707 – Lose Your Way

Dawson and Joey sit outside a coffee shop, drinking coffee. They gaze fondly at each other from time to time as they listen to each other and laugh together, reminiscing on their memories of their childhood.

"Weren’t our high school proms the worst?" Dawson asks Joey as they start thinking about their high school years.

"Yeah, unfortunately they were the worst. I guess that’s the way it goes. Prom nights sucks," Joey says, laughing with Dawson.

"They do indeed but we made it through. We never did do well at school functions, did we?" Dawson says.

"Nope, but we did do well making up for the bad times, don’t you think?" Joey asks him thoughtfully. She has so many fond memories…

"Yes, there were several good times. Like our movie nights..." Dawson starts off.

"And our dates..." Joey adds.

"Our filmmaking..."

"Our making up..."

"But our fighting..."

"Yeah, and part of that fighting was very much my fault. I messed up a lot of things for us, didn’t I?” She asks pensive.

"It’s okay, Joey. I don’t hold anything against you.” Dawson jokes, not taking very seriously her comment at first, although he realizes she is actually being serious by the look on her face. “Joey, it wasn’t only you, I take a good share of the blame. And now that you mention it, how did we manage to screw things up so many times?" He asks, half kidding half serious.

"I’m not sure but somehow we did. We just didn’t work through it.” She shrugs her shoulders. “We always would end up coming back to each other, though." Joey says admitting the obvious truth. “As friends,” she quickly adds as Dawson raises his eyebrows questioningly at her.

(Music for the credits starts playing)

"Yeah, we did. And we still do," Dawson softly says as Joey smiles. She’s not sure of why she needed to add that last part about friends.

"Oh my God! What time is it?" Joey suddenly asks as she checks her watch.

"It’s 3:30," Dawson replies.

"I totally lost track of time! I gotta go. We’ll talk later, I promise. You still have to tell me about those locations you just found. Bye," Joey says as she gets up, slings her purse over her shoulder, walks to the exit and goes out the door.

Dawson is left wondering where she has to rush off to since this is not the first time she has done this with him. He has the feeling that there is something happening. Something she hasn’t talked to him about and it makes him feel… uneasy. Worried.

He sighs and leaves a bill on the table before standing up and leaving.

CREDITS

Somewhere in New York…

Joey is sitting in an office facing someone. She glances around at the room at the framed beautiful framed artwork, trying to think of exactly what she wants to say. For a brief moment, she has a strong urge to paint something, anything.

Her attention continues to be focused on the walls, which are painted in a medium shade of burgundy. Her face is rather sullen as she shifts her eyes to the side and looks slightly down, deep in thought.

“Joey, you were saying,” says the voice sitting across from Joey, bringing her out of her thoughts.

Her head moves from looking intensely at the artwork. “Where was I?” she says leaning forward to pick up the glass of water on the table in front of her.

“You were telling me that you’ve been cleaning,” the voice says causing Joey to nod her head in agreement.

“That’s right I was cleaning. Well, it was more like deep cleaning. You know, the kind where you aren’t so much getting rid of things but trying to find something?”

The person in the chair across from Joey nods their head. “Go on.”

“I was watching ‘The Creek’ awhile back and well, there was this particular scene and I was talking to Pacey about it. I told him about this book that Dawson’s mom had given me and I guess I just wanted to go find that book, for old time’s sake or something.”

“So finding the book equals deep cleaning?” The person sitting across from Joey inquires.

“Well, to me it does. I don’t keep things. In other words, I’m not a pack rat. I had to dig in order to find the book but I found something else…something I wasn’t expecting.”

“What did you find?”

Joey reaches it to her purse to pull out the letter that she found. “Here is what I found.” She reaches across the table handing it to the person but they put a hand up.

“I think you need to hang on to that. It must be important if you saved it. Would you like to read it?”

“This letter was written by Eddie, a former boyfriend of mine, when I was in college.”

She clears her throat and starts reading, her voice making emphasis on certain words:

“…Maybe people can't change. Maybe we're doomed to repeat the same mistakes over and over again no matter how hard we try...”

When she’s done reading, Joey folds the letter and places it back inside her purse.

“That is very interesting, Joey. My question for you would be: Do you think you are that person…the one that always is doomed to make the same mistakes?” Joey’s eyes avert away from the person across from her. “Joey?” Her eyes finally stop moving staring at the person more like staring through the person deep in thought. After a moment, she nods her head lightly, a pained expression on her face.

“I think I am,” she says softly, so low her voice is almost amongst the shelves of books.

Jack’s living room in Capeside.

“Amy? Can you say Daddy?” Jack asks, looking into the deep eyes of his little girl. “Daddy, D-A-D-D-Y. Come on, baby, I know you want to say it.” He’s about to give her another word when the phone rings, interrupting the moment.

“Hello?” Jack says, picking Amy up in his arms, balancing the phone on his shoulder.

“Jack!” Dawson cries in the phone, happy to hear his friend’s voice.

“Dawson! What’s up?” Jack asks, kissing Amy’s cheek and bouncing her in his arms.

“Well, I was just calling to say hi and check in on that lovely little girl of yours,” Dawson says, hearing Amy’s little noises in the background.

“Well hold on a second then. Amy, it’s your boyfriend,” Jack laughs, holding the phone up to his little girl’s ear.

“Hi Amy, how are you? Are you being a good girl?” Dawson almost coos into the phone, waiting anxiously to hear her gurgle or make some noise. After a few seconds of silence that seems like minutes, Jack tickles her and she giggles in the phone. “Oh, I see my charms still work on the ladies! I can’t wait to come visit you and your dad, Amy. Maybe we can go to the lake or the beach together. How does that sound?”

Amy places her little hands on the phone and begins to suck on it, giggling more when Jack tickles her.

“Okay, Amy, I think that’s enough time with your older man for now. Be careful, though. He gets around,” Jack says, whispering the last sentence. This causes Dawson to cry out in protest and Amy to laugh harder.

“I do not get around,” Dawson says, laughing at his comment.

“Whatever. And speaking of working the charm on the ladies, how is Joey?” Jack asks with a somehow mischievous smile.

“What do you mean? Joey and I are just friends. That’s how we decided we wanted it and that’s how it is. I’m not working any of my charms on her,” Dawson says, knowing where Jack is going with this.

Jack can’t help but smile at Dawson’s vehemence. “You know what I mean Dawson, you and Joey together in the same city for once. And both of you are single. Come on, man, tell me you haven’t even thought about it… the possibilities!” Jack retorts, putting Amy down on the floor.

“You know what Jack? This reminds me of a certain conversation we had before I left for USC all those years ago,” Dawson says, wondering if Jack will remember.

“Well, maybe it’s because there’s some sense to what I saying. Maybe if you would’ve listened to me the first time…” Jack says, leaving his thought unfinished.

“Look, it didn’t work then and it won’t work now, okay? So please, can we change the subject?” Dawson is silent for a second and then he sighs. “And she just broke up with Pacey, Jack. She’s vulnerable and still dealing with all the usual break up stuff.”

“So you have thought about it. You wouldn’t mind getting back with her, would you? Be honest,” he asks, serious.

“I AM with her Jack. Even when we were apart, I was with her. And now we’re two friends living in the same city. We hang out almost every day…”

“Oh, please, spare me. The thing is that you’re spending all this time together and you and I both know nothing between you two is ever as simple as ‘ just friends.’” Jack knows he is right. Since he met them, Dawson and Joey have never been able to remain single and platonic for too long. Unless they were on different coasts, so that doesn’t really counts. Or not speaking after their last failure at trying to get back together. He still remembers the disaster that was Joey’s 19th birthday back in college.

“Well, things are different now and that’s that. Plus, I don’t want to be the rebound guy…not that that’s an issue because we’re just friends, absolutely nothing more,” Dawson states, trying to make it clear and hoping the subject changes soon.

“Yeah, okay man. Who are you trying to convince here? You or me?” Jack asks playing innocent. “I know you. I know Joey. And I know your extensive history.” He waits for Dawson to say something, but he doesn’t. “This could really be it Dawson, the chance for you two to be together and not have anything standing in your way.“

“Okay, for someone who knows everything about our past, you forget that there has never been a time where Joey and I had nothing standing in our way,” Dawson sighs. “Heroes of bad timing, remember? That was us”.

“That’s the past, my friend. As you said yourself, things are different now, Dawson. You’re a different person and so is she,” Jack prods. “You’re not separated by 3,000 miles and reliant on phone calls to keep in touch. You’re in the same city for crying out loud! You can see her whenever you want. There’s nothing standing in your way but your own stubborn nature.”

“And why are we talking about this, again? I just called to check on Amy,” Dawson says, wishing Jack would just drop the subject. He rubs his forehead, letting Jack’s words sink in but also privately praying he will let this go. Just then someone calls him in the other line of the phone.

“Ah, look Jack I have another call. I’ll call you and Amy later. Say hi to Grams and Doug for me,” Dawson says quickly, relieved the conversation isn’t going to be prolonged any longer.

“Okay, Dawson,” Jack says, wondering if he should say something else. He decides to. “Look, I know I’m not being very subtle about all this but just don’t close yourself off to the possibilities. Don’t close the door on you and Joey just yet.”

“Okay, Jack. Bye,” Dawson says, hanging up the phone. Jack does the same but he can’t help but smile, noticing Amy looking up at him.

“Well, honey, I think we gave Uncle Dawson something think about,” Jack coos, picking Amy up and kissing her head. “Just promise me you won’t make things this complicated when you’re older. I think I’ve had enough of it to fill two lifetimes”.

A coffee shop in New York

In a quaint little coffee shop in New York City, Joey and Audrey are sitting at a table just talking and catching up on each other’s lives. Audrey is as loud as ever and Joey is feeling much better than before.

“Audrey, you know you want to go…there will be cute boys there,” Joey says while she takes a couple of ice cubes out of her water putting them in to her hot coffee. She then looks over at Audrey, trying to coerce her into going to her party.

“Joey, I can't. I've got all these people that I've made plans with and I just can't cancel. You know I’m all happy for you that you got promoted but you work at a publishing place where they are probably all middle aged men with their belts below their waist so their cracks show,” Joey almost choked hearing Audrey’s comment.

“You saw Ethan the other night, didn’t you? He works with me,” Joey says, smiling.

“He’s the exception to the rule,” Audrey stirs her coffee.

“Don’t you want to be there to save me from all of them? When they see you… well…,” Joey knew that Audrey was like a magnet when it came to men they just seemed to flock to her.

“You’re going with Dawson. The last time that I counted that makes three and I don’t want to be a third wheel. Don’t you want to go alone with him?”

“Audrey,” Joey tries to sound surprised but she was thinking that very same thing although Audrey didn’t need to know that.

After her meeting earlier, after being forced to read Eddie’s letter out loud and to think about certain things, she definitely wanted to spend some time alone with Dawson. Time alone to figure things out… whatever those things are. Although she suspects that if she looked really deep inside herself, she’d know.

All these thoughts go through her head as Audrey watches intensely. Even though it’s been years since they have really seen spent quality time together, there are certain things that just never change. People, places, circumstances do. But other things don’t. ‘The whole Dawson and Joey saga is one that never will,’ Audrey thinks to herself.

“Like you hadn’t thought about what comes at the end of the night. And with me there, that’s just not the right picture.” Audrey winks at Joey.

“Audrey,” she says, glaring at her.

“Don’t ‘Audrey’ me. And don’t give me that look that says that you have no clue what I am talking about,” Audrey smiles widely while she shifts in her chair a bit leaning on the table slightly.

“It’s not like even like that,” Joey tries to sound convincing but wonders who she is trying to convince. Herself? And… is it working?

“Are you delusional? I saw the two of you at the top of the Empire State building. The looks, the holding hands… please,” she shakes her head, remembering watching the two of them out of the corner of her eye as she watched Alex and Lily.

“You saw two friends,” Joey states flatly and with her stubborn voice.

“Joey, Joey, Joey. My favorite but so unaware friend,” Audrey shakes her head again and sighs.

“Oh no, I’m not. I’m just… waiting,” Joey’s eyes shift downward and then up again. Her mind begins to replay scenes from days gone by. Scenes of the two of them in New York: walking together, laughing together and spending time together. It feeling right. Feeling… so much more than that. But it was just… too soon.

“Waiting? Waiting for what?” Audrey inquires.

“I’m not sure. I just…” Joey starts, starting to feel kind of dizzy and exhausted, wishing Audrey would just let it go.

“You can say it. I’m here Joey. I’m here to listen…” Audrey says trying to entice Joey to admit something…anything regarding Dawson and the latest round of the ‘Will they? Won’t they?’ saga. She just can’t believe there is nothing going on between the two of them. That would be a first.

"Never mind,” Joey says, sipping of her drink while Audrey looks at her suspiciously, wondering what she’s hiding.

Jack and Gram’s house in Capeside

Jack is getting ready to leave his house, going around the kitchen as Grams stands nearby, holding Amy in her arms. Jack has classes to teach at Capeside High today and he’s getting ready to leave in the next few minutes.

"What are you teaching today, Jack?" Grams asks. She loves to hear him talk about his classes, his face always lights up when he does.

"I’m teaching different elements in a short story. How each character has its complexities and the hidden meanings in literature. This will help the kids write their own short stories next week," Jack explains with a big smile in his face that is met by an equal one in Gram’s face.

"I see. Are the kids being cooperative with the reading material you have given them?" Grams asks, remembering the time Jack mentioned one of the students having a problem with reading a certain poem aloud in class. It was about a very personal topic and when the time came, he refused to read it out loud in front of his classmates.

"Yeah, there haven’t been any problems lately. I think they are getting used to the different stories I’m sharing with them," Jack answers.

"That’s good. I hope your classes continue to go well, Jack," Grams says, patting his shoulder lightly.

"Same here, Grams. This year has been going fairly well. I hope Amy gets to experience the fine education I did when I was younger… minus the bad teachers, of course," Jack says, looking fondly at Amy as she smiles at him. Amy’s smile was much like Jen´s and it was so nice to see. It reminded Jack of his best friend every time he saw it.

"Well, it seems that in the last week no one has been calling and asking questions about Amy," Grams comments to Jack.

"Yeah, it’s a good sign that things are starting to look up," Jacks says hopeful. It was true. Things had gone rather smooth in the last week and he was starting to feel confident in the future. The future of all of them as a family.

"I gotta be getting to school. You behave yourself, my little angel," Jack says tickling Amy’s feet in his way to the door of the kitchen. Amy laughs and smiles as Jack does this.

"Have a good day, Grams, and take good care of Amy," Jack says as he goes out the door.

"I certainly will, Jack. Don’t forget your umbrella. Seems like is about to rain," Grams replies, making Amy bounce in her arms lightly, the little girl giggling.

Jack does as she says, taking the umbrella that is resting near the door and leaves with a smile on his face.

Joey’s office in the publishing firm, New York

Joey is sitting at her desk, trying to look like she’s working on something important as she makes a phone call. “Hey,” she says when they answer.

“Joey?” Dawson asks hesitantly.

“Did you think that someone else would be calling you like a neurotic for the second time today?” Joey says playfully, trying to still look like she’s in the middle of an important call, which she technically is.

“Well, you’re calling from work, the one number of yours I don’t have programmed into my cell phone so I didn’t recognize the number when it came up,” Dawson says with a smile.

“Oh. So, you’re still coming tonight, right? You, me the promotional party for work?” Joey asked hesitantly, holding her breath, hoping the answer is still yes and nothing unexpected has come up.

“Jo, this is the second time today you’ve called to confirm that I’m going and the fourth time this week. And I’ve told each time you that I’m going. I think it’s a sure thing that I’m escorting you,” Dawson says with a laugh.

“I know I’m being overly anxious here but it’s really, really important to me that you be there. Especially since we’re in the same city now and you’re only a cab ride away,” Joey says, still a bit exasperated. “It would just mean the world for me to have you there and I want to make sure you didn’t forget.”

“Jo, relax,” Dawson says firmly. “It’s written in my palm pilot, on my calendar at work and I have your six e-mail reminders, as well.”

“So you know about the dress code then?” Joey asks panicked.

“Yup. Jeans and a ripped T-shirt,” Dawson says firmly, waiting for her to laugh.

“That’s not funny, Dawson,” she says, exasperated.

“Oh, come on. I’m just teasing. Relax. Why are you so anxious? It’s not like I’ve never attended a cocktail party before. What do you think I do in L.A?” He asks, once again wondering what’s going on. She is being very over dramatic about all of this.

Joey sighs on the other side of the phone. “You’re right. It’s just that… never mind.”

“Okay, just relax, Jo. I promise this night will be memorable.” She smiles in response to the smile she can feel in his voice. “I’ll pick you up at your apartment. Make sure you’re ready on time because it’s tacky to be late to your own party,” Dawson laughs.

“You’re picking me up?” Joey asks, raising her eyebrows and leaning back in her chair, the smile rapidly becoming a big grin in her face when she hears that. “Is this like a date Dawson Leery? Are you going to bring me a daisy and offering to start with something simple, like… holding my hand?” she asks, twirling the cord of the phone between her fingers, a sweet smile in her face as she remembers that moment, so many years ago.

Dawson lets out a throaty laugh at the other side of the line.

“No, it’s not a date. Because if it were a date, we would not be going to a work party,” Dawson says, wondering as he says if he’s maybe gone too far. It’s just friendly, harmless flirting… but flirting just the same. ‘Damn it, Jack,’ he thinks.

“Darn. I was going to try and get all prettied up for you too,” she laughs, blushing a little, her heart beating fast for some reason. She has missed this, feeling this free, this comfortable, flirting with Dawson like they used to do.

“But you just couldn’t bring yourself to leave, could you? You had to see me.”

“Get over yourself. I'll have you know that I stuck a dollar in that jukebox over 3 hours ago. I was not gonna leave until I heard my song,” she had said that night, the night before her 19th birthday.

And that very same night, later on, they were… well, they were…

“Well, save it for later then,” Dawson says, laughing and taking Joey out of the unexpected memory.

“So how is your day going, Mr. Leery?” Joey asks, feeling a bit warm and anxious to change the subject.

“Fine, things are running pretty smoothly. I’m talking with the people I need to and moving the project forward as much as possible for right now while trying to learn a whole new city,” he says, the excitement in his voice.

“Good. I’m so glad to hear that, Dawson. Not that I had any doubts that things wouldn’t be going well,” Joey says slyly.

“Thanks. I think it helps having my own personal support system just a subway or cab ride away,” Dawson says with a smile.

“It just might,” Joey giggles, letting a pause fall over them again. “Okay, I should go and get back to work. I think they know I’m on another personal call.”

“Okay, I’ll see you later. Remember to be ready on time. And grab an umbrella. It has stopped now but it’s supposed to rain later,” Dawson says firmly, making sure she remembers.

“Got it. See you tonight,” she says, letting another pause linger.

“Bye Jo,” he says quietly.

“Bye,” she whispers, placing the phone. Then she stares into space for a moment and smiles. She can’t wait for evening to come. It seems like it could be one of the most important nights in her life and she’s happy Dawson is going to share it with her.

Jack’s house in Capeside

While cooking dinner in the kitchen, Grams realizes that it has started to rain. Drying her hands, she goes to check on Amy to make sure she is warm and comfortable. And to see if she is still sleeping.

Grams whistles lightly as she walks into Amy’s room, seeing the child staring at her blankly. Gram’s face lights up at the sight of her great-granddaughter awake and she smiles and moves to Amy’s crib to tickle her cheeks. When she places her fingers on her cheeks, she feels that Amy is warm, warmer than usual. Grams’ smile fades as she places her palm on Amy’s forehead, noticing the child is burning up.

“Amy, honey, you’re burning up,” Grams says, placing her other hand on the child’s forehead to make sure she’s not imagining things. Leaving her hand there for a minute, Amy very warm. Grams begins to think deeply, wondering if Amy felt warm before her nap. Unable to think of anything, she scans her room, wondering what could have caused Amy’s body temperature to be so high. Grams stops cold and gasps when she notices Amy’s bedroom window open, the curtains waving lightly in the breeze, a small chill entering the room.

Grams shuts the window and goes back to the crib, picking Amy up and holding her close. As she rushes with Amy into the bathroom, Amy begins to whimper a bit.

“It’s okay, angel, let’s see if we can find something to make you feel better,” Grams says soothingly, opening up the medicine cabinet to look around. Giving the child some medicine, Grams runs a washcloth under cold water and places it gently on Amy’s forehead, singing softly to her, rocking her back and forth, hoping the fever will go down or break.

As Amy’s whimpers quiet, Grams checks her forehead again, praying that she will feel cooler, but she doesn’t. With a heavy sigh, Grams goes back to the medicine cabinet, frantically looking for something else to give Amy. Noticing a towel on the wall, Grams grabs it and wraps Amy in it tightly to try and break the fever or stop her chill. The child begins to cry again and Grams continues to wait for the medicine to start working as she sings hymns to Amy, trying to calm her down. After a half-hour, nothing is working and Grams notices that Amy feels hotter than she did before and the child is becoming more uncomfortable.

“Okay, my darling, let’s go call Daddy and see if he can make you feel better,” Grams says, kissing Amy’s forehead and moving downstairs to call Jack, hoping that nothing is seriously wrong.

The West Wing saloon in the New York Plaza Hotel

When Joey and Dawson arrive at the cocktail party, they leave their coats and umbrellas with the gentleman at the door that is there to take care of them. They link arms and Dawson smiles confidently at Joey, who looks a little nervous. But her smile grows more confident after meeting his gaze. Dawson senses the increase in confidence and he thinks back to the Joey of days gone by, the girl that always thought that she would forever be stuck in Capeside. As she looks in front of her with determination, he glances at her ever so briefly to take in this moment and can’t help but be so very proud.

They round the corner together and slowly people notice that Josephine Potter is standing in the doorway and they begin to clap for her. Dawson squeezes her hand and Joey smiles at him when she realizes he has let go of her arm. She moves ever so slightly away from him as he watches her, his heart content at being able to share moment with his best friend and one of the people that mean the most to him.

“Congratulations Joey,” a young woman says extending her hand to Joey in order to shake it. A waitress approaches them and offers some drinks to everybody.

“Thank you, Caroline,” Joey shakes her hand looking into the woman’s eyes and holding her gaze with a smile on her face as she takes a drink from the tray.

“They made a great choice,” a middle aged man says, shaking Joey’s hand as he covers it with his other hand.

“I appreciate you saying that, Stan,” Joey smiles once again, looking a small distance away over Stan’s shoulder, at Dawson, whose eyes are glued on her. Smiling proudly, he lifts his champagne glass in her direction. Joey smiles and toasts back.
She continues to shake more hands and moves further into the crowd. Dawson just turns around, taking in everything. It’s the first time he has attended a social event for her job. He’s curious to see how different it might be from the events he usually attends. Not that different, he bets.

“Hey Dawson,” he snaps out of his thoughts to see Ethan standing in front of him.

“Hey, there you are,” he hears a voice say as someone comes up behind him.

Dawson’s eyebrows raise in surprise. “Sam? He stumbles a bit with his words. “What are you doing here?”

“Well, Dawson, Ethan invited me,” Samantha smiles at Ethan and then looks at Dawson, who still looks surprised.

“Oh…that’s great,” Dawson smiles and contains a chuckle. Samantha glares at him under her eyelashes before turning to Ethan smiling. Ethan smiles back and he picks up two drinks from a waitress that walks by. He hands one for Samantha and keeps the other for himself.

“Thanks,” she says, smiling brightly.

“To new friends,” Ethan says, raising his drink

“To new friends,” Samantha and Dawson both echo.

“Speaking of that,” Samantha says after sipping of her drink. “Where’d Joey go?” She stands on her tiptoes, trying to see Joey.

Ethan turns around, trying to help locate Joey. “Someone looking for me?” She surprises Dawson by sneaking up behind him, intertwining her arm with his. She leans her head on Dawson’s shoulder for a moment, looking really content, her eyes bright and a big grin in her face.

“So there you are,” Ethan says, stepping forward and kissing her cheek softly. “Congratulations. You really deserve it.”

“Thanks,” Joey beams, excited and happy.

“I know we hardly know each other but from what I have seen and knowing how special you are to this man here, I do know that you truly deserve this. I’m happy for you, too.”

The two women hug briefly before they pull back and Joey goes back to Dawson’s side, linking her arm with his once more and leaning on him. The feeling of rightness is there again. Like she… belongs.

“I don’t think that I’ve congratulated you yet,” Dawson says, smiling at her.

Joey moves her head off of Dawson’s shoulder and looks directly into his eyes. The thought that rolls through his mind is that of the girl who used to be embarrassed when someone would pay her a compliment. But no more. Joey Potter has most definitely grown up.

Dawson leans in rather quickly, placing a lingering kiss on her cheek. She closes her eyes and softly sighs, enjoying the brief contact. They share a look for a moment, then she looks around.

“I’m sorry but I have more people that I need to say hello to,” she explains to Samantha and Ethan, who nod their heads.

“Sure, go ahead.”

Joey smiles at them and then turns back to Dawson, “Would you like to go with me?” Once again their eyes lock.

“Lead the way,” he says. Joey smiles and they walk away.

Sam and Ethan both watch Joey and Dawson as they disappear into the crowd, then exchange knowing glances.

Emergency room of the Capeside Hospital

The ambulance drives up to the emergency room door of the hospital. Jack is sitting in the back holding Amy against his chest making sure that she is breathing every few seconds. A nurse opens the back door quickly and opens an umbrella. The rain is now pouring down. Jack gets out, cradling Amy. He can hear her wheeze each time she takes a breath, taking him back to Jen’s last days of life when he would listen to her breath. He closes his eyes tight and swallows before they start walking, flanked by the paramedics. As they enter the emergency room, Grams places her hand on his back and they both exchange a worried look.

Jack watches as the nurse takes Amy in to the emergency room.

“Sir?” Jack looks to his left seeing a woman walking toward them. He walks quickly over to her. “I’ll need your insurance information and all the information about your daughter.” Jack stares back at her not able to think at this very moment.

“Uhmm…,” Jack begins to pull out his wallet his hands shaking.

He drops the wallet on the floor then leans down to pick it up. “Here let me help you with that.” Grams bends down and recovers Jack’s wallet.

Jack pulls out his insurance card. “Here,” he says handing the card to the woman that is behind the glass.

“I’ll be right back,” the woman walks away.

Jack covers his mouth with one hand, “What if she…,” he mumbles while trying to hold back the tears that threaten to form in his eyes. He has never been as scared in his whole life. Not even when he had to face his father to tell him about his sexuality.

“Jack, if there is one thing that we know about Amy, it’s that she has a lot of Jen in her…she’s a survivor, no doubt about that.” Grams slowly ushers Jack towards the seating area of the emergency room.

He puts his head in his hands, his mind consumed with the thought of not having Amy with him anymore. His head rears up.

“Did you call Doug?”

“No. not yet,” Grams says just as the doctor comes out from the back area of the emergency room.

“Your daughter is pretty sick,” he looks at Jack then at Grams. “We’re trying to…well, we’re working on her,” the doctor says flatly then turns around and walks away back through the door.

“Oh Jack, what if…,” Grams can no longer hold her tears anymore as she grabs the nearest chair for balance. Jack holds onto her as she tries to sit down.

Then he leaves her for just a moment. “Is there a phone I can use?” Jack asks the lady behind the glass. She motions for him to come around and hands him the phone.

Jack calls Doug and fills him in on what is going on. “I’ll be there in a little bit,” Doug says before hanging up. Jack thanks the woman behind the counter.

Moments later, Grams and Jack are huddled together as Doug quickly walks through the emergency room doors. Grams and Jack stand as Doug makes his way over to them, enveloping them both in a hug.

The cocktail party in New York

Samantha, Ethan, Dawson and Joey are sitting at a table, chatting away and enjoying the atmosphere. Joey thinks she has already greeted everybody and their dog and is now taking some time to just enjoy the party. She has been feeling a knot in her stomach the whole night.

"So, Joey, have you always wanted to be an editor?" Samantha asks Joey.

"No, I used to like to draw when I was growing up. I would take these sketching classes and I drew some portraits for awhile. I really enjoyed it but now it’s more of a hobby than anything else. I’ve always liked to write too but in college is where it became an obsession of sorts. I was always good at editing my work so this job just felt right for me," Joey replied.

"Really? I used to sketch too back in high school. I liked it because I got to express myself through drawing. Then I got into writing stories and such so I chose to be a screenplay writer. I love novels but I just can’t see myself writing one. I prefer the screen play format. One thing I would like to do one day is the adaptation of a novel to the big screen,” Samantha explains.

“Yeah, that could be interesting,” Dawson says. “Although usually a book loses some of its impact when they are adapted to the big screen.”

“True,” Ethan intercedes, “There are so many things, so many little details in a book that you just can’t translate into a film. When I’ve read the book before seeing the movie, I am usually disappointed”.

“But that’s the challenge in making a book into a film,” Samantha says passionately.

"Well, I know you are very good at your job from what Dawson has told me. The show is amazing and I tell Dawson that as much as I can," Joey says, glancing at Dawson and offering her trademark smile. “So I’m sure you could pull it off.”

"Aw, that’s sweet of you. Thanks," Samantha says with a sincere smile.

"No problem. So, how do you like New York City by so far?" Joey asks.

"It’s so new to me but exciting. There are so many things I want to explore. And I mean in a non-work way. I have gone here and there helping Dawson I’d like to see it all again and really have the time to explore everything,“ Samantha replies.

"Yeah, I know what you mean. It’s like when you are in a business trip and there’s no time for anything else. Since I’m fairly familiar with the city, maybe we can go on New York City tours together and see the sights. What do you think?" Joey proposes, eyeing the rest of the group to see if they agree. Dawson smiles at her and nods his head.

"I think that would be great. I really have been meaning to explore this city with someone that knows all its secrets," Samantha replies.

"Yeah, I bet Joey’s tour guide skills are endless," Ethan jokes and Dawson laughs, although he stops when Joey glares at him.

"Hey, I’m a good tour guide. I know how to get around," Joey says, defending herself.

"Sure you do," Ethan keeps joking. Joey gives him a slight glare. "I’m kidding,” he finally adds as Joey keeps glaring at him. Dawson decides to put a stop to it before Joey ends up ripping his head off or something.

“Samantha, she’s good at getting around, I assure you," Dawson says in Joey’s defense.

“Thank you,” she replies, nodding her head at him solemnly and then the four of them burst out laughing.

"Okay, let’s exchange phone numbers so you can call me to set up a time and place," Joey says to Samantha. They exchange numbers but just then, Joey gets a pain in her stomach. It’s the same pain that she has been feeling all night but she thought it was just because she was nervous. Seems like not. As the rest of the group keeps on talking, she tries to wait and see if it goes away, but it doesn’t.

Ethan says something that makes them laugh and Dawson looks at her when she doesn’t. Immediately, he notices she has gone a little pale.

“Joey, are you feeling okay?”

Samantha and Ethan hear the question and the conversation ceases as the three look at Joey concerned.

"Not really, I’m not feeling all that well," Joey says softly to Dawson.

Dawson is immediately worried about Joey. "Is there anything I can do? Do you want to go home?"

"I’m sure it’s nothing. It’s probably just a headache, or something I ate. I’ve been feeling kind of sick all night, though," Joey says with a sigh.

"You should probably lie down,” he says, placing his hand on her forehead to see if she’s warmer than normal. Doesn’t seem like it, but still, she’s way too pale. “Let’s get you home, okay?" Dawson says.

Joey nods and they rise off their seats. Ethan and Samantha do the same.

"We’re sorry," Dawson apologizes to Samantha and Ethan.

"It’s all right. No problem," Ethan says and Samantha nods in agreement.

"Are you sure you’re okay?" Samantha asks Joey, putting a hand on her arm for a moment.

Joey smiles at her, "Yeah, I’ll be fine. Thanks, though" she says, smiling weakly at the two of them as the pain increases.

"You’re welcome. I hope you feel better soon," Samantha replies. "Take care of yourself."

"I’ll make sure she does," Dawson replies as they say goodbye. On their way out, they come across Joey’s boss, Nina, who organized the event.

“I’ll go get our coats while you talk to her, all right?” Dawson asks, and Joey nods her head.

”Joey, you’re here! Enjoying your party?” She asks, in a friendly way.

"It’s a great party. Thank you so much. I’m sorry but I need to leave early. I’m not feeling well," Joey apologizes to her boss, who just like everybody else, looks concerned about her.

"I’m sorry to hear that. It’s just normal what with all the stress and all. I hope you feel better, Joey. I want to see you at work on Monday. You are an important part of the team. Now more than ever," Nina says, putting a hand on Joey’s shoulder.

"Thanks, Nina. I’ll be there, no problem. I’m sure by tomorrow I’ll be fine," Joey says.

"You’re welcome. Feel better, Joey."

After saying good bye to a couple more people, Joey meets Dawson in the hall. He has their coats ready and is waiting for her. Dawson and Joey leave the hotel. Dawson leads her out the door, his arm around her the whole time, Joey’s head on his shoulder. The doorman calls them a cab and as they walk to it, Dawson puts his coat over Joey and him, protecting them both from the pouring rain

“Renaissance Restaurant” in New Orleans

Pacey and Brecher are talking at a table in Brecher´s restaurant in New Orleans. The restaurant, as always, looks very stylish with good lighting and very fragrant with smells of hot bread, beef, and soup. The customers seem very happy while they are eating and the whole atmosphere is a good one.

"Congratulations, Pacey! You’ve done an excellent job!" Brecher exclaims as he talks with Pacey, looking around appreciatively. .

"Thanks, man," Pacey replies grinning proudly and looking around. It’s true. He has done a great job in the little time he has been there and he knows it. He thought at first that maybe he couldn’t do it but he can… and has. Very few times in his life has he felt as well as he does in this moment, surrounded by his own success.

"You’re welcome. I always knew you were made for restaurant management, kid, since the moment I saw you working in Boston. You’ve got skills. You’re going to be even more successful now. No more small town pay. You’re in the big time now," Brecher boasts to Pacey.

"I appreciate that. I can not thank you enough for this job." Pacey says, speaking the truth.

"No problem. It was my pleasure. So… how about we go celebrate? What do you say?” Brecher asks him in a low voice as he wiggles his brows. “A night out on the town. You’ll get to see crazy New Orleans at night and let me tell you: you’re gonna love it. The women are incredible out here and I think that’s what you need right now.” Brecher looks at him as Pacey groans slightly.

“By the way, how is your love life these days?" Brecher asks, amused by Pacey´s response.

"Hmmm..." Pacey starts off. "It’s been a rocky road actually."

"Really? Tell me about it. What’s been going on?" Brecher asks, half smiling. Pacey is not sure if he can confide in him but who else is left?

"Well, I just broke up with my girlfriend whom I’ve been obsessing over for awhile. The breakup was mutual but it’s just not what I thought would happen when we got back together just a few months ago.” He shrugs his shoulders. “And even though I know it has been for the best, it’s still… one more failure in my life, I guess," Pacey answers, definitely feeling a little uncomfortable talking about it with Brecher. With Audrey it was easy. Maybe because he didn’t need to explain too much, Audrey already knew. He guessed the only one that really didn’t know was him.

"Ah, I see. I’ve been doing pretty well with the ladies. I’ve gotten a few here and there. It’s been fun," Brecher says, talking a drink of his beer as he says this as if it was the more normal thing. And it would be if weren’t married.

"Yeah?" Pacey says, faking a smile. He sees Brecher is still the same unfaithful guy he always has been, getting involved with women even if he is married. Pacey starts to remember why he stopped liking him in the first place. Unfaithful people are not people you can trust. His face falls when he realizes something, Maddie. Maddie and him, the illicit affair. As he ponders it, Brecher keeps on going with the conversation, not noticing Pacey´s change of mood.

"Yeah, so how about we head out after we close? I’ll show you how to have a really good time in New Orleans. We can pick up some chicks," Brecher says as he laughs to himself.

"Sure, sounds like fun," Pacey says, forcing himself to put aside the painful memory of the forbidden affair. “Let me check things and once everything is ready, we can leave”

“Sure, man, go ahead,” Brecher says, smiling at him as if he were his best buddy in the whole world as he finishes his beer. Pacey walks to the bar with a serious face. For some reason, Brecher thinking of them as the best of friends makes him sick.

The cocktail party at New York

Ethan and Samantha watch as Joey and Dawson leave the party. Glancing at each other, they both smile and then look down at the drinks in their hands.

“I hope she’s okay,” Samantha says, looking up at him.

“I’m sure she’ll be fine. Dawson is with her.” They both nod in agreement and smile at each other, not needing to state the obvious. They fall into a silence but it is not an awkward silence. It’s a comfortable one.

“I wanted to thank you for inviting me,” Sam looks directly into his eyes while gently placing her hand over his.

“I should thank you for coming with me. I’ve enjoyed tonight.” He watches as she smiles, lowers her head and then looks back up again.

“The east and west coasts are such different places.” She glances around the room before quickly glancing at Ethan again, who is still looking at her.

“Yes, they are.” They smile at each other again before Ethan continues. “I understand Dawson has his own place so where are you staying?” He looks at her waiting for her reply wondering more and more about this woman sitting next to him. He has found himself doing so more and more since Halloween night. The questions had been bothering him so much lately that he finally called the number she had given to him on the top of the Empire State Building that night.

“I’m staying with my aunt,” she says rather sharply hoping to indicate to him that she doesn’t really want to talk about her aunt.

“I didn’t mean to pry.” He catches her tone of voice as she answers the last question.

“Oh, you weren’t. It’s just…well…” She stops briefly, looking at him with pleading eyes.

“Complicated?” He attempts to finish her sentence and she smiles. “So, Sam, Sammy, Samantha…tell me more about yourself,” he requests, already thoroughly intrigued with what her answer might be.

“Hmmm… actually I’d like to know more about you.” She looks into his eyes that are clearly shining back at her. “My life is pretty boring.”

“What do you want to know? I’m an open book,” he smiles, all the while wondering what she is going to ask him. He’s pretty sure that her life is not as boring as she pretends it to be.

“Tell me what you want your future to be?” Not the question that he expected. What he expected was more along the lines of: ‘Do you have a lot of siblings? Where were you born?,’ things like that. He smiles and thinks ‘Wow, this woman really gets straight to the point.’

“What do I want my future to be?” He seems to think about it. “Well, I… I’d like to…”

Sam watches as he stumbles a bit on his words. “Sorry if I got too personal.”

“I’d really like to write,” he finally lets it out and then he looks at her almost as if he wants approval from her about what he just said.

She smiles, nodding her head, glad that he is opening up to her.

“And what makes you want to write?” She watches his eyes light up as he begins to explain to her about his life and how he always moved around as a child because his father was in the Marines.

“I’ve seen a lot of things and I think it would be interesting to write about my experiences. Hopefully other kids who are going through the same thing could relate and not feel so out of place all the time. I had a hard time traveling here and there and writing has always somehow been my therapy.” Samantha looks at the man sitting next to her and he seems bigger than life to her as he tells her about different places he has been and things that he has seen. He is so intriguing and she realizes suddenly that she would like to get to know him better. “And I really would like to settle down.” This last comment catches her off guard at first but she understands.

“I’m kind of the opposite,” she speaks a bit softly. “I never left the neighborhood that I grew up in as a child until I was almost in my twenties. I’ve always felt the need to write but for a different reason. My reason was to let my mind travel places where I could only dream of going. I invented my own worlds where I could explore and it was wonderful because I never went anywhere. Sometimes I would grab a book and almost forget to eat. I would just read and read and read. And the more I read, the more I was able to imagine. The more I read, the more I was able to imagine until I just couldn’t keep it all inside me anymore so I started writing.” Ethan could sense the tone of her voice going from sadness to total excitement.

“Totally understandable,” he says.

“You know what they say - to be a writer you need to have had a disastrous childhood.”

“I guess they’re right, at least when it comes to us. I mean, if everything is always perfect, what would you write about?”

“Exactly,” Samantha laughs and a moment of understanding passes between them.

“How about if we share some of the stuff we’ve written down sometime? I bet that while they are different, they still have one thing in common.”

“And what would that be?” Sam enquires inquisitively.

“That no matter whether they are real or make believe, they are exciting.” Sam nods her head in agreement, as she moves ever so slightly leaning a bit more, listening to him as he continues to talk.

Joey’s apartment

The cab drops them off right in front of Joey’s door, on the sidewalk. Dawson pays the fare and Joey opens an umbrella over them both. Her arm around his waist, his arm around her shoulder, they cross the street carefully. They enter her apartment with Dawson holding the door open for her and she immediately takes her coat off, tossing her keys and purse on the table.

Dawson watches her closely as she slips off her shoes and throws herself on the couch. She doesn’t look so pale now, just tired. He turns on some lights and moves into the kitchen, taking off his own coat in the process.

“Jo, do you want something to drink? Like water or tea? Oh wait, you have some Sprite. That could help settle your stomach,” Dawson calls from the kitchen, looking in her refrigerator.

“I’m fine. I just need to rest a bit and talk to my best friend,” she smiles widely, watching him return and reaching her hand out to him.

“Well, I think I can do that,” he says, moving over to the couch and placing her feet on his lap. She sighs and after a moment she sits up to see him better.

“God, I was so terrified tonight, Dawson! I thought I was going to faint the entire time,” Joey says, which earns her a surprised look from Dawson.

“I would have never guessed Jo, not once,” Dawson says, rubbing her feet a bit. “You looked so confident and cool, totally at ease with everyone and everything.”

“And I was. Somehow I was. But at the same time, I was terrified that I would slip up and embarrass myself or look like a total fool,” Joey laughs softly at herself, moving some hair from her face.

“You would never do that Jo,” Dawson says honestly, looking at her. “You have so much talent and this magnetic personality that draws everyone toward you. It’s almost like you radiate this natural glow and energy that people are drawn toward. And I can tell you that I saw how clearly they all respect you as a person and as an editor.”

(“Rinse” by Vanessa Carlton starts playing in the background)

“What makes you so sure Dawson? Why do you have so much faith and confidence in me?” Joey asked curiously, staring at him. He was always able to do that. He always says what she needs to hear and she knows he is being sincere, not just feeding her ego.

and if she runs away she fears she won't be followed
what could be the worse than leaving something behind
and as the depth of oceans slowly become shallow
it's loneliness she finds…

“Because Joey, I have faith in you. Besides, you could never fail at this,” Dawson says, patting her foot reassuringly.

if only he was mine

“You give me too much credit, Dawson. I’ve failed at so many things. Things I’ve done, things I’ve said, choices I made,” Joey says, getting a bit emotional. At least she can be sure she is spending her money well. Should she… should she tell him about it? About all the questions she’s been asking herself lately? ‘What are you waiting for?’ Audrey asked her this morning. What is she waiting for? What is she so scared of?

how she'd be soothed, how she'd be saved if he could see
she needs to be held in his arms to be free

”Guess what Jo?” Dawson says, making her look at him. “Making mistakes, making wrong choices is part of growing up and we’re all guilty of it.”

“But what if you make the same mistakes over and over again? Dawson, is that part of maturing and growing up?” she asks, anxious for his response. “What if making the same mistakes over and over again is something that will never allow me to really grow? What about the missed chances?”

she's been wishin' on the stars that shine so bright
for answers to the questions that will haunt her tonight

Dawson looks at her solemnly, her words reaching a place deep inside of him. A place he isn’t ready to go just yet.

“Don’t worry about growing up, Jo. We’re 24. There’re a lot of things we have yet to experience. And you will Jo. You will experience them. Actually, you have but you just don’t see it,” Dawson says with a smile. “So maybe making the same mistakes repeatedly is just part of growing up.”

but everything happens for reasons that she will never understand
'til she knows the heart of a woman will never be found in the arms of a man

“Yeah, maybe,” Joey says softly, smiling at him and catching his eye. Their gazes lock and suddenly, there is no longer a need for words.

she'd do anything to sparkle in his eye
she would suffer, she would fight, and compromise
she's been wishin' on the stars that shine so bright
for answers to the questions that will haunt her tonight

The rain hits the windows softly, a perfect backdrop for this timeless moment.

The Capeside Hospital

Grams, Jack, and Doug sit in the waiting room of the hospital. Jack has his arm around Grams while Doug holds hands with Jack. Worried looks cover their faces as the doctors all walk in. Jack, Doug, and Grams stand up to hear the news.

"We’re sorry but Amy has pneumonia. Unfortunately, Amy’s pneumonia is very severe and she could have died if you hadn’t brought her I as quickly as you did. We are doing our very best to treat her right now and she needs to stay in the hospital until we can treat her illness completely," the first doctor says.

Grams crumples back into her chair as she starts crying. Jack wraps his arms around her, wanting to comfort her. Doug closes his eyes and bows his head, sighing heavily.

"We have a social worker we’d like you to talk to. She’s waiting outside to speak to you about Amy," The second doctor says.

"Okay,” Jack agreed numbly. “You will keep us updated on Amy then?"

"Yes, we will keep you updated on Amy," the first doctor replies.

"Thank you," Jack says, defeated since the moment he heard them mention the social worker.

With that, the doctors leave and the social worker walks in.

"Hi, I’m Caroline, a social worker with the state," she says, introducing herself to Jack, Doug, and Grams.

"Hi, nice to meet you," Jack says politely as they shake hands. Caroline proceeds to greet Doug and Grams as well.

"Let’s have a seat," Caroline says as they all sit down. "So, I understand your child, Amy has pneumonia? From what I’ve been told, it’s not good. I know she’s adopted. May I ask how Amy came to live with you? A little bit about your family?"

"Amy is the child of my best friend, Jen, who recently died. The biological father of Amy ran off so Jen had to care for Amy herself. I helped her, of course, and so has Grams. I just gained custody of her a few weeks ago. We know Jen would want her to be with us" Jack explains, trying to make the last point crystal clear.

"I see. I’m sorry for your loss," Caroline says.

"Thank you," Jack says.

"So, Amy has been living with you since her mother’s death?" Caroline asks.

"Yes, she has been living with me and Jen´s grandmother," Jack replies, gesturing to Grams beside him.

Caroline nods and asks, "So, how did this happen to Amy?"

"It’s all my fault. I forgot to close the window in her bedroom," Grams speaks up, weeping her tears inconsolable

"No, that’s not true," Jack says, defending her. "It was my fault. I’ve been working too much. Usually I always make sure everything is okay before I leave but I was in a rush and I forgot. I should have paid more attention to Amy. I should have made sure everything was all right. I could have prevented this from happening."

Doug bows down his head once again. He knows when Jack gets like that there is nothing that can be said to convince him otherwise.

"Look, this is not about looking for who is guilty and who is not. But I must warn you that there could be consequences," Caroline says.

"What kind of consequences?" Jack asks her, although he already knows. His heart skips a beat as he waits for the answer.

"You having custody of Amy may be reviewed if these problems continue," Caroline replies softly.

Jack has a pained look on his face after hearing this news. He nods his head as he bites his upper lip and then looks over at Doug. Doug squeezes his hand in support and Grams start crying again.

Somewhere downtown in New Orleans

Pacey and Danny enter a bar in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The bar is full of people, some dancing, some playing pool and some just waiting to see whom they can take home for the night. They move between people, trying to make their way over to the bar to sit down.

“I think I’m getting too old for this,” Danny yells at Pacey even though he is sitting next to him.

“Are you kidding? This place has ambience, style and appeal. What are you talking about?” Danny hears the sarcasm in his voice.

(“Why Georgia” by John Mayer starts playing in the background)

“Don’t tell me you’ve outgrown these type of places? Last time I checked, you still liked getting those marks on your bedpost,” Danny laughs as he turns around to survey the “goods” in the bar.

I am driving up 85 in the
Kind of morning that lasts all afternoon
just stuck inside the gloom

“This might sound odd but I think I need to throw that bedpost in the wood chipper.” The bartender hands Pacey his drink as Danny turns around looking at him, a bit surprised.

“Pacey Witter has changed his stripes? That’ll be the day,” Danny slurs, speaking in Irish brogue. “You and I are one of a kind. This is just a phase, trust me. It will pass and you will realize the appeal of places like this one,” he says, winking at him.

Four more exits to my apartment but
I am tempted to keep the car in drive
And leave it all behind

“Stranger things have happened, man,” Pacey says and suddenly the thought being like Danny makes him sick. He is not like him. But there is this little voice in the back of his head that keeps telling him ‘What’s the difference? He is unfaithful to his wife and you go to bed with women that are being unfaithful to their husbands.’

Cause I wonder sometimes
About the outcome
Of a still verdictless life

`It’s not the same,’ he tells himself. Upset, he shakes his head and glances to his left then his right, feeling as if someone were watching him. He isn’t wrong. Realizing where Pacey´s glance is resting, Danny excuses himself with a smile.

“I’ll be right back.” Danny ambles towards the back of the bar to the restroom.

Am I living it right?
Am I living it right?

Once the coast is clear, Pacey feels a warm breathe on his neck.

“Hey there,” the voice says with a heavy southern accent.

Pacey turns his head to look around to see a woman, a beautiful woman to be more exact, black long hair, slightly curly in the tips, big brown eyes, full lips, tight dress. She places her hand on the bar as she leans in to it. Pacey looks her up and down, then he turns to look forward.

I rent a room and I fill the spaces with
Wood in places to make it feel like home
But all I feel's alone
It might be a quarter life crisis
Or just the stirring in my soul

“Care to buy a gal a drink?” The woman sits down on the stool next to him. Pacey watches as she crosses her long, lean legs before looking up into her face. She tilts her head slightly and Pacey looks appreciatively back at her.

“Do you like older women?” she ask with a sultry smile, speaking in her thick southern accent.

Pacey can’t help but let out a chuckle, which catches the woman a bit off guard. “You know, I’ve been down this road before…well, not exactly this exact road but something pretty much like it.” The woman looks at him rather perplexed but then she smiles seductively.

So what, so I've got a smile on
But it's hiding the quiet superstitions in my head

“Well, honey, you haven’t been down my road.” She turns sideways on the stool, placing her hand on Pacey´s shoulder.
He can’t do this. Well, actually, he could. But he won’t. This is the kind of person he has been the last five years, with the excuse of not having his so called true love by his side. What would be the excuse now? No, this is not the person he wants to be and he won’t. He sees it all clearly now.

Don't believe me
When I say I've got it down

“I’m not trying to be rude but I’d like to think that I’ve gotten past this kind of thing,” he motions between them.

Everybody is just a stranger but
That's the danger in going my own way
I guess it's the price I have to pay

“Suit yourself,” she says sliding slowly off the stool, letting enough of he short dress ride up her thighs and still looking at him for some kind of reaction to her flesh. But she doesn’t get it so she leaves. She throws him an offended look before she walks away.

Little does Pacey know that Danny has been watching the whole interlude. Once the woman leaves, he sits back down next to Pacey, disappointment clearly written all over his face. “Are you crazy letting a tight number like that get away?” Pacey is caught a bit off guard by Danny’s comment. And he realizes that this whole night out is not a god idea.

Pacey gets up and starts to leave. “See you at work tomorrow, Danny,” he says.

“Hey ,Witter,” Danny says, causing Pacey to turn around. “What gives?” Danny looks at him with a questioning look.

Still "everything happens for a reason"
Is no reason not to ask myself

“Let’s just say that everything doesn’t revolve around sex and that sex is not the answer. I’m going home.” Pacey walks out of the bar, leaving a rather stunned Danny behind. After a moment, he goes to the woman that Pacey had been talking to only a few minutes ago and he is welcomed with a warm smile.

If I am living it right
Am I living it right?
Am I living it right?
Why Georgia, why?

Back to the Capeside Hospital

Walking out of Amy’s hospital room in a daze, Jack stumbles down the hallway, unsure of where he’s going. Stopping half way down the hall, he looks to his side and notices some chairs in a quiet hallway not far from the nurse’s station. Walking to one of the chairs and collapsing in one, sighing heavily and trying to keep himself together, Jack reaches for his cell phone, flipping through his address book and finally selecting a number.

“Hi it’s me,” he says, feeling the tears and anguish inside starting to surface. “Yeah, it’s good to hear your voice too. I miss you…no I’m fine…really…”

Putting his hand on his forehead, willing the tears to stop, his body begins to shake as the sobs linger just below the surface, aching to come out.

“Okay, I lied,” he says, choking out his words. “Amy’s sick. She has pneumonia. I guess someone accidentally left her bedroom window open and when Grams went to check on her, she had a really high fever. We immediately brought her to the hospital. Yeah, they said she’ll be okay but it’s bad…she could have died. My baby girl, my only link left to Jen, could have died and I wasn’t there. I was working and Grams was watching her. I know it’s no one’s fault and that it just happened but it gets worse. A social worker came to visit and starting hinting toward things. Well, things like this could have consequences, that my custody could be questioned. This is just great, like I need something like this to happen and jeopardize things for us any more. No, Grams is still with Amy. I’m in a hallway in the hospital. Oh, god what do I do? I don’t know how to help her! All I want is Amy with us. If I lost her…I know I’m jumping to conclusions and should calm down but come on. Has anything ever just magically been okay? Why can’t they just leave us alone and let me raise her like Jen wanted? Why does it have to be such a fight? Why can’t they let me just love her and be a father to her? She’s already lost so much, why can’t she just have everyone leave her alone?”

As a few tears fall down his face, his heart pounding and his body still slightly shaking, he stops for a minute, ignoring the other person’s voice as he hears a noise in the hallway, afraid someone has been listening this entire time. Pausing, he waits for a few moments of silence to continue.

“Yeah, sorry about that. I thought I heard something,” he says, taking several deep breaths. “All I would need is for someone to hear all this and take it back to the social worker or family services. What do I do? Tell me what to do because I don’t know anymore. Part of me just wants to run away from everything, to take Amy and just leave and start over somewhere else. I know it wouldn’t work, they would find us and we’d never be able to come home. I know. I know you’re right. You’re right, nothing has been decided and I’m just…but what if? What if they take her from me?” Unable to control himself anymore, the soothing voice on the other end of the phone unable to calm him down, Jack begins to cry, muffling his sobs in his hand and shirt.

Joey’s apartment in New York

Dawson and Joey are inside her apartment, comfortably relaxing on Joey’s couch in the living room. Joey is still lying on the couch, feeling much better after she finally conceded to Dawson and drank some tea. Dawson is sitting at the opposite end of the couch. He is slightly leaned sideways to look at her better. Joey is talking to him, her voice trailing off all of a sudden, creating an audible silence in the room.

Dawson watches as Joey fights to stay awake. He smiles as he watches her mouth opens ever so slightly and hears her breathing soften. He begins to get up, causing her to open her eyes. “Dawson?” she says sleepily.

He glances at his watch. “Jo, it’s getting really late and I should go,” he says getting off the couch and looking for his shoes.
Joey sits up and looks at him as he puts the shoes on.

“You could stay.” She feels her heart accelerate, realizing exactly what she had just said. ‘What’s the big deal? We used to do this all the time. We did it not so long ago actually,’ she thinks to herself.

Dawson looks at her and then walks back over to the couch, standing near it, looking down at her. “You sure? You don’t think it would be…”

“It would be what, Dawson? We’ve done this thousands of times, plain and simple.” A moment passes between them and it seems like he is about to say something but he doesn’t. “Dawson, it’s late and I’m tired. Aren’t you?” She stares into his dark blue eyes and he holds her gaze, trying to read her hazel ones. Joey just stands up and walks towards her bedroom but not before glancing behind her to see Dawson still standing in the living room.

“Are you coming?” She asks, smiling softly at him, thinking that a part of her wants him to say yes and another part of her thinks she’s crazy for doing this. Tonight of all nights, she feels a little crazy for making this.

“Okay,” he says, still a little unsure. For some reason, this time it feels… different. Not because of her, but… Until now, all the times they have shared a bed has always been in a familiar place for him. But this was her apartment and it just feels… different. But he shakes the thought away as he follows her into her bedroom.

They both walk to the bed, Dawson, unbuttoning his shirt.

“Regular positions as always?” Joey asks, looking at him questionably as there is a far away look in his face.

“Of course,” he nods his head a bit coming back to the present.

“You still with me?” She playfully asks raising her eyebrows.

“Always,” he smiles as they simultaneously pull back the covers.

They both crawl in to bed. Dawson lies on his back with Joey on her side. They both are reflecting on the situation. They have done this so many times before and yet they wonder for how much longer they will be able to do it. Will they be forty years old and still sleep together in the same bed as “just friends?” Whenever one of them is dating someone else, it feels safe. When they don’t… it just feels… dangerous.

(Dawson and Joey instrumental tune starts playing in the background)

“Dawson?” she calls his name rather softly.

“Yeah,” he says, turning to face her. Joey moves so that she is now on her right side facing him, her head propped up with her hand.

“I need to tell you something,” she announces. Dawson moves laying on his left side his hand propping up his head, intrigued.

Joey says it very quickly. “I’ve been going to therapy.” Her eyes lock with Dawson’s. First his eyes go wide open and then he smiles. So that was it. That was what she was keeping from him, but now she has finaly told him. And it feels good to know she is still able to talk to him about everything

“It’s about damn time.” This earns him a playful slap from Joey. Then he laughs. “When did this happen?” Dawson asks, wondering how long this had been going on.

“A few months ago, shortly after Jen’s death. I just felt…so… empty and sad. She died so young. But, that wasn’t all. I needed to understand so much Dawson. I still do. There are things I need to figure out about me and about… the people around me.” She stops, feeling that is just too soon to put some things out there in the open. Things that she still needs to figure out by herself anyway.

“I’m glad you felt like you could go get help,” Dawson says in a supportive tone. “I remember after my dad died I felt…well, kind of weak that I needed help from someone. But it helped me a lot.” Joey nods her head, remembering back to that time and also thinking about how much she has learned during her short time in therapy.

Dawson lightly chuckles and she looks at him questioningly. “You know, Jo, this just means that you are becoming more of a New Yorker everyday,” he teases her.

“Why, because I’m in therapy?” She playfully shoves him and he falls back onto his back. They both laugh, realizing that the awkwardness they both were feeling is now gone as Dawson begins to share his experiences in therapy. Joey listens intently, smiling and nodding her head before talking herself.

Time passes by with the two of them hardly realizing it, as always.

On a Manhattan street, NYC

Two people are walking slowly down a desert street. The road and everything glitters under the moonlight because of the rain has fallen. They both throw little glances at one another and laugh, breaking the silence around them. Ethan and Samantha smile at one another and she suddenly stops, causing Ethan to look over her shoulder at the house behind her.

“This is me,” she says with a smile and he chuckles.

“I had fun tonight. Thanks for going with me,” Ethan says, shuffling his feet.

“I had a nice time too. I hope Joey feels better. I should call her tomorrow and make sure,” Samantha says, watching Ethan nod in agreement.

“Yeah, I hope it was just a bug or something and she didn’t get food poisoning at her own promotion party,” Ethan says, causing Samantha to laugh a bit.

“Oh yeah, food poisoning at your own party - so not a good sign. If you ever get promoted, you’ll have to make sure you have someone test the food beforehand,” Samantha laughs.

“Intentional food poisoning maybe?” Ethan says, raising his eyebrow.

“Hmm… that could make you a suspect,” Sam says, mimicking his raised eyebrow. They stare at each other for a moment before breaking out in laughter once again.

“She and Dawson looked pretty cozy tonight. Is there something she isn’t telling me?” Ethan asks.

“I haven’t known Dawson that long but I can already tell his relationship with Joey is truly unique, based on the things I’ve heard and the things he has shared with me because of my job in the show. You know, the one that is based in the two of them and the rest of their friends.” Ethan nods. Joey has talked to him about it to the point that he has even watched a couple of episodes when he has had the time.

“How long have you known him?” he asks, trying not to sound too interested.

“We met working in his show and ‘dated’ for a while. It was just a fling that lasted a few weeks, nothing deep or committed,” Samantha explains casually.

“Yeah, Joey and I have only been working together for a few months but she’s definitely one of my closet friends here. We understand each other and have something like a brother-sister relationship,” Ethan says, laughing softly.

“And that’s it?” Sam asks. “There wasn’t anything outside of that?”

“Nope, she’s like my sister and I don’t have sex or date my sister,” Ethan laughs. “Besides she was with Pacey the entire time I’ve known her and I could never be the ‘other man.’”

“It doesn’t matter what our relationship is with them or what their relationship is with one another because they’re both totally hopeless,” Sam says, laughing slightly.

“Yeah I know, they’re friends or maybe could be more but neither one will say anything and neither one will make the first move because they’re afraid or they’re waiting for the other person to make the first move… it’s maddening!” Ethan laughs softly as Samantha nods.

“I think that’s true for that whole Capeside/Boston group though,” Sam says, catching Ethan’s attention. “It’s like a part of them enjoys torturing themselves, making everything so hard and complicated instead of being up front and honest with one another. Main example would have to be Dawson and Joey. If I have to go with what we’re going to show on TV, it’s like there were all these roadblocks placed in their way, always something one right after another. On the show, Dawson will make Sammy and Colby overcome them. But in real life it’s as if they couldn’t just catch a break or be really given a chance to be together and try to be happy because something always came up and somehow pushed them apart. Sometimes I wish someone would’ve just locked them in somewhere together and said, ‘Be together, be happy. This is your shot.’ because they weren’t going to do it on their own. I mean, when do you get to that point in a relationship where enough is really enough?”

“Well, that is if you ARE in a relationship. If you are, it’s easy to know if it is working or not. You can try and try but if it’s not there, then it’s not there,” he says, his mind wandering. But he quickly gets back to the present, looking Samantha in the eye.

“The problem is when you haven’t had the chance to give it a try, haven’t really crossed that line. I think with Dawson and Joey, their relationship causes that line to blur and stepping over it scares them to death,” Ethan says.

“After watching that show, watching the younger pseudo-Dawson and pseudo-Joey characters interact, I think you’re right. The normal rules of relationships just don’t apply to them,” Sam laughs.

“Do you think they’ll ever get it right?” Ethan asks, curious about her reaction.

“I don’t know but probably not without a helpful shove,” Samantha says with a smile. “Now that we had a great time analyzing our friends love lives, I think I better go. It’s getting late and I don’t feel like facing my aunt if I wake her up.” Ethan laughs.

“Okay, so… see you soon?” Ethan asks.

“Definitely,” she says, smiling widely at him.

“Cool,” he says, his smile matching with her. “Until then.”

“See ya,” she says, smiling at him over her shoulder as she walks up to the house. Ethan stays there until he sees her walk inside. Then he goes back to the main street to look for a cab, walking with his hands in his pockets, feeling good.

The rain has been on and off all night and seems like it’s gonna start raining again at any moment. Still, he looks up at the sky, content. ‘It’s been a great night,’ he thinks, a smile on his face.

Capeside Hospital

A knock is heard on the door of the hospital waiting room where Jack, Doug and Grams are sitting. Jack goes to answer the door. He opens it up and it’s Andie! Like a fresh breeze of air, with a big smile in her face and her blond hair floating around her, she enters the room

"Hey! What’re you doing here?" Jack asks as she throws herself into his arms. He is very excited and happy to see her and so is she, despite the circumstances.

"Well, I was so worried when we talked on the phone that I just had to come here and be with you,” she says, pulling back and looking at him. “I called the hospital and told them that I had a family emergency and had to leave. I put a few things in a bag and headed over here as fast as I could.”

Grams gets up and hugs her and so does Doug. Then Jack turns to her, a worried expression in his face.

“And is this… okay? I mean, is the hospital okay with this?”

“The hospital owes me some vacation anyway and I haven’t taken any in the three years I’ve been here so I thought it was about time I dedicate some time to my family," Andie explains, rubbing Jack’s back.

"That’s great," Jack says as they hug again and she holds his brother tight, knowing and feeling how much he needs her at this moment.

"How long do you plan on staying with us?" Jack asks.

"For as long as I’m needed," Andie answers.

"You have no idea how relieved I am to hear you say that," Jack says, smiling and Andie smiles back at him.

"How is Amy doing?" Andie asks, turning to Grams.

"Not so good,” she says, holding back the tears bravely.

“The doctors say she’s going to have to stay here for a few days while they treat her. She could have died, Andie," Jack says, getting a little teary-eyed, agony evident in his voice.

"It’s alright, Jack. She hasn’t and she won’t. And now that I’m here I can talk to the doctors and see what’s going on," Andie says, putting an arm around her brother.

"Could you? I think that would help. I’m sure you could explain things to us so much better," Jack says.

"Okay, I’ll talk to them in a minute," Andie says and then turns to Grams. "And how are you doing, Grams? Is everything okay?" she asks concerned, putting her free arm around Grams shoulders.

"I’m alright, child. No need to worry about me," Grams replies, placing her hand over Andie’s, resting on her shoulder.

”I’ll go and try to find a doctor I can talk with,” she says, smiling at the three of them reassuringly before walking out the room.

Jack just looks at the place where she just disappeared at and smiles. Andie is here. Maybe she won’t be able to fix things but she can try.

At least she is there. Finally.

The episode ends with a montage of images…

(Rain, by Madonna, starts to play in the background)

Rain, feel it on my finger tips
Hear it on my window pane
Your love's coming down like
Rain, wash away my sorrow
Take away my pain
Your love's coming down like rain

In Joey’s room, Dawson is fast asleep and Joey is looking out the window. She opens it, leans on it and faces the fresh air of the night with her eyes closed. Slowly, she turns around and watches Dawson with a sweet expression on her face.

When you looked into my eyes
And you said goodbye could you see my tears
When I turned the other way
Did you hear me say
I'd wait for all the dark clouds bursting in a perfect sky
You promised me when you said goodbye
That you'd return when the storm was done
And now I'll wait for the light, I'll wait for the sun

Pacey sits on a sofa at his house, staring at the TV with a remote in his hands, not really watching what’s on. He’s actually thinking over some things he has done, things he doesn’t want to do anymore. Decisions he didn’t expect to make. Searching for forgiveness for his own sake, he knows he won’t be like that anymore.

When your lips are burning mine
And you take the time to tell me how you feel
When you listen to my words
And I know you've heard, I know it's real
Rain is what this thunder brings
For the first time I can hear my heart sing
Call me a fool but I know I'm not
I'm gonna stand out here on the mountain top
Till I feel your

At the Capeside Hospital, Andie is back in the waiting room. She is talking with Jack, Doug and Grams, the three of them listening to her closely.

Waiting is the hardest thing
(It's strange I feel like I've known you before)
I tell myself that if I believe in you
(And I want to understand you)
In the dream of you
(More and more)

Ethan and Samantha are each one at their own rooms, lying awake in their beds, remembering different moments of the night, both with a smiles on their faces.

Rain is what the thunder brings
For the first time I can hear my heart sing
Call me a fool but I know I'm not
I'm gonna stand out here on the mountain top
Till I feel your

In slow motion, Joey walks away from the window. She pulls the covers from the bed aside and slides inside. She lies down facing Dawson. He is asleep and Joey watches him for a moment before closing her eyes slowly, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

Outside, is raining again.

Rain, I feel it, it's coming
Your love's coming down like... rain

CREDITS