(Capeside High – Joey and Pacey walk hand in hand through the grounds towards the building)

Pacey: Did you know they want to see me in the guidance office after school.

Joey: So?

Pacey: So do they want to see you in the guidance office after school?

Joey: No.

Pacey: No. See, that right there is a bad sign, it means they’re singling me out already.

Joey: (joking) Don’t worry sweetie, they probably want to extend a hand and let you know that they’re there to help you with you destiny as the worlds best gas station attendant.

Pacey: (feigning shock) Oh, that’s cute.

Joey: What, suddenly teasing is out of the question?

Pacey: Oh, no, tease away, young lass. But you do raise an interesting point. I think we should talk about it now we’re back at school.

Joey: Talk about what exactly?

Pacey: Well, our mutual wants and needs.

Joey: (laughs) Did you just actually say that out loud?

Pacey: Well like you said, we’re a couple now, Potter. And as a couple I think there’s a couple things that we need to discuss.

(the bell rings)

Joey: Such as?

(they walk inside the school and into the corridor)

Pacey: Kissing in public.

Joey: (looks doubtful) Maybe.

Pacey: Maybe?

Joey: Well as long as it’s of the spontaneous variety.

Pacey: Good Lord, woman, you really are a fickle mistress, you know that? I mean, without kissing, what do we really have left?

Joey: (considers it for a minute) Precious little.

Pacey: Hmm.

Joey: (joking) We should probably break up.

Pacey: (playing along) Yeah, well, we had a good run, huh?

Joey: Hmm-mm.

(they pause in the doorway of a classroom – they smile and start kissing passionately – Dawson approaches wanting to get into the classroom that Pacey and Joey are blocking)

Dawson: Excuse me (he points to the class room and eventually squeezes past – the bell rings again – Joey and Pacey exchange "oh crap" looks)

* * * * *

(Joey and Andie walk along a path parallel to the beach)

Andie: Wow, senior year. And then before you know it, college.

Joey: Well, if I don’t find a job soon the only thing that I’ll have to look forward to is "CCC".

(Andie gives her a quizzical look)

Joey: (explaining) Capeside Community College.

Andie: (pulling a disgusted face) Oh. (upbeat) Hey, well there’s always "CYC".

Joey: What’s that?

Andie: Capeside Yacht Club. My father was just telling me they are looking for a waitress.

Joey: (smiles, shaking head) You’re high.

Andie: (chuckles) Joey, come on, it’s the Icehouse with cute rich boys and way bigger tips.

Joey: And something tells me that the "beautiful people" would probably frown upon the applicant whose family name is synonymous with scandal.

Andie: (matter of fact) So, make like you’re one of them.

Joey: (scoffs) Yeah, right!

Andie: Okay, here’s what you do—if you think that the interview is starting to go south, you drop a name.

Joey: Who’s?

Andie: (thinks) Hmmm. Well, I would say you could use mine, but (laughs) these days "McPhee" is synonymous with gay, crazy and dysfunctional. Hey, how about the Ross’? They’re on the Board—Charles, Kate and son, Owen. Oooh my God, he is sooo gorgeous.

(Joey just laughs)

Andie: So our age, and so eligible. Oh, and so perfect for me if I actually cared about those things.

Joey: (still smiling) Ah, but you digress.

Andie: Okay, so anyway, Joey, where else are you gonna make that kinda money?

Joey: (raises eyebrows and jokes) Well, you know, there is always that strip club on the edge of town.

* * * * *

(Dawson walks down the street carrying several CD’s – he is about to enter a second-hand CD store when Gretchen calls his name, she having been browsing a noticeboard outside)

Gretchen: Dawson Leery.

Dawson: Gretchen! Hey, what are you doing?

Gretchen: (pointing at the notice board) Um, scouting out some new digs. Until my brother finds a suitable, and I finger-quote "partner," he’s best off living by his lonesome. So it looks like I’ll be shacking up with my other equally irritating yet slightly less anal brother.

Dawson: Well that’s great. Good luck with that.

(Dawson walks into the shop and Gretchen follows)

Gretchen: Listen, this is of course none of my business, but I can’t tell you how much it breaks my heart to see once inseparable best friends so estranged. If there’s anything that I can do… (Dawson has a "I just don’t want to talk about that right now" look). Clearly something you’d rather want to talk about. (Dawson smiles) Sorry, my bad.

Dawson: (shrugs) It’s ok.

Gretchen: (starts looking through Dawson’s CD’s) Oh my God.

Dawson: What?

Gretchen: Dawson, this is the most offensive collection of music I’ve ever seen.

Dawson: Precisely, which his why I’m trading them in.

Gretchen: Yeah, but Dawson, Vanilla Ice? What were you thinking?

Dawson: (smiles, kind of embarrassed) I don’t know, I was ten! Who’s got good taste in music when they’re ten?

Gretchen: By the time I was ten, I could rattle off every band on the sub-pop label, and I was telling anybody who would listen that a guy called Kurt Cobain was about to change the face of music as we knew it.

Dawson: And by the time I was ten I could rattle off the name of every cinematographer Steven Spielberg had ever worked with. (Gretchen gives him a look) Which somehow isn’t all that impressive, is it?

Gretchen: (laughs) No. Okay, what else do we have here? (shuffles through more CD’s) Okay, The Grateful Dead. Now why, why are you returning this?

Dawson: (shrugs) My parents go me that CD. I just wasn’t a big fan.

Gretchen: Okay, okay, I can’t believe I am standing in front of a teenage guy who’s parents have better taste in music than he does. Shame on you Dawson. (points the finger) Shame. On. You.

(Gretchen walks away in mock disgust and Dawson just laughs)

* * * * *

(Jen’s house – Jen sits in her room in front of an iBook – Jack enters with a mug of coffee)

Jack: Oh, you gotta be kidding me. That’s like the umpteenth time today you’ve checked your email.

(Jack passes over the mug)

Jen: (without looking away from the iBook screen) You lie. Thank you.

Jack: I don’t know – every time I walked by the computer lab today I saw the same bosomy blonde behind the same blueberry iMac. (he picks up a notepad and sits down and starts writing)

Jen: Alright, alright, I admit it, you’re right. (pauses) Jack, I think it is clear that Henry has forsaken me for another. (she takes a drink)

Jack: Uh, give the poor guy some time to get acclimated.

Jen: I dunno, I mean it’s weird, it’s becoming a thing.

(Jen stands up and Jack walks over and starts to check his emails)

Jack: What do you mean a "thing"?

Jen: A thing. An alarming trend. I mean, all summer long were phone calls, emails, IM’s to the point of exhaustion, but now when I go online he’s never there, and when I call he’s strangely unavailable. I mean, I’m starting to think that maybe I’ve done something wrong. Is it possible that I’m not a very good cybersex partner?

Jack: (chuckles) I’m sure you’re a very generous and giving cyber-lover, Jen.

(the iBook chirps "You’ve got mail!")

Jen: Who wrote you?

Jack: (reads message and his face drops) Um, (closes the iBook) no-one.

* * * * *

(Capeside Yacht Club and Marina – a shot of the Marina is followed by inside the Club where Joey walks alongside the manager, a snotty looking middle aged woman)

Mrs Valentine: Now, what exactly is an "Icehouse"?

Joey: Um, it’s a restaurant. Well, it burned down last year.

Mrs Valentine: (without any sincerity) Oh, how unfortunate. Sounds like a charming little joint.

(they take a seat at one of the tables)

Joey: Well daddy, he thought it was good for me to go out there and mingle with the little people.

Mrs Valentine: And what does "daddy" do, dear?

Joey: (thinks) Pharmaceuticals. Daddy made his fortune in the pharmaceutical world.

Mrs Valentine: Well why is it, I wonder, that I don’t see the "Potter" name on our roster?

Joey: I guess we’re just not much of the "joining" kind.

Mrs Valentine: Where do you summer, then?

Joey: I spent my summer sailing, actually.

Mrs Valentine: Ooh, well that sounds lovely. (turning nasty) I have to ask, were you a deckhand or a stow away?

Joey: (taken aback, she drops all pretence) Excuse me, but, um, before I submit to another second of your thinly veiled bitchery, do you need a waitress or not?

Mrs Valentine: Hmm, yes, now that I recall, that position’s already been filled.

Joey: Terrific. (she stands up and starts to walk away) Oh, by the way, I’ll be sure to tell the Ross’ that you said hello.

Mrs Valentine: (immediately calls after Joey) Excuse me. You know the Ross’?

Joey: Charlie, Kate and Owen? Oh, from way back. How do you think I heard about this position? They’re on the Board here, aren’t they?

Mrs Valentine: (stands up and walks over to Joey; she speak in a far better tone of voice) Miss Potter, I think perhaps you and I got off on the wrong foot. Please. (she motions for Joey to sit back down)

* * * * *

(Capeside High – Pacey enters the Guidance Counsellor’s office to find Mitch riffling through a filing cabinet draw)

Pacey: Hey there Mitch – Mr Leery. What are you doing here?

Mitch: (picking out a file) I’m just filling in until they find a new Guidance Counsellor.

Pacey: What’d they do with the old Guidance Counsellor?

Mitch: (closes the filing cabinet) Right, you mean the one who referred to you fondly as, and I quote, "one of the most aggressively mediocre students ever to galumph his ways through the halls of Capeside High."? The poor man was heard mumbling your name as he stumbled off into early retirement.

(Pacey walks over and takes a seat)

Pacey: Poor guy. So, why does this bring me here?

Mitch: Okay, so, here’s the deal. They have dumped some of the "special scheduling cases" into my lap.

Pacey: What’s so special about me? Apart from the obvious of course.

Mitch: (looking through Pacey’s file) Well, for starters you seem to lack a certain amount of classification at the moment.

Pacey: And you seem to lack a certain amount of clarity at the moment.

Mitch: What happened to you this summer?

Pacey: (looks around and frowns, thinking it’s some kind of trick question) Nothing. I went sailing.

Mitch: Right. But, uh, from the look of things (holds up Pacey’s file) you should have been somewhere else.

Pacey: And where is that exactly.

Mitch: Right here.

Pacey: (unbelieving) Here?

Mitch: You should have been in summer school, Pacey.

Pacey: That sounds like a terrible way to spend a summer.

Mitch: Tell me something. Before you took off, did you happen to, oh, look at your report card?

Pacey: (shakes head) Nah, I took off a couple days after school let out.

Mitch: Well, if you’d looked you might have noticed that you flunked Science, History and English. Three biggies, Pacey.

Pacey: (his expression turns sombre) Well that sucks.

Mitch: Look, Pacey, I, uh, don’t really know how to do this exactly. I mean, I’ve had the distinct please of watching you grow up. You’re certainly one of the most endearing pests I’ve ever met, but I’m not you’re teacher, I’m not your Guidance Counsellor, I’m just your friend. So, help me out here, okay? Can you cut the glibness and just listen to me for a second?

Pacey: (nods)

Mitch: You’re in deep trouble here.

Pacey: So what can I do about it?

Mitch: You can take these classes over.

Pacey: When?

Mitch: Every day, after school.

Pacey: I was gonna get a job, I kinda need the money you know?

Mitch: No, I don’t think you’re understanding me, Pacey – you’re gonna have to work your ass off this year.

Pacey: And what if I can’t do it?

Mitch: No, you can. You just focus.

Pacey: But what if I actually can’t?

Mitch: Well then come this May, you’re gonna watch your friends graduate without you. Start their lives, without you. They’ll be heading off for higher education and you’ll be gearing up for another year at Capeside High. How’s that sound, Pacey?

(Pacey looks glum and depressed)

* * * * *

(Gretchen leads Pacey onto the veranda of some beaten-up, dilapidated beach house)

Gretchen: What do you think?

Pacey: (grumbles) I think I hate it.

Gretchen: Well I think it’s charming.

Pacey: Charming? It’s like something out of Better Homes and Crap.

Gretchen: Okay, you see crap (opens front door), I see potential.

Pacey: Well, no, I see potential too – I see the potential for rats to gnaw at our extremities while we sleep.

Gretchen: It needs but a fresh coat of paint, and a woman’s touch.

Pacey: (entering) Hmm-mm. And all we need to do is get word out that the local crap dunny is shut down.

Gretchen: (a little annoyed) Why are you being such a nay-sayer?

Pacey: Because it becomes me.

Gretchen: Face facts, Pacey, we don’t have a lot of money. So that killer condo that you had your eye on is pretty much out of the question. (she stands in the middle of the lounge room) Now this place, while lacking in many creature comforts, is totally within out budgetary limitations. And do you know what that means?

Pacey: Well I guessing it means that we get to split the utilities with the cockroaches.

Gretchen: No. It means we are going to turn this place into a home, Pacey, I promise.

Pacey: Yeah, and until then we just have to get used to brushing our teeth with brown water.

Gretchen: Okay, you seem to have a particularly nasty case of First Day of School. Does Senior status not bring any joy whatsoever?

Pacey: You know, it’s funny you should mention that, ‘cause as it turns out, I’m not exactly a Senior.

Gretchen: Oh yeah? Then what exactly are you?

Pacey: (sits down on the sofa) Well I’m screwed. I’m totally screwed.

Gretchen: (offloads her shoulder bag) Okay, elaborate.

Pacey: Well, it seems as though I managed to fail three classes last year.

Gretchen: (closes her eyes and puts her hand on her head)

Pacey: Yeah, three. You know, so now I gotta retake those three classes and pass all of this years classes if I want to have any hope of graduating.

Gretchen: (shakes her head in disbelief) Okay, um, okay, so you do it. You know, you work really hard this year and you do it. It’s not that big of a deal. (pauses) And what does Joey think?

(Pacey looks away)

Gretchen: You haven’t told her? Why?

Pacey: Because, Joey is smart, but Pacey, is an idiot. And I’m trying not to make her any more aware of that fact than she already is.

Gretchen: You are not an idiot, Pacey. And something tells me that Joey’s feelings for you are not contingent on your GPA. Listen, I can stand here and tell you that everything’s going to be okay, but it’s going to sound a lot better coming from her. So tell her, okay?

(Pacey still looks unsure)

* * * * *

(Capeside Yacht Club – Joey is dressed as a waitress and is serving customers their meals)

Drue: (as Joey walks past) Excuse me.

Joey: Can I help you?

Drue: That’s up for debate, actually.

Joey: Well as you can see, I really don’t have a lot of time for verbal ping pong.

Drue: Half an hour ago I dropped down on one knee and begged you for an iced tea and a club sandwich.

Joey: (realises she completely forgot) You’re right, I am so sorry.

(Joey retrieves a jug of ice tea and brings it over to the table)

Drue: Don’t worry about it, I know how it is.

Joey: (pouring him a glass) Some how I doubt that.

Drue: Let me guess – the boyfriend bailed when the stick turned blue, leaving his rusted Al Camero up on blocks on your lawn, forcing you to drop out of school and rely on your not-so-reliable alchie-mom to watch the little carpet monkey while you wait tables on your high horse, none of which is my problem, hon. This is seriously gonna cut into your gratuity.

(Joey just stares at him in disbelief)

Drue: (breaks down and chuckles) Come on, where’s your sense of humour? I was kidding. Well, not kidding – more like, uh, conducting an experiment. My father, who is a world class cretin, says stuff like to the help all the time and I always think "what an idiot". I mean, they’re just gonna go back into the kitchen and spit in his food. Or worse even.

Joey: Fancy that. Will you excuse me while I go check on your order?

(Joey takes the jug of ice tea, places it on a tray and starts to walk away – Drue stands up and follows)

Drue: You would, wouldn’t you?

Joey: Would what?

Drue: Spit in my food.

Joey: (places the tray on the counter) Or worse even.

Drue: (chuckles) I knew it! You strike me as very much in touch with your dark side. Thank you for your candour.

Joey: (prepares the check) Well, my pleasure.

Drue: First day on the job, huh?

Joey: (a little impatient) Yes.

Drue: And how much do you hate them already?

Joey: Who?

Drue: The superficial snobs, laying down huge sums for the privilege of frolicking in the presence of other members of their tribe. Creeps.

Joey: (a little sarcastic) Wow, cue the violins. You know, nothing tugs the heart strings like the anguished cry of a poor little rich boy. (passes the check) Will you sign please?

Drue: Sure.

(Drue signs the check and passes it back to Joey who reads the name – "Owen Ross" – Joey looks aghast)

Drue: Something wrong?

Joey: Your order will be right up. (she rushes off)

* * * * *

(Dawson’s bedroom – Dawson listens to music blaring through headphones as Mitch enters – Dawson removes the headphones)

Dawson: Hey.

Mitch: Do I detect something vaguely of my generation?

Dawson: (stands up and walks over to the dresser) Yeah, I’ve been giving the Grateful Dead album you and mom gave me a second chance. I don’t get it, I still don’t have the slightest inclination to drop acid, or start using hemp products or incorporate anything remotely tie-died into my wardrobe. (hands Mitch the Grateful Dead CD cover)

Mitch: Oh, Dawson, the "Dead" were a phenomenon to be experienced live. The thousands of nomadic fans, the endless jams. Ah, that’s never gonna come through those headphones.

Dawson: Do you ever get the feeling that maybe you and mom are just a little cooler than I am?

Mitch: (jokes) It’s a burden, but we cope.

Dawson: (chuckles) Good to know.

Mitch: I saw Pacey at school today.

Dawson: Yeah, me too.

Mitch: I had to sit down with him about his scheduling this year.

Dawson: (sits on his bed) Uh-huh.

Mitch: He’s in trouble, Dawson.

Dawson: And that concerns me how?

Mitch: Well look, I know that Pacey isn’t your favourite person right now, but trust me, you’re not always gonna feel like that.

Dawson: I dunno dad, I can maybe see this one standing the test of time.

Mitch: Hear me out. Pacey has gotten himself in some real academic trouble. Without the support of his friends he might not graduate highschool.

Dawson: Well what do you expect me to do about it?

Mitch: I don’t know. But I’ve always taken pride in the fact that my son is someone his friends can turn to when they need him.

Dawson: Okay, dad, I– I realise this might sound a little hyper-dramatic from the cool, calm perspective of an adult, but this is my world, okay, my life. My quote-unquote "best friend" pursued a relationship with a girl that I’ve loved in one way or another for as long as I can remember. And that hurts so much that sometimes I can’t sit still. Now I think I’ve done a pretty good job of trying to move forward, but, that doesn’t mean that Pacey gets to go on reaping the benefits of my friendship, alright? He’s on his own, I can’t help him. (he gets off the bed and stands)

Mitch: Well, maybe you know someone who can.

(Mitch leaves the room as Dawson stands and thinks)

* * * * *

(McPhee house – Andie enters her bedroom with a basket of laundry with Jack in tow)

Andie: You’re kidding me – he wants to break up with her?

Jack: No-no, he said he wants to "take a break".

(Andie puts down the laundry and starts folding clothes – Jack helps)

Andie: After all that? After doggedly pursuing her for an entire school year? After scores of grand romantic gestures? After behaviour that clearly licensed professionals would call stalking – he wants to take a break?

Jack: Yeah, well, look – he’s at a new school, girls are flirting with him, and he’s confused. Henry’s a great guy, but, you know, he’s sixteen.

Andie: Guys are such maddening creatures.

Jack: (chuckles) Tell me about it.

Andie: So what’d you tell him?

Jack: I said I’d talk to her.

Andie: No, no, Jack, I don’t think that’s a good idea. In fact, it borders on the terrible.

Jack: Why?

Andie: Because! Whatever is between Jen and Henry is firmly and clearly between Jen and Henry. And besides, if a guy was gonna break up with me, God, I would hope that he would be big enough to do it on his own instead of sending an intermediary in.

* * * * *

(Capeside pier – Joey and Pacey sit on the deck of True Love eating dinner)

Joey: I’m so glad we could make reservations. You know, personally, I find the food leaves a little something to be desired, but, I love the atmosphere.

(Pacey just continues to eat in silence)

Joey: So! How was your day, honey?

Pacey: (unenthusiastic) Oh, just swell.

Joey: I think you’re just a little grumpy because we’re not in the middle of the Atlantic any more.

Pacey: Hey look, I could have this baby packed up and read to go in about fifteen minutes, you just gotta give me the word. I guarantee all this school stuff will be waiting here when we get back. (Pacey heads below deck) Root beer?

Joey: No thanks. Our summer at sea was an exceptionally lovely then, but this is now, it’s our senior year. Do you have any idea what that means?

Pacey: Well if I had a car I guess I could park it in the senior lot – that’d be pretty cool.

Joey: Read my lips, Pace – one more year. Then no more classes, no more books—

Pacey: No more Dawson’s dirty looks. (he takes a sip of his root beer)

(there’s a moment of silence)

Joey: So, what was that whole guidance counsellor office thing about anyway?

Pacey: Do you know what? Could we just for tonight pretend we’re one of those couples that can consume a meal in blissfully dysfunctional silence?

Joey: (raises eyebrows) Okay. (Pacey passes the salt) Thanks. Well, do you wanna hear about my new job?

Pacey: What new job?

Joey: You’re looking at Capeside Yacht Club’s newest serving wench.

Pacey: Congratulations.

Joey: Don’t sound too excited for me there, Pacey.

Pacey: Well I didn’t know you were so fixated on getting a job.

Joey: Well yeah! I mean, you of all people should know how badly I need to make the extra money. I mean, without it, I’m doomed to roam the streets of Capeside for eternity which is unacceptable. You know, I’m not ending up some townie.

Pacey: (scoffs) Oh, when did you become a snob, Miss Potter?

Joey: What are you talking about?

Pacey: Well what’s wrong with being a townie?

Joey: Well nothing—

Pacey: No, honestly, if someone lives in the same place their whole life that somehow makes them a bad person?

Joey: (getting defensive) No, of course not.

Pacey: What if I was to become a townie?

Joey: You’re not that type of a person.

Pacey: No, I didn’t ask what type of person I was, I said what if I became a townie? Would that somehow make me less desirable to you?

Joey: (frowns, confused)

Pacey: I guess that’s my answer. (he takes a drink of his root beer)

Joey: What’s going on with you?

Pacey: Nothing.

Joey: So why are you trying to pick a fight with me all of a sudden?

Pacey: I’m not trying to pick a fight with you—

Joey: Yes you are. I mean, something is going on with you and you obviously don’t want to talk about it, which is fine, okay? I understand that, but, I mean, please don’t sit here, and– and try to pick some random fight with me just to make yourself feel better.

(Pacey looks away and keeps eating)

* * * * *

(Capeside High – inside one of the classrooms – bell rings)

Teacher: Wagner?

Wagner: Here.

Teacher: Wilson?

Wilson: Present.

Teacher: Witter? (the camera zooms on an empty seat) Witter?

(Camera zooms out and Dawson looks at the empty seat and then his watch and looks concerned)

* * * * *

(Capeside Yacht Club – Joey approaches Drue who sits on a deck chair outside)

Joey: Can I get you anything else? (she tops up his iced tea)

Drue: Okay weird girl, what gives?

Joey: What do you mean?

Drue: (he stands up and follows Joey) First of all, you haven’t let my iced tea get past the half-way mark all afternoon, and second, you’re been smiling and hovering like some kind of mental patient. And worst of all, you totally dropped that whole snappy sarcasm thing you had working for you yesterday.

Joey: (still being very pleasant) I’m just trying to do my job.

Drue: Yeah, well at least yesterday you were entertaining. Today you’re just creeping me out. Hey, sit down for a second.

Joey: Why?

Drue: I want you to see something.

Joey: (sits) What am I looking at?

Drue: (points to a group of three people) Okay, what do you see?

Joey: A guy in a polo shirt sharing stock tips with Mr and Mrs Dolnormer?

Drue: Pretty boring, huh?

Joey: (shrugs) Sure.

Drue: What if I told you that polo-shirt guy has thrice-weekly motel meetings with Mrs Dolnormer?

Joey: Really?

Drue: Hmm-mm.

Joey: Does Mr Dolnormer know?

Drue: Of course not. He’s too busy acting out his own mid-life crisis with the poor-man’s Pamela Anderson over there (he motions to a woman in a red dress and large breasts)

Joey: (looks) Are those real?

Drue: Hardly. Her silicone valley is the work of that gentleman over yonder (he points), Capeside’s own Dr Liposuction, who is a creep to the highest degree. And that one (he points to Ms Valentine), she is worst of them all. Once upon a time she was married to one of the "beautiful people", this New York City rainmaker who, well, as these things tend to go, eventually traded her in for a younger model. Divorce followed quickly thereafter which came as a real nasty shock to the system because poor gal got nice and used to the money. So, she packed up the kid, and got herself a job where she could be around the Fortune 500 set all day long, and now she’s the next-best-thing – rich by association.

Joey: Wow, no wonder she’s such a bitch. How do you know all this stuff?

Drue: You hang around this place long enough and you absorb a lot of useless information. It’s so funny – these people – all the money in the world, and not an ounce of class.

(Joey just gives Drue a quizzical look)

* * * * *

(Capeside docks – Jen and Jack meet at the pier)

Jen: What’s happening, gorgeous?

Jack: Hey.

Jen: So, you rang, I ran, what’s up?

Jack: I dunno, sit and talk to me. (he sits on the hand railing)

Jen: Here?

Jack: Yeah, why not?

Jen: It’s just, kinda romantic, don’t you think? (Jack chuckles) Jack, are you thinking of a cross-over episode, because if so, now is bad timing – I’m a taken woman.

Jack: Any word from Henry?

Jen: No. No, but I was thinking about what you said the other day and you’re right, I’m just gonna give him some time, let him settle in and then we’ll talk and things will be fine.

Jack: Yeah. You know, let me ask you something – what if, uh, what if things went the other way?

Jen: What other way?

Jack: You know, what if you guys talk and things weren’t fine?

Jen: (puzzled) And why would that be?

Jack: I’m just sayin’ – have you thought about the possibility of things not workin’ out?

Jen: Where is this stuff coming from?

Jack: (shrugs) Nowhere. Forget it. I’m Sorry. I’ll tell you what, let’s get some dinner, alright?

Jen: (nods) Okay. (Jack starts walking along the pier) Jack? Have you talked to Henry?

Jack: (nods) Yes.

Jen: (sighs) Alright, what the hell’s going on?

Jack: Look, I’m just worried about you, Jen.

Jen: He asked you to talk to me, didn’t he?

Jack: (stutters) No, no, I, uh, no—

Jen: Jack, is Henry breaking up with me?

Jack: I – I…

Jen: You know what? He’s lying to you and you’re lying to me.

Jack: No, Jen, come on.

Jen: (storming off) Just leave me alone.

* * * * *

(Potter B&B – the door bell rings)

Joey: I got it!

(Joey opens the door to find Dawson)

Dawson: Hey.

Joey: Hey.

Dawson: I’m not too late, I hope.

Joey: Oh, no, no, course not. Come on in.

(Dawson steps inside and they walk towards the kitchen)

Dawson: (hands Joey about four CD’s) I wanted to return these.

(Joey flips through the CD’s and laughs)

Joey: You’re kidding me, right?

Dawson: No, no, I was going through my, uh, CD collection trying to weed out some of the more embarrassing reminders of my callow youth, and I came across your Counting Crows collection.

Joey: Dawson, you borrowed those like three years ago.

Dawson: Yeah, I know, I apologise for my appalling lack of etiquette.

Joey: (pours herself a glass of milk) Milk?

Dawson: Uh, no. I uh, so I should go. (he turns to leave)

Joey: Why?

Dawson: (turns) Because it’s none of my business.

Joey: What isn’t?

Dawson: Pacey.

Joey: Okay, you’re gonna have to start making some sense here, Dawson.

Dawson: (sighs) You know, just– just talk to Pacey, okay?

Joey: (eyebrows raised) About?

Dawson: About school. He’s in trouble.

Joey: What are you talking about?

Dawson: Well, he didn’t show up for school today, and of he’s not careful he’s gonna flunk out. I can’t figure out for the life of my why I should even care about this, but, I’m here, and if there’s anyone that can help him out, it’s you, so…

Joey: (a little defensive) Look, no offence, Dawson, but if Pacey was in such dire straits, don’t you think I would know about it?

Dawson: No, I don’t.

Joey: Why?

Dawson: Don’t you get it, Jo? When you love someone you want her to be proud of you. You want her to think that there’s nothing in the world that you’re incapable of. The thought of disappointing her is (sighs) is crippling.

(Joey and Dawson stare at one another for a moment until Joey looks down, realising that Dawson is probably right about Pacey)

Dawson: Good night.

(he turns and lets himself out)

* * * * *

(Pacey and Gretchen’s new place – Pacey stands outside -- the sliding door opens and Gretchen appears, with Joey in tow)

Gretchen: There he is, try not to bruise him.

Pacey: Hey! There’s my girl.

(Pacey goes to cuddle her but Joey pushes him)

Joey: (accusingly) Why weren’t you in school today? Why are you suddenly in danger of flunking out? Why do I have to hear about it from Dawson? Why does Dawson know more about your life right now than I do, Pacey?

Pacey: Well, because apparently Leery Senior has a very big mouth. And, oh, and how I bet Junior loved being on the receiving end of that—

Joey: (hands on hips) Oh, really, can we just stick to the point please?

Pacey: No, honestly. I’m sure he loved hearing that, you know? Now he’s salivating – the guy gets to swoop in on his soul mate with a big fat "I told you so".

Joey: Are you delusional? Dawson has zero to do with this, Pacey.

Pacey: (in a quiet sarcastic tone) Yeah, sure.

Joey: Do you have any idea how insulting it is to know that I come up last on your list of people to contact in case of an emergency?

Pacey: Jo, this is not that big a deal, you know? I’m handling it.

Joey: And how does cutting school translate into "handling it", Pacey? (she rolls her eyes and starts walking towards the door) Why does this even surprise me?

Pacey: What exactly is that supposed to mean?

Joey: (turns) Exactly what I said. This is how you deal with everything. You run away. You take the easy way out every time.

Pacey: I guess that’s why I’m such a loser.

Joey: You know, you’re not a loser, Pacey. I didn’t spend my summer with a "loser", building what I thought was an incredible foundation for a relationship. (shrugs shoulders) I thought that we were a great team. It turns out I guess I couldn’t have been more wrong.

(Joey goes back inside while Pacey stays outside shaking his head)

* * * * *

(Pacey and Gretchen’s place – Pacey has been sleeping on the sofa – Gretchen opens up the blinds to the lounge room windows)

Gretchen: I want you to get up, take a shower, button up your best bowling shirt and go and apologise to that girlfriend of yours.

Pacey: Do you think that maybe you could just leave me alone?

Gretchen: Pacey, this girl is a keeper, and I cannot in good conscience allow you to blow it because you’re scared.

Pacey: What are you talking about? I’m not scared.

Gretchen: (nods) Like a little girl.

Pacey: (groans and sits up) What do you know?

Gretchen: And if you are not careful, you’re gonna sabotage this relationship before it has a chance to become something.

Pacey: I’m gonna sabotage it, huh?

Gretchen: (nods)

Pacey: (standing up) I think you’ve been watching just a little too much Oprah.

Gretchen: I am serious, Pacey.

Pacey: (walking out into the kitchen) Well what do you expect, you know? I’ve had to listen in stereo all my life by my brother and my father how stupid I am. (grabbing some orange juice from the fridge) How could I not help feel like a moron sometimes? (he drinks direct from the carton)

Gretchen: You’re right, they’re jerks – both of them. But get over it already. (they walk back o the lounge room) I mean, dad and Doug have so many problems between them that you should just throw them a huge pity party. And they’re not your problem.

Pacey: Oh, please, Great Oracle of Capeside – who is?

Gretchen: Your problem is Dawson. Don’t tell me that you don’t hear him. You know, whispering in your ear, telling you that you’re not good enough. (Pacey scoffs) But he’s just a ghost, Pace. She picked you, and now you have to deal with it.

* * * * *

(Capeside Yacht Club – Joey approaches Mrs Valentine at one of the tables – the club is deserted)

Joey: You wanted to see me?

Mrs Valentine: Have a seat, Miss Potter. (she sits) I was going over yesterday’s receipts, and I noticed that a couple of them were signed by Owen Ross.

Joey: Right.

Mrs Valentine: I thought you said you were a good friend of the family?

Joey: I am.

Mrs Valentine: Well if you’re such a good friend wouldn’t you know that he and his family are in Paris until after the first of the year?

Joey: (frowns) Look, that doesn’t make any sense.

Mrs Valentine: No, it doesn’t.

Joey: Mrs Valentine, he was here, I served him – he was very rude.

Mrs Valentine: I’m not sure this is going to work out, Miss Potter.

Drue: (enters) Actually, mom, the Ross kid was here.

Mrs Valentine: Drue, honey, I’m right in the middle of something here.

Drue: Gotcha mom, but maybe you didn’t hear what I said. Owen Ross, he, uh, was here. I saw him – own two eyes. And I saw Joey here waiting on him, and I think you might want to commend her for the way she handled him, because that guy, he can be real high maintenance.

(Joey just looks shocked and confused)

* * * * *

(Capeside Marina – Drue hoses down a boat – Joey approaches)

Joey: What just happened in there?

Drue: Hey, could you watch your tone, please, I think I just saved your job. (he steps down off the boat onto the pier)

Joey: Who the hell are you?

Drue: Drue. Drue Valentine.

Joey: (disbelief) Mrs Valentine – that’s your mom?

Drue: Hey, you pick up quick.

Joey: But you said all that horrible stuff about her.

Drue: Which doesn’t make it any less true.

Joey: You lied to me.

Drue: Correction – I was playing with you.

Joey: Why?

Drue: It was fun. When mom told me about the new girl, the one who was a "friend" of the Ross’, I took one look at you and knew that you’d lied your way into the job, which I totally dig about you by the way.

Joey: (shakes head) You’re a freak.

Drue: Okay, alright, so I’m not who I said I was. Big deal. I’m actually a lot more fun.

(he smiles and stands back up on the boat – Joey clearly doesn’t trust him)

* * * * *

(The pier by Dawson’s house – Dawson sits while Jen stands)

Dawson: It’s okay to be hurt, Jen.

Jen: (a little too quickly) I’m not hurt, Dawson. It’s just that the only real boyfriend that I have ever had enlisted the help of my best friend to dump me, and– and you know what, I– I’m just angry.

Dawson: Take it from someone who spent the better half of last Spring angry at the world, it’s not worth it. (stands) I mean, it might help numb the pain a little bit, but it’s basically just a distraction. (there’s a moment silence) I dunno. The point is, if you do it right, loving someone is gonna hurt. And the sooner you realise that the sooner you’ll be able to love again.

Jen: (breaks into a smile and starts walking along the pier) Dawson, I don’t need one of your sappy self-help seminars right now.

Dawson: (laughs and follows Jen)) I’m just trying to repay a favour.

Jen: Oh? What?

Dawson: You’ve been sage to my simpletons more times than a care to count.

Jen: (teases) God, why don’t you just throw me into oncoming traffic?

Dawson: Because, you helped me through the worst of times. I’ve really learned a lot from you, Jen.

Jen: Really? Like how to downward spiral your way into adulthood?

Dawson: (chuckles) No! No, you’re the one who taught me that love can suck. That feelings change, passion fades, partners come and go. But that through it all remains sacred – that’s friendship. And it’s true, because, I mean, without you guys this summer it would have just been one big black whole of depression for me.

Jen: (puts her arms around his waist and laughs) You have to be so damn earnest, it’s disgusting, really. It makes me want to drown you in the creek.

Dawson: (laughs) Oh, it’s part of my charm.

Jen: That’s the funny thing about friends – sometimes they bring the you worst of news, sometimes with the best of intentions.

(Jack suddenly appears)

Dawson: Jack!

Jack: Hey.

Dawson: Thank God. Can you take her off my hands for a little while?

Jack: Sure.

Dawson: (slaps Jack on the shoulder) Thanks, I’ll see you around.

Jack: Hey.

Jen: (laughs, knowing she’s just been suckered) Alright, I– I think I owe you a fairly huge apology.

Jack: Okay, that was supposed to be my line.

Jen: You’re sorry, I’m sorry, somebody’s always sorry. I mean, relationships are just one big sorry after another culminating in a big final messy sorry.

Jack: (raises eyebrows) Sounds like someone’s drowning herself in an economy-sized vat of self pity.

Jen: Come on, Jack, aren’t the recently dumped allowed to wallow just a bit?

Jack: Look, I’m really sorry, Jen.

Jen: Me too, I’m sorry for killing the messenger. I just didn’t need you to be the one to give me the bad news. I needed you to be my shoulder.

Jack: (opens arms) Come here.

(Jen smiles and they embrace, rocking side to side gently for a moment)

Jack: Better late than never?

* * * * *

(Down at the pier – Pacey walks along the docks and finally comes upon Joey, sitting near True Love)

Pacey: There’s my girl. (she ignores him) You’re not liking me so much right now, are ya?

Joey: (turns and looks up at him) Not so much, no.

Pacey: So, um, I was talkin’ to my sister and she says it’s actually not such a bad idea to discuss your problems with your girlfriend.

Joey: Nice to know someone in the Witter family can boast a brain cell or two.

Pacey: (sighs) You’re not gonna make this easy on me, are ya? (she remains silent) Okay, so where do I start?

Joey: Wherever you want.

Pacey: Well, I should probably start first by saying that you, Josephine Potter, have just wrecked me. In the best possible way, you have absolutely wrecked me. Because you see, I fell in love with you, knowing that there was never any possibility of being with you. Knowing full well that a sizable chunk of your heart would… always be wrapped up in our friend, Dawson. And that much was actually okay with me. Right up until the point that you chose me. ‘Cause then you just turned everything on it’s head. Then I got everything that I wanted and from that day forward, I’ve just been a wreck.

Joey: Why?

Pacey: Because, now all I have to do is just wait for the other shoe to drop. You know, just wait for you to realise just what a big mistake you’ve made. Wait for you to realise that I’m just gonna be a big disappointment, and just wait for you to realise that, that Dawson is the guy that you want to be with.

Joey: Pacey, what does Dawson have to do with you screwing up at school?

Pacey: Well, nothing, and everything. (sits next to Joey) Dawson Leery would never have screwed up like I did, Jo. It just wouldn’t happen, you know that.

Joey: (nods) You’re right. (she pauses) Do you know what else Dawson would never do? He would never inspire me to run away with him for the summer. It just wouldn’t happen, and you know that. We had a magic summer, Pacey. I mean, we shared something that I’m gonna remember for the rest of my life. Don’t you see? We’re creating our own history here. A history that has nothing to do with Dawson.

Pacey: That’s a nice way of lookin’ at it.

Joey: Yeah. You know, this is– this is where it gets rough.

Pacey: What do you mean?

Joey: We spent three months at sea, but we haven’t even come close to weathering the storm. We ran away. We made our own reality, and it was so wonderful, but—

Pacey: But it couldn’t last forever.

Joey: Nor should it. Pacey, a relationship isn’t about a romantic three month cruise. It’s going to be the details that define us. You know, like moments.

Pacey: Okay. (speaks slowly) Joey, I am really scared. Um, I think that I screwed up and that I’m gonna flunk out of highschool. (tears in eyes) So I need your help. Really badly.

Joey: (leans in close) That’s all you needed to say, Pace.

Pacey: (rests his head on her shoulder and breathes deeply) That’s easy for you to say.

Joey: Whatever it takes, we’re gonna fix it. You know, everything’s going to be okay.

Pacey: How can you be so sure?

Joey: I’m not going anywhere without you.

(they kiss)

Pacey: Potter?

Joey: Yeah?

Pacey: How come you’re so much smarter than I am?

Joey: I’m not that much smarter, Pace, (smiles) you just happen to be a little emotionally retarded.

Pacey: Is that it?

Joey: Yeah.

Pacey: (sighs) Oh, that’s such a load off my mind. (laughs and takes Joey’s hand) Let’s go make out some more, huh?

Joey: (teases) Sounds romantic.

Pacey: You’re far too cynical for romantic overtures.

Joey: Doesn’t mean you don’t earn points for trying.

Pacey: (wraps his arms around her) Oh, come on, you love me.

Joey: (smiles) You bug me.

FADE TO CREDITS