You know coming home, I really didn't think that Capeside would offer the intrigue of LA. Maybe that's why I came home. A chance to reclaim the Dawson of old, or maybe it was something more.

"You know Dawson I could clean those dishes."

"Mom, I think I can handle cleaning a few dishes." Dawson said as he turned around to face his mother. "I only have a few plates left, then I'm done anyway."

As Dawson finished up the dishes, Gail patiently cleaned up the kitchen. As Dawson turned around, he leaned against the counter top. He stood there facing Gail, looking around the kitchen and smiled.

"It's good to be home." He stated. Gail smiled at him tenderly.

"So how long are you going to grace us with your presence?" She teased.

"Why? You already thinking of shipping me out?"

"No, Dawson. I was just curious when my son was going to hit the jet set scene again. I figure Capeside is to slow for a man on the fast track."

"Mom, maybe that's exactly why I came home. I just want to slow down again. Life in LA is too much sometimes. Maybe I just want to remember what it was like before LA." He said as he stared down at the floor.

"Does this have something to do with the brunette sitting out on our dock." Gail asked inquisitively.

A dazed look came across his face and he turned and looked out the window. In the growing darkness he could see her silhouette.

"Mom, I don't know. The last five months I have this inner struggle with myself. From the moment you told me about her. A part of me wanted to call her up and ask why? Why didn't she tell me? Why couldn't she tell me? But I knew that I needed to see her face to face." Dawson paused a moment. He turned his attention from the window back to his mother. "Then when I heard everything, I realized the why, it's because I don't know who Joey Potter is anymore. I want to know who she is again."

"Then answer me one question Dawson. Why are you still in here?' Gail smiled at her son and motioned with her head towards the door.

Dawson shoved his hands in his pockets. He looked back out the window, then at back at his mom. He walked over and hugged her. Then headed towards the door. Before opening the door he turned around.

"Wish me luck."

"Dawson, you know you don't need any luck, just go talk to her."

With that said he slowly opened the door to the porch…