(Joey and Pacey on True Love – Pacey reels in a fish with his fishing rod – it’s early evening – the sun is close to setting on the horizon)

Pacey: (turning to Joey who’s tying down one of the sails) Hey. I just caught us some dinner.

Joey: Ah, seafood. Great change of pace, Pace.

(she walks over towards him)

Pacey: Was that a note of disgust I detect at our sustenance of the ocean born?

Joey: (both sitting down on the deck) After this trip, if I never eat another thing that breathes through gills again, it’ll be too soon.

(she leans forward and kisses his neck)

Pacey: (looking at the approaching land) So there she blows, Capeside, Mass., our first and last port of call.

Joey: (looking over her shoulder) It doesn’t look much different than when we left it, does it?

Pacey: Well that’s cause it ain’t, fraulein.

Joey: I’m in no more of a race than you are to get back there, but it’s not like we have another choice in the matter.

Pacey: We don’t have to go home. We survived three months taking odd jobs; we can survive as long as we want. Just as long as we’re happy.

Joey: (looks sceptical) Pacey, if you’re so serious about this then why bring it up now, two hours from home?

Pacey: (correcting her) Twelve hours from home. (standing) See, I think we should probably drop anchor here, have a bite to eat, and then we can debate whether or not to scrap this whole mission home.

(Pacey makes his way to the front of the boat – Joey follows)

Joey: (raised eyebrows) No, I don’t believe you Pacey Witter. I mean, as truant as your natural instinct may be, you’d never really suggest we skip our senior year entirely.

Pacey: Just what would we be missing from the land of poorly scripted melodramas, huh? Recycled plot lines, tiresome self-realisations; you throw in the occasional downward spiral of a dear friend and maybe a baby here and a death there, and all you’ve really got (leaning in to kiss her) is a recipe for some soul-sucking, (they kiss) mind numbing (kiss again) ennui (kiss a third time). And I for once could skip it.

Joey: (smiling) You know what continually amazes me, Pacey?

Pacey: And what’s that?

Joey: How long you’ve lasted without being thrown off this boat.

Pacey: Well finally! Something that we can both agree upon.

(they smile and hold hands then they jump fully-clothed in slo-mo off True Love and into the water)

* * * * *

(Capeside beach – Jen, Jack and Andie sit in beach chairs enjoying the sun)

Jen: (in answer to a question) I’d kick off Jack.

(Jack throws his head and rolls his eyes back in disgust)

Jack: You'd kick me off the island before you'd kick off Andie?

Jen: Andie is very resourceful.

Andie: (chuckling) Yeah, alright! Give it up for girl power.

Jack: Yeah, ruthless alliance.

Andie: Oh, come on, Jack, it’s not like we kicked you off first or anything. I mean, we already kicked off Grams.

Jen: (chimes in) Yeah.

Jack: Yeah, that comparison just bathes me in relief.

(Dawson walk up fresh from a swim)

Dawson: You guys should go in, the water’s warm. (he grabs a towel and starts drying himself)

Andie: Yeah, right. And reapply the 20 minutes of lotion I just put on? No thanks.

Jack: (starting to get up) We gotta go. We gotta paint Mrs Hancock’s at 2 o’clock.

Jen: (teasingly) Hmmm. Sounds kinky.

Dawson: He means her house. It’s the last one of the season. And (looks at his watch), we’ve still got an hour before we have to be there.

Jack: (grabbing his backpack) Yeah, but we gotta drop by the hardware store. (counting on his fingers) We gotta get some paint, we gotta get some rollers...

Dawson: Hold on. It’s our last beach day of the season, I wanna get this on record. (he reaches into his bag and gets out a camera)

Jen: (pleads) Dawson, please, no pictures. I look awful.

Dawson: Well now you’re gonna look awful for posterity, right? (the three pose) Ok, one...two...three... (takes photo)

Jack: (standing) Well I’ll see you guys at the Dive-in tonight?

Jen: Yep. Dawson, I hear that they’re playing Jaws.

Dawson: (smiles) Oh, good, I don’t think I’ve seen that one yet.

(they all laugh and Jack and Dawson leave)

Jack: See ya.

Andie: See ya.

Jen: Bye.

(after a moment)

Andie: Oooooooh, cute boooys, two o’clock.

(Jen glances over to a couple of guys, one dark-skinned with long dreadlocks, the other a fair-skinned guy with short sandy hair – both are shirtless)

Jen: Like it even matters.

Andie: Oh, come on, one of us is single.

Jen: (laughs) Yeah, in theory. But in practice, Andie—let’s face it—you’re sex life this summer has been an episode of Abstinence In The City.

Andie: Well is it my fault if this one-horse hamlet hasn’t offered a suitable summer fling?

Jen: (laughing) Oh, Andie, there are plenty of guys. Face it, you’re just not bold enough to go up and talk to them.

Andie: And if you were in my shoes you would?

Jen: Yes! I mean, come on, I think that my resume speaks for itself.

Andie: Fine. I’m going to go talk to them.

Jen: Okay!

Andie: I am.

Jen: You go!

Andie: I am...

Jen: Well?

Andie: (stuttering) Well, I am just... negotiating the proper approach.

Jen: Well excuse me while I go negotiate the proper approach to the snack bar. (she stands up to leave) Scaredy cat.

Andie: I am not.

Jen: Are so.

Andie: Am not.

Jen: Are so!

(Andie goes back to perving on the two guys)

* * * * *

(Docks – Pacey and Joey and collecting their belongings from True Love)

Pacey: (picking up a wrapped rectangular package) Oh! That’s a little on the heavy side. Who’s that one for?

Joey: (nervously) Uh, my sister I think. Is that everything?

Pacey: Yeah, for right now I figured we’d leave the rest of the stuff on the boat and take it up tomorrow.

Joey: Okay.

(they start walking up the pier)

Pacey: Um, before we leave though, there is one other thing we should cover.

Joey: What’s that?

Pacey: Well, they’re gonna ask.

Joey: Who’s gonna ask what?

Pacey: The masses. They’re gonna ask what happened on the boat. Over the summer, between you and I, you know, sexually speaking.

Joey: No one cares, Pacey.

(Pacey gives her a "yes they do" look – they stop at the top of the pier)

Joey: Okay, maybe they do care, but they’re not gonna ask, it’s too crass.

Pacey: Well, we live in a crass age.

Joey: Okay, so what are you gonna say?

Pacey: That really depends.

Joey: On?

Pacey: On what you’re gonna say.

Joey: Well I guess I’m going to say nothing because it’s no-one’s business.

Pacey: (nodding) That’s good. Nothing sounds perfect.

Joey: (smiling) Besides, they’re not gonna ask.

Pacey: Oh, they’ll ask.

Joey: Well, this is it. The last of our summer. I go left, you go right, and we spend the next full 24 hours away from each other.

Pacey: If you’re curious as to why I’m not currently awash in sadness, it’s only because, to be perfectly honest, you were startin’ to get on my nerves, Jo.

Joey: Well, good. Because, you know, I’d hate to think that after all of our intimate talks you were actually covering up your aching heart with false bravado.

Pacey: Well, put your mind at ease. I guess I’ll call you tomorrow maybe?

Joey: (playing along) Yeah, if you think about it, sure.

Pacey: Okay.

Joey: Good luck out there.

Pacey: Thanks.

(they cross and walk in separate directions -- a few seconds later they rush back together and kiss)

* * * * *

(Hardware store – Dawson is looking at some rollers and an attractive woman with brown curly hair approaches him)

Gretchen: (mistaking Dawson for an employee) Excuse me, do you know where the light bulbs are?

Dawson: (keeps his eyes on whatever he’s trying to find) Uh, usually up.

Gretchen: I meant which aisle.

Dawson: (chuckles) I’m sorry, I don’t work here.

Gretchen: (sarcastic) Lucky for management.

Dawson: (finally turns as Gretchen starts to walk away) Um if it helps I think they’re in aisle four—(he finally realises who it is). Gretchen?

Gretchen: Dawson? Wow.

Dawson: (smiles and laughs a little) Hi.

Gretchen: Hi. How are you?

Dawson: Uh, I– damp at the moment.

Gretchen: And in the grander scheme of things? I sort of heard through the family – about last spring.

Dawson: That. I– I’m fine. I’m fine. And, uh, what about you? Still home from college for the summer?

Gretchen: A little bit longer than that. It’s no biggie, I’m just, uh, taking some time off.

Dawson: Oh. (still smiling, obviously infatuated with her) Well, at the risk of sounding trite, it’s– it’s nice to see you again.

Gretchen: At the risk of sounding redundant, it’s nice to see you too. (looks him up and down) Damp and all.

(they share a laugh and Gretchen walks off just as Jack appears carrying a can of paint)

Jack: (eyes follow Gretchen as she walks away) Okay, I got the paint, you got the rollers, who’s the girl?

Dawson: (playing dumb) Uh, what girl?

Jack: The, uh, girl you’re gonna pretend to have no knowledge of until I annoy you with the question over and over and over again.

(they start walking down the aisle)

Dawson: That girl. Uh, long story.

Jack: Good, because we’ve got the whole side of Mrs Hancock’s to paint.

* * * * *

(Potter B&B – Joey and Bessie in the kitchen)

Joey: (shocked) I can’t believe you!

Bessie: I’m your sister. I’m entitled to know.

Joey: (shaking her head) No you’re not.

Bessie: I’ll rephrase – I’m your sister whom you ditched high and dry last June – I’m entitled to know.

Joey: (places a pot plant on the table) Open your gift.

Bessie: (not very enthusiastic) A plant.

Joey: It’s a Carolina Jasmine. (smiles, reminiscing) At the night, when the wind hit right, we could smell them two miles out on the water.

Bessie: A night while you and Pacey were...?

Joey: (sighs and stands up) Quit it. (walking towards her bedroom) I haven’t even unpacked yet.

Bessie: (follows) Oh, hey, Joey, wait.

(Joey opens her bedroom door and some guy yells out "Hey" – Joey quickly shuts the door)

Joey: Why is there an underwear-clad stranger in my bedroom?

Bessie: That’s were he lives.

Joey: You rented out my room?

Bessie: Until Tuesday. Come over here. It’s my turn to give you a gift.

(they walk back into the kitchen – she places a book on the table)

Joey: Our accounting book. (hands on hips) So kind.

Bessie: (laughs and opens the book, pointing a figure at the bottom of a page) Look at that number.

(it reads + $17,240)

Joey: (looking forlorn) Bessie, I’m sorry, I didn’t realise how difficult it would be, I...

Bessie: (smiling) Joey, it has a plus next to it, not a minus. Welcome to one of the most successful Bed and Breakfast’s in the State. We’ve doubles our rates and we’re still booked well through the fall.

Joey: (dumbfounded) Wh– when I call, you never mentioned—

Bessie: Because I wanted it to be a surprise.

(they share a smile and hug)

* * * * *

(Capeside beach – Jen comes back from the snack bar to find Andie talking with the two guys she said were cute)

Andie: (smugly) Oh, why there you are, Jennifer. I was just chatting with the guys. I’d like you to meet (pointing to the dark-skinned guy) Jéan, and (pointing at the fair-skinned guy) Jéan-Jéan.

Jen: Hmmm. Hello...Jéan’s.

Andie: (stands up next to Jen) They’re French.

Jen: (holding her milkshake) Get out of Dodge.

Andie: And they’re backpacking through the, uh, east coast for the summer. Just stopped in Capeside yesterday. Oooh, tell me they are not adorable times 10 times 10 to the 10th power.

Jen: Andie, they can hear ya.

Andie: It’s doesn’t matter. One of them barely speaks English, the other one knows "hello", "goodbye" and lyrics to a sing-song.

Jéan: (heavy French accent) We would like very much for you to tour us the city.

Andie: (answering immediately) We’d love to.

Jen: Uh, sorry boy’s, I’m gonna have to catch up with you on the Riviere.

Andie: Okay, Frenchies, let’s go tour Capeside. (teasingly) And any other terrain you’re interested in covering.

* * * * *

(Doug’s house – Doug holds up a snow globe containing a snowman with a top hat and little carrot floating inside)

Pacey: It’s a Florida Snowman. You get it?

Doug: (sarcastic) Notice my fits of laughter.

Pacey: (flops down on the sofa) So, oh yeah. How’s my favourite couch been? I mean, have you been keepin’ it warm for me?

Doug: You know, well it’s funny that you should bring that up.

Pacey: (sitting up) Oh, come on now Douggie, you’re not gonna cast me out to the wolves, are you?

Doug: (shrugs shoulders) It seems I have to. Somebody’s already moved in. Sorry.

Pacey: (getting up off the sofa) Uh, you and Rupert finally decide to tie the knot?

Doug: I see three months on the water has done absolutely nothing to improve your sense of humour.

Pacey: (surprised) Don’t tell me this is a girl or somethin’?

Doug: (teasingly) Well yes, as a matter of fact it is.

Pacey: Yeah, well that’s just fantastic. Just as I need a place to sleep you decide to get all hetero on me.

Doug: As much as I would love to put an end to your inaccurate comments regarding my sexuality, I assure you that this relationship is purely platonic.

Pacey: Good, then I’m sure whoever this mystery guest is couldn’t possibly be as important as your baby bro, bro.

Doug: That’s where you’re wrong, ‘cause she’s equally important, and equally related.

(Gretchen enters the front door carrying the light bulbs from the hardware store)

Gretchen: Sorry I’m late, Doug, I got stopped at the hardware store to get some light bulbs.

(she finally realises Pacey is there)

Pacey: Gretchen?

Gretchen: (laughs) Hey, nice hair, loser. Give your big sis a hug? (she opens her arms and Pacey goes over and they embrace)

* * * * *

(Joey walks up and stands before Dawson’s house – she enters the front door and looks around)

Joey: Hello? Hello? (crossing into the dining room) Mrs Leery? Mr Leery? Dawson?

(cut to Joey entering Dawson’s room – it’s empty – the room has been repainted taupe, with new curtains, bedspread and the room is littered with framed photographs of Jen, Jack and Andie – Joey looks around the room with hands on hips, looking lonely)

* * * * *

(Hancock house – Dawson stands on the ground preparing a roller while Jack paints the railings on the second floor veranda)

Dawson: She was my first crush. I was, uh, ten, eleven, so she must have been, well, thirteen. I was spending an evening at the Witter’s house and Gretchen and two of her friends were out in the backyard. Pacey had the brilliant idea of water bombing the whole lot of them. We went to work for about two hours filling water balloons. By the time we’d gotten outside Gretchen and her friends were already in their bathing suits. They’d heard the plot through an open bathroom window. (Dawson puts the roller in the paint tray and starts painting) And, uh, of course, Pacey decided to balloon them anyway, but I remember just staring.

Jack: (chuckling) At Gretchen?

Dawson: Hmm-mm. Thinking I’d never seen a girl in a bathing suit before. It just... it hit me. Without warning, right then and there. And from then on, any money that would have formerly gone on... baseball cards or action figures was now being spent on chocolates and five dollar tulips that I would leave anonymously for Gretchen on her stoop.

(Jack just smiles down at him)

Dawson: It wasn’t until two years later that my crush had been a running family joke.

Jack: (still chuckling) Yeah, right. So what happened?

Dawson: The same thing that happens to all adolescent crushes – absolutely nothing.

* * * * *

(Doug’s house – Pacey and Gretchen walk out from the kitchen to the lounge room)

Pacey: I will simply not be replaced. It’s too damaging to my fragile ego.

Gretchen: Oh, get over yourself.

Pacey: Why don’t you get over yourself, okay? Aren’t you a college student or something?

Gretchen: It’s called taking time off.

Pacey: (sarcastic) Sure it is. I’m the only other that you’ve never been able to fool.

Gretchen: Mind your own business, little brother.

Pacey: Let go of my living quarters and maybe I won’t dig up whatever sordid mess that landed you in this remote corner of the world.

(Doug is standing in the doorway holding a glass of wine)

Doug: Okay, alright alright alright, that’s enough you two. Now Pacey, you currently have other living options, Gretchen does not.

Gretchen: (nods to Doug) Thank you.

Pacey: Really? And what might those options be, Douggie?

Doug: Well, for starters, there’s your boat.

Pacey: Are you jokin’? I spent the last hundred days living on that thing.

Doug: Okay, fine. Kerry and the no-neck monsters are still at mom and dad’s, but I believe there is a couch there, am I wrong?

Pacey: Oh, no, you’re not wrong, I’d just sooner take a cot on death row.

Gretchen: Hey, there’s always the zoo. (she smiles)

Doug: Down, Gretchzilla. (he sits on the sofa)

Gretchen: As usual, your level of maturity astounds. (sitting next to Pacey) I know, why don’t you stay with Joey?

Pacey: (pouring himself a drink) What’s that supposed to mean?

Gretchen: Well, you have a girlfriend now. I’m sure she’d be more than happy to set you up with a little bed... or share hers.

Pacey: You know, honestly, I don’t appreciate that suggestion or the tone that accompanies it.

Doug: Yeah, well, Gretch has got a point. I mean, uh, if any place has extra rooms it’s a B&B.

Pacey: I’m not going to impose upon that family.

Gretchen: You know, why should you when you have your own family to impose upon?

Pacey: Ah, Gretchen, so good to have you home. (slaps forehead with hand) Oh no, oops, silly me, I don’t have a home any more.

Gretchen: (without sincerity) Hey, it pains me to see you this way. It really does. Pass the ice tea. (Doug passes the tea) Thanks.

* * * * *

(Jen’s house – Joey and Jen sit at the kitchen table – Grams stands nearby – Jen is shelling peas from their pods)

Jen: So, football camp let to an unexpected scholarship at Hanover Academy and Henry and his parents decided that attending would double his college options, so... next thing you know I’m dating a guy that goes to boarding school four hours away.

Grams: (turns from the sink to face them) They’re doing what Jennifer terms the "long-distance thang".

Jen: Which ironically Grams disapproves of.

Grams: (coming over to the table with a vase of flowers) Well, youth is a time to be spend in the now, not pining away for a solitary weekend every other month or so.

Jen: Isn’t there a pair if knitting needles calling your name somewhere?

Grams: (gives Jen a little smile) I suppose they are. (addressing Joey) Goodbye Josephine, nice to have you back, safe and sound.

(Joey just smiles and nods in reply)

Jen: Okay, enough me, you’re the one fresh from the world excursion. So...?

Joey: (smiling, her voice having a tone of wonder) We had the time of our lives. I honestly wouldn’t even know where to begin talking about it.

Jen: (smiles) Well I’ll help you out – cut to the sordid stuff.

Joey: Jen!

Jen: Joey, come on, I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t want to know. I mean, you and Pacey, alone on a boat for three months – everybody’s gonna ask.

Joey: (shrugging shoulders and speaking defiantly) Look, we’re not talking about it.

Jen: (smirking) With my experience with that particular yes or no question, no means no and "we’re not talking about it" means you did it.

Joey: (throws arms out) You got me. We did it. All day, all night, 24/7.

(Jen realises Joey is being a smart ass and rolls eyes)

Joey: Are you aware that there are thirty-eight known differing sexual positions? And forty-two if you're flexible enough.

Jen: (looks a little embarrassed for asking) Okay, it’s none of my business.

(a silence ensues – Joey looks out the window at Dawson’s house)

Joey: Jen, how is everyone else doing?

Jen: Good. Yeah, everybody’s good.

(Joey nods, looking a little disappointed that Jen didn’t go into detail)

Joey: (standing) I should probably be going, I promised Bessie I’d help with dinner.

Jen: Well, what are you doing tonight? Are you and Pacey just layin’ low?

Joey: (grabbing her shoulder bag) No, we’re not doing anything, we’re taking our first official night off from each other.

Jen: Well, we are going to the Dive-in. Why don’t you join us?

Joey: I don’t know that that is just a good idea—

Jen: Eight o'clock, Stupmuck Cove, and I'm going to tell everybody that you're gonna be there.

Joey: (smiles in defeat) Bye.

* * * * *

(Andie is taking the two French guys on a tour of Capeside)

Andie: (motioning to a building) And to our right we have a very historic building where many historic events occurred. Sorry, I hope I’m not boring you with all the specifics.

Jéan: Oh, no no, you are beautiful when you speak.

Andie: (girlishly) Ooh, stop!

(they both stop walking)

Andie: (turns) Oh, no, I didn’t really mean stop.

Jéan: I am sorry, I don’t understand.

Andie: Never mind. (pointing to Jéan-Jéan) So, uh, does he ever speak?

(the two guys exchange some words)

Jéan: When he wants.

(Andie just raises her eyebrows)

Andie: So, anyway, uh, what’s your town like.

Jéan: I come from Paris. Have you been?

Andie: (closes eyes looking like she died and went to heaven) Ooh, no, but I want to go desperately.

Jéan: Why?

Andie: Because! It’s the city of romance, it’s– it’s the city of love lost and found, it’s... Dargase, Sussaan, and Monet and Van Gough. I’ve never been there but it’s as though I know it better than my own home.

(Jéan-Jéan says a few words in French)

Andie: What’d he say?

Jean: (translating) He said "you know it so well because it’s in your heart".

(Andie just blushes and smiles girlishly again).

* * * * *

(Dawson’s house – Dawson and Jen are in a darkroom he’s made for his new photography passion – Jen is checking proofs of negatives and Dawson waits on some photos that are developing)

Dawson: (very casual) So, how’d she look?

Jen: (in a warning tone) Dawson.

Dawson: It’s a question.

Jen: (relenting) She looked great.

Dawson: Great. Great. Are you sure the light wasn’t in your eyes; she didn’t grow a hump or come down with some hideous skin disorder or something?

Jen: (sighs and puts hands on hips) Does this mean that you don’t want to see her?

Dawson: (considers it) Ah, I didn’t say that.

Jen: Good, because I invited her to come with us to the Dive-in with us tonight.

Dawson: (alarmed) You – (throws head back and sighs) ... how very thoughtful of you.

Jen: Dawson, come on, you’re just going to have to dispense with the awkward intros sooner or later, so why not...?

Dawson: (pegging a newly developed photo to a line) Whatever happened to the natural progression of things, huh?

Jen: Joey naturally came over and I naturally invited her– I don’t know.

Dawson: So is what's-his-name going to be there?

Jen: No. No, they’re taking the night off. Which, would make this the perfect opportunity for the two of you to have your inevitable ingenuity conversation where you decide to be friends forever no matter what happens.

Dawson: (becoming serious) Why are you so resolute about this? (he hands another photo)

Jen: (laughs nervously) Oh, I dunno, I guess I’ve just been thinking back to the way everything went down last year, you know, how you found out and all, I—

Dawson: What, you feel responsible?

Jen: Yes, I do. Wouldn’t you?

Dawson: (smiles) Look, the only thing you’re responsible for is helping me have arguably the best summer of my life.

(Jen kinda half-smiles in relief)

* * * * *

(Dawson and Jen exit the darkroom to the sounds of talking and giggling by Mitch and Gale as they lay on the sofa kissing – Dawson crosses arms and coughs to get their attention)

Mitch: (raises head in surprise) Dawson?

Gale: Jen.

Mitch: Dawson and Jen.

Dawson: (to Jen) Welcome to the Leery household where it’s déjà-screw all over again.

Mitch: (getting off Gale and standing – his shirt is mostly unbuttoned) No no no, we we’re just, uh, going over the, uh, possible renovations for the home.

Gale: (stands up beside him) You’re dying on the fire dear. (they laugh)

Jen: (laughing too) Later Mrs Leery. Mr Leery. (she motions to Mr Leery about his unbuttoned shirt)

(Jen and Dawson leave – Mitch and Gale start walking upstairs)

Mitch: You said, uh, you checked the rooms.

Gale: I did.

Mitch: Hmm-mm. Well, uh, you didn’t check the darkroom.

Gale: I didn’t count the darkroom.

Mitch: From now on, the darkroom counts.

* * * * *

(Joey sits on the dock near her house – Pacey comes up from behind and covers her eyes with his hands)

Pacey: Guess who?

Joey: (flirtatiously) Hmmm, well, let's see—it can't possibly be my boyfriend—we’re aren't supposed to see each other until tomorrow. He-- he was growing sick of me.

Pacey: Yeah, that was before he found out he was homeless and needed to bum a couch for the night. Please?

(they kiss)

Joey: Oooh, try again, the B&B’s booked, I’m on the couch myself until Tuesday.

(Pacey groans and sits beside her)

Pacey: Is it just me, or are you starting to get the distinct feeling that, this town really didn’t miss us all that much?

Joey: (nods agreement) It’s like the reverse of It's A Wonderful Life; everyone's better off without us.

Pacey: Except for each other.

(Joey smiles and they touch foreheads)

Pacey: So what did you want to do tonight?

(Joey’s face falls)

Pacey: Did you want to grab some pizza and hang out on the boat, or, I was thinking maybe we could go catch a bad summer movie at the (word?) theatre, what do you say?

Joey: Well, uh, actually, uh, Jen invited me to the Dive-in.

Pacey: (frowning, in a whiney tone) The Dive-in? Everybody from school’s gonna be at the Dive-in. To be perfectly honest, I don’t think I’m prepared for that quite yet.

(Joey just raises her eyebrows and turns away in silence)

Pacey: (frowns some more) Were you gonna go without me?

(Joey makes a "well actually, I was" face)

Joey: We can just go together. I mean, it’d be fun, and healthy, you know, to see everyone.

Pacey: (in a flat tone of voice) To see Dawson.

Joey: (talking slow as though Pacey is a child) Yes, to see Dawson, which we’ve talked about, Pacey, and it’s no secret that I’m anxious to get things squared away with him.

Pacey: (sighs) No, it’s no secret. And to be perfectly honest, (he kisses her) I don’t really care where we go or what we do, so long as we do it together.

(Joey smiles and they kiss some more)

Joey: Thank you.

(Pacey just smiles and shrugs – Joey stands and walks back towards the house – Pacey stares out over the water looking worried)

* * * * *

(Dive-in – Jaws is playing – it’s a huge movie screen set out in the water – movie-goers either sit on the beach, splash around in the water, or sit on boats bobbing in the water – Jack, Jen and Dawson all sit in a boat)

Andie: (to Dawson, Jen and Jack) Hey! (to the French guys) You guys go on in, I’ll just be just a second.

(Andie walks about knee deep in water over to Dawson, Jack and Jen)

Jack: Ah, looks like somebody found some new friends.

(Andie just giggles)

Dawson: And don’t forget, Andie, it was the French who coined the term ménage à trios.

Andie: (retorts) Ménage-I-don’t-think-so. Besides, I only like the one who speaks English. The other one just stands there looking like a dolt.

Jen: So do you know if he’s single yet?

Andie: (smiles) I’m working on it. Gimme an hour.

(she wades back off to be with the French guys)

Jack: Unbelievable.

(cut to Pacey and Joey walking hand in hand along the water’s edge – Dawson turns and sees them, his face turning from smile to instant frown – Pacey and Dawson exchange hateful stares)

Dawson: (whispers) I thought you said he wasn’t going to be here, Jen?

Jen: (looks over and does a double-take) He wasn’t, Dawson.

Dawson: (looking straight ahead at the screen) Well why is he here, Jen?

Jen: Good question, Dawson.

(Jen and Dawson sneak another glance over to Pacey and Joey, both of whom look nervous)

Joey: Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.

Pacey: Well, it wasn’t my idea in the first place.

Joey: (pulling her hand away from Pacey’s) Do you think that, um...

Pacey: That maybe I should go and get us something to drink while you go and say hi?

(Joey nods as Pacey starts walking away)

Pacey: Sure.

Joey: I mean, I just think it will be easier.

Pacey: (pauses) Yeah, no problem. Be back in a couple of minutes.

Joey: Okay.

(Dawson stands up and walks away)

Jen: Okay, where are you goin’?

Dawson: To get a better seat.

Jen: Dawson.

Dawson: I don’t mind seeing her, but I’m not gonna go out of my way to talk to her.

Jen: Can’t you go out of my way to talk to her?

(Dawson just turns and jumps off the boat)

Jack: (sighing) You work him.

Jen: You work her.

Jack: You got it.

(they both split and go their separate ways)

(Joey approaches the boat)

Jack: Joey! Hey!

Joey: (splashing through the water to reach the boat) Hey!

Jack: What’s up, how are you? (he helps her into the boat)

Joey: I’m good, how are you?

Jack: I’m good, come on in.

Joey: Thanks.

Jack: It’s good to see you.

Joey: (hugging him) It’s good to see you. (she feels his muscles) Ooh, someone’s been lifting this summer.

Jack: (nonchalant) Oh, well, there’s nothing much else to do in this town, right?

(they share a laugh)

Joey: So, where’d everyone go?

Jack: Uh...

(cut to the drinks stand where Gretchen approaches Pacey who holds two drinks)

Pacey: You know, it’s one thing that you usurped the couch, but it’s quite another to come back here and best my social standing.

Gretchen: Do you want to take a walk?

(Pacey just nods and the start walking)

Gretchen: Do you still hate me for taking your spot?

Pacey: Spot? Try bed.

Gretchen: You hate me.

Pacey: Marginally, yeah.

Gretchen: Well, retribution is yours—Doug wakes me every morning at seven dustbustering the kitchen. It’s like living with Felix Unger on crack.

Pacey: Well you’re hardly an innocent. Last we roomed together you were known to play rock music so loud small nations were kept up.

Gretchen: (chuckles) Not rock, Pacey, soul. There is a difference.

(they stop walking)

Pacey: Yeah, there is a difference—fans listen to rock music, pretentious fans listen to soul music

Gretchen: (laughs) Is it possible that you’ve actually grown more obnoxious over time?

Pacey: (shrugs) Well, it is the Witter way.

Gretchen: And somehow you still got the girl.

Pacey: (breaks out in a smile) Yes I did. Who’d ever thought me and Joey would end up together, huh?

Gretchen: Hmmm....me.

Pacey: You did not!

Gretchen: It didn’t take Nostradamus to call it. I mean, look at your similarities, you’re both classic scrappy underdogs. She’s sassy, and you’re a legendary annoyance; she’s beautiful and you’re... lucky.

Pacey: There is a compliment in there somewhere, right?

Gretchen: (laughs) You’re both lucky.

Pacey: (sincerely) Thank you. (there’s a pause) And what about you, Gretchen? Honestly, why would you come back here?

Gretchen: I’m just, uh, taking a break. (shrugs) That’s all.

Pacey: Well, as they say in non-dysfunctional families, welcome home Gretchen.

(he places an arm around her and they start to walk back)

Gretchen: And, uh, speaking of home, I have a suggestion that I think you might find appealing.

Pacey: Yeah...?

(cut back to Jaws on the big screen – Jen and Dawson sit in one boat – Jack and Joey sit in another about 20 metres away)

Joey: (sneaks a glance over to Dawson and turns back to Jack) Ask me a question.

Jack: Not yet. You just want us to look like we’re talking until he comes over, right?

Joey: (nods) Precisely, now ask me a question.

Jack: (sniggers) Actually, I do have a question.

(Joey gives him a "not you too?" look)

Joey: Not that question.

Jack: Come on!

Joey: Jack!

Jack: I won’t tell anybody, I swear. (Joey just shakes her head) Look...

(cut to Jen and Dawson)

Jen: Look, she’s doing the official "wait-for-Dawson-to-come-over" thing.

Dawson: (correcting) Oh, I think it’s the official "wait-in-vain-for-Dawson-to-come-over" thing.

Jen: (rolls eyes) One more joke like that and I’m really going to know how hard this is for you.

Dawson: It’s not hard.

Jen: Come on—

Dawson: I mean, it’s not that easy, but it’s not hard.

Jen: (looks right at Dawson) Well whatever it is, why don’t you just go get it over with?

Dawson: I’ll do it, but it’s just a highly predictable moment. I’m going to walk over there, Joey and I are gonna engage in some semi-casual conversation until the awkwardness overwhelms us both and then we’re just gonna part. Each of us surprised at how surprisingly painless the whole encounter surprisingly was.

Jen: Well then, surprise me and go on over there.

Dawson: (raises eyebrows and standing up) Alright.

(cut to Dawson jumping on the boat with Jack and Joey)

Dawson: Hey!

Joey: Hey!

(Dawson gives Jack a "nick off" look)

Jack: Uh, yeah, I’m gonna go find Jen.

Dawson: (points over his shoulders) She’s just right over there.

Jack: Okay, thanks. (he leaves)

Joey: So, uh, how’s it goin’?

Dawson: Uh, great. Great. It’s going great.

(Pacey walks along the beach and spots Dawson and Joey and frowns)

Joey: How was your summer?

Dawson: Uh... brief, but good. (Joey just nods) Yours?

Joey: (smiles shyly) Brief but good. (another awkward pause) Well you look great.

Dawson: Hey, you too.

Joey: Thanks.

(As another awkward silence ensues, Pacey walks away looking pissed)

Both: School’s on Monday...

(they both half laugh)

Dawson: It was good to see you.

Joey: It’s good to see you too.

(Dawson smiles and then turns and leaves – Joey looks a disappointed – Dawson races off behind the side of a building, slumps against the wall and breathes deeply)

* * * * *

(Cut to Andie and the two French guys coming out of the water – Andie sees Pacey strolling in her direction and does an about-face)

Andie: Oh, uh, hold on a minute guys, there’s someone that I’m not quite ready to see yet.

(the guys just look at her quizzically)

Andie: Uh, how do you say..."ex-boyfriend"?

Jéan: I understand.

Andie: Yeah. (to Jean) So, do you happen to be in a, um...?

Jéan: (nods) Her name is Nicole.

Andie: (deflated) And I bet your just crazy about her, aren’t you?

Jéan: To borrow your words, she’s Monet, Degase, Sassaan...

Andie: Okay, okay, I get the point.

(Jéan turns and walks back into the water leaving Andie and the other French guy standing there)

Andie: Of course he has a girlfriend. He’s cute, he has an accent, he has an accent, and he tells me I’m beautiful—of course he has a girlfriend, right. I mean, you guys are all the same--doesn't matter if you're French, American, English, German, Russian, Dutch, French...

(she realises "Jéan-Jéan" is staring at her)

Andie: (demands) What are you looking at?

Jéan-Jéan: (in perfect non-accented English) You’re a very rude girl.

Andie: (throws head back) You don’t even know me, so... (she stops mid-sentence, realising he speaks English) No no no, you don’t speak English.

Jéan-Jéan: (smirking) I have it on good authority that I do.

Andie: Okay, but you guys told me...

Jéan-Jéan: It was a joke. (smiling) The name’s JJ—short for John-John, not "Jéan-Jéan".

Andie: So that means that all day you---

JJ: Understood every word you said?

Andie: (embarrassed) Pardon moi, just gonna to go drown myself.

* * * * *

(Pacey walks up to Joey who stands on the beach looking out over the water – Joey turns and sees him)

Joey: Hey! There you are.

Pacey: (grabbing Joey’s arm and dragging her) And here we go.

Joey: What are you doing?

Pacey: Both of us a favour—taking us home.

Joey: (pulling her arm away) And you don’t even ask me if I wanna go?

Pacey: Do I have to?

Joey: Maybe I’m having a fun time.

Pacey: If this is how you look when you’re enjoying yourself, Jo, then you weren’t having a very good time on the boat this summer, ‘cause you never once looked like this.

Joey: (getting defensive) And you never once behaved like this.

Pacey: And just how am I behaving?

Joey: I don’t know yet—currently I’m deciding between "ass and immature child" and "arrogant and infantile boyfriend".

Pacey: (starts walking away) You know, I never wanted to come here in the first place.

Joey: Well then you shouldn’t have come.

Pacey: (turns) Yeah! (sarcastically) I guess you woulda have loved that. Would have given you all the time you needed to "square things away" with Dawson. Those were you’re words—square things away?

Joey: Pacey, dealing with Dawson is a reality for me, it’s a reality for the both of us.

Pacey: The guy hates me! I can’t fix that.

Joey: (exasperated) Well you could try!

Pacey: (starting to yell) I don’t want to!

Joey: (yelling back) Well I do! I’m sorry if you have a problem with that!

Pacey: You’re damn right I have a problem with that! You’re not even unpacked and the first thing you think to do is come here and—

Joey: I can’t help it if he’s been on my mind. But it doesn’t mean what you think it means.

Pacey: I don’t know what it means. I don’t care what it means. I’ve just watched you grow more and more pre-occupied every day this week and I’m tired of it. And it better stop!

(he storms off)

Joey: (walks after him a few steps) You better watch your ordering around, Pacey, we’re not on the boat anymore and we haven’t been for a day.

Pacey: (stops and turns) Who are you kiddin’, Jo? Come on, you got off that boat long before the two of us did.

Joey: What does that mean?

Pacey: You’re a smart girl, Jo, you’ll figure it out.

(he storms off)

* * * * *

(The Dive-in – it’s just ended and people are leaving – Dawson walks over to the car to find Joey standing by the front bumper – he looks a little surprised)

Dawson: Still here, huh?

Joey: Yeah, I was just thinking.

Dawson: A highly over-rated activity if you ask me. (Joey half-laughs)

Joey: So, you heading home?

Dawson: Yeah, do you need a ride?

Joey: (nods, smiling) Yeah, I would like that, Dawson.

* * * * *

(cut to Andie, Jéan and JJ at the Dive-in)

Jéan: Andie, you were a wonderful host. If you come to Paris, you must look me up.

Andie: (smiles) Okay, you have a deal, Jéan.

Jéan: Excusé moi. (he leaves Andie and JJ alone)

JJ: That, uh, goes for me too you know.

Andie: (laughs) I can’t believe that after everything you heard me say you’d still wanna hang out with me.

JJ: Me either.

Andie: (jokes) Okay, I think I liked you better before you spoke English.

JJ: There’s a question in French, that’s very popular. The English translation, if I can remember correctly, goes something like this—"can I kiss you?"

Andie: (smiles) Oui.

(JJ leans in and they start kissing)

* * * * *

(Potter B&B – Dawson and Joey alight from Dawson’s jeep and start walking)

Joey: So, tell me about this newly acquired love of photography that seems to have sprung up in my absence.

Dawson: I, uh, picked it up over the summer. I didn’t think I’d like it nearly as much as I have, but I guess that’s the way it always is, huh?

Joey: And what’s that?

(they reach the porch stairs)

Dawson: You don’t choose what you love, it chooses you.

Joey: (turns, serious) Dawson, uh... I’m very sorry. I’m sorry for everything that happened last year, and for doing what I had to do. I know how difficult it was, and– and probably still must be.

Dawson: (sighs) It wasn’t easy. Thinking of the two of you together, every day, every night.

Joey: Actually, you’re the only person who hasn’t dared asked the "big question".

Dawson: I’m the only person the answer could potentially kill.

Joey: Wait here.

(she brings back the heavy block-shaped present she’d told Pacey was for her sister)

Joey: (handing it to Dawson) It’s for you.

Dawson: (unsure what to make of it) Okay.

(he unwraps it to find that it’s a brick)

Dawson: Wow, it’s my very own brick.

Joey: It’s not just a brick, it’s from Hemmingway’s home in the Keys.

Dawson: Ernest?

Joey: No, Frank. Of course Ernest!

Dawson: You know the guy shot himself, Joey?

Joey: Aside from that, I’d like to offer it to you as a—

Dawson: Please don’t say "symbol".

Joey: As a... emblematic artefact... representing the foundation of... of a new friendship.

Dawson: Well, I feel like I’m at the ribbon-cutting of a new strip-mall.

Joey: (smiles) Quit joking.

Dawson: Truth is, Joey, it’s going to take a hell of a lot more than symbols for us to get back what we had, and right now, I’m not even sure if I want to.

Joey: (considers this and whispers) Okay.

Dawson: We’re just gonna have to take it one day at a time.

Joey: (nods) I know.

(Joey takes the wrapping from Dawson and they both turn – Joey to go up the steps, Dawson to his jeep)

Joey: Hey, Dawson.

(he looks up at her as he’s about to open the jeep door)

Joey: For what it’s worth, uh, the answer to that question that everyone has been asking? It wouldn’t kill ya.

(she walks inside and Dawson looks somewhat relieved – once inside Joey pauses, then grabs the car keys and leaves)

* * * * *

(Pier – Pacey sits on the deck of True Love, reading – Joey approaches)

Joey: Well, I’ve decided something, and it is perhaps the singularly most important thing I’ve realised in the past 45 minutes so I must share it with you. (with hands on hips) This town has far too many stop lights for somebody’s who isn’t very good at driving stick. I stalled seven times coming over here.

Pacey: (not looking up from his book) Too bad it wasn’t eight.

Joey: (walking over and getting on the boat, sitting next to Pacey) I stalled seven times and six out of the seven times, do you know what I thought about?

(Pacey just shakes his head without looking up yet)

Joey: You. It’s this secret thing I do when I get really pissed off, or confused or angry, upset or sad. I think of you and I immediately feel good inside. I guess it’s kinda like taking a "good mood" pill or something. (she looks at Pacey and doesn’t get a response) And I swore to myself that I’d never tell you that I did that because it is so girly and stupid, and I just told you because... I needed to score major points for not explaining what went down tonight. Or where I’ve been the past week when I haven’t been on this boat.

Pacey: (looks up from his book) Keep goin’.

Joey: Pacey... I wanted to see Dawson tonight not because for four months of my life he was my boyfriend, but because for the better part of my life he was my friend. And as my friend I hurt him deeply. And living with that fact has caused me no small amount of guilt over the past three months. So yes, I have been pre-occupied, and it has made my mind wander, but... my heart? That’s a fixed point. (Pacey finally looks at her) Three months riding the open waters couldn’t shake it. I’ll be damned if I let your insecurities shake it.

(Pacey sighs, relieved)

Joey: And my heart never left this boat. It’s never left you.

(Pacey smiles and they touch noses)



Joey: And as far as I can see, it’s not going to any time soon.

Pacey: Okay, you got me. I do wanna know one thing though. (he takes Joey and holds her against his chest, arms across her shoulders)

Joey: What’s that?

Pacey: I wanna know what, exactly it was you thought of the seventh time you stalled?

Joey: That I was never gonna drive stick again.

Pacey: (laughs) How very practical.

(they kiss for a moment)

Joey: (smiling) Hey, Pace?

Pacey: Hmm.

Joey: Do you think we could do that thing that we do sometimes?

Pacey: You wanna do that thing?

(Joey smiles and nods)

Pacey: Yeah.

(they kiss again)

(Cut to inside the boat where Joey and Pacey lay in hammocks, Joey’s above Pacey’s – Joey reads from "The Little Mermaid")

Joey: The little mermaid cannot take her eyes from the ship, or from the beautiful prince. The coloured lanterns had been extinguished, no more rockets rose in the air, and the canon had ceased firing. But the sea became restless and a moaning, grumbling sound could be heard beneath the waves.

(she passes the book to Pacey and he holds her hand as he reads)

Pacey: After a while, the sails were unfurled, and the noble ship continued her passage. But soon the waves rose high and the clouds darkened the sky, and lightening appeared in the distance. A dreadful storm was approaching, and once more the sailed were rigged...

(fade to Pacey reading more until noticing Joey has fallen asleep – he smiles at her lovingly)

FADE OUT TO CREDITS