Beyond the Triangle
Part 4 - Residual Effect
Scene: In Jen's kitchen.
Jack is pouring some soda when there is a knock at the door. He opens the door and is surprised to find Dawson there.
Jack: What brings you over here?
Dawson: Just thought I'd see Jen. Have something I'd like to discuss with her.
Jack: She's asleep. (tries to push him out the door)
Dawson: (holding his ground) Then I'm really glad I ran into you instead. Here's the deal. I was thinking that Jen and Ryan could come with Cheryl and me to the movies tomorrow.
Jack: Correct me if I'm wrong but I didn't think Cheryl and Ryan patched up their differences.
Dawson: Come on, they're friends for so long that today's argument was meaningless. I mean, you and Jen are like that, even though the amount of time is less.
Jack: Although I like that you sort of support the idea of these two hooking up, I don't know why you're so interested in having them tag along on your date. You have absolutely no clue what they were even fighting about.
Ryan enters the room, unseen by Dawson.
Dawson: The one thing I can say is that, unless one friend is in love with the other, I can't imagine this little dispute from lasting. It's so trivial, if you ask me.
Ryan: I will say this quickly before this turns nasty. (trying to talk as calmly as possible) First of all, it isn't trivial. This is a slowly brewing situation. We may forgive, but I know I don't forget. Secondly, you seem to treasure bugging me instead of getting to know Cheryl. This may be news to you but one really has nothing to do with the other. If anything, you should be glad that she isn't confiding in me at the moment or else you wouldn't have a date.
Dawson: (sarcastically) So you decided to start the show now? Precious.
Ryan: You are really pushing it, Leery. I've been trying not to get involved in this budding romance but both of you insist on dragging me into it. Please, leave me out of it. Have a good time on your date tomorrow. I hope it works out.
Dawson: (confused) Er, okay, sure.
Ryan: I can't believe you are claiming to know me so well. Well, believe it or not, not every friendship is a carbon copy of your situation with Joey. (glaring right at Jack) They are a lot more messed-up sometimes. (gets his jacket and heads for the door)
Jack: Where are you going?
Ryan: I really have to get some fresh air. This house is suffocating.
Jack: Dawson was just leaving anyway. (nudging him to the door)
Dawson: I was?
Ryan: (turns around) This isn't just about (pointing in Dawson's direction) that. I have to get out of here.
Jen: (enters the door, bleary-eyed) What's going on here? (sees Dawson and Ryan both wearing their jackets) Has the location changed?
Ryan: (avoiding looking at Jen) No, just the people. Dawson's replacing me. I'll see you around.
Jen: (grabs his hand and drags him toward the living room) Come on, you're staying.
Ryan releases Jen's grip.
Ryan: (coldly) No, I'm not. (heads out the door)
Jen: Okay, what the hell did you two say to him?
Jack: I don't know. What did you say to him?
Jen: (confused) What are you talking about? Anyway, you two entertain yourselves. It's more comfortable to sleep on my bed than the couch.
Jack stares at Jen as she walks away.
Dawson: So what about...
Jack gives one last push and finally succeeds at getting the intruder out of the house. He then sits at the table and looks towards the living room.
Jack: Something definitely happened in there.
* * * * *
Scene: Jen's house the next morning. Jen walks into the living room and is surprised to find Jack, just waking up, on the couch.
Jen: Hey, I didn't expect to find you here.
Jack: Went back to watching the movie after you went upstairs. Fell asleep shortly after.
Jen: Oh, well. I'm glad you stayed. Because I'm still trying to figure out what happened last night. Can we figure it out over coffee?
Jack: So you really go there every day?
Jen: Pretty much. (pulls Jack off the couch) And I'll get you to go there too, whenever you're here.
Jack: (gives her a strange look) What happened when I left?
Jen: Jack, I was asleep. Nothing happened. All I know is that when I woke up, you, him, and Dawson were in kitchen. Seriously, this is not me being in denial. Ryan's right about one thing - we don't know him that well. He could have reacted over anything from what Dawson said to a scene in the film.
Jack: (grabs his jacket) I'm not saying we can have him figured out in an hour. People are more complex than that. But there is obviously something really wrong.
* * * * *
Scene: Jen and Jack are at the Coffee Cup entrance.
Kent: Well, if it isn't my second-favorite customer.
Jen: Second? What are you talking about?
They are led in and find Gretchen and Pacey sipping coffee at a table in the back.
Kent: Gretchen gave me a tip in exchange for saying that when you arrived.
Jen: That bitch.
Jack: What's going on, a coffee war?
Jen: Something like that. Just a friendly little battle between a college chick and a New York chick.
Jack gives Kent a look. Kent shrugs his shoulders.
Kent: Let me keep you guys apart. (guides them to a table in the front) I'm not interested in a food fight today.
A business man about Kent's age with greasy blonde hair enters the cafe. As soon as Kent sees him, he gives a huff.
Jen: Something wrong?
Kent: Just the guy I don't want to see today.
Jen: Bill collector?
Kent: He wishes. Has to ruin the lives of everyone around him. Drunken weasel. (turns around and walks to the entrance) Why, hello Peter. What's got you awake at ten o'clock on a weekend?
Peter: Not in the mood for you, choir boy. Just need a seat. By the window.
Kent leads him to a table nearby Jen and Jack.
Peter: Just a strong coffee. Two sugars.
As soon as Kent walks away, Peter turns to Jen and Jack.
Peter: Ever notice that the service is downright terrible here? (neither answers) It is awful. Kent is quite good at taking orders but dishing them? Not at all. Then again, he couldn't satisfy his woman so why should he be able to satisfy his customers.
Jen and Jack exchange looks, debating who should ask the question. Finally, Jack relents.
Jack: So why do you come?
Peter: Because many beautiful women like your girlfriend frequent this place.
Jen: We're not dating. You see..
Peter: You're not? Well, then I guess I'm lucky I woke up early this morning. Because then I would have missed a fine-looking specimen like yourself.
Kent pops up, hands Peter a cup of coffee in a paper cup with a cover on it.
Peter: I don't recall asking this to go.
Kent: Well, you're fortunate I don't ban you from this place altogether for harassing the customers. Especially my best customer.
(from a distance Gretchen hands Pacey a five dollar bill)
Peter: You and your holier-than-thou preacher attitude. You know this guy thinks he is better than me.
Kent: I don't recall being the one to make a move on someone's wife two days after the divorce proceedings.
Peter: Well, after being with you all these years, I'd be quite surprised if your ex would even know what a real man feels like.
Kent: (aside to Jen and Jack) A real married man, no less. A real married man with an obsession to cheat on his wife as much as humanly possible.
Peter: As opposed to an unhappy man who's obsessed with trying to ruin my marriage.
Kent: I'm sorry that Marilyn hasn't gone through with divorce proceedings yet.
Peter: So then you can have her and my son? I think not.
Kent: I have no desire to be with married women, even one as miserable as her. As for your son, well, Ryan gets in enough trouble and needs someone to watch over him. Because it sure as hell isn't you. I bet you have no idea where he is right now.
Peter: You're just waiting for him to get your daughter pregnant so he'll call you dad.
Kent: That is so repulsive. Okay, now I will ban you from setting foot in this place again. And, if you don't be careful, I'm going to call the cops. (pointing to back table) The sheriff's daughter and son are watching this whole display.
Peter: (notices Gretchen and Pacey) Oh, Witter's kids. Fine, I'll leave but this is not the end of it. (gets up and walks out)
Kent: I know, I know, it's not over until she says 'It's over'. (slams the door behind him)
Gretchen and Pacey walk over to Jen and Jack's table.
Gretchen: What the hell was that about? Couldn't hear much from that (loud enough for Kent to hear) terrible table. I do know that the guy was trouble.
Jack: (ignoring Gretchen) I don't think he went home last night, do you?
* * * * *
Scene: Dawson is pacing back and forth in front of movie theater, looking at his watch. Cheryl runs up to him.
Dawson: You're ten minutes late.
Cheryl: I know, I know. Sorry about that. My mom called just as I was leaving.
Dawson: How is she?
Cheryl: For the first time in years, quite happy. She's got this apartment in New York and started dating a doctor. It was real nice to hear from her. (looks around) So, what's playing?
Dawson: Tough call, between Cast Away and What Women Want.
Cheryl: Let's see, do we opt for the serious film with life-affirming lessons of survival or (sweetly) the feel-good popcorn flick on a topic any guy could learn a few tips on?
Dawson: Yeah, I guess Tom Hanks talking to a volleyball isn't exactly the kind of relationship movie to see on a first date. (to cashier) Two for What Women Want.
* * * * *
Scene: Two hours later, they walk out of the theater, chatting away.
Dawson: I guess I'm glad you changed my mind about the movie selection.
Cheryl: There are times when it is better to watch a film just for the fun of it, instead of one which can be analyzed to death.
Dawson: (kiddingly) So, I've been wasting the good part of my life on it?
Cheryl: Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with finding the deeper meaning of a movie like, say, American Beauty. But, there are times I'd prefer just enjoying a feel-good film, or, even better, a really bad film.
Dawson: You watch bad films for kicks?
Cheryl: Think about it. If you are trying to make a film yourself, it is imperative to watch these type of movies. Illustrations of what not to do.
Dawson: Such as?
Cheryl: Ever seen any Jean-Claude Van Damme movies?
Dawson: Who?
Cheryl: He's this European action star. Now, he's made a bunch of films. They are all the same, basically a lame plot to connect a bunch of stunts, each more elaborate than the last. Some chick who is supposed to be quite intelligent but insists on wearing tight blouses and very short skirts gets tangled into the situation. Said girl falls for our hero, who is, of course, looking for any situation to show off his muscles. Female audiences are meant to swoon over the hero, males are meant to marvel at the action sequences. Yet, any sane person realizes this plot within five minutes. No suspense really, because you know the guy won't die, he's the frickin Energizer bunny, really.
Dawson: You know, I wish you would explain to Pacey why the Mighty Ducks' movies suck.
Cheryl: That's just it, they don't exactly reek. I mean, I personally liked those Duck movies. But if you're talking about quality films, it certainly doesn't contain Emelio Estevez coaching a hockey team. You're interested in making those type of films, right?
Dawson: But of course.
Cheryl: Okay, here are the three rules you need to survive the movie business, as far as I can see. First of all, don't work on sequels unless you made the original and were planning to make several. I mean, Godfather, fine, Star Wars, no prob, but Friday the 13th? Secondly, don't make a film because you think it'll attract a certain demographic. That's why there are so many teen thrillers in the bottom of the Pacific. Finally, don't make a movie with the exclusive purpose of paying homage to it. Man, I saw this Blair Witch takeoff at school last year that just simply reeked of desperation.
Dawson gives her an offended look.
Dawson: There is nothing wrong with showing your thanks to an influential film.
Cheryl: That is true. But you should also have something to say about the subject.
Dawson is about to reply but then smiles, which completely confuses Cheryl.
Cheryl: What did I do?
Dawson: It was just reminding me of the movie nights I used to have with Joey.
Cheryl: (apologetically) Oh, I'm sorry I didn't mean...
Dawson: No, no, nothing like that. It's just somewhat exhilirating to hear someone else talking like that.
Cheryl: Well, I don't like to go all 'Randy from the Scream movies' on people. But I thought you'd be the right one to share that type of stuff with.
Dawson: This isn't something you and Ryan do?
Cheryl: Hell, no. He doesn't realize how bad those films really are. Gets all annoyed at me when I start lecturing about the quality of films. He thinks I prefer the opinions of elitist critics to those of common people.
Dawson: (softer) Did I cause some problems between you two earlier?
Cheryl: Maybe, but I'm not really interested in thinking about that right now. I'll deal with him later. (pulls his jacket closer to her) Right now, it is just you and me.
Dawson: I have to admit, it's been a fun date.
Cheryl: (smiles) I'm glad we did this too. I'm working all day tomorrow so I guess I'll see you in school.
Dawson nods.
Cheryl begins to walk away, then turns around and reaches over to kiss him on the cheek. She is surprised when Dawson pulls her into a full-blown kiss.
Cheryl: (breaks away) I'm glad I wasn't the only one. I have to go.
Cheryl walks away, for real this time.
Part 5 - The Other Man