Note: This episode takes place three weeks after the trial (episode 721)


“Bally’s Hotel”, Las Vegas. Friday night.

The scene opens with Dawson, Joey, Pacey, Andie, Audrey, Sam, Ethan and Todd all standing in the hallway of an elegant hotel. The wallpaper is a delicate cream and pink, with expensive jewel-toned luxury carpeting. There are doors along each wall, and a mass of flowers sits in a vase at the end of the long hall.

Sam and Ethan are standing next to each other, shyly touching fingertips and glancing sweetly and warmly at each other. Pacey and Andie are studiously talking to anyone but each other. The questioning and intense looks they keep throwing one another, when the other is not looking however, lets us know that something is definitely going on, something that remains unresolved between them. Todd and Audrey are engaged in some harmless flirting. Everyone is happy to be here and not at work.

Dawson is holding a bunch of key cards, preparing to hand them out.

“Okay, everyone, I got all our rooms on the same floor. Yay for me” he jokes, raising his eyebrows. “And here, I’ve got your room keys,” Dawson announces more loudly, finally gaining their attention, as everyone settles down from their animated chatter.

“You’ll be bunking with Pacey, Todd.” Dawson says, handing a key card to Pacey and then holding out another key card to Todd. “Room four ten,” Dawson informs them.

“What?!?”Todd exclaims, indignant, not taking the key. “Excuse me, did I just hear right? Did I just hear you tell me I was bunking with your friend Pacey, here? Excuse me, but no. Definitely not! I haven’t shared a room since I was in nappies - that’s diapers to you Americans. Totally out of the question“, he adds emphatically.

“Come on, Todd. It won’t be so bad. Pacey’s a pretty nice guy once you get to know him,” Dawson assures him with a smile. Pacey just looks at Todd with a blank expression. The rest of the group can’t help but be amused by the situation.

“But I don’t want to get to know him,” Todd protests. “I can’t be seen…..fraternizing too much with a bunch of callow youth. I have a reputation to maintain. I’m a big bad-ass filmmaker, or haven’t you heard? I deserve much better treatment. At the very least my own hotel room, if I can’t get a suite, preferably with a wet-bar”, he adds “and a vibrating bed. <beat> I have certain minimum standards after all, Leery.”

“Sorry, Todd, but the hotel’s all booked up for the convention, and this was supposed to be a group outing. If you want to get a room at another hotel…”

“And don’t think I won’t!” Todd snaps, still annoyed.

Dawson laughs. “Oh, get over yourself, Todd. Just relax and enjoy the weekend. We’re in Las Vegas for four whole days! It isn’t about you, after all. It’s about all these other aspiring filmmakers, and about us, this whole group, spending time together as friends. Besides, you should get to know the little people better… it would help you to connect with the audience. It wouldn’t hurt you to spend some time with someone more in the age range of your target demographic.”

“Yeah, someone young, cute and charming, like me!”Pacey amusingly interjects with his easy charisma; pointing to himself and making everyone chuckle.

Todd pulls a face. “The only young, cute and charming companionship I want this weekend doesn’t pee standing up, if you get my drift,” Todd says, glancing at the ladies. “As I am sure I have made crystal clear on several occasions”.

Dawson is unmoved. “It’ll do you good,” he says unsympathetically, shoving the hotel key card into Todd’s hand. “You’re not getting any younger and you should keep in touch with the youth of America, your audience and ratings demographic I might add. <beat> You couldn’t pick a better example than Pacey for that. He loved Nightmare at Sorority Row. He’s a real fan.”

Todd eyes Pacey with some interest. Pacey grins cheekily.

“Well, I guess you have a point there,” Todd concedes, “although I think you just called me old and I think I may have just been insulted but I’ll have to think about that when I am over the shock of having to ‘bunk’ with Pacey here as you put it in your oh so quaint western American lingo or whatever. <beat> I guess it could be interesting to get to know your current friend here, past back-stabbing little bastard who stole the love of your life and caused all kinds of unmitigated angst and grief for my best mate Dawson here… Nothing personal Pacey”, he adds cheerfully“No offence and all that….”

Pacey smiles, unperturbed. “That’s okay man, none taken,” he says affably, with a hint of amusement.

“So, roommates it is,” Todd proclaims cheerfully, putting his arm around Pacey’s shoulders and heading off to their room. “Well, this could work out, seeing as how I never got a chance to get to know you. Just no funny stuff, you know, I have nothing against wank yankers but not in my own hotel room, you understand,” Todd says confidingly to Pacey, as they walk away.

A dismayed Pacey casts a long and pleading glance at Andie as he is propelled down the hallway by Todd. Andie smiles sympathetically, but helplessly, after him.

“Now, about the ill-fated love triangle between you, Dawson and the delectable Josephine Potter,” Todd continues, “… was there at any time any naughty ‘ménage a trios’ action there? Sexually speaking of course…” Todd is heard to say as the two men disappear from view around a hall corner.

Overhearing this Joey rolls her eyes; Dawson just laughs and shakes his head before getting back to handing out the room key cards.

“Okay, Audrey and Andie will be sharing a room. I don’t expect that to be a problem”, Dawson states, handing a key card to each of them. “Room 405, and don’t forget to call the front desk for your luggage.”

“Let’s go roomie,” Audrey says cheerfully, linking arms with Andie. “Actually, the room can wait.” Audrey announces with a flip of her hair, heading toward the elevators with Andie in tow. “Let’s go check out the busboys. I heard they’re wicked hot, and seeing as we are the only truly unattached women of this little tight-knit group, I feel it is our sacred duty as fine single hot-blooded American women to check out all the fine male flesh at this hotel and anywhere else in the near vicinity,” Audrey enthuses, “without, of course, getting arrested for it!”

Andie laughs and the two of them disappear into an elevator.

Dawson and Joey watch them go with growing amusement and chuckle before turning back to Ethan and Sam.

“Well, this part was easy. Joey and I will share a room, and there is another one for you guys,” Dawson says cheerfully, looking at Sam and Ethan, who are standing near each other.

“I wouldn’t have seen that one coming,” Ethan jokes as he takes the keys.

“Yeah, talk about surprises,” Joey jokes as well. “I’m glad you two could make it here. We hardly see each other anymore.”

“We know that the first months of a relationship are all about getting to know each other better, the making out and all that,” Dawson says, putting his arm around Joey’s shoulders as Samantha takes Ethan’s hand and they walk together down the hall, “but you two have really taken that time seriously.” Dawson teases them and Joey laughs.

“Well, we’ve got a lot to talk about,” Samantha defends good-naturedly. “You’re just envious because you two knew everything about each other so you didn’t get to spend time on all that”.

“Yeah, you’re right,” Joey intercedes, “we had to go straight to the making out.” Everybody laughs. “What a shame, huh?” she asks her boyfriend.

“A destiny worst than hell,” Dawson replies, sharing a grin with Joey.

“Anyway, we’re back,” Ethan smiles as he throws the key up in the air and catches it, “so don’t you worry about that.”

“Seems like we’ve arrived”, Sam says, looking up at the number in the door next to her. “Later people,” she winks at them.

She grabs the key card from Ethan, opens the door easily with a flourish of her hand in the air as she puts the key in the electric lock, and practically drags Ethan into their room, making him laugh without looking back.

Dawson shakes his head in amusement and Joey laughs a little as they resume their walk.

“It seems meeting his parents went really well. It only made them more confident in their relationship,” she says, reaching for Dawson’s free hand.

“Let’s just hope that everything that is going on with everyone this weekend is all good,” Dawson agrees, giving Joey a warm look. Joey returns his smile, her eyes dancing.

“I just hope nobody ends up killing anyone, with everyone being stuck together for so long,” she says laughing. “I can’t remember when all of us spent so much time together under one roof. Who knows what could happen.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t worry about that. I think this trip is going to be good for everyone. Having everyone here will make this film convention a lot more fun for me too, especially since I’m one of the judges this time. It’s just too bad Jack couldn’t make it.”

Joey sighs deeply. “Gosh, it’s good to get away from work for a few days. I can hardly believe that all I have to do for the next few days is relax, have fun, and spend time with my favorite celebrity,” she teases, squeezing Dawson’s arm playfully.

“Oh, is Tom Cruise here?” Dawson asks jokingly, peering down the hall.

“Very funny!” Joey smiles.“No, the man I have a mad crush on is right here next to me,” she says sweetly.

“Still have a thang for me?” Dawson asks with a warm and amused look on his face.

“Always,” Joey says simply, and the two smile at each other, their deep connection evident.

(Music of the credits starts playing)

“Well, that’s good, because it looks like you’re stuck with me,” Dawson teases, just as the elevator doors open and a couple burstinto the hall laughing and kissing.

“We just got married,” the woman says laughing as the man takes her in his arms, carrying her down the hall. They end up walking away, laughing and kissing.

“Crazy people,” Dawson laughs as he stops in front of their room. “Who would want to get married here?” he asks as he opens their door.

An inexplicable and somewhat startled look crosses Joey’s face, unseen by Dawson. She turns her head, looking back in the direction where the couple disappeared with a contemplative expression. She turns to Dawson, and takes the hand he is offering.

“Yes, who would?” she half smiles, a mysterious glint in her eyes as she follows Dawson.

(CREDITS)
 

Pacey and Todd’s room.

“I gotta say the man has some taste after all,” Todd says, looking around the room appreciatively. “The room is not half bad,” he adds, somewhat condescendingly.

He looks at Pacey, who is moving around the room unpacking his bags.

"Ah, the bloody city of sin. A whirlwind of booze, gambling and women. Not in that order of course," Todd says, hoping to finally catch Pacey’s attention.

"Sounds like you’re talking from experience," Pacey says, looking up from his unpacking.

"Oh my friend you have no idea. This is one of my favorite cities in the world. It never sleeps and there are more bloody women than you can shake a stick at. In this city even a bloke like me can have fun. This city was made for people like us to have a flipping blast," Todd informs him, glad that he now has Pacey’s interest.

"Yeah, it does seem to be a place where a person can really get lost in just having fun," Pacey laughs.

"Oh it is my friend, it bloody well is," Todd says before continuing. “And even if I didn’t want to team up with you at first, now thinking about it, it might be a good idea. I heard you were pretty wild with the ladies back in the day. So what do you say? You and I make a round in the city? Huh?” Todd wiggles his eyebrows at him, an expectant grin on his face.

Pacey simply looks at him, his face impassive.

“I don’t know Todd. I just don’t feel like it”.

Todd seems to be surprised.

“Hey man, what happened to you? You mean you’re gonna waste this chance for a fling? It’s not like you’re attached to anyone,” he adds.

Pacey tenses a little.

“Well, maybe not officially, but I…” his thoughts go to Andie, but Todd is right: is he attached to her? Is there something really going on between them or is it just his imagination? Why is he, for the first time in his life, being so hesitant to take the first step?

‘Because you’ve got so much to lose man.’ he thinks to himself. ‘Because you’d rather keep her as your friend than risk telling her that you love her and see her walk away because she doesn’t feel the same way.’

 “But you…you what? You’re gonna stay faithful to that fantasy girl you got in your head even though you’re in the best city in the world to be bad?” Todd asks, amused.

“She’s not a fantasy girl in my mind.” ‘She’s right here, in Las Vegas’. “I guess love does funny things to people. It makes people change, grow up. So yes, I don’t want anyone else,” Pacey says a little defiantly.

Todd nods his head.

“Ok man, I’ll have to respect that I guess.” < a beat > "So what do you think of my pupil Dawson being chosen as a judge for this film festival?"

Pacey can’t help the droll expression that crosses his face. Dawson hadn’t been Todd’s pupil for years but Todd still acts as if Dawson has just been ‘discovered’ and owes it all to him.

"Well I think it’s about time they start giving him the recognition he deserves. He’s dedicated his life to becoming a director and I think he is one of the best out there." He thinks about it for a second and then adds, “no offence."

"Bloody right no offence. I gave him his first shot," Todd says with a proud laugh.

"Oh, that's right: you fired him on his first day," Pacey smirks.

"Yeah, but that speech he gave me kept me up a couple of nights," Todd laughs whole heartedly this time. “Which is why I gave him another chance, and I’m bloody glad I did. Look where he is now. I know that it’s his talent that’s gotten him here, but I can still say I gave him his start."

"Yes, I would have to say that you did, and I know Dawson looks up to you, in a way as his mentor. I think you two were meant to help each other out and it has been a successful partnership,” Pacey finally concedes. “I think he’s going to have a long and thriving career and knowing Dawson, you’re one of the people he’ll thank for it."

Todd smiles proudly, finally hearing what he wanted to hear.

"Ok enough of the bloody sentimental crap. Let’s go back to the important topic: women. You might be a chaste man now, but I’m not, and maybe you can help me. Who is that blonde bird with Audrey?” Todd asks casually. “Man, is she a hot little number. I think I might have a go at her,” he adds happily.

"You wouldn't want to do that Todd, she’s kinda…” Pacey hesitates for a moment, “taken. I am sure you can find another girl who is better suited to your worldly charms," he adds, trying to persuade Todd as a strong feeling of disgust invades him at the thought of the guy hitting on Andie.

"I don't know; I think she is worldly enough. I think she could be just the type of girl I need for our short stay in Vegas." Todd strides past Pacey and pats him on the shoulder as he disappears into the bathroom. Pacey looks at the door, then throws the trousers he had in his hands on to the bed and sighs. His good mood has been ruined.

Same hall. Sam and Ethan’s room.

"Nice room, huh?” Samantha says, wrapped up in a towel after having a quick shower.

"Yes, it is,” Ethan looks at her. “Feeling better?” he asks.

“Yeah, you know how much I hate flights. I always feel sweaty after one of them,” she complains, wrinkling her nose a little as she dries her hair vigorously with another towel.

“Yeah, I had the chance to find that out after our five hour flight to Miami,” he laughs, and Sam smiles, sitting down on the bed.

“It went well, didn’t it?” she asks, referring to their meeting with his parents.

“It went more than well,” Ethan smiles, sitting down in front of her. “My mother loves you, go figure.” He laughs. “And it wasn’t bad with my father either.”

Samantha smiles proudly.

“I was afraid it was maybe too soon, but I was wrong. I’m glad we went. And I can’t believe how many brothers and sisters in law I’ve got!” she laughs and Ethan smiles.

“Come here” he says, taking her hand.

He walks her over to the window and she discovers it has a balcony that looks out over the city.

"Wow! Would you look at this view, it is completely breathtaking," she says, excited like a little kid. Another thing Ethan has learned about her is that she loves views. And the higher, the better.

He never takes his eyes off Sam as he walks out onto the balcony with her.

"I think it is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen," he says while looking at her, then smiles when she looks back at him with a ‘could you please stop being so corny’ face. "How could I ever look at the city when you're around? Everything else pales by comparison," he tells her and she comes closer to kiss him.

"You know something Ethan?" Sam asks.

"You tell me."

"I love you," she says simply, smiling at him.

"Why Samantha. I love you too.” They laugh at their sweet silliness as only a couple who is still in their honeymoon phase can.

“And do you want to know something?" Ethan asks playfully.

"It’s your turn to tell me. I will always want to hear what you have to say. I may not always agree with you, but I’ll still want to hear it," she replies playfully as well.

“Oh, so you may not agree huh..." Ethan says with a mischievous grin.

"Nope, but that is the price you pay when you're with an independent, stubborn, and opinionated woman," Sam laughs.

“I see," he replies and then continues, but he is now serious. "The more time we spend together, the more I realize I hate it when we're apart. I find myself making up excuses to come see you or to call you, because when we're apart it is like a piece of me is missing. And I…I really can see our future together, the rest of our lives together. I imagine how…how our kids together would look and I can picture you being old by my side and I…I’d like to know if maybe I’m going too fast. You have met my parents and all that, and to me that is a very important step. I feel now like we are somehow… this is serious. This is…after so much time grieving my lost, you came, and this is… you made me want to live again. And I don’t mean going through life. I mean you make me want to live, because you make me enjoy every moment of it, just knowing there is someone that might be thinking of me at that very same moment, in the very same way I think of her. What do you think of all this?" Ethan really wants to know Sam’s thoughts; we can see it in his eyes.

"Honestly, I couldn’t have said it better myself,” Sam smiles sweetly at him, clearly moved. “When you're around I never want you to leave, when you're gone I find myself counting the seconds till I see you again. I feel like there is a part of me missing when you're away. I never thought of myself as the romantic type, but ever since I fell in love with you, I feel that my whole life has been spent waiting for you”.

“Good. If so…, Samantha, would you make me the happiest man in the world and move in with me?” he asks, never taking his eyes off her.

“Oh God! For a moment I thought you were going to ask me to marry you and I was flipping!” they laugh.

“Well, if you want to, we can get married,” Ethan says happily, considering the option.

“We’re in Las Vegas after all,” he smiles at her, still glowing.

“Wow, wow, wow! Hold that horse!” Sam laughs. “Are you crazy?”

“Ok, it won’t be today. Who knows about tomorrow though?”

Sam laughs some more. He is crazy and she loves him for that as well.

“Anyway, that will come as well, have no doubt about it,” Ethan whispers softly with so much conviction and passion that Samantha’s heart seems to stop for a moment.

“Yes, I want to move in with you Ethan,” she finally whispers back.

Ethan smiles at her and they kiss as the camera pans out to the city.

Dawson and Joey’s room.

We see Dawson and Joey unpacking. Dawson seems to be sifting through the contents of his bag rather than unpacking, while Joey is putting her clothes in the closet. In one of the bags, Joey finds a small box. Somewhat curious, she eyes the contents of the box, and flashes a sly smile in Dawson’s direction. Most of it she recognizes, such as old film trophies and notes.

“What’s all this stuff?. How come you brought it with us?”

Taking the box from Joey, Dawson laughs lightly.

“There it is!” he says. “Well if you must know,” Dawson continues, “this is my first time really being a judge in this capacity”.

“You mean at a film festival?” Joey questions knowingly, sitting on the bed and looking up at Dawson.

“Exactly. And well, I decided to reconnect with my roots a little before the judging, just to kind of remember how I felt then. I mean, I just think I will be a much fairer judge if I can kind of put myself in these contestants’ shoes again.”

“We’re definitely not in the Creek anymore, Toto,” comments Joey, imitating the famous “Wizard of Oz” movie.

“Don’t I know it?It’s just been such a long time since I had those old “I-hope-you-love-my-film-or-I’ll-die” butterflies,” Dawson says, pondering his words. “You know, that rush you feel when you’re new at something, and you’re showing your work to strangers for the first time.”

Dawson looks down at Joey, who is still looking up at him, and pauses for a moment.

“Especially,” Dawson continues, holding his gaze in Joey’s eyes, “when it’s something you’ve poured your heart and soul into.”

“Are you referring to the time you decided to relive our whole romantic debacle by turning it first into a script, and then into a film obsession for a year?” Joey asks playfully.

“Well,” Dawson laughs lightly, “yes. Among all the other films that made up my humble yet angst-plagued beginning.”

“Let’s see,” Joey begins to walk around the room.“First there was the film where I just had to get my head chopped off.”

“What?I thought that part of the film was ingenious,” Dawson argues, although he is clearly playing along with Joey.

“Ha, ha, ha.Very funny Dawson, but just remember how much you loved my head.” She smiles in his direction.

He throws up his hands in mock self-defence.“Hey, you’ll get no argument from me there.My admiration for your head is probably one of the things that propelled me to give you half of the prize money.” He shoots a smile back at her.

“Then, there was the film we’ve already mentioned.”

“Hey, I had to get therapy one way or the other. It helped me become the man you love today.”

“Well in that case, I’ll just let bygones be bygones on that one.”

Joey smiles at him and pats the spot next to her on the bed. Dawson sits down by her side and she kisses him softly on the lips, still smiling.

They keep looking through the box together, finding a plaque she is not sure she has seen before. He feels her eyes on him, and looks up her.

“That’s the plaque you got for your documentary on Brooks, isn’t it?”Joey asks.

Dawson looks at the plaque in his hands.

“My father, he believed in me so much.”

“And he is very proud of you,” Joey rests her head on his shoulder as they look at the plaque.

“Yeah, but it also makes me think. How many fathers are out there today, hoping and wishing for their offspring to win this festival? It’s a lot of responsibility. I really want to make it right.”

“And you will Dawson. Stop worrying about it,” Joey says, moving aside a little and kissing him lightly on the cheek.

“I’m glad you’re here with me,” he murmurs in her ear and she smiles sweetly. “If I get too worried about it and whine in excess, smack me, ok?”

Joey laughs, “You can be sure I will.”

Dawson throws her an evil eye, which only makes her laugh more. Then he looks at her with a mischievous smile. Putting the box aside, he takes her hands in his and pulls her closer to him, and then a little closer…Joey laughs softly and lets herself relax into Dawson as he leans down to kiss her, their palms pressed together, their fingers lacing.

“Wasn’t there a box you had to check or something like that?” she asks playfully eyeing his lips.

“Was there?” he counters as he smiles and nuzzles her neck. Joey just laughs and closes her eyes as Dawson keeps kissing his way up her throat. Then her expression turns serious and she gently stops Dawson’s kisses, running her fingers lightly through his hair.

“What did you mean before when you said it has been a long time since you felt the butterflies?” she looks at him inquiringly. “Is something wrong?” she asks, worried now.

Dawson sighs and smiles, shaking his head, “I knew I was in trouble the moment I said it.”

Joey pokes his chest pretending to be mad and Dawson laughs, taking her hands in his again. Then he shrugs his shoulders.

“I wouldn’t say that it’s wrong, just…not exciting anymore. I mean, with The Creek, I knew the history so well, I already knew the beginning, the end, and everything in between. I never lost control of it. Now with Spielberg, I was just there along for the ride. It has been interesting. I’ve learned a lot, and it has been a dream come true; working with my childhood hero. But I’m not talking about that. I’m not talking about success. I’m talking about…about…creating something totally new, something that comes from me and only me, something that I am the only one responsible for. I always wanted to make movies, not TV. I don’t know if I’m making sense,” he looks at Joey to see if she understands what he is saying. “I mean I miss being in touch with the product. Here in TV it all gets lost in between the producers, the director, the network…I want to go back to doing something I can call my own”.

“You mean you want to go back to directing,” Joey says firmly.

Dawson nods his head.

“I think so. After all, there’ll be no Creek anymore. I decided to stop after the second season because trying to explain everything else that happened after all would have taken at least 4 more seasons, and once I got you back, I just didn’t feel compelled to do it”.

“Well, that’s nice, to know I made you lose your inspiration,” Joey laughs. “I always thought it worked the other way around”.

“No, I don’t mean it like that. I finished The Creek because I didn’t need to keep going with it. My life was real and I didn’t need to seek refuge in fiction as I had been, no matter what I told you that day by the creek”.

“You said it just to make me feel better, right?”

“Yes, I did,” Dawson admits softly, “and I would do it again. I just want you to be happy, with or without me.”

“Well, that’s a lost battle Dawson Leery. I can’t imagine being entirely happy without you in my life. Actually, I can’t picture my future without you. And I know this is the only way for us.”

There is a pause during which they just stare at each other and smile, before Joey starts speaking again.

“I know there is no other way and I often ask myself why I was so reticent to see it before. I ask myself how much time we have lost because of this. All of us and you know…” she pauses, and even she is surprised when she hears herself, everything clear now as the words leave her throat. “You know, I’ve been thinking of writing again.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I feel that I’ve got so much to say. Things…things I wanna tell you. Things I want you to know about me, things I feel I owe the people who know me, why I acted the way I did…I don’t really know what it is yet.It’s just something that has been taking form, morphing in my head as the days go by. The lost years of Dawson and Joey,” she smiles at him, half joking but also a little sad.

“Well keep me updated, will you?” Dawson asks sincerely.

Joey nods.

“You know? That’s good,” Dawson says seriously.

“What’s good?” Joey asks.

“This,” Dawson gestures with his hands around the room, ‘”this hunger for more, this resistance to conformity. We’ve still got things to say, dreams to follow. Life is a journey, and contrary to what it seems, there is always something else we can reach for, something that we can try to recapture”.

“It is good to keep on moving,” Joey ventures, following his train of thought.

“To take the next step,” Dawson adds.

“Yes it is,” Joey smiles. “And everything is gonna be ok as long as we do it together.”

They smile at each other for a moment.

“Now, to return to what we were talking about before…” Joey says, pretending to be pensive, as she nears Dawson and pushes him onto the bed, leaning down to kiss him as his lips curl into a slow smile.

Andie and Audrey’s room, down the hall.

Audrey is sitting in front of the dresser in her hotel room, facing the mirror and brushing her hair, getting ready for dinner with the rest of the group in about an hour.

Andie is lying behind her on one of the beds, relaxing, a distant look on her face. Audrey can see the pensiveness reflected in the mirror. She silently watches Andie for a few moments, slightly puzzled. Then Audrey’s expression clears as she comes to a decision.

“So, Andie, that Hispanic waiter was perfectly fine, wasn’t he?” Audrey asks with studied casualness. “I saw him checking you out…you should go talk to him,” she suggests, watching Andie’s face carefully in the mirror. “We’re in Vegas after all, the city of sin,” Audrey smilingly continues, “a fantastic place to let your hair down and get jiggy with it, so to speak. I’m sure you could use some fun after all the demands of the hospital.”

“Oh, sure,” Andie says vaguely, not really listening.

Audrey suddenly sets down her brush with a clatter and whirls around on her chair to face Andie.

“Andie, I know that waiter was worth a second glance. What’s up with you?” Audrey demands. “Don’t tell me that you still have Pacey on your mind. You’ve hardly looked at him since we got to the hotel!”

Andie suddenly sits up on the bed and throws her legs over the side, sitting on the edge. She lowers her head into her hands and sighs.

“I don’t want to be thinking about him, but honestly, that’s all I’ve been doing for the last three weeks since I kissed him at the courthouse.”

Audrey just stares at Andie.

“Then why don’t you go talk to him?” Audrey asks, in her typical blunt and practical manner, looking at Andie in confusion. Sometimes she doesn’t understand her at all. “No time like the present,” Audrey adds, a little softer in encouragement.

Andie flings herself backward onto the bed with a groan. “I know, I know, I want to, I really, really do, but I’m scared.”

“Of what? This is just Pacey we’re talking about after all. Pretty harmless, if you ask me,” Audrey opines with a casual shrug.

A slightly tortured but comical expression crosses Andie’s face. “To you, maybe,” she moans.

Audrey studies Andie a moment. “You really have it bad for him, don’t you?” Audrey asks softly, the light suddenly going off in her head. “Really, Andie, I’m sorry, I didn’t know. I thought he was just a temporary flirtation for you…a little surge of memory or nostalgia from your good old high school days, a small re-kindling of the flame of adolescent romance soon to blow out. Nobody said anything different to me. Honestly, I didn’t know,” Audrey says seriously. “And when I heard that you’ve pretty much been blowing him off the last few weeks, well…” Audrey shrugs.

Andie whimpers a little. “I’ve been blowing him off? Who said that?” she asks, alarmed.

“He said that. He told me at the airport before we boarded the plane.”

“I haven’t been blowing him off!” Andie protests. Then she takes in what Audrey has said. “You’ve been talking about me at the airport??”

“You haven’t talked to Pacey, and you’ve been avoiding him, so it seems to him, that it’s pretty clear you’ve been blowing him off,” Audrey retorts.

“He’s wrong!” Andie says emphatically.

“Come on girlfriend, let’s find you some spine and get you walking to the man,” Audrey says cheerfully but firmly, grabbing Andie by the hand and pulling her up off the bed. “No time like the present, I always say. Better than letting all the other man-flesh in this city go to waste, at any rate,” she adds humorously.

Andie pulls back from Audrey, clearly horrified.

“Oh, no, I’m not ready to talk to him,” she protests a little wildly.

Audrey crosses her arms and regards Andie like she is a small child.

“Oh, kitten,” Audrey says sympathetically with a small shake of her head, “this is not the path to take to true love. Give the poor guy a break. At least meet him half way. What’s the worst that could happen?”

Andie moans. “Finding out he doesn’t feel the same for me,” she confesses, defeated, sitting back on the bed. Audrey sits by her again.

“What makes you think he might not feel the same for you?” she asks kindly.

“Because he has been nice and sweet and…absolutely wonderful to me. Funny, caring… but that’s Pacey for you, always the charmer. So maybe…maybe I misinterpreted the signs. And if I did, I’d prefer not to find out”.

Audrey laughs.

“Oh yeah, so old good Pacey can be all that, and no, it’s never an accident or a misunderstanding. So if he has been…‘charming’ you, as you say, I am sure there is a reason for it; he fancies you.”

Andie sighs, realizing that Audrey might be right.

“Okay, but not right now, I’m still just…processing…everything. And I…I want to know what he’s thinking…first.”

“Well, don’t wait too long. I’m sure the guy is suffering right about now, his jockey shorts all in a bunch, although suffering is good for a guy, sometimes, I think,” Audrey says with a cute smile, confident and enjoying the superiority of women. “Oh, but this is so cute anyway,” she jokes, beginning to teasingly chant a favorite childhood taunt; “Two little love birds, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G…”

Andie mock punches Audrey in the arm.

“Ow!” Audrey protests with a laugh, then starts running around the room and jumping on the beds in delightful abandon, singing at the top of her lungs.

“First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes Baby Pacey in a ba-by carriage…” Audrey singsongs zestfully, sticking her tongue out at Andie.

“Oh please. Aren’t you a little old for that?” Andie seems to be admonishing her. Then she laughs. “You are so dead!” Andie squeals, chasing Audrey around the room, laughing as they jump on the beds like children, the angst of true love forgotten in the friendship of the moment.

Finally, the two of them collapse on the beds, giggling, but soon they become quiet again, looking at the ceiling, each lost in their own thoughts.

That is, until Audrey speaks again.

“So I guess I’ll just have to manage that hot waiter and every other single slab of beefcake around here all by myself.”

Andie laughs.

Saturday, Las Vegas, 5 p.m.

It has been a long day, and it isn’t over yet.

After the first meeting of the judging panel, the festival began around midday. After a couple of movies, the judges had lunch together and then viewed two more films. Everyone’s now enjoying some free time in the festival program, which is why the whole gang is strolling together down the sidewalk past some of the hotels, looking around at the lights and people and facades, chatting and being typical tourists. Everyone is having a great time.

They stop to admire a hotel built to look like a Mayan Indian temple. Nearby, in front of a sleek hotel, is a large mock-up of a volcano that starts spewing smoke and “lava”. They all laugh and are suitably impressed, enjoying their Las Vegas experience.

Samantha stops and consults a brochure she is holding.

“This is the Mirage. It has an atrium filled with tropical plants, and a dolphin pond.” She is quiet a moment, reading.

“Oh, listen to this one!” Audrey, who was reading over her shoulder, exclaims. “With its Tournament of Kings, Fantasy Faire midway and whimsical performers,” she reads out loud, “the Excalibur panders to the child in all of us.”She looks up excited. “Oohhh, I want to go there. It says it has Arthurian touches, a castle…. and Yorkshire pudding, and two medieval wedding chapels! How cool is that??!? “

“Arthurian touches?” Dawson asks amused, raising his eyebrows in fun at Audrey.

“Laugh all you want, movie man, but the inner child in me is dancing for joy.”

“And here I thought you were all about rock musicians and Beverly Hills boy toys,” Dawson teases.

“Hey, whatever, wherever, dress ‘em in doublets or dungarees. If they’re cute, I’m on it. But hey, this isn’t about the guys. It’s about getting in touch with our inner child. There is a tall tower and a circus somewhere around here too. This is better than Disneyland!”

“Speaking of our inner child…” Todd says, spying a woman with large breasts, “this place could satisfy any boy’s fantasies.”

Audrey swats him on the head. “Keep it clean you perv. You’re in the company of ladies!” she declares only partly joking.

“Ow! That hurt!” Todd complains, rubbing his head a little. “But I kind of liked it,” he smiles wickedly at Audrey. “Can I have some more please?”

“You are such a perv,” Audrey states annoyed but also amused, with a tone of obvious affection.

“Hey you two, get a room!” Ethan laughs.

“Been there, done that,” Audrey sniffs.

“Oh,” is all that Ethan can say, caught off guard. Samantha laughs at his reaction.

“Lucky lady,” Todd jokes, making Audrey smile. “I’m not the worst bloke in the sack,” he adds, giving Andie a suggestive look. Andie sees it and looks a little shocked, then nods her head slightly, secretly amused, but acting as if she hadn’t seen it at all.

Audrey raises her hand out flat in front of her and toggles it.“So-so,” she says with a straight face, referring to Todd’s “technique”, trying to get a rise out of Todd, and everybody laughs. Well, almost everyone. Pacey shoots Todd an annoyed look and Dawson notices the unhappiness on Pacey’s face.

“It’s been over five years, love. Maybe your memory is a little rusty. I think what you need is a refresher course,” Todd suggests, wiggling his eyebrows.

“Maybe you two need to be hosed down”, Pacey grouses.

“Why don’t you read more about the hotels? “ Dawson hastily interjects, walking over to peer at Audrey’s brochure, sensing trouble brewing.

“I know there is also a hotel built inside to look like an Egyptian pyramid, and I’d like to see the circus too,” Andie comments.

“That sounds like something Pacey would like”, Joey adds. “We all know he has a monster inner child,” she smiles, giving Pacey a playful poke in the chest. Pacey finally relaxes and grins, ignoring Todd.

Pacey then notices Andie smiling at him, and he tentatively smiles back at her, catching her eye, but the moment is broken when the whole group starts walking and chatting some more.

“What I’d like to know is, where are all the gaudy lights?” Samantha asks, looking around at all the beautiful themed hotels and other modern buildings lining the boulevard.

“Pretty much gone the way of the dinosaur, my little chickadee,” Todd answers. “Back when I was a randy young chap, this place was full of debauchery, no kiddies allowed. But now it is practically a family-friendly theme park,” he scoffs, looking a little disgusted. Everyone laughs. “Not all change is good,” Todd grumbles.

“Somebody’s age is showing,” Dawson teases.

Todd can’t help but smile at that.

“It’s all in the mind, anyway,” Todd adds, ogling another pretty woman. “Age is all relative”.

“Todd, I think you are ageless,” Dawson comments with a smile. “You never change”.

“Well, I hate to interrupt this Zen moment, but we’re getting near the next movie venue,” Joey suddenly says, noticing a sleek modern hotel up ahead of them. They all stop while Dawson consults a printed schedule.

“Okay, it says here that the independent young artist’s film “Demon Dementia’ is playing next in the main conference room of the new Sandpiper hotel at 7:00 PM,” Dawson consults the paper in his hand. He lifts his wrist and checks his watch. “That gives us about half an hour to grab a snack and get to the hotel for the movie, assuming that that is the hotel up ahead. We can get a late night dinner afterwards, if anybody’s still hungry. It’ll only be about 8:30, and that is still early for sin city. Las Vegas never sleeps!”

Audrey pouts. “I wanna see the Excalibur. I’ve already seen four movies,” she says sticking her bottom lip out like a child, “in four different places!”

“We can all go to the hotel after the movie,” Dawson says patiently, like a good parent, amused.

“That’s right, Audrey, we’re here to support our friend Dawson, and give him wise counsel and advise and all that rot so that he doesn’t make a fool of himself and muck up his first time being a judge and all that,” Todd announces. “Wouldn’t want the guy to fall flat on his face or anything, be the laughingstock of the entire film festival. Or whatnot.”

Dawson eyes Todd with amusement.

“Thanks for the vote of confidence” he says dryly. “Nothing like knowing that my mentor has limitless faith in me,” he deadpans.

Todd snorts. “Mentor, is it? That time has long come and gone. Do you notice who is a judge at this here shebang? Not Todd Carr, who’s got more videos and movies under his belt than anyone else here, I’d wager. No, the youth of America are taking over tinsel town. No respect for experience.”

“I couldn’t have done it without you,” Dawson says sincerely.

“Yeah, well, right then,” Todd says after a moment, thrown off his train of thought by the realization that he has just been complimented. He subsides into silence.

Joey glances at Dawson with pride and amusement. “You always know how to handle people,” she whispers to him with a smile.

“Practice,” Dawson smiles back warmly and the two hold their gaze, lost in each other for a brief moment.

“So what’s this movie about?” Andie suddenly asks nervously, seeing Pacey trying to edge closer to her. “Is it a scary movie? Because I’m not so good with scary movies”.

“Pacey’ll hold your hand,” Joey says amiably with a joking smile, causing Andie to flush uncomfortably.

Joey notices and raises her eyebrows in silent inquiry, but Andie just shakes her head a little to pass off the moment. Joey gives her a brow-furrowed ‘what’s up?’ questioning look.

Dawson, who has not noticed this exchange, glances at his program schedule again.

“Well, it says that it is a retro film noir with comic overtones. It is supposed to be scary, funny, thought-provoking and life-altering, according to one supporter at least.”

“Yeah, the filmmaker’s mother,” Pacey quips, and everyone laughs.

“Don’t count out the mothers, God bless ‘em” Todd says with uncharacteristic sincerity. “More than one aspiring filmmaker got to where he is now because of the support of his mum.”Everyone looks at Todd, a little surprised, then at Dawson, thinking of Gale. “And fathers too,” Todd adds softly, bringing Mitch into everyone’s mind. Dawson looks down for a moment in silent thought, and then lifts his head with a smile.

“Yeah, my parents were the best,” he says simply.“And my friends too,” he adds, looking around with pleasure everyone.

“Mind you, Dawson here has yet to make his own movie,” Todd suddenly reminds everyone cheekily. “I should be the judge here, not him. True he may have a leg up on television, but when it comes to filmmaking, he is still a bridesmaid and not a bride, as it were.Professionally speaking. Creek Daze was great for a nineteen year old, but it was an amateur film, and let’s face it, Dawson’s in the big leagues now and he needs to bust his chops like every other new filmmaker.”

“He’s more than just an amateur filmmaker,” Joey protests with spirit, taking Dawson’s arm protectively. “Why, he’s helped Spielberg with both a hit TV show, of considerable sophistication I might add, as well as movies, and he’s just about the most talented, fabulous filmmaker around and Spielberg couldn’t have done it without him and really, who are you anyway?” Joey asks heatedly. “Just a B-movie director and tacky music video maker, just one step up from a porno….”Suddenly Joey stops her rant, realizing that everyone is grinning at her. Soon Pacey starts to snigger and then everyone bursts out laughing.

“Oh my gosh, Joey, you are such a Dawson groupie,” Audrey squeals, laughing and rolling her eyes.

“Go get ‘em tiger,” Ethan teases.

“That’s the Joey we all know and love,” Pacey adds, smiling broadly.

Joey blushes and hides her face a moment in Dawson’s chest. He smiles and kisses the top of her head.

“Leave her alone or you’ll all have to face me,” Dawson menaces with a smile showing how proud he is of Joey’s passionate defense.

Joey looks up a little abashed.

“Yes, it’s true. What can I say? I’m his number one fan. I’m not only proud of him, but proud to be with him, and if someone has a problem with it, then bite me,” she says challengingly, lifting up her chin, smiling.

“Just the way it should be,” Todd pronounces, unperturbed. “I like your lady, Leery. She’s got spunk and loyalty, two things you are definitely going to need. You’re a lucky guy.”

“Don’t I know it,” Dawson smiles, giving Joey a gentle squeeze.

“Oh look, pizza!”Andie suddenly exclaims, spotting a pizza parlor. “I love pizza. Let’s each grab a slice before the movie starts. I’m starved!”

As the group heads off toward the pizza parlor, we hear Pacey jokingly complaining to Joey.

“How come you never stood up for me like that?” he asks with a slight teasing whine.

Joey rolls her eyes. “You don’t know…” she groans.

“’Cause you aren’t Dawson, you dimwit,” Audrey scoffs humorously.

“Thanks ladies; you really know how to hurt a guy…”

The sounds fade as Dawson holds open the door and they all disappear into the pizza parlor, laughing and joking.

Las Vegas, 9 p.m.

The whole group, except Todd, is now gathered at a casual restaurant eating turkey and roast beef sandwiches, French fries and other snack food. They have just come out of watching the film, and everyone is animated.

“Well it is just me or does it seems like all we do is watch movies and eat and then go back to watching movies and then go back to eat?” Audrey comments.

“Yeah, not so different to my usual weekend plans when I was a teenager,” Samantha says, grabbing some pizza from Pacey.

“Okay guys, seven films down for me and two to go tomorrow,” Dawson says. “You’re lucky you don’t have to watch all of them like I do. I’m going to be busy all day tomorrow with more films and the convention while the rest of you get to loaf around like tourists.”

“I’m down with that bro,” Pacey quips with a laugh.

“Yeah, I could use a little R and R,” Audrey mock complains. “This film critiquing is hard work!”

“Speaking of film critiquing, what did you guys think of Demon Dementia?” Dawson inquires.

“I thought I was going to pee my pants when that ghoul came out from behind the door!” Andie exclaims, laughing, talking and eating enthusiastically all at the same time.

“Yeah, I saw you grab Pacey’s leg,” Joey laughs and Andie just looks embarrassed, while Pacey tries to hide his smile. “I thought I was the only one who was a scaredy-cat.”

“Oh no, I never go to scary movies,” Andie says seriously, shaking her head, “at least, not if I can help it.”

Pacey gives her a soft look, bordering on tender. “It gives her nightmares and wakes her up at two in the morning,” he says softly, remembering and knowing his Andie, before he can even realize he is saying it out loud and which such a gentle tone in his voice.

Everybody is silent and Andie looks at Pacey quickly, surprised that he would remember. She briefly flushes with pleasure but then looks away. Pacey goes back to his food.

“But how crazy was it when he started spouting Shakespeare!” Ethan quickly adds to break the evident tension. “I’m sorry, Dawson, but I couldn’t help but laugh,” he says smiling and shaking his head. “Some of the esoteric idiosyncrasies of young creative filmmakers are lost on me, I guess.”

“That’s okay, Ethan. Not every film is for every person,” Dawson assures him. “Besides, a lot of these films were made by filmmakers willing to take creative risks, something I haven’t really done yet myself.”

“But you will,” Joey says with confidence, remembering their conversation earlier in their room and slipping her hand into his with a smile. Dawson smiles back at her and kisses her hand.

“Oh, I thought it was really existential…., weird and funny and scary, speaking to man’s, or ghoul’s- inner struggle for individuality in a world requiring conformity. I thought it spoke to the insecurities and self-pride of all people, and the comparison to Hamlet was inspired. It was all quite funny and quite…deep, considering…”

Audrey stops abruptly, noticing everyone staring at her like she is alien Audrey.

“What? You don’t think I have a brain behind this gorgeous package? I may be a bimbo but I’m one smart bimbo. I didn’t get into Worthington just on my stunning good looks!” Audrey says with smug pleasure at her friends’ astonishment.“Just don’t tell anyone,” she commands, casually stuffing French fries into her mouth, “I wouldn’t want to ruin my reputation”.

“So I take it you liked the film,” Dawson says with a smile tugging at his lips.

“Sure, it rocked,” Audrey says with a twinkle in her eye. “It was a cool flick with totally awesome dudes in it. Plus, the subtext wasn’t half bad.”

Everyone starts laughing.

“So what’s everyone’s favorite film so far?”Dawson asks after the laughter subsides.

“The one about the lost dog,” Pacey offers. “You should vote for that one man, it brought a tear to my eye,” Pacey says comically, putting his hand on his chest, smiling when he sees he made Andie giggle.

“No, no, the one about the dancer who falls in love with her instructor. Romances always make me weepy,” Andie says perkily.

“So, so far I have two votes for movies that made you cry,” Dawson laughs. “Anyone else?”

“I liked the one about the people trying to save their town,” Joey says quietly. “A little derivative, I know, it’s been done a thousand times before, but I can’t help it, I still really liked it.”

“That’s okay Joey. Even if a subject has been done a thousand times before, if it makes you look at something in a new or different way, or makes you feel an emotion you didn’t expect to feel, then the movie isn’t really derivative after all,” Dawson pauses thoughtfully. “Besides, isn’t almost everything derivative of something? Love, hate, lust, envy, pride, shame. Everything goes back to basic human emotions after all. So in a sense, everything is derivative. The question is, is it derivative in a new and fresh way? Or is it just a plain old version of an overworked theme?Something I find myself asking a lot, actually.”

“Dawson, your films are not and could never be plain versions of overworked themes,” Samantha encourages her old boss and now friend.

“Not if they come from your heart,” Joey says in a low and sweet voice, the one she saves for him.

“Tell that to my critics,” Dawson smiles ruefully. “Not everyone is in love with my work.”

“Not every film, or television show for that matter, is for every person” Pacey states with comic dignity. <beat> “Just quoting a brilliant filmmaker I know,” he twinkles.

Dawson chuckles.

“Yeah, well, I guess I could listen to my own advice once in a while. Thanks Pace.”

“Don’t mention it, man. You have a boatload of talent and if some critics can’t see it, then to hell with ‘em!”

Andie raises her glass of root beer, “To hell with critics!”She declares enthusiastically.

Everyone raises their soda glasses in response.

“To hell with critics!” they cheer loudly, clinking their glasses together in a spirited “toast”.

“You do realize that for this weekend at least, I am, basically, a critic,” Dawson comments humorously.

“To hell with critics except for Dawson Leery!” Andie cheers after a moment, but the joke is too corny and everyone just smiles with tolerant affection at her, except for Pacey, who looks smitten.

“Oh well, I tried,” Andie smiles and shrugs ruefully, her good humor intact.

“So, which one has been your favorite film Dawson?” Sam asks him.

Dawson hesitates.

“Well, I’m not really supposed to say. Being a judge does have some responsibility…”

“Oh, like, you wouldn’t want to be overly influenced by our opinions, you mean?” Audrey asks.

“Something like that.”

“Speaking of being overly influenced, wasn’t that one of the young female filmmakers practically throwing herself at you this afternoon in the theater? Talk about trying to influence your opinion…” Pacey laughs. “That definitely is one unpublished perk to being a judge,” he smirks.

Joey frowns. “Dawson would never judge anyone’s film based on their looks or youth,” she says a little primly. “Filmmaking is a pure and honest art to him, isn’t it Dawson?”

“Yeah, as pure as your love was for him,” Pacey says good-naturedly under his breath, and luckily for him, Joey doesn’t hear the little barb. Andie does though, and she looks worried and a little upset.

Ethan begins to laugh heartily. “Get real, Joey, you’re talking about Hollywood. I doubt anything is pure and honest when you are talking about making commercial films, independent films or not. Aren’t I right, Dawson?”

The two guys, Pacey and Ethan, look at Dawson for confirmation.

“Dawson would never think that,” Joey insists, a little defensively, “right Dawson?”

The four girls, Andie, Sam, Audrey and Joey turn to look at him too.

Dawson’s eyes twinkle a little.

“If you say so….,” he teases, trying to smother a grin.

“Ha! I knew it”, Pacey whoops. “Face it Potter. Your innocent little filmmaker has grown up, and about time too!”

Joey just rolls her eyes.

“You men!” she scoffs a little. “You better not let anyone try to buy your votes, especially if they’re girls!” she commands Dawson, mostly teasing but also serious too.

Dawson grins. “Not a chance!”

“Well, maybe the next Julia Roberts or Cameron Diaz,” Pacey jokes. “They’d be worth corrupting one’s morals for,” Pacey taunts.

Joey narrows her eyes in a glare at Pacey and throws a French fry at him.

“Hey!” Pacey laughs. “I’m only speaking the truth!”

Dawson reaches over and grabs a French fry off Joey’s plate and lets it fly too. The next French fry bomb comes from Andie, and soon they are all laughing as Pacey raises his arms to ward off a few more extra fries for good measure.

“You guys are too much,” he chuckles, wiping squashed potato and ketchup off his shirt. “This was a new shirt,” he mock complains, and everyone grabs another French fry as if to begin another barrage but they are only teasing. Everyone laughs some more when Pacey throws up his arms again.

“Well, if this little meeting of the Capeside critics is over, we better go find Todd and pull him out of whatever den of iniquity he has found for himself,”Dawson says when they are done laughing and have attempted to clean up their mess. “Also, I believe I owe Audrey a tour of the Excalibur, as promised.”

“Oh, goodie!” Audrey exclaims with delight. “No offense, Dawson, but the attraction of unknown filmmakers is fast losing out to the attractions of Las Vegas, at least for me. I’m ready to party!Who else is with me?”

“Me!” Samantha says enthusiastically, jumping up from her chair.

“I could go for some medieval madness myself,” Pacey comments, his eyes not leaving Andie, who also seems anxious to have some fun.

Joey looks at Dawson. “Dawson, aren’t you tired? I think we should go to the hotel and have some sleep. Remember you still have that meeting with the convention committee tomorrow.”

“Oh you two, you are just like an old married couple!”Audrey teasingly scoffs at them.

Dawson and Joey’s eyes fly to each other and they can’t help but smile a little secret smile at each other. Yeah, they were at least for 50 years once in another lifetime, weren’t they?

“Well, I guess I wouldn’t mind seeing a medieval wedding chapel,” Joey says demurely, after breaking her gaze with Dawson.

“Good, let’s go then,” Ethan says, standing up and everybody else follows suit.

Dawson helps Joey out of her chair, giving her a slightly quizzical look, but Joey just smiles as they all leave the restaurant, laughing and joking, on their way to a night in Las Vegas.

(A montage of images of Las Vegas)

Pass the midnight, Dawson and Joey’s hotel room.

The light is low, everything is silent. We see a door open and Dawson and Joey entering the room, Dawson’s arm over Joey’s shoulder, and her arm around his waist.

“So, that was an unexpectedly fun night,” Joey comments with a big grin, reaching up to take a circle of flowers from her hair.

Dawson closes the door and watches her with pleasure. Her form is enhanced by a flowing long skirt, a low-cut fitted bodice and an upswept hairdo; some medieval style costuming.

“Yes, I never thought I’d ever see you as a wench. You look quite fetching!” Dawson teases.

“I’m not a wench!” Joey protests cutely.

“Okay then, a medieval lady,” Dawson amends, dropping a quick kiss on Joey’s neck. “And a lovely one at that.”

Joey smiles, mollified.

“That’s better,” she teases.Then she grins. “We must be getting old to let a bunch of girls talk us into this silliness,” she says regarding Dawson’s form with amusement.

He is wearing a red silk doublet and a green Robin Hood hat, looking very medieval as well. Dawson chuckles, taking off the comical hat.

“I know, who would have thought that two people too cynical to go to a school dance would be having fun playing dress up when they’re closer to their thirties than their twenties!”

A pleased expression crosses Joey’s face.

“People change,” she says simply.

“Yeah, but let’s not make a habit of this,” Dawson jokes, unbuttoning the silk vest and tossing it aside. “I’d hate to think that all the time we’ve spent in intellectual deconstruction was all just a waste.”

Joey laughs and goes to him, slipping her arms around him.

“Nothing we did in high school was a waste if it means us being here together now,” she says gently, her face glowing with a soft happiness. “Besides, we’ll always have a little cynicism deep within us, its part of who we are, what makes us…us”.

“Joey and Dawson”, Dawson murmurs.

“Dawson and Joey”, Joey says with a smile. “And we’ll always be Dawson and Joey,” she adds softly as she lowers her eyes to his lips, approaching them slowly.

Dawson also stares at her lips, and they both smile and kiss. Briefly at first, then Joey throws her arms around him and their shared chuckles are muffled but their increasingly deep kisses.

The hall outside Dawson and Joey’s room, in the hotel.

Andie and Pacey are lingering in the hallway near Pacey’s room, chatting a little awkwardly like two people on a first date. They both have medieval touches to their clothes as well.

“So Pacey, thanks for showing me the roulette wheel, and the craps table. I’ve never gambled before, it was a lot of fun,” Andie says, a little nervous, but sincere.

“No problem, my pleasure milady,” he bows and Andie can’t help but smile. “You are blessed with good luck. Lady Luck definitely smiles down on you,” Pacey smiles warmly.

Andie smiles back.

“Thanks for blowing on my dice. I’m sure if I had any luck it came from you,” she says, then blushes a little thinking that she sounds silly, fourteen. Pacey doesn’t seem to notice, or mind.

“My pleasure,” he says again, obviously meaning it.

After a moment, their smiles fade. They look at each other, each with something on their mind but hesitant to bring it up.

“Look Pacey…”

“Andie there’s something I…”

They both speak at exactly the same time. They stop talking and laugh a little nervously.

“About the other week… Andie, I just wanted to say that…,” Pacey clears his throat, a little nervous. “Look Andie, you and I should…um…talk…,” Pacey says hesitantly.

“….Yes, talk…,” Andie nods.

“… About the thing…”

“…Right, the thing...that day…”

“…At the courthouse, you know….uh…the kiss…we should talk about it,” Pacey suggests, still a little apprehensive.

“Okay,” Andie nods her head vigorously.

Just then, two slightly intoxicated guests come out of the elevator and stumble merrily down the hall, singing and laughing, almost bumping into Pacey, who shoots them an annoyed look.

At that very same moment Dawson opens a door near the pair, and is startled to see them standing there.

“Hey you two,” he greets smiling.

“Hey man,” Pacey says, his mind suddenly blank.

Joey peaks out from behind Dawson, looking at the intoxicated couple who is barely making it to their room at the end of the hall, then to Pacey and Andie. For a moment none of them say anything.

“Our breakfast. For tomorrow,” Joey finally says, pointing to the room service menu card that Dawson is hanging on the door.

“Good idea. I will probably do the same when I get to my room,” Andie agrees.

Silence again.

“Oookay, night,” Dawson says, nodding his head, his brows raised at the oddness of the moment.

“Umm…night”, Joey echoes as she disappears after him and closes the door.

“But maybe now is not such a good time,” Pacey amends, looking uncomfortable. “It’s late and Todd will be back any minute, and with all these people….” he says a little put out as a few more people start walking down the hall.

“Yes, it is pretty busy here,” Andie agrees and laughs nervously, looking around. “It seems like someone is having a party.”

“But hey, tomorrow would be good, sometime tomorrow…no rush,” Pacey says, trying to sound upbeat and casual.

“Right, no rush,” Andie agrees, looking both disappointed and relieved at the same time.

“So then, I’ll see you tomorrow, and we’ll talk…”

“Okay, good night Pacey,” Andie says, and Pacey, after a moment of hesitation, leans over and gives her a quick and slightly awkward kiss on the cheek.

He looks at her deeply for a moment, wanting to say something else, but he doesn’t. He reaches up and gently tugs a ribbon tied in her hair.

“Goodnight Andie,” he says softly after a moment.

“Goodnight Pacey,” Andie says finally, quietly. Breaking their gaze, she walks down the hall toward her room.

Pacey watches her go, regret and frustration on his face. He opens the door to his hotel room and enters. After shutting the door behind him, he begins to gently bang his forehead on the door.

“Stupid, stupid, stupid, Pacey,” he quietly berates himself, then presses his face and hands against the door in an agony of longing and uncertainty. “You are one messed up guy, Pacey Witter,” he says to himself with gentle derision. “You can’t even tell the woman you love that you are crazy about her.”

Dawson and Joey’s hotel room. 

“So, what’s going on with Andie and Pacey?” Dawson asks Joey as she closes the door. “I’d have thought after that burning kiss at the courthouse that they’d be all over each other, but they aren’t. Not only are they not all over each other, but that was totally awkward out there, just as it was for the whole day anytime they were near each other. Pacey mentioned it on the phone last week, but I thought he was just exaggerating. I’ll have to talk to him sometime before we leave Vegas.”

“I don’t know,” Joey says pensively, walking into the room and turning around, indicating to Dawson that he take the pins and ribbons out of her hair, which he starts to do. “I am so out of the loop, I don’t know what’s going on with any of them,” she says with a sigh. “We’ve been so busy with the trial and then at work and then getting ready to come to this convention that I haven’t had much time to talk,” Joey finishes a little regretfully.

“Well, you’ll have plenty of time tomorrow,” Dawson assures her, taking out the last of the ribbons entwined in Joey’s hair. “Unless you want to watch some more films with me…?” he teases.

“No, I’ve seen quite enough,” Joey laughs, shaking out her long hair and turning to face Dawson, smiling.

Dawson looks at her tumbling hair, smiling face and lovely figure in her long skirt and fitted bodice.

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmurs, pulling her in for a warm kiss. Joey accepts the kiss and smiles back.

“Good!” she laughs a little immodestly, but Dawson just laughs back, knowing Joey is just teasing.

Then Joey’s face clouds a little, thinking of something else.

“Speaking of being out of the loop, did you know that Audrey is abandoning her singing career?”She asks Dawson, concerned.

Dawson regards Joey with surprise. “Where did you hear that?”

“Audrey told Andie, and Andie told me at the restaurant today when we went to the bathroom,” Joey explains. “I can’t believe I had to hear it from Andie. I’ll definitely have to talk to Audrey about this tomorrow,” Joey states emphatically.

Then her face looks thoughtful. She looks at Dawson with a clever and slightly sly expression.

“Although maybe…maybe we can make her change her mind?” she asks, an idea forming in her head.

“Uh oh, I know that look! You’re up to something.”

Joey grins broadly. “I certainly hope so!”

Meanwhile, in the bar of the hotel.

Audrey is sitting at the bar. Instead of a wall, the bar has crystal from which the city can be viewed.Audrey is sitting there, looking out at the night lights and city view, quiet and pensive.

We see Todd entering the hotel and heading to the bar with a happy smile on his face, his head in the clouds when he spots Audrey. He walks to her.

“Hey, love, what are you doing out here all by yourself?”Todd asks kindly. He sits on the stool next to Audrey and looks at her, relaxed and friendly.

“Just thinking,” Audrey replies. “I do that from time to time,” she says with a small smile, glancing at Todd.

“Thinking is good…in moderation,” Todd teases gently. “What’s up?”

Audrey shakes her head. “Nothing.”

“Why the face then?” Todd queries. He likes Audrey. They’re not real friends, but he likes her just the same and if he can do something to make her feel better, he will. Listening usually helps. “Come on, tell Uncle Todd,” he jokes, and Audrey looks at him for a moment to see if he is being sincere.

She concludes that he is. She sighs.

“Just thinking how crappy my life has been recently, aside from my friends of course, and how much I suck at being a professional singer. Sure, I can carry a tune and all, but it just isn’t happening for me. I was getting no one to represent me, and I was starting not to care, and I guess I am just too old. I’ve decided it’s time to move on. So by this time next month, I’ll be working in an office for a major production company, and I’ve never worn a suit in my life, well, maybe once, and I’m not sure I made the right decision,” she laughs a little bitterly. “God, am I crazy or what?” Audrey asks, turning to look at Todd.

“Do you really want me to answer that question?” Todd asks teasingly to lighten the mood.

Audrey gently punches Todd in the arm.

“I don’t know why I’m telling you this,” she says, shaking her head in bemusement.

“Because it is true what they say; it is easier to confide in someone you hardly know.”

“Yeah, I guess it’s because of that,” she shrugs her shoulders.

“You say you’re too old to make it as a singer, which I disagree with, but I know what you mean. All they look for now are young, pretty faces no older than 18. But look at me. I am the one who is getting old and I am still here, waiting for something to happen. And look at Dawson. Don’t misunderstand me, I am happy for him and damn, I am proud of him. But well…it’s been him, not me. And I know my limitations. I guess I’ll never be anything else than what I am now. But you’re young, love. Your life is full of possibilities.”

They smile at each other and Audrey is silent for a moment.

“Did you ever feel like everything you once knew isn’t really real?And that everything you are going to know is the only thing that matters?” Audrey asks a little wistfully.

“As if you are living a life that is not really your life?”

Audrey thinks about it.

“Yeah,” she nods.

“And you’re afraid you’ll never find your place? Your calling?”

“Yeah.”

Todd lifts up his arm and puts it around Audrey companionably.

“All the time love, all the time.”

Back at Dawson and Joey’s hotel room.

Dawson and Joey are getting ready for bed.

“So, according to Audrey, we’re becoming like an old, boring, married couple,” Dawson says with humor, stripping off his shirt and putting on a loose tee-shirt. “Nary has a cross word come between us.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t worry about that,” Joey smiles, starting to unlace her medieval blouse. “I don’t think we’d ever be boring, as long as we’re together.” She thinks for a moment, “besides, I’d make sure that we’d do plenty of things to keep our marriage interesting…including a few well-placed arguments if need be. No chance for us to sink into yawn-city.”

“Is that a hint?”

Joey looks up from untying her laces. “About marriage? No, I am perfectly happy being single and free,” Joey says blithely with a broad smile, lifting her right hand from the laces and wriggling her bare fingers in the air. “I don’t need any man to make me happy,” she sniffs.

Dawson regards her for a moment as he puts his pajamas on; a sleeping tee-shirt with a pair of cotton pajama bottoms.

“Liar,” he says in a loving tone.

Joey smiles and makes a funny face, playfully sticking her tongue out at him as she also gets ready for bed in a little sleep shirt and shorts.

Dawson laughs and turns down the bed while Joey is hangs up her costume.

“Okay, smart guy,” Joey says cutely, coming over to him and putting her arms lightly around his waist as he unfastens his watch, “I guess there might just be one very special man that I can’t live without…someone who makes me very, very happy“, she says sweetly before kissing Dawson softly, through her smile. Unexpectedly, Dawson catches her and throws her to the bed, making her squeal and laugh. He positions himself half above her, half by her side. Joey tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear and smiles at him.

 “So, guess where I found Todd tonight?” Dawson asks casually, caressing Joey’s cheek.

Joey looks at him with a humorous expression on her face.

“Don’t tell me, let me guess. The bar? A brothel, or at least Vegas’ version of one?” she pauses, thinking. “No, I know,” she says, snapping her fingers, “a showgirl’s dressing room.”

“Nope, none of the above, actually,” Dawson says with a bemused smile. “He was in a cozy corner of a hotel restaurant, having tea with an Irish news reporter. A journalist in fact, from the BBC. They were talking about Rugby and the price of beef in the UK, believe it or not.”

Joey looks quizzical, smiling uncertainly. “That doesn’t sound like Todd,” she ventures.

“I know, and get this. He was with a female journalist, a little younger but definitely no Barbie.”

Joey’s eyebrows shoot up. “That really doesn’t sound like Todd! His usual taste in women runs more to those very young and suffering from acute brain-cell deficiency,” Joey smiles crookedly, not entirely joking. “Not including Audrey of course,” she adds quickly.

“Of course,” Dawson agrees, amused. “She looked nice though, the woman,” Dawson remarks thoughtfully after a moment.

“Looks can be deceiving, as we all know,” Joey states. “What was she wearing?”

“What difference does that make?” Dawson asks, slightly puzzled.

“It makes all the difference in the world, Dawson,” Joey says, rolling her eyes, in a feminine “men-don’t know-anything” tone of voice. She gets up from the bed and picks up her toothbrush, heading to the bathroom. “Was she wearing something short and hot? Or more conservative?” she asks over her shoulder on her way in.

“Conservative, but sexy,” Dawson answers after a moment of reflection, leaning on his back. “Classy. The kind of woman I could only hope to be date if I were a single, sullen, disenfranchised

movie-man fast approaching forty,” Dawson jokes, placing himself on the bed so he can look at Joey.

“Perish the thought,” Joey laughs out loud from the bathroom. She peeks out from around the doorway, toothpaste in hand. “You, Dawson Leery, will definitely be married,” she says with certainty, giving him a playful narrowed-eyed look and shaking the toothpaste tube at him. “And quite well, I might add,” Joey grins impishly smug and happy.

Dawson grins back, “Is that your prediction?”

Joey shrugs. “I don’t need to predict when I know something to be true,” she says simply, returning to the bathroom.

“Well, I like the way you predict. My own private fortune teller,” Dawson teases back happily.

“Well, then I predict a tall dark woman in your future,” Joey says sassily, and Dawson chuckles.

“So, what about Todd and this woman?” Joey asks from the bathroom after a moment. “It sounds like maybe he’s just homesick,” she says thoughtfully, as she turns on the tap water and starts to brush her teeth. “Either that, or the world as we know it has ceased to exist,” she quips.

“That’s what I thought too,” Dawson says seriously, “about the homesick part, not the end of the world part,” he grins a little. “But then I remembered something he told me once…” Dawson hesitates.

“Well? I’m listening,” Joey calls out mush-mouthed from the bathroom.

“I’m not sure I should say…. He might have told me in confidence,” Dawson finally admits. “He was a little toasted….”

Joey sticks her head out of the bathroom, her closed lips full of frothy toothpaste lather. She glares at him for a moment with a serial-comic ‘talk or die’ look on her face.

Dawson laughs shortly, “Okay, okay, I’ll talk,” he chuckles, capitulating.

“Good,” Joey mumbles through the foam with a victorious bubble-tinged smile, popping back into the bathroom.

Dawson lies down on the bed, stretched out with his hands behind his head, relaxed, a familiar position. He looks pensive, he is thinking. Then he starts talking.

“Well, when he was a young man in England, he apparently had quite a crush on a certain high-class young woman, and followed her all over the country, trying to woo her. But she wasn’t too keen on the long-haired musician type, so she just kind of blew him off. So he cut his hair short and got a job, a real nine-to-five office job, in the hopes of impressing her.”

The sound of running water stops in the bathroom, and Joey comes out, teeth brushed. She looks a little surprised by what Dawson has been saying. She moves some clothes from an easy chair and sits, quietly listening.

“But she still wasn’t impressed,” Dawson continues quietly. “Even though he wouldn’t admit it in a million years, I think Todd was actually quite devastated. So he bailed on the UK and came to the US, grew his hair long and got involved with the film industry…in one way or another…and the rest is history, his wicked ways and women and all,” Dawson smiles wryly.

“I don’t know whether to be sad for Todd or happy for the woman,” Joey half jokes.

“Yeah, I know,” Dawson says reflectively, looking at the ceiling. Then his gaze returns to Joey, “he wrote her poetry,” he says, voice quiet and serious.

Joey’s eyebrows shoot up at that.

“Well, well, that is a surprise. Don’t tell me that the profane but charming woman-chasing Todd Carr actually has something in common with my favorite filmmaker. Way down deep inside, you’re both romantics,” Joey smiles. “Well, deeper for Todd than you,” she adds. “Way, way deeper,” she says humorously lowering her voice. “Anyone who knows you knows that no matter how hard you try not to be, you are always going to be a romantic.”

“And I got the girl, didn’t I?” Dawson smiles.

“I prefer to think of it as two soul mates whose roads finally led back to each other,” Joey says cutely. “I am not a prize!” she throws a cushion at him.

“Yeah, well, romantic or not, Todd did have a point this evening,” Dawson grows serious. “I haven’t actually made my own film, other than Creek Daze, and that was hardly cutting edge. Sure, my documentaries took some risks…Mr. Brooks and gay parents, but still….I’ve been thinking about how the film makers here have taken risks and I really haven’t.”

“You’re only twenty six,” Joey says softly, getting up and coming to sit on the bed beside Dawson as he watches her warmly. “You have plenty of time…to take risks and not to take risks, whatever your films need to be or say when you feel the need to make them,” Joey pauses thoughtfully, “True artists can’t always control what comes out of them anyway. Your greatest gifts may not be in making films that take risks. They may just be in making films that remind us about humanity and love and give us a deeper appreciation for life and the things around us. There is certainly no shame in that. In fact, it’s one of the things I am most proud about you,” Joey says lovingly. “Besides, you don’t need to make a film about a tortured demon to be a good filmmaker or take risks,” she says cheerfully, “look at Spielberg. An extra terrestrial?The holocaust? Despite how risky those premises may have been, the movies still had heart. No matter how much you may aspire to be the next Martin Scorsese, Dawson Leery, I think your heart is still with Spielberg.”

“Would you settle for Quentin Tarantino? I really thought Pulp Fiction was amazing,” Dawson grins.

Joey shrugs and smiles. “Whatever makes you happy, movie man,” she says, leaning over to kiss his forehead.

For a few moments they just gaze warmly at each other.

Dawson gets up on one elbow, “God, I’ve really missed this Jo. Talking like this. Just having you around, being together. In case you didn’t know how great this is.”

“It is great,” Joey agrees. “I missed it too, while we were apart,” she admits before getting up from the bed to tie her hair in a low ponytail.

Dawson sits up at the edge of the bed and draws Joey closer to him.

“I really didn’t do a lot of talking with any of my…boyfriends,” Joey says softly, gently messing Dawson’s hair. “Not like this at least. Who knew that the thing I ran from in high school would be the one thing I missed most? <beat> That’s why I am so glad that Pacey and Andie are finally finding their way back to each other, they go so well together. That is, if they ever finally get around to admitting it!”

“I am sure they will,” Dawson states with assurance, before lifting up the bottom of Joey’s shirt and kissing her tummy.

Joey bites her lip thoughtfully. “It’s just odd that it is taking them so long.Pacey is usually so passionate….”

Joey’s expression changes to dismay and her eyes jump alarmed to Dawson, concerned that she might have upset him, but Dawson looks completely unworried.

“Sometimes the things most important to us take the longest to admit,” he says, only half-listening, as he keeps slowly kissing Joey’s stomach.

Joey tilts her head, regarding him quizzically, “It really doesn’t bother you to talk about Pacey?” she asks, a tone of mild disbelief in her voice.

“No, why should it?” Dawson asks calmly, looking up at her. “Look Jo,” he continues gently. “You don’t have to worry about that any more. <beat> I know who you tell your secrets to, and brush your teeth with and sleep with. I know the man you argue with, make love to and make plans with. I know who knows you most and loves you the best.” Dawson gently pushes Joey down onto his knees, looking with deep and loving eyes into her face, “and it sure as hell isn’t Pacey J. Witter!”

Joey smiles as he kisses her.

Sunday morning.

Dawson is fully dressed, leaning over a sleeping Joey. “Wake up sleepyhead,” Dawson says softly to a just-stirring Joey. “You have a big day of pool lounging and knick-knack shopping ahead of you,” he teases.

“I don’t buy knick-knacks,” Joey mumbles grumbles still half asleep.

“Tell that to the growing collection of snow-globes and candle holders in our apartment,” Dawson replies, amused.

“That’s art, not knick-knacks,” Joey says a little defensively, waking.

“Ah yes, the artist Joey,” Dawson comments with a smile. “I should have known.”

Joey sits up in bed, stretching and yawning. “Besides, shopping for souvenirs is not that easy,” she says through a yawn. “There is some talent to shopping for Alex and Lillie,” she murmurs sleepily.

“I’ll swap places with you,” Dawson playfully offers. “You can go watch films this morning and meet with the convention committee. I’ll spend the day sitting by the pool gabbing with my friends…and buying the kids tee-shirts,” he taunts.

“No, thank you,” Joey says primly. “I’ll suffer with the pool,” she deadpans.

“Or you can come to watch more films with me,” Dawson suggests a little hopefully, but mainly to tease her.

Joey gives him a morning-grouchy “you’ve-got-to-be-kidding” dirty look. “I need coffee!” she mumbles.

Dawson chuckles.

“Where oh where is that loyal girlfriend Todd so heavily praised yesterday?”

“She stayed up too late last night and needs a day by the pool gabbing with her friends,” Joey states with some vigor, getting out of bed.

“I feel so used,” Dawson jokes, definitely more of a morning person than Joey. “Thrown over for Paco the cabana boy and some watered down mai-tais. Who knew you could be bought so cheaply?” Dawson smirks.

Joey reaches over and grabs a pillow, throwing it at him with gusto. Dawson dodges but it still hits him. He laughs as she throws another pillow at him on her way to the bathroom.

Closure ceremony of the Film Festival.

Everyone filters into the decorated room where music is playing and drinks are served. Dawson gestures for Joey’s hand, leading her to the dance floor.

They start to dance and exchange a tender look as the world fades away.

Andie can’t help but smile at the sight. Pacey, studies her from the table where he was going to get drinks for both of them, but soon changes his mind. They have been avoiding their promised conversation all day, and maybe now is as a good time as any. He leaves the glasses on the table and sighs, mentally preparing himself. As he is about to turn and ask Andie for a dance, Audrey scoops him up, dragging him to the dance floor.

"I hope you have your dancing shoes on Witter," she says cheerfully.

Pacey groans quietly and glances back at Andie, but then he looks at Audrey and he can’t help but smile at her enthusiastic dancing.

After a few more moments of watching Dawson and Joey, who are still contentedly on the dance floor, lost in their own little world, Andie scans the saloon for Pacey, who had gone to get drinks. She hoped that maybe, just maybe, they could have had their talk when he returned. She can’t hide the look of disappointment on her face when she sees him with Audrey.

"Care to cut a rug, beautiful?" Todd, out of nowhere, offers Andie his arm.

"Pleasure would be all mine," she smiles politely as she slips her arm in his and they walk to the dance floor together.

Pacey watches them as they make their way to the floor and tries to act like it doesn’t bug him but it is clear that he feels a pang of jealousy.

What neither Pacey nor Andie notice is the gaze of complicity that Audrey and Todd exchange.

As hard as he tries to not look, Pacey keeps finding himself staring at the couple. In agony, he watches Todd’s hands slide down Andie’s back and then come to rest comfortably on her hips. It is almost too much for Pacey to handle. He is trying hard not to lose his cool but he’s afraid he’s not hiding it well and the more he sees, the harder it is for him not to react.

Seeing his action has had the desired effect, and noticing that Pacey is staring at them, Todd gives him a cocky grin and Pacey can only return a meek smile. Luckily for Pacey, his torture ends when a new song starts to play and they stop dancing. But then Todd leans on Andie and seems to tell her something in the ear. He watches Andie and Todd leave the dance floor, and panicking, and without saying a word, Pacey leaves Audrey’s side to follow Todd and Andie.

Audrey is very amused by Pacey’s reaction, but is able to act surprised and confused.

"Hey Witter, where’s the fire?" she yells at him but he does not respond.

After spending a few moments searching for Todd and Andie in the crowd he finally finds Todd alone at the bar getting a drink. As Pacey approaches the bar, Todd can see his efforts were not in vain.

"Loosen up Witter and have a drink. If I didn’t know any better I’d think you were jealous," Todd tries to hand Pacey a drink but he refuses.

Pacey struggles to keep his temper in check with Todd and still find Andie. He wants so desperately to talk to her. A few feet away, Pacey suddenly spots Andie talking with Dawson and Joey through the crowd.

As Pacey walks away, Todd searches for Audrey and raises his drink to her. Audrey smiles back at him.

Pacey is jealous and he is trying to process where this feeling is coming from. Sure, he knows he is in love with her again. If he ever had any doubt, it flew out the window the moment they kissed in the courthouse. But this jealous rage inside of him is taking him by surprise. Thoughts of the time Andie told him she had slept with Marc come into his mind. The feeling he has now is almost the same as back then. And he is afraid. Afraid he has lost her just like he lost her then, but now even before he had her. He takes a deep breath and tries to calm down. ‘Suave man, suave.’

Andie finds her attention driven away from the conversation when she spots Pacey approaching the group. Joey is puzzled by Andie’s sudden silence until she notices who has caught her eye. Joey nudges Dawson softly making him aware of the situation. They both understand the need to make themselves scarce.

"It’s been awhile since I’ve seen Audrey," Joey notes, "and I better make sure she stays here if we want everything to go as planned."

“Yeah, you better do that. Pacey is coming this way, so I’ll tell him about it too,” Andie assures.

“Good, I’ll go talk with the orchestra then,” Dawson says as Joey grabs his hand, pulling him away into the crowd.

"What’s shaking McPhee?" Pacey flashes the smile that always made her knees go weak.

"Hello Pacey," she replies, "I see you escaped the dancing queen’s clutches."

Pacey chuckled, "Oh, you saw that. Yeah, I did. For now," he pauses, “but I know how to keep her at bay and I know how you can help."

"How’s that?" Andie’s interest is piqued.

"Very simple, Miss McPhee. Would you dance with me?" Pacey grins as he reaches out for her hand.

She puts her hand in his.

"I guess it’s the least I can do," she smiles. “After all, you saved this damsel numerous times.”

“Or maybe you saved me,” he adds gently, and a moment passes between them before they walk to the dance floor.

Once there, it does not take long before they begin to sway softly to the music. Their bodies are pressed so closely together that it is hard to see where his body ends and hers begins. It feels good for Pacey to hold her in his arms. He realizes how much he has missed her touch. In the last months, there were so few times that he could find a legitimate excuse to be this close to her and each time he had found it hard to let her go.

A small amount of jealousy still lingers as he dances with her. Andie’s dance with Todd has robbed Pacey of precious time with her, time that they should have had to talk about their relationship.

"I see you were dancing with Todd, it looked like you two were having a good time," Pacey once again fights himself in an effort to come across as sincere.

"It’s hard not have a good time with Todd. He’s quite a character," Andie laughs.

“Todd can be a jerk,” Pacey assures Andie.

“Oh I know. But he is being nice with me,” Andie says with a light smile. Pacey seems to be jealous. Butterflies are fluttering all over her stomach just at the thought of it. Politically incorrect? Yeah. Deeply satisfying? Hell, yeah.

“Yeah, well, I wouldn’t have let him do anything to you…let anything happen…uh…” Pacey stops awkwardly, a little embarrassed.

Andie just smiles, a sweet and beautiful smile at him.

“I know,” she says. “Oh, listen, there is something I’ve got to tell you,” Pacey’s heart misses a beat. “It’s about Audrey.”

Pacey looks puzzled.

“Audrey? What’s happened to Audrey?” he asks, instinctively scanning the dance floor for his friend.

But before Andie has a chance to answer, they can hear Dawson talking through the speakers.

"Excuse me. Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen if I could have your attention, please”. Dawson waits for the crowd to settle down before he continues.

"Sorry the interruption. My name is Dawson Leery, I am one of the judges at the Festival here in Las Vegas, but a few might know me as the creator of the TV series ‘The Creek’." Dawson is greeted with applause from the crowd as we see all the gang: Todd, Joey, Samantha, Ethan, Pacey and Andie, gathering together around Audrey while paying attention to the stage.

"Thank you, it’s nice to know there are fans of the show here. Nevertheless, the real reason I’m standing in front of you is to tell you about a dear friend of mine. When I first met Audrey…" Audrey covers her mouth in shock when she hears her name and the rest of the group look at her smiling. "…I’d never met a person like her before. She was energetic, playful and down right crazy." Joey chuckles and glances over at Audrey who laughs also. "But I came to understand over time that she was more than what she appeared and fortunately for me, I gained a true friend. I know that there are other people in the room that feel the same way I do."

Joey drapes her arm around Audrey’s shoulders and Audrey, who is still clueless as to why all of this is happening, can’t help but feel moved just the same.

"Audrey has been struggling with a dream for a long time, but she has recently decided to follow a different path in life and we, her friends, want her to know that we love her and wish her the best. But before she travels down that new path we have one last request," Dawson looks over at Audrey and without saying another word; he moves aside and signals to the microphone by his side.

“We want you to give it one last try.”

Audrey is, for once, at a loss for words, and with tears in her eyes, she goes up on to the stage.

“Ladies and gentleman, Audrey Liddell,” Dawson says warmly and everybody claps their hands.“All yours,” he whispers as she hugs him tight. Dawson can’t help but smile against her shoulder. He throws her one last look before coming down and walking back to join the group.

For a moment, Audrey looks at the expectant faces of the crowd at her feet. The silence. Everybody waiting for the song. Images of what she always thought that could be, pass through her mind; crowed stadiums, signing autographs, TV programs… she knows that none of that will happen now. She could keep trying; she could put herself in the hands of a smart publicist, spice up her image, be provocative and in one word, just turn herself into a marketing product ready to be consumed. But that is not what she wants. She doesn’t want to sell million of cds. She wants to be a good singer, a legend. But she’ll never be. And she is ready to face that.

She turns to the crowd and takes her position.

And it is then, at this time and place, when she is standing in front of all these people and her eyes meet with the little group that smile at her whole-heartedly, that she has the realization. She understands that sometimes dreams are only that, dreams. Fantasies. That all that matters is right here, in the smiles of the people who love her and have just proved it to her. That as Todd said, she is still young and her life is still full of possibilities. They might not be where she thought they were, but they are there, somewhere. The possibilities are never ending. And she is going to find them.

So as a good bye to a failed dream, she gives the performance of her life.

Later, still in the closure ceremony. 

Everyone sits around the same table, a group of old friends truly reunited in laughter. Everyone seems to be chatting at the same time, and yet they all seem to understand what the other is saying.

“You all!” Audrey is saying, pointing to each one of them, “how long have you been preparing this?!!” She asks with a big, happy grin plastered on her face.

“It was Joey’s idea,” Dawson confesses.

“Well, it was my idea to try and do something to make you rethink your decision by singing on the stage but it was Andie who told me about your plans,” Joey admits.

“Then Joey told me”, Pacey says, “and Samantha.”

“And I told Ethan and Todd,” Samantha finishes.

“Aw, and I love all you guys for it,” Audrey says, hugging to death the person next to her, who just happens to be Ethan. He looks amused but also is now almost out of breath. “You gave me a memory I will always carry with me. Who can say that they’ve sung in great big Las Vegas?” Audrey smiles and everybody can see she is being sincere. “You just made it all much easier. With a group of friends like you by my side it all feels like only a step to a new life, not the end of an era. So thank you,” she finishes with a light smile and some tears in her eyes. Now she is the one who is hugged by the other person by her side, Andie.

“To a new era,” Todd raises his glass.

“To new beginnings,” Samantha says, looking at Ethan, who smiles at her.

“To the next step,” Dawson toasts, sharing a look with Joey.

“To old friends,” Pacey adds, staring at Andie, who holds his gaze.

“Cheers!” Audrey says.

The camera pans out as they all drink.

Some time later…

Dawson whispers something in Joey’s ear, who is chatting away with Audrey. Joey nods, and begins to get up.Pacey seems to notice these movements from the other side of the table.

“What guys? Not already! What is this fixation with always going to sleep so soon?”

The whole group picks up on this, and looks in Joey and Dawson’s direction. They all begin to protest at the same time, clearly wanting them to stay. Dawson is the first to speak.

“I know guys, I know. But, I’m really tired. It must be all this…”

They don’t give him a chance to finish and begin protesting again. Joey and Dawson laugh. Joey motions from them to quiet down.

“No, really guys. I’ve got to get some rest.” Dawson complains.

Before they can protest again, Joey decides to say something.

“You don’t want our dear Dawson to be sleepy all day tomorrow.”She pouts slightly and bats her big brown eyes, “do you?”

This time the whole group laughs, and they all seemingly give in with random shouts encouraging Dawson to go get some rest.

“Go, get out of here!”

“Who could say no to those big browns?”

“Go, beddy bye.”

“Scram.”

“Watch out for the bed bugs.”

“Sweet sleep, here you come.”

“See ya friend.”

“Don’t be a stranger.”

Dawson and Joey laugh again, hearing the barrage of good byes and bedtime wishes as they wave goodbye and walk towards the door.

They stroll down the hall chatting animatedly about the events that have transpired throughout the night while holding hands. As they near the elevator they simultaneously notice a bridal shop on the corner and decide to stop and have a look at the window display.

“It’s beautiful,” Joey says as she gets closer to the display.

“Absolutely beautiful,” Dawson touches her shoulders from behind and gazes up at the widow as well, still smiling from the evening’s events, feeling completely content. “I could totally see you in it,” he adds casually as he wraps his arms around her.

A moment of silence follows as Dawson steps to the side of Joey just as she turns to face him, grinning from ear to ear.

“Let’s do it!” Joey exclaims.

“Are you’re talking about what I think you’re talking about?!” Dawson asks.

Joey nods, “Dawson, let’s get married!” She takes his hands. “Please, don’t think about it, don’t overanalyze it. Do you love me?” she asks, her soul pouring from her brown eyes as she looks straight into his hazel ones.

“I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember,” Dawson says adoringly.

Suddenly Joey throws herself into his arms and kisses him deeply. “Let’s do it,” she grins at him, Dawson’s hand on her hair. “Just let’s do it!” and her happiness and enthusiasm are so contagious that Dawson can do nothing but accept.

“You’re crazy!” Dawson laughs as he picks her and twirls her around.

They kiss fiercely in the middle of their delirious happiness. Joey looks at Dawson grinning broadly.

“I know the others will think we’re crazy,” he says, eyes wide with excitement.

Joey encircles his waist with her arms, considering for a moment his words.

“Yeah, I guess you could say so,” Joey replies, “I mean, we never really were the kind of couple to do crazy things, were we? But when you think about it, I was the craziest with you,” Joey replies.

“How so?” Dawson asks playfully.

“Walking away from you so many times that I almost lost you forever. Looking back on it now,” Joey gazes up at him and cups his face with her hands, “I definitely concur that that would have been my greatest craziness,” she rests her forehead on his, “and for that matter…”

“…now that we’re together, the greatest craziness would be not to get married,” Dawson smiles at her and kisses her deeply.

“Plus, there are a lot of advantages to being married,” she jokes.

“Really? Name one,” Dawson laughs.

“Well, different scientists have proven that the life of a married man is longer that of a single one.”

“Go figure!”

Joey laughs and kisses him deeply.

At the cocktail, a little earlier.

Seeing everybody now immersed in conversation, as soon as Dawson and Joey leave, Andie seeks space for some time to think and escapes the noise of the cocktail party, stepping out into the empty corridor.

One thought has plagued her mind for weeks, maybe for months, and no matter what she’s done, this thought has never left her. She has to stop avoiding reality and admit to herself that thoughts of Pacey have never left her mind, and not necessarily thoughts of Pacey…as a friend.

Andie lets out a deep sigh, wondering if it’s possible that Jack could still be up. She digs her phone out of her purse and dials his number.

"Hello?" Jack answers the phone, uncertain of who would call him this late at night.

"Greetings from Sin City," Andie chirps back.

"Hey Andie, this is a nice surprise," he says, relaxing and leaning back into his chair.

"I hope I didn’t wake you."

"No, I was up correcting school papers," Jack throws down the red pen in his hand onto the desk in front of him.

"If I am interrupting you, I can call you back tomorrow."

Part of Andie wishes he would say yes so she can’t be forced to confront these thoughts in her mind.

"Andie, you’re not interrupting. Actually, your call saves me from this drudgery. You wouldn’t believe how bad some of these papers are."

"Pretty terrible huh?"

"The word horrendous comes to mind," Jack picks up a paper with D- on it and then drops it back on the desk.

"They can’t all be Shakespeare, Jack," Andie laughs.

"True!" Jack chuckles back." How are the festivities?"

"They’re amazing.”

"And Vegas?"

"Oh, Las Vegas is overwhelming. There’s too much to do. You’d love it here Jack."

"Don‘t rub it in," Jack laughs.

"Sorry."

"It’s all right, I just felt uncomfortable leaving Amy so soon after the trial."

"I don’t blame you. I’d have done the same thing. If it makes you feel any better, I’m going to need a vacation to rest from this one."

"Oh poor baby," Jack mocks her teasing.

“So how’s Amy? I haven’t had the chance to see her since the trial. I miss the baby,” she says with a warm smile.

“She’s been great. I thought you would have come last week with Pacey, but you didn’t, although he told me he asked you to come.”

“Yeah, I know. It’s just I had a lot of work that week. I’ve taken way too many free days lately.”

There’s a hesitation on Andie’s side of the conversation and Jack can tell that something is bugging her.

"Penny for your thoughts sis?"

Andie takes a deep breath before she proceeds.

"Jack this is terrible,” Andie leans up against the wall, her eyes welling up with unshed tears. “For months I’ve been telling myself a lie and I thought if I kept repeating this lie often enough that I would eventually believe it. But I can’t. Deep inside I know the truth Jack and the truth is…" she pauses, "I love Pacey." There is an inaudible sigh of relief when Andie says the words to Jack.

Jack sits back in his chair; he isn’t surprised by her revelation and feels a degree of freedom from her confession.

“Not to burst any bubble, but are you sure you’re not just recreating that romance you had back in high school? It’s…”

“Jack, I’m…”

“Just listen to me for a moment Andie,” Jack says firmly, and Andie can’t help but wait in silence for his words, although she knows what he is going to say. Probably the same things she has told herself before.

“It’s been a long time since those days in high school when you were two kids. I know you had a strong bond back then, and I know you went through a lot of things together. But time passes and people change and you just can never go back to what it was before. You hurt each other and now that you are friends are you sure a shot at romance is a good idea?”

Andie has been waiting patiently and, as she expected, his words are no strangers to her ears. But the funny thing is, hearing them from Jack’s lips has only reassured her in her decision. She won’t go down without a fight.

“I know exactly what you mean Jack, and no one here is talking about going back anywhere. You have no idea how right you are. I’ve changed so much. I am sure now of whom I am, of what I want. I can control my emotions, my life. And Pacey…he is nothing like the insecure guy I met back in high school. The same one I put through hell, through the hell I was suffering. And despite his youth, despite being just a kid as you put it, he knew how to stand by my side and rescue me from the worst. That day in the bathroom is still clear in my mind and that was my worst moment ever Jack. You know it. And he was there for me.” < a beat > “Despite that, I failed him, I made a mistake and I lost him. He left me. But that is not what I think about when I see him now. That’s not what I am talking about now. Today is all about evenings spent in a cafe. It’s about the times he comes to walk me home from the hospital, the days I go to meet him at his restaurant when everybody has gone and we stay there, talking about our days and about Amy and about my patients and his clients…and when I look at him it doesn’t seem crazy to me to think about a life with him. We deserve another chance. I deserve another chance to prove to him that I can make it right,” she says, determined.

“What are you afraid of then?” Jack asks softly, knowing after hearing Andie’s passionate speech that there is nothing else he can do or say.

“That he doesn’t feel the same,” she whispers under her breath.

There is a silence in the other side of the line.

"I guess deep down it makes sense for you two to reconnect,” Jack finally admits. “I just don’t want you to be hurt again. I know how cautious you have always been with your relationships. But I gotta admit that the bond that you had at sixteen was strong, stronger than what Pacey had with Joey or any other woman in his adult life in my humble opinion,” Jack concedes.

"But Joey was the love of his life, wasn’t she?" Andie voice becomes faint.

"And who says that?” Jack says, almost indignant. “I was there Andie, I saw it." Jack sits up straight. "It didn’t seem like it from this side. Listen Andie,” Jack says firmly, as firmly as she’d spoken to him about her feelings. “If you’re going to do this, you better do it right; Andie, you were the love of his life at one time too! You were the first, that’s a title that Joey never held. Not her, not anyone else."

"Well Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, that’s what I call a change of mind,” Andie says, a small grin starting to form on her lips.

"I just want you to be happy. And if you are sure that Pacey is the one to make you happy, then I’m all for it. Don’t ever give up Andie and don’t you ever dare to think you are less than any other girl. You hear me?”

“Ok, but you’re saying that only because you are my brother,” Andie smiles. “I’m just afraid…“

Jack interrupts her before she can finish her sentence.

"Stop right there. The word afraid isn’t in your vocabulary."

"But..."

"Listen to me. Hang up this phone and tell him you love him. Life is too short and every so often you have to take the first step even if that step is scarier than hell.”

"Jack..."

"Hang up Andie!"

"I love you Coach Jack," Andie grins broadly.

"I love you too sis and good luck." As Jack hangs up the phone he wears a small smile on his face until he remembers his papers, and letting out a small groan he returns to his work.

Andie shuts off her phone and takes a deep breath, but before she steps back in to the cocktail party, she discovers Dawson and Joey walking down the hall hand in hand. They’re both beaming and kissing at the same time. Definitely glowing.

"Hey Andie," Dawson’s voice is filled with excitement when he spots her stepping out of the corner from where she has been talking. "Are the others still inside?"

"Um, yeah. They were at the bar a moment ago." Andie senses that there is something going on. "What’s up with you two?" she asks, eyeing them suspiciously. “Is everything ok?”

"More then okay I think. The word magnificent would fit," Dawson glances over to Joey who is beaming.

"I like the word incredible better," she smiles back at him

Andie shoots the couple a strange look. It seems like they can’t keep their hands off each other. Dawson is embracing Joey, she has her fingers intertwined with his, leaning on his side.

"Alright, I’m a little lost," Andie says, but she can’t help feeling the contagiousness of the joy irradiating from them, along with her own inner excitement.

Joey laughs at Andie’s response as she begins to lead Dawson into the room. Dawson grasps Andie’s arm pulling her gently along with them.

"We need you to be there when we tell everybody the news," Joey grins.

"Hey guys!" Audrey welcomes them boisterously, still pumped up from singing. Todd barely notices them walk in, his mind preoccupied by the attractive blonde sitting next to him at the bar. Pacey gravitates to Andie’s side anxious to finish the conversation they were having on the dance floor.

Joey squeezes Dawson’s hand tightly. She feels like she’s going to burst and it shows. Once they have everybody’s attention, Dawson looks at Joey and she nods her head, in a tacit way telling him he can go ahead.

"We’re getting married!" Dawson blurts out. Joey bites her lip and nods vigorously, still beaming.

"Did I hear what I think you just said?" Audrey is taken aback by the announcement.

"Yes it’s true!" Joey sings out.

"Oh my god!" Audrey squeals in delight. "Congratulations bunny! I am so happy for you." She squeezes Joey tightly.

"Thanks Audrey!" Joey lets herself be held tightly by an overexcited Audrey.

"So, you’ve decided to take the plunge mate," Todd shakes Dawson’s hand. "You’re a braver man than I."

Dawson is amused by Todd’s statement but has little time to respond when Audrey unexpectedly tackles him with a bear hug.

"It’s about freaking time you guys tie the knot. I just couldn‘t handle another year of the ‘will they won‘t they’ storyline."

"Congratulations," Andie hugs Joey tight, happy for them. "There are very few certain things in this world, but you and Dawson are one of them."

Joey whispers softly back, "Don’t sell your self short Andie. I can think of a few people that are certain in this world too." She glances over at Pacey who is shaking hands with Dawson, then hugging him.

Andie only smiles at her, before they hug again briefly. More hugs and congratulations are exchanged with Samantha and Ethan. Finally, Joey returns to Dawson and she tenderly slips her hand into his.

"So, tomorrow morning, Joey and are I are going to need everyone to meet at the hall at ten." Dawson is saying animatedly

Every one but Todd nods their heads in agreement. He’s about to say something when Audrey elbows him in the side with a glare. Todd gives her one of those ‘who me?’ looks.

"Great. Then we will see you all tomorrow."

Dawson and Joey wave goodbye and leave with Joey cuddling next to Dawson, his arm over her shoulder.

As soon as Dawson and Joey leave, Andie turns to Pacey, determined to talk to him, now more than ever. Seeing her friends so happy has inspired her. But what she sees is a sombre Pacey, and the smile on her face falls. The doubts she voiced to Jack come back to her. Is he looking at the love of his life walking out with Dawson?

Andie’s face falls and small tears form in the corner of her eyes. Silently, she leaves not seeing Pacey’s sad eyes following her.

Next day, Monday. Dawson and Joey’s room, early morning. 

We see the door of the room from the inside. It opens and we see Dawson entering the room, checking the papers in his hands.

“Ok, I’ve got everything ready in the chapel. We’ve got our documents, don’t we? By the way, I called my mother to tell her. She was…” his words die in his mouth when he sees the room.

The room has the curtains partly drawn so that the lighting is a very dim. There are white roses everywhere, even candles. In the middle of it all stands Joey, nervously biting her bottom lip.

“Wow!” Dawson says under his breath.

“I really owed you this one,” Joey says smiling as she motions around her. “I may not have a basket of fruit,” she laughs, remembering that now far away nineteenth birthday, “but I