Wednesday 15 May 2013

Standing Strong

Continuing on the theme of introductions, today's post is about Maggie ("Absolution", for those of you just joining in).

While Jack has headed for the hills, Ally and her friends don't have that luxury.  They have the aftermath of the accident to deal with and that takes a team effort and all their combined strength.  Ally wakes up in the days following the accident to devastating news - and the bombshell that Jack has disappeared.

Callum steps up and does his best to fill that gaping hole, along with his girlfriend Jane, Jack's father Tom and Ally's best friend Maggie.  Maggie doesn't have Callum's anger management issues, but she shares his sense of betrayal and disgust at Jack's sudden disappearance.  She is almost the opposite of Callum - calm, rational and quietly persistent. 

Like the others, she has celebrated and commiserated with Ally, doggedly determined in her belief that things will get better, sometimes despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.  Her unfailing strength and commitment is what Ally comes to rely on.  Their friendship is rock-solid and that's a running theme through this whole story - the power of friendship. 

Yet despite their closeness (or perhaps because of it) she knows there are things that Ally is hiding from her.  Watching from the sidelines, she can see the gaps in the facade but she knows that no matter what any of them says or does, they can't be filled.  Only Jack can do that - or perhaps a time machine.

I think watching a friend in pain is one of those things that both breaks something inside of you, as well as makes you even more determined to protect them.  

When Jack finally returns, the last thing Maggie wants is to watch Ally unravel all over again, not after they have spent the past four years helping her rebuild her life.  Grief, anger, a deep sense of betrayal and a strong urge to protect Ally overwhelms her.  As much as she wants to stand by whatever decision Ally makes, she can't just ignore the events of four years ago.

As far as Maggie is concerned, Jack needs to earn their trust - he can't just reappear with an apology and expect things to go back to being as they were.  Add to that the fact that the past four years have clearly changed him, and she is rightly suspicious.  She wants to keep Jack as far away from Ally as possible.

But of course, it's never that simple is it?  You can't make decisions for others, no matter how much you love them or think you're doing the right thing by them. 

Thanks to everyone for popping over and commenting, both here and on my Facebook page - it is always appreciated!  Facebook has a habit of hiding stuff from your timeline (most of my posts only hit about half of your timelines - I know because I can see those stats from my end), so if you are enjoying this journey, please let me know - then I know I'm reaching you!

~Amanda

10 comments:

  1. Tick Tock! Tick Tock! Can't wait for the final count down when I can download this masterpiece and devour it!

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    1. Fantabulous! Thanks Dani! You're awesome - that is all :)

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  2. I am SO looking forward to sitting down and readying the whole story (in one fell swoop with coffee and Tim Tams!)

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    1. Yay! :D Happy to supply the Tim Tams (I haven't forgotten!). Thanks Karen <3

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    2. I was waiting for this! You tease us. And we keep watching to see what is next. :-)

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    3. Thanks Harriet - glad you're enjoying the journey too :)

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  3. Is it Aug/September yet??? This is almost as bad as waiting for Supernatural to get back from hellatus! Can't wait to read it chick

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    1. LOL! Neeeeeaaaaaarly...?? Thanks Vick - glad you're enjoying the ride! x

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  4. It's like being a child on Christmas Eve , the anticipation is killing me but love getting to know each Character. Maggie is the sort of friend that's far and few between. xxx

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    1. Love it, Tracy! So glad you're enjoying the introductions :) I agree - Maggie is one of those friends you hold on tight to and never let go of! xx

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