160 miles to Boston seemed more like a book title that an actual event. But outside, there was no question that this was reality. Small, poofs of snow swirled in front of the car, occasionally blurring the view in front of them. Sam was trying to drive as fast as he could, but was still driving slow enough to be safe.

The radio was set on an all Christmas music station, not surprisingly, although the songs stirred thoughts of Joey. Pacey wondered what she was doing, if she was really worried or just sitting by the window waiting for him to come home. Sam interrupted his thoughts,

"So, um, Joey, her name is?"

"Yeah." Pacey said with a smile.

"You guys known each other a long time?"

Pacey chuckled, " I've known her my entire life, we grew up together." "It's kind of a funny story actually."

"Well, let's hear it."

"Okay, there were three of us, we were all best friends and lived in this little coastal town in Cape Cod. When we started high school Joey didn't like me all, it was this big joke that," He laughed, "that she couldn't even stand to be in the same room as me without gagging…"

For close to two hours, Pacey told Sam about his entire childhood, bringing back great memories and resurfacing some that still hadn't healed in his heart. To him, at that moment, his life couldn't have gotten better. Aside from all of the traveling troubles, Pacey felt the happiest he had ever felt during that ride home.

They rode over the illuminated Zakim Bridge towards Everett, where Pacey lived.

Nothing so thoroughly planned out ever really goes they way you want it to.

I'll admit it to you now, the flat tire was my fault. I honestly wanted to see what he would do, knowing that I wouldn't be able to drive him the rest of the way. I guess you could've called it a test of love.

The truck made a loud thumping sound and the left front end sank down emphasizing the flat tire. "Oh, damn it!" Sam said as he pulled the car over on a side street. They got out of the car and observed the damage. "Hm, must've been a nail or something, I don't know." Sam stammered.

"Well, do you have a spare?" Pacey asked.

"No, I gave it to some other guy who needed it." "I never get flat tires, so I didn't think I needed the tire." He said as he shrugged his shoulders.

"Well, isn't this convenient." Pacey muttered as he checked his watch. It read 7:14pm. "There wouldn't be any gas stations open this late on Christmas Eve. It's almost like something's stopping me from getting home." Pacey said quietly.

"Well, we could always push it." Sam said. "are we close to your house, maybe you could walk." He then suggested with a smile. Pacey looked around, "Uh, I don't," He stared, now recognizing some buildings through the thick snow, " Wait, yeah, I know where we are, my house is about a mile or so down that road." "I can probably walk from here." "You could come with me, and we could call a garage to get the truck fixed or,"

"No kid," Sam interrupted him, "this is my stop, I don't need to go any further." "It's your trip not mine." "I just wanted to help." "My job's done." Sam said as he leaned against his truck.

Pacey smiled at him, "Well I better go then."

"Like hell you should, she's gotta be worried sick about you y'know, so,"

Pacey stuck out his hand, "Thanks for everything Sam." Sam shook his hand and smiled back, "No problem kid, it was the least I could do,"

"I'll always remember you." Pacey said as he stepped back, "Merry Christmas."

Pacey turned and started to walk down the street.

"Thanks kid," Sam said as a faint bell ringing sound was heard in the stillness.

Pacey walked quickly, brushing the snow from his eyes. Home was just steps away, and after his ordeal, that was the best feeling he felt in a long time.

His steps grew quicker as he crossed the street that led to his house. At the sight of his old, brown house that needed some fixing, the realization hit him. After all of the travel troubles, the messed up bus, and the bad weather, he was home. Home for Christmas Eve.

Pacey jumped over the piles of snow and ran up to the door. He pushed open the door and ran up he stairs two at a time. Instead of rushing into the house, he decided to knock.

"Who is it?" Joey asked as she moved closer to the door. "Package." Pacey muttered in a gruff voice. "Package?" Joey said to herself as she unlocked the door and slowly opened it.

Her breath caught in her throat as the sight before her brought tears to her eyes.

"Merry Christmas sweetheart." Pacey whispered with a smile.

Joey reached for him and hugged him as hard as she could. "I was so worried, I had no idea what happened to you or where you were," She sobbed into his shoulder.

"I know, I'm sorry, I couldn't get to a phone. I had to try and do everything I could to get back here."

"I just can't believe you're home." They finally kissed.

"Yeah, and you wouldn't believe what I had to got through to get here," He sighed, "but I guess that story can wait."

"Are you hungry do you want anything to eat?" Joey asked as she walked over to the cupboards. "Yeah, I haven't eaten anything for a long time." Pacey responded.

"Hey, it's 7:45, only 15 minutes until our favorite Christmas movie." Pacey said. Joey smiled, "Oh, yeah, I almost forgot about that."

"Well, that's our tradition isn't it?" Pacey asked.

"Well, yeah, but the most important thing wasn't here." Joey replied.

"Well, I'm here now." "Come on, did you really think that I wouldn't be home tonight?" Pacey asked as he walked over to her. Joey paused before answering, "No, because I know you, Pacey Witter, and you would have done everything in your power to come home for Christmas." She turned to him, "I'm glad that you're the kind of person who give anything to be with your girlfriend on Christmas." She smiled.

"Hm, and I do love you, you know that right?" Pacey asked. Her smile grew bigger. "I've known that for years Pace."

Yes, Pacey was a good man, with a heart as big as I've ever seen. I'm glad that I was able to help him. I check up on them once and a while, they're always in good spirits. But I still don't know when That kid's gonna propose to her, I mean, what is he waiting for? Oh, well that's another story. Before, I go, there is that Christmas song, I told you about in the beginning , it goes something like this,

I'll be Home for Christmas

Just you wait and see

There'll be snow and mistletoe
And presents beneath the tree

Christmas Eve will find me

Where the love light gleams

I'll be home for Christmas

If only in my dreams

He did it. Merry Christmas all.