708 – I do

It’s early in the morning. The sun rises over the Leery house, giving a feeling of tranquillity. Slightly misleading, considering the event that is about to take place. After a courtship of over a decade, Boddie and Bessie are getting married.

Inside, Dawson enters his mother’s bedroom, dressed in a dark blue suit and tugging on the cuffs of his shirt.

“Almost ready?” he asks Gale.

“Almost,” she responds, straightening her dress as she looks at herself in the mirror. Then she turns around to face her son. “How do I look, sweetie?”

“Stunning, as always,” he tells her. “If you looked any better, you’d probably upstage Bessie. And try to not let John see you before we leave or you’ll be late,” he says, winking at her.

Gale opens her eyes wide and then just laughs. “Dawson!” she exclaims, a mock severe tone in her voice. Dawson just smiles as he fixes his tie. Or tries to at least. Gale steps closer to him

“Here, let me help you,” she says. “I don’t know what’s wrong with you guys but none of you never seem to get this right. Okay, there you go,” she says, and stares at him for a moment. Dawson looks at her, slightly puzzled.

“What?” he says. His mother sighs and he knows what is about to come so he tries not to roll his eyes.

“You’re so… grown up,” she states. “I know, I know,” she adds, laughing softly at Dawson’s face. “But even after all this time, I’m amazed at how far you’ve come. Remember how insecure you used to be about your movies? Now look at you! A pillar of confidence. If only your father could see you now.”

“I’m not that confident!” Dawson argues, but he feels a warm rush go through him as he always does when she mentions his father and how he would feel about him. “And I hope he is.”

Son and mother exchange a look. Gale loves John, but still, she likes to talk with Dawson about Mitch, to remind him what his father would have said about his life if only he had been there to share it with them.

Seeing as how this might not be the best moment to conjure up memories of the past, she quickly decides to change the subject.

“Oh, I never got the chance to thank you for inviting Lily to New York on Halloween!” she recalls in a brighter tone. “She said you guys had a lot of fun.”

“Well…” Dawson smirks as he reaches for his jacket off the hook, where his mother hung it neatly yesterday when he arrived home. “Some more than others. Like you always say, some things never change.”

As if on cue, Lily suddenly comes running in. She is already dressed in her bridesmaid’s gown.

“Well, speak of the angel!” Dawson exclaims with a smile at the sight of his little sister.

Lily grins back at him and does a little curtsey, which makes Dawson chuckle. “Wow, Mom!” Lily says, looking at her mom with admiration. “You look so pretty!”

“Why, thank you sweetheart,” Gale replies. “You do, too!”

”Thanks,” she responds brightly. “John wants to know if is gonna take much longer. He’s waiting downstairs,” Lily says, turning around in front of the mirror as she poses the question and waits for the answer, admiring her dress.

“We’ll be down in a moment, Lily,” Dawson tells her, amused at her primping in the mirror.

“Okay! I get front seat!” she exclaims, then takes off like a flash. Dawson can’t help but laugh at her enthusiasm.

“Was I ever that young?” he asks.

“You were worse,” Gale informs him. “You and Joey were quite a handful.” Dawson nods, his eyes a million miles away. “Where is Joey, anyway?” his mother asks him casually.

“At the B&B,” he replies, just as casual. “She wants to give her sister the perfect wedding. Hopefully she’ll succeed.”

“Hopefully?” Gale asks, raising her eyebrows with curiosity.

(Music of the credits start playing)

“Well, the track record leaves a lot to be desired, Mom,” he reminds her. “Every time we go to a wedding, something bad happens. Forgive me for being a little antsy.”

For a moment they fall silent. It’s been only a few months since the last one and they remember perfectly well what happened. How could they forget?

Gale rests a reassuring hand in his arm and smiles at him. “Don’t be so nervous. You’d think you were the one getting married!” she adds then, jokingly.

“Yeah, like that’ll ever happen!” Dawson says with a smirk.

“I wouldn’t be so sure of that,” she teases. “Good things have this habit of happening to good people.”

“I’m not even seeing anyone right now,” he reminds her.

“Oh, what a coincidence,” she states. “Neither is Joey.”

Dawson freezes, as Gale heads downstairs. He shakes his head in amazement.

“Some things never change…” he mutters, following her downstairs.

CREDITS

Potter’s B&B, Bessie’s bedroom

Bessie is sitting in front of a beautiful mirror, looking extremely nervous and shaking her leg constantly.

“Come on, Bess. Stop it!” Joey says, a little nervous herself. “If you don’t stop shaking, I’m never gonna finish doing your hair.”

“Sorry, sis,” Bessie says, apologizing. “I don’t know what’s gotten into me.”

Joey smiles. “Well, maybe what has gotten into you is your wedding, silly.”

Bessie smiles nervously. “Yeah, maybe. But I just don’t understand why I’m so nervous.”

“Neither do I, honestly. It’s not like you two just met or something. You’ve been together for more than twelve years now. You even have a ten year old child,” Joey answers, trying to calm her sister down with reassuring words.

“I know, Jo. But, I don’t know. Somehow it feels different to be married. It’s like this way it’s…”

“More definitive?” Joey ends, knowing full well what Bessie means. She did, after all, run from away from New York the moment she found a wedding ring amongst her boyfriend’s clothes. Definitive had never been a word that had much weight in her vocabulary anyway. Whenever she thought something was definitive… well, it wasn’t. It never was.

“Yeah, kind of.” Bessie nods. “I don’t know. It’s like all this time together, despite of Alex, it’s been like a test, more… frivolous?. No, that is not the word…”

“I think you’re searching for casual,” Joey mumbles, her mouth full of hairpins.

“Yeah, casual... with a lot of obligations. We’ve gone through a lot of things together, and all that but… but now, that we’re gonna be married… it’s like we will have to be together, no matter what. And I know it sounds stupid because we’ve been together for a long time, and as you said, we even have a child together. Does any of this make any sense to you, Jo? Being scared even though you know you shouldn’t?” Bessie asks, a little unsettled.

“Yeah, but don’t ask me to explain it any better because I can’t. I do know exactly what you mean, though,” Joey answers with a sigh. Bessie just shoots her a glance through the mirror, and Joey pretends she doesn’t notice.

“So how are things going with…” Bessie asks

“You can say it out loud, Bessie,” she says, rolling her eyes. “Therapist. It’s called a therapist.” She places one more hairpin in Bessie’s hair. “And it’s going well, actually.” Bessie smiles at Joey’s reflection in the mirror and Joey smiles back. “Okay, now stay still, don’t ruin my work of art,” Joey laughs. “You’re beautiful, Bess,” Joey says, contemplating her nervous, yet radiant, sister.

“Thanks, Joey,” Bessie answers, blushing a little as Joey makes the last adjustments to the hairdo.

“I’m thirsty. I’m gonna get something to drink and when I get back, I’ll do your make up,” Joey says, shaking a finger to Bessie’s direction as she walks out of the room.

When she enters the kitchen she finds her father, Mike, all dressed up and leaning on the counter, drinking some coffee.

“Hi, honey. How is it going in there?” Mike asks smiling.

“Hi, Dad. Great. Her hair is done so we only have her make up left. And the dress, of course,” Joey answers, letting out a tired sigh as she washes her hands under the water.

“Weddings are so stressful, aren’t they? If you had seen your mother… she was shaking even when she was saying her vows,” Mike laughs softly while Joey only gives him a half smile as she dries her hands. Mike clears his throat. “Joey, we haven’t had the chance to talk much since you arrived yesterday what with everything going on but… how are things going in the Big Apple?” Mike asks, trying to start a conversation.

“Fine,” Joey answers, now taking a bottle of juice from the fridge.

“Fine? Wow, I remembered you being more eloquent,” Mike jokes. Or he tries to, at least.

“What do you mean?” Joey asks, furrowing her brow.

“I don’t know. I just wanted to know about your life in New York. Your job, your apartment… you know, those kind of things,” Mike says, hopefully.

“Well, I’m not sure what do you want me to say. Everything’s good in New York. I have a great apartment. My job is going well. Sometimes it’s overwhelming but I love it,” Joey answers, shrugging her shoulders.

“And what exactly are you doing?” Mike asks, wanting to know more about his daughter.

“I’m an editor. When an author writes a new manuscript, I read through it and find the mistakes, correcting things if I think they need to be rewritten. Then I tell my boss if I think if a manuscript deserves to be published. Things like that,“ Joey explains.

“Wow! That sounds important,” Mike says, his voice filled with proud for his little girl.

“Well, it’s not that important. It’s just us doing our job.” Joey responds.

("The Voice Within" by Christina Aguilera, starts playing in the background)

“And what about your love life?” he asks, smiling.

Young girl, don't cry
I'll be right here when your world starts to fall

“What about it?” she asks back, suddenly becoming tense.

“Your sister told me about you and this guy, Chris, and then you and Pacey,” he explains, a little concerned.

Young girl, it's all right
Your tears will dry, you'll soon be free to fly

“What did she tell you?” Joey asks, suddenly wanting to kill her older sister.

“Oh, nothing. Just that you broke upi with Chris and you and Pacey got together right after that and after Gale’s wedding… and that you and Pacey had also broken up not too long ago,” Mike answers, noticing the change in his daughter’s mood.

When you're safe inside your room you tend to dream
Of a place where nothing's harder than it seems
No one ever wants or bothers to explain
Of the heartache life can bring and what it means

“Well, that’s about it. We tried it for a while and it didn’t work so we broke up,” Joey says, shrugging.

“And Dawson?”

“What abut him?” Joey says, getting impatient and angry.

When there's no one else
Look inside yourself
Like your oldest friend

“Are you two going to… you know, ever give it another try?” Mike asks curious. He has been waiting for years to hear the news of Joey and Dawson getting back together but it never came and he doesn’t really know why.

Just trust the voice within
Then you'll find the strength
That will guide your way
If you will learn to begin
To trust the voice within

“What’s with the third degree about my love life, Dad?” Joey asks, this time clearly angry.

“It’s not the third degree, sweetie.” Mike backs off, now regretting he ever asked anything about Pacey or Dawson. “I’m just concerned about you. I know you’ve been in love with Dawson for a long time and I thought that maybe since you two are back together in the same city…” Mike explains.

Now in a world where innocence is quickly claimed
It's so hard to stand your ground when you're so afraid

“What’s up with everybody trying to get Dawson and I back together?” she asks, raising her voice. Her feelings are confusing enough.

“Well, maybe we see things that you two refuse to,” Mike replies, calmly.

“What do you want from me, Dad?” Joey suddenly snaps, upset.

“I just want to know you,” Mike explains, softly.

“You want to know me? I’m living my life in New York where I have a job that I love. I have friends I adore to spend my free time with. That’s all you need to know,” Joey fumes.

“No, it’s not all I need to know. You’re my daughter, Joey. I want to know ALL about you,” Mike says, a little upset too.

“Look. I know we’ve been in contact for a while now but you’ve been far from being a real father to me for the last ten years. Polite meetings once a year and brief conversations over the phone just don’t cut it. I’d say you’ve lost any rights to interrogate me about my life. And about Dawson, it’s none of your business,” Joey says a little too sharply.

“If it’s about you, it is my business, Joey. And if I’ve been distant, it’s just because you won’t let me in. Because every time I try to get close to you like I’m doing right now, you close yourself off from me and ignore my efforts,” Mike says, trying to keep his voice under control so as to not show her how much her words hurt him.

Life is a journey
It can take you anywhere you choose to go

“Well, maybe you should have tried harder... sooner. Maybe that’s what I wanted you to do: to insist a little, to reassure me that you wanted to be there as my father. And not just when it’s convenient for you.”

“But Joey, one can only push for so long--” Mike starts.

As long as you're learning
You'll find all you'll ever need to know

“Joey! We’re gonna be late!” Bessie yells from her bedroom.

“Excuse me, Dad. I have to help Bessie finish getting ready.” And with that she leaves the kitchen, angry as ever, leaving behind a very upset and concerned Mike.

Young girl don't cry
I'll be right here when your world starts to fall

The Potter B&B

Jack surveys the Potter Bed & Breakfast. It is, he thinks, the same yet different. The small inn has been repainted but the flowers still bloom and daisies still fill the yard. Not yard, “grounds,” he corrects himself. It is all the B&B’s grounds now, not Joey’s backyard anymore. It feels odd to stand here after so long and remembers what life was like when he first came to Capeside. Jack thinks back to the first time he visited Joey’s home. It wasn’t the “Potter Bed & Breakfast” back then. It was simply Joey’s ramshackle home next to the Creek. He had been such a klutz back then and Joey had made him so nervous. Well, not really Joey, but Jack himself: “a guy who had refused to come to grips with his sexuality.” Jack tousles Amy’s blond locks.

Somehow with the sunlight moving across the creek, the sound of laughter floating in the air, and Amy’s small hand in his, his life becomes suddenly bearable. His life without his soulmate, Jen, is somehow less painful. Moments like these seem to ease the pain of Jen’s passing.

Jack breaks from his reverie. “You know, Amy? One day I’m going to have to tell you how your dad humiliated himself in front of your Aunt Joey.” Jack grins at the thought of Joey’s scarlet face when the towel had fallen off his hips. He is sure that it was the first time she had seen a guy in that particular state. Amy looks up curiously at Jack and for a brief moment, Jack could clearly see Jen staring up at him in her blue eyes. Amy seems to be an old soul just like her mother, wisdom radiating from her innocent eyes. “On second thought, I think I’ll tell you that story when you’re thirty,” Jack chuckles as he lifts Amy into his arms, checking that the little coat is tight around her and her red hat is firm on her head. He carries her to the front door of the B&B. It’s the fist time she’s gotten out of the house since being discharged from the hospital and he is a little apprehensive.

Jack knocks the door and Mike opens it, smiling broadly at the sight of them.

“Amy, what an angel you are!” Mike exclaims, leaning to touch Amy’s cheek.

“I never get greeted anymore when I’m with Amy,” Jack grins in response. “I am merely part of her entourage.”

“Jack, I didn’t mean to be rude but Amy is the star of the show,” Mike laughs in response, still smiling at the baby for a moment before turning his attention to his daughter’s friend.

“So how are things here at B&B? Is the bride still in one piece or has she had the usual breakdown?” asks Jack.

Mike laughs. “Joey is taking care of her so I assume everything is okay.”

“And business is good?”

“Yeah, business is good,” answers Mike. “It’s not easy sometimes but nothing worth having is ever easy. Not when it comes to business, not when it comes to your family. And I hate to break this to you, but all daughters end up breaking their father’s hearts,” Mike sighs. “So enjoy this time you have with your daughter.” Mike claps Jack on the back as Joey walks into the hall.

“I think I’ll check on Bessie,” says Mike. With that, Mike leaves Joey and Jack to talk.

“What was that about?” asks Joey, frowning.

“I think your father was waxing sentimental regarding your lost youth,” Jack replies as he follows her to the living room.

“My what?” says Joey. “May I remind you I am in my mid-twenties? And that no one, except for you and Dawson, is remotely close to being an adult or having an established career,” continues Joey. “We’re all assistants or assistants to assistants. It’s all so maddening.”

“Interesting,” says Jack, “why do you think I’m an adult and you’re not?” he asks as he sits down on the sofa.

“Amy obviously,” Joey turns to the child and takes off her hat, combing her blonde curls with her hand lovingly, to Amy’s delight. She smiles up at Joey and Joey smiles back at her as she continues. “Amy seems to have made you more mature and stable than the rest of us.”

“You mean ‘prematurely gray,’ don’t you?” sighs Jack as Joey lifts Amy into her arms for a hug. “By the end of the adoption proceedings I’ll probably be a lot more gray.” Jack leans back on the couch and looks at his baby girl seriously. “No one can tell me with certainty whether I will get to keep Amy,” says Jack tightly. Joey hugs Amy a little closer.

“Has anything changed recently?” she asks as she cradles Amy in her arms.

“No,” says Jack flatly, “I could still lose her. But let’s not talk about this today. I just can’t go over all of this again and tell you the ten different ways I could lose her in the court proceedings. It’s just too painful for me to rehash.”

“It’s okay, Jack,” replies Joey, sitting by his side and Amy immediately crawling back into Jack’s lap. “Just remember that I’m here for you and Amy and so is everyone else.”

“Thanks for not letting me get too melancholy,” says Jack with a weak smile, kissing the top of Amy’s head as she nestles herself securely against his chest. “Sometimes it all gets to me.”

Joey glances down at her watch and says with a smile, “You’re saved by the bell. We really need to get to the church.” And with that, they leave arm in arm.

The Capeside church

The oldest and nicest church in the whole town is decorated from top to bottom with white flowers, the air heavy with its fragrance. People start to arrive. Dawson and Pacey are already inside the church, together, standing there in their tuxedos.

“So, how are things going in New Orleans?” Dawson asks.

“Great, the restaurant is great. Danny might not be the greatest person in this world but he lets me run it at my way,” Pacey answers, his hands in his pockets. “And what about you and your Spielberg project?”

“Well, we’re still finalizing the locations. But soon we’ll be start shooting and I’m really looking forward to it,” Dawson says smiling.

Then, both men stand in silence, lost in their own thoughts.

“So, how’s the weather in New Orleans?” Dawson asks and immediately feels the urge to slap himself. Great question.

Pacey looks at him weird. “Hot as hell,” he laughs. “I told Danny I need air conditioning in my apartment because the streets are even hotter than the houses so opening the windows for fresh air is out of the question.”

“Well, I hope you get it,” Dawson says awkwardly.

Another uncomfortable silence falls between them.

“We’ll have to talk about her sooner or later, don’t you think?” Dawson says, suddenly.

Pacey closes his eyes and nods. “I know.” He looks up. “It’s just that it’s weird being here to talk about this… again. I mean, haven’t we done this a few too many times?”

Dawson nods in understanding, letting out a throaty chuckle. “True. So… how are you taking it… this time?” he asks trying to keep his tone light yet concerned at the same time.

“Fine.” He sees Dawson looking at him with a ‘yeah, right’ look. Pacey sighs. Did he really give the impression of being that hang up on Joey? That he couldn’t survive without her? “Really. I’m okay with it. It still hurts a little, you know, because I thought that it would be for real this time. But we did the right thing. We weren’t happy together and it’s better that we ended it when we did,” Pacey says with a sad smile.

“Or maybe you just need time and then everything will go back to – “

“Back to what? Dawson, trust me. No matter how many times she would… chose me,” he says with a half bitter half ironic tone, “I would never have her entirely. There will always be this part of her that I would never be able to have… never be able to reach.”

The memory of him and Joey sitting in the swings, many years ago, flashes through Dawson’s mind. “No matter who you’re with… you will always have a piece of my heart.” But he disregards it quickly.

Pacey throws a knowing and resigned look at Dawson. This is the first time he has acknowledged this out loud, and it had to be to, of all people, Dawson. And somehow it feels… right. For a long time it had been about Dawson and Joey, and then him and Joey, and now… now he is just tired of playing the third wheel. He is walking away. He is giving up on chasing the impossible. And something inside him tells him that maybe that is the way it should have always been.

“But just because you two have broken up doesn’t mean that you has to walk out of her life, Pacey. I’m sure that’s not what she wants,” Dawson finally says.

Pacey looks at him surprised. “I didn’t walk out of her life,” he retorts back.

“Well, at least it looks like you did. You haven’t talked to her or to me, for that matter, since you left for New Orleans,” Dawson says, looking him in the eye. Pacey stares back at him and sees he’s being sincere.

“I know. I just… needed some time I guess,” Pacey says, a smile in his face.

“I understand,” Dawson replies and the funny thing is, he really does.

By now, a great part of the awkwardness has disappeared and as they stand there, just smiling to each other, their history, with its good and bad moments passes between them. Two long time friends, finally coming to an understanding about each other, in the middle of a church, in the small town of their far gone childhood days.

“Well, we made it. We talked about her,” Pacey jokes.

“Yeah,” Dawson replies laughing.

They’re finally found a way to have a friendly, awkward free conversation when they see a familiar blonde making her entrance into the church with Grams. Grams sits in a pew but her companion doesn’t. Instead, she spots them and beams, waving.

Dawson can see Pacey´s expression. He’s stunned as he stares at the blonde and Dawson is very surprised to see Andie McPhee walking towards them, wearing a light pink dress that falls just below her knees.

Pacey´s face soon breaks into a big grin as Andie approaches them, mirroring his huge smile. As she approaches, Pacey immediately picks her up in a tight hug and twirls her around under Dawson’s amused gaze. She squeals in delight as he laughs. “Andie! I didn’t know you were coming!”

“I know! I somehow managed to get the weekend off and didn’t have time to call anyone before I hopped on the plane,” she laughs, still in his arms.

When finally Pacey puts her back on her feet, Dawson takes his turn hugging her. “Andie, it’s so good to see you,” he says and she smiles, resting her chin on his shoulder.

“Well, Dr. McPhee. How’s life treating you?” Pacey says happily, when Dawson releases her.

“Wonderful,” she says with her usual bright mood. “And what about you guys? Jack usually keeps me pretty up-to-date but lately with the whole Amy thing…”

“Yeah, I know. It sucks,” Pacey says, turning serious.

“Yeah, it does. But we have time to talk about that later. Now I want to know about you, so spill,” she says cheerfully, looking from one to another.

“Well, there’s been a few changes. I guess Jack told you about this job in New Orleans?” Pacey sees her nodding. “Then, I’m afraid that there’s nothing else to say. I’ve become this totally boring person,” Pacey jokes with a pouty face.

“Come on, Pacey. You’re anything but a boring person,” Andie says, shoving him gently. “And what about you, Dawson?”

“Well, I’m afraid that I’m not that interesting either. I’m assuming Jack told you about me moving to New York and why I’m there.” Andie nods again. “See? We’re both completely mundane people,” Dawson smiles.

“Come on, Dawson! All those years living in L.A. and you don’t have any wild stories to tell us?” Andie jokes, teasing him.

“None that I can tell right now,” Dawson answers with a sly grin.

“And what about you and your European adventure?” Pacey asks.

“European adventure? When you put it like that…” she says, making a funny face. They all laugh and they’re still laughing when they hear a squeal coming from the entrance.

“Oh, my God! Everything is so beautiful! I have arrived!”

Audrey has indeed arrived, as discreet and reserved as always. Andie is watching her with wide eyes as the boys smile and shake their heads in amusement. As she approaches them, smiling widely, Dawson greets her.

“Hey, Audrey. You made it,” he says, smiling.

“Yes, I did!” she grins, hugging him tight. “Isn’t it great?” She winks at him as she untangles herself from their hug, and Dawson laughs. “It’s so good to see you Mr. Hollywood!” Dawson can’t help but grin back and Audrey turns to Pacey.

“Hey, Witter. Too bad I can’t say the same about you…” she teases with a mock frown, pretending that she’s not glad to see him at all.

“I love you too, Audrey,” Pacey says mockingly. “Oh, come on. I deserve a hug, don’t I?”

“Oh, what the hell!“ she laughs. “Come here!” They laugh as they hug each other.

Andie observes the exchange, amused. She has heard about Audrey but this is the first time they’ve ever met. When she sees that the three of them have finished, she clears her throat.

Audrey turns around at the sound and sees Andie, whom she hadn’t notice yet.

“Hello,” she says, looking at Dawson and Pacey with an inquiring look in her face. The girl seems familiar, as if she had seen her before but where?

“Oh, I forgot you two don’t know each other. Audrey, this is Andie McPhee, Jack’s sister. And, Andie, this is Audrey Liddell, another Worthington alum,” Pacey introduces them.

“Oh my God! You’re the Andie!” Audrey squeals, hugging her.

Andie laughs as she finds herself enveloped in Audrey’s arms. “Yeah, I think so.”

“I’ve seen some pictures of you, They’re all from years ago, I think. Dawson said they used to hang on his wall.”

“Oh, really? I remember these pictures. God, yeah, you’re right, that was so long ago!” Andie says, laughing.

“It so was,” Dawson agrees and Pacey nods his head.

Just then, Joey enters the church, followed by Jack who is carrying Amy. They walk towards the pew where Grams is sitting and chatting with Gale and John. Gale coos at Amy and takes her, sitting her in her lap. Immediately, Joey spots the group and grabs Jack’s arm, pulling him over to the group.

“Andie! I’m so happy you made it!“ Joey exclaims as she hugs her while Jack hugs Audrey. “I thought you couldn’t come!”

“I know. I somehow managed to talk the hospital into giving me some more time off.”

“We are all so glad you’re here,” Joey says, rubbing her back. Then she turns to Audrey, who has just been released by Jack.

“Hey! I wasn’t sure if you were gonna make it either. I’m glad you found some time from your busy touring career to mingle with us little people,” Joey teases.

“I always find time for the little people,” she says dramatically before dissolves into giggles. “It would have never been the same without me.” Audrey laughs.

“Never,” Joey laughs along with her. She turns and finds herself face to face with Dawson.

“Hey there,” she says, as they hug. “You look gorgeous,” he whispers in her ear while they’re still hugging, making her blush a little. She thanks him with a look.

“Hi, Pace,” she says, kind of shyly, hugging him too but it’s an awkward hug and everyone can tell. Maybe it’s awkward because they know all eyes are on them as they greet each other. But everybody pretends not to be looking as they make small talk.

“Hi, Potter. You look good,” he compliments her, a little nervous himself. This is the first time they’ve see each other in months and it’s weird to think how different everything is now.

“Thanks. You don’t look too bad yourself,” she replies, smiling at him.

“Well, you know me. I don’t need much to look good so when I dress up a little…” He says with a chuckle.

Joey rolls her eyes but she also laughs. She watches him and suddenly, she knows that everything’s going be okay between them.

Pacey can see it too and a feeling of relief washes over him. Everything is gonna be fine. Smiling, he hugs her again. This time the hug is a bit longer and Dawson who is watching them out of the corner of his eye smiles, happy his two friends are at peace with each other.

They’re all chatting when Mike comes out looking for Joey. “Hi guys,” he greets the group. “Joey, honey. Bessie is asking for you,” Mike says.

“My work is never done. I’ll be there in a sec, Dad,” Joey answers.

Dawson is by her side and felt her tense up when Mike appeared. Concerned, he puts his hand on her back in an attempt to reassure her.

“Is everything okay, Joey?”

Joey looks at him and sees the concern in his eyes. “Everything’s fine,” she says, half smiling before turning to the rest of the group. “Sorry, guys. I have to calm the bride down. I’ll see everyone later,” she says and hurries off, shooting one last glance at Dawson. He watches her walk away with a worried look in his face, knowing that something is bothering her, no matter what she says.

“We should probably go and find out seats,” Jack recommends, and everybody nods as they join Grams, Gale, John and Amy.

Still inside the church

“You are just the cutest thing!” Andie McPhee announces using ‘baby-talk’, holding the blonde-haired child in her arms. “Yes, you are!”

Amy laughs at the funny woman. She grabs a handful of Andie’s hair, tugging on it, trying to stick it into her mouth.

“Hey, that’s mine!” Andie laughs. “Must be Amy’s way of saying I need a haircut?”

Pacey gives her a smirk. The scene is just too adorable.

“I think she likes you,” he states.

“Should we just go ahead and get the scissors now?” Jack says, making Andie laugh. “Oh, you like Aunt Andie, don’t you?” he asks her, taking Amy. “Come to Daddy.”

Pacey finds himself staring at Andie, who is now smiling wide at the sight of his brother and his new daughter. Eventually, she notices Pacey staring at her.

“What?” she asks.

“It’s just…really good to see you again,” he tells her. “Thanks for coming.”

“Hey,” she shrugs. “Jack asked, I came. It’s what loving sisters do.”

“Mind informing mine about that little bit of info?” he jokes.

“So, I hear you’re living in New Orleans these days, huh?” Andie asked him. “How is it? Must be intense.”

“That’s an understatement if I’ve ever heard one,” he joked. “But yeah…it’s great. I really owe Brecher for this one.”

“Knowing you, I’m sure you’re enjoying The Big Easy.”

“Well, I don’t want to brag, but…” Pacey replies, which resulted in some chuckling from the others.

“Are we talking about the few girls Pacey hasn’t dated yet in New Orleans?” Audrey adds, poking her head from the other side of the bench.

“Hey!. What is this, attack of Pacey´s ex’s day? You got Karen hiding somewhere?” he jokes, looking around as if afraid.

“Tamara’s in the cake!” Jack jokes, his attention back to the conversation.

Pacey sighs, rolling his eyes.

“For your information, the old Pacey has been exorcized!” he tells them, smiling proudly. This is met with incredulous faces, so he insists. “I swear, I’m a new man. Promise! I’m getting on with my life without the help of the many beautiful women in Louisiana!”

”Why don’t you believe him?” Andie asks in his defense, only to be met by some more groans and puffs. Suddenly, Lily runs to their pew from the other side of the church where she was playing with Alex.

“Dawson, Dawson!” she calls for her brother excitedly. “I wanna show you something!”

Dawson looks at her, then at the others.

“Sorry, guys…” he apologizes. “Be back in a minute.”

Dawson and Lily take off.

“Isn’t she just the cutest thing?” Audrey asks, watching Lily drag Dawson outside.

“So cute,” Andie agrees. “I don’t remember much about being that age.” They start to reminisce about their childhoods.

“Odds are she’ll have a million-word vocabulary before she hits puberty!” Pacey says Jack, laughing. “So...?” Pacey asks. “Everything all right? I mean, with Amy?”

Jack sighs. He is moved and he truly appreciates everybody’s concern but at the same time he wishes they would stop asking him about it.

“Anything I can do to help?” Pacey offers.

“Just pray for us!” Jack mutters. “The thought of someone taking her away is just too much. If Jen were here, she’d… it’s just not fair!” he says finally, his hand turned into a fist.

“Maybe I can help,” Pacey suggests. “I spent some time in the world of shady players. I can help you form a strategy or something.”

“It’s personal, Pacey,” he argues.

“Jen was one of my closest friends. Doug’s my brother!” Pacey reminds him. “It’s personal for me too!”

Jack looks at Pacey and sees he is being serious. Slowly, Jack nods his head.

“Okay, come on…let’s talk, just not in here,” he says, motioning to all the buzz around them as people wait for the ceremony to start. “I don’t wanna bring everybody down.”

The two guys take off, Jack still holding Amy. Thus, Andie and Audrey are left alone, (not that they even notice).

“Something just occurred to me,” Andie is telling her. “You and I…we don’t know each other very well, do we? Well, actually, we don’t know each other at all.”

“We kind of do,” Audrey shrugged. “We know each other by reputation. You’re like the patron saint of Capeside. And though I’m not really into saints, I like you.”

Andie laughs. “I like you too.”

“Of course…” Audrey adds. “We do have one mutual link though. A certain tall, dark heartbreaker.”

“Oh, of course,” Andie laughs. “Pacey!”

“What got into us that we all went out with Mister Snoring?” Audrey says serious. “I mean it’s something that I have been asking myself for years. I even asked Joey but she couldn’t give me an answer.”

Andie laughs again. “Well, I don’t know what to tell you but I always have the excuse that I was too young and innocent to know what I was getting myself into,” she says joking but serious, enjoying their little game.

“Good answer. Maybe I can blame it on the stress that came with the first year at college. You think?” Audrey asks Andie.

“Definitely.” Andie answers. “What’d we ever see in that guy, anyway? He’s indecisive!”

“He’s weird!” Audrey adds.

“He’s pushy!”

“He’s moody!”

“He’s clingy!”

“And then there’s that whole thing where he somehow makes you laugh when you’re feeling miserable,” Audrey says finally.

“Yeah,” Andie agrees, smiling. “Or his penchant for treating you like a princess even when you treat him badly. That’s annoying. Did you know once he climbed all the way to my window just to give me a rose?”

“No way! Did he really?” Andie nods her head. “That little bastard never did anything like that for me. Well, except… that time when he came to the airport to tell me he wanted us to get back together when I was about to leave for L.A. Does that count?” Audrey asks Andie.

”Yes, I think it does.” The two of them laugh.

“You’ve got to admit, we were pretty lucky. You think he’s doing okay?” Audrey asks more concerned now, obviously referring to the whole Joey thing.

“I’m sure he is,” Andie replies. “If there’s one thing I know about Pacey Witter, it’s that he always picks himself back up.”

Unknown to either of them, Pacey had just finished talking with Jack and had been standing behind them for a while. But they were so into their conversation that they never noticed him.

“The thing about Pacey is that he always underestimated himself and I’m afraid that somehow, he still does,” Andie continues. “He really has no idea just what he’s capable of.”

Pacey smiles, then made his presence known.

“Hey?” he asks, gaining their attention. “What were you talking about?”

Andie and Audrey share a look.

“Nothing!” they say in unison and then begin laughing. Pacey just smiles.

At the church

Bessie is now dressed in her gown and Joey is just using the last hairpins to hold the veil in place. She looks amazing.

Mike’s smiling proudly at his daughters. Then they hear a knock at the door and Dawson opens the door a bit. “It’s me. Can I come in?”

Mike goes to the door and opens the door widely. “Sure, son. Come in,” he says, motioning him to enter.

“Hey. Sorry, I don’t want to intrude or anything,” he says, apologetically.

“Don’t worry, Dawson. You’re not,” Bessie says smiling at him in the mirror.

“Wow, Bessie,” he says, grinning at her from behind “You look…spectacular. Absolutely stunning.” She smiles at him.

“Thank you.”

Dawson turns to Mike, who is still watching Bessie and smiling proudly. “Mr. Potter, I didn’t have the chance to say hi before. How are you?” Dawson says, shaking Mike’s hand.

“Dawson, please call me Mike. We’re all adults now. And I’m fine, thank you,” Mike says brightly, taking in the man standing in front of him, the man Dawson has become.

“It’s good to see you again, Mike,” Dawson says firmly. Then he turns to Joey. “Joey, do you have a minute?”

“Yeah, just a sec,” she replies, making sure Bessie’s dress, make-up and hair is perfect. “Okay, I’m done. I’ll be back, Bess.” She squeezes Bessie’s hand before leaving the room with Dawson.

“Okay,” Bessie says as she contemplates her reflection in the mirror. She smiles sweetly as Mike approaches her.

“What’s up?” Joey asks Dawson as she closes the door behind them. Actually, she knows what he wants to talk about and she’s doesn’t know if she’s ready to yet.

“Joey, you know what I want to talk about. I can tell something’s wrong. And I saw your face. So I just want to see how you’re dealing with your father being back here. Are you okay?” he asks, concerned. This day that should be a happy one and it upsets him that Joey doesn’t seem to be enjoying it as she should.

“I’m fine, Dawson. Why shouldn’t I be?” she answers, looking everywhere but in his eyes. She knows she can’t fool him, but she can try, right?

“Jo…” he sighs.

“I don’t know, Dawson. He’s Bessie’s father too and it’s her wedding day. So I’m fine with him being here,” Joey says a little sharply.

“Okay, but I’m talking about you, not your sister,” Dawson explains gently. “Are you okay with him being here? Maybe if you let it out you will be able to enjoy the day after all,” he says.

“What, are you are my new therapist now?” she tries to joke, but she sees by Dawson’s face that is not working. “Honestly Dawson, I’m fine,” she answers, shrugging.

“Just fine?” he insists.

“Yeah, Dawson. I’m fine,” she replies, looking at him a little annoyed. But when she sees the concerned look on his face, she softens a bit and manages a small smile.

“I’m sorry, Dawson. Can we talk about this later? Because I have a nervous bride in there and the wedding is about to start,” Joey says, looking at him imploringly.

“Sure, I just wanted to make sure you were okay,” Dawson replies, concerned.

“Don’t worry, I will be,” she says, smiling back at him. She starts to go out the door but then she turns on her heels and grabs his hand.

“Thank you,” she whispers, squeezing his hand before she lets go, looking at him over her shoulder as she closes the door behind her.

Back in the inside of the church, where people is still waiting for the ceremony to start.

The ceremony has been delayed at last 20 minutes and people walk here and there, everybody mingling with everybody as they wait. Jack and Audrey chat animatedly with Grams and several other people, including Boddie and Dawson. Pacey sits close by but he looks slightly bored. He looks around and a smile forms on his face.

‘My two favorite blondes,’ Pacey thinks as he walks towards Andie and Amy, who are now sitting alone in the pew. Andie is chatting with Amy, who is standing on her feet in her lap, facing her, as if Amy were an equal. She is totally smitten with the girl since the moment she first saw her and it shows.

“You know Amy, I admire your hair color, it’s completely natural and becomes you,” says Andie with a half-serious smile, “and it goes so well with your outfit. Your sense of style is impeccable.” Andie looks around at that very same moment and sees Pacey walking towards them. Amy giggles in response and points at Pacey. “Yes, sweetie that’s Uncle Pacey. Now don’t flirt with him. He’s already got a huge ego as it is. He doesn’t need the prettiest girl here to think he’s got her wrapped around his little finger,” laughs Andie as Amy gets more excited as her Uncle Pacey draws closer to them.

“Ha ha, funny,” he says and Andie grins at him. “How’s my favorite little monster?” Pacey chuckles as he leans down to give Amy a hug.

“A.C.!” squeals Amy with delight.

“A.C.?” inquires Pacey as he hugs Amy and the little girl tries to crawl into Pacey´s lap as he sits by their side.

“I think she’s saying your name,” answers Andie, handing Amy to him “Amy is a woman of good taste. I think she is trying to inject some class into your name.”

“You think “AC” is better than “Pacey”?” asks Pacey with some incredulity.

“Well, you know there is an “AC Green” that plays basketball,” says Andie.

“Since when did you start watching basketball?” asks Pacey.

“There are so many things you don’t know about me,” says Andie with a mischievous smile. Pacey considers that, and then turns to Amy and says, “Your Aunt Andie has a point. I don’t know everything about her and if you like “AC” better than “Pacey,” then I’m Uncle AC.”

“AC! AC! AC!” yells Amy happily.

“Shhhhhhhhh,” whispers Andie both Amy and Pacey, “This is a church, we really need to show some decorum.” Andie sounded stern but her eyes seems to be smiling, thinks Pacey.

Pacey settles Amy down and straightens up. He looks at Amy while speaking to Andie. “Do you ever think about how weird it is that we share a niece? Who knew that the relative we shared would be Jack and Doug,” continues Pacey.

“Yeah, seems like we were bound to meet again time and time again. You know, for Amy’s birthdays and all that,” Andie says with a wave of her hand.

“Yeah, we’re doomed,” he laughs. “So… whether I like it or not, you’re back into my life, huh?” he asks playfully.

“Nice way to put it, Witter,” Andie says with a mock annoyed expression before they both break out in laughter.

“I just wish I had been here for Jen,” says Andie, her eyes misting over at the memory. “I had to leave so soon. I thought I would be back in time to see her again. But it didn’t work out that way,” says Andie.

“Life is too short,” replies Pacey, “which is a lesson I seem to keep learning over and over again.”

“Meaning?” inquires Andie, looking at him intensely as he plays with Amy’s little fingers.

“Meaning that I still miss Jen and I can’t believe she’s gone,” says Pacey simply.

“Is that all you’re referring to?” asks Andie, and he raises his head to look at her.

“If that is your not so subtle way of asking about Joey, then yes, I was referring to her too,” says Pacey with a sigh, “Jen told me to just let go and find happiness by myself. But idiot me, I decided to run after Joey again. I don’t seem to be able to take advice, even when it came from Jen.”

“So now what?” prods Andie.

“Now that I have had the time to think about it, I see that I kept myself wrapped up in her memories, remembering only the good things, finding solace in them even when things weren’t right. I convinced myself that Joey had been the only thing worthwhile in my life. And that was just an illusion. But now I know I wasn’t really happy with Joey and she wasn’t happy with me. Now with 20/20 hindsight, I know that after Jen died I was just afraid to let anything go and that included Joey. I think I wanted to believe I was in high school again and that life was simple and none of my friends would change and leave me behind again.”

“A very brave statement to make in front of an ex-high school girlfriend,” says Andie with a wry smile.

“I think I was afraid to figure out who I was without obsessing over Joey,” muses Pacey. “I look back at it all now and I wonder whether I wanted Joey because she wanted Dawson and I was jealous of what they had,” continues Pacey. “Something I thought I would never be able to have again since you and I ended things, you know?”

Andie just looks at him, a sad smile on her face.

“I was stupid,” says Pacey with a smile, “and maybe I still am but there is something about the way Joey looks at you and she has such a way with words. I just bought it -- hook, line and sinker – even though I knew that they were just words. I suppose that’s why she’s an editor now, she’s good at illusions and knows exactly what to say. But I’m just glad it’s over now,” sighs Pacey, “I need to move on and be healthy. Somehow being with Joey was toxic for both of us.” A comfortable silence falls over them.

“I want to learn to be whole again,” Pacey suddenly says, squaring his shoulders with determination. “And without Joey and our unhealthy relationship, I’m finally getting there.”

“The onset of adulthood,” says Andie, “congratulations.”

He just throws her a mock glare before talking again.

“I keep thinking about what you had once told me,” says Pacey. “That you were proud of me for finishing high school. You were the only one that ever told me that.” They share a silent smile and then, without taking his eyes off her, Pacey adds softly, “You amaze me, Andie McPhee”

Andie laughs, surprised at that statement, but also very flattered. “And why is that?”

“Because with you, I say things I hadn’t been able to put into words. They were just ideas swirling in my mind. I mean, you actually made my inner dialogue make sense!” He smiles at her laughter. “But I think you were always able to do that.”

“You think or you know?” she asks, cocking her eyebrow.

Pacey thinks about it for a moment. “Actually, I know it.”

“So when does the charming rapscallion -- the true Pacey Witter, I mean “AC Witter” return?” continues Andie.

“I think he may just have a chance if he dances with the two prettiest blondes at the reception,” says Pacey as he looks at Andie and Amy. “What do you say Amy, will you save a dance for your Uncle AC?” Pacey asks Amy with adult-like seriousness.

“AC!” squeals Amy as she reaches her little hand toward Pacey´s mouth and twists his bottom lip, making Pacey grimace.

“Yeah, I’d say your charm may have just returned,” says Andie laughing.

“Mojo,” said Pacey.

“I wouldn’t go that far,“ retorts Andie. “After all, while Amy is a women of discriminating taste, she hasn’t seen you dance yet.”

“And what about you, Andie? Will you save a dance for me to help me restore my mojo?” asks Pacey.

“We’ll see. I may have a better offer but who knows? Stranger things have happened,” she teases.

“I’m looking forward to it,” says Pacey, trying to escape Amy’s hands again.

Not far away, still inside the church

Pachebel’s Canon in D floats through the air as Dawson surveys the church. The pews are festooned with colorful flowers and white gauze. ‘It seems like the church has come alive with the love,’ thinks Dawson. “Now I’m beginning to be as sappy as my staff of writers have accused me of,” Dawson chastises himself. “But there might be a couple of good scenes that I can steal for my show,” thinks Dawson wryly.

Dawson looks up and sees Joey watching him with an amused face.

“You have your work face on,” she laughs as she approaches him. “I am dying to know exactly what you thinking about just now. Can you give me some spoilers? Are you gonna include all of this in a future episode, the nervous bridesmaid driving everyone nuts?” she asks, grinning at him.

Dawson smiles and looks at Joey. “Well, that discussion is just going to have to wait until we walk down the aisle.” Dawson knows he meant it as a joke but something about being in this church with Joey at his side seems to speak of forgotten possibilities and he blushes slightly at the comment.

Joey looks down for a minute and coughs, adding quickly, “Well, it’s time for this show to start. I’ll be back in a minute, okay?” she says, looking up at him.

“I’ll be waiting for you.“ With that Dawson smiles at Joey and she smiles back at him, although she doesn’t move for a moment, something keeping her frozen in that spot as she looks at Dawson. Then she quickly turns around and walks to the front of the church to talk to Bodie.

Dawson walks to the last pew and sits down, nodding politely at the people sitting nearby. Then, everybody’s attention is drawn to the end of the aisle.

As the music for the procession starts, Lily does a very studious job of dropping the flowers down the aisle. Dawson laughs inwardly, while some guests laugh outright. Lily has taken to heart what Joey has asked her to do, which is to drop a flower every two feet. Lily seems to be dropping flowers exactly every two feet -- well, as close as one so young could. Alex being a little older and a little more wise, bears his responsibilities as the ring bearer a little less seriously than Lily.

Joey appears and walks serenely down the aisle. Dawson watches her, a smile spreading across his face and Joey holds his gaze as she walks towards him. He thinks she looks beautiful. Joey thinks he looks older and is half-amused, half-impressed at how he seems to be able to see right into her soul. With her trademark half smile, she walks by his side and for a moment they just gaze at each other, smiles playing in the corner of their mouths. It’s one of these moments of total understanding and easiness. Then they return their attention to the ceremony.

Soon the wedding march begins and Mike proudly walks Bessie down the aisle. Dawson feels Joey shifting by his side and he turns to watch her, seeing tears form in her eyes.

Dawson leans over whispers in her ear, “Now don’t go all female on me, Josephine.” Joey smiles and leans in closer to him. Dawson wraps his arm around her waist and laughs softly. Joey nestles herself against Dawson and puts her head on his shoulder as they listen to the ceremony, content and enjoying the moment.

Bessie turns to Bodie and says, “I know we talked about not doing our own vows but I found this old Apache poem and with some expert help.” She shoots a side look at Joey. “I have something I want to read to you,” stumbles Bessie. She turns to Bodie and starts to read:

"It stretches far behind us, and our future lies ahead--
A long and winding road where every turning brings discovery
Old hopes, new laughter, shared tears,
Our adventure has just begun
The music of the Creek flows beside us as we dance
and we'll turn together
And look to the road we travelled to reach this--
The hour of our happiness
It stretches far behind us, and our future lies ahead--
A long and winding road where every turning brings discovery
Old hopes, new laughter, shared tears,
Our adventure has just begun"

Bessie has a serene expression on her face as she reads to Bodie, tears brimming in her eyes. Bodie is near tears as well, and he knows he couldn’t speak right now even if he wanted to. So many years spent by this woman’s side and he still feels so much love for her.

Joey looks at Dawson, trying to read his expression. She helped to write the poem while thinking about their connection, their unbreakable bond and what their friendship, restored over and over again, means to her. Dawson can see the tears shimmering in her eyes and he wipes them with his thumb as he did some months ago by the creek.

As he hears the words that Joey had helped craft for Bessie and Bodie, it’s almost as if she were speaking of not only Bessie and Boddie, but of love in general. Of the powerful feelings that grow stronger and deeper despite having to overcome daunting circumstances. Because that is what love is all about. And the poem speaks beautifully of it.

“That was incredible,” Dawson whispers and Joey beams at him, leaning her head on his shoulder once more.

The minister says a few more words, and announces Boddie and Bessie as husband and wife. Bessie and Boddie kiss and turn to greet their guests.

‘What a perfect moment,’ thinks Joey.

The reception of the wedding at the B&B

Under an unusually clear and blue sky for late November, Bodie and Bessie sit at one of the tables, Dawson and Joey sitting with them, posing for the final wedding pictures. Bessie appears to be very happy and she and Bodie kiss and laugh, much to Alex’s disgust. Gale and John join the group and Bessie asks them to pose for pictures with them. Everyone seems to be having a great time.

A few tables away, Pacey and Andie are watching the display. Especially Dawson and Joey.

“They seem close,” Andie remarks. “Just like I remember.”

“Yeah,” Pacey replies, with a nod. “Some things never change.”

Pacey watches the two talking, laughing, and basically enjoying each other’s company. For the first time, it doesn’t really upset him.

Mike joins the group, standing between Bessie and Joey, smiling for more pictures.

“The prodigal father returns,” he states. “Once again.”

“So?” Andie asks.

“Would it be too ironic if I asked him to run the Icehouse for me while I’m gone?”

Andie’s eyes widen.

“Well, that certainly has ‘full circle’ written all over it,” she remarks. “As long as he doesn’t burn it down this time.”

Pacey laughs against his will. “I don’t think we have to worry about that!” he finally gets out. “So, you think it’s a good idea?”

She smiled at him.

“Well, he does know how to run a business,” she says, pensive.

“Yes, he does. He was the one who came up with the idea of catering when he came back the first time. And from what I can gather, he’s been working in the restaurant business for the past few years.”

“Well, if you think it’s good idea, it’s a good idea.”

Pacey and Andie smile at each other a moment as Audrey walks up. She sits down, interrupting the moment without noticing.

“This place is dullsville!” she groans. “I thought this was supposed to be a party.”

“It’s a wedding reception, Audrey,” Andie corrects her, smiling. “It’s kind of a party, but more of a congratulatory one. You know?”

“Look who’s talking, the wedding expert! I thought you hated them?” Pacey asks. Andie just ignores him, although she smiles.

“But there’s supposed to be dancing, right?” Audrey asks.

“Eventually!” Pacey responds.

“Eventually? Why not now?” she pouts and Andie laughs.

“You do know the Footloose theory, right?” Andie asks.

“Oh no!” Pacey groans. “Not the Footloose theory again!”

Andie giggles while Audrey looks at them both confused, not having a clue what they’re talking about.

“We’ll explain later!” Pacey and Andie say in unison. Audrey just shrugs her shoulders as she stands up and drags Pacey up by the hand, making him stand on his feet.

“Well, in the meantime we’re gonna get this party started,” she instructs, dragging a helpless Pacey along as she makes her way toward the orchestra, who are getting their instruments ready. Andie just watches, still not sure of what Audrey is going to do but eagerly anticipating it anyway. ‘That girl is a handful,’ she thinks, shaking her head in amusement.

Jack wanders over to the main table, where now only Boddie and Bessie remain. He has Amy in his arms, who looks at the bride and groom curiously.

“Congratulations, guys!” Jack says. “It went off without a hitch. Or with it. You know what I mean.”

Bessie laughs while Bodie shakes Jack’s free hand.

“Thanks, Jack!” she replies. “Thanks Amy,” she says, cooing at the girl who tries to grab some of the little flowers in her hair. “By the way, we’re sorry to hear about what’s happening,” she emapthizes, ruffling Amy’s hair.

Jack sighs. “Yeah, me too,” he mutters. “I feel like I’m failing Jen, you know? Like I’m losing her all over again…”

“Is there anything we can do?” Bessie asks him.

At that moment, Grams come by to congratulate the couple. “What a wonderful ceremony!” she exclaims, hugging Bessie. “You two should be very proud. The good Lord knows it took long enough.”

Boddie gives Grams a funny look, as does Bessie and Jack.

“You can teach an old dog new tricks, you know,” Grams deadpans. And they all laugh.

She puts her arm around Jack’s shoulder. “Are you feeling okay, Jack?”

“I’ll manage,” Jack replies, holding Amy tighter.

“Is there anything we can do to help?” Bodie questions.

“Thanks,” Jack says gratefully. “But this if your day… I don’t want you worrying about me.”

“Nonsense! We’re all family here!” Bessie corrects him. “Come on…sit down!”

Reluctantly, Jack sits at the table. It seems like this is an argument he isn’t going to win. Soon, the four of them are deep in conversation…

Later in the reception

Bessie and Body are sitting at the main table, talking and watching their guests have fun. Audrey has finally managed to get everybody’s dancing and enjoying the reception. Bessie remembers when she was giving birth to Alex in the Leery´s living room… she never imagined then that a day like this one would ever come. So many of the people that years ago had hardly spoken to her, had now retracted and realized she was indeed a good person, one worth knowing.

Her gaze wanders around and lands on Jack. He is talking with the rest of “the gang” as they call themselves. He seems relaxed, more than he had been a while ago when they were discussing the Amy’s situation. But she knows that there is always more than meets the eye when it comes to Jack. Since he had moved to Capeside from New York, she had really learned to know and appreciate the guy.

“I’m worried about Jack, Bodie,” Bessie sighs. “It’s not fair that he’s might lose Amy.”

“I know,” Bodie agrees, thinking about his feelings for his own son and understanding Jack’s fears. “I know that the pneumonia was pretty serious but it’s something that could happen to any of us. I just don’t understand why they are making such a big deal out of it. As if he wasn’t suffering enough seeing the baby that way.”

“Yeah. But he’s gay and the social workers aren’t going to leave him alone until they can prove that he is the best of parent for Amy,” Bessie says, a little angry. “I had similar problems with them in regards to Joey. I was her sister but I was barely above the legal age to be her guardian and they made my life a living hell until I was able to prove to them that she belonged with me,” Bessie continues. “You think is there any way that we could help?” She looks at her husband hopefully.

“I don’t know, honey. I wish there was,” Boddie answers.

“By the way, do you know where Doug is?” Bessie asks, scanning the crowd, looking for him.

“Yeah, he told me that he was going to be late. He had to finish his shift at the police station. But right after that he was going to come here.”

“Bodie, do you think that if we applied to be foster parents, they might let us take care of Amy? I mean, if they took her away from Jack?” Bessie asks, looking at him with an expression of deep concern.

Bodie looks at her, shocked. “What do you mean?”

“I mean exactly what I just said. I know it’s not the same but it may be the only chance that Jack would have to be near Amy. If she’s with us,” explains Bessie.

“Well, I think this is a big decision, Bess. Are you sure?” Bodie asks, a little hesitant. “That would be mean another baby, even if only for a while, until law decides Amy’s fate.”

“Yeah, I’m sure. I’ve been thinking about it since Jack told us they might take Amy from him. I really want to do this,” she says, looking at him almost pleadingly. “I wanna help Jack.”

“Okay. We can talk to Doug later and we’ll see what he thinks about all this,” Bodie says, thoughtfully.

Bessie nods, happy. “We’ve got to try. When I think of Amy going to some stranger… I don’t want to think about that –“ She’s interrupted when she sees her father approaching them.

“Hi, Dad.”

“Hi, honey. Bodie.” He nods his head to his son in law and Boddie raises his glass at him right taking a drink from it. “The reception is going great. Everyone seems to be enjoying it,” Mike says, looking around him at all the people dancing and laughing.

“Yeah, it’s great seeing them having a good time,” Bessie agrees, nodding. “And what about you? Are you enjoying it?”

“Yeah, a lot.” Mike says truthfully. “It’s been a while since I’ve had this much fun.”

While they talk, Pacey approaches them. He has finally managed to disentangle himself from Audrey, almost begging her for a break after what seemed at least 100 dances, much to the rest of the group’s enjoyment. He finally reaches the main table.

“Hey! How is the beautiful bride and groom?” He greets them, smiling.

“Hi, Pacey. Great, thank you.” Bessie says, beaming. “And what about you? It’s been a while since we talked.”

“Yeah, I know. I’ve been busy. But I’m great,” he replies brightly. “I’m loving my job in New Orleans.”

Mike looks at him. “And what about the Ice House? I went there a few days ago. I didn’t know you weren’t running it now.”

“Actually, I own it. But I had a few troubles and when I was given this opportunity in New Orleans… I couldn’t do anything but take it. Lance, one of my employees, is managing it right now,” Pacey explains.

“Ah, I see. I love the changes you’ve made. But I also saw little things that probably won’t work well with the people here,” Mike says. “But it’s your restaurant. I don’t want to intrude so...” He raises his hands in an apologetic gesture

“Oh, no, please. Actually, I would love you to intrude. Any suggestions are welcome now that I’m not here to check things out myself,” Pacey answers, smiling.

They keep on talking for a little while about the Ice House, about Mike’s ideas and Pacey´s. And the more they talk about it, the more Pacey is convinced that Mike could be the right men to run the restaurant for him.

Entrance to the Potter backyard

‘I’m late. I bet Jack isn’t going to be very happy,’ thinks Doug as he finally arrives at Bessie and Boddie´s reception. Funny how time seems to speed up when you need it to slow down.

Doug quickly locates Jack and waves at him. Jack just nods his head as Doug nears him. Doug knows that look and tries to head-off an impending argument by placing a quick kiss on his boyfriend’s forehead.

He quickly apologizes. “I’m sorry, I was tied up at work. You know, crime waits for no man,” Doug smiles at Jack. Jack, however, is upset and has been upset for the last half an hour.

“Work always come before me, before us,” Jack states, clearly peeved by Doug’s continual use of work as an excuse. Doug just sighs. It’s always the same. They never seem to be able to come to an understanding about Doug’s duties and how they affect their everyday life.

Grams, ever vigilant of Jack’s happiness, intercedes at that moment and says, “Jack, some understanding is in order, don’t you think?” Neither Jack nor Doug had noticed her presence earlier nor or that she had walked over. And both, especially Jack, seem to be embarrassed that they were about to start another of their lately typical arguments. “Small things like late arrivals should be forgiven when there are larger concerns,” continues Grams as she nods at Amy.

Jack sighs. He knows. “Yes, there are more important things,” says Jack somewhat contritely. Doug looks at Grams and gives her a silent thank you. Grams just places her hand on his shoulder and heads off.

Pacey walks by to say hello to Doug. They make some small talk and then he notices Joey standing alone by a table. He walks towards her. ‘It’s time for us to have the chance to talk alone,’ he thinks. Not so long ago, she was dancing along with the rest of the group but now she is just watching the action from the sidelines instead of taking part in it. As she sips her glass of champagne, she watches couples dance as they spin across the lawn. No one seems to have a care in the world, including herself.

“Hey,” greets Pacey.

“Hey yourself,” answers Joey.

“The party is a smash and the ceremony was memorable,” Pacey grins.

“Thanks,” says Joey. “It took so long to plan. I’m glad we pulled it off,” she says, smiling quietly at him.

“I bet.” A beat. “You did a good job on that poem that Bessie read,” remarks Pacey.

“I never thought my sister would ask me to help her with something like that but she did,” replies Joey.

“Why would you think that?” asks Pacey, curious. She just shrugs her shoulders. “It was a very sentimental – in some cultures, it would be considered sappy but that’s what you do, right? Write, I mean.”

Joey smiles. It’s as if they had rewound the clock and they were back to being 15. Or even 18. Back to the days when nothing was further from their minds than romantic feelings for each other, no matter what Pacey said. But there is a kinder and gentler tone now to the teasing. Now there are no misunderstandings, no feelings left between them other than a fond sibling-like friendship. Pacey notices it, too.

“I think there was a compliment somewhere in there,” says Joey.

“Yeah, well you know me, I’ve always had a “silver tongue,” replies Pacey.

“Yeah, when your foot isn’t deeply embedded in your mouth,” Joey retorts.

Pacey grins. It’s true. As much as he tries to be the “man about town,” deep inside he is the same goofball he’s always been. At least when he is relaxed among friends. True friends, the ones he doesn’t have to pretend in front of. And instead of making him feel uneasy as it did when he was 15, it makes him feel good.

“So, now that we’ve established that we don’t hate each other,” says Pacey, “what are you up to these days?”

“Nothing much,” Joey evades.

“Nothing much?” asks Pacey. “Prevaricating doesn’t become you, Potter,” says Pacey.

“Prevaricating? I didn’t think you knew the word,” says Joey trying to change the subject.

“Yeah, well Dawson bought me a dictionary awhile back. He noticed we had communication problems and he thought that might help,” Pacey says cheekily. “I actually use it from time to time.”

Joey sighs. Okay, if she really wants to regain his friendship, she was going to have to be honest with him. And for that, the first thing to do was to get out in the open anything and everything related to their past together.

Joey looks at Pacey right in the eye. “You really want to know what I’ve been up to lately?”

Pacey nods his head. She takes a deep breath and lets it out, expecting him to laugh at her or something. “I’m in therapy.”

“Therapy?” asks Pacey incredulously, “What for? How long?”

“It’s been a few months now,” replies Joey steadily.

Pacey is stunned. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Joey looks at Pacey and finally says, “Our relationship was… you know, both of us existing on completely separate planets and pretending to be in the same room.”

“Oh, you mean the inherent deceit of ‘us’? Pacey asks with a smile. There is no recriminations or hurt feelings. There is only naturalness on each of their parts, a true genuine concern that each move on and become friends again.

“The inherent deceit of ‘us,’” repeats Joey.

“C’mon Joey,” says Pacey. “There was always a basic pattern in our inability to be truthful with each other and with ourselves. Think back, it’ll come to you.”

“Oh, you mean like me lying to you about lying to Dawson about our ski trip?” Joey finally says thoughtfully.

“Or that I didn’t tell you about my fishing trip with Doug,” says Pacey.

“Or how scared I was when I thought I might be pregnant but didn’t tell you until much later when there was no need to tell anymore. Or about the brick from Hemmingway’s house that I brought back for Dawson after we spent the summer sailing,” continues Joey.

“That was for Dawson? That heavy package that nearly put a hole in the deck of my boat?” says Pacey.

“Yeah,” replies Joey. “I’m guessing I never told you that,” she states innocently and Pacey glares at her. “You’re right, there is definitely a pattern of deceit that we can’t seem to break when we are together,” says Joey, sighing.

“If we only knew then what we know now,” says Pacey with a grin. “We would have definitely headed in opposite directions. So, I guess, what I’m saying is that I think I understand why you didn’t tell me. I might have thought I was the cause of you seeking therapy.”

“And you weren’t. Well, maybe in part you were. But only because that’s how it all started. I was supposed to be happy, really happy… but I wasn’t. And how was I supposed to tell you that?” Pacey just nods his head as he watches her. “And besides that, there are just a lot of things I need to work out and being happy is ultimately the goal. But my happiness isn’t dependent on you and shouldn’t be dependent on anyone but myself,” she finishes.

“You know what you said to me once, about how I only remember the times you walked away from me?” She nods her head. “Well, you were wrong. In the last few weeks, I’ve remembered much more than that. And let me tell you, it didn’t make me feel bad or anything. I’m glad we had what we had.” She smiles at him sweetly. “And, hey, at least this time you didn’t tell me you didn’t feel it,” he adds, brightly.

“And you didn’t humiliate me in front of a crowd, telling me I made you feel like nothing,” she retorts back, wrinkling up her nose.

“Wow, we keep improving each time around, don’t we?” Pacey laughs, amazed that they are able to carry on this kind of conversation.

“If someone had told me 5 months ago that we would be here today joking with each other about this…” Joey shakes her head. “I would have sent them to the nearest insane asylum.”

“I know. Me too.”

Silence. “But I’m glad we’re here now. And I’m glad you decided to stay in my life and be my friend,” Joey says in a sincere tone

“And a very good one, mind you,” he says, and she laughs. Just then her eyes wander to someone in front of her, behind Pacey´s back. Pacey look over his shoulder to see Dawson before looking back at Joey, a knowing expression on his face.

She just smiles at him shyly and bows her head, concentrating on her drink.


The scene fades to…

From the other side of the backyard, Dawson and Gale watch the two of them. Dawson watches with a light, serene smile in his face. Just then Joey look at him and smiles. Dawson smiles back at her.

“It’s nice, you know?” Gale says, linking her arm in his. He turns to face her.

“What’s nice?” he asks.

“To see you all hanging around, carefree and happy for once.”

“Oh, that,” Dawson chuckles. “Yeah, it’s about time. No misunderstandings, no angst…”

Gale is about to say something about the no angst part but she decides against it.

“So you’re okay with it?”

“With what?”

Gale points to Pacey and Joey, who are still talking.

”Oh yeah,” he replies. “I’m okay with it, with them being friends. It doesn’t bother me at all. Actually, I think it’s the best thing that could happen if you ask me.”

“How mature of you,” Gale comments.

“Well,” he shrugs. “We’ve all gotta grow up sometime, right?”

("Joey Girl" by Binge, starts playing in the background)

Gale smiles at him.

“How about you and Joey?” she asked finally. “You’re spending a lot of time together. Is there something going on there?”

All the things that we've been through
And all the things we didn't do
The colors fade
The seasons change
And all the time I've waited here for you

Dawson chuckles at the suggestion.

“Not again…” Dawson groans. Gale looks at him innocently. “We’re friends, Mom,” he assures her. “Just friends.”

“Sure,” Gale says. “Like you were ‘just friends’ when she had a crush on you in tenth grade? Or when you moved to Boston for her? As I recall, you were also ‘just friends’ that time you slept together,” Gale says with a knowing face.

All the things that I should have done
To all the wars we've never won
The stars will fall
The leaves will change
My love for you will always be the same

“That only happened one time in the two decades I’ve known her, Mom,” he recalls, waving his hand as it was of no importance. “It’ll never happen again. We’re beyond all that.”

“Beyond all that?” Gale lets out a little laugh, and Dawson looks at her with a puzzled expression. “You two are young, single, and have loved each other in more different ways that I could even fathom and you think you guys are beyond sex?”

Joey, my arms are open for you
Joey, you know that you are mine
Joey, you know that I adore you
Joey girl, someday I'll make you mine

“Mom…” Dawson sighs.

“Okay, okay. I just want you to find the happiness you deserve.”

“I’m happy. I love this new project I’m involved with, I have just started a new life in New York close to my friends and family –“

It seems to me that I've been here once before
Can't you see that it's all worth fighting for
You used to come in through my window
But I can't wait here anymore, Joey girl...

“You know what they say?” Gale asks, interrupting him. “Sometimes things happen when you least expect them. Something tells me that ‘friend’ of yours is in your future, Dawson.”

All that signs that I misread
All the things I should have said
They haunt me now
But things will change
My love for you will always stay the same

He smiles at Gale and shakes his head. Mothers. They never change. But still, he looks over at Joey. Jack’s words are echoing in his mind. “Tell me you haven’t thought about it. You and her, in the same city…” Just then, Lily comes running out of nowhere.

“Come on, Dawson!” she urged him, grabbing his hands in her own. “I wanna dance!”

Dawson chuckles.

“Hope I can keep up!” he jokes. “Not as young as I used to be. Mom?”

“Go ahead!” Gale pushes him toward the dance area and watches with a smile as Dawson swings his little sister around. Nearby, Joey watches them with a smile on her face.

Joey, my arms are open for you
Joey, you know that you are mine
Joey, you know that I adore you
Joey girl, someday I'll make you mine
I'll make you mine...

Meanwhile, back on the other side of the backyard…

“Hey, can I talk to you for a second?” Pacey asks Mike.

“Sure, Pacey,” the older man replies as they walk a little further from the rest, who are now watching Dawson and Lily dance. “What’s up?”

“So you know how I got that job in New Orleans?” Pacey asks. Mike nods. “Well, it makes things a bit difficult working there are phoning it in to the Icehouse. Mostly because we are having some difficulties and I need someone who I can really trust and who knows how to deal the restaurant business. I don’t know how long I’m gonna stay in New Orleans and I’m not that comfortable selling the place. I mean, I put a lot of work into it over the past couple of years. So I thought, why not have someone with experience run it?”

Mike looks at Pacey in shock. “Me? You want ne to run the Icehouse? Pacey, I…”

“It’s pretty close to the same restaurant,” Pacey reminds him. “It’s almost fitting…I couldn’t think of anyone more qualified for the job. Just as long as you don’t burn this one down, of course,” he adds as a joke, although Mike doesn’t even seem to notice, still pondering Pacey´s words.

“I’ll have to think about this,” Mike says, still reeling from the offer. “I’ll have to get back to you.”

“Take your time, Mr. Potter,” he replies, and the two of them shake hands before rejoining the group. They stop by Audrey, who for once, is just listening to the conversation without speaking. She turns to them and notices Mike.

“Hi, I’m Audrey,” she introduces herself. “Joey’s college roommate.”

“Uh, yes, we’ve met,” Mike reminds her. “Christmas of 2002. Remember?”

“Ah, not my finest hour,” she recalls with a chuckle. “I was a bit tipsy that night.”

“Just a bit,” Pacey teases, pressing his thumb and index finger together and furrowing his eyebrows.

“Whatever,” Audrey retorts and Mike laughs before excusing himself and walking away.

“So, you heading back to the Big Easy after this, Pace?” Audrey inquires.

“Yeah, after some much needed rest,” he answers. “I kinda miss being around everybody, though.”

“I promise I’ll come and visit again, soon,” Audrey tells him. “We had fun last time.”

Pacey grins. “That we did!” he agrees. “I’ll be spending Thanksgiving and Christmas here, too.”

“Oh, cool. I’ll see you then. I plan to join the festivities here, too. You can never have enough of Capeside!”

Pacey laughs. “If you say so…”

Beside the dance area

(‘One of These Days’ by Michelle Branch begins playing by the band)

Lily and Alex are dancing together, looking annoying.

“Come on, Mom. Can we stop now?” Alex says, looking pleadingly at his mother who is taking pictures of them.

I didn’t notice
But I didn’t care

“Just a little more, honey. You two look adorable together.” Bessie says. And the two children just glare at her.

Not far away, Dawson and Joey are watching the scene, smiling.

“I understand them. That can be so annoying but they do look cute together, don’t they?” Joey chuckles, looking at Dawson.

I tried being honest
But that led me nowhere
I watched the station
Saw the bus pulling through

“Yeah, they do. It’s funny how fast times goes by. It feels like yesterday that you and Bessie appeared at my door with her just about to have Alex,” Dawson remembers, watching Alex and his sister dance.

“Sure does,” Joey agrees.

They stay like this for a little while. Just together, sharing one of those comfortable silences that are part of their friendship.

And I don’t mind saying
A part of me left with you

“I’m not sure if I want him back in my life,” Joey says suddenly. Dawson turns to her with a questioning look on his face.

“I’m not sure if I’m ready to have my father back in my life,” she explains.

He watches her for a few seconds before nodding.

“Have you talked to him about this?” Dawson asks.

“Kind of.” She answers.

“Kind of?”

“Well, actually I yelled at him that he has no right to have a say in my life anymore,” Joey admits.

“Ouch. But, Joey, telling your father he has no say in your life is not talking to him about how you feel.”

“I know, I know. It’s just that I’m not sure if I want him back. But I’m not sure I don’t,” Joey explains, sighing. “Does any of this make any sense?”

One of this days
I won’t be afraid of staying with you
I hope and I pray
Waiting to find a way back to you
‘Cause that’s where I’m home

“Yeah, actually it does. I know he’s hurt you deeply, Joey. But he’s still your father and you will always love him, no matter what. Otherwise, it’s just going to keep eating you up inside: the anger, the disappointment, the hurt,” Dawson says softly.

“I know, Dawson. But it’s not that easy. You know I’m not a very forgiving person.”

“Oh, yes you are,” Dawson reminds her firmly. “How many times have we forgiven each other?”

She thinks about this before protesting. “But we never did it on purpose. And he has hurt me way too much and just by his acts. He has influenced so much of my life, mostly my relationships.” Joey clarifies, making Dawson furrow his eyebrows with curiosity.

“What do you mean?” He asks, intrigued.

Did I make you nervous?
Did I asked for too much?
Was I not deserving one second of your touch?

“I realize now that my relationship with my father has affected each and everyone of my relationships, especially with men. He’s my father and he was supposed to love me no matter what, to protect me, to be there for me. And he left. And I’m not talking about prison. I’m talking about leaving with that blonde bimbo when my mom was sick and not being with us through all that,” she says sadly. “I know that he regrets those days. He told me so long ago but still all I know is that it’s affected the way I relate to all males in my life.” Joey shrugs as she reflects on some of her sessions with the therapist.

“But Joey, do you really think…” Dawson begins.

One of this days
I won’t be afraid of staying with you
I hope and I pray
Waiting to find my way back to you
‘cause that’s where I’m home

“I’m scared, okay?” she interrupts him. “I mean, if my own father left me, how can I expect any less from other men? I discovered that I’ve always needed to be… the center of their universe, so to speak. I have to be sure they won’t leave me behind. Or if they do, I have to have already left first,” she adds, laughing bitterly. “And at the same time, whenever I find a man that seems to really love me, I get so scared. I think that maybe if I let him in, if I let him know me too much, then he will leave me.”

She pauses and watching everyone dance but not really seeing them. “So I found it so much easier to date guys that didn’t really know the real me. It was more safe… and less scary.” Dawson watches her in silence, knowing that she is pouring her heart out to him. “So I always convince myself that I’ve find the right guy whenever I find someone that doesn’t know me at all. They only know the part of me I show to them and that has been my security blanket for so long, you know? Because then I’m in charge of the situation. Someone who doesn’t know why I got a scar in my ankle, or someone who doesn’t know my favorite meal or someone who can’t read my eyes, who can’t touch my soul.”

“I keep telling myself that the little girl inside me that’s in so much pain has finally gone away because I’m in a steady relationship. But to be honest, I don’t think that little girl ever left because she never healed,” she says, as she looks away a little upset with herself all of a sudden. The meaning and weight of her words hang between the two of them. She has said so many things in so little time.

“Jo,” Dawson says caressing her back soothingly. “We all are always scared in relationships and there are always things we hide from the others. Hell, even from ourselves. We always have such high expectations when it comes to love.” A beat “But not every guy you meet is going to leave you. Not every guy that loves you is going to hurt you on purpose. Although love comes with the capacity to hurt, it also comes with the capacity to heal. I guess if you love someone, you have to find a way to trust them.”

“I know. A leap of faith. I know you’re right. And I’m working my way there,” she smiles weakly. For a moment she just looks at him, his loving smile and deep blue eyes.

“Thank you, Dawson. For being there every time I needed you, for listening to me and always knowing the right thing to say,” she whispers, unable to look away from his intense scrutiny.

What would you do if I could have you?
Oh if I could
I’d let you feel everything I’m thinking
Wouldn’t that be nice?

“Thank you for letting me being here for you. And for trusting me enough to talk to me,” he whispers back.

She puts her arms around him slowly, burying her face in his neck. Surprised at first, he hugs her back and closes his eyes. They hug tightly, both unwilling to let go. Joey finds comfort in his embrace, finds that everything seems easier when she’s in his arms. Her friend, who is with her always. Dawson wants to erase all the pain and hurt she’s been dealing with and hopes she now knows he will always be there for her.

Slowly, they break apart from the embrace and stand in there, side by side, watching Lily and Alex dancing. And they look at each other and smile.

One of these days
I won’t be afraid of staying with you.

Later on…

Joey is standing alone and watching people interact. ‘The reception is in full swing and merriment is had by all,’ she thinks, satisfied. “Merriment” being a word that Audrey often used and has now become part of Joey’s vocabulary.

Across the dance floor, Joey sees her father waiting for her. Joey knows that this is the time for her to talk to him and to explain herself. She slowly walks around the edge of the dance area to Mike. She doesn’t know exactly what to say, which she thinks odd for a writer. Putting correct words in a character’s mouth is always easier than in real life.

When Joey finally reaches Mike, she blurts out, “Dad, I don’t know where to start but I know if I don’t say something, things are just going to get worse. So… here I am.”

Mike Potter looks at her and sees her determined face and how her gaze doesn’t waver. And whatever the outcome of all this is, he’s glad she is willing to talk.

“Joey, it’s okay,” assures Mike. “Some of the things you said earlier were things I needed to hear. I know the past can be erased, regardless of now much I wish it could be.”

“No, it’s not okay. That’s what everybody keeps telling me. Even when I screw up, people don’t blame me. And I don’t want that anymore. And I don’t want to punish you or resent you anymore,” says Joey. “I’m sorry for closing myself off to you. You are my father and I won’t to love or be loved until I deal with that reality,” continues Joey. “I need to do it little by little, though. These are things that I’m trying to work through now with the help of a therapist. It’s really helped me to see a lot of things more clearly.”

“Joey -“ starts Mike again.

“No, Dad, let me finish,” Joey interrupts. “I might be able to work up the courage to be completely honest with you again in God knows how long.” So Mike just stands there, watching her fight with her inner demons. Joey takes a deep breath. “I’m afraid that you are going to leave me again. Ever since you left and left Bessie and I to fend for ourselves, I’ve had this fear that I’ll always be alone and that the people I love most will leave me.” Mike studies his daughter and though he wants to respond, he lets her continue.

“I know it’s irrational, but there it is,” says Joey, “I’m still that girl who lost her mother to cancer and her dad to prison. A little girl who had to grow up without parents, without feeling loved. All of this while living with my older sister who was pregnant out of wedlock. And honestly, with that background, I’m surprised that I didn’t go see a therapist sooner. It would have saved me so much pain and heartache.”

The memory of Joey sitting in a desk at a hospital rushes to her. “See, I got a lot of things to say and I need someone to listen to them. It all started when my mom got sick…” As the memory flashes in her mind, Joey doesn’t know if she should be amused or upset. With a reflecting face, she keeps on going, trying to pick up where she left off.

“It doesn’t seem to matter how much money I earn, or how far away from Capeside I am. I’m still that scared girl, she never stopped following me around as I once thought” Joey says raggedly. “I’m so insecure about those I love and those who love me. I’m so afraid of getting getting hurt again. It’s why I can’t seem to commit to a real relationship. I’m so scared of loving anyone with my whole heart again.”

As Joey takes a breath, Mike says, “I’m so sorry Joey. I feel like this all my fault.”

“No, Dad,” replies Joey, “I need to get past this. It’s my problem. I’m not looking for an apology from you. I just need you to understand. I want a chance to know my father again. I just want to be your daughter.”

“It’s a chance I will more than willing to give you, if you can give me one, too. I want to know my daughter and prove to her that I have, finally, changed,” Mike replies.

“Okay, it’s a deal then,” she smiles weakly at him. “But I need you to always be honest with me and I need you to be there for me. Even if I piss you off. And believe me, that will happen.” Joey finally smiles as Mike laughs. “I want us to be a real family again,” Joey says, now more serious.

Mike suddenly feels like the weight of the world has been lifted from his shoulders and looks at Joey and tells her equally as serious, “I want that, too.”

“The last two weeks I’ve spent in Capeside, I’ve felt like I’m finally home,” explains Mike. “You, Bessie, Bodie and Alex are my family so... thank you for giving me this chance. A chance for me to win back your trust and to somehow recover the time we lost together. I will prove to you that I’m worthy of that chance and that I’m a different man now.”

With that Mike opens his arms and Joey takes a small step towards him. They embrace in a big hug. Everything around them seems to have actually become brighter as father and daughter hug.

On the dance floor…

Everyone is still dancing. The kids are no longer being tortured as Lily is dancing with her stepfather and Alex dancing with his mother.

Pacey, meanwhile, is dancing with Audrey. “Well, did you have fun?” Audrey asks him.

Pacey ponders the question for a moment. “Actually, I did!” he replies finally. “Call me crazy, but I like the way things are now. I’ve got a great job, terrific friends…my life’s perfect.”

“Perfect?” Audrey asks him.

“Well, almost,” he corrects himself. “Don’t get me wrong, it would be nice to have someone to come home to. But it’s not something I need to have anymore.”

Audrey smiles at him. Suddenly, Jack and Andie appear next to them.

“Can I cut in?” Jack asks. “I’d like to be able to dance with someone besides my sister, you know?”

Pacey chuckles. “Be my guest,” he says, stepping aside. Audrey stretches her hand out dramatically to Jack and he takes it just as dramatically. They laugh as they dance away, leaving Pacey and Andie facing each other.

“Didn’t I promise you one last dance?” Pacey asks her.

“A lifetime ago,” she replies with a smile.

The two of them begin to slow dance together. Pacey closes his eyes as they sway back and forth.

“I love weddings,” Andie whispers.

“Yeah, I remember,” he reminds her. “You’re a wedding fanatic. I’m just glad I didn’t had to force the confession out of you this time and that you didn’t wreck the cake this time.”

She giggles. “Oh god, you still remember that?” she asks.

“Of course,” he tells her. “I may not have a perfect memory but I remember the important things, you know. Like you and me.”

“Well, Venice hasn’t sunken into the sea yet!” Andie jokes.

“I’ve still got four more years, McPhee!” he states. “I’m gonna win this bet!”

The two of them laugh. Then, suddenly, their attention is drawn elsewhere.

They saw Dawson dancing with Gale, and Joey dancing with Mike.

“Take a look at that!” Pacey remarks. “Is it just me, or are you getting a strong sense of déjà vu?”

“What do you mean?” she asks him.

“Well, look…” he explains. “Joey’s dancing with her dad, Dawson’s dancing with his mom…I’m dancing with you. You know what’s gonna happen next, don’t you?”

Andie makes a smirk. “Gee, you’re right. You do remember things, don’t you?”

Pacey just smiles at her as he swings her around, making her squeals in surprise.

Soon, Pacey´s comment became a self-fulfilling prophecy. Because, just as Joey and her father reached the centre of the dance floor…

“I think this is the part where I cut out,” he tells her. “I think there’s someone else who wants to dance with you!”

Joey turns her head to see Gale and Dawson only a few feet away. They walk towards them.

“So, how’s the father of the bride?” Gale asks cheerfully.

“Getting by,” he tells her. “You look positively radiant! Dawson, you mind if I borrow your mother for a moment?”

“Be my guest!” Dawson encourages him with a smile as Gale offers Mike her hand. Soon they are dancing away.

Dawson and Joey look at each other as they are standing facing each other.

“Hi” she says, walking to him as he opens his arm to take her in, and slowly, they begin a dance of their own.

“Hi” he replies smiling at her and not saying anything else for a moment. Then Joey laughs softly.

“You can ask Dawson” she says, and Dawson smirks.

“Ok, so… How are things between you and your dad then?”

“I made it,” she sighs in relief. “I talked to him. I mean, it’s not all perfect, but…well, we’ll work things out.”

“Good,” Dawson says, smiling at her.

They continue dancing, staring into each other’s eyes.

“Thank you,” she says suddenly.

“Again?” he says amused, flashing a smile at her. “For what?” he asked. “I didn’t do anything.”

“Yeah, you did. You always do. There are so many thank you´s that I owe you. For starters, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you and the money you gave me for college”

“Oh please Jo. That was so long ago. And I didn’t mean for you to be in debt to me forever, you know. You did return the favor anyway”

“I know. You always do these kind of things, expecting nothing in return. You came back into my life after I ran out on you five years ago. You’ve helped me get through dealing with my father again. Sometimes I think I tend to take you for granted. I just want you to know that it matters to me. You matter to me.”

“You matter to me too,” he replies. “There was a time when I never could imagine the two of us here like this. I just…I must be the luckiest guy in the world to get something hardly anyone else gets…a second chance to make things right. Your friendship is so important to me, Jo. I’m embarrassed that I let my work cause me to drift apart from you. I never want that to happen again. I want…I want you a part of my life for as long as humanly possible.”

She smiles at him.

“Even in some unearthly way?” she jokes.

“Yeah,” he responds, his smile equal to hers. “Even like that.”

As they stare at each other, their dance suddenly become slower, as an invisible electricity passes between them. The familiar setting, combined with the emotions they have been suppressing for years, puts them in a position they haven’t been in a long time.

Slowly, they move closer together. Both Dawson and Joey’s eyes flutter closed, even as their lips part…only an inch away from touching. Joey feels her heart thumping in her chest, butterflies in her stomach. Dawson feels the palms of his hands sweat, his mouth dry and both forget where they are or any questions of if this is the right or wrong thing to do. Is it just reliving a moment from the past? It’s so much more than that.

“Can I have your attention, please?” Bodie suddenly announces. “It’s time for the throwing the bouquet. Can I get all single ladies over here?”

Their eyes snap open. Dawson and Joey suddenly realize what they were so close to doing. A mixture of surprise and something more fills their eyes. For a moment, words fail them.

But then Joey smiles at him. She doesn’t appear upset or mad at all.

“Talk about déjà vu,” she says, nervously. “Remember? That wedding, the one the Icehouse catered? And this... we were like this there too, weren´t we? But that was so long ago. Wasn´t it? Sorry, I’m rambling,” she laughs softly.

That thought makes Dawson smile. “Yes, you are,” he says, smiling. And after such a simple line, no further words are needed. Joey understands Dawson is not gonna over analyze what just almost happen and she won’t even begin to try and explain it neither. They simply turn their attention towards Bessie, who is stepping up to the platform, bouquet in hand.

“Okay!” Bessie calls out. “Here we go…”

With that, she throws the bouquet into the air.

Late in the evening at the reception.

At Bessie and Bodie’s reception at the Potter Bed and Breakfast Inn, the grounds are still half filled with people, slowly emptying as they leave, all wishing the newlywed couple well. The buffet table is almost empty of food, leftovers of the party all over the floor; threads of bright colors are blowing in the breeze as the sun is setting. It seems like all of Capeside has been there, celebrating Bessie and Bodie’s wedding; and certainly all the gang is still there soaking it all in.

They all are sitting slightly apart from all the people that are left. Drinks on hand, they sit in a circle and are engaged in conversations. Trivial, easy and friendly words are exchanged. Jack listens to the music as he holds Amy in his lap while he surveys the party. It is past Amy’s bedtime, but what the hell, Jack thinks, a party like this should be enjoyed by everyone.

(“Four seasons in one day” by Crowed House, starts playing in the background)

He smiles at the sight of Joey cooing at Amy, tickling her cheeks as she speaks to her as if she was a little adult, Dawson and Audrey joining in the Amy adoration from time to time. Jack smiles, but he only half-listens to the conversations around him.

Four seasons in one day
Lying in the depths of your imagination

He can’t help but remember the last time he attended a wedding. Then, the mother of the baby in his lap was still alive and dancing, blond locks of soft hair under the bright sky. He felt younger and freer then, right before it all went wrong. And it all is going to hell again. He’s losing Amy. He failed Jen.

Worlds above and worlds below
The sun shines on the black clouds
Hanging over the domain

“Amy, do you see Uncle Pacey and Aunt Andie?” Asks Joey. Amy nods gravely in response. “Who do you think talks more?”

Whatever Amy is actually considering this or it just seems as if she is, she replies, “AC!”

“Good answer,” laughs Dawson.

Joey smiles and says, “You sure are your mother’s daughter.”

Even when you're feeling warm
The temperature could drop away
Like four seasons in one day

At the mention of Jen, Jack’s chest tightens. Joey sees his response as Dawson takes his turn and takes Amy from Jack’s lap, she rubs his arm to console him. Jack smiles at her. Then she glances around as she leans back in her seat and sips from her almost finished drink. She sees Doug talking to Audrey, Pacey and Andie. Further, Grams watches Alex and Lily as they chase each other around. Sitting by her side, Mike talks to Gale and John. Doug, Audrey, Pacey, and Andie seem to be engaged in some conversation and she smiles.

Amy giggles and Joey turns around to see Lily picking her up. “Jack, can we take Amy with us?” She is asking, motioning to her and Alex, who is standing by her side. Amy seems to be more than willing to leave, and Jack agrees.

“Just don’t give her anything to eat, ok?”

“What is she, a gremlin?” Dawson asks, laughing softly.

“Ha ha, funny. You’ll tell me when you have your own kids”

“Well, you can make yourself comfortable while waiting for that to happen,” Dawson jokes. But he meets Joey’s eyes and she smiles, muttering “drama king”. Dawson returns her smile as he watches Alex and Lily playing with Amy. And it looks so right, to see Lily holding Amy, to see her sister holding Jen´s daughter as if she was part of the family. And she is. He looks around him as all the group finally gathers together, and smiles to himself. They all are. For good and for bad, they are a family, no matter the time and the distance.

Doug sits down by Jack’s side and places a gentle kiss on Jack’s cheek, and says, “I’ve missed you.” He has tried to say it in a low voice so it goes unheard for the rest of the group, but he fails.

You can tell a man from what he has to say
Everything gets turned around
And I will risk my neck again

Pacey sighs dramatically, rolling his eyes, “Can you please stop reminding the rest of us that we’re alone?”

“Alone?” Replies Audrey, sitting in between him and Andie “That’s a misinterpretation of fact. We’re not alone, we have each other.”

You can take me where you will
Up the creek and through the mill

“Here, here,” says Andie as the group laughs.

“I stand corrected,” says Pacey, “In fact, I think we should drink to that.”

“Just one moment,” says Joey, “I need some libations.” With that she leans forward to pour a drink as Dawson does the same, and unintentionally she brushes Dawson’s hand. For a brief moment they hold each other’s gaze. A thousand words are spoken between them in that single glance, in that single touch.

Like all the things you can't explain
Four seasons in one day

Slowly, a smile curls up on Dawson’s lips. It’s warm and slow, and his eyes say much more than his lips anyway. As the sun is setting down over the Potter’s creek, Joey returns his smile.

Blood dries up
Like rain, like rain

And so the evening passes, and the group of people enjoy it together just like old friends do. The last thing we see as the image pans out is all of them talking and laughing.

Fills my cup
Like four seasons in one day

CREDITS