Joey climbed up the ladder that led to Dawson's bedroom. It was nighttime
and the moon was full. Lightning bugs illuminated around the house.
Dawson's bedroom light was on and Joey heard the noises of his television. She scaled to the top of the ladder and slid through the window. Dawson was on the bed, positioned on his stomach. He had the VCR remote in his hand and a bowl of popcorn beside him. He quickly turned his attention from the TV and smiled at Joey.
"Hey Joe, you're just in time."
"So, what movie are we watching tonight?" asked Joey as she plopped next to Dawson.
"I figured we'd kick it old school tonight."
"You mean a classic?"
"Well it was an instant classic but it's not in black and white." replied Dawson, taking a hand full of popcorn and bringing it to his mouth.
"So what are we watching?" asked Joey more persistent.
"ET."
"Oh I love that movie. We haven't watched it in forever." stated Joey, a smile etching across her face.
"I know. That's why I picked it. I figured sense we were starting fresh with our relationship, what better way to do that than with one of the greatest Spielberg movies ever."
"I agree. Put it in."
"I'm way ahead of ya." replied Dawson, pressing play on the VCR remote.
=====/////=====
Pacey sat on the edge of his boat and twiddled his thumbs in unrest. It was getting pretty late and there was still no sign of Joey. Maybe she forgot, thought Pacey? However, he knew full well that Joey Potter never forgot anything. She was as sharp as a razor's edge. That was one of her qualities that Pacey loved most. She was witty and always kept him on his feet.
Suddenly, Pacey heard footsteps coming down the dock and his heart fluttered. It had to be Joey, he thought.
Pacey focused his eyes though the darkness and quickly realized that it wasn't Joey. Hell whoever it was wasn't even a female. His heart sank.
"Well, you don't seem too happy to see me which is odd because I come bearing gifts." stated Mitch Leery, holding something in his hands.
"Hey Mr. Leery. What are you doing here?" asked Pacey meekly.
Mitch Leery ignored the question. He just stood on the dock and motioned for Pacey to come down from his boat. Pacey nodded to Mitch and jumped off the boat rail. He hit the wooden docks with a thump.
"Is something wrong Pace? You seem a little down in the dumps."
"I'm fine. I just have a lot on my mind right now."
"You don't seem fine Pacey but cheer up. I have something for you and I'm pretty sure it will brighten up your night."
"What are you talking about?"
"Well, Gale and I wanted you to have this." answered Mitch, handing Pacey a thick piece of cloth.
Pacey took the cloth which was folded into a tight rectangle. He opened the foldings and quickly realized it was a flag that stated Leery's Fresh Fish. The flag was the logo of Mitch and Gale's restaurant. A smile tugged at Pacey's lips.
"That's better. Now you don't seem so down." laughed Mitch.
"Mr. Leery, I don't know what to say."
"Well I guess the appropriate response would be thank you."
"Thank you. Thank you very much." stated Pacey, smiling bright.
"The entry fee has been taken care of and your boat is number 18 in the Regatta race. Win one for the Leery's Pace. We could use the advertising."
"You got it Mr. Leery. Consider the race in the bag."
"That's what I like to hear." laughed Mitch, patting Pacey on the back.
Pacey refolded the flag and shook Mitch's hand. He found himself smiling again and it felt good. Pacey had no trouble expressing his gratitude.
"Thanks again, Mr. Leery."
"No problem Pacey but I have to ask you a question. Why did you seem so disappointed when I came into the dock lights? Where you expecting someone?"
"Yeah but I guess that someone decided not to show up." replied Pacey with a frown.
"Well I'm not going to pry but I think Dawson and Joey are at the house watching a movie. I'm sure they'd love for you to hang out with them."
Pacey's face went neutral. He couldn't believe his ears. Was Mitch serious, he thought, Joey skipped out on me so she could watch a movie with Dawson?
Suddenly, Pacey realized that his feelings for Joey were ludicrous. He knew full well that things would never ever work out between them and he was an idiot for even trying. I guess that's the final nail in the coffin, thought Pacey with a frown.
Meanwhile, Mitch turned his head in puzzlement. He stared blankly at Pacey. I can't believe it, he thought, One minute Pacey's sad, then the next he's happy, but another minute later he's sad again.
"Pace, you should really try to regulate your moods better." said Mitch.
Pacey laughed meekly.
"Alright Mr. Leery. I'll try working on it."
"So does that mean you're coming to my house?"
"I would but I have a lot of work to do. Maybe some other time."
"Ok Pacey, then I guess I'll talk to you later." stated Mitch, patting Pacey on the arm.
"Bye Mr. Leery."
"Bye Pacey." replied Mitch, as he vanished into the darkness of the night.
=====/////=====
Joey stared blankly at the TV screen. She had seen ET several times and each time she enjoyed it thoroughly. However, this time the movie seemed unbearable. Joey's eyes tried to focus on the movie but she didn't notice the alien being attracted by Reese's Pieces. She was looking through the screen and saw only one image; Pacey waiting for her on his boat.
A sharp pain stabbed Joey's heart and she moved uncomfortably on Dawson's bed. Dawson turned his attention from the movie and looked at Joey puzzlingly.
"You alright, Joe?"
"I'm fine. The bed just feels a little lumpy." replied Joey, heat building up under her collar.
"You want a pillow or something?"
"No thanks. I'm fine, really."
"Ok." said Dawson as he casually turned back to the TV screen.
Suddenly, the anxiety building up in Joey was too much for her to handle. The thought of Pacey waiting for her was unbearable. I can't just abandon him like this, she thought. Joey quickly slide off the bed and reached for her shoes.
"I'm sorry Dawson but I have to go." stated Joe, as she pulled on her tennis shoes.
"What? Why?" asked Dawson, turning off the movie with the remote.
"I can't really say." replied Joey, putting on her jean jacket.
"Joey, you can't just leave and not give me an explanation. Is it something I did?"
"No, it has nothing to do with you."
"What's with you Joey? One minute we're enjoying a movie and the next you can't wait to get out my window."
"I'm really sorry Dawson. I'll talk to you tomorrow." said Joey as she slide through the bedroom window.
Dawson jumped from the bed and stuck his head through his window. He watched as Joey scaled down the ladder and darted for her row boat.
"Joey, wait!" he shouted.
"I can't Dawson. I promise we'll talk tomorrow."
Dawson watched in aggravation as Joey got into her boat and rowed back down the creek. Confusion consumed him quickly. Well that didn't go the way I planned, thought Dawson.
=====/////=====
Pacey had waited long enough. It was almost midnight and it was blatantly obvious that Joey wasn't going to show. Damn the "fates", he thought.
Pacey was tired. He was tired of Joey, tired of school, and tired of life. Pacey couldn't understand why he felt so bad. He finally finished True Love and just in time to enter the Regatta. The Leerys even sponsored him in the race so why did he feel like crap? Pacey laughed to himself. That was a stupid question, he thought, I know why I feel like crap. Joey was the reason he felt so terrible. For several months now, she had been the reason for his pain. Pacey sighed heavily and lowered himself into the cabin of his boat. He didn't feel like going back to his house so he decided to sleep in True Love tonight.
Pacey opened a cupboard and took out a blanket. He then stretched out on his indoor hammock and covered himself with it. Two more days until the race, thought Pacey as he slowly closed his eyes.
"Pace?" called a voice from outside.
Pacey's eyes fluttered open and he jumped off his hammock. He quickly headed for the deck. The voice called out again as he stepped out of True Love's cabin.
"I was beginning to think I missed you." said Joey, as Pacey came into sight.
Joey was standing on the edge of True Love with the cool breeze brushing through her dark hair. Pacey shook his head mildly and motioned for her to come aboard.
"Well I was beginning to think you weren't coming." replied Pacey bitterly.
"I'm sorry Pacey. Something came up."
"Yeah and that thing is Dawson." snapped Pacey.
"How did you know I was with Dawson?"
"Mitch came by about an hour ago. He told me ya'll were watching a movie together. Thanks for telling me."
"Look Pace, I'm sorry I stood you up but I'm here now."
"Yep, here you are." replied Pacey in a sarcastic tone.
"I said I was sorry Pacey. What else do you want me to say?"
"Nothing but I guess we're even now. I was avoiding you so now you're avoiding me. I swear this relationship is so screwed up! Why do we even bother?!"
Suddenly Joey's brow furled. Pacey's words hurt her and she wasn't just going to stand there and take his verbal assaults.
"Real tactful Pacey! So what are you saying? You want to stop being friends?"
"No that's not what I'm saying Joe! I want us to BE friends! But I feel like I'm competing with Dawson."
"What are you talking about Pacey? We're all just friends. There shouldn't be any competition."
"So is that true?"
"What, about the competition?"
"No, about us just being friends. Because I'm not so sure anymore, Joe."
"Pacey, what are you getting at?" asked Joey, putting her hair behind her ear.
Pacey sighed and stepped up to her. Joey felt a tingle pulse through her skin as he approached. Pacey extended his hands and placed each one next to her arms. However, he didn't touch her. He kept his finger tips mere inches from her skin and Joey's heart rate began to thump.
"This Joe, this right here. I don't even have to touch you and I get light headed. Just by being this close to you I feel like I'm going to fall over. Why is that?"
"I don't know Pacey." replied Joey, her eyes closing.
She imagined Pacey finally taking her arms in his hands and the feeling was intoxicating. Joey felt butterflies in her stomach.
"I want to touch you Joey but I want you to say its ok. You know how I feel about you. I haven't hid my emotions but you have. It's been excruciating because you know how I feel about you but I don't know how you feel about me."
"Pacey." pleaded Joey.
She wanted him to take her into his arms but she also knew that if he did, the world would change around them. The winds of change would take them up in one swift swoop and there would be no turning back. Conflict raged in Joey. She wanted Pacey and there was no doubting it. However, there were so many factors working against them, Dawson in particular. The warmth of Pacey's fingers close to her skin sent Joey into a top spin. Suddenly nothing mattered anymore, all except Pacey. All things change, she thought, its a known fact and I've held out for too long.
"Pace." she said with her eyes' still closed.
"Yes, Joe?"
"I want you to touch me now."
That was all Joey Potter needed to say. Pacey quickly took Joey in his arms and brought his lips to hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck and they embraced passionately. The "fates" from above smiled.
To Be Continued...
Dawson's bedroom light was on and Joey heard the noises of his television. She scaled to the top of the ladder and slid through the window. Dawson was on the bed, positioned on his stomach. He had the VCR remote in his hand and a bowl of popcorn beside him. He quickly turned his attention from the TV and smiled at Joey.
"Hey Joe, you're just in time."
"So, what movie are we watching tonight?" asked Joey as she plopped next to Dawson.
"I figured we'd kick it old school tonight."
"You mean a classic?"
"Well it was an instant classic but it's not in black and white." replied Dawson, taking a hand full of popcorn and bringing it to his mouth.
"So what are we watching?" asked Joey more persistent.
"ET."
"Oh I love that movie. We haven't watched it in forever." stated Joey, a smile etching across her face.
"I know. That's why I picked it. I figured sense we were starting fresh with our relationship, what better way to do that than with one of the greatest Spielberg movies ever."
"I agree. Put it in."
"I'm way ahead of ya." replied Dawson, pressing play on the VCR remote.
=====/////=====
Pacey sat on the edge of his boat and twiddled his thumbs in unrest. It was getting pretty late and there was still no sign of Joey. Maybe she forgot, thought Pacey? However, he knew full well that Joey Potter never forgot anything. She was as sharp as a razor's edge. That was one of her qualities that Pacey loved most. She was witty and always kept him on his feet.
Suddenly, Pacey heard footsteps coming down the dock and his heart fluttered. It had to be Joey, he thought.
Pacey focused his eyes though the darkness and quickly realized that it wasn't Joey. Hell whoever it was wasn't even a female. His heart sank.
"Well, you don't seem too happy to see me which is odd because I come bearing gifts." stated Mitch Leery, holding something in his hands.
"Hey Mr. Leery. What are you doing here?" asked Pacey meekly.
Mitch Leery ignored the question. He just stood on the dock and motioned for Pacey to come down from his boat. Pacey nodded to Mitch and jumped off the boat rail. He hit the wooden docks with a thump.
"Is something wrong Pace? You seem a little down in the dumps."
"I'm fine. I just have a lot on my mind right now."
"You don't seem fine Pacey but cheer up. I have something for you and I'm pretty sure it will brighten up your night."
"What are you talking about?"
"Well, Gale and I wanted you to have this." answered Mitch, handing Pacey a thick piece of cloth.
Pacey took the cloth which was folded into a tight rectangle. He opened the foldings and quickly realized it was a flag that stated Leery's Fresh Fish. The flag was the logo of Mitch and Gale's restaurant. A smile tugged at Pacey's lips.
"That's better. Now you don't seem so down." laughed Mitch.
"Mr. Leery, I don't know what to say."
"Well I guess the appropriate response would be thank you."
"Thank you. Thank you very much." stated Pacey, smiling bright.
"The entry fee has been taken care of and your boat is number 18 in the Regatta race. Win one for the Leery's Pace. We could use the advertising."
"You got it Mr. Leery. Consider the race in the bag."
"That's what I like to hear." laughed Mitch, patting Pacey on the back.
Pacey refolded the flag and shook Mitch's hand. He found himself smiling again and it felt good. Pacey had no trouble expressing his gratitude.
"Thanks again, Mr. Leery."
"No problem Pacey but I have to ask you a question. Why did you seem so disappointed when I came into the dock lights? Where you expecting someone?"
"Yeah but I guess that someone decided not to show up." replied Pacey with a frown.
"Well I'm not going to pry but I think Dawson and Joey are at the house watching a movie. I'm sure they'd love for you to hang out with them."
Pacey's face went neutral. He couldn't believe his ears. Was Mitch serious, he thought, Joey skipped out on me so she could watch a movie with Dawson?
Suddenly, Pacey realized that his feelings for Joey were ludicrous. He knew full well that things would never ever work out between them and he was an idiot for even trying. I guess that's the final nail in the coffin, thought Pacey with a frown.
Meanwhile, Mitch turned his head in puzzlement. He stared blankly at Pacey. I can't believe it, he thought, One minute Pacey's sad, then the next he's happy, but another minute later he's sad again.
"Pace, you should really try to regulate your moods better." said Mitch.
Pacey laughed meekly.
"Alright Mr. Leery. I'll try working on it."
"So does that mean you're coming to my house?"
"I would but I have a lot of work to do. Maybe some other time."
"Ok Pacey, then I guess I'll talk to you later." stated Mitch, patting Pacey on the arm.
"Bye Mr. Leery."
"Bye Pacey." replied Mitch, as he vanished into the darkness of the night.
=====/////=====
Joey stared blankly at the TV screen. She had seen ET several times and each time she enjoyed it thoroughly. However, this time the movie seemed unbearable. Joey's eyes tried to focus on the movie but she didn't notice the alien being attracted by Reese's Pieces. She was looking through the screen and saw only one image; Pacey waiting for her on his boat.
A sharp pain stabbed Joey's heart and she moved uncomfortably on Dawson's bed. Dawson turned his attention from the movie and looked at Joey puzzlingly.
"You alright, Joe?"
"I'm fine. The bed just feels a little lumpy." replied Joey, heat building up under her collar.
"You want a pillow or something?"
"No thanks. I'm fine, really."
"Ok." said Dawson as he casually turned back to the TV screen.
Suddenly, the anxiety building up in Joey was too much for her to handle. The thought of Pacey waiting for her was unbearable. I can't just abandon him like this, she thought. Joey quickly slide off the bed and reached for her shoes.
"I'm sorry Dawson but I have to go." stated Joe, as she pulled on her tennis shoes.
"What? Why?" asked Dawson, turning off the movie with the remote.
"I can't really say." replied Joey, putting on her jean jacket.
"Joey, you can't just leave and not give me an explanation. Is it something I did?"
"No, it has nothing to do with you."
"What's with you Joey? One minute we're enjoying a movie and the next you can't wait to get out my window."
"I'm really sorry Dawson. I'll talk to you tomorrow." said Joey as she slide through the bedroom window.
Dawson jumped from the bed and stuck his head through his window. He watched as Joey scaled down the ladder and darted for her row boat.
"Joey, wait!" he shouted.
"I can't Dawson. I promise we'll talk tomorrow."
Dawson watched in aggravation as Joey got into her boat and rowed back down the creek. Confusion consumed him quickly. Well that didn't go the way I planned, thought Dawson.
=====/////=====
Pacey had waited long enough. It was almost midnight and it was blatantly obvious that Joey wasn't going to show. Damn the "fates", he thought.
Pacey was tired. He was tired of Joey, tired of school, and tired of life. Pacey couldn't understand why he felt so bad. He finally finished True Love and just in time to enter the Regatta. The Leerys even sponsored him in the race so why did he feel like crap? Pacey laughed to himself. That was a stupid question, he thought, I know why I feel like crap. Joey was the reason he felt so terrible. For several months now, she had been the reason for his pain. Pacey sighed heavily and lowered himself into the cabin of his boat. He didn't feel like going back to his house so he decided to sleep in True Love tonight.
Pacey opened a cupboard and took out a blanket. He then stretched out on his indoor hammock and covered himself with it. Two more days until the race, thought Pacey as he slowly closed his eyes.
"Pace?" called a voice from outside.
Pacey's eyes fluttered open and he jumped off his hammock. He quickly headed for the deck. The voice called out again as he stepped out of True Love's cabin.
"I was beginning to think I missed you." said Joey, as Pacey came into sight.
Joey was standing on the edge of True Love with the cool breeze brushing through her dark hair. Pacey shook his head mildly and motioned for her to come aboard.
"Well I was beginning to think you weren't coming." replied Pacey bitterly.
"I'm sorry Pacey. Something came up."
"Yeah and that thing is Dawson." snapped Pacey.
"How did you know I was with Dawson?"
"Mitch came by about an hour ago. He told me ya'll were watching a movie together. Thanks for telling me."
"Look Pace, I'm sorry I stood you up but I'm here now."
"Yep, here you are." replied Pacey in a sarcastic tone.
"I said I was sorry Pacey. What else do you want me to say?"
"Nothing but I guess we're even now. I was avoiding you so now you're avoiding me. I swear this relationship is so screwed up! Why do we even bother?!"
Suddenly Joey's brow furled. Pacey's words hurt her and she wasn't just going to stand there and take his verbal assaults.
"Real tactful Pacey! So what are you saying? You want to stop being friends?"
"No that's not what I'm saying Joe! I want us to BE friends! But I feel like I'm competing with Dawson."
"What are you talking about Pacey? We're all just friends. There shouldn't be any competition."
"So is that true?"
"What, about the competition?"
"No, about us just being friends. Because I'm not so sure anymore, Joe."
"Pacey, what are you getting at?" asked Joey, putting her hair behind her ear.
Pacey sighed and stepped up to her. Joey felt a tingle pulse through her skin as he approached. Pacey extended his hands and placed each one next to her arms. However, he didn't touch her. He kept his finger tips mere inches from her skin and Joey's heart rate began to thump.
"This Joe, this right here. I don't even have to touch you and I get light headed. Just by being this close to you I feel like I'm going to fall over. Why is that?"
"I don't know Pacey." replied Joey, her eyes closing.
She imagined Pacey finally taking her arms in his hands and the feeling was intoxicating. Joey felt butterflies in her stomach.
"I want to touch you Joey but I want you to say its ok. You know how I feel about you. I haven't hid my emotions but you have. It's been excruciating because you know how I feel about you but I don't know how you feel about me."
"Pacey." pleaded Joey.
She wanted him to take her into his arms but she also knew that if he did, the world would change around them. The winds of change would take them up in one swift swoop and there would be no turning back. Conflict raged in Joey. She wanted Pacey and there was no doubting it. However, there were so many factors working against them, Dawson in particular. The warmth of Pacey's fingers close to her skin sent Joey into a top spin. Suddenly nothing mattered anymore, all except Pacey. All things change, she thought, its a known fact and I've held out for too long.
"Pace." she said with her eyes' still closed.
"Yes, Joe?"
"I want you to touch me now."
That was all Joey Potter needed to say. Pacey quickly took Joey in his arms and brought his lips to hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck and they embraced passionately. The "fates" from above smiled.
To Be Continued...