The Longest… 2/?

Summary: Set after 'The Longest Day.'

Disclaimer: I only own the plot.

Rating: R

-break-

'Maybe you should be the first one to go this time.'

Pacey's words replayed in her mind again, the tears in his eyes and the despair on his face squeezed Joey's heart. She didn't want to let go of Pacey but being without Dawson scared her more. She just hoped maybe, with a little work, they could get back to how they used to be.

Wiping her eyes Joey went to get ready for the day.

She spent the better part of the morning staring at her wall, the wall Pacey bought for her. No matter what she did it seemed as if Pacey's presence was everywhere.

Dawson had come by wanting to reconcile their friendship, but she wasn't ready.

Switching out of her painting clothes she headed to the dock to meet her sister for pancake duty at the regatta.

She had been there an hour when she took in something odd. Leery's Fresh Fish's booth sat next to the B and B's and Will Krudski stood at Gail's table, a small flag in hand.

"Mrs. Leery?" He started tentatively, his eyes briefly catching Joey's before turning to Gail.

Gail took on a look of shock, she had only known Will briefly, he only hung out with Dawson a handful of times. "Yes Will?"

"Pacey asked me to give you this." Will stuttered, handing her the flag. "He's not running in the race."

Joey's head shot up, eyes wide as Gail accepted the flag, a tight smile on her lips. "That's too bad. I hope he's ok."

"He'll be alright. Thank you." Will said politely, stepping away from the booth, offering Joey a polite nod before leaving.

Joey's heart skipped a beat. She knew Pacey was looking forward to the regatta, racing his newly christened True Love. So, the fact he didn't even show churned worry in the pit of her stomach.

"Hey lady…" Jen's voice jolted Joey back to the present a bright smile on her lips. "Give me some grub."

Joey spooned a few pancakes on a plate, handing it to her friend. "Hey Jen…have you seen Pacey?"

"No…" Jen shook her head cutting off a piece of pancake in her mouth. "Not for a few days. Why?"

"Nothing." Joey smiled, the worry in her belly didn't cease as she caught sight of the flag on the table next to them. "Nothing at all."

Read and review…if you want more. I know it's kind of slow but I'm slowly working through it.