30 May 2007

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

I would like to thank you once again for following this story, and I truly, truly appreciate all the time and effort you put into reading and reviewing. I am especially grateful for your reviews because:

a) they pretty much give me an idea as to where to go with the story;

b) your criticisms/objections/observations/complaints help me redirect and refocus if and when I stray or deviate from the original course of the story;

c) your comments/suggestions/ideas are always taken into consideration when I write a chapter, in effect making you co-writers;

d) they of course let me know that you actually like the story; and

e) they're my happy pills! LOL. Seriously, though, your validation makes me feel good about myself as a person (as sappy as that sounds), and gives me the confidence I so sadly need. In addition, when I'm happy and content, everyone around me benefits … so, really, you'll be doing a service to mankind (well, to those in my network anyway) if you review. LOL.

Please allow me again to explain why I chose this particular story as Alex' backstory, not to justify, but more to shed light on why 'abortion' of all things. As 'I Took the Blond Chick Down to …' (okay, seriously, you have to give me an easier/shorter name) had commented, it is a bit difficult to imagine Alex doing such a thing, and I was a little skeptical myself when this idea came to me. In fact, my mouse kinda hovered over the 'add' button for a good five minutes before I clicked on it, so apprehensive was I about it. It would undoubtedly have been a safer move on my part to go with the daddy issues and terrible childhood storyline. It wasn't also 'shock factor' that made me go with it, though based on your reviews, I guess it really did come as a surprise. It made a lot of sense to me at the time (I blame it on the hormones), mainly because it could explain his attachment and deep involvement with Ava without the romantic factor. It could also account for his wariness and avoidance when it comes to emotional intimacy with women. And it also opens up a whole world of possibilities for future chapters, and I'm really, really hoping I'll be able to effectively resolve this 'issue' for him and do it justice.

The last four chapters were written as a culmination to 'Renegotiating the Deal'. As with the final chapter of 'Close Collaboration', the first phase (stage/level, whatever you wish to call it) of their 'relationship' had ended and a new phase began with RtD, and I wanted to resolve and complete all those objectives I have set for it. I had once again thought of starting the next phase with a third story to mark its beginning, but I couldn't come up with another title for it. No, really, that's my reason for not creating a new story --- I couldn't think of another title, as silly as that sounds.

That said, this marks the beginning of the next phase/stage/level in the relationship of Meredith and Alex. I aim to include/touch on the following: everyone's acceptance/reaction to their relationship (continued); more intimacy, both emotional and physical (let's not forget the physical LOL), to deepen their relationship; challenges and trials that would test their relationship as friends and as lovers; 'logistical' problems since they actually live in the same house; and of course, concretizing their relationship more. I also intend to utilize the return of Addison (mainly because I really love her character) and build on Derek's unclear reaction to the relationship, which pretty much gives you an idea what to expect. Oh yeah, the "new rule" (Mer asking Alex not to let her fall in love with him), or rather breaking that new rule, will definitely come into play in this new phase.

Once again, thank you, thank you, thank you for your continued reading and constant reviewing. I know I have said this already, but I really want let you know how much I appreciate it. Here's hoping you continue to follow this story of Meredith and Alex.

gagaoverGA

In response to those who have reviewed the last four chapters (you know who you guys are) --- So, was that a good "I didn't see that coming" or a bad one? LOL. As for the 'outing', I have to admit I was nervous about that, too, worried that it might be a letdown or a disappointment, especially since I spent some time building up to it. So I really, really hope you liked how it was done.

I won't be able to update this till next week, because I'll be away again this weekend on a family retreat like the last time. Anyway, I've already started writing the next chapter, and I'll really attempt to finish it before I leave, but in case I don't, I'll have it up as soon as I get back.

Thanks for reading!