Controlled Chaos
Part 8 - Birthday Blast
Scene: The next day in Chemistry class with Jen and Cheryl.
Cheryl: So I went over the notes from last week. Am I the only one completely confused by what this idiot is talking about.
Jen: (forcing a smile) No, that’s a sentiment many people in this class share with you.
Cheryl: I know you’d rather be in bed than dealing with chemical reactions but you need to be outside.
Jen: I really don’t want to think about what happened yesterday.
Jack sits in the chair Jen saved for him.
Jack: Sorry I didn’t meet you this morning. I just couldn’t wake up. Typical Monday morning. (searches through his backpack for his notebook)
Cheryl: Don’t worry about it.
Jack: It was just such an amazing day yesterday. (pulls out the book then looks up to see Jen’s face) Something wrong, Jen?
Cheryl: Apparently, there’s a rule about both of you being happy in love at the same time.
Jack: (pulls his chair closer to Jen) Oh my god. I’m so sorry. What happened?
Jen: The funny thing is that I don’t really know the cause. We’re bickering, as has been the way he and I have been lately. I told him he was overreacting to one silly conversation, you know, the infamous one with his father. That I was annoyed he lied about his sessions with Dr. Parris and should return to them. He says the only reason I’m interested is because I’m in the psychology major.
Jack: What?! That doesn’t make sense.
Jen: I warned you, I was a little confused. But I understood he meant that I think of him as a test subject or some shit like that. He then accuses me of trying to mold him into the person I want him to be
Jack: (bewildered expression) The hell?!
Cheryl: I was observing and I was a little confused.
Jen: Other than possibly wanting him to be of sane mind, I can’t really think of anything I’ve done. But that’s more a health issue than a personality issue.
Jack: I wasn’t going to say anything but it’s probably related. I didn’t see Ryan when I came in last night nor when I woke up today. I know he was there at some point during the night because I heard what sounded like a textbook hitting the ground.
Cheryl: That scares me more than the fight itself.
Jack: He probably figured I already knew what happened and would take your side.
Jen: He’d be right on that count.
Jack: Now wait a moment, Jen. I’m not taking sides in this. Cheryl, you can back me up on this. Ryan’s my roommate and it would be cruel to automatically support your side, Jen.
Cheryl: It’s simpler for me since I was there. My only complaint about Jen’s actions is that she should have smacked him. She didn’t deserve it.
Jack: I thought he was your best friend.
Cheryl: It’s amazing how your perspective changes once supposed best friend tells you to get lost. That hasn’t been the case for months now, it just seems like we’re still close buds.
* * * * *
Scene: End of English class. Drue rushes to catch up to Ryan.
Drue: I need your help.
Ryan: With what? We don’t have to deal with our team assignments for another week.
Drue: Nothing like that. I had this idea to throw Cheryl a birthday party Friday night. I figured your group was having plans on Saturday, the actual day.
Ryan: That’s true. But there’s a problem. Jack is driving Jen to Capeside that night to pick up her gift.
Drue: Oooh, sounds secretive.
Ryan: (nods) So much so that I don’t even know anything beyond that.
Drue: I know Cheryl’s free. I only told her to be around that night. What about you? I’m surprised you’re not the one driving Jen to Capeside.
Ryan: (offhandedly) I think it’s just an excuse to visit Jen’s grandmother.
Drue: (nods) Feisty old lady. So you can make it?
Ryan: I’m sure you’ve already invited people so it wouldn’t matter whether I said yes or no. Yeah, I guess I’ll be there.
Drue: You’re right but it’s still looks better to have people that Cheryl actually knows at the party. I’m heading over to the Union for a quick breakfast before my next class.
Ryan: I’m getting some sleep. This schedule is absolutely ridiculous. Every day, have to get up at eight for a class – some days English, other days History. Then don’t have another class until five in the afternoon.
Drue: That’s a bitch. At least I’m able to get everything over with by two o’clock. Then again, you have that Astronomy class that’s an easy A so it’s not all terrible.
Ryan: (grins) Yeah, actually I kind of like that class too. It’s the one class that’s not a complete waste of time. Anyway, I’ll see you around.
* * * * *
Scene: Outside of the dorm building Friday night. Jen is sitting on a railing by the entrance, holding a large plastic bag in her hand. She keeps glancing at her watch.
Pacey: Unless the person you’re looking for is popping out of there, I don’t think the time will change that fast.
Jen looks up, surprised to hear his voice.
Jen: Sorry, it’s just that Jack’s supposed to be here by now. We’re heading to Capeside tonight.
Pacey: I guess that answers my question about if you knew he was home.
Jen: Was it supposed to be a surprise?
Pacey: Yeah, well, I was coming over tomorrow night then realized I didn’t actually have plans. Drue left me message about a party…
Jen: For Cheryl. I know. He claims it’s more of an excuse to throw a party. God forbid he’d actually admit that he wanted to do something nice for once.
Pacey: You think Drue’s interested in her?
Jen: Something like that.
Pacey: (glances at the path leading up to the entrance) Since Jack’s going with you, I suppose that means you’re visiting Grams.
Jen: I’d probably do that even if Jack weren’t coming. Yeah, I’m visiting Grams but the real purpose is for her birthday gift. I found this frame that I thought would fit perfectly on her dresser. The only pics I have of her are from us goofing around in the dorm room. Her dad has the prom photos so I thought it’d be cool to use one of those.
Pacey: I assume you mean a group shot since I doubt she’d want to see one of just her and Dawson.
Jen: Actually, if you think about, it’s all a little weird. None of the couples from that night are currently together. Well, Jack and Patrick never were a couple, but you understand what I mean. (pulls frame from bag) Anyway, it holds four photos. I thought it’d be cool to have one of Cheryl and her parents together, one of her and Ryan when they were younger, a prom photo, and one of the goofing-around pics.
Jen whips out a photo from her pocket and hands it to Pacey. It’s of Jen, Cheryl, Jack and Andie from the day they moved into the dorms.
Pacey: That’s a pretty cool shot.
Jen: We convinced our neighbor Leanne to take it. Interesting girl. She goes to this jazz club every weekend to perform at their poetry readings. Not that I’m an expert on writing, but I think you’d get better results with those refrigerator magnets. You know, the ones with the words on it that you rearrange? (Pacey nods) That’s how bad she is.
Pacey: I called Andie yesterday. As hyper as ever. (Jen chuckles) I hear she’s on the prowl for fresh meat.
Jen: That’s a surprise. What’d she say when she realized you weren’t on the market?
Pacey: She was really excited. (grins) In other words, normal. Then again, she’s had a couple of months to adjust to the idea. Even though I didn’t even realize she knew until this week.
Neither notices Jack walking up the path. That is, until he’s standing right in front of them.
Jack: What are you doing here?
Both of them look up. Pacey’s eyes light up upon seeing him.
Jack: I really wish you’d told me you were coming.
Pacey: That wouldn’t be much fun. Besides, if you went to your room, you’d discover that I left you a message on your voice mail.
Jack: Which would have been effective if I was heading upstairs. But I’m just throwing my bags into the car since I have some Philosophy reading to catch up on. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that Plato is easy to grasp - that person is obviously voicing someone else’s opinion.
Jen: (awkwardly) We should get to Capeside. Um, Pace, you’re welcome to join us if you want.
Jack: I think that would go against his policy about returning there.
Pacey: There’s truth in that. But you’re only visiting Mr. Harding and Grams. So I suppose I could handle that.
Jack: Actually, it could be Gretchen as well. She may be working at the café tonight.
Pacey: (hesitantly) She’s working there?
Jen: Yeah, in fact…
Jack: (cuts him off) She’s actually a pretty fine waitress.
Jen: (glances at Jack quickly) Yes, a very fine waitress.
Pacey: Eh, why not? Gretch is the easiest Witter to deal with. Who knows, maybe I can even sneak into the beach house and get some items I left behind the first time.
* * * * *
Scene: Jack pulls into the parking lot of the Coffee Cup.
Jen: When you actually drove into Capeside, I didn’t think much of the fact that we’d returned. Now that we’re outside a familiar place, it’s flooding out.
Pacey: Imagine how I feel about this. I don’t know any place before Capeside.
Jack: You’re right. I pity you more.
Pacey stares at the building, unsure if he should really be there. Jack notices the longing look.
Jack: Jen, why don’t you head inside? We’ll catch up to you in a couple of minutes.
Jen: You don’t want to see Grams?
Jack: It’s bad enough that your suspended license forced me to drive us an hour and a half each way.
Jen: (cuts him off) Excuse me for my driving impediment.
Jack: The inability to drive under fifty through town is not a driving impediment. The officer didn't believe that and neither do I. But having a few minutes away from your watchful stare would be greatly appreciated.
Jen: In other words, you don’t like the idea of me witnessing you two making out? Message received.
Jack: Fine, go ahead and think that. Forgive me for not liking the idea of you getting turned on by watching your two hottest friends together.
Jen sticks out her lower lip.
Jen: Fine. (exits the car)
Jack: Fine. (turning to Pacey) You never thought you’d be in Capeside again?
Pacey: Wishful thinking, right?
Jack: Look, um, I know there’s enough to deal with facing your sister’s questions. I don’t have a problem with you pretending there’s nothing between us.
Pacey: (puzzled) I thought you’d be pushing otherwise.
Jack: This isn’t the same as the situation with Joey and our circle of friends. I do recognize that. (glancing at the entrance) The truth is I’m a little scared as well.
Pacey: Now wait a second. You’re supposed to be the stronger one when it comes to these gay issues.
Jack: (softly) I know. It’s just that, well, I’m not certain why this is different. Correction, I know exactly why. (takes a deep breath, before smiling) Because we are actually dating. Even if you don’t admit anything in the café, I know that just by coming on this trip you’re taking an important step.
Pacey: Sort of like admitting to Joey was a major stride.
Jack: (grins) No that was basically being shoved out an airplane.
Pacey: Let’s see what happens. One, two, three…
Pacey opens the door and exits the car, Jack following behind. They walk inside to see Jen sitting at a table, already speaking to Kent Harding. They sit on the other side of the booth.
Kent: I know that you must miss the smell here.
Jen: That is completely true. (noticing the guys arriving) That was quick. (devilish grin)
Pacey: Get your mind out of gutter, Lindley.
Kent: Pacey? This is clearly a surprise. Gretchen will be floored when she sees you.
Jen: Jack, can I tell him now or you want him to say it?
Pacey and Kent both give them strange looks.
Jack: It would be hard to hide it now.
Gretchen is now walking in their direction.
Gretchen: Hon, you agreed to wait a couple of minutes before taking off to handle Cheryl's gift... (sees Pacey) Little brother? Is that you?
Pacey: Gretch! (gets up and wraps her in a hug) I thought I'd give you the scare of a lifetime.
Gretchen: Oh, so this is revenge for when you found out I was dating the boss.
Pacey: (freezes) Your boss? (glances at Kent, who confirms this)
Gretchen: (gleefully) Cool. Score one for me. (pointing at him, smiling) Your expression was absolutely priceless. Damn me for not bringing a camera.
Jack and Jen try to cover up their laughter.
Jack: That I have to agree with.
Pacey: I'd be careful if I were you. (raising an eyebrow devilishly) I could withhold something I know you want.
Jack: (sighing) You and your ego trips. How do I put up with you?
Pacey: You know you love it when I do that.
Gretchen: (shaking her head) You completely confuse me sometimes. Then I remember I'm not supposed to understand teenagers, no matter how young I think I am.
* * * * *
Scene: Drue's party (at an undisclosed location).
Drue walks over to Cheryl, holding two cans of Coke. He hands one off to her, who gives the can a strange look.
Drue: Something wrong?
Cheryl: You honestly think after the last time we had soda around, I wouldn’t wonder about your true intentions?
Drue: I thought Ryan had the better reason to want revenge for that night.
Cheryl: Probably but that doesn’t mean that you wouldn’t thrive on it either.
Drue: You know that what I’m planning is for this Carrie-style scene. Dumping something really gross on your head. For the humiliation of it, you know.
Cheryl: If you were really doing that, why are you blowing the big surprise?
Drue: Yeah, but I can now say I put the thought in your head and you’ll be on the lookout all night, wary of every little gesture.
Cheryl: (drolly) Of course I will, Drue. (snatches the soda from his hand) I have to say I commend you for realizing not to slip me a real drink.
Drue: Do you really think I’d do that? (Cheryl doesn’t answer) I wouldn’t do that on purpose. I’d want you to at least be aware that you were drinking a beer before I had my way with you. I’m not that cruel.
Cheryl: Okay, that is true. (looking at the crowd) Who are these people anyway?
Drue: A couple of wild party animals from down the hall and their friends. There are also those that can smell a raging party from a quarter-mile away.
Cheryl: So you don’t even know some of them?
Drue: I suppose not. Nor do I know the actual residents of this suite.
Cheryl: Ah, now that’s the person I remember. How’d you even know my birthday was tomorrow? I didn’t tell you.
Drue: (opens the can) It certainly wasn’t because I saw it on the guys’ calendar.
Cheryl: (grinning) Of course not.
Drue looks through the crowd and spots a familiar face.
Drue: Imagine this strange development. I just spotted the owner of the best right hook in Massachusetts. Miss Joey Potter.
Cheryl: Joey?! (stretching her neck) Where?
Drue: Sampling the vast variety of liquor in the cabinet.
Cheryl: You’re absolutely joking.
Drue: Have you ever seen her drunk?
Cheryl: (thinking it over) No, I haven’t.
Drue: I have and trust me, this could be a fun evening. There are many drunks at this celebration, so she’ll feel right at home.
Cheryl: I don’t want to concern myself with wherever Joey is at a given moment.
Drue: Really? And what would you rather be thinking about?
He tentatively wraps an arm around her.
Cheryl: Having a good time. (smiles as she gazes up at him) Even if it’s with a creep like you.
From a distance, Joey has spotted the two arm in arm. She makes a disgusted look, then grabs a bottle from the open cabinet before walking away.
Joey: (mutters) Damn good cheer is absolutely nauseating.
Ryan: You’d think it was the amount of alcohol you’ve imbibed that’s making your stomach churn.
Joey turns around and sees him sitting along a windowsill. She stumbles over to join him, taking a sip from the bottle before propping herself up.
Joey: It’s been a pretty fun evening actually. It’s just Cheryl getting her birthday wish that’s sickening.
Ryan: She and Drue? (Joey nods) Remarkable. Harding charm strikes again.
Joey: (laughing) You’re accusing me of being drunk.
Ryan: I will neither confirm nor deny that. (grabs the bottle from her and takes a gulp)
Joey: Understood. Let me tell you the current status of my love life. My supposed true love would rather date my ex-boyfriend than me and the supposed soulmate has established a life away from Capeside. Now that he and Cheryl are history, he feels free to explore the silicone of California.
Ryan: Don’t tell me there’s someone who’d actually date him. (remembering who he’s talking to) Not that you’re a person who is that… (looking down at the bottle) I’ll shut up now.
Joey: (giggles) I’m not that delusional anymore. He’s a great guy, don’t get me wrong, but I’d never want to kiss him again. That’s the equivalent of me saying the same thing about Cheryl. You know she’d make some guy, possibly Drue, very happy. But you’d rather have a bullet to your head than ever be that guy. (grabs the bottle and downs some more) I sometimes felt as if I should be wary of video cameras. Did you know he actually tried to videotape his first kiss with Jen?
Ryan: (shakes his head) Why doesn’t that surprise me at all? Imagine how he was with Cheryl. She’s as bad as he is when it comes to scripting other people’s lives.
The two exchange glances then begin laughing hysterically. Joey hands Ryan the bottle.
Joey: You win in the game of gross-out.
Ryan: I always do. (takes a sip) Actually, I do relate to what Dawson’s trying to do. If there was some way to have a fresh start, I’d take it regardless of the consequences.
Joey: (snatches the bottle back) I don’t mean to get intellectual but I’ve been told by one Jen Lindley that those hardships can be character builders. And since it’s Jen Lindley who said it, I’d think you’d want to at least think about it.
Ryan: She says that to me too. Doesn’t mean it’s still not difficult to face those previously lousy choices.
Joey: I suppose there’s truth to that. After all, I’m avoiding a couple of those bad decisions right now. (takes another sip) Is that why you’re drinking? To not deal with her?
Ryan: There are other issues besides Jen. Not everything is wrapped around the person I date.
Joey: (defensively) You’re saying that I do that.
Ryan: Well… when’s the last time you weren’t thinking about a guy? This could mean Dawson, Pacey or other.
Joey: (thinks about it, then downs some more) That’s not fair! We’re not playing Truth or Daaaare.
Ryan: Wonderful answer. So, Dawson’s pursuing the plastic industry. Pacey’s engaged in, well, other affairs. Your emergency replacement Drue seems interested in the horror film genre with Cheryl. How will you ever cope?
Joey: I’ll think of ways. (shrugs her shoulders) Anyway, I don’t understand why you would deliberately say something that you know would irritate Jen. It’s almost as if you wanted to break up with her.
Ryan: Let’s see if this will make any sense. Say that you helped Pacey realize that he was actually a good student. You decide you want to tutor him. That tutoring works out so well that he ends up getting into an elite school. This wasn’t something he really wanted, but it made you happy which made him happy. He begins to realize that he’s become dependent on you for success. Part of him wants to prove those naysayers wrong. He begins to realize that, without you around, he’s not as successful. It seems like self-doubt I suppose…
Joey: Why does this sound exactly like the reason Pacey broke up with me? I swear, if you say I’m the one…
Ryan: Y.. y.. (laughing) You, Joey Potter? I’m sorry, that’s the funniest thing I’ve heard in months. Why don’t you just say Dawson and turn this whole group into an orgy?
Joey looks down at the ground, biting her lip, trying not to laugh, but ultimately unsuccessful. She rests her hand on Ryan’s shoulder to keep from falling off the sill.
Ryan: Are.. are.. are you okay? (lets out a deep breath to control the laughter) No, there’s not another girl. Or another guy, for that matter. I still am in love with Jen.
Joey: I get it. So the people you love are the people you insist on pushing away. First Cheryl, now Jen.
Ryan: That is not the same situation.
Joey: A word of advice, not that you asked for it. You don’t want to lose someone like her. Cheryl’s practically family to you. I happen to know she loves you as though you were actually related by blood.
Ryan: (snaps) Don’t start, Potter.
Joey: What? I’m just paraphrasing what Dawson was told. You don’t think it hurts her when you completely shut her out because of some weird fear you have?
Ryan: I think you’ve had enough to drink.
He grabs the bottle from her and jumps off the sill.
Joey: Did I hit a nerve? (jumping off as well) You’re not taking away my good buddy Jack Daniels.
Cheryl and Drue have been observing them.
Cheryl: I know I said that I wouldn’t watch over them but this is ridiculous.
Drue: I’m surprised he got Joey to that level.
Cheryl: (glares at him) Excuse me?! Okay, any goodwill I was feeling towards you? That’s all dead to me.
Drue: Damn, there was kindness? How could I have missed it?
Cheryl opts not to respond to Drue; instead she walks toward the duo and grabs Joey by the arm.
Cheryl: I think it’s time to return to the dorm. Joey, you can stay in my room tonight.
* * * * *
* * * * *
Scene: Back to Coffee Cup. Kent is sitting at the table with Jen and Jack sifting through photos. Pacey is helping Gretchen with the tables.
Jack holds up a snapshot of Cheryl dressed as a witch and begins laughing. Jen snatches the picture from him, stifling a smile herself.
Jen: We’re getting so much ammunition on her. Not that I want to blackmail my roommate but you have to admit some of this is pretty juicy.
Jack: I guess it’s fair. Grams has told many stories about your childhood. Or do I have to remind you of that photo of you looking drenched after falling in the creek chasing Dawson? What were you, eight then?
Jen: You couldn’t let me enjoy this for one second?
Jack: That wouldn’t be fun.
Kent pulls out a photo from an envelope.
Kent: I’d hate to pull you away from plotting but I think this will help with the frame. (hands it to Jen) She was about nine years old and still living in Capeside. There was a carnival a couple of towns over…
Jen: You mean the one St. Mary’s used to hold? I think that was the one occasion I didn’t despise church.
Kent: Yes, that’s the one. Cheryl won that stuffed animal at that game you throw darts at balloons. Or maybe Ryan won it for her. All I remember is that somebody won it and that was the highlight of the trip. Cher got sick on this roller coaster ride and their bickering gave me a headache. (smirking) Same old story.
Jen stares at the photo thoughtfully.
Jack: Many things were easier in elementary school.
Kent: Of course, it’s a simpler time. The biggest problem is where to sit on the school bus. You worship your parents, regardless you what they are. (glances at Gretchen) The way I figure it, the worst moment for a child is when they realize parents aren’t perfect.
Jen: Cheryl still having trouble adjusting to Gretchen? (hands the photo to Jack)
Kent: A little.
Jack: (muttering) It’s amazing they barely speak nowadays.
Jen: You say that as if it’s a bad thing.
Kent: Those two still on thin ice? I would have thought with you two around they’d be forced to talk.
Jack: Actually, that’s not the case. I think Jen meant that Cheryl’s not forced to take sides.
Kent glances from Jack to Jen.
Kent: I’m sorry to hear that.
Jen: No sorrier than I am. Kent, as the person who probably knows the most about them, would you say they ever had a romantic future? Ryan says that he thought Cheryl might have thought that way.
Kent: That excuse is still around?
Jack, Jen: Excuse?
Kent: Cheryl was badgering him about why he stopped going to therapy. That was the reason he gave her.
Jen: I remember Ryan told me part of it. It isn’t true?
Kent: No. In fact, while he was in Boston for the summer, I told him to check others out because I didn’t want him to see that Dr. Parris anymore. He didn’t heed that advice.
Jen couldn’t believe her ears.
Jack: You’ll have to pardon Jen. She practically idolizes that doctor even though they never met.
Kent: Well, don’t. The first couple of months were fine but then after a session, she flippantly mentions that it might be a chemical imbalance and that he should be on medication. I had my doubts about her methods before that but now I was convinced. It felt like a ploy to test out an experimental drug.
Jack: Was it?
Kent: Basically, yes, according to the prognosis of another psychologist. But he didn’t want Cher to know any of that.
Jen: So he pulled a page out of the Dawson and Joey Guide to Relationships. Saying one thing and meaning something else.
Jen takes the photo from Jack and examines it closer. Gretchen and Pacey approach the table.
Gretchen: Just thought I’d let you know that it’s closing time. Don’t worry about a thing, we handled everything. Good luck.
Pacey: I’m sure you appreciate the cheap labor as well.
Kent: Thanks a lot. I know you would have been bored with these pictures.
Pacey: I’m staying at Gretchen’s tonight. Thought I’d take advantage of a day in Capeside by annoying her as much as possible.
Jack: (chuckles) Sure thing. We’ll come by to pick you up around nine?
Pacey: Sure, I’d love to be "picked up". So I’ll see you tomorrow, Jen? Jen? (waves a hand in front of her face) Earth to Jen?
Jen: (still staring at the photo) Huh? Sorry. Yes.
* * * * *
Scene: Gretchen’s beach house. Pacey is packing some belongings while Gretchen is quietly watching him. After a couple of minutes, he realizes she’s standing there.
Pacey: Is there a problem?
Gretchen: Did you find what you were looking for in your travels?
Pacey: Yes, eventually. Do you think I should bring this shirt? (holds up a red and blue Hawaiian shirt)
Gretchen: Please put that out of its misery. I love ya but I’d have thought your fashion sense improved.
She points to the button-up shirt and slacks he’s wearing. The kind of outfit he’d normally wear on a date.
Pacey: You got me on an off day.
Gretchen: I have to admit, the only thing stranger than the fact you’re in town is how much happier you seem. I recall the last couple of months consisted of you moping around, deep in thought most of the time. Is there any correlation to the fact that Joey’s nowhere to be seen?
Pacey: What exactly are you implying?
Gretchen: Just that you seemed to realize that she wasn’t the one.
Pacey: (hesitantly) Yes, I did.
Gretchen: I know. I also think I figured out why you left. The rumors were true, weren’t they?
Pacey: You’ll have to fill me in. I haven’t been here in awhile and am rusty on hidden meanings.
Gretchen: You know what I mean. I can pick up on signals.
Pacey: It might be.
Pacey gives out a smirk, which causes Gretchen to sigh.
Gretchen: You know that Doug is having a blast with this rumor.
Pacey: Ahh, so we are on the same page. Let him enjoy it while he can.
Gretchen: Not that I mind it or anything. I just wanted you to be aware of it.
Pacey: I appreciate that. It’s not that I don’t want people to know about me and Jack, it’s just.. well, you know how Dad can get.
Gretchen: I know.
Pacey: I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to return to Capeside again. It’s not so much that I care what he has to say. It’s not worth it. I want to get away from the person who thinks that everyone thinks he’s a loser. I think I’ve made a wonderful life for myself and I don’t need others trying to drag me done like that.
Gretchen: Don’t worry about it. (ruffling his hair) You’ll always be a loser to me.
He could detect the playful tone in her voice. There was a reason he hadn’t minded seeing her.
Pacey: You mean it, Gretch? (grabs her hand out of his hair)
Gretchen: Anytime.
* * * * *
Scene: Cheryl is helping Joey up the stairs in the dorm building. Ryan following behind her.
Cheryl: Joey, you’re gonna have to learn to get up the stairs by yourself.
Joey: (pouts) I don’t want to!
Cheryl: (mutters) Now I know why Valentine thought it’d be an entertaining evening.
They reach the second floor and they continue down the corridor until they reach Cheryl’s room. She hands Joey off to Ryan as she tries to find her keys.
Joey: (singing) Oh, I could hide 'neath the wings of the bluebird as she sings. The six o'clock alarm would never ring. But it rings and I rise, wipe the sleep out of my eyes. My shavin' razor's cold and it stings. (stops singing) Come on, Ryan, you must know that song.
Ryan: I’m not that drunk that you’d get me to sing.
Joey: I’m not that drunk either. (grins) Or maybe I am. (singing) Cheer up, Sleepy Jean. Oh, what can it mean.
Ryan: Cheryl, what is taking you so long?
Cheryl: I wanted her to get to "homecoming queen". (grins as she opens the door)
Joey: To a daydream believer and a .. here’s your part, Cherry.. homecoming queen.
Cheryl: Eww, I hate that nickname.
Joey: As much as I hate being called ‘Josephine’?
Cheryl: That’s your birth name.
Joey: Oh, yeah. Well, I hate it. From now on, I shall only answer to Deborah.
Ryan drags her into the room and drops her on Jen’s bed.
Ryan: You think you can handle her?
Cheryl: I can manage. She’ll probably pass out shortly. Then I’ll have a good night’s sleep.
Ryan: (glances at his watch) Or morning as the case may be.
Cheryl: Good point. Probably by now, half the people at that party are looking for the nearest pool to puke in.
Ryan: Yeah, I’d say we left just in time. ’Night. (begins to walk out, then turns around) Happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Cherry, happy birthday to you. (bows slightly)
Joey: (blurts out) You lied about the ‘being drunk’ part.
Cheryl: (laughs) The expert’s got a point. Nonetheless, thank you. I’ll see you tomor.. later today.
* * * * *
Scene: Gretchen’s beach house, where Pacey is asleep among a heap of clothes he hadn’t bothered to sort out yet. The phone rings and Pacey stumbles over some belongings on the floor before getting to the phone. “Hello?” he asks but there’s nobody there.
Cut to Grams’ house where Jack is asleep on the couch. Jen wanders into the living room, clearly puzzled as to what to do next. She retreat back into her bedroom but has trouble sleeping. She pulls out the prom photo of the gang she’d requested for the frame, unable to take her eyes off of it.
Cut to the guys’ dorm room, where Ryan is still awake, pacing back and forth trying to think of ways to fall asleep.
Cut to the girls’ dorm, Joey mumbling incoherently while Cheryl has a pillow covering her ears. The phone rings and Joey, being the one closer to the phone, answers, “Hello?” But there is nothing but a dial tone.
On the other end, a pay phone is placed back on its receiver and the caller leans against the phone. A raven-haired girl approaches the caller, carrying a couple of suitcases.
Girl: Something wrong?
Dawson: No, nothing at all, Lina.
Lina: Are you having second thoughts about getting on the plane?
Dawson: (confidently) No, of course not. We’d better go if we don’t want to miss our flight.
* * * * *
Part 9 - It's Been Awhile
Index