Controlled Chaos
Part 1 - Current Status
Scene: A week before graduation at the Coffee Cup, the gang's new hangout. Dawson, Dawson's girlfriend Cheryl and Joey are sitting at a table when Jen barges in.
Jen: (singing) I don't wanna wait for our English fiii-nal to be over.
Dawson buries his head between his hands.
Dawson: You know I hate that song.
Cheryl: (smiles) Very soon, it'll be time to celebrate.
Joey: Easy for you to say. You don't have to give a speech to the graduating class of 2001.
Cheryl: Ah, the advantages of a solid B+ average.
Dawson: I can't believe it's almost over.
Jen: Why do I have this sudden urge to throw the party to end all parties?
Cheryl: Because you've watched too many teen movies from the 80s?
Jen: (grins) That must be it.
Dawson: Isn't it strange how we'll all be leaving Capeside?
Jen: Are you ready to take California by storm?
Dawson: (gleefully) I've been dreaming of attending UCLA for years. I still can't believe that next month, I'll be attending their summer program. It still feels like a fantasy.
Joey glances at her watch.
Jen: When does Andie's flight get here?
Joey: About a half hour.
Jen: Jack is so excited to finally see her again. I mean, they talk a lot by phone and email but it's still much easier to see someone face-to-face. (musing) Do you think Pacey will show up at our little gathering?
Dawson: (snaps) Since when does he have interest in hanging out with any of us?
Cheryl: Dawson, I'm sure whatever is happening, Pacey wouldn't stand up Andie. She requested him to come.
Jen: Yeah, through me because apparently, Jack doesn't want to give him any messages.
Joey: Can you guys stop it with the Pacey-bashing? If he feels that we're not the friends he needs, then that is his decision.
Dawson: At least he talks to you two. He'll only talk about meaningless stuff to me.
Jen: It's just really weird when he makes up an excuse to avoid hanging out with me and Ryan. When I'm with Jack, both of them think of excuses to bail. I'm not sure which is worse.
Dawson: It's weird, I didn't like your boyfriend at first but as soon as I was able to tolerate Ryan, Pacey inexplicably took that position.
Cheryl: You wouldn't listen to me when I said that!
Dawson: He's your best friend! You're hardly impartial.
Cheryl: (smiles) True. Besides, I remember Ryan said that there was a brief time when he thought he and Pacey would be friends. But then Pacey was practically ready to kill him a couple of days later.
* * * * *
Scene: At the airport in Boston. Jack and Ryan are sitting in the waiting room, Jack glancing at the clock every couple of minutes.
Ryan: Would you calm down?
Jack: Sorry, I'm just a little anxious. What if the plane has trouble landing. What if it exploded on takeoff. (Ryan sighs) It's just this weird premonition I may have had last night.
Ryan: I'd say you should not have watched Final Destination.
Jack smirks.
Pacey: What are you guys doing here?
Jack and Ryan turn around. As soon as Jack realizes it's Pacey, he turns back around and resumes his clock-watching regimen.
Ryan: We're here to watch random people running to catch their flights. What do you think we're doing?
Pacey: (fidgetting) Of course. It's just that Andie requested that I should be here. I just assumed that meant I was picking her up.
Jack: Well, it doesn't so you could just go home.
Ryan glances at Jack, who isn't backing down.
Ryan: Witter, follow me to my office. (gestures over to a different section of the waiting room)
Pacey nods and they both walk in that direction.
Ryan: Are you ever planning to admit what happened between you and Jack?
Pacey: Farrelli, you have to accept that your little game of matchmaker is pretty sick.
Ryan: How many times are we having this discussion? I was not planting subliminal messages. I did not tell Jack that you would be at that Coalition meeting. I didn't even know he was attending.
Pacey: He was hanging out with your friends!
Ryan: This is bordering on pathetic. Just admit the truth, whatever the hell that may be, and move on. If it was because you were confused, then say that. If it's because you're scared that it's true, then swallow your macho pride and deal with it.
Pacey: You still haven't told Jen, right?
Ryan: No, of course not. To my knowledge, I'm still the only schmuck in the middle of this. Unless you count Patrick and Marty, which I'm sure you don't.
Pacey: Marty knows? What does she think?
Ryan: You're a moron.
Pacey: I'm being serious.
Ryan: So am I. She thinks you're still in denial. I couldn't agree more with that.
Pacey: You would. I bet that whenever you saw me before this, all you could think was, (mimicing Ryan) You know, it'd be perfect if Pacey was just attracted to him. I know, I'll try to make that happen, using skills I learned in my years as Cheryl's lackey.
Ryan: You're delusional.
Pacey is glancing over Ryan's shoulder. Ryan turns around to see that Andie has arrived. She is waiting for her luggage when Jack creeps up from behind. She spins quickly and wraps her arms around her older brother.
Ryan: That is so sweet.
Pacey: There's my ray of sunshine.
Pacey heads over to the McPhees, Ryan following behind. Andie immediately spots Pacey and races over to him.
Andie: Paaaaa-cey, I'm so happy to see you. (hugs him tightly)
Pacey hugs her back.
Andie: You know, I really didn't expect to see both of you here.
Jack: (tilts his head) You're absolutely lying.
Andie: Of course I am. How did you get here anyway? I thought your car was in the shop. I know you two wouldn't be in the same car no matter how conniving I could be.
Jack: Oh, I'm sorry, I completely forgot, Andie, this is Ryan.
Andie and Ryan shake hands.
Andie: So now I can place a name to the face. You know when you know somebody but don't know somebody? That's the way you and I are.
Ryan: I'd agree with that.
Andie: You also brought in who Tweedledum calls 'the Andie replacement'.
Pacey raises an eyebrow, then realizes who she means.
Jack: I think I'm about to regret ever calling Cheryl that. I was so sure she and Dawson would be history by now.
Andie: You will definitely regret it if you ever claim I was ever in love with Dawson. Got that?
Jack: Loud and clear. * * * * *
Scene: Back to Coffee Cup a little later.
Jen: (turns to Joey) How did you ever manage to go to the prom with him?
Joey: Because, as I keep saying, Pacey's not that bad.
Dawson: (mutters) Of course not, he's invisible. (normal tone) Joey, you are having trouble acknowledging that whatever his problem is, it is quite serious.
Joey: Dawson, you and I have always been the ones to talk situations to death. That has not nor will ever be the way Pacey and I solve problems.
Jen: So it's better not to try?
Joey: Look who's talking! I'm not the only one who's friends with him.
Jen: (snaps) I have a much better clue about what's happening than you do. Playing in the middle of their little war hasn't exactly been for fun and games.
Joey: I don't really think whatever happened between him and Jack is connected to why he doesn't talk to me and Dawson. It's not like you even know the truth there and Jack's supposedly your best friend.
Jen is taken aback and tries to regroup.
Jen: I hope you're really happy at Worthington. (gets up to leave)
Cheryl: Hold on a second. We're supposed to be welcoming Andie back, in case anyone has forgotten. She won't want to hear these little bickering wars.
Jen tilts her head and places her hand on her waist, then relents and slouches back down.
* * * * *
Scene: Pacey and Andie in the 'Witter-mobile'.
Andie is staring at Pacey while he's driving, trying to figure him out.
Andie: What happened to you?
Pacey: Andie, what could you be referring to?
Andie: It seems like whenever I talk to the others, they say that 'Pacey Witter is in a world of his own'. You write just enough that you make sure I shouldn't be worried about you, but I am anyway.
Pacey: I'm sorry you don't like my new friends..
Andie: Drue Valentine isn't anyone's friend, least of all yours. Jen told me she's seen you two drinking the night away. That would lead me to think you're trying to forget something.
Pacey: (snidely) So Jen's the wise one? The all-knowing, all-seeing prophet.
Andie: Jen's told me quite a bit. She is aware Ryan knows something more but is inexplicably being loyal to you. Somewhere, she determined that Jack is wrapped in this as well.
Pacey: I find it hard to believe that your own brother hasn't given you any clues.
Andie: Not this time. It's pretty easy to keep your guard up when you're not face-to-face with the person. Besides, after the way he revealed to Jen about the kiss in her sleep, he's pretty wary about what he says on the phone. I'll use my sisterly charms to get him annoyed if you don't tell me.
Pacey: (slowly) You want to really want to know? He trusted me and I took advantage. I begin to think my actions were a mistake and try to retract them. He gets furious and refuses to even acknowledge my existence.
Andie: This is what I already knew. Could you possibly be a little less vague?
Pacey: Jen tries to find out the truth by sending the boyfriend out to investigate. She's blissfully unaware that he provoked this mess.
Andie: (not believing him) Of course he did.
Pacey fumes as he continues driving.
Pacey: I don't expect your sympathy.
Andie: Fine, let's try a different subject. You can't stand hanging around the gang, is that correct.
Pacey: Well, Joey and I aren't that bad. In fact, we may even get back together.
Andie: I know you two went to the prom together. Besides, I thought you were trying to find yourself, hence why you two broke up.
Pacey: (drolly) Isn't it inevitable that she and I reunite?
Andie: I've got a much better question. What are you planning to do when high school's over? Leave Joey's plans out of this.
Pacey: I really don't know. Guess I'd make sure my first duty is move out of Capeside. Maybe live in Boston.
Andie: In Boston?! Where Jen and Jack will be?! Won't that break your mission of avoiding them?
Pacey: There is more action in Boston than there is in Capeside. At least there will be options to explore. Besides, I haven't really decided yet. Boston is just a good starting point. Unless you want me to stay with you at Harvard. Now, I have trouble reading maps, how far away would you be from Boston?
Andie: Probably not far enough.
* * * * *
Scene: Coffee Cup a little while later. Pacey and Andie walk in. Dawson, Joey and Jen get up and envelope her in hugs.
Dawson: It's so great to see you again.
Joey: You look great. (leading her over to their table)
Andie: Thanks. So do you guys.
Jen grabs Pacey's sleeve.
Jen: (whispers) Nice of you to make a cameo. (to the others) Pacey and I are going to snare up another table.
Joey: Jen, there is no good reason why we should be apart.
Jen: Um, actually, there is. The eight of us can't possibly fit in one of these booths. Unless you want Jack and Ryan to stand the whole time.
Joey: Oh, yeah.
Jen: Don't worry, Andie, I'm going to make sure to torment you with Italy questions later on.
Jen drags Pacey behind her until she finds a nearby table. She drops him off into one side of the booth while she sits across from him.
Jen: (sarcastically) So you finally took a little time from your drinking schedule. How nice of you.
Pacey: We are supposed to be enjoying Andie's return. I'm here purely for her benefit.
Jen: You ran into Jack and Ryan at the airport, correct?
Pacey: (bored) Here we go again.
Jen: He's still not talking to you?
Pacey: Don't interfere Lindley. I frankly don't care if we never talk again.
Jen: I'll be really happy when the day comes that one of you reveals the reasons for the war. But I will respect Andie's wishes and not drag it out now. Speaking of which, isn't it be difficult avoiding him while you are still friends with her?
Pacey: (pauses) I think that's a matter to deal with when it transpires.
(cut to shot of Jack and Ryan entering the cafe)
Ryan: I can't believe I'm actually saying this but stop acting like a six-year-old.
Jack: What?
Ryan: Don't let Pacey being a jerk ruin an otherwise wonderful day.
Andie smiles upon seeing them walking towards them.
Andie: Hey guys. I was wondering if you were joining the celebration.
Jack: How could I not want to be at your 'Welcome Back' party?
Jen spots them and waves them over. Joey notices this.
Joey: Jen is oh-so-subtly trying to get some company.
Andie: Be glad you'll be at the other table 'cause you've got some explaining to do about the replacement crap. She's nothing like me. (Jack smirks)
Joey: (confused) Do I want to know?
Ryan: (pulls Jack away) Definitely not now, Jo.
As they approach Jen, Jack realizes who she's sitting with.
Jack: Wait a second, this..
Ryan: ..is the time to pretend to be the more mature one. (they get to the table)
Jen: So glad of you to show up. (rises up and gives Ryan a kiss) I would've thought you two would be here faster than Pace and Andie. You didn't have all the luggage to deal with.
Jack: Which would be true if Ryan would just find a car that didn't stall at every red light.
Ryan: I'm fortunate for finding that car on the little money I had.
Ryan holds his hand out for Jen to sit, then he sits down next to her. Jack sighs then slumps down on the other side, next to Pacey. Jack glares at Ryan for his blatant attempt, which Ryan strikes down with a slight-wicked grin. Jen catches all this while Pacey ignores them.
Jen: (laughs) I can't wait to see you two as roommates in the fall.
Pacey: I didn't even know you were heading to Boston University.
Jack: (drolly) It's amazing the stuff you miss when you spend your nights in bars.
Ryan: Basically, I got in through the back door. I had been wait-listed there so I thought I would end up at my safety school. Then, around the same time that the housing applications came out, I got word that I was accepted.
Pacey: I see. (gives Jack an icy stare)
Jen: Hey, Pace. (he snaps out of it) I never actually asked you what you were planning to do.
Pacey: Since I don't have a clear idea, I thought maybe head to New York. Possibly get into the theatre scene. Jen, you're heading there for the summer, right? Maybe you could play tour guide...
Jack: You're not following Joey to Worthington? I thought you two were destined to be together.
Pacey: (tersely) Joey might fit into those plans. Nothing has to be clear-cut.
Jack: But, if she asked, you would tag along with her. Since you have 'no clear idea'.
Pacey: You are just waiting for everything to fall apart, aren't you McPhee. I've got news for you. Joey and I rekindled our relationship at the prom.
Jack: I wouldn't know. I had better things to do that night than to watch you two. (points to Pacey, then Joey at the other table)
Pacey: Yeah, like interrupt (points to Jen and Ryan) these two. Exactly where were the three of you that night? I saw you guys for about an hour, then you left.
Jack: We went for a ferry ride with some of our Boston friends. Had a lot more fun than at that prom.
Jen is trying to figure out the conversation but is completely lost and buries her head.
Pacey: I'm sure. You make sure to stay around just long enough to rile up Barbara John by inviting that guy Patrick and make some grand political gesture, then split. I see, that makes a lot of sense.
Jack: It's better doing something like that than just stand idly by and deny there's an issue.
Jen: (mutters to Ryan) Jack's not talking about the prom anymore, is he?
Ryan glances at her, then looks down without answering. Pacey gets up, waiting for Jack to move.
Pacey: I think I'm going to pull a chair over to the other table. (Jack gets up and lets him pass)
Jen: Why should now be any different, I see. I'm definitely bugging you about this later.
* * * * *
Scene: Andie sees Pacey heading for their table. He pulls a chair over.
Pacey: You know, I suddenly realized that I really should be with you guys.
Andie: (teasing) You boys can't play nice?
Pacey: Does it matter?
Andie: So, is this the way you have gatherings? Half in one place, other half in another?
Dawson: (muttering) Just a typical-of-late Witter appearance.
Joey glares at Dawson, then realizes neither Pacey nor Andie heard him.
Pacey: Not really. But you know, you're right. There is no logical reason for this. I should just leave.
Joey: Pacey! I don't think so.
Pacey: This is supposed to be Andie's homecoming and I am ruining it.
Joey: (stands up) I'm following you.
Pacey: Why would you do that? (gets up from his seat and begins to walk away)
Joey: (yelling) I thought that after what we shared at the prom, you would feel the need to confide in me.
This catches the attention of Pacey, as well as Jen, Jack and Ryan at the other table.
Pacey: (backpedals) Of course, Joey. I shouldn't have been so harsh about it. (turns to Andie) You know, I'm sorry to do this but I'm not so sure I should have attended after all. I'll head over later to drop off your suitcases.
Pacey heads out before Andie can protest. Joey races after him.
Andie, meanwhile, looks on at Dawson and Cheryl.
Andie: Any insight? Did Pacey and Joey get back together?
Dawson: Sort of. I know Joey's still in love with him and is desperately trying for a reunion. Just.. I'm not so certain that was Pacey's intention when he asked her to the prom.
Andie: Were they especially romantic that night?
Cheryl: There were a couple of slow dances, I know that much.
Andie glares at the other table.
Andie: I'm sorry to cut this short but there are more pressing issues to deal with.
Andie gets up and heads over to the other table.
Andie: Party's over. We're heading home.
Jack: Andie, what are you talking about?
Andie: (harshly) Now! (Jack gets up quickly, surprised by the tone of her voice) Jen, you might want to join us 'cause you'll probably enjoy the bloodbath.
Andie drags a bewildered Jack out of the cafe, Jen trailing behind.
Andie: Dammit, can't find those two. (walking even faster, Jack stumbling to keep up with her)
Jack: Andie, you need to calm down..
Andie: Calm down? Calm down? Are you serious? My closest friend in Capeside ditches a welcoming party because of something you probably did! You expect me to calm down? I demand to know what the hell I'm actually stuck in the middle of.
Jack: This is a pretty complicated situation. (Andie stops and turns around) I just don't know exactly how to handle this.
Jen: I'd guess the current method just isn't cutting it.
Jack glances at Jen.
Jack: You don't realize everything this involves.
Andie: How bad could what happened possibly be that you don't think I could handle it?
Jack: (mumbles quickly) Ifellforyourex.
Andie and Jen: What?
Jack: (hesistantly) Jen, remember when we were in Boston and the subject came up about guys I've fantasizes about? Well, what I told you then wasn't the truth. There was an actual guy and that guy was Pacey.
Jen and Andie both stare at him, with jaws dropped to the floor.
Jen: Would it be correct to assume that Pacey knows that?
Jack: Yeah, it would.
Jen: (looks over at Andie, still too stunned to speak) And?
Jack: He tried to be the nice guy when he saw that I was hurting. We sort of got into a weird predicament that neither one of us is apparently able to handle.
Andie: (softly) Should I even ask what said predicament would be?
Jack: A kiss. (pauses) One that I made into something significant and was more of a friendly gesture for him.
Andie is stunned by everything she's hearing. Jen taps her foot to the ground, thinking.
Jen: This is all fitting together. Okay, that would explain the way you've been acting. What about him?
Jack: He's not interested in talking about any of this. He got it in his head that I arranged for this to happen. (faces Andie I'm really sorry about this. (walks away from them)
Jen: I can't believe this.
Andie: My brother and my first love? I should feel weirder about this but I don't. I mean, I'm still shocked, but more on Pacey's part than Jack's.
Jen: Good point.
Andie: I'd almost think that Pacey told Jack to keep his mouth shut.
Jen gives Andie a surprised look, then realizes she's probably right.
Jen: That's probably true. After all, Jack's become more comfortable with his sexuality the last couple of months. Which also probably means.. Andie, if you hear on the news tomorrow morning about a murder in Capeside, you never met me. (races off)
* * * * *
Scene: Potter B&B. Joey is sitting in the kitchen when there is a knock at the door. She glances up and is surprised to see Dawson standing there.
Joey: (gets up and lets him in) What are you doing here at this hour?
Dawson: You sound less than pleased to see me.
Joey: It's not you, Dawson. I was hoping it was either Pacey or Jen.
Dawson: Why?
Joey: Gretchen called a couple of hours ago, claiming that Pacey was with me. At least, that's what he told her on the phone. Then Jen visits and she told her he was here. I just figured one of them would end up here.
Dawson: Any idea why?
Joey: Gretchen warned me that Jen appeared ready to kill him about something.
Dawson: I meant, why would Pacey claim he was here?
Joey: No clue. He and I were chatting about happier times. You know, when we were dating. (smiles) Have to admit, it was a pleasant trip down memory lane. He even mentioned heading to Worthington with me.
Dawson does a double take.
Joey: I know, it was as if he realized we belong together. He just needed a couple of months to figure that out.
Dawson: (hesistantly) I see.
Joey watches Dawson's less-than-pleased expression.
Joey: You don't sound so certain.
Dawson: I thought he planned to move on with his life. So why would he agree to that?
Joey: I didn't mean we would be living together! He just wanted to be close to a familiar person. Geez, Dawson, jealous much.
Dawson: This isn't jealousy, Jo. Just confusion. What happened to growing up?
Joey: (mutters) I can't believe that Peter Pan himself is talking about growing up. (Dawson glares at her.) (In normal tone) There is nothing wrong with being comfortable.
Dawson: (raises an eyebrow) If I told you that I was ditching UCLA to be with the people you grew up with, what would you say?
Joey: That you're foolish.
Dawson: And yet you see absolutely nothing wrong with Pacey doing that?
Joey: You don't understand. You shouldn't do that because you want to be a Hollywood producer. It would be ridiculous for you to stray from these grand plans.
Dawson: Whereas Pacey wouldn't because he doesn't have any? Jo, would you face the truth? He's been moving on for the past five months then suddenly decides that the ideal is the safety of what he had before? I'm sorry, I don't buy it. (heads for the door)
Joey: Not everyone is as focused as you are.
Dawson: (turns around) If Cheryl pulled a stunt like that, I wouldn't be able to accept that either. Boston University is where she belongs right now and I wouldn't want her to ditch those plans for me. (leaves house)
* * * * *
Scene: Pacey and Drue in a bar.
Pacey: So, I'm sorry to tell you that Miss Potter is no longer single.
Drue: Oh what a shame. I was so hoping you cleared the road for me.
Pacey: Not impressed?
Drue: (raises a beer bottle) Is this because you're jealous that I'd be in close proximity to her?
Pacey: (laughs) I don't think she'd date a lowly Boston guy.
Drue: (pretending to be angry) You suddenly have a problem with B.U.?
Pacey: Hmm, I know, as of today, two other guys attending. One is gay and the other is Jen's boyfriend. Hardly a ringing endorsement for ladies at other colleges to check it out. (holds the bottle to his mouth, then reconsiders with a grin) Well, Jen is supposed to be there. You could always flirt with her.
Drue: Yeah right. Remember, this is the same person who convinced everyone that I was responsible for breaking up the couple of the year. I learned my lesson on that one.
* * * * *
* * * * *
Scene: Harding house late at night. There is a persistant knock at the house.
Ryan (still living there after his parents' separation) groggily gets up and answers the door to find a very pissed-off Jen.
Jen: Outside! Now!
Ryan: Do you have any idea what time it is?
Jen: Would you like Kent and Cheryl to know what time it is?
Ryan: Understood. Can you give me a minute?
Jen: (muttering) I wouldn't mind stringing you from a tree just the way you are.
Ryan: (does a double take) Slightly upset, I see. Okay, I'll be right out.
Ryan closes the door. A couple of minutes later, he comes outside. Jen leads him over to the side of the house, then faces Ryan and shoves him against a tree.
Jen: You knew! How dare you! You knew!
Ryan: Calm down. Now, what have I done? I'd like to have at least a vague idea regarding the source of your anger.
Jen: (yelling) You knew what happened between Jack and Pacey all this time and refused to tell me!
Ryan: (focuses on the ground) I really couldn't say anything.
Jen: Did Pacey tell you two to keep quiet?
Ryan: Basically, yes. But it's not..
Jen: You knew how much Jack was hurting. Does that mean anything to you?
Ryan: And I was there for him..
Jen: (talking over him) And how concerned I was for both of them. Do you realize that this secret kept pulling everyone apart? Not just them, but me and Dawson and Joey, oh my god, Joey. She's going to freak out. You knew all that and yet you don't care!
Ryan: (yelling back) Of course I care!
Jen relents on her attack. Ryan looks up at her.
Ryan: There was nothing I could do once I found out all the details. Pacey thought I set everything up so Jack would be happy. Kind of weird if you ask me.
Jen: Prior to today, I would never think of Pacey like that.
Ryan: Precisely. Neither did Jack, really. He assumed it would never be reciprocated.
Jen: (nods slowly) Understandable.
Ryan: For what it's worth, Jack was in bliss for a week.
Jen: A good kiss could definitely keep one swooning for a week.
Ryan freezes, realizing Jack didn't tell the whole story.
Ryan: Jack told you it was one kiss?
Jen: Why, was there something more? (Ryan doesn't answer her) There was more, wasn't there?
Ryan: They were sneaking around. After one week, Pacey shows up, calls the whole situation a mistake and abruptly ends the affair. He meant the word affair because he was talking about Joey as though they were still a couple.
Jen: Ouch. Poor Jack. Why would he do that?
Ryan: He won't admit the real reason. That's why he bitches at me. A much easier method than dealing with actual reasons.
Jen: So Pacey, full of regret, realizes that he'd hurt Joey if she ever found out the details. Rather than deal with the repercussions, he figured staying away from her was the best alternative. But then I try to pull him back in and causes conflict with Jack.
Ryan: He was sooo close to keeping that information away from everyone else.
* * * * *
Scene: Dawson and Cheryl are standing at Dawson's locker when Pacey and Joey show up, arm-in-arm.
Cheryl: Wow, color me shocked.
Joey: (smiling) Yeah, can you believe we're going to end high school on a happy note? All of us as couples.
Dawson: That's not really true, Jo.
Joey: What are you talking about? We actually had a prom with no catastrophes, which must rank as an achievement for our gang.
Dawson: Technically, that is true but we aren't exactly the happiest of groups right now. Or are you conveniently forgetting our conversation last night?
Joey: (rolls her eyes) You aren't the sage of this group, Dawson. Keep that in mind.
Dawson: Just because you happen to be in a relationship doesn't mean that it's ending on a happy note.
Cheryl: (glaring at Pacey) Some prefer being in the dark to prevent dealing with the truths about certain other people.
Joey: (exasperated) Dawson, you've gotta stop telling her about our talks.
Dawson: (sighs) I had nothing to do with that. (walks away in disbelief)
Joey races after him. Pacey shakes his head at Joey's action, then focuses at Cheryl.
Pacey: Okay, I'll bite. What?
Cheryl: Not much. I was having a wonderful dream about marrying Angel or whatever his real name is. I'm jolted awake by an argument happening outside. Turns out it's Jen and Ryan. She's yelling at him about how he kept her in the dark about you and Jack. First thought was mind-in-the-gutter since I'm not normally coherent at one in the morning. Then I believe that she just meant the stupid bickering.
Pacey is shellshocked by this.
Pacey: They were arguing about our arguments?
Cheryl: I guess so. I tuned them out after she ranted that he didn't give a damn about the gang. I hate eavesdropping and she didn't sound like she wanted to kill him after that so I figured I enacted my Good Samaritan duty for the month and fell back to sleep.
Pacey: So you don't actually know what they were fighting about?
Cheryl: No but I'm sure I can convince Ryan to spill now that Jen knows. Since I really don't have any loyalties to you, I'd have no reason to keep quiet.
Pacey: Other than if Joey finds out, she'll be following Dawson around even more than she currently does.
Cheryl: That's irrelevent since Dawson will be leaving for California soon. (Pacey realizes his error) Alone. Without his girlfriend tagging along as I'm sure you'd try to do with Joey.
Pacey: I'm sure you don't want a response to that completely bitchy remark. I can't say it's been a pleasure knowing you, Cheryl Harding. (holds his hand out)
Cheryl: (confused) I think I'd see you at graduation. (shakes his hand)
Pacey: No, you won't because I'll already be in New York at that point. (begins to leave)
Cheryl: (shouting) New York? You're not interested in tying up the loose ends and a possible reconciliation? Not being with Joey for the summer?
Pacey: There's nothing I can do at this very moment that wouldn't make matters worse. As for Joey and I, she already knows that I'm taking this time away for myself before possibly meeting her in Worthington. (walks away)
Part 2 - Beginning of the College Years
Index