Author's note: Thanks to all who reviewed. Things are winding down…3 or 4 more chapters should do it.
Chapter 6
It was several days later since the Christmas Party. Dawson hasn't left his house since his realization despite his parents multiple attempts to make him do so and find out what was bothering him.
He was in his room looking at a picture of him, Joey, Pacey and Andie back from last year, when the door opened revealing Jen Lindley
Dawson: Save it Jen…I know what you're going to say
Jen: Do you Dawson? All I was going to say is you need to deal with this.
Dawson: Oh no no no I was planning on avoiding and denying this. Dealing with it is the exact opposite of what I want to do.
Jen: What are you going to do the next time you see her? Or Joey? Or Pacey?
Dawson stares then buries his head in his bed making inaudible whining noises.
Jen reaches and yanks him by the hair
Dawson: Ow ow ow Jen stop it!
Jen: Had to be done. Look if you don't deal with this the consequences could be greater than you think. Pacey and Andie are still trying the friend thing out so she's technically a free agent.
Dawson: No Jen I can't act on these feelings. It could cause too much heartache for 4 people.
February 14th
Dawson and Pacey are waiting on the golf course
Pacey: There they are. The Mcphees plus one.
Andie: Hey you two this is an old friend from home, Kate Walsh
Dawson: Nice to meet you. I'm Dawson and this is Pacey.
Jack: Guys let's head on over to the party.
Pacey: Ok there are five of us and two golf carts. So I'll go with Andie and Jack and Dawson can go with Kate.
Dawson: Pacey what are you doing?
Pacey: Relax man I'm doing you a favor. It's Valentines Day. She is single and so are you. Come on man you haven't even looked at a girl since Joey
Dawson: If you say so
Pacey heads over to his cart and drives off
Andie: Real subtle Pace…you're trying to start something between Dawson and Kate aren't you?
Pacey: What if I am? Don't make me put you in the back now
Andie: She just broke up with her boyfriend ok? She is too emotionally hurt to get involved with anyone, even if it's no strings attached.
Later Dawson and Kate
Kate: So your friend seems to enjoy playing matchmaker
Dawson: You noticed huh?
Kate: Don't worry I know you're head over heels in love with Andie. I'm also guessing that no one knows.
Dawson tries to deny it but eventually just stays silent
Kate: I can keep a secret
Back at the Mcphee household.
Andie: So you and Dawson huh?
Kate: I'm sorry Andie I don't kiss and tell
Andie: Listen Kate the two of you are still reeling of love lost, plus Dawson has to deal with his parents undefined relationship. All I'm saying is that he's a really sweet boy and he may get the-
Kate: Andie shut up for a second. Nothing happened ok? Your "concern" seems like jealousy to me. Seems you have things to figure out.
Andie watches Kate get into the guest bedroom. She isn't sure what's more shocking: what Kate said or the fact that she was right.
