Episode Seven "Thank God I Found You"
Drue sighed, collapsing on Jen's small bed. Jen looked at him and then sighed. She leaned across Drue to pick up her alarm clock from her bedside, but dropped it when he pulled her down on top of him.
"Drue!" Jen shrieked, trying to get him to let go of her. Drue just grinned and pulled her down for a kiss. She kissed him back, pretending she was just humoring him all the while really enjoying it.
"I knew you couldn't resist, Lindley." Drue joked looking at Jen's smiling face.
"Shut up!" Jen jumped off the bed and went back to the task at hand. Drue smiled and then sat up.
"I don't know why we have to go back to Capeside, when we could just stay here and spend the entire holiday together." Drue put his arms around Jen from behind and kissed her neck softly.
"Because," Jen pulled away, trying to resist. "Thanksgiving is a time for family, Drue. Everyone's going back to Capeside. Dawson is coming back from LA and we're making it a great year at home." She softened at Drue's pouty look. He sat on the bed and she sat in his lap. "I know your mother isn't exactly the best person to spend the holidays with but it'll be different this year. You'll be with me." Drue smiled as she leant down and kissed him softly.
Jen knew just how Drue felt. Thanksgiving wasn't exactly a great time for him at home, nor was any other holiday really. His family wasn't anything to be really thankful for.
But this year he did have something to be thankful for and he was prepared to at least try and enjoy this holiday. Even though he would never admit it, he was looking forward to spending the holidays with Jen, Jack, Joey, Pacey and maybe even Dawson, but he wasn't sure about that one.
"But Jen, if we stay here we could be alone. All day and all night!" Drue laughed and Jen just threw a shirt at him.
"Get your mind out of the gutter Valentine. I'm beginning to think I should have let you go back to New York."
"No way! After all that effort it took to convince my Dad to let me stay here." Drue's voice was laced with sarcasm. When Drue had called his Dad to tell him he wanted to stay, his father had said 'Oh that, well it turns out I got the job without you so you don't need to come." And that was it. After all that Drue had been through his Dad had just dropped it that easily.
"Hey, you should be grateful it was that easy." Jen reminded him.
"I guess." Jen continued to pack while Drue just looked bored.
"Have you packed yet?" Jen rose her eyebrows.
"Errr. Yeah almost done." Drue lied, unconvincingly.
"Drue!"
"Don't worry Jen, I have all night to pack." Drue assured her.
"Just make sure you get your ass to the station on time Valentine. I don't want to have to go looking for you."
"Damn! There goes my plan."
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Capeside looked the same as it had when they had left it. The same picturesque view of the creek, the same houses running along the beach, the same dock that had heard so many stories of their lives. Arriving at the Capeside train station, they could hardly believe it had been over three months since they left for college.
"Joey!" Dawson called from the platform. Joey smiled as her old friend came running towards where she was getting off the train, followed shortly by Jack, Jen, Drue and Pacey.
Dawson ran towards them, beaming at the site of his friends. He had arrived in Capeside earlier that morning and couldn't wait to see his friends.
"Dawson!" Joey shrieked, hugging her friend tightly. However much she valued her independence, she still missed Dawson. She couldn't believe it had been so long since she had seen him.
"Wow, Jo. You look great," he complimented giving her the once over.
Pacey stood behind Joey, trying not to get jealous at how excited Joey had been to see her old friend and how tightly she had hugged him. Reminding himself that Joey was only his friend and nothing more, he put on a fake smile and walked towards Dawson.
"Hey, man," Pacey greeted, giving Dawson a semi hug. Dawson smiled at him. Even though their friendship would never go back to the way it used to be, they were at least friendly towards each other.
Dawson moved round and greeted Jack and Jen and then even mustered a semi-acknowledgement Drue's way. To say Drue was not impressed would be an understatement, but he didn't want to burst Jen's bubble, she seemed so happy to be home.
"So Pacey you're going to Doug's and Drue you're going to stop by your house and then we'll meet back at the B&B right?" Jen clarified, looking at Pacey who saluted and Drue who kind of grunted at the thought of seeing his mother. The rest of the group were heading to the B&B where they would be staying for the holiday.
"If I don't come back I've been locked up by Cruella." Drue informed Jen, putting his arms around her and kissing her. Jen smiled, not wanting him to go but knowing he had to.
"Go! And hurry back," she said, kissing him once more before he headed away, blowing her a kiss as he walked off. Dawson looked at Jen strangely and then laughed.
"I'm never going to get used to that am I?" Dawson asked the rest of the group.
"Well if you don't, it will be a bit hard because it happens all the time." Joey informed him as the walked towards the parking lot.
"Right. Drue equals good. Have to remember that." Dawson joked. Pacey looked at Jen who didn't look too pleased with Dawson but must have figured it wasn't worth mentioning.
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"Bessie!" Joey dropped her bags at the door and ran into the house.
"Joey!" Bessie shrieked before being crushed in a big hug. "I don't think I've ever seen you so happy to see me." Joey laughed.
"Yeah, well, despite everything I actually did miss my grouchy old sister," Joey admitted. "Alex!" she grinned, spotting her little nephew.
She went off to greet the little boy and everyone walked inside, chatting and joking. Grams was also staying at the B&B, she had already arrived in Capeside the day before. Grams probably missed Capeside the most. She liked her new, slightly faster paced life in Boston, but she had lived in Capeside her whole life, and it felt strange to leave it.
"Thanks so much for letting us stay here Bessie." Jen said, walking into the kitchen.
"Don't be silly, Jen. You know you guys are always welcome. This will be an even better Thanksgiving than last year. The B&B will be packed full of guests."
"Err you realize we're not paying you, don't you?" Jen joked.
"Of course. But I need plenty of help with Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow." Bessie winked and Jen just laughed.
The house was filled with noise; everyone was joking, talking, laughing and just enjoying being together. Everyone settled into their rooms and then congregated back into the living room.
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"Dougie! I'm home." Doug walked out of the kitchen and came out to find his little brother sprawled across his couch with his feet up.
"Pacey!" he screamed, but not from delight. He walked over and took Pacey's feet off of his table. "How many times do I have to say it? Don't put your feet on my table."
"It's so good to be home." Pacey grinned at Doug's unchanged attitude.
"I wish I could say the same."
"But you're always home Doug. I guess it must be hard to go out. Not many gay men in Capeside, especially since Jack left." Pacey ducked as Doug threw the towel that had been in his hand at his brother.
"How was the trip?" Doug asked, not addressing his gay joke. He walked over to the other side of the room and in true Doug Witter style picked up the towel he had thrown just seconds earlier.
"Good. Jen fell asleep in Drue's arm at the start of the journey. Drue and Jack fought over the merits of Capeside verses Boston and Joey and I played a little poker because we were bored."
"Joey plays poker?"
"She does now." Pacey grinned and Doug shook his head.
"Pacey! You're corrupting the young girl."
"The girl dated me for a year. How much more corrupt is she going to get?" Pacey joked but then stiffened at that thought. He still didn't know what he was going to do about his feelings for Joey. Doug obviously noticed.
"How are things going with you and Miss Potter?" Doug asked.
"Slowly. Very slowly."
"And you're not happy?" Doug rose his eyebrows. Last he knew, Joey was the one complaining Pacey was not paying attention to her while Pacey tried to ignore his feelings.
"I am. I don't know. Has it been enough time? How do we know we're not going to make the same mistakes again? How can I really be sure she won't break my heart again? How can I be sure I won't break hers?" Pacey sighed. He didn't know why, but he realized that he always managed to spill his guts when his brother was around.
"You don't really. It's up to the both of you to decide. You both have to make sure you won't make those mistakes again. But you can't decide that unless you both open up and decide together that that's what you want to do."
"I guess." However much Pacey hated to admit it, his brother gave good advice. "Well I'm going to have a shower and then head to Joey's. Why don't you come too?" Pacey suggested.
"I don't think so."
"Why not?"
"Come on or I'll tell Bess you've secretly had a crush on her since high school."
"I have not!"
"Whatever Dougie. I read the letters."
"What? How could you read my personal…."
"So there are letters?" Pacey grinned, as Doug realized he had been caught. "I'll be ready in half an hour and we'll go there together." Pacey said before Doug could protest.
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Jack knocked and then waited outside the door, taking a deep breath, he waited for someone to answer. He couldn't believe he was this nervous to see someone he spoke to nearly every day.
"Jack!" Tobey shrieked, hugging his boyfriend tightly.
"Surprise." Jack grinned.
"I'll say. You said you weren't coming down for Thanksgiving."
"I know. I wanted to surprise you. I hope you don't mind."
"Mind?" Tobey looked at Jack as if he was crazy. "Why would I mind? I can't believe you're here. I missed you so much."
"I missed you too," Jack admitted. Jack looked at Tobey and he smiled, they stood there for a couple of seconds, not saying anything.
"Do you want to go for a walk?" Tobey suggested.
"Sure." Tobey went back inside to get his coat and then came back outside. Taking Jack's hand, he smiled as they started walking.
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"Honey, I'm home!" Drue announced, entering the B&B. Everyone laughed as Jen got up from where she was sitting with Dawson to greet her boyfriend.
"So, how was it?" Jen asked, putting her arms around him.
"I would tell you all the horrible details but I really don't want to spoil the mood." Drue bent down and kissed her softly on the lips, forgetting there were other people in the room.
"Get a room!" Joey called from across the room, throwing one of Alex's soft toys at the couple.
"You're just jealous!" Jen stuck her tongue out at Joey playfully.
"Oh yeah! Please Drue, I want you now." Joey said sarcastically as she passed them on her way to the kitchen.
"Sorry Jo, I'm a one woman man." Drue called after her and she just waved him off. "So what did I miss?" Drue asked as they went to sit down where the group was settled by the fire.
Drue sat down on the couch and Jen settled in his arms. Dawson was perched on the other side of the room and Joey, who had returned from the kitchen, was sitting on the floor playing with Alex.
"Jack went to Tobey's to surprise him and Pacey should be here any minute." Joey informed him. "I just tried calling Doug's but no one answered." Jen and Drue gave her a look and she just gave them a 'what?' look in return. Just as she said it, Pacey's voice could be heard from outside.
"Look who I found?" Pacey announced as he walked in, followed by Doug, Jack and Tobey.
"Wow looks like I was missing a party." Doug smiled. Joey quickly got up to say hi to him.
"Told you I would drag him home for Thanksgiving," Joey said, referring to Pacey
"Yeah, well. Now that he's lounging about my place I'm not too sure you should have," Doug joked. Joey just smiled, looking over at Pacey who had gone and made himself comfortable where Joey had just been playing with Alex. "So, where's your sister?" Doug asked.
"She's in the kitchen discussing food with Grams and Gale. I wouldn't stay in there too long." Joey laughed. "On second thought you'd probably fit right in."
"Hey!"
"Come back out here when you're done getting cooking tips, Deputy Doug." Joey laughed. Doug went into the kitchen to see what the 'grown ups' were up to while Joey returned to the circle that had been created in the living room.
Pacey quickly picked up Alex who was sitting next to him and made room for Joey, but tried to pretend like he really wanted to show Alex something. Joey smiled and sat next to Pacey, joining in the conversation.
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"What are you doing?" Dawson sat down next to Joey, who was sitting on the front porch, seemingly doing nothing. She turned to Dawson and smiled.
"Just enjoying the view. You never quite appreciate it when it's home, you know?"
"Yeah, I guess." They sat in silence for a couple of seconds, just looking out at the creek.
"So how's life Dawson?" Joey said finally, smiling at him.
"Good. It's really good, Joey," Dawson admitted. "I miss you."
"I miss you too."
"But it's not like I thought it would be. Have you noticed we haven't really spoken for three weeks? Not even a proper email." Joey was about to say something but he went on. "We both just haven't had time and we've been okay with that, right?"
"Yeah. I kind of miss what we had, but at the same time life is handing me all these new experiences that I barely have time to stop and think."
"I know. You have to make time for all the new people in your life as well as trying to hold onto the old."
"So, how are all the new people in your life? Have you met anyone?" Joey asked. She was just realizing that she really didn't know much about Dawson's life. "How's that girl you told me about. Cathy?" Dawson nodded. "She still giving you trouble?"
"Well she thinks she knows everything there is to know about film. But besides that we have managed to become friends, sort of."
"What do you mean sort of?"
"Well, sometimes she's really nice to me and it looks as though she's almost flirting and other times she can't stand the sight of me. I'm telling you, that girl is so confusing." Joey just laughed. "So what about you?"
"What about me?" Joey dodged.
"How are things with Pacey? Or any other guy?" Dawson asked. "I have noticed a rather lack of coupleness between the two of you."
"Probably because we aren't a couple. But things are good. We're friends."
"Is that how you want it?" Dawson asked. Joey couldn't tell whether he was just asking or being judgmental.
"No." She said finally. "I'll always love Pacey, Dawson. I don't know what it is but I really believe that our love is pure and true." She looked at Dawson to see his reaction.
"I admit it still hurts that I wasn't really your true love, Joey. I guess I always thought we belonged together. But I do see how you are when you're with him and I know we all have to move forward. And it may seem like this is too little, too late but if you and Pacey end up together I'll be happy because I see that it will make you happy."
Joey smiled and then leaned over and hugged Dawson. She was glad that at least now Dawson could finally see past his pain and accept Joey's feelings for Pacey. Even if she wasn't with Pacey.
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Pacey looked out of the window onto the porch and then quickly closed the curtain again, not looking very happy. He wished Bessie hadn't asked him to look for Joey. Seeing her hugging Dawson wasn't something he really wanted to witness.
"You look like you've seen a ghost," Jen commented, looking at Pacey. He quickly smiled, covering up his sudden jealousy.
"Nah. I was just looking for Joey. Managed to pull yourself away from lover boy?" Pacey smirked as they went and sat on the couch.
"Haha. He's just ringing Cruella to let her know he's staying here tonight." Jen smiled. "You're staying too, right?"
"Uh. Nah I don't think so."
"Come on, Pacey! You have to. Look everyone is staying tonight. There's plenty of space here. Bessie wanted the B&B booked out with family this holiday. Even Tobey and Drue are staying."
"And Dawson?" Pacey asked.
"Yeah, I think so. Why?"
"No reason."
"Please Pacey. Joey would want you to," Jen tried, but he didn't listen.
"I don't think so Lindley. I'll stay until late, but I don't think I should stay over."
"You know you're being stupid," Jen said plainly and Pacey just laughed. "So where is Joey?"
"I don't know," Pacey lied. But Jen had seen Dawson follow her out onto the porch and saw Pacey looking out the window so she knew he was lying.
"Are you having Thanksgiving diner with your family?"
"Well I think I'm going over there early and then gonna run back here for the real family dinner." Pacey smiled.
"Remember what was happening this time two years ago?" Jen asked suddenly.
"Oh yes. I had to stop you from ripping my clothes off." Pacey smirked.
"I was not ripping your clothes off. Anyway, they weren't joking when they said you grow wiser over time. And please do not mention that near Drue. He has real jealousy issues." Jen joked.
"Well I would too. A girl as gorgeous as you."
"Nice try Witter. Us girls know it's only because you like to have a claim over us." Jen watched as Drue put down his cell phone. "Quick put your arm around me and I'll show you." Pacey didn't know what Jen was talking about but did as she said.
Drue walked up to where Pacey and Jen were sitting not looking too happy about speaking to his mother.
"Hey, get your hands off my woman," Drue said, grabbing Jen in a jokey way. Jen just laughed.
"I told you. You're all the same." Jen laughed, managed to get out of Drue's hold and walked off. Leaving a confused Drue and Pacey behind.
"What was all that about?" Drue asked, sitting next to Pacey.
"Don't ask. Just don't mess with Jen when she's in a feminist mood." Pacey laughed and Drue still looked confused.
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The day was passing by so quickly. They were all enjoying being together, reminiscing about the past, and filling everyone in about the present. Everyone was having such a good time they didn't realize how time was flying by.
"Ready to go, Pace?" Doug asked, walking into the living room where everyone was sitting. They hadn't even realized it was nearly ten o'clock.
"Sure." Pacey said, jumping up. Joey, who had assumed everyone was staying the night, looked shocked. She looked at Jen who urged her to get up.
Joey quickly got up and walked over to Pacey quickly as he was getting his coat.
"You're leaving?" She asked.
"Yeah. I'll be here tomorrow as soon as I can get away from the insane asylum."
"Everyone's staying the night Pacey. We're gonna stay up all night together. Why don't you stay?"
"I don't think so," Pacey said, unconsciously looking over at Dawson. "I don't want to leave Doug, now do I?"
"Doug," Joey called to him as he came back inside from the car to find Pacey. "It's okay with you if Pacey stays tonight, right?" Joey asked, ignoring Pacey's protests.
"He's never listened to what I said before, but of course it's okay." Doug smiled.
"Great." She smiled at Doug. "You're staying and I don't want to hear another word," she said before walking back into the circle in the living room.
Pacey stood there, a little stunned at Joey's attitude and then smiled. It reminded him of the feisty girl she used to be. Doug just laughed.
"I guess I'll see you tomorrow then," he said, before leaving.
Pacey took off his coat and returned to his place next to Joey. Joey smiled at him, really happy that he was staying.
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The B&B had a total of five rooms, including Bessie's and Joey's. When everyone had finally had enough hanging out that they couldn't possibly stay awake any longer, everyone had retreated into their rooms. Bessie and Alex had gone to their room much earlier to sleep. Grams had also taken one of the bedrooms and gone to bed early. Jen had shared with Joey in her old bedroom. Pacey and Drue, already being roommates had taken one of the last two bedrooms and Jack, Tobey and Dawson had taken the last one.
However, just before they fell asleep Drue felt it necessary to go and visit Jen and Joey.
"Knock, knock." Drue stuck his head into the room and smiled, finding Jen and Joey in their pajamas.
"Drue! It's nearly four am. Do you not want any sleep?" Joey moaned.
"Aww. You know you couldn't sleep without seeing my face just one more time." Drue joked, going and putting his arms around Jen.
"You know, you two are getting like those couples who we loved to mock. The really annoying, overly lovey-dovey ones." Joey laughed; Drue and Jen were kissing and didn't even notice her.
"Look I'll just lie here next to Jen and you won't even notice me." Drue motioned to the floor, where Jen's sleeping bag was.
"Oh god. You want to take over my room!" Joey sighed dramatically. But not having the energy to fight them, and not seriously wanting to deprive them of their precious cuddling time she moved towards the door. "Just, please no funny business in my room." Drue and Jen laughed as Joey just walked out the room, already half asleep.
Joey just wanted to sleep but she knew leaving the two lovebirds to cuddle together meant that she had to find herself somewhere to sleep. She made her way to the room two doors away from hers and quietly opened the door to Drue and Pacey's room.
She found Pacey already asleep on one side of the double bed and smiled at the site. He looked so peaceful. She quietly slipped into the other side of the bed and turned to face him. She just watched him sleeping until she finally fell into her own dreamland.
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Joey was woken up by the sounds of movement about the house. No doubt Bessie and Grams were already up, already preparing for the day. She turned over and then remembered someone was lying next to her. She smiled at Pacey who was still fast asleep.
She knew she should probably get up before Pacey woke up and caught her watching him, but she couldn't seem to move. Tears appeared in her eyes and she didn't know why. It was probably her being overly emotional. Lying in bed with Pacey, waking up with him there next to her just reminded her of the many nights they had spent together, just lost in their own world.
When she was with Pacey, when she made love to Pacey she felt so different, especially to the way she had been feeling. Where in reality she was scared and worried about hurting people's feelings, failing a test or not getting into college, Pacey managed to make her forget everything with just one kiss.
She ran her hand softly over his hair, not wanting to wake him but suddenly overcome by the desire to touch him. She ran her fingers over his lips lightly and then bent over and kissed his forehead softly.
"Morning Pace," she whispered before quietly getting out of bed and leaving him to sleep.
As the door closed behind her, Pacey's eyes opened slightly. He sighed; slightly disappointed that he had been strong and not just thrown caution to the wind and kissed her while he had the chance.
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Breakfast reminded them all of the only other time they had been gathered like this. Their little weekend in the country trying to impress a critic reviewing the B&B, which had started out a disaster, but actually turned out to be a lot of fun.
The boys had insisted on making the breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and bacon. The women of the house were definitely impressed that they hadn't blown up the kitchen in the process.
After breakfast, everyone retreated to their rooms to get dressed for the fun day they had planned.
"Need a hand?" Pacey offered, scaring Joey who had been washing the dishes from breakfast. "Wash?"
"Dry." Joey instructed, handing him a cloth.
They stood next to each other, just washing and drying, not talking for a few minutes. They both wanted to say something but didn't know what. The thought of Pacey dating again had been eating Joey up for over a week. Even that night that she went out didn't help, she ended up coming home after depressing herself by thinking about Pacey and then found out he had come around that night.
Pacey on the other hand couldn't get what Sarah had said to him on their date out of his mind. Was he still in love with Joey? The obvious answer to that was yes. But was he ready to go further and move away from this safe friendship they had built up? Maybe Joey not being home that night had been a sign, maybe it still wasn't the right time for them. But then what was?
"So, how's Sarah?" Joey broke the silence, pulling Pacey from his thoughts.
"Sarah?"
"You know, your girlfriend." Joey scrubbed the dish she was holding harder, avoiding Pacey's eyes.
"She's not my…How do you know about her?"
"I don't, I just know you went on a date." Joey stated nervously, not knowing why she even mentioned it.
"Sort of."
"So do you like her?" Sort of? What did that mean? Joey couldn't deal with vague answers.
"Would you care if I said yes?"
"Of course," she said straight away. Then she added, "I'm your friend. Am I not allowed to take an interest in your life anymore?"
"You are. Just…what if I wanted you to care for a different reason?" He didn't know what he was saying. Maybe Joey did still care about him. Why did she bring up Sarah? Or maybe she was just being a friend like she said.
"Do you?"
"Do you?" he asked her back. Did she care about Sarah because she was being a friend or did she care because she still loved Pacey? He didn't know.
"I just want you to be happy. If she makes you happy then go ahead."
"Just for the record I don't need your approval."
"I know. I didn't mean…I'm sorry." Joey said quickly, feeling stupid. Of course she didn't need to tell him to go ahead, she had no right to be given a say in his life. She had lost that right a long time ago.
"And just for the record. She's not my girlfriend. She's just a friend."
"Like me?" Joey turned to Pacey finally.
"No." Joey looked at him, confused what he meant. Now they weren't even friends? "You're a lot more than 'just a friend'." Joey stopped, shocked and then smiled at him. "Or at least I hope you are." He added, before walking away, leaving Joey in a state of confusion.
What exactly had he meant?
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"So, how long do you think?" Jen asked. Drue was sitting on the couch, his arms firmly around Jen who was snuggled on top of him. They had decided to just sit together for a while before Drue went back home. They were currently watching Pacey and Joey who were washing the dishes.
"One week? They can't hold out much longer."
"Especially after Pacey's date not working out. He must have realized he's not over her."
"Well he's been extra mopey lately. That would definitely explain it." Drue commented.
"You think if we just knock their lips together they'll get the message," Jen joked.
"Probably not." Drue laughed. Jen just smiled and kissed him, it was sudden and very passionate.
"What was that for?" Drue asked, smiling.
"Just because."
"You getting all lovey-dovey on me Lindley?" Drue joked, borrowing Joey's phrase.
"Ha. You wish."
"I do. You. On me. Me likes." Drue leered towards her and she just hit him.
"Perve."
"You wish."
"Maybe."
"Ha. I knew you couldn't keep your hands off me." Drue accused.
"This coming from a guy who had to sneak into my room at night so he could be near me." Jen threw back, very amused about this fight.
"Hey, I didn't sneak. I walked in."
"You kicked poor Joey out of her own room."
"I'm sure she wasn't too broken up. I'm sure she appreciated sharing the double bed with Pacey more than I would have." Drue laughed.
"Just admit it. You can't get enough of me," Jen said in a snotty voice, as if she didn't care about being near Drue at all.
"Hey, I don't deny it. If we weren't in a house packed with a lot of family and friends I'd want to do a lot more than just hold you all night," Jen blushed lightly at the thought. Lately it had become very hard to just be in Drue's arms without wanting to do more. But they had never really talked about taking their relationship further. Jen smiled, and in a move done purely to annoy him she moved slightly in his lap.
"Jen! You're killing me here!" Jen just laughed.
"Come on monkey boy." She got up and pulled him towards the door. "Go home and face Cruella. But be back soon." Drue pouted, but Jen just kissed him lightly. "Now go!" Drue walked towards his car and then turned.
"Love you." He called.
"Yeah, yeah." Jen laughed as Drue got in his car and started to drive away. "Drue!" Jen called, just as he was about to pull away. He pulled down his window to listen. "Love you too." Drue smiled and then blew her a kiss before driving off.
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"I'm sorry I can't come tonight. Sounds like you guys will be having a lot of fun." Tobey said sadly as they reached his house.
"Don't worry. I know your family is big on having a whole family dinner. At least we all had a chance to hang out yesterday. And maybe you can come back to the B&B later?" Jack asked.
The whole gang had stayed up until really late last night talking and joking together and Tobey really felt welcome, and like he was part of the group. Joey had even asked him to stay over and he and Jack had talked for a while last night before falling asleep.
"Yeah. You're staying 'till Sunday so we should be able to spend some quality time together." Tobey laughed, smiling at Jack.
"I can't wait."
"Happy Thanksgiving Jack."
"You too Tobey."
"I have a lot to be thankful for this year." Tobey smiled, looking at Jack.
"Me too." Jack looked at Tobey and then leaned over and kissed him softly. "Me too," he repeated.
Tobey laughed and then kissed him again before going back into the house, smiling back at Jack.
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Pacey shut the door of his room and was about to head towards the Witter Insane Asylum, ready to meet his doom. He was expecting the old 'you barely graduated', 'good thing you didn't waste your time with college' and whatever other ways his Dad could come up with to tell him he was a failure. He was sure he should be used to it by now, but it still made him angry.
He walked past the living room and noticed Dawson sitting alone with Alex, trying to get him to quiet down. He paused, not knowing if he should talk to Dawson. Sighing he figured it didn't matter if he was a little late for the lectures.
"Want me to have a go?" Pacey asked, taking Alex from Dawson. Alex quieted down straight away and Pacey smiled. At least one Potter liked him better than Dawson.
"He obviously loves you."
"What can I say. I used to bribe him with cookies." Pacey smiled and started playing with Alex, who was giggling.
"So how's work?"
"Good. Helps that the pay doesn't suck either," Pacey laughed.
"Yeah, you must love working on the boats."
"Yeah." Pacey sighed, thinking of how he missed having his own boat. He still missed the True Love.
"Is it always going to be like this between us?" Dawson asked suddenly.
"Like what?"
"I don't know. So formal?"
"Well, that's up to you Dawson. It always has been."
"I guess. We've all grown up a lot in the past year Pacey. I guess I'm just trying to say sorry. I know we won't be friends like we used to be, too much was said and done. But it would be nice to at least feel comfortable in each other's presence."
"That would be nice. I've missed you too. You know, now I've had to settle for Drue as my best friend." Pacey joked, but realized that Drue was actually becoming one of his best friends.
"I don't know how that happened. I still can't believe Jen is dating him after everything he did."
"He's changed." Pacey assured Dawson, realizing that Dawson wasn't really open to change and especially since he hadn't been around to see the changes they would seem weird to him. "He's actually a really great friend. It's kind of scary how alike we are. Joey always teases me about it but I refuse to believe it. After Jen accepted him again it was hard for us not to fall for that strange charm that attracts us to the dark side." Pacey laughed lightly, he hadn't realized how used to being friends with Drue he had become lately. "And Jen really loves him and he loves her. I think he's good for her."
"I guess it's just me, I feel like I don't know what's going on anymore. It's weird being on the outside." Pacey could understand. He would feel bad if all his friends had this new life without him and Pacey was a pretty mellow guy. It must be even harder for Dawson, who was used to being the center of all his friends.
"How's life in LA?"
"Great. The only downside is being away from everyone really. But I've made a lot of new friends."
"Good." Pacey looked at his watch and realized he should probably get going. "I better go. Have a whole herd of Witter's waiting my arrival." He handed Alex back to Dawson and got up.
"It was nice talking to you Pacey."
"You too, Dawson." He smiled one last time before leaving.
-&-
The rest of the day passed by quite quickly. The boys, like typical American males sat and watched football while the girls slaved over the dinner. Bessie cooked the turkey and Gale prepared the dessert at home for the meal. Grams made her famous recipe stuffing and Joey and Jen handled the other dishes. Pacey had promised to bring over his famous Cranberry sauce in a can.
Joey walked into the kitchen and watched Bessie preparing the turkey. It was weird how much Bessie reminded her of her mom. She could almost see her mom standing there, taking charge in the kitchen.
Grams noticed Joey watching Bessie and smiled, slipping out of the kitchen quietly.
"Joey." Bessie turned and saw her sister.
"Need a hand?" Joey asked.
"Nah, I'm good. I actually remembered to take out the gizzard bag this year." Bessie laughed.
"That's a step up." Joey smiled. "Mom would be proud."
"Yeah, I guess she would. She always loved huge family Thanksgivings."
"I think we've out done ourselves this year. How many people are there this year?"
"I've lost count." Bessie laughed. "It feels weird though. It's been so quiet without you here."
"Hey, I didn't make that much noise."
"You know what I mean. I've missed you," Bessie said, sincerely.
"I've missed you too Bess." Joey hugged her sister, holding back her tears.
"So." Bessie said, pulling away. "Is everyone here yet?"
"Let me go have a look. Drue and Pacey should be here soon. And the Leery's called. Mitch said they were just waiting for Gale to finish feeding Lily and then they were coming."
Joey walked outside into the front garden, just like last year they had set up the picnic table outside for the meal so that everyone would fit.
-&-
An hour later the turkey was nearly ready and the Leery's had arrived followed shortly by Drue. Joey looked at the clock and noticed that Pacey should have been here by now. She rang the Witter's and Doug told her that Pacey had left quite a while ago and should have been there by now. Joey was getting worried, it was nearly time for diner and he still wasn't there.
She headed out the door, having a feeling where she might find Pacey. She didn't know how she knew, but she just did.
Sure enough Pacey was sitting on the docks when she arrived. He was looking at all the boats lined up along the dock, surely feeling the sadness at his missing boat. Joey went and sat next to him. For a second he didn't say anything but then turned and smiled at her.
"How did you know I would be here?"
"I don't know really."
"I only had her for a few months but now that she's gone I still miss her so much." Joey instinctively took Pacey's hand in her own.
"I miss her too, Pace. You worked so hard on that boat…"
"We worked hard on it."
"Of course. How can I discount the few hours I spent sanding the thing." Joey laughed lightly.
"It wasn't just a boat Joey. It was us. I just felt like after she went, we started drowning too."
"Pacey." She turned him to look at her. "The boat was special to both of us. But it wasn't us. We didn't sink because it sank. We sank because…. I don't know why we sank, Pacey."
"Maybe we just weren't meant to be."
"Do you really believe that?" Joey asked, feeling sadness growing inside her.
"I don't know, Jo. We were so happy when we were friends. We loved and trusted each other. And now that we're back to being friends again we're doing okay."
"Weren't you happy when we were together?"
"I was. I just wasn't sure that you were."
"Pacey." Joey put her hands on his face, turning him to her. "I was so happy when we were together. I don't know what happened at the end. I know a lot of it was my fault. But I was happy when I was with you. I was always happy to be with you." Joey's words were so sincere; Pacey was almost shaking, not knowing what to do.
"I…I don't want to sink anymore, Jo."
"What are you saying, Pacey?" Joey's heart was beating as Pacey looked into her eyes, searching for something. "I really want to be happy again," he whispered, his lips were so close to Joey's. They looked at each other and moved closer.
"So do I, Pace," Joey said, just before their lips finally touched. They kissed softly at first, almost tentative and then deepened, feeling the thirst they had been feeling for each other building.
Before they could even realize what they were doing they were brought back to reality by a loud ringing. Pacey didn't even realize that he had a cell phone in his pocket and it was ringing. He quickly picked it up, feeling a little dazed.
"Yeah. She's here. We're on our way. Five minutes." He mumbled into the phone. Hanging up, he turned to Joey, not knowing what to say. "Jen says everyone's looking for us. We better get back."
"Sure." Joey sighed and got up, walking back to the house in a nervous silence.
-&-
By the time they got back to the B&B all the food was already set out on the table and everyone had arrived. Pacey and Joey took their places at the table where everyone was standing. Grams, Bessie, Gale, Mitch, Lily, Dawson, Jack, Jen, Drue, Joey and Pacey, all gathered together around the table.
They ate their meal together, reminiscing about last year's meal and all the past experiences they had shared together. Finally when they had had as much as they could eat, Grams who was sitting at the head of the table got everyone's attention.
"Well, another year gone by and I think we have a lot to be thankful for. So, who wants to start?" Grams asked.
"Okay I guess I'll start." Dawson began. "I'd like to thank Bessie for hosting this year's feast at the B&B. I'd also like to thank all the friends and family gathered here today. Because it feels good to know that even though we are moving away from each other, we still care as much as we used to."
"I'd like to thank all the friends who are gathered here today. Because even though none of you are technically family, I feel like I have a bigger family than ever before." Jack said. Pacey began next.
"I'd like to thank all the people in my life, who have believed in me, even when maybe I stopped believing in myself. And all the people who seem to love me despite all my faults." Pacey smiled at Joey quickly before turning away.
"Err…well I guess I'd first like to thank Grams who made me realize that Thanksgiving isn't all bad." Jen smiled at her Grams. "And I guess like most of us, the thing I realize I'm most grateful for is this weird family we have here. Because it's nice to know that you can always come home again."
"I guess what I'm grateful for this year is second chances." Drue looked down and smiled at Jen who squeezed his hand. "I'm thankful for all those people who opened their hearts to me and allowed me to become part of this family. Even though I do piss them off sometimes." Everyone laughed.
"Keeping on Drue's theme of second chances." Joey began. "I guess I'm thankful for all the chances we get. The chance of new experiences, the chance of meeting new people, and experiencing great things. The chance of maybe having a second chance." She finally looked at Pacey and took his hand in hers, something that didn't go unnoticed by the rest of the table.
But the only thing Joey could see was Pacey's soft smile as he looked at her. And for that she was the most thankful.