Argument
9-2-03
Those of you who know me well might be wondering why on earth I would write such a blasphemous fic as "Stay?" Well, it's quite simple, actually. Zoe's story needed to be told fairly. I can't even begin to count the number of fics I've read where Zoe has a temperament to rival Miss Parker's, or Zoe is just the ditz girlfriend. Most times, she's simply explained away with no questions asked. And I also don't even want to attempt to estimate the number of chats that I've been a part of where the unanimous proclamation is that Zoe is evil, or that they hate her. I, for one, do not share that opinion.
First off, Zoe is a character of the show, just like Raines, Lyle, and other despicable examples. Yet, I've seen fics that portray those monstrosities in a fairer light than Zoe. It seems to me that Zoe's only crime was falling for Jarod. Now, while I am a hardcore shipper, I do believe that Zoe and Jarod's relationship served a purpose. Zoe helped him taste life, and experience it to the full. She gave him a part of her childhood. That's something Miss Parker could never do, for she never had a normal childhood, either.
I also believe that Zoe has definitely been unfairly portrayed in past fics. As I stated earlier, she is often painted as a bitch (pardon my language. I don't normally speak this way, but it seems to be the only word that works at the moment). Other times, she's giggly and kooky. And then, she just disappears. One convenient explanation via an acquaintance of Jarod, and we move on without question to the JMPR that will inevitably come. I feel this is wrong. Her side is rarely (more like never) shown with true respect to that character. So, "Stay" was born.
So far, I believe that I have received only one review that was worth the effort put into this fic, and that was by Mickey. Now, by the time this note goes up, it's possible I might have more. But the reviews I found in my email moments ago shoot down that hope. A word to potential reviewers: if all you can say is "I hate Zoe. . .but good fic," or, "Jarod loves Parker, Jarod loves Parker. . .Whoo Hoo!", please express more than that. As a writer, I would love to hear why you hate Zoe, but also why you loved the fic. Or, at least make the review relevant to the fic's meaning. This fic was not about Jarod and Miss Parker's relationship. Let me repeat that: This fic was not about Jarod and Miss Parker's relationship. And, I guess one could say that it wasn't about Zoe and Jarod, either. It's about Zoe, most of all.
Now, if I've hurt some feelings, well. . .then I guess I've done my job. While writing this, I was hoping to stir up some kind of emotion in you, the reader, whether it be intense hatred for Zoe, or an urge to flame me, or a new understanding for Zoe's position. Well, if you must flame, then flame on. But please, do it intelligently.
And now, friends (although, there might be less of you than I started with at the beginning of this note), as I close, I urge you to read the story one more time with an open mind. Maybe, you can see it for what it really is.
~~Bethe
