Disclaimer: I don't own Dawson's Creek. If you sue me, and I'll find a way to hurt you! Just kidding.

A/N: I haven't been back to Witchita Creek in a while. This is the pre- final chapter of this here fic. It's been a long journey. (sighs) But all that's behind me now, the show must go on. Once again thank you all for reviewing my story the past months and motivating me to keep on writin'. So here's the pre-finale chappie: Read On.

The Good Times Are Over

It was two days before the children and the counselors had to say their goodbyes. The end of summer was almost at hand, and everyone could feel it. Especially Joey, Jen, and the hand full of others who had put there money into the bizarre wager that had taken place seven weeks before hand. Jen spent her time trying to seduce Jason, while Joey set her self up for a fall continuing her relationship with Pacey, who without her knowledge knew of the bet. Pacey's feelings grew even stronger for the brunette as time went. But he wasn't totally blinded, today was the day that he would confront her about the bet. That is, if Jack didn't do it first. Jack spent his time hanging around Jen (as usual), and enjoying what was left of his time there. He felt that he should confront Joey about Pacey, and ask her if she planned on using him like she tried to use him. He found himself doubting it though. After all, if she were going to use him, wouldn't she have done it by now? That questioned loomed as Jack decide to let Pacey handle it and stay out of the situation. Jen grew tired quickly of the whole charade. She wanted it over and done with, Virginity out of tact. Her second thoughts kicked in also, but it seemed as if there was no turning back. So against her original train of thought she'd worked hard to develop, she was going to have to give in to the evil monster known as pettiness. Any other wise--peer pressure. Jen wasn't doing too bad with Jason though. She did enough ground work to a point where they had become good friends. Jen wasn't really falling for him though. Her mind was elsewhere. For some reason, she couldn't take her mind off of Jack, who she had also been spending much time with. But all of this was about to come to a head on one of the best days they'd experienced since they got to camp Witchita.

Cameron came up with the bright idea to have the kids go through a drawn out scavenger hunt, placing them all in separate teams chosen by team color. Joey and Pacey were head of team blue. Jen and Jack were head of team yellow. Abby and Jimmy were head of team purple. Lena and Buffy were in charge of team pink. Andie and Chris were in charge of team red. And Adam and Jason Jr. were in charge of team green. Object of the game: Whoever finds the chosen items the fastest and within the time limit, wins.

The whistle was blown and all the kids set out to find the unseen objects. Two hours past before most of the kids had found their way back to headquarters with the merchandise. Surprisingly enough Andie and Chris's team came in first. Jen and Jack's team came in second. And Pacey and Joey's team came in third. They didn't agree much on the strategy of their team. Either way, everyone had fun. Even Abby and Buffy.

Afterwards, everyone flooded the mess hall. A lot of the kids were still rowdy and loud. Laughing and talking with their friends as they made their way to the soda cooler. The day had also been the hottest.

Joey and Pacey walked out of the noise factory and sat down under their usual tree. Joey handed him a bag of chips she had in one of her hands. Pacey accepted and handed her a coke. Joey accepted and gave him a kiss.

"It's so nice out today." She said smiling.

"It's so hot out today." He responded negatively.

"Shut up, and eat your cheetos."

"As you wish." He replied opening the bag.

Joey started reading Moby Dick, a book she borrowed from Andie. Pacey looked at the book, then at her. He held his stare for a good two minutes before piping up.

"I love that book." He said while chewing.

"Eww. Pacey." Joey began in a whiny tone.

"What? I was simply saying that the book is good."

"Yeah with a mouth full of cheeto-lay falling out of your mouth."

"You really shouldn't sweat the little stuff so much Potter."

"Whatever you say." She replied returning to her book.

"Where'd you get that?" He asked still chewing.

"Get what? The book?"

"Uh-huh."

"Oh um, I borrowed it from Andie."

"I figured."

Joey paused and looked at him unable to read his expression.

"Why do you ask?"

"I was just remembering something, that's all."

"Remembering what?" Joey asked sliding in a bookmark.

"Nothing."

"No what?" She asked half chuckling.

"I forgot that that was like her favorite book. She takes it with her wherever she goes." He said as if to himself.

"How cute." Joey replied wryly.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"You asked me what I was thinking and that was it."

"I know." She replied turning her attention to the book. Now he was unable to read her expression.

"What??"

"It's nothing. (pause) Are you over her Pacey? I mean really over her?"

"Yeah!" He replied surprised at the question.

"I'm not really doubting that fact or anything, it's just--well we started our thing so soon--"

"Our thing?"

"Yes. I mean you made a pretty early transition."

"Joey--"

"I'm not trying to put you on the spot or anything, it's just--"

"Joey!"

"Yeah?"

"Do you want to why the transition was so easy for me?"

"Yes." She replied exhaling.

"It was so easy for me..." He began slowly. "Because I have been in love with you for so long now. And now that we're finally together everything seems so...I don't know--easy for a change. It's like you and I are so good together, and the fact that I can now call you mine...it's the best feeling in the world."

Joey was silent.

"That's ok you don't have to say anything." He added sarcastically.

"You know what--" She began, sitting in his lap. "I honestly don't know why I put up with the likes of you."

"I was just thinking the same thing actually."

"Here's a little word of advice. Ex-girlfriend conversations aren't precisely the fundamental topic to discuss with your new girlfriend. Especially when said ex attends this camp with us. That's why I gave you attitude."

"Oh!" Pacey responded sarcastically, slapping his hand against his forehead.

"And I'm in love with you too." She said smiling, then kissing him.

"Well that's all you had to say." He replied kissing her back.

Jen and Jack walked out of the cafeteria, ice cream cones in hand.

"I'm telling you Jen, this summer's the best thing that ever happened to me. You know, besides me being born and all."

"Lucky me." She replied joking.

"Ah, you love me."

"Barely." Jen said turning her attention to Pacey and Joey who were now making out.

"How romantic." Jack said licking his cone.

"How dishonest. I just hope she tells him about the bet before--"

"Before what? You do?"

"No--that's not what I was about to say."

"Yeah well trust me. I've thought the whole thing through and I don't think she's really using him."

"You don't?" Jen asked licking her cone.

"Nope. As a matter of fact, I'll bet--no pun intended--that she's struggling with figuring out a way to tell him."

"How do you figure?"

"Stick to knitting Jen. Leave reading, of the body language, to me."

"I had no idea you were a body reader." Jen said dryly.

"That, and knowing how Joey's mind works. She would never purposely hurt anyone."

"She hurt you."

"That was different. And hurt isn't exactly a word I would use to express the feelings I had the day I found out about the bet."

"What word would you use then?"

"Disappointed."

"Yeah that's probably better." Jen said throwing away her cone in a nearby waste can.

"You don't eat the cone?"

"I don't eat the cone."

"You're missin' out.

"Oh, hey-- you have to help me, Andie, and Lena decorate for the Final Witchita dance."

"I do?"

"Don't stress." She said chuckling. "I know it's against the guy code of conduct to help with such feminine things, but it's just finishing touches. We need a big strong man to hold up the decorations while we pile them on the wall." She joked.

"You're so funny."

"I know right?" Jen asked believing the words. Then walking off.

"Last words..."

"Yeah?" Jen asked turning back around.

"If you're really desperate at the end of the day--about the bet. Just give me a call." He said smiling wickedly.

"I'll think about it." She replied smiling and walking away.

"Think away." He said quietly then following her.

Night had came and the dance begun. Jack and Jen were serving drinks while techno pop pulsated in the background. Most of the kids took center floor, dancing the night away. Pacey was attempting to spin records while Joey was dragged onto the floor by a couple of older boys. She just bashfully backed away laughing and motioning for them to continue dancing with some girls their age. Abby and Buffy were sitting down as usual. Making fun of some of the dancing that was being seen. Lena and Andie were standing in the entry way welcoming those who arrived. Joey unwittingly walked up to Pacey and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Lena didn't miss the display and tapped Andie on the shoulder.

"Andie..."

"Yes?"

"May I talk to you over there for a minute." Lena said pointing to a more closed off area.

"Sure. Chris could you watch the door for us?" Andie asked him kindly.

"Whatever." He replied positioning himself at the door.

"What is it?"

"Do you have any clue about what's going on between Joey and Pacey?" Lena asked concerned.

"Why would there be something going on between Joey and Pacey?" Andie questioned, a knot developing in her stomach because of the statement.

"I've heard Abby and Buffy talking about it lately. And so far I've seen no evidence of the contrary." Lena said pointing to the DJ booth.

Andie followed her stare that led to Pacey and Joey who were talking.

"What? Do you think there together or something?" Andie asked in disbelief.

"Yes. She just kissed him."

"Where?"

"In the booth!"

"No I meant where."

"On the cheek."

"Well, talk about your hot smut action."

"Andie I'm serious. Why would I make this up?" The girl asked sympathetically.

Andie didn't answer, she just looked back up at the two and started heading in their direction.

Jen walked over to get more paper cups that were located beside Buffy and Abby's chairs. She picked up the package and began walking away but stopped when she heard Abby fake-gasping and turned back around.

"What is wrong with you now??" Jen asked folding her arms.

"Look who's about to get a beat-down." Abby said pointing at Pacey and Joey. Then at Andie who was on her way over.

"Shit." Jen whispered to herself.

"Serves her right." Buffy said laughing.

Jen ignored the schoolgirls and ran up the steps that led to the booth. She tapped Pacey on the shoulder and pointed to Andie who was coming up the other side.

Pacey quickly let go of Joey's hand. Joey turned around finding herself face-to-face with Andie.

"Hi Andie." Joey said waving.

"Oh, hi Joey." Andie replied also waving. "Pacey--Joey--I would like to ask you both a question right quick. I'm only asking because I heard this silly little rumor, and although against my better judgment, I would just like to sort of confirm that it's completely untrue."

"Go ahead." Pacey said swallowing hard and avoiding eye contact. Joey could feel a chill go down her spine.

"Are you two like...together?" Andie asked squinting a little.

Joey and Pacey exchanged looks.

"Maybe you guys didn't here me?" Andie said trying to talk over the music. "I asked--"

"We heard you...Andie." Pacey said apprehensively.

"Well?" She continued, tears beginning to well up. She already figured out the answer.

Joey looked at Pacey again, this time sadly.

"Yes." Pacey answered looking her dead in the eye.

Andie didn't take her eyes away from him. Anger and hurt washed over her quickly.

"Why would you do that Pacey?" Andie asked the tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Do what??"

"Get involved with Joey."

"I--"

"Listen Andie just calm down." Joey jumped in.

"Shut up Joey." She replied still looking at Pacey.

"You're the one that broke up with him Andie." Joey said defensively.

"So you took that as an opportunity to just...you know what? Don't say anything to me ever again. Either of you." Andie said preparing to stalk off. She began going back down the steps but turned back around.

(She paused before speaking) "Joey, don't tell me you're using him to win--" Andie began.

"No! I wouldn't--I wouldn't do that." Joey stuttered out looking back at Pacey.

"To win what?" Pacey asked solemnly. Pretending he didn't know what she was about to say.

"Joey?" Andie asked looking at her confused. "You're not-- right?" Andie asked again.

"No." Joey said matching Pacey's previous tone.

Jack walked up behind Jen.

"What's goin' on?" He asked nudging her back.

"Shh." She said looking at Joey.

"Pacey I have something to tell you. Not that this has anything to do with the time I've spent with you the last month." Joey began nervously and cracking her knuckles.

"Is this about the bet???" He asked looking from Andie to Joey, then at Jen, who's expression fell.

"Yes." Joey replied her eyes narrowing.

Andie and Joey looked at each other perplexed.

"You knew?" Joey asked.

"Yeah I knew." He replied a little more harshly.

Jen looked back at Jack who had an uh-oh expression on his face. Everyone just stood quiet.

"I knew." Pacey whispered once more.

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