 |
|
|
| Episode 10 The Maine Event |
|
|
| I promised this episode a couple of weeks ago and it was actually finished, but it's is written in a different style and brought unexpected results. First, much more editing. :) Secondly, I had to do not one, but two rewrites to make sure I met prevailing community standards. :lol:
Also, by request, it's being released in chapters. I appreciate the kind words of my well wishers and thank you very much. I hope you enjoy
The Maine Event. |
|
|
|
 | |
|
|
|
| Episode 10: The Maine Event
Chapter 1
The moonlight filtered through the Manhattan skyline, through the 23rd floor window, through the teak shutters and onto the visage of Pacey Witter as he tossed and turned and finally propped himself up on his elbow in the queen bed. He paused momentarily as his eyes adjusted to the dark of the bedroom cut into by the stabbing moonlight. In the dark of the room, just inches to his right, he felt more than saw the form of Joey, and his mouth curled instinctively into a small smile. Her naked back was to him and was the only part of her he could see. The moonlight traced the small of her back ever so slightly above the hips and seemed to be almost erotic in it’s simplistic painting of her skin. Pacey turned toward his side of the bed and swung his legs off onto the floor. Very easily he could picture himself tracing her back with his tongue and gently awakening her, but it had only been.......let’s see, the alarm says 4:15, it had only been 3 hours since he had done that and so much more. He loved every inch of her, but that wasn’t the true beauty of Joey Potter. He loved her for her wit, her charm, her feisty demeanor, her intelligence and ...........well, yes, there was all of the things connected to that gorgeous naked back. “Snap out of it, Witter”, he thought to himself. It’s time to get going.
When Pacey had heard about the small house on the mid-coastal region of Maine, near Jonestown, he had, at once, known he had to see it. Something about the wild, untamed feel of the Maine coast had always entranced him. Since the trip to Canada in 3rd grade to be exact. He’d always wanted to go back. When Walter’s partner had offered him the use of the place, he knew he had to go. He came home and told Joey, no asked Joey, if she could get the time off for about 4 to 5 days alone with the man of her dreams. She had made some crack about spending time with him every night, while Pacey was asleep. He actually didn’t get it. Not that Pacey was known to be dull-witted, or witless like his childhood enemies had called him. Pacey was just plain old tired.
The restaurant had opened, to a great deal of success, almost 6 weeks ago. Altogether, Pacey had worked almost non-stop for five and a half months to get this restaurant open and another six weeks since it had opened. Right now, the Icehouse was booked in advance for three weeks and seemed to be picking up steam. Pacey had already had to re-print the menus because it turned out the New York Icehouse was just too cheap to be respectable. Joey had been a true champion in holding Pacey up through all of these trials and tribulations. Never one to complain, she stood by him and waited patiently for the day she’d get Pacey back along with some badly craved attention. When he asked her to take some time off to go with him to Maine, she hadn’t hesitated. Pacey knew she wasn’t a “roughing it” kind of girl, but the opportunity to be alone with Pacey hadn’t come along in quite some time.
Pacey reluctantly pushed up off the bed and lumbered across the room to the bathroom where the night light’s faint glow illuminated his lean muscular torso as he walked inside. He relieved himself and from the other room a sleepy Joey said, “What are you doing, babe?”
Pacey responded, “Morning, love. I’m sorry, but it’s time to get up. We’ve got a 9 hour drive ahead of us and, even then, only if we get out of New York early enough to avoid traffic.”
He crossed the room and eased himself next to her on the bed. “Come on, Jo. We really do have to go.” She failed to respond physically or verbally, so Pacey lightly, with one finger, traced her back from neck to the top of her butt.
She trembled and said, “Do we have to?”
Pacey said, “It’s going to be great, Jo. You’ll see.”
“Oh, alright,” Joey said. “But this better be good.” She rolled over and sat up. When she saw Pacey’s eyes automatically dart to her chest, she pulled the covers up and said, “If we have to go, I’m going to get up, not get YOU up.” She grinned at her clever little quip. Pacey’s eyes never left the sheet, but took a deep, sighing breath and said, “Alright. I win..........I guess. I just got my way, so tell me how it is that I won”.
Two hours and one leg of their trip out of the way, Joey awoke in the front seat of the SUV and said to Pace, “Where are we?”
“We’re between New Haven and Hartford. Just a couple of hours outside of New York. We are making good time though. It’s good that we left early.”
“Seven more hours, huh?” Joey asked. “I suppose I can make it another 10 or 20 minutes. I need a bathroom, Pace.”
Twenty minutes later Pacey was fueling the vehicle while waiting for Joey in the public restroom facilities of a BP station. The gas pump clicked off and he returned the nozzle to the pump. Moments later Joey returned form the store carrying two Diet Cokes and a bag of chips.
“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, Pace. Want some?”, she said holding out the bag of chips to Pacey. He turned her down, but accepted a diet Coke and they got back on their way. They had been driving about two more hours and had crossed into Maine when traffic started backing up. Straight ahead on this four-lane highway was a railroad crossing. The red lights at the crossing were flashing but what they saw appeared to be much more than traffic stalled by a slow moving freight train. They pulled up to a stop behind about twenty other cars and Pacey turned off the ignition. He stepped out, placed his foot on the inside of the door jamb and lifted himself to try and see what was going on. “Jo, if I’m not mistaken there are some derailed cars up ahead. I’m going to walk up and see what’s going on. Will you be okay?”
Joey responded, “I think I will stay here, if it’s all the same to you.”
Pacey said, “I’ll be right back.”
About 15 minutes later Pacey returned. “I’ve got some bad news. There are three derailed railroad cars up there. They were strictly freight and not toxic or anything, but it’s going to be a minimum of two hours before traffic is going to move. The problem for us is, there’s really no other way to get past here. I’m told the only alternative for us is back the way we came about 60 miles, then 40 miles west and then back northeast another 100 miles. In other words, another 200 miles will bring us within ten miles of where we sit right now. To me, it’s a no-brainer. Let’s just sit here and wait for the tracks to clear. At any rate, we can get our beauty rest while we wait for them to clear the track. There’s some nice shade under that tree over there.”
They walked over and sat down just off the side of the road. The vegetation was lush and green despite being October, although the tree line away from the road was beginning it’s transition to autumnal colors. They were still mostly greens and golds but reds were beginning to appear sparsely within view. “I guess we should have stayed on 95 after all. It’s just that I was told how beautiful this more scenic route is, and not much longer”, Pacey said.
“Who could’ve predicted a train wreck, Pace? Don’t let it bother you.” replied Joey.
“It’s just that if we sit here very long, we’re not going to make it to our place tonight. I’ve got keys so that’s not an issue, but I don’t think we should be driving the Maine coastal highways late at night. We may just have to find a place to stay tonight. I was looking forward to our first romantic night in months,” said Pacey.
“Well there’s four more after this one,” Joey responded and shifted her position so as to lay down with her head in Pacey’s lap. “This is actually pretty nice just like this, Pace. We wanted to...........I wanted you to relax anyway. You’ve practically killed yourself these last 6 months.”
Pacey replied, “I don’t know how you’ve put up with me. I haven’t exactly been the definition of the perfect boyfriend.”
“Pacey, you sacrificed a lot to be with me. What kind of person would I be not to understand what it took to make it work, not just for you, but for us. You’ve amazed me every step of the way.”
Pacey ran his fingers through her pony tail and stroked the side of her face lightly with the other hand. “I really should try to find out how long this is going to take.”
Joey responded, “Relax, Pace. Let’s just enjoy this nice, calm, beautiful day while we can. Nothing you can do is going to make it move any faster and, besides, I’m enjoying you as my pillow.” She closed her eyes and relaxed.
Pacey stretched his arms and repositioned himself more comfortably against the tree where he sat. He kissed his fingertips and placed the kiss on Joeys lips. She smiled softly and seemed to be breathing lightly and quietly to sleep. Before long, Pacey joined her. |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| Wow!! thats great! more please! :D |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| The Maine Event
Chapter 2
Joey awoke and sat stiffly. She felt little aches everywhere a tiny pebble or twig had found itself pressed against her for the last............she checks her watch. Almost four o’clock. It had only been 11:30 AM when they had stopped here on the side of the road. Traffic was still stopped and only about half of the stalled vehicles were no longer there. She turned and roused Pacey.
“Pace. Pace.” She shook him lightly and his eyes flapped quickly open.
“Jo? Are you alright?”, Pacey questioned. Looking around, he said, “We’re still here. What time is it? I’m sorry, I must have dozed off.”
Joey laughed. “I’ll say you did. It’s almost four. We slept over four hours.”
Pacey said, “You’re kidding. Let me find out what’s going on here.” He rose and said, “I’ll be right back.” He walked down the highway toward the tracks. There was still considerable commotion, but he could see right away, the tracks were not clear. About twenty yards from the tracks Pacey could see that there was only one remaining rail car preventing traffic from moving on. He saw a pick up truck with a logo identifying it as belonging to the railroad and approached the man standing by it’s door with a two way radio microphone in his hand. As Pacey approached the man turned and smiled, then greeted Pacey.
“Afternoon, friend. I guess you’re one of our hostages?”
Pacey was surprised to hear himself actually laugh. “I guess you could say that. Was anyone hurt?”
The man replied, “Surprisingly enough, only superficial injuries. These were all cargo cars and the closest person on board was three cars in front of the first car off the tracks. He was bounced around pretty good, but he’ll be okay. Thanks, for asking. Most of the people stopped here are just angry. They don’t realize that this could’ve been very serious.”
Pacey nodded, “ To be honest, I figured being nice to you could work to my advantage.” He grinned and the man joined him.
“I’ve got bottled water in the cooler there if you could use one,” the man offered.
“Thanks, but my girlfriend and I are on our way up the coast for a few days away from it all. We were well supplied for the stop. About how long do you think we’re still looking at?”
The man thought a moment and replied, “ I think an hour will do it now. It’s taken much longer than expected because of the kind of loads involved, but this last one is empty. It should move quickly.”
“Well, thanks,” said Pacey. “It was nice of you to be so helpful.” Pacey started back toward the car and Joey when he heard behind him, “Where are you folks headed anyway?”
Pacey stopped and turned, then replied. “A little place called Jonesport.”
“If you need anything ask for the sheriff, Bill Owen. He’s my nephew,” the man offered. “Have a safe trip”.
When Pacey arrived back at their tree, Joey walked over to meet him. “What did you find out?”
Pacey answered, “The guy in charge up there was a really decent guy. Gave me the name of the Sheriff in Jonesport if we need anything. It’s his nephew. Anyway, he says an hour. Why don’t we make a couple of sandwiches and eat something before we get going? Did we bring any cutlery to make them with?”
Joey smirked, “What do you take me for Pace? A Witter?”
Pacey replied, “Low blow, Jo.”
Joey rolls her eyes and says, “What’ll it be? Ham? Roast beef? Turkey?”
Pacey grins, “How about all three with 2 slices of Jalapeno Jack.”
An hour later, they got in the car and the cars in front of them finally started to move. As they crossed the tracks, Pacey waved at the man from the railroad and mouthed “Thank You.”
“It’s about ready to get dark, Jo. Would you take a look at that map and see if there’s a likely place ahead to find a motel room for the night? Technically, we could make it easy enough tonight, but I don’t relish the idea of traveling this coastal highway at night.”
Joey agreed that this made sense. “There’s a place called Wiscasset. It looks like about 20 miles. It’s probably pretty small though. I guess there’s no way of knowing until we get there. The next place is at least that much further.” As she finished speaking, they heard a pop and under their feet they felt Ka Thump, Ka Thump.
Pacey exclaimed, “Oh no. It’s got to be a tire.”
Joey asked, “A flat?”
As Pacey pulled the car to the side of the road he said, “Yeah, a flat tire.” He pulled off and noticed there was barely enough room to pull the car off the pavement. “I’m going to have to be careful. There’s not going to be much room to work here. You better stay in the car, Jo.”
“Okay,” she said, but she did push up on the seat to her knees and waddle across to kneel looking out the driver’s window, head and shoulders completely out of the vehicle. “Can I do this?”, she teased.
Pacey looked at her and smiled. “I guess when you have a flat it can’t hurt to have a comedian along for the ride.” He opened the rear gate of the SUV and slowly removed the spare tire and jack. He proceeded to remove the flat, one lug nut at a time. It was slow going because of the fancy rims and locking nuts that he insisted on equipping his vehicle with, but gradually he got the flat off and started mounting the spare.
Joey said, “Pace, I need my coat out of the back and I need to stretch. I’m getting out on the other side.”
Pacey said “Be careful”. It looked like there might be a slight drop off on that side of the road. “Look before you step.”
Joey stepped out and started to the back when she stopped and said, “Pace, you better come look at this.”
Pacey, almost finished with the spare, stood exasperated and said, “Can’t it wait, dear?”
Joey replied, “I don’t think it should, dear.”
Pacey walked to the opposite side and Joey pointed out the second flat on the passenger rear of the car. “Oh, that’s just great! We’re never going to get there.”
Joey tries to perk him up. “Look at the bright side, Pace. You’ve got an awesome girlfriend with you.”
He evidences just a trace of a smile, and then grins when she makes a face at him. “Well, it’s virtually dark. I’m not hitchhiking after dark with or without you, and besides, I’m not leaving you here. I say, let’s walk up the road a little and find a place we can get the car off the road. The back lays down so we can sleep in the car. It’ll be cold tonight, but we brought plenty of extra covers just in case we needed them at the cottage, didn’t we?” Joey nodded affirmative. “What do you think? Then in the morning at first light, we’ll find a way to buy some tires.”
“Sounds like a plan to me, sweetie,” said Joey.
After moving the car up and off the road, Pacey opened the doors and put the seats into position. “We could just sit in the seats. They do lay back. Without an air mattress the back may be a little uncomfortable.”
Joey replied, “I’d feel much more comfortable just knowing I’ll be safe in your arms, babe.”
“Enough said,” Pacey grinned. “I like the way you think.” It was already very dark outside even though it was only about 6:30. It was a relatively starless sky and the mood was at less than one quarter. They decided to go ahead and climb under the covers and stay warm though neither of them was sleepy after their long nap earlier in the afternoon. Lying side by side, Joey decided it was time to finally broach the subject she had been avoiding for weeks. She didn’t even know why it was such a big deal to her, especially since the talk she had with Andie about it a month ago. “Pace, there’s something we really need to talk about. Or I really need to.”
“Talk to me, Mamacita,” Pacey quipped. “I’m yours to command.”
“There’s something I’ve been avoiding talking to you about since before the restaurant opened, Pace.”
Pacey rolled on his side facing her and said, “That sounds ominous.”
She continued, “You’ll probably laugh at me. I guess it’s not really that big a deal, kind of silly, but it’s just really bothering me.”
Pacey spoke with concern, “Joey, you know you can tell me anything. I kid around a lot, but I know when to listen.”
Joey began, I’ve decided I want to write. You know it’s meant a lot to me for as long as I can remember. I didn’t do what I did, study what I studied in Worthington to be a book editor. I need to write.”
She stopped and stared at him, waiting for his reaction or comments. Pacey just looked at her, and looked some more. Finally, Joey said, “Say something.”
Pacey shakes his head like a wet dog shaking himself dry, and chuckles. “That was it? That’s all that’s bothering you.”
Joey frowns and then pouts. “What do you mean that’s all? This is important to me.”
Pacey smiles tolerantly and explains. “Jo, do you remember when you talked to the guidance counselor senior year and she told you that you were fourth in our class?”
“Yes,” she responded.
“This is kind of like then. Why are you upset about this? Do you think that I don’t know you’re writing?”
Joey said quizzically, “ You do? Who told you. I only write............try to write when you’re not around.”
Pacey said, “Don’t forget who carries out the trash.”
Joey said disbelievingly, “You read my trash?”
Pacey laughs, “No. You have a way of scribbling things down before you put them in your laptop and don’t usually crush them or fold them or anything when you throw them away. Sometimes there’s half a ream of paper in the trash can with your notes on it, and sometimes you get up in the middle of the night to write when I’m sound asleep.”
Joey: “So how long have you known?”
Pacey replies, “Weeks at the least. Three or four I would guess.”
Joey questions, “And you didn’t say anything?”
“Say what?” Pacey responds. “Are you doing something wrong? You’re not writing pornography are you, Jo?”
Joey slaps him on the arm and says, “No, but I didn’t want you to know, until I knew I could do it.”
“What do you mean until you knew you could do it? You’re a writer, Jo. It’s what you’re meant to do.” Pacey encouraged.
Joey complains, “ I thought so, but I haven’t been able to write anything. Andie says it’s because I’m trying to compete with my successful and handsome boyfriend.”
Pacey notes, “Andie says that?”
Joey replies, “No. I’m just kissing up. Plus, I think maybe I have been a little jealous.”
Pacey questions, “Of who, Jo? Or do you mean work? I spend too much time at work?”
“No, no. I’m jealous of your success. Pace, I’m so very proud of you. But there’s a part of me who’s still Joey Potter of Capeside who wanted to move away and become somebody. You were the guy who didn’t think he would ever leave and now look at you.”
“Joey,” Pacey begins, “if that’s what this is about, let’s just do something about it. You just need an opportunity to write. Jo, I’m making more money than I ever dreamed of. The two restaurants are doing great and now with the third in Boston in the works, money isn’t an issue for us. Me working too much is, but this is about you. I have what I’ve been working for. I know you love your job, but darlin’, you don’t have to work.”
“Pace,” she responds, “I can’t not work. I mean, it’s not like we’re married......”
“WHOA!” Pacey commanded. “Don’t even say the rest of that, Jo. I couldn’t be more committed to you if you were my own flesh. Marriage isn’t an issue with us is it? It’s a foregone conclusion.”
Joey tears up a bit and replies, “It is for me. I’m sorry, Pace. I told you I was being silly.” She curls up in his arms and kisses him on the neck. They lay there silently for a long time and eventually Pacey gently snores. Joey smiles up at the roof of the car and breaks into a huge, happy smile. |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| Wow!! Are they getting married now? Is Joey going to write a book? more please!! :D |
|
|
|
| |