Controlled Chaos
Part 5 - A Night To Remember
* * * * *
Scene: A couple of days later. Jen and Jack are sitting at a table in the Student Union, eating lunch, when a bunch of garbage bags are dropped in front of them. They look up to see Marty and Patrick standing there.
Jen: What's with the ... (peering into the bag) Collecting for charity?
Marty: For the homeless shelter.
Patrick: She needed someone strong to carry these bags.
Marty: But I'm settling for him. (Patrick smirks and plops down in the chair next to Jen)
Patrick: Remind me why I put up with you?
Marty: Because we're both pathetically single?
Patrick: Oh yes, The Gay and the Restless. (pointing to Jen) With the token straight chick.
Jen: You know, I can think of a way to solve two of the leads' problem. (glances over at Jack)
Jack: Shut up and eat your sandwich.
Jen: (pouts) It wouldn't hurt either one of you!
Patrick: You are relentless. Normally, I admire that in a person, but now isn't one of those times.
Marty: I'm agreeing with Patrick. Why would you want to fix up a hottie like Jack with a beast like him?
Patrick: (sighs) I set myself up for that one.
Jack: I'm not helping you carry those bags, Marty.
Marty: (snaps her fingers in disgust) Damn, you figured out my plan. Okay, so seriously. I was thinking about inviting you two to a party in our dorm tonight.
Jen: I don't know. The first AA meeting is today. I could meet you when I return, if I'm not too tired from the bus ride back and forth. I'm sure Jack would love to go.
Jack: I would?
Jen: (insistantly) Yes, you would.
* * * * *
Scene: That night. Jen walks into the AA meeting to look for her supervisor. She finds a lady at the sign-in desk.
Jen: Hi, I was hoping you could help me.
Supervisor: Are you a first-timer?
Jen: Yes. I was told that..
Supervisor: Sign these forms. (hands Jen two clipboards) Basic procedure in case there are insurance issues to deal with or problems involving a probation officer.
Jen: I don't think you understand. I'm not an alcoholic.
Supervisor: That's what they all say.
Jen: Let me introduce myself. My name is Jen Lindley and I'm from the University.
The supervisor completely changes her tone and gets a slight smile on her face.
Supervisor: Oh, I'm so sorry! I had spoken to your professor about this. I'm so glad that you decided you wanted to focus your studies on the disease known as alcoholism. Would you have a problem manning the table for awhile. I know it sounds small but it would really help me out at the moment.
Jen: What do I have to do?
Supervisor: Just ask the people who arrive to show identification. If they're on the list, just let them through. Anyone else, have them fill out these forms.
Jen: Sure thing.
The supervisor walks away. Jen sits down at the table. She scans the forms while waiting for people to show up.
A teenage girl shows up.
Jen: Please show a form of id.
The next thirty minutes basically consisted of repeating that phrase, with a couple of times adding in, "Please sign these forms." Just as the crowd begins to die down, she hears a vaguely-familiar voice.
Voice: I never forget a pretty face.
Jen glances up, shocked to see Peter Farrell, Ryan's father, standing there.
Jen: What is going on? (looking around) Is there a video camera?
Peter: I have to go to these meetings as part of my current probation. I should have learned by now not to get mixed up with any Witters.
Jen: Which one? (hands Peter the clipboards with the forms)
Peter: (pulls out a pen and begins writing) Gretchen. Kent hired her, you know. He had the mistress handle his dirty work. Seeing those two together reminded me that we're all really the same in this world. The young ones are always better.
Jen: I'm surprised the "young ones" even give you the time of day.
Peter: What do you call what we're doing right now? I'd call it a nice little song-and-dance.
Jen: Funny, I'd call it me trying to do my job without introducing you to my five friends. (holding her hand in a fist)
Peter: Kinky. I like that in a woman. (hands Jen back the forms) I'll see you later. (walks away)
Jen: I certainly hope not.
* * * * *
Scene: The guys' dorm.
Jack: So Jen mentioned that she'd be taking the bus back to the dorms. Maybe one of us should wait for her.
Ryan: I wouldn't mind waiting.
Jack: Knowing you, that doesn't surprise me. You two probably wouldn't even show up at the party.
Ryan: Actually, Drue and I were planning to do those stupid English essay evaluations. They're due Monday but he's travelling to New York this weekend. So I can sadly report there would be nothing like that happening.
Jack: You're trying to require me to attend this party, aren't you?
Ryan: I'm requiring you to leave this room. I really don't care how.
Jack: Fine. If you insist, I'll get ready for the party.
* * * * *
Scene: Girls' dorm. Cheryl is lying down on her bed, listening to music when there is a knock at the door.
Cheryl: Door's open.
The door creaks open.
Drue: So now I know what Sleeping Beauty looked like.
Cheryl jumps up, surprised to see both Drue and Pacey standing there.
Cheryl: What.. what are both of you doing here?
Drue: Well, I stopped by on my way upstairs to pay your secret soulmate a visit. Pacey wanted to stop by to talk to Jenny once and for all.
Cheryl: To talk to Jen? (Pacey nods, his eyes making it clear that's not what he means. Cheryl tries to hide a smile) Oh, I get it, to talk to Jen. Well, she's working on an assignment right now. You're welcome to wait in here for her. She should be back soon.
Pacey: (eyes wandering around the room) Thank you.
Cheryl: You know, Drue, why don't I go with you? These two have a lot of issues to discuss. Can you two just wait outside for a moment so I can be dressed a little better than this? (pointing to her old T-shirt and shorts)
Drue: I think you look cute like that, but what do I know. (he and Pacey leave the room. Cheryl closes the door)
Cheryl quickly changes into a sweatshirt and jeans, then picks up the phone.
Cheryl: Come on, please be there... Hey Jack. Look, Jen got home early and wants your help with something. Can you come down here? She's in the shower at the moment and she's kicking me and Drue out. Must be a crisis situation... Great. (hangs up the phone)
She races out of the room, grabbing Drue by the hand.
Cheryl: Pacey, you can enter now. Just don't wreck anything and lock the door if you get bored and decide to bolt.
Pacey opens the door and enters the room, closing the door behind him.
Cheryl: (shouts) Just leave the door ajar so she's not shocked to see you there.
Pacey: (through the door) Aye aye, sir. (opens the door a crack)
* * * * *
Scene: Guys' dorm. Cheryl bursts in without knocking, startling both Jack and Ryan. Drue idles around the doorway.
Cheryl: Jack! What are you still doing here?
Jack: I thought I'd give Jen a chance to shower before dropping in.
Cheryl: Well, she just got out so get going.
Jack: Are you trying to kick me out?
Cheryl: Jack, would I seriously tell you that Jen has a crisis just to get you to leave? Now go help her.
Jack: (puzzled) Okay, I'll.. leave.
Jack walks past an equally confused Drue as he exits the room.
Drue: But Jen's not back.
Cheryl: Well, of course not. She was returning, Drue. You know that Jack's as much a part of this as Jen.
Drue: He didn't mention talking to Jack.
Cheryl: No but it's a way to distract him until Jen arrives.
Ryan: (raising his hand slowly) Question. What the hell are you two babbling about?
Drue glances at Cheryl, who nods. Cheryl intently watches Ryan, gauging his reaction.
Drue: Pacey's in Jen's room. He thought he'd finally clear the air with Jen. I suppose that would involve Jack as well.
Ryan: (dryly) Yes, I suppose that would somehow involve Jack.
Cheryl: You remember how bent out of shape Jack got when Pacey manipulated him into getting a date with Jen. After all, Jack almost ruined your relationship with her.
Ryan: (sighs) I should have realized that you two together could only result in even more elaborate plans.
Cheryl: (mouths to Ryan "shut up" ) I know I should have told you guys. But I thought it would be worse for Pacey if I prepared everyone. (grabs a chair and sits down) In the meantime, it will be my duty to make sure you two get some actual work done until this mess settles.
Drue: You're staying here?
Cheryl: The action is occurring in my room.
Drue: (snickers) I'd hate to interrupt your flirting rituals with a study session.
Ryan: That's funny, I thought that was my line.
* * * * *
Scene: Jack walks downstairs to the girls' dorm. He sees the door open and taps lightly before entering.
Jack: Cheryl said you really needed someone to talk to.
Pacey: That's for damn sure.
Jack: What? (glances up and jolts backwards upon seeing Pacey sitting on Jen's bed) What the hell are you doing here?
Pacey: Drue's a persistent fuck. For someone who thinks that we're fighting over Jen, I have to credit him for perseverance.
Jack: Why would we battle over her?
Pacey: Who cares? That's just the story I told to satisfy Drue's curiosity. It was the best I could think of.
Jack: She'd kill you for saying that.
Pacey: I know.
Jack: (confused) So this wasn't Jen's idea?
Pacey: Nope. She's still at that meeting. Only Cheryl knew anything.
Jack: (tersely) I see. Do I have to wait for Jen to return so the three of us could have a showdown?
Pacey: Stuff it, McPhee. You know Jen doesn't really have anything to do with this.
Jack: I don't really know who this has to do with. Why not Jen? You blamed enough other people.
Pacey: I wish I could give you a more definitive answer. About the only thing I am absolutely certain of is that what I said to you was wrong.
Jack: (does a double-take) Did I hear you correctly?
Pacey directs Jack to sit down on the other bed, which he does.
Pacey: The reasons I broke up with Joey were always true. It was a confusing time, especially once those dreams started. I knew that I had to step back from my relationship with her to determine what I wanted. It's not that I stopped loving her, I knew that. I went to that gay teen meeting to try to figure the dreams. As soon as I found out you were there, it was.. you weren't the only one who thought the two worlds colliding was jarring.
Jack: What exactly were you planning to do when you came to my house afterwards?
Pacey: I probably would have tried to mention the dreams without actually saying your name. Unfortunately, you beat me to it. When I found out how you felt about me, I felt transported into that fantasy world. (gazes up at Jack) Don't get me wrong, that week was absolutely wonderful. It's just that I wasn't actually dealing with the world around me. No Joey, because we were both able to duck each other. No Dawson and his overanalysis. No Jen and her attempts at matchmaker for either of us. Nobody except you and me.
Jack: I'm afraid to ask this, but what exactly changed your mind?
Pacey: Believe it or not, my brother. He stopped by the beach house, just to check up on behalf of my parents. I made my traditionally bad Dougie-in-the-closet joke. Suddenly, however, I realized just how awful what I said sounded. Crashed right back down to reality. After he left, I did some serious thought about the situation. I decided the best solution was to not get you any more involved in my crisis.
Jack: (softly) Even though you were already too late.
Pacey: I realized that one when I saw how furious you were with me. I knew better than to get the others involved. Of course, others ended up involved and it was easier blaming those people than to accept my actions.
Jack: I'm beginning to see what you were planning to do. After all that, why return to Joey?
Pacey: (mutters) I should have figured that would pop up. I ran into Drue, who brought up Potter since the two were still working at the marina at the time. The three of us had dinner and I felt like when she and I were on the boat. We were doomed once I actually remembered everything else from senior year. Cheryl found me through Drue. I was shocked to discover those two were friends.
Jack: I'm guessing Cheryl forced you to come here?
Pacey: I knew I had to do something soon. The question was, should I talk to Joey first or to you. I had intended to deal with her because of the abrupt way I left. Wouldn't you know it that I was forced to work last night, thereby cancelling my trip. Guess it was fate's way of telling me the answer.
Jack: I don't exactly understand.
Pacey: (gets up and sits down next to Jack) I want to find out where we might lead to. That's what I'm saying. Nothing has changed in the way I feel about you. It's just that now I'm more willing to accept it.
Jack: I can't do this. (rises from his seat and begins to leave)
Pacey darts up and blocks his path to the door. He locks eyes with Jack.
Pacey: You can't tell me that you don't still feel the sparks between us.
Jack: That has nothing to do with this. I refuse to return to what we had that week. You're right, nothing's changed. Absolutely nothing! Did you forget that Drue Valentine is upstairs, convinced that you're making amends with Jen? Or that you just said that you're still in love with Joey? Is that news supposed to make me swoon? Just because I haven't gotten over you doesn't mean that I'm stupid enough to just forget the past nine months. Goodbye Pacey. (leaves the room, slamming the door)
* * * * *
Scene: Jen is holding an umbrella, waiting at the bus stop, when a car pulls up to the curb.
Peter: (rolls down his window) Do you realize how unsafe it is to be waiting at a street corner alone at this time of night?
Jen: It isn’t that bad.
Peter: Wouldn’t you prefer if you were able to sit in a dry car?
Jen: For some reason, I’m not too fond of the idea.
Peter: How long do you have to wait for the next bus?
Jen: Twenty-five minutes.
Peter: This is just ridiculous. You have that little faith in me?
Jen: Honestly?
Peter: Okay, fine. Don’t say that I never offered you anything.
Peter begins to pull away from the curb. Jen chases the car down. Peter spots her and stops the car.
Jen: You know how to get to the dorms of Boston U?
Peter: I should. Graduated in the class of ’78. (unlocks the passenger door)
* * * * *
Scene: Guys' dorm about an hour later. Cheryl is sitting at Ryan's desk, reading Drue's essays. Drue grabs two cans of Coke and parks himself on the floor. He hands Ryan, lounging on his bed, the other can. Both intent on finding something on television.
Cheryl: (looking up from the paper) Do you really think your professor will appreciate this essay on a day at the race track?
Drue: I see the guy as a gambling addict on the brink of insanity. Trust me, it will sell. Besides, the second one has all the personal crap he'd love. (to Ryan) Stop on this. Looks like an episode of Sex and the City.
Cheryl: Consisting of a near-death experience that is so convoluted that it wouldn't even rate as a lousy straight-to-video sci-fi flick?
Drue: Anyone ever mention that you watch too many movies?
Ryan: How do you think she lasted with Dawson? (shakes his head) I don't think that's what show this is. I thought the main character had a mop of curly blonde hair.
Drue: Two very good points. I don't know who this stringy-haired chick is, but it's certainly not Sarah Jessica Parker.
Cheryl opens their fridge to find another can of soda and begins to shake it up.
Cheryl: I am armed and dangerous.
The guys turn around.
Drue: I dare you to do it, Harding.
Ryan: Of course you would, you don't live here. She would spray us. I know from personal experience. Keep in mind that Jack wouldn't appreciate that.
Cheryl: (pouts) Damn, why do you have to be logical? (places the can on Ryan's desk) I hope you forget I shook it three days from now and have it spray right in your face.
Drue: Do you really think he'd drink a warm and suspicious can of soda?
Ryan: Do you really want an answer to that?
Cheryl: (tossing Drue's essay on the desk) How did I get roped into reading this anyway?
Drue: You were annoyed that we spent a total of ten minutes reading each others' work, only to say that "it rocked".
Cheryl: (glaring at Drue, then Ryan) You tricked me into this, didn't you?
Drue and Ryan give exchange shocked glances.
Ryan: Us? Trick you? Never.
Cheryl: Screw Jack. This is imperative.
She grabs the soda can. Ryan notices her and jumps off the bed. Cheryl flips back the tab right over Ryan's bed. Coke sprays all over.
Drue: (laughing) I guess you accepted the dare.
Ryan: This isn't funny. (holding up a soaked pillow) What the hell am I supposed to do with this?
Cheryl joins Drue in the laughter.
Ryan: Cruel mistress. Now I have to stay awake all night doing laundry.
Cheryl: I'm so.. (giggles) not sorry.
Ryan: You will be.
Ryan grabs a hold of Cheryl's arm and tries to pull her towards his bed.
Cheryl: Do you really think.. (giggles) you're going to get any girl.. (giggles) on that bed? You just don't have the power to do that.
Drue: (laughs) He may not but I do.
Drue proceeds to help Ryan. Three tugs later and they've succeeded in throwing Cheryl onto the bed.
Cheryl: Ewww. Gross. (points to Drue) You are totally going to pay for that.
Drue: How do you propose to do that?
Cheryl: Have I ever told you how much I love you?
Drue: (confused) Still playing games, right?
Ryan: Drue, I suggest you run the hell away from her.
Cheryl: That's not true. (gives a cheesy grin) I genuinely love you.
Cheryl gets up off the bed, soda dripping off her sweatshirt. Drue finally realizes what she's planning. Cheryl saunters over to Drue and gives him a big hug.
Drue: You're right, she's pure evil.
Ryan: You dared her, you're on your own now. (snatches the sheets and blanket off the bed) I have to pray there's a washing machine available. And find a way to clean the smell out of this mattress. (to Cheryl) Just stay away from Jack's belongings.
* * * * *
Scene: Peter's car is pulling into the parking lot of the dorms.
Jen: Thanks for the ride. I appreciate it.
Peter: Not a problem. I should get going..
Jen: Wait a second. Since you're already out here, you could come in.
Peter: (sizing up the building) Are you sure about this?
Jen: (shrugs) Why not?
Jen takes out her keys and opens the door to the building. She holds the door for Peter to enter.
Jen: I'm sure he'd be interested in seeing you.
Peter: He? Who?
Jen: Umm, Ryan. My boyfriend. Your son. Ring a bell?
Peter: (confused) You're dating him?
Jen: Why would you think I'd agree to this? (stops suddenly) Sweet Jesus! You seriously thought that I'd.. (shudders) Did you have any idea who I was when you saw me at the table?
Peter: Jen Lindley, the beautiful blonde who once joined the family for breakfast. (apologetically) I had no idea you two were a couple.
Jen: Do you have any clue about his life?
Peter: Honestly, not much. Other than greetings and encounters with lawyers present, he really has no interest in seeing me ever again. I thought I'd at least respect those wishes.
Jen: That's not exactly healthy. Understandable, but not healthy. (mutters) I'm surprised Dr. Parris agreed.
Peter: Dr. Parris, I remember that name. My soon-to-be ex kept bugging me to attend those sessions. I was so relieved when she told me he stopped that nonsense.
Jen: (shocked) Are you certain about that?
Peter: Absolutely. Three months ago, she stopped hassling me.
Jen: I see. (shakes her head) I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. I'll see you at the next meeting.
Peter: Will do.
Peter turns back around and heads out of the building. Jen watches him leave, then spins back around. She is shocked to see Ryan standing at the top of the flight of stairs, holding a laundry bag, looking completely bewildered.
Jen: Ryan! How much did you hear?
Ryan: (softly) Enough to know that you handle yourself with class. If you excuse me, I have chores to do. (brushes past Jen down the stairs)
Jen: Are you mad at me? (follows him)
Ryan: Mad? How could I possibly be mad? You're the perfect girlfriend who thought that throwing a reconciliation would be the ideal solution. Why should I be mad?
Jen: (confused) Then why are you brushing me off?
Ryan: Can we not discuss this at this very moment? I mean it, I'm really not angry at you, so rest assured about that.
He continues walking, Jen opting to leave him alone.
* * * * *
Scene: Guys' dorm a short time later. Cheryl and Drue have settled on the drenched bed.
Cheryl: We are so sad, you know that.
Drue: We turned into a couple of ten-year-olds.
Cheryl: You know I will still kill you.
Drue: Pfft. You completely want me.
Cheryl: Yeah, Drue. You figured out my secret desire is to be ravaged by a guy covered in Coke.
Drue: That would explain why you sprayed that can right at me.
Cheryl: No, that was because you insisted that you could trap me on this bed.
Jen bursts in the room. When she spots them, she is completely surprised.
Jen: What are you two doing here? And, since you're here Cheryl, who the hell's been messing up my side of the room? (looking around) Okay, it doesn't look as dreadful as this, but still..
Cheryl: Looking for someone?
Jen: I was hoping Ryan was here. I know he's in the building.
Cheryl: We forced him to do actual labor. He's in a pissy mood over us ruining his evening.
Jen: (mutters) Then I'm certain he's even more so now.
Drue: You mean Pacey wasn't there when you arrived? Then again, you took so long, I wouldn't blame him for leaving.
Jen: Excuse me. Rewind. Why the fuck was Pacey in my room?
Drue: For a reconciliation, of course.
Jen: Between me and him?
Drue: Naturally. We thought Jack would be able to keep him around long enough but I suppose he left as well.
Jen: (abruptly) Does Pacey have a cell phone?
Drue: Uh, yeah. He's got a phone for his job. Why?
Jen: Quicker murder weapon. Call him now. We can settle this right now. I have no idea what the fuck he told you but he's a goddamn liar on top of being a cold-hearted manipulative ass.
Cheryl: Jen, calm down...
Jen: I consider you an accessory right now so I suggest you can it.
Drue pulls out his cell phone and punches in the number. He hands the phone to Jen. After three rings, Pacey answers.
Pacey: You've reached the Witter B & B.
Jen: I prefer Witter toast myself.
Pacey: (apologetically) Oh, sorry I thought it was Drue. Hi, Jen. Listen, I'm not the enemy here.
Jen: Let me be the judge of that. How dare you tell Drue that!
Pacey: Can you please be careful what you say in front of him.
Jen: (snidely) So what else is new.
Pacey: For your information, I told Jack everything I needed to say. His response was to get lost.
Jen: I suppose that's a positive thing.
Pacey: I knew you'd agree. Except I'm not so certain that's what I should do.
Jen: (hesistantly) Do you mean that?
Pacey: There's a part of him that thinks the same way. I could tell. It's just that he wasn't prepared for my statement so his first instinct was to think about the past nine months.
Jen: I guess you need to make more of an effort.
Pacey: (shocked) Lindley?! You're agreeing?
Jen: It's not my life. If you can truly accept the consequences, then why should I stand in the way.
Pacey: I guess that's the price I must pay. I guess it would be too much to ask to put a good word in with Jack.
Jen: You're right, that would be too much to ask. I'm glad we had this talk. Don't forget about the other people this time, Pace.
Pacey: See ya soon. (hangs up)
Drue: (to Cheryl) Did that mean they've called a truce?
Cheryl: (whispers) You have no idea what's happening so keep out. (to Jen) So was there a truce?
Jen: (throwing the phone back to Drue) I don't know what you'd call it. Pacey and I are on speaking terms. The wave of homicidal thoughts have dissipated. That's about all I can say.
Jen glances at the duo, then shakes her head.
Jen: I really don't want to know. If people that actually live in this room come by, tell them to call me.
* * * * *
Scene: Jack walks into the party, scanning the crowd for a familiar face.
Patrick: (sneaks up behind him) And now the party is official.
Jack: (turns around) You know that I have to christen this.
Patrick: I don't see any of the other troops. (feigning shock) You mean you came here alone?
Jack: Yeah, I suppose I did.
Patrick: You came here willingly? Now I know something's wrong. Follow me.
Patrick leads Jack out of the party and into the stairwell. He gestures for Jack to sit down on the stairs. After Jack does, Patrick joins him.
Patrick: Did you and Jen have a fight? (noticing his troubled expression) Okay, it's a little more serious than that.
Jack: The evil one returneth.
Patrick: Huh?
Jack: Pacey. Apparently, he wants to give us another chance.
Patrick: (shakes his head) I don't believe this. After all this time, he thinks he can waltz right into your life and think you'd cave that quickly. (pauses) You didn't cave that quickly, right?
Jack: No, I listened, then I left.
Patrick: Strong willpower. I know that must have been difficult for you.
Jack: (hesistantly) You don't think that will last, do you?
Patrick: Honestly, no. Let me ask you something. Did he make any indication that he'd want the public to know?
Jack: Not really.
Patrick: Then you're really in the same position as the first time. I know it won't be easy but until Pacey comes to that conclusion, there really is nothing there.
Jack: I don't really think it's the public he's concerned about. Okay, he is concerned about that since he lied to Drue. Really, he can tell him whatever the hell he wants. The larger problem was that he kept mentioning his ex-girlfriend Joey in the apology. I think he doesn't want to hurt her. He may even still love her.
Patrick: Still, it's that one person that's holding him back. It's still a problem, Jack, there's no way around that. It will persist until he releases the guilt he has about that other relationship. It's your call, man. If you actually decide to accept his apology, be aware that Joey's ghost may interfere again.
Part 6 - Fire & Ice
Index