Author's Chapter Notes:
The branch heads out for a night on the town...to Downtown Disney we go! Would you like to come along?
Kelly: (in front of a giant fountain, with Planet Hollywood visible behind it; she is dressed in a brightly printed top and tight jean skirt, with some chunky jewelry thrown in to boot) So we got to go back to the hotel and change before we came out to Downtown Disney, and all I can say is thank God, because I totally couldn’t bear being dressed in that awful shirt, like, one second longer. How embarrassing. I mean, I know I, like, worked some magic on it, but there’s only so much you can do with something so gross. Aren’t you happy we got to dress up cute? (She turns to her right and the shot pulls back to include an uncomfortable Oscar. )
Oscar: Sure.
Kelly: (rolling her eyes at the camera) Anyway, the best part is after we eat we get to go shopping! (She claps excitedly, then turns to Oscar again. ) You’re at least excited about shopping, right?
Oscar: (rubs the back of his neck) I…yeah. Why not?
(Kelly watches him a long moment before resting a hand on his arm. )
Kelly: (sounding concerned) You know you really need, like, better gay training.
----
The branch was gathered in small groupings outside Planet Hollywood waiting for their table to open. Everyone was dressed in attire different than what they’d worn earlier, save Michael and Dwight, still proudly wearing their Dunder Mifflin shirts. Andy stood with Angela, looking concerned. “Should I have kept my t-shirt on?” he asked her, glancing at Dwight, then down at his own choice in attire - a shockingly green Izod polo (with collar popped), and navy shorts, embroidered with tiny alligators.
“No. Those things are obscene.”
“But Dwight has his on. So does Michael.”
Angela looked over at the two men in matching red shirts. Pursing her lips, she shook her head. “I’m sure it’s fine,” she assured Andy coolly. Andy seemed unconvinced but said nothing more.
Pam was standing off to the side talking with Meredith and Phyllis. Jim, who had been listening to Kevin talk about a wager he’d won on a recent Phillies game, noticed she was preoccupied and stepped away quickly to approach Judy. He leaned over and whispered something to her. She, in turn, nodded, and whispered something back. Jim gave her a smile and began strolling toward Pam. Just then the loud speaker clicked on.
“Planet Hollywood would like to welcome the Scranton party! Scranton, party of fourteen! ”
“Pam!” Michael cried, spinning around. “That’s not the name I told you to use!” He grinned at the camera. “I wanted ‘Harry Butz,’” he revealed, then giggled fiendishly.
“That’s what she said!” Andy and Dwight said simultaneously. They glowered at each other as Michael laughed harder.
“Sorry, Michael, I…forgot,” Pam apologized, quite unapologetically. The group made its way to the entrance, but Jim appeared next to Pam and laced his fingers through hers. She looked up at him in surprise as he gently pulled her away.
“What are you doing?” she asked, following his lead. He shook his head.
“Not taking questions. Come on.” He gave the camera a happy smirk as the two walked away quickly.
----
Michael: (in front of a wall covered in movie memorabilia; he looks impressed) Scranton’s great, but it doesn’t afford a lot of opportunities for you to hobnob with the stars. That’s why I chose this place for dinner. Pam wasn’t happy with the choice, but I don’t expect her to get it. I’m kind of the only one in the office that understands this kind of thing, the type of chance this is. I haven’t seen any celebrities here yet, but I have seen a lot of their stuff. Plus, this place was founded by some of the finest actors ever. Stallone. Willis. Schwarzenegger. You know if they get behind a restaurant it’s gonna be awesome. Great ambiance. Gourmet food. (He shook his head.) It’s a once in a lifetime thing, y’know?
----
Stanley: (in front of a giant television that’s playing clips from Die Hard, looking bored) It’s a louder Chili’s with some props in it. They better have tasty wings.
----
Jim and Pam were still walking hand-in-hand as they passed a wooden building bearing a sign lettered with the title Adventurer’s Club. “You’re really not going to tell me where we’re going?”
Jim simply shook his head and continued whistling Weezer’s “Holiday.”
Pam looked skeptical. “How do I know you know where we’re going?” she pressed.
Jim shrugged.
She gave the camera a confused look and they walked on without another word. Suddenly Pam’s eyes narrowed. The camera turned and showed what had caught her interest – a squat Irish pub with a crimson sign that read Raglan Road. Her previously narrow eyes went wide and her mouth dropped open a little. She looked up at Jim expectantly and he couldn’t keep from smiling, which ruined any hope he had of continuing to whistle casually. He shoved his free hand deep in the pocket of his loose-fitting khakis. Pam turned back to smile brilliantly at the camera, which meant she missed the looks of absolute shock, terror, and finally dismay that swept across her boyfriend’s face in rapid succession. The hand searching his pocket spasmed like a trapped animal. He had managed to regain at least the appearance of calm when Pam’s eyes met his again.
“Interesting choice,” she said playfully, squeezing his hand. He smiled awkwardly.
“I try,” he said, somewhat hoarsely. He bowed his head a little as they headed for the pub entrance.
----
Jim: (outside the restaurant on a bench with his elbows on his knees, a bronze statue of a man with folded arms is seated next to him; evenly) I left it…you know, the ring…in the pocket of my shorts I wore earlier today, so…go me. (Jim glances at the statue next to him and folds his hands. He tries to smile as he looks back at the camera, but his eyes are clouded. ) We’ve already got a table so…we might as well just eat here. Right? (He looks down at his folded hands. ) You should probably just focus on everyone at Planet Hollywood. That’ll be much more interesting than anything going on…here.
(Jim rubs a hand over his face. Someone listening very carefully would hear him whisper, “Idiot.” )
----
A waiter approached the long table the rest of the Dunder Mifflin travelers occupied at Planet Hollywood, holding a tray laden with beverages. After they were distributed Michael clanged a knife against his glass and stood up.
“I’d like to propose a toast,” he announced. He looked around at his employees and smiled affectionately. “I’m so happy to have you all here with me on this night – well, all except Holly, whose trip I gave away to my brotha from anotha motha -” (Darryl shook his head a little as Kelly squeezed his arm, starry-eyed) “ – and Pam and Jim, who are no doubt off having hot-”
“Michael,” Angela said warningly. “There are children around.”
“And prudes,” Michael said under his breath. He cleared his throat. “My heart is full when I see all of you here, in this restaurant I chose. On this trip I scored us. It brings me joy. And despite anyone that attempts to infiltrate our circle–” he looked directly at Judy, who lowered her glass some, “-I know when I see us gathered here at one table that we…” Michael trailed off as his voice cracked. He brought a hand to his mouth and Dwight reached up to touch his arm. Michael shuddered and stepped away from Dwight’s touch. “I know that we will always be a family,” he managed to say as his eyes filled with tears. He then stood there silently.
“Cheers?” Kevin finally guessed. Michael nodded, apparently too moved by his own words to speak, and everyone at the table began clinking glasses.
----
It was clear the cameraman was attempting to film Jim and Pam without being noticed, because they were obstructed by the pole of a patio umbrella and several tables full of diners. They sat outdoors and gave the waitress clearing their plates a smile. After she left Jim glanced at Pam briefly.
“How was your food?”
“Delicious. How was yours?”
“Good,” he said, nodding. Pam smiled at him but he only returned the gesture for an instant before he let his eyes roam the general vicinity. She bit her lip, but pushed another grin onto her face when the waitress returned.
“Can I get you two dessert, or maybe a drink?” she offered, her words colored by a soft Irish accent. Pam nodded.
“Yeah…may I have a draft Killian’s, and…Jim? Black and tan for you?” She smiled hopefully at him. He started.
“Oh…yeah. That sounds great. Thanks,” he said, smiling too. The waitress jotted the order down and left for the bar. Pam tipped her head.
“Are you okay?” she murmured. Jim nodded slowly.
“Yep. I’m fine.” He stared down at the table.
Pam followed suit.
----
Judy was looking at a map of the shopping district with Phyllis and Kelly, who were seated on either side of her, pointing at different spots and explaining what could be found at each store. Further down the table Kevin leaned toward Creed, who sat to the left of him.
“What do you think of Judy?” he asked as quietly as he could in the noisy restaurant, watching their guide as she laughed at something Phyllis said. Creed stared at him blankly. Finally Kevin pointed at the brunette. “She’s Judy,” he explained.
“Oh,” Creed said, then studied the young woman for a moment. “Not bad. Looks like a square with those Buddy Holly frames, but overall she’s all right. Great chest,” he finally ruled. Kevin nodded seriously. “She’s kinda chatty, though. Always yap-yapping about things.”
Kevin considered that a moment. “I think that’s her job. She is our tour guide.”
Creed raised his eyebrows. “Is she?”
Kevin gave him a strange look. “Yeah.”
“No kidding.”
----
Creed: (outside the restaurant) That’s good to know. (Creed shrugs. ) I thought she mighta been someone’s kid. (He walks away. )
----
Kevin: (standing at the bar) It may just be the glasses, but I think Judy’s pretty hot. I know I’ve got Holly back home, but you know what they say. (He smiles sneakily and nods. ) When the cat’s away, the mouse will play. (Kevin pauses a moment to ponder that metaphor; as he does his smile makes a run for it. ) I’m not sure if I’m the cat or the mouse.
----
“So we’re going shopping now, right?” Kelly asked Judy eagerly as they left the restaurant. Judy nodded.
“The shops all close before the clubs in Pleasure Island do, so I figured we’d head this way first.” Judy stopped and looked around at the group. “Creed's already gone. Did we lose Meredith too?” she wondered.
----
Meredith: (standing at the bar in 8Traxx, a dance club; Andy Gibb’s “Shadow Dancing” is playing loudly) I’ll shop later. (She takes a sip of a large, colorful drink then turns to the bartender, a moustached man in his late forties, and gives him a wink. )
----
As Judy held the door for everyone at World of Disney, she gave an approaching Jim and Pam a wave. Jim waved back and Pam smiled as brightly as she could. Judy let the door close and walked to meet them.
“How was your dinner?” she asked.
“Great. Really good,” Pam answered, wrapping her arm around her middle and glancing at Jim. “I’m gonna go check out the store,” she said quietly, and with a quick, half-smile at the camera hurried away to do just that. Jim couldn’t help but watch her, then sneak his own look at the camera. He then looked at Judy again.
“How was your dinner?” he asked lightly, as he and Judy both followed after Pam. “Did we miss anything?”
Judy tilted her head slightly. “Probably not anything you haven’t seen some variation of before.”
Jim managed a genuine jim. “Oh good.” He held the door for Judy and entered behind her.
----
Phyllis was studying a huge display of Christmas ornaments as Michael walked up. She gave him a smile, then a curious look as he picked up a bulb that read Baby’s First Christmas.
“Who’s that for?” she asked him. He jumped a little and quickly replaced it.
“That? No one. My friend. That I know. Very well.” Michael feigned interest in a gingerbread rendition of Cinderella’s Castle.
Phyllis gave the camera a knowing look.
----
Michael: (leaning against a display of yellow onesies reading “Mommy’s Favorite Dwarf” ) Okay, so I was looking at those for Jan. Big deal. Doesn’t mean anything. Just being a good friend. (He looks at the onesies critically. ) I thought we were supposed to call them ‘little people’ now.
----
Dwight stood in the checkout line at the Lego Imagination Center store, watching the children running amok around him with contempt. He turned slightly and his disgusted look only intensified as he noticed Jim taking a place behind him in line. Jim gave him a grin. “I thought these were cool,” he admitted, holding up a small box. Inside were three tiny Lego versions of Chewbacca, Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi. “They’re magnets.”
“I know,” Dwight said, fumbling with the kits he held and finally holding up an identical box, only his held Darth Maul, Anakin Skywalker and some sort of fighter pilot. Jim's smile fell some. Suddenly a flash went off and both turned in surprise to see Pam, who was holding her camera and smiling, this time genuinely.
“That’s going in the scrapbook,” she said decidedly.
“Delete that picture,” Dwight ordered. Pam appeared to think about it.
“No,” she finally said.
Before he could argue further the cashier called out a friendly, “You’re next, sir!” Dwight glared at Pam before putting his purchases on the counter. Pam and Jim shared a soft smile and she joined his side.
“You really won’t delete that?” he asked quietly, taking her hand.
“Not a chance.”
----
Pam: (outside, smiling) Jim bought the first souvenir! He was teasing me all week, saying I’d be the out-of-control Disney fan, and he bought something first. (Pam’s smile fades just a little as she listens to a question. She reaches up to her necklace. ) Yeah, everything’s fine. Just…you know. It’s been a long day. But a good one. (She nods. )
----
When Kevin, Jim and Andy left a small store called Team Disney they found the rest of their coworkers assembled near the water. “Another purchase?” Pam asked teasingly as Jim joined her. Jim shrugged and pulled an ESPN Baseball glass out of his bag.
“This is it,” he told her. She flashed a doubtful grin at the camera as Judy moved to the front of the group.
“Okay, so I’m going to take anyone interested back to Pleasure Island to check out the nightlife over there. If you want to do more shopping feel free; the stores are open until eleven o’clock. If you’re just ready to call it a night, no problem – head over to the bus stop and you’ll be able to catch a ride back to the hotel,” she informed them. “Take a minute or two to decide. I’ll be at the bridge over there waiting for whoever’s interested in checking out the nightclubs.” She headed off to the left. Stanley, Oscar and Phyllis quickly ruled they were ready to turn in and left, and after a few heated moments of discussion Andy and Angela did the same.
----
Andy: (standing at the bus pick-up, Angela is visible behind him on a bench; he is speaking quietly) Would I love to head out on the town and party my ace off with everyone else, especially Michael? Um, yeah. But I’ve got more than just me to think about now, y’know? (He casts a loving look over his shoulder. Angela notices and gives a prim smile in return. Once Andy turns to the camera again, however, the smile disappears and she folds her arms across her chest. Andy holds up a large shopping bag. ) Besides, she needed me to carry all the stuff she bought for the cats at that Disney Tails place.
----
Dwight walked by Michael’s side as they followed Judy to Pleasure Island. “I am very excited to go out on another night on the town with you, Michael,” he said earnestly. Michael frowned at the camera.
“Dammit, Dwight, you’re making it sound so gay,” he told him.
“I’m sorry. What club will we visit first?”
Michael was quiet a long minute. “It’s…hard to say. There’s…that one, you know, that one’s cool,” he attempted.
“Do you want me to tell you what’s there?” Judy asked, slowing to join them.
“No,” Dwight answered immediately.
“I’d like to know,” Pam said.
Both Michael and Dwight glared at her.
“Well, there’s 8Traxx, which is a dance club that plays music from the 70’s and 80’s-”
“Oh, that sounds hip and cool – no thanks,” Michael replied.
“Or there’s Mannequins; they play contemporary music and have a really cool revolving dance floor.”
“Omigod, that’s so where I want to go! That sounds awesome. Can we go there, baby? Pleasepleaseplease?” Kelly begged, grabbing Darryl’s arm. He shrugged.
“Sure.”
Kelly squealed. She turned to Jim and Pam excitedly. “You guys should totally come too! We can double date! Yay!”
Jim and Pam exchanged a look.
“Dou-ble date! Dou-ble date! Dou-ble date!” Kelly chanted, slapping Jim lightly on the arm with each syllable.
“Okay, sure,” Pam gave in.
Jim graced the camera with a desperate glance, then shared it with Pam as she smiled at him. Michael nodded.
“Yes, let’s go there. Good call.”
Kelly shook her head. “Um, it’s a double date. Like, the four of us.” She began hauling Darryl off.
“Darryl?” Michael tried.
“You know how it is, Mike - dink and flicka,” he called over his shoulder, grinning at the camera. Jim and Pam slowly followed after them.
“Dink and flicka,” Michael sighed sadly and took in who he was left with. Kevin, Dwight and Judy clearly weren’t measuring up, as evidenced by the grimace he shot camera-ward.
“Well let’s see, we could always-” Judy began, but Michael waved her off.
“There is absolutely nothing else I’d rather do,” he huffed.
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
“Okay. I was about to suggest the improv show that starts in twenty minutes or so at the Comedy Warehouse, but…”
Michael’s head jerked in Judy’s direction violently and his eyes narrowed. “Did you say improv comedy?” he asked softly.
----
Oscar: (seated on a bar stool at Petals Pool Bar, a gin and tonic in his hand) It had nothing to do with being tired. We heard Judy mention the comedy club at dinner. I knew then and there I’d be doing my drinking poolside tonight.
(The shot widens to include Stanley, who’s on a stool next to Oscar’s. Stanley grins and holds out his red wine. He and Oscar clink glasses. )
----
“Do you have any comedy clubs in Scranton?” Judy asked the three men she accompanied as they entered the Comedy Warehouse.
“We have a place called Wise Crackers in Wilkes-Barre,” Kevin answered. “It sucks.”
“We have no need to go out for our comedy,” Dwight said fiercely. “Michael is a comedic genius.”
Michael wore an “aw shucks” look. “You are far too generous, my friend.”
Dwight beamed. “It’s true. Michael is a professional.”
“Well, I’ve taken classes for a few years, that’s true.” He glanced at the camera. “They don’t grade you or anything, but my talent speaks for itself.”
Judy raised her eyebrows. “That sounds cool, Michael. I’ve thought about taking a class like that.”
Michael stared at her. “Why?”
“Um…I just thought it might be fun. Maybe help me become a better, more entertaining guide.”
“I think you’re an awesome guide,” Kevin complimented her. Judy smiled, but before she could thank him Michael snorted.
“You would think that. No eye for talent,” Michael said as an aside to the camera. “And I wouldn’t bother with the comedy class if I were you. You’ve gotta have that natural ability first and you…”
“Are not funny,” Dwight finished. He then began pointing frantically. “Michael! Two seats open down front!”
“Excellent! It’ll make it much easier to get involved – hop right in when the moment’s right!” Michael started to head down the stairs. Judy’s eyebrows met her hairline and she grabbed his shoulder.
“Michael, you don’t perform here – you know that, right? You just watch the show. From the audience,” she explained hastily. Michael gave a knowing look to the camera.
“Judy, I know improv. They love having trained performers join them – it keeps it interesting, keeps you on your toes.” He snapped his fingers several times in her face as he spoke. She pulled back slightly.
“No. No, they don’t like that at all, Michael-”
But Michael was already headed off down the stairs. She watched him anxiously, then turned to find Kevin still standing there.
“I’ll sit with you up here,” he offered, still smiling.
She did her best to return the gesture. “Thanks,” she managed faintly. “Why don’t you grab these two seats. I’m going to go get something to drink.” She turned to leave.
“Will you get me a beer?”
Judy only nodded as she disappeared into the crowd.
----
Judy: (carrying a bottle of Bud Light and a glass full of amber liquid; she looks startled) It’s an…iced tea. (Her jaw clenches. ) You should just edit this out too. (Judy takes a long sip, cringing slightly. )
----
Jim and Pam were sitting at a table near the dance floor, each with a beer in front of them. Jim couldn’t help but laugh as Pam bobbed her head as the latest Madonna effort blared from the speakers. “What?” she asked, laughing too.
“You’ve clearly lost your mind.”
“Really? Why?” she asked.
“This song is terrible and yet you’re still dancing.”
“I’m…bopping. I’m not dancing,” she corrected him.
“’Bopping?’” he repeated, cocking an eyebrow.
“Yes. Bopping.”
“Thank God we discovered time travel’s possible today.”
“Why is that?”
“Otherwise you’d have a hell of a time returning that word to 1956 when you’re done with it,” he said, taking a swig of his beer. Pam slapped his arm, then looked out on the dance floor.
“Would you prefer I dance like that?” she quizzed, pointing. The camera turned and zoomed in on Kelly grinding on Darryl so intimately it could make one feel dirty just seeing it.
“Definitely not,” he replied, then smiled suggestively. “Let me rephrase that.” He leaned in and whispered to her. Even in the dim light of the club the shocking pink that tackled Pam's cheeks as he whispered was evident. She gave him another slap, whispered something back and proceeded to resume ‘bopping.’ Jim grinned widely.
----
Michael: (outside the Comedy Warehouse; his arms are folded tightly and anger contorts his features. ) This place gives improv a bad name.
(A scene plays in which Michael is climbing awkwardly onto the stage to join four other performers. Their gestures clearly indicate they are trying to discourage him. Dwight, on the other hand, gets to his feet and begins cheering. Michael gets on the stage and launches into a series of exaggerated mimes – first driving a car, then what appears to be a gorilla impression, and finally holding someone up at gunpoint. This continues for another moment or two, and just as Michael looks as if he is about to kiss one of the female performers a security guard comes on stage and forcefully takes his arm. As he is led out, he can faintly be heard yelling, “I’m a professional! I’m trained!” Dwight hurries after them, shaking his head ad holding up his hand to prevent the camera from filming. )
Michael: It’s improv, as in im-pro-vi-sa-tion. From the Latin: prepare to be unprepared. I was testing their skills. They should be happy for the challenge!
(Judy enters the shot. She looks very tired. )
Judy: (with a small smile it’s obvious she doesn’t feel) Ready to go?
(Michael gives her a long look, dripping with hatred. She sighs. )
----
Pam: (standing at the bus stop; Kelly and Darryl can be seen making out against the post behind her) So here’s the score at the end of day one. Jim threatened to let a hippo maul me.
Jim (grinning) Yep. We saw a stage full of singing undersea life, and learned going in reverse triggers Pam’s motion sickness.
Pam: (nodding) We traveled through time. Jim went on a shopping spree.
Jim: And we’ve seen dancing the likes of which I haven’t been exposed to since my high school prom.
Pam: (looks at Jim) Quite an eventful day.
Jim: (nods) And there are still three days to go. (He eyes the camera meaningfully. )
Chapter End Notes:
Check out a deleted scene with Angela! Also, Jim made a list of all his proposal plans that you can check out as we go. Click here to see what he had planned through Day One.
This story hasn't had a tremendous number of visitors - and that's okay, I know travel stories or tales that involve more than just Jim and Pam aren't everyone's cup of tea. But for those that had read, reviewed and (hopefully!) enjoyed, thanks so much. I know it sounds arrogant, but for what it is this story is my baby and it tickles me pink knowing that others like it. Thanks, y'all - group hug!
And I don't know if Wise Crackers in Wilkes-Barre actually sucks, but if it's anything like most of our comedy clubs here in Day-twah (that's French for Detroit), it does. Sorry, Wise Crackers. :)
This story hasn't had a tremendous number of visitors - and that's okay, I know travel stories or tales that involve more than just Jim and Pam aren't everyone's cup of tea. But for those that had read, reviewed and (hopefully!) enjoyed, thanks so much. I know it sounds arrogant, but for what it is this story is my baby and it tickles me pink knowing that others like it. Thanks, y'all - group hug!
And I don't know if Wise Crackers in Wilkes-Barre actually sucks, but if it's anything like most of our comedy clubs here in Day-twah (that's French for Detroit), it does. Sorry, Wise Crackers. :)
