It is morning. Pacey is running through the hallway of Capeside High urgently, as classroom doors slam around him. He makes his way around the corner and collides with Abby, who is standing leisurely by her locker reading Seventeen. She shrieks and shoves him away.

Abby smoothes down her clothes: Ew! Get off me you freak! What do you think you're doing? Pacey rolls his eyes and walks away from her, though at a much slower pace: Gee, I don't know... English? Abby walks quickly, like a cat, to catch up with him: And you do like to go to English, don't you Pacey? Pacey: No Abby, English just happens to be the class that we go to first period on a Wednesday. Abby looks panicked for a split second: Yeah, whatever. So, are you going to Chris's Christmas party on Friday? Pacey: I wasn't invited. You don't like me - remember? Abby: Well, I would have thought Jen would have invited you. Pacey: You don't like her either. Abby smiles and shrugs: Well, not at the moment. But really, Jen and I are two kindred spirits trying to escape the terminal boredom of teenage life in a small town... she's better than most other people, although... ::Abby smiles wickedly:: she *is* a bit of a wet rag. Pacey is sarcastic: Oh you, hurt me with that one, Abby. Abby: I try. ::they reach the classroom door:: So you guys will try to come, right? Pacey shrugs: I guess so. But I'm still totally lost as to why you'd want us there... Abby: Now Pacey, how *can* you question my motives like that? They enter the classroom and shut the door behind them. Teacher's voice can be heard from behind the door: Mr Whitter! Miss Morgan! Do you have any idea what time it is?

Cut to.... It is lunchtime. Andie is making her way through the schoolyard and sees Joey sitting alone doing a sketch. She walks over and sits down.

Andie: Hi Joey! Joey looks up and smiles: Oh, hi Andie. Andie: Whatcha drawing? Joey quickly covers her artwork embarrassed. She shrugs: Nothing much. Just sketches. There is a brief silence. Andie grins: It's not my naked brother again, is it? Joey blushes: No. It's nothing interesting, just some birds... ::she appears to think for a couple of seconds and then shows the drawings to Andie:: Andie picks them up: Oh wow! These are good! Joey shrugs: I'm not exactly onto abstract expression or anything yet. Andie shakes her head: No, they really are good. I wish I could draw. Unfortunately all the artistic talent in my family went to Jack. Pacey rushes over and sits next to Andie, pecking her on the cheek. Andie returns the kiss: Hey Pacey! What are you so excited about? Pacey: You. Joey rolls her eyes but smiles: No, seriously. Andie: I'm not worthy of getting excited about? Pacey in a dirty tone: Oh, you know you're exciting Andie... ::Joey makes a face of disgust:: ... but... are you guys doing anything on Friday night? Andie: No. I was thinking we could maybe get some study done. Joey: Why? Pacey: I didn't think so. So, I was thinking, seeing as no one has any extracurricular plans we could all go to Chris's Christmas party. Joey: Chris's Christmas Party? That *is* tacky. Pacey: Tacky? Yes, but it's a party. It's gotta be better than algebra. Andie: I don't know Pacey... I don't really feel comfortable around Chris. Those people don't really seem to like us - haven't you noticed? Pacey: Andie Andie Andie. The guy has a big screen TV with every station around the world. We can watch Party Of Five translated into Japanese. Granted, we won't be able to understand it, but... Joey: Who's coming? Pacey: You guys, me, Dawson, Jen... Joey groans: Jen? Pacey: Oh get over it already. Andie smiles: Jack? You know he has a bit of difficulty making friends. He doesn't know that many guys here. Pacey: Sure. Jack can come. I'm not running the party. Joey: No, Chris is. Joey: No. Chris is. Pacey: But that won't stop you from coming, will it? Andie: Of course not. Joey shrugs: I'm in.

Cut to... Dawson and Pacey are walking up the lawn towards Dawson's house.

Pacey is pleading: Oh come on Dawson... you have to come. It's not like you could possibly have anything better to do... Dawson laughs: For all you know I could have a hot date.. Pacey: Well, Chris's house has a hot tub, so you'd have even more fun if you took her to the party. Besides, you couldn't have a hot date, all our friends are going to the party... Joey's going... Jen approaches from behind and says: Where is Joey going? Pacey: Chris's party... and your coming too, right? Dawson sighs: Pacey, I can't for the life of me comprehend your enthusiasm over Chris's party. We don't like them... Jen: And they don't like us... Pacey: Abby likes you, Jen. Jen: No she doesn't... ::she pauses:: I suppose I'll come. Dawson: Jen! You just totally contradicted everything you just said! Jen shrugs: Look, it will keep Kimmy out of my hair... for a while at least. Pacey: Kimmy? Dawson: Jen's illustrious cousin. She's staying here over Christmas. She's arriving this afternoon. Jen looks at her watch: She should be here soon actually...