a light is a light, no matter its distance

its brilliance does not fade

its influence does not change

it remains a light

for its distance

far off they are often forgotten

they do not forget

it shines,

supports

it loves no less

guides no less

only we see it less

never forgetting, only learning

we adjust our eyes to its further vantage

part 58

I've never liked funerals. Not because they're depressing, or dark, but because they're seen as an ending. They're a final step. But really, they're not the last step. A funeral is simply a remembrance. Of how the person influenced those around them, of how they continue to influence those who held them dear. In thoughts, and memories, and lessons taught. When the going was tough, when it was easy.

Long talks in the kitchen, quick chats on the phone.

That's what they should be remembering.

They shouldn't be focusing on what's gone, but instead on what they still have. Their memories, their families, their friends.

Joey knows, she's always known. She learnt young that when memories are all you have left, you have to focus on them. You can't let a lack of new memories forget the ones you have.

Bodie hasn't learned that lesson, and I hope Joey remembers to remind him, and Alexander. Such a beautiful little boy, innocent.

And Jessica, sweet little girl. So precious. To never know her mommy. I hope Alexander doesn't try to blame her.

John, dear John. I never did tell him he was forgiven. I should have. Someday I might be able to. At least he has Joey now.

She'll be their light, she'll have to be. But she's not alone anymore. He's with her again, and I'm glad. She needs him more than she'll ever admit.

They're two of a kind. Stubborn, and loyal. They love to their very cores.

I'll watch over them, as much as I can. As much as any of us can. I'm sure they won't notice, but I can hope they do.

I hope they are happy, and safe. I hope they continue to love.

My name was Bessie Potter-Smith, and that's what people in heaven do.

Part 59

They're late. They were supposed to arrive on set ten minutes ago. Pacey is talking to some of the extras, but he doesn't seem fazed by their extreme lateness. I make my way over to him. "They're late again." I tell him. I can't believe they never got fucking fired.

He raises an eyebrow. "Relax Drai, there was some kind of wardrobe issue for Jo. They're working on it."

I sigh. "You worked that out weeks ago Pacey."

"Yes, I did. But we re-wrote the scene, and had to adjust the wardrobe. Stacey can't be wearing a black pinstripe suit when she gets married."

"Married? Pacey, the wedding scene is separate. It's a garden. With lilies." Who the fuck gets married at a shareholder meeting?

"Stacey and Noah would never sit still long enough to plan that out. At least not in the same room. They're too stubborn. They need a catalyst. An excuse to put aside what they know are ridiculous preconceptions about one another and just dive right in."

I press my fingers to my temples. "That's insane Pacey. We spent two thousand dollars on a custom made Vera Wang gown for that wedding scene. No one randomly gets married at a shareholder meeting – Vegas or not."

"Stacey and Noah would." Her voice cuts in calmly. "It's probably the only way they would ever let themselves be happy together."

I turn to face her, taking in her pale blue dress and shoes topped by a charcoal blazer. "No girl dreams of saying 'I do' in a boardroom. She would hold out for a big wedding."

"No, she wouldn't. She's a person who has seen enough pain to last three lifetimes. This is her chance to be happy. She's going to grab it."

"At a meeting?" she can't be serious.

"Wherever she has to. This is her chance. One of those life-defining moments you can't get back. She's turned away from them before only to be miserable, and she won't do it again."

"Noah wouldn't let her do this. He wouldn't do this."

Pacey scoffs. "Of course he would. For as long as he can remember, all he's wanted is her. And he never backs down from a challenge." He turns to Joey. "Ready?"

"Let's finish this." She smiles and walks towards the main table on set.

I grab Pacey's arm. "Pacey, listen to me, this isn't –

"Drai, stop it." He says calmly. "I know you don't like Jo. You don't have to like her. But she's right. This is how it has to happen. This is who they are. Stop trying to turn this movie into something its just not." He jogs over to Dawson and Joey, and they talk briefly.

That's when I see it. He's happy. I've never seen it before. And it's because of her. "Damnit." I whisper.

"Sucks, doesn't it?" the blonde's voice says from next to me.

"What do you want?" I ask abruptly, trying to get her to leave.

"Just to listen." I glance over at her and realize she's smiling softly at me. "You finally saw it, huh?"

"Why didn't he say anything?"

"Neither of them every really talked about what happened. They both just sort of shut down. When Jo ran into Dawson at the airport, it scared the shit out of them both. They didn't know where to go, what to do. And then Bess died."

What does that have to do with anything? "So?"

She nods towards Joey on set. "Bess was Jo's rock. The one person who had never let her down. When she died, Jo's world was upended, and the only person who has ever been able to pull her out of that is Pacey."

"I just don't get it."

"That just it Andraia. None of us do either. We do know that they don't really function very well apart. But they've both always been very private people. Everyone around them sees precisely what they're supposed to see. It's very rare that anything else ever gets through. They're not like that together. In high school, people used to watch them. She was the Ice Queen, and he was the class clown; except when they thought no one was watching them. When they thought they were alone, she let herself cry; and he let his emotions about his family out too." She pauses. "Dawson and Pacey are convinced you're a good person. You've seen them together now; can you leave it alone?"

I look back at them as he leaves her side. "I don't think I have a choice." I whisper.

"Good." She extends her hand suddenly. "I'm Jen, it's nice to meet you."

I stare at her incredulously, then shake my head smiling. "I'm Andraia, my friends call me Drai."

Part 60 A few months later

"Jo! Hurry up! We're going to be late!" Pacey's voice sounds from the living room.

I smile, and slide my earring into my ear, glancing critically at my reflection. "Relax Pace, we have time!" I call back, stepping out of our room.

"No, we don't Jo! The limo just pulled – whoa." He stops moving and stares at me.

I glance down at my floor length dress and smile. "You like?"

He nods slowly and moves closer. "Jo, I always like."

I reach forward and flatten his jacket carefully. "Pacey, you need to breathe babe. You made an amazing film. They're going to love it."

"What if they don't? Jo, everything I am is in this movie." He whispers.

"Pacey, trust me. They're going to love it."

He touches his forehead to mine and meets my eyes. "You sound so sure."

I smile. "I have a reason to be." I tilt my head to the door. "We should get gone, or we'll be late."

His face cracks with a smile. "Who's fault is that?"

I shrug. "Yours. You're the ball of stress." I grab his hand and pull him out towards the car.

He stops me before we climb in. "Jo, I'm in love with you."

"And I'm in love with you too." I move to kiss him but he stops me.

"Will you marry me?"

I freeze, and lift my eyes to his again. "Are you serious?"

"I want to wake up next to you every day for the rest of our lives." He says softly.

I feel the warmth spread from his eyes through my entire body, and smile. "You'd damn well better."

"Is that's a yes?"

"Think of it as more of a resounding 'hell yes'."

"Thank God." He pulls a small box out of his jacket and hands it to me. "Now I can give you this."

I open the box and stare at the familiar ring. "Is this?"

"Your mother's engagement ring. I know we were looking at fancier ones, but…" he slides the ring on my finger. "This felt right."

I feel tears streak down my cheeks. "I'm ruining my makeup Witter." I whisper.

I look up into his eyes as his hands cup my face. "So worth it." He whispers back, touching his lips to mine softly. "We really do have to go now though. We've officially crossed into extremely late."

I nod, and we slide into the limo. "Ready?" the driver asks.

I smile up at him. "For anything."