Controlled Chaos
Part 9 - It's Been Awhile
Scene: Boston University lot. Jack pulls into a parking space.
Pacey: I’d better get back to my apartment. I’m supposed to be at work in an hour. (points to the back seat, where Jen is asleep) You think she’ll be better off after her morning coffee?
Jack: I think she’ll be better off with her nightly nap.
Pacey: That would be an even better improvement. Is this related to that photo she was mesmerized by last night?
Jack: I’d say so. You know how different everything was at prom time. Everything seemed simpler then.
Pacey: I don’t see it – I actually remember that as a complicated time for me.
Jack: Proof of how deceiving appearances could be. So you’re returning after work?
Pacey: That’s what I told you before. Do you really think I’d back out?
Jack: That’s not what I meant.
Pacey: (smiles) Of course not. (turns to the back seat and ruffles Jen’s hair) Come on, Lindley. Aren’t you going to say goodbye?
Jen grabs his wrist.
Jen: Don’t ever do that again.
Jack: I told you she wasn’t a morning person.
Pacey: See ya tonight. (exits car)
Jen: We’re home?
Jack: That is correct. Time to wake up so you can be greeted by your slightly more comfortable bed.
* * * * *
Scene: Girls’ dorm room. Jen unlocks the door, Jack following behind carrying both their overnight bags.
Joey: (in her sleep) Don’t walk so loudly.
Jen and Jack are startled by Joey’s voice. Cheryl wakes up.
Cheryl: (mutters) Next time she gets drunk on this campus, she’s staying in your room, Jack. (throws her pillow at Joey’s face) Wake up.
Joey: (bolts upright, then feels the hangover and holds her head) Good morning. Sorry about this, Jen. I needed a place to crash and Cheryl was just too kind.
Jen: She didn’t puke here, did she?
Cheryl: No, but she did pretty much everything else to keep me awake.
Jack digs in his pocket for his keys then hands them to Jen.
Jack: It doesn’t look like you’ll be able to sleep here. I’m heading over to the library so you can doze on my bed.
Jen nods dazedly, then exits the room.
Cheryl glances at Joey, who’s staring at Jack, then heads over to her closet.
Cheryl: Since I’m now awake, I’m gonna take a shower. (grabs her shower caddy and a towel) Don’t spill anything on the carpet.
Joey: (rolls her eyes) I wasn’t that bad last night!
Cheryl: So why are my ears hurting from the five times you sang “Daydream Believer”? (heads for the door, then turns to face Jack) If you think there’s conflict in here, I expect body parts from what’s happening in your room. (exits room)
Jack: Wait, you mean Ryan’s actually home?
Joey: That he is. He was with us last night at Drue’s party. You’d think you’d be the kind of friends that would actually attend.
Jack: That was Drue’s idea. Jen and I already had plans…
Joey: In Capeside. I know.
Jack: You were invited to tonight’s dinner. Didn’t see a need for the impersonal party. Or did you forget about Jen’s un-birthday?
Joey: (bitterly) I didn’t come because of the party. (pause) I came to tell you something. I told myself I wouldn’t snap at you.
Jack: I now see what Cheryl meant about cleanup.
Joey: No, no, nothing like that. Just that, as much as I am annoyed with Pacey’s actions, I realize you had nothing to do with it. I mean, obviously, you did have something to do with it. Just that I shouldn’t be blaming you. I think I might even be able to be civil enough around Pacey to come to that dinner tonight.
Jack: (puzzled) What brought this on?
Joey: I’m not sure. Would it be a little odd to say self-realization?
Jack: I really hate that word.
Joey: (laughs) I guess Pacey used it on you, too. Okay, I think I need to get back to the way everything was before I found out the truth. When I was all for girl power and the independent life I was claiming to lead at Worthington.
Jack: You know, Joey, just because you have a conversation with Jen doesn’t necessarily mean I have any clue what you’re talking about.
Joey: I think everything’s rattled together from the last couple of weeks. Just that I don’t need a romantic relationship to be happy.
* * * * *
Scene: Guys’ dorm room. Jen enters to find Ryan at his desk, passed out in a textbook. She walks behind his chair and begins to massage his neck.
Ryan: You know you’re in the ideal position to strangle me.
Jen: How’d you know it was me?
Ryan: Lucky guess.
Jen: What were you doing studying after a night of partying? You might have trouble selling back a calculus book covered in drool.
Ryan: It’s an inexpensive way to fall asleep. Much better than sleeping pills anyway.
Jen: Actually, I find the lectures themselves do the trick for me.
Ryan: Yeah, but where are you going to find that late at night? (He turns around and notices her weary-looking eyes) Looks like I’m not the only one who had trouble sleeping. Worry lines don’t suit you.
Jen: (sits down on Ryan’s bed) I was thinking all night about this and I really didn’t know how I’d say it. I was kind of hoping you weren’t here so I could think about it longer.
Ryan: I could leave if you want me to.
Jen: No, of course not. (looks down at the bed) What was keeping you awake all night?
Ryan: The usual. The brain just won’t shut up when it’s supposed to. Never does.
Jen: Is this similar to when you’d stay on Cheryl’s couch rather than home? I mean, obviously, before you moved there.
Ryan: I’d presume so. (pauses) Kent told you, didn’t he?
Jen: I don’t know what you mean.
Ryan: Don’t play games. (gets up from his chair and sits next to her) It’s about a certain medication that a certain doctor recommended.
Jen: (does a double take) This was supposed to be much harder. Okay, so you realize that. Now, what about a decent reason for not continuing with another therapist? I recall you had been making strides before.
Ryan: Would you say that you’ve suffered through typical teenage angst?
Jen: Yeah, but I fail to connect…
Ryan: That’s what I thought as well. I say before those experiences made me the person I am today. What if it didn’t matter? That I could have had Dawson’s parents and still be screwed-up.
Jen: There’s something clearly wrong when you claim Dawson is sane.
Ryan: (smirks) Now you see why I’m worried.
Jen: But you know that doctor was wrong. Kent said…
Ryan: (flatly) It’s not a certainty.
Jen: So it’s better to push everyone away? Even though none of your friends would be disappointed in the truth? (pauses) Let me try a test. You do realize I still love you.
Ryan: I love you, too.
Jen: I don’t want you to answer me back. You do believe that I still love you, don’t you? (Ryan doesn’t immediately answer) That’s what I thought. You don’t believe me. (He tries to protest, but she cuts him off) Or that anyone else can as well. You complain about people thinking you’re still the way you were four years ago. I’ve got news for you, Ryan, you still believe that.
Ryan: I think I understand. I have to process what that means, but I understand it. (pauses) You were awake all night thinking about this?
Jen: (slight grin) You could say it was a restless night for both of us.
Ryan: And you had the key to this room because…
Jen: Jack thought it’d be quieter up here than downstairs with morning-after Joey and the birthday girl. Which means I still have to find another place.
Ryan: You could sleep with me.
Jen: (does a double take) With you? How the hell could you think of sex at a time like this?
Ryan: (chuckles) Sleep meaning sleep, Jen. You just said… you’re not completely coherent without sleep or coffee.
Jen: I suppose not. Sorry about that. How’d you know I didn’t have coffee?
Ryan: (solemnly) I have no idea.
Ryan reclines back against the pillow. Jen takes off her shoes and lies down next to him. She closes her eyes.
Ryan: You were really thinking of sex? After everything that’s happened?
Jen: (blushing) No, of course not.
Ryan: Maybe it’s the idea of angry sex that intrigues you.
Jen: (opens her eyes and faces him) I was not!
Ryan: (turns to face her) Or that you’re just excited and can’t contain yourself.
Jen laughs and turns to face him. She plants a kiss on his nose.
Jen: Does that answer the question?
Ryan: I’m glad we’re on the same page. (lightly touches her cheek) I’ll look into it on Monday.
Jen: I know a better way. I’m sure a psych professor would know the right person to see.
Ryan: Fine, saves me the trouble. (He pushes some loose strands of hair behind her ear, then whispers) Thanks for everything.
Jen: Don’t worry about it.
* * * * *
Scene: Logan International Airport, Boston. Lina is holding out a map while Dawson is impatiently walking back and forth, waiting for his luggage to come by on the carousel.
Lina: So you’re not heading to Worthington anymore?
Dawson: She’s not there. Joey clearly answered at Cheryl’s number. I’d know that voice. (spots their luggage and places their suitcases on the floor)
Lina: You were planning to visit Cheryl anyway.
Dawson: Of course, it’s her birthday after all. I’m here so I might as well greet her. (patting his suitcase) Bought this poster I think she’ll enjoy.
Lina: Considering she’s your ex-girlfriend, isn’t that a little impersonal?
Dawson: I don’t think she’d think that way when she realizes it’s a poster of Cast Away. Thought it’d be amusing since she talked me out of choosing that movie on our first date.
Lina: (pointing to the map) It’s about five miles away from here. I believe it’s two subway rides away. Or could call a cab and pay the high fees I’m sure the guy will run up.
Dawson: Subway’s fine. I’m glad I ran into you on the bus heading to the airport.
Lina: I knew eventually my city skills would come in handy. (offering her hand, which he shakes) Hope everything works out with the girl.
Dawson: Thanks. Good luck explaining to your parents why you dropped out.
Lina: Thanks, Dawson. I’ll call you when that happens.
* * * * *
Scene: Guys’ dorm room that night. Phone rings and Ryan answers.
Ryan: Hello?
Pacey: Hey. Is Jack around?
Ryan: No, he’s stalling Cheryl while Jen and Joey set up their top-secret dinner location.
Pacey: You convinced Joey to attend?
Ryan: She was already here, recovering from her drunken night before. And, before you ask, she does know you’ll be there.
Pacey: Good to know. Jack had asked me if I had a jacket and tie so I’d act as waiter. Which I do, but I have to return to my apartment first. I’m just leaving work now so I’m heading there, then to the dorm to pick up the money, then to that restaurant…
Ryan spots a pile on Jack’s bed containing a food list, directions, and a wad of money.
Ryan: You sound like someone else. It’s pretty scary. (reads through the papers) Look, Pacey. Don’t concern yourself with this. I’ll handle it.
Pacey: (flabbergasted) You? I thought you were hiding out tonight.
Ryan: It’s now the hot ticket, I suppose. (mutters) Knowing Cheryl, she’ll get a perverse thrill out of this. (normal voice) So just head over to the dorm. I think Jack is in Cheryl’s room and he’d certainly know the directions.
Pacey: Thanks. I owe you.
Ryan: I guarantee that. See ya later.
Pacey: ‘Later. (hangs up phone)
* * * * *
Scene: A campground just outside of Boston. Jen and Joey are pitching tents, when Andie arrives with a barbecue grill.
Andie: I borrowed this from my dad. (grumbles) Who came up with the idea of throwing a party at a campsite?
Jen: Jack. Apparently, in those Sunday brunches he and Cheryl go on, she mentioned this as an activity she’d enjoyed. After all, she did go to that summer camp with you. This is basically his gift to her.
Joey: You think this camera is a good idea for a present? I know it isn’t as thoughtful but I picked it up in that convenience store on our way up here.
Jen: Does it have a pack of film included?
Joey: Yes, of course.
Jen: Then it’s a wonderful idea.
* * * * *
Scene: Girls’ dorm. Jack and Cheryl are watching television.
Pacey: (bursts into the room without knocking) Your evening is beginning now. Come, let me take you away, Miss Harding. (holds out his hand)
Jack: Why are you here?
Cheryl: (playing along) Oooh, a lovely escort on my birthday. Jack, you okay with this?
Pacey: He’s coming with us because I have no clue where this place is. Now, get your jacket because you may need it later.
Cheryl: Oh, I get it. The mysterious dinner I keep hearing about.
Jack: (puzzled but determined not to show Cheryl) Exactly.
Cheryl: Excellent. (heads to her closet)
Jack: (whispers to Pacey) Aren’t you supposed to be picking up the food?
Pacey: It’s taken care of. Trust me.
Jack: But…
Pacey: Trust. Me.
* * * * *
Scene: Guys’ dorm. Ryan is locking the door to the room while balancing Jack’s papers and a brown blazer in his hands.
Dawson: So somebody’s actually home around here?
Ryan turns around quickly and is surprised to see Dawson standing there. Dawson’s hair is plastered around his face and he has a bag with flowers sticking out and a suitcase weighing him down.
Ryan: Dawson? This is certainly a surprise.
Dawson: You don’t know how hard it was to get to this place from the airport.
Ryan: I thought it was just two subway rides away.
Dawson: (glares) I know that. I’m not really in the mood to get into this now. Since nobody else is around, do you mind if I use your room to store this? (holding up the suitcase)
Ryan fumbles for the lock and eventually opens the door. Dawson nods appreciatively as he enters and places the suitcase by the closets.
Ryan: (mutters) It’d be much easier if I actually wore the jacket instead of carrying it. (normal tone) I was heading over to Cheryl’s birthday dinner. You’re welcome to join us.
Ryan drops the papers on his desk as he puts the blazer on. Dawson gives him a strange look.
Dawson: You know, it’s bad enough that I look like hell from wandering around Boston all day. Then I have to run into you, actually dressed like that. How the hell can a bunch of college students even afford to go to a fancy restaurant?
Ryan: (laughs as he glances down at the suit) That’s not why I’m wearing this. Don’t worry, Dawson, you’ll fit in better than I will.
* * * * *
Scene: Back to the campground, where Pacey, Jack, and Cheryl have just arrived. Cheryl is wearing a blindfold as Jack leads the way.
Cheryl: I swear, if I discover you’ve thrown a surprise party, I will kill you, McPhee.
Jack: Relax. You already knew about the dinner.
Cheryl: True, but I won’t appreciate seeing total strangers gathered around pretending to be nice. That’s what Drue’s party was about.
Jack stops suddenly, upon noticing they’ve reached the location. He takes off the blindfold.
Cheryl looks around and is shocked. Jen, Joey and Andie have a barbecue grill set up and are roasting marshmallows on it. There are balloons flying along the tents pitched and two spotlights brightening the evening sky.
Cheryl: This is absolutely amazing. I can’t believe that you went through all this trouble. How did you know that I always wanted to throw a party like this? (turns around to Jack) This was your idea, wasn’t it?
Jack: Guess I’ve been busted. (wraps Cheryl in a hug) Happy birthday.
The others exchange similar sentiments. Even Pacey and Joey are able to handle being in each other’s presence.
Jen walks over to Jack.
Jen: (whispers) I don’t want to alarm everyone but why is Pacey here? I thought he was supposed to go to the store beforehand to get the food. We’ve got the grill all ready to cook burgers. I thought the tux idea was pretty cool… Okay, slap me, I’m starting to sound like your sister.
Jack: He says that he’s got it under control and refuses to divulge details. I have no idea what he has in mind.
* * * * *
Scene: Ryan and Dawson are in Ryan’s jeep pulling up to the campground parking lot.
Dawson: Are you certain this is where they are?
Ryan: Positive. These are driving directions in Andie’s handwriting. Can’t go wrong there. (exits the car with the groceries)
Dawson: I know, I just meant… I know that you’re not interested in being at this party so maybe you subconsciously screwed up. (grabs the bag he brought out of the car)
Ryan: You really don’t know Cheryl that well. She has always wanted a party in the outdoors like this. Besides, I wasn’t the one who got lost on the subways. (starts walking down the path leading into the grounds)
Dawson: Thanks for that painful reminder. (rushes to catch up) Okay, so it would make sense if I made a grand entrance.
Ryan: Yeah, I suppose so. (he spotted the gang gathered up ahead) I’ll go in first to kind of introduce you. I think Pacey’s the only one who knew I was coming so it might startle them.
Dawson: Fine.
Dawson lets Ryan walk ahead as he gauges how close he can be to hear the gang.
Ryan walks right behind Cheryl, who is reading the card Andie gave her to the others.
Ryan: I thought the little lady might want something.
Cheryl: Don’t you dare call me short… wait (twists around and is floored to see him there) What.. what?
The others are equally surprised to see him.
Ryan: (shrugs) I thought you might be interested in having dinner sometime soon. (hands the bag off to Pacey)
Joey: I didn’t think you would show up.
Pacey: I told you there was nothing to be worried about.
Cheryl has just noticed the suit Ryan’s wearing and starts laughing.
Cheryl: How much were you bribed to dress like that?
Ryan: You make it sound like I’m wearing a ball gown, not a suit. (shakes his head) The things I do for a birthday party.
Cheryl: Yeah, I remember daring you to do that once. I wish I’d taken photos of that.
Jen and Joey exchange looks.
Pacey: Trust me, Ryan, be very happy about that. I still have to live down the Miss Windjammer competition.
Ryan: Fine, I knew you’d try to humiliate me as soon as I agreed to this. Anyway, I bet that this won’t even be the most unexpected development tonight. I can’t take credit for this so don’t thank me. It’s just a coincidence but it could be considered a surprise for everyone.
Andie: What are you talking…
Dawson comes out and walks behind Joey. Jack is the first to notice him and gives him a hug.
Jack: You came all this way!
The others soon notice Dawson as well. Joey keeps her distance as everyone else overwhelms Dawson with greetings. She walks around and spots the flowers in Dawson's bag. She picks one out and lets out a deep sigh.
Joey: This can’t be good.
Part 10 - The Reunited
Index