Author's note- I have to apologize ahead of time, somewhere in the process I lost the original formatting of this story, I replaced in the Chapter 1, but it took me a day to do it, and honestly I don't want to redo all that work again. So for the next 5-6 chapters formatting is off. Thank you for barring with me, and I hope you enjoy it.

Ch. 2

I disclaim

As soon as she heard the whistles she knew HE had arrived, for some strange reason the nurses on this ward seemed to be deluded enough to think that Drue was cute.

He wasn't.

He was arrogant, cocky, and conceited, and in the last few months Joey had come to hate that combination in a man with a passion. Her father was all those things, and so was the ex. Those kind of guys were just trouble, and Joey didn't need more trouble.

But she had tried to stop thinking that way, not about men in general, but just that way about Drue after all he was her brother and he did save her life, and if she was beginning completely honest he was an okay guy as long as you weren't dating him.

Hey Twerp.

And you weren't his younger sister.

Don't call me that. Joey said as she looked up from her chair and just glared at him. He just gave a condescending smile, and then winked at her therapist Jean. Why couldn't Bodie come and get me?

Because Bodie had to head to Boston to pick up supplies.

Doug?

On patrol.

Sheriff Witter? Joey pouted. He puts on the sirens when he comes to get me.

Drue just smiled, and waved away her reason. Well Hell if all you want is sirens; I can get the cops to start chasing us home.

And ice cream, He takes me to get ice cream. Joey includes still pouting.

Drue grabs the back of her wheelchair and begins well her toward the entrance and his Jeep. Well, I'll get you ice cream.

No you won't, you say you will but then you always call Bessie, and she say no, and like a punk you cave, and say it will ruin my supper. Sheriff doesn't t care if it ruins my supper.

That cause the sheriff has a gun to protect himself from Bessie, I don't. Drue stopped out side of his jeep and opened the passenger side door, and lifts her into the seat, being careful not hurt her, before strapping her in, and folding up her chair putting it in the back. And despite my macho bravado, Bessie is one scary person if you're not armed, but I promise this time you will get ice cream.

Uh huh. Joey said doubtfully.

Twenty minutes later Pacey had his car keys, and again was just about to start his journey to the hospital, when his father's words came back at him. What was he doing?

He had wanted to check on Joey and he did, she was okay, according to Jen, but then Jen even being Joeys best friend couldn't tell if she was REALLY okay or just putting on an act, and Bessie wouldn't talk to him and tell him what was going on.

He needed to know that she was really all right, that she was still going to Worthington, that he didn't ruin that one good thing just so she would still end up stuck in this town.

But most of all he just wanted to see her, even if she hated him, and slammed the door, in his face; he wanted to be able to see her again.

Cause God he had missed her.

All those weeks sailing away, farther and farther, hoping against hope that the farther away he got, the less he would feel, and still he felt exactly the same, like she was everything he needed in life.

But he got rid of that thought and focused instead on his problem he wanted to know if Joey was really okay, but Jen wasn't going to tell him anymore, not that she would know anyway, Bessie was going to kill him, Drue wouldn't know.

Dawson. No, that thought was quickly rejected for all Dawson's talk of really knowing Joey, he didn't, he knew want he wanted to know, he let things that would disturb his vision of her slip by him, and he knew from painful experience that Joey never corrected him.

Jack. Jack would know, he had taken a crash course in Potter 101 and knew the tricks and subterfuge that the brunette used to cover up hurts. But again a problem, one he didn't know where Jack was, and two, before Valentine even showed up on the scene Jack was already playing the brother role to Joey and Jen, so chances where if found McPhee he too could be counted on for a swift punch or minor beating for Pacey's behaviors toward said Potter girl.

Which left him one lone ally he could call on.

Gale Leery.

Watching the scenery of Capeside form the passenger window of Drue's jeep, Joey silently remarked to herself how beautiful it was in her hometown.

Sure Boston, New York, and other big cities could boast about having museums, and great shopping, and an active nightlife, they still just weren't Capeside. None of them had Foleys general store, or a Rialto theatre, and truthfully they weren't her home.

It was times like this that she wondered why she had spent so many years trying to get away from this town.

Admittedly it had it downfalls, gossiping neighbors, snotty tourist, and obnoxious rich people, but did she really think that she could get away from those people by simply packing up and heading off to Boston, if anything shed find ten more for every one she left behind.

What cha thinking there small fry? Drue asked feeling uneasy about her silence.

I'm tallest girl in town. Joey said indignantly, giving him a sideway glare.

Not taller then me. Which was true thought Joey morosely, but then they were few people in Capeside that could stand shoulder to shoulder with Drue, he had to be at least 64, she didn't even think her Dad was that tall, it must be on his mothers side, she thought briefly.

Well we can't all be obnoxious giants.

Now see there, I was taking you to get ice cream and you go an insult me.

Joey switch her gaze and glanced in surprise, sure enough they were in the Diary Queen drive thru, she looked over at Drue suspiciously. Yeah what gives?

What, you said you wanted ice cream. Drue remarked innocently or an innocent as Drue could look when he was guilty as hell. I thought Id get you ice cream, isn't that what a good big brother does?

I wouldn't know my only brother experience has been you.

You know Joey; I'm really trying here, Drue said gearing himself up for a hopefully disarming performance. I don't know what else I could do to prove that to you, I've

Okay, okay. Joey put her hand on his arm to stop his tirade. Obviously something is going on, because first you're trying to bribe me, and now you're trying guilt me, but I really don't care right now, I've had a long day, so Ill take the ice cream, and you and can just deal with whatever until its time to tell me.

Drue let out a silent breath, and smiled. Cool, so you want sprinkles?

Pacey Witter, as I live and breath. Gale asked as she opened her office door to the young man that was like a second son to her. You know Mitch didn't think you would have the guts to return, but I knew you'd be back.

See, that's why I came to you, cause you know me so well. Pacey as he leaned over and kissed her cheek.

Really? At his nod Gale moved to her desk and sat down. Are you sure its not cause no one else is talking to you?

Pacey smirked and took the seat opposite of her. That's not entirely true, I haven't tried everyone.

Gale nodding. Right, I'm sure Grams is all disappointed she missed the opportunity to tell you no.

Pacey sighed, and looked at Gale, he knew every regret he had ever was written on his face, and he knew she could read them. So how badly did I mess this up?

Well lets see Pacey, you broke Joeys heart very publicly and very cruelly, you skipped your graduation, congratulations by the way, and you abandoned just about every friend you have, to fulfill some stupid expectations that very few narrowed minded people in this town happen to share. Id said you screwed up royally, I don't think anyone honestly thought you do as badly as you've done.

That bad?

Gale leaned over the desk and shook her head slowly. Pacey its unfortunate that I have to say this about my own son, but I think Dawson is the only one who ever thought you really do something like this, and I'm disappointed that you proved him right.

I had to, she was going to stay, and she wanted to carry me. Pacey explained in a pained voice.

Ah. Gale nodded. And that didn't happen at all did it; she's off at Worthington isn't she. Oh wait she's not there either, she at home with a broken heart and broken sprit.

Pacey dropped his head on the desk, he should have known that. Jen said she was okay.

Jen may know Joey pretty well, and be a very good friend, but I've known that girl since she was born, and before her I knew her sister and before her their mother, I can read a Potter front to back and know the truth.

So what now?

Gale rounded her desk and sat on eh edge. Pacey you know I love you like a son, just like I love Joey like she was my own, and I know its wrong to considering the triangle that Dawson seems to think is going on, but I happen to think you two are made for each other, but I also happen to think that one of you put more into that relationship that then the other did, and unlike everyone else in this town I happen to think it was you who dropped the ball on this one from the very beginning, so its really up to you. Joey will get better, and none of us, not Me or Bessie, or even Dawson will let her stay in this town when she is born for better things, but you need to have plan for yourself, don't come back thinking you're riding to her rescue.

Pacey shook his head, and. This isn't about me

Yes Pacey it is, cause I know you, you left cause you didn't feel worthy or you didn't think you were good enough for her, and if you're still thinking that way, then you're right you're not good for her, cause she got insincerities of her own, and she cant deal with yours too, again I love you both but I think the first thing you need to do is grown up. I'm not suggesting you develop some grand plan for your life like Dawson does, but have an idea, have more to offer Joey then an apology and a promise to never do it again.

Pacey leaned back in the chair, she was right, but then he knew she would be, that was why he chose her, because she wouldn't pull any punches. He had dropped the ball, he been disappointed because Joey hadn't expected more from him, but then he hadn't expected more from himself, and he had taken it out on her, and he couldn't very well just show up ready to be with her again, when in truth he was basically the same guy that left her. Maybe I should head back to Boston.

Or. Gale sat back into her chair and smiled at him. You could stay and figure it out right here in Capeside where she is.

Id like to but as you say I've burned just about every bridge I had in this town.

Now Pacey you should know by now that I pay no attention to burnt bridges.

Pacey leaned over and looked at the smile on Gales face, when he was little Dawson use to smile at him like that, right before he began to pitch some half-baked movie idea that he just had to star in. Why Mrs. Leery, do you have a plan?

Yes, Pacey I do.