Beyond the Triangle
Part 8 - Operation Morning Muffin
* * * * *
Scene: In school, the next day. Jen and Jack are standing by the lockers.
Jen: Confrontation time is supposed to be now. (glancing around) Where the hell is he? He should have been here by now.
Jack: (smiles at Jen’s nervousness) It’s actually rather adorable seeing you so anxious about this.
Jen: Shut up.
Jack: Oh come on, you’ve seen me agonizing over such trivial things as going on a date and kissing a guy. It’s just amusing when the roles are reversed, that’s all.
Jen: That reminds me that as soon as this is over, I’m on a mission to get you a date.
Jack rolls his eyes. They spot Cheryl walking down the hallway. When she spots them, her expression changes to a mix of happiness with a tinge of doubt.
Cheryl: Hey guys, have a good vacation?
Jen: It was a vacation that’s sadly over.
Cheryl: You said it. My math teacher heaped a ton of homework on us. I’m convinced she’s simply not human. Something straight out of Invasion of the Body Snatchers or something. By the way, he’s not here.
Jen: (feigning innocence) Who?
Cheryl: Prince Charming’s evil twin. I didn’t see him in math.
Jen: What makes you think I was expecting him? We, we were just waiting for (spots a couple of cheerleaders heading in their direction) my old partners from the cheerleading squad.
Cheryl: You were a cheeleader? Um, okay, I need to pull Jack out of this. It’s about a Dawson matter.
Jen: Then keep me out of it. See ya. Hey, Tracie, Tanya. (heads toward the cheerleaders)
Jack: What’s the problem with you two?
Cheryl: Absolutely nothing. It was just easier to get Jen away if I said that. Now, Ryan came home New Year’s Eve, said something about you and Jen being an item or something. I want to know what’s going on here from someone who isn’t a ranting drunk.
Jack: There was a problem initially. But I’d say that it’s not an issue anymore between me and Jen. She’s really more interested in clearing this up with him.
Cheryl: So she was waiting for him. Let me tell you this will not be easy because I know Ryan will avoid her at all costs. Remember, all he knows is that you’re still public enemy number one and that she’s not interested in him as anything more than a friend. I don’t think he even knows that she knows since Dawson didn’t know when they talked.
Jack: Ryan and Dawson had a civil conversation?
Cheryl: It helps when one has a splitting headache and the other is convinced he gained competition. Trust me, it was strange to me too.
Jack: (confused, then shakes his head) Better off not understanding that. You have any suggestions on how to reunite them?
Cheryl: I have an idea. How early do you think Jen can get up in the morning?
Jack: I don’t know, why?
Cheryl: The earlier the better for this plan.
* * * * *
Scene: Jen's bedroom. Six in the morning the next day. The phone is ringing.
Jen: Who the hell is it at this time? (gets out of bed and picks up phone) Hello? (no response) Hell-o? What the hell? (hangs up the phone) Dammit, I'm not gonna be able to go back to sleep.
* * * * *
Scene: The Coffee Cup. Jen walks in and sits down at her usual table. She is surprised to see Cheryl standing in front of her.
Jen: What are you doing here?
Cheryl: You usually get a strong coffee with one sugar, right?
Jen: Yeah, but why are you working on a school day? I know your dad is pretty lenient but still..
Cheryl: I'll answer that question shortly. (walks away)
Jen spots Kent Harding.
Jen: Hey, Kent.
Kent: (approaches the table) Why, hello, Jen. You're first today.
Jen: Huh? Oh well, Gretch wouldn't be up this early. I don't know why I'm up this early. Damn prank phone call ruined a decent night's sleep. Why is Cheryl working now?
Kent: She isn't exactly on duty at the moment.
Cheryl: (hands her a coffee in a paper cup) Here you go.
Jen: (eyes the cup) What's going on? You know I have the time to stay.
Cheryl: No, you don't. We have business to take care of. (drags Jen from the booth)
When they are outside the cafe, Jen released herself from Cheryl's grasp.
Jen: You could have claimed I couldn't yell at you in there because of disturbing the other customers. Now, what is going on?
Cheryl: (walking very fast) I know this sounds rather stupid but we have a morning wake-up call to make.
Jen: (struggling to keep up with her) Am I supposed to have absolutely no clue where we're going?
Cheryl: It helps but I don't think you'd back out of it even if I told you. It's more fun this way.
Jen: Would it be fair to assume that you were the one who made the prank call?
Cheryl: Actually, you'd be wrong about that. My associate made the call.
Jen: Dawson?
Cheryl: No, Jack.
Jen: (suddenly realizes exactly where they are going) Oh.. my.. god.
Cheryl: That's right, Jen Lindley, you have won the privilege of trying to have a conversation with Ryan Farrell. We have to trap the prey or else he will easily flee the scene. (she walks up a path to the Farrells' house)
Jen: This is absolutely insane.
Cheryl: I know, but what can I say? I have a knack for really out-there schemes. Ask some of my exes.
Cheryl knocks on the door. A frazzled-looking blonde lady answers.
Lady: May I help you?
Cheryl: Yeah, is Ryan here?
Lady: Hold on a sec. (calls behind her) Peter, is Ryan here? (hear a grunt) That must mean yes.
Cheryl darts by her and heads up the stairs, Jen trailing behind.
Jen: Who was that?
Cheryl: I've been in this house enough to not question certain things. Odd ladies in the morning ranks as one of them.
Jen: You mean he does that in the house?
Cheryl: They've kind of scheduled them now. I wouldn't even want to know where his mom is.
Cheryl opens the door. Realizing they're at Ryan's bedroom, Jen hangs by the door.
Cheryl: (shouting) This is your morning wake-up call. Rise and shine.
Ryan: (pulls the covers over his head) Princess, would you take your chipper attitude and take it somewhere where it'd be more appreciated?
Cheryl: Nonsense. It is such a sunny day and you should be enjoying it.
Ryan: I will as soon as you leave.
Cheryl: I think it'll be much easier if you surrender now.
Ryan: (lowers the covers slightly) Or else what? You're going to subject me to another round of Cosmo quizzes?
Cheryl: Cute. But I had a different method in mind. (she swipes the pillow from under Ryan's head)
Ryan: (gets up) Fine, Cher, but this isn't the last you've heard from me.
He grabs Cheryl and pins her to his bed.
Ryan: Now, you will surrender. (slyly) Unless I'm inadvertantly fulfilling one of your kinky fantasies.
Cheryl: Oh, now I know you're not awake yet.
Ryan smirks then releases his grip.
Cheryl: Speaking of fantasies, you've got another visitor.
Ryan: Huh? (he turns around and finally spots Jen) Oh, uh, hi.
Jen: (smiles shyly) Good morning.
Cheryl: I figured, since you weren't in school, we'd come and see you.
Ryan: (looking at the ground) I can't believe you let her talk you into this. Okay, um, can you two wait downstairs? I'm not real interested in going to school looking like this.
Cheryl: I'm not so sure..
Ryan: I'll even make you breakfast. One that goes beyond coffee and a donut.
Cheryl: Fine. (heads out of the room) (to Jen) Isn't he just so adorable first thing in the morning in that Red Sox shirt?
Ryan: Cut it out.
* * * * *
In the Farrell kitchen, Jen and Cheryl are sitting at the table while Ryan is at the stove, making omelets, when his father appears.
Peter: I thought I smelled eggs. I told Charlene that and she thought I was hallucinating. (spots the girls at the table) I don't believe this. I guess I wasn't the only one getting some action last night.
Cheryl: Eww. You really know how to make a girl lose her appetite. Your lady of the night let us in about a half-hour ago.
Peter: Oh yeah, that's right. (to Jen) Hey, have I met this lovely lady before?
Cheryl: Peter Farrell, Jen Lindley. Jen, meet pond scum.
Peter: I'm remembering now. We met at the Coffee Cup one glorious morning. You were there with, I believe, your ex-boyfriend. Trying to play it cool in front of him but I could see it in your eyes.
Cheryl: Your ex?
Jen: He means Jack, who is not an ex. Just some fabrication in his hungover head.
Peter: In my defense, she must have been taken. Because I don't know why she'd ever be single.
Cheryl: I think I hear what's-her-name calling you.
Peter: Oh, okay. Hey, I'll give you guys a ride to school. (to Jen) Or anywhere else. (leaves room)
Cheryl: Hey Farrell, I think I'll make my own omelet. You know how picky I can be when it comes to these things. Now, you sit down (pulls him away from the stove) and I'll cook.
Ryan turns around stoically and slumps into the chair next to Jen. Jen places her hand on top of his for a couple of seconds, then moves it away when he doesn't react.
* * * * *
In the Farrell car.
Peter: So, you're a senior also?
Jen: Yeah.
Peter: Have a lot of colleges interested in you?
Jen: I don't know if they're interested but I applied to several.
Cheryl: (trying to get Mr. Farrell out of the conversation) Did you apply to BU by any chance?
Jen: Yeah, I believe so.
Cheryl: Wouldn't it be so cool if we all went to the same college? Ryan and I both applied there as well.
Ryan: (muttering) I don't remember that.
Cheryl: See, that was when you were pulling that whole 'I don't need college' thing so I decided to become you.
Jen: Wait, you mean you submitted his applications? (begins laughing) Jack did the same thing to me.
Cheryl: Really? Wow, great minds think alike.
The car pulls up to the school.
Peter: Well, here's your stop. Ryan, can you stay back here for a second? There's something I need to talk to you about.
Ryan: Uh, sure. I'll see you at lunch?
He is looking at Jen for pretty much the first time today. Jen is already out the door but Cheryl catches the look.
Cheryl: Sure thing.
* * * * *
Jen and Cheryl get out of the car.
Cheryl: That bastard ruined everything. Well, despite that, that was actually a positive sign.
Jen: (bewildered) Were we in the same car?
Cheryl: Trust me, it is a good sign.
* * * * *
Scene: At lunch. Joey, Jen and Cheryl are sitting at the table.
Jen: I can't believe it is just us ladies.
Joey: You know that won't last.
Cheryl: Yeah, you'll have your arms around Pacey as soon as he walks in the door.
Joey: (blushing) Well.. look who's talking.
Jen: Busted.
Cheryl: (pretending to be annoyed) I don't need this.
Jen: You know what's weird? All three of us have dated Dawson. Should we be comparing notes or something?
Jack: (comes up from behind) You three need some serious help.
Jen: (defending herself) Hey, at least when I dated him, it wasn't like we were in love or anything. He was just a guy.
Jack: Just a moment of weakness?
Jen: Something like that. I was still New York girl then so you fill it in from there.
Pacey sits down next to Joey (of course) and slides a piece of paper to Jen.
Jen: What is this? (unfolds and begins to read it)
Pacey: I'm just the messenger here.
Jen: (picks up her tray and gets up) I'll see you guys later.
* * * * *
Scene: Outside the school. Jen walks out of the building and finds Ryan sitting on the grass by the track, waiting for her.
Jen: There you are. (joins him on the ground)
Ryan: Sorry, I just wanted to do this away from our meddling friends.
Jen: Is that so bad?
Ryan: (smiled) Not really but at least we won't be swayed by anyone else. (cautiously) Jack told you about the kiss, right?
Jen: Yeah. But let me assure you that I'm not in love with him.
Ryan: (lets out a sigh of relief) It would have been quite tragic if you were. Might have ruined your friendship. I bet that if you were actually in love with Jack, he would try as much as he possibly could to return that love. But then reality would set in and you'd realize he wasn't very happy.
Jen: That is true. You have no idea how close to the truth that is.
Ryan: Are you implying that he.. um.. tried?
Jen: Sort of. You're right, there was an attempt but I stopped it before any regrets could occur.
Ryan: I guess that's good news. Look, I know it seems like I've been avoiding you, but it's been a strange couple of days. Did you know that while I was gone, my mom moved out?
Jen: (startled) What? No, that is definitely news.
Ryan: Her boyfriend moved to Boston and she decided to follow him. I found out when I returned. That's where I was yesterday, trying to get some information.
Jen: How's your dad taking it?
Ryan: The way he usually takes such surprises. (imitating his dad) She'll be back in a month begging for a slam dunk. But I haven't lost my touch, don't think that. (back to normal voice) I didn't think he'd seriously try to flirt with you.
Jen: It was cute yet sick, you know. That's what I thought when we met in the Coffee Cup, before I even knew who he was.
Ryan: The sad thing is, I bet there's a girl in the high school who'd think he was sincere when he says that crap. The one things his ladies have in common is they all have severe emotional problems.
Jen: Including your mom?
Ryan: (pauses) How would you explain an otherwise intelligent woman staying in a marriage like this? Part of me hopes this time is the real thing because she could do so much better. I've met Randall and he's a definite improvement.
Jen: I'm surprised you're able to say that about your own parents.
Ryan: You met my father. Imagine watching that unfold for seventeen years. Three separation notices, two divorce proceedings begin and end, and sexual innuendo regarding any female he meets and you get a pretty good idea of where I am right now. I just wish she'd stayed in town, that's the only part that's a little unsettling.
Jen: Actually, I do know a thing or two about loveless marriages. Imagine a marriage that could land on a wedding magazine cover it's so picturesque. My mother loves the luxurious lifestyle so much that she's scared beyond belief of being alone. My dad is the type of person who lays down his authority card whenever he fears that I'd ruin his reputation. They were so concerned about their status that they sent me here after one slightly over-the-top indiscretion. (looks away from him and toward the school)
Ryan: I'd say that turned out to be a positive, Jen. You have a network of people who care about you. Your grandmother, Jack.. But it still hurts when the people who are supposed to be the most important let you down, doesn't it?
Jen: (nods then begins to cry) I had gotten the impression you hated me for what I did.
Ryan: (puts his arm around her) How could I hate you? I may be a tiny bit reluctant to kiss you again, but that's about it.
Jen looks back at him and gives a slight smile.
Jen: Okay, I'll give you that one.
Part 9 - Another Fine Mess.. and I do mean Fine