Minutes From Somewhere Else

Chapter One:

The Announcement

By Riley

"Oh, please, no. I can't believe the size of that thing. It's disgustingly huge."

Pacey reacted genially, "Yeah. I know. Thanks."

"Gross, and no, I was talking about your truck. It's way too big. Is that really yours?"

"Jen, do you honestly think I would buy a truck of that size? It's a loaner from a friend because my ever-so-trusty piece is out of service for the moment. "

"Is your friend from Kentucky? He should consider hanging some horns in the back window, right above a gun rack."

"Oh, how I've missed the witticisms of Jen Lindley."

Jen smiled up at Pacey, basking in their camaraderie after such a long separation. She could see a slight change in his appearance—he still had his baby face, of course, but she could see a difference. She mulled over the possibility of maturity settling in on Pacey Witter, and then recalled that it was Pacey, so then again…He caught her eyeing him and cautiously asked, "What?"

"It's you. You look so—old. Not old-man-old, but…I don't know."

"Good. That's exactly what I was hoping you'd say about me after all this time: old-man-old."

"I'm sorry. It's just that you've matured into an attractive—should I say man? Yes, that's it. You're all grown up."

"Kids these days."

 They continued strolling toward the over-sized truck before she quickly informed Pacey, "I hope you don't think I'm going to ride in that thing with you. When we agreed on going together, this was not part of the deal. I can honestly tell you that I'm scared of it."

"That's what all the girls say." He smiled playfully at her, "Trust me, you'll get used to it."

Jen stopped instantly and glared at Pacey. Shaking her head, she replied, "Okay, now I'm really not riding in it. The fact that you continue to add sexual connotation to every thing that I say is not something I can deal with while riding in a monster truck. Sorry."

Pacey laughed momentarily as he watched Jen try to stand her ground.

"Jen, it's all in fun. Come on. Give it a chance. I promise, no more allusions to my anatomy."

She rubbed her forehead, cracking an all too familiar smile. "I think I'm going to regret this." As Pacey opened the truck door for her, he had to practically lift her into the passenger's side before he could climb into the driver's side. She laughed at what a ridiculous sight they must be. "Let's get this over with."

                The restaurant was dimly lit, and only about half full Joey noticed, as she opened the entrance door. The darkness sank into her and relaxed her nerves a little bit. It was almost tranquil; the mood that could be set by simply dimming the lights, Joey thought.

"Joey." That was all he had to say for her heart to wrench with excitement. His voice drew something peaceful from her every time she was near him. She couldn't explain it. She just felt it. His face was a refreshing sight as she walked into his mother's restaurant. Joey could see the changes school had wrought on Dawson. His smile, his eyes—he looked the same, just older. Joey realized how much she had missed him with one look into his dark eyes. They embraced, soaking in the reunion, holding each other for as long as they could.

"Dawson…you look great. You really do. It's been…well, it's been too long." She recovered with a smile as he ushered her to a large table in the back of the restaurant. He courteously pulled her chair out for her and sat in the next chair. He leaned in closely; keeping his eyes locked with hers, and asked, "It's good to finally see you again. You look so amazing, Jo...How are you?" Joey could faintly smell Dawson's cologne and was almost completely taken in by it. She had hoped for this—effortless and comfortable. That's how things have always been, and she was grateful for that constant in her life.

"Good. How about you? How have you been?"

His eyes softened as he truthfully replied. "I missed you. You look…amazing. Have I said that yet? You do."

Joey laughed shyly at his compliment. "So, Dawson, tell me everything." She smiled genuinely at him. "What's the special occasion?"

"I'm just glad you came. Having you here…I really needed you tonight." He was being so earnest; after all, they were just having dinner. She hadn't realized how important tonight was to Dawson. She couldn't help slipping in a smile at his intensity. 

"Yeah? Me, too." For only a second longer she gazed into his eyes before he stole them away. He stood and watched the entrance door anxiously.

"Are you expecting someone else?" Joey asked, a little surprised at his angst.

Dawson looked at her in confusion. "Jo—didn't I tell you?" She laughed uncertainly, "What?" Dawson watched her closely before replying, "I'm sorry. I thought I'd mentioned it to everyone. Because I actually, um, invited everyone.  To come. This weekend. You know…everyone."

Trying to hide her disappointment, she quickly responded, "Right. Of course. It'll be, um, good to see everyone. Really…good." She was annoyed at herself for thinking she was the only person Dawson would want to see…it's just that, she wanted some alone time with him.  He was rarely in Boston, and when he was, she barely saw him. It had been so long, and he looked so good. He was her best friend—

Dawson interrupted her thoughts as he quietly replied, "Yeah," never taking his eyes off the entrance door.

Before she could draw his attention again, Jack and Andie walked in the entrance, with Andie dragging some guy behind her. Andie's face lit up when she saw Dawson, letting out a small yelp as she ran up and eagerly hugged him. Dawson laughed softly as she talked so rapidly that he couldn't make sense of her excited babble. Jack leaned over and quickly gave Dawson a hug, and then continued to where Joey was sitting.

She immediately stood up and hugged him tightly. "Jack, you look incredible." His hair was longer, but his face was still boyish and sweet.

"Me? You look terrific. I can't believe how long it's been. Where have you been all this time?"

Joey avoided the question knowingly. "It's been a long time, Jack. It's weird to be back here and…" Joey could feel the panic crawling up into her throat. Since she had chosen to avoid Capeside like the plague since High School graduation—well, that is, until now—she knew she couldn't avoid the questions and the looks forever.

                Giving her a minute to finish, he replied thoughtfully, "Yeah, I know." He didn't want to pry. It wasn't necessary in order to understand. He reached over and set his hand on hers, and she grew reflective on her youth.

                "So, Jack, what about you? How have you been?"

He cracked a smile, "Pretty good."

                "How's…life?"

                He let out a small laugh before replying. "Not as good as I had hoped." His face grew solemn as he went on, "Well, after my somewhat unhealthy relationship ended, I have since resorted to listening to complaint rock and delving in self pity." He laughed at himself again. "Nice, huh?"

                "Jack, I'm so sorry. If I had any other way of coping, I would let you in on it. But, unfortunately for us, complaint rock will have to suffice." She smiled reassuringly at him.

 "That's why I've missed you, Jo."

"Pacey, I'm not sure, but I think this thing is growling…can you hear that?" Pacey laughed at Jen, as she nervously held onto the dash and the passenger door with white knuckles. "I'm glad you're enjoying our ride-from-hell," she replied, trying to sound angry at Pacey.

"Jen, we're almost there. I think you'll make it in one piece." Jen glanced at Pacey long enough to give him an aggravated smile.

They passed through the unforgettable streets of Capeside, each staring with a sense of detachment. Everything appeared vacant compared to Pacey's memory.  It seemed only too long ago that Pacey once roamed these streets with Dawson and the others. Emptiness invaded his heart as he realized what he already knew: you can never come home again and have it feel like "home."

After minutes of reflection passed in silence, Jen asked sincerely, "Is this going to be awkward? Not that we haven't seen these people in forever, but doesn't it feel wrong coming back?"

"Wrong? How?"

"Wrong—as in we're trying to recreate a past among friends that no longer exists. This will force us to realize our days of careless youth are completely gone…how dismal is that?"

Pacey considered this and answered honestly, "I think seeing everyone is going to open our eyes as to how far apart we've really drifted. That's unavoidable. I can't remember the last time I saw Andie or…Joey."

"I don't think I've seen Dawson since he moved to New York. Do you know why he really asked us here?  I mean, as we barrel through the streets of Capeside, I am wondering that very thing. "

"Dawson is the reason why any of us will be here.  He's the only one who could actually force everyone to return to this dreaded place." Jen laughed to herself. "Good old Dawson Leery…"

"Well, we'll be there, so that's all that matters." He flashed her a teasing smile.

"Oh my gosh, Joey Potter. How are you? I haven't seen you in forever. This is David. He's my boyfriend. I met him in Italy but it was so crazy because then I didn't see him again until I was in New York and we totally—

"It's good to see you again, Andie." Joey replied sincerely, as she hugged Andie for the first time in forever. Andie stopped talking long enough to squeeze Joey tightly, and then forced David to shake Joey's hand.

"It's good to meet you, David."

His grin was cheesy, but heartfelt as he scarcely spoke, "You, too." Perfect for Andie, Joey thought, quiet and friendly. Andie sat herself next to Jack and went on to explain how she and David began dating. Joey listened absentmindedly as she thought about her present situation: Not having dinner alone with Dawson, and unavoidable confrontation with certain feelings and people. Her disappointment had subsided into apprehension because she knew it was inevitable to see Pacey again. Not that she wanted to avoid him completely, but she simply hadn't considered seeing him this weekend. It had been so long. She knew things had changed, they were different people now, but would there be any sort of awkwardness?  It would be good to see Jen, though and bask in the comforts of her cynicism.

As these thoughts crowded her mind, she saw Jen and Pacey walk through the door—together. Hmm, didn't expect that. They both smiled warmly as they approached the table and Dawson promptly hugged Pacey and then embraced Jen. Everyone was all smiles and happiness as Pacey and Jen walked around the table saying their hellos. Joey watched as Jack and Jen embraced, holding it longer than most. He was laughing as Jen told him some story, and Joey thought they looked at home because they were together again. Joey tried to remember why those two hadn't seen each other in so long, but realized she was next in line. As the angst mounted, Joey stood as Pacey slowly approached. He gently pulled Joey close, giving her an affectionate hug. It felt much more comfortable than expected. He pulled back and gave her a genuine-Pacey smile. "It's good to see you again, Jo."

She easily returned the smile and the compliment, "You too, Pace." He pulled away from her completely and took a seat next to David. Pacey looked exactly the same, only his eyes seemed more somber than she remembered. She had to admit to herself how much she had missed him. Lingering on him longer than she had meant, Joey quickly looked to Jen who was behind him in line. She hugged Joey tightly, laughing at the scene they had created in the restaurant.

Dawson walked over to the empty chair next to Joey and became host. "I'm really glad you could all make it back to Capeside. I know it wasn't easy for everyone to come back, but I appreciate it all the same. There is a reason I asked you to come. I wanted you all to be here because I've had you with me, regardless of miles or time, always. And, I needed you here with me for this, as well. There's someone important I want you to meet."

Dawson walked toward a nearby table as everyone looked at each other questioningly. Nobody wanted to say what each was thinking, but Joey could honestly say she didn't know what to think. Who was so important to meet that we all had to be here?

Dawson returned eagerly with a girl in tow behind him. His eyes were bright as he said, "Everyone, I want you to meet Shannon. Shannon, these are my friends."

Joey smiled awkwardly at Shannon, and then at the others because she had failed to notice the significance of the moment, and she wasn't sure if she was the only one. Pacey smiled, never taking his eyes off Shannon, while Jen and the others had the same look as Joey, plastered on their faces. 

And then Dawson spoke his next words in what Joey considered a foreign language. She could see his lips move, but she couldn't comprehend his words. Her first reaction was a confused, "What?" followed by a look of surprise by everyone at the table. She looked around at the others; her face locked in a state of bewilderment. She knew she'd missed something important, but what was it? What had he said?

Dawson, knowing that his words would shock, looked excited and eager to repeat himself,

"Shannon and I are engaged."

The restaurant darkened and Joey's skin felt colder than she remembered, causing a shiver down her back. Her head began to ache as reality hit everyone else at the table.  Joey still felt like something was missing.  Was this real? Was she in some alternate universe? No, of course not. Her life had always been a cruel joke.

"I want you guys to know I really appreciate you making the trip out here. It means a lot to us both. It's important to me that you know each other because all of you are vital people in my life."

Silence ensued as they all considered what just took place. Dawson looked pleadingly at Joey as if he would have her stand up and give a toast. Joey looked away from him and fought the urge to stand up empty the contents of her stomach onto the table. How could she give a toast to something like this? She could feel her throat tightening, and her heart racing a mile a minute. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Shannon smiling promisingly, probably praying for someone to say something.

Andie was the first to jump up and hug Dawson and Shannon in unison. She eagerly gave her congratulations and expressed her excitement over their news. Her voice squealed with delight. Everyone soon followed her example, each offering hugs and his or her best wishes. But Joey couldn't move. The entire scene was making her want to vomit. Instead she just sat in her chair, completely stunned. Who was this girl Shannon anyway? Does Dawson really know the kind of person she is? Joey was meeting Shannon for the first time: on the day of their engagement. That was just wrong, wasn't it?

However shocked and hurt she felt, she stood up finally and congratulated them both. She tried to put on a smile, but being fake was never her strong suit. Everyone remained standing, talking to the happy couple, food cold on the table, with the darkness of the restaurant settling on Joey's heart.

She wanted to hurt Dawson. She really did. Physically or verbally—either would do. She could see the happiness exuding out of him. She'd known him too long to miss the signs. But, it was just all too sudden. She did feel somewhat guilty for not being ecstatic, denying him any excitement he probably expected from her—since she was his "best" friend. But don't best friends tell each other something as important as this? It had been awhile since she'd seen him, but he never mentioned engagement in any phone calls. That's not something she would forget. Shannon had just been another girl...or at least that's what she had always thought.

Dawson pulled a chair up to the table and placed it between him and Joey, so Shannon could sit next to him. Joey grudgingly moved for her. She could feel everyone's eyes on her and tried  to conceal the hurt hidden behind a closed mouth and averted eyes. She accidentally made eye contact with Pacey at one point, long enough for him to see the sorrow in her eyes.  He suddenly realized this was a shock to her. She hadn't known previous to tonight. For some reason, he had assumed she already knew. He felt the need to say something to her, but not now…not in front of everyone.

The group of friends continued chatting until the restaurant was empty. Everyone was tired, but Dawson suggested that they all go to his place and watch a movie together—just like old times. They all agreed except Joey. She gracefully bowed out, explaining that it had been a long day after traveling and all. They all piled out of the restaurant, everyone walking to their cars. Joey watched the others leave together, laughing and calling out to one another as she walked in the opposite direction to her own car. She could see Dawson's arms around Shannon as she giggled at something he had said. Pacey noticed Joey walking alone and called out, "Jo?! You sure you're not coming?" She shook her head and quickly got into the driver's seat of her car. Pacey watched her drive off and was tempted to follow her home, when Andie distracted him. By the time he turned around again, Joey's car was gone.

"Pacey, let's go!"

Joey rested her head on a soft pillow Bessie had left for her on the living room couch. Every room was full at the Bed and Breakfast, and for that Joey was honestly grateful—that meant Bessie and her family were being taken care of. The house was dark and the warmth of the room should've relaxed Joey's nerves. There was nothing but silence except for a few of Bessie's stirrings upstairs. However, the stillness of the house made Joey all the more restless. She was still reeling from Dawson's announcement. She had been trying to sleep for hours and as she tried once again to close her eyes and force herself to sleep, her mind wouldn't stop running.

She laid in the quiet of the night on her couch for quite some time, before finally giving up sleep and instead taking a walk down to the creek. The air was chilly, but Joey didn't mind. She lazily walked down the grassy lawn and onto the dock near her old house. She tried not to think at all. She watched the twinkling water lap the edge of the dock and tried to lose herself in it.

"Joey?"

Surprised, Joey turned to find Dawson standing on the dock with her, watching intently.

"Dawson. What are you doing here?" She tried to keep the irritation out of her voice, but not very successfully.

Dawson paused before answering, "I came to talk to you. I was about to knock on your door, when I saw you walking towards the dock. You looked like you didn't want to be disturbed, so I...I waited…I wanted to give you some time alone…here."

"No Need. I'm fine." Joey turned back to the water as Dawson stood beside her, never taking his eyes from her face.

"Yeah, I know. That's what you've been saying all night. But, I, I wanted to make sure we're fine. Are we fine, Jo?" Instead of replying, Joey listened again to the lapping water, and wished herself on the serene creek, away from this moment.

"Jo?"

"Yeah? Sorry."

                "I realize I could have warned you about the engagement and tonight and everything, but—

                "—Spoken so casually—

"--it was too big, Joey. It was this moment that had to be…just right. For everyone."

                "Well, let me be the first to congratulate you on getting it 'just right.' I'm just glad you waited until now to humiliate me and everyone else."

"This isn't about you, Joey. It's not always about you."

"Said the pot."

Surprised by her biting remarks, Dawson called her on it. "What's your problem?"

"Can I just say that I'm not fine here?" She turned to face Dawson and looked into his eyes and saw his heart. His eyes were intense and she could feel her strength diminishing. "I want to be fine. I want us to be fine. But it's not. I feel like you've been hiding this…thing…from me and I'm hurt. You've made it weird and awkward…and can you honestly say you don't feel that way? I thought we…well, I obviously thought wrong."

Dawson kept silent as Joey let her eyes fall to the ground. "Why didn't you tell me? I don't understand that. I can't. This is too big for you not to tell me…and then you…" the hurt in her voice was translucent as she let her words drop.

                Neither spoke as she turned and faced the creek. Not knowing what to say, Dawson reached his arm around Joey's shoulder and pulled her close, but received no response.

                She finally asked, "Are you sure about this? Because if you're not—

                Frustrated, Dawson's voice rose, "Jo, I've never been more sure about anything in my entire life. What I have with Shannon is amazing and I can honestly say…I love her." Dawson dropped his arm to his side and met her face to face. "But that doesn't change what we have."

                "What we have! What exactly do we have? An illusion of a friendship, Dawson." She struggled to keep her anger under control.

"You're right, Jo. It's nothing but an illusion. You confirmed that tonight when you sat brooding at the table all night…You, of all people, were the last person I thought would be so self-involved and egocentric about something so important to me. Do you know how uneasy you made everyone feel, especially Shannon? No you wouldn't know Joey, because you were so worried about yourself, how could you? You really proved yourself tonight."

Joey let his words sink in and felt the shame rising to her cheeks. Dawson calmed down when he didn't receive a retort from her. Angry tears burned her cheeks as she stood next to Dawson in silence.

 "You are still my best friend. You are. What we have is just as important and real to me as it has always been. But what Shannon and I have is real also. All I'm asking from you is your support—as you are my best friend."

                As he spoke these her words, her heart ached deeper than she had ever felt before. Tears welled up in her eyes as she fought the pain. "Dawson, you are missing something very crucial here: She is your best friend. And if she isn't she should be. Because when you commit to someone for the rest of your life, they should be…that person. And I can't give you that. I'm sorry Dawson but I don't know if I have anything to give to you anymore."

"I don't understand you, Joey. What is this really about? The fact that you weren't forewarned…or the fact that I'm getting married—because the line is pretty blurry right now."

Weary of Dawson, Joey stopped him. "I'm tired of this. I'm tired of talking and…you should just go now. I want you to go." Joey pulled away from him and walked briskly to the house, more tears spilling down her cheeks.

Dawson called to her, "I'm not going to let you do this Joey! I'm not going to let you shut me out."  She ignored him and kept up her fast pace to the house until she reached the door. She opened and closed it without looking back. Just like Dawson did, she thought painfully.