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A Jericho Fan Fiction Archive
I really enjoyed the conversation between Heather and Jake regarding the world they are living in now and the comparing their thoughts on the new government. I like how Heather brought up Oliver, Jericho's own conspiracy buff, in the conversation. I really liked the quotes you picked to use in the story and thought that they were all particularly appropriate to the world Jake and Heather find themselves living in. Heather's thoughts about how the bombs indirectly affected people she knew in Jericho and Jake trying to reassure Heather that everything would be all right despite his own doubts I thought were especially poignant.
I wasn't surprised at quickly understood what was going on when she came to the ranch to check up on Jake. The bantering between Jake and Heather about Charlotte and the Road Runner and Jake's shock that she lump Charlotte with the Rod Runner by calling them both classic cars, I thought, was really fun to read. I liked Gail's insights into Emily and Jake's relationship and Jake's own insights into his relationship with Emily. The fact that Gail was able to call Jake on what was going on and the fact that he honestly opened up to her about his feelings I thought were very telling of their relationship. I really like how Gail was very much in character in this part. I'm glad that Jake realizes that he wants Heather in is life and how he knows he can't have this until he breaks up with Emily.
A very good part - as usual I like all the details you provide. I'm looking forward to the next part.
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"I don't know about that. I've spent two of the last four weeks blissfully ignorant," Heather said with a sigh, remembering vaguely the activity around her when she would drift back into consciousness. They'd said she had the flu-had been hit hard by it-but Heather continued to have doubts about whether it was the flu that felled her. After all, she always thought that her immune system was incredibly resilient. How else could she constantly be surrounded by runny-nosed, coughing students and not catch everything that came her way? "The other two I spent trying to get back here."
I like how you are building up the curiosity of the readers about what happened to Heather by dropping hints here and there. In this case it was the flu they said she had and her doubts that it was actually the flu. I also like how she brought her thoughts back to teaching as if she was trying to find a happy place in her mind.
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"Years." She paused as her eyes flitted to the ceiling. "I can't imagine that new textbooks would be the first priority of any government following a national catastrophe like what we had-unless it's a new government seeking to indoctrinate the population. And what better way to do that than with the children?" The thought made her queasy, but it fit with what she knew and with what the government had done thus far, including the never ending cycle of propaganda pieces they broadcast and passed off as news.
I like the commentary in this paragraph and what it confirms about the attacks.
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She swallowed hard and squeezed her eyes tightly, willing the tears that formed there to vanish. Heather had never liked crying, particularly in front of others, but it was difficult to keep her emotions in check considering the emotional rollercoaster on which she'd been a traveler
I thought that his paragraph was a perfect description of what Heather must have been feeling thinking about life after the attacks.
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Gail cleared her throat. She'd been watching the conversation between the two as though it were a tennis match; they'd obviously forgotten she was there with them. The banter between them had Gail alternately delighted and concerned. It was good to see in the man before her remnants of the boy she once knew, the boy who didn't carry the weight of the world on his shoulders, the young man whose laughter used to warm her heart. Heather brought out the best in Jake; Gail had no doubts about that. But where would they go from there? Was her son playing both sides against the middle? Gail could barely stomach the thought before she pushed aside the thought. No, he wouldn't do that, but it was obvious he would have to resolve the situation one way or another, and no matter what happened, someone would be hurt. "Jake, I'll help you fold these blankets. Then we'll go check on the horses." Mom-code for ‘We need to talk.'
I really like Gail's reaction here to Jake and Heather's bantering, especially that it reminded her of the Jake 'the young man whose laughter used to warm her heat'. Also , liked her realization that Jake would play two ends against the middle with Emily and Heather. May favorite part was the 'Mom-code'
Skyrose, thank you so much for the detailed feedback.
Delving into the issues of how the country has changed is something of a tightrope for me, I have to admit. I know how lost and disturbed I would be in these characters' situations--to have one's national identity essentially snatched away, not to mention all the other losses-- but I have to remind myself to think through the way the characters would react. As you know, I am a fan of history and have a morbid fascination with politics, so I am all the time looking through old quotes from presidents. Reagan's quote--and many of his others, interestingly--seem very appropriate to the circumstances in which our characters find themselves.
Gail has actually been a fun character to write. She gets away with saying things to her boys that no one else could get away with. I mean, who else other than Gail could call Jake on burning both ends of the candle and have credibility? Eric sure tried, but that whole mess he made with his relationships didn't exactly make him someone whose opinions Jake wanted to hear. Glad you liked the "Mom-code" line. It almost didn't make it into the story. I was afraid it was too tongue-in-cheek for the tone of that scene, but in retrospect, I think it works.
Thank you again! :)
Well, we have some progress! This was a very interesting, very realistic installment. As much as I wish the the course of true love ran a little smoother than in this story, I appreciate the fact that you keep this story ... grounded, I guess. The ranch is an interlude and there is music to face.
Starting back at the beginning, I like the reminder that Heather was sick while she was away (and I still think maybe she had Hudson River Fever). I also thought the discussion of the the Cheyenne government and how its starting to impose rules and ideas on its citizenry that those citizens might not be interested in. I look forward to seeing how you're going to interweave this conspiracy and the investigation of into the overall story.
The whole discussion with Gail was golden, and my favorite part was this:
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“I think she wanted to, but she was worried what she would find.” Gail noted the scowl on his face as he returned from his foray down the hall. “Jake, if you’re going to be with Emily, you can’t spend time with Heather. You do know that, don’t you?” Jake shifted uncomfortably. “It’s only going to make the situation with Emily more difficult.” Gail paused. “And I think you’ll make things harder for yourself, too. The more time you spend with Heather, the more difficult it’ll be to let her go.”
“I’m not going to let Heather go. Not again.” The words tumbled out before Jake could stop them.
“You two have talked about this?” Gail asked, her eyes widening in surprise.
“No, not until I settle things with Em.” Jake would let the cards fall where they may. No guts, no glory. He wasn’t going to be one of those guys who lined up the next girlfriend before he’d broken up with the old one.
I'm glad that Jake is finally willing to admit that he wants Heather in his life, and that he knows he needs to end things with Emily first before he tries to make things work with Heather.
Can't wait to see what happens next!
Thank you for your comments, Marzee! The romantic in me would love to tie everything up in a nice, neat bow for our favorite characters, but I just don't think it's easy for people to make life altering changes, particularly in times of abject danger and uncertainty. Jake and Heather being at the ranch together has provided a breather for them, as well as an opportunity for them to get a glimpse into what could be, but the reality of their situation is that Jake certainly has a lot of demands on him--many of which the women in his life (Emily, Heather, his mom) are unaware--and Heather now bears a lot of baggage from her time in NB. As they work their way to one another, they'll also have to work their way through a number of obstacles and unresolved issues. The difference now, though, is that they both have more clarity about the other and are willing to make those changes that will affect them and those around them.
Interesting theory about Heather possibly having had the Hudson River Virus. I'm not going to say whether you are right or wrong, but I will say that, in general, every detail I put in a story serves a purpose, so the reference to her having been ill is not accidental and will be explored at a later time. ;)
Thank you again!
I love that Gail knows her son well enough to know he is stuck in a rut of allowing himself to be unhappy as though it is all he deserves. I hnave had a boat load, or a chinook load of work this last ten days but this chapter made my shippy heart happy!
I really needed a way to escape real life and your fic is perfect for that!
Thank you for sharing.
Sid
Thank you for your comments, Sid. I thought you brought up an interesting point, which is whether Jake will allow himself to be happy. Is he with Emily because it's the easier thing to do, because he loves her, or is he with her as a way to remain unhappy and therefore, punish himself for all his wrongs? Gail is certainly in an interesting position. She knows Jake better than most, has a vested interest in his happiness, but also knows that he has to make his own decisions. How difficult it must be to remain an oberserver in that situation!
Great chapter, Sandra!
From the beginning, you set the scene so well, I could just imagine exactly the mood in the air as Jake and Heather talked about the state of the world in which they find themselves. I really liked seeing them compare notes like this, at the same time as reflecting on all the changes they've each witnessed. Heather's thoughts on the people who have died since the bombs really got to me. I don't always think of all the nameless people we don't see in this universe who have undoubtedly experienced similar things to Mrs. Voigt here, and it was a poignant reminder for me of how things would really be in this world.
I love the mention of Oliver, the resident conspiracy theorist, the discussion of the text books, memorable quotes, and Jake's attempts to reassure Heather about a future of which he himself is so very uncertain. It was all a very well written scene.
Gail arriving the next morning, and the reactions and interactions between all three characters, were very interesting. Though I was fairly certain of how they would all react, I also felt strangely in suspense as I read this part. Of course, Gail would perceive exactly what is going on and be able to call Jake on it later. I think she was so true to character here, exactly how she would handle such a situation. I liked her insight into Jake, and Emily as well. I can feel her frustration, to be the keen observer of these three, wanting happiness for her son, wanting him to behave with respect and treat both others and himself decently, but also not wanting Heather or Emily to get hurt. I really liked this line:
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Gail fluffed a pillow. “No, she was lost.” She raised an eyebrow. “And you—I get the impression that you didn’t want to be found by me today. You and Heather barely even knew I was here.” Jake opened his mouth to say something but then closed it. This wasn’t a conversation he wanted to have because once he did, it would make what he needed to do real. Yet his mother pressed on. “What’s going on with you, Jake? Emily’s a mess and you’re, well, you’re happier than I’ve seen you in a long time.”
The whole paragraph just sums up what I've been trying to say, I think. Gail assesses the situation so quickly and so accurately.
I loved to see Jake's development in this part as well. His thinking and really exploring why it is that things with Emily have always been so difficult and evaluating if he can take a leap and reach out to Heather, not knowing if she'll be able to accept all of him as he is. (Though I of course think she will, I understand his fears here, and you've captured his inner dialogue so well.) I'm glad he's figured out what he has to do, and it will be very interesting to see what happens next!
Thank you for your comments, Penny. Gail is in a tenuous situaiton. She doesn't want to interfere, but at the same time, she can't remain silent over what she is observing. In some ways, she is like a guide--akin to Freddie in your Once Removed. She knows the score, is willing to play the role of commentator to an extent, but draws back from actualling interfering.
Like you, I think that Heather would be understanding of Jake's less than spotless past. I think she already has an inkling that it's not been all sunshine and light for Jake, but she also recognizes that the man he is now is a special person. Jake's not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but Heather is not keeping a record book to hit Jake over the head with later.