Part 56: Andraia

Stupid Little Girl

I clutch the photo angrily as I speak to the woman at the airport. "Yes, Mr. Witter would like to arrange this at the earliest possible time, he has a location shoot in Las Vegas to prepare for." How dare they not tell me about this. How dare they!

"I understand that this is short notice to file a flight plan, but it is domestic." I pause. "Let me know the details as soon as you have them."

"They dated! That is definitely an important piece of information. Stupid opportunistic bitch. She's taking advantage of him." I dial his cell quickly.

"Witter." He answers tiredly.

"Pacey?"

"Andraia? What's going on?"

"I've started working on chartering a plane to Vegas for us, I know you'll want to get there as soon as possible to scout sites."

"I've already got a flight booked out on Thursday night with Jo, Dawson and Jen. I think we got you a flight that morning, not enough seats or something. Dawson and Jen have been dealing in details for us the last few days."

I bristle. "Pacey, it's my job to make sure that you're ready for this shoot. If you don't get out there soon, you'll never get enough prep time in."

"I'm not leaving until Thursday Drai. The funeral is Wednesday, and there are a few people gathering at Dawson's for an informal wake following it."

I roll my eyes. "Pacey, you don't have time to go to this funeral. Why you would want to go to your ex's sister's funeral is beyond me –

"What did you move?" he interrupts me quietly, nearly whispering.

"What are you talking about Pacey?"

"Drai, the only reason you could possibly know that Jo and I used to date is if you were messing with Bodie's things. I gave Jen specific instructions to tell you not to meddle with his things. Bess just died Drai. In childbirth. Stop playing with their things and re-arrange this little location scout of yours to fit into my timetable."

"Pacey, you're over-reacting. I looked at a few pictures on a shelf." I say carefully.

"I don't care what you did Drai. You're talking about someone who has done more for me than my entire family combined. I'm flying out on Thursday with my friends." The phone cuts out and I sigh.

"That's what you think Witter, but I know you. If I book the plane anyways, you'll catch it just to keep from disappointing me." I smile, then glance again at the photo of Pacey and the little starlet sleeping together on a small, flowery couch. "Take that you little diva." I mutter, returning the photo to the shelf next to the prom photo of Pacey, Dawson and their little small town friends. There is no way that little girl is winning this.

Part 57: Jo

It should be raining

I woke up today to a crisp, blue sky. The sun is shining, and I think the birds are back for spring. Stupid weather. It was supposed to rain. This day should be as depressing as the events scheduled for it.

I know it's crazy. I should see the clear skies and warm breeze as a gift from Bess. But I can't. I don't want to. I want the rest of the world to miss her as much as I do.

I glance over at Pacey, seated quietly next to me as we make our way to the prison to pick up my father. "He got the suit?"

"Yeah, he did."

I nod, and reach out to take his hand. "It should be raining." I whisper.

He squeezes my hand a bit. "Yeah." He agrees quietly.

"I'm not ready to do this Pacey." I lean into his shoulder.

"I know." He touches my chin with his other hand and pulls my head up to face him. "You're never going to be ready though."

I lean into his touch. "I shouldn't have to be."

"No, you shouldn't." he agrees, and flinches when his phone rings. His eyes meet mine and I nod a bit.

"Go ahead." I tell him.

He flips it open. "Witter...Hi Andraia...you what? I told you not to do that...I also told you that I already have a flight to Vegas, tomorrow night...no! Dammit Andraia, I said no! I don't care how many people you had to call to get this flight plan filed this quickly, I'm not leaving Capeside until tomorrow night!

"Drai, I'm on my way to a funeral, I don't have the energy to do this with you right now. Cancel the charter, I'm flying out tomorrow...because I don't want to leave tonight Andraia. Stop trying to book me flights to Las Vegas, I already have one." He flips the phone shut and rubs his face.

"What's up?" I ask carefully.

"This is the third time in two days she's tried to put me on a private plane out of here. I keep telling her I don't want to go, but she just won't listen."

"Where is she staying? I haven't seen her around."

"Dawson and Jen set her up at the B&B. They figured she could work out of the office, but by being there she wouldn't be in the way."

I furrow my brow. "Pace, how could they have gotten her a room? It's the middle of summer, even my room was booked."

He crinkles his face and glances away.

"You put her in my sister's room?" I ask. How could he? How could he put that horrible girl in my sister's room?

"Jo, try to understand. We didn't want her at Dawson's, and every hotel was booked, not just the B&B. We tried everything. I tried Dougie, Gretch, hell, I called my parents. They said no. There was no other option."

I stare at him. "You called your parents?" I meet his gaze, and he nods. "Everything will be back where it belongs, right?"

"She flies out tomorrow morning, and Dawson is going to check the room before we leave town."

I feel myself nod. "Okay."

He touches my face softly. "Jo, if you want her out of there, say the word and she'll be on the plane she booked today."

"Would she go?"

"She'd fight it, but she'd be on that plane even if I had to tie her to the seat."

"I believe you." I look out the window at the fences that seem to have grown somehow as we slow down to enter the grounds. "I still think it should be raining."