The office was buzzing with talk of downsizing. Most while a little frightened, seem to embrace it as a means of escape. If they were FORCED to leave, they would, and have to find new and exciting things to do. But to jump into the unknown like that, no they wouldn't. Sad that in order to release themselves from the Dunder Mifflin soul sucking machine, they would have to be cut lose. Pam didn't know how she felt about it either. On one hand to be cut loose would be a blessing. She could go back to school and finish. But Roy scoffed at her, he would lose his job too and they needed both incomes. He wouldn't make enough to support her in school and pay for the apartment. In away she understood what he meant, but she wanted to suggest maybe she could move back home with her parents and go to school. It would save money and since they hadn't set a date for the wedding yet...

No Roy would flip his lid if she said that. So she said nothing at all.

Dwight had been hounding Michael all morning about downsizing and in a way Pam was happy because that meant Michael was busy trying to escape Dwight's clutches rather than bother her. She sat doodling at her desk, sketching things she saw in the office like Jim or Dwight's bobble head doll.  Anything to pass the time. Dwight was hitting his desk nervously with his knee, causing the bobble heads to move which irritated Pam; she couldn't draw them if they were moving like that. She watched him eye the water cooler where Jim, Oscar, and Toby stood. Oh god....he's thinking. This is not good. Jim watch out!

Jim didn't return to his desk, he went to the men's room. Dwight launched out of his chair so fast, Pam could only watch frozen as he dragged the water cooler by his desk. He huffed and turned red as he pulled with his flabby arms, and sweat beaded his forehead. Ryan stared for a second, and Phyllis just shook her head and went back to work. It's as if they are all immuned to the insanity of it all now.

Jim came back out and did a double take of Dwight's desk, and then turned wide eyed to Pam. She looked back and shrugged.

Yep. Only God knows why he did that.

Jim sat down and started typing and Pam grinned at the soft ding from her computer.

Why does Dwight have the water cooler over here by him?

Pam heard the ding on his computer after she replied.

Maybe he wants to make sure Frodo doesn't get thirsty on his quest to Mordor.

Jim snorted loudly and Dwight snapped up and glared at them both. Just then Michael came out his office, veering towards Pam. She exhaled heavily, and braced herself for a stupid assignment.

"Pamela bamela."

"Yes?"

"Can I see you in my office?"

Pam grimaced and locked her computer and the phone, then followed Michael like a kid going to the dentist to get their teeth pulled. Except the latter was better. Michael was a puddle for the cameras and always tried to get them to see he was a caring man. Pam though he could be, if he wasn't so stupid. He wanted to have a party. For someone's birthday. There wasn't anyone having a birthday this month and Pam prayed that would be the end of that.

"Next person on the calendar is...??" he began drumming on the desk and Pam wished he was whacking himself in the face.

"Okay, umm...that would be Meredith." I'm so sorry Meredith.

Pam tried to talk him out of it, but Michael was adamant. He even called her a wet blanket and Pam stared blankly at him. Her retarded theory had more evidence. SO she exited his office and begrudgingly called up the Party Planning committee, Angela and Phyllis. Angela was like the Stalin of party planning, her unflinching rigidness for detail made Pam want to barf. Pam was silent until Phyllis brought up decorations and streamers.

Pam suggested green, her second favorite color next to pink. Angela scoffed.

"I think green is kind of whoreish."

Pam bit her tongue so hard she tasted blood. Michael had demanded an ice cream cake, which was stupid seeing as Meredith couldn't have diary. But he was selfish and they rolled their eyes at him when he left. When the planning was over, she did a talking head.

"This was tough. I suggested we flip a coin. But Angela said she doesn't like to gamble. Of course by saying that she was gambling that I wouldn't smack her."

She walked back to her desk, only to be greeted by a bubbling Jim. He leaned over towards her. "I got good news."

"Please don't say you saved money on your car insurance."

"I would never rub that in your face.  That's just cruel. But no, really. Dwight wants to form an alliance with me."

Pam blinked. "An alliance?"

"Oh yeah."

The look of pure genius on Jim's face made her laugh. "What does that even mean?"

"I think it has something to do with Survivor, but I'm not sure. Um, I know that it involves spying on people and we may build a fort, underground."

Pam's eyes watered while she choked back her laughter. Jim's deep laugh vibrated her ears and she felt light headed. She seemed to do that a lot, afraid that laughing out loud would be seen as something more...her having too much fun at work, her having too much fun with Jim, her and Jim...

Dwight popped out from behind some desk and glowered at the Pam. Pam sucked in a deep breath. "Jim! Hey. Hi, Pam. Listen, could I talk to you a second about the... paper products?"

Jim smiled at her knowingly and walked over to Dwight, Pam taking in his tall gangly form from behind, bringing a smile to her face. Jim could always make her laugh even in this dismal place.

Meredith's "birthday party" started and Pam helped Angela and Phyllis string up streamers. She looked down at the mint chocolate chip ice cream cake and cursed its existence, another Dunder Mifflin party that would totally suck. Pam shoved it into the icebox in the break room.  All day Jim had been pre-occupied with Dwight and his alliance, Pam decided she wanted to get in on the action, something to keep her awake.

She waited for awhile and then eyed Jim sitting at his desk, looking through papers. Hold on to your socks, Halpert.  She approached him and sighed heavily and whispered loudly. "Hey, Jim, can I talk to you for a second?"

In the corner of her eye she saw Dwight perk up, but try to act nonchalant, he was failing miserably.

Jim gave her his full attention. He always did that, even if they weren't pranking Dwight. He always stopped what he was doing and gave her his full attention. "Sure, what's up?"

Pam wrung her hands and looked down at them. "Um, I don't know, I'm just like, I'm going a little crazy 'cause I keep overhearing all these conversations between Michael and corporate about like, staff issues?"

He lifted an eyebrow at her. "Oh no? "

"Yeah, he's making me take notes on these meetings and I'm, like, "These people are my friends. But he's all like, ‘This is confidential. You can't tell anybody.' But I just feel like I want to...aaah. Just promise me you're not gonna say anything." She replied watching Jim's eyes twinkle a bit. He was proud and loving this.

"No, will not, I'm not going to tell anybody. This is between you and me," he replied, and Pam gave him a small smile as he lifted himself off the chair and followed her. They went out in the hall, barely controlling their giddiness. Jim let the door shut behind him and smiled so big, Pam could count his white teeth.

"Did I do good?" she asked, grinning up at him

He pointed at her. "You are awesome."

"Thanks. Better get back in there, before he comes out." Pam replied looking at the door. She noticed Jim wasn't looking at the door, he was staring at her.

"Yeah ok...again...good job." He said and bounced back in the office. Pam couldn't help but smile.

When she got back to her desk, Jim pumped a fist in the air and followed Dwight out the door. She had no idea what they were doing now but it was so intriguing, she must say this was one of Jim's masterpieces. If it wasn't for Jim she would probably die of boredom or Michael would slowly drive her insane. Michael came out and began calling them to the door, Angela was bringing back Meredith. Here comes the suck, Pam thought. She put on her party hat and walked over by Michael, and a pathetic surprise came out her mouth as Meredith entered. She casted the camera guy a look, be happy you are just visiting. Meredith had no idea what was going on but then again did anyone in here?

A slice of cake later and some very cheap fruit punch, Jim leaned on her counter stabbing apiece of cake.

"He's in a box?"

"Pam, he's in a box. He's downstairs, in a box, on the floor, near the shelves."

She almost choked on her cheap punch. She watched Jim look over her head, a look of triumph on his long face, a handsome face she would say. She wondered if he knew he was so attractive, the youthfulness he had when he smiled. She should set him up with one of her friends maybe...maybe....

"I'm serious. Go down there and work your magic." Jim gave her a wink and Pam grabbed her cell phone and bolted to the warehouse. Jim had given her his number a while back, in case..."like she needed a ride to work or something". She only used it a few times, one to call him about seeing a man pick his nose furiously at a stoplight and asking his opinion on what to paint in the park or something.

She pressed dial and waited to hear his voice. "Jimmmmmmm Halbert."

She stood next to a box that began to sway back and forth as she spoke into the phone and she could no longer speak without choking when it tilted and leaned over.  She ran out back upstairs to the party, her face red and ears burning from having the best day. Dwight in a box.  How great was that? This would go down in the history of pranking.

Later after Michael insulted Meredith, Pam sat at her desk clutching Jim's hand as he relayed his new plans for Dwight. Something about dying his hair and spying on the Stamford branch. Pam giggled wildly, she hadn't laughed this much in years and she felt Jim's hand on her shoulder as he leaned in her ear and hatched his devious new idea.

The front door opens and Roy's face flushed, but before Pam could even say hello he was storming towards Jim, angry.

"What the hell is this? What are you trying to cop a feel or something? Huh Halpert?"

Jim let go and stood tall, flustered, trying to explain things to Roy but Roy wasn't hearing it. Pam stood between them, trying to push Roy away. He grabbed her and dragged her out the building and into the parking lot before she could apologize to Jim for Roy's behavior.

Pam pushed off of him as the reached Roy's truck. "What is your problem?!"

"My problem? He was all over you, Pam! That's what the hell my problem is!"

"He was telling me a joke! And instead of you being a fucking Neanderthal, had you listened, nothing happened!"

"Get in the truck Pam." Roy growled out.

"You had no right!"

Roy's face softened. "I'm sorry baby...get in the truck."

Pam sucked in a breath and got in the passenger seat. Roy pulled out and she cast one sad look at the building, realizing the fun was over.

*******************************************************

Pam tilted her head to the side as the red head tapped her fingers against the counter. She had buzzed Michael several times, but he was in there chatting with the cameras. The redhead had come in here early that morning, her hair cascading in long curls down her back, makeup flawless, and a low cut shirt. Pam wanted to know if she was trying to sell purses or cleavage. Sure she wasn't as pretty as that, but she was pretty...right? She'd ask her where she got that shirt, maybe she could find something attractive like that.

Michael's voice grated like nails on chalkboard. " Pam!"

"Hey, there's-"

"Burger with cheese." He's not giving her his lunch order, please don't let him be giving her his lunch order.

"There's a person here- "

"And fries." Michael replied.

"There's a-" she continued.

"And shake. What? Go ahead."

"There's a person here who wants to sell handbags." Pam muttered and turned to go back to her desk. Michael slinked out and his eyes got that weird glazed over look he gets when he's too stupid to live. Pam hated that look.  Katy smiled at her and Pam admired her purse. She really wanted to ask about the shirt but she figured too obvious, so she inquired about her purse instead.

Katy smiled. "This one is hand-embroidered."

"Alright girls, break it up, you're being infiltrated. Cock in the hen house." Michael stated causing Pam to roll her eyes. She really wanted to smack him. He started ogling at Katy and Pam pushed her papers around her desk, especially when he insulted her by saying Katy was the new and improved version of her. She really wanted to staple something to his head when he encouraged Katy to sell her purses in the conference room, even if there were meetings scheduled.

Pam glanced at Jim who was engrossed in a game of Spider Solitaire probably and it made her feel a bit better he wasn't staring at Katy like a piece of meat like the other sexist pigs in here.  He had barely looked up at all. All the other men were dogs. Well everyone but Jim and Oscar, who probably wasn't staring because he was busy doing accounting. Oh and Stanley was in the men's room.  But Michael was drooling all over Katy, it made Pam sick.

 She was reading her email when Kevin came up behind her and snickered.

"So, are you jealous because there's another girl around?"

Pam frowned. What did she have to be jealous of? She was engaged. "No."

"She's prettier than you, though."

Pam's heart stopped. Why would he say something like that? Sure Katy was pretty in that video runway model way but Pam didn't think she was hideous or anything. She took a breath. "That's a very, rude thing to say, Kevin."

She assumed he walked away after because she fought back the tear coming to her eyes and wouldn't look at him. Why did it bother her if Kevin didn't think she was pretty? Kevin wasn't Roy. Pam busied herself with work as Michael harassed Katy relentlessly. Poor girl will never get to sell a purse with Michael in her face.

Pam looked back at Jim who glanced at her and smiled then went back to playing Minesweep. Roy told her he would eat lunch with her today and Pam was happy about that. They barely got to eat together because the warehouse schedule was crazy and Roy would go eat with Darryl. She grabbed her lunch bag and greeted him as he came in, a huge smile on her face.

She tried not to notice when he peeked into the conference room and saw Katy, and smirked, just like the other guys. Jim came and sat down beside her as they ate their lunch, he pulled out a ham and cheese sandwich and Pam stared down her salad.

Roy cleared his throat as Katy walked through the break room. "Hey, Jimmy, what do you think about that, uh, little purse girl, huh?"

Pam stabbed at a piece of lettuce and she swore for a moment, Jim looked at her.

"Cute, sure, yeah." He replied, biting into his sandwich.

"Why don't you get on that?"

She stabbed again. Stupid lettuce.

"She's not really my type." Jim mumbled.

Roy continued. "What are you, gay?"

Jim shook his head. "Umm...I don't think so, nope."

Pam couldn't help but smile at that.

"Well, what is your type?" Roy questioned.

Pam could feel Jim's eyes burn into the side of her face, and then he cleared his throat. "Moms, primarily. Yep. Soccer moms, single moms, NASCAR moms, any type of mom, really."

Pam held back a chuckle. Smart ass.

"That's disgusting." Roy quipped.

"Stay away from my mom." Kevin added.

Jim just shrugged and bit his sandwich. "Too late, Kev."

Pam giggled slightly but that ended when Katy walked back through. My god, can't she just sit down somewhere?  

Roy sighed. "Man, I would be all over that if I wasn't dating Pam."

The lettuce got stuck in her throat and her heart beat hard. Did he really just say dating? Had she not been engaged to him for 2 years and he was sitting here now talking of banging the purse girl. "We're not dating, we're engaged."

"Engaged," he took a sip of his drink. "Yeah."

Pam wanted to cry. No she wanted to scream. Not only did he embarrass her in front of Jim, but he's talking of banging another girl and he's not even sorry about it. She threw her fork down in disgust and walked back to her desk, ready to cry or kick something.

Later while on a call, Jim's long fingers disconnect her phone. "He-"

"Okay, shh. Stop," he replied, returning the phone to its cradle. "Whatever you're doing...Cause this is going to be good."

He maneuvered her chair towards the conference room and points to Dwight and Katy.

Jim snickered and started speaking in a shrieky voice, "Hi, my name's Dwight Schrute and I would like to buy a purse from you. Good Lord! Look at these purses...This is something special."

Pam snickered and looked at him as he continued. "Oh, my God. In this Salvatore de Chini...asta?"

Pam decided she needed a boast and joined in as Katy. "Oh...definitely, definitely step in and out of it like that."

They continued their voice overs of the Dwight and Katy purse purchase and Pam smiled her first real smile of the day. She didn't let it bother her when she went to look at the purses and Michael kicked her out. Or when Dwight kept walking past her with his man -purse. No. She wasn't going to let what Roy said earlier ruin her day. And Jim was making sure of it. She was looking over a file when Michael walked over to her desk, asking for messages. She gave him a confused look; he knew she had already given him his messages.

"Yes, you did. Yes, you did. Just checking, double-checking. Checking on the check. Thoroughness is very important in an office. And... " Michael looked over at the camera.

Oh god, Pam thought.

"Yeah, of course. Um, Pam, one more thing. How do girls your age feel about futons?"

Pam froze. What? Futons. Why on earth would he unload such information on her? She had to share it, she had to tell Jim. Michael caught a glimpse of Katy and walked away and Pam walked over to Jim and slid up on his desk. She had to share this, she would be a fool not to.

He bit his lip and looked up at her. "A futon? He's a grown man."

"That's what he said."  

Jim shook his head. " That's sad. Or it's innovative. You know the futon in a bed and couch all rolled into one."

Pam was so caught up in laughing, she didn't see Roy come in. Jim's eyes darted and he became tense as Roy approached his desk. He was probably still nervous from the last time Roy came at him, but Pam assured Jim Roy was out of line. He still came near her and touched her, and she was okay with that. She knew he would never hurt her or disrespect her.

Roy looked sheepish as he asked. "What's up?"

Pam stopped laughing. She loved her fiancé but he could be sooo...so insensitive to her sometimes. Hell, most times. Roy wasn't a bad guy, not at all, but he could hurt her with his words so easily.  "Hi."

"Are you still mad at me?" He cooed. Pam swatted his hand away as he lifted his hands to her side and began to tickling her. She was very ticklish and squirmed in his grasp and he continued to ask her to forgive him. For an instance, she forgot Jim was still there, and she felt bad for sitting on his desk, letting Roy touch her. She went to do a talking head and the AD asked her something about, Jim's a good friend isn't he? Of course he was, Pam smiled. He was her best friend even.

"Jim's a great guy. He's like a brother to me. We're like best friends in the office and...I really hope he finds someone."

She would regret saying that after hearing Jim had plans this weekend with Katy. Watching Jim walk Katy out to his car, joking making her smile. She climbed into the passenger seat of Roy's truck and watched Jim help Katy in the car. She knew he needed someone, everyone needed someone. She had Roy, right? But a selfish way Pam realized, she didn't want Jim to make Katy laugh. That was something he did for her and she wanted it to be for her alone. She didn't want to share her friend. Not yet anyway.