A/N: Okay…so, it's been WAY too long since I've updated anything and I feel horrible. Well, kinda. I was gone the week of Thanksgiving at my aunt and uncles' house in Indiana and enjoying snow! But anyways…I hope you enjoy.
Disclaimer: I don't own…
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"You can change your mind you know," he offered, "you don't have to do this?"
"I'm beginning to feel like you don't want me to meet them," she countered harshly. "You've been trying to talk me out of this all week."
"It's not that I don't want you to meet them…"
"Then what is it Jim?"
"I don't know Pam, I don't. I guess…I'm nervous. You meeting my family, my insane family, I don't want you to get scared away."
"You're afraid I'm going to be scared away?" Pam asked almost teasingly. "Jim come on."
"I can't help it," Jim answered throwing his hands up in defeat. "You want to know the last time I brought a girl home to my parents to meet? High school."
"Seriously?"
"Yup," Jim answered, "her name was Kim and it was senior year. We'd been dating probably close to six months and she came over for a family dinner. She broke up with me ten days later."
Pam bit her lip to hold back a giggle, "it's not going to be like that with me Jim."
"You can't say that for sure," Jim argued, "you haven't met them."
"Give me a chance to," Pam assured him, "and I'll show you it will be fine. I'll have to meet them eventually anyways. I mean at least at our…"
Pam's words faded as she realized what was about to come out of her mouth. Wedding. She was about to say their wedding. She felt the blush creep up into her cheeks and prayed that Jim wouldn't notice or say anything about the statement. She breathed a sigh of relief when he shrugged.
"I suppose," Jim finally relented, "but you can't say that I didn't warn you."
"Warning is duly noted," Pam joked, trying to calm the nerves and thoughts that were flying around in her head. "Now, I'm hungry and you promised me dinner tonight. So…"
"So dinner," Jim answered, "Chinese or pizza?"
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Pam hated feeling unprepared and this Saturday morning was no different, at all. She'd been standing in front of her closet for close to twenty minutes now and was no closer in knowing what she would pull out to wear.
Glancing at the clock on her nightstand she cursed under her breath.
"Damn it," she muttered, "he'll be here any minute and I'm no where near ready. Shit."
Finally settling on a pair of dark jean Bermuda shorts and a simple pink tank top she finally began to relax. Or at least pretend to relax.
In honesty her stomach was in an uproar with the butterflies that were swarming and her palms were sweaty with nerves. She was meeting Jim's family.
Jim's family.
She knew it shouldn't scare her like it was, but with all the talk Jim had been doing all week had finally began to penetrate her brain and the nerves were off. She'd struggled to put it all aside and not think about it, but it was becoming increasingly more difficult.
"I can do this," she told herself in the mirror, "he met my family, and it's my turn to meet his."
When the doorbell rang a mere five minutes later she was sitting on at the counter in her kitchen and leapt towards the door. Seeing Jim's smile eased her doubts.
"Morning," he greeted with a quick peck, "you ready for some fun?"
"You betcha," she answered smiling, "and I'm expecting you to win me something big at the carnival today."
"I'll do my best," Jim promised as he helped her into the car. "Though, I might embarrass you."
"Why?"
"Carnival games are not my forte."
"Really? How sad, I guess I'll just have to find some other guy to win me prizes," Pam teased and Jim feigned hurt.
"I can't believe you would even suggest that!"
"I bet Josh is pretty good at carnival games," Pam continued without missing a beat, "I'll just have to get him to win me something pretty. And if not him…"
"Stop right there missy," Jim grumbled, "I'll win you something fantastic, you just wait and see."
"I will," Pam giggled and the leaned over to place a kiss on his check over the middle console. "It's your turn now to tell me about your family. I need some info."
"It's just my family," Jim replied causally, "nothing really to say."
"James…"
"Not you too," Jim groaned, "I knew telling you about my mother's insistence to call me James would come back to haunt me."
"You were right," Pam nodded, "unless of course you give me some background on your family."
"Fine," Jim relented, "you win…of course."
"I always do."
"And always will," Jim finished, "okay my family…where to start?"
"Parents."
"Mom and Dad have been married for forty five years in May," Jim started and Pam sighed happily. "They met in college and dad fell hard for her right away. She, on the other hand, fought it a bit. Well, a lot actually."
"That sounds familiar," Pam mumbled quietly and Jim nodded without taking his eyes off the road.
"Mom always tells the story a bit differently of course," Jim continued, "she states she didn't fight as hard as dad always claimed, but the pictures and the yearbooks prove his story. Mom was in a fairly serious relationship when they met during their junior year, everyone thought they'd end up married with six kids, everyone except dad, of course."
"Okay," Pam interrupted briefly, "this is creeping me out. It sounds more like us with each word."
"I know," Jim told her, "it always gave me hope that I'd end up with you to be honest. Anytime I was just too frustrated I'd have dad tell me the story again and put our names in there instead."
"I'm so sorry…"
"You have no reason to be sorry Pam," Jim cut her off, "I want to you remember that. Everything happens for a reason and we've finally made our way to our turn. That is all that matters."
"Continue story please," Pam asked with tears in her eyes. She couldn't help it, his insistence and perseverance of the feelings he had carried for her for so long was always able to make her tear up.
"Continuing," Jim stated turning onto the highway, "It was the beginning of their senior year when mom found out her boyfriend was straying…"
"He cheated on her?"
"Yeah," Jim nodded, "it devastated mom, and she was heartbroken. "She separated herself from life basically at first; they'd been together so long she didn't understand why it was happening. It was months of just going through life on autopilot. Going to class and work because she had to and crying herself to sleep every night. Aunt Jenna, my mom's roommate in college and still best friend, was afraid she'd try to hurt herself, it was a scary time for the family. Then, my dad, came in and using the good 'ole Halpert charm began bridging their friendship into something more and mom started healing."
"Wow."
"Yeah," Jim continued, "if you can't tell this has always been a family favorite at story time and everyone knows it by heart."
"It's sweet," Pam whispered dreamily, "that he cared so much about her for so long."
"Easy to do with the right girl," Jim said and they both knew at that moment neither were talking about his parents. "At their graduation dad proposed and mom accepted. They were married a year later and living in Philadelphia."
"That is so cool Jim," Pam threaded her fingers tightly around his free hand, "what do your parents do?"
"Dad is an English Professor at Penn U and mom is a home care nurse," Jim supplied.
"And I know you have siblings…"
"Yeah, I've got siblings," Jim chuckled, "my mom got her six kids, they were just with a different guy."
"You have 5 siblings? I didn't know that."
"Sure do Beesley, why do you think I'm so nervous about you meeting them all?"
"They can't be that bad…"
"Trust me," Jim warned, "you'll be surprised. Though, I'm not sure if everyone will be there today or not."
"Really?"
"My older siblings have families and don't live as close by as my parents might like," Jim explained.
"I need a run down," Pam declared, "names, ages, families, etc. You got one for me, it's only fair."
"Agreed," Jim said. "We'll go oldest to youngest. There is Matt, Doug, Me, Kara and Kristi, and then Josh."
"You forgot ages," Pam pouted and Jim just shook his head.
"I'm getting there," he told her, "patience."
"We're going to be there before you finish," she said, "hurry up and spill."
"Well, Matt is 33, Doug is 31, Kara and Kristi are 25, and Josh is 18."
"Josh seems like a bi of a surprise for your parents," Pam noted.
"He was," Jim chuckled, "I remember the day mom and dad sat us down to tell us she was pregnant again, it was an interesting day."
"I'll bet," Pam laughed with him. "So, anyone in your family married?"
"Matt and Doug are both married and Kristi is engaged," Jim told her, "Kara, well we aren't sure if she'll ever get married, and Josh wants to get through college before even thinking about marriage."
"Do you like your sister-in-laws?" Pam asked, probing for more answers. "What are they like?"
Jim couldn't help but chuckle again and it warmed Pam's heart, "Matt has been married for almost ten years to Nicole. She's the only one I think that was able to corral him long enough to settle down. They have two kids, twins that are eight, Michelle and Max. Doug isn't too far behind and will have been married for six years come next month to Jenna. She grew up next door to us and they'd always been close. It wasn't a surprise to anyone when he proposed. They have a son, Kenneth, Kenny for short, who is four and Jenna's pregnant again with their second who is due around Thanksgiving."
"Do you like being an uncle?" Pam asked, curious about his thoughts on kids and family.
"Of course," Jim said excitedly. "I've always wanted a large family myself and being an uncle has prepared me for that. When Michelle and Max were babies I used to baby sit them for Matt and Nicole. It was a blast."
"What about the younger siblings?"
"Kristi and Kara are identical twins and have always been a bit mischievous. Jack, Kristi's fiancé, has helped calm her down some, but they were always pulling pranks on me and Josh. I think that is where I got my love of pranks from; we'd always be pulling them on each other. Kristi and Jack live in New York and she just graduated from law school. Kara has been in LA at design school the last couple years and plans on staying out there. Then there is Josh, who of course is still in high school and right now dreams of nothing else but playing for the NFL. Peyton Manning is his hero, it's quite amusing."
"Wow," Pam said again, "I can't wait to meet them all. I hope most of them are here."
"I'm not sure if Kara is coming in or not, mom hasn't mentioned it at least. I'm sure Kristi and Jack will be there, they are always coming to family stuff. Doug and Jenna live in South Carolina, but Jenna is always convincing him to make the drive to visit, so they should be here. Who really knows about Matt and Nicole? They try to come when they can, but with the twins and Matt's job it makes it hard."
"What does he do?"
"He is a reporter for a newspaper in Atlanta," Jim supplied, "he moved there with Nicole about four years ago."
"Your family is pretty spread out. I'll bet that makes your mom sad."
"It does," Jim confirmed, "she doesn't like to admit it though. That is why I tried to stay close."
"What made you pick Scranton?"
"Mark was my roommate in college and planning on moving here and when I got the job at Dunder-Mifflin it just worked out. I didn't have any other use for my business degree."
"I'm getting more and more excited to meet your family," Pam exclaimed clapping her hands together. "Especially your parents. I hope they like me."
The last statement was a whisper and Jim smiled and squeezed her hand. "They are going to love you."
"How can you be sure?"
"Cause," Jim answered simply, "…you just will."
Jim smiled to himself, knowing that the reason he was so confident his family would adore Pam, is because he had told them long ago that the next girl he brought home would be a future Halpert.
That thought made him giddy.
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"Uncle Jim, Uncle Jim," Kenny called as he raced up the bleachers at the local high school, "I'm here!"
"Hey bud!" Jim answered and swung him up into his arms when he reached their row, "whoa, you are getting to be such a big man."
"I'm this many years now," Kenny said holding up four pudgy little fingers, "and I'm in preschool!"
"And I bet you are just blowing away your teachers," Jim told him kissing the top of his golden brown hair while looking over the crowd to spot his brother and Jenna. "Where are your mom and dad buddy?"
"At the snack stand with Nana and Papa," Kenny said, his gaze focused on Pam. "They told me to come find you. Who are you?"
The last question took both Jim and Pam by surprised and Jim started laughing. Pam blushed and knocked Jim's arm before saying, "I'm Pam."
"Are you Uncle Jim's girlfriend?"
Jim was now doubled over; trying hard to keep Kenny standing on the small bleacher step and the small boy looked confused.
"What is going on up here?" a deep voice asked and Pam looked up to a meet a pair of eyes that matched Jim.
"This is Pam daddy," Kenny offered, "I think she's Uncle Jim's girlfriend."
"Is that so Jimbo?" Doug asked and Jim nodded. Pam's cheeks were a deep shade of red, but hearing the nickname from Doug made her own giggles spill over. "Well, it's nice to finally meet you Pam."
"It's nice to meet you too Doug," Pam answered holding out her hand. "I've heard a lot about you."
"Not too much I hope," Doug teased and Jim just shrugged trying hard to get his laughs under control again. "Well, I'll just have to make sure I share some stories of Jimmy here."
"Jimmy?" Pam asked giggling again and Jim slugged Doug's arm.
"I told you never to call me that again," he complained and Doug winked at Pam which started her giggles again. "Changing the subject, where are mom, dad, and Jenna?"
"Jenna had to make a stop at the ladies' room," Doug explained, "This baby is just working her over. Mom went with her and dad had to run to the truck for something. We weren't sure if you were here already or not."
"We didn't hit as much traffic as we first expected so we got here pretty fast," Pam explained. "Is there anything I do for Jenna? Does she need anything?"
Doug pondered her question for a minute and then shook his head, "thanks anyways though Pam. She'll be fine once she gets settled in."
Pam nodded and turned her attention to the field were the players were warming up. Doug leaned over to Jim, thoroughly impressed.
"That is one great girl you've got there," he whispered, "already offering her help. I think I'm going to like her."
Jim nodded and glanced at Pam before threading his fingers through hers.
"James Anthony Halpert," a shrill voice called through the crowd minutes later and Jim lowered his head for a moment before standing to greet his mother.
"Hey mom," he greeted drawing her in close and kissing her cheek. "It's good to see you."
"So where is Pam?" Larissa asked, going straight for it and Pam stood up and carefully maneuvered her way around Jim.
"Hi Mrs. Halpert," Pam greeted, "it's nice to meet you."
"And it is wonderful to meet you too Pam," Larissa cooed grabbing her into a hug. "But please call me Larissa."
"Okay," Pam agreed happily and hugged the woman back. "And Mr. Halpert, it's great to meet you too."
"Call me Tony," Jim's dad insisted, "and I can say it is great to be able to place a face with your name. Jim has told us so much about you already…"
Pam looked down blushed and Jim slapped his dad lightly on the back, "okay dad," he interrupted, "so are any of my other siblings joining us?"
"Kristi and Jack are on their way," Larissa explained, "I guess they got stuck in some traffic. Matt and Nicole aren't able to make it, though I'm supposed to send them pictures."
"Next time then," Pam said with a shrug, "I've heard such wonderful things about everyone I can't wait to meet them."
"Jim has actually told you 'wonderful' things?" Doug asked, "Wow…I mean…"
"Shut up honey," Jenna interrupted, "leave Jim and Pam alone."
Jim shot Jenna a look of thanks and then they settled into the bleachers for the beginning of the game.
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"So how long exactly have you known Jim?" Jenna asked Pam as they were walking through the crowded lanes of the carnival. "I mean, he's talked about you for ages, but I don't know when you met."
"We met of course at work on his first day," Pam explained, "I was gracious enough to warn him about Dwight."
"So he does exist, Dwight I mean?"
"Oh yeah, he's real and everything Jim has told you is true, I promise."
"Interesting," Jenna chuckled, "so that has been what six or seven years?"
"Yeah," Pam told her, "I had only been working there for a few months when Jim started."
"Sorry if I'm being too pushy," Jenna said after a few seconds of silence, "I don't mean too…"
"No your fine," Pam insisted, "Trust me. Jim had to go through the same thing with my family just a few days ago. I understand why. It's exciting for us really, for me to be here with the family. I love getting to know everyone."
"Well, I can tell you this, you are already practically a part of this family. I Kristi already adores you and Doug is smitten himself. I think that might come from the years of stories and such we've heard from Jim."
Pam blushed and looked away and Jenna started talking again, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to embarrass you."
"It isn't that," Pam told her, "I just…hearing that makes me wish I would have realized this a long time ago. Me and Jim, I mean. I fought it so hard…"
"You were engaged," Jenna reasoned, "it's completely understandable…"
"Not at first," Pam told her. "I wasn't engaged to Roy when I first met Jim. I think he might have proposed to me when he realized I was slipping away. And even though I said yes and we started everything, I kept slipping. I tried to hold myself up and even lied to myself about it for months, years even, really. I should have never said yes…"
"You can't blame yourself, Pam," Jenna answered. "It isn't fair. To Jim, Roy, or yourself even. Could things have been different? Yes, but then it wouldn't have turned out this way. You don't know what would have happened if you and Jim had gotten together sooner. I think you both needed some time before you came into this lasting relationship."
"Thanks Jenna," Pam told her, wiping the tears from her eyes.
"What are sister-in-laws for?" she asked with a glint in her eyes and Pam's blush deepened. "I mean, I am assuming that is where this is headed?"
"I hope so."
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"I love her," Kristi told Jim as soon as she was out of ear shot with Jenna. "I just love her."
"Good," Jim said smiling as he picked at the bun of the hot dog he carried, "I thought you would."
"She is everything you said she was," Larissa commented noticing her son's expression, "and much more. I hope you finally settle down…"
"Mom…"
"You can't tell me you haven't thought about it?" Doug asked, "I know you better than that."
"Of course I've thought about it," Jim answered honestly, "I've thought about it since I met her. I just don't want to rush now that we finally have our chance."
"Rush?" Kristi asked, "you've know her for how long? I can't say that is rushing."
"Ease up on him Kris," Jack scolded his fiancé, "you have to let him do it in his own time."
"Right," Kristi scoffed, "cause if he's anything like you, he'll make her wait three years."
Everyone couldn't help but laugh and Jim was glad for the ease in tension.
"Just remember son," Tony commented, "don't let anything deter you from what you want."
"I know dad," Jim said, "and I won't."
"Good," he replied, "now, let's go find Josh and drag his sorry butt away and get some decent grub."
A chorus of agreement followed and Jim glanced off in the direction Pam and Jenna had walked to with a smile.
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A/N: Not my favorite chapter…by a long shot. But…I couldn't attempt to rewrite it again…I've tried. Anyways, I hope someone likes it. And I promise the next chapter will be better…I hope.
