Unforeseen 4/?
Summary: Set after the episode 'Double Date.' Pacey wakes up the day after the carnival to a new reality no one saw coming.
Disclaimer: I only own the plot, so far.
Rating: R
-break-
One week later.
Joey sat in what was becoming her chair next to Pacey's hospital bed, her homework splayed across her lap.
Every day after school she found herself walking to the hospital, doing her homework, then talking to Pacey when he woke up and when visiting hours ended and she was kicked out, Bessie or Bodie would pick her up.
She had hardly seen Dawson and she doubted he had even stepped foot in the hospital. You find out your best friend has leukemia, and you don't even come to see them? The little bit of respect she had for Dawson was dwindling. Pacey had been right, even in telling Dawson he didn't care.
At least Jen and Grams had come by, though for very abbreviated times, they still showed up.
"Ma'am visiting hours are over."
Joey was jolted from her daze, offering the young nurse a smile. "Ok. Thank you." Shoving her books in her bag she stood up, pulling the bag on her shoulder, she leaned down across the bed, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek, a soft snore at his lips. "Goodnight, Pace, I'll see you tomorrow."
She lingered in the door watching Pacey's delicate form. She didn't want to leave him, but she knew she had to. Taking a breath she walked to the hospital exit.
Bessie smiled upon seeing her, but the smile dropped as she slid in the passenger seat. "You're killing yourself Joey."
"What?" Joey barked, shocked by her sister's words. "What are you talking about?"
"Pacey has other friends…and family. You don't need to wear yourself down coming here every day."
Mouth agape Joey shook her head. "What friends? What family?" Bessie opened her mouth to respond but Joey was quicker. "Doug is there as often as he can but that isn't very much with work. Gretchen is there as much to, but she has to get back to school." Letting out a breath Joey cringed shoving her bag to the floor. "The entire time I've been there I've only seen Mr. and Mrs. Witter once and they didn't even step into the room." On a roll now Joey felt tears trickle down her cheeks. "Jen and Grams have come but they don't stay for long. Oh and here's the cherry. Dawson Leery, Pacey's supposed best friend has yet to even come."
"Maybe…" Bessie tried to cut in, her own voice shaky from witnessing the flow of emotion on her sister's face.
"He knows Pacey is sick Bess and he still hasn't come." Letting out an exhausted sigh Joey rubbed tiredly at her eyes before meeting her sisters. "I'm the only real friend he has left and you're not going to make me stop coming."
After a moment Bessie nodded. "Ok but promise me something."
"What?"
"I want you to take care of yourself so I'm not having to visit you in here."
Joey smiled, nodding her head, her fingers playing with the seam of the seat. "I will…Pacey already gets on my case too."
"Good." Bessie smiled, finally putting the truck in gear and driving them home.
Read and review…if you want more. Yes, this is short but I have another one of this one coming. 'Heartache is still in progress so it'll be a little while.