Chapter 13

10 days later. 4 days until Dawson leaves.

Jack: You ever do this before?

Dawson: Fish? Yea when I was younger. My dad and sometimes Pacey came out to this spot and just spent hours here.

Jack: Why did you stop?

Dawson: I stopped liking it really. Same with Pacey.

Jack: Ah. My father and I started fishing again this past year. It's really brought us closer than we thought we could ever be.

Dawson has a thoughtful look on his face.

Jack: You know Dawson I never thought we would end up this way considering how we first met.

Dawson: Jack that's all in the past. I should be thanking you for your enormous help during the movie.

Jack: So are you scared man?

Dawson: Absolutely.

3 days left

Grams: Jennifer will be down in a minute Dawson.

She sits at the table next to him.

Grams: I may not have been the warmest person to you and your relationship with Jennifer at first, but after watching her these past three years I thank god for you and Jack McPhee. I shudder to think what would have happened if she hadn't come to Capeside. So far that Dawson Leery, thank you. Now give an old lady a hug will you?

They hug and Grams whispers a "good luck" before breaking.

Jen: Dawson ready for dinner?

Dawson: Yea let's go.

They head out.

Several hours later

Jen and Dawson are sitting at the docks

Jen: I can't believe you're leaving in 3 days.

Dawson: Me neither.

Jen: You were my first friend here Dawson, and you've always been there for me. Even when I may not have deserved it. You helped me through my tough spot more than anyone else.

Dawson: It's the least I could do Jen. I don't know what I would do without you or your infinite wisdom.

Jen: You know I haven't admitted this but I'm scared about college in Boston. I'm scared that I may slip into my old ways. All the parties, the drugs and alcohol and even if Dru has changed he still likes to party with the best of them.

Dawson: You're not alone this time. Dru does care about you enough that he won't let that happen. Plus you have everyone else there. Everyone except me that is.

Jen: Are you worried we'll forget about you? Dawson we could never do that. You're the center of our little clique.

Dawson: I'm also worried that I won't fit in anymore. You guys will have all your Boston stories and inside jokes.

Jen: Listen just because we'll be on opposite sides of the country doesn't mean anything will change between us.

Dawson's last day

Mitch: So Dawson what made you decide on fishing?

Dawson: I figure it would be one last hurrah before leaving.

Mitch grins at Dawson.

Dawson: I feel kind of guilty not being here during the summer. When you need the most help with Lily.

Mitch: Dawson there is no need to apologize. This is your dream we're talking about here. I would be disappointed if you weren't fulfilling your destiny.

That night in Dawson's room.

Pacey: Dawson we got you a little something all big Hollywood players need.

Dawson: A cell phone?

Dru: Yea we figured it would be the best way to keep in touch. So we all chipped in.

Dawson: Thanks guys. So cake and presents. What's next? Playing a game?

Jen: Oh we actually invented one for tonight but changed our mind. It was called pin the tail on the forehead. It may sound funny, but it will look even funnier.

Dru: Jen we have to go. You have to head to New York tomorrow afternoon and haven't packed yet.

Jen: Yea ok. I'll see everybody in a week. Except for you

She has a long embrace with Dawson. Dru shakes his hand then leaves.

Jack: That is our cue to leave as well Andie. Dad says we need to start packing for Italy. Dawson good luck with everything. I'll see you in a few months.

Andie: I'll just be a second Jack. Dawson I want to thank you for helping me last year, and I'm sorry for what happened. Your friendship means a lot to me.

Dawson: And thank you for helping me get through my own heartbreak. I'll miss you Andie.

They embrace. Andie leaves

Dawson: That just leaves you Pacey

Pacey: Shame Joey couldn't come until later man.

Dawson: At least she'll be coming by. So what's the status of you visiting?

Pacey: It's a go. Let me know later when it's the best time for you. You know man I always knew that you would live your dream. Only difference is I thought I would never graduate from high school.

Dawson: Things change Pacey. For the better. Andie really helped you out. I'm really proud of you

Pacey: Not just Andie man. When you told me you respected my intelligence and helping me out during the suspension I really appreciated that. I don't think I'll ever have as good a friend as you. We survived last year despite the tension. I'll really miss you D.

Dawson: I'll miss you too.

They hug.

Dawson: I'll see you soon Pace.

Pacey leaves

Dawson sits on his bed feeling alone. Joey then comes out of his closet.

Joey: Miss me?

Dawson: Jeez Jo how long have you been in there?

Joey: Only half an hour. So how are you feeling?

Dawson: Nervous, scared out of my mind. I remember when Jen and Andie called us out on our tendency to turn toward each other when things get tough. Who am I going to turn to now?

Joey: Dawson I feel the same way. Just need to remember that I'm a short call away. Plus I'm sure you'll make lots of friends there. Maybe even meet the girl of your dreams.

Dawson: The same can be said about you and Worthington. Once you find Ms. Right let me know ok?

Joey playfully hits him

Dawson: I wonder if this all worth it. I mean what if I don't make it far in Hollywood? What will I do?

Joey: Dawson don't talk like that. You're so talented. You'll be kicking ass, taking names, and meeting Speilberg in no time. You have to try for these dreams though. They come true not free.

Next day. 8 a.m

Dawson is riding in the car with his parents. He's absorbing Capeside one last time before leaving.

He gets to the airport and places the majority of his luggage at the check in.

He reaches his gate and waits for the boarding call. 30 minutes later he hears it.

Mitch: All the luck in the world son.

Gail: Good luck sweetie.

They both hug Dawson.

Dawson heads toward the gate. Just before boarding he sees his friends all holding a sign saying "Go forth and conquer". Smiling at them all he disappears through the gate, embarking on the journey to his destiny.

The End.