Disclaimer: I don't own Dawson's Creek or any of its characters.
Author's Note: Thanks to the following for reading and reviewing my story: Gypsy, Giuliana, justagirl, alysa, Aubrey, Abagail Snow, Cesare, roundin3rd, Molly, kelcb26, annie, dwscreekfreak, Vale, *~)TINK(~*, Vera, Annie and Pacey-Luver. I appreciate the comments and constructive criticism. You guys rock!!!
Comments: Sorry that it's been so long since my last update! I've been having a bit of writer's block for this episode, so I've kind of been putting it off the past few weeks. There should be a quick update after this chapter as long as my computer cooperates! ************************************************************************
"Joey!" called Dawson from down the hallway.
Joey spun around to see Dawson sprinting down the hallway with a sheet of paper in his hand. "Hey Dawson, what's up?" she asked.
"We won!" Dawson said jubilantly.
"What do you mean, we won?" Joey asked confused.
"We won the junior division at the Boston Film Festival!" exclaimed Dawson.
"Oh my god! When did you find out?" Joey asked.
"Just this morning! And look, they gave us $2500 for our next project!" Dawson answered.
"Wow! Dawson, I can't believe it. I'm so proud of you," Joey said.
"Yeah, I'm pretty proud of myself. I've even got an idea for a new script. But, I'm planning on going out tonight to celebrate. What do you say, just you and me, got out and do something?" Dawson offered hopefully.
"Sorry, Dawson, Pacey and I are going on a double date with Jack and Jen tonight," Joey sad with a sad smile.
Dawson's face fell, but he covered it up pretty quickly. "Oh, that's okay. Hey, since when have Jack and Jen been dating?"
"Actually, tonight's the inaugural evening. They're both really nervous though, so Jen asked me and Pacey to come along in case things get too weird," Joey answered. The bell rung for first period. "Gotta go. I'll see you later Dawson."
"See ya, Joey," Dawson said as he watched her turn to leave. He missed spending time with Joey, just him and her. She was either working or at art class or with Pacey. Dawson couldn't hide the pain that he felt from being ignored. However, he quickly shrugged it off. 'You're just feeling left out,' he told himself. He realized that he was late and quickly ran off to class.
***** After school... *****
"So, run this by me again. Why are we going on this date with Jack and Jen?" Pacey asked Joey as he started his car.
"Because, Pacey, they're both nervous about this date. Jen said that she would appreciate it if you and I were there in case it got too weird between them. And seeing as Jen and I are becoming better friends, I said that we would go," Joey explained.
Pacey chuckled. "Do you remember the last time we went on a double date with Jen?" he asked.
Joey smiled and rolled her eyes. "Unfortunately."
"Oh, come on Joey. You should be happy. Lots of girls would die to go on a date with me," Pacey kidded.
"Really? Well then, I have to tell them the truth. You weren't exactly the best date that evening," Joey said.
"Hey, you were practically drooling all over Dawson!" Pacey exclaimed.
"You ditched me to try and get lucky with another girl!" Joey said as she fought back. There was a brief moment of silence.
"At least I was a better date on our actual first date," Pacey said.
"Yes, you certainly improved your dating etiquette," Joey replied. "And I expect that tonight. I want the perfect gentleman Pacey."
"Are you saying that I'm not the perfect gentleman on a regular basis?" Pacey asked.
"Do you remember the last time we went to the movie theatre?" Joey said as she gave Pacey a look.
Pacey laughed as he remembered how an usher had to ask them to leave because they were making out in the back of the theatre. "Come on, that chick flick was really boring, and besides, you seemed a bit more interested in me that evening."
"Don't flatter yourself too much, Pace," Joey said as Pacey pulled up to her house. "Pick me up at seven, okay?"
Pacey leaned over to kiss her. "Yes, dear," he sighed.
***** Later on, during the date... *****
"So, that movie wasn't half bad," Jack said nervously as the group exited the movie theatre. He was really nervous. He hadn't even focused on the movie. Instead, he had spent the past hour and a half staring at Jen.
"Yeah, it was okay," Joey said as she reached for Pacey's hand. "So, where to now?"
"Um, maybe we could head over..." Jack started before he was cut off by his cell phone. "Hello? Andie, what's the matter? Oh my god, okay, calm down! Yeah, I'll go right over," he said before he hung up.
"What's wrong? Is Andie okay?" Jen questioned before pausing. "Is it your mom?"
"Uh, yeah, look, Pacey, can we hurry over to Molly's Market?" Jack stumbled.
"Yeah, what's the problem?" Pacey asked with concern.
"It's complicated..." Jack started nervously. However, he eased up a bit when Jen took his hand in hers. "Okay. Um, about a year ago, we got into a car accident, my whole family. My mom, she didn't see the truck coming. Um, anyways, my older brother Tim, he, uh, died in the accident, but my mom, she stills sees him every now and then. And apparently right now, she's having a breakdown at Molly's Market. Andie doesn't think she'll be able to handle her alone, so I need to haul my ass over there as soon as I can. And, um, yeah, that's about it."
Pacey and Joey looked at Jack with shock. They had reached Pacey's car. Pacey and Joey sat up front while Jack and Jen sat in the back. Nobody knew what to say. Pacey was driving frantically towards Molly's Market, determined to do whatever it took to help Jack. Joey was just stunned. She had met Mrs. McPhee before and she had seemed fine. Jack was feeling terrified. His mom had done this last week too, and it had been a real struggle to get her home. Jen just sat next to Jack, holding his hand. She had known of Mrs. McPhee's "situation" for a few weeks already. She just hoped that everything would be okay. Finally, when they had reached Molly's Market, the group quickly piled out of the car. Sure enough, Mrs. McPhee was standing in the middle of the store looking lost and confused.
"My husband. He fixes things. You should call my husband. He can fix things," Mrs. McPhee said to a group of customers.
"Hey Mom," Jack said softly. "I think it's time we go home, okay?"
"I'm sorry, Jack, I can't go home. I can't. It's over. It's all over!" Mrs. McPhee exclaimed. Jack looked back at his friends. Pacey looked intently at Mrs. McPhee. Suddenly, he got an idea.
"Hey, Jack, let me try something," Pacey said. Jack just nodded sadly. "Hey, Mrs. McPhee. Do you remember me?"
"Oh, you're Pacey. You picked up my son Jack for his date tonight," Mrs. McPhee answered.
"Yep, that's me, I'm Pacey. So what are you doing here, picking up some groceries?" Pacey asked.
"I don't know," admitted Mrs. McPhee.
"Well, it looks like you're not done yet. Here, let me help you out. Um, hey, marshmallows! That's a food group all on it's own!" Pacey said, trying to convince Mrs. McPhee.
"You don't want those. Too many will make you sick. I have some turkey, and some roast beef in the fridge. I could make you a sandwich, if you were hungry," Mrs. McPhee offered.
"Well, Mrs. McPhee, I would love a sandwich. Come on, let me drive you home," Pacey said as he extended his hand to Mrs. McPhee. She reached out and took his hand. Jack smiled a little. Who would have thought that Pacey would know exactly what to say to his mother? They all got into Pacey's car and headed to the McPhee's.
***** Later on... *****
"Thanks for helping me out there Pace," Jack said as he shut the door to his mother's room.
"Oh man, that was nothing. I'm just glad that she's okay. And um, Jack , if you or Andie ever need anything, you just have to ask, okay?" Pacey replied.
"Okay. Um, I'm sorry if your evening with Joey didn't really turn out..." he started.
"No, it's okay. We were just there for you and Jen. Speaking of Jen," Pacey started. "I think she really likes you."
"Really? I've been worried that she's not completely over Dawson. I don't want to be a second choice," Jack replied.
"I know what you mean. Joey used to have this massive crush on Dawson too," Pacey answered.
"Really?" Jack asked.
"Yeah. But then you know, she came to her senses and started liking me," Pacey said sarcastically. "Honestly Jack, if Jen didn't like you, she wouldn't be here trying to help you out."
"Yeah, I guess," Jack said weakly.
"Look, you should have seen her tonight. She was beaming. I haven't seen her this happy in a long time," Pacey confessed.
"Well, I do have a certain charm," Jack joked. Pacey chuckled. The clock stuck ten o'clock. "Hey, you guys should get going. I think me and Andie can take it from here."
"Alright. I'll see you later, Jack," Pacey said as he walked off with a smile to get Joey.
"Wait, Pacey. I just wanna thank you again," Jack said as he extended his hand to Pacey.
Pacey grinned as he shook Jack's hand. "No problem." He turned the corner into the McPhee's living room to get Joey. Jen and Joey quickly said their goodbyes as Pacey helped Joey with her coat.
"Thank you so much for coming tonight guys," Jen said.
"It was our pleasure. We should do this again sometime," Joey said. "See you tomorrow, Jen. Bye, Jack," she called out as she and Pacey left the McPhee house. Pacey first opened Joey's door before climbing into the car himself. He started the car and looked over at Joey who was smiling at him.
"What?" Pacey asked as he backed out of the driveway.
"I was just remembering how you saved the day tonight," Joey answered.
"I didn't save the day Jo," Pacey started humbly.
"Yes, you did. A difficult situation arose and you came to the rescue. What if we hadn't gotten there in time Pace? What if Jack hadn't have been able to coax her out of there? She might have suffered through a major breakdown. You prevented a bad situation from happening, Pacey. You were the hero," Joey explained.
Pacey sat in silence for a moment. He didn't really know how to respond to what Joey had said. "Um," he tried.
Joey took his right hand in hers and let their fingers lace together. "I'm proud of you," she said softly, but loud enough that Pacey could hear it.
Pacey still sat in silence. He didn't know how to respond to someone saying all these great things about him. "Uh, um, I," he stumbled. He struggled to find the right words.
Joey looked over at Pacey. He looked to be in complete shock. "Pacey, pull over," she said. Pacey didn't even stop to think, he just did what he was told. He got out of the car and started walking towards Joey's side, where he met Joey coming his way. Joey placed one of her hands on Pacey's cheek. "Pacey, what's wrong?" she asked with concern.
Pacey closed his eyes for a second, searching for the right words. "Um, Jo, I'm just not used to hearing stuff like that, you know, at least not when the words are thrown my way."
"Pacey..." Joey started.
"I've always been the sidekick, the black sheep or the loser. I've never gotten to be the hero, or the one that someone's proud of at the end of the day," Pacey interrupted.
"Well, you better get used to being the hero and you better get used to having someone being proud of you," Joey said. Pacey tilted his head downwards. Joey softly pushed his chin up so he was looking into her eyes. "Because you're my hero and I am so, so proud of you," she finished with a smile.
Pacey slowly exhaled as a smile tugged at his lips. "You're amazing, you know that?" he said adoringly.
Joey looked down at the ground as she felt her cheeks turn pink. She looked up into Pacey's sparkling blue eyes. "I love you, Pacey," she said as she leaned forward to kiss his forehead.
Pacey closed his eyes under Joey's touch. "I love you too," he replied. "Now, this looks like a great place to make out, don't you think?" he asked.
Joey smiled. "It sure does," she said before kissing him again.
Author's Note: Thanks to the following for reading and reviewing my story: Gypsy, Giuliana, justagirl, alysa, Aubrey, Abagail Snow, Cesare, roundin3rd, Molly, kelcb26, annie, dwscreekfreak, Vale, *~)TINK(~*, Vera, Annie and Pacey-Luver. I appreciate the comments and constructive criticism. You guys rock!!!
Comments: Sorry that it's been so long since my last update! I've been having a bit of writer's block for this episode, so I've kind of been putting it off the past few weeks. There should be a quick update after this chapter as long as my computer cooperates! ************************************************************************
"Joey!" called Dawson from down the hallway.
Joey spun around to see Dawson sprinting down the hallway with a sheet of paper in his hand. "Hey Dawson, what's up?" she asked.
"We won!" Dawson said jubilantly.
"What do you mean, we won?" Joey asked confused.
"We won the junior division at the Boston Film Festival!" exclaimed Dawson.
"Oh my god! When did you find out?" Joey asked.
"Just this morning! And look, they gave us $2500 for our next project!" Dawson answered.
"Wow! Dawson, I can't believe it. I'm so proud of you," Joey said.
"Yeah, I'm pretty proud of myself. I've even got an idea for a new script. But, I'm planning on going out tonight to celebrate. What do you say, just you and me, got out and do something?" Dawson offered hopefully.
"Sorry, Dawson, Pacey and I are going on a double date with Jack and Jen tonight," Joey sad with a sad smile.
Dawson's face fell, but he covered it up pretty quickly. "Oh, that's okay. Hey, since when have Jack and Jen been dating?"
"Actually, tonight's the inaugural evening. They're both really nervous though, so Jen asked me and Pacey to come along in case things get too weird," Joey answered. The bell rung for first period. "Gotta go. I'll see you later Dawson."
"See ya, Joey," Dawson said as he watched her turn to leave. He missed spending time with Joey, just him and her. She was either working or at art class or with Pacey. Dawson couldn't hide the pain that he felt from being ignored. However, he quickly shrugged it off. 'You're just feeling left out,' he told himself. He realized that he was late and quickly ran off to class.
***** After school... *****
"So, run this by me again. Why are we going on this date with Jack and Jen?" Pacey asked Joey as he started his car.
"Because, Pacey, they're both nervous about this date. Jen said that she would appreciate it if you and I were there in case it got too weird between them. And seeing as Jen and I are becoming better friends, I said that we would go," Joey explained.
Pacey chuckled. "Do you remember the last time we went on a double date with Jen?" he asked.
Joey smiled and rolled her eyes. "Unfortunately."
"Oh, come on Joey. You should be happy. Lots of girls would die to go on a date with me," Pacey kidded.
"Really? Well then, I have to tell them the truth. You weren't exactly the best date that evening," Joey said.
"Hey, you were practically drooling all over Dawson!" Pacey exclaimed.
"You ditched me to try and get lucky with another girl!" Joey said as she fought back. There was a brief moment of silence.
"At least I was a better date on our actual first date," Pacey said.
"Yes, you certainly improved your dating etiquette," Joey replied. "And I expect that tonight. I want the perfect gentleman Pacey."
"Are you saying that I'm not the perfect gentleman on a regular basis?" Pacey asked.
"Do you remember the last time we went to the movie theatre?" Joey said as she gave Pacey a look.
Pacey laughed as he remembered how an usher had to ask them to leave because they were making out in the back of the theatre. "Come on, that chick flick was really boring, and besides, you seemed a bit more interested in me that evening."
"Don't flatter yourself too much, Pace," Joey said as Pacey pulled up to her house. "Pick me up at seven, okay?"
Pacey leaned over to kiss her. "Yes, dear," he sighed.
***** Later on, during the date... *****
"So, that movie wasn't half bad," Jack said nervously as the group exited the movie theatre. He was really nervous. He hadn't even focused on the movie. Instead, he had spent the past hour and a half staring at Jen.
"Yeah, it was okay," Joey said as she reached for Pacey's hand. "So, where to now?"
"Um, maybe we could head over..." Jack started before he was cut off by his cell phone. "Hello? Andie, what's the matter? Oh my god, okay, calm down! Yeah, I'll go right over," he said before he hung up.
"What's wrong? Is Andie okay?" Jen questioned before pausing. "Is it your mom?"
"Uh, yeah, look, Pacey, can we hurry over to Molly's Market?" Jack stumbled.
"Yeah, what's the problem?" Pacey asked with concern.
"It's complicated..." Jack started nervously. However, he eased up a bit when Jen took his hand in hers. "Okay. Um, about a year ago, we got into a car accident, my whole family. My mom, she didn't see the truck coming. Um, anyways, my older brother Tim, he, uh, died in the accident, but my mom, she stills sees him every now and then. And apparently right now, she's having a breakdown at Molly's Market. Andie doesn't think she'll be able to handle her alone, so I need to haul my ass over there as soon as I can. And, um, yeah, that's about it."
Pacey and Joey looked at Jack with shock. They had reached Pacey's car. Pacey and Joey sat up front while Jack and Jen sat in the back. Nobody knew what to say. Pacey was driving frantically towards Molly's Market, determined to do whatever it took to help Jack. Joey was just stunned. She had met Mrs. McPhee before and she had seemed fine. Jack was feeling terrified. His mom had done this last week too, and it had been a real struggle to get her home. Jen just sat next to Jack, holding his hand. She had known of Mrs. McPhee's "situation" for a few weeks already. She just hoped that everything would be okay. Finally, when they had reached Molly's Market, the group quickly piled out of the car. Sure enough, Mrs. McPhee was standing in the middle of the store looking lost and confused.
"My husband. He fixes things. You should call my husband. He can fix things," Mrs. McPhee said to a group of customers.
"Hey Mom," Jack said softly. "I think it's time we go home, okay?"
"I'm sorry, Jack, I can't go home. I can't. It's over. It's all over!" Mrs. McPhee exclaimed. Jack looked back at his friends. Pacey looked intently at Mrs. McPhee. Suddenly, he got an idea.
"Hey, Jack, let me try something," Pacey said. Jack just nodded sadly. "Hey, Mrs. McPhee. Do you remember me?"
"Oh, you're Pacey. You picked up my son Jack for his date tonight," Mrs. McPhee answered.
"Yep, that's me, I'm Pacey. So what are you doing here, picking up some groceries?" Pacey asked.
"I don't know," admitted Mrs. McPhee.
"Well, it looks like you're not done yet. Here, let me help you out. Um, hey, marshmallows! That's a food group all on it's own!" Pacey said, trying to convince Mrs. McPhee.
"You don't want those. Too many will make you sick. I have some turkey, and some roast beef in the fridge. I could make you a sandwich, if you were hungry," Mrs. McPhee offered.
"Well, Mrs. McPhee, I would love a sandwich. Come on, let me drive you home," Pacey said as he extended his hand to Mrs. McPhee. She reached out and took his hand. Jack smiled a little. Who would have thought that Pacey would know exactly what to say to his mother? They all got into Pacey's car and headed to the McPhee's.
***** Later on... *****
"Thanks for helping me out there Pace," Jack said as he shut the door to his mother's room.
"Oh man, that was nothing. I'm just glad that she's okay. And um, Jack , if you or Andie ever need anything, you just have to ask, okay?" Pacey replied.
"Okay. Um, I'm sorry if your evening with Joey didn't really turn out..." he started.
"No, it's okay. We were just there for you and Jen. Speaking of Jen," Pacey started. "I think she really likes you."
"Really? I've been worried that she's not completely over Dawson. I don't want to be a second choice," Jack replied.
"I know what you mean. Joey used to have this massive crush on Dawson too," Pacey answered.
"Really?" Jack asked.
"Yeah. But then you know, she came to her senses and started liking me," Pacey said sarcastically. "Honestly Jack, if Jen didn't like you, she wouldn't be here trying to help you out."
"Yeah, I guess," Jack said weakly.
"Look, you should have seen her tonight. She was beaming. I haven't seen her this happy in a long time," Pacey confessed.
"Well, I do have a certain charm," Jack joked. Pacey chuckled. The clock stuck ten o'clock. "Hey, you guys should get going. I think me and Andie can take it from here."
"Alright. I'll see you later, Jack," Pacey said as he walked off with a smile to get Joey.
"Wait, Pacey. I just wanna thank you again," Jack said as he extended his hand to Pacey.
Pacey grinned as he shook Jack's hand. "No problem." He turned the corner into the McPhee's living room to get Joey. Jen and Joey quickly said their goodbyes as Pacey helped Joey with her coat.
"Thank you so much for coming tonight guys," Jen said.
"It was our pleasure. We should do this again sometime," Joey said. "See you tomorrow, Jen. Bye, Jack," she called out as she and Pacey left the McPhee house. Pacey first opened Joey's door before climbing into the car himself. He started the car and looked over at Joey who was smiling at him.
"What?" Pacey asked as he backed out of the driveway.
"I was just remembering how you saved the day tonight," Joey answered.
"I didn't save the day Jo," Pacey started humbly.
"Yes, you did. A difficult situation arose and you came to the rescue. What if we hadn't gotten there in time Pace? What if Jack hadn't have been able to coax her out of there? She might have suffered through a major breakdown. You prevented a bad situation from happening, Pacey. You were the hero," Joey explained.
Pacey sat in silence for a moment. He didn't really know how to respond to what Joey had said. "Um," he tried.
Joey took his right hand in hers and let their fingers lace together. "I'm proud of you," she said softly, but loud enough that Pacey could hear it.
Pacey still sat in silence. He didn't know how to respond to someone saying all these great things about him. "Uh, um, I," he stumbled. He struggled to find the right words.
Joey looked over at Pacey. He looked to be in complete shock. "Pacey, pull over," she said. Pacey didn't even stop to think, he just did what he was told. He got out of the car and started walking towards Joey's side, where he met Joey coming his way. Joey placed one of her hands on Pacey's cheek. "Pacey, what's wrong?" she asked with concern.
Pacey closed his eyes for a second, searching for the right words. "Um, Jo, I'm just not used to hearing stuff like that, you know, at least not when the words are thrown my way."
"Pacey..." Joey started.
"I've always been the sidekick, the black sheep or the loser. I've never gotten to be the hero, or the one that someone's proud of at the end of the day," Pacey interrupted.
"Well, you better get used to being the hero and you better get used to having someone being proud of you," Joey said. Pacey tilted his head downwards. Joey softly pushed his chin up so he was looking into her eyes. "Because you're my hero and I am so, so proud of you," she finished with a smile.
Pacey slowly exhaled as a smile tugged at his lips. "You're amazing, you know that?" he said adoringly.
Joey looked down at the ground as she felt her cheeks turn pink. She looked up into Pacey's sparkling blue eyes. "I love you, Pacey," she said as she leaned forward to kiss his forehead.
Pacey closed his eyes under Joey's touch. "I love you too," he replied. "Now, this looks like a great place to make out, don't you think?" he asked.
Joey smiled. "It sure does," she said before kissing him again.