Choices Of The Heart

It was a week before the Spring Dance. Joey Potter and Pacey Witter were atS.S. Icehouse talking about it. Pacey wanted to ask Jennifer Lindley, buttime he got near her, he couldn't speak; his mouth went dry. Joeyto go with Dawson Leery, but every time she mentioned the dance, heat the idea.
"So, Joey, are you going to the Spring Dance?" Pacey asked.
"I wanted to, but now, I'm not so sure."
"Did you want to go with Dawson?"
"Did you want to go with Jen?"
"Yeah," he admitted. "I really wanted to, Joey. But I... I just couldn'tthe words out. I really like her, you know?"
"Yeah. When she and Dawson were going out, I really tried to hate her, but I't. She's just so nice."
"Did you try to hate her because she and Dawson were dating?"
"Yeah," she said slowly.
"Are you in love with Dawson?"
a few moments of thought, Joey said, "I...don't know. He's the firstto make my palms sweat, my heart beat faster, my pulse race, and my knees. But I also don't want to lose the most important person in my life."
"Did you ask Dawson about the dance?"
"Yeah, but he just scoffed at the idea. Plus, it's movie night."
laughed. "I didn't realize you two still did that."
"Yeah, but I don't sleep over any more. It's gotten a little uncomfortableme."
"I think you should tell Dawson how you feel about him. I mean, I've seenway he looks at you."
"How does he look at me?"
"He looks at you the same way he did the first time he saw E.T. You know,amazement, the wonder, the awe, the love."
shook her head. "I don't—"
"I do. Joey, he's crazy about you. What I can't figure out, is why the twoyou haven't done something about it."
"Why ruin the best relationship we have?"
"You think that by admitting your true feelings, you'll ruin your? But you could have an even better one. Joey, don't you knowthe best relationships start out as friends? You have to be friends. By admitting how you really feel about each other, you can have both.you have to do is tell him."
"I can't lose him, Pacey. If something happens, then Dawson has to make themove."
"Alright."
"Are you in love with Jen?"
"No. Could I someday? Yeah."
"Well, if you don't ask her to the dance. At least you should go. She'llbe there. You two could spend some time together in the romanticof the gym."
laughed. "Romantic arena?"
laughed with him.
"Joey, do you still want to go to the dance?" Pacey asked.
"Yeah, actually, I kinda would."
"Would you like to go with me? As friends, I mean. I think I could use yoursupport."
"Yeah. I'll tell Dawson movie night will be canceled this week. And who? Maybe if Jen sees you with another girl, she might get jealous, andshe wants you all to herself."
"Maybe," he said. Silently he hoped she was right. He also hoped Dawson andwould get together. He knew how hard it had been for her.

• • • • •

that night, Dawson and Joey were laying in bed watching E.T.wasn't watching the movie; she was watching Dawson. E.T. was hismovie. She silently hoped he'd look at her the way Pacey said he. The movie just finished.
"Brilliant as always," Dawson said as he turned off the movie and startedthe tape. "I was thinking for next Saturday, we could—"cut him off mid-sentence. "Yeah, I wanted to talk to you about that. Iwondering if we could skip next week's movie night?"
"Why?"
"Well, the Spring Dance is next Saturday, and I want to go."
"Oh, well, sure, we could go, I guess."
"Well, if you want to go, that's fine, but I can't be your date."
"Wait, I'm confused. What's going on?"
"Well, Pacey asked me to the dance, and I said yes."
could barely control his anger and jealousy. "*Pacey*?! Pacey askedto the dance and you said yes?"
"Yeah. Dawson, what is your problem?"
"My problem? I don't have a problem. I'm just surprised."
"That a guy would actually ask me out? Or that I agreed to go with Pacey?"asked, her voice faltering for a moment. She was getting hurt and upset.could see he was upsetting her. "That you would agree to go with. I'm not surprised he asked you, I'm surprised that more guys haven't,"said trying to make her feel better. The last thing he wanted was for Joeybe hurt.
sniffed and wiped away the tears that had formed in her eyes. "Yeah,, they're at the house. Bodie, has them taking a number. So have youthe love of your life yet?"
a split second, he thought, She's going with Pacey. But he shoved thataway immediately.
"Who are you talking about?" Dawson asked.
"Jen. Your dream girl."
"She's not my dream girl."
"Could've fooled me."
"Besides we broke up. For good this time, Joey."
"Yeah, I've heard that before."
"It's over. It really is."
"Yeah, well, I better go." She grabbed her shoes. "I have got to find a. Something low-cut with a short skirt?" she asked Dawson jokingly.didn't say anything. He was picturing her in a dress like that. He shookhead trying to get the image to disappear.
"Dawson?"
"I'm sorry. What?"
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"Okay. Good night, Dawson."
"Night, Joey."
didn't know what was going on, but he wanted it to stop. Joey was his, he didn't want that to change. But he also didn't want her going todance with Pacey. He thought he'd better go to keep an eye on her.

• • • • •

following Monday, Joey and Jen had biology together. They had becomewhen Jen and Dawson were dating, and still were. They sat next toother.
"Jen, can I ask you a favor?" Joey asked before class started.
"Sure, Joey, what's up?"
"I'm going to the dance, and I need help picking out a dress. Could you help?"
"Of course. So are you going to the dance with Dawson?"
"Why does everyone ask that?"
"Well—"
"I'm going with Pacey."
"Pacey? Pacey Witter?"
"Yeah, tall, cute, funny, Pacey."
"Oh. That's great. So you want to go after school?"
"Yeah."
"Okay, I'll come to your locker."
"Great."
teacher walked in and started class.
didn't really need Jen's help, she could have asked her sister, Bessie,she did it for Pacey. It was really sweet of him to ask her, and she knewmuch he liked Jen. She was hoping Jen would get jealous and try to stealdate at the dance.

• • • • •

gym, Dawson decided to confront Pacey.
"So, I hear you're taking Joey to the dance."
had to turn around to hide his smile. "Yeah, yeah, I am. Do you haveproblem with that?"
"No. I'm just curious about why."
"Why? Because she's Joey. She's intelligent, funny, and drop-dead."
"Yeah, I know."
"Do you? When you look at Joey who do you see? The seven-year-old whoyour best friend? Or the girl she is now?"
"Just don't hurt her, okay?"
"I won't. Dawson, it's a dance. We're not getting married. What is your? Are you jealous?"
"What? That's ridiculous."
"Sure it is, Dawson."

• • • • •

lunch, Pacey found Joey at her locker.
"Hey, Joe."
"Hey. What's up?"
"Dawson gave me a stern warning about not hurting you."
couldn't contain her joy. "Really?"
nodded his head. "Mm-hmm."
"Well, I have news for you, too. In biology, I asked Jen to help me pick outdress for the dance, because I have a date with Pacey Witter."
"Yeah? How'd she take it?"
"She was surprised. And I do believe I saw the green-eyed monster for a."
"Jealous? Really?"
"Yeah, really."
"Joey, I could kiss you." He glanced up. "In fact, I think I will."
"Why?" she asked worriedly.
"Dawson and Jen are coming towards us."
leaned in closer, and briefly kissed her.
and Jen stopped walking and just stared. They turned and looked atother, but they didn't know what to say. Pacey and Joey joined them."Ready for lunch?" Pacey asked.
"Uh—yeah," Jen stuttered.
went to lunch.
"So, Pacey, I hear you and Joey are going to the dance," Jen said. had just sat down at a table in the cafeteria.
"Yeah. We both wanted to go, and we didn't have dates. So we decided to go," he said.
"Well, I would have gone with you, Pacey," Jen told him.
"Yeah?" he tried to contain himself.
"Yeah, but you have a date now."
"That's right," Joey said putting an arm around him. "Don't get any ideas.'s all mine." She laughed. "I'm kidding. Jen, you're going to the dance,?"
"Yeah. And, Pacey, you have got to save me a dance."
"I will."
"Look at this, Pacey, you've already got two girls fighting over you," Joey. She tried to act flirty with him so Dawson and Jen would get jealous.
"It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it."
all laughed.
"What about you, Dawson?" Jen asked. "Are you going to the dance?"
looked at Joey. "I'm not sure. I was thinking of asking someone, but shehas a date."
all knew he was talking about Joey. It gave her hope.
"Well, if you go to the dance, you could still dance with her. All you havedo is ask," Joey said.
"I'll keep that mind," he said never taking his eyes off of her.

• • • • •

school, Joey and Jen went shopping.
"So do you have a date, or are you going to the dance alone?" Joey asked astried on a few dresses.
"I'm going stag. So with you and Pacey, is this like a first date?" Jen.
"No. This isn't a date."
"What it is it then?" she asked anxiously. She liked Pacey, she always had.if he had asked her to the dance, she would have said yes.
"It's just two friends going to a dance."
"Friends?"
"Yeah."
"But I saw the two of you kiss."
"You did? Well, that was just a kiss between friends. We really are just. He's not my first choice for the dance, and I'm not his."
knew that Dawson was Joey's first choice, and a little part of her hopedwas Pacey's. She brushed the thought aside as Joey walked out of theroom.
"So?" Joey asked biting her lip.
"Dawson is going to have to pick his jaw off the ground when he sees you."
smiled. "But Pacey's my date."
"I know."
"Thank you."

• • • • •

Saturday, Dawson was going crazy. He didn't want to go to the dance, butdidn't want Joey going either. Especially with Pacey. He didn't thinkwas going to hurt Joey. He wanted to be the friend going to the danceJoey. The kiss between Joey and Pacey really shook him up. He wasthis was just the beginning.
"Well, you have two choices, Dawson," he told himself. "You can stay at homeobsess about them, or you can go to the dance and obsess about them."
a moment he decided to go to the dance.
Jen got ready for the dance, she thought about Dawson and Pacey.
"Dawson's a great guy, but Pacey... Pacey gives me butterflies in my," she was talking to herself. "And tonight, he and Joey are going asfriends, so if I go for it, no one will get hurt, right?" She smiled.
"Right."
nervously waited for Pacey to come pick her up. Dawson still hadn'the was going to the dance. She decided if he didn't show, she'd helpget Jen, then she'd go to Dawson and finally tell him how she really.
his way to Joey's, Pacey thought about Jen. Joey assured him that he hadreal shot with Jen. He just hoped she was right. He knew for sure thathad a shot with Dawson. Any doubts he had about that disappeared whenconfronted him about going to the dance with Joey.

• • • • •

whistled appreciatively when he saw Joey.
hair was swept up with a few ringlets hanging down. She was wearing adress. It had a v-shaped bodice with spaghetti straps that criss-in the back. The skirt was long with a slit up the back.was wearing a dark blue suit. He had on a white shirt and a wild tie.was holding a single red rose.
"You look perfect, Joey. When Dawson sees you, he's going to take you in his, and I'll never see you again," he said as he handed her the rose.
"You're full of it, but thank you. And Jen is going to steal you away from."
"I promise before that happens, one dance."
"Deal."
Pacey and Joey got to the dance, they couldn't find Dawson or Jen."It's still early," Pacey assured Joey.
"Yeah."
"I have a feeling that everything is going to work out for us tonight, Joey.just have to have faith."
"Faith, huh? Well, while we wait would you like to dance?"
"Yeah, I would."
lead Joey out onto the dancefloor.
walked in just then. His heart turned over when he saw her. She's, he thought. And she's Pacey's date. Maybe I should have asked, but I don't want to lose her, yet, I'm afraid I already have.
"Dawson?" Jen walked up behind him.
turned around. "Wow," he said. "You look great."
was wearing a sleeveless white dress with a skirt cut a few inches aboveknees.
"Thanks, so do you."
was wearing a black suit with a teal shirt and black tie.
"Have you seen Pacey?" she asked trying to keep her voice steady.
"Uh, yeah." He nodded in Pacey and Joey's direction.
"Oh."
song ended. Pacey and Joey saw Dawson and Jen, and they walked up to, holding hands.
"Hey, guys," Pacey said. "Jen, you look... Wow."
smiled. "Thanks."
"Joey, you're gorgeous."
"Thank you, Dawson," Joey said.
was just about to ask Jen to dance, when Mr. Gold had an announcementmake. He was standing on a stage at the front of the gym.
"Well, everyone, it's time to announce the winners for this year's SpringKing and Queen."
was some applause and few a cheers from the students.
"This year's king and queen are Dawson Leery and Jennifer Lindley."
"What?" Jen asked.
"Would Dawson and Jennifer please come up here and receive your crowns?"
"I guess we should go," Dawson said.
"Yeah," Jen agreed.
they both wanted to stay. They went on the stage and were crowned."Now our king and queen will share a dance," Mr. Gold said.
was too much for Joey.
"I'm sorry, Pacey," she said. "But I can't stay. I have to get out of."
"Okay. Do you want me to take you home?"
"No, no, stay. I think you should stay, and dance with Jen. I just— I just't stay. I have to get out of here. But thank you." She kissed him. "Ieverything works out for you and Jen. Bye." She ran out crying.saw everything from the stage. The moment he saw Joey leave, heoff the stage and went straight to Pacey.
"Where's Joey?" he asked.
"Dawson, what are you doing here? You should be dancing with Jen."
took off the crown. "I don't care. Where's Joey?"
"I don't know. She said she had to get out of here. I don't know where she, man."
"I do," he said. "Here," he handed Pacey the crown. "Go be Jen's king." Heto walk away.
"What do I tell her?" Pacey asked.
turned around. "Tell her... Tell her I'm sorry, but I'm pretty sureshould be with someone else." He left in search of Joey. He knew exactlyshe'd be: the ruins.

• • • • •

put the crown on and walked up to Jen. "Come on," he said. "Let'sthat dance."
"Okay."
began to dance. "Where's Dawson?" Jen asked.
"He asked me to tell you he's sorry, but he's pretty sure he should be withelse."
"Joey."
"Yeah."
"I always suspected there was something between them. I hope they're able tothings out."
"Me, too."
"Joey told me she wasn't your first choice as a date tonight."
"That's right."
"Was I?"
"Do you want to be?"
smiled. "Yeah. Yeah, I would, actually."
smiled, too. "Good, because you were."
"Why didn't you ask me?"
"Because I got tongue-tied every time I tried."
"Do I make you nervous?"
"Yeah, but in a good way"
"Good. You make me nervous in a good way, too."
and Jen looked at each other for a few moments. He slowly leaned into her. She thought if he didn't kiss her soon, she would die. Afterseemed an eternity, but was only a few seconds, they kissed.

• • • • •

found Joey at the ruins. She was sitting on a stone bench in front ofman-made pond. She had taken off her shoes. They were sitting on thenext to her feet.
stood there starring at her for a couple of minutes. He didn't know whatdo. She was upset, so his first instinct was to go comfort her. Now thatwas here, he was hesitant. Things were different between the two of them.both knew that. He was afraid to make the first move. He wanted Joey asbest friend, but he also wanted Joey to be his girlfriend. He was afraidcouldn't be both. He had to make a decision. They couldn't continue toin this limbo.
"Joey?"
didn't turn around. "Why aren't you dancing with your queen?"
"Because she left the dance before I got the chance to ask her."
"Is Jen okay?"
"Yeah, I guess. I think she's dancing with Pacey." He sat down next to her."But I wasn't talking about Jen; I was talking about you."
turned to him. "Me?"
"Yeah, you."
looked away.
"Would you like to dance?" he asked.
"What?"
stood up. "Would you like to dance?" He took her hand and pulled herhim.
"There's no music."
"Yes, there is. If you're really quiet, you can hear it." He started.
began to dance. He continued to pull her closer to him until there wasspace between them.
Joey in his arms, Dawson made his decision. He leaned in to kiss, but she pulled away.
"Joey?"
"If I kiss you, I don't know if I'll be able to stop."
"Is that such a bad thing?"
turned away from him and looked at the water. "I don't want to lose myfriend."
"Neither do I. But I also don't want to lose what could be the best thing's ever happened to me."
"Dawson—"
"No, listen to me. I think we can have both. I know we can prove all thosewrong."
"What people?"
"Those people who believe that romance ruins the relationship. We can have. I know we can. I want you to be the girl I take to school dances, andwant you to be the girl I turn to when my life turns upside down. I need, Joey. I need all of you, not just your friendship." He walked up behind.
turned around. "I need that, too, Dawson."
took her into her arms. They stood there holding each other for a few. They pulled apart and looked into each other's eyes.
"I—I'm falling in love with you," he said.
smiled. "I love you, too."
and Joey kissed.

THE END

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