Episode One "Starting Over"

Joey Potter stood still and took in her surroundings. She couldn't quite believe she actually made it here. Made it out of Capeside. She was standing in her dorm room, boxes of her belongings cluttering the floor, and all she could do was stare.

She walked over to the empty bed and sat down. Now what? She didn't know quite what to do with herself. For the first time in her life she felt alone. She was here in Worthington, a place she had dreamed of being her whole life, and all she could think about was how much she missed everyone.

Dawson was in California, having the time of his life. She had spoken to him throughout the summer and before she left for Boston. He was really getting into his summer program and now that fall term was about to start, she was sure he'd be busy working on his next big movie.

She had clung to Dawson when he was leaving for the summer, asking him to stay. She didn't think she could handle another person leaving her. She had been so desperate. Desperate for someone to say they wouldn't leave her, but eventually they all have to. Dawson had kissed her the night before he left and she felt like it was finally time to say goodbye. They had to say goodbye to this image of a perfect never ending bond that they had made themselves believe existed. But they had realized that goodbye wasn't actually as scary as they made it out to be, because they would always be friends.

Jack and Jen had moved into the dorms at Boston Bay a week before Joey had to move out. Jen had called her and told her how they lucked out and were living only 2 doors away from each other. She then continued to tell Joey about Jack's cute roommate, who Jen says Joey has to see, followed by a very detailed description of her own strange roommate. Jen and Joey grew even closer over this last summer and Joey was glad Boston Bay was only twenty minutes from her dorm.

That made Joey feel a little better, but not so much. Because right now the person she needed most was Pacey. She needed him to tell her she would be okay. She needed him to tell her that he loved her, and that when things got tough she could always count on him. She still didn't know where he was or what he was doing. She had spoken to Doug a couple of times over the summer and he had not-to-subtly mentioned that Pacey was fine and was doing okay. Doug also said that Pacey was missing her. She only wished she could believe him.

She knew she had messed up. Somehow, somewhere along the line, things had changed between them. Maybe it was her lying to Dawson about sleeping with Pacey. Maybe it was her not showing Pacey that he was the most important person to her, more important than Dawson even. Maybe it was that they were both too scared of hurting each other, which resulted in them getting hurt worse than they thought possible. She didn't know exactly what it was; maybe it was everything. Things had changed and communication between them somehow just stopped.

She had so many regrets about Pacey. How could she have let something so wonderful go so easily? If she had known that she could lose him so easily, maybe she wouldn't have taken him for granted.

Joey stood up and wiped away the single tear that the thought of losing Pacey had brought on. She had to move on with her life. Capeside and everyone else had to be left behind. It was time to start a new life. Without Capeside. Without Dawson. Without Pacey. But for some reason the last one wasn't so appealing, because leaving Pacey wasn't something she wanted to do.

-&-

"I still can't believe we're actually here," Jen said, stretching out on her bed. Joey looked up from magazine she was reading and rolled her eyes.

"Jen, you've been here for 2 weeks," she pointed out.

"I know, but it's weird you know? It's like, real. I don't know."

"Well I don't think it's going to seem really real to you unless you actually put your stuff away," Joey joked. Jen had still not unpacked all of her belongings and cardboard boxes cluttered her side of her room.

"Yeah well, at least I'm normal. Not like Brenda the neat freak," Jen joked. Her roommate Brenda had a very special quirk. Everything had to be completely neat and tidy and organized. Jen's half of the room was a mess while Brenda's was spotless.

"She's not that bad," Joey reminded. "It could be worse."

"Worse? This from a person who has a completely normal roommate?" Jen said, incredulously.

"Yeah I was pretty lucky with Stacy." Joey's roommate had come from Maine and was a really friendly person. Joey had hit it off with her instantly and they were on their way to becoming good friends. "Well at least you have Jack," Joey pointed out.

"I guess. Anyway, back to my point. Don't you feel strange being here sometimes?" Jen sat up and crossed her legs. "I mean you've lived in Capeside your whole life. I thought college would be like a huge leap for you." Joey put the magazine down on Jen's cluttered desk and stood up.

"It is. I can't believe I'm here either but I guess it's weird. I just don't think about it I guess. School is really hectic and it's hard making new friends and fitting in."

Joey thought about what Jen was saying. Her first week at Worthington had been quite exciting. She had this whole different life now. She had decided when she got here that she was going to focus on the here and now, not worry about the past, and that's what she'd been trying to do.

"I just try not to think about Capeside," Joey added.

"You don't want to think about Capeside or you don't want to think about a certain someone?" Jen rose her eyebrows in question.

"I never said anything about Pacey!" Joey shrieked a little too quickly. She hated how Jen was suddenly able to read her like a book.

"I never said anything about Pacey either." Jen looked at her smugly. "Come on, spill. You know you can tell me what's bothering you." Joey hesitated before taking a seat next to Jen on the bed.

"It's just that, it's been like a week since summer ended and still nothing. I thought Kubelik only offered Pacey a summer job. I'm sure that's finished by now. He still hasn't contacted me." Joey sighed. "It's not like I'm constantly thinking about Pacey or anything. I'm just wondering where he is," she added.

"Sure." Jen didn't believe her for one second. "Maybe he doesn't know your number here?" Jen suggested.

"Nah, I told Bessie to give it to him if he called. I just…I miss him you know. I think we both needed our space. Pacey needed to take this job so he could go out and figure out what he wanted. I had to come here to go to school. I just never thought all of that would mean we'd lose touch. I didn't want last year to be the end of our friendship, Jen." Joey sniffled slightly, trying to contain her tears. Jen put a comforting arm around her friend.

"I'm sure he'll be in touch soon. After all he hasn't spoken to me or Jack all summer either so I don't think it's anything personal to you, Joey. He'll be returning before you know it," Jen said, trying to soothe Joey.

"Hey, do you guys want to…" Jack popped his head round Jen's door and then stopped mid-sentence. "Uh, I'll come back later if you want," he said, awkwardly.

"No." Joey stood up suddenly. "It's okay. What were you saying?"

"Uh, just checking if you guys wanted to go see a movie or something?" Jack asked.

"Sure, I'm up for it," Jen said, standing. "Joey?"

"Yeah, lets go." She smiled at Jen, silently thanking her for being there, as they all headed out together.

-&-

Pacey stepped off of the boat he spent the past three months on and breathed in the Boston night air. His summer was finally over and he was returning to the mainland. This summer had been like a dream. He had worked hard and it was tough, but he also had plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and the sea. It had almost been the best summer of his life. Almost, but not quite. There was one summer that nothing would ever top.

"Good luck in the real world." One of his fellow deckhands said as he stepped off the boat.

"Yeah. See ya later, man." Pacey shook hands with the guy.

Pacey took a deep breath and gathered his things together, heading towards the beach. Taking in the fresh air he smiled to himself. The job this summer had really helped him sort everything out. Being out there on the sea he had thought about everything. Everything that had been so good, and everything that had gone so wrong.

Joey had been this beautiful part of his life. He loved her so much and she had loved him. But somehow that wasn't enough. He wasn't able to cope with the idea of her moving forward. Moving away from him. He needed her, but she wasn't going to be there and he hadn't known what to do. The idea of being left behind had haunted him so much he was pushed over the edge.

He hadn't contacted Joey all summer. He tried calling a couple of times but always stopped himself. He didn't know what to say. In the end he realized that staying away was perhaps easier. She needed to move forward and so did he.

He hadn't spoken to anyone else from Capeside all summer either, apart from the one conversation with Dawson before Dawson left for California. Pacey spent the summer working out what he wanted in life, and he needed to get away from Capeside and everyone else to do it. He missed Jack and Jen too, but he wanted to wait until he got back before contacting any of them.

The Dean of Admissions, Andrew Newman, had liked Pacey's work so much this summer that he spoke to one of his friends about hiring Pacey to work in a marina he owned in Boston. Dean Newman had said that his friend had mentioned needing someone to manage the place and the Dean had recommended Pacey. The job was perfect for Pacey, and he had taken it almost instantaneously.

He tried not to think about the fact that the job was in Boston, exactly where Joey was. He didn't want to get his hopes up. Joey had moved on with her life, she was living in the dorms and enjoying the college life. And he had moved on too. He had a good paying job and he felt much better about himself. Of course he still missed Joey terribly. The idea of being with her was something he still dreamed about, but right now he didn't think he could handle it.

This was his chance. He had made it out of Capeside. He had managed to turn his life around. And now he was going to show everyone. He would prove that he could survive on his own.

-&-

"So what was going on with Joey yesterday?" Jack asked Jen. They were sitting in Jack's dorm room; Jen was flipping through magazines while Jack tried to sort out his notes for his English class.

"Yesterday?" Jen asked, trying to recall what Jack was talking about.

"When I came in, she looked upset," he clarified.

"Oh, yeah. We were talking about Pacey. She's worried because he still hasn't been in touch."

"Yeah, I wonder where he is. It was nice of him to call and let us know he was okay." Jack's voice was laced with sarcasm.

"Yeah, I was worried too, but I think Pacey needed to get away. He needed to detach himself from Capeside and everyone in it for a little while. I'm sure he's fine," Jen assured him.

"Oh, I spoke to Dawson yesterday," Jack remembered.

"Yeah? What'd he say?"

"Nothing much. He's having a blast. California seems to agree with him. Has Joey mentioned anything to you about him?"

"Not really. They've been emailing each other. She said that for the first time she feels like she can exist without him while still having him in her life. Or something like that," Jen said, trying to recall.

"I think they were just scared of moving away from each other because they've never lived apart before, but when it comes down to it, they're okay."

"I wish I could say the same about her and Pacey. She's getting along great and everything, but I think he's always at the back of her mind. She really misses him."

"I know," Jack agreed.

"Hey guys." The door to Jack's room opened and Jack and Jen both looked up.

"Hey Paul," Jen said, smiling widely. Paul was the cute roommate Jen had told Jack about before. He was tall, well muscled, with brown hair and green eyes.

"I'm just gonna grab some stuff before I head out to work. Don't mind me," he said, smiling at them.

"No problem," Jack said, rolling his eyes at Jen. Paul gathered a few things and then left.

"Bye Paul," Jen said, after him.

"Bye Paul," Jack mocked.

"Hey, that roommate of yours is seriously fine!" Jen laughed.

"Yeah well Tobey may not like it if I agree with you," Jack joked. Although Tobey was still living in Capeside, he and Jack had decided to continue with a long distance relationship. They had grown even closer over the summer and didn't want the relationship to end.

"Besides I think Drue might get a bit jealous if you start flirting with other guys." Jack smirked..

"Oh please. Drue and I are NOT dating." After the Prom and then the Graduation debacle, Jen and Drue had spent more and more time together. Over the summer they had hung out together, as well as with Joey, Jack and Tobey. They realized he was almost tolerable. Almost. He was still Drue, but Jen assured the others that there was a wounded heart underneath his annoying but cute exterior.

"Yeah, but it's only a matter of time before you succumb to his charms."

"Drue is just a friend. A very annoying but sweet friend," Jen said.

"He is so in love with you, Jen," Jack stated.

"I'm not hearing you Jack!" Jen said jokingly.

"Drue loves Jenny. Jenny has to admit it!" Jack sing-songed as he jumped up and tickled Jen.

"Jack! Jack stop it! I give, I give!" She said holding her hands up in surrender.

"And once again Jack McPhee is the king!" Jack exclaimed, sending them both into fits of laughter.

-&-

Drue Valentine walked down the streets of Boston, looking for something interesting to do. Jack and Jen were in class at the moment, and he didn't think Joey would appreciate an impromptu visit to her dorm. He had been sitting in his apartment watching TV, trying to find something interesting to do when he just decided to go out and find something interesting.

Drue was going to Boston University, which was about half an hour away from Boston Bay. He wasn't staying in the dorms though; his mother had hooked him up in an apartment close to his college to live in. He loved it and was surprised his mother had even offered to pay rent for it. Maybe she finally felt guilty for being such a cold-hearted bitch, or more likely she thought the apartment would keep Drue from bothering her.

But it was a pretty big apartment for just one guy, most of the time he just got bored. It would only be good to be living alone the day he managed to get Jen alone with him. But that didn't seem like it was going to happen anytime soon, so he missed not living with someone.

Jen had finally given him a chance this summer and realized that he wasn't all bad. Drue really liked Jen; he always had, from the first time they met in New York. He thought Capeside was his second chance with her, and even though it had taken a while, he'd finally gotten it.

Jack and Joey had slowly accepted him as their friends, although Joey refused to use that term in front of him. Still, they had hung out a lot over the summer and Drue felt like he finally belonged.

He always thought Jack was a pretty decent guy, which he was and Joey would always remain the feisty little brunette, which is what he liked about her. Dawson had been away all summer and Drue was actually glad for that. He always thought Dawson looked down on him the most out of them all. Pacey, however, was the only guy Drue had really thought he understood out of their little group but he had been MIA all summer. Drue was sure when he made an appearance all the little drama would start up again.

Drue walked down the street, heading towards the beach as he tried to work out what time Jen finished classes so that he could pick her up. He had his classes this morning and he didn't have any more for the day. As he got closer to the beach he thought he heard a familiar voice by the marina. As he walked a little closer he was sure he knew that voice.

"Pacey?" Drue's voice was unsure. But sure enough, Pacey Witter turned away from an elderly couple who seemed to be asking about their boat, and faced Drue.

"Drue?" Pacey asked, not really sounding pleased to see him. "What are you doing here?"

"I was going to ask you the same thing," Drue said, still stunned to see Pacey.

"I'm working," Pacey said shortly.

Pacey had been back a week, but he still hadn't contacted someone. He wasn't ready to let them know he was here. He was still settling into his job and he hadn't found a proper place to live yet. He was currently living in a cheap motel. Seeing Drue or anyone from Capeside was something he had hoped wouldn't happen for a while longer. After all, Boston Bay and Worthington were quite a distance from the marina.

"Aw, come on. Is that any way to greet an old friend?" Drue smiled. The old couple paid Pacey and he smiled to them before turning to Drue.

"I don't recall us being friends," Pacey said, pretending to think.

"Don't you remember our drunken night? They say if you get arrested together you form a bond for life," Drue joked.

"Drue, I'm kinda busy. I have an hour lunch break before I have to get back here to work so if you don't mind." Pacey started to walk past him.

"She doesn't know you're here does she?" Drue asked, already knowing the answer. Pacey stopped and turned around.

"No she doesn't. And I'd like to keep it that way. Not that I should worry, its not like you guys are friends," Pacey said nervously.

"Actually me and Joey are very close. One night we were working late and one thing led to another…." Drue laughed at Pacey's expression.

"You're so full of shit." Pacey smiled, comforted in the fact that Drue still hadn't changed.

"Okay most of it was shit. But Joey and I are actually friends now. Kind of," Drue said, seriously.

"Whatever. I don't really care," Pacey said, trying to act nonchalant.

"Oh come on. You know as well as I do that you do care about Joey."

"Yeah well, I don't care to discuss it with you." Pacey was starting to get angry.

"Okay, okay. Sorry, man," Drue said, thinking he better not piss Pacey off. "Do you want to come to my place for something to eat? It is your lunch break right?"

"Don't you live in the dorms?" Pacey asked suspiciously. He didn't quite know how to handle a nice Drue.

"Nah, got myself a little apartment. Where are you staying?" He asked.

"In a motel down the street."

"Well then, my place is much better than that. Come on, it's not that far from here." Pacey looked at Drue suspiciously, but he just shrugged. "Look, if you don't want to…"

"Okay, let's go," Pacey said, agreeing. He put away his things and locked up the marina before following Drue.

-&-

"Do you want something to drink? Beer?" Drue asked as they walked into his apartment.

"Coke?"

"Sure." Drue headed into the kitchen, leaving Pacey to look around. Drue's apartment was truly great. It was close to the marina, just over looking the beach actually. It had a huge living room with a kitchen. Pacey could see three doors. Two he assumed were bedrooms and one was a bathroom.

"So when did you get back?" Drue asked, handing Pacey his coke.

"About a week ago."

"I thought you were working on a boat or something, what's with the job at the marina?" Drue prodded further.

"Uh, well the guy who gave me the job this summer hooked me up in the marina as the manager. It was a great opportunity. Mostly I take care of the place; manage books, and schedules and stuff. But because it's quite a small place I get to do some hands on stuff with the boats which I love."

"So you're sticking around in Boston then?"

"Yeah, for the time being anyway." Pacey took a sip of his coke. Drue just sat back on his couch. "So, you live here alone?"

"Yup. It's great sometimes, but sometimes it's kind of boring. I was thinking of finding someone to move in but it's a lot of hassle," Drue said lounging on his huge couch.

"Well it certainly beats living in that motel room." Pacey didn't even notice the opportunity that was right in front of him.

"Yeah, I guess." Suddenly Drue realized something. "Hey, why don't you move in here?" he suggested.

"Uh, I don't think so Drue." Pacey couldn't move in with Drue. First of all, up until now he hated Drue.

"Why not? The rent on this place is not that high. We can settle something that works for you, and I wouldn't be bored all the time." Pacey thought about it, the apartment was beautiful and living in that motel couldn't last forever. Plus Drue was offering him an affordable price, which had been his main problem when looking for a place to live.

"It's a little sudden, don't you think?" Pacey hesitated. The only problem he really had was Joey. From what Drue had said on their way to his apartment it sounded like he had grown closer to Jen. Meaning he had also become friends with Joey. Pacey wasn't ready to get back into that circle yet. He was still kind of scared to go back to them.

"I'm sure we could keep it a secret from Joey for a little while," Drue offered, reading Pacey's mind.

"What?" Pacey snapped out of his thoughts. "I never said anything about Joey."

"Yeah well, just in case you were," Drue said, humoring Pacey. "You don't need to worry about Joey, I'm sure I could keep them away from here."

"It would be perfect," Pacey admitted. "Apart from living with you," he joked.

"I'm sure you'll get used to it. My charm is not gender specific you know."

"What charm? The annoyance factor you seem to think is charming?" Pacey said, incredulously.

"Hey! I'd watch it if I were you. I am offering you a great deal here." Drue laughed lightly.

"I guess." Pacey looked around the apartment and couldn't find another reason to say no. "Okay, I'd love to move in here. Thanks Drue." He just hoped that Drue could keep Joey away for a while. He wasn't ready to deal with her yet.

"No problem, man," Drue said, already making a plan. Pacey could try and run all he wanted, but he would have to face Joey sooner or later, and Drue really believed sooner would be better for everyone.

-&-

"Well if it isn't my two favorite women." Jen and Joey both rolled their eyes as Drue walked further into Jen's room. "What, no lovin' for your favorite guy?" Drue asked, acting hurt.

"Drue, the idea of giving you 'lovin',' as you so nicely put it, is rather sickening," Joey said as she continued to try and read her sociology book.

"Awww, you know you want to, Joey." Drue pulled Jen's desk chair towards the bed and turned it around to sit on.

"Was there some higher purpose for you disturbing our little bonding session?" Jen asked calmly, turning towards Drue. It wasn't uncommon for Drue to show up at her dorm room. In fact, he had been hanging around an awful lot since they arrived in Boston.

"Nope. Just thought I'd find something a little more interesting to do, than sitting at home in my lonely apartment." He leered towards Jen.

"Well it's going to remain lonely unless you find yourself a roommate," she stated.

"You know you want to come and make me feel more at home." Jen just rolled her eyes. "Anyway you don't have to worry about me finding a roommate," Drue said slyly.

"Don't tell me you found someone who would actually consider living with you?" Joey said, raising her eyebrows.

"You'd be surprised." Drue smirked. Pacey was actually moving his things into Drue's apartment as they spoke. Drue had left to give him some space, and to get out of having to help.

"At least I get to pick who I room with. I don't have to be stuck with some freaks like you guys."

"Uggh. Don't remind me. We've been living together for nearly 3 weeks and Brenda's said all of 4 words to me. She's so weird."

"Where is she anyway?" Drue asked.

"God knows. She's never here. I don't know where she goes."

"So what are you guys doing tonight?" Drue inquired.

"I think I'll be staying in tonight. I have a huge English Paper due Friday." Joey moaned.

"It's only Wednesday Jo." Jen stated.

"I know, but it's huge and I'd love to have it finished already."

"As long as you don't spend the night sitting by the phone waiting for Pacey to call." Jen hit Drue with the magazine she was holding. Sometimes he was so insensitive.

"Of course I won't be." Joey glared at Drue.

"Hey." Drue held his hands up in surrender. "I'm sorry. I was just wondering if you've heard from him."

"No." Joey said through pursed lips. "Anyway the paper is really big so I should really start now…" Joey started gathering her things hurriedly.

"Joey…" Jen tried to stop her.

"I'm okay Jen, I'll see you guys later." Joey hurried out the door. Jen turned to Drue and glared but he just got up and jumped onto Jen's bed where Joey had been sitting. He looked up at Jen from a lying position.

"Good one, Einstein." Jen rolled her eyes.

"What?" Drue looked innocent.

"You chased her out of here." Jen pointed out.

"Me? Nah. I think she realized that you were dying to be alone with me and saved you the trouble of admitting it." Drue smirked.

"You wish." Jen got off the bed and walked towards her dresser. The scary thing about what Drue was saying was that it was partly true. Lately she'd been feeling things about Drue she wasn't sure she wanted to. She didn't know if she was ready to go there with anyone, let alone Drue.

"It's okay Jenny, you can admit it."

"Ugggh. Why do you insist on calling me Jenny?"

"You know you love it." Drue laughed.

"Yeah," Jen said, sarcastically. "Just about as much as I love you."

"My point exactly." Drue smirked. Jen just turned and glared at him. "Come on Jenny, admit it." Jen glared at him again. "Okay, okay, don't. Can we at least get out of here? There's a new movie showing tonight, we can cuddle up in the back row, just like old times."

"I never went to the movies with you in 'old times', Drue," Jen stated. She made her voice sound as bored as possible, but truthfully she loved all the attention Drue gave her. "Besides, do you ever study? I don't think you've stayed home to study one day since you got here."

"Oh please, like flipping through magazines and gossiping to Joey was really studying." Drue said gesturing to the magazines lying on Jen's bed.

"Ugggh. I can't get rid of you can I?" Jen tried to look serious but she couldn't help but smile.

"Nope." Drue got up off the bed and started gathering Jen's things. "I'm not going anywhere unless you come with me." He started pushing her to get ready quickly.

"Okay, okay, give me a chance." Drue stood by impatiently while Jen quickly gathered her things.

"Come on." Drue said pushing her through the door.

"God, you're so annoying." Jen muttered, quickly grabbing her purse before leaving her room.

"You know you love me."

-&-

Pacey picked up the phone for sixth time in the last ten minutes but quickly put it down again. He had finally managed to get the courage to ring Bessie this morning and ask her for Joey's number. He had begged Bessie not to tell Joey he had called, and she reluctantly agreed. He could have easily asked Drue for Joey's number but he didn't want the added pressure of Drue knowing what he was doing. Plus Drue had left him alone in his apartment all day.

He'd spent his lunch break and time after work moving all of his stuff into Drue's spare room. It wasn't that hard since he didn't own very much.

Now he was sitting with Joey's number scrawled on a piece of paper in one hand and the telephone in the other. He'd dialed it a few times but hadn't gotten further than a few digits before chickening out. He never knew talking to Joey would be so hard. They used to be able to talk for hours and hours. There never used to be any awkwardness or even fear. Right now Pacey was worried about both, he couldn't believe he was actually scared of the possibility of speaking to Joey, and he was scared of all the awkward pauses that would take place.

Maybe meeting face to face would be better? He didn't know whether simply showing up at her dorm would be easier than this. Probably not. Not talking to her was killing him but he wasn't sure if seeing her was the best thing. What if everything goes wrong again? What if they weren't strong enough to come out of this as friends? Did he even want to be friends with her? Could he be 'just friends' with the girl who had owned his heart for so long, who still owned his heart? All of these questions lingered at the back of his mind but no answers were forthcoming.

He picked up the telephone receiver one more time and began dialing. He could do this. He managed to get to the end of her number and it began ringing. He wanted to hang up but he knew he couldn't. Once he spoke to her, he was sure he would feel better.

"Hello?" Joey's voice seemed to echo through his mind. It had been so long since he'd heard it. Suddenly the door of his apartment opening startled Pacey and he quickly hung up. Drue entered the apartment to find a flustered Pacey sitting on the couch.

"Hey man. What's up?" He said, walking inside.

"Nothing." Pacey answered shortly. Drue gave Pacey a strange look and then the phone started ringing. He looked at Pacey who just got up.

"Uh I've got some work to do," he mumbled, walking into his room. Drue walked further into the apartment and answered the still ringing phone.

"Hello?"

"Drue, hey. Why did you call me?" Joey asked.

"Call you? When?" Drue asked, confused.

"Just now. I have caller ID you know. I said hello and you hung up. You know I am trying to study, I don't need pointless distractions from you." Joey sounded annoyed. Drue looked towards Pacey's room and it suddenly clicked.

"Uh yeah, sorry Joey. I dropped the phone by accident and it cut off." Drue made up.

"Oh, it's ok. So why did you call?" Joey asked.

"I just wanted to say sorry for before, at Jen's house," Drue made up. "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings or anything." There was a pause. However much Joey had come to understand Drue, when he was this sincere it still felt weird.

"It's ok, Drue. Don't worry about it." She didn't need to start thinking about Pacey again. Not that she ever really stopped thinking about him. "So you went to the movies tonight I hear?" She changed the subject. "Nice of you to invite me," she joked.

"Aww, I knew you loved hanging out with me Joey, so good of you to finally admit it. Next time I'll only take you, maybe that'll make Jen take notice of me." Drue said it lightly but it was laced with meaning. Jen had been sending him mixed signals for weeks. They went out, and hung out all the time, and there was definite flirting between them, but any mention of a real relationship was skimmed over on Jen's part.

"Is Jen not noticing what a wonderful stud she has just waiting for her?" Joey's voice was laced with sarcasm.

"No. And it's hurting this poor guy's ego." Drue laughed. "Anyway, as much as I love discussing my failing attempts to get Jen to notice me, you sound like you should be getting back to a huge paper you have?"

"Ugggh. Don't remind me. I've barely started." Joey moaned. "Well I'm sure I'll see you tomorrow, thanks for calling Drue." Joey smiled at how much her attitude to Drue had changed in the past few months. He still annoyed her as always but now it was mostly playful, and she knew he really was a decent guy.

"Okay, bye babe." Joey rolled her eyes. What was with Drue's habit of calling her 'babe' or other equally degrading names?

"Bye," she said, hanging up the phone.

-&-

Jen returned to her dorm room after going to the movies to find it empty as usual. She walked in and collapsed on her bed. Lying there she thought about the same thing she spent the past few weeks thinking about, or rather the same person.

Drue had taken her to the movies and although there was no cuddling in the back row, like he had said, he had put his arm around her. It was so weird to see Drue acting all nervous around her. She could tell he had debated moving his arm around her for at least ten minutes before he actually did it. It was little things like that, which made her like him more.

He also insisted on paying for Jen even though they were just friends and she made it clear that this wasn't a date. But lately, however much she told herself it wasn't a date, it had the distinct feeling of being one.

The truth was Jen didn't know if she could let Drue in that much. She hadn't been with anyone since Henry and that hadn't exactly worked out well. But Jen realized that that relationship was doomed from the start. Henry was still so young and naive and although that had its good points, in the long run, he wasn't right for her.

Drue was different; they were on the same page. Both of them had been through a lot as children, and had grown up lacking proper love and care from their parents. That was something that had drawn Jen towards Drue in the first place. In New York he seemed to be in as much pain as she was. They used to help each other get over that pain by leaning on each other as well as using alcohol and drugs.

She remembered how she used to spend many nights with Drue, talking about her problems. Usually she was too drunk to make proper sense, but she remembered that Drue used to listen. Now that they were both much older, they stopped using alcohol and drugs to cover up their pain. But sometimes it still hurt as much, and having someone like Drue to be there for her would really help Jen.

But she was scared. She had been keeping Drue at a distant because she was too scared to let him in. She was scared that she would get too involved and just end up getting hurt again. But however much of a nice guy she knew Drue was underneath, he didn't show it too often, and she was scared of being left with the bad. She didn't think she could handle being left alone again.

But she knew she was being unfair to Drue. He treated her so well and was a great friend, but it was obvious he wanted more. And she did too if she could only admit it to herself. She knew she would have to make a decision soon. Either squash all romantic feelings towards Drue, continuing as friends or embrace the idea of actually being with him.

-&-

"Morning." Drue greeted Pacey as he plodded out of his room.

"Morning? Drue, you do realize I'm home for my lunch right?" Pacey laughed. Drue was still half-asleep to listen.

"Hmm. I don't have any classes on Thursday mornings." He walked into the kitchen and turned on the coffee maker.

"Well don't mind me, I'll be going back to work in a few minutes." Pacey picked up his dishes and put them in the sink.

"You work too hard man. You're always at the marina." Drue mumbled, still waking up.

"Got to earn a living somehow," Pacey said, offhandedly. He tried not to think about how much he had been working so that he didn't have time to think about other things, or other people. Though he did love his job too.

"Are you going to be working Friday night?" Drue asked.

"Not after eight, why?"

"Well since you are officially moved in now, I think it's time for a celebratory drink. What do you think?" Drue suggested.

"Sure, if you want." Pacey said. Hanging out with Drue was still a little strange for him but so far it had been okay. Nothing bad had happened in the one day he'd been living there. "Anyway I better get back."

"Bye." Drue mumbled as Pacey picked up his keys and left.

He drank his coffee, which finally woke him up. He thought about Pacey and Joey. Usually he wouldn't give a damn but Joey was his friend now and Pacey was his roommate, getting these two together would make them both happy. Plus he was getting sick of Joey zoning out into space, obviously thinking about Pacey. He had been living with him one day and Pacey already seemed like he was going to be moping about. Drue just wanted the feisty Joey and the fun lovin' Pacey back so everyone could get back to normal.

-&-

"Yeah it's great…Okay, I can't wait… See you soon." Jack hung up the phone and turned to see Jen standing in his doorway. He smiled at her and she entered his room.

"Tobey?"

"Yeah. He's thinking of coming up here this weekend." Jack grinned, obviously pleased.

"That's great. I miss him."

"Me too." Jack sighed. It was tough living away from Tobey. He finally found a guy who he really liked and nothing had gone wrong, and distance had to get in the way. "So I hear you went out with Drue again last night?" Jack grinned.

"We did not go out." Jack raised his eyebrows. "Okay we went out but it was NOT a date."

"Hey, I didn't say anything. I was just going to ask what movie you saw." Jack smiled mischievously. He knew Jen had some issues about being with someone at the moment, especially with someone who was a part of the past she had tried so hard to let go of. But however much it surprised him to say it, Drue was a great guy and would help Jen get through a lot of things. No matter how much Jack loved Jen, he couldn't be there for her the way she needed someone to be.

"Okay Jack this is killing me!" Jen suddenly exclaimed jumping on Jack's bed and burying her face in his pillow. Jack smiled; knowing the talk was coming soon. He just had to wait.

"It's not that bad Jen," he said comfortingly.

"Not that bad?" She screeched, turning to face him. "I think I'm falling for Drue Valentine! How much worse can it get?"

"Look, Drue has changed, you know it, and I know it. You just have to admit it." Jack said.

"I'm scared Jack." Jen's voice was quiet. "I can't believe I'm a nineteen year old who's scared of even kissing a guy. And this is me! I don't get scared of kissing!"

"I don't think it's the kissing you're scared of. I think it's everything that comes after it." Jen just looked down. "It's not a bad thing to be scared of commitment. You just have to decide whether you'd prefer living in fear, or taking a risk and possibly being happy."

Jen nodded slowly. Why was it that Jack always made sense of her life? He always made everything sound so simple.

"Thanks Jack."

"No problem, what are best friends for?"

-&-

Joey sat at her desk writing the paper she had been trying to get finished for days. It was due tomorrow morning and if she didn't get it finished she would have major problems. She just couldn't seem to concentrate. All she could think about was Pacey. It hadn't been so bad when she first got here, she assumed Pacey was still at sea and would be in touch soon. But tomorrow was Friday and it would be two weeks since she arrived at Worthington. Two weeks since summer ended, Pacey should have been finished with his summer job by now.

What if something happened to him? What if he's fine but didn't want to see her? The thoughts kept swimming through her mind. If he would just call her, or give her some sign that he was okay then maybe she would feel better. Probably not much better, but a little.

It was the not knowing that was killing her. The wondering whether he even thought of her at all. Did he miss her like she was missing him? Did he think of her every second like she was thinking of him? Did he want to make right everything that had gone wrong as badly as she did?

Suddenly the phone rang and Joey quickly got up to answer it, hoping it was Pacey. These days every call she answered, she hoped was Pacey.

"Hello?"

"Joey, hey, what's up?" Jen's voice said cheerfully.

"Hey Jen. I'm trying to get this stupid paper finished, that's all." Joey said, tiredly.

"How's that going?" Jen asked, sympathetically.

"Not well. I can't seem to write anything." Joey moaned.

"That's going to be finished by tomorrow right?"

"Yeah. I have to hand it in, in the morning. Why?"

"Drue just called me. Apparently he's got a treat planned for us tomorrow night and we have to meet him at his place at eight. You can make it right?" Jen asked.

"Yeah, sure I can. Although I'm a little worried about what Drue's idea of a treat is." Joey laughed lightly.

"I know, me too. But I guess we'll have to wait and see. Anyway I better go, I have class, I just wanted to let you know about tomorrow."

"Okay, talk to you later, Jen."

"Bye." Joey hung up the phone and looked at her paper. She had to concentrate and get this finished now, and hopefully Drue's treat tomorrow would cheer her up. At least she knew Drue definitely knew how to plan a good night of fun.

-&-

"Drue?" Pacey was surprised to wake up and find Drue already dressed, drinking his coffee at the table. He looked at his watch to check the time. "What are you doing up so early?"

"Morning class." Drue pointed out. Pacey raised his eyebrows. He didn't think Drue was the type who would wake up just because he had a class in the morning. In fact he knew he wasn't because Pacey used to have first period Math with him in high school and Drue was always late.

"Didn't you have morning class yesterday and the day before too? That's never made you actually get up and go. It must be a really interesting class." Pacey said, smiling. He grabbed a mug from the cupboard and put a slice of bread in the toaster.

"Jen's going to meet me after class. She insists on meeting me right outside my lecture hall which means I actually have to go." Drue smiled at the thought of Jen.

"It's 9 o'clock. You realize you're going to be late?" Drue just nodded and continued to sip his coffee. Pacey just laughed to himself. "So Jen Lindley's woven her magic spell on you, hey? I didn't think anything could make you rise before at least 10 am." Pacey joked. "How did that happen?" It was still weird to him how much things had changed recently. Well he didn't actually know what else had changed except that Drue had joined his circle of friends.

"I don't know really. She just realized what she'd been missing and how much she wanted me." Drue grinned and Pacey rolled his eyes.

"Oh really?"

"Sorry, I don't kiss and tell." Okay so no kissing had happened, but Pacey didn't know that. Or maybe he did. "My love life will remain a mystery to you until you start spilling about your love life." Drue smiled at his sly way of bringing Joey into the conversation.

"Nothing to tell my friend." Pacey said smiling, although Drue caught the way he had tensed at first.

"Oh come on, weren't there any gorgeous women out in the Caribbean?" Pacey just shrugged. "Give me something. I was deprived all summer by sticking with Jen and Joey."

"What's wrong with Joey?" He said it before he could stop himself. He didn't mean it the way it sounded. He didn't exactly want Drue thinking Joey was gorgeous or anything but it had slipped out so naturally.

"Absolutely nothing, as I'm sure you're aware. But I didn't want to get my head kicked in by you… or her for that matter." Drue shuddered remembering the storage closet debacle. Pacey laughed, despite the pain the mention of Joey was causing him.

"Oh yeah. I remember Joey needed no help from me in sorting you out. That's what I always loved about her. She always told it how she saw it, and was able to take care of herself. Somewhere along the lines she lost that." Pacey paused, already regretting having said too much. Drue noticed the change in tone and didn't want to send Pacey into another depression so he quickly changed the subject.

"Anyway since you are giving me nothing on the women of the Caribbean, I guess I'll have to stick to my pursuit of Jen." Drue grinned.

"I don't know about that. Jen's a smart girl, I don't think she'll get caught in your trap." Although Pacey said it lightly, it still hurt Drue. Pacey didn't really realize how close they had become over the summer, so he couldn't really understand how his words hurt Drue.

"No girl can resist my charm," Drue said, brushing off the hurt. Pacey just laughed. He took his breakfast and sat in front of the TV.

"So Jen has no way out?"

"She's as good as mine." Drue stated, although he wasn't too sure about that. But he wouldn't give up. Jen would realize soon how much she really needed him. "Well I better get to class. You'll be home about eight thirty, right?"

"Yeah."

"Okay. Catch you later." Drue picked up his books and headed out the door quickly, hoping he wouldn't be too late for class.

-&-

"So, did you make a decision?" Jack asked, coming up behind Jen in the corridor.

"About what?" She continued walking towards the exit, with Jack beside her.

"About Drue. Remember the big 'I love Drue' facade from yesterday." Jack grinned. Jen hit him in the stomach.

"I do NOT love Drue. When will you understand that?"

"Okay, so you're hot for Drue. Which I guess is understandable since he is pretty hot." Jen stopped and gasped at Jack.

"I cannot believe you just said that!" Jen giggled at her best friend who just shrugged. "What would Tobey say?"

"I think he would agree." Jack laughed. "Speaking of which, he is coming down this weekend."

"Oooh. Excited?" Jen asked giggling.

"It's only been 3 weeks since I saw him." Jack tried to act nonchalant, but Jen saw right through it. "I can't wait!"

"I bet you can't."

"Anyway I was just saying about Drue, you might want to take the next step before he gets bored of waiting." Jack joked.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm on it." Jen rolled her eyes.

"Where are you heading now?" Jack asked, stopping outside his class.

"I'm going to meet 'I'm-so-good-looking-even-Jack's-hot-for-me' at his college." Jack rolled his eyes.

"I'm not hot for Drue, I'm just trying to be encouraging." He looked inside his class, which was slowly filling up. "Anyway I better go, I'll catch you later?"

"Yeah. You're coming to Drue's tonight right?"

"Yeah, but tell him I'll be a little late. I have a few things to do but I should be there about eight thirty." Jack informed her.

"Okay, see you later." Jack walked into his class and Jen went to meet Drue. She was only doing this so that Drue would actually wake up and go to class. If he didn't stop skipping so many morning classes he would be in big trouble.

-&-

Joey lay on her bed relaxing. She had stayed up most of the night finishing her paper and then had to attend two classes this morning before going to hand it in. Finally she had some time to spare.

She looked over to her bedside and picked up the photograph that was sitting there. It was a picture of her and Pacey taken on True Love. It seemed like ages ago even though it had only been last summer. Even though she wasn't with Pacey, he would always remain in her heart. She kept the picture to remind her of everything that had been so good.

She realized that the happiest she had been over the past few years was that summer on True Love. The memories of her adventure with Pacey would remain with her always. When they had returned, everything had changed. They were faced with the challenge of the real world, and unfortunately they weren't strong enough to get through it. Which was really sad because she really wished she had been strong enough to survive.

Maybe if they hadn't let all the pressure of school, the future, and her stupid Dawson issues get to them over the past year, they would still be together now. He would be here with her where he belonged.

The sound of the door opening startled her, and she accidentally dropped the frame she was holding.

"Stacy, you startled me!" She told her roommate, silently telling her heart to stop beating so fast.

"I'm sorry." Stacy looked over at Joey. "Looking at Pacey's picture again?"

"No!" Joey lied, but Stacy just raised her eyebrows. Joey sighed and put the frame back on her bedside. "Two weeks."

"What?" Stacy said, looking at Joey while she put her stuff away.

"It's been two weeks since classes started." Joey sighed again.

She didn't know what had possessed her to tell Stacy her whole twisted story. One night they had been talking about past loves and boyfriends, the normal things girls bond over, and Stacy had asked her about any guys she liked. Suddenly the whole story had just come spilling out of her mouth. Maybe it was the need for someone who didn't know the people she was describing to listen to her, but Joey told her all about Pacey.

Stacy had listened and been really nice. When she asked to see a picture of Pacey, Joey had pulled the one of them aboard True Love out of her cupboard and after that, she just didn't fee like putting it back.

When Jen, Jack, and Drue had come over, they all noticed and shared pointed glances, but Joey had pretended not to acknowledge them.

"Maybe he's lost at sea?" Stacy supplied.

"Not funny Stacy."

"Sorry. Come on. I know you love this guy and everything, but maybe you should move on. You can't hold on to him forever." Stacy was a little worried about Joey's heart being hung up on a guy who wasn't even there. But she understood what it felt like. She herself had broken up with her long-term boyfriend before coming to college.

"I have moved on." Joey said. Stacy just gave her a look. "Okay, okay. So I'm still hung up on him. But it's not like I sit at home moping. I do go out and enjoy myself."

"I guess." Stacy agreed. Joey was still getting the complete college experience, but at the same time she was still hanging on to Pacey. Joey had decided that she couldn't let him get to her so much and didn't hold back from anything. Anything but dating that was. Because however many times she tried, and no matter how many nice guys she met, they weren't Pacey, and that meant they weren't for her.

"I don't think I can move on until I see him. And even then I'm not sure I really want to." Joey sounded unsure.

"Of course you don't want to. With a guy that hot, who'd want to?" Stacy joked, trying to get Joey to smile. She did.

"His looks aren't the only thing that's hot, if you know what I mean." Joey grinned; thinking about all the things Pacey used to do to drive her crazy.

"Joey! I'm shocked!"

-&-

"Ready?" Joey asked, walking into Jen's dorm.

"Nearly." Jen put on some more lipstick and combed her hair one more time. Joey grinned at her. Usually Jen wouldn't bother so much if they were just going to Drue's, but lately Jen had been making an effort. Not that she needed to, Drue was already madly in love with her.

"Come on girl. Drue loves you just the way you are."

"I would say I'm not doing this for Drue but I don't know why I even try. You won't believe me."

"Was that some weird way of telling me you are doing this for Drue?"

"No!" Joey just laughed.

"Come on." Joey said again.

"What's the hurry?" Jen asked, putting her shoes on and heading for the door.

"I don't know. I feel like going out and getting wild, which I'm sure Drue has organized for us."

"That's what I'm worried about." Jen murmured, shutting the door behind her.

-&-

They arrived at Drue's apartment at eight twenty and waited outside for Drue to open the door.

"Hey, two gorgeous girls at my door. Have I died and gone to heaven?" Drue said, staring at his guests.

"How long does it take you to think up these oh-so-imaginative greetings?" Joey asked, pretending to be really interested. Both girls pushed passed him and entered the apartment as he shut the door and followed.

"Well it comes naturally to such a charming guy like myself." Drue grinned. "Where's Jack?"

"He's going to be here soon. He had a few things to do first. Tobey is coming down tomorrow. So he's all excited." Jen said.

"So, come on. What's the big surprise?" Joey asked, impatiently.

"Ah ha. Patience is a virtue my friend!" Drue grinned. Everything seemed to be in order. Luckily the girls had finally arrived. He was getting a little worried there for a while because he needed them to be at the apartment before Pacey arrived, to keep him from hiding.

"Come on!" Joey complained. "I've had a really boring week, I need something good."

"Oh this is good. I promise you."

"Why are you being so sneaky Drue?" Jen's voice was suspicious. "You're definitely up to something."

"Me? Up to something?" Drue put on his best innocent face. "What makes you think that, Jenny?" Jen walked up to him.

"You forget that I know you so well." She said, her voice coming out a little too sweet for Drue's senses to handle.

"Oh really?" He challenged.

"Yes really." Jen said before walking away. Joey just rolled her eyes. She was wondering how much longer it would be before they just got a clue and stopped wasting all their time flirting. They could be doing so much more.

Just as she was contemplating knocking their lips together, while they continued to bicker and flirt over Drue's finer points, or lack thereof in Jen's opinion, a key turning in the lock caught her attention.

"Drue are you..." Pacey stopped dead in his tracks. "...here?"

-&-

To Be Continued...