Forum       Forum  Discussions  FanFic  Beyond the Capeside Triangle Episodes 1-6   Previous   Next    3/16/2005 3:17 AM    jimidb 3569 posts Beyond the Capeside Triangle Episodes 1-6  This topic will include all of the episodes I've written from the extension of All Good Things must Come to an End to episode 6. CRU has agreed to close out those topics after they are combined. They are in order: A Bridge BetweenTwo Loves Episode 1 A Tale of Four Tales Episode 2 All Things become new Episode 3 Chaos Theory Episode 4 Multiple Partners Episode 5 What a Tangoed Web We Weave Eoisode 6 A Deposit To Remember  3/16/2005 3:23 AM    jimidb 3569 posts A Bridge Between Two Loves -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scene: Ice House Kitchen. Pacey goes in to the kitchen and sees Joey looking around] 1. Pacey: Hey. Joey: I'm looking for some serving spoons. Pacey: They're in the bin at the end. Joey: Well, how you doing? You ok? Pacey: Yeah. Yeah, I really am ok. Joey: What's going on in that head of yours? Pacey: You're off the hook. Joey: What? Pacey: You're off the hook. I've never really put much faith in all that "if you love someone, set them free" crap, as evidenced by everything I've done in my life up to this very moment, but I am determined to be happy, Joey. Happy in this life. And I love you. I mean, I always-- I have always, always loved you. But our timing has just never been right. And the way I figure it, time is no man's friend. So I have to get right with that and be happy, now. Because this is it. I mean, this is all that we get. If there's one thing I've learned from losing Jen, that's what I've learned. Joey: Pacey, I— Pacey: Actually, um, hold on. I'm not done yet. Because I also want for you to be happy. It's really important for me that you be happy. So I want you to be with someone, whether it be Dawson or New York guy or some man that you haven't even met yet. But I want you to be with someone who can be a part of the life that you want for yourself. I want you to be with someone who makes you feel like I feel when I'm with you. So, I guess the point to this long run-on sentence that's been the last 10 years of our lives is just that the simple act of being in love with you is enough for me. So you're off the hook. Joey: You know, for the record, I-- [Sniffles] I don't want to be let off the hook. Because everything in my life that I've done has led me here... right now, and the last thing I want, need, or deserve is to be let off somebody's hook. Pacey: Please don't miss my point here 'cause— Joey: And don't miss mine. Pacey... I love you. You know that. And it's very real. It's so real that it's kept me moving, mostly running from it, never ready for it. And I love Dawson. He's my soul mate. He's tied to my childhood, and it's a love that is pure and eternally innocent. I can't be let off the hook because I might just get the notion that it's ok to keep running. Pacey: So then, what exactly are you saying here? [Gales comes in and interrupts them] Gale: Oh, Pacey, there you are. Um, we need plates. [Pacey hands her some plates] Gale: You are so sweet to open up your place like this. I love you both. [Gale leaves them alone again] Pacey: Ok, uh... I think you were maybe just about to say something really important. Joey: Pacey... I realize... [Bessie comes in this time and interrupts them.] Bessie: Joey, give me a hand. Here, grab this tray. Here. [Bessie hands Joey a tray of food.] Bessie: How you doing, Pacey? Pacey: I'm good, Bess. I'm good, thanks. (Scene: the boardwalk outside the new Ice house. Dawson is pacing, looking over the water as his cell rings) Dawson: Yeah? Assistant: Any progress? The networks getting really anxious. Dawson: I know, and no. (sighs) Not really. I know where I want this to go, but I can’t get it out. I just........ Assistant: Boss, I know this week has been hard on you, but you’ve got to put........ Dawson: (interrupts irritably)No, you don’t know. I rushed out here under the biggest pressure of my life, to see my Mom enjoy one of the happiest days of my life, only to have one of my very best friends die at the wedding..........well, not at the wedding, but...........Listen. Tell them it’ll be there tonight. Assistant: But, Daws........ Dawson: No!! I need the right frame of mind to write this and I couldn’t be further right now. None of their threats will make a bit of difference. Just tell them. (Hangs up and looks over the water with elbows on the rail) (Scene: Outdoor dining area of new Icehouse. We see guests sitting, talking and eating. A buffet line on the right side with people preparing plates. We see Joey and Bessie, stacking, stirring and serving the memorial guests as Pacey exits the kitchen. Looks around and sees Joey. Hesistates then approaches taking her by the hand and pulling her out onto the patio.) Joey: Hey, Witter? Pacey: You’re coming with me! Joey: Have you totally lost it? Pacey: No, not yet. Alright. What did you mean by that? Joey: By what, Pace? Pacey: By “you don’t want to be let off anybody’s hook” Joey: (smiles tenderly) Pace, we’ve got to talk........there’s something you’ve got to know. It’s just that right now, here.....it’s not the time. (Places hand on his cheek) Okay? Pacey: Joey, you’ve got to quit doing this to me. I’m going to count to ten and when I.......... Joey: Ten...........(she leans forward an up kissing Pacey passionately with a big grin on her face. As the camera pulls back we hear scattered applause as the family and friends take notice and we see Dawson watching over Joey’s shoulder. He smiles a soft smile, understanding on his face, turns and walks down the boardwalk.) (Scene: Boardwalk near downtown Capeside....Dawson is walking slowly toward home, pausing occasionally to look over the river and think) (flash Dawson’s bedroom) Joey: Whoa. Wait a minute. We're back to that? You mean, you haven't even kissed that girl? Dawson: It's not about the kiss Joey. It's about the journey, creating a sustaining magic. Joey: Does Jen fall for this warped movie logic? Dawson: It's not warped. It's romance. Joey: It's old, Dawson. Just kiss her, will you? Take the elevator to the next floor and get off, it's time. Dawson: It's not that simple Joey. It's about creating the perfect moment. And it has to be planned with the right music and dialogue. Joey: You can't storyboard a kiss. Dawson: Sure, you can. Joey: It's not reality, Dawson. These movies that you're watching are false images that don't exist outside the city limits of Hollywood. Dawson: Not true. They're images grounded in the reality of imagination. Joey: Did you just pull that one out of your butt, or what? Dawson: Everybody thinks that movies are fantasy, but they don't have to be. From here to eternity. You can have that. You just have to create it. (Dawson smiles and walks on) ( Flash) Joey: I thought this was what I wanted. You to see me as beautiful. For you to look at me the way that you look at Jen. But the truth is, I don't want that at all Dawson. I want you to look at me and see the person you've always known and realize that what we have is so much more incredible than some passing physical attraction because you know what Dawson? This is just lipstick. And this is just hair spray. Tomorrow I'm going to wake up, and I'm going to be Joey. Just Joey. The too-tall girl from the wrong side of the creek. Dawson: Joey this is all new we should talk about it. No matter what happens. We can't go back to the way things were. Joey: Dawson, you've had a lifetime to process your feelings for me. And I can't spend the rest of my life hoping that you might throw a general glance in my direction between all the torture-teen romances when every Jen Lindley rolls around. (Flash) Joey: Look, Dawson, I'm sorry, okay? It was a mistake. A poor error in judgement and that's it. And for you to blow this into some earth shattering scene of cinematic proportions-- Dawson: Now, wait a minute! You're not going to do that to me. Joey: Do what? Dawson: Use who I am against me to divert from the fact you screwed up. Joey: I said I was sorry what else do you want me to say? Dawson: There's nothing you can say, Joey! There's no justifiable reason for a girl who spent the last 15 years of her life pretending that I was the only thing she wanted ended up kissing some other guy and lying about it (Dawson frowns, picks up and skips a rock across the water, and walks on) (flash) Pacey: I'm just asking a simple question, Dawson. You and Joey... she's not your girlfriend anymore. Dawson: You're right, she's not. Pacey: Right, so then why are we having this conversation? You see where I'm going with this? I mean, you're the same guy who told me a couple weeks ago that the two of you just needed to go your separate ways. Dawson: Yeah, we do need to go our separate ways. It just never occurred to me… Pacey: That what? That she would actually go her separate way, too? Or perhaps it didn't occur to you that her separate way would include a stopover at me, is that what it is? God, man! This is the way it always is with you! You talk and talk, but you don't listen to yourself. You say you're over her, but you're not. They're just words, they don't mean anything to you. Dawson: You don't know what you're talking about. Pacey: Look at that girl, Dawson. (he motions to Joey who is dancing with some older man) Just take a good look. She's a freaking goddess, man. How long did you think it was gonna be before some guy comes along and is interested in her? I mean, really, dude! And when that happens, what are you gonna do? Dawson: I'm just gonna take it all as it comes. Pacey: You're gonna take it as it comes. Oh great, well perhaps you should start figuring out right now because the guy that comes along is not gonna be your best friend and he's not gonna ask for your permission. The guy that comes along is gonna take one look at that woman and then just cut right in on ya. (Flash) (Loft of Barn at Aunt Gwen’s house) Dawson: Joey, do I seem different to you? Joey: What do you mean? Dawson: I've devoted all this energy to...Reinventing myself, and... [Chuckles] to be honest, I don't see where it's gotten me. I don't feel any different. Joey: Actually, you are different, Dawson. Once upon a time, you had to be the center of attention. Life revolved around you and your dreams. And recently, I've watched you fade into the background and let others shine. You're different. What? Dawson: This trip this week has... Reminded me of what we're good at. Joey: What's that? Dawson: We make sense of each other's lives. We always have. Joey: Things are changing, Dawson. People evolve, and--and... Some things drop away. Dawson: Yeah, but things don't have to be any certain way, Joey. Growing up does not have to equal growing apart. Joey: Somehow, it does. Dawson: You gotta find some faith... Faith that whatever set us off in different directions is the same thing that'll... Bring us back together. Joey: [Sighs] I take it back. You haven't changed a bit. You're still an eternal optimist, Dawson (Dawson pauses at intersection....looks, crosses and continues) (flash) Joey: I don't even know what I want, Dawson. Dawson: Yes, you do. You want him. You want him like I want you. You love him like I love you. [Laughs] the only difference is he loves you back the same way. And you deserve that. Ok? And I'm not gonna be the one who stands in the way of you getting that. You're free. You can do whatever you want. Joey: But, Dawson, I want us to still be friends, and I want to know that you don't hate me— Dawson: They're just words, Joey. They're just words. 'Cause after you're done dispensing your pleasantries here, you're gonna turn around and you're gonna walk away from me. Aren't you? Joey: I have to, otherwise, I'll never know. Dawson: Just go. Joey: But, Dawson— Dawson: Jo, go, I'm telling you, before I take it all back, all right? Just go! Go. (Dawson stops at the swing set in the park) (Flash) (Swing sets in the park) Dawson: Jo, your not a bad friend. I don’t get to say it much anymore, but you’re my best friend. You always were. No matter where you are, no matter where your life may take you and no matter who you’re with. Joey: You’ll always have a piece of my heart. Dawson: Something like that. Joey: Yeah, it doesn’t have to be a huge piece. Dawson: No, no, no, no. Not a huge piece. Just enough, you know, tiny piece. (Flash) (Scene: Concession stand at the movie theatre) Joey: The only way to know would be to— Dawson: stop time. Go backwards. Joey: Yeah. Dawson: Would you wanna do that if you could? Joey: No. And I know that sounds strange. Dawson: Everything happens for a reason, right? Joey: It's not so bad, really. The not knowing. It has this... sweet sadness to it. Dawson: Hmm. I think I'm familiar with that feeling ( Dawson moving on) (flash) Joey: The party was fun. Dawson: uh,Yeah, it had it’s moments. Joey: Um, like you and Gretchen. Dawson: Uh, that was not a moment. That was merely a holiday tradition.. Joey: So, What’s the deal? You guys friends or... Dawson: Yeah, we’re friends. What else would we be? Joey: I thought since you guys were kissing........ Dawson: Uh, Please. Sophisiticated, cool 21 year old college girls don’t generally fall for dorky high school seniors. Joey: So....you’re not interested in her? Dawson: Even if I were, she’s not interested in me. So why ruin a perfectly good friendship. Joey: These things don’t always have to work that way. Look at us. After all that’s happened? And we’re friends. If we weren’t you wouldn’t have.....you wouldn’t have given me this. And I wouldn’t be here telling you to do what ever your heart tells you to do. (Flash) (Scene: Mr. Brooks garage.) Dawson: Yeah, which is exactly what scares me, because at some point he just decided it was easier to stop caring. And he did, and by the time he woke up, it was too late. What's to prevent any of us from ending up like that? Gretchen: That's not you, Dawson. That would never be you. Dawson: You don't know that. I mean, h-how can you be sure? I mean, I lost the girl just like he did. Gretchen: Yeah, and you picked yourself up, you dusted yourself off, and you took a chance. Look, so what if he screwed up, you know? So what if he was a coward for more years than he was a hero? In the end, he got it right. Do you know when I realized that my feelings for you were more than platonic? It was that stupid movie. Dawson: What movie? Gretchen: The one we watched in your room that night. Dawson: Turn away, my sweet. Gretchen: Watching you watch that movie, seeing you come alive in a way I’ve never seen you before. I mean, in that moment I just knew I wanted to be a part of your life in this bigger and better way. (Flash) Outside the Leery house) Mr. Brooks: Why do you want to make pictures? Dawson: [Sighs] How can you explain the things you love? You can’t. You just do. Mr. Brooks: God help you, kid. (Flash) (Scene: Leery’s Fresh Fish...........Gretchen is clearing bar at the end of the night) Gretchen: "There's no place like home." Dawson: The wizard of oz. Gretchen: Exactly. It's what everybody remembers about the movie, but it doesn't resonate with the rest of the story. Think about it. You know, home is this desolate, gray dust bowl of a place where some nasty old lady is trying to kill your dog. And oz is— Dawson: Technicolor. Gretchen: And sure it has its problems. You know, poppy fields, flying monkeys-- Dawson: talking trees. Gretchen: But along the way, you make friends. Good friends. With people that you never even knew existed when you were growing up. Straw people, tin people— Dawson: and lions. Gretchen: Exactly. And you help each other realize that all the things you wanna be you already are. And it's fun (Dawson turns toward the street as he hears a horn honk) Andie: Hi, Stranger. Need a lift? Dawson: Andie, Hi. Sure, why not? Andie: You ok? Dawson: Sure, just clearing my head. I have a script due like yesterday, and I’m nowhere in getting it done. This has been a really miserable week. Andie: Yeah. Dawson: I didn’t see you back at the Icehouse. Andie: I was there...........in hiding. I’m not real good at these things. I guess I was crying a lot. I decided it was time for me to go. Dawson: Back to Boston? Andie: Yeah, I’ve got a night shift tonight. (They ride in silence, then) Dawson: You know..........some how I’ve always known.......... Andie: Me, too. Dawson: I don’t know why it took me so long to see........I mean...... Andie: Dawson, believe me....it gets better. Dawson: I was just walking along remembering......good friends, a lot of good memories, a great family......I’m a very lucky guy Andie:(tearing up) and you have lucky friends. (Andie pulls up to Leery house) Dawson: Can I get you something to drink, Andie? Andie: No, thanks. I better be going.(Andie leans over and hugs Dawson, kiss on the cheek) You call me, Dawson. In Boston. Better yet, come see me. Dawson: (smiling) I will. Bye. Andie: (leaning out the window) By the way, I love your show. (Dawson smiles, looks toward the water and walks to the dock) (flash) Joey: Sorry, Dawson but he is just too repelling. Dawson: Joey, you're going to have to kiss him. Joey: I cannot and will not kiss that cretin. Dawson: It's a movie, you're playing a character. It's not Pacey you're kissing. Joey: So he's a sea serpent from the deep. What's the difference? Dawson: But you're not aware of his evil alter-ego. You're in love. Joey: Forget it. (Dawson grins and chuckles to himself) (Scene: Top of the steps by the water fountain. Pacey stands with Joey, back to his chest, arms around her as they talk) Joey: I can’t believe a couple of days ago, I was almost engaged. Pacey : You are the impulsive one. Joey:(giggles) Stop it!........Pace, we’ve got to talk. Pacey: Just what I had in mind. See that sailboat anchored over there......the red stripe, red and blue flag......35 footer? Joey: Yes....is it YOURS? Pacey: No.....afraid not. But I do have the priviledge of using it on occasion. Can you take another week before you go back to work? Someone told me once that sailing makes for great foundations to relationships. Joey: I can.....or I will. One way or the other. (Joey turns around and kisses him passionately.) Joey: Do you remember our summer........ Pacey: I remember. Joey: Pace, we’ve got to have one of those. Can we? Pacey: All in good time, milady. All in good time. Joey: Pacey, why did you wait for me? Pacey: Because you believed in me. Joey: That’s kind of sappy, don’t you think? ( Pacey fakes a dagger to the heart) Joey: We have so many things to decide. Pacey: I already know the answers. Joey: Well, I’m not sure I know the questions. Pacey: I told you a long time ago that I would be wherever you were going to be. (Joey, pauses, comprehension turning her face to a smile) Joey: And I said I wasn’t going anywhere without you. (She takes his arm and puts it around her and they start down the steps, stopping at the bottom) Joey: Sweetheart, there’s something I have to do. Pacey:: I know. Go ahead, I’ll make sure everything’s okay at the restaurant. Joey: I love you, Pace. Pacey: I love you, too, hon. (Joey turns to walk the opposite way, stops, turns) Joey: Pacey....I won’t be long. I promise..... Pacey: It’s okay, Jo. Joey: When I get back......can we do that thing we used to do? Pacey: You want to read a book, Jo? (Joey grins shyly) Joey: Nope..........the other thing. (Pacey’s smile turns to a broad grin) [Scene: Dawson’s Back Yard. Dawson is sitting at the picnic table trying to figure the ending of his final episode of the season. (flash) (Scene: Leery Living Room) (Mitch: You've been making movies ever since you were a little boy. I first heard about USC when you were 10, and for the last 4 years, it's been the frigging mantra of the Leery household. So what do you do? You work your tail off. You overcome hell and high water and the kind of adversity that would send ordinary kids running for cover, and you actually do the impossible, and you get yourself in. You did it, Dawson. You...did it. (He hears the sound of a c ar door and looks back in time to see the moment that Jen first arrived in Capeside. The scene fades to Lily and Alexander playing together in the back yard. He looks back over the creek, and sees when Joey comes walking up to join him from his pier.] Dawson: Hey. Joey: How ya doing? Dawson: Surviving. You? Joey: It's been a long day. Dawson: Yeah. Joey: Are you writing? Dawson: No. The curse of an unwritten ending. Joey: Oh. Make it a happy one, please. I can't take any more sad ones. Stay away from the life and death of it all. Dawson: It's interesting how people use that expression-- life and death. As if to imply that life is the opposite of death, but birth is the opposite of death. Life... has no opposite. Joey: I never thought of it that way. Dawson: Well, leave it to me to over think it. Joey: You are the writer. Dawson: Yeah. This writer has decided it doesn't matter how it ends... because fiction is fiction, and for the first time, in a long time... [Sighs] My life is real. It doesn't matter who ends up with who. Because in some unearthly way... it's always gonna be you and me. Joey: Soul mates. Dawson: What we have goes beyond friendship, beyond lovers. It's forever. Joey: [Softly] Yes, it is. I love you, Dawson. Dawson: I love you, too, Joey. [The hear giggling and they turn around to see Lilly up in Dawson’s room, and Alexander at the bottom of the ladder.] Lily: Come on, Alexander! Come on! Only a few more steps! You can do it! Joey: [Laughs] You and me, always. Dawson: Always. (Dawson leans toward Joey and they hug) Dawson: So where’s the Creature from the Deep?  3/16/2005 3:25 AM    jimidb 3569 posts Here we go again...........picks up at the end of Dawson and Joey's scene with Lily and Alexander. (Scene: Next morning, Pacey’s bedroom, thru the window we see rocky beach and waves crashing. Pacey sleeping alone. Joey enters wearing an apron which says ROADKILL CHEF and a breakfast tray) Joey: Wake up, sleepyhead..(Pacey rolls over, rubs his eyes, and looks at her) Aren’t you gonna tell me to go away? Pacey: No.....I was waiting to see if you were real. Joey: AND............ Pacey: All signs point to YES. Joey: Good! ( she sits tray on floor, jumps on the bed and starts to tickle him. She quickly loses and has to beg him to stop tickling her. She kisses him and climbs up to her knees.) You hungry? Pacey: Famished. You cook? Joey: Hey!! Pacey: Just kidding. You’ve actually turned out to be good at a lot of things. Joey: Yes, I have. Pacey: AND you’re cute. Joey: Yes, I am. Pacey: AND you’re smart. Joey: Yes, I am. Pacey: AND you’re really mine. Joey: Hmmmmmmmm.......Without a doubt, hon.. (They kiss) Pace, I’m impressed. This place is much neater....cleaner....than I would’ve given you credit for. Pacey:(indignant) I’m crushed, Potter. Joey: Well........? Pacey: Alright. So I had some help. Joey: Oh yeah??? Pacey: When you were at Dawson’s yesterday, Doug asked for my keys. Joey: Doug cleans your house? Pacey: He DID yesterday. He thinks you’re a keeper. (Scene: Potter B&B at kitchen table.) Bodie: Coffee, Jo? Joey: Thanks, Bodie. Sure. Bessie: I’m just so excited for you. Joey: Thanks, it just feels so ............. Bodie: Right. Joey: Yeah, Bodie. It feels right. Bessie: So Joey, where did this all come from? Joey: Whatever do you mean, dear sister? You didn’t see it coming? You practically forced me to break it off with Christopher. Bessie: Forced? Joey: Oh alright. You’re right. I’ve always loved him, or as YOU put it.....them. Bessie: Them? Joey: Dawson and I have had this connection all of our lives. Until now I was afraid to face loving Pacey, because fo what it would do to me and Dawson. I just can’t do it anymore and miracle of miracles.......it’s like a light clicked on. I get it and I’m pretty sure, Dawson gets it. Bessie: But you’ve talked to Dawson? Is he okay? Joey: Yes, we talked yesterday. It was wonderful. I feel amazing. Anyway, I don’t mean to change the subject, but I’m taking Dawson to the airport at 2 pm and then I’ve got to pack. Bodie: What? You’re leaving? Joey: (gushing) I’m going sailing. For a week! (Scene: Doug and Pacey seated at the bar in the Icehouse.) Doug: Well, little brother. I hope your transformation is now complete. Pacey: What do you mean? Doug: My little brother, Capeside’s Daring Original, becomes a business owner, employer, chamber of commerce member, responsible citizen and now, God forbid, SETTLED down? I always DID like that girl. Pacey: She’s smart, Doug. Doug: I know....that’s what’s so amazing. Pacey: Alright now, that’s enough. Just because I’m in a good mood..... Doug: So, you’ve arranged for the boat? Pacey: Yeah, tomorrow morning. You know Doug. I love sailing. I’ve always loved sailing, but in all honesty, it’s never been the same since that summer. I can’t tell you how psyched I am about this. And how’s your change of circumstance going? Doug: Pacey, it’s going to be a challenge. I know but I’m up for it. Pacey: Jack will be a great Dad. Doug: I don’t mean about Amy. Pace, I kissed Jack yesterday on the beach..........in front of Mr. and Mrs. Dudley. I told them I was kissing my boyfriend. Pacey: (jumps up and grabs Doug in a bear hug) I’m so proud of you, big brother. Doug: And Amy? Such a sweetie, Pace. Of course, Grams is with us so Jack’s still coasting, but you’re right. He’ll make a great Dad. Pacey: Oh WOW!! Doug: What? Pacey: I’m going to miss my first Saturday with Amy. I promised Jen. Doug: She didn’t expect it of you, Pacey. It meant a lot to her though to know you’ll be here watching over her. Pacey: I can DO that. Tell her if any kid messes with her fingerpaintings, Uncle Pacey will take them out. (Telephone rings. Pacey walks behind the counter and answers it.) Dawson! Good morning. (Scene: Joey enters airport near car rental counter. Dawson is approaching) Joey: So, get your car turned in? Dawson: Yeah. It was great of you to come, Jo. I usually work on my laptop while I wait in airports, but I’m pretty well caught up. Joey: You finished your script? Dawson: (laughs) Yes and no. I worked half the night and got it e-mailed in. It’s crap, but my staff can primp and fluff and generally juice it up . In the meantime, I know exactly what it is I want to do in the rewrites. Joey: Great, I can’t wait to see it. Dawson: Jo, last night the ideas were flowing like I don’t ever remember before. I’ve already got half of next season outlined. I’m pretty pumped and the network will be too. Sooooo, it’s a shame Pacey couldn’t make it. Joey: Now THAT’S going to take some getting used to. Dawson: I talked to him this morning. Did he tell you? Joey: I haven’t seen him since about 9 am. Dawson: Joey, I really screwed up our Junior year. Every thing I said was true.....that WAS the worst day of my life. Joey: Dawson........ Dawson: No wait, Jo. I told you. I had to salvage the relationship that was most important to me. You, Joey. We’ve said we were soulmates since the day we knew what it meant. .....and you were my friend. What I didn’t understand was what I had. A soulmate AND a best friend. I know now, that I wouldn’t have lost my soulmate, but I did lose my best friend. Joey: Dawson, you never lost me. Dawson: I lost Pacey, Jo. Joey: Dawson ( tears beginning to flow) Dawson: He’s a part of me, Joey. Just like you’re a part of me. We both found that out in the hurrincane but were too stubborn to admit it. Joey: Dawson, I’m floored. You don’t know how long I’ve wanted to hear this. Dawson: I know, but do you know what? We both found our way back because of you. You led us back. Joey: Dawson, I’m not without fault in this whole thing. Dawson: Do us both a favor. Just stay right there on your pedestal where we put you for awhile. (He smirks, she blushes and the intercom announces the boarding of Dawson’s flight) Hmmmm, flights early. Joey: Dawson, please keep in touch and often. Dawson: I will. I promise. I’ll never be far. And you.....have fun on your trip? Joey: You know about that?(Dawson grins and heads down the loading ramp. Joey shouts after him) I could get used to this, Leery! (Scene: Mid- afternoon, kitchen of the Icehouse. Joey enters, puts her hand over Pacey’s eyes from behind) Joey: Guess Who? Pacey: The crazy girl who kept me from getting any sleep last night. Joey: In your dreams, Cabin Boy. Pacey: Now, Now. Let’s not EVEN got there. I am the Captain....will always be the Captain. Joey: Those days are way behind us now, Witter. I’m the Captain and you’re my first mate..... if you catch my drift. Pacey: Oh now, aren’t we the clever one. Joey: Pace, you talked to Dawson!!! How incredible!! Pacey: I talk to Dawson all the time, Jo. Joey: PACEY!!! You know what I mean. I’m so happy. Pacey: I gotta tell you, Jo. When I picked up the phone, I was a wee bit nervous. But this was a conversation I’ve waited a long, long time for. I don’t think you can understand how much..... Joey: Oh, I understand all right. And I think it’s wonderful.....AND (smiling cutely) Dawson said you guys agreed that I should stay on the pedestal where you put me. Pacey: Like we’d have any chance at all of getting you off! Joey:( punches him in the arm) I’ve got to go to the B&B. I’ve got some calls to make. What’s on for tonight? Pacey: I, madame, am taking you to the finest restaurant in town for a mouth-watering experience such as you’ve never experienced. Joey: Eating here, huh? Pacey: Yeh, sorry. Since we’re leaving, I needed to give my assistant manager a night off. We don’t have to stay to closing. The assistant chef can do that. I’ll try to keep things under control and we can have that talk, okay? Joey: You’re on. I’ll see you tonight Pace. . (Walks away, out the door, runs back in and kisses him) (Scene: Potter B&B......kitchen table.) Bessie: So it’s done? Joey: Yeah, I called him. He was there. Answered on the first ring. I told him everything. You know I don’t like being the kind of girl who does this sort of thing on long distance. Bessie: It had to be done, Joey, and I don’t blame you for not wanting to go home yet. Joey: I know........it just sucks. But..............I get a free dinner tonight..........and I don’t think I’ll have to help wash dishes..........and I get to go sailing. I’m so excited Bessie! Bessie: You’re so IN LOVE, Joey. You just now admitted it to yourself. So what’s Christopher going to do. Joey: He still has his old apt. It’s sublet to a friend. He won’t have a problem and he’ll be gone when I get back. Bessie: Gail called earlier..... Joey: AND..........(nervously) (Scene: Writers room, Leery Productions, Los Angeles.......writers arguing over storyboard.) Writer 1: It’ll never work. Writer 2: It will, I tell you. (Dawson walks in the room, across to the story board, picks up a marker and begins drawing lines from item to item across the board until it appears to be a maze of lines.) This is what we do................ (Scene: Ourdoor dining area at Icehouse, entire area is roped off and candles light the one table in the center. Flowers and plants are all around and music plays) Joey: Pacey, this is beautiful. You should have told me. Look how I’m dressed. Pacey: I’ve never seen you more lovely, Miss Potter. Please sit. I’ve taken the liberty of ordering for us. I have to make sure I can still afford you. Joey: Cute....(Joey glances across the patio at the boardwalk where Pacey’s married friend is stopped dead in her tracks, eyes flashing. Joey nods in that direction) Pace......you’ve got company. Pacey: I’m sorry, Jo....( He rises to walk over and she quickly walks away clicking her heels) I should have dealt with that today. Honestly, it was the farthest thing from my mind. Joey (grasps his hands across the table) It’s fine.....I dealt with my excess baggage this afternoon as well. Pacey: You DID?? Joey: Yep, book boy is no more. Pacey: What’ll you do, Jo? I’ve heard stories about that Manhattan apartment. Joey: Oh, it’s not his apartment. It’s mine. Pacey: (incredulous) How can you afford that Joey? It must cost a fortune. Joey: It’s easy. I’m a kept woman.(She watches as Pacey sputters out his drink) Have you ever heard of Daylen Maynard? Pacey: The mystery writer? Joey: The same. About a year ago, I was working with him on his latest project, the man turns out books like a printing press, when I had to spend some time working nights at his apartment. I was living in Brooklyn, taking the subway to and from work, and quite honestly it wasn’t much fun. He had a rare case of writer’s block and couldn’t seem to finish anything he was happy with. That’s when I did a little more than edit and he was so ecstatic with my contributions, he won’t let anyone else work on his books now. In fact, when he’s in town now he copters in from the Hamptons because he gave me his apartment. Oh, it’s still his. He tells my boss that he’s making sure they don’t lose me to some other house. Pacey: That’s incredible, Jo. The place must cost a fortune. Joey: Believe me, I couldn’t afford to pay a tenth of the rent. AND it’s completely furnished.. So, you can see I’m............we’re pretty well set. At least if you don’t mind being at the whim and fancy of a rich writer. Pacey: Hey, it works for me. Remember I used to live on some rich guys boat. Joey: Oh, yeah. Anyway he didn’t mind Christopher...............Oops, that’s one of the things we haven’t........... Pacey: And we have a whole week at sea to bore each other to death with the details of our sordid lives. Joey: Well, okay, but you did ask for a clean slate once. Pacey: I did indeed. Joey: Well, I need one now. Pacey: No more than I and there’s nothing in the world I’m more prepared to give. (They gaze contentedly across the table, candlelight flickering across their faces. They unclasp hands as the server arrives with their dinner.) (Scene: Jack and Grams at the supermarket.) Jack: I’m sorry, Grams. I guess I really do have a lot to learn. Grams: Jack taking Amy clothes shopping was sweet and thoughtful. I’m sure she’ll eventually grow into every one of the dozen or so outfits you purchased.. But Jack, Amy is just like you and I. She has to eat. She needs milk and diapers and all sorts of necessities. Jack: I understand. I feel really silly. Grams: Amy is not a toy of passing fancy. She is the one person to whom YOU are the most important person in the world. She’ll challenge you, she’ll frustrate you, she’ll tire you to the edge of death..........but one little tiny smile, one I love you will melt it all away. Jack: I just hope I can do this. I want to so very badly. I love her very much already. Grams: Then the battle is won. Success cometh by strength, and strength cometh by love. Jack: From the bible? Grams: No....my mother used to say that. Jack: Do you think it’s okay, leaving her with Doug? Grams: Oh, yes. The boy’s a natural and it helps that he wants to succeed. Jack: (stopping at the candy counter) Do you think she likes Gummy Bears? Grams: (shaking her head with humor) We DO have a lot to learn. (Scene: Dawson’s office, phone rings. Gail Leery is calling from her living room.) Dawson:: Dawson Leery. Gail: Hi, honey. Dawson: Hi, Mom. Everything okay? Gail: I just had to tell you. The Boston Globe today said your show had the highest ratings in WB history last week.....and there’s a quarter page article about the Boston Area producer, Dawson Leery. Dawson: Oh, it’s out, huh? I answered a few questions for a reporter a few weeks ago. The rest came from my staff. Gail: It’s very nice, Dawson. I’ll send you a copy. Dawson: Thanks, Mom, but I can probably pull one up online. How’s Lily? Gail: She misses her brother, but fine. Did you get some sleep on the plane? You’ve got to get some rest, Dawson. You work TOO hard. Dawson: (laughing) No, Mom, I didn’t. Yes, Mom, I will, and No, Mom, I don’t. I promise, Mom, I’ll get at least 4 hours tonight. Gail: I worry about you, honey. How’s the show? Dawson: It’ll be through tonight, and then, we start shooting day after tomorrow. Gail: Good, then you can rest. Dawson: (laughing again) Bye Mom. Gail: Bye, Dawson. (Scene: Joey stands in front of mirror brushing her hair as Pacey lounges on the bed against the headboard) Pacey: Have I told you how beautiful you are? Joey: Not in about 5 years, slacker. Pacey: My humble apologies. Your radiance is only surpassed by your dazzling beauty. Joey: Sure.......after I have to practically drag it out of you.( She grins) Pacey: I have some really important news but I want to wait on an update first before telling you. Joey: Pacey, you have to tell me. ...........(threatening) I’ll kiss you till your mouth bleeds. Pacey: Oh, really? Joey: Yeah, that never worked before did it? Pacey: It works for me. Joey: (brushing her hair again) Well, I have to work very hard to look like this for you. Pacey: And worth every minute. In the meantime, while you’re undergoing your makeover, I think I’ll take a little nap. Joey: Don’t EVEN think about it. You can sleep to your black hearts content, but first I have things for you to do. (This said as she leaps on the bed.) (Scene: Doug and Pacey at the Marina loading supplies on the sailboat called “the Wanderer”) Pacey: I can’t thank you enough, Doug, for all your help putting this stuff together. It took all the time I could manage just to pull the strings on MY special little surprise. Doug: How does it look? Pacey: It’s great. Simple, but she’s going to love it. Bessie knew someone who did one for the B&B a few years ago. I’m just glad she could handle a rush job. Doug: What are your plans? Pacey: Just like the last time. No plans. Down the coast, warmer waters. Of course, we won’t have to hustle jobs to eat this time because we HAVE jobs........or did you mean the other plans? Doug: Since you brought it up....both. Pacey: I don’t know, Doug. I’ll know more next week. I just know that I’m going to be wherever she is. And if the cards fall right, I can have both. (Pacey turns to see Jack, Amy, Grams, Bessie and Bodie approaching.) Jack: Are we on time? Doug: 15 minutes to spare. Pacey: And what is this? Doug: (steps into the cabin and back out with chilled champagne.) This is YOUR surprise, little brother. Bessie: SURPRISE!! Pacey: Well, quite a sendoff. Grams: Where’s Josephine? Pacey: Well, actually, Ms Ryan, there’s no guarantee she’ll actually show up. As I recall she barely made it the last time. Bessie: Somehow, I don’t see that as a problem. She was dealing with New York on some issues. I’m sure she’ll be here soon. Pacey: Are we sure it’s okay....you know, her taking off this time. Bodie: Never you mind. She’s got the time coming and the couldn’t have stopped her it they wanted to. Joey: Stopped who anyway? ( Joey walks the pier behind their backs and they turn.) All: SURPRISE!!!!!! (Amy is frightened by the noise and begins to wail) Joey: OOOOOOOOOOOhhh, let me have her. Hi, Amy. Remember me, Auntie Joey.( She walks away whispering to the baby.) Grams: A natural. Pacey: Don’t EVEN think it. (All laugh) Jo!! ( Pacey calls out. Joey turns and approaches., kisses him on the cheek) We’ve been honored today with the presence of some of our very closest friends to wish us Bon Voyage and God Speed. Doug: (pouring champagne) And I get to toast. To Joey.......................and Pacey. May you live and love forever. (All raise glasses, clink them together and drink,) Pacey: Well, let’s get started.( He turns to untie the sailboat) Joey: Wait...Wait!! (Gives Amy to Grams and steps from pier onto sailboat) Okay. Let’s go. ( Pacey moves to step onto the sailboat) No, no NO! Pacey: (Stops, looks all around and finally says) I think I love you? ( Joey shakes her head NO) I KNOW I love you? (More head shaking) PERMISSION TO COME ABOARD? Joey: (huge grin) Permission granted. (Hugs and kisses to the clapping of their friends.) Oh, I forgot my bag. Pacey, I’m not going a week without a change of clothes this time.(Doug moves to retrieve the bag) Pacey: Who said anything about clothes? Joey: (blushing) Pacey!! ( Pacey begins to move the boat away from the dock, he then raises his new flag. In Red and White “True Love Ways” waves in the breeze. The boat sails away as Joey and Pacey are locked in a long kiss.) (Scene : Montage of Scenic East Coast from Mass. To Virginia as Pacey and Joey are seen in various locales sailing, being tourists, being lovers.. Excerpts of Joey’s journal narrated by Joey as we watch.) Joey: I’ve been very good about writing at least SOMETHING everyday for 3 years now. The last week is blank, and yet, it was the single most important week of my life. Jen died on Saturday. The funeral was Tuesday. Off to an unimaginably bad start. Gone was my euphoria at seeing my friends, being united for a short time with my friends. Then came ending my relationship with Christopher. Now to admit what seeing Pacey, being held by Pacey, being kissed by Pacey had done to me. My entire safe little world I had carefully constructed for myself came crashing down at the parting of our lips. The pain of Jen’s death even took a back seat to the confusion I felt. The feeling I felt for this man I had loved and loved again, I now realized I loved still. I didn’t know what to do. I don’t think I ever really forgave myself for what I did to him.....leaving him that night at Harley’s dance, but I didn’t have to wait long. Pacey said he wanted me to be happy no matter what it meant for him and he could be happy knowing that he loved me.......He STILL loved me. Tonight, I’m here in a 3/4 size bed on a sailboat flying a flag that says “True Love Ways”. Pacey lies beside me snoring softly and occasionally mumbling cutely in his sleep. I can’t sleep. I’m living a dream. Joey Potter’s never been happier in her life. We’ve been at sea for 5 days. We’ve talked about our lives and our dreams. Our triumphs and our regrets. Pacey’s done so well for himself and I couldn’t be prouder. He’s done it all on his own. He didn’t even need me to push him.....but he still says I was the reason. Wow....it makes me smile. I have to be back at work on Thursday. I might make it. I might not. We sailed as far as Virginia. We certainly aren’t roughing it like our last trip. We’ve got cooking facilities and twice we stopped in towns along the way and had pizza and root beer......just like old times. This is so much fun, I wish it never had to end. Pacey was trying to reach a little town he discovered in N.C. called Wilmington. He swears it’s so much like Capeside that I’d feel right at home. It’ll have to wait for another voyage because time is too short. Tomorrow we’ll be entering the port of N.Y. on our way home. Pacey is going to come with me to see my apartment and, of course, to see if all is okay with Christopher before I return there alone. I talked with Chris a few days ago and told him everything....even about Pacey. Of course, he knew all about him.....from the Creek. I can’t believe we missed so much of each other’s lives. I know it wasn’t meant to be that way. I’m fortunate to have seen the places I’ve seen and done the things that I’ve done, but today I’d trade it all in to have a chance at having 5 years back. Now I’ll be going to work with a man to come home to. Pacey, my successful restaraunteur has a real possibility for opening a restaurant in N.Y. I was so excited when he told me. I’m tired and I’m rambling. I have to sleep. Tomorrow’s a big day in my new life. (Scene: Mid Morning as we see the Wanderer sailing into N.Y. harbor with the Statue of Liberty and the N.Y. Skyline as a backdrop) Pacey: Jo....You need to wake up, darlin’ Joey: (responds groggily) Okay, Okay. Some of us didn’t get to sleep all night, you know. Pacey: No. Some of us just slept all day. We’ve made it, Jo. New York and it’s 11am. Joey: (sticking her head out of the cabin) What? Oh my GOD. I did sleep. Pacey: That you did, my dear and now I plan to treat you to some of New Yorks finest waterfront cuisine. Joey: (dubiously) Sounds Great!! Pacey: How long to the apartment? Joey: By taxi? Depending on the traffic....5 minutes....to 2 hours (walks by planting a kiss on Pacey’s cheek) Pacey: Well, isn’t that just splendid. (Scene: Dawson Leery Productions office. Dawson is walking into the reception area from outside. Receptionist: Dawson? Dawson: Yeah?. Receptionist: You have a visitor. Dawson: (turning to look across waiting area and sees Audrey Liddell rising from her seat) Audrey? Audrey: Dawson Leery?( Throwing herself into a hug) Dawson: Well, Hi. It’s great to see you. I thought you were overseas. Audrey: I just couldn’t stand not seeing you another day. Dawson: RIGHT! Audrey: Well I AM really excited to see you. I’ve got to tell you, I don’t watch TV but I watch your show. It impresses my friends that I know the producer. Dawson: (laughing) That’s really nice. Audrey, are you in LA just to visit or.... Audrey: Yeah, we’ve got like a month between gigs so I’m home with my guy just visiting the folks. Dawson: A month with your Parents? Audrey: Hey, it’s free. So how’s everyone? (Noticing Dawson look around) Is this a bad time for you? Dawson: No, in fact it’s a good time, actually. Let’s go sit down( heading toward his office and showing her to a seat.) I’ve got new.....bad, good and great. Audrey: So what’s all that about? Dawson: Audrey, Jen passed away last Tuesday. (Audrey gasps) Audrey: Shut UP. Dawson: No, as it turned out, Jen had know she had a degenerative heart condition since she was pregnant with Amy. Audrey: Oh my gosh, the baby? And the grams? Dawson: Ok. Both with Jack. He’s taken custody of Amy and Grams is going to stay with him for the foreseeable future. Audrey: How did it happen? Dawson: She was actually dancing with me at my mother’s wedding when............ Audrey: Your MOTHER’S WEDDING? Dawson: The good news. We were dancing and she just collapsed. She seemed fine for a couple of days in the hospital and then she was just gone. Audrey: This is just way to sad. I’ll need phone numbers, Jacks...your mom’s. You also said Great news? Dawson: Pacey and Joey. Audrey: Yeah, what about ‘em? Dawson: They’re together. I’ve never seen either of them happier. In fact right now they’re somewhere in the Atlantic on a sailboat. Audrey: Joey and the scumbucket? Where have I been? I just talked to her about 3 weeks ago. She was with that book guy. I don’t believe you.......really? ( Dawson is nodding his head with a smile) Are you okay, honey? Dawson: Not only am I okay. I feel great. Audrey, I’m happy for them and they are so happy it makes me want to laugh. Audrey: It makes ME wanna puke. Dawson: Oh come on, you don’t really hate him do you? Audrey: Well, he is kind of cute for a scumbag. And she is my best friend ever. I’ll call her just to find out if she’s sane. Dawson. Tell me what you’ve been doing? Audrey: Just singing....same ole stuff. Dawson? Have you ever known me not to have an ulterior motive for anything? Dawson: Well, yeah. I ‘d like to think so. Audrey: Well, not today. Dawson: Shoot. What can I do for you? Audrey: Well this guy that I’m with, Randy....he’s a write sort of..... Dawson: Is this the guy Joey called the Anti-Pacey? Audrey: She didn’t? The skank!! (laughing) Dawson: Pacey thought it was funny. Audrey: She told all of you I suppose? Well it’s affectionate. He’s so boring, but he’s good to me. (With a big smile) Anyway, he’s written this story......I guess a long short story. Everyone says it’s really good and it would make a good movie. I kind of told him I could get you to read it. Dawson: (warily) What’s it about? Audrey: Do you actually think I’ve read it? About a couple of Pesky boys....kind of a modern Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn.....you know right up your alley. Dawson: Tom Sawyer? Audrey: You know. G-rated, sweet, a feel good movie, that kind. So will you read it? Dawson: Sure, Audrey. Audrey:(jumps and hugs Dawson) I have it right here in my purse. (Scene: Joey’s apartment in New York) Pacey: Joey, this is amazing. I don’t think I can live here. It’s too.....too........ Joey: Too late to back out now. Is that what you were trying unsuccessfully to iterate. (Walking past and punching him in the chest playfully) Pacey: uh, Jo. ( pointing toward a sealed envelope on the desk inscribed, JOEY.) Is there someplace nearby I can go pick us up something to eat? Joey:(picking up the envelope) uh, sure. Next block down to the left. Good burgers and a deli across the street. Pacey: Alright. I’ll give you some time and go get us a bite to eat. Joey:(opens the letter and reads, gradually smiles a grateful smile and reseals the letter. Walks across the room, picks up the phone and calls Bessie who picks up in the B&B kitchen.) Hi, Bess. Bessie: Joey, honey! How are you? Where are you? Joey: We’re at my place in N.Y. Pacey came with me to make sure everything was okay here. Bessie: And is it? Joey: Yeah. He’s gone and left me a nice note. Another nice guy left in my wake. Bessie: Jo, What exactly were you supposed to do? Joey: I know....and Bessie. I’ve never been happier. Bessie: I knew you would be. Joey: If you know so much, why didn’t you ever tell me? Bessie: I knew you’d come around eventually. I wasn’t so sure about Pacey. Joey:(giggles) Bessie, he’s changed so much and he hasn’t changed at all. Bessie: Oh and by the way. It’s good you’re there if you’re not too busy with other plans. Jack’s there today for the reading of Jen’s will. He’s really concerned. I’ll bet he could use some support. Joey: You bet. Is he here alone? Bessie: Yeah. Grams has Amy at home but Jen’s folks are there and have been a little vocal. Evelyn is concerned. Joey: Do you know where he is? Bessie: Let me call her and I’ll call you right back. Joey: Okay, Bess. Love you. Bessie: Bye Jo. (Scene: Pacey and Joey in reception room at NY law firm. Jack enters from a private office) Jack: Guys! What are you doing here? Joey: We were here and Bessie told us what was going on and we thought..... Pacey: That we’d love to see Jack. How goes it, Jackers? Jack: Well, it’s about as we expected. Jen knew enough in advance that she was prepared. She specified me as guardian. I guess she knew I would.... Joey: Of course, she did. Jack: She had a $200,000 trust fund she got on her graduation which she still has. She left it all to Amy. I think her parents seem more concerned about the money actually, than saving Amy from the gay guy. Joey: Jack, I’m sorry. Jack: On a positive note, the judge doesn’t seem to have an agenda. She didn’t seem to take sides. Pacey: Well, that good, right? Joey: You must be scared to death, Jack?( Hugging Jack) Pacey: I thought the parental Lindley’s weren’t together anymore. Jack: They’re not but they seemed pretty together today. I’m having dinner with them tonight. Joey: Jack, we’re staying in town tonight. Here’s my card. Call me when you’re through, okay? Jack: Okay.....hey, you guys look great! (Scene: Dawson’s office, Dawson sits quietly with a reading lamp on. He finishes reading, lays the copy on his desk and ponders for a few moments before picking up the phone and dialing.) Assistant: Dawson? Dawson: Yeah. I need you to do something for me. Wait until morning. Call 555-0236 and ask for Randy. He’s a writer. Ask him if he has an agent. Assistant: Okay.......... Dawson: Tell him I like his story overall. Needs work, but has potential. We might be interested in risking a little option money on his story. Got that? Assistant: Got it. Dawson: This is the story I got from my friend this afternoon. I love it. I’ve got to have this project. The only think iffy about it is that most producers can’t even come close to getting this kind of project off the ground. I want to try. Assistant: Okay, Dawson. Anything else? Dawson: Yeah. Try not to sound too anxious. (Scene: Very trendy restaurant. Pacey and Joey seated at table for 4) Joey: Okay. So tell me about this Walter that we’re meeting. Pacey: Remember I told you I had this friend who’s a potential investor? This is Walter and he’s a classy guy so put on your Worthington snobbery and pretend we’re good enough to eat with him. Joey: I don’t like him already. How is it again that he’s YOUR friend? And how did you manage to squeeze him into my crowded social calendar? Pacey: I was anxious to talk to him about this proposition so I called him when you and Jack were talking this afternoon. Turns out he was in New York and here we are. This is a big deal for us, Jo. Joey: I know, Pace. I was just..........(voice heard from behind their table) Walter: Pacey, Joey...how very good to see you. Pacey: (standing and shaking his hand) Walter. How good of you to join us. Joey:( in shock) Mr. Kubelick?????????? Walter: Walter, please, Joey. Walter. Joey: I’m........... Walter: Am I to assume, Pacey, that Joey didn’t know I was joining you? Pacey: Actually, she knew Walter was joining us....she just didn’t know she knew Walter. Walter: Oh, I see. Joey may I say you are lovelier than ever? Joey: (blushing and flustered) Thanks, okay........now, how? What? Walter: Pacey, very conniving of you I must say. Joey, I don’t think it was ever any secret to you that Pacey impressed me the first day I met him with you at the Worthington event at the Yacht club. We had the opportunity to meet and get to know each other on several other occasions while Pacey was working on my Yacht for Dean Newman. I was surprised then sometime later to find him working in Civilization, one of my favorite haunts to eat in Boston. By this time, I daresay we were friends, Pacey? Pacey: Then when I was trading stocks, I tried to put the squeeze on Walter, but he was far too astute a business man to be trapped by the likes of me. Walter: On the contrary young man. Why do you think I’m here now. Joey, do you know how rare it is to find a young man with the drive and ambition, the character and charisma......then throw in street smarts. It’s very rare indeed. Last year when visiting your local Yacht Club, I wandered into Pacey’s establishment and was, how do you young people say?.....Blown away? I’ve checked into the Ice house, Joey, and it’s doing very, very well. Pacey: That we are, Walter. Walter: I told Pacey last year that when he’s ready to expand, I want to back him. Joey, I have a small group of good friends I speculate with in investment matters. I look for just this sort of thing. Granted I was hoping he’d want to open a place in Boston, but New York is good too. The right property might be tricky, but it can be done. Joey: Mr. Kube........ Walter. I don’t know what to say. Walter: Joey, be excited. I’m excited. Now tell me about Josephine Potter. Another Worthington success story. I always ask Pacey about you when I see him. You can imagine how happy I was to hear you would be here tonight. Joey: Thank you, Walter.(Joey and Walter continue to talk as Pacey sits back, satisfied and watches. (Scene: Jack arrives at Joey’s apartment) Joey: Jack, come on in. Jack: Hi, Joey. (They hug) Where’s Pacey? Joey: Not really sure. He’s either in there brushing his teeth or trying to clog my pipes. (To Pacey) Pace!! Jack’s here. Jack: It’s good to see the old give and take between the two of you. I didn’t realize how much I missed it. Joey:(making a face) Yeah! So tell me about it. You didn’t sound so good on the phone. Pacey:(entering the room) Hi, Jack. Something to drink? Jack: No, thanks, Pace. Well, it all started off really cordially. Helen didn’t think I was CJ this time. Theo drinks too much. And it’s obvious they’re better off alone. Guys, I can tell you, they’re hurting. Can you imagine losing Jen, and realizing too late you never knew her.? Joey: That was their choice, Jack. Jack: Yes and no I guess. They claim they’ve made numerous overtures to Jen and she rebuffed them. I thought when Jen and Grams moved in with Helen 5 years ago at least that part was behind them. But, it turns out, Helen hasn’t even been to New York in over 2 years. Pacey: Really? Joey: Jen never even mentioned her to me come to think of it. JacK: So..........they’re coming to Capeside. Apparently in a week to ten days. So far, no threats, no power moves, but I’m afraid it’s coming. Joey: Jack! Let’s sit up tonight and snack and drink something non-alcoholic and talk. I’ve missed you so much and we don’t have to leave early tomorrow, do we Pace? Jack can stay here tonight. (Jack looks at Pacey’s raised eyebrows and starts to laugh) (Scene: Audrey’s bedroom in Parents home.) Audrey: Randy, That’s just too awesome. What did I tell you? Dawson is the greatest. Randy: I can’t believe it, Aud. This might be really happening. I’ve never really sold anything and now it’s going to happen. Audrey: Yeah, well. You deserve it. When will you know for sure? Randy: I’ve got to have an agent. They say they won’t touch it unless I have an agent. My buddy from college says if I go into any “bottom-feeder” agent, that’s what he calls them, bottomfeeders, and tell them I’ve got something as good as sold, they’ll take me on. May not be the best but, what the hey, right? Audrey: Just don’t sign anything long term or give up too much commission. I used to be a 2 bit actress, you know.(snorts laughing) Maybe my Dad will look at your contracts. Dawson will be fair, it’s the agents I don’t trust. Randy: I’ll be careful. Audrey: Now get your writer butt out there and don’t come back without an agent. I’m going to take a bath and call Joey. (Audrey dials Joey’s cell number and Joey picks it up in New York on the deck of the Wanderer. Joey: Hello. Audrey: So do I say What the Hell or do I say were you ever going to tell me? Joey: Audrey, Hi! Where are you? Audrey: LA and........... Joey: So you talked to Dawson. How is he? Audrey: He’s fine. What DID you DO to him? Never mind. What were you THINKING? Joey: Audrey, I.......... Audrey: I mean, It’s cool and all. Nothing that 3 or 4 years of intensive therapy won’t fix. I mean what a whore I was sleeping with the love of my best friends life for a whole year. Joey: Audrey, I can’t tell if you’re mad or you’re teasing me. Audrey: Well, you ARE the girl that all the others get compared to. Joey: (pleading) Audrey??? Audrey: Are you happy honey? I mean really happy? Joey: I am Audrey. I really, really am. Audrey:(pouting) Well it’s no wonder then that he was such a turd to me.(laughs then pauses) He’s okay, I guess. I mean, he CAN cook, and you girlie, need to eat.(Joey giggles) Joey??? Joey: Yes, Audrey? Audrey: OH.....MY....... G O D !!! (Scene: Dawson’s house in LA. Dawson dressing in front of mirror as phone rings) Dawson: (answers hands free) Yeah. Assistant: It’s done. He’s got an agent and we’ve already got a deal. Dawson: Who is it? Assistant: Lou Sanders....know him? Dawson: Yeah, Todd’s first LA agent. Not too good, but he’ll cover the bases for us. What did they ask? Assistant: $10,000 and an option for a year. We gave them 5k and 2 years. Dawson: Call him back. Give him the 10 and a year’s fine. Assistant: But Dawson? Dawson: Listen, his girlfriends a friend. And it’s good. We may need him on our good side. And if this deal can be done, it can be done in a year. Assistant: Okay, you’ve got it. Dawson: Now get me a number........... No never mind. I’ll be in around noon. I’ll do it myself. (Dawson hangs up, looks in the mirror and slowly smiles) (Scene: Capeside Harbor in the Wanderer.) Pacey: There she is. Joey: Doesn’t look any different. Pacey: Deja Vu. Joey: (grins) Yeah. ............We don’t have to go back. Pacey: (chuckles) We’ve been through all of this. You’ve got a job, and I’m FAR too responsible to let you drag me down, my dear. Joey: (putting her arms around his neck) Oh is that so? I’ll bet I could make you want to stay. (Flashed Puppy dog eyes......then suddenly serious) Pace? Pacey: Yes, Jo? Joey: The best times of my life have been on a sail boat. Pacey: And mine, Jo. Joey: Maybe we SHOULD............... Pacey: Darlin’, I love this life. I love the sea, but THIS is where I ran to, Jo. Haven’t we run enough? Joey: (perks up) You’re RIGHT! But don’t think for a minute you don’t have to become rich and successful so you can buy me one of these. Pacey:(smiling) I’ll get right on that. (Scene: The Icehouse) Doug: You look good. Relaxed. Pacey: I am. At peace you could say. Doug: And so do you think the investors are going to come through? Pacey: Well, I still have to do my part, but it’s a done deal if it’s up to Walter. Doug: Who would have ever thought .......I mean, Pace, you were just a smart ass teenager when you met him. Pacey: I did have a pretty girl on my arm. Doug: You think that did it, do you? Pacey: What else? (Laughs) Doug: She’s leaving today? Pacey: 3 hours, 6 minutes and ummm 43 seconds Doug: Time flies, little brother. Pacey: I know....let’s just call it incentive. Doug: Sure. Pacey: First thing is start training Ray or hire another manager. I can run both places only so long. The commutes going to be a killer, but it’ll be worth it. Doug: Best case scenario....you’re still probably looking at a year for New York aren’t you? Pacey: Who knows? Depends on the property. Do we build or do we luck into something special. I mean, Civilization was an old warehouse, Doug. It just depends. I’d like to stay by the water. Doug: Yeah, well........with real estate what it must be in New York....Good luck with that. (Scene: Potter B&B) Bodie: Anyway, I know New York pretty well and the business. If Pacey needs help scouting locations just call, okay? Joey: Okay, thanks, Bodie. Bessie:(washing dishes) Are you all packed? Joey: Yeah, packed and NOT ready. Bessie: You never will be., But he can’t get his part done with you here hanging on. Joey: I know(pouting) Bessie: Let’s get you to the Icehouse. I ‘m guessing you have a ride to the airport? (Scene: Pacey’s SUV on the way to the airport) Joey: We’ve got about an hour. Pacey: Why Miss Potter, are you suggesting we pull over and....... Joey: Pace! You’re incorrigible. Pacey: I try. Joey: Turn right up here...........and left here............... Stop. Pacey:(looking out the driver’s side window) Your wall. Joey: Yep, OUR wall. No paint. Pacey: No paint. Joey: Use your imagination. Pacey: (breathes in deep and exhales slowly, then turns.) Jo, I’m not going to ask you to stay. Joey: Right answer, Witter.(scoots across the seat to sit next to him) DRIVE! (Scene: Joey’s office. She dials Pacey’s cell. At the Icehouse he looks at the caller ID and answers with a smile) Pacey: Good morning, beautiful. Joey: Hi, handsome. Pacey: I was just about to call you. Joey: Sure you were. Any break in the storm clouds? Pacey: Not really. Business is great, almost everything running smoothly and I’m complaining about business. Joey: I don’t mean to complain either, but it has been a week. Pacey: No....a week and nine hours. Joey: How many minutes? (Teasing) Pacey: I’m not clear on the minutes. I was in a daze after my last kiss and I’m not exactly sure when you left. Joey: A daze, huh? That explains a lot. Any good news at all? Pacey: Lots, actually. Ray’s on his way back from the funeral in Cincinnati and that means my weekend will be free. Joey: That’s great, sweetie. When can you come? Pacey: I’ll work the morning, do most of the prep for Friday night and this time take the train. I should be able to make it by 9 pm, I should think. Joey: Then I’ll meet you at the station and plan a surprise for you. Pacey: Nothing too special. The muscles in my face are already sprained from all the smiling I’m doing lately. Joey: That’s sweet, Pace and more than a little corny. Pacey: I’ll have to work on some new material. Joey: Yeah, and make it a priority. (Phone on desk rings) Pace, I’ve got to go. I’ve got another call. Pacey: Alright, Jo. I’ll call you tonight. Joey: You better and Pace............ Pacey: Jo? Joey: I love you. Pacey: Love you too darlin’ (Scene: Jack and Doug leaning against police car outside police station) Doug: So..........the day has arrived. Jack: I guess you could say that. They’re coming in tonight. Staying at the Marriot over on the interstate. Tomorrow Amy and I get to spend the entire afternoon with them, and then dinner. Doug: No other contact except for the one call? Jack: That’s it. They seemed awfully pleasant and cooperative. Doug: Maybe they DO want the best for her. Jack: No doubt, and that means not to be with me. Doug: Gotta roll, see you tonight? Jack: Sure thing. (Dawson Leery’s office, Dawson is on the phone with his agent.) Dawson: I’m stumped, Andrew. I don’t know where to turn. I call his office and I get stonewalled by the receptionist. I call his agent and I get ignored by him. If I had even an inkling of anyone else could help me with this........ Andrew: You’re really sold on this story? Dawson: It’s incredible. Andrew: And there’s no one else. Dawson: I doubt it. No one else even attempts movies like this anymore. Andrew: There is something else I COULD try. Dawson: Anything. What do you have in mind? Andrew: His wife. An old friend is Kate’s agent. Dawson: Seriously. Do you think it would work? Andrew: It could. It could also backfire. Dawson: I know it’s barely been a week, but we’re into some free time for me and the company, and I’m feeling a little desperation. Andrew: Say the word. Dawson: Try it. Andrew: I’ll call you. (Scene: Icehouse, Pacey and Walter at a dining table) Walter: Pacey, we’re about 80% go. The property is the sticking point. The market in New York is such that a few expense points in the wrong direction can make things impossible to turn a profit. I put a few feelers out with Real estate people I know and they’re looking but it’ll really help if you’re involved. You’re our concept man and I have a feeling you’ll find potential where others won’t. Pacey: We’re not looking for white carpet and satin table cloths. Walter, give me a building that passes city building inspection codes, and the fire code and I’ll make it a thing of beauty. Walter: That’s the spirit, Pacey. Another point.....Waterfront property does make it tougher too. It limits our options. Pacey: It’s not a deal breaker, Walter, but it is a part of what we’re all about. Anyway, I’ll be up this weekend and I’ll report in by Sunday night. Now, what can I get you for lunch, my friend. (Scene: Joey’s cubicle in her office. Co-worker Lisa approaches) Lisa: Late again tonight, Joey. Joey: It’s the least I can do. Karl was so sweet about giving the extra time off. He deserves a little extra from me. Besides, nothing to go home to.....and Pacey’s coming up this weekend and I want to be caught up so I can spend every spare moment with him. Lisa: I still can’t get over this pendulum swing in your life. One day I’m thinking wedding gifts and the next.......... Joey: I never said anything about getting married, Lisa. Lisa: I know, but you just seemed so ready..........you know? To get married. Joey: Well, maybe I am. Lisa: But I’m talking about Chris. Joey: I’m not. (Smile) Funny thing is.....I owe you for that. The day before I left for Capeside, you said I needed to do these things, like going on a trip with Christopher, if I ever wanted a husband of my own.. That’s when I knew I was never going to marry Christopher. It just wasn’t him. Lisa: So you jump right into another relationship? I can’t wait to meet this guy. Joey: It’s not like I rushed into anything. I don’t think this one has ever been over. I’ve been in a holding pattern. I’ve told you my sordid past........the two guys.......friends? The summer in Key West. Lisa: (dreamily) yeah. Joey: He’s the one. The one I spent my summer reading books to. Lisa: I can’t wait. Joey: I can’t either( big grin) (Scene: Kitchen, Jack’s house. Grams is preparing to serve dinner. Doug, Amy, Theo and Helen can be seen through open door.) Grams: I never mean to be negative. Helen is my daughter and I love her, but they were not giving parents with Jennifer and I don’t see them changing merely by choice. Jack: I completely understand. You could tell it was an effort but they did manage to give Amy a fun day. The most obvious thing though, is they’re not comfortable with affection, giving or taking. Grams: Please, just remember. Keep up your guard. Theo Lindley is up to something. Mark my words. (Together the enter the dining room) Helen: Everything looks wonderful, Mother. Theo: It does, Evelyn. Grams: Thank you both. I hope you enjoy it. It gives me great pleasure to have you here. Doug, would you say grace. Doug: Heavenly Father, Our thanks for your presence in the past weeks and your kindness in carrying us forward through our loss. We thank you for Amy and the presence of he Grandparents. Thank you for the time we spend together and the meal prepared for us. Amen Everyone: Amen. Theo: Doug, I’m surprise to find you are a religious man. Doug: I guess I’m not a very good one, but I am a believer. Helen: Not to be insensitive, but are there churches in Capeside where........(hesitates) Jack: Where gays are accepted? Helen: Well, yes. Isn’t the Bible more or less opposed to homosexuality. Grams: The Lord loves all the sheep who come to his fold, dear. (An unsettling quiet settles in. Jack rises and heads toward the kitchen.) Jack: Anyone for more iced tea.? Water? (As he leaves the room he smiles at Doug, passes behind him, tracing his hand along the top of his shoulders as he passes by. Theo notices and stares.) Theo: Evelyn, we’ve known about Jack..........his orientation, for years. But I’m surprise that you would actually CHOOSE to live like this. Grams: Theo Lindley, I’ve lived a long and productive life and I’ve learned lessons along the way. A lesson I learned too late in life is Judge not lest ye be judged. Oh, I thought I knew that lesson until your daughter came to live with me. Every step of the way, she challenged me, my ideals, even my morals. What I learned the hard way is that our children may be different than we are but not necessarily worse. (Jack enters from Kitchen and pauses to listen) Jack McPhee is one of the finest, maybe Helen, THE finest man I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. He was the best friend and brother of Jennifer.......closer than I would ever have believed. He didn’t choose who he is.......what he is you would say. But he is a man strong, brave and proud., Full of life and love. And I love him as my son. Theo: You can’t be serious. (Raising his voice) You actually want Amy to be raised in perversion, don’t you? Helen: Theo, stop! Theo: SHUT UP, Helen. Helen: Theo, don’t do this.(Theo rises and moves to strike Helen with an open hand. Doug rises but Jack grabs his moving wrist and stops it in mid-swing.) Jack: I think it’s time you leave.(Doug steps to his side) Theo(muttering curses under his breath) I won’t have my Granddaughter raised by homos. Helen, let’s go. (Helen rises and turns at the door.) Helen: Mother, I agreed with him...........I’m sorry. (As the door closes behind them Grams walks between them, arms around their waists and kisses each on the cheek.) Grams: I’ll get Amy ready for bed.. I’ll probably turn in early, too. I love you both.(turns and goes up the stairs.) Doug: So this is what it’s like to be gay? Jack: (stares at Doug incredulously.....then cracks up laughing) Yeah! Pretty much. (Scene: Dawon’s office, phone rings.) Dawson: Leery. Andrew: Dawson, possibly good news. Her agent knows your work. He called you a “real up and comer.” He said he’ll try to set up something for me with his agent. Dawson: Thanks, Andrew. Good Job. (Sits back in his desk chair and closes his eyes, not happy, not sad, but pensive. Cut to picture of Joey sitting in pajamas in front of tv flipping channels, obviously irritable, with a half gallon of ice cream open in her lap. Joey turns of TV and pouts. Cut to Icehouse, Pacey sits at the bar nursing a bottle of beer. All around is activity. Wait staff and bus boys sweeping floors, clearing dishes, polishing silverware, etc. Cut to Doug’s apartment where Doug is dressing for bed as the phone rings.) Deputy: Witter. Boss, sorry to bother you but we could use some help. Doug: What’s up? Deputy: Big pile up on the Interstate, a boat load of kids missing out on the water, and I’ve got a disturbance at the Marriot. I could use your help. Doug: I’m on my way. Domestic? Deputy: Manager says domestic. Guys drunk, beating up his wife. Doug: Be there in 5. (Scene: Ice house, Pacey remains as before though all others have gone. Jack knocks on the front door. Pacey goes and opens it.) Pacey: Jack, what’s up, buddy? Jack: I just needed out of the house for awhile. Pacey: Amy? Everything okay? Jack: The Lindleys. Classic homophobes. Everything about them says they couldn’t begin to care for a child, but factor in their money and well, you know. Pacey: Jack you can’t let yourself think that way. Jack: I don’t want to I try to be positive but I just can’t let her go like I let Jen go. (Jack’s cell rings.) Hello. Yeah. I’m on my way.(frantic)Lock your door. (Hangs up) Pacey, call 911. Someone’s in my house. (Pacey runs behind dialing 911 on his cell.) (Scene: Marriott motel room, Deputy speaking to Helen Lindley. Her face is bruised, swollen and eyes are red from crying. Doug waits outside.) Helen: It’s my ex-husband. He’s angry and drunk. Deputy: Is he here? Helen: No, he has the adjoining room, but I saw him leave. Deputy: His name? Helen: Theo Lindley Deputy: Make of car? Helen: I don’t know. It’s a rental., silver I think. (Doug’s shoulder radio chatters.) Radio: Sheriff, possible B&E at 1620 Century Park. I thought you’d want to know. Doug: (Calls out) Deputy, I’m rolling. (Scene: Jack’s car, speeding home, Pacey’s phone rings.) Pacey: Hello. Joey: Hi, lover(sounding sexy) Pacey: I can’t talk, Jo.......... Joey: (offended) What do you mean you can’t talk? Pacey: Jo, I’m sorry. I’m with Jack on the way to his house. Grams said someone’s in the house. We called the police, but we’ve got to get there quick. I’ve got to go, I’ll call........... Joey: Pacey, don’t you dare hang up. Please. Let me listen in. Pacey: Ok, unless, I need the phone. Joey: Please be careful. Pacey, I will. We’re almost there. (Tires squeal and Jack slams to a stop. In his headlights is a figure carrying a baby. Jack rushes him, followed by Pacey. The man puts the baby down and Jack sees in the streetlight that it’s Theo Lindley. Theo strikes glancing a blow off the side of Jacks head. Pacey taps Lindley on the shoulder and as he turns, Pacey decks him with a punch to the jaw.) Jack: My God. He had Amy.(picking her up) Are you alright, baby? Are you okay?( A police cruises comes to a stop) Pacey: Lindley all your money and influence is not going to keep you out of jail this time. Theo: You can’t touch me for taking my Granddaughter. Doug:(walking up) Wanna bet? Jack: Theo, meet my boyfriend, Sheriff Doug Witter. (Scene: Pacey sitting on the porch swing talking to Joey on the phone. Activity on the street as Lindley is placed in the back seat of a police car. Grams stands on the steps holding Amy) Pacey: It appears to be all over now. Joey: I’m glad they’re all safe. I’m glad YOU’RE safe. Pacey: Never a problem. Joey: No. It never is except when you hit someone in the hand with your face. Pacey: Those days are behind me, Jo. Joey: They almost weren’t though. Pacey: Not really. I sucker punched him from behind( laughing) (Scene: Dawson and Andrew sit in restaurant waiting for Super Agent, Jay Goldman to arrive.) Andrew: I’m glad you wore a tie and coat today. I only found out about this meet an hour ago. Dawson: I wasn’t. I keep these clothes at the office for emergencies. Andrew: Well, you look great Kid. This could be big for you you know. Dawson: I’m trying to maintain high hopes and low expectations. Jay: Hi guys. Long time Andrew. Dawson, a pleasure to meet you. I’m familiar with your work. The word is you’ve got a real future in this town. Dawson: Well, thanks. I guess I hadn’t heard that one. Andrew: Now, Dawson, you don’t have to be so modest. This guys come a long way in 5 years, Jay. Jay: and made you a lot of money too, I would guess. Dawson, if you ever tire of this guy just........ Andrew: Now now. Jay: Before we eat. You kind of picked a round about way of getting to me Dawson. Innovative, smart, deliberate. Stephen gets so many scripts and stories, he never even knows about most of them. It NEVER would’ve worked except for one little Fact. Andrew: And that is? Jay: He’s a fan......of the Creek. Dawson: You’re kidding. Jay: No.....watches it religiously with his teenager. They call it family night. Andrew: Well, I’ll be damned. Jay: Truthfully, if you could’ve gotten past his receptionist, he would’ve taken your call. I’ve heard him on any number of occasions talk about the “theme” of the night on the Creek. He’s a big believer in stories that mean something, you know. He says your show speaks to him. Dawson: I’ve been a fan since I was a kid.....this is unreal. Jay: Yeah, well don’t tell him that. But kid, you never get too old to learn something new. I can set up that meet for you, but he’s on location. Thursday would be the absolute earliest. Dawson: That would be great. My season finale is Wednesday night anyway. Jay: That’s why he can’t do it on Wednesday. Dawson: Wow. Jay; Let’s eat...............oh, and Kid. Do you mind if he brings his daughter? (Scene: Jail cell at Capeside PD. Theo Lindley is being visited by his attorney) Attorney: Theo what were you thinking? In all likelihood, you’re going to do time for this. Theo: Nonsense, they can’t get me for trying to be with my Granddaughter. Attorney: Theo, they’ve got you for Breaking and Entering, Kidnapping, Child Endangerment, Assault and Battery on Helen, and Drunk and Disorderly. And they’ve got you dead to rights on all of them. Without a deal, you’re going to jail. Why can’t you see that? Doug: (Walks in and leans against the door.) Time’s up. He’s right, Lindley. Attorney: Whom makes deals around here. Doug: Technically the DA, but I have a lot of pull. Attorney:Theo? Theo: Oh all right. Doug: Lindley, drops and relinquishes any rights or efforts to gain custody of Amy Lindley. He also signs a document stating that he supports the efforts of Jack McPhee to adopt the child. Theo: Never! Attorney: Theo??? Theo: Oh, all right! Doug: I want to see the documents here, tomorrow morning by 9 am. Attorney: And Mr. McPhee’s attorney is? Doug: He’ll be here. (Scene: Pacey arriving in NYC on train. As he gets off he’s met by a jubilant Joey, who leaps into his arms and he spins around and around as they kiss one another.) Pacey: Well, I’ve got to say I enjoyed that immensely. Joey: Me too Witter. Luggage? Pacey: Just this Duffel bag. Joey: Let’s grab a cab, I’m in the mood for home. (Pacey leads to a cab waiting along the curb. As the driver puts his bag in the trunk, they kiss again, passionately and the driver starts the meter as he waits. They get in. As the cab starts off Joey climbs into his lap and kisses again. Pacey: Whoa, now, young lady. Joey: What’s the matter? Haven’t you ever been lusted after before? Pacey: ( removes his wallet, hands a twenty to the driver and says) There’s another twenty in it for you, if you turn that mirror the other way. ( As the drive turns the mirror, we see Pacey and Joey sinking into the back seat.) (Scene: Montage showing Grams, Helen, Jack and Amy visiting Jen’s gravesite. Helen spends a great deal of time talking to her daughter and then we see her playing with Amy. Next we cut to Theo Lindley picking up his personal effects as he is released from Jail. Doug escorts him to the door and seems to advise him not to come back. Cut to Pacey and Joey looking at a variety of buildings, holding hands as they search.) (Scene: Dawson’s office: Jay Goldman calling on the phone. Jay: Dawson, we’re ready for that meeting. Tomorrow ok?. Dawson: That’s great. Should I bring the story? Jay: I’ll be honest with you kid. He may not even want to talk about your project. I know he’ll want to talk to you though. Just WOW him and go from there. Dawson: I can do that. Jay: And I wouldn’t go talking about this. When things get out prematurely, it’s never a good thing. (Scene: Joey and Pacey looking at a run down old warehouse of red brick. It’s rear overhead doors, now closed open on the harbor.) Joey: We’ve really got to hurry Pace. This is the last one. The season finale of the Creek is on tonight. Pacey: Joey. ..............do you see what I see? Joey: Um....probably not. Pacey: Kitchen there, bar there, one, two, three dining areas there and there and there. Joey: I know you said you could make something from nothing, but did you really mean this? Pacey: Jo, come here. ( He pulls her up close to him, her back to his chest, he holds his head to the side of hers, the scent of her hair in his nostrils,) Can’t you feel it? Can you feel what I’m feeling? (Joey bites back a sarcastic remark and concentrates.......she seems to relax, to feel.......) Joey: It’s really peaceful, Pace.(she turns in his embrace and kisses him passionately) Do you think this place has a boiler room?(she giggles with delight as she begins unbuttoning his shirt, he her blouse. Their newly rediscovered passion boils over and they christen the new Ice house.) (Scene: New York sidewalk, Pacey and Joey wait for cab. Pacey is buying hot dogs from a vendor.) Joey: You need to hurry up. Pacey: Patience, woman. A good dog is important work. Joey: I can’t believe I did that. Pacey: (laughs) and you were quite good at it too. Joey: Yeah, well don’t set your expectations too high. It was the moment.(teasing smile) Pacey: I feel another moment coming on. Joey: Forget it. You’re not making me miss my favorite TV show. [Scene: The set of Colby’s Room. Colby and Sam are acting out the final scene from the season one finale where Joey and Dawson kiss in his room at the final scene.] 1. Sam: I can't take it anymore, Colby. I don't want to wait for my life to be over. I want to know right now. What will it be? [They kiss] Colby: You and me. Always. [Scene: Joey’s apartment. The camera pulls off of the camera over to Joey who turns off the TV after seeing “Executive Producer – Dawson Leery”] 2. Joey: That was perfect. Absolutely perfect. [The camera pans out, and we see Pacey sitting there next to her. She looks over and there is a tear in his eye.] Joey: Are those tears? Are you crying? Pacey: [Sighs] He got me. He got me. Joey: [Laughs] Let's call him. [Scene: Dawson’s Office. Dawson is sitting at his desk looking over some paperwork, when his assistant walks in carrying a clip board. You can tell it is late and no one else is around.] Assistant: [Sighs] Well, I'm taking off. You should get out of here, too. You have a meeting first thing in the A.M. Dawson: Got it. [Telephone rings] Dawson: No, no, no. Get out of here. Assistant: Thanks. [Dawson answers the phone] Dawson: Yeah? Pacey: Hey, it's us. Joey: It was great! Fantastic! It was so sweet. Pacey: You got Joey crying like a baby. Joey: [Laughs] I can't wait till next season. Dawson: You'll never guess who I'm meeting tomorrow. Joey: Spielberg? Pacey: Spielberg? Get out of town! Who made you a big Hollywood player, man? Joey: Oh, my god! What are you gonna say? What are you gonna wear? Dawson: I have no idea  3/16/2005 3:53 AM    jimidb 3569 posts Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 23:41:37 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This continues the story in A Bridge for Two Loves. It has in the story a number of flashbacks which consist of never seen footage recently unearthed by relentless scrutiny of WB archives. I hope you enjoy........... Episode 1: A Tale of 4 Tales Part 1 (Scene: Pacey’s SUV en route to Capeside from New York City. Pacey, Joey, and Gretchen are Present. Joey sits in passenger seat with eyes closed, Gretchen in the rear seat.) Gretchen: Joey, are you sure you don’t want to lean your seat back. I have plenty of leg room. Joey: Thanks, Gretchen, but I won’t have any problem sleeping upright. Even standing, I think.(smiling) Pacey: Jo had to finish up a book last night to get the time off. Gretchen: Oh, I get it. And here I was thinking she wasn’t getting any sleep with my little brother in town. Joey: (laughs) Oh, that. I sleep right through that. Pacey: Hey, Hey. The male psyche is a delicate thing you know, ladies. Joey: (leans over, pinches his cheeks, kisses him, tongue flicking his ear) I don’t foresee a problem there, do you Pace? Pacey: (flinching) Whoa!! I do see a problem staying on the road. Gretchen, wanna drive? Joey: Nevermind.(leans seat back and closes eyes) I’m not in the mood.(Pacey groans) Gretchen: How sweet. Pacey: See what she does to me? Joey:(doesn’t open an eye)Innocent. Totally innocent. Gretchen: I miss what you guys have. (Thinking out loud) As if I ever had what you have. Pacey: So Gretch, do you ever see Mr. Sportswriter? Gretchen: Of course. Everyday at the newspaper. Pacey: Are you two okay? Gretchen: Okay in the sense that I can ride in the elevator with him and not scratch his eyes out. Sure, everything’s fine. Pacey: Well I had hopes for you two..... Joey:(exasperrated) Give it a rest, Pacey. Even I know you liked the same hockey movies. Pacey: We like hockey, Jo. We both like Hockey. Joey: Yeah, well. Gretchen’s better off without your hockey buddy. Pacey: I know. Sorry, Gretch. I can still kick his ass for you. Gretchen: Not necessary, Pace. Can we change the subject.? Anyone actually seen Andie? Joey: Not since the funeral. What’s it been, 3 months? Pacey: Yeah, same here. She was actually in the Icehouse with Jack about an hour before I got home a few weeks ago, but no. I haven’t seen her either. Gretchen: She’s done well, hasn’t she? Pacey: I couldn’t be more proud of her. To think, I played a little part in her development. Joey: Yeah, the part that had nothing to do with it. Pacey: See, Gretchen, I’m glad someone else can finally witness...... Gretchen: Witness someone who can actually keep you in line? Not that I ever doubted you Joey. Joey: Thank you very much. It’s good to be appreciated for my sacrifices. Pacey:(shaking his head) So this party starts at 8? Gretchen: It’s your restaurant, you don’t know? Pacey: I haven’t been there in a week. Gretchen: But you did set it up. Pacey: Correction. I did set it up to be set up. Big Difference. I’ve been busy making sure the new property gets cleared up and rises from the ashes as it were. Gretchen: It’s going to be awesome, Pacey, but isn’t the location to be a problem. Pacey: We won’t be the first down there. And others are making it. And others looking at property too. Gretchen: We’ll keep our fingers crossed. Pacey: Yeah, well, we’ve definitely had to figure valet parking into our expense projections. Gretchen: Well that and property damage insurance for any place my little brother operates. Pacey: Very funny. (Looks over at Joey, who is asleep) I love her, Gretch. Gretchen: I never doubted you, Pacey. (Scene: Icehouse. Doug and Jack sitting at a table in private dining area. Modest decorations adorn the table and a small stack of gifts on table to the side) Jack: Do you think she’ll be surprised? Doug: Of course she will. She finished her residency two weeks ago and you schedule it on a week end she was coming to visit anyway. Why wouldn’t she be surprised? Jack: It should be great. We haven’t all been together since Jen............and we can use a good time. Joey said even Gretchen’s coming. Too bad Grams wouldn’t come. She said the children should have their fun. Doug: And there is Amy. It wouldn’t be much fun for her. Jack: But I know everyone would love to see her. Doug: There’s time. I would imagine everyone’s here for the weekend at least. (Dawson enters the room) Dawson: Is this the McPhee party? Jack: Dawson!!! Alright! I’m glad you made it. And early too. Dawson: I guess air traffic was light, good tailwind ...........all those things and then light traffic to boot. Certainly not like L.A. Doug: I can only imagine. I’ve never been. Dawson: To LA? Count yourself lucky. Really. How are things in beautiful Capeside? Jack: I’m having a blast with my new classes. Sponsoring national honor society. Doug’s keeping us all safe. Not a lot of changes. We like it that way. Dawson: You two sure have changed. Doug: (beaming) And we like that that way too. Jack: And your new project? I heard about it from your Mom. Dawson: Just great. I am so lucky. My new executive producer, (he grins) I can’t believe I can say that. He and I get along great. He seems to have a lot of faith in me and I never dreamed of having the budget to do the things we need to do. Jack: Like special effects? Dawson: Not really. At least not in this movie, but for example. You can’t imagine what a little real talent can do, but the time it takes to do it. Jack: (deadpans) You haven’t worked with talent before? Dawson: Uh..........let’s not go there.(smiles) Jack: Come on. Who are you working with? Anyone we would know? Dawson: Realize this, we are in pre-production. The principal cast hasn’t even been signed, but I can guarantee you, you’ll know some of them. With any luck, maybe even one of the young male leads. I really can’t talk about it though. So many complications involved. (Pacey enters restaurant out of view and noise easily heard begins in main restaurant as he is bombarded with questions, problems and etc. Dawson, Jack, and Doug turn to the door to look as Joey enters. All leap to their feet and hugs are given. As Dawson hugs Joey, over her shoulder he sees Gretchen walk in. ) Dawson: My God. Gretchen! I didn’t know..........you look great! Gretchen: (Wearing huge smile) Thanks, look at you. What happened to the cute high school boy I used to like a little? (Dawson takes her by the hand and walks her to the other side of the table) Dawson: Look at you. It’s been.......... Gretchen: Seven years. Dawson: Why? I mean we’ve almost crossed paths any number of times. Gretchen: (smiles shyly) I thought you were avoiding me. Dawson: That makes no sense. You are even more beautiful than ever, and besides, I love talking to you. (Pacey enters the room) Pacey: So Leery’s hitting on my sister already. You okay, sis? Dawson: Pace!! ( walks around the room, shakes Pacey’s hand and pulls him into an embrace.) I’m hearing great things. Congratulations. Pacey: And to you, amigo. I only thought you were big time before. Jack: I hate to break up this hugfest but Andie will be here any minute. The salads are on the table. When she comes in this is a non-surprise party. Just sit there and, at the very most, look up and say, “Hi, Andie”, or something like that. Just watch how she’s going to react. (Every one mills around and finally settles down to their salads. Soon Andie does indeed appear in the door way led by a waitress) Andie: Oh my God, Oh my GOD!! (she dances around excitedly like she was 15. The others rise and run over to extend hugs and congratulations. Andie finally sits on Dawson’s left, Gretchen on his right. Small talk and dinner continues) (Later Pacey pours a round of champagne and Jack stands and raises his glass) Jack: To my beautiful sister who was always the smartest, nicest, and most forgiving sister a guy could ever have., but now she’s all of those things and the best Doctor at Presbyterian hospital ever had. To ANDIE!! (All the guys raise their glasses and drink. In unison, Joey and Gretchen say “Presbyterian Hospital? In New York?” Andie: You mean Jack didn’t tell you? I’m moving to New York. I start one week from Tuesday. (Everyone talks at once congratulating Anie again as Joey and Gretchen raise their glasses, salute and drink) Pacey: ( Standing) My turn. I just want to say, Andie, I’m very, very proud of you. I always knew you could do it. Cheers. Gretchen: You should have heard him on the way here, Andie. He was actually taking credit for you. Pacey: I beg your pardon? Joey: I heard it that way too. The boy’s totally delusional, Andie.(she smiles wickedly) Pacey: Well, my darling, I did a pretty good job with you too. (Round of catcalls and boos from around the table.) Andie: (tears in her eyes) Thank you all for coming. I know it couldn’t be easy for any of you and you have to have made some special effort to be here.(hesitates) I’m just so surprised. Being smart isn’t enough, you know. I’ve had to work hard for what I’ve achieved. When I was down and up against the wall, lessons I’ve learned from you guys, and Jen, helped me through. I love you all so very much. Pacey, I DO thank you and you meant more to me than anyone will ever understand. Admitedly, not all good(little laugh) but mostly I had some really bad times and you were my hero. Because of you, I learned to be strong. Thank you, (Andie runs around and kisses him on the cheek.) And Jackers.....word’s just can not say. Know that I love you...........(big pause) Now, what’s for dessert? (Scene: Same dining room. Tables have been cleared and all sit around talking and joking, usually with drink in hand.) Joey: So let’s play our own toned down version of truth or dare. Gretchen: I don’t know........Have you ever.......... Joey: Played with your brother? I’m afraid so. Jack: I seem to remember a certain drunk Joey Potter playing Truth or Dare at our apartment in Boston. Pacey: Actually that was spin the bottle. But it doesn’t alter the fact that she was undeniably drunk. Joey: And Emmas creepy guy smashed your TV. Pacey: And right after that you went smash against the floor. Jack: Just as you were supposed to get your kiss, Pace. Pacey: Well I got it later. Joey: You did?(inquiringly) Pacey: I did indeed, Ms. Potter and I’m dismayed that you don’t remember it. It was a perfectly lovely kiss which I might add, you initiated. Joey: I did not!! (aside) Tell me about it later. (Grins) What I actually had in mind was this. We’ve all been friends for a long time but there’s always been things that we’ve wondered about each other....like the detention session in the library. Dawson: I had forgotten that. Joey: Liar. No you didn’t. (Everyone laughs) In that one, we all wanted to know why Pacey was in detention. Pacey: Jo????? Joey: Let’s just say it had to do with public restrooms and cheerleader fantasies.(everyone laughs) Joey: Okay, make sense. I’ll go first. Andie you’re the guest of honor. I’ll embarrass you first. Andie: Gee, thanks. Joey: How did you manage to get that PSAT test without any of us knowing about it? Andie: JOEY!!(shocked and embarrassed and everyone laughs again.) Well, alright. It wasn’t that hard and it wasn’t that big of a deal. ******************************************************************************* As the friends stood around the table in the library discussing their moral dilemma, Principal Greene entered and asked everyone to sit for the beginning of the math portion. As he entered Dawson flipped the envelope over on the desk so Principal Greene couldn’t see the letters PSAT on the front. They were seated for only moments when the fire alarm bell went off. Pacey and Jack stood immediately, high-fived one another and started out of the library. Joey and Jen followed close behind. Dawson headed for the door as Andie dropped her pen on the floor and bent to pick it up. Dawson turned and went back to retrieve the envelope. There was no way, he thought, he could afford to leave it laying on the table. As he turned around Principal Greene hesitated in the doorway and said, “Go Dawson, move it. Leave your things here.” Dawson grimacing turns around and exits. Andie, having been on the floor to pick up her pen, rose, looks around and seeing no one takes the manila envelope and puts it in her large book bag. As she walks to the door, she sees Mr. Kasdan who rushes her out of the building, scolding her all the way for slacking in the face of mortal danger. She sees Joey and Jen standing near the student parking lot and approaches them. “There you are” said Joey. Jen, looking in the mirror of her compact, said “We thought you’d burn for sure, Andie.” Andie smiles, hoping not guiltily, and says, “I’m sorry to have worried you”. The three girls laughed and walked to the lawn to join the boys standing there. Dawson says, “I can’t believe I just left it sitting there. I feel so stupid. I tried to get it but Principal Greene stopped me”. “You just left it”, Joey said unbelievingly. “I couldn’t help it.,” he retorted. “It’s not my fault.” “Yeah, well it’s you’re fault it was there to begin with and now we’re all going to be blamed for it.” Pacey says, “If it’ll make you all feel better, I’ll go in and get it. If I get caught, who’s it going to surprise”. Jack stepped in, “No you don’t Pacey. You don’t need that problem any more than we do.” Andie agrees. ******************************************************************************** Andie: Next thing you know, the bell rings to go back inside, and you know the rest. I’ve never really forgiven myself for that whole thing. You guys were so awesome to stand by me and forgive me. Especially you Dawson AND Pacey, for all the extra trouble it caused you. So, It wasn’t all that hard, just embarrassing and humiliating. Okay. My turn. Yipeeeee... Dawson.......(Dawson groans) The truth about Eve. Was she as wild as we think and how far did she take you?(Pacey and Jack start cracking up with laughter.) Joey: It’s time to pay the piper, Hollywood. Dawson: Okay, well you know we met on the bus. I ran into her at the strip club and then at school. What you may not know is that she was really a nice girl....... Pacey: Oh, brother..... Dawson: Lemme explain. What you guys saw on stage that day was about as wild as it ever got. I never even got up the nerve to do anything but kiss her. I think that was part of what drew her to me. I was a toy but as I got to know her there was something troubled that drew me into her.... ******************************************************************************* The night was dark and starless as Dawson sat in his room watching a movie. He wasn’t particularly interested, just bored, and it took his mind off of Eve. He couldn’t stop thinking about her. Everything in his being shouted, leave her alone, and yet some elemental part of him was attracted to her like a moth to the flame. Suddenly he heard something outside. He got up off the bed and looked out the window. He could see movement through the screens and a flashlight beam. He knew Jen and Grams were not home. Instinctively, he called 911 and headed downstairs and outside just in time to catch Eve coming out the window of Grams house. Dawson grabs her and says, “Okay, Explanation.” Eve replied, “ Ouch! Thanks to your nosy neighbor antics out there, Dawson, I fell down and went boom. Kiss and make better? “ Dawson responded, “Eve, I just called the police. They're gonna be here any minute.” Eve says,”Ok, I'll spill. We didn't want you to find out this way, Dawson, but me and Jen? We're having ourselves quite the torrid little affair. Sleep-overs, late night pillow fights, brushing each other's hair, tickling each other's arms, all that groovy stuff we girls do in pretty pink rooms, behind closed doors.” Dawson looks at her disapprovingly. He doesn’t buy her story. “There was a breaking, there was an entering, and there was a flashlight. All that's missing is a ski mask.” Eve retorts,”Good god, not even he suggestion of teen lesbianism can get you off my case. Can we just, like, make out or something? Let me kiss all your queries away. “ Dawson demanded “Eve, either you tell me your version, or I tell the police mine. “ Eve pouts, “Fine. Do what your big, bleeding heart wants, Dawson, but here a filthy 4-letter word for you, and don't you dare blush. P-S-A-T, baby. Don't you remember where you were when the cataclysmic PSAT scandal of '99 went down? I for sure do. “ ******************************************************************************** Dawson: And that pretty much says what happened with Eve except for one other thing you don’t know. Jack: I knew there had to be more. Dawson: You guys should know this, especially in light of the whole Lindley fiasco. Doug: What is it, Dawson? Dawson: One night Pacey and I were following Eve. We found where she was staying on someone’s yacht.......the night you caught me on the yacht, Doug. I was going through her things and found a picture. To make a long story short, the picture was Jen’s mom when she was twentyish. Eve was here searching for her birth mother. Joey: Mrs. Lindley? Dawson: Yeah....the same. Joey: Pacey, you knew about this? Pacey: Wait up, love. I saw the picture, nothing else. Dawson: Pacey knew nothing about it. He didn’t know. Gretchen: But that makes Eve.......what did you do? Did you tell her....or Jen? Dawson: I didn’t know until after Eve was gone that it was Ms. Lindley. I saw a picture of her at Grams house and she told me who it was. I confronted Ms Lindley at the Thanksgiving dinner that year. She asked me not to say anything. Theo didn’t know. Jack: So...Jen never knew. Dawson: Right. It never seemed like the right time. Pacey:(boisterously) What a downer!! Moving on. Another drink anyone? Joey: I never meant for this to.......I just thought it would be fun to tell old stories, not old sad stories. Gretchen: Still we need to know. Dawson? Your turn. Dawson: Okay. Gretchen, the day you left Capeside 7 years ago. Where’d you go? Doug: We never even heard from her for two months. Gretchen: Nothing interesting really happened. Really. But ok. It was a really, really tough couple of months. To begin with I was leaving my little brother, maybe in the worst shape of his life, no real place to live but I had to get away and I really had hopes that Pacey and Joey were going to work it out. Honey, you’re by far the best thing that’s ever happened to him in his life. Dawson and I talked about a road trip. Maybe make some last minute sense of us. I wanted it bad, but I knew it wouldn’t work. One of us, both of us maybe would get hurt. Anyway, Dawson, you weren’t ready for me.(glances quickly at Joey then continues). I woke up early and knew I had to go. I left the letter for you, Dawson. I hope you got it. I can still remember it. "Dear Dawson... "I've been thinking about what to say to you "since I left your house yesterday. Dawson: "I thought about waiting for you to come to my door, "saying this face to face, "but I knew it would be too hard. "I realize that, as much as I need to move on, "you need to stay here. "Your whole life is about to change in a way "that will never be the same. "You're opening a new chapter, "and you have to give a proper good-bye to the old one. "You don't want to miss these moments, even the sad ones, "because you'll never get them back. "So enjoy this time. "Let it wash over you so that your memories of it are strong. "Besides, I don't need to spend a month in a car to fall in love with you. "I already am in love with you, "even more than you know. "So good-bye, Dawson Leery. "Thank you for changing my life "and opening my heart again. "You'll never know how much it meant to me. Have a bitchin' summer. Love, Gretchen." (Room sits in silence, Gretchen composes herself then) I just went to Boston. ******************************************************************************* She drove into the vacant space in front of the old converted apartment house. It was much deader than the last time she and Pacey had left her. Even in the morning after the party there had been plenty of activity. She hoped Keira and Jessica would be here. She hadn’t even talked to them since the night she left them to go looking for Dawson. Walking up the sidewalk to the door of the big house, she found herself hoping Nick was here too. No she didn’t. Yes she did. He, at the very least was a distraction from the thoughts crowding her head. All the stupid Gretchen comments that she couldn’t stop. She knew better. She knew she did the right thing. She also knew it hurt like hell. She stops on a first floor door sill and knocks. Keira opens the door in a t-shirt and sweat bottoms. “Gretchen, what are you doing here? Keira!” Her friend Keira comes in from the kitchen in an extremely large man’s shirt covering maybe nothing else. “Gretchen, sweetie. How exciting?” Gretchen said, “I need a place to stay for awhile”. Keira replies, “of course. Honey, are you alright? What did he do to you?” Gretchen replied, “It’s not like that. Really, it’s not. Can I take a shower before we talk?” Jessica leads her to the bathroom picking up lingerie and clothes on the way, “Sure, anything you need. Anything at all” Gretchen stood under the shower for a long time, just letting the water rinse away the stress, the anxiety, the uncertainty and the fear. She wasn’t sure what to tell them. She wasn’t sure if she should tell them. She knew they would send her back as fast as she could go. Finally, stepping out of the shower while drying her hair she drew up in surprise to see Nick standing over the toilet urinating. She just stood there in shock for what seemed like eternity before thinking to pull the towel off her head and step back into the shower. “Nick, What the hell are you doing in here? Get out before I scream.” Just then Keira comes in......”Nick, what the hell, get out of here” Nick shakes his head, “It’s nothing I haven’t seen before. Great seeing you, Gretchen”. After he leaves, she wraps in the towel and steps out. “I’m sorry, Gretchen, Keira” apologizes. “It’s Jess. He’s dating Jess and was already here. We didn’t think he was up.” “Nick and Jessica? That’s a pair I never saw coming” says Gretchen. “Are you alright with it? I know Jessica’s really worried”. said Keira. Gretchen quickly inserts, “I couldn’t be more alright with it, except believe me Keira, Jess is way too good for him. I hope she doesn’t waste too much time on him.” “Good, while you get dressed, I’ll get rid of him, make something to eat and we can talk” As they ate, Gretchen told the whole Dawson saga and cried again. “You didn’t lie, Gretch. You said he’d never make your loser list”said Jessica. Gretchen laughed. “Anything but. I think I put myself on it. I need a job guys. Any ideas?” Jessica says,”You’ve been bartending right? Lemme look at you. Stand up” Gretchen stands and the girls look up and down then nod and smirk at each other. ******************************************************************************** Gretchen: Next day I got a pretty good paying job, earned enough money to get back into school and finish. Hated the job, but the money was good. Andie: What kind of job, Gretchen. I never ran into you in Boston.(Pacey laughs) Gretchen:(blushes) Pace knows. Pacey: You don’t know HOW LONG I’ve waited for this day.(laughing hysterically while everyone stares at him, then Gretchen) Gretchen: I tended Bar. Nothing new..................(every one looks confused) Alright. I tended bar at Coyote Ugly. (Jack joins Pacey laughing. Pacey’s now on his knees on the floor having a hard time breathing) Stop it. I look good enough to work there!! Pacey: (catching his breath) I gotta go. Bathroom break. Gretchen: It’s okay, lil brother. Just hurry back, it’s YOUR turn. Andie: Gretchen, I think that’s an awesome story. You made it back to school and look at you now. You write for the Post........... Dawson: But why did you just disappear? Nobody heard from you for.....how long? 3 years? Gretchen: Not true, really. The year Pacey and I lived together, he became my best friend. I think he still is. I never lost touch with Pace. I just asked him not to say anything. It’s probably why he’s so anxious to get to New York. (Winks at Joey) Joey: Well, I for one will be HAPPY to share him with you.(big smile) Gretchen: Okay, it’s my turn. Where’s Pacey? Dawson: I think I will get something else to drink. Anyone else? Andie: Me, I’ll go with you. Joey: Diet Coke, please, Dawson. (Andie and Dawson exit and we follow them to the bar.) Andie: That was some story, huh? Dawson: Huh? Yeah, I guess so. Andie: I don’t think she’s over you still. You? Dawson: Am I what....over her? Yeah, I mean, do you ever get over anyone completely? Andie: I’ve known you for 10 years, and for the last six I didn’t believe I’d ever see you and Pacey, with Joey in the same room without enough tension to blow the roof off. I was wrong. I don’t see it tonight. You’re over her, aren’t you? Dawson: I told you Andie, after the funeral. A light came on. I’m not over Joey, never will be. I just know who we are now. I’m not sure I know who Gretchen and I are now. (Turns and looks right at her) I’m not sure I know you either.(smiles) Andie: Do you want to? (Takes his arm as they walk back) Dawson: You know I do.(winks) (They re-enter the dining room followed by Pacey) Pacey: I’m sorry it took so long. Things just have a way of falling apart in a restaurant when you go to the restroom. It happens every time. Did I miss anything? Joey: Nothing you wouldn’t have slept through. Sit down, I think it’s your turn. Pacey: Oh no. I don’t do turns. Jump thru hoops, juggle, twiddle thumbs, even sit on my hands, but NOT GOOD at taking turns. Gretchen: Don’t worry little brother. I wouldn’t do that to you. You’re also not good at independent thought. (Smiles sweetly) That’s why Pacey Witter and Joey Potter, this is your life. Joey: Oh great. Gretchen: I don’t know a person in this room who hasn’t wondered what you two did in your summer to Key West. Jack: Yeah, and Joey, what WERE you thinking? Gretchen: And where did you go, what did you do, how did you earn money? I know you didn’t have any. Doug: And most importantly did you still my little brother’s virtue? (Stunned silence, everyone exchanging glances, finally) Jack: No, Sheriff Witter. I guess you’re the only one here who didn’t know that. That was Miss Jacobs. Doug: What? It was true?(spluttering) Pacey: Afraid so, Doug. Doug: But Pacey, how could you.......why would you.......You protected her? Dawson: That’s about it. Pacey: I did. Doug: I can’t believe it. She was such a nice lady. Pacey: She WAS a nice lady and it wasn’t all her fault, Doug. Look, do we have to talk about this? Jack: Yeah, let’s move on to the real question Doug was asking? When? Joey:(Incredulously) My gosh. We came back and Pacey said, everyone’s going to want to know. It was the first thing Jen asked me. If you have to know, Mr. McPhee, it was senior Ski Trip. And you might be interested to know......I was feeling really scared, and I talked to you, Jack, and you said something to me which helped me make up my mind, but only after I also talked to Dawson and he also said something which helped me make up my mind. It was a sweet and beautiful experience I’ll never forget. NOW..............since that’s what you really wanted to know, is it my turn. Gretchen: Hold on, that’s not what I wanted to know......I remember talking to my Mom on the phone after Pacey left and she had no idea you were with him, Jo. It was several days later as I recall, and Dad hit the ceiling. I thought “How freakin’ cool is this?” I’ve wondered about it ever since. Not only the trip. What an awesome trip it must’ve been. Kind of a fantasy. Joey: It was........my fantasy, and I don’t know that I could ever tell it the way it felt. Pace? Pacey: I agree. You kind of had to be there. Doug: Come on you two. What other skeletons could you be hiding? Joey: Absolutely none, but it’ll be awfully long. We’ve got other stories like the time we got locked in Kmart overnight. Dawson: You what? Pacey: We did. I stopped for some detergent, and............... Joey: Pacey stopped for condoms........ Pacey: AND Joey went to the bathroom and we got locked in. It was quite a night. It was the night I shaved my beard off.....(Joey looks at him disapprovingly) Dawson: This was sophomore year? While you were at Worthington? Pacey: Yep, and I was doing the stock thing. Joey: Or there’s always the time I slept with Drue Valentine. (Loud gasp around the room with deep intakes of breath) Gretchen: You what? Darth Vader? Pacey? Joey: It’s okay. Pacey knows all about it. He knew about it at the time. Dawson: I don’t believe you. Joey: I have lots of better stories. Gretchen: Nope, Key West. Joey: Okay.......... Pacey: I’ll start, I was coming out of the market eating a candy bar and drinking a soda. The boat was all packed and ready. I turned the corner and saw Joey jumping on and off True Love. I’ve never forgotten, never will, the next thing that happened. I asked her if she needed something. Joey: He was quite rude if the truth be known. Pacey: I just told her we didn’t need to go through the whole goodbye thing again and don’t even try to stop me. She said she wasn’t here to stop me. Joey: Don’t forget the part about me coming to rub it in. Rude....just rude. Pacey: I’m sorry, okay. It wasn’t the best of days at that point. Joey: It gets better. Pacey: It does. Joey: I told him I didn’t want to stop him. I told him that I loved him and had since before he kissed me. I told him I was tired of running from it and wasn’t go to anymore. Pacey: I was floored. I said, so what are we gonna do? I just knew she was going to ask me to stay after all. She didn’t. Joey: I said I want to go with you. He told me I was crazy and tried to talk me out of it. Pretty half-heartedly admittedly. He made me ask permission to come aboard. That’s where the whole thing from our other trip came from. Gretchen: How sweet! Pacey: So I untied, Jo sat down and off we went. Joey: I had the clothes on my back and NOTHING else. Pacey barely had enough for him to eat. I can’t believe today we did it, but what an absolutely magical summer. The first night, the stars  3/16/2005 3:59 AM    jimidb 3569 posts Episode 1 A Tale of Four Tales Part 2 The stars were everywhere. Growing up in a small town, Joey and Pacey had seen starlit nights all of their life, but this was something new. Something special. Something totally out of the range of their experience. Even Pacey had never been sailing overnight before. All he knew was the basics of sailing and how to navigate by the coastline. This gave no end of comfort to Joey because she was inwardly quite frightened and excited all at the same time. She had taken the biggest leap of faith in her life and knew quite likely that before morning, the coast guard would be hailing them. The fact that Pacey seemed competent made things more comfortable but just. Pacey sat alongside the mast singing a silly song and trying to get Joey to join in. He was ecstatic. Joey had finally chosen and chosen him. He had really never in his wildest dreams allowed himself to believe that what was now happening, in fact, really could.: He loved Joey so much his heart ached, and now she told him that she loved him too. Sure there was a huge price to pay. Dawson would never forgive him.....and he could tell that off and on all afternoon, she had been thinking about Dawson. He just kept telling himself, “She’s here with you. She did something crazy this afternoon, for you.” And even if Bessie sent the coast guard after them, he could die happy, and probably would because his Dad would be right in the middle of it. Joey moved up alongside and sat down. She was hot all afternoon in those long jeans and red shirt, but they served for warmth now, in the night on the water. “What are you thinking, Pace?” “How unbelievably happy I am” he said. “Jo, I keep wanting to pinch myself. Prove that this is really happening.” “It is. I promise. I keep thinking about someone coming after us. You too?” He nods. “Can we just plan our trip and pretend it’s not gonna happen?” “You got it, Jo”.......He kissed her cheek, moved the hair back over her ear and said,”First, do we keep going tonight or weigh anchor and get some sleep.” “I’m too pumped to sleep, and a little nervous too” confided Joey. “Can we keep going til we’re tired.?” “Step one in the master plan. Jo, you don’t have to be nervous with me. I know you’re probably thinking he’s been with Tamara and Andie. What if he expects..............? Am I right?” Joey nods shyly. “Well, don’t be nervous. I have no, zero, expectations. I love you, Joey. I’ve just spent the last 9 months of my life chasing the girl I love and I’m going to make her hate me on day 1 because I can’t keep my hormones in check? Let me just tell you. It ain’t gonna happen.:” Joey moves in close and kisses Pacey tentatively, then grows in intensity. “We are so screwed”, she said laughing. “You brought Cheerios and Captain Crunch with no milk. You brought peanut butter and jelly but left the bread open to get wet. You brought beef jerky and snickers bars. What’s step two in this master plan?” “ Well, my plan had me stopping as often as I need to in the little towns along the way and working for a day on a fishing boat, or washing dishes or something like that to make money to pay my way. And why keep a lot of food on hand when you have 2 cu. ft of battery powered refrigeration.” Joey said, “okay, then. Where’s this next town?” Pacey said, “I thought you’d never ask.” They went on cheerfully planning until one or two am. When they tired enough, they stopped for the night, covered themselves with a blanket and slept on deck under the stars. ********************************************************************************* Jack: So that was day one, huh? Andie: How romantic. Doug: Modern day Bonnie and Clyde. Pacey: Well, we hadn’t actually stolen anything yet. Joey: But we were on the run. Pacey: That we were. Gretchen: So almost no food and only the clothes on your back........ Joey: We had to call Bessie anyway. She had no idea where I was. I mean it’s not like I had never stayed out all night before but this time I really was gone. Pacey: We docked in New Haven and Joey called while I bought some milk for our Captain Crunch. Joey: Bessie was furious to say the least. I didn’t tell her we were in New Haven, of course. We were still too close. I told her we were near Boston in a little town and wasn’t going to tell her where. I told her that if she tried to stop us we were going to take our chances on open sea rather than staying along the coastline. She screamed and cried and a I told her how I felt, why I had to do it. Bessie’s nothing if she’s not loving and understanding. She was on her own when she was younger than me and finally she relented. I wasn’t sure she wouldn’t call Sheriff Witter, but I thought I won her over. Pacey: As it turns out, she didn’t. When my dad found out through the grapevine, he was more mad at Bessie than at Joey and I. He told her if Joey ended up pregnant it would be her fault. Joey: (grinning) Little did he know. Pacey: But that’s normal for him. Joey: So we found a Goodwill Thrift store and spent about half of Pacey’s $79.37 and bought shorts, shirts and a bathing suit. I picked up a few more practical necessities and we were off again. Pacey: I had no earthly idea how long it would take to get to Key West. I don’t know if I ever really expected to make it. I just knew I couldn’t stay in Capeside and watch Joey and Dawson for the summer. (To Dawson) Sorry, buddy. No offense. Dawson: None taken. I understand completely. Pacey: We made Atlantic City by noon of the 3rd day and we were beginning to feel safe. Joey: Except Pacey was starting to look at me funny (grins) We were in the mood for a little break so we thought, what the hell. Why not the boardwalk? No sooner did we get off the boat, I think, than Pacey smelled the casinos. We never made the boardwalk.(laughs) ********************************************************************************* The couple walked around the streets of Atlantic City wide-eyed like two children who had never left the farm before. Everywhere they looked , even in gas stations and convenience stores were slots and video poker machines.. They settle on Bally’s Hotel and Casino and wander in. Up and down aisles of slots and finally Pacey stops and drops a quarter. Before he can even pull the arm, a hand grips his shoulder. He turns to see a beefy 6'4" security guard who say’s ID please. Joey giggles, Pacey shrugs his shoulders and they’re immediately escorted out. On the street they run laughing and shouting down the block and repeat the same exercise at Harrah’s with the same result. This time the security guard is a 5'8" neanderthal who threatens Pacey with emasculation if he catches them in there again. Headed back toward the marina Pacey says, “I could use a hot dog. How about you?” “Sure”, Joey replied.” Should we, I mean, the money?” “Don’t worry, “ insists, “I’m feeling lucky.” While Joey bought 2 hot dogs and two sodas Pacey dropped 2 dollars in quarters in a slot machine. When she returns, frustrated he says,”Maybe not so lucky. Let’s go” Joey drops the quarters from her change in the same machine and gets 7 7 7 The machine begins to ring and drop quarters in the pan. The attendant walks over, a tiny elderly woman who appeared to be in her Eighties. She looked them over, head to toe. The machine shut down at ten dollars. Pacey said, “Wow, Jo. Ten bucks” The old lady says,”The machine shuts down on anything over a hundred. I’ll have to pay you over there.” Joey’s mouth drops open and Pacey said, “One hundred dollars”. “Yeah, I still owe you $115. Grab your change.” She ambled off to the front counter. While she’s counting out the money she commented, “You newlyweds look younger all the time.” Joey’s eye’s widened and glittered with laughter. Pacey let loose and ran outside to howl with laughter as Joey collected her winnings. She joined him outside and said “Well, at least now I can help pay for our trip, Mr. Witter. She grins as she hands him $125. “Wow”, Pacey said. “We’re rich.” “Not exactly”, Joey replied, “but I feel a whole lot better now.” They walked along the boardwalk, played on the beach and saw a movie. “Are you hungry”, Pacey said. “No, I ate too much popcorn....all that butter.” “Yeah, it’s all over your clothes. Next time I’ll get extra napkins.” Joey laughs, “I could use a shower.” Pacey said “Me too. You know we could afford a night in one of those cheap little motels. A good nights sleep, a hot shower? What do you think?” Joey kept walking, looked around uneasily as if looking for something, someone. “Which way is True Love”? Pacey said, “Should be over that way, about half a mile probably.” Joey turned to him, moved up close gripping his collars and whispers, “I’m going to need a change of clothes.” and with a quick peck on the lips headed toward the harbor. About an hour later they watched the sun go down from lounge chairs around the empty pool at a rundown, but reasonably well kept motor court. They held hands, talking sparingly. When the sun set they stood, kissed and walked slowly, tentatively toward the room. Their air conditioner kept the room comfortably cool and Pacey sat on the armchair while Joey took her unconditionally long shower. As she came out dressed in shorts and t-shirt, Pacey said, “I’m glad you had me go first.” He was surprised when she walked over and sat in his lap. “Why so shocked”? Pacey replied, “You just seemed to me that you really didn’t want to be here.” “That’s patently false, Pace. I can’t think of anyplace else in the world I’d rather be tonight. What made you say that”? Pace answers, “You just seemed so nervous, jittery for the last couple of hours.” “Well”, she replies, “This is the first time I’ve ever been alone in a motel room with a kissable boy”. She grins at him. “Taken a shower within yards of a kissable boy.” She kisses him. “And then been able to come out and sit in the lap of a kissable boy”. The kiss again, longer this time. Pacey says, “Well, now.” “You seem nervous now, Pace. Is everything okay?” “I’m just not sure if you should be here with me now, Jo.” “Why” she whispers ? “You’ve been a perfect gentleman so far.” She hesitates then says, “Pace, I’m fine. I don’t have to be here. I’m here because I want to be here. I know that I’m here because I love you and want to be with you. Sure, the closeness of all this makes me nervous. I know you’re more experienced and I’m pretty sure I’m not ready to be, experienced, you know. But you’ve shown me already that I can trust you. Do you trust me?” Pacey answers, “Of course, Jo.” Pacey seems flustered and confused. Joey stands and says, “ Come on. Get up.” Pacey stands and Joey pulls back the covers, pats the bed indicating that he should get in. Then she walks around the bed, gets in on the other side, reaches over and turns off the bedside lamp. She lays on her side facing the wall. Pacey lying on his back stares at the ceiling. “Good night, hon.” Joey says to Pacey. “Good night, Jo.” says Pacey. Joey giggles, rolls over, nestles herself closely up against his shoulder and chest and rubs his tummy. “This is nice, huh”? Pacey only smiles. ********************************************************************************* Pacey: I got up the next morning with my arm completely asleep. I don’t think either of us moved at all after we finally went to sleep, and that Jack answers your question about the first time we slept together. Andie: No, there was the time at Aunt Gwens’ Joey: She’s right. Pacey: But this is the first time I got to touch anything.(grinning) Joey: And the last time too, Mr Witter.............Men, they’ll say anything to impress each other. Gretchen: Especially Witter men.(everyone laughs) Joey: This is kind of stretching out and we’re only in New Jersey. Had enough? Doug and Andie: No way. Jack: Keep going. Pacey: We’re kind of skipping around a lot of memorable stuff. To us anyway. When you’re out on a boat day in and day out, the number or times you just stop to jump in the water for a soak or a swim. The times you stop on a beach to have a little lunch or just lay under the sun for awhile, chasing her around the beach, her calling me disgusting names.......... Joey: Like you didn’t do your share........ Pacey: Just spending the day, everyday together was great. What a way to live, to start a relationship. Dawson: No one’s going to argue that. Pacey: Any way we stopped a couple of times for ice, snacks groceries but the next real stop was Myrtle Beach, S.C. We played on the beach, played a little miniature golf. I caddied for a day and made about $50 in tips. Used it to buy a twin air mattress. The hammocks aren’t the best nights sleep and the decks hard. Little did we know that once we reached the keys during the summer it would be too hot to share an air mattress even. Joey: Myrtle Beach was the first time we really noticed the sun getting hot, the water getting warm. It was usually pleasant enough at night, but the days were pretty miserable unless the wind was good. Most nights we’d go to sleep on the deck and when it got too hot, Pacey would volunteer at my prompting, of course, to take a hammock. Pacey: We made it to the South Florida coast on the East shore after about 10, 11 days. You lose track. We didn’t take a calendar. I guess the next memorable, really memorable experience here happened in a full moon. Joey: Don’t you dare. You wouldn’t. Pacey:: Well, Jo. You told them about my detention. ********************************************************************************* They finished their pizza and started walking back to the slip where they left True Love. It was the beginning of a beautiful night. The skies were clear and a full moon was low on the horizon. “It looks like a beautiful night to sleep out on the water”, Pacey said. “Sure does”, said Joey. “Nice night for a swim too.” Pacey untied True Love while Joey went under to change into her red Goodwill Bikini. Though she received compliments all the time, she still thought of herself as too tall and too awkward. She had to admit though that the suit never ceased to elicit a silent but noticeable approval from Pacey anytime she wore it. Twenty minutes later they were sufficiently off shore that the light of the city no longer affected the view of the starry night. Pacey slowed and dropped anchor. He turned off all lights except for the cabin lights and joined Joey sitting with her legs over the side. “10 days”, she said. “11, I think”, said Pacey. After awhile he said, “Any regrets”? “None”, she assured, and then added, “Well, one.” “Dawson” he said. “Yes”, she answered. “I understand”, he said. “No, I don’t think you do. He’s my friend, Pacey. My very, very good friend and I left him alone and crying.” Pacey said, “I know you feel awful.” Joey answered, “I feel awful but he didn’t leave me another choice. I did the right thing. I’m 95% happy, Pacey. And this night is incredible. Are you ready to swim” she asked as she pushed him into the water. They swam and splashed and played. Pacey pushed her underwater, and she returned the favor. While they were out, twice small pleasure boats passed within 100 yards or so of their position. “We must be in some kind of shipping lane, or something”, Pacey noted. “I’m going to get a drink. Want anything”? Jo answered in the negative and continued to swim around the outside of the boat. Pacey got a soda from the cabin and went back topside when he heard a little squeal from Joey. “Everything alright, Jo.” he called.. “I think so” she said. “Something just rubbed up against my leg”. Pacey said, “Okay, but be careful” He sat on the side of the boat and watched her swim. Just then Joey cried out, “Pacey. My tops gone.” Pacey stood and looked out. “You’re tops gone”? “My bikini top. Can you see it anywhere?” “ I can’t see a thing, Jo. Let me get a spotlight” “No. Don’t. “Jo, how am I going to help you find it without a spotlight.”? Just then the lights came on across the water on a boat not 200 yards away. The boat started moving forward. Joey panicked and swam to the other side of the boat. As they came near, Pacey saw EAGLE SCOUTS inscribed on the hull of their boat. Inside were 4 boys 14 to 16 years old. One of the boys in Scuba gear shouted, “Missing something?” They drew closer and Joey, frightened said, “Pacey!!!” Pacey began to laugh when he saw the one in diving gear hold up Joey’s red top. She hid as they came close enough to True Love to toss it to Pacey and then headed away laughing. “They took it on purpose. Throw it here, Pacey.” “Come on out, Jo. Nothing I haven’t seen before”. “You most certainly have not”, she challenged. “Sure I have, Joey. Remember our marine biology project in the wetlands.?” “Yes,” she replied. “We got all wet and had to wear blankets home , but..........” “Rearview mirror, Joey. Wonderful inventions” he said laughing. She stared at him insolently and then frowning, “PIG”, she said. Pacey tossed her the top and went under. ********************************************************************************* Dawson: Now that’s the Pacey I remember. Gretchen: Tell me about it. I had to grow up with him in the house. Jack: Natural curiosity for a growing boy...........NOT.....(winking at Doug) Pacey: It’s eleven PM. My staff is leaving. Does anyone need anything else.? Jack: No, we should go soon, but we have to at least hear about Key West. Pacey: Let me go lock up. Jo, you can start. Joey: So within 2 weeks we were actually there. It is so beautiful. There’s a whole series of small islands and each is beautiful in it’s own way. We made a promise to ourselves to stop and explore each one of them in our free time. We kind of thought we’d have a lot of it if we were thrifty with our money. We weren’t. Eating fish cooked on a hibachi was already getting old and we probably spent most of our money the first week on food alone. Pacey: I’m back. I planned from the first day I undertook this journey to pay my way by working odd jobs. By the end of June we were lucky and were both gainfully employed. Joey: We really were lucky. I got a pretty regular job working in a little diner no more than 300 yards where we had True Love tied up. Pacey had to work a lot harder than I did for not a lot more money. Pacey: I usually worked only 4 days a week on a fishing boat. Joey: But what he’s not telling you is that he worked about 14-16 hour days. He came back thoroughly exhausted every day he worked. Pacey: We did get to do some fun things. We made an attempt at snorkeling. There’s a beautiful coral reef national park. Joey loved the Aquarium. Joey: And Hemingway’s house was cool. No one lives there anymore, but it’s overrun by cats. The locals say they’re the descendants of Hemingway’s famous 6 toed cats. Pacey: But I think the best story we could tell about Key West is about the people we met. We were there for about 5 weeks after all. Five weeks I’ll never forget. Joey: Me either, babe. Mindy and her Mom, Susan. Slappy and Tom.....Pacey’s fishing partners. Really good people. We have to go back, Pacey. Mindy would be what now? About 17 or 18 years old now? Pacey: That’s about right. Mindy, you guys, was a little 9 year old girl that Joey befriended. She was the daughter of the lady that owned the Cayo Hueso Café where Joey worked. Cayo Hueso means Cay Bones, the original name of the Island before it was corrupted to Key West. Joey: She was such a sweet little girl and had to play all by herself all day every day. She wasn’t in school at the time and there were no little friends nearby. Just about every minute I wasn’t working she was on my heels. Whether I went to this great Open Air Market they have or to the beach to read, she was there by my side. I had a lot of spare time when Pacey worked. She’d bring her favorite books with her and we’d read together. About the time the sun would go down, I’d go back to the boat and make sure Pacey had something ready to eat. As often as not, he didn’t even want to eat because he was so tired and would just go to sleep. Andie: Didn’t you get lonely? I mean you were all alone and practically in another country. Joey: You’d think so but no. I just watched Pace grow as a man and loved and respected him all the more. You know, Pacey did a lot of work for me Junior year that I barely even noticed at the time. He worked at the B&B, worked on the student body campaign, and the save Principal Greene fiasco, but I never saw how hard working he was and how much he cared until that summer. I’ve got me a heck of a guy.(smiles at Pacey) Pacey: She gives me too much credit. She was horribly ignored and I was a big whiny baby when I came home from work every day. She would feed me, put me to bed, hold my hand while I went to sleep and even sponge me clean after I fell asleep. Joey: I had to or else I wouldn’t be able to sleep. Pacey:(laughs) I’m sure that’s probably true. All day, hard work and fresh fish to boot. When I couldn’t sleep she’d read to me. I never read books until we started reading together. Joey: So are you going to tell them about Mindy’s adventure? Pacey: Okay. ********************************************************************************* Pacey stood exhausted on the deck of the fishing boat as they tied up to the dock. As he stepped off, he said goodbye to Slappy and greeted Joey as she ran down the dock. “Pacey:” she cried! “It’s Mindy, No one’s seen her since about 2 pm and it’s been dark an hour already. She wanders but this isn’t like her.” Pacey said, “Where could she be, Jo. Does anyone have any ideas?” “Pace, I’ve already checked all the places she and I go. Her mom told me other places to look. All to no avail. Mr. Sands, from the store, said he saw her that way on the beach early this afternoon but no footprints in the sand. The tide’s already in. I’m worried, Pacey.” Pacey said, “Okay, I’m going to go that way and see what I find. I’ll get a flashlight from Tom.” Joey said, “I’m going with you. You’re tired and I’m not going to lose you too.” As they walked Pacey questioned Joey about conversations with Mindy. “What kind of things did you talk about? Little boys usually have secret places, Jo. Do little girls”? Joey said, “You know once she told me about a cave she wanted to show me. We never went though.” “That’s it, Joey! I’ll bet on it.” “What, Pacey?” “There’s a cave about a mile up the beach”, he explained. “I’ve seen it from the boat but never been to it. Let’s go.” Eventually, they ended up at an inlet where the beach just suddenly ended. I don’t remember this” Pacey said. He thought a moment then said, “The tides in.” He waded in around the mouth of the inlet and could clearly see the cave about fifty yards in. “Stay here, Jo. I’ll check it out.” “Be careful,” Joey called out. Five minutes later, Joey saw Pacey wading through the water carrying Mindy atop his shoulders. “Joey, Joey, Joey!!” Mindy cried out in excitement. As Pacey reached her Joey took Mindy and hugged her as hard as she could.. Pacey said, “Just what I thought. The tides came in while she was inside and she couldn’t get back out.” The three set out on their way back to town. ******************************************************************************** Joey: What you don’t know is that this all happened about two weeks before we left to come back. From that day forward Mindy followed Pacey everywhere. She was on the dock when he left for work in the morning and waiting when he came home. She had a huge crush on him. When he was working we were still best friends. When he was off, I was the other woman. (Grins) If I ever dared to kiss him, she would pout for hours. Dawson: So Pacey’s equally successful with younger and older women. Joey: You could say that, Dawson. So, her mother had an old Macintosh computer in the restaurant which was still fine for simple books and taking orders but rather out-dated for anything else. Anytime she could, Mind would try to get on that computer and play some old games that were loaded on it. The week we left her computer crashed. Neither Pacey or I are very good with that kind of stuff and apparently no one else on the island is either. Pace’s last fishing day was Thursday. My last day was Friday and we planned to leave on Saturday morning. Pacey and True Love disappeared that day and reappeared just as I was getting off work. He pulled me off to one side and said, “Jo, now please don’t be mad at me”. I said, “What did you do , Pace.” He said, I just couldn’t stand the look on Mind’s face and I could foresee the problems Susan was going to have when their computer crashed. Do you know what my guy did? He sailed over to the mainland and paid almost $400 cash for a used computer with just the right software for Mind and Susan. We had worked hard all summer and saved our money, and we left for home on Saturday with $68 and change. The first night on our trip Pacey gave me a present. He said Mind had given him a kiss and said she wanted you to have this. In a brown paper bag was her favorite book. Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid”. I just sat there and cried. That night when we went to bed we took turns reading to each other. We still do it to this day. I've memorized my favorite passage...... It was very late; yet the little mermaid could not take her eyes from the ship, or from the beautiful prince. The colored lanterns had been extinguished, no more rockets rose in the air, and the cannon had ceased firing; but the sea became restless, and a moaning, grumbling sound could be heard beneath the waves: still the little mermaid remained by the cabin window, rocking up and down on the water, which enabled her to look in. After a while, the sails were quickly unfurled, and the noble ship continued her passage; but soon the waves rose higher, heavy clouds darkened the sky, and lightning appeared in the distance. A dreadful storm was approaching; once more the sails were reefed, and the great ship pursued her flying course over the raging sea. The waves rose mountains high, as if they would have overtopped the mast; but the ship dived like a swan between them, and then rose again on their lofty, foaming crests. To the little mermaid this appeared pleasant sport; not so to the sailors. At length the ship groaned and creaked; the thick planks gave way under the lashing of the sea as it broke over the deck; the mainmast snapped asunder like a reed; the ship lay over on her side; and the water rushed in. The little mermaid now perceived that the crew were in danger; even she herself was obliged to be careful to avoid the beams and planks of the wreck which lay scattered on the water. At one moment it was so pitch dark that she could not see a single object, but a flash of lightning revealed the whole scene; she could see every one who had been on board excepting the prince; when the ship parted, she had seen him sink into the deep waves, and she was glad, for she thought he would now be with her; and then she remembered that human beings could not live in the water, so that when he got down to her father’s palace he would be quite dead. But he must not die. So she swam about among the beams and planks which strewed the surface of the sea, forgetting that they could crush her to pieces. Then she dived deeply under the dark waters, rising and falling with the waves, till at length she managed to reach the young prince, who was fast losing the power of swimming in that stormy sea. His limbs were failing him, his beautiful eyes were closed, and he would have died had not the little mermaid come to his assistance. She held his head above the water, and let the waves drift them where they would. Gretchen: I think I’m going to cry. Doug: That was really nice, brother. Dawson: I can’t believe we’ve never heard these stories before. Jack: Yeah, tell me about it. Joey: Well, you’ve got to remember that we weren’t all on the best of terms when we came back and everyone was walking on eggshells trying to be everyone’s friend without being a bad friend to some one else. (Quiet in the room) Dawson: That’s all behind us. Pacey: Yes, far, far behind. Joey: AND all any of you guys wanted to ask us was how much sex we had while we were gone. Andie: Well, I’ll admit. Jen and I talked all summer about how much you were......you know. We thought you were making like rabbits. When you got back, that’s how I knew how much Pacey loved you. Pacey: It’s never been about sex with us and it never will be. I love this woman in every sense of the word, in every facet of her being. Joey: (walks to Pacey, puts her arms around his neck from behind as he sits and says in his ear) I think it’s maybe 5% about sex to be truthful.(Pacey blushes causing the whole room to erupt in laughter.) Gretchen: You guys experienced something most married people never do. The closeness, the working together to live, the passion for life. Joey: I don’t mean to be repetitive but it was the most wonderful foundation for a relationship I can ever imagine. When we came back and I told Pacey on countless occasions that we were forever, I meant it. Pacey: And now it is my darling. ( he stands and kisses her.) Now my friends, we will be glad to discuss the trip home at some future date if it’s important to you but now, Andie, we salute you in your success, and GET OUT! Joey: Pacey, their going to think you’re serious. Pacey: I am, my love. I have to work tomorrow.(Jack and Doug come across the room and start talking to Joey) Gretchen: Pacey, I guess I’m going to stay at Doug’s tonight. Pacey: Okay, Gretch. Have a good night. See you tomorrow. (From across the room, Dawson signals Gretchen with a motion of his head, Want a ride? Gretchen nods her head and indicates yes, holds up her hand for him to wait. Andie approaches Dawson.) Andie: Quite a night, huh? Dawson: I had a great time. You? Andie: I did too. I don’t suppose you’d like to give me a ride home would you? (Dawson looks up and across the room and then stammers) Dawson: uh, yeah. Sure. (Andie grabs Dawson by the arm and steers him toward the door. Gretchen pulls up along side, glancing down at Andie’s hand hooked through Dawson’s arm) Gretchen: I’m ready ( she’s heard saying as they walk through the door.) Pacey: (turns to Jack and Doug.) Get out. Jack: Alright......geez. Pacey: Didn’t you guys see that? Don’t you want to follow and find out who he takes home first? _________________  Page 1 of 4 1234Next    Previous   Next     Forum  Discussions  FanFic  Beyond the Capeside Triangle Episodes 1-6