Part 3

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the DC characters. KW is the one that owns these amazing characters.

Type: It's a surprise...have to read and find out!

Rating: PG-13

Summary: The gang is back in Capeside and are about to reunite for Gale's wedding....but what seems to be happiness will all turn to heartache.

Fade in:

"Show Me Heaven" by Jessica Andrews begins to play.

It's a new day. The wedding day. The creek is flowing peacefully flowing as the sunlight reflects off of it. The spring birds are chirping and everything is just perfect.

"There you go, flashing fever from your eyes

Hey baby, come over here and shut them tight"

Camera shows Ext. of Dawson's house and slowly zooms in on Dawson's window.

"I'm not denying, we're flying above it all

Hold my hand, don't let me fall"

Int. of bedroom:

The beautiful sunlight is shining through the window. Dawson and Joey's clothes are seen strewn about on the floor as the camera pans over to Dawson and Joey, asleep in his bed.

"You've got such amazing grace

I've never felt this way"

Dawson is on his back with his arm around Joey, who is lying on her side with her head resting on Dawson's chest.

"Oh, show me heaven, cover me

Leave me breathless

Oh, show me heaven, please"

Joey's eyes slowly open. She blinks away her sleepiness and her eyes begin to wander around the room, trying to figure out where she is. When she realizes she is in Dawson's room, a feeling of happiness rushes through her. She has never felt so…alive. She turns her head to the left and sees Dawson, sleeping peacefully. Joey smiles and slowly lifts herself up and props her head up with her elbow. She stares at him for a minute then finally leans in to kiss him, but before her lips meet his, she stops. Joey stares at him wanting to kiss him and wake him up so he can kiss her back and make love to her once more, just like they did the morning after finally sleeping together. Yet, something stops her. Something was telling her she couldn't do this. Was it her head telling her this…or was it her heart? Joey can't figure it out, but she knows she has to leave before Dawson wakes up because she knows she'll have to give him some answers. She knows she'll have to face him sooner or later, but she just can't right now…she still needed to figure out things herself. Joey slowly eases her way out of Dawson's reach and begins to put on her clothes. After putting her shirt on, she writes out a little note that says, "See you at he wedding. Love, Joey" and places it on his pillow. She finally makes her way over to the window and starts to climb out, but before she does, she turns back to look at Dawson once more. Why was she doing this? She told herself last night that going through with this would change things, but she wouldn't regret it. So, why did she feel so scared? Why was she running away? All she knows is that she needs to get away right now.

Joey: (whispers) I'll see ya, Dawson.

Joey quickly climbs out the window and climbs down the ladder. She runs across the lawn, towards the dock.

Pacey walks into his bathroom and looks into the mirror to fix his tie when he hears a knock at the door. He walks out into the hallway and to the door. He opens it. It's Doug, dressed in a nice tuxedo. A big smile appears on Pacey's face.

Pacey: Dougie!

Doug: Hey Pacey. Nice to see you so cheerful today.

Doug walks in as Pacey closes the door.

Pacey: Well, if I remember correctly, there is a special and happy occasion taking place today.

Pacey walks into the kitchen. Doug follows him.

Pacey: You are going, right?

Doug: Of course I'm going.

Pacey: I thought you were. Jack is going to be there.

A look of aggravation crosses Doug's face.

Doug: I'm not going because Jack is going to be there. I'm simply going for Gale. No one else.

Pacey: Okay. Whatever you say, Dougie.

Doug rolls his eyes. Pacey opens the refrigerator and gets out a bottle of water. He holds it up, asking Doug if he would like one.

Doug: No thanks.

Pacey closes the refrigerator and sits down at the dinner bar.

Pacey: You know, you and Jack are gonna have to talk to each other sooner or later. You can't hide from each other forever.

Doug: (sighs) I know. I guess I'm just waiting for him to say something first. I mean, he's the one that broke things off.

Pacey: Yeah, and for good reasons.

Doug: What is that supposed to mean?

Pacey: Doug, all Jack ever wanted was a good relationship with you. You're the first guy he has ever really cared about and the way you kept acting, it made it look like you didn't feel the same way.

Doug: But, he doesn't know how I feel.

Pacey: Well, then tell him.

Doug: I…I can't, Pacey. I'm just not ready to deal with everything that comes along with…with being gay.

Pacey stands up.

Pacey: Well, there. You see? It's not Jack that needs to make the first move. It's all up to you, big bro.

Pacey walks out of the kitchen leaving Doug sitting there thinking about what Pacey just said.

Jack and Bessie are sitting on the couch, playing with Amy when Joey walks in. Joey closes the door and falls back against it with a sigh. Bessie and Jack both look up.

Bessie: (smiling) And where were you all night?

Joey glares at her sister.

Joey: Just out.

Bessie: Yeah. Sure.

Joey rolls her eyes and walks into the kitchen. Bessie gets up and follows. Jack smiles, picks up Amy and follows too.

Bessie: Uh, Chris called.

Joey almost chokes on her drink when she hears Bessie say that. She had completely forgotten about Chris last night and today.

Joey: What?

Bessie: Yeah. He called to make sure you had gotten here okay.

Joey: What did you tell him?

Bessie: I told him no. Your plane crashed.

Joey's eyes widen.

Bessie: What do you think I told him, Joey?!

Joey: (laughs) Don't do that, Bessie!

Jack sits Amy up on the kitchen bar and starts to stare at Joey.

Joey: What?!

Jack: So…what happened?

Jen walks in. She is already dressed, wearing a medium-length, rose printed dress with her hair pulled halfway up.

Jen: Oh! Look who finally decided to come home!

She gives Joey a teasing grin. Joey smiles and laughs as she slumps down in a chair at the bar and places her head in her hands.

Bessie: Come on, Joey! You can't torture us like this!

Joey: Okay! Fine!

Everyone crowds around in front of her, staring and waiting for an answer.

Joey: I was at Dawson's.

Everyone's eyes widen and they all smile.

Bessie: And uh…what happened at Dawson's that caused you to stay all night?

Joey: Okay! No more! I'm ending this conversation right now, so don't even try. (pause) I need to get ready.

Joey leaves the three of them standing there, thinking. Jen walks over to Jack and picks Amy up.

Jen: Hey sweetie!

Bessie turns toward the sink and begins to wash some dishes. Jack walks over to Jen and kisses her on the cheek.

Jack: You look beautiful!

Jen: (smiles) Thank you.

Silence fills the room again as they all start thinking about what happened between Dawson and Joey.

Jen: Do you think, maybe…?

Jen and Bessie look at Jack, waiting for his opinion.

Jack: Oh yeah! Definitely!

Bessie and Jen look at each other and smile.

The ceremony has just ended and Gale and Stan are cutting the cake. Everyone applauds as Gale and Stand feed each other a piece of cake and kiss. Gale turns toward Dawson, who pulls her in for a hug and whispers something in her ear.

Dawson: I'm happy for you, mom. Dad would be too.

Gale looks at her son, tears filling her eyes, and smiles.

Gale: Thanks, sweetie.

Everything has died down a little as most of the guests are either relaxing under the tents or having a good time on the dance floor. Jen sneaks behind one of the tents and takes something out of her purse. It's a prescription bottle full of pills. She takes two, followed by a drink of wine.

Voice: You know, you shouldn't do that.

Jen quickly turns around when she hears the all too familiar voice. It's Dru Valentine, looking more handsome than ever.

Jen: (smiles) Dru Valentine. What brings you to this occasion? Did you come to bring bad luck to the bride and groom? It's your specialty.

Dru: (sarcastically) Ouch! That one hurt! I can tell you haven't lost your wit.

Jen shrugs.

Dru: Actually, I was invited, thank you. For your information, I've gotten to know Stan and Gale quite well over the years. Stan helps me manage the Yacht Club.

Jen: Yeah, Jack told me about your job. What's up with that? I thought you hated that place.

Dru: I hated my mother, not the club.

Jen: Right. (pause) So, how is the wicked one?

Dru: Wouldn't know. I haven't heard from her in five years.

Jen: I'm sorry.

Dru: About what? That could be the best thing that's ever happened to me.

Jen laughs.

Jen: So, what are you doing back here anyway?

Dru: I was looking for you and when I saw you sneak behind this tent, I decided to follow you. I didn't know you were secretly popping pills. What are they for?

Jen: Okay, I admit it. I'm medicating. I'm an anxiety ridden mother. They help.

Dru: Yeah, Jack told me you had a little one. I'd love to meet her.

Jen: Well, you can't right now. She's asleep.

Dru: I can wait. Don't want to wake her up. You look like you need a break from everything. You're not looking too good.

Jen: Gee, thanks.

Dru: No, I mean…

Dru laughs, a little embarrassed.

Dru: I meant that you just don't look like you feel well. That's all.

Jen smiles.

Jen: I know what you meant.

They stare at each other for a moment, feeling a little closeness between them.

Dru: Anyway, I was looking for you because I wanted to ask you a question.

Jen: And what question would that be?

Dru holds out his hand.

Dru: Would you like to dance?

Jen stares at his hand a few moments and then smiles.

Jen: You know what? I'd love to.

Dru smiles as Jen places her hand in his and they walk toward the dance floor.

Dawson is sitting in the kitchen, typing on his laptop. Gale walks in.

Gale: There you are! What are you doing?!

Dawson: I'm working!

Gale: No, Dawson Leery…you're hiding. I think you'd rather sit in here with the imaginary versions of your friends than go out there and talk to the real ones…

Dawson: Actually, I have a deadline.

Gale: Right. And this has nothing to do with a certain Joey Potter who climbed out your window this morning…

Dawson: Mom!

Gale: I don't wanna know anything about it, but if you're afraid to go out there and talk to her…

Dawson: I'm not afraid. I'm just…confused and insecure.

Gale's tone softens and she sits down beside Dawson.

Gale: Why?

Dawson: I don't know. Falling back completely into the past. I mean…basically right now, my whole life…is about the past. I spend every day re-living my past, watching other people act it out. (pause) The past has become my future.

Gale smiles at her son, shaking her head.

Gale: It's become you present. Your future is in the future. And that's the good news, honey. You're the writer. You get to tell the story any way you want. And if you're not happy with the script…I say you get out there, join the party, and start rewriting.

Dawson sighs and eyes his mother.

Dawson: Not bad. Your dialogue was a little clunky, but you made your point.

Gale pulls Dawson up out of his chair and pushes him toward the door.

Dru and Jen are dancing. He says something that makes her laugh.

Dru: You know, I don't think we've ever gotten along like this before. At least, not for this amount of time.

Jen: Don't push it.

Dru laughs.

Dru: Right. (pause) Do you remember the senior prom?

Jen: (groans) How could I forget? It was one of the most horrible nights of my life! First, I had to find out that you were my prom date.

Dru smiles and the memory, about to laugh.

Jen: Then, I decide I'm going to get wasted and jump off the boat.

Dru: But I saved you.

Jen thinks back to that night and how her and Dru ended up confessing their troubles to each other.

Jen: That's right. You did.

Dru: Oh, so you forgot that?

Jen laughs.

Jen: No, I didn't forget that.

Silence. Then…

Jen: I don't think I've ever really told you "thank you".

Dru: Don't worry about it. Besides, I probably would never have gotten another date if all the girls in school thought I let my prom date go overboard.

Jen playfully punches Dru in the shoulder.

Jen: Well, thanks anyway.

Dru smiles.

Dru: There's one thing I've regretted ever since that night.

Jen: What? The fact that you didn't get me into bed?

Dru: No. (pause) We didn't get to dance.

Jen is touched. In all her life, she had never heard Dru Valentine say anything so sweet, and the best part was he said it to her.

Jen: Well…I guess we're making up for that right now.

Dru: Yeah. I guess you're right.

They smile at each other. Jen lightly places her head on Dru's shoulder and closes her eyes as they continue to dance.

Dawson walks outside and looks around. He spots Joey, who is standing alone. He starts to walk toward her, but stops when he sees Pacey walk up to her. Dawson watches from afar for a few minutes and then turns and walks away.

Pacey and Joey are talking. Joey's eyes begin to wander, looking for Dawson. Pacey turns toward the dance floor and sees Dru and Jen dancing.

Pacey: Well, well, well! Look who seems to be having a nice time out on the dance floor.

Joey follows Pacey's gaze. A look of surprise appears on her face.

Joey: I wonder how that happened.

Pacey: I don't know, but they seem to be enjoying each other's company.

Joey watches them. A small smile appears on her face as she realizes how happy Jen seemed to be at that moment. Maybe she has finally found someone who could make her happy. Then Joey begins to wonder if it was possible that she could ever do that same.

Pacey: You know, I just remembered something.

Joey: What's that?

Pacey: Dancing lessons. You and I took dancing lessons.

Joey: That's true, we did. I have the permanently bruised toes to prove it.

Pacey: Well, that's only because you have freakishly long toes that are more like fingers…

Joey: Hey!

Pacey laughs.

Pacey: So, what do ya say we drag those finger-toes onto the dance floor and see what happens?

Joey smiles.

Joey: You're on!

Joey places her hand in Pacey's as they walk to the dance floor.

"Have a Little Faith in Me" by John Hiatt begins to play on the CD player as the band takes a break.

Pacey and Joey are dancing and talking. Lily, being chased by Alex, runs through the crowd of dancers. Bessie follows, trying to catch them.

Bessie: Alex! Lily!

"When the road gets dark, and you can no longer see

Just let my love throw a spark, baby

And have a little faith in me"

Pacey and Joey laugh at the two little ones having fun. A smile lingers on Joey's face as she begins to think back to when her and Dawson were that age, doing the exact same thing.

Pacey: That sure does bring back a lot of memories of growing up.

Joey: Yeah. I know.

Pacey: It's funny how life seems to repeat itself sometimes, isn't it?

Joey nods, not really listening to him. She is completely zoned out, thinking of Dawson. Pacey notices.

"When the tears you cry, are all you can believe

Just give these lovin' arms a try and baby

Have a little faith in me"

Pacey: Jo?

Joey snaps back to reality.

Joey: What?

Pacey laughs.

Pacey: What's going on in that little head of yours?

Joey: Nothing. I…I've just got a lot of my mind today.

Pacey: No kidding.

Joey ignores his comment.

Joey: So…what's up with you?

Pacey: What do you mean?

Joey: I know something is bothering you. So, why don't you go ahead and tell me?

"Have a little faith in me

Have a little faith in me

Have a little faith in me

Have a little faith in me"

Pacey: (lying) I have no idea what you're talking about, Jo.

Joey: You haven't really been acting like yourself today until you came and talked to me while ago.

Pacey: See? There it is. Proof that I'm a better person when I'm with you.

Joey gives a short nervous laugh. Dawson and Jen appear on the dance floor beside them.

Jen: Hey guys! Dawson won't let me lead. Let's switch.

Pacey and Joey nod. Joey goes to Dawson, while Pacey goes to Jen.

Pacey: Lead the way!

Pacey and Jen twirl away.

"When your secret heart, cannot speak so easily

Come here darlin' an from a whisper start

Have a little faith in me"

Dawson and Joey stare at each other. This was the first time they had been face to face since the night before.

Joey: Hey!

Dawson: (smiles) Hey.

They come closer together and start to dance, slowly. It's silent for a few moments, then…

Dawson: You left in a hurry this morning.

Joey: (rambling) I had to get ready. Plus, you were snoring. Plus the déjà vu factor was just…a lot to take. It was like an acid flashback…well, without the swirling colors and stuff. I mean…I guess. I've never actually taken acid…so I'm not really sure, about the colors, but…I mean metaphorically, anyway…

Dawson smiles.

"When your back's against the wall, just turn around

You will see

I will catch you, I will catch your fall

Just have a little faith in me"

Dawson: I'm glad you're nervous too.

Joey: What do you mean?

Dawson: You ramble when you're nervous.

Joey: What is this…rag on Joey Potter day?

Dawson: I like that you ramble when you're nervous. I like that I know that you ramble when you're nervous. (pause) And I like that I can still make you nervous.

They stare at each other for a charged beat.

"Have a little faith in me

Have a little faith in me

Have a little faith in me

Have a little faith in me"

Joey shakes her head and smiles self-consciously.

Dawson: What?

Joey: From rambling idiot to speechless in five seconds flat…

They stare at each other again.

"They say time, time is a friend for you and me

There is no end, all you gotta do is

Have a little faith in me"

Dawson: So, where do we go from here?

Their voices have gone to a whisper.

Joey: Where do you want it to go?

Both of them are completely caught up in the moment. Dawson tries to speak, but he can't. So, he tries something else. He slowly starts moving in to kiss her. Joey slowly closes her eyes, her lips awaiting for his to meet hers.

"Have a little faith in me

Have a little faith in me

Have a little faith in me

Have a little faith in me"

Jen and Pacey appear again, making Dawson and Joey snap back to reality.

Jen: Please, take him back! He keeps stepping on my toes!

Pacey: Whatever! It's a conspiracy…

Pacey and Joey go back to dancing with each other as Dawson and Jen resume and drift away.

"Jealous" by Sinead O'Connor begins to play.

"You're jealous

You can't stand to see me get along without you

Like I do

You told me too"

Joey looks over Pacey's shoulder at Dawson and Jen. Dawson looks over at Joey. When their eyes meet, Joey quickly turns away. Joey notices Maddie staring at them intently.

Joey: Um…I think we have an audience…

Pacey notices too. He sighs of annoyance.

"Now you're jealous

You don't know how hard it was to be alone without you

And wanting you, like I do"

Joey: So, I see some things never change. Still breakin' hearts, Pace?

Pacey: I guess you could say that.

"I would have stayed if you'd wanted

Would have been willing

But you said that I treat you so badly

I can't be forgiven"

Joey eyes Maddie, who is staring at her evilly, seething with jealousy.

Joey: She's not going to hurt me is she?

Pacey: Wanna help me get rid of her?

Joey: (suspicious) How?

Pacey looks at Maddie to make sure she's watching, and then he dips Joey and kisses her on the lips.

"You're jealous

You don't know how hard it is to be a woman in love with you

When you're so cruel, and so jealous

You don't think about anybody else's feelings but your own

Are you coming home?"

After a moment, they break apart. Both of them are stunned, definitely feeling something. Pacey notices over Joey's shoulder, Maddie walking away and shaking her head. He turns back to Joey.

Pacey: Thanks.

Joey: (still stunned) Uh huh..

"I would have stayed if you'd wanted

Would have been willing

But you said I hurt you so badly

Can't be forgiven"

Joey has to force herself to recover. She felt every bit of that kiss…but how? How could she have feelings for Dawson one minute and then realize she still had feelings for Pacey as well? Nothing made since. Suddenly, Dawson's voice is heard from across the floor, panicked.

Dawson: Jen!

Joey and Pacey rush over to find Jen passed out on the dance floor, Dawson kneeling over her.

Dawson: I don't know what happened, she just…she just collapsed.

Grams appears, looking worried sick.

Grams: Jennifer! Someone find her bag. She needs her pills.

Dru kneels down beside her now.

Dru: I just saw her take two.

Grams: Dear Lord, this shouldn't be happening.

Jack runs up, looking worried.

Jack: What's going on?!

Grams: Call an ambulance. Hurry!

Someone takes off running toward the house.

Dawson: What's wrong with her?

Grams: For God's sake, hurry! We have to get her to a hospital! Now!

Grams kneels down beside Jen, frightened.

Jack: Why?! What's going on here?

Grams: She's sick.

Jack: What are you talking about?! She was fine…

Grams: She's not fine! She's sick. It's her heart.

Grams picks Jen's head up and lays it in her lap. She starts lightly caressing her hair.

Grams: My baby, Jen.

The gang look at each other, never being more worried in their lives.

TO BE CONTINUED…