Somewhere Else
Chapter 10 - The Important Set-Up
“This is such a waste of time,” Pacey exclaimed as he and Jack searched for empty space in the main lobby. “The hall meeting will be about the recent break-in, then Morris will have some stupid game.”
Jack explained, “Morris enjoys people hearing his voice. It makes him feel important.” Morris had been put in charge of the building at the beginning of the fall semester after living at the opposite end of campus. It was rather clear, especially to the upperclassmen, that he had absolutely no clue how to bring people together. “Besides, these meetings are perfect for daydreaming, or actual falling asleep…” Pacey ignored Jack as he spotted Frank entering the lobby. Jack turned around, then said, “Not that I’m a fan, but you have to figure out a way to speak to him."
Frank sat down at the opposite end of the room. Pacey uttered, “He isn’t worth the trouble.”
“Nor is he worth spending the last three months at this school perfecting the silent treatment.”
“Actually, he is. We still haven’t determined if Abby is friends with the guy. Can’t give him an inch.”
Jack rolled his eyes in frustration. “You have to stop this.”
“Doesn’t she freak you out?”
“Not as much as you are,” Jack grumbled. “You need to get out. Ever since you broke up with Lisette, you’ve either been hibernating in the room or driving around aimlessly. I insist that you, at least, hang around the outside world.”
Jack had been annoying him for the last couple days on the subject. Pacey would leave the room but Jack still knew nothing was happening. “Be glad I’m staying out of trouble for a change,” Pacey muttered.
“That just sounds wrong,” Jack replied. “Definitely not the Pacey Witter I know.”
“Don’t worry. This Friday, I promise I will oblige. Believe me, you will wish you kept your mouth shut.”
Jack joked, “Aww, how nice. You’ll come out of your shell for my birthday.” Before Pacey had a chance to remark on the aptness of those words, Morris was in front of the group, indicating he was ready to speak.
He started, “I know everyone has heard about the person who entered the building via a loose window. If you haven’t, the individual broke into a storage room and attempted to enter a locked dorm room. Other than damaged locks, nothing of significant value was lost. The suspect fled the scene, as yet has not been captured.” He held up the building rules. “This is why it is imperative that guests sign in at the front desk after 11pm. I know there are some who disregard the RA on duty but this is very important.”
A female freshman, Laney, interrupted, “Isn’t it true that someone who lived in the building a few years ago broke into another resident’s room? Could this be another inside job?”
Several groans were heard. Vince, another freshman, grumbled, “That’s just a myth.”
“No, it isn’t,” Laney insisted in a screechy voice. “The girl bribed the RA to let her in. And she took a journal from the room and blabbed everything to the whole building. I would simply die if anyone did that to me.”
Another voice, believe her name was Tania, piped up, “Was that the same girl who was stuck in on the guys’ dorm side?” Frank, who’d been writing on a notepad, perked up upon hearing that. Pacey covered the front of his face with his hand before someone connected him to this. Jack pretended to be bored by the line of questioning.
“Those are two different people. No, this one? She wrote about having a ménage a trois with two guys in the adjoining shower…”
Tania insisted, “It’s the same girl! The boyfriend was her neighbor and his roommate was the third person.”
Morris shouted out, “That’s enough.” The discussions subsided for the moment.
A tiny freshman voice interrupted the silence to ask timidly, “Is that true? About the earlier break-in?”
Morris stared down at his clipboard. “Honestly, I don’t know. There are very few people from that time period who still live in this building. That incident has never been verified. The rest of the story, about the journal, is likely just a fabrication.” He resumed talking about the more pressing issues for the meeting.
While Morris was talking, Pacey whispered to Jack, “Can you imagine that? That kinky sex kitten with her two neighbors?” Jack bit his lip to keep from bursting out in laughter. “If I ever meet the journal girl, do you know what I’d say?”
“I’m sorry for being a selfish jerk because I’m secretly still in love with you?” He let out a quick gasp of air, indicating a chuckle.
Pacey glared at Jack, then slumped his shoulders and conceded, “Yeah, something like that.”
* * * * *
Joey entered the apartment, relieved to see nobody was there. She had a midterm earlier in the day, followed by a nerve-racking shift at work. She was hoping she would be able to have time to relax.
The red light was blinking on the answering machine. Though she wanted to ignore it, the light wouldn’t relent. Finally, she gave in and pressed the play button.
“You have two new messages. Message 1...”
“Jo,” Dawson said. “I need your opinion on the screenplay I sent you a week ago.” Joey stared at the pile next to the computer where his script lay. “I’m intending to head to the director and ask him about the script but I need a little encouragement, if you don’t mind.”
Joey groaned. She wanted nothing to do with this right now. All she desired was to fall asleep - the natural way, not by being bored into that place.
Joey saved the message, but said aloud, “Wait for another day.”
“Message 2.…”
“Hi Joey,” Jen’s voice came through. “Thought you’d want to know we’re not letting you talk us out of the road trip to Capeside.” Joey groaned at that news. “Did you really think you could get away with us not meeting the people from the other realm? I talked to your sister Bessie and she has two rooms available.” Joey rolled her eyes as Jen railed off more information about the trip. She wasn’t interested in hearing these details right now.
Since the trip was supposed to be herself, Pacey, Jen and Drue, it was easy to see that she’d stuck with Pacey the whole time. Which didn’t particularly bother her, but could cause trouble for Pacey.
With that in mind, she picked up the phone and punched in the familiar phone number. Ring. Ring. Joey let out a deep breath. After five rings, she heard Pacey’s voice but not what she was hoping for. “You’ve reached a place where nobody’s available. Leave a message. Maybe someone will get back you.”
“Hi Pace. Look, um, it’s just me. J-Joey. Joey Potter. Get back to me…oh, um, one thing. No apology required. Okay then…bye.” She hung up, immediately regretting leaving any message, especially one in which she sounded like a lovesick teenager.
* * * * *
After the meeting, Pacey and Jack returned to their room. Jack was heading to his desk when a slip of paper caught his attention. He picked it up and read. It was from Frank. Jack looked up at the bathroom door and ventured through and knocked on the other door.
A grunt on the other side indicated to enter. Jack did so, all the while suspicious of every move Frank would make. Frank gestured for Jack to sit on the chair, which he obliged. Frank sat on the trunk plopped in the middle of the room.
Frank kept shifting the sleeves of his sweatshirt, nervous to know the answers he needed. “You know how those girls in the lobby were talking about a stolen journal?” Jack nodded. “Was it related to that chick Joey who stopped by campus?”
“It was.”
“Did they ever catch the culprit?”
“Sort of. She was busted weeks later and chose to leave on her own accord before getting kicked out.”
Frank nodded, his hunch proving correct. “That’s what I feared. You see, the person that led to me transferring here? I think it’s her. Do you know an Abby Morgan?”
Jack let out a slight laugh, saying more to himself than to Frank, “I can’t believe he was right.”
“So you do know her.” Frank looked up at the ceiling. “I became indebted to the devil, didn’t I?”
“Pacey thought Abby was connected to the breakup.”
“Yeah, you know, I’m sorry about that. All Abby said was ‘I’ll help you get the girl’. I didn’t realize everyone was connected. So the three of you led to her exit.”
“She forced herself out,” Jack insisted, even though there would be some truth to that if Frank were using Abby’s viewpoint.
Frank informed him, “I’m not a fan either. I just can’t figure what she was trying to accomplish.”
“Does she have a vendetta against any of us?”
“None that I’m aware. I know there’s someone she’s mad at regarding that incident but it’s not any of you.” He stood up as he struggled to explain. “I was hoping Lisette was interested because of my charms but I found out about the letters Abby sent her. I’m sorry to have ruined her relationship with Pacey. If there was some way I could remedy this…”
Jack interrupted him, “You didn’t hear me say this if asked but it wasn’t a negative thing. Pacey and Lisette weren’t the best of matches. Nobody’s exactly bemoaning that they’re history.”
“But she and Pacey…”
“Even Pacey knows Lisette wasn’t the best match for him. He just needed a wake-up call.”
* * * * *
Meanwhile, Pacey noticed the light blinking on the answering machine He listened to Joey’s message, then began muttering her words. “No apology required? What does that mean?” Pacey looked for Jack then spotted the open bathroom door. He peeked inside to see the other door ajar as well.
Pacey didn’t really want to know what that was about. Besides, this would be easier without Jack’s input. He sat back against the bed and picked up the phone to make the call.
After three rings, Joey replied, “Hello?”
“Hey Potter.”
Immediately, her voice warmed up. “That was quick.”
“We were at a dorm meeting. Usual mess over here. What did you mean by the message?”
“Oh, that was about what you said to me the last time we saw each other,” Joey replied offhandedly. “Anyway, I called about Jen’s message…”
Pacey sighed, not wanting to drop the topic. “You shouldn’t let those vile words slip past without any defense.”
“They weren’t words directed entirely at me. I understand that. I can’t imagine anyone acting completely rational after finding what you found. I wasn’t hurt, more confused, but that’s not my concern.”
“I suppose not. Have you been waiting for me to say something?” He doubted Joey knew anything about his previous call so he went along with that idea.
“Well, yes. I thought it would be best to give you space to figure this out.” Then she exclaimed suddenly, “It’s about time! What made you break down?”
Pacey arched an eyebrow, puzzled. “What do you mean? You called me!” He sat upright when it suddenly occurred to him. “Your roommate has a big mouth. I said about three words then. I distinctly recall saying not to tell you.”
“You thought Charlie would actually do that? Not when there’s juicy information to spew. Anyway,” Joey opted to return to the original subject. “Did you get Jen’s message?”
“About spring break? Yeah.”
“The two of us have to resolve this once and for all before we’re confined in a car for hours.”
Pacey agreed, “Not to mention being forced together for most of the trip because you know Jen and Drue will sneak off. Maybe this trip isn’t the best idea.”
“Hey! You’re supposed to talk me into going. Give me good reasons to stay with this.”
“Because if you back out, our roommates will force you out. Remember, Jack and Charlie’s plans are contingent on you leaving. Frankly, that would be all the reason I need to leave town.”
“See, I needed to hear those words,” Joey chimed. “Why were you backing out?”
“It’s just…” Pacey knew he’d need someone to run in between him and Joey. Otherwise, he really would do the wrong thing. “I don’t know. Maybe this semester has just sucked me dry.”
“Jack mentioned you’ve been less inclined to have fun. I thought it was about Lisette.”
“Not exclusively,” Pacey pointed out. “I guess I need the change of scenery. Besides, I can’t wait for Friday to come and I can shut Jack up once and for all. Remember, you can’t say a word. Otherwise, I’ll never be able to go through with this.”
Joey laughed, “I wish I could see Jack’s reaction when he finds out what you’re doing.” Which she had every intention of doing, unbeknownst to Pacey. He will wish he never told her the destination.
Pacey reminded her, “I know it’s been awhile but I’d think you’d remember how I am on such occasions.”
“Yeah, but I have no idea what Jack would think of this,” Joey said quickly before she’d seriously think how Pacey had been on such occasions.
Jack returned to the room, forcing Pacey to choose his next words carefully. He leered, “If you ever want to find out again, all you have to do is ask nicely. I just may deliver.”
Joey chuckled nervously at that information. She assumed Pacey was joking but she couldn’t really be sure. While he was with Lisette, Joey would have been certain he meant nothing more than to tease her. Now that he was single again, anything was possible. She opted to continue it as banter, “All you’d have to do is fall asleep. Since that’s the only way you’d find out again.”
Pacey muttered mournfully, “As if I don’t do that already.”
Joey frowned, immediately regretting those words. There was definitely a part of him that wanted her back. She wished she’d heard that in his voice sooner. Here she was pining after Pacey and being so nearsighted she couldn’t discern the obvious signs. She replied in a small voice, “I’ll file that away for later reference.”
* * * * *
That Friday after classes, Pacey entered the room. He was carrying a bag and his backpack which he promptly dropped on his desk. He shrugged out of his coat and grabbed the pile of clothes he’d set aside as he entered the bathroom to change.
“Let the games begin,” he said to the reflection in the mirror as he gave himself one final check.
When he returned to the room, he observed Jack sitting on the bed reading with the phone positioned close enough to pick it up on the first ring.
Pacey leaned against his desk, shaking his head, “This is not the way to spend your birthday.”
Jack retorted, “Is it so wrong to spend a night in?”
“That’s not what you’re doing. You’re waiting for Charlie to call. Am I right?” When he got no reply, he continued, “That’s depressing.”
“Pacey…” Jack complained as he turned a page. Truth was, he couldn’t believe that Charlie had forgotten his birthday. He refused to accept that was the case. Several days ago, Charlie had been complaining about his busy weekend, including that he doubted he’d have even a second to sit still, much less have Jack visit him in the city. Still, that didn’t warrant the lack of call or message or anything to indicate he remembered.
Pacey exaggerated checking his watch. “By now, he’s already on stage. Not to be the pessimist but I’d say he wasn’t able to make the call.”
Jack insisted, “He wouldn’t forget.” He was wishing Pacey would stop this conversation.
“Maybe you’re right. Maybe he’ll call after work. Even though by then it will likely be past midnight.” Pacey shook his head. “No, absolutely not. Charlie is not wrecking my gift. Besides, at this point, I think you could use it.”
Jack relented, “Fine. Get this over with.”
“Okay. We’re going out on a date.”
“A date? Meaning?” He finally turned away from the book to see Pacey had changed into a gray suit with a black dress shirt underneath.
Pacey joked, “I didn’t think it had been that long. A date is…”
“I know what a date is!” Jack replied irritably. “I just don’t know what you mean by that.”
“It means that we’re going to a fancy restaurant and I act the perfect gentleman. It means that I would actually dance with you and anything else that comes our way.”
Jack laughed hysterically at Pacey’s explanation. After he got that out of his system and detected this was no gag, he snapped, “I said you needed to get out, not be out.”
“As I recall, you’ve always had a bit of a crush on me,” Pacey teased. Jack glared at him, knowing there was a little truth to that. “So, until midnight, I will oblige. After that, I will turn back into a pumpkin and promptly hit a bar to wash away this whole experience.” He dipped into the bag and pulled out an artificial red rose. “For you, my dear.” He held it out for Jack.
Jack stared at the flower then at Pacey, trying to figure out when he’d entered this alternate universe. He chuckled as he accepted the flower, drawling out, “Why, it’s so beautiful.” He made a display of sniffing the fake flower.
“Okay, get ready.” Jack sat there, still puzzled as to what was happening. Pacey clapped his hands together and ordered, “Come on. Get to it. I know you have decent clothes. I used to see you wear them to Michael’s stupid parties.”
Jack stood up quickly and dug through his closet, muttering, “I can’t believe you’ve resorted to wearing a suit.”
Pacey replied, “Consider that I could be stuck wearing these things for the rest of my life, depending on what job I get after college.” Jack nodded in agreement. “At least when you finish college years from now, you could sit around in Hawaiian shirts and flipflops if you desired. College professors are supposed to be eccentrically dressed.” Jack turned around, giving Pacey a skeptical look. “Okay, that’s true, I can’t picture you dressed that way.”
About a half hour later, they were out the door and were in the parking lot when Pacey slapped his forehead. “Stupid me. I forgot something. Wait here, I’ll be right back.” Pacey rushed back toward the building.
When he was sure Jack could no longer see him, he turned in the opposite direction and went to the food court. On the way there, he slipped his room key off the key chain. When he got there, he hurried over to the table in the far corner and dropped the key down. “I have no idea what you’re planning but be sure to get to my room by 11pm. The guards are being diligent about who they let in ever since the break-in."
Charlie stood up and placed the key in his pocket. “Understood. Does he suspect I’m in town?”
“Not even close. He’s furious with you about not calling.” Pacey laughed, “I can’t believe you’re okay with me doing this.”
“There are two reasons why. One, I know you’re not in any way interested in Jack in that manner. Two, I figure to be the benefactor of this twisted game so why complain.” He pushed Pacey toward the exit, hissing, “Don’t keep your date waiting.”
Chapter 11 - Recipe for Confusion: Flowers, Caramel and Arsenic
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