Controlled Chaos
Part 11 - Resolutions
Scene: Four weekends later. Drue’s dorm room.
Drue is writing at his desk when there’s a knock. As soon as he opens the door, Cheryl bursts in.
Cheryl: I should be pleased that my dad is single again. Right?
Drue: (shuts door) What did you do now?
Cheryl: Nothing. Gretchen’s returning to college for the spring semester. Both have acknowledged that the age difference is too much.
Drue: (confused) Isn’t that what you wanted them to conclude? So why are you upset?
Cheryl: Yes and I don’t know. (plops down on Drue’s roommate’s bed)
Drue: You were starting to like the idea?
Cheryl: Of course not. (notices the papers on his desk) Were you actually doing homework on a Saturday afternoon?
Drue: Redoing this English essay. That sci-fi extravaganza didn’t get accepted.
Cheryl: (drolly) What a shocker!
Drue: You cannot say, "I told you so". Anyway, so I decided on this murder-mystery tale. Everyone had a motive to do the killing. Inspired by a phone call from my mother.
Cheryl: Ah, the perfect victim of justified homicide.
Drue: That’s what I thought as well. How bored are you to be hanging out here?
Cheryl: You’ve got me. My real friends are in bizarre moods. Jen is watching a Real World marathon, Jack woke up at an ungodly hour on a weekend to run off somewhere, and Ryan mentioned a meeting but it’s apparently top-secret.
Drue: You need a boyfriend.
Cheryl: I’m perfectly content being the single Friend. That would make me Phoebe.
Drue: You’re admitting you’re the ditz of the gang?
Cheryl: (defensively) Phoebe is smarter than she looks.
Drue: I don’t see you enjoying single life. You’re not Joey, you don’t need to be alone. You could discover someone.
Cheryl: (beat) Isn’t this the moment you make a joke that your writing partner is that guy?
Drue: Nah, you two don’t belong together.
Cheryl: How did you finally reach that conclusion?
Drue: Ryan wrote one of his essays on a girl he was watching from a distance. Basically about what he’d done wrong when he was dating Jen. Two days later, Jen was snooping through Jack’s belongings and found the essay and they were soon back to being a blissful couple.
Cheryl: Was that the night Jen pushed the desk on top of the door and I was forced to crash here for the night? (Drue nods) That makes so much more sense. What about you? Supposedly, you can get any woman you want. Yet you’ve been single since we’ve been here.
Drue: (sits down next to her) Well, there’s this one girl. She loves to plan out her life and freaks out when it doesn’t fit right. When she’s bored, her hobbies include matchmaking and keeping up the appearance that she’s satisfied with whatever occurs, whether that’s true or not.
Cheryl: Hmmm, that reminds me of this guy. He prefers throwing elaborate parties in unknown location and holding surprise meetings. He’d want you to believe it doesn’t bother him that one parent is on the other side of the country with some blonde and the other is a status-hungry bitch.
Drue: How do you tolerate such a self-centered asshole?
Cheryl: (laughs) I don’t know. (faces Drue) How do you tolerate such a manipulative control freak?
Drue turns in her direction.
Drue: Good question.
Drue leans in and kisses Cheryl.
Cheryl: We have such lousy taste.
Drue: Maybe but it does somehow work.
* * * * *
Scene: Girls’ dorm room. Jen watching Real World
Jen: Oh, to live in a spacious, garishly decorated house without having to work.
Phone rings. Jen mutes the television then drags the phone towards her.
Jen: Lindley and Harding. Handling all your legal needs.
Ryan: That’s not one of your better intros.
Jen: I suppose not. (leans back in bed) So, how you doin’.
Ryan: Um, okay, I suppose. Look, I need to talk to you about something.
Jen: Wait, where are you calling me from? There’s too much background noise.
Ryan: The cafeteria in the Union. It’s about this meeting...
Jen: Oh, yes, the covert operation.
Ryan: Huh? Yeah, that. I should probably explain.
There is a knock on Jen’s door.
Jen: Hold on. I’ll just get rid of this person.
Jen gets up from bed and answers the door to find her mother standing there.
Jen: (hurriedly) I’ll talk to you later.
Ryan: What?! Jen, please don’t hang up on me. This is important!
Jen: I’m sorry. I really can’t talk right now. (hangs up) Mom? (she notices her mom doesn’t seem pleased)
Helen Lindley: Your father and I have some questions regarding your future.
* * * * *
Scene: Cafeteria in the Union.
Ryan hangs up the phone, then retreats back to a table and rummages frantically through his backpack.
Marty approaches his table and is annoyed he hasn’t noticed when she’s standing there.
Marty: Excuse me.
Ryan: I can’t find a pen. (still searching) Why the hell can’t I find anything?
Marty: Because you have too many loose papers that have gotten crushed at the bottom? (pulls a pen out of her pocket) Here you go.
Ryan: Thanks. (takes the pen from her)
Marty sits down in a chair across from him.
Marty: So, Patrick finally showed me ten chapters of that mysterious novel I’ve been hearing about since the day we met. Turns out he’s a better writer than I could have ever imagined. (glances at the pen in Ryan’s hand) Weren’t you gonna use that pen for something?
Ryan: Huh? Yeah, but I can’t remember for what.
Marty: I see this conversation will be one-sided. What’s going on?
Ryan: My dad’s coming. It was just a bunch of phone messages but he said he’s coming. I’m probably sitting here for no reason because he’ll be a no-show. He never remembers insignificant meetings.
Marty: When’s the last time you talked to him?
Ryan: Nine months ago. I’ve seen him since because it’s impossible to avoid anyone in Capeside. The conversation was restricted to “hello”, “can I take your order” and “have a nice day”. Just doing my job. Otherwise, it probably would have had more colorful language inserted as well. Why the fuck am I here? I insisted I wouldn’t encounter him ever again. (drops his head down onto the table)
Marty: First of all, you need to calm down.
Ryan: Which was why I called Jen but we got interrupted. It was so stupid of me to agree to this. I’m setting myself up for another disaster. I had to be stubborn enough not to want anyone else’s input so now I’m stuck.
Marty rests her hand on the back of Ryan’s neck.
Marty: If you want, I could stay at the next table and cut in if there’s a problem.
Ryan: (lets out a deep sigh) Thanks.
Marty: Um, is that him by the entrance?
Ryan raises his head and turns around. He nods slightly.
Marty: Then pull yourself together because it’s showtime. (gets up) Everything will be fine. (sits down at the table behind him)
Peter searches around the cafeteria. Ryan gives a slight wave to get his attention. Peter notices and walks over.
Ryan: (flatly) I’m told you wanted to talk to me.
Peter: Business-style, I see. Yes, well, I was able to get someone to buy the house. I found a lovely apartment in Amherst.
Ryan: Congratulations.
Peter: Jen has told you that I’ve been faithful with this AA commitment? She can verify that it was actually me there and not an imposter.
Ryan: I’m aware of that.
Marty: (mutters) Stop being such a prick.
Ryan glances out of the corner of his eye at Marty, sitting behind him.
Peter: I’ve make mistakes. Many, many mistakes. There’s no logical reason why I should expect you to act any other way towards me.
Ryan: If that’s the case, why the request?
Peter: Because whether you like it or not, I am still your father and you’re still my son. I’ve been keeping informed lately through talks with Jen. She’s been pretty receptive, surprisingly.
Ryan: (staring at the table) That I didn’t know. I mean that she was talking to you, not that she isn’t receptive.
Peter: She didn’t want to start another fight about this. So I hear you’re in the university’s physics program?
Ryan: I’ve been talking to the head of the department on how to get accepted. They’re trying to get more students interested in their astronomy track. I should be able to get in.
Peter: Wishing on a star?
Ryan: (rolling his eyes) That’s exactly what Mom said when I told her. It’s an improvement over Cheryl talking about extraterrestrials.
Peter: Always thought that girl had an odd sense of humor.
Ryan: I think it’s because of her ex-boyfriend’s fascination with the cute critter that ate Reese’s Pieces.
Peter: That guy Dolton? What a weirdo.
Ryan: (snickers) I’d agree with that even though his name’s Dawson.
Peter: Did I get a hint of a smile out of you? You’re slipping. (Ryan looks up, startled) Now, see, that’s something I haven’t seen out of you in years. Not in my presence anyway. It’s easier leaving knowing that you’ll be fine. That there was at least one time that we bonded without any pretensions.
Ryan: (pauses) Who knows, it could be the first of many such moments. Not that I’m promising anything here.
* * * * *
Scene: Pacey’s apartment. Pacey enters the living room to find Jack watching The Real World.
Pacey: What is it with you, Jen and that show?
Jack: I hadn’t even known this was on.
Pacey: This was your idea to stay here today. We were supposed to be getting away from Jen and Cheryl’s interruptions.
Jack: (picks up remote control) Sorry about that. (flips channels until finding a movie) Let’s see, that looks like Kevin Costner.
Pacey: In other words, prepare to be bored for three and a half hours. (plops down on the couch)
Jack: Actually, it appears to be Bull Durham. That’s not so bad.
Pacey: Not quite. It’s For Love of the Game.
Jack: He made two baseball movies?
Pacey: Yeah, I’d know if this was Bull Durham. Susan Sarandon’s not in this.
Jack: Was that during your Tamara Jacobs phase?
Pacey: (evil grin) Not just then, Jack. Before and after that as well. Maybe even currently. If that movie really was on right now, I could find out. (snatches the remote)
Jack: I don’t think we need to find out right now.
Jack tries to retrieve the remote but Pacey stretches to hold the remote as far away from Jack as possible. Jack reaches over him to get it, Pacey laughing at his failing attempt. Jack stops as he realizes how close they are. He presses his lips to Pacey’s, startling him enough to drop the remote from his hand. The remote hits the ground with a clang sound.
Pacey: Was that getting caught in the moment or just an excuse to win the battle?
Jack: A little of both. Does it matter?
Pacey: Not really. I don’t mind you playing dirty.
Jack: I’m sure you don’t.
Jack props his arm on the couch to steady himself as he leans in for another kiss. They are interrupted by a knock at the door.
Jack: Wasn’t this supposed to be different from the dorms?
Pacey wiggles away from Jack and opens the door, surprised at who was standing there.
* * * * *
Pacey: Dougie… Doug. What brings you here?
Jack gets up and heads for the kitchen.
Doug: Is it wrong for me to see my little brother?
Pacey: Of course not.
Doug: Are you planning to let me in?
Pacey steps aside. Doug walks in and looks around.
Doug: Nice place.
Pacey: You were expecting a garbage dump?
Doug: You lived with me. I think I’d remember.
Pacey: I suppose I’ve gotten neater.
Doug: Gretchen downplayed your success.
Jack walks in with two cans of soda, pretending he hadn’t know who was there.
Jack: Hello, Deputy Witt… Doug.
Doug: Good afternoon Jack. What brings you over here?
Jack: I needed to get away from Jen so I came here to watch movies.
Pacey gestures for Jack to throw the can over, which he does. Doug glances at the television.
Doug: I’ll save you the trouble. It’s not very enjoyable.
Pacey: (astonished) You watched a movie without a diva in it?
Doug: It was my girlfriend’s suggestion. She has a crush on Costner. I agreed since Bull Durham was pretty good. Then again, that also had Susan Sarandon in it.
Pacey: (coughs) Girlfriend? Susan Sarandon? You’re scaring me. (Jack shoots Pacey a dirty look) I never thought we’d agree on a film.
Doug: (catches Jack’s reaction and chuckles) Yeah, I’m sure that’s what you meant.
Pacey: Meaning? (slowly opens the can, fortunate it didn’t spray all over, and takes a sip)
Doug: You claim that I send curious signals. Gretchen gave me the report on your visit. I originally intended to string you along as if I had no idea. It’s just not as much fun with those death stares.
Pacey: Ironic, isn’t it?
Doug: I was really enjoying the stories. Too bad the truth had to ruin the fun.
Pacey holds his arms out wide.
Pacey: Let me have it. Give me your best shot. You’ve been waiting for this moment.
Doug: Why should I? Quips are your specialty, not mine. I could repeat ones you’ve said over the years, but it’s not worth it. Got another can of soda?
Pacey glances at Jack, who nods then retreats to the kitchen.
Doug: Just do me one favor? Don’t split from town without at least giving me a clue of what’s happening. If I hadn’t run into Gretchen, I would have used my connections to search for you. Understood?
Pacey: (smiles) I guess I could try to do that.
* * * * *
Scene: Back to Jen’s dorm room with her mother, in the middle of their “discussion”.
Jen: I’d have thought you’d be satisfied with the prospect of your daughter becoming a doctor. I have thought this out thoroughly. Listening to other people’s issues…
Helen: (insistently) A doctor, fine. A psychiatrist, no. This isn’t news for you. I have never sounded pleased since you initially mentioned the psychology major.
Jen: You have never explained why that’s the case. You make it sound as if I wanted to be a patient, not a doctor.
Helen: It’s your current interest in the mentally ill that worries me.
Jen claps her hand over her mouth in shock.
Helen: Trust me, I understand where you’re coming from right now. (Jen lowers her hand, shaking her head in disbelief) I remember when I was your age, I’d use boyfriends as the impetus for making decisions…
Jen: Some things never change for you.
Helen: (shocked) Jennifer! That is not the way our marriage is.
Jen: You know, I’d take your disapproval more seriously if you cared at all about anything other than the reputation of the family name. You’d think I was whoring myself on the street for drug money.
Helen: As if you haven’t disrespected the Lindley name before.
Jen: There’s one problem with this logic. Grams wouldn’t say I’ve done anything sacrilegious, much less shameful.
Helen: I see this meeting is getting us nowhere. (searches through her purse for a sheet of paper) I will be in town shopping. (scribbling) Here’s my cell number if you would like to have a civilized talk. (hands her the paper and leaves the room)
Jen: If I decide to relent. (tears paper) No need to worry about that.
* * * * *
Scene: Outside the dorm. Ryan is looking for his key when Helen pushes through.
Helen: (barks) Watch where you’re standing.
Helen walks briskly away. Ryan watches her leaving long enough for Helen to notice. She turns around and storms back.
Helen: I don’t appreciate being stared at.
Ryan: Sorry, you reminded me of someone. (Helen sighs then walks away) You wouldn’t happen to be related to Jennifer Lindley by any chance.
Helen: (slowly faces him) How would you know that?
Ryan: I’ve seen your photo at her place.
Helen: Why do I suddenly feel concerned about her safety? She doesn’t have any photos displayed in her room.
Ryan: I suppose it was at her grandmother’s in Capeside (Helen’s face remains stony) You have no clue who I am. (holds out his hand) I’m Ryan Farrell.
Helen: (looks at his hand disdainfully) Now I know why I was worried.
Ryan retracts his hand slowly.
Helen: I’m hoping this is just another phase. (walks away)
Ryan watches her leave, then races into the building to Jen’s room and knocks on the door. The door swings open.
Jen: Look, I don’t care what you have… (sees Ryan standing there) Hi.
Ryan: What were you expecting?
Jen: Ummm, Drue’s been annoying me all day. (gives him a kiss on the cheek) Sorry about hanging up on you earlier.
Ryan: Uh uh. Don’t worry about it. Just acted as though you never answered.
Ryan enters the room and sits in Jen’s chair, watching her the whole time. Jen shuts the door slowly and leans against her desk.
Jen: I really didn’t want to cut you off. I had company… What was the call about?
Ryan: Parents can cause so many problems. (watches Jen carefully to gauge a reaction)
Jen: (nods) They can be coldhearted bastards sometimes.
Ryan: Especially when they envision your future one way and it clashes with your own vision.
Jen: How the hell can they say that being a doctor is a step down? It’s better than being a miserable lonely socialite. (shakes her head) Sorry, that wasn’t what you were talking about.
Ryan: (smirks) Who said it wasn’t?
Jen: You ran into my mom.
Ryan: (drolly) Yeah, she was so pleased to see me. (pauses) She’s still complaining about your choices?
Jen: What else? You’d think that she’d caught me making out with a guy in her bed again, that’s how pissed off she was. All she proved is that she really doesn’t know who I am. I mean, Grams is fine with my decisions so why the hell should I listen to their orders.
Ryan: But it still matters to you. (rises from the chair to be face-to-face with her)
Jen: Of course it still matters. I am more responsible now than my mother has ever had to be. (sniffs) She’s the selfish bitch here, can’t stand that her independent daughter is doing everything she’s wanted to do. How dare she say that I’m being the self-centered one.
Ryan pulls Jen over to him and wraps an arm around her waist.
Ryan: You are most certainly not self-centered. Independent, yes. Self-centered, no. It’s not as if you’ve ever been close with your mother so she really doesn’t know you well.
Jen: Maybe you’re right.
Ryan: A wise person told me that you can’t let the mistakes of the past bother you now.
Jen: (chuckles) I never thought you’d throw words I said back in my face.
Jen rests her head on Ryan’s shoulder and interrupts the laughs in between sobs. Ryan wraps his other arm around her.
Jen: (whispers) So what’d she say?
Ryan: I’m not telling you right now.
Jen: That bad? At least tell me why you called because you know that will drive me crazy.
Ryan: Ask your buddy at AA during the week if you really want an answer. Right now, I insist you be a self-centered drama queen.
Jen: (pushes him away and laughs) I don’t know whether to smack you or kiss you.
Ryan: (sits on her desk) Why not try talking about your mother instead? Or whatever you want to blame her for.
Jen: Blaming her? Now this could take awhile.
Part 12 - Broken Cycle
Index