AN: I must apologize extremely because my internet has been broken for the part month or so. I couldn't update. Plus, I was blocked. I am going to try to get updated ASAP but I can't promise anything at this time. On to the story….
She stood facing away from her locker. With a chemistry book in her left hand, her fingers fumbled over the cover and had a small shake to them. Wearing the brown shirt that off set her dark orbs, she giggled at a joke he said.
He also chuckled at the joke. It was a nervous chuckle; that went great with the blush across his cheeks. His hands were in his pants pockets. He could feel the sweat on his palms. The laughing died down a few seconds later and he shifted his eyes away from her, feeling that he may have been staring. When he looked back at her she sucked in her lips before starting up another conversation. He removed his hands from his pockets and made loose fists, just so he wouldn't reach out and touch her.
A small loose strand of hair fell into her face unnoticed.
That was the last straw: or strand as the case may be. This was an opportunity that he was passing up. Besides, how could he let one of her silky yet pesky strands of hair remain in her face? So it was for her sake, not his, that he swipe back the hair. If he might slightly run over her smooth velvety skin then so be it. It was something he was willing to do.
He unfisted his hand and wiped away the sweat. Slowly he lifted it up and reached for her. She didn't flinch, for she was in shock as to what he was doing. His finger tips caressed her skin as they followed her hair around her ear. He didn't lift a finger until it hit the end of her ear.
His arm slowly went back to his side and he stared, taking in all her beauty. As he moved she could smell his cologne that was mixed with the scent that was uniquely his. She bit her lower lip and instantly pushed her hair behind her ear. She squeaked out a small thanks and she blushed as she looked into his ocean eyes.
He knew he shouldn't do it but he had to. There was this fire burning inside of him that needed to be extinguished and there was only one way to do that. He moved in, looking into her eyes. She backed up as far as she could until she was up against the locker. She knew what he was going to do so she lifted up her head. He put his hand on the locker next to her and put his other hand on her cheek. Her arms clung around her Chem book that was pushed against her chest. Their lips came together. They both took in a breath afraid of how the other would react. They separated for only a second to get some air before they found each other again.
Behind them someone cleared their throat. They stood frozen for a second before looking at the person.
"Pacey, Joey. What are you two doing?"
Pacey quickly moved back licking his lips. Joey looked at Pacey then back to Dawson.
"We were…he was…"
"Leaving," Pacey broke in, "I was just leaving. I'll see you later Dawson and Jo have a good day at work." He smiled then walked away quickly.
Joey turned back to her locker and put her chem book away.
"So," Dawson said approaching her, "You're, uh, TALKING to Pacey again?"
Joey nodded and smiled. "Um, I guess so. I mean, what happened today, it wasn't intentional. I forgot my chemistry book in my last class so Pacey brought it to me and we started talking and one thing led to another."
"Are you two going to get back together?"
Joey closed her locker and rolled her eyed before walking with Dawson down the hall. "We just started talking again today. I think we're going to try being friends for a while."
"Really good friends."
Joey hit Dawson and blushed, "Anyway, what are you doing after school today?"
Dawson sighed, "Actually, Jen wants to 'talk.'"
"Owe. I didn't think 'the talk' was coming up already."
"Me neither but u know how things go."
"I know. Good luck with that. I really wish I could stay and talk some more but I need to get to class so bye." Joey walked away to class.
It was passing period before 3rd period when Joey walked down the hallway where Jen's locker was. People were laughing and pointing at her.
Jen looked up from her locker. "Hey Joey," she said.
"Hey Jen, what's up?" Joey asked.
"Nothing but I heard what's up with you."
Joey gave her a confused look. "What are you talking about?"
"Lip locking with Pacey ring a bell?"
"Boy news travels fast. Yeah, I know the scenario. Didn't last very long."
"Are you guys getting back together?"
"Dawson asked the same thing. I think there's going to be some time before any major reconciliation."
"Yeah, but you would like it earlier right?"
"Um, I don't know. I really miss him but you know how things work. Anyway, I heard about a certain talk with Dawson coming up."
"Yeah, that. I'm thinking, not because of Billy, it would be better if Dawson and I cool it for a while."
"Ouch. Be nice to Dawson okay? He's more fragile then me."
Jen shook her head, "I know. I'm hoping Dawson will be okay by the way you're handling this Grant rumor. I'm sure Dawson will be fine."
"What rumor?" Joey asked.
"You haven't heard?"
Joey shook her head no.
"Well," Jen started, "Grant is telling everyone you had sex with him. This morning in fact."
Joey's mouth fell open. "So that's why everyone is staring at me. I was walking to school and he offered me a ride that's all. I'm gonna smack him if I see him!"
Jen put a hand on Joey's shoulder. "I think there's a better way to get back at him," she said wickedly.
Joey walked into the office and sat down. Abby, who walked in after, sat down next to Joey.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't Grant's newest lay. How was he this morning? I guess you can't expect too much in the back seat of a car."
Joey rolled her eyes, "We didn't have sex this morning."
"Yeah, sure, whatever."
Joey closed her eyes and let a tear drop.
"He dumped me Abby. I just… I just don't get it. The first time was so magical. He cried after words for hours. After that when we did it was the most great…two…minutes I ever had. Of course he was self- conscious but I told him I liked small things and it was sweet when he cried. He even showed me his prized doll collection. But then one day he told me he wasn't going to watch me get fat so he left. If only that damn strip didn't turn blue."
Abby wrapped her arms around Joey and hugged her. "Oh Joey I had no idea. He is such an ass."
Joey broke free and stood up. "I'm going to go to the bathroom to clean up." She walked into the hallway and started laughing.
Jen walked slowly to the fountain. She knew she had to do it but she wasn't completely sure that she wanted to. The relationship that she had with Dawson was the best but lately he was really distant and didn't seem interested anymore. Jen didn't lift her head when she walked because then she would see him sitting there. Once her feet were in the damp green grass, she stopped and slowly lifted her head up. Dawson was sitting at the fountain looking at his feet.
"I didn't think you would come," he said looking up.
Jen took a deep breath and walked up to Dawson and sat down. "I was busy thinking about stuff."
Dawson chuckled slightly. "I'm not surprised. You're never good at keeping track of time."
Jen gave Dawson a question look. "What do you mean by that?"
Dawson rolled his eyes and stood up still facing her. "It means what it means Jen. You never think about anyone other than yourself."
Jen's mouth fell open. "Are you serious Dawson! You want to fight with me…now?"
Dawson put his arms out. "Hey, who wants to fight? I'm just stating the obvious. All you EVER think about is yourself. I never did anything and YOU want to break up because it's not working out for YOU!!!"
Jen raised her voice. "You never did anything wrong! C'mon Dawson! I never get any attention anymore because you're ALWAYS busy. I never see you! Joey sees more of you than I do. Do you think that's fair Dawson? Where do you get the nerve to say YOU do nothing wrong?"
Dawson spun around and started yelling. "This is just like you Jen! You always go into bitch mode whenever something is more important than you!"
Jen clenched her fist. She stomped over to Dawson and slapped him across the face. Dawson twitched then looked at her.
"How dare you Dawson Leery!" she said before walking off.
Dawson rubbed his cheek. "Good, leave. I don't need ya!" he yelled after her.
"Go to Hell!" she yelled back.
"Same to you sister!"
"Fuck you!" Jen yelled before turning the corner.
Dawson walked down the street rubbing his cheek every so often. Billy's convertible pulled up along the curb. Billy parked the car and got out to walk by Dawson.
"Well if it isn't my old pal Dewy." Billy said.
"It's Dawson actually," Dawson said meanly.
"Sorry Dawson, so what happened to your face?"
Dawson rubbed his cheek again, "o that. Jen happened."
Billy laughed and put his hand on his shoulder. "Be happy you didn't get the fist…Hey," Billy said pointing at Pacey, "Isn't that your friend…Poco?"
Dawson rolled his eyes and walked over to Pacey. He was sitting on a park bench staring into space.
"Hi Pacey. What's wrong?"
Pacey shook his head, "Nothing man. It's…nothing."
Dawson sat down next to Pacey, "want to talk about it?"
"Dude Dalton," Billy said to Dawson, "I don't think Packy wants to talk…I know what will help both of you. Get in the car, I'm getting you booze."
Dawson stood up. "I don't think what we need is alcohol Billy."
"Fine, suit yourself. What about you pixie?"
Pacey stood up and picked up his backpack. "First of all it's Pacey, and secondly, if you can get me some beer then you can call me petunia for all I care."
"You're seriously going with him Pacey?" Dawson asked.
"Listen D, I had a bad day. It stared well, as you saw, but it got bad as the day progressed. All I want to do is drown my sorrows away in a bottle of beer."
Billy and Pacey got into the car. They beeped for Dawson to come. After a few seconds, Dawson jumped in the back seat.
"Why are we at the creek?" Dawson asked.
Billy pulled off to the dock and got out. The other boys did too. Billy popped his trunk and pulled out a case of beer.
"I can't be giving alcohol to minors in a public place now can I?"
Dawson took one and tried a sip but no more. Billy took one and sucked it down. Pacey opened his and sat under a near by tree.
"What did you do to make Jen slap you Dingo?" Billy asked grabbing another beer.
"We got in a fight," Dawson said. "She wanted to break up with me so I got into a fight and kind of called her a bitch."
"You dumbass. You never call a girl a bitch, even if they are. You should be glad that she even told you she was leaving. I didn't even get a goodbye," Billy said.
"Yeah well, I got the full goodbye. Joey said it was dumb of us to think it would work and cried. I never want to relive that," Pacey said before taking a big swig of beer.
"So what's eatin' at ya Petunia?" Billy said with a chuckle.
Pacey shook his head, "nothing."
"Don't lie; I see it all over your face. It has to do with this Joey girl doesn't it?"
Pacey caught his breath then drank the last of his beer. "I heard that she was dating Grant Bodeen. Then I heard she was pregnant by him."
"Who's Grant Bodeen? Sounds gay." Billy stated.
"The quarterback of the football team," Pacey said dryly.
"You don't believe any of that stuff do you Pacey?" Dawson asked.
Pacey rubbed his hair. "I don't know Dawson. I know she's not pregnant because Joey is not like that. I don't know about the dating thing. I saw them walking down the hall together. I even saw them come in together."
"I'm sure there's a reason," Dawson said.
"Or he's dating her," Billy added.
Billy tried to laugh it off but no one else laughed. Dawson had to get back so the three of them started walking back to the car. Pacey tripped on a rock and fell. He cut his arm and was bleeding. Pacey knew Dawson had to get home so he told them to go without him and he would get a bandage from the ice house.
Pacey walked the short distance to the ice house with blood dripping down his arm. He knew Joey was working today and he wanted to see her. Pacey opened the screen door to the restaurant and walked in. Joey was at the counter when she saw him walk in.
"Pacey, what happened to you?" Joey asked grabbing his arm.
"I fell," he said flatly.
"That's not all. You've been drinking too. Come into the back with me. I have band aids," Joey said dragging Pacey into the back.
Pacey sat on the counter and Joey got the band aids. She came back with the whole box.
"Do you at least have colored ones?" Pacey asked with a smile.
Joey nodded and smirked. "I even have glow in the dark."
"Today's my lucky day! Slap on one of those bad boys and lets party."
Joey laughed and put a glowing blue one on his arm.
"Looks like I just saved you now Witter," Joey said.
"How so Potter?"
"You saved me when I was drinking last time and now I saved you when you were drinking."
"First of all, you were drunk. And secondly, you knew it was me?"
Joey was putting the band aids in the box. "Of course I knew Pacey. You think I would let anyone carry me when I'm half asleep?"
Pacey picked up a few band aids for her. "You looked so beautiful asleep."
Joey smiled and looked at Pacey. "I was drunk."
"You were still beautiful. You're always beautiful."
Joey rolled her eyes but was blushing, "No more booze for you Witter."
Joey started to turn to walk away when Pacey grabbed hold of her. "Jo," he whispered before kissing her. Pacey wrapped his arms tightly around Joey bringing her closer to him. Joey rested her arms around his neck pulling him even closer. His hands ran up and down her back and over her silky locks. Her fingers played with his short hair messing it up.
"Miss, oh Miss," a lady called from the restaurant side.
Slowly their eyes opened and they pulled apart. Joey sighed and walked into the other room. Pacey got off of the counter and picked up the rest of the band aids. Joey came back and bit her lower lip.
"So…" Joey said not knowing what to say.
"So…How was your day?" Pacey asked.
Joey smiled. "It was horrible. Grant Bodeen told the entire school that he and I were having sex. I got him back by saying I was pregnant. Jen's idea. Then a counselor called us in to talk to us about planned parenting. It was so embarrassing. I can't believe some one would actually believe that crap."
Pacey looked down. "Yeah um, how stupid."
Joey noticed his actions. "Pacey you…you did didn't you?"
Pacey slightly looked up. "I did what?"
"You believed that crap did you? You believed I was pregnant!?"
"No! I never believed that."
"But you believed me and Grant had something going on didn't you?"
"Well…"
"I never thought you would think of me like that."
"I don't, It's just I had just kissed you so I was feeling good and I heard the rumor then I saw you walking down the hallway with him and I don't know. I went crazy and did think it was possibly true."
Joey leaned against the counter and put her hand on her head.
"Damn you Pacey. I thought we were…I, I don't know what I was thinking."
Pacey stepped closer. "Yes you do."
Joey looked up. "It doesn't matter what I thought."
Pacey put his arm around Joey. "Yes it does Jo. It matters so much. Everything is up to you."
Joey backed away. "No it doesn't Pacey! I couldn't be with you now that I know how you think of me. What we might have had is gone to hell. You need to leave."
Pacey looked at her, "no."
"Leave!"
"No! Not until you listen to me."
Joey threw her hands up. "Fine! Stay if you want to. I'll be the one to leave this time."
Joey flung down her apron and stormed off.
Pacey slammed the front door to Doug's house shut. He was staying there for the weekend. Pacey threw off his shoes and flopped onto the couch. Doug walked into the living room from the kitchen.
"If you break my door I'll kick your ass," Doug said.
"Good! Add more pleasure to my day," Pacey grunted.
Doug sat on the couch. "Spill it. What happened to you at school?"
"Nothing."
"Don't lie."
"I'm serious Doug. Nothing happened at SCHOOL."
"Talk."
Pacey rolled his eyes and faced his brother.
"I went to second period on time, not as usual, and I see a chemistry book. It's Joey's book. I haven't talked to her since we've broken up practically but I went anyways. I give it to her and we started talking. One thing led to another and we end up kissing…"
"I don't see what's bad," Doug said.
"Then Dawson walks up and catches us. Joey gets all embarrassed so I leave. Most of the day was good until I heard that Joey is dating Grant Bodeen…"
"Bodeen? The quarterback?"
"That's the one. Then, to top it all off, I see them walking down the hall together…"
"Ouch. What happened?"
"Long story short, I was wrong but I didn't find out until after Billy came with beer."
"How much did you have?" Doug asked cop like.
Pacey rolled his eyes. "Don't go homo cop on me okay. I had maybe two. So me, Dawson and Billy are walkin' back to the car when I fall over a rock and cut my arm. Dawson had to go home so I told them I would go to the icehouse and get a band aid…"
"Let me guess. Joey was working."
"Yup. She got me a band aid and we started talking. She told me she knew who I was when she kissed me when she was drunk and I called her beautiful. Yet again, we kiss. We wouldn't have stopped if it wasn't for that damn costumer. So she comes back and it's awkward so I ask about her day. Blah, blah, blah, I tell her I thought she was seeing Grant. Somehow she gets in her head that I think she's a whore or something and she gets pissed. We fight and she storms off so I come here. End of story."
Doug shook his head, "wow. You're stupid."
"I know I am! She wanted me but I…I really fucked up this time didn't I?"
Doug shook his head. "Yeah you did Pacey. It's going to be hard to win her over again. But don't fret baby bro; this girl might actually still want you for some strange reason. Maybe she's on drugs." Doug smiled and walked away.
"Thanks for the pick me up Dougie," Pacey said sarcastically.
Pacey didn't sleep well that night because all he could think about was how he might have lost Joey forever.
