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A Jericho Fan Fiction Archive
Oh, Penny, you've done such a good job with this story! I can see why it would be painful for Dale to look back, albeit for differing reasons.
The scene with his mother--Dale's mom not being able to provide the presents she wanted but them managing to have fun anyway--really struck me as an amazing contrast to Dale's current situation. Compared to most in Jericho, he's rich materially. Yet he's obviously lacking in what truly matters--the love of family.
The scene with Dale being in Emily's classroom had me alternately chuckling (Sean playing hangman...it's a wonder that boy knows how to spell anything other than vibe) and feeling for him. The awkwardness that Dale felt, the terror, and (what I perceived to be) excitement over being noticed by the teacher seemed painstakingly real. It was obviously uncomfortable for Scroogish-Dale, but I couldn't quite decide why. Was it because Dale was seeing the boy he used to be? The one who was meek, the one that few noticed?
I also enjoyed the scene with Skylar and Dale and the contraband Christmas tree. It definitely has me wondering what happened to estrange the two . I can only assume they are estranged or that something bad happened to Skylar. Otherwise, the I'd say that the two would be spending the holiday season together, and we'd have a more jovial Dale who would likely not be in need of a visit from Christmas spirits.
I look forward to finding out more!
Thanks!
You're very right about the contrast between Dale's situations in Christmas past and present. He's gained one thing he once seemed to be lacking, but lost something that is more important.
Scroogish Dale did find it uncomfortable to see himself in Emily's class, I think for the reasons you stated. It's hard to see himself so vulnerable, when he's tried so hard to build an armour around himself.
You are also right about Skylar/Dale, in that this scene from the past, and the change in their dynamic in the present, has affected Dale very much this Christmas.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
I enjoyed the trip through Dale's memories of the past. He seems so conflicted over his mother, like he was always trying to parent her as much as she was him. The tale of the gingerbread house - "Guess it's not our house anymore," was really bittersweet for two people, essentially growing up together in a trailer park, and I assume sort of wishing for something more permanent.
Now I will shock you by saying that Emily didn't really annoy me in this part! At least she was trying to relate to Dale, and I always enjoy a good Sean Henthorn joke. But, in Dale's place, I wouldn't be taking the homemade chocolate. I didn't ever get the impression that Emily was very competent in the kitchen!
I think it's telling, too that Dale didn't want to re-experience the memory of his Christmas with Skylar. I loved this story last year, but I don't remember what caused their break-up (if you told us) so I'm interested in finding out. They really did seem happy here, putting up a tree and swapping memories. In some ways, Dale seems more open with Skylar than he was even with his mother, so I'll be interested to see what went wrong in their friendship (they really seemed to be friends) and overall relationship.
Thanks!
You're very right about Dale's mother here. It's a relationship that Dale felt very conflicted over. He loved his mother very much but felt a difficult sense of responsibility and having to grow up before his time.
I'm glad Emily didn't annoy you too much. She was really trying, and I think her students appreciated it, but I think I would also steer clear of her chocolate, having heard what happens when she tries to bake and things go on fire.
You're right, Skylar and Dale were happy that Christmas, and it is very much a reason for Dale's reaction to this Christmas.