Standard Disclaimer. Don't own anything. Dawson's Creek its not mine.
Thanks to all the people who reviewed, I really appreciate the feed back. And I do apologize for the late update, hopefully the next update will be a lot sooner. This is just a filler chapter to get you reading until the next update. Hope you enjoy it.
Chapter Nine: Prelude to the Rave
Pacey was awoken the next morning by some excessive knocking. Now normally on a Sunday morning he would be awake a lot earlier to attend hockey practice, but after last night, he really wasn't in the mood to go anywhere.
So the constant knocking was an annoyance to him, and whoever was responsible for the knocking was sure to get a Witter beat down.
But he hadn't even gotten up from the couch before Gretchen beat him to it and opened the door.
Besides her annoyed voice asking the knocker, "What?" Pacey hadn't heard anything being spoken between her and the person responsible for his awakening.
But it didn't take long before Gretchen came in the living room, "Hey Pacey you're awake?"
Pacey had his eyes closed, "Nope, I'm still asleep."
"Nice try. Anyways you got someone in the kitchen who needs to talk to you. And she's not to happy with you. Now I'm going to get ready, since mom expects me at the house for breakfast." Gretchen walked towards the bathroom.
"Funny how they didn't invite me for breakfast." Pacey muttered bitterly to himself.
He wasn't in the mood to get up and walk towards the kitchen, even though his heart leapt at the mere thought that it could be Joey. But he pushed that thought and feeling away. He had said so himself, he was through with her and their pathetic love triangle.
But Pacey knew their was a difference in saying something was done, than feeling it.
Pacey took a deep breath and got up. Might as well get this over with.
When Pacey entered the kitchen he was surprised to see Jen and Jack there.
Pacey sighed, "Oh great, what are you guys doing here?"
Jen turned around and glared at him, "What are we doing here? We're here to get your sorry ass to the B&B and talk to Joey."
Jack who was drinking a cup of coffee that he must have made himself raised his hand, "Um. . yeah she's here to do that. I'm just here to see how she's going to manage to do that. Hey how come you weren't at practice? Mr. Leery wasn't to pleased, he said something about Mr. Bolivar keeping his star player out late, and shit like that."
Pacey shrugged and walked towards the coffee pot, he was going to reach for it but Jen slapped his hand away, "Hey Lindley, that's my pot of coffee."
"So what, get dressed so we can get you and Joey happy again." Jen shrugged.
Pacey ran his hand through his short brown stands, "No." he simply said.
The pure simplicity, angered Jen, "What do you mean no?"
Pacey poured himself a cup of coffee, "What is it you just don't get Jen, the N part or the O part."
"Both parts really. I can't believe you, it was just a kiss. It wasn't like they were in full blown make out mode."
"Let me guess Joey said that, right?" Pacey asked, really not in the mood for this.
"No she didn't. Matter of fact I haven't talked to Joey since last night after we dropped her off at the B&B. Dawson was the one who told me what happened." Jen said honestly.
Pacey stopped mid drink to think about what Jen had said. He was actually surprised Dawson was the one who told Jen and not Joey. But Pacey wasn't fooled, he wasn't going to let this change of heart from Dawson get to him.
"And that's supposed to make a difference? They were his lips who kissed hers." Pacey said indifferently.
Jen glared at him. Since she was standing at arms reach she slapped him behind the head. "You're just a git sometimes you know that?"
Both Pacey and Jack looked at her weird.
"Git? When did you start using British slang?" Jack asked rather curiously.
Jen shrugged, "Oh you know that new chat room I've signed myself up for. Well I met this very hot and sophisticated English man who's thought me pretty much all their slang as I've done so with ours."
"You know Lindley does chat rooms aren't very safe. For all you know that English gentleman, can be an American couch potato wanting to get some action from unsuspected girls like yourself." Pacey informed her.
Jen gave him the, Don't-mess-with-me, look, "For your information and ease your concern he doesn't know my real name, nor does he know my age."
"Well that puts our minds at ease, right Jackers?" Pacey asked Jack who was now more interested in the contents of his fridge.
"Mmmh." Jack said pushing aside Tupperware's full of uneaten food sent home by Mrs. Witter.
Jen rolled her eyes, "That's Jack McPhee for you. He cares about me if and only if food isn't present in the room."
"Sorry to break this for you Jen but food has its appeal that you just don't have." Pacey said.
"Hey Witter is there by any chance anything in this fridge or house for that matter that's eatable?" Jack asked emerging from the fridge empty handed.
"Sorry McPhee but nothing in that fridge is edible." Pacey said.
Jen looked at Pacey curiously, "Then what do you and Gretchen eat?"
"She usually eats something at Fresh Fish, and I eat what I learn to make at the Fish House." Pacey answered.
"Well than Chef Witter why don't you use what you've learned so far and make me something delicious to eat." Jack offered.
Jen shot him a look, "Jack this is no time for your stomach to get full. We came here on a mission."
Pacey ignored Jen and looked at Jack, "Are you sure Jackers? I mean so far what I've made has come out fine, but that's just me and what I think is considered good food."
Jack shrugged, "I'm up for anything really. I mean you've tasted what Jen has cooked, and I've eaten everything she's done and so far I haven't gotten sick."
Jen glared at him, "Hey I take offense to that."
Again both boys ignored her, since food was on both their minds.
"Alright, but if you get sent to the hospital don't send me the bill." Pacey opened the fridge and saw what he had to work with.
After a bit of rummaging through the fridge Pacey came out with five eggs, three small green peppers and six potatoes. Once everything was placed on the counter, Pacey began to work, on what Lewis called, 'Egg a la Spicy'.
Both Jen and Jack were impressed at how Pacey worked perfectly in the kitchen. Pacey was way to into what he was doing that he didn't notice Gretchen enter the kitchen all showered, dressed and made up.
"Hey guys, so have you two spoken to him yet?" Gretchen asked while pouring herself a cup of coffee.
Jen gave Jack a dirty look, "Well I have, but McPhee's bottomless stomach seems to be a distraction."
Jack seemed offended by that, "Oy, that's just not nice Jen. But I do have to admit your approach on the subject at hand is way to direct and rather unreasonable."
"Oh really do tell Jack, what my direct should be?" Jen asked not really liking people telling her approach on things weren't working.
"Well okay, just don't get mad. But I think Pacey over here needs to deal with this on his own terms. He's a bit pissed off at the fact that Dawson kissed Joey. And even though they aren't together, he still has a bit of right to get mad. It would just be the same way if the roles were reversed, Dawson would get mad or like most cases a bit dramatic." Jack explained.
"So what you're saying is that I should just let this go and have Pacey and Joey deal with this?" Jen asked, not really believing Jack saying that.
Gretchen looked at Pacey for a moment and thought of something, "Well Jack has a point, but I like the more get it over and done with approach. But knowing Pacey he's not going to let this go for a while. So its best we give him some time. That or we wait until Joey comes and explains everything to him."
Jen looked doubtful of that happening anytime soon. She knew Joey pretty well. And she knew that the brunette wasn't very big on confrontation. Or to cut it down a bit short, Joey Potter wasn't very big on confronting her feelings for Pacey.
"Well hopefully Joey does something about this sooner than later. Cause to be honest with you both, Pacey has really had enough with the love triangle between them."
Jack and Jen silently agreed with Gretchen.
o0o0o0o
Olivia hated the Yacht Club and the people in it. It was nothing against the citizens of Capeside. More like she just didn't like Yacht Clubs period.
When she was younger and her father was finally eligible for their little club, she was forced to go. Her father liked them for the simple fact that he could dock his boat and it would be safe. Other than that he hated them, but he joined them nonetheless.
She was part of at least fifteen Yacht Clubs. She was also a proud member of ten Country Clubs.
The only fond memories she can connect to any Yacht Club was when she was around nine, and both her and Jen would spend their summers in the pool area or learned how to play tennis by the hot instructor, who they later started to notice once they aged a bit.
She had also met Drue Valentine in a Yacht Club, much classier than what Capeside had to offer but a Yacht Club nonetheless.
So why did she endure using her membership to these places?
Simple really, she loved the private tennis courts. That and the alcohol waiters would sneak out for her if she asked them rather nicely.
But she wasn't at the Capeside Yacht Club for those things, she was their because she needed to blow off some steam and calm her nerves. After all Pacey hadn't called her last night nor that very same morning to check in. She had thought of calling him but she didn't' want to sound desperate.
"You know at the speed you're drinking those I have a feeling I'm going to have to carry you out of here." Drue said while drinking his own alcoholic beverage.
Olivia looked at her PiƱa Colada and then at Drue, "It's a virgin colada, so relax. And like I'll ever let you carry me out of anywhere."
Drue looked shocked about the whole virgin drink that he let that last bit sly, "Seriously? There is no alcohol what so ever in that drink?"
Olivia rolled her eyes, "Yes I'm serious. Plus I still have a bit of a headache from the shit I smoked last night."
"Taking weed again I see. You should stick with E."
"Are you out of your mind? That thing is way more dangerous than smoking a joint here and there. I can't believe you're still using that shit." Olivia exclaimed.
"I'm not using E anymore. I've stopped with all that crap really. Not because I wanted to mind you, but because theirs no good dealer around here. I gave Jen my last two pills, which she took by the way." Drue explained.
Olivia was shocked about that, "Jen took the pills? No way, she wouldn't have given you that whole I'm not the same girl from New York, crap if it wasn't true."
Drue shrugged, "Words are just words Olivia, you know that. Doesn't really matter, I doubt she's used them."
Olivia only hoped he was right about Jen not using them. As much as she hated to admit it Olivia didn't want Jen falling back to old habits. Jen was the wild one of the three of them and that's because she used more E than the both of them put together.
"Anyways lets change the subject, as much as I would love to talk about Jen its rather depressing even bringing her up. You know I walked passed her yesterday at the restaurant and she didn't even say hello to me." Drue said bitterly.
"Well what do you expect Drue? She doesn't want you nor me in her life. And that's fine with me really since I'm more interested in Pacey." Olivia said.
Drue rolled his eyes, typical girls and their crushes, "You know he's still hung up on Potter rather badly right?"
Olivia chose to ignore that, "So have you found anything fun we could do in this boring town?"
"Besides leaving it? Not really. I did come across a rave flyer on the internet but I'm not sure you're interested in attending that. Since you have bad experiences when it comes to those types of parties." Drue said.
Olivia thought about it, she wasn't a big rave party fan. That type of scene just didn't call out to her. And Drue was right she just never had any good experiences when it came to them either. But it was Capeside, how wild can they get?
"I don't know Valentine maybe I'll consider going. Its probably the only exciting thing that's ever going to come across this boring town." Olivia said.
Drue was actually excited about going, "Well that's great. You can ask Witter if he'll like to go. May be he'll bring that hot sister of his."
"I thought you were hung up on our old friend Jen?" Olivia asked.
"I still am but I'm not so hung up that I wont explore my options." Drue smirked.
Olivia rolled her eyes, "Typical Drue Valentine fashion. That's why you didn't get Jen to fall for you then because of your lack of commitment."
Drue thought about that for a moment and realized she was right, "Hmm. . .you got a point their Olivia. I think I should lie low for a while. Plus theirs not many good looking girls in this town."
Olivia had to agree with that, she looked at her watch and saw that she should get going seeing as she promised her father she would help him out at the restaurant again. She said her goodbyes to Drue and headed towards the parking lot.
She was surprised to see none other than Joey Potter and Dawson Leery arguing or more like having a tense discussion.
"I've explained everything that happened to Jen hoping she would have told Pacey and made him understand that I was the one who kissed you. But that plan failed seeing as Pacey didn't' want to hear it." Dawson tried to make Joey understand.
Oh boy. They kissed!! Olivia was shocked belong belief.
Joey didn't take that explanation to well, "YOU DID WHAT?!"
Dawson took a step back from her outburst, "I told Jen what happened so she could . . ."
Joey interrupted him, "I heard you the first time! Why would you do that? It was my problem to solve with Pacey not yours."
"Now wait a minute here, don't get angry at me. You could have easily pushed me away, I didn't force that kiss on you." Dawson said defensively.
Joey's eyes flared up in anger, "I know you didn't force that kiss on me, but you didn't' even warn me about it. I was to stun to do anything about it. And Dawson please don't go assuming anything, because that kiss meant nothing."
Dawson was hurt by that, "So what are you trying to say that what we had was nothing?"
"No that's not what I'm trying to say Dawson. What I'm trying to say that the kiss you gave me felt more like a kiss Jack would receive from a girl." Joey tried to explain to him without trying to hurt his feelings anymore than she already had.
Dawson shook his head furiously, "Well SORRY we all can't make you feel like Pacey does when he kisses you?!"
"Now that's not fair Dawson. I don't compare the kisses I've shared with you with the kisses I've shared with him. I'm just not that type of girl, and I thought you knew that."
Dawson sighed tiredly, "You know what Joey I don't know who you are anymore. First with the art, then the whole Jack thing, then you throwing yourself at me, that friendship you build with Pacey and finally that whole affair you had with him. You're just not the Joey Potter I knew."
"That's the thing Dawson, I've stopped being that little girl from the wrong side of the creek long ago. You were just to busy to realize it." Joey said sadly, never really wanting to say it like that.
Dawson shook his head not ready to realize that just yet, "I'm sorry Joey but I can't deal with all this. I hope you can fix whatever problem I've caused you with Pacey."
Joey watched Dawson walk away. She was to tired to even continue the conversation at hand.
When she heard clapping behind her she quickly turned around to find Olivia smirking at her.
"Bravo Potter. That little soulmate scene deserves an encore. Got to give it to Leery over there, that was some Oscar winning acting he put out there. Not that his emotions weren't true, just that it seemed a bit to forced if you know what I mean." Olivia sneered.
Joey had half a mind to lunge at her and beat her head against the pavement, but she knew that would only bring some satisfaction on Olivia's part.
"I'm not in the mood for you're humor Olivia." Joey simply replied.
Olivia shrugged, "That's fine by me Potter since I was on my way anyways. Though I must ask you something that's been in my head since I found about your little love triangle."
Joey willed herself not to punch that condescending smirk of her face, "Alright then hurry up I don't have all day, I do have more important things to do than to stand around here talking to you."
"Harsh words Potter, but better than your I'm not in the mood crap you pulled earlier. What I don't get is why would you let a great guy like Pacey Witter walk away and keep someone as whiny and self-centered as Dawson Leery?" Olivia asked.
"That's none of your business Bolivar, so go back to your life of the rich and lazy and leave me the hell alone." Joey angrily walked towards her truck.
She just wanted to go home and relax. But to her luck Olivia followed her, she whirled around and glared at her, "What the hell is your problem? Can't you just leave me alone?"
Olivia raised her eyebrow at her quizzically, "Are you sure I shouldn't be asking you that very same question, seeing as that's my car right next to yours?"
Joey turned red in embarrassment, indeed the sports car next to her rundown truck was Olivia's car.
Knowing full well Joey wasn't going to apologize, seeing as if she was the one who acted that very same way wouldn't have said anything, Olivia got into her car.
But before she left she wanted to make something clear to Joey Potter, "You know Potter you're not the only one interested in Pacey. And you and I are probably the first of many. But the difference between you and I Potter is that I'm not going to wait any more. Pacey's unattached, and if that kiss between you and your soulmate has brought such an affect on you, I could image what it has done to him. The way I see you've lost your chance, or more like chances with him, I think. . .no I believe its time I took mine. Have a good day Potter."
Joey only watched as Olivia sped off to God knows were. And that's when it was completely clear to Joey. She could easily lose him to Olivia or any other girl.
She wasn't going to let that happened. But was she ready to allow herself to be loved by him?
o0o0o0o
Joey had tried and tried to get in contact both physically and by phone, with Pacey, but either he wasn't there or he was telling Gretchen not to pass any calls that were from her.
She tried cornering him during school, but he was either in practice or late classes and she just couldn't afford to arrive late at the Yacht Club, knowing full well Mrs. Valentine wouldn't think twice of firing her.
When she finally got close enough to him to talk to him, he had brush her off saying he was on his way out. Not knowing what to do, she had let him go.
But that wasn't the worst part of yet another week without Pacey. No the worst part was that Olivia and Pacey were seen everywhere they went. They were rumored to be a couple, but Jen reassured her that it wasn't true, that she personally asked Pacey and he had said no.
Once Friday afternoon rolled by Joey was tired of chasing Pacey around. But that didn't mean she was willing to give up. She had some explaining to do, and she wasn't going to stop until she had her say.
Joey, Jen and Andie were currently in the school library doing research for the colleges of their choice. It had been Andie's idea of a girl's day out.
Jen rubbed tiredly at her eyes, "I seriously don't think twenty extra dollars in your paycheck is worth all this trouble."
Andie shot her a look, "Getting a college education isn't just about getting extra money, its about letting yourself grow as a person."
Joey, who would have rather spent her day off doing something she enjoyed or looking for Pacey, was actually interested in the research she was doing. So far the only colleges or universities that had caught her eye were Worthington and Columbia University.
"Andie! Andie!" Jack called out the library.
Students around them glared at Jack for his disruption. All three girls turned from looking at the computer screen to stare at Jack, who looked like he ran all the way from home.
Andie gave her brother a dirty look, "Jack why are you yelling? In a library no less."
"Screw the library. Theirs more important things than this stupid library." Jack said.
"Oh yeah, like what?" Andie asked.
Jack took lifted his right hand which held a mailed envelope, "When I got home today to pick up my gear for hockey practice I checked the mail, you know to see if you got any of those college brochures and stuff. When something caught my eye. I thought it wasn't wise to bring it to you, but Pacey convinced me you would have liked to have it as soon as possible. So like the kind brother that I am, and the very generous ex-boyfriend Pacey is, he drove me all the way back here so I could personally deliver this to you."
Andie took the letter from Jack's hand. And to her delight and horror the envelope had the Harvard seal in the right margin.
"Oh! Harvard! Oh! Oh my gosh." Andie exclaimed.
Both Joey and Jen were looking at the sealed envelope with interest. They all knew about Andie's dream of attending that fine ivy-league school.
Andie glanced at the envelope, not really ready to open it, "Its rather small don't you think? I personally think if it was a yes it would be a bit bigger, this is were size really matters. Oh my, this is my future in an envelope."
Jen placed a reassuring hand on Andie's shoulder, "I personally think that size only matters when you have a full view of the entire package, really."
Andie looked at Jen, "So that means I'll have to open it?"
"I'm afraid so McPhee." Jen said sympathetically. No one really wanted to get rejected from the school of their choice. Not that she thought Andie wasn't going to get in. But its Harvard.
Jack was impatiently moving from side to side, "Come on open it already. They would be fools not to take you, you're one of the smartest people I know."
"Jackers that's not very reassuring since you only know five people." Jen teased.
Jack smirked at her, "So you caught on that you're not very smart then."
Jen glared at him, she was going to respond, when Andie opened the letter. While she read the three of them held their breath, silently praying and hoping their friend got in.
After a moment of silence, Jack spoke, "Andie what does it say?"
"It says, Dear Miss McPhee, Harvard college is pleased to inform you that your application for early action for the fall of 2001 has been accepted and we are looking forward to having you as a member of the freshman class!" Andie said still in shock.
"Yes!! You're in! You're in!" Jack said. He was happy for his sister.
Jen smiled at her friend, "You got in!"
"Congratulations Andie. You got your dream." Joey smiled at the blond.
"I can't believe it, I got in." Andie said, still not believing it.
Jack pulled her up and brought her into a hug, "Well you better believe it."
He let her go and addressed the library, "Hey everybody! My sister just got into Harvard!!"
The students in the library who had been glaring at the four of them because of their constant interruptions, cheered for Andie. After all not many people could say they got into Harvard on a Friday afternoon.
o0o0o0o
Later that day, Joey headed straight to the music store. She wanted to get Andie a present for her early acceptance to Harvard.
She was a bit surprised to find Dawson there. And so was he.
Joey nervously smiled at him, "Hey, surprise seeing you here."
Dawson shrugged, "Just looking for something good to listen to while I write."
Joey glanced down at the section Dawson was looking at. "The Counting Crows, isn't exactly what you like to listen to."
Dawson looked down at the displays and smiled, "Yeah well I remember you use to make Pacey and I listen to them for hours. To be honest one of their songs inspired me to write my first ever script. Though you and Pacey both shot it down, that's probably the only time you two agreed on something."
Joey smiled at Dawson. He seemed less bitter than their usual conversations.
"Yeah well back then we both hated one another." Joey shrugged.
Just like that the bitterness came back. But Joey noticed that he held it back. Just then Gretchen stepped out of the back, thanking the employer for finding the CD she was looking for.
When she noticed the pair, she was bit surprised to see them both there. But she smiled just the same, "Hey you two. I didn't know you two were music fans."
"Just looking for some inspiration." Dawson smiled nervously.
Joey avoided looking at Gretchen, not sure if she wanted to see the girl who broke her brother's heart.
"And you Joey? What brings you by here?" Gretchen asked curiously.
As much as Gretchen wanted to remain completely out of their love triangle, she still wanted to know what was going on. Even if it did require her to be a bit nosy.
"Just here to buy Andie a congratulations present. She got into Harvard today." Joey said, proud of her friend.
Gretchen had already heard the news from an equally proud Pacey, "Yeah I know Pacey told me after he got home from hockey practice."
Instantly Gretchen knew it was a mistake bringing up her brother's name in front of both Joey and Dawson. Though they both had a different reaction when they heard Pacey's name, tension between the both of them escalated.
Just then a guy handed Gretchen a flyer. She took it and looked at it. She couldn't help but laugh, "I can't believe it. Capeside is hosting its very first and probably its last rave."
Now that was a surprise on all three of them.
"Well that's a first." Dawson said.
"Is our town that boring that we need a rave to entertain us?" Joey asked, not quite believing the news.
Gretchen nodded her head, "Of course its boring. I left three years ago and so far nothing has changed. Finally theirs some excitement in this town. Are you guys up for it? I can be your chaperon."
Dawson smirked at her, "Yeah like you'll ever find me in one of these things. Raves aren't really my scene."
"Have you been to any raves lately?" Gretchen asked.
Dawson's smirk faltered, "No, its just something I know I wouldn't enjoy."
"But how would you really, and I do mean really, know if you've never been to one?" Gretchen persisted.
Joey watched them both talk, she did not want to get into that conversation anytime soon. A rave was not her scene either, but she was bored of this town. Maybe because her ticket out of here was so close she could already feel it.
She left both Dawson and Gretchen discussing the rave and went to check out the new releases rack by the windows. Once she got there, her attention was quickly drawn to the two people walking on the opposite street, joking and laughing, and just having a ball.
Joey's insides twisted in pain. Just seeing Pacey put his arm around Olivia's shoulder, was enough to make Joey lose hope at any chance she had with him.
o0o0o0o
Pacey put his arm around Olivia in a friendly way, but that was just enough to make her hope that their was an actual chance with her.
He smiled at her, "You're kidding right? I mean you actually want me to join you and Valentine in this crazy outing?"
Olivia rolled her eyes, "Okay. . one its not crazy. And two its not an outing as you plainly called it. Its more like doing something fun in this mind-numbing town."
"Hey I actually like mind-numbing." Pacey truthfully said.
"Seriously? You like not having nothing to do in this town? The only thing so far that I see that's exciting about this town is when the theaters are stocked with the new releases." Olivia pointed out.
Pacey shrugged, "I don't know. I mean raves aren't really my type of scene. I'm more of a sailing the seven seas, or staying at home watching reruns and stuffing my face with junk food type of guy."
Olivia liked that about Pacey, except the whole stuffing his face with junk food.
"Okay fine don't give me an answer right away, but do call me before six to see if you've made up your mind or not." Olivia said.
"Alright I'll call you later with my answer. Though if I do decide to go to this thing, what do I have to wear?"
"Anything you feel comfortable with." Olivia shrugged, "I don't really know. When I went to raves with Drue and Jen we only thought about one thing, to get loaded on E. .err. drinks."
Pacey looked at her strangely for a moment before he let it go, "Well okay. I'll think about it. See you later."
Olivia waved goodbye at him while headed for his truck. Olivia turned around and headed back to the restaurant. Hopefully Pacey would agree to attend the rave with her.
And Drue of course. Of course I can't forget Drue. But most likely he'll ditch us right away for the next available blond.
But that was fine with Olivia. The more alone time she had with Pacey, the better her chances were to get him to notice her.
o0o0o0o
Jen hopped on the kitchen counter in the McPhee household, "I'm telling you Jack this whole rave thing isn't a rumor."
"So its not a rumor, big deal. Why would we attend one of those things anyways?" Jack asked.
"They're not so bad once you get use to them. Once upon a time I use to go to them all." Jen said.
Jack eyed her carefully, "And you want to relieve that? Your life from New York?"
"No way. I don't ever want to go back to that lifestyle. But it wouldn't hurt to just attend this thing. Not much is going on in Capeside anyways." Jen reasoned.
Andie came into the room. She was surprised to see both Jen and her brother there. She was use to them gone by the time she took her first study break.
"Hey what are you two still doing here?" Andie said, grabbing Jack's third sandwich.
"Oy! I was going to eat that." Jack exclaimed.
Andie shook her head disapprovingly, "You're eating way to much Jack."
Jack pouted, "Jen tell her to give me back my food."
Jen shook her head at her friend, "Andie's right you eat way to much. If it wasn't for football or hockey I'm sure you would be fat by now."
Jack decided to let it go, he would get himself another sandwich later.
"So seriously shouldn't you two be off doing something time consuming?" Andie asked once again.
Jack looked at her sister weirdly, "It seems like you don't want us here, sis."
"Of course not Jack, that's just silly. No its just I'm not use to seeing the both of you just sitting around doing nothing." Andie explained.
"See normally Jack and I do go out and do something that involves wasting all our available time, but today we both agreed that we would do something that you would like to do." Jen answered Andie's previous question.
Andie looked confused, "Something I would like to do, why?"
Now it was Jen and Jack's turn to look confuse.
"Because Andie, you got into Harvard." Jack said not believing his sister would forget that so soon.
Not that Andie had forgotten that great news. It was more like the emotions that should have come along with the type of news weren't what most people would have expected.
But she wasn't sure how to explain that to her brother or anyone for that matter. The only person she knew, who would listen to her without a second thought of her own sanity was Pacey. But even then he was dealing with so many issues involving Joey, Dawson and his own goals. She couldn't possibly go to him.
So Andie smiled at her brother, "Don't be a fool Jack. I know I got into Harvard. Its just that its all to overwhelming."
Jack looked worriedly at her sister, "If its to much, and you can't take it, tell me Andie. I don't want you stressing out for something that is seriously not worth it."
"Jack, Harvard is worth so many things. But don't worry I wont let what happened sophomore year happen again." Andie promised.
Jen noticing the tense atmosphere, decided to break it, "I was just telling Jack about the rave tonight and to see if you both would like to come."
Andie knew going to a rave wasn't her scene. But may be that was what attracted her to Jen's idea the most. Because it wasn't something Andie McPhee would do. No that Andie McPhee could get into Harvard, get straight A's, deal with her brother's death, her mother's insanity and the outcome of her brother's sexuality.
But she was tired of being that Andie. She wanted to be someone else. She wanted to be free from everything in her life.
"You know what, I actually like that. I've never been to a rave before. And you're right Jack I shouldn't be stressing out for something that's not worth it. I'm already in Harvard, what's the point to study? So when does this rave start?" Andie asked.
Jack was still looking worriedly at her.
Jen wasn't sure what had gotten into Andie, but she shrugged it off, Maybe the girl just wants to have fun. "It starts around seven, but that doesn't matter because you can go anytime you want."
Andie looked at her watch and saw that they all had enough time to get ready, "That's great. I'll go get ready. Jack you call Joey, Dawson and Pacey and make sure they go. I got into Harvard today and I want to celebrate with my friends."
Andie left the kitchen, while Jack looked at her sister not sure if going to the rave was such a good idea.
"Jen I don't really think this is such a good idea. I mean Andie has just started her new meds. And what I've heard E is a major hit in that type of scene."
"Come on Jack, you're talking about sensible Andie McPhee. She wouldn't take E or any other drug, not even if her acceptance to Harvard was on the line. You have nothing to worry about." Jen assured him.
Jack chuckled at the mere idea that Andie would take drugs of any kind, "You're right. Maybe I'm just a bit paranoid."
"A bit? How bout a lot?"
"Okay, okay. I get it. I'm just worried about her. Normal people who get into a school like Harvard act like they're over the moon. Andie's just . . well she's nothing really. Her and dad had their little chit chat at least two hours ago, and when I was their she just wasn't as happy as we were for her." Jack explained.
"People deal with any type of news differently. Don't worry about it to much Jack. Andie is happy, she's probably just worrying about what she's going to do with all her free time." Jen said.
Jack shrugged, "Again you're probably right. Anyways I'm going to head out for a moment. I need to go ask Pacey if he'll want to join us at the rave."
"You can just call him." Jen suggested.
"See you think it would be that easy. But no. . he went off and disconnected his line, so Joey would stop calling him during the day." Jack said.
"You've got to me kidding me?" Jen couldn't believe Pacey would go that far.
"I kid you not. Plus I really do need to get out of this house. All this estrogen is giving me a headache." Jack teased.
Jen raised an eyebrow at him, "All this estrogen is giving you a headache? When did you become all testosterone?"
Jack shrugged, "Don't know, maybe all the time I spend being shoved to the ground. Mr. Leery said hockey builds up character. I personally think hockey builds up my chances of getting hurt."
"Well as long as you don't get your pretty face messed up, I'm all for your character being built."
Jack pretended to ignore her and went off to Casa de Witter.
o0o0o0o
"So you're telling me that Andie, your sister, my ex-girlfriend, wants to go to this rave to celebrate her early acceptance to Harvard?" Pacey asked Jack, not quite believing Andie would agree to attend such a thing.
Jack nodded his head, "Yup. I'm a bit surprised myself. But Jen said that maybe she's just looking for some fun."
"Well Andie does need a bit of a break." Pacey said.
"So are you going to go? Normally I would take no for answer, seeing as I really don't want to go either, but Andie did say she would like to celebrate with all her friends." Jack explained.
Pacey was indeed planning to go to the whole rave thing, but not with them. His original plan was to attend the rave with Olivia and Drue.
"Yeah I'm going to go. I wouldn't miss Andie's celebration for anything in the world." Pacey answered truthfully.
Jack smiled, pleased with Pacey's answer, "Great, that'll make her happy. So Jen and I will pick you up around nine."
"I need to run a quick errand around seven, and I don't know if I'll be back in time to catch you guys. But I'll meet you guys over their." Pacey partly lied.
He did have to run an errand. And that was just to run to the market and buy some toiletries for both he and Gretchen. Pacey would have accepted Jack's ride, but he had already made plans with Olivia, that he would drive down with her to the rave.
"Well okay then, we'll meet you there. Hey can I borrow your phone, I need to call Jen to ask her something?" Jack asked.
"Sure go right ahead."
Jack picked up the phone but hesitated, "Is it connected?"
Pacey looked at him weirdly, "What do you mean is it connected? Of course it's connected. Why wouldn't it be connected?"
"Because you said yesterday during practice that you disconnected it so Joey wouldn't call you anymore." Jack answered if Pacey did know that already.
"I never said that. I said, 'I should disconnect it, so those damn telemarketers would stop bugging me when I was trying to study. I would never go as far to disconnect my own phone so Joey wouldn't call me." Pacey said.
"Oh. . .my bad." Jack shrugged, and continued with his call.
Of course is your bad. Pacey shook his head, not believing Jack would think he would go as low as to disconnect his phone so Joey wouldn't call him.
Obviously it would have made it a lot easier for him to stop himself half way from reaching for the phone every time she did call.
Because their was no denying it, Joey Potter was one hell of a girl to get over.
Though Gretchen had told him it was easier to say he was going to get over her than to actually succeed in doing so. And Pacey had to admit his sister was right.
Not that he would tell her that of course.
Avoiding Joey at all cost wasn't something Pacey considered easy. But he did considered it less painful. The kiss shared between her and Dawson would haunt him when he wasn't keeping himself busy.
So for the past week he did just that, keep himself busy. It involved a lot of extra hours at the Fish House with Olivia and Lewis, but he didn't mind. He actually enjoyed their company.
Especially Olivia's. To his friends, Olivia seemed like a cold hearted bitch. But to him Olivia was different. He saw her different. Yes, Pacey knew she was rough around the edges, but for some reason that didn't bother him. Maybe because he just wasn't the one to judge so easily. Or maybe because he just knew how it felt to be written off by first impressions.
Everyone assumed he was the failure of the Witter family. No one expected anything from him.
Only one person did a long time ago, and that was Andie. And Pacey was glad she had come into his life when he needed her the most.
But of course like most of the good things that do happen to him in his life, they ended. Rather badly if Pacey recalled. First Andie being sent to a mental hospital, miles away with no visitations rights to boyfriends. Second Andie's lack of fidelity. And third, Pacey painfully realizing that she just wasn't the one.
And though Pacey wouldn't admit it then nor would he admit it now. But the reason he knew Andie wasn't the one for him then, was because day by day, he was falling for Joey. And to him Joey was the one.
Of course that was before the kiss shared between the two soulmates. Pacey thought bitterly.
Pacey wanted to get over his feelings for Joey. He really did, because it would make it less painful when Joey and Dawson did get back together. Or when Joey headed of to some Ivy-League school and met some high class, intelligent, college guy who would sweep her off her feet and make her forget about her soulmate, and the town loser.
But it was hard, and he knew it would get harder.
How can I ever get over someone like her? She's a freaking goddess!
He had once told that to Dawson, during the days they still considered each other as friends.
To Pacey that seemed like a long time ago. As much as he would have loved to have Dawson's friendship back, Pacey knew deep down that he could actually live fine without it. Even if it sounded harsh.
After all they both stopped being the best of friends long time ago, way before Joey became Pacey's world.
"Yeah I know Jen. It doesn't make any sense, but Pacey said he would meet us down there." Jack placed his hand over the transmitter and directed his conversation at Pacey, "She's not quite understanding why you need to meet us there. She claims you're not going to run errands."
Pacey shrugged and got up from his seat on the couch, "Just tell her that I'll meet you guys there and that if I wasn't doing errands, which I am, it isn't any of her concern. I'll be right back, I'm going to go get Andie's present."
Jack repeated what Pacey had said to Jen. And from the other line, Pacey had to laugh at hearing Jen's voice escalade in volume.
Pacey headed towards his almost finished room to retrieve Andie's present. Olivia had helped him earlier that day, during their usual errand run.
His relationship with Olivia Bolivar was rather confusing to say the least. His friendship with her was purely that, friendship. But from time to time, when they were being silly, he would notice that he hadn't felt that free and happy in a long time. He would usual squash those thoughts out of his head, but they always seemed to come back to bother him.
He wasn't confused about what he felt towards her. Pacey had only deep affection for the blond. The same affection he had for Jen and Andie.
Of course Pacey was to busy with the issues taking over his mind, that he had completely by passed the feelings he once had for Andie and the deep attraction he had for Jen.
When he entered the living room after getting the neatly wrapped present, he found no Jack in sight.
"McPhee! Where did you go?" Pacey called out.
"I'm in your kitchen!" Jack yelled back.
Pacey entered the kitchen to find Jack eating the sandwich that was originally intended to only be ate by Gretchen Witter.
"You know that's Gretchen's sandwich." Pacey pointed out.
Jack looked at the sandwich with adoration, "Well that's just to bad she wont be able to eat it."
Pacey shook his head in amusement, "Yeah it is. That's why I'm going to let you explain the lack of sandwich in the fridge to her."
Jack quickly ate the sandwich and headed towards the door, "As much as I would love to be here when Gretchen gets back, but its getting late and I should be heading back home."
"Right. . .cause we all know how Jack McPhee is scared of the dark." Pacey said sarcastically.
Jack pointed at the neatly wrapped present, "That's for Andie?"
"Yeah it is. Can you give it to her? I would've given it to her personally, but I don't think she'll want it at the rave." Pacey handed the present to Jack.
"Sure no problem. What did you get her?" Jack asked curiously, though the package felt oddly familiar.
"I got her a book." Pacey answered.
"Oh. . I really don't think she has one of those." Jack said sarcastically.
Pacey rolled his eyes and pushed Jack out of the beach house, "Yeah, yeah very funny. Now run along Jackers, I'm sure Jenny is missing you."
"Well you know Jen, she can't live without me." Jack smirked.
"And neither can you." Pacey said truthfully.
Jack's smirked turned into a smile. "Yeah well she's my sister too."
With that said Jack waved Pacey goodbye and headed home.
Pacey turned back into his beach house and grabbed the phone and dialed the familiar number.
After three rings, someone answered, "Potter Bed and Breakfast, can I help you?"
Pacey froze. He wasn't expecting Joey to answer. He was hoping Bessie would answer, save him the trouble of telling Joey he missed her.
"Hello? Anyone there?" Joey asked annoyed.
Pacey's brain was yelling 'Answer her! Say something!
"That's it I'm hanging up." And with that Joey ended the line.
Pacey slammed the phone back in its place and ran a through his short hair. Frustrated with his lack of courage.
Just then Gretchen came into the room, looking tired, "Hey baby brother, what's up? Any teenage angst you'd like to share with me?"
Pacey shook his head, "Nope, nothing angsty happened to me to day. Well besides for me calling Joey, and not saying anything."
"See when you say things like angsty I start thinking if you even paid attention in any of your English classes." Gretchen said.
"Well I did pay attention in my sophomore classes. But that was because I was getting sex for it." Pacey shrugged.
Gretchen rolled her eyes, "Of course. Anyways lets get down to business, what's with that call to Joey? I thought you were through with Joey Potter?"
"I thought so too. But I just can't get that girl out of my head. I just love her to damn much to be able to do that so fast." Pacey sighed.
Gretchen looked at her little brother and wished it was just easy for him to get the girl.
"I can stand here and tell you over and over again that you can't force yourself to move on. But I know you know that already. Seeing that three months at sea couldn't make you get over her, I doubt a whole week without any contact whatsoever could do the work." Gretchen said.
"That's just it Gretchen I need to get over her. I need to move on. Because sooner or later she's going to do just that. And maybe if I'm the first to move on it'll make it less painful." Pacey explained.
"No its not Pacey. Because you can't just get over her. You can't will your heart to get over her. What you need to do is go and talk to her. That kiss between her and Dawson way have meant nothing, or it could have meant everything. But you don't know that until you go and talk to her." Gretchen tried to reason with him.
But Pacey didn't' want none of that, "I'm sorry Gretchen, but I can't, and I wont. That phone call was just a momentarily lapse. It wont happen again."
"Oh yeah and how are you going to go about doing that? You didn't last a week without the desire to hear her voice." Gretchen asked.
"I know it wont happen, because I wont let it happen." Pacey grabbed the keys to the truck and headed towards the door.
"Where are you going?"
"I'll be right back. Don't worry about me." Pacey shut the door and headed on his way.
Gretchen glared at the retreating truck. Pacey just wouldn't understand, he was to blind by. . .well jealousy wasn't it, but he was blinded by something. She just needed to find a way to make him see that he was just as good as Dawson and very capable of deserving Joey's love and affection.
Your feed back is greatly appreciated, so please tell if you like it, hate it, find it boring, tell me anything. : )
Things to look forward for the next chapter:
The rave
A new friendship forming between two unlikely souls
The well known Jen fall out
An argument between both Pacey and Joey and Pacey and Olivia
Two kisses being shared by two different pairs.
A moving conversation with Andie at the hospital
And Pacey coming to terms with his feelings for both Joey and Olivia.
Till the next update : )
