Synopsis: Okay, remember the episode after Abby Morgan died called "Rest In Peace"? This is a takeoff on that premise with a different victim, namely one Dawson Leery.
Genre: Basically comedy.
Need To Know: It's about midway through senior year with all the events up to Great Xpectations (so Andie didn't leave) and some other stuff that I'm adding.
Rating: PG13
Feedback: Good or bad, send it to milburncreek@yahoo.com
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters but this story is mine...

Dawson: You know, I can't believe that she would still go back to Pacey after everything I did. I saved B&B from burning to the ground and do you think she shows one ounce of gratitude? Of course not because it's me who did it.

Gretchen: Dawson, you have to let this go. Move on, it happened two months ago. Get over it.

Dawson: Why can't I be the one who carries the girl out into the sunset happily ever after?

Gretchen gives him a wary look.

Gretchen VO: Why do we always go around in circles about this? I mean, the guy needs a life of his own. If I leave, then he's alone and I'll feel guilty. But he's more boring than a senator.

Dawson gets up and starts walking in a determined manner towards the dock.

Dawson: That is not true! She will understand! Do you know why? Because she knows I, not Pacey, but I am her soulmate.

Gretchen shrugs her shoulders, then follows him. When she reaches him, he turns around, loses his balance and falls into the water.

Gretchen (muttering): The future of Hollywood is in this guy's hands? That'll be the end of the movie business as we know it.

She waits for Dawson to come back up for air. She debates saving him but realizes she's doing a favor for everyone by letting him drown.

She sees Gretchen standing by a tree with a look of bewilderment on her face. Jen walks over to her.

Jen: What happened?

Gretchen: He's dead.

Jen: You're serious? What, what, how? How did this happen?

Gretchen: Lost balance on dock.

A sly look creeps on Jen's face. Gretchen notices this look.

Gretchen: I didn't do it.

Jen: (looking slightly disappointed) Oh, well, that's good. (back to grief-stricken) Wow, I can't believe this is really happening.

Scene: Joey, Bessie, and Pacey are sitting at dining table of the B&B when Jen bursts in.

Jen: (out of breath) You're not going to believe what just happened

Bessie: Jen, there is a business here. Remember that? Customers get disturbed by this.

Joey: Yeah, sure, it is so lively, Bessie. It's that that has driven customers away.

Bessie: Well, this isn't the most lively time of year.

Pacey: (turns to Jen) So, what's the local news?

Jen: Dawson is dead.

Pacey: Oh, I get it, you're trying to put some cheer in this place.

Jen shook her head.

Bessie turns to Joey.

Bessie: That's what should have happened the day of the fire.

Jack: You know, I heard the strangest rumor. That Dawson was ...

Joey: (drearily) Yeah, he's no more. He drowned.

Andie: That is what the story is? You know, people are saying everything from he was gunned down to him being in a cult.

Jen: Well, you know none of that could be true because this is Dawson Leery, where the only remarkable thing about the way he died is the stupidity of it. I mean, the dock is only 5 feet deep in that section.

Scene: A group of students are sitting around a table in a counselor's office. Included in this group are Joey, Pacey, and Chris Wolfe.

Counselor: I know you've all be dealt a heavy blow, but by sharing your feelings with each other, it could aid in the long, and difficult, process we call grieving.

Joey stares at the ground. Pacey starts counting the cracks in the ceiling.

Student: I'd like to make an announcement. The film class would like to distribute blue ribbons in Dawson's memory.

Counselor: That is very thoughtful of you, Greg.

Greg: Anyone interested should meet me in the dark room after school for some one-on-one attention, to help you get through the grief.(raises his eyebrows haughtily)

Joey rolls her eyes.

Counselor: Joey, I understand you were a close friend of Dawson's. Would you like to express any thoughts on the subject?

Joey: There is really very little to say.

Counselor: I understand, it is still hard to accept that he is actually gone. Chris? Did you know Dawson?

Chris: Kind of. I mean, he was quite instrumental to the parties I threw over the summer. He always knew the places no self-respecting adult would go. So, yes, I did. Why is that important?

Counselor: Well, this is a meeting to help people express grief over Dawson's passing.

Chris: Dawson? He's dead? Poor dude. I thought this was about Abby. That's one regret, never telling her I loved her.

Everyone stares at Chris. Realizing what he just said, he gets up and leaves the room.

Greg: (darts out of his chair) Hey, wait, I need you to get some chicks to support this Dawson cause.

Pacey: (muttering) He hung out with Chris Wolfe? Doesn't sound possible.

Joey smiles.

Counselor: Pacey, do you have any words to say about the dearly departed?

Pacey: Well, he was a good friend. An inspiration for everyone he ever met. Dawson Leery was able to convey this, uh, complete understanding of how fragile, uh, human life can be.

Counselor: See this is what I'm talking about. Getting in touch with the meaning of Dawson in your lives.

Pacey gives her an incredulous look.

Joey: (muttering) What b.s.!

Scene: After school, at B&B, Joey and Bessie are cleaning.

Joey: It's strange with no Dawson.

Bessie: Yeah, yeah, very strange. Can you get the bug spray? That spider is getting on my nerves.

Joey: It's just that Dawson was a large part of my life for so many years. I climb through the window at the Leery's and there's that John Lennon poster and nothing else.

Bessie: How does that fit in his Spielberg shrine?

Joey: It doesn't. He changed his mind again. First Spielberg, then normal, then Spielberg, then normal. Andie had been there a couple of weeks earlier and was amazed he changed it so fast.

Bessie: What do you think the Leerys are going to do about his room?

Joey: (shrugs) Make it a temple? I don't know. Why?

Bessie: Well, seeing as how the room will no longer be used, maybe they'll want to rent it.

Joey: Why does that interest you?

Bessie: We could use an extra room at B&B. It would certainly be cheap if you lived there.

Joey: (screaming)Are you crazy?!

Bessie: You had to let your conscience get in the way and call Dawson for help that day. The insurance money would've helped.

Joey: I'm sorry for being concerned about losing my personal possessions!

Bessie: Well, you could've waited a few more minutes so some real damage could've occured and we could've gotten something for it. Better yet, you knew it was coming. You could've moved your stuff out in advance

Joey: I'm sorry I didn't plan that better, Bessie. We'll move on from this setback.

Scene: Pacey walks into McPhee house where Andie is in the kitchen making a snack.

Pacey: Hey, Andie. Look I wanted to ask. (stops dead in his tracks)I can't believe you got a ribbon.

Andie: (blushing) Well, we should honor Dawson's memory.

Pacey: You bought that line?

Andie shrugs.

Andie: What'd you want to ask?

Pacey: (shakes his head, trying to get the image out of his head) Oh yeah, there's something I've been wanting to talk to someone about and I figured you're in the right position to not jump down my throat.

Andie: Sure, I'll try. What is it?

Pacey: I've hated Dawson for years.

Andie: Well, I know ever since he found out about you and Joey, you two haven't been on the best of terms..

Pacey: It's more than that. Ever since I've realized that I've been crazy about her, yeah, there was some jealousy, I guess. But then that subsided and I discovered that Dawson was still the same eight-year-old, just with a larger head. But because I didn't want to hurt Joey's feelings, I pretended that he was still my friend. Do you understand how difficult that can be?

Andie: Fortunately, I've only known him for a short time so there's been little pretending involved. I just couldn't understand how you guys could tolerate him.

Pacey: I mean, I have grown to hate that guy. But, Joey, that's a different story, she hated him waaaay after I did.

Scene: Back to B&B with Joey and Bessie when Jen walks in the door.

Bessie: (looking at Joey) I don't understand what the problem is with using your bedroom as an extra room. I did it this past summer! Don't you ever knock?

Jen: Sorry, the breeze must have muffled the sound. Joey, can we talk about this Dawson situation?

Joey: Why don't we go to my room. As long as I have a room, I should at least use it.

They walk down the hallway. When both are in the room, Joey locks the door.

Joey: So, what's going on?

Jen: Dawson's mom wants me to give the eulogy.

Joey: What?! Wow, what a shock! She asked you?

Jen: She knows about the problems you and Dawson had lately. She'd asked Gretchen but she'd turned her down flat, then disappeared. (wickedly) Guilty conscience, I guess.

Joey: I'm a little relieved she didn't ask me because I'm not going to the funeral.

Jen: Why not?

Joey: They give me the creeps.

Jen: I thought this fear was over when you went to Abby's funeral.

Joey: Well, that bitch never meant anything to me. This is different.

Jen: How?

Joey: Jen! He has been a part of my life all these years! How can you ask such a question?

Jen: I'm sorry. Well, the problem is that I don't think I'm the right person either.

Joey: Who were you thinking should do it?

Jen: Maybe you could do some cuddling with him later...

Joey: (wide-eyed) You think that's the best idea?

Jen: Well, he has the proper perspective. He's known Dawson as long as you have.

Joey: If you want to get Pacey to do it, I want nothing to do with it.

Jen: You want me to snuggle up to him?

Joey: NO! A little sucking UP, Jen.

Scene: Next day at school. Pacey and Andie are walking in hallway. Andie is still wearing the ribbon.

Pacey: Can you believe that Jen asked me to deliver a eulogy? She made sure Joey was there so I couldn't say no.

Andie: Well, there have to be some kind words about him. It's not like you tried to kill him.

Pacey: No, but I wish the fire had done it - would've at least had some nobleness to it. (starts yelling) How the hell can you wear that ribbon? It is driving me crazy. It's hard enough dealing with my feelings about Dawson without you acting noble.

Andie: Somebody has to. After all, Dawson was a lose... a lost.. no.. a lot of things to people.

Pacey: (shouts) A LOSER! Come on, Andie. Say it, he was a loser.

Andie: I wouldn't go that far.

Pacey: Yes, you would. You have!

Andie: I'm sorry I just don't think it's right to malign his character after he's gone.

Pacey: You agreed with me yesterday!

Andie: Yeah, I guess I did. It's just that half of me isn't willing to trash his name while the other half..

Pacey: Do me favor, all right? Go get another ribbon. I've ruined your good mood. You could use some cheering up.

As Andie is walking away, she runs into Jack and Jen. She glares at her brother before marching away.

Jen: Do I sense some hostility between you two?

Pacey: Slight, no help to you. (turns his back on Jen)Did you like Dawson Leery?

Jack: What?

Pacey: Well, Andie hates him one minute and loves him the next. So I need someone who stays on one track.

Jack: (muttering) Must've skipped her medication. (in normal tone) Well, I'd sort of told her to not speak poorly of the dead.

Pacey: Not you too.

Jack: I think Andie misinterpreted what I said.

Jen: No kidding.

Pacey: (mockingly) So you won't speak poorly of the dead?

Jack: Yeah, only the good things you can find about someone.

Pacey and Jen stare at him, then at each other, then walk away in same direction.

Jack: (out of earshot) Which means I have nothing to say.

Scene: Pacey and Joey in Witter apartment.

Joey kisses Pacey but notices him not returning the kiss with the same passion.

Joey: What's wrong?

Pacey: Nothing, it's just this eulogy thing is getting to me.

Joey: I don't know how I'd put my feelings for him into words. It is just so complex.

Pacey looks unsure how to answer. Fortunately, Gretchen walks in, distracting Joey.

Joey: How have you been doing?

Gretchen: Okay, except for everyone suddenly knowing who I am because I happened to be the one there when he died. I don't want to be known as Last Girl with Dawson.

Pacey: As in with Dawson or with Dawson?

Gretchen punches him in the arm.

Gretchen: That is revolting! Someone actually asked me to speak at the funeral.

Pacey: Jen.

Gretchen: Which is especially strange since I got the distinct impression that she thinks I killed him.

Joey: That would be an interesting sight - Jen walking into the funeral all drunk ranting about you drowning him in the creek.

Pacey: (snidely) Yeah, it'll forever be known as Dawson's creek because (in old lady voice) his spirit's still there. (pauses) I can't give this eulogy and neither can Jen.

Joey: That makes sense, wouldn't want it to become a three-ring circus.

Pacey: Let's see, somebody who won't go crazy giving a speech about Dawson.. Who could handle that task? (His eyes light up) Find something kind to say now!

Scene: Dawson's bedroom. Spielberg posters are back in place.

There is the sound of a window opening, then see Jack struggling to climb through the window. He eventually gets in, landing with a thud onto the floor.

Jack: How the hell did Joey do this all these years without getting hurt?

He gets up and looks around the room.

Jack: Looks like he prefered the original motif. Anyway, there has to be something in here that would help to give the eulogy. Something, something... (spots a journal) Got it.

He sits on the floor and opens the journal.

Dawson voiceover: Saw Joey in the hallway today. She looked so hot in this blue sweater and jeans. So simple yet so perfect on her. I know that she will realize that she cannot fight destiny...

Jack: Man, even his journal is boring. Let's see if there's anything in here that's not about her. (turns page)Joey..Joey..Pacey with Joey.. (turns page) Joey..Joey..Joey.. (turns page) Ah, Pacey.

Dawson VO: Pacey has the self-satisfied look on his face. He just wants me to believe that he had sex with Joey. I know he's lying. He tells all these stories just so he has something to say when in reality there is nothing serious going on between them. It will all pass soon.

Jack: (laughing) Believe it, it happened and you have nothing to do with it. (turns page)Joey..Joey..Joey..(turns page)Joey..Joey..Andie..(turns page)Joey.. wait, what? (turns page back)

Dawson VO: After seeing Joey and Pacey flaunting their supposed happiness for the millionth time, I happened to run into Andie. Although she claims otherwise, I know she still carries a torch for Pacey and if there was anyone who could help me win her back, it was Andie McPhee.

Scene: Downstairs. Mrs. Leery walks in the house, dropping a large arrangement of flowers on the kitchen table.

Mr. Leery: (shouting) Do you think this is enough flowers, Mitch?

Mrs. Leery walks in with note pad in her hand.

Mrs. Leery: Yeah, that'll create the desired effect. You'd think Jen would've been here by now helping us. I'd like to hear what she plans to say in advance. This will not be like the scene at Abby's funeral.

Mr. Leery: Actually, she deferred. She told me Pacey agreed to do it.

Mrs. Leery: Oh that's good. That will be a lot safer. I'm glad he and Dawson were able to patch up their differences before he..(starts crying)..I still can't believe he's really gone.

Mr. Leery: Yeah, apparently Pacey apologized to Dawson about Joey and agreed to break up with her.

Back to shot of bedroom, where Jack is overhearing the conversation and is trying hard not to laugh too loud.

Jack: Classic. Should have seen it coming. After all, Spielberg never taught him about romance. O.K., back to Deep Thoughts by Dawson Leery. (picks up journal, turns several pages)Joey..Pacey and Joey..Andie. Here we go.

Dawson VO: Andie shows up in my bedroom and announces that she had thought she was pregnant for the past two weeks with my baby.

Jack drops the journal on the floor.

Jack: I read that wrong, I must have read that wrong, I had to have read that wrong.

Dawson VO: She isn't but it could've been. At my eighteenth birthday, I had gotten real drunk and passed out on my bed. Next thing I know, Andie walks in and starts telling sob stories about losing her one true love. Can't remember much but the next day, I am in bed next to her and apparently not even remembering my first sexual encounter. What a scare, though, what if she had been pregnant?

Jack: Ok. Wait, Andie had thought she was pregnant, I know that. But Dawson was the father? I guess there was something good about losing the baby.

Dawson VO: I think I would've wanted to be there for the child. A child needs a mother and a father. Let's see, "Dawson and Andie Leery". It had a nice ring to it but it's no "Dawson and Joey Leery".

Jack: (puts the book down, then shakes his head)I'm not sure which part of that is creepier. A little Dawson running around or the prospect of Dawson being my brother-in-law.

Scene: Later at night at Witter apartment. Gretchen, Pacey, Joey still there.

There is a knock on the door, then Jen bursts in.

Pacey: Lindley, just the person I wanted to see.

Jen: (sees look in his eye) No, Pace, I'm not doing it. I just knew you'd chicken out.

Pacey: It's not that exactly.

Joey: It's just that he's grief-stricken. It's hard to put into words. I mean I don't think I'm going and Pacey is just supporting that decision. After all, they were best friends for so many years.

Gretchen: And anyway, McPhee volunteered.

Jen: (looks at all three people, one at a time) Yeah right. Do you expect me to believe that? Well, I guess if there's one person who's good at faking sincerity, that's the person you want.

Joey: Why would it have to be fake?

Jen: Come on, she doesn't know the first thing about mourning for someone truthfully.

Gretchen and Pacey look at each other.

Pacey: She meant Jack, not Andie.

Jen: (disappointed) Oh, would've been more fun the other way.

Joey: Why's that?

Jen: Did you know that Andie made Dawson believe that they had sex?

Joey and Pacey: With each other?

Jen: (grinning) Yeah, on his eighteenth birthday, she was up in Dawson's room still depressed over feeling nothing about being accepted to Harvard. So she went up to his room, where she found him passed out drunk. She slept there that night.

Joey: Wow. What a birthday gift. So she slept in his room?

Jen: Right. But apparently, Andie had slept with some guy a week prior.

Pacey: The guy that got her pregnant?

Jen: (nods) When she couldn't find the guy, she decided to pretend that she slept with Dawson.

Joey: Now if the pregnancy had lasted...

Jen: She probably was thinking she'd find the guy soon and let Dawson off the hook. But I guess she wouldn't be the best person to speak in front of all these people.

Pacey: But perfect for handing out blue ribbons.

Jen: Well, I think that was just for getting Greg's "attention".

Pacey shook his head.

Joey: I can't understand Andie anymore. Why the random men?

Jen: Do you really want to get inside Andie's head? That's a scary place, what with all the medication and stuff.

Power goes out momentarily, then comes back on a few seconds later.

They look outside, as the previously sunny day has turned murky. The wind is gusting heavily now.

Jen: I think I should get going. Joey, wanna come?

Joey: I don't think I will.

Pacey: You should get in before the storm hits.

Joey: I don't know, all these feelings to sort out about Dawson, they are just so overwhelming. I mean, I feel like I'm not really being there for him and ...

Pacey: (cuts her off) And I'm sure Jen can help you sort it out.

Joey: What?

Pacey: (quickly) I don't want you to be stuck this far away if the weather gets away worse.

Jen and Gretchen try hard not to smile.

Joey: I guess you're right.

Joey gets up to get her jacket, then reaches over to Pacey to give him a kiss, which he halfheartedly returns.

Scene: Leery kitchen. Mrs. Leery is alone, arranging the flowers in a vase at the counter while rambling on.

Mrs. Leery: You know that Joey and Pacey were just a momentary fling until she'd eventually realize that our son was the person she was ...

As Mr. Leery walks back into the room, there is a loud thud sound.

Mrs. Leery: Did you hear that? Sounded like a window slammed shut.

Mr. Leery: From Dawson's room.

Mrs. Leery: Probably Joey looking around the room for a memento.

Mr. Leery: We should go talk to her.

They walk up the stairs. Mrs. Leery is trying to gather the strength to open the bedroom door. Mr. Leery sighs and moves her out of the way and enters the room. The window is shut and everything is orderly.

Mrs. Leery: Just the wind.

Mr. Leery: I guess we're just imagining that Joey is just coming through the window to watch movies with Dawson just like always.

Mrs. Leery: Right. Well, she's welcome to do it. Let's make sure the window can be opened.

She tries in vain to open the window but no dice.

Mr. Leery: Here, let me try. (grunting after a couple of failed attempts) Guess we'll have to get it fixed.

As they are leaving the room, Mrs. Leery looks back at the window.

Mrs. Leery: It's symbolic, I think. No more sweet innocent Joey Potter climbing through the window anymore. We don't have to fix it.

Mr. Leery: (as he shuts the door) We do if we want to rent the room.

After a few moments, Jack comes out from under the bed.

Jack: Delusion runs in the family. (mimicing) Sweet, innocent Joey corrupted by the evil Pacey. (pausing, then back to normal voice) Now how the hell do I get out of here? (tries the window) Please don't tell me I'm trapped in E.T.'s world. (eyes the closed journal) Well, need something to occupy my time until they fall asleep.

He opens the journal to another section.

Jack: (scans the page) Joey still, still, Jen? Well, O.K.

Dawson VO: I get this feeling that Jen is about to screw up her life. If there is one thing, one thing she should have learned from me, it's that you should never, ever fall in love with your best friend. I see the way she looks at him when she's talking to me. (sound of page turning) Waiting to hear the next word that comes out of his mouth. I should know, I probably have that same look when I'm talking to her when I see Joey.

Jack: (turns page back) What?!

Scene: Witter apartment with Gretchen and Pacey. The only sound initially heard is the wind.

Gretchen looks at the distant expression on Pacey's face.

Gretchen: What's going on with you?

Pacey: Huh?

Gretchen: That kiss was not exactly inspiring, you know?

Pacey: Uh, I guess. Look, Gretchen, I have to get going. There's someone I have to talk to. (walks out of the room)

Gretchen: Are you listening to me?

Pacey: (walks back in room with his jacket) Yeah, sure, he was an inspiration to us all. (heads out the door)

Gretchen: What, did Dawson die and everyone else lose their mind?

Scene: Pacey walks down the street, looking unsure of where he's going.

Pacey: (muttering) This shouldn't be so difficult. Dawson hasn't been an important part of my life this past year. I can finally admit that he was nothing more than a loser. So why is it when Joey talks about him, I feel like she wishes she chose him over me?

Voice: Hey, Pacey.

He turns around to find Chris and Greg waving him over.

Pacey: What's going on?

Chris: Just thought you'd be interested in joining a celebration.

Pacey: Of what?

Greg: Look, Chris, he's not interested in going to a party. He's still in mourning over his dear friend Dawson. Well, we all miss him so much we're having a raging party.

Pacey: Yeah, I know you've been "missing him" with Andie and several other unfortunate souls.

Greg: (smiles) Then you understand the need for a party.

Chris: They're all for Dawson.

Pacey: I am certain that most of the people wouldn't recognize Dawson if he suddenly appeared as a ghost at the party. But, why not, time to celebrate his passing.

Scene: Jen and Joey are walking home.

Joey: So I figured that, you know, eventually Dawson would stop acting like this and move on. But in death, it's as though the adoration will never end.

Jen: Did you know Dawson asked me out?

Joey: Jen, I am perfectly aware that you two were together...

Jen: I meant, last month? He asked me out last month.

Joey: Before or after Andie's miscarriage?

Jen: After.

Neither speaks for a minute.

Joey: So are you going to tell me details or did you just want to get creepy thoughts running in my head?

Jen: I told him I'd think about it even though I knew I'd turn him down. Wanted him to think he had a second chance.

Joey: Well, based on the fact I didn't notice any real change in the way Dawson acts towards me, I'd guess that he wasn't heartbroken.

Jen: No, just peeved that I hurt his pride. See, he thinks that any girl that turns him down must have another guy in their life, or on their minds. Because it just couldn't be because of his personality.

Joey: So, he claimed that you were interested in Drue Valentine?

Jen: That would've been my guess. But no, actually, it's kind of funny, now that I recall. A couple of days later, he comes up to me claiming that I'm waiting for my true love to come around.

Joey: Come around?

Jen: He said it was Jack McPhee.

Joey stares at Jen and starts laughing.

Joey: (tries to hold laughs in) You're serious.

Jen: The reasoning makes even less sense. See, he claimed that I was giving Jack one of those "loving gazes" when I saw him after dumping Dawson. The only look I remember is the one pleading with him, or anyone else for that matter, to get me away from this guy.

Joey: Well, when I was dating Dawson, Jack sort of was the other guy at one point.

Jen: True. I'd also gotten this feeling that Dawson never quite believed Jack was gay, even before this round of blame game started. (pauses) Did we inadvertantly give the task of the eulogy to a person Dawson never liked?

Joey: Well, Jack never had a reason to hate Dawson - it was a one-sided malevolence. So it shouldn't be a problem.

Scene: Dawson's bedroom.

Jack: Jen is not in love with me. I'm sure of that. There's gotta be an explanation to this.. This was written March 2.. O.k. I get it, this was after Jen rejected him. (shakes his head)He's bitter that she turned him down. (turns some more pages)

Dawson VO: I confronted Jen. She denied it. She'll never admit it. Then again, I would be ashamed too. Imagine realizing that your soulmate is a low-class jerk who loves the idea that so many girls chase him even though they probably all know he's gay. I just don't understand how he's been able to cost me a relationship with Joey. And then a friendship with Jen when I could've used someone like her once they returned. Next thing you know, he'll tell Gretchen some tale to melt her heart as well.

Jack: (rolls his eyes) Dawson is an idiot. A bitter idiot I have to praise tomorrow. (leans against the wall, looking at the door) With a bedroom any girl in their right mind would have wanted to get out of. (realizing what he said) What's gotten into Andie lately?

Scene: At party winding down. Pacey is passed out on the couch when he is jolted awake.

Pacey: Hey, hey, I'm allll-right for the road test.

Andie: What?

Pacey: What are you doing here? (looks around) What am I doing here? What is here here?

Andie: There was a keg party. You drank too much and fell asleep.

Pacey: That explains the headache. And the first question?

Andie: I like these parties.

Pacey: Since when? It's not like you get drunk at them. Not with your medicine.

Andie: I stopped taking the stuff months ago.

Pacey: (startled) What? After your health scare?

Andie: That's right. I realized something about that night. I had to choose between the two drugs and the ecstasy won. I just love it.

Pacey: That's stupid. Look, Andie, you need to stay on the other medication. You're pulling a deadly switcheroo that could cost you a future. Either ruin your chances at getting a good education or directly with another hospital stint with no checkout.

Andie: Okay, let's stop the afterschool special. It's making me all sad and I hate that. Look, Jen had so much fun when she did it..

Pacey: (muttering) Yeah, and is still paying for those mistakes. His name is Drue Valentine. (normal tone) Just do me a favor. If you slept with someone tonight, don't make me the father of the baby. I may be drunk but I know you and I'd remember your touch if I was on my deathbed.

Scene: Dawson's bedroom.

Jack: (writing) 'Dawson was a well-respected person for whom there aren't words to express..' No... 'In his films, you got a glimpse into the type of person he was..' Yeah, completely self-involved (crumbles paper) Screw this. It's back to you, Pacey. Just as soon as I get out of here.

Muffled sounds of someone walking, followed by the sound of door closing.
Mrs. Leery: Sorry I'm so late, just arranging everything.

Mr. Leery: Go to sleep, honey. It's four in the morning.

Jack: Go to sleep already.

Scene: Front of Leery house. Door opens and see Jack walking outside. After walking a short distance, he stops and looks at the house.

Jack: Well, at least I won't have to be in that house again.

Scene: Leery bedroom. Mr. and Mrs. Leery are asleep. Suddenly, alarm clock goes off.

Mr. Leery: (wearily) Did you set it?

Mrs. Leery: No.

Mr. Leery tries to stuff alarm clock into drawer but it falls on the ground and shatters.

Mr. Leery: That'll work too.

Sound of doorbell.

Mr. Leery: It's got a life of its own.

Mrs. Leery: Oh, I forgot, I'd asked Gretchen to come over.

Mr. Leery: At six in the morning?

Mrs. Leery: She has to leave for a college interview this afternoon.

Mr. Leery: She's going back to school?

Mrs. Leery: I convinced her to look into it. It's a solid first step back on the right track. (opens door) Hello.

Gretchen: You look exhausted.

Mrs. Leery: Two hours sleep will do that to you. How are you doing?

Gretchen: I've been better, you know. I wish I didn't have this interview today of all days.

Mrs. Leery: Don't worry about it - there will be plenty of time to mourn afterwards. Right now, it's about figuring out what you want to do next. College, college, college.

Gretchen: (rolls eyes) Right.

Scene: Andie dragging Pacey towards her house.

Pacey: You're trying to set me up.

Andie: No, but I be damned if I'm gonna drag your sorry butt across town. So, here you'll stay. (sing-song) Time to get sober before the funeral.

Pacey: It's going to be rather difficult getting you out of the clouds. (whispering) Isn't someone gonna be suspicious about us coming in at, what time is it?

Andie: 6:17. Well, my dad's decided to go back to staying in Providence most of the time. (looks for her keys) So it's just Jack we have to worry about. Actually, come to think of it, that is practically like having Dad here. Equally.

Pacey: What does that mean?

Andie: I think he's more interested in ruining other people's happiness than having any of his own.

Pacey: Does he know about this partying thing?

Andie: Don't think so. He's more interested in the curfew thing than anything.

Pacey: Somehow, I don't see him as an enforcer. (holding empty pizza box), especially considering I don't think he's here now or had been all night.

Andie: (turns completely around) Hmm. Complete pigsty, just like I left it. You're right. Either I'm off the hook or (kiddie voice) or I'm really gonna get it. (giggles)

Scene: Jen and Joey are asleep in Joey's room when Bessie barges in, louding removing perfume bottles.

Joey: What the hell are you doing?

Bessie: Mr. Leery agreed.

Joey: To what?

Bessie: You living at the Leery's.

Joey: Are you insane?

Jen: (still bleary-eyed) What's going on?

Bessie takes a garbage bag out and throws stuffed animals in it.

Joey: I'm being evicted apparently.

Jen: At this time of day?

Bessie: Well, there's been a renter on the couch all night. Well, sort of. It's Drue Valentine. Sweet kid from the club? He said he was an old friend of Jen's who was looking for a temporary place to stay.

Jen: (sneers as she gets up) Impeccable timing.

Jen and Joey walk into living room to find Drue Valentine asleep on the couch. Jen throws a pillow at his head.

Drue: (looks around) Why, breakfast in bed. (snidely) Service is a lot better than at the country club.

Jen: What do you want?

Drue: No pleasantries, what a shame. Anyway, I thought I'd help with the funeral. This place must be booked solid to get such service as sleeping on your finely accomodated couch.

Joey: Why do you want to help?

Jen: I can answer that one. He wants to pretend he was Dawson's best friend so the loser can get people to feel sorry for him.

Drue: Actually, I was interested in seeing you guys perform on that stage. After all, the only people you associate with Dawson are you two and your boyfriend. Yet I suspect you all hate him.

Jen: That doesn't explain why you're here.

Drue: Wanted to see the dress rehearsal. So which of you lovely ladies is going to speak there?

Jen grabs his coat while Joey drags him off the couch.

Joey: What do you know - It's time for you to check out.

Jen throws his coat out the door.

Drue: (as he leaves the house) Can't say it's been a pleasure. See you at the world premiere.

Scene: Pacey and Andie at McPhee house, both asleep on the couch.

Alarm clock goes off. Andie wakes up drowsily.

Andie: 11:30. (shouting) Pace, Pace. (Pacey opens one eye) The funeral's at 1. Pace, wake up, wake up, wake UP.

Pacey: Oh, yeah, I should get going. Have to change. (struggles to his feet but has still managed to get up too fast and holds his head)

Andie: (rushing to clean up)Pacey! What about the eulogy?

Pacey: Your brother's doing it. I just have to get ready.

Andie: (stops) I thought you went to the party to forget about writing the speech.

Pacey: (mutters) No, I went to the party to forget about him completely.

Andie: (runs out of the room, then shouts from another room) Suit on doorknob. (runs back into room) Jack has to get back here. Where the hell is he? How the hell are we supposed to get there? I mean, you didn't drive to the party. Even if you did, that's not how you got here.

Pacey: (buries head in pillow) Although I see you won't let me forget this hangover. Damn mood swings of yours.

Scene: Witter apartment. Jack is asleep on a chair outside their door.

Doug: (out of Jack's view) What are you doing here?

Jack: Who was that?

Doug: (walking in front of him) Me. Looking for Pacey?

Jack: Yeah. Been waiting out here since 7.

Doug: Well, I know my lazy brother wouldn't be out of the house at 7 in the morning on a weekend, even for Dawson's funeral. This eulogy thing must be getting to him.

Jack: What time is it?

Doug: 11:41.

Jack: (jumps out of chair) Damn it, now he's going to get it. (runs off)

Doug: (confused) I'll see you at the service?

Jack: (turns around, looks distracted) Uh, yeah, sure. Maybe.

Scene: Leery house. Jen and Joey are in kitchen with Mr. Leery.

Joey: You agreed with my sister?

Mr. Leery: It sounded like she was in a bind for money. She's putting ads in newspapers outside of Capeside to get business. It seems this town ain't the tourist attraction it once was.

Joey: (mutters) It never was in the winter.

Mr. Leery: Why don't you guys go to his room and think about it. If you want a memento, this is a good time - bringing the stuff to the dump tomorrow.

Mrs. Leery: (in another room, crying) I can't believe you're destroying his stuff. Well, all expect the E.T. doll - that thing gives me the creeps.

Jen and Joey walk into Dawson's bedroom and are surprised to see the Spielberg posters are back.

Joey: His mom's right, that doll was strange.

Jen: Hey, it fit Dawson.

Both spot the journal on the floor at the same time. Jen opens it up, turns a few pages.

Jen: This is all about you, Jo.

Joey: He wrote a journal full of the same crap he told me all the time.

Jen: This is pathetic. (walks out of the room)

Joey: Completely. When Jen's back is turned, Joey picks up the journal.

Scene: Funeral parlor (Yay). Joey, Jen, Mr. and Mrs. Leery are placing the flowers and cards on the table while Grams is arranging them. Andie is greeting guests.

Grams: It is a shame that that sweet boy had to die so young. Never had a chance to grow up, to live life.

Jen: (sarcasm) I guess He knows what he's doing.

Grams: Jennifer, must you deface his name here?

Jen: God's or Dawson's?

Grams: (flustered) Both.

Switch to front door, where Drue shows up.

Drue: Good afternoon, Ms. McPhee. I'm sorry we haven't met under the best of circumstances in the past.

Andie: Why, hello. Yes, that's true.

Jen's eyes go to the door upon hearing Drue's voice.

Jen: I'm sorry, there's something I have to take care of.

Switch to front door.

Drue: So where's the guy's former best bud?

Andie: Pacey? He'll be here shortly. Had to go get ready.

Jen: What are you doing?

Drue: Paying my respects, what does it look like?

Jen: I'm sorry you'll be so disappointed when there's no catfight over you. You know, you can check out the movie theater. I hear...

Grams: Jennifer! Why are you being so rude to one of the guests? You'll have to excuse my daughter.

Drue: Hello, Mrs. Ryan. It is a shame we keep meeting under such poor circumstances.

Grams: I remember you, you were the boy who confessed to that (looks at Andie) uh, scare. Why don't you come in and sit down? Were you close friends with Dawson?

Drue: (looks at Jen) Quite. (walking away with Grams) It was such a tragedy to see such a person have to die so fast. It was appropriate he'd passed on at the Creek, so symbolic...

Jen and Andie look at each other.

Andie: (in a quiet voice) He was the one responsible?

Jen: He did this whole power play so that I'd have problems with Grams, after all, he figured no one else was speaking to me..

Andie: I meant, was he the one who gave you the ecstasy in the first place?

Jen: Another power play. He wanted me to get hooked back into the wild life...

Andie: And that's why you were trying to talk me out of it?

Jen: Uh, yeah. I thought you knew all that.

Andie: I think I'm just realizing what you were trying to tell me. I can't believe I made Dawson believe he and I were...(tries to motion with her hands, then sobs on Jen's shoulder

Scene: Pacey walks into apartment where he runs into Doug.

Pacey: Look, don't lecture me now, I have ten minutes to change and haul my butt out of here.

Doug: Where were you?

Pacey: Talking with Andie.

Doug: All night?

Pacey: (tries to think of a lie) No, no, Doug. I was here the whole time. I went out this morning. Yeah.

Doug: Look, Pace, there's something...

Pacey: (stares at him hard then rants) I don't care if it's about what I was really doing last night, or about being there for Dawson at the funeral, or what! Not now.

Doug: Well, about the eulogy...

Pacey: (snaps) Don't ever say that word again.

Doug: Well, (thinks it over) OK. I'm leaving in five minutes whether you're in the car or not.

Joey: You made it. (hugging him)

Pacey: Barely, thanks to Officer Witter finding a stray dog. (sees journal in her hand) Since when did you carry that around?

Joey: It's Dawson's.

Pacey: Why would Dawson have a journal?

Joey: Movie ideas, I guess. Jen was skimming through it earlier and said there was a lot about the way he felt about me in here. Maybe he was going to make another movie about it.

Pacey: Let's see, which is creepier, him making another movie about wanting you back or the fact that you want to read the script ideas for this.

Joey: Don't you think this is like a dying wish type thing - to get this movie made?

Pacey: I could see his dying wish being that you fall in love with him all over again.

Joey: (shouting) So that's why you've been acting like a jerk whenever you see me. You think I'm still interested in him?

Pacey: I'm sure he's watching down on us, loving this. That is not the only reason anyway.

Preacher: Will everyone please be seated so we may start?

As the audience which had been paying attention to their argument begin to disperse, we see Jen walking toward them. Drue catches up to her.

Drue: (whispering) Now that's more like it. I'm so glad I came.

Jen swats him away like a fly, then approaches them.

Jen: You guys, there is a problem.

Joey: Yeah, (pointing at Pacey) the jealous rat had to come.

Pacey: (glaring) Well, I'm not the one still swooning over the deceased.

Jen: (interrupts) Have either of you seen Jack?

Pacey: No, when, uh, I was at Andie's this morning, shaking off a hangover. When I woke up, she said that he hadn't been at the house all night.

Jen: Well, one of you better think of something to say pretty fast since, unless he swapped with someone else, he's supposed to give the eulogy.

Both of them look at her, then Joey and Jen look at Pacey.

Pacey: You've gotta be joking. Joey, can we talk outside?

Joey: No, it took a lot of effort on my part to set foot in this place and the last thing you're going to do is get me up and ramble on about the assorted reasons you shouldn't do this.

Pacey: (pleading look in his eyes)Jen?

Jen: Can't. Got a restraining order by Grams to stay 100 feet from the podium. Sit down. Calm down.

Pacey: Easy for you to say.

Jen: I doubt Jack would actually be a no-show.

Doug: (interrupts) Actually, I think he did. He was looking for you this morning.

Pacey: (turns to his brother) Why didn't you say something earlier?

Doug: I believe you bit my head off earlier when I mentioned the word 'eulogy'. (walks away)

Pacey: Damn, he's right.

Scene: McPhee house. We see Jack rushing to get ready.

Jack: I know I shouldn't do this. (runs out the door, but spots the pizza box first) Why the hell were you with Dawson? What were you thinking? What the hell am I thinking? (regroups) Because Pacey won't be able to on such short notice.

Scene: Back to funeral.

Preacher: We are here today, to remember the life of Dawson Leery. But before we begin, I'd like to invite those of you, who'd like to share your memories with Dawson, to come forward at this time.

Joey pushes Pacey to get up but he won't budge. Jen looks at the doorway. Fortunately, they are saved when gets up.

Jen: Since when was Dawson friends with Chris Wolfe?

Pacey: It has puzzled me since.. wait a second.. Abby's funeral.. never said goodbye to her.

Chris: (approaches the podium) It has been so difficult to accept that Dawson died so young. I mean, I remember when my true love Abby Morgan passed away recently, it was so difficult. It's a pain that just lingers inside you. I mean, I loved her, man. (begins sobbing)

Whispers are heard throughout the place.

Joey: (turns to Jen) You see what you interrupted at her funeral?

Mrs. Leery: (from another part of audience) What the hell is this? A cruel joke?

Pacey hears her, gets up and pulls Chris away from the podium.

Pacey: (to Chris) We all feel your pain, man. (to audience) Sorry about that, Mrs. Leery.

Mrs. Leery looks much more relaxed.

Pacey: (fidgetting) OK, um, What is there really to say about Dawson? Well, we were close friends, growing up. (notices look on Andie's face) We were pretty much inseparable, I guess. Yeah, that was us, two... best.. buds...

We see Jack come through the door. He slumps down in a seat in the back row.

Pacey: Best buds. That didn't get along that well in the end, I'm sad to say. Actually, I don't think we ever got along that well. I mean, on the surface, yeah, on the surface, all was good but it kind of seemed routine after a while. He and I had grown apart after a few years yet I could never really admit it. Grew into an annoyance, then a hatred. Something that I can't really shake, especially now that he's gone.

He leaves the podium, trying to avoid Joey's looks. As he's about to leave, he spots Jack and stops.

Pacey: You'll be sorry you ever weaseled me into it. (punches him in the face, then walks out)

Mrs. Leery covers her head in her hands while Mr. Leery puts his arm around her.

In another part of audience, Drue is sitting next to Greg. Drue hands him a twenty dollar bill.

Drue: Damn, I was convinced it'd be Joey.

Greg: Looks like she doesn't want to chase down her Prince Charming. The recipient of that punch is up next.

Drue looks up and sees Jack walking to the podium.

Jack: Sorry about that, he had so little time to prepare. The whole last year had been a rough patch for him and Dawson. Some unresolved issues between them...(rubbing the spot where Pacey connected)

The audience nods in agreement, except for Andie and Jen, both amazed at the people's gullible nature.

Jack: That probably wasn't the best thing to hear about the departed. (reading from cards, occasionally looking up) Dawson Leery had a vision to be one of the great filmmakers of his time. It was a more-or-less single-minded mission, occasional diversions, but it was always eventually back to movies. Sometimes, that (has finally seen Joey, holding Dawson's journal) vision may have gotten in the way of him realizing that there were many people important in his life, not just the one. There was a child-like innocence to the way that he pursued that, er, goal, which was in some ways reassuring. Sure there were times when he'd go a little too far. But all just little quirks, I guess, when it came to Dawson Leery. Thank you.(leaves podium, still looking at Joey, or at least that journal, as he leaves)

Joey looks completely confused.

Mrs. Leery: OK, that was better.

Scene: At the dock a day after the funeral. Joey is walking with a card in one hand and journal in the other, then spots Pacey sitting on the edge of the dock. Coming closer, she sees Andie sitting on a blanket and Jack leaning against a tree. None of them are speaking to each other.

Joey: Ok, who invited me?

Jen: (suddenly shows up) I did. This whole funeral thing has caused nothing but trouble between us. Do you really think Dawson dying should signify the end of us?

Andie: It's not like we're growing apart, Jen. Just a temporary setback.

Jen: The funny thing is that I don't think any of us were friends with him when he died. That's a shame. (looking at Joey and Pacey) Do you really think Dawson wanted to see you two at each other throats?

Joey: Well..

Pacey: Seems like a reasonable goal of his.

Jen: I think not. I think he would have wanted us to still be a group.

They all give her a wary look.

Jack: You don't know that.

Andie: (nods) It's not the easiest thing to put up with him.

Jack: (muttering) But easy enough to sleep with him?

Andie: (gives him a sharp look) What the hell are you talking about? I did not! (turns to Jen)What did you tell him? (buries head in hands)

Jen: (shakes her head)Nothing. Where'd you get that from?

Jack: (sighs) Dawson.

Joey: Figures. (opens journal) I bet that this movie would've been good.

Jack: I think you'd be better off not reading that, Jo. Trust me, you don't want to know what's in there.

Joey: So you hate my idea to make his last film, too?

Jack: Is that what you think is in there? Well..(walks over to Joey, takes journal from her hands) some things are better left dead. (walks over to the water and throws it in the same 5-foot deep spot where Dawson died)

Joey: Hey!

Jen: (slyly grins) You were in Dawson's room last night reading that thing, weren't you? Wondered why that would be out in the open.

Jack: Yeah. It's a shame I can't forget what I read. Mush about Joey mostly. That and (laughs) hating any current or ex-boyfriends.

Jen: (laughs) You mean that, having you and Pacey speaking were bad ideas?

Jack: Terrible. Absolutely terrible. You don't know how close I came to ditching the whole thing.

Pacey: (mumbling) Yeah, just a couple of moments too late to avoid my public humiliation.

Andie: It's where you found out about me and Dawson too, right?

Jen: That would explain Dawson's reaction when I rejected him.

Joey walks over to Pacey and kisses him on the forehead.

Joey: I'm real sorry. You were trying to tell me that the day before, weren't you?

Pacey: Yeah. (He looks up at Joey and kisses her, this time full-heartedly)

Jen: Now let me say a few words about the dearly departed. Let's see, he was a simple man. Um, um, The End.

Andie: (smiles) See, now was the eulogy so hard for you guys to do?