The shot is Dawson and Joey seated on his bed. Dawson is leaning against his backboard comfortably, while Joey is perched on the edge of his bed awkwardly.

DAWSON: (noticing Joey's behavior) What is the matter with you, Joey? Ever since your house you've been acting strange. Where were you, anyway?

JOEY: (playing with a loose string on the bed, nervously. She speaks sharply) Where was I? I was nowhere. Just...out. Why? You aren't my babysitter or anything.

DAWSON: (sitting up and placing a hand on her shoulder) Jo, chill. I know I'm not your babysitter, but wherever you were completely changed your usual, easygoing, cynical attitude and I'm just curious as to what the cause was.

JOEY: (taking his hand off of her shoulder, Dawson looks hurt) I'm not changed. What makes you say I'm changed. (she adds this last sentence angrily) Just because I don't feel like making out doesn't mean I'm changed.

DAWSON: (sitting back again, looking hurt and completely confused) Joey? What's wrong? Why are you doing this? Why are you shutting me out?

JOEY: (standing up and heading to the window, speaking in her usual deprecating fashion) I'm not doing anything, Dawson. I don't feel like sitting here and wasting another Friday analyzing another stupid movie. It's completely pointless, and redundant for that matter. I'm going. Bye. (she climbs out of the window)

DAWSON: (he jumps up from his bed and runs to the window, he leans out of it and yells down) Jo! Joey! Wa--Wait! (she apparently doesn't hear because his head soon comes back through the window. He runs his hand through his hair and punches the wall next to his window. He mutters) "What did I do?"

(CUT TO COMMERCIAL)

*******************************************

Pacey is walking up and down the edge of the creek. The sun is setting, casting an orange-red light over the town. He seems to be deep in thought as he walks, continually kicking a rock along the way. Jen comes up behind him.

JEN: What's a handsome man like yourself hanging around alone on a night like tonight?

PACEY: (he jumps at the sound of her voice and turns to look at her) Jen! (smiles) Maybe I should ask you the same thing.

JEN: (laughing) Except I'm not a handsome man. (sighs) Maybe you should. Ah, my life is just too complicated lately.

PACEY: (snorts) Join the club.

JEN: (looking at him surprised) What brought about that remark?

PACEY: (seems to be debating with himself) Long story, could quite possibly take all night to tell.

JEN: Well, we've already established the fact that we're alone. Why not fill it with an interesting gossip session, huh?

PACEY: (grinning) Gosh, you are a smart girl. I think you're right. Let's do it.

Jen nods decisively and the pair walks over to a vacant bench. They sit and Pacey starts to talk.

PACEY: (turning to Jen) Considering the horrible love triangle involving you, Joey, and Dawson, you're probably the last person to spill my heart out to. But alas, you, my dear, are the only available ear.

JEN: (crossing her heart) I won't tell. I even crossed my heart see?

PACEY: Yup, I saw that. Alright here goes (takes a deep breath) You know how Joey and Dawson finally pushed past that we're-trying-to-hide-the-fact-that- we-really-want-each-other-by-being-best-friends line and have added making out to their long list of activities? (Jen nods and laughs) Well, here goes. Joey has a certain sexual yearning for yours truly, too. (watches Jen laugh out loud) I'm not kidding.

JEN: (watching Pacey's serious face) Oh my God. You really aren't joking are you?

PACEY: (scratching the back of his head) Considering the fact that she kissed me, and not the other way around mind you, twice, I'd say the answer would be a definitive no.

JEN: (looking eager) Okay, well come on! Details! I live for details!

PACEY: (getting up from the bench) I don't know, Jen.. I probably shouldn't have told you anything.

JEN: (grabbing his hand and pulling him down next to her once more. She puts her face an inch from his and whispers) You are going to tell me every last bit about this, do you understand?

PACEY: (pulls his face away from Jen's and jokingly whimpers) You know how to work it, Jenny. A hormone-crazed teenage boy like me can't resist.

JEN: (smiles sweetly) Good, then continue.

PACEY: (leers at her) What do I get in return?

JEN: (puts her hand on his knee) Wait and see my dear boy.

PACEY: (laughing) Alright I'll tell you everything! I'm so weak! (his manner becomes serious) The first one was the night of Dawson and Joey's first kiss.

JEN: (cutting him off) Does Dawson know about that one?

PACEY: Yeah, yeah he does. The next day at school he looked like he wanted to put a leash on Joey when I came up to them.

JEN: And he didn't get mad at her? How unfair.

PACEY: Yeah. Whatever, anyway, that wasn't the interesting one.

JEN: And this second kiss happened...?

PACEY: (looking away from Jen and muttering) about half an hour ago.

JEN: Wow! Fresh meat here.

PACEY: I know. Too fresh. Well, here's the scoop. My father and I got in this rancid cutthroat fight and I was sulking out on my front steps when, all of a sudden, Joey walks up. To hide my initial surprise I said, as clever as I am, hi. (Jen laughs) Well, she sits next to me and I find myself telling her everything that had gone on with my father. Boy was I shocked when not only did she not laugh, but showed definite signs of sympathy! She rambled on about how she felt bad about not being able to comfort me. Mind you, as this was going on I was in a stupor, hardly hearing what she was saying. Then, before I could do anything, she...

JEN: (finishing his sentence) Kissed you.

PACEY: (nodding) Yup. Just leaned over and placed her lips right on my unsuspecting ones. And the one funny thing I can get out of this is that I felt nothing. I hated it. When I pushed away from her I wanted to wipe my mouth of her. It was like kissing Doug..which I have never done. He saves it for his boy toys.

JEN: You're saying you felt nothing? No spark? No arousal? I mean, frankly, you are a teenage boy. I thought you would jump at the chance to make out with anyone.

PACEY: (laughing softly) So did I.

JEN: (softly) What did she do?

PACEY: (chuckles cynically) Here's another not really funny part, she just tried to do it again..she kissed me again and I pushed her off again. I felt bad, Jen, don't misunderstand that, but I wasn't going to lead her on.

JEN: And after the second time..

PACEY: (standing up and pacing, like his next statement hurt to say) She ran away, but..before she did, she...said she hated me and never wanted to see me again. One of my best friends declaring her love one second and her hate the next. (pausing and attempting an ironic smile) Man, school is going to be mighty interesting tomorrow.

JEN: For me, I must say this is a true statement, but for you, I'd say hellish is more accurate.

PACEY: Thanks.

JEN: (while his back is turned, cracking an evil smile) No really, what if Dawson finds out and blames you?

PACEY: (turning on his heel, speaking through clenched teeth) I hadn't thought of that, but if he does find out, I know who told him.

JEN: (with fake innocence) Who, Joey?

PACEY: (shaking his head scornfully) I gotta go. See you tomorrow. (walks off)

JEN: (laughing and speaking to herself) Have fun in school tomorrow, Pace.

*******************************************

The shot is inside Capeside High. It appears to be early, because there aren't many people around. Pacey is at his locker and Dawson walks up to him.

DAWSON: Hey, Pace. (Pacey jumps and snaps around) Joey is acting really strange. I'm worried I did something.

PACEY: (quickly) You didn't. I mean, I'm sure you didn't, man. She's probably having a PMS attack like always. (he is speaking nervously)

DAWSON: (raising his eyebrow) Did you get enough sleep last night? Because you seem a little edgy.

PACEY: Uh, rough night with my Dad...and stuff.

DAWSON: (sounding confused) Okay.. (shrugs his shoulders) Anyway, I'm really distraught over how she's acting. (speaking in a rush) She wouldn't talk to me, she wouldn't let me touch her, or anything. She even accused me of being a sex-fiend, well, not in those exact words, but you get the meaning. What did I do? I hadn't hardly even seen her that day. I know I didn't cheat on her--

PACEY: (holding his hands up) Dawson! Stop! You are getting all worked up over what is probably nothing. (an ironic smile crosses his face, but vanishes immediately)

The camera pans back a little and another, well dressed and female, figure enters the shot, we can't see who it is yet. When she starts to speak, the identity is obvious. It's Abby Morgan.

ABBY: (from across the hall) Hey, it's great you two could get past that and stay friends. I always thought a girl should never get in the way of true friendship.

Dawson looks utterly confused and Pacey has a mixture of anger, embarrassment, and hurt flashing across his face. He bangs the back of his head against the locker softly.

Dawson turns to Pacey in agitation, seemingly ready to write Abby off. When Pacey doesn't look at him, his face is covered with worry. He slowly turns back to Abby.

DAWSON: (his voice is filled with worry and hurt) What are you talking about?

ABBY: (places her hand over her mouth) You don't know? (turning to Pacey) Pacey? You didn't tell him? Oh my. Well, I guess I let the cat out of the bag, then.

DAWSON: (peering at his friend) What cat out of what bag? (his voice turns angry) Pacey! What didn't you tell me?

PACEY: (doesn't meet his eyes and just mumbles under his breath) I'm going to kill Jen.

DAWSON: (in disbelief) Jen? What about Jen? Pacey, I'm very rapidly losing every bit of patience I have left.

Pacey is still silent.

ABBY: (coyly) Well, I could tell you, Dawson.

DAWSON: (after a swift look at Pacey) All right, go ahead, Abby.

ABBY: Your gal pal? Her and Pacey locked lips, (Dawson's face falls and he leans back against the lockers) smooched, played some tonsil hockey, kis--

DAWSON: Stop! Just..stop. (turning to Pacey, a look of absolute bewilderment on his face) She's lying. Right? Pacey, tell me she's lying.

PACEY: (staring at his hand) I'd really love to, Dawson, but I don't believe in lying to my friends.

DAWSON: (choking up, his voice cracking) I'll give you one more chance, Pacey. One more chance and then I never, ever want to see you or Joey again. (stares intently at him)

Pacey remains still and quiet. Dawson lets a sob escape from his throat.

DAWSON: Damn!

He turns away from Pacey and Abby, who has a smug smile across her face as the scene is lain out before her. He shoots Pacey one more confused and pained look before turning and walking away without looking back. Pacey's hardness falls to pieces as Dawson leaves. He punches his fist into one of the lockers, then winces in pain as he grabs his knuckles.

PACEY: Ouch...

He leans back against the locker and slides down to a sitting position, putting his head down as the camera fades.

*******************************************

There is a quick shot of the bustling lunchroom. It zooms in to a table containing only Joey, staring at her food forlornly. Dawson is shown walking into the cafeteria, looking like he's ready to kill. He spots Joey and his face softens for one second before it hardens once again. He starts to walk Over to her, determined.

DAWSON: (trying to restrain his anger) I heard an interesting story just now. At least it would have been interesting. If it hadn't included me.

JOEY: (turning her head to look at him) Dawson, what are you talking about? I'm not really in the mood...

DAWSON: Well, you better get in the mood! Joey, how could you do it? I loved you!

JOEY: (looking sad) Loved? With an e-d?

DAWSON: (running his hands through his hair) You better believe it! I thought you were over him! You told me you didn't like him. You told me you loved me, not him!

JOEY: (fighting to keep control) Who's him?

DAWSON: (yelling) Don't do that! You know who he is! (he notices the open stares he's getting from his peers and the teacher that is about to make his way over. His voice softens) I can't believe you cheated on me. With my best friend on top of it.

Tears come to Joey's eyes as she realizes what is going on.

JOEY: How did you..

DAWSON: How did I what? Find out? That isn't any of your business. And it isn't whats important by far. (he holds up his hand as Joey tries to protest) Don't. The only reason I came here instead of just blowing you off is because I did love you, once. I just want you to know I am never going to speak to either you or that jerk Pacey ever again. I hope you two have a nice life together. (he turns on his heel and walks out of the cafeteria)

JOEY: (jumping out of her seat) Dawson! Wait! You don't know...

She sinks into her seat as Dawson doesn't turn around. The tears spill over.

JOEY: ...the whole story.

*******************************************

The scene opens in the Potter's kitchen. Joey is crying and Bessie is seated next to her, one arm cradled around her shoulder. Bodie is standing in the background, holding a sleeping Alex.

JOEY: I didn't mean to hurt him. Oh, but maybe I did. I mean, I willingly kissed Pacey, and when he pushed me away, I did it again! That's it, I'm responsible for everything that has happened to me. (starts to cry harder)

BESSIE: (running a hand over Joey's hair) But, Jo, you didn't know who you really liked. You had to solve that before you led Dawson on to something that wasn't going to happen.

JOEY: (sitting up and making an attempt to wipe her eyes) Yeah, maybe you're right, Bess. I did have to do that. It was only fair to me and Dawson.

BESSIE: And Pacey.

JOEY: And Pacey. (laughs) Well, I found out that Pacey sure doesn't enjoy kissing me. He pushed me away. Twice.

BESSIE: Dawson enjoyed kissing you.

JOEY: (tears spilling over again) I know! I know he did, and I enjoyed kissing him. Why did I have to be so arrogant and selfish? I should've left well enough alone.

Bessie has nothing to say and she shoots a look at Bodie who shrugs his shoulders helplessly.

BESSIE: (after a long pause) Maybe you should...give it a few days. Then go see Dawson, try to explain to him what happened..

JOEY: He said he never wanted to see me or Pacey again. Oh poor Dawson! He loses both of his best friends in one day!

BESSIE: Not to mention his girlfriend.

JOEY: Stop! You're supposed to be comforting me!

BESSIE: (looking down) Sorry. I can tell you one thing. Dawson was extremely hurt, angry, and confused today. Imagine one second things are normal and the next everything is different. You'd be confused too. (Joey nods slowly) Just give him time, Jo. He'll come around.

JOEY: (her face brightening, almost smiling) I sure hope you're right, Bess, because it's my last hope.

*******************************************

Dawson is sitting at his desk, staring into space. The knock on his door startles him and he jumps up.

DAWSON: (feebly) Come in.

Mitch Leery walks in and sits on Dawson's bed.

MITCH: Let me guess, you're bad mood has something to do with a tall brunette that lives across the creek, right?

DAWSON: Who else?

MITCH: So, what trouble is there in paradise now, Dawson?

DAWSON: (looking down) She kissed Pacey.

MITCH: (surprised) Seriously?

DAWSON: (incredulously) Would I joke about that?

MITCH: (sighing) You know..for a while there I thought I knew everything about love, but now.. Well, anyway, let me give you the one piece of advice I can.

DAWSON: Anything.

MITCH: In the first stages of a relationship, which is what you and Joey are in, there is a lot of confusion. Joey is probably very unsure of what to do with herself..and you. I mean from best friends one minute to a couple the next..thats a considerably large step.

DAWSON: Yeah..

MITCH: Maybe you blew up on her a little too soon, go to her, hear her side of the story.

DAWSON: I'm not going to her! Listen to her...maybe, but I'm not going to her.

MITCH: (nodding) Well, that's up to you.

DAWSON: Yes, it is. (glances at his watch) Oh, I'm late for work. I have to go. (picks up his working vest) I'll see you later.

MITCH: (as Dawson walks out the door of his bedroom) Just let me know how it all turns out.

*******************************************

Dawson is sitting behind the counter at the video store. He is watching a movie, though we can't see the screen. We hear the bell ring over the door, but Dawson doesn't look up.

PERSON: Why the face, Dawson?

Dawson jumps and turns in his chair, his face almost falls as he sees who has spoken.

DAWSON: (half-heartedly) Hi Jen. What's up?

JEN: (leaning over the counter) Oh, you know, same old, same old. What I want to know is what is wrong with you.

DAWSON: (sighing) It's hardly your business.

JEN: Ah, I see. It has to do with Joey. You only get that defensive and spiteful when Jo's done you wrong. What has the young vixen done this time?

DAWSON: (he looks at Jen, ready to speak, but then looks away. After a small pause, he starts again) I know..that you probably started this whole viscous thing, but... I need to talk to someone.

Jen nods and leans farther over the counter, closer to Dawson's face. As Dawson talks his face is down.

DAWSON: She kissed Pacey, Jen. My heart is...it's breaking, into a million tiny shards. I feel like my world is crashing in around me. I..argh...I can't,...

Dawson and Jen are so into talking, that they fail to hear the door open. It's Joey and, after seeing the scene lain out before her, steps back and stays silent. We hear Dawson's voice as the camera closes in on Joey's face.

DAWSON: I love her! I still do, I told her I didn't...but I do. (Joey's face breaks into a small, embarrassed smile) I wish I could tell her, but she did an undefendable thing. I can't just...forgive her. What do you think?

The shot is back with Dawson and Jen, who is inches from Dawson's face. She cups her hand under his chin and raises his head until his eyes are level with hers. Dawson looks a little surprised at how close she is.

JEN: (in a low whisper that Joey can't hear) I think you should do....whatever it is you want to do....

Jen leans in and presses her lips to his, before he can protest. He doesn't pull away and the kiss deepens. The camera pans to Joey's stricken face. Behind her the door opens once again to the video store and in walks Pacey. He sees Joey first and seems confused, then he gets a glimpse of Dawson and Jen and his mouth opens in pure shock. The camera fades.

Tell me anything! The good, the bad, even the ugly! Thanks, NiXiE10@aol.com

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