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A Jericho Fan Fiction Archive
Another great installment! As usual all the little details you provide really make the story come alive. A few of my favorite details was the sopping wet DEA cap, Jake walking around with one shoe, and the details about the report card. I really like how you are able to convey how your characters feel through their actions.
I'm so glad that Heather decided against insisting on going to Black Jack. I really like the reference to Joe when Johnston said he wasn't looking forward to yelling at her twice, once for himself and once for her father. It makes me wonder what happened to the rest of Heather's family and if we'll find out. I also found it amusing how everyone was worried about what Gail would have said if Heather had insisted on going. I thought the Star Wars banter between Heather and Jake was very funny and think that Heather chose a very appropriate name for Jake's car.
Poor Jake in the scene five years ago he really is miserable. I like how the weather mimicked just how miserable he was. He should have known that he wouldn't be able to sneak by his mother. Gail did a very good job listening to her son and getting him to talk. Despite Jake's annoyance at the beginning of the conversation I think that he was very grateful that she was there to listen to him. I love the smile that came across Gail's face when Jake told her that he loves Heather.
I really like the detail of what Heather had taught Michael and Jake. The description of models built out of sticks, Styrofoam cups, paper clips and play dough was my favorite. Heather's and Jake' banter about the report card was really enjoyable and added some nice levity to the Black Jack trip. I really enjoyed the conversation that ensued after Johnston reviewed the report cards and thought that displaying them on the fridge was a nice touch. I do love the appearance of the peanut butter granola and knowing how much Jake likes peanut butter, almost feel sorry for Jake knowing that he has to share them. Heather's worry is beginning to show through, packing the backpack that she things Jake may need for his trip. That Jake readily accepts it without saying that he doesn't need half of what she's packing is very telling of how well he knows that this is something that Heather needs to do. Just loved Heather's request for lip balm, I do hope that Jake is able to bring some back to her.
I thought the make-up scene in Jake's bedroom was very realistic and had the perfect mixture of mush and seriousness. The whole scene made it obvious to me how much they loved each other and wanted to be together. I like the awkwardness of their talk, they way they both told each other what they needed trying very hard not to offend each other. It was very important for both of them to get out how they feel and for their first serious fight I think they did a very well. I think you already know this, but my favorite part of the scene was when Heather found the napkin with Jake's doodles on it. Thanks for including this for me!
It's just like Gail I think to hide her worries in work. The task of washing sheets for all the beds in the house will keep her very busy. I liked the detail you provided on how difficult it is to do laundry in the present time. Poor Johnston, will he ever get people to stop calling him mayor? I like the back story about Dale at the gathering of the groomsmen at the Green's. I like the care that the Greens take in making sure that Dale has everything that he needs. I like how Gail and Johnston are able to accomplish in getting Dale to agree to let them hem his pants and iron his shirt while at the same time saving Dale's pride. The whole conversation between Jake and Heather when they went to get the coats provided an interesting contrast to the make-up scene and showed just how far their relationship has come.I'm so glad that Heather decided against insisting on going to Black Jack. I really like the reference to Joe when Johnston said he wasn't looking forward to yelling at her twice, once for himself and once for her father. It makes me wonder what happened to the rest of Heather's family and if we'll find out. I also found it amusing how everyone was worried about what Gail would have said if Heather had insisted on going.
I just couldn't send a pregnant woman to Black Jack! As for Johnston yelling at Heather for himself and her father, I have always imagined that Joe and Johnston (though very different people in my mind) became friends once they did meet. Actually, I imagine occasional emails back and forth and a running game of internet chess for the two dads. We may find out what happened to the rest of the Lisinskis in the future. To be honest, every time I think I have it nailed down, it goes and changes on me. I'm still waiting for my brain to settle on an outcome. If I ever do, I'm sure it will find its way into the story at some point. As for Gail, she's a bit of a Mama Bear, and I don't know how else to write her - or about her.
Poor Jake in the scene five years ago he really is miserable. I like how the weather mimicked just how miserable he was. He should have known that he wouldn't be able to sneak by his mother. Gail did a very good job listening to her son and getting him to talk. Despite Jake's annoyance at the beginning of the conversation I think that he was very grateful that she was there to listen to him. I love the smile that came across Gail's face when Jake told her that he loves Heather.
I couldn't let Heather be the only miserable one! As for Gail, I see her not only as a Mama Bear in her protectiveness of those she loves, but also just in the fierceness with which she loves them. In this instance, mother definitely knows better (if not best).
I thought the make-up scene in Jake's bedroom was very realistic and had the perfect mixture of mush and seriousness. The whole scene made it obvious to me how much they loved each other and wanted to be together. I like the awkwardness of their talk, they way they both told each other what they needed trying very hard not to offend each other. It was very important for both of them to get out how they feel and for their first serious fight I think they did a very well. I think you already know this, but my favorite part of the scene was when Heather found the napkin with Jake's doodles on it. Thanks for including this for me!
:-) The napkin's return is a definite reward for asking what the heck happened to it. It got me thinking, so thanks for asking. As for the serious mixed in with the mush, Jake absolutely insisted that they needed to have that discussion, and who am I to argue?
Poor Johnston, will he ever get people to stop calling him mayor?
Probably not!
Thanks, as always, Skyrose!
I really enjoy the detail you put into both the present day scenes and the scenes 5 years ago. It really adds a lot of insight into your story. I really like what the details tell us about the character's personalities.
I liked reading about the town meeting and wasn't surprised that one of the first thing that Gray did as mayor was to remove Heather from her position as leader of the Technical Solutions Team. I really liked how you personalized the deaths from the cold weather by having the Berry's living across the street from her when she lived on Green Street and by having Mr. Berry bringing her vegetables from his garden and helping her shovel her driveway when it snowed. I think it made the scene a lot more realistic.
The story that the boys told about the newborn baby was really sad. It also goes a long way in explaining why Drake is the way he is. I felt very sad for both Drake and Beth. I liked the contrast between the relative safety of Jericho and the reality of the outside world that the story provided. After hearing Roger talk about Black Jack and this story, I was with Jake that Heather should not go to Black Jack.
I just love the way you right April. I'm very happy to be getting to know her from your story and wish they developed her character more on the show. She is such a good friend to Heather. I loved the whole scene between Heather and April but I do have to say my favorite part was the birth of the "It ain't easy being Green Club.' I especially liked how April called Gramps to let him know that Heather was on her way.
I liked the contrast between the scene with April and Heather and the scene with Emily and Heather. I think that Emily finally has realized that Jake is no longer ‘available' and is trying to comfort Heather in typical Emily fashion. I think she is trying to use her own experience and views of the world to try and help Heather and is not being very successful. I like how you included Heather's thoughts about how she would have lost so much if she didn't trusting Jake all those years ago despite Emily trying to warn her off.
The scene with Johnston telling Jake that he wanted to go to Black Jack was my favorite scene in the episode. I liked the additional conversation you added between Jake and Johnston about Heather's thoughts on going to Black Jack.
Thank you for your detailed comments, Skyrose, both here and during the beta process. Your gentle nudges and questions about why so-and-so is doing such-and-such really help improve this story. :-)
The story that the boys told about the newborn baby was really sad. It also goes a long way in explaining why Drake is the way he is. I felt very sad for both Drake and Beth. I liked the contrast between the relative safety of Jericho and the reality of the outside world that the story provided.
I do think that Jericho is a safer place than most of the world around them. It's important that her citizens realize this fact, and that they work to protect what they have. You're also correct in that Drake is still reeling from what he witnessed, and the guilt he feels for "allowing" it to happen. But now that the Greens know, I think they'll be able to better support and nurture him. I'm still hoping for a happy ending for Drake, but only time will tell!
I just love the way you right April. I'm very happy to be getting to know her from your story and wish they developed her character more on the show. She is such a good friend to Heather. I loved the whole scene between Heather and April but I do have to say my favorite part was the birth of the "It ain't easy being Green Club.'
I'm willing (reluctantly) to admit that my version of April probably isn't the version any of the Jericho writers had in mind, but I love her and have really enjoyed developing her and getting to know her, even if she's nowhere near canon anymore. Honestly, I always thought that the "It Aint Easy Bein' Green" club really was a figment of Jake's imagination, but it's really too good to pass up isn't it? It will have to remain a top secret, clandestine organization naturally. ;-)
I liked the contrast between the scene with April and Heather and the scene with Emily and Heather. I think that Emily finally has realized that Jake is no longer 'available' and is trying to comfort Heather in typical Emily fashion. I think she is trying to use her own experience and views of the world to try and help Heather and is not being very successful. I like how you included Heather's thoughts about how she would have lost so much if she didn't trusting Jake all those years ago despite Emily trying to warn her off.
The fact that the two scenes come so close together was a bit of a happy accident, but I think they really improve one another, so that's good. I wrote this with the idea that Emily really was trying to help with no ulterior motive, as well as with the idea that Emily did realize that Jake was unavailable, even before Roger showed up. But we never really know where someone else is coming from and this is an instance where Heather's interpretation was a little off (though still valid given her past experience!) As for Heather's thoughts, I couldn't resist the chance to comment a little on how her character was basically dismissed from the story during this episode, and then all but forgotten - a fate that will not occur here in Different Circumstances!
Adorable! Loved the 5 years ago parts and the resolution of the disagreement.
The crew leaving for Blackjack was very poignant. It's an uncertain world they live in!
Washing sheets ~ that would be a chore!
Loved the Star Wars references!!
Looking forward to more!
Thank you, merryann!
I always wondered why they didn't do a scene with Gail sending Johnston and Jake off to Black Jack on the show. It seemed like a lost opportunity. But, then again, no one seemed to think it was that big of a deal that they were going... just another day trip, I guess. I couldn't not have them mark the occasion, though.
More on the sheets to come (believe it or not) and some gratuitous mushy interactions between Jake and Heather as they both are so relieved to have made up. :-)
Hiya Marzee
Thanks for another awesome update.
Great scene at the beginning with Heather, Jake & Johnstone around the car - just seems so real
loved this bit of dialogue
Jake stared at her, his forehead wrinkling with disbelief. "Uh, no thanks," he said, shaking his head. "I've got it. You just stand over there and incubate, please," he ordered, grabbing another bag off the pile. "Though feel free to be impressed by my manly display of strength here," Jake added a few seconds later, winking.
Yeah, finally get to know what she called his car & yes it's way cool, along with Han Solo, Chewbacca ............... (laughs quietly to myself)
5 years before
Jake spending all day fixing fences in yucky weather seems such a Jake thing to do
love Jake trying to sneak in but all the covert ops training are just not good enough for mom!
you get the Gail mom thing so well with this bit - she knows what he needs & will keep at him until it happens:
"Jake, I think what you need, more than anything, is someone to talk to," Gail said, offering a hesitant smile. "So talk to me."
love how Gramps, Gail & April all gang up on both of them to resolve things
back to now
the school report idea was so Heather & the B plus for conduct a classic!
The different timelines in this section emphasise how they have gown together in the 5 years - they were so unsure of each other back then, but now they know they can rely on each other & deeply love each other.
ahhhhh love how she picks out the stuff for him to take
5 years ago
Heather seems so much younger here - once again empahsises how much she has grown emotionally in the 5 years
sigh, true love.......
"God, babe," he swore. "You want into my life? You already are. Completely." It wasn't a word Jake ever used, but he'd said it twice in less than an hour, and about Heather both times. He didn't know how else to tell her what she meant to him. His eyes locked with hers, he slid up the bed, toward where she stood. "I promise," he murmured huskily.
yeah I'm with heather on this one, I wouldn't want to jinx anything either:
"Not gonna say what?" Jake chuckled, his tone puzzled.
"It," Heather repeated, her eyes opening. "Sorry," she apologized, pressing a quick kiss to his lips. "But I'm not jinxing anything."
Looking forward to the next part!
Harshini
Author's Response:
Thanks Harshini! Just a few things I can't not respond to.... :-D
Yeah, finally get to know what she called his car & yes it's way cool, along with Han Solo, Chewbacca ............... (laughs quietly to myself)
LOL. I've known for months that Heather had named Jake's car Millenium Falcon II and it has been so hard not to share. I am that much of a Star Wars geek. Glad that I'm not the only one who thinks it's cool.... or that Jake as Han Solo is just the slightest bit appropriate.
Jake spending all day fixing fences in yucky weather seems such a Jake thing to do
love Jake trying to sneak in but all the covert ops training are just not good enough for mom!
you get the Gail mom thing so well with this bit - she knows what he needs & will keep at him until it happens:"Jake, I think what you need, more than anything, is someone to talk to," Gail said, offering a hesitant smile. "So talk to me."
Jake spending all day fixing fences in bad weather seemed very much like a Jake thing to do. I have to confess, I had to go back and put bad weather into the April and Heather scene from DC 12A after the fact because it was so perfect that that's what Jake would do when he found himself in a foul mood. I also have to laugh at Gail catching Jake, covert operative, sneaking in. I wasn't thinking that when I wrote it, but you are absolutely right. He's an adult, but she's a Mom and her super powers are definitely ahead of his. Gail is one of my favorite characters, especially in how she loves her family. I'm glad that that comes across. :-)
back to now
the school report idea was so Heather & the B plus for conduct a classic!
The different timelines in this section emphasise how they have gown together in the 5 years - they were so unsure of each other back then, but now they know they can rely on each other & deeply love each other.
ahhhhh love how she picks out the stuff for him to take
5 years ago
Heather seems so much younger here - once again empahsises how much she has grown emotionally in the 5 years
sigh, true love......."God, babe," he swore. "You want into my life? You already are. Completely." It wasn't a word Jake ever used, but he'd said it twice in less than an hour, and about Heather both times. He didn't know how else to tell her what she meant to him. His eyes locked with hers, he slid up the bed, toward where she stood. "I promise," he murmured huskily.
:-) Thank you! It's sometimes a challenge to go back and forth between the two timelines but it adds so much for me -- I understand Jake and Heather in the present better because I'm exploring how they got there -- and I'm just really glad that you can "see" their growth as individuals and as a couple.
Nice work, Marzee!
I really loved all the little details you incorporated into this chapter, in the flashbacks and post-bombs scenes. They really add so much flavour to these scenes, because all these little touches show how well you know your characters.
Here are some of my favourites:
-The Star Wars discussion. How Heather reveals what she named Jake's car back then, and they way they both interact as they joke about this particular fictional universe. Especially this line:
"Millennium Falcon?" Jake grinned. "So that makes me Han Solo?"
"Yeah, and me Princess Leia," she pointed out, pressing her hand to her middle as she started to laugh harder.
"Of course," he agreed, chuckling along with her. Jake shook his head. "But what does that make Stanley? Chewbacca or Luke?" he asked, affecting a serious expression.
Really, I wish I could quote the whole scene, because it was so funny, and I could really picture this exchange.
-Gail and Gramps ambushing Jake. I love how obvious it is the whole time. That seems to be part of the charm with this family dynamic, all the good-natured, incredibly obvious meddling and teasing. Once again, I liked all the little details you've used to create this picture: Jake's sopping wet DEA baseball hat, the fact that Gail is waiting for him in Gramps' study, in his chair, the image of Jake leaping to his feet wearing only one shoe. I really enjoyed reading this scene. Especially, for some reason, this line:
"Well, look who I found!" Grandpa Green boomed out, cutting Jake off, as he came through the swinging door and into the kitchen. Jake and Gail both glanced toward him, surprise evident in their expressions as they realized who was with him.
-Heather making report cards for Jake and Mikey, giving Jake a lower mark for Conduct, Johnston signing them and Gail displaying them on the fridge. I laughed so hard at this image, but I also thought it was saying something about these characters and how they hold onto their humour and help each other cope with all the crazy changes in their world.
-for some reason, Heather's Christmas wishes for lip balm really got me. A subtle little reminder of the sheer magnitude of the difference between their world three months before and their world now. Obviously, they really miss heat and light and working refridgerators, but to not even be able to do anything about dry lips in winter- it just cements how complete that change is, I guess.
-Jake and Heather falling over themselves to apologize. This scene was full of emotion and had just the right tone- I really got that it was two people in love after their first fight. (Well, of course, I should know that, having read the chapters before this, but you know what I mean. I think if I hadn't read those chapters, I'd still really get that in reading this one.)
-The little back story about Dale at the pre-wedding gathering of groomsmen. It totally tugged on my heartstrings to think about little Dale going to so much effort for the big day, and the care everyone else in the family takes in making sure he feels accepted. I wonder if we'll get to hear more about that day, eventually...
-Dale and Skylar, the young, seemingly mismatched couple, in contrast to the much more grown-up couples saying goodbye. It's funny that in some ways, they seem a little like the younger versions of Jake and Heather from the five years before segment; they're a couple that surprises people, first just because they've chosen each other despite their differences, and also because it seems that their intensity surprises people too. In other ways, they're just so different from Jake and Heather. From this scene, it seems like they're really sure of themselves, what they want, and wary of any outside interference. It's a really interesting contrast.
I really enjoyed this update, and I look forward to the next!
Penny,
I lost the long response to your review a couple of days ago in a user/computer malfunction so I'm trying again, but will keep this just a little shorter. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave such a detailed review. It's wonderful to know that the things I'm trying to get across (the obvious nature of the Greens' interferences in one another's lives, how much Jake and Heather care for one another, etc.) are getting across. It's also nice to know that my little indulgences (the Star Wars references for one) are appreciated.
Heather making report cards for Jake and Mikey, giving Jake a lower mark for Conduct, Johnston signing them and Gail displaying them on the fridge. I laughed so hard at this image, but I also thought it was saying something about these characters and how they hold onto their humour and help each other cope with all the crazy changes in their world.
I was glad that you commented on the report cards, and that you interpreted the interaction as a way to hold ointo their humor. I definitely meant to show this as a copy mechanism. Heather remembered an off-hand comment from Johnston and ran with it because it would give them something light to talk about in place of the truly scary reality of their day-to-day existence. Anyway, thanks!
I am also VERY glad you commented on the Dale 5 years ago scene, as well as the Dale and Skylar interaction. I hadn't thought of the compare/contrast aspect of Dale and Skylar versus Jake and Heather, but reading your take on everything certainly got my plot bunnies working overtime. So, just for you, there's more Dale and Skylar coming up. :-)
The little back story about Dale at the pre-wedding gathering of groomsmen. It totally tugged on my heartstrings to think about little Dale going to so much effort for the big day, and the care everyone else in the family takes in making sure he feels accepted. I wonder if we'll get to hear more about that day, eventually...
First off, I will definitely get to Heather's and Jake's wedding day, one day.... many, many years from now. ;-) Okay, maybe not years, but definitely months because I am a slow writer. I am planning to cover the wedding eventually and there is a little more discussion of the wedding coming up in DC 12. As for Dale and the Greens, I think I'm still trying t o explain why Dale went to Gail with the recording of his mother's death in Atlanta back in the Pilot. (And, for that matter, why Jake told Dale to come for him for help in 9:02.) It's why I decided that Gail was Dale's childhood babysitter and that he's "practicaly" a member of the family. The show didn't bear me out on this really, but it didn't contradict me either, so I'm going with it.
Thanks again for your comments, they are greatly appreciated.
Oh, Marzee, you know how much I love your story, and this installment was no exception. In the present time portions, I loved the gentle bantering between Jake and Heather with the various Star Wars references, Heather teaching Jake what he needed to know regarding governors, and the pleading for lip balm. I know I’ve said it before, but the way you write the two of them makes them just leap off the page. The small details—for instance the mention of Heather’s red wool coat—make me feel like I’m watching an episode. Then I lament the fact that the show just wasn’t as good as your story is!
In the five years ago portion, it was good to see that Jake was equally miserable. LOL. I know I shouldn’t wish him to be miserable, but I thought it was important that he was feeling the separation from Heather as much as she was. When they did finally reunite, I could tell that they so longed to be with one another, but they were both watching the way they worded their responses to one another so carefully. It was evident that neither of them wanted to risk losing the other.
Aww….the napkin. Sigh. And a date on Saturday! I’m really looking forward to them getting to spend time together.
One last note: loved how the peanut butter fanaticism came back into view with the granola bars. Heehee.
Thanks for sharing your story with us!
The small details—for instance the mention of Heather’s red wool coat—make me feel like I’m watching an episode. Then I lament the fact that the show just wasn’t as good as your story is!
Well, thank you. :-) I do like my details, and I'm glad you get the feeling of the episode in certain spots. Is it bad if I admit I like my version better than the actual show?
In the five years ago portion, it was good to see that Jake was equally miserable. LOL. I know I shouldn’t wish him to be miserable, but I thought it was important that he was feeling the separation from Heather as much as she was.
They were a rather pathetic pair, weren't they? And, yes we shouldn't wish for either of them to be miserable, but it's important that they're starting to come to terms with how much they mean to each other.
When they did finally reunite, I could tell that they so longed to be with one another, but they were both watching the way they worded their responses to one another so carefully. It was evident that neither of them wanted to risk losing the other.
I'm glad that came across. I definitely wanted to show them being cautious and heavily invested in the outcome because they absolutely don't want to lose the other. However, as a reward for getting through all the angst, I can promise you that the next part (at least in the past) is loads of Jake/Heather fluff-mush. :-)
Aww….the napkin. Sigh. And a date on Saturday! I’m really looking forward to them getting to spend time together.
I'm sorry to have to admit that I'm not writing their Saturday date, but it does happen, and they have a wonderful time. They went to see Ocean's 11. (And yes, I actually looked up what movies opened that weekend to pick something for them to see.)
One last note: loved how the peanut butter fanaticism came back into view with the granola bars. Heehee.
I can't resist the peanut butter references. They will get worse before they get better. It's how I amuse myself. :-)
Yea!!! Another chapter. I'm glad Heather didn't go to Black Jack.
As usual great stuff and I can't wait to read more.
I just couldn't send a pregnant woman to that place. And, when Jake sees a little of Black Jack, he'll be even more relieved that she didn't come.
Thank you for taking the time to review!
Yay! I've been waiting for the next instalment in this series for what seems like forever. So thank you for updating!
I absolutly love the five years before segments. I was eagerly awaiting the making up between Jake and Heather after their 'big' fight. I thought it was really sweet that Gail came to Jake to tell him that he needed to do something about the Heather situation. It also made me really excited that Jake was going to head over to Heather's to apologize. You did the making up scene very well.
I'm still very curious to see what will happen with the whole Black Jack part of the story, and see how you incorperate Micheal into it. I'm also curious to see if your going to use Heather's friends from New Bern, although, she might not of known them in your universe. But, i can't wait to see what your going to do with the windmill situation that comes from New Bern later in the series.
Can't wait to see more! Keep up the great work, and i look forward to reading more of your story!
Thank you, Julia!
It also made me really excited that Jake was going to head over to Heather's to apologize. You did the making up scene very well.
:-D Heather will be rather excited herself when she realizes. I'm glad you enjoyed the make-up scene, especailly since Heather didn't insist on going to the party in Denver.
I'm still very curious to see what will happen with the whole Black Jack part of the story, and see how you incorperate Micheal into it. I'm also curious to see if your going to use Heather's friends from New Bern, although, she might not of known them in your universe. But, i can't wait to see what your going to do with the windmill situation that comes from New Bern later in the series.
All will be revealed soon-ish. I have a way through this little conundrum without involving Heather (too much) that hopefully will be reasonably satisfying. I'll try not to keep you waiting tooooo long.
I loved every bit of it, Marzee! (OK, at least the loveable parts, lol!) I'm relieved to know that Heather will not be going to Black Jack or New Bern (I don't mind being spoiled a bit). Her health and the health of the baby are far too important! Drag Harry along if need be!
The farm story was very poignant, but necessary, I think, to get Heather's attention. I won't dwell there or I'll be having bad dreams, too.
Looking forward to more!!
Hugs, Merryann
Thanks, Merryann!
I just couldn't see any way where pregnant Heather at Black Jack was going to work, and Jake is certainly (rightly) against it. The Black Jack contingent is forming and will depart soon.
More coming soon. :-)
Nice work, Marzee! I was so excited to see another chapter from you. Actually, our local paper reminded me of your story the other day- the front page of the lifestyle section said “Mairzy doats and dozey doats...” (it was an article about lambs being used to eat grape leaves at a winery) and I wondered when I'd get to read another chapter of your fantastic story and then here it is!
I was so interested to see how you would handle this part of the story. Black Jack was one of my favourite episodes of the whole series. Reading this first part, I was reminded both of some of my favourite parts of the original story (Johnston explaining why he'd asked permission to go Black Jack, everyone in town turning to 'volunteer' Jake) and also, the great additions you always make to the story in your DC universe.
I enjoyed your version of the town hall meeting. I was annoyed, but not surprised, that Gray would remove Heather from her position of leadership. It wouldn't really be a smooth regime change if he left one of the Greens in charge. I loved that tenuous, frantic feeling you captured in the E.J. Green Council Room. (Nice detail- but no wonder Gray feels threatened by the Greens. They're everywhere.) I loved the (mostly) unspoken challenges Gray is facing here as he tries to handle some of his first crises. I enjoyed this line in particular:
"I mean, this is a no-brainer," Jake argued, moving to stand behind his father's chair, as close as he could get to standing with Heather. "It's Kansas. We've got a lotta wind," he reminded, and once again the room was filled with soft, appreciative laughter.
"Well, we got a lotta hot air 'round here, anyway," somebody shouted.
"Practically an unlimited supply," Jake added with a nod at Gray's chalkboard. "Wind, I mean," he clarified, his lips twitching.
I'm glad we finally got to hear about what happened to the guys on their trip to Jericho, but what a horrifying story- poor Drake! I feel for the other two, of course, but especially Drake, knowing how this has affected him. No wonder he seems to have such difficulty trusting the good things that happen- he's seen just about the worst thing you could see happening in the world. I think another interesting thing about these three characters you've introduced to us, besides the fact that they're great characters in of themselves, is the perspective they can bring to the characters who haven't seen what things are like outside of Jericho.
One of my favourite parts of the original Black Jack was how Heather chose to go out in the world herself, helping the town and seeing for herself how everything had changed. I know that it is a lot more complicated for her here- there's the obvious, she has so much to protect, and she also has that accurate picture of how bad things can get, thanks to Michael and the others. I'm glad she's still standing up for herself and challenging those who try to stop her. I hope we get to see more of this.
It was an interesting contrast to go from the scenes with an older, wiser Heather struggling with the way her world has changed, to the scene where younger, less experienced Heather has hit a low point after her 'breakup' with Jake. The problem she's facing is so different, but the scene is just as poignant. I really loved April in this scene, taking charge of the situation and offering her voice of reason. I really loved her line here:
You know, all last summer, Jake was pretty much a pain in the ass, with the occasional good moment to remind us all why he wasn't drowned at birth," April explained, allowing a frustrated laugh. She reached for Heather's hand, squeezing it quickly. "Then he met you. But now, it sounds like he's pretty much reverted to ogre Jake, happily biting off the head of anyone who makes the unforgiveable mistake of saying hello."
You write April with such great humour. I loved hearing about her invention of the It's-not-easy-being-Green club. You also show her to have quite a bit of wisdom. I loved the way she explained to Heather that she could 'un-break up', and to start with the simplest truth- that she loves him and is sorry. And she knows how to work with her allies- too funny that she and Gramps conspired over the phone.
The April-Heather scene contrasted nicely with the Heather-Emily scene. As I mentioned above, we see a more grown-up Heather, with a different set of priorities. I wasn't sure what to think about Emily at first. I believe she's probably trying to be helpful. In her own way, she's trying to make sense of the world, and the horrifying story she's just heard. She's just...being herself. Trying to figure out what's going on with Heather, but filtering everything through her own experience, so she's not quite understanding. Resulting in awkward moments like this:
"You don't like me, do you?"
"I - I don't hate you, Emily," Heather hedged, looking down at her hands. She twisted the paper towel around two fingers, wringing it, though there was no excess moisture to be won.
"But you don't like me," the other woman persisted. "We're not friends."
Maybe she really is wanting to reach out more, re-evaluating her own priorities. She's just chosen the wrong time and place, misjudged what is happening with those around her. This is all, of course, just how I am interpreting it. I'm glad Heather was able to stay focused on her own situation at hand, without allowing herself to fall for any of Emily's manipulation (Intended or not).
I loved the scene between Jake and Johnston. I loved the way they are able to find some humour in the grim situation with which they are faced. I thought you chose a really great scene to end this part.
As always, looking forward to the next part!
Penny, you have no idea how tickled I am that you thought of me when you saw "Mairzy Doats" in the newspaper! And, I'm glad you were rewarded for checking to see if there was an update. :-)
You are right, Gray is being haunted by the Greens, but what does he expect when he takes over leading a town that (at least im my mind) has been led -- mostly beneficently -- by one family for half a century or more? The Greens are part of the very fabric of Jericho and Gray (again, in my mind at least) is a relative new comer to Jericho. He can love the town, but he can't love the town like a Green! ;-)
And, you are also right about Drake. He was deeply affected by what happened in Indiana and is still second guessing whether or not he could have done anything. After all, he's the one who very innocently surrendered the baby to her father. The boys have other things to tell about their trip, but I'm almost certain this was the most horrific. (They're rather closed mouth about the whole thing, so it's hard to know for sure.)
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One of my favourite parts of the original Black Jack was how Heather chose to go out in the world herself, helping the town and seeing for herself how everything had changed. I know that it is a lot more complicated for her here- there's the obvious, she has so much to protect, and she also has that accurate picture of how bad things can get, thanks to Michael and the others. I'm glad she's still standing up for herself and challenging those who try to stop her. I hope we get to see more of this.
You are absolutely right in your analysis here (and you put it together a lot better than I had, so thank you for that). You've also given me a lot to keep in mind.... There's a tension, of course, between Heather doing everything she thinks she needs to, everything she wants to do, and also protecting what's important to her - her unborn child, her marriage, her extended family. She's going to have to make compromises, as will those around her. It's daunting to know I have to write that, but it's also a challenge, and I enjoy challenges. :-) Thank you for giving me one... to stay as true to Heather's character as possible. The good news is, I have lots of opportunity, since Heather is not going to disappear from Jericho.
Thanks for the thought-provoking review, Penny. :-) i can report that I've already taken some of it into consideration as I've worked on the next parts.
I love this chapter. I was wondering during the whole story how you were going to incorperate the 'Blackjack' Episode into this AU world. It's one of my favorite episodes of the series and I can't wait to see what else you do with it.
I always love reading the five years before segments. They are so cute, and i love reading how Heather's relationship, not only with Jake, but with the entire Green family grows. I especially love Heather's relationship with April, and am waiting, biting my nails to see how you handle the death of April, or if you decided to not have April die, i know you can write either very well.
You are a fantastic writer and I can not wait to read the next installment!! So, I hope you wont keep me waiting too long??
Keep it up!
Julia
I hope my version of Black Jack lives up to everyone's expectations. It is one of those favorite episodes (I love it, too) but for Different Circumstances to work, I have to change it radically, at least as far as Heather's participation goes. So I'm crossing my fingers a little bit about the coming parts.
I just really enjoy writing April and April and Heather together. I loved April in Fallout, and I always go back to that confident, competent, in charge woman we saw in that episode. That's who showed up at Heather's door, intent on getting to the bottom of the problems between Heather and Jake. But, I was also very intrigued by the vulnerable woman we saw in a number of the other episodes of the Fall Season One, trying so hard to revive her marriage, and not understanding why it wasn't working. So needless to say, when there's an opportunity to include April, I will.
Oh, Marzee, there are so many little touches in this story that I absolutely adore. It's always a treat to read your writing. Even those characters who aren't driving the action are so well written, and their personalities absolutely shine through (Gray, Roger, Mike, Jeff, etc.)
I loved your version of the meeting. The cute affirmations "And it's not just because I'm married to you, either" were nice diversions from the gloom and doom that surrounded the morning's events. What a devastation it must've been to find out that friends and neighbors perished overnight from the cold--and that it'll only be the beginning.
Things certainly look grim in Jericho, but the story that the "boys" told Heather about the farmer and the newborn baby absolutely broke my heart. You gave me fair warning at the beginning of the chapter, but I have to admit that it struck me so much, I dreamed about it.
I certainly don't blame Heather for wanting to help her town, but I'm with Jake on this one. I don't think Heather should be making that trip to Black Jack.
The scene with Emily trying to--well, I was about to say "comfort" Heather, but that doesn't seem like quite the right word--really gave me a nice insight into both of their characters. I thought it was ironic that Heather considered that if she'd heeded Emily's warning five years ago, she would've been absolutely alone. Sure, she might've had a friend in Emily, but she wouldn't have had Jake, their baby on the way, or the support of the Green family.
I got the sense that Emily did want to help Heather but wasn't sure how to accomplish that. There is so much unspoken between them that creeps into their conversation. Thoroughly enjoyed the encounter between the two, by the way.
Ah, we have the birth of the "It Ain't Easy Being Green Club." Loved the April/Heather interaction, and I thought it was a vivid contrast to the Emily/Heather interaction. Gotta love April! Seeing her there five years ago makes me feel a little bittersweet, though. I'm still worried about what's going to happen to her in the present.
But going back to April and her machinations to get Heather out of her funk, I was absolutely cheering her on. She's a smart cookie to call Gramps to let him know that Heather is on her way, and April provided just the push Heather needed.
Great installment, Marzee!
Oh my, Sandra! I hope you've been able to get that awful story of the boys' out of your head. :-( I have to say, I thought it was haunting... it's been haunting me for months since it first came to me. Still, I do apologize.
Also, I will declare right now that Heather will not be going to Black Jack. That's spoiling my own story a little bit, but it's just not going to happen. Heather is also not going to New Bern.
As for Emily, she was trying to comfort/assist Heather in her own Emily fashion. I've tried -- don't know that I've been successful -- to write Emily as having finally realized that Jake is off the market. (And before she knew Roger was back.) It was just too little, too late for Heather to care, recognize, or give credit for. Jake, too, really. Plus, she's still Emily!
Lastly, I couldn't resist a little April-Gramps-Gail plot to fix our poor, miserable loverbirds. Besides, Gramps loves nothing more than to be in the thick of things. ;-)
Hey Marzee
Thanks for another great part. What struck me about this one is how you've given the reader a sense of how grim a reality they are now surviving (or not surviving) in:
people dying from the cold - & winter has only just started
their lack of resources
a father killing his new born child
I always felt the show only touched on this & could of done so much more (the second season recovery was way too easy, way too quick)
Other details I liked are:
Jake leaning against the 'Eric Jacob Green Council Room' sign at the back, during Gray's first Council meeting
like how Gray needs Ridleys help in getting on with the meeting
grrr hate how Heather mentions the windmills then Gray gets Harry to tell everyone about them, not Heather - he's an arrogant, sexist, greenist...........
love how Jake thows in a few jokes on gray (eg "It's Kansas. We've got a lotta wind,")
"Yeah," Jake sighed. "And he knows what he did, too. That's not so easy to forget." - Jake speaking from personal experience here?
Love how April turns up on Heather's doorstep, talks some sense into her & makes her go see Jake
Thanks again for writing - looking forward to the next part
Harshini
Thanks for reviewing, Harshini!
For me the quick recovery in season 2, and the glossing over of some of the seamier side of life was a bit of a disappointment. I didn't want anything graphic, but they learned some scary stuff at Black Jack and most of it was never mentioned again. You won't ever catch me describing anything in detail, but we know "bad stuff" is happening and "bad stuff" will be a recurring topic of discussion as our favorite characters deal with what's happening around them.
As for Gray he is most definitely a sexist, anti-Greenist jerk! But he's fun to write!
I really likes the 5 years ago segment with April and Heather...and the birth of the "It Ain't Easy Being Green" secret society. But somehow, I think Jake will still need to go to his office party.
I also appreciated the juxtaposition offered concerning what was devastating to Heather 5 years ago vs. today.
Grey turning the technical committee over to Harry and Harry giving up on the windmills made me think about how in the episode where April dies, Jake says to Kenchy something like "if you stop trying and then I stop trying and pretty soon the whole thing falls apart"...Gray and his adminstration are borderline falling apart already.
Still loving the story.
Thank you for your review, Joy!
You are absolutely right in the contrast between what used to upset Heather and what it takes to upset her now. And, I hadn't thought of that until you pointed it out, so thank you for that. I love that readers find extra layers in the story that I have to admit are only there by accident. :-)
I actually enjoy disliking Gray quite a bit (he won't disappear from DC any time soon) so expect future/further analysis of the Anderson administration.