cases saw that moment as well and recognized it for the turning point it is. Victim-no-more defeats abuser.
Good onya.
1 Overall story jelly beans accumulated here.
1 Three jelly beans for the phrase "The Night of Three Times"
A series of Jim/Pam one-shots, inspired by lines in the show (now in chronological order!)
1 When a writer uses the exact same words the reader has floating in their head to describe a situation, it is a rare and magical thing. You did that in Couples Counseling, particularly the taxi scene of Paper Airplane.
I've always thought, from the third viewing on (the first two viewings were just pure emotional involvement for me), that Jim was drowning and Pam was the only person or thing that could save him. Your Couples Counseling writing evoked the same emotional reaction.
Your language choices are lyrical and compelling. I noticed my reading speed kept inching up all through this piece. That's always a good sign; you drew me onward. There was absolutely nothing in your writing that distracted me or took me out of the ambiance you created.
The party sequence was such a good choice to create the crisis. You have both Jim and Pam's inner monologues completely within their characters, yet you managed to expand our understanding of canon. You did Jen Celotta proud.
Good onya.
Author's Response:
Sorry for taking so long to reply to this - but thank you so much this review, it was lovely to read. I'm really touched. And really glad that you enjoyed it, and that it had that emotional reaction - that's exactly how I felt when I was watching it too.
I really appreciate you taking the time to write this - thank you :)
Jim and Pam meet during their sophomore year of college. They’re at different schools, but somehow, they just might make it work. Modern day college AU.
I am so glad you updated this! I had to look up Salt Creek as my stomping grounds were Newport and north. It is pretty. I haven't been home in a long time.
Nice birthday morning, too.
I'm really glad this is back. I'm in the midst of the Polar Vortex with rolling power outages. All my water pipes are blown. This is my first smile in a week. Thank you.
I just found this! I like your truncated style of writing. It's light and breezy yet conveys all the salient information and emotion.
This chapter evokes the road trips, hell, just leaving the house, that we all want at this point without dragging us through our recent history. Good onya!
Author's Response: Thank you so much! I'm glad the writing style works for you, story too. :)
I agree with your Chapter End Notes totally. Poaching established clients deserves its own circle of hell. Dwight deserves every joke or trick Jim ever plays on him and then some; it's just icing on the cake that Pam is the one who makes Jim whole. Pun intended.
I really enjoy your writing style. You give just enough inner monologue to set the context and then move along to the action.
Author's Response: I feel like it sometimes gets lost in the urge to revisit Jim's behavior that Dwight is, you know, terrible.
I'm really glad you liked this! Thank you taking the time to review - I was just thinking about finally getting back to the next chapter of this one the other day.
Moving on is not easy, nor pretty.
A little over 15 years after Casino Night and Jim's move to Stamford, Pam bumps into him. (AU)
1 "me time" as an excuse for Pam's mom to take the boys made me laugh. "Assisted me time" is kinda like "friends with benefits", both perfectly valid reasons for granny time.
I like your vision of this future. Your writing is smooth and well constructed. Good onya
Author's Response:
Thanks so much for reviewing!
(I appreciate any feedback on my writing, since English is not my mother tongue)
About Pam's mom... that's basically my mom. I can't see myself telling her "hey, can you take the kids because I would like to have some sweet time with this guy who doesn't even live in this town?"... I'd rather say I need me time. And she wouldn't buy it, of course.
New jobs, new cities, new relationships, and yet they cannot seem to escape one another. Will they be each other's salvation, or each other's downfall?
Inspired by the song of the same name by TS
And that's the thing about illicit affairs
And clandestine meetings
And longing stares
It's born from just one single glance
But it dies, and it dies, and it dies
A million little times
This story was worth 5 jelly beans for the cover art alone. A HMG (Holy Mother of God) picture for sure.
Author's Response: Lol yes those are HMOG photos of both of them, I hope the story will do those photos justice! Thanks for the jellybeans <3
While I like looking at Danny, guys that gorgeous can only rock their own world. They also aren't that much fun to be around; they got shorted on the personality in lieu of the looks. But a quick booty call is just insulting.
Will we be getting another HMG cover art for Evermore? A friend asks hopefully.
Author's Response:
Ha yeah, that was kinda my thought, a guy that good looking never *had* to be good in bed so he probably wouldn’t be. Evermore did inspire the new header, does it get a HMG title? Thanks for commenting!
In the hopes you will find it in your heart, creativity, and soul to continue this.
Following a crushing showing at the art exhibition, Pam is offered a new path forward by her instructor. Finding confidence and a renewed sense of self worth, she is afforded the opportunity to break free from an oppressive and toxic environment. What happens when Jim stumbles intor this alternative life and witnesses her growth firsthand? (Late Season 3 - AU)
1 What wonderful writing.
I particularly liked the extended metaphor of Pam's painting and her opinions of it to show her overall emotional state at this point. Your respect for the readers' full grounding in established characters physical descriptions shines through. After setting the stage briefly and subtly about Jim, his influence in Pam's life seems to hover over this piece. You've conveyed a mastery in the skills needed to be a watercolor artist with the fine points about creating a painting; the details anchor your lyrical writing in reality in a good way.
Ryan's comment about Jim's inadequate wardrobe for Stamford cracked me up. It was a nice touch of levity in a thoughtful piece. Allowing readers fill in Kelly's chatter was an excellent choice. I really liked your depiction of Toby as a competent HR Rep; he does know his stuff.
The character who really shone through for me though was Madeline Shaw. Your compact description of her attire gave me a clear picture of her. Her dialogue showed her understanding of being a starving artist, a teacher/mentor, and businesswoman.
Good onya.
Author's Response: Aw, you’re the sweetest. Thank you! I really appreciate and am heartened by all the details you picked up on. I feel a bit like Pam, watching Michael observe all of the details of her work. Yes! Jim is very much a spectre in Pam’s life, both when he leaves and again when he comes back. It’s a kind of leitmotif in my story so if that came across at all, I’m just really thrilled. And yay, Madeleine! Her existence is a personal tribute to some of the best teachers I’ve had in my life. She’s wonderful and I love her. And Pam needs her, like woah. Thank you again!
Nicely done getting Jim's low cloud overhang in the first paragraph. The time jump from Oz to Roy's violent meltdown was a little jarring.
Since I live in the home of the jackalope, I was delighted they got a callout.
Author's Response: Thanks, Once! Yeah, I was worried about that jump, I rushed it all a bit. Haha, yay! I’m glad you appreciated the jackalope reference! I’ve always felt creativity is such a magical thing. So when it came to Pam, a jackrabbit just didn’t speak to the enchanted chaos that I’d like to think would be in her frenzied mind :)
I really enjoy your insights to Pam's psychological makeup. "...never been one to take up much space" is early Pam in a nutshell. Your reference to invisible wounds explains why. I sometimes think the invisible ones take longer to heal than the physical ones. Humans tend to pick at the emotional damage more.
Describing Pam's insomnia with a dancing metaphor is a change up from the painting ones. I think you were going for a ballet visual; mine tend to be cloggers or Russian Army dancers. I believe the cure for insomnia is to abolish the hours between 2:45 and 4:30 AM, the hours when the dark night of the soul hit.
Ms. Shay is a bright spot again. Her job offer/job description sounded more like an invitation than a business deal. For Pam who is trying to establish more control over her own life, it was a perfect approach even if Madeline had no insight. The extra bucks means Pam gets to eat!
One thing I did notice in Roy's attack in the office is that Jim looks to Pam first before protecting Karen right before Dwight pepper sprays them all. I'm wondering if Pam noticed it as well. I think her Jimdar (Jim radar) would have clocked it. Hope, the bane of human existence.
I enjoy plodding. It makes me introspective.
Author's Response:
Aw, thank you for this. I love all the details you’ve touched on here and agree 100%, especially on abolishing the insomnia hours (@Russian army dancers had me lol! That’s perfect.)
@Jim’s look - yes, yes! You are absolutely right; here’s the question though - what does that look entail? I rotate from horrified, to baffled, to protective, to resentful, to ??? It’s very interesting and I think Pam’s Jimdar would definitely have latched on to it and replayed it in her mind for days...poor girl!
The human condition is such a gloriously complicated thing, it’s been terribly interesting delving into Pam’s psyche. And it makes me so happy to hear you are enjoying that process too! Thanks a million for reading and reviewing!
The Snoopy mug origin story...
Pam and Jim spend their first New Year's together babysitting.
As the year 2007 ends, Pam's got to face her fears of interacting with children.
BETH!!! I'm so glad she is a recurring character in your writing. Of course she would cut them some slack. If we knew more of her back story, I wouldn't be surprised to find a Jim in her past, and the two helped her win that competition on their first date.
Now we know why the Snoopy mug means so much to Pam. Pity the writers and set decorators didn't have a Woodstock mug floating around the kitchen because, let's face it, Snoopy would be diminished as a character without Woodstock flying around.
This opening chapter had me smiling from the first sentence on. Even the deeper conversations seemed to have a gentleness to them.
Good onya.
Author's Response:
I forgot you were such a fan of Beth - good news this is not the last of her. This was my little way of keeping her top of mind as she will keep coming back.
My head works in a way where I'm always wondering about things on shows that were little throw always like this mug was likely meant to be. It was probably just a mug of one of the writers they threw in here but in my universe it was sooo much more.
Glad I made you smile with this opening chapter and hope I can keep it there through the rest. Thanks so much for the review. I love to know how people enjoy what's coming from my heart and head.
Wishing you all the best in the upcoming year- Happy and healthy. Cheers.
1 Just wanted you to know that you will be delaying me reading YOUR update by half a day by mentioning Wake Me Up. I must go reread it again.
See? It's all your fault. Good onya?
1 Just to be clear. My prior post was joking.
Why hasn't the Net developed a sarcasm and joking font yet? We've had close to 50 years!
Author's Response:
Of course I knew and thanks for the double beans.
Love to get any review and glad to have you giving it a read ...hope you are enjoying my vision of their NYE. Not typical but I hope you are finding it fun.
But Wake me Up was so good so I don't blame you for going back for another round.
So I finished reading Wake Me Up again, and now I'm back to NYnNJ.
Jim is so good with kids even if they have really hard questions. I had to shake my head at how Vanessa even heard the conversation in the first place, but then children hear everything. When they ask questions, adults are forced into distilling/eliminating their rationalizations and owning up to their faults. One wonders if the teaching moment is more valuable to the kid or adult?
Your dialogue is so natural and just flows. Uncle Jim did just fine.
Good onya though it's still your fault. [/fun]
Author's Response:
You came back! :)
Remember this is the child who earned the name Snoopy- and you are right children hear everything even if we think they don't. But I felt Jim should and could handle that kind of confrontation and this whole night is teaching moment for both of them.
I promise it may seem to flow but I sometimes agonize over the writing of dialogue and story flow...my ideas come pretty naturally but bringing them to life is the hard part for me. But since I gotta get them out I try my best to make it something worth reading.
So thanks/