Controlled Chaos
Part 4 - Way Too Much Information
* * * * *
Scene: Cheryl is in the computer lab when Drue sits down next to her.
Cheryl: (focusing on the screen) Did you want something?
Drue: Here I saw a familiar, somewhat friendly face and an empty computer beside her. It seemed to imply that I should join you. I don't think I deserve this hostility.
Cheryl: On the contrary, you deserve almost all of it.
She smiles at the message on the screen. Drue peers over to her monitor.
Drue: You carried off the illusion you were actually working so well.
Cheryl: There's a small level of procrastination in me. I was just chatting with Dawson.
Drue: Dawson? You two are still together?
Cheryl: Kind of.
Drue: I'll accept that as a no. Does that also imply that you'd be willing to participate in a bit of partying this weekend? Supposedly, there are three frat guys whose birthdays fall on the same day.
Cheryl: This weekend? Actually, I thought I'd surprise my dad with a visit home.
Drue: Surprise him? From my experiences, surprising a parent, especially a single parent, with a visit inevitably leads one to find his current girlfriend at the same time.
Cheryl: (startled) What? I don't think so. My dad hasn't been in the dating scene. In fact, if I found him with company, I'd be pleasantly surprised.
Drue: Famous last words, Harding.
* * * * *
Scene: That weekend in the girls' room.
Jen is sitting on the bed, reading a book, when there is a knock at the door.
Jen: (shouting from her current position, nose still in book) Door's open.
Ryan enters the room and sits down on a chair, watching her reading.
Jen: Did I let a kidnapper in?
Ryan: Naturally.
Jen: (grinning but still pretending she's reading) Do you seriously think anyone would be afraid of you?
Ryan: That's the same line of thinking that's kept me on the streets so long.
Jen shuts the book and stretches her arms out with the wrists touching.
Jen: I surrender to you.
Ryan: (shakes his head) You're so weak. (gets up and sits next to her on the bed, giving her a quick kiss) What were you attempting to study?
Jen: Psych. I'm behind about a hundred pages in the reading. (pushes some strands of hair out of her face)
Ryan: Studying on a Saturday night? You're truly scaring me. I came by because Drue gave us an invite but I guess you'd rather be a nerd instead.
Jen: I'm supposed to do some volunteer work this week and do a report on it so I have to get caught up. Not necessarily right now but it was so quiet that I couldn't pass up the chance.
Ryan: (props himself against the wall) Volunteer work? Sounds interesting. Where?
Jen: Helping the organizers of an Alcoholics Anonymous sector in the area. Stupid suggestion by Drue actually ended up making sense.
Ryan: Both of us heeding suggestions from Drue? How sad are we?
Jen: Very. He's even hanging around Cheryl and she's not hating it.
Ryan: (laughs) I thought that was impossible. From both sides.
Jen: (hesitantly) There's something I've been meaning to ask you about Cheryl. How do I put this.. have you been delibrately avoiding her?
Ryan: I don't understand.
Jen: You only visit when you're certain she's not here. Like right now - you know she's in Capeside.
Ryan: Would you prefer she was here interrupting?
Jen: That's not what I meant. But you had this thing about making sure she wasn't home whenever I'd want to come over. Ever since we've been here, you've basically been ducking her altogether. Is there anything I should know?
Ryan: You remember when we first started hanging out, before we even started dating, that she and I have had long-standing difficulties? (Jen nods) Let's just say that we both realized it was time to break away, okay. Saying anything further would be cruel to say behind her back. But it's much easier us not hanging out so much.
Jen: I guess that's understandable. Was this a decision Dr. Parris agreed on?
Ryan: You promised you wouldn't do that.
Jen: (sheepishly) Can't blame me for trying. After all, you saw what I was reading. (scratches her head) Where were we before this tangent?
Ryan: I was inviting you to a frat party.
Jen: Was it just the two of us?
Ryan: Yeah, Jack went to visit Andie. Their lame CD exchange excuse being implemented.
Jen: In that case, I suggest we make better use of this opportunity. Think about it, we have the room to ourselves and no chance of being annoyed by pesky friends. (pulls him into a kiss)
Ryan: (trying to sound serious) Hey, what happened here? I thought I was playing the criminal.
Jen pushes him down on the bed and lies over him.
Jen: Actually, I prefer playing troublemaker. (presses her lips against his) Any more complaints?
Ryan: I'm not sure how I could possibly complain.
* * * * *
Scene: In Capeside at Harding house.
Cheryl knocks at the door and is greeted by Gretchen Witter.
Gretchen: Cheryl? I was just helping your father with some..er redecorating.
Cheryl: (rolls her eyes) Where's my dad?
Gretchen: (yells over her shoulder) Kent! Special delivery.
Kent rushes to the door and is shocked to see her.
Kent: Cher! Welcome home.
Cheryl: I need to talk to you. (gives a forced smile to Gretchen) Alone.
Gretchen: I guess I'll return to my.. interior design ideas. (walks out of the room)
Cheryl: What's going on between you two?
Kent: I guess I should have told you sooner but, well, Ms. Witter and I have started dating.
Cheryl: Dating? Wow, er, congrats dad, I suppose.
Kent: You're annoyed.
Cheryl: I guess I'm happy but.. Gretchen? How old is she, 24?
Kent: 22, actually.
Cheryl: (mockingly) Beautiful. Simply beautiful.
Kent: See, this is exactly why I hadn't said anything yet. I wanted to break this news to you much better than this.
Cheryl: I can deal with the dating part. It's the twenty year age difference that I have a problem with. Since when did you start using Peter Farrell as an inspiration anyway?
Kent: (horrified) Cheryl Lynne Harding! I would certainly believe you'd understand that these are two completely different situations!
Cheryl: I guess I'm just too immature to comprehend that. Sorry to have bothered you. I'm heading back to the dorms.
* * * * *
Scene: Cheryl is returning to the dorms when she finds herself parking her car next to Drue's.
Drue: Welcome home, Miss Harding.
Cheryl ignores him and stumbles with her backpack. Drue races to catch up.
Drue: Weren't you supposed to be in Capeside tonight?
Cheryl: (fishing around for her keys) Plans changed. What are you doing over here? (finds keys and opens the building door)
Drue: I had told Ryan about this party off campus. He told me he was attending but I called his room and there's no answer.
Cheryl: So why didn't you just go alone? (starts up the stairs)
Drue: Remember I told you that I had a surprise planned? (Cheryl nods) Well, tonight was the beginning of it.
Cheryl: How cryptic of you. Would it be a problem if I got the surprise?
Drue: No, it wouldn't since it's not directly about him anyway. You want me to escort you to the party?
Cheryl: I'm in the mood to forget about the argument with my dad right now. I'll pretend you're someone I would actually want to hang out with.
Drue: I was right about him having a new woman, wasn't I?
Cheryl: (gets to her dorm room) Don't think that I'm inviting you into my room. I just have to drop off my bags.
Cheryl fiddles with the lock and opens the door to find Jen startled awake, yanking the blanket up to her chin.
Jen: (bleary-eyed) Another break-in?
Cheryl: Rise and shine, Jen. Sorry I woke you up. It seems my dad found a way to cure his loneliness. Her name's none other than Gretchen Witter.
Jen: (peers over Cheryl's shoulder) Is that Drue behind you?
Cheryl: Oh, yeah, damn stray followed me home.
Jen: Close the door.
Cheryl: Don't worry, I'm just dropping my bags then leaving with him. You can get back to sleep..
Jen pleads with her eyes.
Cheryl: Okay, fine.
Cheryl closes the door. Jen moves the blanket just low enough for Cheryl to see Ryan asleep next to her.
Jen: I'd prefer Valentine not getting a free visual.
Cheryl: (screeching) Oh my god.. I didn't know you two were.. I'm so sorry. (stammering) I'll be out of your way.
Ryan: (talking in his sleep) Can you keep it down? Dogs are trying to sleep in the next county.
Jen nudges him awake, which he eventually does.
Ryan: Oh, hey Cher. I was having this dream that Andie appeared as a ghost.
Cheryl: (gives him an icy stare) Not funny at all, Farrell. Drue is here because he was waiting for you.
Ryan: Oh, yeah, I forgot all about him.
Cheryl: I'm sure you had more "pressing issues" to deal with.
Ryan: (glances at Jen, then grins) I wouldn't exactly deny that.
Cheryl: (shakes her head) Such a typical male. I'm heading out. See ya later.
She leaves, slamming the door a little too loud, causing Jen to jump slightly.
Jen: She didn't exactly seem fine with seeing us together. She didn't know, did she?
Ryan: I thought you would have supported me not going off and telling everyone that we have a sex life. You said, I quote, if she doesn't ask questions, don't give her any ammunition.
Jen: I know, but she never asked?
Ryan: She was so wrapped up in the fact that she and Dawson don't that she assumed we were both on the same page.
Jen: I would've thought she'd want to provide a going-away present for him.
Ryan: I'm sure Dawson would've enjoyed that gift very much. It's just that, well.. she doesn't have the same views on the subject. I think she got sick of him at the end and knowing he was leaving was a positive for her.
Jen: (incredulously) You don't think she was in love with Dawson?
Ryan: I don't deny that there was a time when she had been in love with him. I'm just not certain she was so heartbroken when he chose California.
Jen: Basically, she's still technically dating him yet wouldn't really care if she ever saw him again.
Ryan: That was what we fought about. Among other things.
* * * * *
Scene: At the party off campus. Drue and Cheryl are about to enter.
Drue: I couldn't help overhearing earlier. Your father is dating Gretchen?
Cheryl: Yeah, and I have this distinct feeling that I'm not the first to know that either. Jen's non-reaction sealed it.
Drue: Are you certain you want to be here?
Cheryl: Drue, I want to see what you have in mind.
Drue pushes the door open and is surprised by the cloud of smoke that exits. He waves his hand to disperse some of the smoke and lets Cheryl enter before him.
Cheryl: I'm sorry if I'm not exactly the wild-and-crazy person you was looking to have fun with.
Drue: If I was looking for wild people, your group is certainly not the one I'd hang around.
Cheryl: Good point. But you did invite Ryan, so I assumed...
Drue: Have you ever known the guy to be wild? Reckless maybe, but wild? (Cheryl concedes this as truth) He's willing to have a couple of beers but he's said he's determined not to return to his darker days. (chuckles) No wonder he's with Jen.
Cheryl: (irritated) Is this supposed to be a pleasant surprise or more diabolical?
Drue: A little from both. (looks through the crowd) Aha. Follow me.
Cheryl weaves through the crowd trying to keep up with Drue, until he stops at a table. Cheryl looks around and sees nothing strange about it, just a couple talking.
Drue: Can I pull you away from this business meeting?
Guy: Hey, Drue, nice of you to finally come..
He turns around and his mouth drops when he sees Cheryl. When she realizes who it is, she does the same.
Cheryl: Pacey?
Pacey rises from his seat.
Pacey: Drue, what the hell are you doing?
Drue: Hadn’t you wondered why I was so quiet lately? I’ve had absolutely no sense of adventure in months.
Pacey: (shaking his head) I really don’t get it.
Drue: Did you really think I wouldn’t take advantage of the fact that we were so close to campus? I was attempting a reunion with Jenny or Ryan but I’m settling for this.
Pacey: (sarcastically) Thanks a lot.
Cheryl: I’m pretty certain Jen would have gotten her butt over here under this special circumstance. Although I could think of an even better candidate for a distastrous meeting.
Pacey: (interrupting) Drue, would you mind if I talk to her alone?
Drue: I suppose so. (walks back into the crowd)
Pacey grabs his beer off the table and gestures for Cheryl to follow him toward the backyard. He finds a railing and props himself up on it.
Cheryl: Why the hell are you in Boston?
Pacey: It was the best job offer. I’m working in the boat yard by the bay. I ran into Drue because of his mother and the marina.
Cheryl: Understandable. After all, this is a large city. But why get Joey’s hopes up like that?
Pacey: I thought I really wanted to fix everything with her and start over. It’s just that…
Cheryl: There’s still the McPhee factor.
Pacey: I’m not certain about that. (thinking harder) I seem to recall you saying that you’d tell the whole town.
Cheryl: Just an empty threat. I didn’t even know what happened at that point (pauses) What does Drue think happened?
Pacey: He thinks I was plotting against Lindley and Jack found out the scheme first.
Cheryl: Okay, if you insist on staying in Boston, you had better talk to the main players before Jen finds you and kicks your sorry ass. She’s had three months so far to prepare and if she discovers you told Drue that, you’re dead where you stand.
Pacey: I get it. It’s time for everyone to gang up on Pacey. This is why I said nothing.
Cheryl: That’s funny because I thought you said nothing to save your reputation and to spare Joey from being hurt. You’ve left many unanswered questions behind.
Pacey: I didn’t ask for this to become the mess it has.
Cheryl: I really don’t want to force you to make a decision. But I am convinced that both Joey and Jack deserve an explanation for your behavior. Nobody that already knows believes that “mistaken affair” theory and I’m sure Joey won’t either.
* * * * *
Scene: The next day. Cheryl is banging on the guys' door.
Cheryl: Come on. I know someone's in there. I can hear the music through this thin door.
The door opens and Ryan appears, looking dissheveled
Ryan: What do you want?
Cheryl: Sorry. I was looking for Jack and he's normally here. The two of us usually go for Sunday brunch. I really need to talk to him about something.
Ryan: He's with Andie right now. Other people, saner people, prefer to sleep on a Sunday morning.
Cheryl: It's not morning, it's noon.
Ryan: Whatever. (begins to close the door on her)
Cheryl: I'm sorry not all of us are wrapped up in our suddenly-existant sex lives.
Ryan opens the door and drags her inside. Cheryl leans against the door watching him pace back and forth.
Ryan: (approaches her) There is no reason to broadcast my personal life for the whole dorm to hear.
Cheryl: Are you kidding? It'll probably enhance your reputation. That is, if they didn't hear either one of you last night.
Ryan: (whispers) You heard?
Cheryl: (laughs) Believe me, if I heard, I wouldn't have set foot in that room last night. (places her hand on his shoulder) Come on, I'm just joking, Farrell.
Ryan: (removes her hand) You're pissed at me about this. You wouldn't make a joke unless you were annoyed. You were with Drue last night. Maybe he got you really drunk and you're still under the effects of it.
Cheryl: Okay, there's something.. How long were you planning to let me think you were a virgin?
Ryan: (puzzled) Isn't that kind of on a need-to-know basis?
Cheryl: I know last night wasn't the first time. I could tell from the way you and Jen were in each other's arms. You knew about my first!
Ryan: I didn't ask you about that. You volunteered that information.
Cheryl: You were annoyed about it.
Ryan: Because you had the experience. As any reasonable, hormonally charged teenager who didn't have a remote chance at the time would react. Looking back, it was rather stupid, but what do you expect.
Cheryl: Trust me, giving some jock I dated for three weeks the distinction was not one of my wiser decisions.
Ryan: You did dump him a week later after catching him kissing a cheerleader. A much wiser decision.
Cheryl: (incredulously) How could you not tell me?
Ryan: I'm sorry, since when have the two of us been playing buddies? Other than this moment, we have barely spoken in months.
Cheryl: We both know why that is. I wouldn't think that you liking me dating Dawson would cause this much of a problem.
Ryan: You know there's more than that.
Cheryl: Yes, I recall you accusing me of having a crush on you.
Ryan: Which you blew off because I came to that realization at Dr. Parris' office.
Cheryl: (sighs in frustration) Would you stop doing that? We both know you haven't seen that doctor in months. Why the hell are you trying to convince Jen otherwise?
Ryan: Why are you trying to stir up trouble with me and Jen when you know the truth is that you were hoping that I'd be attracted to you?
Cheryl: How dare you! Let's get this fact into your thick-skinned skull - that doctor was a quack. You know that, that's why you stopped the sessions.
Ryan: I felt she was causing more harm than good. Nevertheless, I'd be blind if I didn't see what had been happening between us.
Cheryl: So the best method is to convince Drue that I could potentially be interested in him? That's beyond pathetic.
Ryan: The two aren't connected. Don't make it sound like punishment. I'm not forcing Drue on you. That's completely between you and him.
Cheryl: I've suddenly realized what I can't stand about you. I'm certain you know about my dad and Gretchen. I don't even have to ask because I just know you knew before I did. You're delusional to think that I'd dump a wonderful guy such as Dawson for.. well, I think Jen must be blind if she thinks you're attractive, but I wouldn't dare say that to her face.
Ryan reaches past Cheryl toward the door handle.
Ryan: (coldly) Was there anything else you wanted to say or is your rant over?
Cheryl: I think we were better off pretending the other didn't exist.
Cheryl exits the room. She turns around, debating whether to reconsider, when she hears the lock turn and the music blasted louder.
Cheryl: (shouting over the music) You need some serious help. (walking away, muttering) I thought this weekend couldn't get any worse.
* * * * *
Part 5 - A Night To Remember
Index