𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭-𝐈𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 ━ 𝐉𝐢𝐦 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭

- 14 | back in the swing -

A/N

So sorry for the short chapter, but it's just a comma between two big chapters so I'll hope you guys will enjoy it either way!

Back in the swing

Monday morning arrived, and Marceline walked into Dunder Mifflin with a mix of excitement and nervousness. It had been a quiet weekend, filled with unpacking and settling into her new apartment. She had missed the hustle and bustle of the office, and even more so, she had missed her daily interactions with her colleagues.

———

Interview: Marceline

Marceline sits in the conference room, her eyes bright with anticipation.

"I'm excited to be back at work. The weekend was great for getting settled in, but I missed the office and all the people here. I've been looking forward to catching up with everyone. I'm also planning something special for Jim's birthday on Friday. I hope he'll like it."

———

As she walked into the break room, Marceline was greeted with the familiar sight of her coworkers gathered around, chatting and enjoying their morning coffee. The room filled with a buzz of conversation as she entered.

"Marceline!" Pam called out, her face lighting up with a warm smile. "You're back!"

Marceline grinned, feeling a wave of relief. "Hey, Pam! It's good to see everyone. I missed you guys."

Pam moved over to make room for her at the table. "We missed you too. How's the new place?"

Marceline took a seat, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "It's great! It's a bit smaller than I'm used to, but it's cozy. I've got a little reading nook by the window where I can just relax with a book. It's starting to feel like home."

Dwight, ever the inquisitor, leaned in with his usual intensity. "Is the new place equipped with security measures? You know, for intruders and other potential threats?"

Marceline chuckled, shaking her head. "It's pretty secure, Dwight. I've got good locks and an alarm system. I think I'm set. But thanks for your concern."

Jim, who had been quietly sipping his coffee, looked up with a smile. "How's the unpacking going? Got everything in its place?"

Marceline nodded, looking around at the others. "Yeah, mostly. I'm still figuring out where to put a few things, but it's coming together. I even got a nice new rug for the living room. It's bright and adds a bit of personality to the space."

———

Interview: Jim

Jim sits in the conference room, looking thoughtful.

"It's good to have Marceline back at work. She seems to be settling into her new place well. I'm glad she's adjusting, and it's nice to see her enthusiasm. It's been a bit different without her around, and it feels like things are getting back to normal now that she's back."

He realises what he said nervously

"Even if it was just friday and weekend, yeah?

———

The conversation continued as the team chatted about various topics. Kevin chimed in, his face lighting up with curiosity. "So, Marceline, any cool plans for your new place? Maybe a housewarming party?"

Marceline laughed, shaking her head. "Not yet. I've been so focused on getting everything in order that I haven't had a chance to throw a party or anything. But who knows? Maybe down the line."

Pam nudged Kevin, her eyes twinkling with a secret. "Actually, Marceline is planning something special for Jim's birthday on Friday. She's got a little surprise in the works."

Marceline's cheeks flushed slightly. "Pam, shh! I didn't want to give it all away just yet. But yes, I am planning a surprise party for Jim. I thought it would be nice to celebrate his birthday and show him how much I appreciate everything he's done for me."

Angela looked up from her salad, her expression a mix of curiosity and disapproval. "A surprise party? I hope it's not going to be too... informal."

Marceline smiled, unfazed. "I'm keeping it simple, Angela. Just a small gathering of friends. I want it to be special for Jim."

Stanley, who had been quietly enjoying his pretzels, grunted in approval. "As long as there's cake, I'm on board."

Marceline laughed, nodding. "Of course, Stanley. There will definitely be cake."

As the group continued their conversation, Marceline felt a renewed sense of belonging. Despite the changes in her life, she was grateful to have such supportive colleagues.

After work, Marceline made her way to the shopping mall. Her mind was buzzing with ideas as she wandered through the aisles, searching for the perfect gift for Jim. She knew he liked simple, meaningful presents, so she decided on a leather-bound journal. She had seen it earlier and thought it would be a nice gesture—a place for Jim to jot down his thoughts and observations.

As she picked out a card and wrapped the gift, her thoughts drifted back to the party plans. She had spent the last few days preparing her apartment for the event, making sure it was warm and welcoming. The space was small but had a cozy charm, perfect for a surprise gathering.

Marceline also planned to make Jim's favorite dishes—his beloved chili and a homemade apple pie. She hoped the combination of good food and good company would make the evening memorable.

As she finished her shopping and headed home, Marceline felt a sense of accomplishment and anticipation. Friday was just around the corner, and she was excited to see Jim's reaction to the surprise.

Back at the office, Jim was focused on work, trying to keep his mind off the weekend. He had decided not to make any plans, just in case something did come up. The day passed in its usual rhythm, with Jim engaging in his typical office banter and tasks.

As he wrapped up his workday, he couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity about what the week might bring. He headed home, looking forward to a quiet evening, unaware of the surprise Marceline had in store for him.

As the sun set, Marceline looked around her apartment, taking in the sight of her carefully arranged preparations. She was ready for Friday, and she hoped it would be a memorable celebration for Jim.

As she settled in for the evening, she couldn't help but smile at the thought of the upcoming surprise. The anticipation was almost as exciting as the event itself, and she was looking forward to sharing this special moment with Jim and their friends.

In the quiet of her new apartment, Marceline felt a sense of satisfaction and hope. The future was still unfolding, but she was confident that, with the support of her friends and the special surprise she had planned, things were looking brighter than ever.