Dawson stared blankly at Andie McPhee. She was crying and right out in
public. He couldn't understand why she seemed so upset. Tears drained
from her eyes and her lip quivered furiously. Dawson approached Andie and
placed his arm around her neck. She continued to cry but nestled her face
into Dawson's chest. People walked by and tossed glances in their
direction. Dawson quickly realized that he needed to get Andie to some
place more private.
"Andie, I know you're upset but we should go to some place less crowded."
Andie didn't say a word. She continued to cry but nodded in confirmation to Dawson's request.
Dawson decided to take Andie to his father's car. It was just up the street and they could talk there. However, Dawson was kicking himself internally because he desperately wanted to talk with Joey about the night before.
Dawson led Andie to the Mitch-mobile and she cried the entire way. Andie was making quite a spectacle and Dawson was sure that whatever was bothering her must be serious. They finally made it to the car and Dawson was grateful. He unlocked the passenger side door and opened it for Andie. She sobbed openly as she slid into the car. Dawson shut the door behind her, went around to the other side, and got in. He remained quiet for a few moments so that Andie could regain her equilibrium. After a minute, Andie's crying settled.
"Feeling better?" he asked.
"No Dawson, I'm a wreck." sniffed Andie.
"Tell me what happened Andie. Why are you so upset?"
"It's Pacey."
"What do you mean?" asked Dawson with a look of confusion.
"I saw Pacey with someone today."
"Oh." said Dawson sympathetically.
"Not just "oh", Dawson. This is serious!! Pacey is my true love. I want him back so much but he's in love with somebody else."
Dawson placed his hand on Andie's shoulder. She started to cry again but Dawson's support was greatly appreciated.
"Look Andie, someone once told me that things change, people change. There is nothing we can do about it. Pacey's moved on and so should you."
"It's not just that Dawson. I know that Pacey has moved on but he moved on in the wrong direction."
"Andie, what are you talking about?"
"I saw him with.."
Andie stopped.
"With who?" asked Dawson?
"with.."
Andie stopped again and Dawson was getting impatient.
"Go on, you can tell me." he urged.
Andie stared into Dawson's eyes. She had planned to tell him everything. Andie wanted to tell him that she saw Pacey and Joey together, and about the events that took place in the library. However, she couldn't do it. When Andie looked into Dawson's eyes she realized that the news of Pacey and Joey would devastate him. Andie suddenly lost her nerve.
"I saw him with a girl from my Trigonometry class. I don't think you know her but she's so wrong for him. I can't believe Pacey has sunk so low." she lied.
Dawson laughed lightly. He had begun to think that Pacey had made the moves on someone much more serious, like Jenn or Joey. Dawson let out a sigh of relief. Wow, something like that would have turned my world upside down, he thought.
"You'd be surprised on just how low Pacey can sink." laughed Dawson, as he patted Andie on the thigh.
You're telling me, thought Andie sarcastically.
=====/////=====
"Will, you have to come man!" pleaded Pacey over the telephone.
"I wish I could make it Pacey but my father won't let me. I got into some trouble with pool sharking so now I'm grounded." replied Pacey's good friend Will.
"You're supposed to be my first mate in the Regatta. Now who's gonna help me?"
"I don't know Pace but I'm sure you'll find somebody."
"Find somebody? The race is tomorrow!! Will, I'm begging and you know I hate to beg!"
"Sorry Pacey, my hands are tied but good luck tomorrow."
Thanks. Thanks a lot." replied Pacey sarcastically.
"I have to go man. I'm not even supposed to be on the phone. If my father catches me, my ass is grass. So, I'll talk to ya later Pace. Bye." stated Will just before he hung up the phone.
Pacey heard the phone hang up on the other end. He couldn't believe it. His good buddy Will had just kicked him in the sack.
"Dammit!" shouted Pacey, as he slammed the phone back on its receiver.
This day has just gone from bad to worse, thought Pacey as he turned from the pay phone.
Pacey growled in anger as he walked across the street toward Leery's Fresh Fish. He had to talk to Mitch. Why me, he thought, why must I always face these trials?
The sad fact of the matter was that Pacey had to withdraw from the Regatta race. Without a first mate, True Love was nothing but a port decoration. Pacey's good friend Will had agreed to be his first mate several weeks back. Will had grown up in Capeside and had been one of Pacey's closest childhood friends. However, Will's family moved away taking him with them, but not all was lost. Although Will and Pacey didn't see each other very much, they did manage to keep in touch. Will knew a lot about sail boats so Pacey asked him to be his first mate on True Love. Will agreed but apparently his parents did not. Now Pacey had his back to the wall. He didn't know what to do. His only option was to back out of the race. Pacey sighed as he opened the main door of the Leery's restaurant.
Pacey entered the restaurant and headed straight for the bar. He straddled a bar stool and placed his head on the counter. The bartender turned to face Pacey and didn't realize that Pacey was still in high school.
"Wow buddy, you look depressed. Are you ok?"
"No." replied Pacey, his face still buried into the counter.
"Well, can I get you something from the bar?"
Pacey lifted his head in confusion. Was this guy serious, he thought, he's not even going to card me?
"Sure, hell I'm not driving." stated Pacey with a mild smile.
Suddenly a firm hand clasped onto Pacey's shoulder and he froze. The bartender looked from Pacey to the man standing behind him. Mitch Leery glared fiercely at the barkeep.
"Sorry Gary, but the bar is closed to this MINOR." stated Mitch.
"Sorry Mr. Leery, he looked twenty-one."
"Well Gary be sure to card next time."
"Yes sir." stated the bartender.
Meanwhile, Mitch took Pacey by the shoulder and led him a secluded part of the restaurant. He placed Pacey in a booth and sat across from him. Mitch appeared to be angry and surprisingly Pacey felt even worse than before.
"What were you thinking Pacey? You were trying to get a drink, in my restaurant of all places."
"I'm sorry Mr. Leery; it's been a rough day."
"Well when I tell your dad it's gonna be a whole lot rougher."
"Great." sighed Pacey, smacking himself in the forehead.
"What's going on Pacey? Why were you trying to get drunk?"
"That wasn't my plan. I came in here to talk to you."
"About what?"
"I have to drop out of the race."
Mitch's face fell. He looked as if someone had punched his mother in the face.
"Why Pacey?"
"I lost my first mate. My friend Will was supposed to help but he can't make it. I have no one else to turn to."
"That's why you're dropping out of the Regatta? Come on Pacey, you'll have to come up with a better excuse than that."
"Well what am I suppose to do?"
"Why not ask me for help instead of just dropping out of the race?"
Pacey raised his eyebrow. He looked at Mitch with confusion in his eyes.
"Thanks a lot Mr. Leery but you've help me enough."
"Shut up Pacey. First of all, I can never help you enough. Second, don't think of it as me helping you but as me helping myself. I am your sponsor Pacey. If you win, Leery's Fresh Fish would get a lot of publicity, something a newly opened restaurant needs."
"So what are you saying?"
"I'm saying that I know a thing or two about boats, and if you ask I might lend my services to True Love."
Pacey let a smile spread across his face. This guy is too good to be true, he thought.
Suddenly Pacey remembered that he had recently kissed Joey, which would undoubtedly crush Dawson. If Mitch knew about his relationship with Joey would he still have offered his help? Pacey sighed internally. He couldn't worry about that now. His first priority was to win the Regatta for the Leerys.
"Mr. Leery, will you be my first mate in the race tomorrow?"
"Pacey, I thought you'd never ask." laughed Mitch.
=====/////=====
Joey stared at the book in front of her. She tried to read it but her mind kept wandering. Her thoughts kept replaying the events of that morning. Joey couldn't seem to get Andie's face out of her mind. What is she going to do, thought Joey, does she have the nerve to tell Dawson?
Joey closed her book and sighed. I should call Dawson now, she thought.
Joey placed her book on the counter and went to the B and B desk phone. She picked up the receiver and began to dial Dawson's home phone number. Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Joey sighed and hung up the phone. She slowly trudged to the front door and opened it. Joey looked through the doorway and saw Dawson.
Dawson stood on the porch with his hands in his pockets. He seemed upset and the first thought that came to Joey was "He Knows".
"Hey Joe, can I come in?" asked Dawson meekly.
Joey paused for a moment. Fear and confusion ran rapid inside her. Dawson waited patiently for her to speak but was baffled as to why she was silent. Suddenly, reality snapped back into Joey's head.
"Sure Dawson, come on in." she said, stepping aside so Dawson could walk through.
Dawson entered the B and B and sat down at the kitchen table. Joey went to the refrigerator and got out some juice. She was panicking but tried forcefully to stay calm.
"Can I get you some juice?" she asked.
"Sure."
"Ok." replied Joey as she pored two glasses of juice.
She put the juice back in the refrigerator and then handed Dawson a glass. He took it gingerly and sipped the liquid.
"You never called." he stated.
"I'm sorry Dawson. Would you believe that I was just about to?"
"I'm not sure what to believe anymore Joey."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know. Things are so different now; it's hard to decipher reality from fiction. The things that I thought were real no longer exist."
"Like what?" asked Joey, sitting next to Dawson?
"Like you and me."
Joey looked into Dawson's eyes and frowned. There was so much pain in his eyes that it crushed Joey's heart. To make matters worse, she now had to tell him that she was dating his best friend. Joey sighed and took a drink of juice. She thought of the best way to start the painful conversation but Dawson spoke first.
"So what are your plans for tomorrow?"
"I haven't made any serious plans. I figured I'd watch Pacey race and then the fireworks later that night."
"Well I have a better idea." stated Dawson.
"Oh really, what?"
"Let's spend the day together. We'll have lunch at my parent's restaurant and watch the Regatta. Then we can shop at the stands and then watch the fireworks. What do you say?"
"I don't know Dawson. Bessie may need me to do some things." said Joey, trying to find a reason as to why she couldn't spend the day with him.
"Joey, I feel like I have to beg for us to hang out together. It's the least you can do since you just walked out on my last night."
Joey thought for a moment. She had to stop avoiding Dawson. He was her closest friend and there had to be some way for her to be with Pacey, and still remain friends with Dawson. Tomorrow was the perfect way for her to show that she still wanted to be friends. A small smile tugged at Joey's lips.
"Alright Dawson, let's spend the day together. There's a lot we can catch up on and a lot we need to talk about." she said.
To Be Continued...
"Andie, I know you're upset but we should go to some place less crowded."
Andie didn't say a word. She continued to cry but nodded in confirmation to Dawson's request.
Dawson decided to take Andie to his father's car. It was just up the street and they could talk there. However, Dawson was kicking himself internally because he desperately wanted to talk with Joey about the night before.
Dawson led Andie to the Mitch-mobile and she cried the entire way. Andie was making quite a spectacle and Dawson was sure that whatever was bothering her must be serious. They finally made it to the car and Dawson was grateful. He unlocked the passenger side door and opened it for Andie. She sobbed openly as she slid into the car. Dawson shut the door behind her, went around to the other side, and got in. He remained quiet for a few moments so that Andie could regain her equilibrium. After a minute, Andie's crying settled.
"Feeling better?" he asked.
"No Dawson, I'm a wreck." sniffed Andie.
"Tell me what happened Andie. Why are you so upset?"
"It's Pacey."
"What do you mean?" asked Dawson with a look of confusion.
"I saw Pacey with someone today."
"Oh." said Dawson sympathetically.
"Not just "oh", Dawson. This is serious!! Pacey is my true love. I want him back so much but he's in love with somebody else."
Dawson placed his hand on Andie's shoulder. She started to cry again but Dawson's support was greatly appreciated.
"Look Andie, someone once told me that things change, people change. There is nothing we can do about it. Pacey's moved on and so should you."
"It's not just that Dawson. I know that Pacey has moved on but he moved on in the wrong direction."
"Andie, what are you talking about?"
"I saw him with.."
Andie stopped.
"With who?" asked Dawson?
"with.."
Andie stopped again and Dawson was getting impatient.
"Go on, you can tell me." he urged.
Andie stared into Dawson's eyes. She had planned to tell him everything. Andie wanted to tell him that she saw Pacey and Joey together, and about the events that took place in the library. However, she couldn't do it. When Andie looked into Dawson's eyes she realized that the news of Pacey and Joey would devastate him. Andie suddenly lost her nerve.
"I saw him with a girl from my Trigonometry class. I don't think you know her but she's so wrong for him. I can't believe Pacey has sunk so low." she lied.
Dawson laughed lightly. He had begun to think that Pacey had made the moves on someone much more serious, like Jenn or Joey. Dawson let out a sigh of relief. Wow, something like that would have turned my world upside down, he thought.
"You'd be surprised on just how low Pacey can sink." laughed Dawson, as he patted Andie on the thigh.
You're telling me, thought Andie sarcastically.
=====/////=====
"Will, you have to come man!" pleaded Pacey over the telephone.
"I wish I could make it Pacey but my father won't let me. I got into some trouble with pool sharking so now I'm grounded." replied Pacey's good friend Will.
"You're supposed to be my first mate in the Regatta. Now who's gonna help me?"
"I don't know Pace but I'm sure you'll find somebody."
"Find somebody? The race is tomorrow!! Will, I'm begging and you know I hate to beg!"
"Sorry Pacey, my hands are tied but good luck tomorrow."
Thanks. Thanks a lot." replied Pacey sarcastically.
"I have to go man. I'm not even supposed to be on the phone. If my father catches me, my ass is grass. So, I'll talk to ya later Pace. Bye." stated Will just before he hung up the phone.
Pacey heard the phone hang up on the other end. He couldn't believe it. His good buddy Will had just kicked him in the sack.
"Dammit!" shouted Pacey, as he slammed the phone back on its receiver.
This day has just gone from bad to worse, thought Pacey as he turned from the pay phone.
Pacey growled in anger as he walked across the street toward Leery's Fresh Fish. He had to talk to Mitch. Why me, he thought, why must I always face these trials?
The sad fact of the matter was that Pacey had to withdraw from the Regatta race. Without a first mate, True Love was nothing but a port decoration. Pacey's good friend Will had agreed to be his first mate several weeks back. Will had grown up in Capeside and had been one of Pacey's closest childhood friends. However, Will's family moved away taking him with them, but not all was lost. Although Will and Pacey didn't see each other very much, they did manage to keep in touch. Will knew a lot about sail boats so Pacey asked him to be his first mate on True Love. Will agreed but apparently his parents did not. Now Pacey had his back to the wall. He didn't know what to do. His only option was to back out of the race. Pacey sighed as he opened the main door of the Leery's restaurant.
Pacey entered the restaurant and headed straight for the bar. He straddled a bar stool and placed his head on the counter. The bartender turned to face Pacey and didn't realize that Pacey was still in high school.
"Wow buddy, you look depressed. Are you ok?"
"No." replied Pacey, his face still buried into the counter.
"Well, can I get you something from the bar?"
Pacey lifted his head in confusion. Was this guy serious, he thought, he's not even going to card me?
"Sure, hell I'm not driving." stated Pacey with a mild smile.
Suddenly a firm hand clasped onto Pacey's shoulder and he froze. The bartender looked from Pacey to the man standing behind him. Mitch Leery glared fiercely at the barkeep.
"Sorry Gary, but the bar is closed to this MINOR." stated Mitch.
"Sorry Mr. Leery, he looked twenty-one."
"Well Gary be sure to card next time."
"Yes sir." stated the bartender.
Meanwhile, Mitch took Pacey by the shoulder and led him a secluded part of the restaurant. He placed Pacey in a booth and sat across from him. Mitch appeared to be angry and surprisingly Pacey felt even worse than before.
"What were you thinking Pacey? You were trying to get a drink, in my restaurant of all places."
"I'm sorry Mr. Leery; it's been a rough day."
"Well when I tell your dad it's gonna be a whole lot rougher."
"Great." sighed Pacey, smacking himself in the forehead.
"What's going on Pacey? Why were you trying to get drunk?"
"That wasn't my plan. I came in here to talk to you."
"About what?"
"I have to drop out of the race."
Mitch's face fell. He looked as if someone had punched his mother in the face.
"Why Pacey?"
"I lost my first mate. My friend Will was supposed to help but he can't make it. I have no one else to turn to."
"That's why you're dropping out of the Regatta? Come on Pacey, you'll have to come up with a better excuse than that."
"Well what am I suppose to do?"
"Why not ask me for help instead of just dropping out of the race?"
Pacey raised his eyebrow. He looked at Mitch with confusion in his eyes.
"Thanks a lot Mr. Leery but you've help me enough."
"Shut up Pacey. First of all, I can never help you enough. Second, don't think of it as me helping you but as me helping myself. I am your sponsor Pacey. If you win, Leery's Fresh Fish would get a lot of publicity, something a newly opened restaurant needs."
"So what are you saying?"
"I'm saying that I know a thing or two about boats, and if you ask I might lend my services to True Love."
Pacey let a smile spread across his face. This guy is too good to be true, he thought.
Suddenly Pacey remembered that he had recently kissed Joey, which would undoubtedly crush Dawson. If Mitch knew about his relationship with Joey would he still have offered his help? Pacey sighed internally. He couldn't worry about that now. His first priority was to win the Regatta for the Leerys.
"Mr. Leery, will you be my first mate in the race tomorrow?"
"Pacey, I thought you'd never ask." laughed Mitch.
=====/////=====
Joey stared at the book in front of her. She tried to read it but her mind kept wandering. Her thoughts kept replaying the events of that morning. Joey couldn't seem to get Andie's face out of her mind. What is she going to do, thought Joey, does she have the nerve to tell Dawson?
Joey closed her book and sighed. I should call Dawson now, she thought.
Joey placed her book on the counter and went to the B and B desk phone. She picked up the receiver and began to dial Dawson's home phone number. Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Joey sighed and hung up the phone. She slowly trudged to the front door and opened it. Joey looked through the doorway and saw Dawson.
Dawson stood on the porch with his hands in his pockets. He seemed upset and the first thought that came to Joey was "He Knows".
"Hey Joe, can I come in?" asked Dawson meekly.
Joey paused for a moment. Fear and confusion ran rapid inside her. Dawson waited patiently for her to speak but was baffled as to why she was silent. Suddenly, reality snapped back into Joey's head.
"Sure Dawson, come on in." she said, stepping aside so Dawson could walk through.
Dawson entered the B and B and sat down at the kitchen table. Joey went to the refrigerator and got out some juice. She was panicking but tried forcefully to stay calm.
"Can I get you some juice?" she asked.
"Sure."
"Ok." replied Joey as she pored two glasses of juice.
She put the juice back in the refrigerator and then handed Dawson a glass. He took it gingerly and sipped the liquid.
"You never called." he stated.
"I'm sorry Dawson. Would you believe that I was just about to?"
"I'm not sure what to believe anymore Joey."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know. Things are so different now; it's hard to decipher reality from fiction. The things that I thought were real no longer exist."
"Like what?" asked Joey, sitting next to Dawson?
"Like you and me."
Joey looked into Dawson's eyes and frowned. There was so much pain in his eyes that it crushed Joey's heart. To make matters worse, she now had to tell him that she was dating his best friend. Joey sighed and took a drink of juice. She thought of the best way to start the painful conversation but Dawson spoke first.
"So what are your plans for tomorrow?"
"I haven't made any serious plans. I figured I'd watch Pacey race and then the fireworks later that night."
"Well I have a better idea." stated Dawson.
"Oh really, what?"
"Let's spend the day together. We'll have lunch at my parent's restaurant and watch the Regatta. Then we can shop at the stands and then watch the fireworks. What do you say?"
"I don't know Dawson. Bessie may need me to do some things." said Joey, trying to find a reason as to why she couldn't spend the day with him.
"Joey, I feel like I have to beg for us to hang out together. It's the least you can do since you just walked out on my last night."
Joey thought for a moment. She had to stop avoiding Dawson. He was her closest friend and there had to be some way for her to be with Pacey, and still remain friends with Dawson. Tomorrow was the perfect way for her to show that she still wanted to be friends. A small smile tugged at Joey's lips.
"Alright Dawson, let's spend the day together. There's a lot we can catch up on and a lot we need to talk about." she said.
To Be Continued...