Okay, this story will most likely not contain ANY romance other than
references to Dawson and Joey...What am I saying? ME?! Even THINKING of
writing D/J to ANY extent? Now that's a scary thing, I tell ya...o.O I am
just trying to stay true to this specific part of the season. Dawson and
Joey were (sadly) in love and so I'm trying to stay as close to what would
happen as possible. Despite my views as a hardcore P/J shipper. As for Jen,
I figured before she and Abby bonded, she and Pacey shared somewhat of a
connection. Kinda an understanding like on Pacey B-Day when Dawson forgot.
I'm not leading to romance between them; it's only platonic. Just thought
I'd say that. Since I'm a girl and it's my prerogative to change my mind,
that may change. But it's unlikely...unless there is a surge of support for
it. Just thought I'd say that. ^_^
Liz- *grins and blushes* You're always so sweet to me, sis! I'm always glad to have your ever-present support in all my stories! It means a lot to know I'll always have at least ONE fan. ^_^
Rachel- Yes, unfortunately, I didn't actually watch the show up untilt hsi summer. i'm like, "HOW COULD I HAVE MISSED THIS?!" Luckilly, I didn't have to wait for new episodes. ^_^ I got 2 a day watching it on TBS. ^_~ I'm happy you enjoy my stories. *smiles ear to ear* Makes me feel special! The fact that you think I have Pacey's character down really makes me feel better. I'm glad that you think that, and it means alot to me. Thanks for reveiwing!
Nebula- Ah, Nebula. So nice to see, erm, type to you! You're doing great on your Pacey story as well, by the way. It inspired me to keep going. ^_~ It made me happy that you were one of the people who listened to my plea and made me feel loved! It made me feel very happy. ^_^ *grins* Don't worry, I won't be abandoning my stories. I'm trying to lift the block off of "One Way Ticket" and I have extreme motivation for "Shattered Glass," but I won't abandon them. I'm working on updating "One Way Ticket," I'm really trying! ^_^ Lol. Thanks bunches for reviewing!
Katie- Hey! Yes, WE know that he isn't a loser. But he's a very insecure young man who is unable to realize this great truth. But alas, he shall someday realize that he isn't a loser! Yes, I agree! Dawson and Joey WERE both stupid back then. Very stupid. Lol, thanks Katie! ^_~
Nice-one- Yep, that actually made sense! Lol...I'm glad you're still enjoying the story. And yes, it is good that we are aware of the truth abotu Pacey un-loser-ness....because he is, in fact, the coolest of them all. ^_^
Disclaimer- I don't own Dawson's Creek. Never have, never will.
-Chapter 2-
Pacey blinked his eyes open as sun poured through the bedroom window.
With careful hands, he rubbed his eyes. Last night had become profoundly unpleasant when Pacey decided not to leave his room for dinner...
Yes, unpleasant is a very good word for it.
Pacey shook away those thoughts and crawled out of bed.
Still in his pajamas, Pacey left his room and walked into the kitchen where his mother was cooking breakfast.
"Hey loser." Pacey's brother Doug said with a smirk as he buttered his toast.
"Ah, Dougie! How's my FAVORITE homosexual brother doing this fine morning?" Pacey asked with a fake grin of confidence, hiding how much his brother's comment had hurt.
Doug slammed down the butter knife and glared at Pacey, preparing to spout out something mean before he was interrupted.
"Now Pacey, you shouldn't say things like that to your brother. You know he doesn't drop by very often since he moved out; we need to cherish his visits. So both of you: behave. Now sit down and eat your breakfast. You wouldn't want to be late...again." Mrs. Witter said, sitting a plate down for Pacey.
Pacey nodded and sat by his still-fuming brother.
It wasn't long before Sheriff John Witter came into the kitchen. Doug whined that his baby brother was calling him gay again. Pacey got a deadly look from his father, but nothing too serious.
Once breakfast was over, Pacey finished getting ready and started riding his bike to Dawson's.
Only then did the brunette teenager allow his mind to wander to his brother's insult.
Loser.
Pacey sighed. He knew it was true, but it still stung. Sometimes Pacey tried to forget what a screwup he was, but he could always count on Deputy Doug, oh great brother that he was, to bring him back to Earth.
As Pacey saw Dawson's house come in to sight, Pacey was glad Sheriff Witter had given only a light beating. Not that Dawson would notice the bruise anyway.
He opened the screen door to the porch, letting it swing shut behind him. He took a few more steps and knocked on the front door.
"Hello Pacey." Gail Leery, Dawson's mother, said almost hesitantly.
"Hey Mrs. Leery. Is Dawson ready?" Pacey asked, his eyebrows furrowing slightly due to the fact that the blonde boy hadn't answered the door himself. Then again, he could just be running late...
Gail licked her lips nervously, pursing them slightly. "I'm sorry Pacey...but he and Joey left a little while ago."
"Oh." Pacey's face dropped. He was trying to hide the disappointment in his voice. He shook it off and managed a forced smile. "That's okay. They probably told me they were leaving early, and I just forgot." Pacey said in his best "Pacey" voice. There was no need to trouble Mrs. Leery over it.
Gail smiled. "That's probably it." She said, patting Pacey on the shoulder. "Do you need a ride to school?"
Pacey shook his head and motioned to his bike propped up against the house. "Nah, I can still make it on time. Thanks anyway Mrs. Leery." Pacey said with a fake smile as he walked through the porch door again and remounted his bike.
After waving goodbye to his "best friend's" mother, Pacey began feverishly riding to school.
Of course they had left without him. He wasn't ACTUALLY their friend anymore. No, now that they had EACHOTHER, there was no need to little screwup Pacey Witter. Pacey was just kind of there. He and Joey had never really gotten along; therefore, when Dawson and Joey became glued at the hip, Pacey had pretty much been shoved out of the picture.
When Capeside High came into view, Pacey let out a sigh. Another day in his own personal prison...
He tied his bicycle to the bike rack and readjusted his backpack on his shoulder.
His glance drifted over to a tree. Dawson was up against the aforementioned tree, and he had Joey wrapped in his arms; she was leaning into his chest and they were kissing...again...
Pacey shuddered. Maybe it was just him, but that picture looked WAY too incestuous for his taste...
But he could just be biased.
Struggling to get that burning image out of his mind, Pacey began to walk towards the school. He bumped into a girl, causing her stare to be broken and her books to fall.
"Sorry, sorry, sorry." Pacey said as he picked up the scattered books for her. "Oh, hey Jen." He said when he looked up to see the shorthaired blonde girl. She had been staring at Dawson and Joey.
She looked at Pacey and smiled. "Hey Pace. Thanks" she said when he handed her the books she had dropped. "I guess I was just spacing."
Pacey let out a light laugh. "Yeah, I do that sometimes." His gaze returned to his two friends kissing. "It's pretty sickening, isn't it?" he asked with raised eyebrows.
Jen furrowed her eyebrows. "Huh? How is spacing off sickening?" she asked with confusion.
Pacey gave her a full-hearted grin and laughed, ruffling her hair. "No, I was talking about Dawson and Joey."
Jen blushed slightly and gave him a small smile. "Oh. I knew that." She said before they both laughed. "But yes, I agree. It is sickening." She said, getting a far off look as she thought about Dawson.
Pacey let out a sigh. Why must everyone obsess over Dawson?
"Sorry Jen." He apologized. He hadn't meant to make Jen think about her ex- boyfriend. Another example of speak-now-think-later Pacey Witter.
She gave Pacey a slightly pained smile. "It's no problem, Pace. Don't worry about it. C'mon, walk me to class? Us rejects gotta stick together." She said, hooking arms with Pacey and turning to walk so she could try and forget about Dawson.
Pacey nodded and matched his speed with hers.
"You aren't a reject." He said matter-of-factly.
"Yes I am..." she said, her eyes getting glassy. "Why else would Dawson not want me? What's wrong with me?"
Pacey pursed his lips. "You know who you sound like?" he asked.
"Who?" she asked, looking at Pacey out of the corner of her eye.
"Joey...pre-Dawson love." He said simply, looking at her.
"I do?" Jen asked, the sadness melting into confusion.
"Yep. What I fail to understand it why you girls feel you are inadequate because DAWSON LEERY, film-geek extraordinaire, doesn't 'like you.' It's just beyond me. You are gorgeous, funny, smart, and a great girl, Jen. Just because Dawson thinks it is fun to play ping pong with you and Joey doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you." he said, burying his own problems and putting them on the back burner in order to help his friend.
She sniffed and looked up at him. "You really mean that?"
"Of course Jen. I meant every word I said." He told her.
She smiled and gave him a hug. "Thanks Pacey. It means a lot to me." She said. "See you later!" Jen said, now seeming to be okay.
"Bye." He said, sighing and waving as he walked to his own classroom.
~~~*~~~ After school, Pacey was walking out of the school in order to get his bike and head home.
"Pacey!" he heard Dawson say from behind him. Ooh, no snarky remark from Joey. The Siamese twins parted for a brief moment. They should alert the press immediately...
"Hey man." Pacey said, planting a fake smile on his face again. Why did he always have to be so freakin' upbeat for these people? "What's up?" he asked as he unlocked his bike from the rack.
"Have I told you how amazing Joey is yet?" Dawson asked dreamily.
"Once or twice." Pacey snapped bitterly. Okay, screw the upbeat thing.
However, Dawson didn't notice Pacey's tone or blatant disinterest in what was being said. "Well, she is. This morning we got here early and wow...it was amazing."
Pacey tightened his lips. "Yes, I know."
Dawson kept talking. "Anyway, I'm taking off work early this Friday and we're going camping! My dad is chaperoning, but still. It'll be great!" Dawson gushed dreamily.
"What?" Pacey asked, whipping around to face Dawson. "You're leaving me alone at a MOVIE RENTAL store ALONE on a FRIDAY NIGHT?!" he exclaimed. Then another realization hit him. "Hey, I thought we were going to hang out this weekend...since Joey has been your top priority lately." Pacey said, doing his best not to sound hurt. He had really believed Dawson would live up to his word.
"Oh yeah, I forgot. I'm real sorry, Pace. But you know how important this is to me. My parents are finally trusting me and Joey as a couple. We can hang out anytime. This is much more important!"
Dawson said, as if this was the most obvious and clearest truth in the world.
Ouch.
Pacey nodded, taking a shaky breath and plastering a phony smile on his face. "Of course...It's no big deal..." Pacey said as convincingly as he could.
Dawson lit up. "Thanks Pacey! I knew you'd understand. Well, I gotta go. I'm walking Joey home. Bye!" Dawson said, bolting off to find his girlfriend.
"Yeah...bye..." Pacey said softly to himself, mounting his bike and starting the ride home. But before he got four feet from where he had started, he heard a voice.
"That was awful nice of you. Letting them off guilt-free like that." Jen said as Pacey skidded to a stop.
Pacey got off his bike and turned to face the blonde girl. He adverted his eyes and began walking his bike. "I guess," he said.
Jen caught up and fell into step with the tall brunette, trekking along beside him. "Really. I would have a hard time just letting them off the hook."
Pacey frowned and looked at the ground as he walked, trying to speed up. But no matter how fast he walked, Jen stayed with him.
"I guess I'm just a pushover with no backbone then, huh?" he said bitterly.
Jen sighed. "That's not what I meant. I'm just saying that you are just one of those nice people. They take advantage of you in that way, because they are self-absorbed that way. But what confuses me is how you're afraid to step on their toes, yet you can still cause a sex scam without a second thought." She said, wary of the subject. No one really talked about it around Pacey.
"Just gifted, I guess." He said softly.
Jen sighed. It surprised her slightly when his remark contained no hint of humor. She figured he had to be pretty upset.
Pacey put on his 'joking façade' and gave her an empty grin. "Besides, this town would be boring without my occasional little scams."
The girl smiled at him. "Of course it would. You're just trying to help out the people of this town. Trying to liven up their otherwise boring, small- town lives." Jen said with a grin.
"EXACTLY! Right on, Lindley. You get a cookie. Well, or at least you WOULD get a cookie if I HAD a cookie." Pacey said with a grin, falling back into routine.
Jen laughed and smile. She was glad Pacey had returned back to normal. Quiet Pacey always scared her a bit.
~~~*~~~
Pacey waved goodbye as Jen stepped onto the large front porch of her Grandmother's house.
"Bye Pace. Thank you for accompanying me on that lovely stroll home." She said, curtsying dramatically.
Pacey grinned and gave an exaggerated bow. "'Twas my pleasure, milady."
She laughed and smiled. He smiled back. Just as he was about to leave, she stopped him.
"Pacey! Wait..." she said, stepping off the porch and approaching him.
He turned to look at her. "Yeah?"
Her face softened and she brought her hand to his bruised cheek. "What happened?" she questioned.
Pacey took in a breath. "It's nothing. I just opened the cabinet too quickly and WHAM! It hit me in the face." He lied, shrugging it off.
Jen continued to look worried for a moment before deciding he was telling the truth. "Okay. Be more careful. We wouldn't want your face to suffer any more casualties this year. You would think a basketball would be enough." She said, smiling slightly. However, her eyes were still worried.
He nodded. "Bye Jen." He said, climbing onto the bicycle for the ride home.
"Bye Pacey!" he heard her call out as he took off for home.
She may have believed his lie, but at least she noticed...
That was more than he could say for his OTHER 'friends'...the ones who had known him all his life and were supposed to be there for him...
Liz- *grins and blushes* You're always so sweet to me, sis! I'm always glad to have your ever-present support in all my stories! It means a lot to know I'll always have at least ONE fan. ^_^
Rachel- Yes, unfortunately, I didn't actually watch the show up untilt hsi summer. i'm like, "HOW COULD I HAVE MISSED THIS?!" Luckilly, I didn't have to wait for new episodes. ^_^ I got 2 a day watching it on TBS. ^_~ I'm happy you enjoy my stories. *smiles ear to ear* Makes me feel special! The fact that you think I have Pacey's character down really makes me feel better. I'm glad that you think that, and it means alot to me. Thanks for reveiwing!
Nebula- Ah, Nebula. So nice to see, erm, type to you! You're doing great on your Pacey story as well, by the way. It inspired me to keep going. ^_~ It made me happy that you were one of the people who listened to my plea and made me feel loved! It made me feel very happy. ^_^ *grins* Don't worry, I won't be abandoning my stories. I'm trying to lift the block off of "One Way Ticket" and I have extreme motivation for "Shattered Glass," but I won't abandon them. I'm working on updating "One Way Ticket," I'm really trying! ^_^ Lol. Thanks bunches for reviewing!
Katie- Hey! Yes, WE know that he isn't a loser. But he's a very insecure young man who is unable to realize this great truth. But alas, he shall someday realize that he isn't a loser! Yes, I agree! Dawson and Joey WERE both stupid back then. Very stupid. Lol, thanks Katie! ^_~
Nice-one- Yep, that actually made sense! Lol...I'm glad you're still enjoying the story. And yes, it is good that we are aware of the truth abotu Pacey un-loser-ness....because he is, in fact, the coolest of them all. ^_^
Disclaimer- I don't own Dawson's Creek. Never have, never will.
-Chapter 2-
Pacey blinked his eyes open as sun poured through the bedroom window.
With careful hands, he rubbed his eyes. Last night had become profoundly unpleasant when Pacey decided not to leave his room for dinner...
Yes, unpleasant is a very good word for it.
Pacey shook away those thoughts and crawled out of bed.
Still in his pajamas, Pacey left his room and walked into the kitchen where his mother was cooking breakfast.
"Hey loser." Pacey's brother Doug said with a smirk as he buttered his toast.
"Ah, Dougie! How's my FAVORITE homosexual brother doing this fine morning?" Pacey asked with a fake grin of confidence, hiding how much his brother's comment had hurt.
Doug slammed down the butter knife and glared at Pacey, preparing to spout out something mean before he was interrupted.
"Now Pacey, you shouldn't say things like that to your brother. You know he doesn't drop by very often since he moved out; we need to cherish his visits. So both of you: behave. Now sit down and eat your breakfast. You wouldn't want to be late...again." Mrs. Witter said, sitting a plate down for Pacey.
Pacey nodded and sat by his still-fuming brother.
It wasn't long before Sheriff John Witter came into the kitchen. Doug whined that his baby brother was calling him gay again. Pacey got a deadly look from his father, but nothing too serious.
Once breakfast was over, Pacey finished getting ready and started riding his bike to Dawson's.
Only then did the brunette teenager allow his mind to wander to his brother's insult.
Loser.
Pacey sighed. He knew it was true, but it still stung. Sometimes Pacey tried to forget what a screwup he was, but he could always count on Deputy Doug, oh great brother that he was, to bring him back to Earth.
As Pacey saw Dawson's house come in to sight, Pacey was glad Sheriff Witter had given only a light beating. Not that Dawson would notice the bruise anyway.
He opened the screen door to the porch, letting it swing shut behind him. He took a few more steps and knocked on the front door.
"Hello Pacey." Gail Leery, Dawson's mother, said almost hesitantly.
"Hey Mrs. Leery. Is Dawson ready?" Pacey asked, his eyebrows furrowing slightly due to the fact that the blonde boy hadn't answered the door himself. Then again, he could just be running late...
Gail licked her lips nervously, pursing them slightly. "I'm sorry Pacey...but he and Joey left a little while ago."
"Oh." Pacey's face dropped. He was trying to hide the disappointment in his voice. He shook it off and managed a forced smile. "That's okay. They probably told me they were leaving early, and I just forgot." Pacey said in his best "Pacey" voice. There was no need to trouble Mrs. Leery over it.
Gail smiled. "That's probably it." She said, patting Pacey on the shoulder. "Do you need a ride to school?"
Pacey shook his head and motioned to his bike propped up against the house. "Nah, I can still make it on time. Thanks anyway Mrs. Leery." Pacey said with a fake smile as he walked through the porch door again and remounted his bike.
After waving goodbye to his "best friend's" mother, Pacey began feverishly riding to school.
Of course they had left without him. He wasn't ACTUALLY their friend anymore. No, now that they had EACHOTHER, there was no need to little screwup Pacey Witter. Pacey was just kind of there. He and Joey had never really gotten along; therefore, when Dawson and Joey became glued at the hip, Pacey had pretty much been shoved out of the picture.
When Capeside High came into view, Pacey let out a sigh. Another day in his own personal prison...
He tied his bicycle to the bike rack and readjusted his backpack on his shoulder.
His glance drifted over to a tree. Dawson was up against the aforementioned tree, and he had Joey wrapped in his arms; she was leaning into his chest and they were kissing...again...
Pacey shuddered. Maybe it was just him, but that picture looked WAY too incestuous for his taste...
But he could just be biased.
Struggling to get that burning image out of his mind, Pacey began to walk towards the school. He bumped into a girl, causing her stare to be broken and her books to fall.
"Sorry, sorry, sorry." Pacey said as he picked up the scattered books for her. "Oh, hey Jen." He said when he looked up to see the shorthaired blonde girl. She had been staring at Dawson and Joey.
She looked at Pacey and smiled. "Hey Pace. Thanks" she said when he handed her the books she had dropped. "I guess I was just spacing."
Pacey let out a light laugh. "Yeah, I do that sometimes." His gaze returned to his two friends kissing. "It's pretty sickening, isn't it?" he asked with raised eyebrows.
Jen furrowed her eyebrows. "Huh? How is spacing off sickening?" she asked with confusion.
Pacey gave her a full-hearted grin and laughed, ruffling her hair. "No, I was talking about Dawson and Joey."
Jen blushed slightly and gave him a small smile. "Oh. I knew that." She said before they both laughed. "But yes, I agree. It is sickening." She said, getting a far off look as she thought about Dawson.
Pacey let out a sigh. Why must everyone obsess over Dawson?
"Sorry Jen." He apologized. He hadn't meant to make Jen think about her ex- boyfriend. Another example of speak-now-think-later Pacey Witter.
She gave Pacey a slightly pained smile. "It's no problem, Pace. Don't worry about it. C'mon, walk me to class? Us rejects gotta stick together." She said, hooking arms with Pacey and turning to walk so she could try and forget about Dawson.
Pacey nodded and matched his speed with hers.
"You aren't a reject." He said matter-of-factly.
"Yes I am..." she said, her eyes getting glassy. "Why else would Dawson not want me? What's wrong with me?"
Pacey pursed his lips. "You know who you sound like?" he asked.
"Who?" she asked, looking at Pacey out of the corner of her eye.
"Joey...pre-Dawson love." He said simply, looking at her.
"I do?" Jen asked, the sadness melting into confusion.
"Yep. What I fail to understand it why you girls feel you are inadequate because DAWSON LEERY, film-geek extraordinaire, doesn't 'like you.' It's just beyond me. You are gorgeous, funny, smart, and a great girl, Jen. Just because Dawson thinks it is fun to play ping pong with you and Joey doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you." he said, burying his own problems and putting them on the back burner in order to help his friend.
She sniffed and looked up at him. "You really mean that?"
"Of course Jen. I meant every word I said." He told her.
She smiled and gave him a hug. "Thanks Pacey. It means a lot to me." She said. "See you later!" Jen said, now seeming to be okay.
"Bye." He said, sighing and waving as he walked to his own classroom.
~~~*~~~ After school, Pacey was walking out of the school in order to get his bike and head home.
"Pacey!" he heard Dawson say from behind him. Ooh, no snarky remark from Joey. The Siamese twins parted for a brief moment. They should alert the press immediately...
"Hey man." Pacey said, planting a fake smile on his face again. Why did he always have to be so freakin' upbeat for these people? "What's up?" he asked as he unlocked his bike from the rack.
"Have I told you how amazing Joey is yet?" Dawson asked dreamily.
"Once or twice." Pacey snapped bitterly. Okay, screw the upbeat thing.
However, Dawson didn't notice Pacey's tone or blatant disinterest in what was being said. "Well, she is. This morning we got here early and wow...it was amazing."
Pacey tightened his lips. "Yes, I know."
Dawson kept talking. "Anyway, I'm taking off work early this Friday and we're going camping! My dad is chaperoning, but still. It'll be great!" Dawson gushed dreamily.
"What?" Pacey asked, whipping around to face Dawson. "You're leaving me alone at a MOVIE RENTAL store ALONE on a FRIDAY NIGHT?!" he exclaimed. Then another realization hit him. "Hey, I thought we were going to hang out this weekend...since Joey has been your top priority lately." Pacey said, doing his best not to sound hurt. He had really believed Dawson would live up to his word.
"Oh yeah, I forgot. I'm real sorry, Pace. But you know how important this is to me. My parents are finally trusting me and Joey as a couple. We can hang out anytime. This is much more important!"
Dawson said, as if this was the most obvious and clearest truth in the world.
Ouch.
Pacey nodded, taking a shaky breath and plastering a phony smile on his face. "Of course...It's no big deal..." Pacey said as convincingly as he could.
Dawson lit up. "Thanks Pacey! I knew you'd understand. Well, I gotta go. I'm walking Joey home. Bye!" Dawson said, bolting off to find his girlfriend.
"Yeah...bye..." Pacey said softly to himself, mounting his bike and starting the ride home. But before he got four feet from where he had started, he heard a voice.
"That was awful nice of you. Letting them off guilt-free like that." Jen said as Pacey skidded to a stop.
Pacey got off his bike and turned to face the blonde girl. He adverted his eyes and began walking his bike. "I guess," he said.
Jen caught up and fell into step with the tall brunette, trekking along beside him. "Really. I would have a hard time just letting them off the hook."
Pacey frowned and looked at the ground as he walked, trying to speed up. But no matter how fast he walked, Jen stayed with him.
"I guess I'm just a pushover with no backbone then, huh?" he said bitterly.
Jen sighed. "That's not what I meant. I'm just saying that you are just one of those nice people. They take advantage of you in that way, because they are self-absorbed that way. But what confuses me is how you're afraid to step on their toes, yet you can still cause a sex scam without a second thought." She said, wary of the subject. No one really talked about it around Pacey.
"Just gifted, I guess." He said softly.
Jen sighed. It surprised her slightly when his remark contained no hint of humor. She figured he had to be pretty upset.
Pacey put on his 'joking façade' and gave her an empty grin. "Besides, this town would be boring without my occasional little scams."
The girl smiled at him. "Of course it would. You're just trying to help out the people of this town. Trying to liven up their otherwise boring, small- town lives." Jen said with a grin.
"EXACTLY! Right on, Lindley. You get a cookie. Well, or at least you WOULD get a cookie if I HAD a cookie." Pacey said with a grin, falling back into routine.
Jen laughed and smile. She was glad Pacey had returned back to normal. Quiet Pacey always scared her a bit.
~~~*~~~
Pacey waved goodbye as Jen stepped onto the large front porch of her Grandmother's house.
"Bye Pace. Thank you for accompanying me on that lovely stroll home." She said, curtsying dramatically.
Pacey grinned and gave an exaggerated bow. "'Twas my pleasure, milady."
She laughed and smiled. He smiled back. Just as he was about to leave, she stopped him.
"Pacey! Wait..." she said, stepping off the porch and approaching him.
He turned to look at her. "Yeah?"
Her face softened and she brought her hand to his bruised cheek. "What happened?" she questioned.
Pacey took in a breath. "It's nothing. I just opened the cabinet too quickly and WHAM! It hit me in the face." He lied, shrugging it off.
Jen continued to look worried for a moment before deciding he was telling the truth. "Okay. Be more careful. We wouldn't want your face to suffer any more casualties this year. You would think a basketball would be enough." She said, smiling slightly. However, her eyes were still worried.
He nodded. "Bye Jen." He said, climbing onto the bicycle for the ride home.
"Bye Pacey!" he heard her call out as he took off for home.
She may have believed his lie, but at least she noticed...
That was more than he could say for his OTHER 'friends'...the ones who had known him all his life and were supposed to be there for him...