Pacey untied the line of rope that linked True Love to the dock. He then pulled in the rope and tossed it to the hard deck. Pacey's heart was heavy but his mind was too busy to think about it. He would deal with Joey and Dawson later. His only focus now was the Regatta race.
Meanwhile, Mitch checked the sail and tied it to the mast. The race was moments away and the competing boats were sailing to the starting line.
"We better get a move on Pacey. We don't have much time." informed Mitch, the cool wind blowing through his hair.
"Sure thing." replied Pacey as he quickly trotted to the rudder.
Pacey took hold the rudder and steered True Love away from the dock with it's Leery banner blowing in the wind. The elegant sailboat cut through the sea water like poetry and headed for the starting line. Pacey observed the main docks as he sailed for the starting point. A large crowd gathered around the docks to watch the Regatta. The mass of people cheered loudly and happily anticipated the boat race. The moment had arrived. Pacey would finally get his chance to race in the famous Regatta.
=====/////=====
Dawson took Joey by the hand and helped her climb the ladder that led to the roof of his parent's restaurant. Joey thanked him for his help and quickly took in the view of the roof. She could see the boats on the water and most of Capeside. The sight was beautiful. In fact the glorious vista almost took Joey's breath away.
"Oh Dawson, the view is gorgeous." she said, air still trapped in her lungs.
"Isn't it though? Now we can watch the race without being bothered by a large crowd and the best part is we can see the boats from a better angle."
"That's great Dawson." said Joey, a large smile glued to her face.
Dawson smiled in spite of himself. He was starting to think that his date with Joey had been a total wash but now that he saw her smile, everything felt right again. Dawson was certain that things between him and Joey had turned back to the good. He had lost his soul mate but found her again. Dawson and Joey forever, he thought with a smile.
=====/////=====
Henry wrapped his arms around Jenn's waist as they approached the dock rails. They were followed by a slugging Jack and Andie. The small group of friends cut through the mass of tourists that were anxiously awaiting the Regatta. They finally made it through the crowd and found a spot to watch the race.
With his arms still around Jenn, Henry kissed her neck gently and nuzzled his nose into her shoulder. Jennifer giggled lightly and kissed Henry on the head. She then interlaced her fingers with his. Jack shook his head in amusement.
"Will you two cut it out? The race is about to start." he said jokingly.
"Sorry Jack but I just can't keep my hands off her." informed Henry, kissing Jenn on the lips.
Jack rolled his eyes mockingly and turned to Andie. Andie still wasn't smiling which was extremely odd. Jack hadn't seen her so depressed since the tragic death of their brother Tim. It hurt Jack to see Andie so upset. He took Andie by the wrist and gently eased her from the crowd.
"Andie, please tell me what's wrong." pleaded Jack.
"I just don't want to be here Jack and I'm mad at you for making me come."
"You needed to get out Andie. You couldn't just stay cooped up in your room all day."
"What do you care anyway? It's not like you live with me. You don't seem to give a damn about me any other day so why should this day be any different?"
"Andie, you know that's not true!"
"Do I? You live with Jenn and Grams while I'm forced to live with dad, who is hardly ever home. I'm usually at the house all by myself and the only person who ever spends time with me is Pacey. Now I don't even have that!"
"I think we should talk about this later. Now isn't such a great time." stated Jack, realizing that they were arguing amongst the crowd.
"Fine Jack! Whatever you say!" shouted Andie, weaseling back toward Jenn and Henry.
"Oh boy." whispered Jack to no one in particular.
=====/////=====
The sailboats were in their starting positions and the announcer spoke over a com system. Pacey kept his hand tightly gripped around True Love's rudder. His heart was thumping a mile a minute and he felt as if excitement was going to over take him. Meanwhile, Mitch stood at the bow and kept his attentions on the sail. He was focused and driven by determination. Pacey nodded to his first mate and listened as the announcer spoke.
"Boat number 17, Destiny; sponsored by Capeside Coffee and Tea Company. Boat number 18, True Love; sponsored by Leery's Fresh Fish."
Pacey and Mitch smiled. They were both certain that their friends and family were cheering them on. Suddenly, the time had come and the announcer started the count down. He lifted a small gun in the air as he spoke.
"On your mark….."
Pacey felt sweat trickle down his cheek.
"Get set……"
He envisioned Joey, his good luck charm.
"GO!!!!" shouted the announcer, firing the gun.
The shout and gun crack shoved Pacey into ignition, and he quickly went to work. The sailboats extended their sails and were off. Mitch gripped the lazy jack and controlled the sail. A burst of wind got caught in True Love's sail and quickly took her to the front of the race.
Joey and Dawson cheered loudly as they watched True Love arrow through the group of sailboats. Joey felt her heart swell with pride as she watched the one she loved.
Pacey steered the rudder and smiled as they made headway through the competition. True Love was in fifth and coming up fast. Meanwhile, Mitch continued his observation of the sail. The wind was still strong and he adjusted the sail to accommodate. True Love picked up speed and cut by a sailboat called the Hemmingway. Pacey's boat was now in fourth.
Jenn, Jack, and Henry shouted for True Love but Andie just stood there silently. She secretly crossed her fingers in the hopes that True Love would fail. Andie felt terrible and she wanted Pacey to feel just a shred of the pain she was dealing with.
True Love cut through the water like butter. She had plenty of wind in her sails and was still gaining speed. True Love passed the sailboat Devil Ray and took third place. Pacey turned the rudder and steered his boat around the turning point which was a water buoy. True Love was still in third place but wasn't far behind the second place boat, the Backwind. Mitch rotated the sail so to adjust to the wind.
"Alright Pacey, give the Backwind some breathing room or they'll snag our wind right from under us." shouted Mitch, as sea water splashed along the boat.
Pacey steered clear of the Backwind and steadily took second place. The sea air continued to pick up and True Love was quickly closing in on the first place boat, the Romeo and Juliet. Pacey smirked as his boat continued it's pursuit. He found it rather ironic that the first place boat was called Romeo and Juliet; Shakespeare's story of star crossed lovers or a.k.a "soul-mates". Why must I always go up against soul-mates, thought Pacey as he maneuvered True Love for the finish line?
"Alright Mitch, let's open her up! Extend the sail fully!" ordered Pacey, wind pressing against his face.
Mitch accommodated Pacey's order and True Love's sail flapped in the wind. Their boat sped through the sea water and gained on the Romeo and Juliet. Suddenly Mitch caught a glimpse of the rope that was tied to the mast. It was starting to loosen. Mitch quickly darted from the bow and tried tightening the mast. If the sail line came loose the race would be over for True Love. Pacey realized what Mitch was doing but he shoved the frightening thought from his mind. He had to keep his eyes on the Romeo and Juliet.
Joey and Dawson continued to cheer as they watched True Love come up on the Romeo and Juliet. Joey smiled proudly as the first two boats approached the finish line. It would be close. The Romeo and Juliet still had the lead but True Love wasn't far behind. It was going to be down to the wire. Meanwhile, Jack gripped the dock rail as he watched the race. He had a closer view of the race and he soon realized that True Love's sail was starting to flap against the hard wind. That's not a good sign, thought Jack.
"Mitch, can you retighten the sail?" shouted Pacey, his attention still focused on the Romeo and Juliet.
"I think so Pace. Just keep your eyes on the race!" replied Mitch, fighting with the rope.
Surprisingly, the True Love had gotten side by side with the Romeo and Juliet, and Mitch frantically worked with the mast. He was a little nervous but he tried hard not to panic. Pacey steered his boat so not to loose any of the wind to the Romeo and Juliet. True Love and the Romeo and Juliet were neck and neck, and the finish line was about fifty yards away.
"It's a close one folks!" informed the announcer, True Love and the Romeo and Juliet racing for the advantage.
Suddenly, Mitch tied the rope back to the mast and True Love's sail became solid. The wind continued to push her forward and Pacey quickly realized that he was overtaking the Romeo and Juliet.
"Great work Mitch!" cried Pacey as they came up to the finish line.
Dawson and Joey cheered louder when they saw True Love take the lead. Jenn, Jack, and Henry hollered as well. They couldn't believe their eyes. True Love was winning. Andie turned her head from the race. She couldn't understand why she was acting this way but the thought of Pacey winning sickened her.
True Love was in first place and held on to the position as it crossed the finish line. The victory gun was fired and the Regatta race was over. True Love was victorious. Pacey released the rudder and jumped for joy. Mitch shouted a cry of victory and wrapped Pacey up in a bear hug. Pacey embraced Mitch's hug. He was so lucky to have a second father who acted more like a first.
"We did it Pacey! WE WON!" laughed Mitch, still hugging Pacey tight.
"I can't believe it!!" replied Pacey, his heart racing ferociously
Joey jumped up and down with excitement. She still couldn't believe that Pacey had won the race. Dawson wasn't as happy as Joey but he was smiling none the less. He laughed as he watched Joey make a spectacle of herself. Dawson suddenly felt the urge to take Joey in his arms. She was so wonderful, even when she was acting goofy.
Dawson quickly took Joey in his arms and hugged her. Joey acted instinctively and wrapped her arms around Dawson's neck. She returned his hug. They held like that for a long moment. Suddenly, the two friends loosened their embrace and their face's met. Dawson looked deeply into Joey's eyes and something inside them beckoned him.
Dawson quickly brought his lips to Joey's and kissed her passionately, and both were lost in the moment.
To Be Continued…….
Meanwhile, Mitch checked the sail and tied it to the mast. The race was moments away and the competing boats were sailing to the starting line.
"We better get a move on Pacey. We don't have much time." informed Mitch, the cool wind blowing through his hair.
"Sure thing." replied Pacey as he quickly trotted to the rudder.
Pacey took hold the rudder and steered True Love away from the dock with it's Leery banner blowing in the wind. The elegant sailboat cut through the sea water like poetry and headed for the starting line. Pacey observed the main docks as he sailed for the starting point. A large crowd gathered around the docks to watch the Regatta. The mass of people cheered loudly and happily anticipated the boat race. The moment had arrived. Pacey would finally get his chance to race in the famous Regatta.
=====/////=====
Dawson took Joey by the hand and helped her climb the ladder that led to the roof of his parent's restaurant. Joey thanked him for his help and quickly took in the view of the roof. She could see the boats on the water and most of Capeside. The sight was beautiful. In fact the glorious vista almost took Joey's breath away.
"Oh Dawson, the view is gorgeous." she said, air still trapped in her lungs.
"Isn't it though? Now we can watch the race without being bothered by a large crowd and the best part is we can see the boats from a better angle."
"That's great Dawson." said Joey, a large smile glued to her face.
Dawson smiled in spite of himself. He was starting to think that his date with Joey had been a total wash but now that he saw her smile, everything felt right again. Dawson was certain that things between him and Joey had turned back to the good. He had lost his soul mate but found her again. Dawson and Joey forever, he thought with a smile.
=====/////=====
Henry wrapped his arms around Jenn's waist as they approached the dock rails. They were followed by a slugging Jack and Andie. The small group of friends cut through the mass of tourists that were anxiously awaiting the Regatta. They finally made it through the crowd and found a spot to watch the race.
With his arms still around Jenn, Henry kissed her neck gently and nuzzled his nose into her shoulder. Jennifer giggled lightly and kissed Henry on the head. She then interlaced her fingers with his. Jack shook his head in amusement.
"Will you two cut it out? The race is about to start." he said jokingly.
"Sorry Jack but I just can't keep my hands off her." informed Henry, kissing Jenn on the lips.
Jack rolled his eyes mockingly and turned to Andie. Andie still wasn't smiling which was extremely odd. Jack hadn't seen her so depressed since the tragic death of their brother Tim. It hurt Jack to see Andie so upset. He took Andie by the wrist and gently eased her from the crowd.
"Andie, please tell me what's wrong." pleaded Jack.
"I just don't want to be here Jack and I'm mad at you for making me come."
"You needed to get out Andie. You couldn't just stay cooped up in your room all day."
"What do you care anyway? It's not like you live with me. You don't seem to give a damn about me any other day so why should this day be any different?"
"Andie, you know that's not true!"
"Do I? You live with Jenn and Grams while I'm forced to live with dad, who is hardly ever home. I'm usually at the house all by myself and the only person who ever spends time with me is Pacey. Now I don't even have that!"
"I think we should talk about this later. Now isn't such a great time." stated Jack, realizing that they were arguing amongst the crowd.
"Fine Jack! Whatever you say!" shouted Andie, weaseling back toward Jenn and Henry.
"Oh boy." whispered Jack to no one in particular.
=====/////=====
The sailboats were in their starting positions and the announcer spoke over a com system. Pacey kept his hand tightly gripped around True Love's rudder. His heart was thumping a mile a minute and he felt as if excitement was going to over take him. Meanwhile, Mitch stood at the bow and kept his attentions on the sail. He was focused and driven by determination. Pacey nodded to his first mate and listened as the announcer spoke.
"Boat number 17, Destiny; sponsored by Capeside Coffee and Tea Company. Boat number 18, True Love; sponsored by Leery's Fresh Fish."
Pacey and Mitch smiled. They were both certain that their friends and family were cheering them on. Suddenly, the time had come and the announcer started the count down. He lifted a small gun in the air as he spoke.
"On your mark….."
Pacey felt sweat trickle down his cheek.
"Get set……"
He envisioned Joey, his good luck charm.
"GO!!!!" shouted the announcer, firing the gun.
The shout and gun crack shoved Pacey into ignition, and he quickly went to work. The sailboats extended their sails and were off. Mitch gripped the lazy jack and controlled the sail. A burst of wind got caught in True Love's sail and quickly took her to the front of the race.
Joey and Dawson cheered loudly as they watched True Love arrow through the group of sailboats. Joey felt her heart swell with pride as she watched the one she loved.
Pacey steered the rudder and smiled as they made headway through the competition. True Love was in fifth and coming up fast. Meanwhile, Mitch continued his observation of the sail. The wind was still strong and he adjusted the sail to accommodate. True Love picked up speed and cut by a sailboat called the Hemmingway. Pacey's boat was now in fourth.
Jenn, Jack, and Henry shouted for True Love but Andie just stood there silently. She secretly crossed her fingers in the hopes that True Love would fail. Andie felt terrible and she wanted Pacey to feel just a shred of the pain she was dealing with.
True Love cut through the water like butter. She had plenty of wind in her sails and was still gaining speed. True Love passed the sailboat Devil Ray and took third place. Pacey turned the rudder and steered his boat around the turning point which was a water buoy. True Love was still in third place but wasn't far behind the second place boat, the Backwind. Mitch rotated the sail so to adjust to the wind.
"Alright Pacey, give the Backwind some breathing room or they'll snag our wind right from under us." shouted Mitch, as sea water splashed along the boat.
Pacey steered clear of the Backwind and steadily took second place. The sea air continued to pick up and True Love was quickly closing in on the first place boat, the Romeo and Juliet. Pacey smirked as his boat continued it's pursuit. He found it rather ironic that the first place boat was called Romeo and Juliet; Shakespeare's story of star crossed lovers or a.k.a "soul-mates". Why must I always go up against soul-mates, thought Pacey as he maneuvered True Love for the finish line?
"Alright Mitch, let's open her up! Extend the sail fully!" ordered Pacey, wind pressing against his face.
Mitch accommodated Pacey's order and True Love's sail flapped in the wind. Their boat sped through the sea water and gained on the Romeo and Juliet. Suddenly Mitch caught a glimpse of the rope that was tied to the mast. It was starting to loosen. Mitch quickly darted from the bow and tried tightening the mast. If the sail line came loose the race would be over for True Love. Pacey realized what Mitch was doing but he shoved the frightening thought from his mind. He had to keep his eyes on the Romeo and Juliet.
Joey and Dawson continued to cheer as they watched True Love come up on the Romeo and Juliet. Joey smiled proudly as the first two boats approached the finish line. It would be close. The Romeo and Juliet still had the lead but True Love wasn't far behind. It was going to be down to the wire. Meanwhile, Jack gripped the dock rail as he watched the race. He had a closer view of the race and he soon realized that True Love's sail was starting to flap against the hard wind. That's not a good sign, thought Jack.
"Mitch, can you retighten the sail?" shouted Pacey, his attention still focused on the Romeo and Juliet.
"I think so Pace. Just keep your eyes on the race!" replied Mitch, fighting with the rope.
Surprisingly, the True Love had gotten side by side with the Romeo and Juliet, and Mitch frantically worked with the mast. He was a little nervous but he tried hard not to panic. Pacey steered his boat so not to loose any of the wind to the Romeo and Juliet. True Love and the Romeo and Juliet were neck and neck, and the finish line was about fifty yards away.
"It's a close one folks!" informed the announcer, True Love and the Romeo and Juliet racing for the advantage.
Suddenly, Mitch tied the rope back to the mast and True Love's sail became solid. The wind continued to push her forward and Pacey quickly realized that he was overtaking the Romeo and Juliet.
"Great work Mitch!" cried Pacey as they came up to the finish line.
Dawson and Joey cheered louder when they saw True Love take the lead. Jenn, Jack, and Henry hollered as well. They couldn't believe their eyes. True Love was winning. Andie turned her head from the race. She couldn't understand why she was acting this way but the thought of Pacey winning sickened her.
True Love was in first place and held on to the position as it crossed the finish line. The victory gun was fired and the Regatta race was over. True Love was victorious. Pacey released the rudder and jumped for joy. Mitch shouted a cry of victory and wrapped Pacey up in a bear hug. Pacey embraced Mitch's hug. He was so lucky to have a second father who acted more like a first.
"We did it Pacey! WE WON!" laughed Mitch, still hugging Pacey tight.
"I can't believe it!!" replied Pacey, his heart racing ferociously
Joey jumped up and down with excitement. She still couldn't believe that Pacey had won the race. Dawson wasn't as happy as Joey but he was smiling none the less. He laughed as he watched Joey make a spectacle of herself. Dawson suddenly felt the urge to take Joey in his arms. She was so wonderful, even when she was acting goofy.
Dawson quickly took Joey in his arms and hugged her. Joey acted instinctively and wrapped her arms around Dawson's neck. She returned his hug. They held like that for a long moment. Suddenly, the two friends loosened their embrace and their face's met. Dawson looked deeply into Joey's eyes and something inside them beckoned him.
Dawson quickly brought his lips to Joey's and kissed her passionately, and both were lost in the moment.
To Be Continued…….