Note: this episode is largely based upon, and includes dialogue from the episode 5x08 Hotel New Hampshire, written by Diego Gutierrez.

Dawson and Andie spent a little while catching up, with Dawson conveniently dodging the question of why he was there and not back at USC. Eventually, the topic of conversation turned to the immediate future, and Dawson extended an invitation to Andie.

"Listen, I've been invited to this film festival next week, with my new partner in crime"

"Cool" Andie replied

"And I was wondering if you'd like to come with us?"

"That sounds like a great idea"

The morning before the festival, Dawson and Andie met Oliver at the train station.

Oliver had a bit of a brain meltdown, so all he managed to say to Andie upon being introduced to her was "You're really pretty" which made Andie blush.

After they boarded the train, Oliver regained his senses, and asked "So, how do you two know each other?"

"We grew up in the same town" Andie said

"We went to high school together" Dawson said, at almost the same time as Andie

"You two ever hook up?" Oliver asked, cheekily

They were both silent, and both blushed, far more than Andie had earlier.

"I'll take that as a yes" Oliver said

"Not exactly" Andie interjected

"Its complicated" Dawson said

When it was clear that was the only answer he was going to get, he said "Fine, don't tell me. Your secrets are probably boring anyway"

As the hotel they were staying at was also the venue for the festival, they were able to check into both at once.

"Name?" the woman behind the counter asked

"Dawson Leery"

"Oh wow, you're Dawson Leery? Congratulations on winning first prize" she said

Dawson concealed his surprise at this information. He had neglected to open the email that would have told him out of nervousness.

"Uh, thanks"

"You finally beat out Oliver. He's won the past three years running"

"You know Oliver?" Dawson asked

"Yeah, he's kind of a big deal around here" the woman said, which got the attention of her male colleague, who said "Personally, I don't see what the big deal is. He's weird" at which point the woman slapped his arm

"He's eccentric" she corrected

"We actually came up here together" Dawson said, and Oliver stepped forward, which lead the folks behind the counter to look absolutely mortified.

Changing the subject, the woman asked "Is this your girlfriend?"

"No, she's my +1" Dawson said

"Andie McPhee" she said, introducing herself

Due to a lack of space at the hotel, the three of them had to share a room. Andie volunteered to sleep on the floor, leaving Dawson and Oliver with the bed. As they had an early day tomorrow, they went straight to bed.

The next day, they attended the screening of Oliver's short film "Smoke Crack and Worship Satan", which both Andie and Dawson complimented, adding that the festival must have good taste, to have given him the first prize three years running, which Oliver laughed off, saying something about being a big fish in a small pond.

Later on, Dawson's documentary "A.I. Brooks: A Life In Pictures", was screened, after which, the host got up and spoke about why it had been given first prize. He said "The first time I saw this documentary, I knew I was in the hands of a talented filmmaker, but I was equally moved by a letter which accompanied the film's submission. It was a letter from the filmmaker's father telling me that I absolutely could not ignore his son's work. Honestly, I was predisposed to hate the film because, well, it didn't show up until 3 days passed the deadline. But I'm a father myself, and I know a thing or two about parental pride. So I grudgingly put the video in the VCR. And after 5 minutes, I knew Mitch Leery was right. I absolutely could not ignore his son's work. So, ladies and gentlemen, I give you the filmmaker behind this year's top prize film... Dawson Leery."

After some coaxing from Andie and Oliver, Dawson finally got up onto the stage and faced the crowd. He was silent for a few seconds, and then um-ed and erred for a few more. Finally he said "Thank you. I'm not sure what to say. My dad loves movies. Not that he ever had an interest in making them, he just liked watching them. He introduced me to them young, taking me to the cinema quite often, from quite a young age. He also talked to me about them, and I'm grateful that he did, because if it wasn't for that, I wouldn't be here right now. Thank you for this award, and for receiving my film so warmly. I dedicate it to my father, and a special thanks to my very special friend, Andie McPhee"

Andie again blushed at this.

As the three of them were riding the train back home, Dawson decided to confront Oliver about something.

"My father didn't enter me into this festival, and he certainly didn't write any note about it"

"Just what are you saying?" Oliver asked, with faux innocence

"Us entering this festival was your idea. You've entered it before, you helped me every step of the way. You looked over my entry, before you sent it off"

"Meaning?" Oliver asked

"Meaning, you wrote that note. It had to be you" Dawson said

"Okay, you got me" Oliver admitted

"Why?" Andie asked

"Well, I figured, I dragged you all the way out here. I may as well help you get your foot in the door. Besides, if I'm going to be usurped by anyone, it may as well be someone I already know and respect"

"Well, thanks" Dawson said, prompting Oliver to smile, but then Dawson added "But never do anything like that again"

"Point taken. I'm going to use the facilities, and then hit up the buffet cart. Either of you want anything?" Oliver asked. Both Dawson and Andie shook their heads. Oliver then left, leaving Dawson and Andie alone for the first time since their adventure began.

"So, are you ever going to answer my question?" Andie asked

"Which question?" Dawson asked

"Why you're here, and not in LA, and at USC?"

"Oh that. Well, how long do you have?"

"Until Oliver gets back"

"Well, I guess the short answer is I felt overwhelmed. I got quite a severe culture shock, combined with no support system, no social circle. No family, no friends. I guess it made me feel lonely"

"But then, why come here?"

"Because, at least I knew that here, I would have Oliver, and his cousin. Its not a lot, but its more than I had in LA"

"You're forgetting something?"

"Oh?" Dawson asked

"You also have me" Andie said

"I guess I do" Dawson admitted

"Now that's cleared up, I have another question" Andie said

"Another one. Alright" Dawson said

"How did you know that I was here, and not in Italy?"

Dawson spotted Oliver returning and said "Good question. Unfortunately, it will have to wait for another day"

As Oliver returned to his seat, he asked "So, did anything interesting happen while I was gone?"

Both Andie and Dawson shook their heads. However, this just made Oliver even more suspicious.

Dear Dawson,

I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed hearing me DJ, while you were in Boston. I am really getting into it, and am starting to enjoy it. I recently got to interview a couple of musicians, which was quite exciting. Life in Boston is pretty cool overall, but its not all good. Since Jack joined this fraternity, I'm seeing less and less of him.

Speaking of which, I also regretted not getting to see you more while you were in Boston. But I'm sure you'll be back stateside eventually. If not, I might just have to come and visit you there.

Sincerely

Jen Lindley