"DAWSON'S DORM"

Written by

CAROLINE DRIES

"DAWSON'S DORM"
FADE IN:
EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS - DAY
Students carrying boxes, crates, and suitcases stumble to the front doors of the tall dormitory that towers in the middle of the freshly decorated campus.
INT. DORM - SAME
DAWSON LEERY walks with his father MITCH through the crowded lobby to the elevator. Mitch wears a cut off T-shirt that exposes his enormously sweaty biceps while Dawson wears an untucked plaid shirt.
MITCH
God, college. Boy do I remember the days. The first night of college is when your mother and I first-
DAWSON
--God Dad, gross! I don't want to hear-
MITCH
--I'm just saying, this is the beginning of the end. Enjoy it while it lasts.
DAWSON
You know Dad, as much as your help is greatly appreciated, it is completely unnecessary. Pacey helped me with most of my boxes and I think I can take up these last few things.
MITCH
I know, I know, it's just hard for me to believe that my son's going off to school. It's something that every father fails to anticipate with realism and I want to treasure my few remaining hours as your guardian.
DAWSON
Few remaining hours? Dad, I'm going to college, not the monastery, and besides, it's not like I'm not going to visit. Well...at least once a semester.
Mitch smiles as the elevator doors open. They start to walk in.
DAWSON
I think you're just nervous that I'll be living under the same roof as three hundred freshman girls.
Mitch smiles and hits Dawson on the back.
INT. ROOM 1107
Joey and Jen unpack their suitcases. Their clothes are dumped on their beds and boxes clutter the room. Jen puts some ice cream in the refrigerator.
JEN
(spooning ice cream into her mouth) God who would have thought, you and me rooming together in college? I mean are we asking for trouble or what?
JOEY
Yeah well it was either you, or they would have matched me up with some other too-tall girl from the wrong side of the creek with an imprisoned father and an unwed sister who's a mother with her black boyfriend.
JEN
(smiling) And I thought they chose roommates based on music preference.
JOEY (shrugging) I guess.
Joey hangs a cross on a nail in the wall. Jen sees it and takes a step back. Joey notices her reaction.
JEN
Um, Joey? Not to already ruffle the feathers between this conflict-ridden predicament we've voluntarily put ourselves in, but that cross isn't exactly my number one choice of interior decoration.
JOEY
Listen Jen, um, I know you don't do the whole God thing, but your lack of belief has no right to alter the standing disposition on my faith. It's just a cross, so, unless you're some closet-case vampire, it's staying up there.
JEN
Fine, just don't wake me up for morning prayers.
JOEY
As long as you don't keep me awake during your group orgies. JEN
Joey, why don't you admit that you still despise my utter being ever since Dawson noticed more than one girl existed in the world.
JOEY
How did I guess Jen? How did I guess that you'd throw Dawson's name into our conversation, again? What part of 'I am with Jack now' seems to exclude itself from your pint-sized brain?
JEN
Hey, news flash, I'm not the only one that slips on your drool every time Dawson Leery makes a cameo in your event- deprived life. And now that your dream of occupying the same residence as Dawson Leery has become a reality, I hope to God- for Jack's sake--you learn to become a little more discrete.
JOEY
Bite me, Jen.
ABBY walks into the room.
ABBY
Tish, tish. Fighting the first hour? Only a sign for worse to come.
Jen and Joey look at Abby confused.
ABBY
I cannot believe that put us across the hall from each other? Are you guys lucky or what?
JOEY
Abby? I didn't know you were going here.
ABBY
And I didn't know inmate's daughters were eligible for scholarship.
JEN
Who's your roommate?
ABBY
Who else but the Prozac Princess herself.
ANDIE MCPHEE enters room 1107.
ANDIE
Hey guys, great arrangement, huh?
JOEY
Hey Andie. Is Jack here yet?
JEN
Hmm, good job Joey, already catching on to the whole discrete thing.
Joey flashes a fake smile at Jen while Andie looks at both of them confused.
INT. CAFETERIA - NIGHT
Jack and Joey sit at the end of a cafeteria table. Pacey and Andie sit next to them, and next to them sit Jen, Dawson and Abby.
PACEY
(standing, holding up his glass) I'd like to purpose a toast.
ANDIE
(looking around) Um, Pacey, sit down.
PACEY
Chill McPhee. You guys, I just wanted to say that I never thought I'd be goin' to college with my best friends in the world - actually, I never really thought I was going to college - but I think the fact that we've stayed so close all these years says something. To new beginnings.
JEN
To new beginnings.
Everyone holds up their glasses and clanks them together. Pacey sits down.
PACEY
See McPhee, I can do good.
ANDIE
I know you can Pacey.
They kiss.
ABBY
(rolling her eyes) Where's my spoon?
Jack leans closer to Joey and looks at her seriously.
JACK
Hey.
JOEY
Hey, what's wrong?
JACK
Can I come up to your room later tonight?
JOEY
I'd say yes, but Jen and Dawson are watching movies together or something lame so it's kind of occupada. Why don't I come down to you? You're the one with the single.
JACK
Okay. Thanks.
JOEY
Are you okay?
JACK
Yeah, I'm fine.
Dawson and Jen stare at each other across the table.

DAWSON
What?
JEN
What?!
DAWSON
You're looking at me.
JEN
And that became illegal when?
DAWSON
I don't know.
Jen smiles.
DAWSON
Are we still on for movie night? God that sounds weird.
JEN
You know, Dawson, maybe this whole us watching movies together isn't such a good idea. I mean, I live with Joey now, and not that it will lead to anything sexual, but, I don't know, you, me, movies, nighttime, beds, no parental units for fifty miles, could the circumstances be a little more in cupid's favor?
DAWSON
Yeah but Jen, it's movie night. I mean, come on, movie night. Joey and I have done it for years on the same bed without - (realizing what he's saying) --okay, bad example.
JEN
I'd say.
DAWSON
Jen, come on, if we analyze and make far-fetched predictions about everything we do together, we'll never see each other. Besides, you're like, my sister now.
JEN
Mmm...Leery blood. I'm sure Grams is rolling around in her grave as we speak.
INT. JACK'S ROOM - LATER
Jack sits on his bed staring at the ground. There is a KNOCK on the door. Joey enters.
JACK
(standing) Joey. Hey.
JOEY
Hey. What's up?
JACK
Um...well, can you close the door? Thanks.
Joey closes the door.
JACK
Ah...why don't you sit down? Or stand. No, actually you better sit down.
JOEY
(sitting down) Jack, why don't you tell me what this is all about.
JACK
(pacing around the room) Because...it's not...it's not like something I can just...say. I'm not exactly an extrovert, if you know what I mean.
Joey listens carefully.
JACK
Let's see...did you ever say that you liked De Vinci's Mona Lisa, but inside felt like you didn't think it was all that great, but since it was like a famous painting and you were an artist, you felt obliged to like it?
Joey looks at him confused.
JACK
Or like if someone asks you are you a Redsox fan you say yes because you're from Massachusetts, but you really like the Cardinals? And it's not like you don't like the Redsox, it's just that you like the Cardinals.
JOEY
Jack, what are you trying to say here?
Jack sits down next to Joey and stares at her.
JACK
Joey, I think, I mean, I'm pretty sure, I'm...gay.
JOEY
What?! You're not gay. I mean, you're joking, right?
JACK
If I were joking my statement would have been followed by the words just kidding and a flashing applause sign.
JOEY
(standing) Ha ha, you're so funny. You've been hanging around with Pacey too long. But you're really getting good, I've gotta give you -
JACK
(standing, grabbing her arm) --I'm not kidding, Joey. I AM gay.
Joey stares at him, then walks by and turns on his stereo to
the song Lover Lay Down. Jack walks over to her and pushes the stereo off the shelf; it crashes down onto the ground.
JACK
Joey, you can't just put on this song and expect everything to change! Okay? It's hard enough for me right now to say it, and then for you to deny it? I've already done that part Joey. For about a year - it doesn't change anything.
JOEY
How can I not deny it, Jack? I'm your girlfriend! How am I supposed to feel? I mean, what does this make me? (staring at him) That's why you couldn't...
JACK
I'm sorry. I mean, how do you tell someone? I didn't know how to tell you.
JOEY
Jack, I don't have a problem with gay people. I just have a problem with having a gay boyfriend!
JACK
God do you think I can change that? Don't you think I'd want to? Don't you think I know how easy that would be?
Jack and Joey stare at each other for a second. Jack has tears in his eyes.
JACK
I hate myself, Joey. How do you think it feels to hate who you are?
JOEY
Don't hate yourself, Jack. You can't hate yourself. (hugging him) I won't let you.
As they hug, Jack buries his head into Joey's shoulder. She cries as Joey strokes her hand through his hair.
INT. JEN & JOEY'S ROOM - SAME
The room is dark, but the flickering of the television set provides a faint illumination. On the ground there is a tipped over half-gallon of ice cream with two used spoons next to it.
On the bed Jen and Dawson roll around making out, obviously paying no attention the movie they must have been watching at one point of the evening.
INT. HALLWAY
Pacey walks down the hallway with Andie. They stop outside of Andie's door.
ANDIE
I'm never going to find all of my classes tomorrow.
PACEY
We'll if you decide to skip, you know you'll gladly join you.
ANDIE
Pacey, we talked about this.
PACEY
I know, I know, attending class has now become a privilege.
ANDIE
Besides, I want to marry a doctor, not a McDonald's employee of the month.
PACEY
McPhee. You really think I could get employee of the month? I knew someone had faith!
He hugs her and kisses her cheek. She pulls back, laughing.
ANDIE
I'm going to the bathroom. I'll meet you in my room.
PACEY
(winking) Waiting with a smile.
Andie smiles and turns down towards the hall. Pacey opens the door to her room and walks in.
INT. ABBY & ANDIE'S ROOM - SAME
To his surprise, Abby is standing in the room in only her bra and underwear. Pacey's eyes widen in shock as Abby grabs a pillow from her bed to cover herself.
ABBY
Pacey! Pacey's jaw drops.
ABBY
Get out!
PACEY
Oh God!
Pacey steps out of the room quickly and slams the door.
ABBY
Ewww! Ewww! (realizing what just happened) EWWWWWWWW!!!!!
INT. HALLWAY - SAME
Pacey leans against the door.
PACEY
Forgive me Father for I have sinned. I just saw a woman almost naked and she wasn't my girlfriend. Not that I see my girlfriend half-naked a lot but she doesn't look like...oh God. Oh God. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
Andie comes down the hall.
PACEY
(to Andie) I'm sorry.
ANDIE
What?
PACEY
Nothing. I forgot to tell you, um, I can't watch TV with you tonight because I have, well I think I better start reading ahead in my books, you know, to get a jump start on the college work load.
ANDIE
(opening the door) Yeah, whatever Pacey.
PACEY
No! Don't go in there.
Andie opens the door and Abby is completely dressed in a dress and she's in the process of putting on shoes.
ANDIE
Why?
PACEY
No reason.
ANDIE
Hey Abby, where are you going?
ABBY
Well, since this campus has proven to be as exciting as a funeral, I'm going out on the town to find some people who know what Rolling Rocks are.
ANDIE
Isn't that a band?
PACEY
That's the Stones, sweetie.
Pacey and Abby exchange an awkward look.
PACEY
That's a good idea, why don't you go out tonight. I'm sure some random bouncer will offer you a ride back to his place on his Harley.
ABBY
Gosh, as much as I want to stay in with the spokespeople for PDA and watch Felicity, I might just have to leave. Don't wait up for me, Andie.
ANDIE
Okay.
ABBY (to Pacey's ear) What you just saw was the closest you'll ever get to a real woman. Not to burst your undeserving ego, but it wasn't as good for me as I know it was for you.
INT. JOEY & JEN'S ROOM - SAME
Jen and Dawson are still making out on Jen's bed. Dawson stops and pulls away.
JEN
I knew this was going to happen. Dawson rolls off of her and lays on his back next to Jen.
DAWSON
I thought I might test my new freedoms grated to me as a college freshman, but I had no idea that my orientation was going to involve you and a bed.
JEN
Why, because I'm your sister?
DAWSON
That wasn't intended to be an insult.
JEN
Then what the hell does it mean, Dawson? Just an excuse for you to detach yourself from any accountability that comes along with kissing someone?
DAWSON
Like you can talk?!
JEN
What?
DAWSON
Admit it Jen, when you regressed back into your New York bad girl stage you blamed it on the fact that you just wanted to be free. Live life? Does that sound familiar?
JEN
Dawson, you have no right to judge me for that. I was confused and disoriented, I mean my life was unraveling right before my eyes and it didn't help that the only guy I've ever truly liked broke my heart for his best friend that he promised me was only his best friend.
Dawson and Jen stare at each other.
DAWSON
What are we doing? Look at us, we're reverting back to all these issues that we've already revolved.
JEN
Then why are we resurfacing them?
DAWSON
Because we need an excuse.
JEN
Because we know what we're doing is wrong?
DAWSON
Yeah.
Dawson sits up on the bed and gets out, walking to the television.
DAWSON
(taking out the tape) Maybe we'll save Amistad for another night.
JEN
Yeah, maybe next week.
DAWSON
(smiling) Yeah. Hey, have a good day of classes tomorrow, okay?
JEN
I will.
Dawson heads for the door.
DAWSON
Hey Jen, are you nervous?
JEN
Nervous?
DAWSON
For tomorrow. Classes, teachers, the first steps into the future? Not that we were ever big fish at Capeside, but this is the like the real, no more experimental, no more independent, this is the industry. This is the big time, and no one cares if we screw up.
JEN
I'm not nervous.
DAWSON
(frowning) Oh.
Dawson turns to the door.
JEN
I'm scared out of my mind.
DAWSON
(turning back to Jen) Goodnight.
Dawson leaves.
JEN
Goodnight, Dawson.
INT. ABBY & ANDIE'S ROOM - LATE NIGHT
The clock next to Andie's bed reads 2:35. Pacey pulls the blankets over a sleeping Andie and tiptoes out of the room. He opens the door revealing Abby. Her make-up is smeared and her dress is wrinkled.
ABBY
God Pacey, it should be illegal for you to not wear your shock collar.
PACEY
What happened to you? Thrown from Bubba's motorcycle.
ABBY
(smirking) Yeah. Get out of my way.
Abby develops a tears in her eyes. As she tries to get by Pacey, he grabs her arm.
PACEY
Are you okay?
ABBY
Of course I'm okay, leave me alone.
PACEY
Are you crying?
ABBY
Hey, why don't you save the therapy for your medicated girlfriend?
Pacey pulls her closer.
PACEY
(seriously) What happened tonight, Abby?
ABBY
(pushing by him) None of your business, Pacey, leave me alone.
Abby pushes by Pacey and closes the door, leaving Pacey out in the hallway alone. Pacey starts walking down the hallway just as Joey walks into view.
PACEY
Hey.
JOEY
Hey.
PACEY
What's up?
JOEY
Nothing. What's up with you?
PACEY
Nothing.
JOEY
(opening her door) Cool, see ya.
PACEY
Yeah, bye.
Pacey walks down the hallway, turns the corner and steps out of view.

TO BE CONTINUED...