Chapter 2 - Quit Playing Games With My...Damn Titles
"You have now entered Chicago." Andie read from the road sign they'd just passed. According to Andie's itinerary, the gang would be stopping off here for a few hours. Actually, Pacey had insisted on adding it to the schedule so we could sightsee a little.
Joey was currently the one driving, although arguing with Drue seemed to be her main activity for the last hour. Whoever thought that he should be given map-holding duty while Joey was driving was deluded. Then again, this probably was Andie, which seems to fit the description aptly.
Pacey had handled the first driving shift and was now fast asleep in the back seat among the luggage. Jen and Jack were also sitting back there, discussing a good trick to play on Pacey while reading through a printout of a script from an old episode of Lawson's River.
Jack complained, "Jen, how are we supposed to do this if half of the people aren't more than faintly familiar with the show?" In a lower voice, he added, "Including one who still has no clue."
Jen looked up at the front seat. The car was stopped at a traffic light and Joey was using this opportunity to attack Drue with the map. She laughed at her boyfriend trying to duck Joey's shots. "Which is exactly why this will be so much fun. Drue will think that we've completely lost our minds."
Dawson was working on Jen's idea in the seat in front of them. He'd been writing a preliminary script for Jen's idea. Anything to give Dawson the opportunity to write out his ideal life was considered a very good plan. He stretched his arm behind him and handed Jen his notebook.
Jen scanned the pages, then took out a pen and began scribbling. "No offense, Dawson, but just because the writers think that you and I are a couple doesn't mean I'm going to say that about you." She snickered, "But Joey can."
Dawson sighed, "Sounds good to me." He didn't want to admit that he didn't care who said it - but that he preferred Joey praising him over Jen praising him any day.
Andie had noticed them finally, so she just had to interrupt their fun. "Can I be let in on the joke?"
Dawson turned around to question Jen and Jack with his eyes. Jack answered, "We can't tell you right now. When we go sightseeing, I'll be sure to fill you in."
Andie accepted that answer and reverted to trying to get the map back in Drue's hands. Jen whispered to Jack, "I don't see Sandy in this script at all. Dawson?"
“ Sorry, I forgot. Let me think, how could she fit into this? Okay, I've got something. Give me back the book." Jen obliged; Dawson read over her additions and wasn't very thrilled. "Jen, is this some kind of a lame joke?"
"What?" Jen replied all innocently.
"You and Joey are both going to be flirting with...” He couldn't understand what she'd done. "I don't think that's believable!” Dawson huffed.
Jen tried to hold back a smile. "Well, in this world, all the girls seem to think that Casey is the hot one, so I thought it made sense if both Lynn and Zoe were hitting on him."
"I was planning to add that Sandy's not quite over Casey. How am I supposed to incorporate that?" After all, if Sandy and Casey reunited, that would leave the door open for Lawson to try again with Zoe. The goal of the show was supposed to be that these childhood pals were destined to be together. Why should Dawson interfere with that vision?
"That would work. It fits with my idea of the girls drooling over him. Why not Sandy as well?" Dawson gave her an irritated look. "I'm not messing with what the fans what."
Dawson returned to his seat and continued writing. Jack whispered to Jen, "Does Jeff fit into that vision as well? Of hitting on Casey?"
Jen laughed as she regretfully informed him, "You forget that your character would never do that. He’s practically asexual.”
Jack sulked, "Damn it, you're right.”
Joey drove the car into a parking garage. Once she parked, Andie announced, "I have allocated three hours of touring. We'll meet back here..." Everything else she said was drowned out by six people jumping out of the car and slamming doors shut.
Dawson and Jen were deep in discussion about the plan when they were interrupted by Drue, as he wrapped an arm around Jen. “So we finally get to spend some time alone.”
Jen glanced at Dawson, who was shaking his head. She replied, “Actually, I can’t do that at this moment. How about we meet back here in about…Dawson, you think an hour would be enough?”
Dawson agreed, “Yes, that would work.”
Drue smirked, “Do you think that would give you and Leery enough time? Or does he work by racing the microwave timer?”
Jen rolled her eyes as she led Dawson away from the gang.
Jack was filling Andie in on Jen’s scheme and she wasn’t exactly excited about it. “I have to hit on Pacey? That’s so stupid. What did he do to deserve such good fortune?”
“I don’t think it would be considered good fortune if a certain girlfriend was convinced that you two reunited.”
“Are you informing Joey of this?”
“Of course.” Jack spotted Drue approaching them and lied, “Of…course that means Jen would drive the next shift if we change the table. I’m going to catch up with her to deliver the excellent news.” He raced to catch up to Jen and Dawson before Drue had a chance to say anything.
Drue watched Jack leave. “What the hell was that about?”
Andie replied, “You know… that Jack and Jen are practically inseparable, when you are away for one second. You just missed your chance.”
“I seriously doubt that.” He looked around, realizing there was nobody around anymore. Pacey and Joey were likely doing what he had in mind to do with Jen – lucky bastards. Now he was stuck with the one person he had wanted to avoid on this trip. As long as Andie was with the others, he could ignore her. Here, face to face, it was impossible.
“You interested in getting a coffee somewhere?” Andie asked awkwardly as they walked to the exit of the parking garage.
“How about a museum or something instead?” Drue asked quickly.
Andie said skeptically, “Are you coming down with a fever?” Nevertheless, she pulled out her guidebook and searched for what he asked. She hoped that this was a golden opportunity to talk. The problem was Drue was only hanging out with her by default and wanted to do anything but talk. Maybe another time.
Chapter 3
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