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 #16

(Joey's pov)

" How does it feel to be a graduate Jo?", inquires Pacey as he walks up behind me. Stealing a glance at his reflection in the mirror, I offer a tired smile. Studying myself carefully, I comb out my damp hair. How does it feel? To be honest, I don't know. It hasn't quite hit me just yet. This all seems a little unreal. No more high school, no more teachers or books, no more studying and extra credit assignments. All of that is a thing of the past now. I always figured when I graduated I would have Worthington to look forward to, now what do I have? Motherhood, not what I expected that's for sure.

" I will let you know when it sinks in Pace.", I tease with a tired smirk. I'm not even sure why I asked Pacey to stay the night. We're not an item anymore and my next doctor's appointment isn't for another few weeks. Yet I wanted him here for some reason and I have no idea why. Pacey was all set to leave but I couldn't let him. Guess maybe I needed him tonight more than I care to let on. He is the father of my child; I don't need any more reasoning than that.

" It is weird right? No more high school.", observes Pacey with a laugh. I share a chuckle of my own. He is right about that. The thought of not getting up in the morning and going to class definitely is an odd one. It will take some getting used to this is for certain. This last month or so has been a bit more than I can handle. Between discovering out that I'm pregnant and Pacey offering to be here for me through everything…guess I'm not sure what to think anymore.

"…I still can't believe I'm pregnant.", I disclose more as an afterthought. This seems to catch Pacey's attention and he looks up at me from his seat on the bed. Guess this confession took him by surprise. It is the truth though. Sometimes I take out the positive test to remind myself this isn't just a dream, it is my reality now. In a few short months I will be a mother, prepared or not. I don't know what I'm going to do once this baby is born. Pacey along with everyone else assures me that everything will be fine and that I shouldn't concern myself too much with worry.

Smiling when I climb in bed beside him, Pacey kisses my stomach lightly," This kid is going to have a great mother."

Laying back in Pacey's arms, I close my eyes with content," You aren't terrified at the thought of being a father?"

" Of course not Joey, I'm great with kids. I have been cleaning spit up and changing my nephews' diapers for years. Did I mention that Alexander loves me?", acknowledges Pacey with a grin and a kiss. Can't argue with him there, Alexander does love his uncle Pacey. He is great with him. Though I question his baby sitting methods, I don't handing Alexander a pot and spoon to bang on while I'm trying to study qualifies much. I have lost count of all the times Pacey has done exactly that and I have wanted to smack him upside the head.

" That reminds me, if you ever give our baby anything to bang on loudly I will murder you in your sleep Witter.", I warn with an agitated scowl. Pacey might find this to be an amusing way to keep Alexander occupied but it only serves to give me an unwanted head ache. If he thinks that I will tolerate this when our child, Witter is mistaken. …Wow that felt odd to think let alone say. Our child, Pacey is the father of my baby. I'm carrying his baby. Who would have thought? Four years ago if someone had told me I would wind up with Pacey let alone pregnant…I would have directed them to the nearest asylum. Now, the thought kind of makes me consider placing myself into one. I guess things could be worse though, Pacey is sticking by my side at least.

" Duly noted Potter.", insures Pacey with a nervous laugh. He must know that I'm serious. He knows when to agree with me. Lately I have been kind of moody and hormonal. Pacey is smart enough to know never to point out or tease me when I am. This pregnancy is taking its toll on me that much I'm positive of. The morning sickness is what kills me the most, sometimes just a smell is enough to set off my stomach. I have learned to stay near a bathroom at all costs though thankfully. For the most part Pacey has always been there to hold my hair back; he can be really sweet like that at times. It is reassuring how patient he has been with me; I know I have been a lot to handle.

" What am I supposed to do about Worthington?", I wonder aloud after a few minutes of silence. I'm supposed to start classes in the fall. Obviously this isn't going to happen. Can I really defer things though? What if I lose my scholarship? If this happens, what am I going to do? I worked so hard for it. To think that four years of busting my ass could have all been for nothing is enough to send me into a depression. All my goals and dreams are completely out the window. Am I bitter about this? …No. I'm just a little saddened is all? I don't regret my decision to keep this baby for a second though. I might not have planned to get pregnant, but it happened and I am dealing with this. I could never have gone through with the other option.

Glancing down at Joey, I raise a confused eye brow," What do you mean? You can't start college in September. By then you will be the size of a balloon Joey."

Regarding me with an agitated scowl, Joey slaps at my chest," Way to be sensitive Pacey. I meant my scholarship."

" Couldn't you just defer college for a year and use it then Jo? If Worthington wanted you this fall, who's to say they won't still want you in a year or two Joey. Besides, the dean loves you.", reminds Pacey with a gentle hug. I know that he is only trying to make me feel better. But I still can't help thinking that this was my only shot. It wasn't exactly me the dean was impressed with any way; it was Pacey with his jokes and stories. I'm sure the dean likes me, but enough to let me defer my scholarship? Somehow I think this is only wishful thinking.

" …You really think so Pacey? I'm not sure if they would let Me.", I confess with a shake of my head. It doesn't matter in the end I suppose. The likelihood of me actually going to school now is slim to none. What would I do with the baby while I'm away at Worthington? I couldn't just ask Pacey to take on full responsibility while I'm in college. It wouldn't be fair to him. Whatever happens will happen I suppose. Stressing out over nothing is healthy for me or this baby in the long run. Not to mention that it is slowly wearing me out. This isn't something I can afford these days, not when I'm already always tired to begin with.