Controlled Chaos
Part 6 - Fire & Ice
* * * * *
Scene: The following Saturday night in girls' dorm room. Jen's at her desk, writing an essay while Cheryl's sitting on her bed tossing a ball in the air.
Cheryl: So, how are we supposed to deal with Joey? Face-to-face is so much different than the phone.
Jen: We tell the truth. (Cheryl looks at her skeptically) You ran into Pacey last weekend and convinced him to visit. He chatted with Jack briefly and then fled.
Cheryl: Just pretend it was an ordinary visit? (begins bouncing the ball off the wall)
Jen: Yeah, that's it. Tomorrow, Jack will probably join us for brunch, as is starting to become a tradition. If she asks him, then it's his decision what to say. (checking the clock) From what Pacey said that day, I'm shocked he hasn't returned to the scene.
Cheryl: Actually, that's not true. He's called but Jack's been hanging up on him. (stops playing with the ball) Do you really think there's a chance?
Jen: As much as I want to tell Pacey off, I am keeping quiet until the situation is more clear. It sounds almost as if he's sorry for what happened. (gives a slight grin) Almost. You think the guys will be hassling us tonight?
Cheryl: Unlikely. Marty convinced Jack to check out this restaurant with her friends. As for Ryan, I have absolutely no clue. He's been pretty scarce ever since Pacey showed up.
Jen: True, I haven't seen him since the encounter in the stairwell.
Cheryl: (hesistantly) He does realize nothing happened between you and his dad, right?
Jen: Yes. (reconsidering) I think so.
Cheryl shakes her head in amazement.
Cheryl: You think so? You don't know so?
There is a knock at the door. Jen gets up from her desk to answer it.
Jen: Don't blow this out of proportion. You have this tendency to take small issues and make them catastrophies.
Jen opens the door to find Joey standing there with an overnight bag. Joey wraps her in a hug.
Joey: It's so great to see you, Jen.
Cheryl: (gives her a quick wave) You look like a college student.
Joey: (grins) Heh. You, too. (walks over to Cheryl and pats her on the knee)
Jen closes the door and returns to her chair.
Jen: So, you have to tell us what's been happening at Worthington.
Joey: (lets out a deep sigh) Classes are torturous. My roommate is such a bitch. I hate my job. (puts on a false grin) Otherwise, couldn't be better.
Jen: Funny, you pretty much described my college experience.
Cheryl: (pretending to be offended) Are you calling me a bitchy roommate?
Jen: (laughs) You? Never. So, have you found friends to replace us?
Joey: Well, there are a couple of cool people I hang out with. I tend to hang out with these girls Brittany and Jessica who's in my English lit class. The three of us get along pretty well.
Cheryl: I noticed there were no guys among the names you just mentioned.
Joey: Nobody can replace a best friend like Dawson. He and I still talk on the phone every couple of days. Very high phone bills, but it still feels good to hear his voice. It's weird how, sometimes, I find a showing of Saving Private Ryan and realize I should be analyzing this with him. You know, little things like that. (apologetically) Cheryl, you know I don't mean that in the same sense..
Cheryl: (cuts her off) Doesn't really matter to me. We broke up earlier today.
Jen: You didn't tell me that!
Cheryl: Come on, Jen. It was only a formality at this point.
Jen: Does that mean that a certain lower life form may soon be taking his place?
Cheryl: He has nothing to do with this! It just felt wrong dragging Dawson along like that. He didn't exactly sound heartbroken about the news, either. Besides, that wasn't the type of male companionship I was referring to. (glances at Jen, who agrees) Joey, I ran into Pacey last weekend.
Joey's eyes light up in amazement.
Joey: He was here?!
Cheryl: Well, not here but.. blame Drue, it's so much easier that way. He knew exactly where to find him.
Joey: Figures. So he decided to have a little fun with the information. Why didn't you tell me?
Cheryl: At first, he didn't want to be found. Then, a couple of days ago, he agreed to stop by the dorms.
Jen: Don't get your hopes up, Joey. He ended up talking to Jack for a few minutes, then left. I couldn't really tell you much more about it.
Joey: I see. Is he back to working underground?
Jen: (exchanges looks with Cheryl) I don't really know.
Joey: Oh. Okay. I guess that is.. okay. I'm sorry, it's just a strange time... I pretty much wish he hadn't set foot in my dorm. I mean, I know I had to expect him to pop up sooner or later, but... why did he insist on spending those couple of days in Worthington.
Cheryl: (solemnly) I really don't know, Jo. Sorry about that.
Joey: (trying to hold back tears, actually successful for once) I really shouldn't try to get my hopes up about this. After all, I'm freshman. I don't need a guy tying me down.
Cheryl: Thanks right, sister. We don't need them around when there are so many others to choose from. (pumping her fist into the air)
Joey laughs and joins her.
Joey: To being alone.
Jen: I'm so glad I can enjoy you two being complete hypocrites from a distance. I bet this time tomorrow, you'll be back to fawning over Witter and you'll continue the tango with Valentine.
Cheryl: Let us enjoy the moment, Jen.
* * * * *
Scene: Sunday morning. Pacey approaches the guys' room hesistantly, debating if he made a mistake. He then notices the door is open and makes his decision, tapping on the door.
No answer.
Pacey: Hello? Anyone here?
He enters the room and notices that Jack's bed has been neatly made. Looking over at the other side of the room, he sees Ryan still asleep. He walks over to his side and leans over him.
Pacey: (bellows) It's your morning wake up call.
Ryan opens his eyes slightly.
Ryan: Pacey? Is that you?
Pacey: You got it. You are the one wasting a beautiful morning.
Ryan: (props himself up against the wall) Why are you hovering over me and so chipper? It's actually kind of scary.
Pacey: The door was open. You know where your roommate is? He's been avoiding my calls so I thought I'd surprise him.
Ryan: Well, since the door was open, I'd guess that he's in the bathroom. (grabbing his alarm clock) He and Cheryl go to brunch in the Union on Sundays. I'd guess she'll be here any moment.
Pacey: You don't attend?
Ryan: No, those two are the early risers. Jen isn't exactly a morning person either. (pointing to Jack's bed) I bet he's been awake for at least an hour.
Pacey: I guess some things are McPhee traits. I remember Andie doing stuff like that.. okay, she would actually have about ten other tasks accomplished by this time in the morning. If it wasn't because I was insistant on talking to Jack, I'd probably still be in bed myself. If it's just those two at brunch, then I'm sure that it'll be a little easier. Cheryl seems almost supportive of us.
Ryan: I think she is. (eyes widen) Wait, Pacey, I just remembered. Cheryl won't be alone...
There is a knock at the door.
Pacey: What?
Ryan: (mutters) Right on schedule. (shouts out) Come on in, Cher.
Cheryl enters, retreating backwards upon seeing Pacey.
Cheryl: Did I interrupt something interesting?
Ryan: No, you certainly didn't. He just got here.
Cheryl: (snaps her fingers) Damn.
Jen bursts in, with Joey following behind her.
Jen: (to Ryan) I'm so glad to finally catch you awake. We really need to talk.
Ryan: As thrilling as this brunch date sounds, I.. I'd really rather not.
Cheryl: You are such a child, you know that.
Ryan: Thanks, Cher, for making me realize something so profound.
Cheryl: (pouts to Jen) Does he really have to come with us?
The three of them don't notice Pacey and Joey staring at each other, completely shocked to see each other. Joey is the first to break away from the gaze.
Joey: Jen, is this a set-up?
It is then that Jen notices Pacey standing there.
Jen: (hands on her hips) Okay Witter, what's the deal?
Pacey: I just thought... I had heard about your Sunday activities and felt it would be a lovely surprise... What are you doing here?
Joey: Sleepover downstairs. (claps hands together) You know, this is actually a positive. We haven't all done something as a group in ages. This brunch could actually be a positive.
Jack has just returned to the room, holding a pile of clothes.
Jack: (trying to be polite) Nice to see you again, Joey. Looking wonderful, as always.
Joey spins around and rushes over to give him a hug.
Joey: It's wonderful to see you too.
Jack glances over Joey's shoulder and spots Pacey. He retreats from her hug and gives Pacey an icy stare.
Joey: I was just saying that the whole group needs to reconnect.
Ryan: What is it about everyone today being so positve?
Jen: Blame it on leftovers from last night's sugar high. Since I'm already awake, I suppose a cup of coffee would help. And I'm dragging you alone with me.
Ryan: I knew you'd do that.
Joey: (smiles) Great. Jack? Is that okay with you?
Jack: (not at all convincingly) What a wonderful idea.
* * * * *
Scene: The gang is in the Union cafeteria. On one side of the table are Pacey, Joey and Ryan. On the other side (directly across) are Jack, Cheryl and Jen. They have broken into two different conversations.
Joey: I realize it was purely coincidental that you're here but I'm really happy to see you.
Pacey: (forcing a smile) Me too.
Joey: (face drops slightly) Your voice betrays your words.
Pacey: Sorry. It's just that I came in order to talk to Jack regarding the way our last meeting went.
Joey: I see.
Pacey: Actually, it directly affected you, Potter. I wanted to figure out how to talk to you about something that happened during our relationship.
Joey: (glances across the table at Jack) So did we arrive before or after?
Pacey: Nothing was spoken yet.
Joey: Jen mentioned you two having another one of your weird disputes from high school.
Jack: Jen said that?
Joey: Not in so many words. (whispers) It involves her, doesn't it?
* * * * *
Jen: Are you sure you want to be here? You've barely eaten anything.
Ryan: I guess I'm not really awake.
Cheryl: If we had actually gotten here on time, maybe you wouldn't be stuck with decaf.
Ryan: Need I remind you that you never mentioned that I was coming with you?
Jen: You knew Joey would be here today. So it could naturally be figured that we'd want you along as well.
Cheryl: Besides, we left you guys a message on your voice mail. It's not our fault you prefer spending your Saturday nights elsewhere. Where were you anyway?
Ryan: Somewhere I wouldn't be pestered by three girls having a sleepover.
Cheryl: Is that your excuse for the last couple of days?
Ryan: Is there a particular question you want to ask me or will you just continue talking around the subject?
* * * * *
Pacey places his fork on the table.
Jack: How do you figure that Jen's a part of this?
Joey: (half-smile) You can't fool me, Pace. I remember when you and Jen had that pact junior year, you often were thinking about me. That's why it ended, as I've heard.
Pacey: I know the story but what does that..
Joey: I realized that the night you and I were first (whispers) together (normal tone), you were thinking of someone else. You couldn't handle it, thereby causing friction in our relationship. You probably thought it would bother me, but it doesn't. I don't mind that you were thinking about Jen.
Pacey chokes on the food in his mouth. Jack shakes his head in disgust.
Pacey: Interesting theory. And how, do you suppose, Jack is involved?
Joey: Easy. Jack was becoming friends with Ryan, who had started dating her at the time. (pointing to Jack) You found out about Pacey's fantasy and probably initially supported him. Once you realized there was a conflict of interest, you talked Pacey out of it.
By this time, the other three were paying close attention to Joey’s theory.
Jen: This is absolute trash. How dare you do that to me! It’s bad enough that Drue thinks that now…
Pacey: Calm down, Jen. I didn’t say anything. This is all theory.
Joey: You tell everyone else except the one person that it would actually matter to?
Jack: (mutters) You’re not the only person it matters to.
Pacey shoots a glance in Jack’s direction but it’s shot down.
Joey: Fine, I’m not the only one this involves. But I’m sure I’m the only one that doesn’t know why I’m in the dark about this.
Pacey: (mumbles) Neither does Dawson. If that matters.
Joey: Wow, that’s an actual shock. As if you two even speak to each other. I know there’s still bad blood and… (Joey and Pacey continue arguing)
Jack: (whispers to Cheryl) I will see you later. (gets up from the table)
Cheryl: Where are you going?
Jack: Anywhere else. (to everyone else) I really better get going.
Ryan gets up from his chair.
Ryan: Are you heading back to the dorm? I need any possible excuse to get back to sleep.
Jen: I think not. If you’re leaving, I’m leaving, because I need to talk to you.
Ryan: That is exactly what we need. A talk. Did it ever occur to you I have nothing to say on whatever subject you are trying to bring up?
Jen gives him this “don’t mess with me” look, then shrugs it off.
Jen: Ordinarily, I wouldn’t let that slide but frankly I’m too pissed off about these “theories” to deal with you right now. Just get the hell out of here.
Jack: I believe the idea was that I’m leaving. I didn’t really need everyone else to leave with me. (Ryan nods and sits back down) If I don’t see you later, Joey, I hope you had a good trip.
Jack picks up his tray and heads for the trash bin. Pacey is watching him walking away.
Joey: I don’t understand any of this…Pace? Pace? What’s wrong?
Pacey ignores Joey and rises from his chair to catch up to Jack.
Pacey: Wait!
Jack throws the contents of the tray in the trash and places it on top of the stack. He turns around to face Pacey.
Jack: I don’t know exactly what you were trying to do but… You want it to be easier? Why don’t you return to your agenda from a week ago and stay hidden?
Pacey: There was a reason I came here today and I am determined to do this. I would have waited until we were alone but… this takes a lot more courage and probably more along the lines of what you deserve.
Jack: (puzzled) You mean talking in the middle of a cafeteria?
Pacey: No, I mean more like doing something else in the middle of a cafeteria.
Pacey reaches over to grab Jack’s hand and entwines their fingers together.
Pacey: I really mean it when I said I wanted to try this out.
Jack catches the look in Pacey’s eyes and smiles at him.
Joey is watching the scene unfold in complete bewilderment.
Joey: (whispers to Ryan, sitting next to her) I am officially confused. What the hell is going on here?
Ryan: What do you think is happening?
Joey: If I didn’t know better, I’d say that Jen wasn’t the one that Pacey was thinking about all this time.
Ryan: Then I’d say you’re finally observant, Jo.
Joey glares at Ryan.
Joey: (tersely) You knew what the hell was happening and you didn’t tell me?! What the hell is wrong with you?
Ryan: Wait a moment. I’m not the one who did this. The people you should be mad at are the two over there.
Joey: (stands up) Would you shut up? I don’t know what the fuck you think I’m thinking but I really hope you’re enjoying this little game. A game that two can play.
Ryan: (puzzled) What?
Jack and Pacey, meanwhile, walk out of the cafeteria, hands linked together. Jen and Cheryl exchange grins, then realize there’s another drama to focus on.
Joey: What, that I wouldn’t be able to handle two ex-boyfriends falling for each other? No, of course not, that’s such a common occurrence. I should have known that all along.
Ryan: Joey, can’t you see this wasn’t the type of news that I could just blurt out? This was purely Pacey’s decision.
Joey: You wouldn’t be telling that story if that little scene between Jen and your father unfolded just like that.
Jen: (alarmed) Joey, what are you trying to do here? That is such a different story. There was nothing romantic about that.
Joey: (snaps) There was nothing romantic about this either, Jen.
Ryan: You have an interesting way of telling the story, Jen. It’s so much better to have people like Joey, who knows nothing, to imply that…
Jen: (takes a deep breath) You know, we’re both better off not getting into this now. (to Joey) Whether you believe it or not, you need someone to be there for you.
Joey: That’s correct. But it’s certainly not any of you.
Joey grabs her tray and begins to leave.
Ryan: Joey…
Joey: Stay back. I have a lunch tray and I’m not afraid to use it. (walks away)
Part 7 - Truth & Consequences
Index