Pieces of a Puzzle


Synopsis: Mixing around the events of Dawson's Creek. The gang are seniors in high school. Andie and Jack have just moved to Capeside.
Coupling: Eventually Pacey/Joey & Andie/Henry but there's some Pacey/Jen, Drue/Joey and other strange couplings before that.
Spoilers: Knowledge of all seasons.
Feedback: Send it to milburncreek@yahoo.com
Disclaimer: Don't own any of the characters, though I'll continue to dream that I own Pacey and Jack.
Credits: There was a time when the writers had some good ideas. No, really.
* * * * *

"We can't do this anymore."

Jen raises her head from the bed, hair tousled around, "What? Why? Wasn't it good?"

"It's not that, Jen. When we originally started this casual sex arrangement, I thought it was a pretty cool idea even though it wasn't mine. But doesn't it bother you in the least that there's nothing else there?"

"It does a little, Pacey. I know, this is sort of going back to my days in New York with these meaningless encounters, but, you know something. Emotionless sex is pretty good."

"Have you ever been with someone where it wasn't that?"

Jen gives him a harsh look, "How can you.."

"Sorry, that came out wrong. That wasn't meant to be a comment about you being around the town or whatever. I just meant..."

"Oh, well, Billy, I guess, was the closest to that. What about you?"

Pacey shakes his head, "It's pretty sad to say that Tamara is the closest. That was such a fantasy type relationship. It's weird that ours had more significance than the others."

"So, why are you stopping this?"

"Because I've found someone else. But, if I tell you, you have to promise not to say a word to anyone. And I mean anyone."

"Pul-lease. You make it sound like a top-secret operation."

"It kind of has to be. You see, the girl is Joey."

Jen's jaw drops. "You've gotta be kidding. Potter? Or, as you call her, Ice Princess?"

"I know, I know, it's silly. Especially since I don't want to start up Dawson again. You saw how distraught he was after Joey gave him the 'I need time' talk."

"That's true but do you really think he'd interfere? Dawson has grown up a lot in the past year. Your sister has had a positive influence on him."

"I guess. But this situation will just open up the whole Dawson and Joey saga all over again. Besides, she does have a boyfriend right now."

"If I had known before what you told me now, I would have never introduced them."

* * * * *


"I'm going to dye my hair blonde."

"Not all guys are attracted to blondes, you know."

Andie glances slyly at her brother, "Why, are you interested in a certain brunette coworker?"

Jack looks away from her, "No, of course not. Bessie's happily married."

"Very funny. You know I meant her sister."

"Joey's sweet. But she wouldn't be interested in me."

"And why do you say that?"

"For starters, what about her boyfriend? That guy is just something else."

"The two have zero chemistry."

"You're just saying that to make me feel like I have a chance."

"Partially. But the reality is that they are opposites. And I don't mean in an opposites attract kind of way. He is pure evil if you ask me."

"How would you know that? You don't know the guy."

"No, but he gives me the creeps," Andie looks in the mirror, "I went to meet his mother to discuss my plan of applying to Harvard. He was there, kept making me feel like I didn't belong in their esteemed crowd." She turns around, "I'm going to go blonde."

"You want to avoid looking like a McPhee?"

"Well, that's a bonus," Andie gives him a smile. "But, if that's what will get his attention, then that's what I need to do."

* * * * *


Pacey tries to sneak out of Jen's house before Grams wakes up. As soon as he gets outside, however, he is greeted by Henry Parker, holding a bouquet of flowers.

"What exactly are you doing?"

"What does it look like? I thought I'd provide my angel with these flowers."

Jen walks outside with her backpack. When she spots Henry, she tries to walk in the opposite direction. Of course, he spots her.

"Good morning, Jen."

"Hey, Henry," spots flowers, "What'd you do, give blood yesterday?"

Henry looks at her strangely, "What? Um, no, just paid for them with money in my own pocket," hands her the flowers, "Do you like them?"

Jen gets a disgusted look on her face before changing it to a fake smile, "This is so sweet. I'm sorry to cut this short, but Pacey agreed to give me a ride to his apartment. See you at school, Henry." She pushes Pacey towards a parked car. Henry walks away.

"Isn't this cute? The new quarterback has a crush on the head cheerleader."

Jen punches Pacey's arm, "Pacey, shut up. He is a sophomore and I'm a senior, in case you forgot. Oh yeah, and he's kind of stalking me, which is utterly creepy."

"You're enjoying this. In fact, I don't think I was the only one who wanted out of our deal."

Jen looks at him wide-eyed, "That is revolting. I'm sure Joey wants to hear all about your (talks loudly) crush on her."

Pacey places his hand over Jen's mouth, "Okay, okay, we're even," removes hand, "What do you want to do, wake up Dawson with the current news? Come on, we'd better get to my apartment or school or wherever we're supposed to be going."
* * * * *


(a couple of days later)

"So, how exactly are you going to proceed? Play macho games with the boyfriend?"

Pacey shakes his head, "I'm going to be real sorry I told you that, aren't I?"

Before Jen can reply, Joey sits down at the lunch table with them. She has a bummed look on her face.

"And how is the sunshine of my life doing today?"

Joey says dismissively, "Oh, go screw a teacher."

"Oh, that breaks my heart so much, Ice Princess."

Jen interrupts, "Trouble in paradise?"

"I'd say I think you were right about him. He can be sweet. That part of him does exist. But then he does something completely dishonest and I remember why you warned me about him."

"How do you think we were friends in New York?"

They are interrupted by the sound of a tray hitting the table, "By the sheer magnitude of my charm? Good morning, Harry Potter."

Joey gives him a kiss, "You know, if I didn't know you, I'd swear you enjoy calling me by a guy's name."

"Says the one and only Joey. Would you prefer I call you Hester Prynne?"

Joey smiles, "Only if you can find a sweater with a big scarlet 'A' on it."

Pacey says under his breath to Jen, "Don't look now, but I see your boyfriend walking in the cafeteria."

Jen pleads, "Please shut up. You want Henry to make another grand display for my affection? I still haven't recovered from when he held the sign yesterday outside his car asking me out."

Drue turns around and spots him, "I think you're safe for the moment. It looks like he's got some blonde talking his ear off."

Jen replied matter-of-factly, "That's irrelevent since that's just his friend Andie."

Joey turned around and does a double take, " That is Andie McPhee? Jack introducing me to her last week. Damn girl is just too hyper and energetic for me."

Pacey asked, "Who's Jack?"

"He works at the Icehouse. Complete klutz but he's really sweet, which makes it quite difficult to fire him. But Bessie said it was my responsibility to do what seemed appropriate. I just don't have the heart to do it."

Drue replied, "I don't see what the problem is. After all, business is business. I say, let the clown go back to the circus."

"I can't. See, the time when Andie was talking my ear off, she kind of threw in this whole display about how good this job will look on college applications. After all, they are new to Capeside so neither one has much other backing from teachers."

* * * * *


"I think this whole Jen Lindley thing is a little out of control, Parker." Andie says as she places her tray down on a lunch table.

"She doesn't understand the magnitude of what could happen between us. All she sees is that I'm just some underclassman."

Before Andie can reply to that, they are greeted by two intruders in the form of Abby Morgan and Chris Wolfe.

Abby mimics, "Yeah, Parker, you know it is just so cliche for the head cheerleader and the quarterback to screw each other. No need for the overdramatic gestures."

Chris interjects, "But if it happens, it would still be rather hot."

Abby gives a disgusted look and retorts, "Even though you've done her?"

"Well, I know he won't compare to me but those are the breaks in life. Back to business. Having a party Friday night. Thought you two would like to attend," drops invitations on their trays.

Andie gives a confused look, "You're inviting me, too. Okay, what do you want?"

Abby replies dismissively, "Nothing more than your presence. Oh, yes, and your help getting me out of Saturday detention. Just say that you're my cousin and my aunt had a relapse or something. I so had to take care of her before she made a big scene in the supermarket again. That's good, thanks." She walks away.

Henry shook his head, "What is she talking about? Don't tell me she's seeing dead people again."

Andie nodded slowly. Henry waits for her to continue then changes the subject, "So, let's figure out a way to enjoy this party. Invitation says to bring a guest."

Andie notices Henry's eyes shifting to Jen, "Don't even think about it. Please just let it go today. She's probably getting an invitation too since you know Chris would invite all the cheerleaders. So, do you like my hair?"

Henry looks quickly back at her, "What'd you do to it? Cut it?"

Andie gives an irritated look then resumes eating her lunch.
* * * * *


Pacey charges into the Icehouse after school with a piece of paper in his hand.

"Mr. Peterson gave me a F on this paper."

Joey is startled by Pacey's outburst, "What? What are you talking about?"

Pacey replied slowly, "Let's see, I wrote a poem, he looked at it for two seconds, wrote three lines in the shape of an F on the top," spots Jack, "You're in Peterson's class, right?"

Jack nods. Pacey asks, "How'd you do?"

"D."

"How the hell did you pass and I fail?"

"Simple. Combined passages from a couple of romance novels I found in Andie's room. Wrote just enough to apparently make sense to Peterson and, voila, a lovely D paper. Although he gave me a strange look when he returned it."

"Oh, I get it, so the next poem, I should mix up song lyrics from Doug's CDs. They are certainly girly enough for poetry."

"Your brother Doug? I don't get it."

Joey interrupts, "He is convinced that because Deputy Witter's tastes run a tad more feminine than his that he must be gay. Yeah, Jailbait, go ahead and steal those lyrics and see whether you get questioned for plagerism or your sexuality.

Pacey peers at her, "There is absolutely no question about whether I'm straight or not. Even Peterson can tell that."

"Because you've done it with a faculty member before?"

"Hey, you know, I'm real sorry you have no concept of being with a real guy. I mean, you know that dating Dawson is no different than being his friend with a kiss thrown in once in awhile. And you are aware that Drue is probably dating you because he's got an ulterior motive."

"As opposed to, what's the name of the girl you're currently screwing?"

Pacey looks hurt by the remark. Got to continue the repartee, he thought, "Oh, yeah, that is something you'd know very little about yourself." Damn, that went below the belt.

Joey walked over to the door and opened it. Pacey dejectedly walked out.

"That guy just knows how to catch the right nerve."

Jack looks at Joey, shakes his head, then returns to work.
* * * * *


"Do you think we should attend Chris Wolfe's party?"

Pacey is startled by Jen's question, "I can't believe your even considering it."

Jen puts on a phony Valley girl accent, "As, like, the head cheerleader, I'll be expected to," in normal voice, "It could be fun, Pacey."

Pacey gives her a strange look, "And why do you think I would go?"

Jen pulls a box out of her pocket, "To see Joey's reaction when she realizes Drue gave these to me." Opens the box to show him two Ecstasy pills.

Pacey looks at the box, wide-eyed, "Why would he do that?"

"Something about I should become the person I know I truly am deep down inside, or something."

Pacey gets a slight smile on his face, then reconsiders, "What makes you so sure they're going?"

"Are you kidding me? Abby has such a crush on Drue, it is unbelievable. So, she'd, quote, invite the convict's daughter to please him, unquote, but really it's so Joey can watch what a real couple should look like."

"And Chris doesn't mind?"

"Does that really interest me what the walking penis would think? Nope. So, are you intrigued enough to attend?"

"Now, how do you propose I'm going to get inside?"

"Simple, you'll be my date. Or, at least, that's what I'll tell them."

* * * * *


"So, how does it feel to be going to a real party, Andie?"

Andie turns around and is startled to find Abby Morgan standing there.

Instead of letting her answer, Abby continues, "You know there's a reason I'm asking. A real reason that's got nothing to do with Saturday detention. Because I can come up with enough excuses without you."

"What do you want?"

"Is Parker planning a display for tonight?"

"I'm not aware of anything." Andie adds mournfully, "Yet."

"That's a shame. I was looking for some cheap entertainment and thought, you know, there would be a good comedy act in there. Think you could cook something up on such short notice."

Andie glares at her with replying while Abby is laughing.

Abby continues, "I take that as a no. Oh, well. Can't blame me for trying. Speaking of comedy acts, your brother still works at the Icehouse, right?"

Andie glares at her, "Why?"

"Just making conversation. Anyway, I'll see you tonight."
* * * * *


"Can you believe that Abby asked me if Henry had any elaborate plans for tonight?" Andie burst through the door.

Jack looks down at book he was reading, not reacting to her outburst.

"As if I'm the proper source on that subject. I'm sure he does have plans, but I have no clue what."

Jack mutters, "I'm sorry they don't involve you."

Andie gives a slight smile, "Me too. I know that he's going to eventually come to the realization that Jen's not interested and his heart will be broken."

"And then you'll have to console him while secretly wishing he would just look up for a moment and see what was there all along."

"Exactly. So my plans tonight are to take my brother to the party and pretend there's nothing between me and Parker."

Jack finally looks up from the book, "Since when was I going?"

"Oh, come on, the invitation says 'and guest'. Besides what were you planning to do tonight?"

"Thought I'd finish this book, maybe channel-surf."

"More likely, you'd be in that chat room you've become obsessed with lately. So, that's settled, you're coming with me."

Jack gets up and leaves the room, muttering under his breath.

* * * * *


"So, how are you and Kate doing?"

"It is so exciting being with her. She's so sweet and witty and I'm thrilled she's coming out here this weekend. Going to the party tonight, so that should be a good start."

"How exactly were you invited to Chris' party anyway?"

"He wanted someone to do a 'documentary on the partying experience'."

"More like a record for when some bitch presses charges."

Dawson looks at her confused.

"Sorry, I was watching Chasing Amy last night?"

"Never heard of it."

"Come on, Kevin Smith?"

Dawson is more puzzled than before.

"I'm sorry for referring to a director other than Spielberg in your presence."

"You're forgiven. So, are you and Drue attending?"

"Yeah."

"I don't understand how you could possibly date someone like him. I hear Darth Vader music whenever he used to appear."

Joey smiles, "Wow, moving into George Lucas territory. Anyway, he's not so bad. It's amazing what happens when you're locked in the school basement with him for an evening what you learn."
* * * * *


At the party, Jen is playing around with the box when she spots Henry Parker come in. She ducks behind Pacey.

"Jen, he will spot you eventually."

"Can't a girl dream?" walking back and forth, "When will Joey and the Beast get here?" anxiously eyeing the door.

Henry walks over to Andie and whispers something in her ear. Andie shakes her head.

"Looks like he's enlisting the helper," a statement which is confirmed when they spot Andie walk in their direction.

"Would you put that box away, Jen? Don't need her to get in the middle of this."

"Pacey?" Jen says pleadingly, "We need to find those two. Screw Andie. This is official business."

"Would you prefer she spot the box, question the contents, or, god forbid, take one? I'm sorry, I'm not in the mood to go to visit someone in the hospital tonight."

"Unless it's Drue as a result of damage caused by one pissed-off Joey Potter?"

Pacey grins as he takes the box from her hand, "Well, I guess that would be an exception. Hello Andie."

"Hi guys. Look, messenger is just delivering this so if there's anyone you want to shoot, Parker's by the punch." She hands Jen a box.

"It's a ring.. and it's orange."

Andie says dismissively, "Actually, I'm told it's Hungarian red."

Jen hands the box to Pacey, and says, "Tell the sender to get over here so I can get this over with."

* * * * *


Dawson walks in with Kate, which immediately gets the attention of pretty much every guy there. They are approached by Abby and Chris.

"Dawson, you attended. How spirited of you." Abby says with a smirk.

Chris says to Abby, "I invited him for the documentary stuff, remember? I didn't seriously think you'd have a date so lovely you'd have to part away from."

Dawson introduces, "Kate, this is the peanut gallery, Abby and Chris."

Chris interrupts, "So, Kate, have you known the D-man long?"

Dawson gives him a look, "Since when did you ever call me that?"

Kate ignores Dawson's comment and replies, "Not very. I was visiting relatives in Philadelphia at the same time Dawson was with his mom down there and just went from there." She gives Dawson a peck on the cheek, which places a smile back on his face.

Chris handed Dawson the video camera, "You may use this as you see fit. When you see me give you a signal, I want you to head in my direction because I'm getting some juicy footage for you. Which," eyeing Jen and Pacey, "is starting now."

Dawson gives Kate a parting kiss then follows Chris and Abby. Kate is looking around confused when she hears a familiar voice behind her.

"What are you doing in Capeside?"

Kate slowly turned around and is pleasantly surprised to see Jack standing there.
* * * * *


"Jack! What are you doing here?" Kate gives him a hug.

"Andie begged me to come. But, more importantly, why are you in Capeside? Wait a second, have you and Andie been plotting this? I know you two have been talking on the phone a lot..."

Kate's eyes grow wide, "Andie's here?" looking around, "Where?"

"Either you're putting on a really good show or there is a different reason you're here."

Kate looks around for Dawson, "Actually, my boyfriend invited me. Do you know this guy Dawson?"

Jack gives her a strange look, then starts laughing, "You mean film-afficiando Dawson Leery? I don't believe this."

"It isn't that bizarre."

Jack shakes his head, "It is when you realize that his close friend Joey Potter is sort of convinced there's some 'unfinished business' in their relationship."

Kate starts to cry, "You mean that I find another guy who is actually gay? I mean, just before we met, my boyfriend dumps me for that reason. And, I guess I should have realized that Dawson would be too. The signs were all there..."

Jack corrects her, "Actually, Joey is a girl."

Kate laughs, "Oh my god, I totally blew that out of proportion. It's just that, I guess that's still on my mind. Thinking that Dawson will make the same announcement. Thinking that all my boyfriends are like that." She stops her rant, "You're not gay, right?"

Jack shakes his head.

"Gotta make that a preliminary question for all boyfriends now. How pathetic is that?"

Jack gives her a hug, then mutters, "I could've been the jealous ex and let you think Joey was a guy. What an idiot I am."

Kate corrects, "What a great ex-boyfriend, not to mention friend, you can be sometimes."

* * * * *


Henry approaches Jen and Pacey. In close proximity, Chris and Abby are watching, with Dawson and the video camera right behind.

"So, do you like the ring?"

Jen replies, "This is unnecessary. Why do you keep doing stunts like this? Pacey, hand me the box."

Pacey holds both boxes in the air to weigh them and hands Jen the heavier one.

Jen continues, "This is all I intend to say on the subject and I hope to never, ever be greeted by another package or display again. There is no you and me, Henry. I'm sorry, it's just not happening."

Henry asked, "It's all about the age thing, isn't it?"

"Not entirely."

"You don't even know anything else about me."

Jen corrected, "I know that you are slightly obsessed with the idea of me being your girlfriend. I'm sorry, let me correct that, you're completely obsessed."

"This is not the end of this, Jen Lindley." Henry walks away with the box and hands it to Andie, "Keep this in storage," and walks outside.

Meanwhile, Jen spots Drue and Joey walking in, arm in arm. She grabs the box from Pacey and marches in their direction.

Abby mumbles to Chris, "I love your documentary idea." In a louder tone, "I smell more action brewing. Come on, Dogboy." Dawson obediently follows.

* * * * *


Jen marches up to Drue and Joey, with Pacey following her. Abby and Chris sneak into good viewing position while Dawson is next to them catching the action.

Drue spotted her first, "So, what do we owe this supposed honor?"

Jen shoves the box in his face, "What the hell were you thinking, giving me this? You thought that this stupid gift would suddenly trigger me back to the world I led before I came here?"

Drue plays innocent, "I have absolutely no idea what you're referring to and let me say I don't enjoy whatever game you are trying to pull."

"Would you prefer if your girlfriend found out what I'm talking about?"

Drue mutters under his breath as he reluctantly takes the box from Jen. Jen turns around and smiles at Pacey, "Part one accomplished," and walks away.

Pacey interjects, "Wouldn't it have been more fun if you showed him?"

"Why bother? Joey will nag him about what the hell I have to do with him until he will either, one - cave in or two -have his sweet act blown to pieces. Either way, Joey will dump his sorry ass and you can come off as the hero who saves her from trashing the male gender."

Pacey replies, "Okay, I guess that it is more fun to have Joey hate him. Besides, she doesn't need the entire party to watch her do that."

* * * * *


Andie looks in the direction Henry headed out of. She stares down at the box.

"I wish I had a ring like the one he gave her. Oh well, maybe someday." She shakes the box and is hears the sound of two items hitting against each other. "Geez, Jen, you didn't have to break the ring. Now the fantasy is gone."

* * * * *


Joey stares at Drue. "What the hell is she talking about?"

Drue doesn't answer her immediately.

"I repeat, what could you have possibly done that made her so angry," she snatches the box away from Drue and opens it. Her eyes grow wide as she sees the contents.

"So, what were you planning to do? Flirt with Jen behind my back until I found out, then have us fight over you. Oh, that is sooo typical of the thoughts from the perverted male mind. I'm glad Jen wasn't stupid enough to join in an act such as this. Goodbye," closing the box, then throwing it on the floor and stomping away.

Drue has a bewildered expression on his face, "Me and Jen? That was years ago. What could she have.." He reaches down to pick up the box and pulls out the contents.

Holding the now-broken Hungarian red ring, he replies, "What the hell is this?"

Abby and Chris try with all their might to keep from laughing. Dawson shuts off the video camera, completely confused by what just happened.

* * * * *
Back in school on Monday, Pacey walks up to Jen's locker with an amused look on his face.

"What's gotten you in such a good mood? Did you get lucky?"

Pacey rubs his hands together, "In a matter of speaking, yes. Did you know that the plan got screwed up?"

Jen grabs a book from the stack, "What plan?"

"Operation Lizard King. You might have accidently given Drue the wrong box."

Jen slams her locker shut, "You mean that Joey doesn't know about the.. wait a second, that means that he received.."

Pacey smiles devilishly, ".. a cheap broken ring. More importantly, that means that Joey thinks.."

"..Drue was flirting with me." Jen finishes.

Pacey claps his hands together, "And that Cruella DeVille dumped the Lizard King."

Jen grins and heads off to class. Pacey following her. "In that case, I'm happy for you. This is just.." She stops dead in her tracks, "Wait, that also means that Henry got the pills. I can't imagine what he thinks about this."

"Hmm, he could just think you pawned it or something."

Jen punches Pacey in the arm, "Okay, so now that Valentine is gone, what strategy are you using to get Joey to fall for you?"

Pacey looks down, "Since Dawson's happy with Kate, I'd guess that I really don't have any obstacles left."

"Other than being yourself."

Now it was Pacey's turn to punch Jen in the arm.

* * * * *


Andie catches up to Henry in the hallway.

"Hey, Parker. How's everything?"

"The love of my life refuses my friendship ring and you have the nerve to ask me," imitating Andie, "How's everything?"

Andie interrupts, "I don't think Jen exactly ref.." She stops what she's saying, then reconsiders, "okay, fine, she refused it."

Henry replies sarcastically, "Thanks for your support." He leaves Andie off at her locker, then heads off.

Andie mutters, "Better he doesn't know yet."

* * * * *


Joey slams her locker shut and swings quickly around, running right into Jack.

"Sorry, Joey."

"Get out of my way," Joey brushes past him and walks quickly in the other direction. Jack tries to keep up.

"There is no need to get so rude about it."

Joey walks faster, "Jack, just stay out of my way, I'm not having the best of days."

Jack retorts, "Actually, this is pretty close to a normal day for you."

Joey stops and turns to face him, "What the hell are you talking about?"

"The kitchen staff are completely scared of you. To me, you're not completely mean but some of the staff call you El Toro."

Joey glares at him, "You liar." She waits for Jack to let down the act, "Really?" Jack nods.

"Well, this is a pretty nasty day in my opinion. The guy I've been dating turned back into a toad."

Jack mutters, "I'm sorry to hear that."

"No, you're not. Actually, that's the funny thing. I don't think there was one friend accepting us. Now I see why. I suspect you were the closest to supportive.."

Jack finishes, "But I'm not exactly a friend."

Joey rolls her eyes, "Okay, I'm realizing what I said didn't exactly come out right."

Jack mutters, "I know what my role is in your life, Joey. I'm just the co-worker. I'll see you later." He heads back in the opposite direction.
* * * * *


Pacey walks into the Icehouse and sees Joey is the only one inside. She is cleaning a table.

"Did you scare away the customers?"

Joey jerks her head up, notices Pacey, then resumes cleaning, "Amusing but didn't you notice the 'CLOSED' sign hanging outside? We're closing early tonight."

Pacey glances around, "It appears to me your co-workers were more than eager to leave."

"Why would they want to hang around a bull a minute longer than they have to?" Joey counters. Pacey notices a hint of sadness in her voice. He sits down at the table Joey's cleaning.

"A bull?" Pacey tries to determine a better way to ask the question, but shakes his head in confusion, "What?"

"Just a not-so-pleasant nickname among the staff here. In light of my discovery this past weekend regarding Drue, I would kindly appreciate no snide comments to the effect that we were an ideal match."

"Potter, I never thought you two meshed well."

Joey throws the rag down on the table, "Of course not, that's the general consensus. But wasn't that a golden opportunity for one of your patented Witter remarks?"

"Exactly what was the appeal, Jo. Just try to answer that question."

She glances around, "I get it, there is a hidden camera. No, wait, you're being bribed by Dawson to feign concern."

Pacey looks offended and gets up from his seat, "I'm sorry for actually showing a shred of genuine concern. Because I'm not Dawson, you think that there's a scam involved."

Joey grabs on to Pacey's coat, and pulls him back to the table, "You're right, you're right, I guess I was just remembering the tricks of the past." She sits down on the other side of the table, "I can't honestly answer that question at the moment. I know there was a brief period when he and I connected. I seriously doubt there was any other time, yet I let myself get swayed down to his level."

* * * * *


"I'm not sure that you're the most helpful." Henry was watching television while Andie was studying.

"Parker, I'm sorry if I don't think that you and Jen mesh well. It is possible that she's right."

Henry moved Andie's textbook away from her, "You don't really mean that, do you?"

"Look, I can't imagine how happy you could possibly be following Jen around like a puppy. It is simply not healthy."

"Andie, no offense, but if you're talking about unhealthy relationships, I can think of two other people currently in this house with worse problems. I don't believe I've ever seen someone that bonds so perfectly with schoolwork."

Andie shrieks, "Are you implying that I have a problem?"

"Treatment is available, Andie," Henry pats her on the head, which causes Andie to grab his wrist. Henry pulls his hand from her strong grip, wincing in pain. "I think I'm actually more concerned about the one upstairs."

Andie gets defensive, "Leave Jack alone. So he's not adjusting to Capeside as well as I am."

"You've had to beg him to get involved in anything so far. Job at Icehouse? You prodded. Appearance at the recent party? You begged. If it was up to him, he'd stay on his computer."

"Cut it out."

* * * * *


You've got mail.

Jack glances up from his homework. Finally, a response from Laney, his on-line pal.

You shouldn't have to fake your feelings for a person. What's so special about Jinny?

Jack tries to figure out a way to answer that question, bouncing a ball against the wall as a distraction. Finally, he starts typing.

Pursuing Jinny would be considered normal. There is no reason for suspicion if there is someone like her as the object of my affection. I'm not so sure Terri would understand. She's great but it's still difficult.

He clicked the send button. At least with Laney, he could be pretty honest. Well, not completely honest but pretty close. He was calling Joey as Jinny and Andie as Terri, after all. That was purely a precautionary measure, he rationalized. Wouldn't want a psycho stalker tracking the family down.

Downstairs, he could hear Andie's screeching and Henry laughing. Speaking of creepy stalkers. As weird as he was about Jen Lindley, he was pretty close to normal when he hung out with his sister. Too bad his eyes were still closed on that issue.

Who is actually the person you're attracted to?

He was struggling to form a response, kept pressing the backspace key to change his answer. Finally, he finished typing.

Nobody right now. But there's a different problem. I think I might not be attracted to girls.

He paused the mouse arrow over the send button. Sending this would be a first step towards admitting the truth.

"What harm could it cause?" Jack mutters out loud before eventually hitting the button.

Part 2
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