Beyond the Triangle
Part 6 - Reality of Switzerland
* * * * *
Scene: Jack walks to the door of Jen's room which is shut.
Jack: Jen, we need to talk.
Jen: (through sobs) There's nothing you can say that I didn't already hear.
Jack: Come on, Jen. I refuse to talk to you through the door.
The door opens slowly. Jen turns her back on him as she sits down on the bed.
Jen: (softly) So, that's why you've been acting strange around me the last couple of days?
Jack nods slowly.
Jen: What'd you seriously think I would do when I discovered the truth?
Jack: I wasn't sure. I guess I really didn't want to deal with how things are going to change now that this has occured. Because, as much as I love being around you, I don't want to be the cause of your unhappiness.
Jen: Jack, that is not what's going on.
Jack: Of course it is. How can you say that? It's all about unrequited love here, it is so obvious. (he stops short, realization creeping in and stares down at the ground) Would you please tell me I'm wrong?
Jen stops crying and a small, smile forms on her face. She stares right at him, holding his face up to look at her.
Jen: You are wrong. I don't know what's happening here but it is not like that. I have no desire to actually pursue anything other than a close friendship with you. So, don't think that this is going to turn into The Object of My Affection, okay?
Jack nods, then moves her hand away from his face.
Jack: But there is still a problem. You shouldn't be alone. You need to move on from one Henry Parker but the first guy who actually begins to enter the sacred territory is scared off because of me. I've seen him give me evil stares two times since your little kiss. If you want to have prospective men feel that way towards me, fine, but I don't want to participate.
Jen: That is true. We need to figure out some way we can move on past this.
Jack: That's the problem. I don't think we can. Because we both know that it is there. The whole image of what transpired will always be etched in our minds. (walks to the door)
Jen: What exactly are you doing?
Jack: I'm moving back home. It may be empty with my father away but it is much better than being in this house at the moment.
* * * * *
* * * * *
Scene: At the Coffee Cup the next day. Gretchen, Joey and Pacey are sitting at a table. They spot Jen walking in.
Gretchen: Still second-best.
Jen: (distracted) Huh? Oh, yeah, good for you. (sits down at nearby table)
Pacey is the only one who notices the look on Jen's face and walks over to her.
Pacey: Something wrong in paradise?
Jen: You're changing allegiances?
Pacey: Well, I'm playing neutral party right now. Every good battle should have a Switzerland.
Jen: I see.
Pacey: Anyhow, I'll say I'm enacting peace negotiations, if Gretch asks. What's going on?
Jen: Let's see, where to start?
Pacey: I'll start the questioning, okay. Now, did Grams get all religious on you?
Jen: Do you really think that would upset me?
Pacey: Sorry, I guess we haven't interacted that much lately. So, is this about your adopted brother?
Jen initially looks confused, then realizes what he means.
Jen: Sort of. Well, actually, mostly. He thinks I'm in love with him.
Pacey: You're not, right?
Jen: Of course not.
Pacey: Okay, then I'm not so worried about you. What led to that conclusion?
Jen: I'm only basing this on what he said, because I haven't been able to find out the other side to this story yet.
Pacey: Who's the other side? You'd better continue.
* * * * *
Gretchen and Joey are eyeing them.
Joey: What do you think they're talking about?
Gretchen: Well, it certainly isn't what Pacey claims he was going to say.
Joey: What do you think of Dawson and Cheryl?
Gretchen: I think it's great that he's found someone.
Joey: That comment I made about being sure the next girl would be you? I wasn't exactly kidding around.
Gretchen: Joey?
Joey: I mean, it's no secret that he had a crush on you when we were younger.
Gretchen: The appropriate word in that sentence was 'had'. In his eyes back then, I was the rather attractive older sister of his best friend. Now, I'm just his friend, separate from Pacey. There was never any romantic feelings on my side, just so that's clear.
Joey: I'm glad we got that straightened up.
* * * * *
Jen: So, what do you think is the situation?
Pacey: He's not exactly thinking clearly right now. Keep in mind that there wasn't a conversation after you found out the truth. Jack had already made up his mind based on the point of view of a pissed-off, not to mention scorned, outsider.
Jen tries to interrupt but Pacey continues.
Pacey: True, Ryan became part of your friendship but he's still basically an outsider we don't know much about. So, the deal is that I'm going find out a little more about this story. (gets up)
Jen: Pacey, you shouldn't interfere.
Pacey: Well, somebody has to play Switzerland here.
* * * * *
* * * * *
Scene: At McPhee house. Jack is on the computer when there is a knock at the door. Jack gets up to answer it.
Jack: Pacey, this is a surprise. Come in.
Pacey: Thanks, I didn't come at a bad time, did I?
Jack: No, just chatting with Andie. Or, actually, Andie trying to dictate my life from Italy.
Pacey: (grins) How's she doing?
Jack: She's real happy to be out there. It's really what she needed, a distraction before she plans her life full-speed ahead again.
Pacey: Mind if I join in?
Jack: (walks into dining room) No, go for it. I could use a break from her. I don't know how she can type so fast.
Jack stands by the bookcase while Pacey walks toward the laptop. The following message appears:
display - FROM: Amcphee
What the hell were you thinking when you said that she loved you?
Pacey: I wasn't supposed to see that, was it?
Jack walks over to the computer and covers his face with his hand.
Jack: That would be correct. Look, it's not what you think it means...
Pacey: Nice try but I already talked to Jen.
Jack glances at Pacey and slumps down into a chair.
Jack: I don't want to be the person that keeps Jen from being happy.
Pacey: Correct me if I see things differently but I thought it was because you're in her life that Jen's as happy as she is.
Jack: I meant romantically, Pace.
Pacey: If you had bothered to actually talk to her, as opposed to jumping to conclusions, you'd know that she doesn't see things that way at all.
Jack: You do understand that if she had called out your name instead of mine, there wouldn't be as big of a problem.
Pacey: I don't think this is an issue of whether you are gay or straight, Jack.
Jack: But, you have to admit, it does change the situation if I was. Because there could be something to pursue...
Pacey: Do you really want this to turn into Dawson and Joey part deux? (shakes his head) I don't really think I could take a sequel. Why the hell are you even considering it?
Jack: Don't know exactly. It's just that I am tired of seeing her alone.
Pacey: You know how I commented at the Coffee Cup opening about Jen only talking to a few guys this year? Let's just say you're not much better in that department. In fact, your circle seems to consist of Jen, Grams, Dawson and Andie. And me if you count today.
Jack: Not true. Andie's away having the time of her life and Dawson's been wrapped up with Cheryl, the new love of his life.
Pacey: Meaning?
Jack: Meaning that my family is scattered around the globe, I'm a sound-board for Dawson and this Jen thing...
Pacey walks over to the laptop and begins typing.
Jack: What the hell are you doing? (reads over Pacey's shoulder)
message - Hey, Ms. McPhee. Officer Witter here. Could you please tell your brother that he's paranoid?
Jack: Paranoid? What?
Pacey: You're convinced that Jen's plotting to become Jennifer McPhee. What you need is to hear the voice of your best friend. Or, the next best thing...
The phone rings. Pacey answers.
Pacey: Hello... Why yes, it is Officer Witter, charming as ever... why, yes, I've got my applications in, mother... (rolls his eyes)... yes, he's right here.
* * * * *
Scene: That night. Jack is standing outside of Jen's.
Jack: Andie and Pacey are right. Jen's not thinking about us being a couple. Of course not. But I wouldn't say I was paranoid either. It's sort of logical. First thing to do is actually talk to her about this. (walks up to the door and knocks)
He is greeted by Grams.
Grams: Why, hello, Jack. Didn't expect to see you at this time of night.
Jack: I'm sorry if I woke you.
Grams: No, of course you didn't. I was just catching up on my correspondence with an old friend.
Jack: Oh, okay. Is Jen home?
Grams: Sure, she claims she was going to reorganize her closet. But I bet she's watching tv.
Jack nods then walks toward her room and knocks on the door. No sound. He opens the door slightly and notices the tv on and Jen asleep.
Jack: Jen?
Jen: (still asleep) I'm here, honey.
Jack realizes she's not awake and walks out of the room. He's about to close the door when he turns around, dawning on him she might be having one of those dreams again. He walks back into the room.
Jack: Do you know who this is?
Jen: I'd know your voice anywhere.
Jack shakes his head, deciding to just let her sleep. He picks up a blanket and covers her. He then sits on her bed.
Jack: I'm sorry this can't happen.
He gives her a peck on the cheek.
Jen: (gives a slight grin) Could work.
Jack: Maybe it could.
He holds Jen's chin in his hand and reaches over to give her a real kiss. Jen immediately wakes up and is quite surprised. She pushes him away.
Jen: What do you think you're doing?
Jack is very surprised by Jen's reaction.
Jack: Jen.. it's not.. I mean, this could be.. but isn't..
Jen: Let me see, um, what the hell is wrong with you? I mean, fantasy and reality are two completely different things. You grasp that concept.
Jack gets up and backs toward the door. Jen realizes the harsh tone in her voice.
Jen: Come on, that is not the way I meant it. Look, I don't want you and I to have, well, the kind of relationship the dream was about.
Jack: Can you answer me one question? Before you woke up, you were dreaming about us together, right?
Jen looks away sheepishly. Jack points at her.
Jack: See, this. This is exactly what I was afraid of happening. You can't bear to even look at me.
Jen: Wait a second. That isn't true. I can't take these sudden undertones of you thinking that I think there's something more between us. Did it occur to you that I didn't kiss you back just now?
Jack: Because you happened to wake up this time when a guy kissed you. Doesn't seem that significant.
Jen: But it is. There is something quite wrong about you truly giving me a kiss. That is what triggered me out of my sleep.
Jack: That doesn't make sense.
Jen: Let me ask you a question. Was there anything to that kiss on your end?
Jack: No, not really. But I thought this was what you wanted. So if that's what it takes to keep you a part of my life, then I was willing to make the sacrifice.
Jen: Let me repeat, there is nothing sexual about us, in reality. Admittingly, the fact you know about the dreams is rather, well, embarrassing. But the idea that you would stoop to this level is remarkable.
Jack: Not really, Jen. Because what would happen if I was right and I didn't act? Probably on your end, years of frustration with other guys until you eventually confront those feelings. On my end, having a best friend who finds it near impossible to be around me. Then the situation blows up and we both lose.
Jen: (gets up off the bed and walks up to him) Consider if you were right and that previous kiss was reciprocated. I believe the results are the same.
Jack: I guess so. I just wasn't interested in losing you in the process. Not after everything that's happened in the past two years. Having you there was one of the few shining marks in this whole period and I don't know what I'd do if you were gone from my life.
Jen gives him a hug. Jack rests his head on her shoulder.
Jen: Wanna know something amusing? Despite what you think, you weren't the guy I was fantasizing about when you kissed me.
Jack raises his head and looks at her.
Jack: Are you just saying that to reassure me?
Jen: I don't know how much of my journal you read that time, but there have been other guys. Some have been people I've never met, some I have don't-even-bother-asking-me-who-or-else-I-really-won't-talk-to-you-again.
Jack: Can I ask just one question?
Jen: Oh dear god, what?
Jack: Are you wishing to straighten out this mess with a certain bad waiter who's currently on vacation? Or do you just want to forget about this whole idea? Okay, that was actually two questions, but, you get my drift.
Relieved at the question, Jen gives him a hug.
Jen: No, I really want to clear this up too. Ryan's at least important enough to deserve an explanation.
Part 7 - Fireworks