Joey swore that the group of them rushing through the ER doors must have looked like an army storming an enemy camp. When Doug said Pacey was in the hospital, everyone followed him there, wedding reception all but forgotten.

So, now she (with Christopher who was her ride), Dawson, Jen, Andie, and Jack were all huddled behind Doug peppering the receptionist with questions about Pacey's condition.

Before they could get any answers, Joey saw a woman come out of the doors that led to the ER rooms. She was huddled into herself and had a tear-streaked face. When she saw Doug, she ran into his arms. "Thank God you're here, Doug. They won't let me do anything because I'm not family. I called your parents, but they haven't shown up yet and I don't know why."

"It's okay, Kristi. Can you tell me what happened?"

Between sniffles, Kristi said, "I was worried when Pace didn't show to pick me up for the wedding, so I tried calling him, but got no answer. I went to his apartment, but he wasn't there, so I checked the Icehouse. When I got there, I found him laying on the deck face-down next to a table that had been smashed." Hands shaking, she wiped her nose with the tissue she'd practically destroyed from twirling nervously in her hands, then continued "I tried to wake him up, but I couldn't. His face is a mess - like he was beaten up. I called 911 when I checked his pulse and it was really weak."

"You did the right thing. Thanks for calling me, Kristi. Let me see what's going on."

At that, Andie piped up, "I'll come with you. They might tell me something since Capeside's hospital is an affiliate of Boston Medical and I have credentials."

When Andie and Doug were gone, Jack walked over to the woman Joey swore was Kristi Livingstone. He pulled her into a tight hug and said, "Don't worry. He'll be okay. He always is."

Joey couldn't help it. She had to know why Kristi was there, as she barely knew Pacey. She leaned toward Jen. "Is that Kristi Livingstone?"

"Yeah."

"Why is she here? And why is she so worried about Pacey?"

At Joey's question, Jen looked up with a face that was equal parts surprise and pity. "Joey, Kristi is his ex-fiancé."

Joey's voice rose an octave and she squeaked out, "His what?", which got Dawson and Christopher's attention.

At that, Jen buried her face in her hands, rubbed her temples, and then looked back up. She rolled her eyes toward the heavens and said, "Why me?" Dawson's face must have matched Joey's shocked one because Jen addressed them both when she added, "Pacey and Kristi were engaged a few years ago. I thought you knew."

Joey looked at Dawson. "Did you know about this?"

"No. But, then again, Pace and I weren't exactly speaking back then."

"I can't believe this," was all Joey managed to get out before Doug and Andie came back.

When Doug and Andie reached them a little while later, everyone gathered around. It was Andie who spoke. "Pacey was beaten pretty severely last night. He has two broken ribs and a broken arm. They're concerned about the really large bump he received on the head, which may be the reason he is still unconscious, and some internal bleeding near his spleen. They have to do surgery to stop it."

At that, Joey's hand flew to her mouth to cover her gasp of horror. "Is he going to be okay?"

"They don't know, but they're doing everything they can. Now that Doug signed the paperwork, they can take him to the OR."

Joey saw Kristi walk up to Doug. "Can you get me in to see him? Please?"

Doug answered, "Not right now. They're prepping him for surgery. All we can do is wait."