centerfont size="6"New Life /fontbr
font size="5"Part 11~I Need You/font/center
phr width="100"
pfont size="2To explain the reason Lance from N'Sync is in my image. That's who I
picture when I write the character of Nick. I think of him being just that cute. :)/font
phr width="100"
picenter
I don't need a lot of thingsbr
I can get by with nothin'br
But all the blessings life can bringbr
I've always needed somethin'br
br
But I've got all I wantbr
When it comes to lovin' youbr
You're my only reasonbr
You're my only truthbr
br
I need you like water, like breath, like rainbr
I need you like mercy from Heaven's gatebr
There's a freedom in your armsbr
That carries me throughbr
I need youbr
br
You're the heart that moves mebr
To courage again, oh, yeahbr
You're the love that rescues mebr
When the cold winter rainsbr
br
And it's so amazin'br
'Cause that's just how you arebr
And I can't turn back nowbr
'Cause you've brought me too farbr
br
I need you like water, like breath, like rainbr
I need you like mercy from Heaven's gatebr
There's a freedom in your armsbr
That carries me throughbr
I need youbr
Oh, yes, I dobr
br
I need you like water, like breath, like rainbr
I need you like mercy from Heaven's gatebr
There's a freedom in your armsbr
That carries me throughbr
I need youbr
~I Need Youbr
~LeAnn Rimesi/center
Phr width="100"
pJoey walked down the hall, taking Noah to his class. He was so excited he was nearly
running down the hallway. She grabbed his hand, keeping him from running into people.
They made their way into the classroom and looked at the other students.
p
A short dark-headed woman walked up to them, smiling, "Hi, and what is your name?"
p
Noah smiled, "I'm Noah Potter."
p
"Noah Potter, I'm your teacher Amy Porter."
p
"NOAH!" Sam screamed as she ran up to the three, pulling Pacey with her.
p
The teacher looked over at the little blonde girl. "Hello, and who are you?"
p
"This is Sam," Noah answered agitated, as if everyone knew her.
p
"Samantha Witter," Pacey said with a smile.
p
The woman nodded and smiled, "So you two know each other?" The two children
nodded, "Well, then you two will be sitting at the same table. How does that sound?"
p
Noah and Sam beamed with happiness. They looked up at their parents, only to find them
staring at one another. Noah curled up his nose, "Momma, did you hear that? Me and Sam
are at the same table."
p
She tore her eyes away from Pacey's and crouched down to his level. "That's great baby.
Here's your backpack, and you two have fun."
p
Noah nodded and looked over at Sam who was taking her bag from her father. "Okay,
Sam, you be good and don't you and Noah get into too much trouble," Pacey said smiling.
p
"Okay Daddy."
p
The two kids ran off from their parents, leaving Pacey and Joey standing with one another.
Joey walked away first, walking out of the door. Pacey quickly followed, "Do you work
this afternoon?"
p
"I don't go in until four."
p
"Can you do me a favor?"
p
She glanced over at him, "What?"
p
"Can you pick up Sam when you get Noah?"
p
She nodded. "If you watch Noah while I work."
p
"I can do that. What time will you get...uh be off?"
p
She sighed as they walked out of the building, "Pacey...we have to stop this now."
p
"Stop what?"
p
"Stop...acting like we hardly know each other. If anything we know one another too well."
She stops walking and he does the same. "What happened the other night...it's over and
done with and we can't change it...so let's just let it go."
p
He nodded, "So...what time do you get off?"
p
"I have to stay until 9:30. So I should be there to pick him up about ten."
p
Pacey nodded, "Do you want me to pick them up at your house or the Icehouse?"
p
"When will you be done?"
p
"3:30 probably."
p
"Icehouse."
p
She walked away and towards her car, "Hey Jo."
p
She turned and looked at him, "Yeah?"
p
"Thank you."
p
"No problem."
p
Joey climbed into her car, trying with all her might not to pull her hair out. It's so hard to
be around him. All she wanted was to just wrap her arms around him and get lost in his
kiss. She leaned her head against the steering wheel and took a few cleansing breaths.
She looked up and saw Pacey driving out of the parking lot. She sighed then followed suit,
leaving the parking lot of the school.
phr width="100"
pPacey watched as students filtered into the classroom, feeling a slight case of nerves as
he surveyed his classroom. More girls than guys, not much has changed in Capeside. He
took a seat on the edge of his desk as the bell rang, picking up his roll and calling out
names.
p
After he finished, he took one look around then smiled. "Okay, as you already know, I am
a new teacher at this high school, but not new to Capeside. I actually grew up here, as a
matter of fact, my father is the retired sheriff and my brother, Doug Witter, is the new
sheriff."
p
"Sorry." one of the boys sitting in the back spoke up, causing the class to laugh.
p
"Yeah...I used to feel that way, but he's my brother so I guess I have to tolerate him, as do
you guys." He looked at the boy, "You are Josh Jennings right?"
p
The boy nodded, "Okay, Josh, tell me about yourself."
p
The boy crossed his arms, looking smugly at Pacey, "What do you want to know?"
p
"Well, what do you want to tell me?"
p
"Nothing."
p
Pacey nodded, "Okay, how about we do it this way, I ask you a question, you answer it?
Can you do that or does it take too much effort?"
p
The class laughed as the jock's face turned red, "I can do that. But you have to do it too."
p
"Deal. Any brothers or sisters?" Pacey asked.
p
"Two sisters no brothers. You married?"
p
Pacey sighed, "Was, my wife died last semester. Any pets?"
p
"No...my mom is allergic to animals. Do you have any kids?"
p
"I have a six year old daughter named Samantha. What sports do you play?"
p
"Football and baseball. Why did you come back to Capeside?"
p"Needed a change of scenery. Why are you so interested in my life?"
p
The boy smiled, "Because you are interested in mine. Why is that?"
p
"Because you seemed like you had something to share with the class. Speaking of sharing
with the class, everyone get out a sheet of paper and a pen...you are going to give me a
page describing yourself. And I want full paragraphs...not just 3 lame sentences and
all the words are double spaced along with the lines..."
p
A blonde girl raised her hand, "What do you want to know about us?"
p
"Well, what our dear friend Josh and I were basically doing...tell me what you want to
know...but there are restrictions...I don't want to know who you've slept with or things
like that. Some things are better left unsaid."
p
The class laughed, "And if you do this right...I can guarantee that the rest of your year will
be nothing but smooth sailing." Pacey walked around behind his desk and sat in his chair,
"But right now I am going to tell you how I will grade everything, so you might
want to write this down for future reference."
phr width="100"
p
Joey stood outside of the school, waiting for the children to get out. The bell rang inside
and kids instantly swarmed outside. She looked around for both Sam and Noah, then
spotted them laughing and running out of the school.
p
"Noah...Sam!" Joey called. Noah ran up and embraced his mother's waist as Sam smiled
up at her. "Did you two have fun?"
p
"Yeah! I colored you a picture." He said holding it out to her. She looked at the swirls of
blues and reds creating a sort of blob in the middle of the paper.
p
She smiled and said, "That's beautiful Noah. What about you Miss Sam, did you have
fun?"
p
The little girl nodded but looked around confused, "Where's my daddy?"
p
"He's going to pick you and Noah up at the Icehouse. He had to stay a little bit late. Did
you draw a picture Sam?"
p
The little girl nodded and held it out to Joey. She opened it and found a picture of four
people, "Who are those people?" she asked with a smile.
p
Sam smiled back and pointed one by one, "That's you and Noah and Daddy and me."
p
Joey smiled, "It's very beautiful sweetie." Joey took both their little hands in hers and
crossed the street to her car. Noah let Sam have the front and sat behind his mother. They
both seat-belted themselves in and Joey began driving away.
p
"Daddy was teaching today."
p
"Pacey's a not a teacher." Noah said loudly.
p
"Yes he is."
p
"Nu-uh. Pacey's a boy he can't be a teacher."
p
"He is too!"
p
"Noah, Pacey is a teacher, he just teaches bigger kids."
p
Noah raised his eye brows, "I thought only girls were teachers."
p
"Nope, boys too."
p
Noah sat back and was quiet as Joey talked to Sam about her new dance class that she
started tomorrow. As they pulled up to the Icehouse, Noah started talking to Sam about
what they thought they were going to do tomorrow. Joey pulled into the parking space
and they all climbed out of the car. Joey put the two children at a booth near the counter
so she could keep an eye on them while she was working.
p
Pacey came in not long after she did and Sam ran to him. "Daddy!"
p
Joey turned, finding Pacey holding his daughter. His blue dress shirt was un-tucked from
his pants and the gray tie he's been wearing earlier was now gone. He was smiling gently
at Sam, then ran his hand through Noah's blonde hair. Noah looked at him irritated
for sending his hair in every direction, but Joey had to smile at how cute he was. Pacey
moved to sit at the counter, letting Sam rest on his knee and helped Noah onto the stool.
p
"I'm here," Pacey said smiling.
p
"You're kidding. I thought you were just a figment of my imagination."
p
"Okay, so I have a habit of stating the obvious."
p
"No kidding."
p
Joey walked around the corner and lightly kissed Noah on the head. "Do you have
everything?"
p
"Yes. When will you come get me?"
p
"I should be there to get you around ten...you will hopefully be asleep."
p
Noah shook his head, "I want to be up when you get there."
p
Joey smiled, "Yeah...well that's between you and Mr. Sandman."
p
Sam looked at her father, "Who's Mr. Sandman?"
p
Noah rolled his eyes, "He's the guy that puts you to sleep."
p
"My Daddy puts me to sleep."
p
Noah shook his head, "No...he is the invincible man..."
p
"Invisible, Noah."
p
"The invisible man that puts sleep dust in your eyes."
p
Sam looked at her father with wide eyes, "Is that true?"
p
Joey looked at Pacey, hoping that he would go along with it for Noah's sake, "Yeah
sweetie. But he's a nice man, friends with Santa I think."
p
"Oh."
p
Joey smiled at the little girl as she began playing with Pacey's hand as he tickled her. The
two of them were so cute together. Sam's innocence with Pacey's overwhelming
masculinity just made her ache inside to be a part of them. She knew Noah felt the same
way, looking up to Pacey as if he were his own father. God knows he would have been a
better one than Dawson. She looked down at her son and noticed him staring at his small
hands.
p
"What's wrong?" she asked softly.
p
He looked up at her, "Where's my Daddy?"
p
Pacey stopped tickling Sam and looked from Noah to Joey. "Uh...Noah, we talked about
this already."
p
"I know...but Sam has a Daddy, I just wanted to know where mine was."
p
Joey took a seat next to her son then looked over at Pacey, needing something from him,
but not really knowing what. "Noah...do you remember your daddy?"
p
The little boy shook his head, "Okay, well, uh...your daddy made the decision that he
didn't want to be with us anymore...."
p
"Why?"
p
She bit her lip, trying to figure out the right words to explain to her son that he'd found
another woman that he wanted to be with more than his own wife and son. "Well, he
wasn't ready to grow up and take responsibility for you or me."
p
"What's 'sponsibility?" Sam asked.
p
Pacey leaned in to her ear, "I'll tell you later okay?" The little girl nodded.
p
"He left?" Sam asked.
p
"Yes."
p
"Why?"
p
Joey heaved a heavy sigh, "Because he was selfish..."
p
"You mean like when I won't share my toys with Sam?"
p
Joey thought for a minute, "Yeah...I guess."
p
"Oh..."
p
Joey smiled at him, she was happy that he was interested in the man who had a help in
creating him, but she never wanted Dawson near Noah. He was too special to have
Dawson come in and ruin everything she'd worked so hard on creating for her and her son.
p
"But hey, little man, you and I, we're doing okay...aren't we?"
p
"Yeah."
p
"I mean, if you need something you have me and I will usually do anything to give it
to you don't I?"
p
Noah nodded, "And now we have Pacey and Sam!" Noah exclaimed.
p
Joey's eyes met Pacey's as he spoke, "Yep, now you have us."
p
"Good. I like you." Noah said laughing when Pacey started tickling him.
p
Sam was laughing as Pacey resumed tickling her with his other hand. Joey watched them
intently. Seeing Pacey with her son and his daughter was sending waves through her body
that she hadn't felt in a very long time. She left them at the counter and walked around to
the kitchen, walking inside and leaning against the wall. She took a shaky breath and
buried her face in her hands, trying with all her might not to cry.
p
When she opened her eyes she found Seth staring at her, "You okay?"
p
"No...but I will be. Noah just asked me about Dawson."
p
"Ouch."
p
"Yeah. How do you tell a five year old that his father chose a red head over his son and
wife?"
p
Seth was quiet, "I don't imagine that could be too easy."
p
"It's not."
p
Seth turned back to the stove, "So who will be watching little Noah tonight?"
p
"Pacey."
p
Seth nodded knowingly.
p
"What was that about?" Joey asked.
p
"What?"
p
"That nod."
p
"Nothing."
p
"Seth."
p
Seth turned to look at her again, "Nothing, it's just that you seem to have
developed....something for Pacey Witter."
p
"Not developed. Fell."
p
"You fell in love with Pacey?"
p
"Yep...and the impact hit me hard."
p
Seth nodded, "I can't believe you just admitted that."
p
"Why deny it? What good will it do me?"
p
Seth laughed, "None."
p
"My point exactly. I better get back out there."
p
Seth smiled, "Don't want to keep the lover boy waiting."
p
Joey turned to him and narrowed her eyes. She put her hands on her hips, "You should
feel damn lucky that I do not fire you."
p
He nodded and chuckled as she walked back out to the three of them. Pacey was now
standing with Sam propped on his hip and Noah standing next to him holding his bookbag.
p
Joey leaned against the counter and crooked her finger at Noah. He climbed up on the
stool and sat at the counter. "Now, you behave for Pacey."
p
"I will."
p
"Okay. Give me a kiss."
p
Noah looked horrified, "Do I have to?"
p
"Yes."
p
"But mom!"
p
Joey's look told him to stop arguing with her now, and he leaned in and gave her a quick
kiss on the cheek. He then climbed off the stool and walked beside Pacey. Pacey waved
back at her and Joey turned around and began waiting on a customer.
phr width="100"
p
The night wore on slowly, and all Joey wanted was to leave, go get her son, put him to
bed, and crawl into a hot bath and soak away the worries of the day. But that dream
looked a little far off.
p
She walked back to the counter and began making a drink for the man across the room.
Then she heard it. The voice she'd wanted to forget years ago.
p
"Joey."
p
She turned, coming face to face with Dawson. Her shoulders slumped and her expression
became one of loathing.
p
"What the hell are you doing here?" she snapped.
p
Dawson sighed, running his hands through his blonde hair, "I came to talk to you."
p
She let out an agitated breath, "After all this time, you come to see me now? Do you take
some sort of pleasure out of making my life miserable?"
p
"Joey can you stop being a bitch for five minutes and listen to me?"
p
Joey shook her head, "I made it very clear that I never wanted to see you again. Now if
you need me to repeat any of that conversation, I can. And this time I'm not in shock and
can kick your ass if need be."
p
"Joey...please. Five minutes, that's all I'm asking."
p
Joey sighed, five minutes was all he wanted. What about what she wanted? She never
wanted to see him again. She never wanted to hear his name again, but there he was.
Sitting on the stool in front of her, and all she wanted to do was throw up. All the past
aggression and anger was coming back in full force. But maybe she needed this to
add the last nail in the coffin of Dawson and Joey.
p
She took the drink over to the man at the table, then walked back over to Dawson. She
stood behind the counter and folded her arms over her chest. "What do you want
Dawson?"
p
He looked down at his hands, "I want to talk to you...about Noah."
p
Joey stiffened. "What about him?"
p
"I want to see him."
p
Joey shook her head, "Over my dead body."
p
"Joey..."
p
"No! You threw your family away, Dawson, and that means any chance of you getting to
see or be with your son."
p
"That's right, Joey. My son. I had a hand in creating him..."
p
"But I raised him, Dawson. I'm the one that was up with him when he had colds. I was the
one that went to his first t-ball game. I was the one that put the band aids on his cuts, not
you. You haven't been a father to him since he was born, why would you want to now?"
p
Dawson took a deep breath, "Because I want to see what I threw away. Look, I know I
hurt you, and I have no right to ask this, but please Joey. I just want to see him...talk to
him." She shook her head again, "Does he not ever ask about me? Doesn't he wonder who
I am or anything? Or did you tell him I was dead?"
p
"I wish I had," she said softly. "Why after all this time Dawson?"
p
He took a breath, "Sofia was pregnant...well....she lost the baby and it got me to thinking
about Noah. I remember him taking his first steps and all of that stuff..."
p
"I'm surprised, you were a little busy with her when he was doing all those things."
p
"I want him to at least know I exist. I want him to know that I am his father."
p
"You may have had a hand in creating him, but you are by no means a father to Noah.
You aren't anything to him in my book."
p
"I know I hurt you. I know that I had a hand in holding you back...but you have to believe
me when I say that I never meant to hurt you."
p
Joey sighed, "Dawson, my life was bordering on perfect, save for a minor complication,
and you chose now to come back into my life. Into Noah's life."
p
"Please Joey."
p
She sighed. "I'll think about it."
p
He smiled, "Thank you."
p
"Leave," she said softly.
p
He climbed off the stool then turned and left the restaurant. Of all the people she expected
to see tonight, it was not Dawson. She looked up at the ceiling, "Thank you God for
making my life more complicated than it already is."
phr width="100"
p
She walked up to Pacey's front door, knocking softly. He opened it, wearing a gray t-shirt
and dark blue jeans. He had a pain of thin frame glasses on the tip of his nose, his hair was
tousled, and his eyes were a stormy blue.
p
"Hey."
p
"Hey," she said softly.
p
Just seeing him made her want to be in his arms the entire night and forget that she ever
saw Dawson. He stepped aside and she walked in, seeing Noah sleeping on the couch.
p
"How long has he been sleeping?"
p
"About an hour and a half."
p
"Oh."
p
Pacey looked at her, noticing something strange about her, "Are you okay?"
p
"No."
p
"What's the matter?"
p
Joey closed her eyes, trying to fight off the tears, then opened her eyes again, "Dawson
came by the Icehouse tonight."
p
Pacey stood there, not sure of what to say. "What did he want?"
p
"To see Noah. I don't want to let him, Pacey," she said as a tear slipped down her face.
p
Pacey put his arm around her shoulders and led her into the kitchen. She took a seat at the
table as Pacey set a cup of tea in front of her. "Pacey, I don't want this."
p
"Drink it."
p
She took a sip as he sat next to her, "So what are you going to do?" he asked.
p
"I don't know. Part of me is telling me not to let him see Dawson. I mean, he made his
choice and it was not his family. Then another part is saying that Dawson is his father, and
that he has a right to see him. What should I do?"
p
Pacey shook his head, removing the glasses, "He really said he wanted to see Noah
again?"
p
"Yeah. He has a lot of nerve huh?"
p
Pacey wanted to punch his face in. All Dawson had ever done was hurt Joey, and he was
doing it again. This time pulling her in half by a stupid decision that she shouldn't have to
make. Dawson was a selfish person and it made him sick to think that he's hurting Joey.
p
"Is there anything I can do?"
p
Joey shook her head, "No." She stood and walked over to the couch, "I better get him
home."
p
Pacey walked over to her, "Joey, you know all you have to do is ask...and I will do
anything I can, right?"
p
Joey nodded, smiling, "I know Pacey. Thank you."
p
Joey lifted Noah, then adjusted him in her arms. Pacey took him from her and she stared at
him. "What are you doing?"
p
"It's a lot easier for me to carry dead weight than you," he said logically. "Now, open the
door and let me help you, for once."
p
She bit her lip and opened the door. Pacey followed her out to the car and put Noah in the
front seat. Joey buckled him in the seat then turned back to Pacey. They were so close, she
could feel his breath on her face. The sweet smell of his aftershave lingered
around her. Pacey leaned in slowly and Joey felt her entire body yearning for his kiss.
p
Noah moaned, causing both of them to pull away from one another. Joey and Pacey
looked at him as he leaned his head over, drifting farther into sleep. Joey then turned back
to Pacey and met his blue eyes. He hugged her, feeling her tense at first, then relax in his
embrace. She molded to his body, resting her head on his shoulder, feeling his hands
stroke her back.
p
Pacey sighed, "Joey, I know I'm confused right now, but I am here if you need me. All you
have to do is say the word."
p
Joey smiled, running her fingers along the hairs at the back of his neck. "I know, thank
you, Pacey."
p
Pacey kissed her forehead, then released her. Joey walked around to the other side of the
car, and pulled out of his drive way. He stood there, then waved as she drove away.
p
"I can guarantee you Joey, you will be the first person I let know I'm ready," he said into
the crisp night air.
pcenter
To Be Continued
/center
font size="5"Part 11~I Need You/font/center
phr width="100"
pfont size="2To explain the reason Lance from N'Sync is in my image. That's who I
picture when I write the character of Nick. I think of him being just that cute. :)/font
phr width="100"
picenter
I don't need a lot of thingsbr
I can get by with nothin'br
But all the blessings life can bringbr
I've always needed somethin'br
br
But I've got all I wantbr
When it comes to lovin' youbr
You're my only reasonbr
You're my only truthbr
br
I need you like water, like breath, like rainbr
I need you like mercy from Heaven's gatebr
There's a freedom in your armsbr
That carries me throughbr
I need youbr
br
You're the heart that moves mebr
To courage again, oh, yeahbr
You're the love that rescues mebr
When the cold winter rainsbr
br
And it's so amazin'br
'Cause that's just how you arebr
And I can't turn back nowbr
'Cause you've brought me too farbr
br
I need you like water, like breath, like rainbr
I need you like mercy from Heaven's gatebr
There's a freedom in your armsbr
That carries me throughbr
I need youbr
Oh, yes, I dobr
br
I need you like water, like breath, like rainbr
I need you like mercy from Heaven's gatebr
There's a freedom in your armsbr
That carries me throughbr
I need youbr
~I Need Youbr
~LeAnn Rimesi/center
Phr width="100"
pJoey walked down the hall, taking Noah to his class. He was so excited he was nearly
running down the hallway. She grabbed his hand, keeping him from running into people.
They made their way into the classroom and looked at the other students.
p
A short dark-headed woman walked up to them, smiling, "Hi, and what is your name?"
p
Noah smiled, "I'm Noah Potter."
p
"Noah Potter, I'm your teacher Amy Porter."
p
"NOAH!" Sam screamed as she ran up to the three, pulling Pacey with her.
p
The teacher looked over at the little blonde girl. "Hello, and who are you?"
p
"This is Sam," Noah answered agitated, as if everyone knew her.
p
"Samantha Witter," Pacey said with a smile.
p
The woman nodded and smiled, "So you two know each other?" The two children
nodded, "Well, then you two will be sitting at the same table. How does that sound?"
p
Noah and Sam beamed with happiness. They looked up at their parents, only to find them
staring at one another. Noah curled up his nose, "Momma, did you hear that? Me and Sam
are at the same table."
p
She tore her eyes away from Pacey's and crouched down to his level. "That's great baby.
Here's your backpack, and you two have fun."
p
Noah nodded and looked over at Sam who was taking her bag from her father. "Okay,
Sam, you be good and don't you and Noah get into too much trouble," Pacey said smiling.
p
"Okay Daddy."
p
The two kids ran off from their parents, leaving Pacey and Joey standing with one another.
Joey walked away first, walking out of the door. Pacey quickly followed, "Do you work
this afternoon?"
p
"I don't go in until four."
p
"Can you do me a favor?"
p
She glanced over at him, "What?"
p
"Can you pick up Sam when you get Noah?"
p
She nodded. "If you watch Noah while I work."
p
"I can do that. What time will you get...uh be off?"
p
She sighed as they walked out of the building, "Pacey...we have to stop this now."
p
"Stop what?"
p
"Stop...acting like we hardly know each other. If anything we know one another too well."
She stops walking and he does the same. "What happened the other night...it's over and
done with and we can't change it...so let's just let it go."
p
He nodded, "So...what time do you get off?"
p
"I have to stay until 9:30. So I should be there to pick him up about ten."
p
Pacey nodded, "Do you want me to pick them up at your house or the Icehouse?"
p
"When will you be done?"
p
"3:30 probably."
p
"Icehouse."
p
She walked away and towards her car, "Hey Jo."
p
She turned and looked at him, "Yeah?"
p
"Thank you."
p
"No problem."
p
Joey climbed into her car, trying with all her might not to pull her hair out. It's so hard to
be around him. All she wanted was to just wrap her arms around him and get lost in his
kiss. She leaned her head against the steering wheel and took a few cleansing breaths.
She looked up and saw Pacey driving out of the parking lot. She sighed then followed suit,
leaving the parking lot of the school.
phr width="100"
pPacey watched as students filtered into the classroom, feeling a slight case of nerves as
he surveyed his classroom. More girls than guys, not much has changed in Capeside. He
took a seat on the edge of his desk as the bell rang, picking up his roll and calling out
names.
p
After he finished, he took one look around then smiled. "Okay, as you already know, I am
a new teacher at this high school, but not new to Capeside. I actually grew up here, as a
matter of fact, my father is the retired sheriff and my brother, Doug Witter, is the new
sheriff."
p
"Sorry." one of the boys sitting in the back spoke up, causing the class to laugh.
p
"Yeah...I used to feel that way, but he's my brother so I guess I have to tolerate him, as do
you guys." He looked at the boy, "You are Josh Jennings right?"
p
The boy nodded, "Okay, Josh, tell me about yourself."
p
The boy crossed his arms, looking smugly at Pacey, "What do you want to know?"
p
"Well, what do you want to tell me?"
p
"Nothing."
p
Pacey nodded, "Okay, how about we do it this way, I ask you a question, you answer it?
Can you do that or does it take too much effort?"
p
The class laughed as the jock's face turned red, "I can do that. But you have to do it too."
p
"Deal. Any brothers or sisters?" Pacey asked.
p
"Two sisters no brothers. You married?"
p
Pacey sighed, "Was, my wife died last semester. Any pets?"
p
"No...my mom is allergic to animals. Do you have any kids?"
p
"I have a six year old daughter named Samantha. What sports do you play?"
p
"Football and baseball. Why did you come back to Capeside?"
p"Needed a change of scenery. Why are you so interested in my life?"
p
The boy smiled, "Because you are interested in mine. Why is that?"
p
"Because you seemed like you had something to share with the class. Speaking of sharing
with the class, everyone get out a sheet of paper and a pen...you are going to give me a
page describing yourself. And I want full paragraphs...not just 3 lame sentences and
all the words are double spaced along with the lines..."
p
A blonde girl raised her hand, "What do you want to know about us?"
p
"Well, what our dear friend Josh and I were basically doing...tell me what you want to
know...but there are restrictions...I don't want to know who you've slept with or things
like that. Some things are better left unsaid."
p
The class laughed, "And if you do this right...I can guarantee that the rest of your year will
be nothing but smooth sailing." Pacey walked around behind his desk and sat in his chair,
"But right now I am going to tell you how I will grade everything, so you might
want to write this down for future reference."
phr width="100"
p
Joey stood outside of the school, waiting for the children to get out. The bell rang inside
and kids instantly swarmed outside. She looked around for both Sam and Noah, then
spotted them laughing and running out of the school.
p
"Noah...Sam!" Joey called. Noah ran up and embraced his mother's waist as Sam smiled
up at her. "Did you two have fun?"
p
"Yeah! I colored you a picture." He said holding it out to her. She looked at the swirls of
blues and reds creating a sort of blob in the middle of the paper.
p
She smiled and said, "That's beautiful Noah. What about you Miss Sam, did you have
fun?"
p
The little girl nodded but looked around confused, "Where's my daddy?"
p
"He's going to pick you and Noah up at the Icehouse. He had to stay a little bit late. Did
you draw a picture Sam?"
p
The little girl nodded and held it out to Joey. She opened it and found a picture of four
people, "Who are those people?" she asked with a smile.
p
Sam smiled back and pointed one by one, "That's you and Noah and Daddy and me."
p
Joey smiled, "It's very beautiful sweetie." Joey took both their little hands in hers and
crossed the street to her car. Noah let Sam have the front and sat behind his mother. They
both seat-belted themselves in and Joey began driving away.
p
"Daddy was teaching today."
p
"Pacey's a not a teacher." Noah said loudly.
p
"Yes he is."
p
"Nu-uh. Pacey's a boy he can't be a teacher."
p
"He is too!"
p
"Noah, Pacey is a teacher, he just teaches bigger kids."
p
Noah raised his eye brows, "I thought only girls were teachers."
p
"Nope, boys too."
p
Noah sat back and was quiet as Joey talked to Sam about her new dance class that she
started tomorrow. As they pulled up to the Icehouse, Noah started talking to Sam about
what they thought they were going to do tomorrow. Joey pulled into the parking space
and they all climbed out of the car. Joey put the two children at a booth near the counter
so she could keep an eye on them while she was working.
p
Pacey came in not long after she did and Sam ran to him. "Daddy!"
p
Joey turned, finding Pacey holding his daughter. His blue dress shirt was un-tucked from
his pants and the gray tie he's been wearing earlier was now gone. He was smiling gently
at Sam, then ran his hand through Noah's blonde hair. Noah looked at him irritated
for sending his hair in every direction, but Joey had to smile at how cute he was. Pacey
moved to sit at the counter, letting Sam rest on his knee and helped Noah onto the stool.
p
"I'm here," Pacey said smiling.
p
"You're kidding. I thought you were just a figment of my imagination."
p
"Okay, so I have a habit of stating the obvious."
p
"No kidding."
p
Joey walked around the corner and lightly kissed Noah on the head. "Do you have
everything?"
p
"Yes. When will you come get me?"
p
"I should be there to get you around ten...you will hopefully be asleep."
p
Noah shook his head, "I want to be up when you get there."
p
Joey smiled, "Yeah...well that's between you and Mr. Sandman."
p
Sam looked at her father, "Who's Mr. Sandman?"
p
Noah rolled his eyes, "He's the guy that puts you to sleep."
p
"My Daddy puts me to sleep."
p
Noah shook his head, "No...he is the invincible man..."
p
"Invisible, Noah."
p
"The invisible man that puts sleep dust in your eyes."
p
Sam looked at her father with wide eyes, "Is that true?"
p
Joey looked at Pacey, hoping that he would go along with it for Noah's sake, "Yeah
sweetie. But he's a nice man, friends with Santa I think."
p
"Oh."
p
Joey smiled at the little girl as she began playing with Pacey's hand as he tickled her. The
two of them were so cute together. Sam's innocence with Pacey's overwhelming
masculinity just made her ache inside to be a part of them. She knew Noah felt the same
way, looking up to Pacey as if he were his own father. God knows he would have been a
better one than Dawson. She looked down at her son and noticed him staring at his small
hands.
p
"What's wrong?" she asked softly.
p
He looked up at her, "Where's my Daddy?"
p
Pacey stopped tickling Sam and looked from Noah to Joey. "Uh...Noah, we talked about
this already."
p
"I know...but Sam has a Daddy, I just wanted to know where mine was."
p
Joey took a seat next to her son then looked over at Pacey, needing something from him,
but not really knowing what. "Noah...do you remember your daddy?"
p
The little boy shook his head, "Okay, well, uh...your daddy made the decision that he
didn't want to be with us anymore...."
p
"Why?"
p
She bit her lip, trying to figure out the right words to explain to her son that he'd found
another woman that he wanted to be with more than his own wife and son. "Well, he
wasn't ready to grow up and take responsibility for you or me."
p
"What's 'sponsibility?" Sam asked.
p
Pacey leaned in to her ear, "I'll tell you later okay?" The little girl nodded.
p
"He left?" Sam asked.
p
"Yes."
p
"Why?"
p
Joey heaved a heavy sigh, "Because he was selfish..."
p
"You mean like when I won't share my toys with Sam?"
p
Joey thought for a minute, "Yeah...I guess."
p
"Oh..."
p
Joey smiled at him, she was happy that he was interested in the man who had a help in
creating him, but she never wanted Dawson near Noah. He was too special to have
Dawson come in and ruin everything she'd worked so hard on creating for her and her son.
p
"But hey, little man, you and I, we're doing okay...aren't we?"
p
"Yeah."
p
"I mean, if you need something you have me and I will usually do anything to give it
to you don't I?"
p
Noah nodded, "And now we have Pacey and Sam!" Noah exclaimed.
p
Joey's eyes met Pacey's as he spoke, "Yep, now you have us."
p
"Good. I like you." Noah said laughing when Pacey started tickling him.
p
Sam was laughing as Pacey resumed tickling her with his other hand. Joey watched them
intently. Seeing Pacey with her son and his daughter was sending waves through her body
that she hadn't felt in a very long time. She left them at the counter and walked around to
the kitchen, walking inside and leaning against the wall. She took a shaky breath and
buried her face in her hands, trying with all her might not to cry.
p
When she opened her eyes she found Seth staring at her, "You okay?"
p
"No...but I will be. Noah just asked me about Dawson."
p
"Ouch."
p
"Yeah. How do you tell a five year old that his father chose a red head over his son and
wife?"
p
Seth was quiet, "I don't imagine that could be too easy."
p
"It's not."
p
Seth turned back to the stove, "So who will be watching little Noah tonight?"
p
"Pacey."
p
Seth nodded knowingly.
p
"What was that about?" Joey asked.
p
"What?"
p
"That nod."
p
"Nothing."
p
"Seth."
p
Seth turned to look at her again, "Nothing, it's just that you seem to have
developed....something for Pacey Witter."
p
"Not developed. Fell."
p
"You fell in love with Pacey?"
p
"Yep...and the impact hit me hard."
p
Seth nodded, "I can't believe you just admitted that."
p
"Why deny it? What good will it do me?"
p
Seth laughed, "None."
p
"My point exactly. I better get back out there."
p
Seth smiled, "Don't want to keep the lover boy waiting."
p
Joey turned to him and narrowed her eyes. She put her hands on her hips, "You should
feel damn lucky that I do not fire you."
p
He nodded and chuckled as she walked back out to the three of them. Pacey was now
standing with Sam propped on his hip and Noah standing next to him holding his bookbag.
p
Joey leaned against the counter and crooked her finger at Noah. He climbed up on the
stool and sat at the counter. "Now, you behave for Pacey."
p
"I will."
p
"Okay. Give me a kiss."
p
Noah looked horrified, "Do I have to?"
p
"Yes."
p
"But mom!"
p
Joey's look told him to stop arguing with her now, and he leaned in and gave her a quick
kiss on the cheek. He then climbed off the stool and walked beside Pacey. Pacey waved
back at her and Joey turned around and began waiting on a customer.
phr width="100"
p
The night wore on slowly, and all Joey wanted was to leave, go get her son, put him to
bed, and crawl into a hot bath and soak away the worries of the day. But that dream
looked a little far off.
p
She walked back to the counter and began making a drink for the man across the room.
Then she heard it. The voice she'd wanted to forget years ago.
p
"Joey."
p
She turned, coming face to face with Dawson. Her shoulders slumped and her expression
became one of loathing.
p
"What the hell are you doing here?" she snapped.
p
Dawson sighed, running his hands through his blonde hair, "I came to talk to you."
p
She let out an agitated breath, "After all this time, you come to see me now? Do you take
some sort of pleasure out of making my life miserable?"
p
"Joey can you stop being a bitch for five minutes and listen to me?"
p
Joey shook her head, "I made it very clear that I never wanted to see you again. Now if
you need me to repeat any of that conversation, I can. And this time I'm not in shock and
can kick your ass if need be."
p
"Joey...please. Five minutes, that's all I'm asking."
p
Joey sighed, five minutes was all he wanted. What about what she wanted? She never
wanted to see him again. She never wanted to hear his name again, but there he was.
Sitting on the stool in front of her, and all she wanted to do was throw up. All the past
aggression and anger was coming back in full force. But maybe she needed this to
add the last nail in the coffin of Dawson and Joey.
p
She took the drink over to the man at the table, then walked back over to Dawson. She
stood behind the counter and folded her arms over her chest. "What do you want
Dawson?"
p
He looked down at his hands, "I want to talk to you...about Noah."
p
Joey stiffened. "What about him?"
p
"I want to see him."
p
Joey shook her head, "Over my dead body."
p
"Joey..."
p
"No! You threw your family away, Dawson, and that means any chance of you getting to
see or be with your son."
p
"That's right, Joey. My son. I had a hand in creating him..."
p
"But I raised him, Dawson. I'm the one that was up with him when he had colds. I was the
one that went to his first t-ball game. I was the one that put the band aids on his cuts, not
you. You haven't been a father to him since he was born, why would you want to now?"
p
Dawson took a deep breath, "Because I want to see what I threw away. Look, I know I
hurt you, and I have no right to ask this, but please Joey. I just want to see him...talk to
him." She shook her head again, "Does he not ever ask about me? Doesn't he wonder who
I am or anything? Or did you tell him I was dead?"
p
"I wish I had," she said softly. "Why after all this time Dawson?"
p
He took a breath, "Sofia was pregnant...well....she lost the baby and it got me to thinking
about Noah. I remember him taking his first steps and all of that stuff..."
p
"I'm surprised, you were a little busy with her when he was doing all those things."
p
"I want him to at least know I exist. I want him to know that I am his father."
p
"You may have had a hand in creating him, but you are by no means a father to Noah.
You aren't anything to him in my book."
p
"I know I hurt you. I know that I had a hand in holding you back...but you have to believe
me when I say that I never meant to hurt you."
p
Joey sighed, "Dawson, my life was bordering on perfect, save for a minor complication,
and you chose now to come back into my life. Into Noah's life."
p
"Please Joey."
p
She sighed. "I'll think about it."
p
He smiled, "Thank you."
p
"Leave," she said softly.
p
He climbed off the stool then turned and left the restaurant. Of all the people she expected
to see tonight, it was not Dawson. She looked up at the ceiling, "Thank you God for
making my life more complicated than it already is."
phr width="100"
p
She walked up to Pacey's front door, knocking softly. He opened it, wearing a gray t-shirt
and dark blue jeans. He had a pain of thin frame glasses on the tip of his nose, his hair was
tousled, and his eyes were a stormy blue.
p
"Hey."
p
"Hey," she said softly.
p
Just seeing him made her want to be in his arms the entire night and forget that she ever
saw Dawson. He stepped aside and she walked in, seeing Noah sleeping on the couch.
p
"How long has he been sleeping?"
p
"About an hour and a half."
p
"Oh."
p
Pacey looked at her, noticing something strange about her, "Are you okay?"
p
"No."
p
"What's the matter?"
p
Joey closed her eyes, trying to fight off the tears, then opened her eyes again, "Dawson
came by the Icehouse tonight."
p
Pacey stood there, not sure of what to say. "What did he want?"
p
"To see Noah. I don't want to let him, Pacey," she said as a tear slipped down her face.
p
Pacey put his arm around her shoulders and led her into the kitchen. She took a seat at the
table as Pacey set a cup of tea in front of her. "Pacey, I don't want this."
p
"Drink it."
p
She took a sip as he sat next to her, "So what are you going to do?" he asked.
p
"I don't know. Part of me is telling me not to let him see Dawson. I mean, he made his
choice and it was not his family. Then another part is saying that Dawson is his father, and
that he has a right to see him. What should I do?"
p
Pacey shook his head, removing the glasses, "He really said he wanted to see Noah
again?"
p
"Yeah. He has a lot of nerve huh?"
p
Pacey wanted to punch his face in. All Dawson had ever done was hurt Joey, and he was
doing it again. This time pulling her in half by a stupid decision that she shouldn't have to
make. Dawson was a selfish person and it made him sick to think that he's hurting Joey.
p
"Is there anything I can do?"
p
Joey shook her head, "No." She stood and walked over to the couch, "I better get him
home."
p
Pacey walked over to her, "Joey, you know all you have to do is ask...and I will do
anything I can, right?"
p
Joey nodded, smiling, "I know Pacey. Thank you."
p
Joey lifted Noah, then adjusted him in her arms. Pacey took him from her and she stared at
him. "What are you doing?"
p
"It's a lot easier for me to carry dead weight than you," he said logically. "Now, open the
door and let me help you, for once."
p
She bit her lip and opened the door. Pacey followed her out to the car and put Noah in the
front seat. Joey buckled him in the seat then turned back to Pacey. They were so close, she
could feel his breath on her face. The sweet smell of his aftershave lingered
around her. Pacey leaned in slowly and Joey felt her entire body yearning for his kiss.
p
Noah moaned, causing both of them to pull away from one another. Joey and Pacey
looked at him as he leaned his head over, drifting farther into sleep. Joey then turned back
to Pacey and met his blue eyes. He hugged her, feeling her tense at first, then relax in his
embrace. She molded to his body, resting her head on his shoulder, feeling his hands
stroke her back.
p
Pacey sighed, "Joey, I know I'm confused right now, but I am here if you need me. All you
have to do is say the word."
p
Joey smiled, running her fingers along the hairs at the back of his neck. "I know, thank
you, Pacey."
p
Pacey kissed her forehead, then released her. Joey walked around to the other side of the
car, and pulled out of his drive way. He stood there, then waved as she drove away.
p
"I can guarantee you Joey, you will be the first person I let know I'm ready," he said into
the crisp night air.
pcenter
To Be Continued
/center
