Note: I'm extremely sorry that it took me so long to update. All my stories
are going slow. I have writer's block so I'm trying to think. The reviews
really help me get motivated and I really like them so keep them coming
please! To the story... if you have been following the story then you know
that the people just left the house. Jack has a new sister Andie, who is
Dawson's girlfriend: Joey and Pacey broke up and Audrey just left. So you
know, Audrey will not be mentioned in the story until the epilogue because
I'm afraid I might dis her and I don't want to do that. So, the chapter is
divided into three sections. The 1st section is titled new relationships.
It is only Dawson, Andie, and Jack. The 2nd section is titled Reoccurring
heartache. This section focuses on Pacey but he doesn't say much, I don't
think so. Sam, Lucky Ci is in this section and all his chicagoness.
Finally, the 3rd section is titled Fate. This section is all about Joey and
her belief in fate, or lack of. I was going to have Jen Lindley as the
roommate but I made a promise so a new character named Maria is the one.
All of the sections have parts of songs before them and they relate to the
part in a way. All three parts have something in common. I hope you enjoy
this chapter!
Disclaimer: I don't own the original DC characters but the new ones are mine. I don't own the songs; those belong to Simple Plan and Good Charlotte. The song for Jack's part is in no means referring to love love but to love for a SISTER. (Enough talking on to the story...)
It's been two weeks since the last day in the house. The five returned to lives back where they came from. Each returning with a new outlook on life and memories to last a lifetime. For some that isn't the best thing. The first few days back were hectic for the cast of real world Seattle. Life went on during the five months they were missing and didn't stop because they came back. After a while, each got back into the groove of things but this time they could watch themselves on T.V.
New Relationships
Since I was a young man I never was a front man.
I never had a plan and no security then.
Ever since I met you I never could forget you.
I only get you right here next to me.
Cause everybody needs someone that they can trust in.
You're somebody that I found just in time
Jack McPhee sat on his workout bench in the back room of his condo in Dallas Texas. He had his place for a few years and it was great but a for sale sign dug into the front lawn. Jack found an apartment up in Scuttinburgville, Minnesota to be closer to his new found sister, Andie McPhee.
The room had a man like smell to it. Sweat and cologne were the most distinct odors. Jack didn't mind the smell for he was a guy and was use to it. He sat bare-chested with a 15lb dumbbell in one hand moving it up and down. His muscular tanned body shined with sweat and a bead ran down his shapely face.
"19, down, 20, down, twenty one, down..." his mouth said as he lifted his dumbbell to his chin then back down again in a repetitive motion.
Off in the corner of the room, the phone began to ring. Jack put down his dumbbell and rolled his eyes as he stood up. Jack grabbed his black towel and picked up the phone.
"Hello Andie." Jack said wiping his body of the sweat.
"How did you know it was me?" Andie said on the other end.
"It's always you! No one else can call because I'm busy talking to you." Jack chuckled knowing that sometimes the fact that Andie called all the time did get annoying but he would never trade talking with his sister for the world. There was a strange silence for a second. "What did you want Andie?" he said breaking the silence.
"Oh yeah! Do you have it on?"
"Do I have what on?"
"The show Jackers!"
Jack sprung up. "It's on now?"
"Yeah. It's going to start soon." Jack put on a t- shirt as he rushed to the T.V. he slammed down on the couch and fumbled with his shirt, the phone, and his remote. Once everything was okay his thumb frantically pressed the purple arrow on his remote to change the channel. Jack's face went black.
"Oh shit Andie, I forgot what channel MTV is!" Jack held the phone with his chin and shoulder.
"Chill Jackers! It's channel 29. The credits just started."
Jack pressed 2 and 9 on his remote. A colorful screen with big white letters spelling out "the real world" flashed across his screen. "Okay I have it on." He heard an echo. "Do you have me on speaker?"
"Yeah, Dawson just came in." Andie said. "Hey Jack." Dawson added.
"Hey Dawson," was all Jack could say before the show started. Jack was the screen talking.
"Jack you look so cute!" Andie squealed.
"Thanks Andie." Jack said in a breath.
The scene flipped over to Audrey who was introducing herself. Andie made a gagging sound. "I hate that girl and I met her once!"
"Try living with her for five months."
The screen changed again so Dawson was on. There was silence as they watched him.
"Dawson, you were so cute all nervous," Andie said.
"I was not nervous Andie!" Dawson defended.
"Fine. You weren't nervous. I thought you looked sexy," she said in a mischievous voice.
"Really? Then I guess I have to..." he got really low. Andie started laughing and Jack heard them kissing.
Jack moved the phone away from his ear and looked at it strangely. "Do you think you two can refrain from mauling each other when I'm on the phone?"
Andie got back on the phone. "Hey, uh, Jack, I'll call you back. Bye," she said quickly before hanging up.
Jack clicked off the phone and cleared his head of what his sister and her boyfriend might be doing before sitting back and watching the rest of the show.
Reoccurring Heartache
"Now you're gone.
I wonder why you left me here.
I think about it on and on and on again.
I know you're never coming back,
But I hope that you can hear me.
I'm waiting to hear from you.
You've gone away.
I'm left alone.
A part of me is gone.
I'm not moving on so wait for me.
I know that day will come."
The living room was dark. The only light that was visible was the street light that spread a light yellow glow in the room. Shadows were cast from the sofa and chair making spots of yellow and black in the room. Every so often a car would pass on the street and the non moving man had the yellow stream of light shift to place shadows on different places of his face.
Pacey sat on the dark brown chair facing the window. His light blue eyes stared out of the gloomy window. In dark blue jeans and a white tee, he sat thinking about everything and nothing all at the same time while a soft but deep breath escaped his chapped lips every few seconds. A car pulled up to the small house and parked. Pacey was into his thoughts too much to even notice the car.
Will Krudski stepped out of his car and straightened his shirt and wiped his forehead before opening the passenger's door.
"Madame, would you like to come inside?" Will said extending his hand to the woman.
The woman outstretched her slender arm and placed her hand gently in his palm. "I don't want to intrude."
Will helped her out of the car and held her close. "How can you be intruding Bella when, 1st of all, you've practically lived here for the past three months and secondly, you are the future Mrs. Bella Krudski so you get special privileges."
Bella lifted her left hand from his shoulder to eye level and looked at the newly acquired engagement ring. "I really am going to be Mrs. Bella Krudski." A smile crept across her face.
Will picked up his new fiancé from behind and carried her to the door. When he reached his destination, he gently placed her back on her feet. "I love you Bella."
"I love you too will," she started to kiss him. Will slowly opened the door and turned on the light. He turned to the right and jumped back.
"Pacey! Was...you...you're here."
Pacey stood up from his chair and moved over to the couch. "Surprised to see me?"
"Well actually yeah. Weren't you in Chicago with Doug?"
Pacey nodded his head. "I was but I needed to come home so I called Lucky to come and pick me up because I was too unfocused to drive."
"You mean Lucky is here too?"
At that moment Lucky walked in with a bowl of strawberry ice cream and his PJ's on. Lucky Ci was a tall fellow, about 6'4. Lucky lived in Chicago all his life but hoped to leave one day. His wish happened somewhat when the three of them bought a small house in a suburb outside of the city limits a year ago. Lucky Ci didn't dress like his roommates. He preferred phat farm to Hurley and he hated Abercrombie. Lucky thought those clothes were helping to create a new robotic society in which all things were the same. People could always remember him by his ethnic background. Lucky was a German Jew whose father was Asian and his mother was Mexican. When people looked at him they could only tell that he was Mexican. Lucky ate another scoop of his ice cream and sat next to Pacey.
"Hey Will, Bella. Howdja date go?" lucky asked.
Will smiled brightly. "She said yes."
Lucky put down his bowl and walked up to Bella and gave her a big hug. Pacey sat dumbfounded. "She said yes to what Will?"
"I'm engaged to Will, Pacey," Bella said showing him the ring.
Pacey looked at the couple and could tell they were in love. It surprised him that they have never seemed happier. It surprised Pacey even more that people could fall in love so quickly.
No, it didn't surprise him. It was reality.
Pacey fell in love quickly too. Every time it was fast. It happened twice and both times it was with the same girl. They say you never forget your first love. That's true, most people never forget but they move on. Not for Pacey. Joey and he always lived on in his dreams. When he dreamt about her it was always the same dream.
----------------------------------------- ------
A warm summer day in Capeside. The sky was a clear blue and small white
patches of clouds pushed through. A slight sea breeze danced across the faces of people who enjoyed the outdoors. Smiles were merrily stamped on every face including the tanners. Pacey sat in his yellow Hawaiian shirt on
his small dock watching the ripples of the creek under his vans wearing feet. A stronger wind blew in and swirled through his uncut hair. A smile
was not present on the young man but a frown adorned his face. Sadness
flooded his once playful bright blue eyes causing them to darken. Rocks
popped as Joey walked across the rock driveway and onto the dock.
"Pace."
Pacey winced when he heard his name. Joey sat next to him and watched him.
"Pacey please look at me," she pleaded.
Pacey took a deep breath and slowly lifted his eyes meeting hers. Joey sat, with her blue tank and jean shorts, with an exhausted look on her face. Her eyes were large and glossed over with tears. They just stared at each other not needing to speak. Pacey slightly smiled and reached for her hand. Joey
laced her finders with his before giving a crooked grin.
"Pace I'm..."
"I know, I know," he interrupted.
Joey stopped smiling and put her other hand on his. "You need to hear me
this time."
Pacey looked into her brown eyes and could see them pleading to let her go
on. Pacey licked his lips and nodded.
Joey bit her bottom lip and licked her teeth before continuing. "I don't like fighting with you. I'm really sorry Pacey. I shouldn't have yelled at you about the summer. I was a real jerk. It's just, I'm not going to see
you all summer and it scares me Pace."
"What are you afraid of?"
Joey moved her hands away from him and looked into the water. "Everything.
What if we can't talk over the summer? What if...you decide to stay out there? Most of all what if you meet someone? Some girl who has everything I don't and you fall head over heels in love with her? I couldn't handle it if that happened." She still didn't look from the water while a single tear
fell from her left eye.
Pacey watched as the tear dropped in the creek. He made her look at him and
got closer. "Joey, I would always comeback. Nothing could keep me from coming back to you. How could I even look at another girl when I'm madly in love with the most perfect and beautiful girl I have ever seen named Joey
Potter?"
Joey wiped away a tear. "I'm far from perfect Pace."
"You are perfect to me. All of your quirks and things go perfectly with
mine. I want to spend the rest of my life with your imperfections which
make you perfect," Pacey put his arm around her.
Joey bit her lip at that comment. "Are you asking me to marry you Witter?"
"No, but someday I plan to. Do you realize now how much I love you?"
"I never thought you didn't."
Pacey nuzzled his face in her hair. "What if I can guarantee that you won't
worry?"
"You can't guarantee that I'm not going to worry about you."
"Yes I can. It's full proof."
"Okay, I'll go with you on this one. How can you guarantee that I won't
worry about while you're out in Chicago?"
"I'm not going," Pacey said matter of factly.
Joey got wide eyed but couldn't help the small smile that showed on her
face. "Pace, you have to go. Your family misses you and..."
"I don't care. I won't leave for three months to visit a father who won't say more than 100 words to me the entire summer. If he wanted to see me he would come out here with my mom. I'm going to college with you in Boston so next year it will be easy for me to get a flight from a big city. My family
will be fine without me."
Joey got up from the dock and started to walk away. Pacey followed her.
When she reached the grass she turned back and grabbed his hand.
"Are you sure Pace?"
"I've never been more sure of anything in my life, "Pacey smiled.
"I love you Pacey."
"I love you too my Josephine."
Joey hit his arm but gave him a crooked smile. He could never resist that
smile. Pacey leaned in and finally kissed her. ---------------------------------------- --------
That's where it always ended: with a kiss. It was a constant reminder of what he lost. Pacey got lost thinking about the dream. Bella watched Pacey as he sat on the couch lost in his own world. She put a hand on his shoulder. He looked at her with tired eyes that beamed sadness.
"Are you okay Pacey?" Bella asked sweetly.
Pacey nodded his head and patted her hand. "Yeah Bella I'm okay."
Bella looked at the clock. 9:05p.m. it read. She smiled brightly and sat next to Pacey. "I know what will make you happy," she patted his knee, "Real world just started so we can watch it and you can see Joey."
Lucky did some motions to try and stop Bella from mentioning the show or Joey. Pacey noticed the signals and got up from the couch.
"It's okay Lucky. I'm not really feeling so good Bella so I think I'm going to go lay down. Congrats again."
"Thanks," was all Bella could say.
Pacey cracked a crooked frown before heading upstairs. They watched him leave.
"What was that Bella?" Lucky asked.
"What?"
"Pacey just got dumped by this chick and ya bring up her name? What were ya thinkin'?"
Bella put her hands over her mouth. "I didn't know. Last I heard he was happily dating and in love with Joey," Bella flicked Will in head, "why didn't you tell me?"
"I'm sorry. I had bigger things on my mind. You know, the ring and the whole asking you to marry me thing."
Bella looked at Lucky. "Luck, how long has he been like this?"
Lucky put down his bowl. "Uh, two weeks. Joey dumped him the last day in the house. She didn't think they could stay together so she dumped him. I dunno what she was thinkin'. I tol' her she was crazy."
"How did you tell her that?"
"Will really don't tell ya nothin' huh? I've known Pacey since we was kids. Senior year in high school I went to visit him in Capeside and I met Joey. We became friends and over the years kept contact despite the fact that they weren't dating anymore. She's a great girl but doesn't have her head on all the way. I think she was scared of getting hurt again so she left him before he could leave her. I still don't get why they broke up knowin' how many times their paths crossed."
"You're lying Lucky. They haven't seen each other before real world since 1st year in college when they broke up," Will said in disbelief.
Lucky pointed his finger at will. "Ay, you know I don't lie! 'Bout two, three years ago we had the costume party and Joey came into town to hang out with me. She ended up dancin' with Pacey a few times and they didn't realize who the other was. I still haven't told um yet. Then, a month later, they ended up hookin' up for a weekend. It's only a matter of time before they get together again. Hope it's for good next time."
"I'm sorry luck," Will looked down, "what do we do now?"
Lucky looked at Bella. "You wanna watch real world?"
"Hell's yeah!"
FATE
Taking my time.
I'm trying to leave the memories of you behind.
I'm gonna be fine.
As soon as I get your picture right out of my mind.
Another lesson I didn't get to learn.
You're my obsession.
I've got nowhere to turn.
Joey sat on her bed looking at a photo album. There was a grim look on her face. Her hair was out of the usual ponytail and outlined her face and shoulders. Joey's head was tilted down and her legs were crossed hanging over the edge of the bed. She didn't turn the page for a few moments. A small puddle formed on the plastic cover of the photo from numerous tears.
Maria Potter walked down the short hallway. Her medium length red hair was draped over her shoulders in soft waves. Maria walked past Joey's dark room when she heard a sob. She backed up and stood in the doorway. Maria turned on the light and saw Joey stand up and wipe off her face.
"Are you okay Joey?"
Joey nodded her head.
"I'm fine Maria. We better go watch the show," she said with a shaky voice.
Joey passed Maria but Maria put her hand on Joey's shoulder. "Are you sure you want to cuz?"
Joey gave her signature smile. "Of course. I can't wait to see how lame I look."
Maria rolled her green eyes. "You know it doesn't take a camera to prove how lame you are Jo."
Joey hit her cousin in the arm before walking into the living room and lying on the couch. Maria hit Joey's legs so she would move them and sat down before turning on the TV. and popping open her orange soda can.
"You always drink orange soda. Don't you ever get tired of it?" Joey said opening her can of cherry coke.
"Don't YOU ever get tired of cherry coke? That's all you drink."
Joey nodded her head in agreement. They got quiet as the show started. Joey was on talking about herself. Maria started laughing. "You're such a dork cuz. Were you really that happy to get rid of Zach?"
Joey shook her whole body. "O yes! I was so happy when I got rid of him. I have no idea why I invited him to come visit me in the house. Pacey went crazy when Zach was around. I wonder if it would have been better if Zach never came to the house."
"Why do you wonder that?"
"If it wasn't for Zach telling me he still loved me when he visited I might have never came to terms with how I felt about Pacey."
Maria put down her pop and turned toward her cousin. "Please Joey, nothing would have changed. You two were meant to be together so it still would have happened. You would probably still be dating him now if you didn't leave. Why exactly did you break up with him?"
"Just think about it Maria. I'm here in New York and Pacey's out in Chicago. That's like half the country between us. I would have only gotten to see him once a month and you know that I could never do that. We wouldn't have made it and break up anyway. Why try and change the inevitable?"
"Uh, because you love him. So instead of seeing him once a month you'd rather never see him? Yeah, that's the plan. You know that after a few months one of you would move to be with the other."
"That is exactly what I didn't want. I wouldn't let Pacey move out here because he is doing great there and he needs to stay. I couldn't leave because even though I have a crappy job, it's still a job. If I got one out there that was better I would have stayed with him."
"See, you over think Joey. Why do people always insist on messing with fate? It must be fate if you guys got together so many times."
"If it was fate for us to be together then why aren't we?"
"This is just a minor setback. It's only a matter of time before fate takes control again."
"Why didn't fate stop me then?"
"Free will cuz, free will. Fate can't make you do anything. It does, however, give you opportunities and helpful hints. People are just too dumb to notice them sometimes."
"When will I get one of these "messages" that fate offers?"
"How should I know? In time all good people get one."
"So you think I'm a good person huh?"
Maria rolled her eyes. "You know you are a good person. I still think you're a loser."
"And this coming from a 23 year old who still watches cartoons."
"I watch anime, not cartoons thank you very much."
"Whatever, same thing. You also only started to listen to rap because of your boyfriend Monti."
"Ex- boyfriend Monti and I started listening to rap because I wanted too. At least I'm not in love with my ex."
"I'm so over Zach!"
"I wasn't referring to that one."
"I...I don't love Pacey anymore," Joey stuttered.
"You should stop lying to yourself Jo. You know as well as I do that you still love him."
Joey bit her bottom lip. "Okay! So I still love Pacey. No matter how hard I want to I can't change what I did and the fact that we're not together."
Maria sensed that Joey was getting upset so she stopped. She noticed the answering machine was blinking. "We have a message."
"Who's it from?" Joey asked.
"Let's see," Maria pressed the button and the machine beeped.
"Hello Ms. Josephine Potter. This is Randy Gingerson from the Chicago tribune. I have a proposition for you. I am interested in your work and would like you to work on the staff. I offer more money and better benefits than your current working status. If you are interested please call me at (412) 555-4832. I will arrange for you to be on the next plane to Chicago. Have a goodnight and goodbye."
They both stared at the machine then each other. "What are you going to do cuz?" Maria asked.
Joey gave a crooked smile. "Maria, we're going to Chicago."
Disclaimer: I don't own the original DC characters but the new ones are mine. I don't own the songs; those belong to Simple Plan and Good Charlotte. The song for Jack's part is in no means referring to love love but to love for a SISTER. (Enough talking on to the story...)
It's been two weeks since the last day in the house. The five returned to lives back where they came from. Each returning with a new outlook on life and memories to last a lifetime. For some that isn't the best thing. The first few days back were hectic for the cast of real world Seattle. Life went on during the five months they were missing and didn't stop because they came back. After a while, each got back into the groove of things but this time they could watch themselves on T.V.
New Relationships
Since I was a young man I never was a front man.
I never had a plan and no security then.
Ever since I met you I never could forget you.
I only get you right here next to me.
Cause everybody needs someone that they can trust in.
You're somebody that I found just in time
Jack McPhee sat on his workout bench in the back room of his condo in Dallas Texas. He had his place for a few years and it was great but a for sale sign dug into the front lawn. Jack found an apartment up in Scuttinburgville, Minnesota to be closer to his new found sister, Andie McPhee.
The room had a man like smell to it. Sweat and cologne were the most distinct odors. Jack didn't mind the smell for he was a guy and was use to it. He sat bare-chested with a 15lb dumbbell in one hand moving it up and down. His muscular tanned body shined with sweat and a bead ran down his shapely face.
"19, down, 20, down, twenty one, down..." his mouth said as he lifted his dumbbell to his chin then back down again in a repetitive motion.
Off in the corner of the room, the phone began to ring. Jack put down his dumbbell and rolled his eyes as he stood up. Jack grabbed his black towel and picked up the phone.
"Hello Andie." Jack said wiping his body of the sweat.
"How did you know it was me?" Andie said on the other end.
"It's always you! No one else can call because I'm busy talking to you." Jack chuckled knowing that sometimes the fact that Andie called all the time did get annoying but he would never trade talking with his sister for the world. There was a strange silence for a second. "What did you want Andie?" he said breaking the silence.
"Oh yeah! Do you have it on?"
"Do I have what on?"
"The show Jackers!"
Jack sprung up. "It's on now?"
"Yeah. It's going to start soon." Jack put on a t- shirt as he rushed to the T.V. he slammed down on the couch and fumbled with his shirt, the phone, and his remote. Once everything was okay his thumb frantically pressed the purple arrow on his remote to change the channel. Jack's face went black.
"Oh shit Andie, I forgot what channel MTV is!" Jack held the phone with his chin and shoulder.
"Chill Jackers! It's channel 29. The credits just started."
Jack pressed 2 and 9 on his remote. A colorful screen with big white letters spelling out "the real world" flashed across his screen. "Okay I have it on." He heard an echo. "Do you have me on speaker?"
"Yeah, Dawson just came in." Andie said. "Hey Jack." Dawson added.
"Hey Dawson," was all Jack could say before the show started. Jack was the screen talking.
"Jack you look so cute!" Andie squealed.
"Thanks Andie." Jack said in a breath.
The scene flipped over to Audrey who was introducing herself. Andie made a gagging sound. "I hate that girl and I met her once!"
"Try living with her for five months."
The screen changed again so Dawson was on. There was silence as they watched him.
"Dawson, you were so cute all nervous," Andie said.
"I was not nervous Andie!" Dawson defended.
"Fine. You weren't nervous. I thought you looked sexy," she said in a mischievous voice.
"Really? Then I guess I have to..." he got really low. Andie started laughing and Jack heard them kissing.
Jack moved the phone away from his ear and looked at it strangely. "Do you think you two can refrain from mauling each other when I'm on the phone?"
Andie got back on the phone. "Hey, uh, Jack, I'll call you back. Bye," she said quickly before hanging up.
Jack clicked off the phone and cleared his head of what his sister and her boyfriend might be doing before sitting back and watching the rest of the show.
Reoccurring Heartache
"Now you're gone.
I wonder why you left me here.
I think about it on and on and on again.
I know you're never coming back,
But I hope that you can hear me.
I'm waiting to hear from you.
You've gone away.
I'm left alone.
A part of me is gone.
I'm not moving on so wait for me.
I know that day will come."
The living room was dark. The only light that was visible was the street light that spread a light yellow glow in the room. Shadows were cast from the sofa and chair making spots of yellow and black in the room. Every so often a car would pass on the street and the non moving man had the yellow stream of light shift to place shadows on different places of his face.
Pacey sat on the dark brown chair facing the window. His light blue eyes stared out of the gloomy window. In dark blue jeans and a white tee, he sat thinking about everything and nothing all at the same time while a soft but deep breath escaped his chapped lips every few seconds. A car pulled up to the small house and parked. Pacey was into his thoughts too much to even notice the car.
Will Krudski stepped out of his car and straightened his shirt and wiped his forehead before opening the passenger's door.
"Madame, would you like to come inside?" Will said extending his hand to the woman.
The woman outstretched her slender arm and placed her hand gently in his palm. "I don't want to intrude."
Will helped her out of the car and held her close. "How can you be intruding Bella when, 1st of all, you've practically lived here for the past three months and secondly, you are the future Mrs. Bella Krudski so you get special privileges."
Bella lifted her left hand from his shoulder to eye level and looked at the newly acquired engagement ring. "I really am going to be Mrs. Bella Krudski." A smile crept across her face.
Will picked up his new fiancé from behind and carried her to the door. When he reached his destination, he gently placed her back on her feet. "I love you Bella."
"I love you too will," she started to kiss him. Will slowly opened the door and turned on the light. He turned to the right and jumped back.
"Pacey! Was...you...you're here."
Pacey stood up from his chair and moved over to the couch. "Surprised to see me?"
"Well actually yeah. Weren't you in Chicago with Doug?"
Pacey nodded his head. "I was but I needed to come home so I called Lucky to come and pick me up because I was too unfocused to drive."
"You mean Lucky is here too?"
At that moment Lucky walked in with a bowl of strawberry ice cream and his PJ's on. Lucky Ci was a tall fellow, about 6'4. Lucky lived in Chicago all his life but hoped to leave one day. His wish happened somewhat when the three of them bought a small house in a suburb outside of the city limits a year ago. Lucky Ci didn't dress like his roommates. He preferred phat farm to Hurley and he hated Abercrombie. Lucky thought those clothes were helping to create a new robotic society in which all things were the same. People could always remember him by his ethnic background. Lucky was a German Jew whose father was Asian and his mother was Mexican. When people looked at him they could only tell that he was Mexican. Lucky ate another scoop of his ice cream and sat next to Pacey.
"Hey Will, Bella. Howdja date go?" lucky asked.
Will smiled brightly. "She said yes."
Lucky put down his bowl and walked up to Bella and gave her a big hug. Pacey sat dumbfounded. "She said yes to what Will?"
"I'm engaged to Will, Pacey," Bella said showing him the ring.
Pacey looked at the couple and could tell they were in love. It surprised him that they have never seemed happier. It surprised Pacey even more that people could fall in love so quickly.
No, it didn't surprise him. It was reality.
Pacey fell in love quickly too. Every time it was fast. It happened twice and both times it was with the same girl. They say you never forget your first love. That's true, most people never forget but they move on. Not for Pacey. Joey and he always lived on in his dreams. When he dreamt about her it was always the same dream.
----------------------------------------- ------
A warm summer day in Capeside. The sky was a clear blue and small white
patches of clouds pushed through. A slight sea breeze danced across the faces of people who enjoyed the outdoors. Smiles were merrily stamped on every face including the tanners. Pacey sat in his yellow Hawaiian shirt on
his small dock watching the ripples of the creek under his vans wearing feet. A stronger wind blew in and swirled through his uncut hair. A smile
was not present on the young man but a frown adorned his face. Sadness
flooded his once playful bright blue eyes causing them to darken. Rocks
popped as Joey walked across the rock driveway and onto the dock.
"Pace."
Pacey winced when he heard his name. Joey sat next to him and watched him.
"Pacey please look at me," she pleaded.
Pacey took a deep breath and slowly lifted his eyes meeting hers. Joey sat, with her blue tank and jean shorts, with an exhausted look on her face. Her eyes were large and glossed over with tears. They just stared at each other not needing to speak. Pacey slightly smiled and reached for her hand. Joey
laced her finders with his before giving a crooked grin.
"Pace I'm..."
"I know, I know," he interrupted.
Joey stopped smiling and put her other hand on his. "You need to hear me
this time."
Pacey looked into her brown eyes and could see them pleading to let her go
on. Pacey licked his lips and nodded.
Joey bit her bottom lip and licked her teeth before continuing. "I don't like fighting with you. I'm really sorry Pacey. I shouldn't have yelled at you about the summer. I was a real jerk. It's just, I'm not going to see
you all summer and it scares me Pace."
"What are you afraid of?"
Joey moved her hands away from him and looked into the water. "Everything.
What if we can't talk over the summer? What if...you decide to stay out there? Most of all what if you meet someone? Some girl who has everything I don't and you fall head over heels in love with her? I couldn't handle it if that happened." She still didn't look from the water while a single tear
fell from her left eye.
Pacey watched as the tear dropped in the creek. He made her look at him and
got closer. "Joey, I would always comeback. Nothing could keep me from coming back to you. How could I even look at another girl when I'm madly in love with the most perfect and beautiful girl I have ever seen named Joey
Potter?"
Joey wiped away a tear. "I'm far from perfect Pace."
"You are perfect to me. All of your quirks and things go perfectly with
mine. I want to spend the rest of my life with your imperfections which
make you perfect," Pacey put his arm around her.
Joey bit her lip at that comment. "Are you asking me to marry you Witter?"
"No, but someday I plan to. Do you realize now how much I love you?"
"I never thought you didn't."
Pacey nuzzled his face in her hair. "What if I can guarantee that you won't
worry?"
"You can't guarantee that I'm not going to worry about you."
"Yes I can. It's full proof."
"Okay, I'll go with you on this one. How can you guarantee that I won't
worry about while you're out in Chicago?"
"I'm not going," Pacey said matter of factly.
Joey got wide eyed but couldn't help the small smile that showed on her
face. "Pace, you have to go. Your family misses you and..."
"I don't care. I won't leave for three months to visit a father who won't say more than 100 words to me the entire summer. If he wanted to see me he would come out here with my mom. I'm going to college with you in Boston so next year it will be easy for me to get a flight from a big city. My family
will be fine without me."
Joey got up from the dock and started to walk away. Pacey followed her.
When she reached the grass she turned back and grabbed his hand.
"Are you sure Pace?"
"I've never been more sure of anything in my life, "Pacey smiled.
"I love you Pacey."
"I love you too my Josephine."
Joey hit his arm but gave him a crooked smile. He could never resist that
smile. Pacey leaned in and finally kissed her. ---------------------------------------- --------
That's where it always ended: with a kiss. It was a constant reminder of what he lost. Pacey got lost thinking about the dream. Bella watched Pacey as he sat on the couch lost in his own world. She put a hand on his shoulder. He looked at her with tired eyes that beamed sadness.
"Are you okay Pacey?" Bella asked sweetly.
Pacey nodded his head and patted her hand. "Yeah Bella I'm okay."
Bella looked at the clock. 9:05p.m. it read. She smiled brightly and sat next to Pacey. "I know what will make you happy," she patted his knee, "Real world just started so we can watch it and you can see Joey."
Lucky did some motions to try and stop Bella from mentioning the show or Joey. Pacey noticed the signals and got up from the couch.
"It's okay Lucky. I'm not really feeling so good Bella so I think I'm going to go lay down. Congrats again."
"Thanks," was all Bella could say.
Pacey cracked a crooked frown before heading upstairs. They watched him leave.
"What was that Bella?" Lucky asked.
"What?"
"Pacey just got dumped by this chick and ya bring up her name? What were ya thinkin'?"
Bella put her hands over her mouth. "I didn't know. Last I heard he was happily dating and in love with Joey," Bella flicked Will in head, "why didn't you tell me?"
"I'm sorry. I had bigger things on my mind. You know, the ring and the whole asking you to marry me thing."
Bella looked at Lucky. "Luck, how long has he been like this?"
Lucky put down his bowl. "Uh, two weeks. Joey dumped him the last day in the house. She didn't think they could stay together so she dumped him. I dunno what she was thinkin'. I tol' her she was crazy."
"How did you tell her that?"
"Will really don't tell ya nothin' huh? I've known Pacey since we was kids. Senior year in high school I went to visit him in Capeside and I met Joey. We became friends and over the years kept contact despite the fact that they weren't dating anymore. She's a great girl but doesn't have her head on all the way. I think she was scared of getting hurt again so she left him before he could leave her. I still don't get why they broke up knowin' how many times their paths crossed."
"You're lying Lucky. They haven't seen each other before real world since 1st year in college when they broke up," Will said in disbelief.
Lucky pointed his finger at will. "Ay, you know I don't lie! 'Bout two, three years ago we had the costume party and Joey came into town to hang out with me. She ended up dancin' with Pacey a few times and they didn't realize who the other was. I still haven't told um yet. Then, a month later, they ended up hookin' up for a weekend. It's only a matter of time before they get together again. Hope it's for good next time."
"I'm sorry luck," Will looked down, "what do we do now?"
Lucky looked at Bella. "You wanna watch real world?"
"Hell's yeah!"
FATE
Taking my time.
I'm trying to leave the memories of you behind.
I'm gonna be fine.
As soon as I get your picture right out of my mind.
Another lesson I didn't get to learn.
You're my obsession.
I've got nowhere to turn.
Joey sat on her bed looking at a photo album. There was a grim look on her face. Her hair was out of the usual ponytail and outlined her face and shoulders. Joey's head was tilted down and her legs were crossed hanging over the edge of the bed. She didn't turn the page for a few moments. A small puddle formed on the plastic cover of the photo from numerous tears.
Maria Potter walked down the short hallway. Her medium length red hair was draped over her shoulders in soft waves. Maria walked past Joey's dark room when she heard a sob. She backed up and stood in the doorway. Maria turned on the light and saw Joey stand up and wipe off her face.
"Are you okay Joey?"
Joey nodded her head.
"I'm fine Maria. We better go watch the show," she said with a shaky voice.
Joey passed Maria but Maria put her hand on Joey's shoulder. "Are you sure you want to cuz?"
Joey gave her signature smile. "Of course. I can't wait to see how lame I look."
Maria rolled her green eyes. "You know it doesn't take a camera to prove how lame you are Jo."
Joey hit her cousin in the arm before walking into the living room and lying on the couch. Maria hit Joey's legs so she would move them and sat down before turning on the TV. and popping open her orange soda can.
"You always drink orange soda. Don't you ever get tired of it?" Joey said opening her can of cherry coke.
"Don't YOU ever get tired of cherry coke? That's all you drink."
Joey nodded her head in agreement. They got quiet as the show started. Joey was on talking about herself. Maria started laughing. "You're such a dork cuz. Were you really that happy to get rid of Zach?"
Joey shook her whole body. "O yes! I was so happy when I got rid of him. I have no idea why I invited him to come visit me in the house. Pacey went crazy when Zach was around. I wonder if it would have been better if Zach never came to the house."
"Why do you wonder that?"
"If it wasn't for Zach telling me he still loved me when he visited I might have never came to terms with how I felt about Pacey."
Maria put down her pop and turned toward her cousin. "Please Joey, nothing would have changed. You two were meant to be together so it still would have happened. You would probably still be dating him now if you didn't leave. Why exactly did you break up with him?"
"Just think about it Maria. I'm here in New York and Pacey's out in Chicago. That's like half the country between us. I would have only gotten to see him once a month and you know that I could never do that. We wouldn't have made it and break up anyway. Why try and change the inevitable?"
"Uh, because you love him. So instead of seeing him once a month you'd rather never see him? Yeah, that's the plan. You know that after a few months one of you would move to be with the other."
"That is exactly what I didn't want. I wouldn't let Pacey move out here because he is doing great there and he needs to stay. I couldn't leave because even though I have a crappy job, it's still a job. If I got one out there that was better I would have stayed with him."
"See, you over think Joey. Why do people always insist on messing with fate? It must be fate if you guys got together so many times."
"If it was fate for us to be together then why aren't we?"
"This is just a minor setback. It's only a matter of time before fate takes control again."
"Why didn't fate stop me then?"
"Free will cuz, free will. Fate can't make you do anything. It does, however, give you opportunities and helpful hints. People are just too dumb to notice them sometimes."
"When will I get one of these "messages" that fate offers?"
"How should I know? In time all good people get one."
"So you think I'm a good person huh?"
Maria rolled her eyes. "You know you are a good person. I still think you're a loser."
"And this coming from a 23 year old who still watches cartoons."
"I watch anime, not cartoons thank you very much."
"Whatever, same thing. You also only started to listen to rap because of your boyfriend Monti."
"Ex- boyfriend Monti and I started listening to rap because I wanted too. At least I'm not in love with my ex."
"I'm so over Zach!"
"I wasn't referring to that one."
"I...I don't love Pacey anymore," Joey stuttered.
"You should stop lying to yourself Jo. You know as well as I do that you still love him."
Joey bit her bottom lip. "Okay! So I still love Pacey. No matter how hard I want to I can't change what I did and the fact that we're not together."
Maria sensed that Joey was getting upset so she stopped. She noticed the answering machine was blinking. "We have a message."
"Who's it from?" Joey asked.
"Let's see," Maria pressed the button and the machine beeped.
"Hello Ms. Josephine Potter. This is Randy Gingerson from the Chicago tribune. I have a proposition for you. I am interested in your work and would like you to work on the staff. I offer more money and better benefits than your current working status. If you are interested please call me at (412) 555-4832. I will arrange for you to be on the next plane to Chicago. Have a goodnight and goodbye."
They both stared at the machine then each other. "What are you going to do cuz?" Maria asked.
Joey gave a crooked smile. "Maria, we're going to Chicago."