Chapter 11

Back at School

Jen: Something is amiss with our ladder climbing friends

Jack: What makes you say that?

Jen: Elementary my dear Watson. Observe the two subjects. Look at how comfortable they are with each other.

Jack: Jen they've been friends for their whole lives. I would be worried if they weren't comfortable with each other. Plus they just got out of relationships. They wouldn't just jump into another so quickly.

Silence. Jen stares in disbelief at Jack.

Jack: Ok so they have before. But I would think that they would learn from past mistakes. That kind of off and on can't be good.

Pacey and Andie walk over.

Pacey: Hello friends of Pacey

Andie: Pacey please stop saying that. What are you guys talking about?

Jen and Jack: Dawson and Joey.

Simultaneously

Andie: They're not dating are they?

Pacey: Finally getting back together?

They look at each other.

Jack: Speak of the devil

Dawson: Hey guys. What are you talking about?

All 4: That 70s show.

Pacey: Yes new episodes start next week.

Jen: Eric and Donna seem to be slowly drifting apart unfortunately.

Jack: Yea they have the whole growing up together thing going on.

Andie: One of my favorite couples because of that. What do you guys think of the whole best friends turn into boyfriend and girlfriend thing?

Dawson and Joey simply stare at their 4 friends.

Jen: Does anyone notice we do a lot of staring recently?

Day of Prom

The kids and their dates are lined up for pictures by their parents. Once taken they split up. Dawson and Joey on one side, everyone else on the other.

Toby: What are we doing here?

Jack: Shh we're observing those two.

Dru: Why exactly are we doing this? Couldn't we just ask them?

Pacey: Ask Joey "deny everything" Potter? Yea right.

Andie: So far it's been ambiguous as to whether or not they're dating. Guess we'll never know.

Dawson: Are they still looking at us?

Joey: Yep. For 2 weeks they've been wondering if we're dating again.

Dawson: Should we tell them we are?

Joey: After tonight they should be able to tell.

Prom Boat

Jen and Dru are dancing

Dru: So you know if you're not ready to go to New York then Boston is a suitable alternative. I mean I'll be there next year

Jen: Yea. You know Dru I've never seen this compassionate side of you before.

Dru: It's there. I only bring it out to those who I feel deserve it though.

Jen: Who would that be?

Dru looks straight in Jen's eyes

Dru: So for? Only you.

He kisses her. Jen feebly resists but slowly gets in to it.

Pacey: Hey Andie look over there. Dru and Jen are in full make-out mode.

Andie: Wow. Never would have seen that coming.
Cut to Dawson and Joey. They just pulled apart from a kiss.

Dawson: What is it?

Joey: I don't know. That just felt weird. I'm gonna step out for a minute.

She heads out, Andie not too far behind.

Joey is looking at the water from the edge of the boat.

Andie: Joey? What's the matter?

Joey: We've been through this so many times. Each time I think it's for real but something also pulls me back. I think I've finally realized what it is. Whenever I get scared of being alone I turn to him. I don't love Dawson like that. I haven't in a really long time. It's just something inside of me that makes me do these things, with Will breaking up with me and Dawson going to UCLA next year.

Andie: Joey it's ok if you feel scared sometimes. And it's also ok if you look to Dawson to be your rock. But you can't keep doing this. I understand first loves just as much as the next girl but trust me if you don't feel it you can't lead him on like that. You have to tell him. And you should know this, no matter where Dawson is he won't forget you. Neither will any of us.

Joey face full of tears nods. Andie puts her arm around the taller woman in comfort.

Dawson is standing behind them having heard everything. He turns and heads in side.