10 [Report This]Date: January 08, 2012 06:54 pm Title: Chapter 1
This is awesome. I hope you have another chapter for us soon...
Author's Response: Better late than never? I'm so sorry it took so long, but I'm back on track with this story and hope to finish it by the end of this week. Thanks so much for the support! Hope you like how it turns out! :)
Date: December 22, 2011 09:31 am Title: Chapter 1
I love the new chapter so much! Please keep writing! :)
Author's Response: Thanks for taking the time to let me know you liked it! Hope to hear from you again! :) Thanks!
Date: December 20, 2011 03:46 pm Title: Chapter 1
Loving this story because it takes away some of the pain of her ill-timed good-bye on the phone. I like your version much better. Thanks!
Author's Response: Thanks, I'm so happy you like this so far! I'm still not a big fan of the phone call ending the way it does on the show, even though we know how it works out in the end. :) Thanks, hope you like the way it turns out. Took me long enough to get back on track.
10 [Report This]Date: December 03, 2011 03:08 pm Title: Chapter 1
i love this story!! it's so in character and it's perfect. can't wait to see chapter 6!
Author's Response: Thank you so much! Thanks for joining us here, and I hope to hear from you again! That it's in character makes me sigh with relief. I always worry about that. Thanks so much! :)
10 [Report This]Date: November 22, 2011 11:07 am Title: Chapter 1
oh and BTW PS... SOOOOO glad that this one is low angst!!! Sometimes we just need mostly good things! :o)
Author's Response: Yeah, it's low angst (aka, no Karen) I wanted to write a story where they're not mad at each other, and I thought this would be a good spot for it had she not cut him off, you know? Anyways, thanks, I'm happy you're enjoying this story! :)
Date: November 18, 2011 08:59 pm Title: Chapter 1
*giggles and claps* He showed up! Also loved the reference to the art show ahead of time. If this thing gets as far as the art show I'm going to love how (I hope) it's so much different with Jim there instead of you know who. But I will miss Michael being there. I mean he'll still be there I'm sure, but our real hero will save the day rather than our completely unexpected hero.
Author's Response: Hehe! Yeah, he did! I wanted this to be like... okay the episodes are the episodes, what could have happened had they started talking again, and I really think that he would have shown up instead of getting drunk in Stamford. I'm so happy you like this! My ending point is a little sooner thank Business School, but the epilogue is up in the air as for time frame, so you never know... :) Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts, it really means so much! :) More on the way after the holiday!
Date: November 15, 2011 07:26 am Title: Chapter 1
I don't think I have read anything similar. I wonder where you're going to take this one! can't wait to read and find out!
Author's Response: Thanks so much! I'm happy you're reading and enjoying. More on the way, hope you like how it goes. :)
10 [Report This]Date: November 05, 2011 07:18 pm Title: Chapter 1
Never read anything like this before. I hope you continue.
Author's Response: Thank you! I try to keep my stories original, or as close to original as possible. I'm happy you like this! More on the way soon. :)
9 [Report This]Date: November 04, 2011 09:04 pm Title: Chapter 1
Great chapter. I love the actual episode. And while the build up was worth it in the end I know I wanted that call to end differently at the time. You could tell how close they were. I'll be waiting for the next chapter :)
Author's Response: Thanks! Exactly, they were so close to getting back to normal, or at least trying to, that I think her cutting him off that way really made him put the walls back up. I know they had to do it for the show and the pay off was worth it most definitely. It's fun to write the what if scenario, too, and explore how things could have gone differently. I'm happy you liked this and hope you'll enjoy the upcoming chapters!
10 [Report This]Date: November 02, 2011 10:32 am Title: Chapter 1
ARGH!!!!! I'm SO SO frustrated! I just wrote a nice long review and then I accidentally hit a few buttons wrong and lost the whole darn thing!! I honestly want to scream, or cry, or something. I apologise. This may not be much compared to my usual reviews because of me losing that but right now I'm not feeling great and really spent. I promise if this isn't much to make it up in future chapters. I've just gotten behind and I'm determined to get caught up before I get further behind.
What can I say Danielle?! Right now you are like a writing Goddess! I mean, it is so nice how often I check this page for an update or something new and I may get either of those from you. For me it's very special when it's your writing because I know it will be a Jim/Pam story. It will be creative. It will be very high quality and in character. (Unless the story would call specifically for one or both to be out of character for some reason, but I think you would even have them seem in character in a unique situation. You just write them so well! Last I know there will be a happy ending for out dynamic couple no matter how much they have to suffer to get to it. Thank you for always providing this for us.
I was excited to see that you took up a season three story and one that I have always been very frustrated with how it ended. I mean, it just seemed that Pam would have asked for a minute to talk to Ryan or clarified when Jim thought she was ending the call so abruptly. For his part, when Jim was taking it as Pam saying goodbye she was clearly flustered and he could have easily questioned that. SOOOO the story....
I love how you first off have that little thing with Ryan as something that Jim didn't even really notice. You bring in their history with the mention of there being a bet about Dwight and Ryan that had been voiced between them at some point. Of course at this point Pam is still Pam, she has things she really wants, probably actually NEEDS to say, but it's all stuck inside her and she just can't manage to make herself say it. I'm hoping that once they are at home and cozy the topics may turn more personal, maybe she'll start drinking some wine that will loosen those words up and they'll be able to flow. I do hope also though that if they are able to talk about it, that Jim accepts that he deserves AT LEAST half of the blame, maybe more (IMO at least) for how things went.
I LOVE that they didn't let the fact that the cleaning crew came in be a reason that their communication had to end. I really loved that it was put that they would 'have dinner together.' So it was neat that they each, as they got home, had thoughts about moving and while Pam didn't specify in her thoughts that she was thinking about moving to Stamford, that's how I took it. Jim certainly was wondering how quickly he could get back to Scranton. What I loved so much about them having these thoughts is, it tells just how well they each percieved the conversation to have gone and where it will continue to go. (BTW, for the person who wondered about Pam having to live with white walls and not being able to hang anything. I lived in an apt like that. It was my very first apt and I was only 18 so I assummed it was standard. It was all in the lease and if there was tape residue at all or grease from that putty like stuff you can use he could and DID ding the deposit. I knew better the next time!)
Can I interject here, I never really bought Jim's excuse at the beginning of the call of having forgotten Kevin's extention and that's why he was going through the system. Jim is an organized, bright, smart salesman whose job is to remember things. He is apparently in contact with Kevin regularly so I just think he would have that extention down. I don't doubt that he thought Pam would be gone, as a matter of fact, I think he waited so long to call to make sure of that. I just think that he would go through the system because her voice on the machine when he called was the one little part of her that he could still have. Anyhow, just always wanted to get that out there and I guess I've just always wondered if anyone else felt that way.
I love how you can picture Jim driving home as quickly as he can, rushing to the fridge to reheat some rice, not wanting to take the time for anyting that would take longer because he wants to be ready when she calls. Your words certainly help me picture him there on his couch, with his rice, wanting the phone to ring and I suspect almost fearful that it won't. It's such a vivid picture that you painted for me at least, when the phone DID ring it felt like he was just so nervous, maybe sensing that there was a lot hinging in the rest of this call. The first part, in the office, I sense were safe, impersonal topics. Typing, co workers, kitchens etc. I'm thinking that once they re find their groove now that the conversation is continuing, each is in the safety and comfort of their home, I'm thinking perhaps some more personal and MUCH more painful topics may be around the corner.
I love how when the call comes it's just all Jim can think of and he actually drops his rice, making no move to pick it up and when he tells Pam he dropped it and she asks about it it's just 'eh, I'll get it later. It's very clear that the call is what's important to him, ALL that's important to him. I already like what you have done with this MUCH more than what the writers did and I KNOW that it's just going to get SO much better. You do just such a fantastic job with this stuff!
Thank you for always sharing so much of yourself with us. I know I'm just one person BUT I'm one person that doesn't get out and get to do much and fan fiction is a bit of a way that I'm able to escape my day to day misery. I hope you know how very genuinely I appreciate the time you spend dreaming up and writing the wonderful things that you share with us. Thank you Danielle. Thank you so much!
Author's Response: I'm always frustrated with the way the actual conversation between them ended, I completely agree with you! I watched it again last night and was still annoyed as ever, over analyzing it with my sister - which is how I came up with the idea for the next chapter that I'm starting today. I've always believed that Jim should remember Kevin's extension, and I agree, he may have wanted to end his day just listening to her voice on the company voice mail. I don't know if he'd readily admit it or not, but I really believe that's what happened. I agree, Jim does deserve some of the blame here too, at least half, but Pam is just as much at fault for not saying anything more to him on the phone. She may have thought she was making an effort but it was so meek that I can really see where he'd be annoyed and confused by the whole thing. Without giving away too much of what I have planned for the story, I thought it would be a good fun thing to explore this what if, because at that point, he's not so hurt and guarded against her that he'd be willing to talk more to her. I feel like once she cuts him off for no good reason (whether or not us viewers know she was just saying goodbye to Ryan) he starts to put up more walls against her and focuses on Karen a lot more. It's a subtle shift in the show, but it's there (maybe I over analyze things too much lol) Thank you so much for taking the time to review, they all mean so much to me! I have more of this story on the way hopefully today! :)
Date: October 31, 2011 07:58 am Title: Chapter 1
Love the premise - this is one of those points in the story arcs where you always say "what if." My only quibble is that I don't think Jim would have said "I miss you" first. I think he would have waited for her to make the first move, even if it was a baby step.
Please continue.
Author's Response: Thanks so much! I'm so happy that you're liking this story so far. I toyed with who should say it first, but ultimately I thought it would be interesting to show how quickly Jim falls back into old habits, you know? Pam will make a move though, somehow and some way. Happy you like it! More on the way soon! :)
10 [Report This]Date: October 30, 2011 09:47 pm Title: Chapter 1
Yes, I like it! Can't wait for more. Pam should move to him. He's got the ocean and good job, she's got nothing but bad memories and a job she hates. Besides, I haven't seen a fic yet where SHE does the moving. I'm just saying. :)
Author's Response: Yay! I'm so happy you like it so far! More on the way soon! I'm still trying to work out the details of who moves where... I'll see which one makes more logical sense for the story. Glad you are liking it! :) Thanks so much!
Date: October 30, 2011 06:01 pm Title: Chapter 1
*Taps foot* I hope this is gonna a long one ;)
Author's Response: LOL it most certainly will be a long one :)
8 [Report This]Date: October 29, 2011 05:38 pm Title: Chapter 1
I never did see the logic in Pam interrupting their conversation to speak to Ryan of all people. I guess it was just a contrivance to keep the rift and tension ongoing.
Anyway, I really enjoyed this, dialogue and characterisation were solid as usual, everything flowed very well and felt natural and the moment at the end was a nice balance between a big revelation (Beach Games or Casino Night) and many of the half-chances throughout the show (The Dundies or how this conversation ended in the show).
Very nice all around, looking forward to more.
Author's Response: I completely agree, the way she ended the phone call never makes sense to me no matter how many times I watch that episode. I'm so happy to hear you liked the dialog and characterization, it's really something I work really meticulously on when writing. I'm really happy you enjoyed this and hope you'll like the rest as it progresses. :) More on the way soon!
Date: October 29, 2011 01:50 pm Title: Chapter 1
Okay, that was just seriously good...seriously, seriously good!!! More!
Author's Response: Thank you so much Mr. Bill! More on the way soon, happy you're enjoying this story! :)
Date: October 29, 2011 11:23 am Title: Chapter 1
I love Jim/Pam on the phone. I hope you get them together -- I like alternatives to S3 episodes. I look forward to what happens next.
Author's Response: I love alternate season 3 fics too, and I'm happy you're liking this one. More on the way, it'll take a while to get to the end, but I hope it will leave you satisfied and smiling :)
10 [Report This]Date: October 28, 2011 10:47 pm Title: Chapter 1
KEEP GOING! Or else...
Author's Response: :) Fear not, I always finish what I start! Happy you're on board with this!
9 [Report This]Date: October 28, 2011 06:21 pm Title: Chapter 1
OMG--those last two paragraphs? My heart is in my throat!
Author's Response: :) I wouldn't be me if I didn't try to tug at your heart strings! :) Glad you liked it! More on the way!!
Date: October 28, 2011 02:57 pm Title: Chapter 1
I love what-if scenarios. :)
One thing that made me scratch my head was why she couldn't hang things on the walls? Is that really a rule somewhere? I've never heard of that... who wants to live in an apartment with bare walls? It would be like living in a hotel. Just a minor thing but it took me out of the story for a second.
Something I've always liked to ponder is how Pam spent that summer, how she changed and started to become her own person. Because even if she missed him desperately, she really had no reason to think he was ever coming back. So I wonder what steps she took to redefine herself as just Pam instead of "Pam and Roy," and while I'm sure she was full of pining and sorrow, I like to think there was more to how she changed than that.
Should be fun to see where you go with this. :)
Author's Response: I love what if scenarios too! I haven't done one in a while (that kept them in character anyway... that Vegas story I wrote still makes me cringe when I re read it)
My sister lives in an apartment complex and part of the lease was that she couldn't hang anything on the walls with nails. She had some art work that she wanted to hang up that she'd created so my dad bought her those Command Strips, and when I thought this story out I thought it would work well with the way the second chapter ended with him buying the Command Strips, so I put it in.
I hope the way she's explained to Jim about how she's gotten her life together over the summer was in depth, and I hope you're still liking this story! I'm working on the next chapter at the moment. Happy you're liking it so far and hope you'll continue to enjoy it! :)
Date: October 28, 2011 02:51 pm Title: Chapter 1
I cannot tell you how much I loved this. I freaking adore season 3 fics. That was so awkward and cute, and I just wanted them to keep on talking forever. When he told her he missed her, my heart cried a little. I can't wait for you to continue this.damn girl, I am in love.
Author's Response: Thank you! I love season 3 fics, and I'm having fun writing this story! I'm working on the next chapter today and it should be done in a few hours if all goes well. :) Happy you like this so far! Thanks for being so supportive! xx
10 [Report This]Date: October 28, 2011 02:22 pm Title: Chapter 1
I really like it! I have to admit, I have a weakness for s3 fics. I feel like that season was just a frustrating year of missed chances because, unlike before, they actually COULD be together if they just had been honest with each other. (Yeah, there's Karen, but it wasn't like she was with Jim for ten years and ready to marry him in a month.) It makes for good AU scenarios.
The phone call was just another example of the missed opportunities each had in the season. I think you handled it realistically. Pam initiated something but nothing so grand because she wasn't in the same place she was in Beach Games. She was still a little timid, I think. Jim is also characterized well; he's not completely shut down like he was at the end of season but he is still a little cautious - understandably.
I'm really looking forward to reading more! :)
Author's Response: I love season 3 fics too, there don't seem to be too many of them around lately, save for the one that's being written by TunaEveryNight (which I'm hoping she continues soon!) I've never been happy with the way that phone call ended and thought it would be fun to explore what could have happened had she not done that. I'm really so happy to see you thought my characterization was on with this. I have been working to keep my stories in character now more than I had been a few years ago. It means a lot to hear that I am doing well with it. Thank you! More on the way soon, I'm so happy you like this so far!
10 [Report This]Date: October 28, 2011 02:20 pm Title: Chapter 1
Just love the premise of this. That part of S3 and the failure of both Pam and Jim to follow up that conversation was one of the most frustrating things about that year. Glad to see this being revisited!
Author's Response: I completely agree, the way she ended that phone call and says goodbye to Ryan just really bugs me all the time when I watch that episode. Happy you're liking this! I'm working on an update as we speak! :)
10 [Report This]Date: October 28, 2011 02:15 pm Title: Chapter 1
Oh, I like you. This is far more realistic that what the writers gave us all those years ago. I'm intrigued. Keep it coming!
Author's Response: I like you too! Thank you! I can't even begin to tell you how each time I watch The Initiation, the way she ends the call gets on my nerves so much! I hope you enjoy the continuation. I'm working on the third chapter today!