A series of emails from Karen Filippelli to her unnamed friend. Starts with Beach Games and will continue through Branch Wars, so spoilers for everything in between.
I am really enjoying this story, and I like your format. I keep reading the chapters, though, and all I want to know is who the mysterious "JT" is. Is that supposed to be a secret, or is it immaterial to the story? I keep making up possible identities for her secret friend (Josh "Tyler" Porter, perhaps, or some random Stamford friend). Part of me hopes the friend's identity will be revealed, but the other part of me is happy to stop asking questions and take the chapters as they come.
Keep it up! --CH
I don’t think Pam was really doing that. I mean, she works with Jim, so [beat] (whispers to camera) the oven is already pre-heated.
No, we’ve already got windows for the condo.
Haha--Bravo!! This is great, dundiefromgod, absolutely brilliant. Keep it up!
This was lovely. Angela-fic often tends to veer away from her softer side, which we've seen so many times before on the show (the woman's got more cracks in her life than a broken piece of china--i.e. "Christmas Episode"). You did a great job exploring that; I liked this a lot! -CH
Author's Response: I'm noticed that too. She so often displays the colder, granite side that it's easy to forget she does have that soft part. Thanks for reading and reviewing!
With every choice we don't make, we create a universe...
WARNING: This is like, angst, to the tenth power, but I can promise a happy ending, if not exactly the one you might have in mind...
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Very intriguing, Shassafrass. You've got me hooked. Can't wait to see where this goes! -CH
Author's Response: Honestly, neither can I. It's like one of those little toys with a pull-cord. You wind it up and than try to follow it when it takes off. Thanks so much for reading and commenting.
10 Shassafrass--I'm SO happy to see this story again! I love the tension and flow of the words, and I'm already waiting for the next few chapters. Part of me is still hoping Larissa is Jim's kid (even if it's impossible within the timeline of the story!), but I simply cannot wait to see where this goes next!! --Best, CH
10 Shassafrass--I will go on a hunger strike between new chapters of this story (that's a lie, but I might give up something else important, like exercise or something). You absolutely KILL me with every chapter, and I love you for it. I cannot wait to see what happens next; some sick, twisted part of me wants them to dump their all-too-innocent spouses so they can finally be happy with each other. I especially love this: "...Just not with all of his heart." That so perfectly sums up Jim's feelings for all the non-Pams we've seen him with on the show, and you've written the turmoil so beautifully.
Guh. I'm dead, Shassafrass. DEAD! And lovin' every minute. More, more, more (and perhaps some Siren too? I'm greedy today)!! --CH
10 Keep 'em coming, Shass. I'm here for the ride, just waiting for more... --CH
10 *dies*
So good, Shassafrass. I'm becoming a broken record, but I almost don't even care anymore. The tension is palpable, and I think I know what kind of semi-happy ending you're sneaking up on (I'm thinking the end of Cast Away, if that's a clue), but right or wrong, I know you won't disappoint. I'll be checking for more updates; it's been a treat to get so many new chapters in one day! -CH
10 I don't even know what to say anymore to convey how great this is, Shass. Just keep 'em coming and I'll try to get creative. -CH
Jim looks back over 10 years of his life. Does he like what he sees?
F*ck tukey, and forget parades. Thanksgiving 2007 will be remembered as the year I waited for more GITC awesomeness!!
Can't wait for more. You've got the voice down pat, and I love the reflective list. I can't wait to see what you do with this! --CH
Thsi was so cute, carbondalien! I really enjoyed it, especially Drunk!Jim's mutterings. Very nice. -CH
Author's Response: Thanks! :) I needed some cute in my life right now (I\'m writing some delicious angst right now that\'s kind of eating my brain).
We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to bring you a hefty dose of smut. Really. Seriously. I'm not kidding. Not work-safe and don't view this where children can see it.
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
You slay me. I don't usually review "sexier" fics, so to speak, but these chapters are just...elegant. It's like each dream shows what they want (and will ultimately find) in each other, and you've written with such a sultry style that it's hard to look away. Bravo, bravo, and keep 'em coming (<< ummm...)!!! -CH
You slay me, Shassafrass, as always. Please don't ever end this series. Ever. -CH
Awesome. I love you, Shassafrass. You're so daring and bold in your writing, and you have this incredible talent to make what you call "smut" seem tasteful and seamless. Bravo! -CH
“Oh.” A beat, and then: “You’re still beautiful.”
First off, that line rocks beyond reason. So good.
I've read a lot of first-date-takes, but this is easily up there in my favorites. You did such a great job capturing the tension and buoyancy of (what I would imagine) the night was like for them. Your detail with Pam's character was fabulous, and I enjoyed every word! -CH
8 Woo hoo!!! The Plot Hurdle is gone (however lovely she was--really, kudos to you for creating such a sympathetic "other woman;" like Karen, she seemed cool, but let's face it--she ain't Pam).
*Un-CH-esque fangirl moment begins*
Can Jim and Pam have sex now please? Kthnx.
*Un-CH-esque fangirl moment ends.*
Bravo, GiTC! Can't wait for more! -CH
GodInThisChilis--You could write phone book entries and I would think they were genius. This is SO much better. My interest is piqued, and I'm ready to watch the magic unfold from your fingertips. GO! :-) -CH
Author's Response: CH-- You are so very kind and I'm hoping that I don't let you down. Thanks, as always, for your supportive reviews.
GITC--When I think of why I love and read fanfic, I realize it's because of stories like this. Fic gives us a chance to think, probe, peruse, and experiment with characters who, in normal TV viewing, get only a few seconds of time a week. Roy was such a fascinating character when we had him, and it's already a treat to see so far into his psyche and learn more about what makes him tick. You have a great handle on his character (the imagery and detail of the bleacher story was perfect), and I simply cannot wait for more! -CH
Author's Response: CH--I'm with you. I love the fanfic for filling in the spaces and flushing out the characters. I think that's one of the reasons that I love The Office so much. There's so much that can be done and explored with these characters. Thanks so much for your review. I'm glad you liked the bleacher scene.
You make me so happy, GodinThisChilis, but you know that already. I just bounced over to MTT in post-paper bliss (whoooo hooo) and your story was the perfect treat. I always wait for more of this one, and as usual, I'm excited to see what you have up your sleeve. Nice work! -CH
Author's Response: As always, thanks for your review CH. And congrats on finishing your paper!!!
10 Oh, GodInThisChilis, here I was, bemoaning the fact that I have nothing to do (but relishing it all the same since school starts back soon!), when BOOM! You post! I think this is one of the best chapters yet; the intimacy Jim is so worried of losing is shown so poignantly in your prose. You brought the reader to his level, so we almost felt his guilt and anxiety; I think that's a real gift. You've done a great job here, and I can't wait to see how Pam digs up a girl for him! I'm thinking she'll have six teeth, a lazy eye, and maybe a permanent case of athlete's foot, no? :-)
--CH
ROCK ON, GITC! (How many of my reviews start this way?) I'm having a bitch of a time getting my new TiVo set up; I was on hold with the tech guy when I saw this was posted. No lie, I hurried along the call and said I'd call back after I mess with the IP address, or DHCP address, or something else I don't know anything about. I just spat something out to get off the phone so I could read this, and I wasn't disappointed! I can't wait for more--Please tell me Jim doesn't like Libby (or that she's actually like 4 feet tall, 700 lbs., and a rabid watcher of midnight Star Trek reruns).
Can't wait for more! Keep up the great work! -CH
I'm sorry about your TiVo. It sounds complicated! I'm so glad you liked it. As for Libby, well... Let me just say this. I liked Karen. I didn't like Karen with Jim...I couldn't see the connection, so I kind of want to explore what would have happened if Jim had a "replacement Pam" who was actually a better match. Thanks as always for your rockin' reviews.
9 I hope she's hideous or a bitch or something.
Why do I feel like Marissa and I would get along REALLY well? We share the same thoughts!
Great little teaser, GITC! You know I'm always hungry for this story--keep the chapters coming! --CH
8 I think it's time to write-off Miss Libby, GITC. Not that she's not nice, but I don't want her getting in the way of the kickass crescendo you're building up to her!!! Keep it up!! Can't wait for more! -CH
Author's Response: Trust me...Libby will not get in the way of anything. In fact, she may just help things along. As always, I'm so glad to see your review and know that you are enjoying this.
10 Oh, GiTC, this was PERFECT! Melodramatic is good, especially when it's as beautifully written is this. I love the stilted honesty between them as they become more comfortable with each other. You're doing great work, and it's so nice to have you back!! -CH
This was lovely, SHWOP! You've got such a great handle on Karen's character, and it's always fun to see the new and innovative ways you come up with in dealing with her character's perpsective. I love the twist you took in this; you really showed how Pam and Karen could easily have become friends (you know, if they both didn't want some Halpert lovin'). I know we talked about this story a lot, but I think it's a wonderful little adventure for you to take us on. Well done, well done, and keep up the great work!!!! --GMMBBG