(Jen and Pacey in a supermarket – Pacey is pushing the trolley)

Jen: Uh, don’t let me forget to get the creamed onions, either.

Pacey: (disgusted) Oh, (shaking his head) No. Mm-mm.

(They begin moving down an aisle)

Jen: What’s the matter? You don’t like creamed onions?

Pacey: No, man, they creep me out. I’m being dead serious here, too. Just, the thought of them makes me sick to my stomach. All creamy and—

(They pause halfway down the aisle as Jen picks up some cans)

Jen: OK Pacey, how about this—I promise to keep all offending vegetables out of your line of sight at all times. Good?

Pacey: You know Jen, when I suggested we hook up today, this is not exactly what I had in mind.

Jen: Believe me Pacey, I know, but unfortunately Grams’ Thanksgiving feast takes precedence over our burgeoning sex life.

(Pacey starts pushing the trolley again)

Pacey: (looking around and lowering his voice) Correct me if I’m wrong, but we don’t actually have a sex life yet, do we?

Jen: What? And you think that that’s my fault?

Pacey: Ah … yeah, I do actually think that that’s your fault.

Jen: I’m sorry Pacey. I just-- I just find it difficult to … to watch you paw at me … what … (she bursts out laughing)

Pacey: (indignantly) Foreplay is no laughing matter. How do you expect a guy to do his best work in the face of scorn and derision?

Jen: (starting to calm down) It’s just that we’re friends, right? And-- and seeing as how we-- we are friends, but now we’re friends that … (swallowing hard) do *that* … um, it’s just gonna take a little time getting used to. (stepping closer to Pacey) Although maybe we could find a moment later?

Pacey: I can’t. I think I have to go to my parents’ house for Thanksgiving.

(Jen backs away)

Jen: OK.

Pacey: I-- I’m sorry, I have to. I figured it’s probably the right thing to do, seeing as they brought me into the world and all.

Jen: Gee, you sound so excited.

Pacey: (first sentence said sarcastically) Oh, well, it’s such a joyous occasion. Just imagine it—the Whitter women, slaving over a hot stove all afternoon jut to be told that the butterball is too dry. And this, coming from a guy who’s been sitting on his derriere all day getting drunk and watching football.

Jen: Well, even despite the creamed onions, you gotta love Grams for offering an alternative.

Pacey: You do. Speaking of … you know, you never told me who else is coming.

Jen: Don’t worry Pacey. Andie politely declined the invite.

Pacey: Hey, I wasn’t going there.

Jen: (scoffing) Please. I think that she’s making dinner for, uh, Jack and her dad tonight.

Pacey: (looking a little upset) Sound nice. It’s good for her to have … family on Thanksgiving.

Jen: (stepping towards him) C’mere.

(They embrace – Pacey begins to smell her hair)

Pacey: Mmm. Good Lord, you smell good. (He backs away after hearing a sound) What was that?

(Jen is laughing again)

Pacey: (frustrated) Oh, Come ON.

Jen: (still laughing) Sorry. I’m sorry.

(Pacey walks off with Jen still laughing)

* * * * *

(The Leery household – Mitch is in the lounge room watching a football game and Gail is baking in the kitchen – Dawson walks into the kitchen)

Mitch: (encouragingly) All right, come on, big play, big play. C’mon, go go go, give him a block. Somebody …

Gail: Hey.

(Dawson approaches the bench where several pumpkin pies are laid out)

Gail: So, what do you think? Tell me the truth, I want my contributions to Mrs Ryan’s Thanksgiving dinner to be straight out of Gourmet Magazine.

Dawson: (looking at the pies) It looks like the cover of their November issue to me.

Gail: (pleased) Ah. (she takes off her oven mits) So while those cool, I can now get started with this oyster stuffing.

(Gail starts chopping some ingredients)

Dawson: So, how goes the apartment search?

Gail: Oh, it’s-- it’s coming. But, you don’t mind do you? I mean me taking up temporary residence in the guest room?

Mitch: (from the living room) Go, go, go … touch down! Alright! Whoa!

Dawson: (chuckles) It’s starting to feel oddly familiar.

Gail: What, your, ah, father watching football, and me in my apron?

(Mitch enters the kitchen)

Mitch: Hey, Dawson, you’re missing a great game in there. (he sees the pies) Oh whoa, check out these pies. (claps his hands together and rubs them in anticipation) Dawson, grab a knife. Let’s see if they taste as good as they look.

Gail: (holding knife) Uh-uh. Don’t even think about it. Hands off. I cannot show up at Mrs Ryan’s with half-eaten baked goods.

Mitch: I-- hardly seems fair, does it Dawson? She invades the kitchen, fills the house with the scent of pumpkin pie, and then tells us we can’t have any. (he crosses his arms and leans against the bench)

Gail: Fair or unfair, no-one is going to spoil their Thanksgiving dinner on my watch.

Dawson: Why do I suddenly feel like I’m stuck in an episode of ‘The Waltons’?

(Mitch looks uneasily at Gail)

Gail: Honey, why don’t you go and change?

(Dawson looks at her dubiously)

Dawson: (walking away) OK.

* * * * *

(Jen enters her house with two brown paper bags of shopping)

Jen: Grams!

Grams: Oh, there you are.

Jen: (walking into the kitchen) Hey, Sam says ‘hi’.

Grams: Who’s Sam?

Jen: You know Sam. The deli guy. The one with the big bad dentures, the liverspots and all that nostril hair. I think he likes you.

Grams: (trying to say something serious) Jennifer … there’s something I need to tell you.

Jen: Grams, I know, I know. I won’t eat any of the food before the meal is served. I will clean out my closet to hang up the guests’ coats in. And will think of something to be thankful for, so I won’t embarrass you in front of your prayer group.

(Jen starts unpacking the groceries and goes to the fridge)

Grams: Uh, yes. Actually, no-- no, that-- that’s not … what I want to talk to you—

Jen: Face it Grams, you gotta relax, it’s only a meal.

Grams: It’s a meal with a long history.

Jen: I’m sure it is. (she goes to leave) I-- I’ve got to go get ready.

Grams: (following her) Jennifer, I just want you to bear in mind that-- that-- that-- Thanksgiving is-- is a holiday with a tradition. A tradition of people with differences—different ideas, different beliefs—coming together, sitting down together (they go up stairs), breaking bread together, in harmony—

Jen: Well, despite the fact that I learned all that in kindergarten when we made those, uh, little Indian construction paper head dresses, I really do appreciate the refresher course. But don’t worry, I plan to stay as far out of your way on this thing (opens bedroom door) as humanely possible—

(Jen stops suddenly with a shocked expression on her face – her mother is in the room)

Jen: Mom.

Helen: Hello, Jen.

* * * * *

(Joey’s house – in the kitchen)

Bessie: I’m so stupid.

Joey: What?

Bessie: Oh My God, that reminds me. I totally forgot-- I forgot that … you know, I forgot that thing that goes inside the bird. (Bessie takes the turkey out of the microwave and puts it on the table) What’s it called?

Joey: What, the gizzard bag?

Bessie: Yeah. (she extracts the gizzard bag with tongs)

Joey: Oh, yuck. (Bessie tosses the bag in the bin) I swear, I mean, if mom were still alive, she would probably have her own cooking show on the food network by now, and look at us.

Bessie: The truth is, (putting turkey back in microwave) I’m glad we’re having Thanksgiving at the Ryans’.

Joey: Me too. I don’t know, maybe it’s just the holidays, but … I just feel like any minute now she’s gonna come walking through that door, and … ‘out of the kitchen everybody’.

(Bessie chuckles, nodding in agreement)

* * * * *

(Dawson’s bedroom – Gail knocks on the door)

Gail: Dawson?

Dawson: Come in.

(Gail enters just as Dawson comes out of his closet)

Gail: Hey. You’re wearing a new sweater.

(She begins to adjust the sweater, pulling it here and there)

Dawson: Mom?

Gail: (pulling her hands away, palms up) Ah, sorry. Um, you know honey, I didn’t want to say anything earlier in front of your dad, but, ah, you’re never gonna guess who I ran into this morning—Helen Lindley.

(They both sit on the edge of the bed – Dawson is putting on his shoes)

Dawson: Jen’s mom?

Gail: Hmm-mm. So what do you think that means?

Dawson: Well, why would I think what it means?

Gail: What? You think it’s not possible that this very moment the two of them could be discussing a certain half-sister?

Dawson: Well, I think it’s highly unlikely considering Jen doesn’t know she has a half-sister.

Gail: (shocked) You didn’t tell her?

Dawson: No.

Gail: Dawson, I’m impressed. I had no idea that you had such self-control.

Dawson: Well, I’d like to brag and say it was self-control, but I think it was more gutlessness than anything.

Gail: Well, then, it’s just a coincidence. (she gets up off the bed)

Dawson: What’s just a coincidence?

Gail: Well, that one week you discover a skeleton in the Lindley closet, and then the next the aforementioned family just happens to get together for the first time in over a year.

(Gail leaves Dawson to ponder the issue)

* * * * *

(Jen sitting on a bench near the water – Grams approaches)

Grams: You’ve been down here for nearly half-an-hour now, Jennifer. You have to come up sooner or later.

Jen: How could you not tell me that she was coming?

Grams: I didn’t know. She just … arrived. (sitting down next to Jen) It seems your father was detained unexpectedly in Europe on business.

Jen: Now that I can believe. Probably tossing back a vodka martini about now, drowning his sorrows. (a bit angry) As if he actually felt any.

Grams: Be generous, Jennifer.

Jen: (still angry) Why? My mother isn’t here because she really wants to see me. She’s here ‘cause she’s got nowhere else to go.

Grams: You don’t know that.

Jen: You know what? You’re right, I don’t. And how would I? The only contact that I have had with her in the past year is a phone call.

Grams: You know what I think?

Jen: What?

Grams: I think that underneath all this, you’re really pleased to see her.

(Jen shakes her head)

Grams: Well, maybe pleased isn’t exactly the right word. Maybe it’s more like ‘prepared’. You are prepared to deal with the past. You are prepared to … start facing the problems between you.

Jen: (upset) I can’t even look at her, let alone talk to her.

Grams: Well, maybe you can’t find the right words because there’s too much to say. Jennifer, for the past 14 months I’ve been watching you—I’ve watched you change. You-- you’re more serious now, you’re-- you're at peace with yourself. It’s-- it's like you’ve … you’ve crossed some kind of a threshold.

Jen: ‘Threshold’. It’s more like a crossroads, like I-- like I could just go either way.

Grams: Well, I know that you will choose the right way.

(she puts her arm around Jen’s shoulder – Jen closes her eyes)

Jen: But in the meantime?

Grams: In the meantime … one foot in front of the other, starting in that (turns head towards the house) direction.

(Jen looks back at the house dubiously)

Grams: Come on Jennifer. (they stand up with Grams leading Jen by the hand) You can’t stay down here all afternoon, people are starting to arrive. Besides, I’m willing to bet that your mother is just as nervous as you are.

(they begin walking back towards the house)

Jen: You think?

Grams: Absolutely. In some ways, the two of you are more alike than you know.

* * * * *

(Jack and Andie are walking through the gate at Grams’ house – Pacey comes along on his push bike)

Jack: Hey Pacey, happy Thanksgiving.

(Pacey stops at a large table in the front yard and gets off)

Pacey: Yeah, you too, man. Happy Thanksgiving, Andie.

Andie: You too, Pacey.

(there’s a few seconds of awkward silence as they look at on another)

Pacey: I, uh, I thought you guys were spending the afternoon with your dad?

Jack: Well, that was, ah, plan A. But he got stuck in Chicago. You know, any other dad would find a plane, train, automobile … anything to see his kids. But not Joseph McPhee.

Andie: (placing a pie on the table) You know what Jack, I’m sure he did everything he could to get here.

(a few more seconds of awkward silence)

Pacey: What’d you bring, Andie?

Andie: Apple pie.

Jack: Yeah, she made it herself.

Pacey: Yeah, it Looks amazing.

Jack: Um, what’d you bring?

Pacey: Um, (taking it from a brown paper bag) some cranberry sauce, in a can. (he laughs) A little on the lame side, I know, but it’s about the extent of my culinary expertise.

Jack: Don’t knock cranberry sauce, it’s the backbone of any good Thanksgiving dinner.

Pacey: Yeah. So how you been, Andie?

Andie: Me? (shrugs her shoulders) Fine. Why do you ask?

Pacey: Well, it’s been a while since you and I touched base. I just wanted to check in, see how you’re doing.

Andie: (scoffs) Could somebody please tell me why guys always do that? I mean, you want to be the nice, polite friend after the break-up. You know what Pacey? You made a decision, so at least have the strength to believe in your convictions.

Pacey: You’re right. Yeah, you’re absolutely right. Um, listen, Jack, I think, ah, I’m just gonna mosey (starts to leave). You know, I-- I---, I think I’m just gonna get off to my second stop on my Capeside tour of Thanksgiving. (he starts to walk off holding his bike)

Andie: No, no, no, you know what, we were the ones who came at the last minute, so I really should be the one to, ah—

Pacey: Andie, I wouldn’t think of it, it’ll be fine—

Andie: Be the one to leave.

Jack: (stands up between them) Look, (pointing at Pacey) you’re not going anywhere, and (looking at Andie) neither are you. It’s Thanksgiving. Now I think it’s pretty cool of Grams to-- to play host to this group of misfits, all right? Now if the two of you can’t get over your history for just a couple of hours, and enjoy the company of your friends, you should be home eating a TV dinner under a bare bulb, OK? So get over yourselves, already. God!

(Jack storms off)

* * * * *

(The guests begin arriving at Grams’ house – Mitch and Bessie pass through the archway, following by Gail holding the baby, and then Joey and Dawson, holding plates of food)

Joey: It’s weird to see your parents together.

(Dawson scoffs)

Joey: They seem to be getting along.

Dawson: So it would appear.

(Grams and Jen appear at the door)

Grams: Ah, hi everyone, happy Thanksgiving. Come on in.

(They all reply to the same effect)

Jen: Alright, everybody—coats, hand ‘em over.

(The guests all go up the front stairs as they chatter)

* * * * *

(Jen enters her room carrying the coats to find her mother just finishing getting ready, applying lipstick)

Jen: Sorry, I didn’t realise you were still here. (she dumps the coats and goes to leave)

Helen: Oh– oh please, we can share. Ah, it is your room now, after all.

Jen: Nah, I– I was just gonna drop these coats on the bed. I’m sorry.

(Jen goes to leave, getting as far as the doorway)

Helen: Jen? (Jen turns and faces her mom – Helen motions to the zip at the back of her dress) Um, would you mind?

(Jen walks slowly across the room, stands behind her mom and fixes the zip—they can both see themselves in the mirror)

Helen: Thanks. My God, you’re getting so beautiful. (Jen’s eyes are downcast) I’m sorry, did I say something wrong?

Jen: No, no. I– I– I was …

Helen: Tell me.

Jen: I was just remembering … how I used to watch you in the mirror when I was little. Watching you put on your lipstick, brushing your hair. I studied your every move.

Helen: Like I was the most important person in the world.

Jen: Something like that.

Helen: Here, I have something for you. (she goes over to her luggage and gets out a small felt case) Mom gave these to me when I was about your age, and I figured that it’s, um, about time to pass them on.

(Helen hands the case to Jen, who unfolds the case to reveal a set of pearls)

Jen: They’re beautiful, mom. You know I’ve always thought so. (pause) But I can’t.

Helen: Why not?



Jen: Because where would I wear them? Yeah, I mean at home, maybe. I mean in New York, maybe, but here? And this is where I live now.

Helen: Save them for a special occasion.

Jen: Mom, you’re the one who taught me – pearls lose their lustre is you don’t wear them. I guess they’re like people in that regard, you should keep them close to your skin.

Helen: Jen, please.

Jen: I need to go help Grams in the kitchen.

(Jen walks out of the bedroom, leaving her mom staring after her)

* * * * *

(Grams’ kitchen – Grams is getting dinnerware out of the cupboards – Joey and Dawson enter)

Joey: Is there anything we can help you with, Mrs Ryan?

Grams: Pray.

Dawson: About anything in particular?

Grams: (leaving the kitchen carrying the dinnerware) General prayer will be fine.

(Jen enters the kitchen)

Dawson: Jen.

Jen: Hey.

Dawson: Hey, rumour has it your mom’s in town?

Joey: Yeah, are we gonna get a chance to meet her?

Jen: (going through the cupboards) Um, I would love for you guys to meet her. I– It’s just that we seem to be having a little failure to communicate right now. She’s currently primping in the mirror, I’m sure that she’ll be down shortly.

(Jen moves across the room to some other cupboards)

Dawson: Did you know that she was coming?

Jen: (shaking her head) Mm-mm. Big surprise. Guerilla style. Seems my mom is a graduate of the Ho Chi Minh school of parenting.

Dawson: Is she here for some reason other than Thanksgiving? You know, any news on the home-front?

Jen: (shutting the cupboard) What, you mean is she begging me to return home to the familial fold? I don’t think so.

Dawson: Well, did you talk to her? I mean it’s– it’s been a long time. She must have a lot to tell you.

Jen: Like what?

Dawson: (shrugging) Maybe she misses you. M-maybe she– she’s sorry she sent you away. You know, I mean, I know she hasn’t alway been there for you—

Jen: Dawson, ever since I was 13 years old that woman has done nothing but stare at me with a look of mild disregard, like I was some stranger who spilled a cocktail on her carpet.

(they are all standing around the table)

Joey: Jen, um, we’re all strangers to our parents. I mean, they love us, but they don’t really know us. And sometimes, before we get the chance to know them, they’re gone. So we can’t ask them all the things we want to know about turnips or turkey gizzards, or … you know, what they were like when they were young.

Jen: (looking sad) Joey, I’m sorry.

Joey: Nah, it’s OK.

Jen: No, I am. I– I– totally—

Joey: No, look. What I’m trying to say is … would you give her a chance? She’s your mom, and um, the reality is is that she came here today to talk to you, and … to be with you. And I think you owe her that much.

* * * * *

(Helen is standing on the docks by herself – Dawson approaches)

Dawson: Mrs Lindley? (he offers to shake her hand) Hi, I’m Dawson. Dawson Leery.

(they shake hands)

Helen: Oh, Gail’s son, of course. Hello, pleased to meet you.

Dawson: Pleased to meet you.

Helen: I don’t think I could have imagined a more beautiful day. Sometimes if forget how magical this place can be.

Dawson: Um, you should know that– that Jen and I … actually dated for a little while. We are– we’re still very good friends, and I care very deeply about her.

Helen: Well that’s nice to hear, Dawson. I’m glad that Jen has a friend in you.

Dawson: (sighs) Um, there is also something else that you should know.

Helen: Yes?

Dawson: Alright, it is not going to be easy to say this, so I’m just going to say it, and you can tell me if I’m out of line.

Helen: (bemused) I’m listening.

Dawson: A few, ah … not too long ago I met a girl who was just passing through Capeside, and I, ah, got to know her a little bit, and it came out that she had been given up for adoption. Um, she’d just recently discovered this and she was determined to find her birth mother.

Helen: What does this have to do with me, Dawson?

Dawson: Mrs Lindley, this girl was carrying a picture of you.

(they stare at one another)

Helen: And, ah … where is she, is she still here in town?

Dawson: No, she’s not. By the time I’d realised who she was, she’d left.

(Mrs Lindley’s expression gives away the truth)

Dawson: So it’s true?

Helen: Does Jen know anything about this?

Dawson: No. I– I wrestled with telling her, but I– I ultimately decided with was not my place, which is why I’m really glad you’re here.

Helen: This is a very difficult and a very personal issue.

Dawson: I’m sure it is—

Helen: And as you said, the girl is gone. So I don’t see any reason for Jen to know anything about this.

Dawson: That’s not entirely true – I mean there’s nothing preventing Eve coming back into town, and—

Helen: Eve?

Dawson: That’s her name. Eve Whitman. And, for all I know, she could approach Jen herself. Something tells me that this information would be much better coming from you than from her.

Helen: Remember when you asked me to tell you if you were out of line?

Dawson: Look, I– I’m not an authority on functional families, all right, but– but I’ve seen what happens when families keep these kinds of secrets from each other. I just don’t want to see Jen get hurt.

Helen: (walking away) Neither do I.

(Dawson sighs heavily)

* * * * *

(Jack and Pacey walk through the front yard at Grams’ house – Andie watches them from the veranda – Joey walks up next to Andie)

Joey: It gets easier, you know.

Andie: What does?

Joey: Being in the same room as him.

(Cut to Jack and Pacey walking up to the table outside)

Pacey: Does she every ask about me?

Jack: What do you think?

(they both begin to set the table)

Pacey: I’m thinking she’d probably hate me right about now.

Jack: Nah, only every other day.

(Pacey look over to the veranda -- cut back to Andie and Joey)

Joey: Andie, as a veteran of multiple break-ups with the same boy, I know what you’re going through. I just wanted to let you know that … that the dark nights will pass. Eventually you will find peace.

Andie: I wish I could believe you, Joey. Because sometimes, it is so unbearable, and it’s like this feeling of being uncomfortable in my own skin, and it’s like I have to keep busy, ‘cause if I stop, even for just one minute, all I can think about … is how badly I hurt him and how badly I got hurt.

(Cut back to Jack and Pacey, still setting the table)

Jack: Well, it’s not a judgement, it’s a fact. I mean, you broke my sister’s heart.

Pacey: She broke mine.

Jack: OK. So … imagine how much pain she’s in.

(Andie and Joey, back inside the house)

Andie: So … ah, you guys have gotten to be pretty good friends lately.

Joey: Yeah. I mean Pacey’s a doofus, but, you know, he has his moments.

Andie: So, ah, so … does he talk about me?

Joey: Not really, Andie. (Andie looks upset) I mean, you know Pacey. I mean, if he can’t come up with a clever quip about something, then he goes stoic. The way he feels about you, he keeps that close to his heart. It’s really precious to him, Andie.

* * * * *

(Entire group having Thanksgiving dinner)

Grams: (tapping her glass to get attention) And now my favourite part of the meal—shall we all stand and join hands. Dawson Leery, would you begin.

Dawson: Ah, sure. Um, I would like to give thanks for the, ah, wonderful food that was just on our table.

Group: Here, here.

Mitch: (to Pacey) Great cranberries.

Dawson: Um, I’d also like to give thanks for the opportunity to gather with, ah, friends and family, who, in the best of all worlds are the one and the same.

Pacey: Well, I would just like to pass along my thanks to the ladies of the Ryan brood for an outstanding meal, and an afternoon of peace, both of which will be sorely lacking from the noisy, dysfunctional feast I’ll be having in about 45 minutes.

Andie: First of all, I’d like to thanks Mrs Ryan for her kindness, and for welcoming me into her home at the last minute.

Grams: Of course, dear.

Andie: But I guess what I’m most thankful for … is my friends. All of you around this table have helped me in so many ways that you’ll never know, and ( about to cry) without you I’d be lost.

Jack: Ah, I’d like to give thanks … for the kind of people that take strays into their life. You know, the kind of person to whom it doesn’t matter whether or not you’re family. Just that you have a home.

(Grams smiles)

Joey: It’s my turn, I guess. Um, I guess I’d– I would just like to give thanks to all the people we love who, aren’t necessarily here with us today, for whatever reason. Just because they’re not here doesn’t mean we love them any less.

Grams: It’s your turn, Jennifer.

Jen: Let me think. Well, I– keeping with the theme I guess I’d like to give thanks for second chances. For the opportunity to try and rebuild bridges once thought beyond repair. And for the promise of many more Thanksgiving’s to come.

Helen: (Walking away from the table) Excuse me.

(Grams turns to go after her)

Jen: Grams. I’ll go.

* * * * *

(Helen walking through the grass – Jen is trying to catch up)

Jen: Mom, wait up.

(Helen pauses until Jen catches up, then they both begin walking)

Jen: I didn’t mean to upset you by what I said. I was just being honest.

Helen: You didn’t upset me. I was just thinking.

Jen: About what?

Helen: Well, maybe I did something right for a change.

Jen: What do you mean?

Helen: Sending you to live with Grams.

Jen: Sending isn’t the way I’d put it.

Helen: Fair enough, Jen. But I don’t think you realise how lucky you are. I’ve been searching in vain for friends like that all my life.

Jen: Well I’m glad that makes you feel better, but … as good as friends as they are, they’re not family.

(they stop walking and face one another)

Helen: You’re right, Jen.

Jen: I mean, this past year has been anything but easy for me. I’ve … stumbled and picked myself up, and stumbled and picked myself up, over and over and over, with no safety net.

Helen: I know I should have been there for you. I should have written or called.

Jen: (becoming teary) So why didn’t you?

Helen: I wish I could tell you that. For a thousand different reasons—I kept wanting to.

(they begin to walk again)

Jen: You have no idea how much that hurts.

Helen: I know.

Jen: What did I do that was so bad? What was so wrong?

Helen: Nothing, Jen, nothing so wrong.

Jen: Then what?

Helen: Let me try and explain this.

* * * * *

(Back at Grams’ house – Gail and Mitch are talking and laughing at the table – Dawson approaches)

Dawson: Do you mind if you join you?

Gail: Well of course not. Sweetheart, I was very proud of what you said at the table today.

Mitch: Dawson, check out your mom’s pie. It’s well worth the wait.

(Mitch and Gail start eating again)

Dawson: Alright, guys, that’s enough.

Gail: What’s wrong?

Dawson: You two, acting like Rob and Laura Petrie. One more moment of false sitcommy good cheer, I’m gonna throw up your oyster stuffing.

Gail: we’re just trying to become friends again, Dawson.

Dawson: Friends, or more than friends? Mom, you move back into town and you take up residence in our guest room. What is that supposed to mean? Are you part of the family, or are you a tenant, or … what?

Mitch: It’s not that simple, Dawson.

Dawson: (sighs) It never is with you two.

(Dawson moves around the table and sits next to Gail)

Dawson: Alright, look. I’m obviously out of the loop here, but maybe that’s for the best, OK. I mean, because the last I want to do is get caught in the middle of your drama. BUT, guys, if there’s something going on that affects me, then I need to know about it, OK, you guys have to be honest with me.

(Mitch and Gail look uncomfortably at one another, knowing they have to tell Dawson something important)

* * * * *

(Back to Jen and her mom – both are sitting down on a bench)

Jen: OK, let me see if I understand. Mother finds daughter in compromising situation, and, instead of sharing her own experiences as a teenager when … when she actually got pregnant and had a child, mother instead turns into a hypocrite and sends her daughter into exile?

Helen: It wasn’t only me, there was also your father to consider.

Jen: Well, I forgot about him.

Helen: Just for a minute, try to put yourself in my place.

Jen: Why didn’t you tell me this earlier? Didn’t you once think that maybe it would help with what I was going through, that you would make something easier on me? Ins– instead of pushing me away and turning your back?

Helen: It was a shameful secret. A secret I’ve had to carry for over twenty years.

Jen: So the answer was to then make me fell dirty and ashamed?

Helen: That was never my intention.

Jen: You know what I think? I think you’re just afraid of dad finding out. About *your* indiscretion. The story of my life, just waiting for the day that you decide to take my story for once over his.

Helen: You can think what you want, Jen. But I was not, and am not, prepared to wind up alone.

Jen: And that’s the difference between you and me, mom—because I would rather be alone than in a pathetic, loveless marriage. (she gets up to leave)

Helen: Don’t go.

Jen: Mom, you are the most intensely selfish person that I have ever known.

(Her mom just stares back at her)

Jen: God, I mean look at you, you can’t even cry. Something’s taken that away from you—you’re numb, and you know what, you look grateful for it. Know why you’re so afraid of being alone? Because the day you are, you’re going to have to look inside of yourself and you’re going to see what I’ve known for a long time—there’s nothing there.

(Jen walks off)

* * * * *

(Grams’ house – Bessie is holding the crying baby, and Joey sits beside her)

Bessie: Well, he’s had it. It’s definitely time for us to go.

Joey: Yeah. Let me just say goodbye to them, alright?

(Bessie stands up, collecting the nappy bag)

Bessie: It’s just us, not you. You stay, be with your friends.

(Bessie starts to walk away as Dawson approaches)

Dawson: Hey Bessie. You leaving?

Bessie: Hi. Oh, yeah.

Dawson: I’ll see you later. (he goes over and sits next to Joey)

Joey: Hey. So … I, ah, saw you huddled up with your parents over there. What’s going on with them?

Dawson: Well, the final chapter of the Mitch/Gail saga.

Joey: What do you mean?

Dawson: The divorce is final. The, ah, Leery’s of Capeside are officially finished as a family.

Joey: (leaning in close) You know how sorry I am.

Dawson: I know.

Joey: So what did you say to them when they told you?

Dawson: I really let them have it this time. I looked them both in the eye, and I said, ‘congratulations’.

Joey: Good for you, Dawson.

Dawson: Yeah, but you know what? I figure after a year of iffing and butting, any decision is a good decision. Right?

Joey: (vigorously nods her head) Hm-mm.

Dawson: You know, I mean, besides, the only homes we have are the ones we make ourselves.

Joey: I know what you mean.

Dawson: So what do you say we really cut loose tonight?

(Joey looks at him dubiously)

Dawson: Yeah. Act out our teenage ennui in, wanton, destructive ways.

Joey: What do have in mind?

Dawson: Sex … drugs, rock’n’roll. Or we (laughs) could just sit right here and have a mind-blowing three-hour conversation.

* * * * *

(Pacey is walking down the front steps of Grams’ house – Jen comes up to him and begins to drag him along)

Jen: C’mere.

Pacey: Ah, where are we going?

Jen: To the gardening shed to play in the enriched potting soil.

Pacey: Did I, ah, miss something here?

Jen: No. We agreed to be available at a moment’s notice. Besides, don’t you like getting dirty?

(they reach the shed and go inside)

Pacey: I– I– I do, but you see, I– I don’t want to seem like a prude here, Jen, but I actually– (he looks at his watch) I really can’t do this right now.

(Jen begins to take Pacey’s jacket off)

Jen: Come on, Pacey. I can say with absolute certainty that there will be no giggling right now.

(she goes to kiss him, but Pacey pulls away)

Pacey: You– you, just, ah, need to give me a second to catch up here.

Jen: Pacey, our arrangement precludes any sort of emotional foreplay.

Pacey: Yes, it does. (he takes both of her hands away from his shirt) Which, by extension, also precludes the idea of angry sex. (she glares at him) Now you want to tell me what just happened with your mom?

Jen: (sharply) Nothing. (pause) OK, long story short—like mother, like daughter. Seems I’m not the only girl in the Lindley family who can’t say ‘no’.

Pacey: Ah … well, wake up and smell the sanctimony, mom.

Jen: My sentiments exactly. I plan to file it under ‘I wish I never knew’.

Pacey: I wouldn’t be so hasty. Ah …

Jen: What Pacey?

Pacey: For what it’s worth, as a guy who has just gone through this himself, what just happened to you is a defining moment. When you come to see your parents as human beings, with their own problems, it is, oddly, kind of liberating. And when you realise, they’re way more messed up than you are, it’s not worth your time or energy to go on despising them for it.

(Jen begins to cry and Pacey hugs her)

* * * * *

(Evening outside of Grams’ house. Helen pushes the trunk on her car shut and is about to open the driver door when Jen walks through the gate and approaches)

Jen: Leaving so soon?

Helen: I think I’ve wreaked enough havoc for one holiday, don’t you? (she opens the door)

Jen: If you’re worried I’m going to spill your little secret to dad, don’t. I won’t get in the middle. It’s your marriage, and your life.

Helen: Jennifer—

Jen: But I don’t regret saying any of the things that I did. I won’t take them back.

Helen: I deserved them. I deserve everything that happens to me.

Jen: What do you mean?

Helen: Don’t marry a cold man, Jen. Don’t wake up at 40 and realise that one false move and, everything you’ve built you life around could be pulled out from under you.

Jen: Why don’t you just divorce him?

Helen: I can’t.

Jen: Why not?

Helen: Because do you realise what happens to women like me when their marriages fail? The charity events stop, the social register inexplicably loses your address, and you disappear. You just disappear.

Jen: Since you put me on that plane I always thought that you hated me. But you never did, did you?

Helen: (shaking her head slowly) No.

Jen: I anyone, you just hated yourself. God, if I had realised that, the past year would have been so much easier for me.

Helen: I’m sorry, Jen.

Jen: (with conviction) I know.

Helen: I guess now I have to stop worrying that you’ll turn out like me. Because you’re already so much stronger than I ever was.

(they both sniffle – Grams approaches and puts her arms around Jen)

Helen: I guess I should be going.

Grams: Bye Helen.

Jen: Bye mom. Call me sometime.

Helen: I will.

(She shuts the door and drives off)

Grams: You alright?

Jen: Yeah. I’ll be fine.

(Grams goes back to the house – Jen sees Andie, Jack, Joey and Dawson sitting at a campfire – Pacey comes up besides Jen on his bike)

Jen: (smiles) Pacey. What are you doing here?

Pacey: Oh, I just couldn’t do it. You know, I got right up to my front door, and I thought to myself, ‘what the hell am I doing here?’ I mean honestly, who would I rather be spending my time with—my family who thinks I’m an idiot, or my friends, who think I’m an idiot?

(they begin walking towards the group)

Jen: Well, I’m glad that you’re here.

Pacey: Yeah? No hard feelings for this afternoon?

Jen: Except the ones of utter embarrassment. No, I’m sorry about what happened.

Pacey: Sorry? There’s no need for you to apologise to me. I know, this may be a little hard for you to believe, but actually, it’s not everyday that a beautiful woman throws herself at me.

(Jen laughs)

Jen: And– and thank you.

Pacey: For what?

Jen: Conduct above and beyond.

Pacey: Ah, it was nothing.

Jen: Pacey, you’re a sixteen year old boy – that must have taken superhuman restraint.

Pacey: (wholeheartedly agreeing and putting his arm around her shoulders as they walk over to the group) Oh, Jen, you have no idea …

(Jen laughs again – they arrive at the group)

Pacey: (to Andie) Is this seat taken?

Andie: It is now.

(Pacey sits down)

Dawson: You know what I’m thinking? It’s been kind of a while, you know, since we all ended up in the same spot together. I must say, it’s nice.

Jen: You know Dawson, you’re right. I feel like I’m in the middle of, ah, a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special.

Andie: (excitedly) Oh, I loved that one. That’s the one where they all eat on the ping-pong table, but it keeps collapsing, and then they end up making the popcorn.

Joey: Yeah, well, I think a group hug is a little premature, however. I’m sure we’ll find a way to be estranged again in no time.

Dawson: Well, before we do, I would just like to say that in a world where people who raise you end up letting you down, it’s an honour and privilege to have you guys to turn to.

Joey: Well, I can’t wait for the Oscar speech – I mean, there’s not going to be a dry eye in the house.

(The group sit around the fire, drinking from mugs and chatting)

FADE TO CREDITS