INT. STATION WAGON - NIGHT

The packed interior of the station wagon belies the fact that it's occupants are planning on being away from home for a while.

CLOSE UP of the SPEEDOMETER, reading barely 50 mph.

JACK

I can't believe this thing won't go any faster. I knew we should have taken my car.

JEN

Jack - it's a Miata. Which cute as it is, is not exactly suitable for hauling our stuff to Boston. We're two weeks late anyhow - I don't think an extra hour on the journey is going to kill us.

JACK

I guess... I'm still feeling guilty about leaving Grams, though.

JEN

You heard Doctor Hibbert. She'll make a full recovery now - we were there for the worst of it.

JACK

She's going to miss not having us around, though.

JEN

Miss your haunted expressions and my angry chick music. Nah!

JACK

And I suppose that with the Leary's next door, she can keep her maternal instincts sharp by babysitting Lily.

JEN

You see - it's a new life for her - same as for us! WE'RE GOING TO COLLEGE!

JACK

(Sarcastically)

Yay!

INT. DENNY'S - NIGHT

A standard all night eatery, lit with cheap fluorescent tubes that give a somewhat dingy feel. PACEY and DAWSON (now suited and booted), stroll to a booth.

DAWSON

So you were more or less the second in command? Neat.

PACEY

Yeah Dawson. Neat. But tough too - some of the other deck hands thought *they* were there for a holiday. Still, a bit of the old Witter discipline soon had them whipped into line. For once I was glad I grew up in a dysfunctional household - I can do the hollering at folks to a tee!

DAWSON

Well, I could do with a nice midnight breakfast. Haven't spotted a waitress yet, have you?

PACEY is otherwise occupied. It's quite clear that he has spotted the waitress. And it's quite clear to us that she looks remarkably like ANNA. She approaches the booth, but DAWSON has his back to her, his face buried in the menu.

ANNA

Hey guys. What can I get you?

PACEY

Well, if we're talking about food... I'll have Eggs Benedict. And a coffee.

DAWSON looks up from his menu, and recognition crosses his face.

DAWSON

Hey Anna! I didn't know you worked here...

ANNA

My first night. Please forgive me if I make any mistakes.

DAWSON

Oh, I'm sure you won't. Anyway, this is a friend from back home - Pacey, meet Anna.

PACEY

(with a cheesy grin)

Hi Anna.

(Beat)

Oh, by the way Dawson, were you planning on ordering?

DAWSON

Yeah, right... I'll just have a coffee and some pancakes.

ANNA

Coming right up!

In her accent, the American cliché sounds a little ridiculous. She heads towards the kitchen.

PACEY gives DAWSON a knowing look.

DAWSON

Pacey. I just met her this afternoon, honest!

PACEY

Oh, yeah? Come on - I want to hear all about it.