This works. It is definitely within Miranda’s pattern to be simultaneously frustrated and insecure because she can’t do anything and completely embarrassed by those self same feelings

I am really enjoying the build up to the birth, but wondering how in the Hell Miranda is going to do the bed rest required. I have come across writers who could make the most interesting story hard to read, yet your writing style is much different. I bet if you decided to write about two people reading the telephone directory you could make it interesting

I am finding this story absolutely riveting. The angst is a little high for me but fits the characters and the plot. This chapter builds up the stress of arriving for the dinner well but then fails to say what happened when she arrived

So I feel like there’s a slight bit of confusion in this chapter. I liked the flashback, which I had at first thought of as Andy’s, before it transitions to Miranda’s? I might have misread, but it was really good... sizzlin actually..

Then Miranda is in the board meeting surrounded by all these sharks and Irv. She’s got Emily there and she’s trying to listen to the proceedings. You’ve got Irv staying his case, and then Mr Edwards interjects. Then suddenly it’s Miranda and Mr Edwards sharing scotch and looking at baby photos discussing what to do about Irv. There was no transition to let us know when they left the board meeting, or what the state of said board meeting was... I literally had no idea that they weren’t even in the board meeting anymore until they were about to start discussing strategy for ousting Irv. So this was pretty confusing. Maybe you add a few line breaks or something to clear up what was happening? Usually that kind of inquiry would require a vote before any kind of break, right? So what’s the status of this meeting. Did they adjourn to allow Miranda time to appropriately respond or present her own evidence against Irv’s claims? I’m just really confused by this chapter...

Damn kiddo. Your life seems kinda like a shitshow as well, to put it crudely. I’m sorry that you’ve had such devastating blows in your life. I can’t even possibly imagine what you’ve been feeling. I will admit that my respect for you has gone up considerably. It seems like you may have imbued Andy with quite a bit of your own character. I wish I had words of real support to offer you, but I’m not the most eloquent. Nonetheless, I do appreciate you. I appreciate the work you’ve been shaping online over the course of the last 7 years. I appreciate the daughter and granddaughter that you’ve been- trying to hold all of these pieces together. I appreciate the hard worker you’ve been, giving your best academically, but also the hard worker who gives her best in whatever she does, even if it isn’t what she most desires. I respect the tenacity and grit that it takes to juggle all of that, and deal with your feelings in healthy ways. I’ve never met you, nor have I ever heard your voice, but I’ve been privy to your words and your ways of thinking and I feel like I’ve come to know a small piece of you through your work. You’re a tough cookie, and you will thrive. I would expect nothing less from someone who has already overcome as much as you have. Stay safe! And may you live long and prosper!

Irv is cold-blooded.. I’m really hoping that there will be some kind of Deux-ex-machina solution that prevents Miranda from losing Runway. I mean it would be great to see her leave, but on her own terms of course...

I suspect that you’ll actually have Jason be a match... after all the heartache, there has to be some little bit of sunshine to be found here, right? This was a really intense chapter. I may or may not have had some moisture forming at the corner of my eyes and trickling down my cheeks... I may or may not have sympathized to the point of having my chest ache from suppressed tears, as I held my breath willing myself not to cry... damn, you’re good...

Ummm... so no respite then... this has literally been never-ending angst... makes my life feel like a walk in the park.. this might sound a bit macabre, but it’s nice to escape to the lives of some of my favorite characters who have lives that are infinitely more fcuked up than mine. Also nice because I can’t relate to this fic in any way... there have always been elements that I could relate to in DWP fics, but I’ve found this one to be so far beyond... but, this fic also has very relatable situations from infertility and clinging to the family you’ve been given, to spousal abuse, “geriatric” pregnancies, social/ financial/ relationship inequities, imbalances of power, being an effective step-parent and the relationship stresses of navigating discipline of a stepchild, navigating lgbt rights in healthcare- especially during emergencies- and so much more...

Fresh hell indeed! Just when I was thinking of the impossibility of the situation and that you wouldn’t dare, you went and did it! LMAO!

Still loving this fic, but to answer your question, there is A LOT of angst in this fic. It’s very heavy and emotional. It’s like 95% angst and 5% other. And just when we think we’re getting to a happy part, there’s more angst... it’s not remotely cathartic, and I’m just waiting to see what fresh hell you’ll put them through next. But, I’m still enjoying this fic mainly because I love the insta-family and how hard they’re working at being a family... though I’ll admit that there are parts where it seems like the main reason Andy stays through all the abuse and oppression is because of the kids and the insta-family that she now has- especially as she’s already turned her bio-family away for however long.. just something I noticed from how she speaks to Miranda during some of her more passionate declarations...

Kudos to Andy for having enough restraint to Mae a point, but not blame the girls... I’m glad she didn’t say anything that could never be taken back or unheard...

Holy crap! I’m sorry that happened to you. But I’m glad you’re okay. I have no idea when you posted this A/N about your health, but given that this was recently updated, I trust that you are in good health. I’m definitely sending some positive vibes your way. Stay safe!

Andy is really becoming the Miranda whisperer... it’s kinda funny that it’s so much manipulation, but not in a bad way. Actually, it seems to be very necessary given some of Miranda’s stubborn actions.

Holy cow... this is so intense... and terrifying... and sad... I can’t help but reflect on how much their relationship has been tested. Like this feels like a trial by fire.. after all of this drama, everything else should be a piece of cake... kinda...

Kids get jealous... not surprising that C&C would get to that point- especially with the kinds of friends, I imagine they’d have, influencing them. So Andy didn’t quite win this round, but I’m glad she’s not discouraged and I’m glad Miranda didn’t try and hurt her again.