Lost Love Found
By: Manna

Chapter 1

August 2009

The alarm went off, and Pacey slammed the clock before rolling onto his back. He flopped his arm onto the bed. The spot next to him was empty. Not that he didn't already know that. He just wished that, even for just one short day of his life, he could live the life of his dreams…and no longer be alone.

Closing his eyes, he could picture it. A steady job, a home of his own, and married, with at least three kids. But, that was all just a dream, and he knew it too.

Creeping out of bed, he strolled to the bathroom. He had a day full of interviews and auditions ahead of him. If he wanted any chance at all of landing a job, he had to look his best.

By the time Pacey arrived at his final audition later that day, he was tired and frustrated. All he really wanted to do was go home. But, since he was already out and about, he figured that he might as well make this one last stop. When filling out forms for the audition, he left his name blank – maybe the Witter name is what's cursed him all these years. It was worth a shot.

Josephine Leery – everyday she hated those two names together more and more. In fact, it had been almost ten years since that combination was one that she had longed for. Nobody calls her Jo or even Joey anymore, aside from Dawson when they're at home. Now she was known to everybody as Josephine.

Her marriage to Dawson had never been anything more than one of convenience. She was just an object to hang on his arm at social functions. But that's all she had anymore was Dawson. Sure, there were other Hollywood cronies with their prissy wives, but they were HIS friends, not hers. She misses how things had been between them. At least they had once pretended to be in love…at home as well as in public. But they hadn't had that in years. She was beginning to want more, want a family. That was something she really didn't want from Dawson, ever. Things had gotten so bad lately, that she had begun talking to lawyers. She hoped to be filing for divorce by the end of the year…which was just a few months away.

She hoped to go home for a short time. Maybe try to track down some old friends. She hadn't seen Bessie since Christmas last year, and that had only been a short 3-day visit. She didn't see Jen and Jack as much as she'd like. But she does talk to one or the other almost weekly. She talks to Andie on rare occasion, but they hadn't been as close since before she and Pacey. She lost Pacey in college. He hadn't even been at the wedding. As much as it hurt, she'd wanted to invite him, but was unable to find him anywhere. She really missed everybody.

Today was no different from any other day. She was treated by Dawson as if she was just another member of his casting crew. Her job was to find those with potential. Sometimes that wasn't an easy thing to do either. Dawson hated using well-known actors. He doesn't need them…his name alone draws people to the theater.

She sighed with relief. Only one more audition to go. Hopefully it would go well, and she could go home tomorrow. Although, luck hadn't been with her lately.

There's a knock at the theater doors and Joey finds her thoughts interrupted, "Yes?"

"Mrs. Leery," Joey cringed, "your final appointment has arrived."

"Send him in," she takes the form from Karen and finds it to be incomplete. 'Great,' she though, 'more hassles, just what I don't need.' She was really hating Dawson at this exact moment.

She hears a man walk into the room, but doesn't look up. She has this thing about seeing an actor before they get on the stage. "Sir. You haven't filled out the forms completely."

"I am aware of that."

"Fine. Just take the stage and show me what you've got."

As he takes the stage, she looks up. He's waiting for my cue. With just one look at him, she immediately thinks, 'Who cares about talent, his build and stature are perfect,' she grins. "You can begin when ready."

As he finished, she was in awe. He's perfect.

Pacey climbs off the stage feeling good about his performance, but not really quite sure how he'd done.

She opens her mouth as he approaches her, "I'd like to consider you for the part. I just need to get your name."

At that moment, he steps in front of her and she looks up, and her mouth falls open.

'Apparently she likes what she sees,' Pacey thought to himself. "The last name is Witter – W-I-T-T-E-R. First name Pacey – P-A-C-E-Y."

"Thank you, Mr…."

"Witter."

"Yes, Witter. I'll be in touch with you. I guarantee it."

Pacey strutted out of the room. Not only had he obviously performed well, but a woman, a very beautiful woman, had gawked at him. That hadn't happened for a long time. He looked forward to seeing her again.

She turned and watched Pacey stroll out the door. He obviously didn't recognize her, but that was okay, she had changed quite a bit over the years. It gave her time to think about what she was going to do. He, on the other hand, hadn't changed a bit. She couldn't believe it was really him.

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