As Dawson and Joey were entering high school they couldn't help noticing the excitement of their peers, the way they all laughed and talked loudly.
"What do you think it is this time?" Joey asked dryly.
"I think Kirsty Livingstone changed boyfriends again."
"What? How come I didnt know about it? Why didn't you tell me?"
"I'm sorry, it must have slipped my mind."
"Unforgivable, Dawson. Unforgivable."
As they reached Joey's locker, Andie came to them with a huge smile on her face:
"I'm so excited about the homecoming dance next week-end!"
"The homecoming dance?" Joey threw a look at Dawson who just bit back a chuckle.
Andie nodded excitedly.
"Oh my God, were hanging out with Marcia Brady" Joey whispered.
"Sorry?"
"Nothing..."
Andie looked at Dawson who just smiled.
"I don't understand. What's wrong with the school dance?"
Just then Pacey was passing by. Andie grabbed him by the arm:
"Pacey!" she said perkily. "Are you going to the school dance?"
"The what?"
"The school dance! Next week-end!"
"Uhm..."
"I think Pacey is trying to say that were not exactly the school dance type."
"What is exactly the school dance type?"
Joey said nothing but a corner of her mouth turned up.
"Not us..." Pacey answered with an ironic smile.
"We'd rather watch a movie about a high school dance than actually set foot in an over-decorated gym..." Joey completed.
"Actually this enditement of high school conventions isn't limited to dances. It covers the whole spectrum of school-sponsored events. Case-in-point. Joey..." Pacey said turning to her with a serious look on his face "...how many high school football games have you been to?"
"None" Joey answered proudly.
"Mmhmm... Dawson, how many pep rallies have you loyally attended?"
"Zero" Dawson said equally proud.
"Mmmhmm"
"Uh!" Andie frowned. "You guys are a bunch of cynics, you know that? I mean, what kind of memories are you going to have if all you did in high school is bitch and moan about it?"
"Bitching memories."
"Moaning memories."
Joey and Dawson smiled at each other.
"You guys are completely sabotaging your high school experience"
"Guilty as charged..." Pacey turned to Dawson. "I do believe we have a class together next, mr. Leery. You mind if we talk on the way?"
Dawson turned to him, fearing the previously announced conversation. He knew what it was all about. He and Pacey hadn't really talked since his father had caught Pacey with mrs Jacobs.
"Uh sure, Pace I just gotta get my books"
Andie stepped inbetween them.
"You mean you guys would rather watch a movie about something than doing it yourselves?"
"Correct" Dawson and Joey said at the same time.
"Okay, what about sex?"
Pacey, who was just turning to leave, stopped in a second.
"I mean, you guys are missing a major opportunity here. Why do you think the church wanted to forbid dances in the past? They believed it was sinful!"
Dawson frowned: "Are you saying dancing equals sex?"
"No. But dancing could possibly be a really great foreplay."
Pacey looked at her in amazement: "I LOVE the way you think!" Joey threw him a glare.
"So who's going with me on Saturday?"
--
As Dawson and Pacey were heading for class an uncomfortable silence set in.
"So how've you been?" Dawson said, forcing an opening.
"I uh... Dawson..."
"I know."
Pacey threw him a scared look.
"Mitch told you?"
"Yes... he was confused and..."
"I'm sorry... we got carried away and she forgot..."
"Are you and Tamara back together?"
"Dawson, she left for good a couple of days ago."
"I know but I figured..."
"We had that one time to remember the old times or something. And although I am indeed not over her yet the way it ended and everything I don't think I could go through that all over again... the whole panic, the fear of getting caught... I can't do that anymore, man"
They entered the classroom.
"I have decided youre right I need to find a girl my age"
Dawson swallowed hard.
"Andie?"
Pacey frowned and shrugged.
"McPhee is okay but she's a bit neurotic for my tastes. And besides the whole school dance thing... it just isn't my scene... I don't think we'd fit."
"She does like you, you know..." Dawson said as they sat down.
"I think she thinks she likes me. But I also think that if we started something it wouldn't be good. I think we should just let the whole thing die out."
"So uh... anyone you have in mind?"
"No, not really. I think that when the time comes I'll meet someone and I'll know. I've been so desperate to get hooked up with someone that for a while I lost my reason. But I think I'm getting it back now."
Dawson realized as he listened to Pacey speak that he couldn't hate him. He had thought he would. He had thought it would be like the movies. The woman he loves and the best friend. But as Pacey talked he remembered different movies. The two best friends in love with each other without knowing it. The best friend who helps his friends see the light and they all live happilly ever after.
He couldnt help chuckle but as Pacey threw him a weird look and the teacher entered the classroom he bit his lip and opened his book.
--
"Joey! Sweetie?" Bessie sat next to her on the couch.
"Yes, Bess..."
"You've been staring at your hands for two hours now. What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Joey..."
"We're going to the school dance apparently."
"You and Dawson?"
"No. The whole group. Me, Dawson, Pacey and Andie..."
"Who's Andie?"
"Andie McPhee? Jack's sister?"
"Ah, right blonde and perky."
"Yeah, that one."
"And that's a reason to start analyzing your fingers?"
"I was thinking."
Bessie rolled her eyes in true Potter fashion.
"What is it today? General teenage angst or something specific?"
Joey sighed.
"If I tell you something will you respond with nothing but sisterly advice and concern?"
"Of course!"
"Okay... here's the thing... me and Dawson decided to break up."
"Why?"
"Because he thinks I like Pacey..."
Bessie started laughing.
"Oh my God!"
"Look, I don't think cackling qualifies as concern or advice."
"I'm sorry Joey but Pacey? Your arch enemy since you were in your diapers?"
"Yes"
"You like him?"
"Yes No! I don't know! ever since Dawson told me his theory about how you pick on the one you love I'm so confused! I actually started thinking he's tolerable ..." Joey sighed.
Bessie grinned.
"My my, Joey... Is that why he's hanging out so much at the Icehouse lately?"
"No... Dawson didn't talk to him about it or at least I hope he didn't... I think he's got this thing going with Andie... I don't know it's just confusing, okay? I'm not used to thinking about him like that!"
Bessie hugged her.
"Look, Joey, I hate to break it to you, but Pacey is an attractive kid. He's also funny and he helped us a lot. He helped you a lot. He's got a heart of gold, really. I never understood why you two fought the way you did."
"We just did..."
"Yeah well, maybe this is it. Maybe this is why you did. And maybe it's about time you opened your eyes. And maybe this is all for the best."
"But even if I do like him... and I'm not saying that I do... he doesnt like me back."
"Well maybe he likes you the way you liked him before without being aware of it"
Joey smirked.
"He did try to kiss me once"
"He did?!"
"A couple of months ago. When we had that snail project."
"And?"
"I was wrapped up around Dawson I pushed him away"
Bessie looked her in the eye.
"That sounds like a good reason to believe he likes you and a good reason for him to hide it..."
"Bessie, that was months ago..."
"...well its better than nothing"
"And what, you expect me... to hit on him or something? I don't do that, Bessie! Besides, I'm not even sure I like him. Maybe I am unconsciously making myself like him because Dawson said I might!"
Bessie smiled at her knowingly and she sighed.
--
"Remind me again how Andie McPhee convinced us to go to this homecoming dance..." Dawson said to Joey as they walked to class.
"I think by prommising us that dance always ends in taudry smut-action."
"Oh."
Joey smiled but started frowning as she saw Abby and Jen pass by.
"Hey guys" Jen greeted them.
"Hey Jen" Dawson lit up.
"Wipe the drool, Dawson" Abby's sharp tongue entered the scene.
"I don't like the two of them being so chummy. I mean, Abby is not a good influence to Jen." Joey whispered to Dawson.
"Is this genuine concern I'm hearing for Jen Lindley?" Dawson asked amused.
"Well, I feel sorry for her. I mean, her grandpa just died. Maybe we should invite her to the dance. I mean, were going as a group. It might be fun for her."
"Joey Potter, I applaude you. You earn major humanity points for this." Joey smirked. "But, um, dont you think it may make her feel worse than she already does?"
"I don't know. All I know is that it's really hard to lose a family member, Dawson, and I just think it might be fun for her. It's up to you. Your call."
--
"Hey McPhee!" Pacey shouted through the lunchroom.
"Witter..." Andie replied dryly but she couldn't hide the blush in her cheeks.
"I'm in charge of transportation on Saturday. Shall we pick you up or you'd rather meet somewhere?"
"I'd rather go there by myself since you're not very reliable with these things"
"Oh come on, McPhee, I already explained that! We would have been late and all..."
"Yeah, yeah, I know, I just would rather not count on you again."
Pacey sighed.
"I hope you have your dancing shoes polished and ready cause I'm planning on making a fool out of you."
"Sorry, McPhee, no can do. I don't dance."
"What do you mean you don't dance?"
"I mean I don't like it and I'm not really any good at it. I mean, it's bad enough that I'm going on Saturday but dont expect me to get out there and start bustin' a move cause it's just not going to happen."
"You don't dance" Andie sighed frustrated. "You are beyond immature."
"You're overbearing"
"Boring."
"Hyper-sensitive?"
"Vulgar."
Dawson sat next to Pacey.
"I'm sorry, am I interrupting your spat?"
"No, just our usual passive-aggressive banter"
"Okay."
"No, actually, we were talking about the dance and, hey, if you guys don't mind, I'd really like to invite my brother Jack to come along. You know, he's kind of a loner and I think it would be good for him."
"Actually, why dont we also invite Jen Lindley?"
"Jack and Jen?" Andies face lit up. "A set up?"
"I'm not sure they're a perfect match but they're both single..." Dawson said, deep in thought.
"I like it"
"No, guys, this is a bad idea" Pacey tried to step in.
"You never know. It could work!"
"No, don't... come on... Whenever you fix up two people who don't even know each other, it's a recipe for disaster. This can only end badly. I promise you. Please."
"I'll set it up" Andie smiled perkily.
"Great."
"Bye guys, I gotta go to class."
"Am I invisible?" Pacey looked at Dawson who chuckled.
--
"Hey guys!" Andie came excitedly, followed by a sullen Jack.
"Andie..." The three turned to her with dry faces.
"I think you guys already met my brother, Jack."
They all nodded.
"Oh, look, there's Jen!" Dawson raised his hand to greet her.
"Dawson, everybody..."
"Hey Jen, this is Jack my brother."
"Hi Jack, Andie's brother."
"Um just Jack..." Jack blushed at Jens smirk.
"So shall we?" Andie clapped her hands.
"We shall."
--
"Come on, Pacey, what do you say? Wanna dance?"
"I told you, McPhee, I don't dance."
"I don't believe it. I think you're holding out on me in some power move to keep control in this relationship."
"What relationship?"
Andie bit her lip.
"Come on, just a slow dance."
"I told you, McPhee, I don't dance. This includes dance of all speeds, all types and all cultures including, but not limited to, fast dances, slow dances, and whatever Patrick Swayze was doing in Dirty Dancing."
"You know, Pacey, you can be so stubborn sometimes. Fine. If you don't want to dance with me, I'll just find someone who will."
"Don't hurt the poor guy, will ya?"
Andie walked out, still biting her lips.
--
Pacey walked out bored. Andie could be really tiring sometimes. As he headed out for the door he noticed Joey sitting on the stairs.
"Hey Joey... What are you doing here standing all by yourself?"
"I'm uh... thinking"
"About what?"
Joey said nothing and stared at her feet. Pacey sat down next to her.
"If you don't wanna talk about it, that's fine. But if ther'es anything I can do to help..."
"I broke up with Dawson."
"What? Why?"
"Actually, it was a common decision. We were friends even if we were together... Dawson and I... We're not meant to be together we're meant to be best friends."
"Are you ok?"
"Yeah, surprisingly The world didn't crumble, the sky is still standing but..."
Pacey raised a brow.
"...but sometimes I wish there was someone you know? Dawson's not it... I spent so much time thinking he's it for me but he's not it and now now what?"
"Joey you're 15... no-one finds the love of their life at 15"
"It would be nice if we did wouldn't it? ...just someone to dance with for the whole eternity" Joey smiled at him.
Pacey smirked, rose up and held out his hand.
"Pacey what are you doing?" Joey blushed.
"I'm asking you to dance... not for the whole eternity for now..." he smiled and she wondered if he realized the double meaning of the words he'd just said.
"Wel', Potter, are you just gonna leave me standing here?"
Joey took his hand and stood up. Pacey led her down the stairs and wrapped his left arm around her waist.
"Here?" she blushed and placed her forehead on his shoulder.
"It's as good a place as any.."