a/n I don't own these characters.

I don't know anything about sailing so please forgive any discrepancies. Sorry.

Capeside

It had been 4 weeks since Pacey had left Capeside and things had continued to be the same. The summer was gearing up to be a scorcher. Jack, Andie and Jen had decided to stay in Capeside and have a relaxing summer. Secretly, Jen was really worried about Joey. She was going to make it an effort to be there for her. She had always had a sixth sense for these things.

The gang were all at the beach.

"So the weather's been great," Jack said and turning to Jen, "let's go for a dip Jen...come on!"

Jen raised her eyes from over her sunglasses, "I don't do wet. I'm happy to soak up the rays, take in the boys and read my book."

Frustrated, Jack looked over at Andie, "Please oh sister?" Meanwhile Andie had been perving at some delicious boys near the water's edge, "sure let's go."

"Count me in," Dawson piped up looking at Joey, hoping she too would hit the surf, "Joey?" extending his hand.

"No I'm right. I'll keep Jen company. Wouldn't want her to get accosted by some leering lecherous boy that takes advantage of poor unsuspecting girls," she said with her Joey smirk.

"Yes I need protection. Thanks Joey!" she commented sarcastically.

Uneasily Dawson moved away to catch up with Andie and Jack, with disappointment dripping down his face. Joey had stayed with him this summer. She had made her choice but it just didn't feel right. Physically she was present but emotionally she was sailing the seven seas with Pacey. This angered him and it was slowly driving a wedge between them. Although they loved each other in different ways, the choice she was forced to make was making them resent each other.

"So any news from our sailor friend?" Jen asked without looking at Joey.

Joey gave Jen a disbelieving look, "and how would I know? It's not like I'm on his Christmas mailing list."

"I saw you talking to Doug at the Drug store," Jen continued.

"Oh, yeah Doug was grabbing some groceries and we bumped into each other.." Jen cut Joey off, "and what did he say?"

"A bit of chit chat and then he said that Pacey had cleared New Bedford heading towards Rhode Island and was enjoying the trip. He's had good weather and that's it," Joey finished and quickly glanced at her book.

"You miss him?" Jen said whilst looking with empathy.

"Don't tell Dawson. I'm really trying but I shouldn't have stayed. Pacey is my true love and I betrayed him. I only hope that when he comes back I'll make it up to him," she said whilst looking at Jen.

As if by osmosis, Dawson looked their way and saw a Joey brush a tear from her cheek. He knew they were talking about Pacey. Damn Pacey, damn him to hell! He knew that Joey loved Pacey and he knew she had stayed because of his family and their history. He was her best friend and that was all. Nothing more. He was going to ease off and maybe that could all enjoy the summer.

6 Weeks Later

Joey was pacing her room. She had been crying. She picked the phone and rang the only person who could help her,

"Jen?"

"Joey? Is that you?" Jen was still waking. It was 5 am, "what's wrong?"

"Jen I need to talk to you," she said between sobs,"I'm coming over."

She hung up the phone and raced out of her room.

Jen had barely enough time to get out of bed when she heard a rapping at the back door. She scurried down the stairs and found Grams welcoming Joey,"Oh Joey my dear what's wrong? Come in come in," she gestured with her hand. Grams had always been an early riser.

Jen saw that Joey couldn't answer and took over, putting her arm around Joey she said,"It's ok Grams. I've got it covered."

Grams understood and said that she'd bring them up some hot tea. Jen nodded with a smile and thanked the Lord she didn't believe in, for her wonderful Grandmother.

Slowly Jen and Joey walked up to her bedroom. Joey sat down and raised her tear stricken face towards Jen,"It's all ruined. My plans, my future...it's all just a mess, Jen. The person I need the most right now isn't here and I don't know what to do."

Jen assumed she was talking about Pacey,"What's happened Joey?"

Joey stared at her,"I'm late, I took a test and I'm expecting."

That was unexpected. Jen looked at her disbelieving, "What, are you sure?"

"Yes," said Joey sacastically. She knew what Jen was going to ask her next,"and it's Pacey's. We spent the night together before he left. Dawson doesn't know. Jen what do I do?"

Jen always had the right words and the right advice, but this time she was at a loss. The news had taken her by surprise. She didn't see this one coming at all. Joey pregnant. Joey who planned everything to the last detail. All she could do was wrap her arms around her and hold her.

She needed help and downstairs they went.

"Good morning girls..tea is ready and pancakes. Are you hungry Joey?" Grams said with loving affection. She knew something was amiss. The girls were here to ask her help, she sensed that it was just a matter of time.

"Grams...we've got a problem and it's something that needs to remain confidential," Jen pleaded. Meanwhile Joey didn't say a word. Grams eyes shifted from Jen to Joey and back to Jen.

"Jen you know my word is true. Tell me what's bothering Joey?" she said. The girls lifted their heads in unison and in disbelief. How did she know?

She walked around to Joey placing her arm around her," Sweetheart tell me what's wrong and I'm sure we can solve the problem."

Grams was told and she didn't judge but a wave of sympathy and compassion emanated from the old dear lady.

"You need to work out what you what Joey. You're still young and you need to tell Pacey or else he will resent you for the rest of his life. Just remember a baby is a gift and God works in mysterious ways," she said and gave her a kiss on the forehead,"think hard about what you really want and who you want in your life. Now I'll leave you girls. You have a lot of thinking to do."

Grams left leaving the girls with something to do...

Jen convinced Joey to eat something and convinced her to spend the day with her talking about all the options and her future.

Later that evening...

Joey and Jen had made head way. Joey was now thinking clearly and had a course of action. She needed to get in contact with Pacey. So they went out to find Doug. The hike wasn't long now that Joey knew how to drive, something else she could thank Pacey for. They saw the light on and went on up. Joey knocked on the door. She could hear the TV at a ridiculous volume and several voices. Then Jen rang the doorbell and Gretchen of all people answered the door, eyes all red and puffy,"Joey, Jen what are you two doing here? Have you seen the news report too?"

Joey and Jen looked at each other amazed and bewildered, "Come in, come in we're just waiting to hear some more updates."

Updates? TV? News report?

Doug hadn't heard them come in. Gretchen shook his shoulder and whispered in his ear. He turned around abruptly,"Joey, Jennifer..." He too looked worried and so unlike the unshakable Doug they all knew.

Jen couldn't stand the tension and suspense any longer, "What's going on Doug?"

Doug and Gretchen looked at her and then at Joey.

"You haven't heard I take it?" Doug asked.

"No, we haven't. What's going on?" Jen continued quite impatient now.

Gretchen spoke up first, "There a huge storm raging the east coast of Connecticut and Pennsylvania. The biggest they've seen in a very long time..." and suddenly they both understood. Pacey!