BACK IN THE DAY

She smoothed her hands over her dress and checked her self in the mirror. Tucking a few stray hairs behind her ears, she took a deep breath and answered the door. Standing there was an enormous bouquet of red roses...On legs.

She smiled as she let the roses walk in. "Where can I put them?" came the muffled voice from behind them, as Doug wrapped Joey in a bear hug.

"Just there on the side will be great!" she replied, "now come here and give me a hug!!"

Jack put the flowers down on the side, and turned round to look at her. "Wow..Jo, you look great. Boston is obviously treating you well!" He gave his friend a hug and kissed her on the cheek. "It is so good to see you Jack, I feel so bad that I haven't come to Capeside to visit you both yet, I keep meaning to but, you know, with one thing and another." She trailed off.

"This place is great! So Pacey helped you find it? You've done it up really well. So who else is coming?"

They made their way into the large living room and sat down on the couch, each holding a glass of wine. "Dawson and Andie are coming over later; they're staying at Pacey's and recovering from jetlag! They are bringing Molly and Jake. Jen and Mike were coming over as soon as they can, I think Mike's working a late shift at the hospital. Bessie, Bodie, Alex and Lily should be here any minute - those kids are becoming inseparable, Alex wouldn't leave unless Lily could come too, and she is desperate to see the twins! It will be so great," Joey said, almost all in one breath, "It has been so long since we've all been together! Now tell me, what gossip has Capeside got to offer?"

They sat talking animatedly, catching up on all the things they'd missed out on. Jack was now working as a teacher at Capeside High, he was living with Doug, who was now a detective, in Capeside. They were really happy together and they had every reason to. Both their careers were flourishing and they lived on the creek. They had managed to by Gram's old house and lived close to Gail and Bessie. Trips to Boston were frequent, if to visit Pacey, Grams or Jen. Soon the conversation had turned to the old times - movie nights in Dawson's room, the anti prom and all the pranks that Pacey used to pull. The doorbell rang, and the children's voices could be heard on the driveway.

"Bessie's here," said Joey, her face lighting up. Opening the door, she was greeted by Alex and Lily, who threw themselves at her.

"Aunt Joey, it's good to see you," said Alex looking at Joey with his big brown eyes. "I'm nearly 13 you know." He said as Joey exclaimed how big he'd grown. Lily was beautiful, she was nearly 11 and was sure to be a heartbreaker when she grew older. Her blond hair fell softly to her shoulders and her eyes were large and clear the colour of the creek. Joey kissed them both and went to hug Bessie and Bodie.

"Oh my God!" She squealed hugging Bessie, "why didn't you tell me you were pregnant?! When is it due. God! I've missed you Bess!" Bessie was looking gorgeous too, being pregnant had given her a glow and she smiled with true happiness. Bodie was at her side, he kissed Joey and ushered the kids inside, just as a big Jeep pulled up. Pacey climbed out and helped Andie out of the car. She squealed and ran over to hug Joey.

"It has been to long!" she said, her accent had a little of the Californian drawl in it. Joey smiled at her, Andie was looking really good. She was tanned and her hair was cropped quite short, but she suited it. Dawson came carrying the babies, "Jo!" he exclaimed, "meet Molly and Jake. Hey kids here's your Aunt Joey." He smiled at her and she looked into his eyes, he was still the same, he might be a famous movie director in LA, but to her he was still the boy from across the creek - her Dawson Leery.

Andie and Pacey took the babies inside and Joey could hear the squeals of greeting. Standing on the driveway in the cool evening air, with the sun setting behind the house, she looked up to Dawson and smiled, the smile she saved only for him.

"Come here," he said breaking the silence, he held her in his arms, feeling her breathe against him. She sighed slightly, feeling safe once again, she was amongst friends and it felt good. He kissed her lightly on the head, "I'm so glad you could make it," she said looking up at him. "Me too."

Even though he was deeply in love with Andie and adored everything about her, there would always be a connection between him and Joey that he couldn't escape. They were soul mates.

"Come on, let's go inside," he put his arm around gave her a quick squeeze and walked into the house.

Everyone was chatting and looking around the place, there was a little pile of presents on the side. Joey looked around the room and felt at peace. She understood now just what housewarming meant, having all your friends and family around made the house feel warm. She smiled and joined her friends as they ate and drank and chatted.

"Hello!" The voice floated through the hallway. Joey and Jack stopped talking and turned round, catching Jack's eye, Joey knew that he recognised the disembodied voice too.

"Jennifer Lindley! Get your ass over here and hug me!" yelled Jack as he walked out into the hallway with Joey. Jen came running down the hall and jumped on Jack, whilst Mike followed behind laughing at his girlfriend.

"Joey, it has been too long! I am so glad you decided to come back to Boston, now I get to see you so much more. I have really missed you!" She finally let Joey go and turned round to Mike, "this is one of the most amazing women you will ever meet," she said smiling. "Mike, this is Joey Potter, Joey this is my man - Mike."

After all the introductions were done, they sat down round the table and ate. The food was good, though Pacey pointed out, not as good as his, and the wine flowed freely, as did the conversation. By the end of the evening everyone was exhausted. Pacey was in the kitchen fixing some more drinks, Dawson was sitting with Lily on his knee, talking to Bessie and Doug. Jack and Jen were giggling in the corner with Alex. Joey was siting with the babies and just taking in the pleasant feeling of having everyone around her once more. Molly was looking up at her, smiling and Jake was fast asleep. Andie and Mike walked over to her and sat down.

"This is really amazing Joey," said Andie looking at her friend. "I hate to leave but, I don't think I can handle the jet lag! We will have to meet up tomorrow, for lunch."

"We could try out Pacey's restaurant," said Joey with a grin.

"Oh Jo, you'll love it - wait till you see it," Andie enthused.

"It is really unique, and the food is to die for. We're really lucky to know Pacey," said Mike, "at least we can always get a table!!"

Joey smiled, "I can't wait to see it. Mike, why don't you and Jen join us? If you're nt busy."

"I would love to, but I'm working. I'm sure Jen will make it though, any opportunity to eat at the Icehouse!"

"He called it the Icehouse?" Jo said, tears filling her eyes as she remembered the old one, "Oh Pacey." she whispered.

People started to leave. Soon there was only Pacey and Joey left. Joey took off her shoes and sat down on the couch with a glass of wine.

"God my neck is killing me," she said out loud.

Pacey wandered over. "Here, let me," he said flexing his fingers.

He stood behind her on the couch She was looking gorgeous, he had been watching her all night. Her dress was dark gold with little spaghetti straps, the colour accentuated her eyes and brought out the lighter tints in her hair. He paused for a second taking in her scent, it was delicate and floral, the scent that she had always worn and it made shivers run down his spine.

He touched her shoulders and began to massage them gently. She closed her eyes and tilted her head to one side. She breathed deeply and let out a sigh.

"That feels so good Pace," she whispered as he continued to massage her.

He held his breath as his fingers worked into her soft flesh, her skin was so soft, he didn't want to let go. He leaned forward as he traced his finger behind her ear, she could feel his breath on the back of her neck. She let out a soft moan. God, he wanted to kiss her right then, on the back of her neck, just like he used to. She looked up at him with the eyes that he loved so much, the eyes that he dreamed about every night.

"Don't spoil it Pace," she whispered.