ONE STEP

By Atalanta

***

Nighttime - out on the docks. Jen sat there and just looked at the water and the rippling reflection of the moon. It was a beautiful clear night and she almost delirious with joy. So much has happened in one year - it was amazing how fast the time just flew by. If only Abby could see her now - Jen Lindley – Head Cheerleader, Homecoming Queen, Socialite - she was no longer the social reject.

Jen, well, she still had her trademark cynical view of the world. It was so hard to fall in love these days - and love only served one purpose...it hurt. Oh, the pain that happened when one fell in love. She supposed that she had been in love with Billy, many eons ago. God, New York was a lifetime away. She never realized what truly led her down that sorrid path that ended with Billy and her having sex on her parents bed....but maybe no one was truly to blame. Maybe that was just the way her life was supposed

to turn out. What would have happened if she had followed the “straight and narrow path” of life, instead of drinking and having casual sex? More than likely she never would have had a chance to come to Capeside. Think about that. She never would have meet Dawson, Pacey, Joey, Andie, Abby, and Jack. Especially Jack. She never would have rediscovered herself and seen how strong she really was. She never would have had a special and undemanding friendship with her best friend, Jack. Maybe, this whole trip to Capeside wasn’t fate, or bad luck, or selfishness. Maybe having sex in her parent’s bed - and being discovered - was the best thing that had ever happened to her. Man - what a thought!!

“Hey, Jen, what are you doing out here so late. I thought that you would be inside sleeping at this hour of the night,” a male voice said softly, almost directly behind her ear.

Startled, Jen turned around swiftly.

“Hey Dawson. Not much, just wasn’t tired yet. What’s your excuse?”

“Yeah, about the same....you just sitting out here thinking? For some odd reason, you actually look pretty happy,” Dawson commented.

“Well, you know,” Jen replied. “I was really just sitting here and going over the past year or so in my head....and it came to my realization that may be things really did work out for the best. My past isn’t the greatest, but it’s in the past. Life goes on. Fate, kismet, ka, whatever you might call it, maybe it really exists.....whoa, that’s a long, rambling thought for someone like me, don’t you think?”

Dawson just smiled. “I don’t know, Jen. You have really come into your own this past year. I’m happy for you.....and, well, just always know that I am here for you, too.”

“Thanks Dawson, that still means a lot.”

“Good night, Jen.”

“Night Dawson. Sleep well.”

Dawson smiled again and then left and wandered back up to his house. He had been escaping from the window every now and again. Joey’s ladder....even with her gone he will always think of it as hers. Soulmates they might be, but friends was so much harder. He grimaced as he glanced down towards the creek not seeing Jen but seeing instead the path that Joey always took to get to his house. Shaking his head, he climbed the ladder towards his room, remembering.

Jen shook her head as she watched Dawson head up towards his room. Life has been harder on him this past year then he would have liked. It just really illustrated her earlier thoughts on love - it hurt. It was just so much better not to have to fall in love. Jen resolved that she wouldn’t fall into that trap ever again. But, she supposed, she hadn’t really been in love with anyone since she came to Capeside. She had enjoyed her time with Dawson, even if his perceptions of her at that time were slightly skewed....Chris had been a wild ride - and one she wasn’t looking toward repeating. Henry, well, Henry was sweet, but he just wasn’t quite her type. You have to admit, in a small town like Capeside, not that many possibilities appear at the blink of a hat.

“Yo, Jen,” another voice called out.

“Hey yourself,” Jen answered.

Jen laughed out loud as she watched her new visitor swagger up towards her. He was always such a clown. But Jen knew that he put up a front of happiness and clownish behavior in order for people to not see the true person inside. The person who hurt inside...the person who bled from heartache. Jen knew this because she did it herself, except with a different mask.

“What are you doing out here at this hour of night? Aren’t you suppose to be getting your beauty sleep?” Jen asked.

“Well, you know how it is, Jen. You just can’t mess with perfection.”

“You always were a card, Pace. Now, tell me what’s really up.”

Jen watched as Pacey sat down next to her and seriously contemplated the water beneath them. It had been a hard couple of months, and he was happy that he and Jen had started to communicate a bit more during this time. They weren’t up to Dawson and Joey’s old relationship, praise God, but they were good friends. And, for some reason, Jen had wormed her way into his heart - for a variety of reasons. Maybe Dawson hadn’t seen the old soul that was her center, but Pacey did. In a lot of ways, they had the potential to be really close. But, Jen had Jack’s friendship to always fall back on. Pacey had no one. . . and so he tried hard to keep things light between Jen and him. He couldn’t afford to do any less.

“How do you know me so well?” Pacey asked instead, hoping to divert the conversation away from the initial question. But Jen was having none of that. She just looked at him and waited.

Pacey sighed. It was no use, he either had to talk to her or leave. Not much middle ground there.

“Well, Jen, if you must know, I just had a run-in with Joey. She and Andie have been hanging out a lot, as you know, and they were walking by the video store as I was leaving from my shift. She didn’t even look at me. She just laughed at something or other that Andie was saying and they walked on. Didn’t look back. Andie either. Maybe from Andie I would expect nothing but degrading glances, but Joey and I have been bickering back and forth since before I can remember. I know I shouldn’t have kissed her in the spur of the moment, but jeez, can’t she take a joke? She....well, it just hurts when it feels like you are losing a friend. I already lost Andie before school even started, Dawson, well, he’s off in his own little world wondering what his life’s passion, Jack - well, he has you. Me, I have no friends left. Boy, do I sound like every typical teenager wallowing in freakish misery, or what?”

“Pacey, I’m sorry.” Boy, Jen thought. That statement really said a lot of what Pacey has been feeling. Come to think about it, Jen remembered that she had never heard such thoughts from Pacey.

“Yeah, well....what can you do?”

“How about some ice-cream? Grams has learned to always keep a steady supply around for Jack and I....well, really for Jack....me, my hips just wouldn’t take it.”

Pacey sighed....but what did he have to lose. Besides, he was kind of hungry. And, really, who can pass up the possibility of free ice cream. But, he needed to play hard to get - at least for a minute or so.

“What kind?”

“Well, if I remember right. . . hmmm, I seem to recall some chocolate chip cookie dough and...peach. There might be some others, but, who knows. You’re going to have to come and look for yourself. Do you think your tenacious enough to get up and come grab some?” Jen joked around.

“Hey, as long as you don’t have any rocky road - that’s just too much of a reminder for me!” Pacey replied.

In response to that comment, Jen and Pacey helped each other up off the dock and headed off towards Gram’s house - arm in arm.

Dawson watched them walk away from the roof of his house. Ever since his parent’s split he has been finding it harder and harder to go to bed and sleep. His dreams have been inconsistent and nightmarish ever since he and Joey split, but the separation of his parents made things even worse, if possible. Dawson sighed....he knew that he was, more often than not, a bit self-absorbed, but all he seemed to be able to think about was Joey and how their romance threw such a curve ball at their friendship. Last year, Joey broke up with him because she needed to find herself....

‘Wait a minute’ Dawson thought to himself....when did Joey ever find herself? First she’s my best friend, then my girlfriend, then she’s just Joey from the wrong side of the creek. Me, first I’m her love, then her friend, now I’m just some boy who doesn’t know where he is or where he’s going. Maybe, what I need to do now, is exactly what Joey felt she needed to do last year. Find myself. Learn how to live without what I want the most. Boy, this is confusing. Maybe I shouldn’t have taken down all my Spielberg stuff and

dropped film. Even as I overanalyzed everything I saw, at least I was doing something that I thought I loved. Now, I don’t have anything in my life that I love. I’m lost. . . or maybe I should just go to bed.

Yet, Dawson still sat on the roof of his house, lost in thought. Thinking back....wondering exactly where it all went wrong, but knowing, deep in his heart, that there was no other option. It was the way it had to be.

Dawson lifted his head up and glanced in the direction of Jen’s house. He could hear laughter, which was no longer strange to him. Jen was seriously becoming the girl that he was once so infatuated with. She was becoming so much more secure in her life and in her actions. Maybe, what Jen had really done was to find her way home. Not an actual, physical home, but a home in her heart where she was content and happy. He had that once, will he ever again.

Pacey’s laughter filled the house like music. Inwardly, Pacey smiled because he wasn’t sure when he last had this much fun. He couldn’t go home to have fun because there everyone hated him and detested him for being the preverbial black sheep of the family. Her, with Jen, eating ice cream on the back porch, he felt....like he was at home, or at least, how home was supposed to feel like. He thought about analyzing why he felt this way, at this time, with this one girl, then decided that doing that would probably spoil the

moment. So, he just decided to enjoy it.

“So then,” Jen continued....

Pacey mentally tuned Jen out and traveled inward. The last time he had felt this happy and content had been a long time ago....with Andie. Inwardly, Pacey flinched at the thought of her name. Andie....how he had loved her. Loved? As in, past tense. Yeah, he thought. I suppose I am done loving her. But it still hurts.

“Pace?” Jen inquired.

“Huh?” Pacey mumbled, still deep in thought.

“You doing okay?” Jen asked. “Never mind, I think I know what is going on.”

“What-so-ever do you mean, Jennifer Lindley?” Pacey mocked.

“Pace...” Jen began exaperatingly. “We’re friends, okay. And, I’ve been around the block enough times to realize when someone is hurting inside. Trust me, I’ve been there. Sometimes it goes away on its own, but other times, it helps to talk it out.”

“Jen, I really don’t want to get into this right now. I....I just need some time. . .”

“Okay.” Jen replied and left it at that. You couldn’t pry feelings, she knew that. Goodness knows, she tried to pry some type of feeling out of her parents, especially her mom....

Jen and Pacey sat on the back porch, talking and thinking but never really sharing much of anything. At least, not at this point.

Jack sat back and listened to Jen and Pacey sitting downstairs from his bedroom window. He still marveled at the thought of living at Grams’ house. Who ever would have thought that this would be where he ended up. Andie tried to convince him to move back home, and he did, for a grand total of three days. He hated himself for leaving again, but he just couldn’t deal with the pressure and the pain. He loved Andie, but how could he stay in a house where he couldn’t be himself, or, in actuality, love himself either. At Grams, he was at least comfortable to be himself, and to be gay. At his dad’s, that just wasn’t possible. He had to be “the perfect son”, which, in essence, meant he had to be straight, or at least act like he was. Jack just couldn’t pretend to be someone he wasn’t. Not after he just discovered how he really was.

“Jack, telephone,” Grams quietly yelled.

“Thanks, I’ll get it up here.”

“It’s a boy,” Grams teased.

“A boy?” Jack thought to himself....”Well, it’s probably Dawson or something like that. It wouldn’t, couldn’t be who he was hoping it would be.

“Hello.”

“Hi, Jack. It’s me, Ben.”

“Ben,” Jack thought to himself in a moment of panic.

“Hi, Ben. What’s up?”

Jack couldn’t believe that he actually sounded normal on the phone.

“Well, I was actually wondering something....”

“What?” Jack inquired, secretly hoping, wondering if it could be what he thought it was.

“Look, I know that last time we got off on the wrong foot. Do you want to try again? Just as friends? I really would like to meet with you and get to know the real Jack, not the one from the tv special.” Ben replied sincerely.

“Yes” Jack blurted out before he couldn’t say anything else and screw it up again. This was something that he had been waiting and longing for. Jack was just glad that Ben had made the first move....Jack was still too scared to do that.

“Great. How about tomorrow night?”

*******

"So, hey, Pace, what are you doing tomorrow?"

"Lindley, why are you asking me that?

"Well, I don't have plans, and if you don't have plans, then I thought that maybe we could combine those two none-plans and do something."

"Gee, this is a tough one. Lounging around the Witter household trying to avoid the dear old family, or hang out with one of my good friends, who just happens to be beautiful to boot. How can I choose....hmm, hmm, hmm, this is one tough call."

“Pace, you are too much. Be here by seven."

"You got it, Lindley. And....thanks." Pacey said quietly. As he left, after following an irresistible urge, he kissed Jen on her cheek, softly but sweetly.

Jen sighed as she closed the door behind her, 'thanks yourself, Pace' she thought to herself.

The Following Night:

Saturday had been a whirlwind day for Jen and she couldn’t believe that it was almost time for Pacey to show up. For one thing, she didn’t even start getting ready and feared that she looked like a mess. Of course, she did end up sleeping until noon, but that’s only because Pacey and her were up until 2 in the morning talking. Then, Grams needed her to run into town to grab some things for her Church group meeting tonight. Then, just as she thought she was going to actually get some time to prepare for her

“none-date” tonight, Jack showed up in a frenzy. He couldn’t find anything to wear for his date with Ben and she had to help him scrounge in his closet for suitable duds. Finally, Jack left and Grams left and Jen was all by herself, ready to start getting herself all “gussied up”.

Pacey walked up to Jen’s house and was all ready to ring the bell when he saw the note.

Pace –

Am getting ready – help yourself in. And no jokes allowed about how long it takes me to get prepared.

Jen

‘I knew I should have showed up a bit later,’ Pacey thought to himself. But, again, he really didn’t have that many options. So, he actually was on time for once – even a bit early, in fact. And now he had to wait. ‘Oh well.’

Pacey let himself into Jen’s house and decided to head back to Jen’s room to let her know that he was there. Walking toward her room, he knocked on Jen’s door, which was shut. He waited…..and waited….and waited. Getting fed up with having to eternally wait for this girl, he decided to head in. After all, he rationalized to himself, he did knock.

Pacey slowly opened the door and peeked his head around the corner, keeping one eye shut – just in case. If, in fact, Jen was changing or something, he could always claim that he saw nothing (even if he didn’t). But Jen wasn’t there.

“That’s weird,’ Pacey thought and sat down on Jen’s bed and looked at her books and CD’s lying around. Then, he heard it. The shower.

Now Pacey was like any red-blooded, hormone induced male. As soon as he heard the sounds of the shower in the background, he started to imagine. Jen’s finely sculpted, firm form. Hot steamy water. Soap. Oh the possibilities. Pacey decided then and there that he should head off towards the living room. What if she came in here, wrapped in nothing but a towel and wet, tangled blond hair – not to mention the radiant skin. ‘Oh boy’ Pacey thought. ‘I gotta get out of here.’

Just then the door opened and Jen walked through, looking exactly like how Pacey had imagined her.

“Oh, hey, Pace. Didn’t realize you were here already. I’m going to need a couple more minutes obviously.

Just continue to make yourself at home.” Jen said sincerely as she headed towards her closet and started to rummage through her clothing.

“Uh, sure Jen. As long as I’m not, uh, intruding.” Pacey managed to choke out. ‘Okay, body, you have GOT to calm down. This is Jen, one of my closest friends – actually probably my closest friend. You have to STOP thinking of her like that. Please, please, please!’

“God, no. How can you possibly be intruding?” Jen inquired as she secretly thought of how sexy it was to have Pacey there will she was wearing nothing but a towel. It was probably evil to do this to him – she had noticed how…flustered….he was when she walked in. However, in Jen’s mind, sexual tension was such a natural thing and completely nothing to worry about. “So, what do you think of this outfit?” Jen asked teasingly, turning around to face him.

“Sure, looks good.” Pacey mumbled.

“I thought so too,” Jen said as she started to take off the towel.

“Jen, I’m gonna go head out to the living room. See ya there.” Pacey said hurriedly as he bolted toward the door.

“Sure, Pace” Jen said and giggled when the door shut behind him.

15 minutes later, Jen joined Pacey in the living room. She quietly crept up behind him and whispered huskily in his ear “I’m ready.” Pacey jerked back and swung around to face her. Jen wondered what the guilty look on his face was all about but decided not to question it. They were already running late. “You set?” she asked.

“Yeah.”

“Well, then, let’s go.” Jen took Pacey’s hand and led him toward the door.

Pacey inwardly sighed as they walked out the front door. If only Jen knew what he had been thinking about for the past twenty minutes. They were definitely some incredibly impure thoughts. But, Pacey rationalized, if Jen wasn’t bothered by it, why should he be. Their friendship hadn’t been changed because of his thoughts. Yet, Pacey had just been enlightened to how incredibly beautiful and lovely Jen looked. Even when she was clothed, she just shined. Pacey was surprised by that insight. Actually, when he looked back on the past couple of years since Jen had moved here, she always was in the background, not really displaying her outward and inner beauty. Yeah, Joey had a girl-next door type of beauty, but Jen….now Jen was radiant. Yes, Pacey thought, Jen was outwardly beautiful, but her inward beauty was now shining through continuously. It had to be because of her newfound happiness.

“So where are we headed?” Pacey questioned.

“You’ll see,” Jen replied secretly.

***

Jack sighed nervously as he paced back and forth in front of the coffeehouse. Ironically, Ben wanted to meet him here. Trying hard to breath normally, Jack continued to walk and walk and walk, trying to remain calm and rational. It wasn’t working that well. Just as Jack was about ready to bolt, Ben showed up.

“Hey Jack,” Ben said as he walked towards him, struggling not to smile too broadly. He knew what Jack was going through, it was just amusing to watch because he had experienced it so long ago. After all, he did end up taking another guy to his junior prom. It was just funny to watch someone else go through it.

“Hey, Ben,” Jack replied nervously.

“Shall we?” Ben asked.

“Shall we what?” Jack questioned somewhat naively.

“Have coffee.”

“Oh, right. Yeah.”

“Jack, it’s alright. Just calm down a bit. I’m not going to bite you or anything else. It’ll be alright.”

‘Easy for you to say,’ Jack thought to himself. “Okay” he replied. “Let’s get something to drink.”

“Great. I’ve been looking forward to getting to know you better.”

***

Pacey looked over at Jen as they walked toward her new car that her parents decided to give her for her seventeenth birthday. ‘Wow,’ he thought to himself. ‘Why did Dawson and I never notice her before? Okay, I have so totally have to get over her physical appearance.’

“So, where are we headed?” Pacey persisted in pestering Jen .

“I told you before, and I’ll tell you again. It’s a secret. Now turn around.”

“Huh?”

“Well, Pace, let me put it this way. How can I blindfold you if you don’t turn around?” Jen asked sweetly.

“What? Blindfold? Are you crazy?”

Jen impishly put her hands on her hips and asked “What, you don’t trust me?”

‘More than you know,’ were the words that instantly came into Pacey’s mind, but he decided it was better not to say that outloud. Instead he just threw his hands up and turned around.

“That’s a good Pacey,” Jen grinned and tied her blindfold around Pacey’s eyes. Then, taking his arm she led him toward the car and helped him sit down in the passenger side. She even decided to work on that whole sexual tension thing that was going on previously and put the seatbelt around Pacey’s waist. As she did this, Pacey inhaled the smell of her freshly shampooed hair and her clean, fresh scent that smelled slightly of strawberries. Pacey could feel his body start to respond and breathed deeply. ‘She knows exactly what she’s doing to me and it is completely not fair. You are so going get it, Lindley. Payback is going to be so sweet and rewarding – for both of us.’

Jen ran over to the other side of the car and started the engine. Then, they were off.

30 minutes later.

Jen stopped the engine of her car and started to help Pacey out of his seat. Unfortunately, he had already undone his seat belt by the time Jen had opened his side of the car. Jen just smiled to herself. As soon as Pacey was out of the car, he started to try to remove his blindfold, but Jen was having none of that.

“Uh uh – I get to remove that, and it won’t happen for awhile. Now, we have a little ways to walk so take ahold of my arm and pay attention.”

“Whatever you say, Lindley. This had better be good, though.” Pacey replied.

“You are just going to have to trust me on that.” Jen retorted.

With that comment Jen started to lead Pacey toward their destination.

“Uh, Jen, are you sure you know where your going?” Pacey inquired hesitantly.

“Geez, Pace, calm down. Now watch your step.”

Pacey started to really wonder about this when he felt the first tree branch brush by his head. So, by now he realized that he was walking with a beautiful girl, heading off into a wooded area with a blindfold on. No one would believe it. Pacey realized that if he wasn’t actually there in the flesh, he wouldn’t have believed it either. Oh well, he just had to grin and bear it, he guessed.

Jen grinned when she saw the look of concentration on Pacey’s face. She had deliberately driven around for twenty minutes before finally heading towards where she was going to be taking Pacey. It was an important place for her, and this would be the first time she was going to share it with anyone. For some reason, she still wanted to keep the location somewhat secret. Jen looked over at Pacey and smiled sweetly. He was the first person she would consider taking to her special place. Not only did he need some cheering up, but Jen had recently started to realize how alike they were in so many ways.

“Okay, were almost there.” A few minutes later, Jen told Pacey “Okay, there is a place to sit right behind you. Do you need any help getting there?”

“Jen, I think I can handle it. “ With that Pacey tried to sit down, but his aim was slightly off. Jen giggled. “Watch it, Lindley, cause you are going to get it really soon.”

“I’ll take your blindfold off in a couple minutes. I just need to get a few things together first.”

Pacey could hear Jen moving around, making enough noise for him to realize where she was at all times, so he wouldn’t feel too alone. After having a blindfold on for almost forty-five minutes, Pacey realized that his senses were becoming slightly heightened. If he concentrated really hard, he was able to somewhat figure out what Jen was doing, But he wasn’t prepared for what he saw when she finally took the blindfold off...

******

Dawson grimaced to himself as he settled down on his bed to watch a movie. It was Saturday night and he should be doing something other than spending the night at his house, again, and alone. He had tried calling Pacey to see if he wanted to get together, but Pacey had left for the evening already and Dawson had no way of knowing where he was and who we was with. ‘At least it’s not Joey,’ Dawson thought to himself. ‘Joey’s mine and she always will be.’

Of course, Dawson could say to himself that Joey was his girl, when in actuality, Joey had left today for the summer. She had decided to try to escape the melodrama of Capeside and her life for three months. Before she left, she had talked things over with Dawson and explained that she just needed to get away and think. Dawson expressed his unhappiness and claimed over and over that he loved her and always would, remembering that that had worked last time when she wanted to go to France. It didn’t work this time. Joey had looked at him sadly and shook her head. She then told him that she wasn’t sure who she loved – but she knew that she had to leave for the summer because of all the things that have happened in the past year, she knew that she didn’t love herself. So, for the third time, Joey ostracized Dawson and left. And all Dawson could do was wait for her to come home. And, Joey knew that Dawson would wait

forever to be with her, so she wasn’t worried at all.

Dawson sighed and popped in the old standby “ET” and got ready to watch the movie.

****

“Wow, Jen, I’m impressed.” Pacey whispered, awed at the sight in front of him.

“Thanks, I’m pretty proud of it too.” Jen returned.

Pacey and Jen viewed the sight in front of them in wonder. Jen had visited this spot many times after she had first discovered it. She thought back to when that first time was.

It was after Joey and Dawson had officially been together for a little while, and after foolishly throwing herself at Dawson for the last time (or at least that’s what she swore to herself), Jen had walked off in a huff. This was not long after Abby had verbally insulted her – not long after the Vincent incident, in fact. She had grabbed a bottle of vodka – not her favorite drink but the only thing in close proximity and had run off. She wasn’t drunk by the time she had found this spot, which is something that Jen will be eternally thankful for. If she was drunk, she wouldn’t have noticed and seen the wonder of this place – a place that wasn’t set too deep in the woods, but one that was far enough for one to think that they had stepped into another land. Jen knew right away that it was a magical place – a place that was, for some reason, shown to her. It was after her discovery that she started to like herself again. Oh, sure, there were times when she craved alcohol and her “wild” New York ways – there were even times when she acted upon those desires. But, after coming back to this place and thinking – reflecting in fact – on her life and the path she has chosen, Jen began to discover who she really was and who she wanted to become. That was the beginning of something new and wonderful in Jen’s life.

Pacey stood in awe and then looked down at Jen in wonder.

“I never knew a place like this could exist – especially here in Capeside.”

“Neither did I,” Jen answered back.

Pacey began to walk around. His mind was on overdrive – it was fervently trying to capture this place in his memory – after all, Pacey rationalized, he didn’t know where he was, maybe Jen intended on putting the blindfold back on after they decided to leave. This could be his only chance to embrace and remember this place.

They were in an enclosed circle surrounded by woods on all sides. So many different types of trees, Pacey thought. Fir, pine, douglas, elm, and maple. Off to one side, apart from all the others, but not quite in the middle of the circle, there grew a small tree that he didn’t’ recognize. Of course, he had only taken one biology class and didn’t pay that much attention to when they were studying vegetation – he just wanted to cut open the frogs! Pacey couldn’t say whether or not that unrecognizable tree was anything particularly special just by looking at it – but, somehow, deep in his heart and soul, he knew that it was. There, straight in front of him, was a babbling brook – it was small, but the water was clear and cold – refreshing. Beyond the brook were more trees, much like the ones behind him, but there was also something else. In the dim light before the sun had begun to set over the treetops, Pacey squinted his eyes and tried to place it. Then, suddenly, he looked at Jen and asked, pointing toward the mysterious object.

“A gazebo?”

Jen nodded her head as she took Pacey’s hand and walked toward the gazebo – being careful as she navigated over the brook – there were some well placed rocks, but they were tricky to place and also slippery. After they had crossed the brook, Jen pulled Pacey toward the gazebo and walked up the old, ancient steps. As they sat down, Pacey heard something. Softly, quietly, Pacey thought he heard singing. He looked toward Jen to see if she was the cause of the music, but she wasn’t. No, Pacey thought, it’s not really singing, it’s more – more like the trees and the wind creating a magical, special sound.

“Jen, what is this?”

“After I found this place, about a year ago, I started doing a little bit of research in the library regarding the history of Capeside. I hunted and hunted and hunted, not coming up with a single thing to tell me about this place. Then, just before I had completely given up, I happened to see a book of legends. It wasn’t about the history of Capeside necessarily, but more like collection of myths and folklore written by a young woman who had lived her entire life in Lewiston – which is about a forty minute drive from here. I don’t know what prompted me to take the book, but I did. And inside I found the answer to the question of this place. Or, at least the answer that I’m going to accept.” Jen paused and looked off toward that lone tree.

Pacey waited, knowing that Jen would tell him when she was ready.

“I took the library book home and started to read it. About halfway through, I found an old picture. I swear that it looked exactly like this place here. It turns out that a lot of the people that settled in Capeside came from Irish descent.” Jen glanced towards Pacey and saw the look of disbelief on his face. She nodded. “I know what you mean. Irish? But it was true – at least that’s what the book said. This place turned out to be a special place to those early settlers because they believed the fairies that had followed them from their homeland saw this place and fell in love with it. In fact, they believe that it was

the fairies that led them to Capeside in the first place. Don’t look at me like that, Pacey, I’m just relaying what I read in this book. The settlers built this gazebo – you can tell how old it is. It’s still in really good shape - t started out with a straw-thatch roof, and they also planted that tree over there. It’s a special tree – a tree that they brought with them from Ireland. And there’s magic to that tree and this place. I’ve felt it and I believe it. If you don’t, that can be your decision, but to me, this place is and always will be, special.”

“No, I believe you. As soon as you took of my, uh, blindfold, I could feel something. But, tell me something, where did we come from? All I see around us are trees. And, how in the world did you discover this place.?”

Jen then related the story of her little half-drunken escapade into the woods last year. Then, taking Pacey’s hand again, she pointed it toward one area of the circle. “See the path? It’s small and a little hard to see in this dying light, but its there. And, for some reason, I felt like I was led here.”

“Is there anything more that book told you about this place and that legend?” Pacey inquired.

“Yeah, but it’s not that important.” Jen answered.

Jen thought to herself. ‘Oh, it’s important, Pace. I just don’t think that I should tell you what it is. I know this place holds magic, and that book illustrated some particular points and stories. Fairies are fickle creatures sometimes, but they definitely believe in one thing – love. This place is powerful.’

Suddenly, Jen and Pacey both cocked their ears and listened. Softly, in the midst of the wind and rustling of the leaves, they both heard the music. Pacey then did something on impulse. He stood up, held out his hand, and asked Jen one simple question. “Dance with me?”

“I’d love to.” Jen answered and placed her hand in his. Pacey helped pull her up to her feet and, wrapping his arms tightly around Jen’s trim body, began to sway back in forth to the music that they heard. Pacey whispered one word into her ear, “Thanks.” They continued to dance into the night.

***

The coffeehouse was about to close. One of the waiters decided to head toward the only two customers left in the building to inform then of the time. They had been there, engrossed in conversation, for over four hours.

“Hey, guys, it’s time to go,” the waiter informed them.

“Oh, sorry, we lost track of time.”

With that, the couple stood up, hugged, and walked out of the coffeehouse together. As they were leaving the coffeehouse, they noticed another couple talking and laughing outside on one of the benches situated in front of the cape. “Good idea,” they commented. “We just got kicked out.”

Jack and Ben smiled at the couple as they walked away, arm in arm. After the first hour of sitting in the coffeehouse, Jack had become a bit restless and ruffled by all the people coming and going. He had quietly turned to Ben and asked if Ben didn’t mind sitting outside in a more secluded area. “I just feel like I’m in a fishbowl,” Jack had commented. Ben had understood. Even in the one hour that he had been talking with Jack, he had already begun to realize that Jack was an immensely quiet and private person. Ben quickly agreed and they had moved their conversation outside. And, two hours later, they were still there, enjoying each others company.

Jack looked at his watch and exclaimed, “Oh wow, look at the time. I didn’t realize that we have been sitting out here that long. I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it. In fact, I take your losing track of time as a compliment. Why don’t I walk you back to your place. If you don’t mind, that is.”

“Not a problem, but only if its not trouble for you to do so.”

“Would I have offered if I didn’t want to?”

“I guess not,” Jack answered.

With that, Jack and Ben started walking in the direction of Gram’s house – it wasn’t a long walk, but it was a bit out of the way. Most of the time, Jack and Ben were silent, Jack for his part was lost in his own thoughts and the wonders of the past several hours. ‘It might be a bit premature,” Jack thought, ‘but I think that I am having my first real relationship as a gay man. And, its been great!’

They reached Gram’s house and walked up the front steps. Grams had left a light on for Jack and Jen, just like she always did whenever they went out. It was just a courtesy for Grams to do, but for Jack it was another reminder of how this place, this family unit, was home. And, walking up the front stoop, Jack felt his heart sing with joy.

“Ben, I want to thank you.”

“For what?”

“Well, if I can speak a bit freely here, for a lot of things. For taking another chance on me, for not letting me run away at the coffeehouse, and for a really great evening. I had a fun time. So, thanks.” Jack answered.

“Hey, no problem, Jack.” Ben answered and stuck out his hand for Jack to shake. Jack looked at the offered hand and decided impulsively to do one better. He took Ben’s hand and pulled forward, catching Ben off-guard and causing him to fall into Jack’s arms. Jack engulfed Ben in a big hug, which Ben gladly returned.

“So, I take this to mean that you wouldn’t mind getting together again,” Ben joked against Jack’s shoulder.

“Yeah, I guess you would say that.” Jack answered.

“Great.” Ben said, and looked into Jack’s eyes, asking for permission. Jack nodded. Ben leaned in, and ever so gently, ever so softly, gave Jack a kiss. And, they both trembled.

***

Jen walked up the stairs to her room after her “none-date.” In actuality, it was more than that, and Jen knew it, but she was too tired to analyze it right now. She knew that Jack was probably in her room, waiting for her to come home so they could talk about his date with Ben. Jen was really looking forward to hearing about it when she noticed the note on her door.

Jen –

Got in late and decided to turn in. How about tomorrow for our little date-chat? And don’t even think about squirming out of yours. I know how that mind of yours thinks.

Love ya,

Jack

Jen smiled to herself. She was actually happy that she didn’t have to hash over her date tonight. It was so special and she wanted to keep it close in her mind a little while longer. Jen thought back to how it had ended.

* After their dance, they had sat in the gazebo for a little while longer, basking in the warmth and serenity of that place. It was now a place that Jen would consider both hers and Pacey’s. After talking for a little while and watching the sun set over the woods, Pacey had taken Jen’s hand again and headed towards that lone tree. In the back of Jen’s head, she heard a whisper of a warning, but didn’t pay it any heed. After all, it was just a tree. They walked towards it and both noticed something. The tree was beginning

to flower as the seasons changed. Pacey reached up, and gently plucked one of the flowers and placed it in Jen’s hand. ‘For giving me the best night of my life,’ he had said as he gave it to her. Then, after looking at the flower she held, he shook his head and said ‘I have a better idea.’ He took the flower and tucked it behind her ear. ‘There,’ he said. ‘That’s much better.’

Jen was, to put it simply, enchanted. She felt like Pacey had placed her under a spell. She smiled up at him. Then, before she could do anything, say anything, Pacey framed her face with his hands and, ever so gently, ever so softly, kissed her. And they both trembled. Under that tree, they kissed. And, they both felt it.

Whatever “it” was, Jen couldn’t really say. But, whatever it was, it changed them. Not in any dramatic and powerful way. More like, it was a changing of the heart.

Pacey took Jen’s hands and looked down at her after their passionate kiss. “Wow” was all he could say. “I agree,” Jen had replied. “That was something.”

“Jen, I don’t want that to...” Pacey started.

“I know, Pace, and don’t worry about it. I understand.” And she hugged him tightly.

After that conversation, Jen and Pacey started off toward the path that would lead them back to their car and the road back to Capeside. As they left the enclosed circle, both Jen and Pacey had looked back, remembering. *

Jen smiled as she fondly reminisced about that night. She had dropped Pacey off at his house, after asking if he wanted to spend the night at her Grams. Grams was used to her and Jack’s strays, she had told him, and wouldn’t mind if he wanted to spend the night on the couch. Pacey had declined, after thanking her for her offer and had said that he wanted to be alone right now and to think about what had happened. Jen understood. They said their goodnights after making plans to get together again soon.

Their goodnight was awkward at first, because neither of them were quite sure how to end the night. Jen then smiled gently at Pacey and leaned in for a kiss. He smiled back, and they gave each other a long kiss goodnight.

Jen smiled wistfully as she remembered that kiss. It was a wonderful memory to have as she swiftly fell asleep. She remained so peaceful, with that smile upon her face.

Dawson woke up the following morning, stiff and still wearing the clothes that he had on the night before. At the foot of the bed, the television set was still on, displaying static. Dawson sighed deeply. He had fallen asleep after the third movie that he had put in. There was just no more joy in watching them…. he didn’t have anyone to help him analyze and deconstruct the plot lines. Joey was gone. She had left yesterday and wouldn’t be coming back for three months. Admittedly, Boston was not that far away – he could always hop on the train if he really wanted to. But, maybe it was best that she was gone. Now, he could move on. Dawson knew that Joey expected him to wait forever for her to be ready. Maybe it was time to throw a few surprises in her path.

Dawson sighed again deeply. Who was he kidding? Where could he ever possibly begin to find another girl like Joey? She was his heart, his mind, and his soul. Besides, he just didn’t have the energy anymore to fight. Resigned, he headed toward the shower to get ready for the upcoming day. Even though it was Sunday, Dawson was happy that school had already been let out for the summer. At least, he could start to sleep his depression away and not have to worry about getting ready for classes or doing homework.

After his shower, Dawson headed downstairs to grab some breakfast. He wasn’t really hungry, but knew that he had to have something to eat or the parental units would be talking about his state of mind. ‘You always have to put up a good front at home,’ he thought to himself. ‘The one place you thought you could be yourself is actually the biggest battlefield of them all.’ He grimaced as he poured himself a bowl of cereal.

“Hey honey,” Gail called out merrily as she descended the staircase. “I’m so glad you’re up.”

“Mom? What are you doing here?” Dawson inquired, amazed at the sight of his mother wearing one of her short lingerie items.

“Well, honey, we have some news.”

“We?” Dawson asked.

“Yes, we. Your father’s in the middle of getting ready to head off the fish eatery, so can you wait a couple of minutes?”

“Uh, sure.” Dawson said and started trying to eat his breakfast. ‘What’s up, now?’ he thought. ‘If it’s what I think it is.” Dawson just shook his head in wonderment.

Ten minutes later, Mitch headed down the stairs and grabbed his ex-wife around the waist and swung her around in delight. Gail squealed impishly and laughingly protested, “put me down, you big lug!” Mitch complied, but only after he kissed her thoroughly. Dawson continued to look on in amazement during this whole escapade.

“Oh, morning, son.” Mitch said.

“Hi, dad,” Dawson replied weakly.

“Well, did your mom tell you?”

“She hasn’t informed me of one thing. But, for some reason, I think I know what’s up. You guys are….” Dawson trailed off, gesticulating.

“Yep,” Gail excitedly informed Dawson. “We’re getting married.”

***

Jen groaned deeply and rolled over onto her stomach. She didn’t want to get up yet – especially when the sun was shining so brightly. Jen loved summer vacation – she could get up any time she wanted to, unless someone decided differently.

Jen heard a male voice chuckle deeply. Turning her head and tentatively cracking open one eye she tried to make out the form sitting next to her bed.

“Jack,” she sighed. “What time is it?”

“Time for you to get up…you don’t need any more beauty sleep, you know.”

“Ah, just a couple more minutes.” Jen implored.

“Nope. I have been waiting all morning for you to get up. I finally got fed up. Now – turn over.”

“Why?” Jen asked as she did what Jack ordered. She was still sleepy and not thinking to quickly, otherwise she would have known better.

“So I can do this,” Jack replied and with one fatal swoop, threw all of Jen’s covers onto the floor.

Jen yipped loudly and shook her hands at Jack with a laugh. “You are so gonna get it.”

“Yeah, whatever. Now get ready. We have a bunch of errands that Grams wants us to run for her before tonight. Then, I thought we might have a bit of recreational fun.”

“Sounds interesting. You get the coffee and I’ll get ready.”

“You got it,” Jack replied with a smile and gave Jen a quick hug before heading out the door. Jen smiled at his back and once again marveled at the friendship they had. Today was going to be a good day, Jen decided. A very good one, indeed.

Twenty minutes later, Jen rendezvoused with Jack in the front parlor. Jack handed off her coffee, which Jen gladly accepted. If she didn’t have her daily dose of caffeine, she could be a real witch! Jack had the list from Grams for errands to run, so they were off.

Along the way, Jen asked Jack about his get-together with Ben. For about twenty seconds all Jack could do was grin broadly. “Ah ha,” Jen exclaimed. “He kissed you! Well, how was it?”

“Wonderful, and that’s all I’m going to say about it. I’m just so happy right now, Jen. Things finally seem to be looking up.”

“For both of us,” Jen agreed.

Jen and Jack had almost completed their list of things to do when Jen heard Jack inhale sharply. There walking towards them was Ben – and he was with another guy. Jack turned around quickly and was about to duck into the nearest store when Jen caught his sleeve and hissed, “don’t even think about it!”

“Well, hi, guys,” Jen chirped brightly.

“Hi there, yourself,” Ben answered. “Jack, Jen, I would like you to meet my brother, Tony. I’m just showing him around scenic Capeside for the afternoon.”

Jen could hear Jack’s sigh of relief. She inwardly shook her head and muttered “first loves,” under her breath. Jack nervously smiled at Ben and offered his hand towards Tony. “Pleased to meet you,” he said.

“Likewise,” Tony answered. They smiled at each other briefly.

“Jack,” Ben hesitantly said.

Jack turned to look at him and smiled radiantly. They quickly embraced, being aware of the fact that they were on the main drag and traffic was pretty heavy, both on foot and on wheels.

“Well, I can tell that I’m not needed here,” Jen said. “I’ll see you guys later. If you want to get ahold of me, Jack, I’m heading out to the beach later on.”

“Maybe we’ll join you,” Ben said, “If that’s alright with you.”

“I wouldn’t have told you where I was heading if I didn’t think otherwise. Have a nice time.” Jen said and impishly smiled at Jack. “We’ll talk more later,” she mouthed and started to walk away.

Jen started to head back to her house with Grams’ things when she passed by the library. On impulse, she decided to see if that book she had checked out awhile ago was still in. She wanted to show Pacey that picture.

Five minutes later, Jen was heading out of the library when she heard her name being called. Thinking that it was a bit too early for Jack, Ben, and Tony to be finished getting acquainted, she turned around, concerned. A smile of delight crossed her face when she saw that the person calling her name was Pacey. “Hey, Pace,” she said and waited for him to catch up with her. “Whatcha doing?”

“Not much, Lindley. Just saw you walking along and thought that I might escort you to your destination. Any problem with that?”

“None at all. I’m just heading off to Grams to drop this stuff off then I thought that I would hit the beach for a couple hours. Would you like to join me?”

“Now that is the best offer that I’ve had all day – not like I’ve had many offers, but you know, if I did, it would still be the best one.”

Jen laughed and handed over one of her bags, “Here. Instead of yakking so much, why don’t you make yourself useful?”

“I’ll do one better,” Pacey replied and took both bags from her.

“Oh, I never knew you could be so chivalrous. “ Jen joked flirtatiously.

“Well, you know me. Whenever there’s a beautiful lady in my presence, the obnoxiousness of my nature just deteriorates.”

“Whatever.”

By that time, Jen and Pacey had arrived at the front stoop of Grams’ house. Jen invited Pacey in and informed him that she only needed a couple minutes to throw on her bathing suit – then they could head over to Pacey’s if he needed his. Pacey told her that during the summer, he lived only in clothing that he could wear in the creek, just in case opportunities like this arose.

“So that’s the origin of the smell,” Jen laughingly said.

“Go change, Lindley, before I do something you’ll regret.”

“So many threats, so little time,” Jen replied and sashayed into her room. Pacey just shook his head in response.

Three minutes passed and Jen emerged from her bedroom, wearing only a short pair of cutoff and her bikini top. “It’s too hot to wear much else,” she informed Pacey. Pacey just nodded his head and gulped at the sight in front of him. There were so many curves it was incredible. And Jen filled out her bikini top so wonderfully. Jen turned around suddenly and exclaimed, “whoops, forgot the towels. Do you need one or are you just going to shake all the water off?”

“I’m not that type of dog,” Pacey shot back. “Yeah, if you could grab one for me too that would be great.”

“Gotcha.”

Jen stuffed the towels into her backpack along with the book that she had checked out of the library and then she and Pacey headed out the front door. Just as they were about to climb into Jen’s car, Pacey grabbed her hand and pointed towards Dawson’s house. Shielding her eyes, she looked off in the direction Pacey was pointing. She could make out the sight of Dawson, looking a bit dejected and staring down at his feet as he meandered around his lawn. She looked over at Pacey and he nodded in agreement

to her unspoken question. As much as he wanted to spend some time alone with Jen – especially after last night, he knew that Dawson needed some time and attention too. After all, they were supposedly still best friends.

Jen walked up to Dawson, leaving Pacey staring at her backside – thankfully she didn’t hear Pacey’s whistle as she walked away.

“Hey Dawson, what’s up?” Jen asked softly and quietly.

“Hey, not much.” Dawson answered.

“Pace and I are headed to the beach – do you want to join us?”

“Sure,” Dawson answered, somewhat dejected. “Let me get a towel quick.”

“Okay, I’ll meet you in your driveway.” Jen replied.

Dawson just nodded and headed back towards his front door. Jen shook her head and walked back towards Pacey, who asked her with his eyes what was going on.

“Don’t know, but I’ll pry it out of him. Hopefully he’s still not moping over Joey leaving for the summer. He’s getting a towel, so I said we’d meet him in his driveway.”

Pacey just nodded and climbed in Jen’s car. He hoped Dawson was okay. Maybe it was a good thing that they had spotted him. Dawson had been alone too much this past year.

“You’re a good friend, you know that.”

“Thanks, Pacey, that’s one of the best compliments I’ve ever had.”

Jen pulled into Dawson’s driveway and honked the horn to let him know that they had arrived. Dawson walked out of the house and shut the door, shaking his head as he walked towards them. He climbed into Jen’s backseat and exclaimed, “Let’s get out of here.”

“Hey, D-man, what’s shaking?” Pacey inquired.

“My parents are getting married.” Dawson answered.

“What?” Pacey and Jen exclaimed together.

“My sentiments exactly. In fact, I think that was the same reaction that I had when they first told me. Right now, my parents, who are currently divorced but getting hitched again in two weeks, are making out on the dining room table. What could be more obscene then that?”

“I don’t know, Dawson. It sounds kindof sweet. And you have always wanted your parents to get back together, so what’s the problem?” Jen asked.

“I never thought it could actually happen, that’s what the problem is.”

“But isn’t this one of your fairy-tale happy endings? Isn’t this what you wanted?” Pacey asked.

“No!” Dawson exclaimed. “I want reality. This is not reality. They are not reality. I just don’t know what’s real anymore.”

Jen stopped the car suddenly and turned around to face Dawson. “Listen to me,” she told him. “And listen carefully because I’m only going to say this once. Maybe the reality that you are so hell-bent on finding isn’t true reality at all. Maybe, what’s real is that your parents finally woke up one day and realized that they could survive without each other, but that they weren’t really living. Maybe their reality is that they are so in love with each other that after a whole year of fighting it, they decide that they just can’t fight anymore. Love is a strong emotion, Dawson, and it isn’t something that just goes away. Sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes it grows even stronger when the two people that love each other are apart. Sometimes, love makes its own rules. Your parents decided to be apart, but their love had a different idea. Instead of exclaiming how this isn’t reality, take a step back and examine it a bit deeper. Maybe, just maybe, this is the only reality there is.” And with that, Jen turned back around and hit the gas.

Both Pacey and Dawson looked at Jen in amazement. When, in the past year, has this girl become so wise? Pacey had listened to Jen’s speech in amazement and realized that she wasn’t just talking about Dawson’s parents, she was also letting Dawson know that there was still hope for him and Joey. Looking at Dawson and seeing the thunderstruck look on his face, Pacey realized that Dawson had also caught Jen’s double meaning. Dawson leaned back against the cushions of Jen’s car and replayed her words in his head. ‘Maybe she’s right,’ Dawson decided. ‘Maybe I should be happy that my parent’s are realizing that they are meant to be together. Maybe I should take into account the similarity between their situation and my own. Joey left me, but I know that she still loves me – and I know that I still love her. Perhaps, we will have our own reunion, in time.’ Dawson sighed and felt a huge weight being lifted from his shoulders.

Pacey looked over at Jen and squeezed her hand. She turned to look at him and he smiled at her. He then continued to hold Jen’s hand the rest of the way to the beach.

* At the beach *

Dawson and Pacey were frolicking around, playing in the water and fooling around with a frisbee that Jen kept in the backseat of her car for such occasions. Jen smiled at them from her vantage point on the shore and catching Pacey’s eye, waved. Pacey waved back and then ran towards her. Jen squealed and exclaimed, “Don’t you dare!” Pacey paid no heed to her exclamations and then proceeded to pick her up and carry her back to the water, kicking and screaming the whole way. Jen was putting up quite a fuss and was quickly becoming a handful, but Pacey was not about to let her go. He grinned at her and threw her into the cold water before deciding that he needed a bit of a dip also. Holding Jen’s body close to his own always wrecked havoc on his hormonal system. Jen sputtered to the surface and shrieked. “You ruined my hair!”

Pacey just grinned and said, “I don’t know, I think you look good all wet.” Just for good measure, he also wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

“Well, since I am now, let me just say one thing. You are going to get it – one hundred times over! And Dawson, so are you!” Jen laughed at their look of astonishment.

“No girl can take us,” Pacey said, looking at Dawson for agreement. Dawson quickly agreed and threw his arm around Pacey's shoulder, looking at Jen in an unspoken challenge. Jen just shook her head.

Twenty minutes later, Pacey, Dawson, and Jen dragged themselves out of the water, giggling all the way back to their towels. Jen had kept her word and Pacey and Dawson were amazed at her strength and agility in the water. Jen had informed them that she used to be on the swimming and diving team back at her high school in New York, but since Capeside was so small they didn’t have a team that she could join after she moved. She still kept in shape though by swimming a couple times a week down at the YWCA pool in town.

The three friends ended up laying out on the beach for about forty-five minutes, just basking in the warm rays of the sun and enjoying each other’s company. Dawson was just about ready to fall asleep when he heard his name being called. “Dawson, hey Dawson, come here and join us for a second.” He looked off in the direction of the voice and saw Nikki hanging out with some other people from film class. “Hey, guys, I’m going to go talk to Nikki for a second.”

“Sure, Dawson,” they replied and watched him walk off.

“Hopefully he’s back on the road to self-discovery,” Pacey commented. “And I think what really threw him back on track was that speech of yours.”

“Sometimes all it takes is another person laying it on the line for you. That’s really all I needed.” Jen answered.

“When did you need to find self-discovery?” Pacey wondered.

“Can we talk about that some other time, Pace? It’s not something that I really want to get into right now. Especially here – it’s a bit too public for me.”

“Not a problem,” Pacey answered.

“Oh, by the way, I wanted to show you something.” Pacey watched as Jen turned around and rummaged in her backpack for her library book. She smiled at Pacey when she faced him again and said, “I wanted to show you this.”

“Oh, it’s the book you mentioned last night.” Pacey said.

“Yeah, I wanted to show you the picture in it.” Jen replied.

Putting their heads together, Jen and Pacey looked down at the book and stared at the picture Jen had mentioned last night. Pacey was astonished because it looked almost exactly like the spot Jen had taken him to. It was amazing.

Together they looked at each other and smiled fondly. Pacey leaned forward and kissed Jen on the lips and whispered, “Thanks again. I don’t know if I can thank you enough for all that you have done for me in the past couple of days. You are amazing.”

Jen reciprocated Pacey’s kiss with her own and whispered back, “Your welcome. Thank you for being the one and only person that I would ever have considered taking there. You are a one and only true friend.”

“Hey guys!” A voice behind them exclaimed.

Jen and Pacey turned around to see Jack, Ben, and Tony looking at them with appreciative looks. Jen looked over at Pacey and blushed becomingly.

Jack sat down next to Jen and looking into her eyes, asked a question. Then, he whispered in her ear, “you are going to have to talk about this with me real soon.” Then he just looked at Pacey, wondering if he was good enough for his Jen. Jack knew that Jen had just recently come into her own feelings of self-worth. He also knew that Jen wasn’t looking to fall in love because she didn’t want to hurt anymore. But Jack knew one more thing. He knew, even before Jen and Pacey did, that they were falling in love.

Even Dawson could see the looks that passed between them and feel the undercurrent of affection and emotion. Why were Pacey and Jen so oblivious to it?

***

Jen and the rest of the boys hung out at the beach until it was time for dinner. As Jen, Dawson, Jack and Pacey were heading towards her car, Ben called out after them, asking. "Hey, do you guys want to get together for a bonfire tomorrow night? Jack mentioned that school was just let out, so it can be a way for us to celebrate."

Jen quickly agreed and Dawson, Pacey and Jack chimed in afterwards. Ben then informed them that they could invite more people - even girls so Jen wouldn't feel so left out. Jen just grinned at his comment and threw her arms around her 'three boys' and grinned. "I like men," she told Ben jokingly. Ben and Tony just laughed in appreciation.

"Come on, guys, lets go see what kind of grub we got left for supper." Jen said as she slid the keys into the ignition.

"What's this we thing?" Dawson asked.

Jack answered before Jen could. "Oh, come on over for supper, guys. It'll be fun."

"Dawson, why don't you pick up some movies," Jen said. "We can hang out tonight."

"Jen, are you sure? I mean, how much time have we spent together in the past couple of days? And, we'll be hanging out again tomorrow. This is summer. We'll have a chance to see each other all the time for the next several months. Are you sure you want to pack a whole week into a couple nights?" Dawson implored.

"Am I going to have to stop the car again?" Jen asked.

Jack looked around as the car erupted in laughter. "Obviously I missed something here," he said.

"Don't worry about it. It was one of those times you had to be there to understand." Pacey said.

Jen looked at Jack and smiled, saying "I'm sure Jack had his share of those today, right?"

Jack blushed and looked down at his shoes. "Ah, Jen, stop teasing him," Pacey implored.

"But he looks so cute when he blushes," Jen continued to tease Jack.

"Jen, I would stop sometime soon. I can get you back you know," Jack replied.

"Gotcha," Jen said.

"Wait, I think I want to hear some of this," Pacey said.

"No!" Jen exclaimed.

"I'll tell you sometime," Jack whispered to Pacey, loud enough for Jen to hear.

"You will not!" Jen replied. "Oh, here we are. Pace, Dawson, you guys are staying right?"

Pacey agreed wholeheartedly, but Dawson looked over at his house, somewhat concerned. "I think I'm going to spend dinner with the parental units and give them my blessing. I'll be over later those with some movies, alright?"

Jen nodded and as Dawson was walking towards his house she hollered. "Hey, Dawson!" Dawson turned around and questioned her. "Only one Speilberg! Those are the rules."

Dawson looked dejected for about ten seconds then gave Jen the thumbs-up sign. Then, turning towards his house, he squared his shoulders and got ready to face his parents.

Linking arms with Jack and Pacey, Jen walked up to the doorway.

***

Later that night

Pacey, Jen, Dawson, Jack, and Andie sat in the living room of Grams' house watching the movies that Dawson had brought over. Dawson actually took Jen's threat to heart and had only brought over one Speilberg file - "Hook." He had also showed up with "Men in Black" and "The Mask of Zorro." Overall, the rest of the gang decided, not bad choices. They were halfway through the movies before Dawson commented, "I hate saying this, but it's weird not having Joey here." The rest all agreed.

"Yeah," Pacey agreed. "There's no one here to make snappy comebacks."

"Bite me, Pacey," Jen said teasingly, trying to achieve Joey's sarcastic voice.

"Sure thing, Lindley," Pacey replied and tackled Jen to the floor. Jen squealed, first in surprise over Pacey's comment, then in delight as Pacey pinned Jen, lifted up her shirt and bit her stomach. The other kids looked on in astonishment and the laughed at the expression on Jen's face.

"Okay, I'll give you that one, but that's it." Pacey grinned at Jen's warning but knew there was no real threat to her statement.

After the movies were complete, everyone headed home, except for Andie, Jack and Jen who decided to have a mini-sleepover in Jen's room. Jack thought that this might be the perfect opportunity to ask Jen what was going on with her and Pacey, but decided to wait until later, when they were really alone. He had a feeling that Jen and Pacey's relationship was too fresh, too new to start hashing over. He knew that Jen would talk to him about it, in time.

***

One Week Later

Andie and Jen were walking along the streets of Capeside, shopping for Jack's surprise birthday party. Of course, it wasn't really a surprise because Jack knew about it, but Grams still wanted to pretend. After all, he was her "grandson" and she wouldn't deny him anything, especially a birthday party. The whole gang was invited, even Joey, even though Jen wasn't sure whether or not she was planning on coming. Jen hoped so. Even in the short time span of one week, Dawson had changed. It almost appeared that the past year of his life had just been erased. All his confusions and self-doubts were slowly being melted away. He was, slowly but surely, finding himself and his passions again. Jen knew that for sure when Dawson had picked up his camera again. At first, he just wanted to hold it, but after about an hour of doing so, he decided to start filming. Of course, that film consisted of Jen, Jack, and Pacey acting like idiots in Dawson's front lawn, but at least he was filming again.

"So, what are you giving Jack for a birthday present?" Andie asked.

“Uh, Ben wrapped up in a big red bow?" Jen jokingly replied. Andie just laughed. "Seriously, I got him something special - but it's still a secret." Jen replied.

"I understand. So, have you heard from Joey?"

"No, not yet. I called her a couple days ago and left a message on her machine, but she hasn't called back or anything. I don't know what's up with her." Jen said.

"I have another question. What in the world is going on with you and Pacey?"

"What do you mean," Jen asked, somewhat hesitantly because of the past history between Pacey and Andie.

"Well, he's been hanging out at Grams like, every night. I know that the two of you have gone off in your car and it appears that you have fallen off the face of the planet for a couple of hours at a time. I mean, none of us - Dawson, Jack, Grams, and I have no clue where to find you or where you're at. I mean, I'm not interrogating you or anything." Andie sighed. "Let me start over. You and Pacey have been hanging out a lot lately and you mean to tell me that there is nothing going on?"

"We're friends," Jen replied defensively.

"Friends with benefits or just friends."

"Just friends." Jen insisted.

"You mean to tell me that you've never checked him out, noticed how hot he looks without a shirt on, biceps, good looks, anything like that?"

"Andie," Jen laughed. "Just because we're friends doesn't mean that I'm not human. Of course I've noticed."

"All those things, or just one thing in particular/"

Jen shrugged and replied, "Whatever."

Andie knew that it was time to change the subject. Jen because incredibly defensive when you came a little to close to her emotions.

Meanwhile, Jen was thinking about Andie's question. 'Of course we're just friends,' Jen thought to herself. 'What else could we be?' However, Jen felt her mind start to think about Pacey. He really was quite sweet. They have been spending a lot of time together in the past week and have not once gotten tired of each other. It seemed like every time they got together, there was something new to discuss and discover. They had taken a few excursions out to what they now called "their spot" out in the woods. Sometimes they even packed a picnic lunch and just headed off in a different direction, just to go

exploring. Jen was beginning to really discover how smart and intelligent Pacey really was. And, in Jen's presence, Pacey's demeanor seemed to shift slightly. He was still a joker and a kidder who could make you laugh at the drop of a hat, but he was also really serious and reflective. It was a side of him that Jen was feeling really privileged to discover. She knew that she was one of the few people that really saw that side of Pacey, and it was something she also wanted to keep close to her heart.

Meanwhile, across town, Jack and Pacey were having a similar conversation, except Jack knew that Pacey would never hurt Jen in any possible way. It was something that Jack was initially quite afraid of, but after spending quite a bit of time with Pacey during this past week, he knew that Pacey's intentions were honest. And that's all Jack needed to know. He actually believed that Jen and Pacey would be great together as a couple. He just wanted everyone to be as happy as he and Ben were.

Pacey sighed. Jack and him hadn't had a long, intense discussion regarding his friendship with Jen, but in its own way, it had been grueling. Pacey knew that he and Jen had an incredibly special relationship. He was just afraid that if he focused too much on it, instead of just enjoying it, that fragile relationship would be ruined. He watched as Dawson and Joey's relationship had deteriorated right before their eyes and they just watched it go because they didn't know how to fix it. He didn't want that to happen to him and Jen. He just wanted to go with the flow and enjoy their time together. He relished their time together and often found himself waking up smiling because he knew that he was going to be seeing her that day. It was a wonderful feeling to care about someone and also know that that person cared about you. So far, they had managed to avoid analyzing their relationship and Pacey wanted to keep it that way.

Pacey sighed and Jack looked at him and inquired if anything was wrong. Pacey just looked at Jack and shrugged, indicating that he didn't want to get into it at that time. Jack nodded at they continued on.

***

At Jack's Party

The whole gang, minus Joey, other friends from school and some of Grams' friends, including parents, had gathered in the backyard of Grams' house to celebrate Jack's seventeenth birthday. There was music playing, and since it was becoming dark, Grams and Jen had set Japanese lanterns around the yard to give off light. Jen had decorated the backyard in a wonderful fashion and everyone was having a blast, helping themselves to Grams' great food and chatting with one another.

Pacey looked on as he saw Jen disappear into the backdoor of the house. He wondered where she was going. After a couple of minutes and she hadn't come pack to the party, Pacey started to wonder a bit more. He knew that she had just gone into the back door of her own house, but he was still worried. Suddenly, Pacey could hear a whistle. 'Huh,' Pacey wondered.

At the sound of the whistle, Dawson, Andie, and a bunch of other kids from school how were standing by the Japanese lanterns, blew them out so that the backyard was encased in darkness.

Pacey turned at the sound of a lovely voice coming from the back porch, singing 'Happy Birthday.' He looked at saw Jen walking towards the party - carefully balancing a huge cake covered with birthday candles. She finished the first verse, singing beautifully and clearly, then motioned with her head for everyone to join in. She walked carefully up towards Jack, balancing the cake, and smiled at him. Pacey gasped suddenly.

In the candlelight, looking at Jen's beautiful, softly curling hair and clear, bright hazel eyes, Pacey could feel his heart constrict for a few seconds, then he swore that he could feel it expand with emotion. Pacey inhaled sharply and muttered, "I can't be!" Gazing gently upon Jen's face in the dark night with the soft light of candles, Pacey knew that he was fooling himself by saying that. He couldn't hide from the fact any longer. Somehow, at some time, and with the least expected girl, Pacey had fallen in love.

***

Joey looked out from her vantage point in the trees. She didn't know why she felt the need to hide from anyone, but she knew that she didn't want to see anyone either. It was a pure impulse to hop on the train this afternoon. She had listened to Jen's message over and over, wondering if she should go back to Capeside, even for a night. But, for some reason, Joey felt a force pulling her home. She tired to ignore it, but ended up here, in Jen's backyard, hiding from her friends.

She looked up at the sound of laughter trickled over to her hiding place. She looked up and smiled fondly. She could see Jen, Dawson, and Andie frolicking around the backyard, playing like little kids. Jack and Ben were walking towards them when they stopped and talked briefly with a person she didn't recognize because his back was to her. Pacey then turned around to gaze at his foolishly acting friends and smiled wistfully. Joey gasped. She knew that look. But who was it directed towards?

Suddenly Joey noticed Dawson. She smiled. Dawson really was the love of her life and she knew that someday they might be together. They just needed this time apart. Then she noticed who Dawson was talking with - his parents! And they were standing there, engrossed in each other. It looked like the perfect family unit, Joey sighed. But, it had to be an act because Dawson's parents were divorced. Then she noticed Gail and Mitch kiss each other, and it was a passionate kiss. Dawson just looked on and smiled his typical goofy manner. It was like they had never been apart.

Joey then saw Pacey walk towards Andie and give her a hug. 'Ah ha,' Joey thought. 'That who that look was directed towards.' But Pacey just hugged Andie and moved on towards Jen. 'What? How long have I been gone? Since when are Pacey and Jen such good friends?' She watched in silent fascination as Pacey and Jen began to dance. It was like they were made for each other and could anticipate each others moves. They were in perfect harmony. Joey smiled as she watched them. At one time, she had that too. But they didn't last. Joey made a silent wish that her friends relationship wouldn't head the direction that her and Dawson's did.

Still smiling sadly as she stood up, Joey dusted herself off and began to walk back to the train station. She had seen what she needed to. Her friends were fine.

***

Later that week

"So, Pace, what's up?" Jen asked concerned.

Pacey had shown up early in the afternoon and had asked Jen if she wouldn't mind going out to their spot for a couple of hours. Of course Jen didn't mind and here they were. Jen knew that something was going on, but didn't want to push Pacey too far. It was obvious that something was going on - Pacey had seemed preoccupied all week. She hoped everything was alright. Pacey had grown so dear to her. She looked over at him as they were walking in the woods and, once again, marveled at him. He was such a great friend - caring, considerate, and kind at all times. Not once had he turned on her or start a fight. His patience seemed endless. Jen smiled as she looked upon his profile.

They reached the spot and set down the blanket that they had brought with them. Jen turned to Pacey and touched his face gently, letting him know without words that she was there and that she cared. Pacey smiled weakly at her and squeezed her had for a couple of seconds. Jen looked at him, concerned. Pacey just stood up and walked over to the tree as Jen looked on. She knew that something was bothering him and that he needed a bit of time alone. He would come back to her when he was ready.

Pacey could feel Jen watching him. He just looked up at the tree where he had plucked the flower to place in Jen's hair. He shook his head, wondering how it had come to this. He had committed the most horrible thing - he fell in love with his best friend. How could it possibly work out? Look at Joey and Dawson. However, sometimes love unspoken hurt more than being rejected outloud. The past couple of days have been hell. Since he realized that he was in love with Jen he felt like he was stuck in a trap of his own making. If he didn't tell her what he was feeling, he would always wonder what could have been and he would always look back upon his life and have so many regrets. If he did tell her how he felt, he could possibly lose the best friend he ever had. What should he do?

"Tell her," Pacey heard a voice whisper in his ear. Startled Pacey looked trying to see who was speaking to him.

"Huh?" He asked.

Cocking his head, he listened again. "Tell her," the voice insisted again. "Tell her, tell her, tell her."

'Okay, that's a bit repetitious,' Pacey thought to himself. But, looking within his heart, Pacey also knew that it was the right choice. He couldn't enjoy his relationship with Jen unless he was completely honest with her. Otherwise, it was all a sham. He just could hope that she wouldn't reject him. Pacey breathed deeply, squared his shoulders, and turned to face the music.

He looked towards the blanket they had spread out and noticed that Jen was no longer there waiting for him. He looked around and wondered where she could be. Then, he knew exactly where she was. He turned and faced the gazebo and began to walk towards it.

Jen slowly meandered around the inside of the gazebo, trailing her hand around the railing. She remembered the first time she brought Pacey to this place. That was the beginning of their relationship. She turned at looked at him, standing there so seriously. Slowly, he turned and faced her. He smiled at her and Jen could feel her heart constrict with emotion. She cared about him so much. She might even be….Her heart quickened in fear as she recognized the emotion held so deeply bound in her heart. She had promised herself that she would never fall in love again. But, apparently her heart felt differently. As Jen watched Pacey walk towards her, she smiled, both in appreciation of his male form and in surprise and elation as she realized what her heart had been telling her all along. She was in love.

But, how could she tell him. It was too big a risk. Pacey knew about her past and accepted, unlike Dawson had. Pacey was her best friend and confidant. You can't suddenly fall in love with your best friend. Jen realized that she had been in love with Pacey for a long time. Why else would she have brought him here, to this place? She had never even considered sharing this place with someone until Pacey had come along. Jack was special, but Jen knew that he would never really see the magic in this place. Pacey and her were kindred spirits. They recognized each other.

But how could this happen? What could she do?

"Tell him how you feel," a voice whispered near her ear. "Don't reject love, embrace it. It is an emotion to be treasured always."

'You're right,' Jen thought. 'Why don't I stop running from love? It will be hard if he doesn't embrace it, but I need to turn around and face the music.' Jen's heart fluttered at the thought, but she knew it was the right thing to do.

By this time, Pacey had reached the gazebo and stood facing Jen, looking intently upon her face, almost like he was looking for something. Jen gazed upon his handsome face and smiled at him fondly. Pacey and Jen could both hear their hearts pounding away like a herd of horses. They each took a deep breath and prepared themselves to speak to their beloved.

Pacey was first. He held up his hands and framed Jen's face with them, holding it ever so gently and softly stroking it in admiration. He leaned forward and kissed her. Pacey kissed Jen with all the passion and emotion and upswept emotion he was feeling within his being. Jen was caught off balance by the emotions she was receiving from Pacey. She reciprocated his kiss with equal amounts of passion and feeling.

Pacey was stunned by the passionate kiss and broke it off, leaning up against Jen and breathing heavily. His body had reached to the passion, but his heart was rejoicing about the amount of emotion. It is not possible to fake that, he thought.

He pulled Jen closed and wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her tightly next to his body, so tightly that they could feel each other's heartbeat. Pacey knew that he wanted to feel that heart next to his for the rest of his life. Never had anything felt so right, so complete. He knew then what to do.

"Jen," he whispered, "I …"

"I know, Pacey," she responded. "I love you too."

"But I didn't say anything!" Pacey exclaimed.

"You didn't have to. But if it makes you feel better, go ahead."

"It will make me feel better," Pacey insisted. He stepped back and looked deep into Jen's eyes. "You, Jen, are heart and my love. I have never felt this right in my life. But, in your arms and being a part of your life, I feel at home. Home is not a physical place, it is someplace where you can be yourself and can find joy. I love you and you are my home."

Jen smiled radiantly at Pacey. "Thank you. You are my best friend and every second I get to spend time with you is a moment treasured forever in my heart. I love you, and you are the light of my life."

Pacey grinned at her. "Not bad, Lindley. Now don't forget it."

"Never," Jen agreed.

Pacey pulled her close again for another kiss. Then, they began to dance.

THE END