AN- Hi all, sorry about the delay in updates but school has made me oh so tired! Anyhoo, here it is, Against All Odds:Chapter 6!!
Joey walked into Capeside High's girls bathroom. She was fixing her hair in the mirror when Jen stormed then.
''Here she is, the woman in love!'' Jen sang, grinning happily.
Joey blushed.
''I have no clue what you're talking about.'' Joey said.
''Come on Jo, it's early. No one is here. Spill all!'' Jen exclaimed.
''Ok, Doug made a romantic dinner and everything! It was perfect.'' Joey sighed.
''And after dinner?'' Jen asked, raising her eyebrow.
''Jen! I'm not discussing that!'' Joey exclaimed.
The girls laughed and walked out of the bathroom. They didn't notice a stall door open. They didn't see the girl step out.
They didn't see Abby Morgan's evil smile.
Joey walked down the hallway, puzzled as people pointed and laughed at her. She watched as people she didn't even know look as if they were talking about her. She felt someone grab her arm and Jen ushered her into an empty classroom where the rest were waiting.
''What's going on?'' she asked.
''You tell us Jo.'' Dawson said, looking at her with a little disgust in his eyes.
Joey gave them confused looks.
''It seems we weren't alone in the bathroom this morning Joey. Abby was there too.'' Jen said, sadley
Joey gasped.
''So it's true?'' Dawson asked.
Joey nodded.
Dawson felt his heart sink. This wasn't his best friend. It couldn't be. Jack too felt his heart sink. He was really starting to like Joey. She was obviously taken. Andie stood there, not knowing what to do. Onlyy Pacey took charge.
''Ok, so tell the school you're faking. Make it seem believeable. I doubt anyone is gonna believe that the Deputy is dating a 15 year old.'' Pacey said, giving Joey's shoulder a gentle squeeze.
She smilied at him, grateful for his help.
''Ok, come on. We've got us a rumor to disprove.'' Jen said, leading the way back into the hallway.
Joey walked down the streets of Capeside her head held high. Some adults were looking at her and she realized the rumros must have spread outside of the school. She walked toward Doug's apartement building, not even sure why. Her feet just led her there, but she couldn't go in. It would only prove the rumors. She then rememered Doug telling her about a back door. She stole down an alley and found said dorr, entering quickly. She walked to Doug's room and used her key, enterting quickly and closing to the door behind her. She saw Doug on the telephone.
''Yes dad. I've heard them. Of course they aren't true. Joey is Pacey's best friend. I know, but dad...DAD...Fine believe what you want.'' he said, hangining up the phone.
''You shouldn't have come.'' he said looking anywhere but at her.
''I'm sorry. Doug please believe me. I didn't know Abby was there.'' Joey said.
''But you were still talking about it! Damn it Joey.'' Doug said.
Joey softly began to cry.
''I'm sorry Doug, believe me, I didn't want anyone to find out but Pacey saw me leaving here one day and told Jen. I'll understand if you hate me.'' Joey said, starting to run out of the room.
Doug grabbed her arm, stopping her and making her face him. He gently wiped away her tears with the pads of his thumb.
''I don't hate you. I couldn't if I tried.'' Doug whispered, kissing her.
Joey embraced him.
''What do we do?'' she asked.
''I don't know.'' Doug said, hugging her tightly.
The next day, Pacey walked over to Joey's locker.
''The police are taking this seriously. They are making Doug stand up in front of the whole police commission. They might stip away his badge.'' he said, quietly.
''I'm sorry about everything Pace.'' Joey said.
''Don't be. I don't hate you, and neither does Doug.'' he told her, smiling at her.
Andie walked over to him.
''How you doing Jo?'' she asked.
''I'm ok.'' Joey said, smiling weakly.
She looked across the hall and caught Dawson's eye. He quickly looked away, not being able to hide the disgust in them. Joey stiffled a sob and quickly closed her locker running down the hallway.
Pacey and Andie watched her go sadly.
''I feel bad'' Andie said.
''I do too McPhee.'' he said, kissing her cheek.
The afternoon was Doug's big meeting. He stood in front of the police commession board and began to speak when suddenly the door burst open and Joey walked inside.
''Um excuse me Miss, this doesn't concern you.'' one of the officers said.
''It does concern me. I was the one who started the rumors between myself and Doug Witter. You see, I've known the Witter's my whole life, being best friends with Pacey Witter. I've always had a crush on Doug. He was this great guy who stood up for me when the guys picked on me. He's sweet and funny and cute and I like him. So being the High School girl I am, I told my best friend. As I got older I started having dreams. In them, Doug was my boyfriend. I told my best friend and she teased me constantly. The rumors are just makings of a young womans fantasy. Doug Witter is my best friend's brother, and to my great disapointment, nothing else.'' Joey said.
There was a silence until the board dismissed Doug with their deepest apologies.
Joey walked into Screen Play happy to see Pacey.
''Hey Potter. How ya doing?'' he asked.
''Good. When you see Doug can you tell him I'm sorry?'' Joey asked.
''Of course I will Potter.'' he said.
Joey smilied and Pacey looked at her, reading her eyes.
''You love him.'' he said quietly.
Joey looked up, surprsied.
''It's that obvious?'' she asked.
''To someone who knows you well enough? Yeah.'' Pacey said, chucking slightly.
Joey smilied.
''I was actually gonna head over there now. Meet me at your dock later for full update?'' Pacey asked.
''Yes and thanks.'' Joey said.
They walked out and Pacey locked up and headed to Doug's while Joey went to her house.
He walked inside, no knocking required for the little brother, and gasped.
Doug's apartment was all boxed up. Doug walked out of his bedroom and saw Pacey.
''You're leaving. Just like that?'' Pacey asked.
''Just because the board believed Joey, doesn't mean everyone else does too. I can't stay.'' Doug said.
''You're gonna break her heart.'' Pacey said.
Doug sighed and walked into the kitchen.
''You love her! Admit it, don't you.'' Pacey said.
Doug just sighed and pulled a letter out of his pocket.
''Can you give her this?'' he asked.
Pacey took it and nodded.
They hugged.
''You'd better go. I've got a lot of packing to do. Goodbye little brother.'' Doug said.
''Bye Dougie.'' Pacey said, leaving.
Pacey walked to Joey's house and went to join her on her dock.
''Well how is he?'' Joey asked.
''He wanted me to give you this.'' Pacey said handing her the letter.
Joey took it and opened it.
Dear Joey,
By the time you read this, I'll be packed up and ready to leave. You came to me defense and I'm forever greatful but, I cannot stay in Capeside. Just because the board believes you, doesn't mean the whole town does. If I stayed, they would look at me with disgust in their eyes, wondering how on Earth a Deputy could attract those rumors. I must go, but don't you dare believe it's because I don't care for you. Ever since we kissed, you've filled my heart with joy and happiness. You made me feel alive for the first time. No matter how far I am from Capeside, I will always think of you. Your soft, silky hair. Your bright, beautiful smile. Those amazing eyes. Know this Joey, I love you. With all my heart, I love you.
Love you always,
Doug Witter
P.S. Everytime I look at the water, I'll think of us.
Joey wiped a tear away. He was really leaving. Suddenly her body began to shake with uncontroable sobs. Pacey wrapped his arms around her pulling her close, telling her it would be ok.
But it wouldn't
Not without Doug.
AN- Quite the downer huh? No worries, happiness will come soon!!