Description: New Dawson's Creek story that I have been working on. Its based before the shows high school graduation but post Joey and Pacey's break up at prom.
Disclaimer: I own nothing except the original story.
Authors Note: if this story receives reviews I will update it regularly.
Consequences and Actions:
Chapter #15
(Pacey's pov)
" Way to make it all about you Bess.", I joke with a shake of my head. She makes a good point though. She has been waiting for this day just as long as Joey. Who wouldn't want to see their sister graduate high school? Potter is one stubborn girl when she wants to be. It isn't going to be easy to convince her to put on her cap and gown. I don't know what Joey is so insecure about. The looks absolutely breathe taking today. Joey always does. If she misses our graduation I know that she will regret it. This is a once in a life time experience. After today there are no more classes or gym class.
" Well I don't see you or Jack coming up with anything." , accuses Bessie with a frown and irritated sigh, I don't know what else to say. I have tried everything that I could think of to get Joey to change her mind. I am fresh out of ideas. A from putting side her over my shoulder and placing her in my Jeep, I'm stumped. I would do just that if I didn't think Joey would kick my ass in the process. The girl is violent. Sighing in defeat, I place my arms around Joey's waist and rest my chin on her shoulder. I wish there was something that I could say to make her change her mind.
" Joey, look at all you have worked for to get here. You got into Worthington, you're valedictorian…your mom would be so proud of you.", comments Dawson with an encouraging smile. Good luck man, this girl is impossible. Jack and I have been trying to get Joey to change her mind all morning. Joey is dead set on skipping the graduation ceremony. I'm truly at a loss. I can't force her do go if she doesn't want to. The last thing I want to do is cause an argument. Things between the two of us have been going well. We are far from sorting things out but we're on the right path at least.
" …You really think so?", asks Joey in a low voice. The look in her eyes is one of sorrow and grief. Guess Dawson must have hit a soft spot in Joey. She never was the same after her mother passed. That day was one of the first and only times that I had ever seen her cry. ….Well that and the night I had broken up with Joey. I'll never forget the tears in her eyes as she told me to go to hell. That memory is forever imprinted in my mind. Joey was completely shattered.
Placing Joey's cap atop her head, Dawson pulls her into a light hug," Of course, Jo. Why wouldn't she be? You have grown into a smart and beautiful young woman. So, what do you say? Will you go to graduation?"
Biting down on her bottom lip, Joey eventually nods her head," Yeah…I'll go. Besides, if I don't Bessie and Bodie will never let me hear the end of it."
" You are damn right we won't.", pipes in Bodie before folding his arms across his chest. They shouldn't either. If Joey skipped out on her own graduation, she would only come to regret it in the long run. She has nothing to be ashamed of. So what if Joey is pregnant? It isn't something that she exactly planned on and she's definitely not a slut. Let the rest of the town or graduating class whisper. I have no problem knocking out a few gossipers if needed. It would actually be my pleasure.
" Whoa, hold on. So when Jack and I spend an hour and half trying to convince you not to miss our graduation it goes in one ear and out the other. But Dawson is here all of five minutes and you're all ready to go?", I question with a look of confusion. How the hell does that work? Jack and I could have talked until we were blue in the face and Joey wouldn't have budged. But Dawson walks in here with his compliments and little speech about how Mrs. Potter would have been proud and suddenly Joey can't wait to leave? ….Why the hell didn't I think of that. Much as I despise Dawson, we kind of owe him one right now.
" Who cares? She is going, that is what matters.", complains Jack with a groan as he stands from his seat. He has a point though. Getting Joey to come to graduation was our goal and Dawson simply helped us achieve it. If he hadn't stopped by, we would still be here trying to persuade Joey otherwise. ….Well either that or I would have just placed her over my damn shoulder and carried her to the Jeep my damn self. Glad that it didn't come to that though, Joey is a kicker and my family jewels would have been open game.
" Great, can we go now?", exclaims Jen in a hurried manner as she glances down at her watch. Taking a glimpse down at my own, I jump from my seat. Holy crap, the ceremony starts in less than forty minutes. We had better get a move on and quick if we want to make it there in time. Far as I can tell we're all ready to go. We can all put our caps and gowns on once we get there. I have Joey's valedictorian speech in my pocket so we won't have to worry about forgetting that.
Racing back upstairs quickly, Joey runs into her bedroom," You guys go ahead; I'll be out in a second."
Following Joey upstairs cautiously, I stand in her doorway awkwardly," Joey, you're not going to throw up are you? Maybe you shouldn't go to graduation."
" No, I'm fine Pacey. I just need to find something.", mutters Joey in a distracted voice as she rummages through her dresser. What could she possibly be looking for? Did she forget that she gave me her speech to hold on to? I read it last night after Joey fell asleep and was rendered speechless. She couldn't have written a more amazing speech.
" My mother's bracelet…found it. Come on, Witter lets go. We wouldn't want to be late.", taunts Joey with a playful smile and a chuckle. Oh now she is going to rush me? Who made who wait all of two hours? It wasn't me that much is for sure. Joey is lucky that I love her. If anyone else had pulled this stunt I probably would have gotten agitated. What matters is that she is going thankfully. God does Joey look absolutely breathtaking right now. I must be the world's luckiest guy if I'm the father of her child.
" You really are the spitting image of her Jo.", I confess mostly to myself. Staring over at Joey, I only smirk at the sight of her. How could I have let this girl go? What the hell is wrong with me? I must have been some kind of a moron. If Potter ever took me back it sure would be a miracle. Touching a hand to Joey's cheek, I take a step toward her. Thankful when she doesn't back away, I bring my lips to hers in a gentle kiss. Pulling away soon after I'm shock when Joey refuses to let me. We stand frozen in time briefly as we explore one another's mouths. Dear God this woman knows how to drive me insane.
" Thanks Pace.", murmurs Joey shyly as she takes my hand in hers and leads me downstairs. Following her outside, I open the Jeeps passenger side door and wait for Joey to climb in. Closing it once more, I hop in the driver's side. It isn't long before we're at the school. One by one we hurriedly change into our gowns. We all gather for a few photos before the ceremony begins. Our names are called and we take turns going up to receive our diplomas. Not long after it is Joey's turn to give her speech to the senior class. Watching her up at the podium, I'm struck with a sense of awe. How can anyone be so stunning?