Joey: (imitating ET) I'll be right here…I love this movie. (pause) This won the Oscar didn't it?
Dawson turns off the movie and switches it to the local news, which his mom co-anchors for.
Dawson: Ghandi. Spielberg was robbed. This was before he outgrew his Peter Pan syndrome.
Joey: (frowning) But Ghandi? I mean why give an Oscar to a movie you can't even sit through?
Dawson: Thank you.
Joey watches the TV as she gets up to put on her shoes.
Joey: New do?
Dawson: Yeah. She likes big hair.
Joey: Must weigh a lot. How does she walk upright?
Dawson laughs then notices Joey putting on her shoes.
Dawson: Where are you going?
Joey: Home.
Dawson: Spend the night.
Joey: I can't.
Dawson: Come on you always spend the night.
Joey: Not tonight.
Dawson: Why not?
Joey: I just don't think it's a good idea for me to sleep over anymore, you know?
Dawson sits up and puts the remote control on his desk.
Dawson: No, I don't know. C'mon, You've been sleeping over since you were seven. It's Saturday night.
Joey: Things change Dawson. Evolve.
Dawson: What are you talking about?
Joey puts on her jean jacket.
Joey: Sleeping in the same bed was fine when we were kids, but we're fifteen now.
Dawson: Yeah.
Joey: We start high school Monday?
Dawson: Yeah.
Joey taps her chest.
Joey: And I have breasts!
Dawson: (surprised) What?!
She points to Dawson.
Joey: And you have genitalia!
Dawson: I've always had genitalia.
Joey: But there's more of it.
Dawson is embarrassed but tries to play it off.
Dawson: How do you know?
Joey: Long fingers…I gotta go.
She moves toward the open window to leave. Dawson reaches out to her.
Dawson: Whoa Jo, don't hit and run. (Joey turns around) C'mon, explain yourself.
Joey: I just think our emerging hormones are destined to alter our relationship and I'm trying to limit the fallout.
Dawson gets up off the bed with his arms crossed, smiling.
Dawson: Your emerging hormones aren't developing a thang for me, are they?
Joey: A thang?
Touches her forehead sarcastically like she has to think about it.
Joey: No, I'm not getting a thang for you Dawson. I've known you too long. I've seen you burp, barf, pick your nose, scratch your butt. I don't think I'm getting a thang for you.
Dawson: So what's the problem?
Joey: We're changing and we have to adjust or else the male/female thing will get in the way.
Dawson sits back down on the bed.
Dawson: What's with this When Harry met 80's crap. It doesn't apply to us, we transcend it.
Joey: And how do we do that?
Dawson: (lying back) By going to sleep. I'm tired.
Joey: That's avoidance.
Dawson: No, it's proof. Proof that we can still remain friends, despite any mounting sexual theoretics.
Joey: (pauses for a minute) I don't think it works that way Dawson.
Dawson: Come on, don't get female on me Joey. I don't want to have to start calling you Josephine.
Joey: (smiling) Josephine this!
She leaps onto the bed and attacks him with punches. They tickle and punch each other until Dawson has the upper hand.
Joey: (noticing Dawson's body slightly on top of hers) Okay, I give…I give.
Dawson: We're friends okay? (Joey nods, smiling) No matter how much body hair we acquire? Deal?
Joey: Deal.
Dawson: (leaning back) All right…and we don't ever talk about this again, deal?
Joey smiles.
Joey: You got it.
Dawson: Okay, cool.
Joey: Cool.
Dawson and Joey each climb under the covers.
Dawson: Goodnight Joey.
Joey: (snuggling into pillow) Goodnight Dawson.
Joey shifts farther away from Dawson. Dawson looks over, noticing. He moves a little to his side of the bed and glances over again, as she scoots closer to the edge. Dawson pauses, staring up at the ceiling.
Dawson: Why'd you have to bring this up anyway?
Opening Credits. Dawson's Creek theme song plays.
~~~~~~~~~~Part 1~~~~~~~~~~
Sail boats drift along a lake on a sunny day. Pan from boats to dock, where Joey is sitting in a lawn chair. The camera moves closer as tense music plays. Suddenly something rises from the lake and grabs her.
Joey: Ahhhhhhhh!!
The thing takes her and the lawn chair crashing into the water. Cut to Dawson with his video camera on a hand-made moving crane.
Dawson: No! Cut, cut, cut. Pacey…three counts you gotta wait before you come up, come on!
We realize it's Pacey cloaked in a sea creature costume. He tries to climb up on the dock but Joey grabs him and pulls him back down.
Joey: (climbing up) God, Pacey!
Pacey takes off his sea creature mask and follows her up.
Pacey: What was that all about?
Dawson: (watching, and commenting the whole time) Joey…(pause) Pacey, C'mon. You go before she's established on the dock, it's not scary.
Joey grabs a towel and wraps it around her neck.
Joey: You did it again, you grabbed my ass.
Pacey: (waving it off) Like you even have one.
Dawson: Guys, were way behind schedule, all right. We got two weeks, I'm not going to make the festival.
Joey: I'm not playing the victim.
Dawson: Hello, some cooperation.
Pacey: Hey, it's Meryl Streep's fault okay, I'm doing my best.
Joey: (glaring at him) Bite me. Dawson notices a yellow taxi pull up next door. A beautiful blond girl steps out and looks around. Pacey glances over and sees the taxi also. Joey is to busy glaring at Pacey to notice.
Pacey: Well, my mouth drops.
Pacey starts down the dock toward the girl. Dawson pauses, then follows. Joey watches and trails behind them. Cut to the girl walking toward them.
Jen: Hi there.
Pacey: Hi, Pacey. Nice to meet you.
They shake hands.
Jen: Hi.
Dawson also shakes Jen's hand.
Dawson: Hi, I'm Da…
Jen: (interrupting) Your Dawson. Dawson, yeah I know. We've met before. I'm Jen.
Dawson: Oh, the granddaughter from New York, okay.
Joey watches Dawson's face, irked.
Jen: That's right
Dawson: Wow, you look…different.
Joey: (turning away from Dawson) Puberty. (shaking Jen's hand) I'm Joey. I live down the creek and we've never met…ever.
Dawson: So, Jen are you just visiting?
Jen: Oh yeah, my grandfather's aorta collapsed and they had to replace it with this plastic tube, so my parents sent me to help for a while.
Dawson: So you'll be going to school here then?
Jen: Uh yeah, tenth grade.
Pacey: (smiling) Cool, us too.
Cut to Joey who fakes a smile then lets it fade.
Dawson: Yeah.
Jen: Oh good, um look my Grams is waiting. I should go. But it was really nice to meet you guys and I'll see you in school.
Dawson: If not sooner.
Pacey watches and laughs.
Joey: (mimicking) If not sooner.
She turns and walks back down the dock.
Pacey: (elbowing Dawson) Nice.
Cut to Jen walking away. She glances back at them. Dawson watches her, grinning.
Pacey and Dawson walk through Dawson's front yard. The sea creature costume hangs to dry on a lawn chair.
Pacey: You think she's a virgin? Wanna nail her?
Dawson: (laughing) We just met!
They climb the porch steps.
Pacey: And a wasted moment it was. I mean greater men would be nailing right now, you know what I mean?
Dawson: (opening front door) Tact, look it up.
Dawson: Oh God…Mom!
They break their kiss.
Mr. Leery: Oh, hi son.
He dumps Mrs. Leery on the floor.
Mr. Leery: Your mother and I were…
Mrs. Leery: (fixing her unbuttoned blouse) uh, just discussing whether or not…
Mr. Leery: (interrupting) we needed a new coffee table.
Mrs. Leery laughs.
Pacey: Hi Mr. Leery…Mrs. Leery.
Mrs. Leery: (smiling) Hi Pacey. (noticing Dawson's increasing embarrassment) Oh don't look so red Dawson. It could be worse.
Dawson runs his hands through his hair and looks away.
Pacey: You know what Mrs. Leery? I really do love that new hairdo.
Mrs. Leery: (fluffing her hair) Oh…Thank you Pacey.
Mr. Leery: I thought you had to work.
Dawson: We ran late.
Mrs. Leery: (getting up) I should get going. Okay Mr. Man-meat, I'll see you later.
They kiss.
Dawson: Mom…ah!
The creek. Dogs bark in the background. Joey rows her boat up to their dock and ties it up. She gets out and waltzes up to the house. She's intercepted by her sister's boyfriend, Bodie. He walks towards her with a pot and an apron tied around his waist.
Bodie: Just the victim I'm looking for.
Joey: (smiling) No, Bodie. Not again.
Bodie: But I'm being tested on this one. Here have a taste.
He gives her a spoonful.
Joey: (pauses) Orgasmic. Where's Bess?
Joey's pregnant older sister comes out the front door carrying a shirt. Bess: If you want to wear my things, fine. They're fairly useless to me now. But that means you put them back…where you found them. Got it?
Joey: (with attitude) Got it.
Bess: I am way too pregnant to be digging underneath your bed.
Joey: (even more attitude) So stay out of my room, got it?
She walks away. Bess turns toward Bodie.
Bess: I'm going to knock her silly, I swear it.
Bodie: Here, taste this.
He gives her a sample. She's doubtful at first. That changes, as she tastes it.
Bess: (closing her eyes) Hmmm…Orgasmic.
Bodie: (giving her a kiss) Awww…
Cut to Video Rental Storefront. We see a sign that reads ScreenPlay Video, Movie rentals, New releases and more. Inside Dawson is helping a customer.
Dawson: (taking videos from man) Thank you.
The customer leaves as Pacey walks in from the back of the store.
Pacey: So, if your dad's Mr. Man-meat, does that make you Mr. Man-meat Jr. or Mr. Man-meat the second?
Dawson: They're going to have to drag the creek to find your body, Pacey.
A blond curly headed girl in a black halter-top walks up to them carrying two videos.
Nellie: Does Forrest Gump go in the comedy or drama section?
Pacey: How many times are you going to ask that?
Dawson: It goes in the drama section.
Nellie: (pointedly) Thank you Dawson.
She walks away to put the video in its place.
Pacey: (mumbling to Dawson) Can you say wet brain?
Nellie whips around.
Nellie: I'm sorry what did you say? Did you toss a negative, disparaging remark my way? Because if you did, and correct me if I'm wrong, I'd like to remind you who you are.
Pacey: I know, I know. Your dad owns the place.
Nellie: Nooo, I'm talking about in the huge, rotating world of life.
Pacey: (amused) And who am I Nellie?
Dawson heads toward the back.
Nellie: Nobody. That's the point. You're not there, you don't even exist. Because if you did, I might have to respond to your pathetic little under the breath one-liners. But instead I take comfort knowing your vapor. Phooo, Phoooo!
She waves her arms around in the air and heads to the back room, where Dawson emerges from, smiling. Nellie: Non-existent, nothing.
An attractive older woman in a very short dress walks through the door. The boys stare at her as she approaches them.
Pacey: Oh my God, look at her!
Dawson: Have some respect man, she's somebody's mother.
Pacey: I have it on pretty good authority that mother's have excellent sex lives, alright.
She reaches the boys.
Dawson: (smiling) Good afternoon, can we help you?
Tamara: Yes you can. This is my first time here and I'd like to rent a video.
Pacey: Excellent. You just fill this out and shoot us over a credit card.
He bumps Dawson out of the way and hands Tamara an application. Tamara reaches into her purse and passes him her credit card. Dawson heads into the back again.
Pacey: Thanks…You new?
Tamara: Yes, I am. My name's Tamara, what's yours?
Pacey: Pacey, nice to meet you.
Tamara: (handing him back the application) Well here you go Pacey.
Pacey: Thanks. Um, do you think I could help you locate a video this afternoon?
Tamara: Maybe. I'm in the mood for romance.
Pacey: Um, we keep the new releases against the…
Tamara: (interrupting) Oh no, I'm vintage. (smiling) All the way.
Pacey: The classics are in the…
Tamara: (Interrupting again) Where would I find The Graduate?
Cut to Dawson, leaning out from the video stacks in the back.
Pacey: (flustered) The Graduate is the one…
Tamara: (interrupting for the third time) Where the older woman, Anne Bancroft, seduces the younger man, Dustin Hoffman?
Pacey: I'll check in the…
Dawson walks up to the counter, video in hand.
Dawson: It's right here. Is there anything else I can help you with?
Tamara: Oh no, that should do it. How much?
Dawson: Pay when you return.
She turns to leave.
Dawson: Don't forget your credit card.
Pacey: (handing it to her) ah…right here.
Dawson: Enjoy the film.
Tamara: I will. It was nice to meet you Pacey.
Pacey: Oh yeah.
She saunters out.
Dawson: (laughing) Wipe the drool dude.
Pacey: She was flirting with me!
Dawson: She was laughing at you.
Pacey: No, she wanted me!
Dawson: She wanted Dustin Hoffman.
Close up on Pacey.
Pacey: I…
He stares after her.
Sunset. Dawson runs towards his house with three videos in his hand. He stops when he spots Jen sitting on the dock, alone. He pauses, then walks over and sits down.
Dawson: Hey. How's your granddad?
Jen: Well, he's breathing. Good sign.
Dawson laughs.
Jen: (scratching chin) It's my Grandma that presents a challenge. She has this praying mentality, which is really awkward, since I don't do that whole God thing.
She notices the videos.
Jen: Whatcha got here? Let me see. (she grabs them one by one) Creature from the Black Lagoon, Humanoids from the Deep, Swamp Thing?
Dawson: It's research. I'm making a movie.
Jen: Really? Kinda young to be so ambitious.
Dawson: Fifteen. Spielburg started on a eight millimeter when he was thirteen.
Jen: Why movies? What's the attraction there?
Dawson: I reject reality.
Jen: (looking away, a little surprised but laughing) Oh!
Dawson: Would you like to see my studio?
Cut to a door opening. Dawson and Jen appear and enter Dawson's room.
Jen: Hmmm. Long shot here... ahhh...Spielberg fan?
Dawson: Pretty much worship the man in a God-like way, yeah.
Jen: How revealing.
Dawson: I have his career chronicled up on my wall. If you notice, everything is arranged in receding box office order. Starting with the blockbusters: Jurassic Park, ET, Jaws, Indiana Jones and if you follow it to my critically acclaimed wall…
He walks over to his closet doors and set's the videos on his desk.
Dawson: (pointing out) I have Schindler's List and The Color Purple. Oh, and for humility purposes I also keep his others.
Dawson opens his closet doors to reveal two posters. Jen laughs.
Dawson: 1941 and Always. In limited but excessible view.
Jen: Are you familiar with obsessive reality disorder?
Dawson: It's beyond that. See I believe that all of the mysteries of the Universe, all of life's questions, can be found in a Spielberg movie. (He sees Jen's doubtful expression) It's a theory I've been working on. See, whenever I have a problem all I have to do is look to the right Spielberg film and the answers revealed. Jen: Have you considered a twelve-step program?
Dawson: (laughing) Wit. We like that around here.
Cut to Joey walking through Dawson's yard toward the ladder set up against his window. She starts to climb, but pauses at the top when she hears voices.
Jen: (off camera) You are very smooth.
Cut back to Dawson sitting on his bed.
Dawson: In all seriousness, the Boston Film Critics have a program for junior filmmakers. Deadlines in two months. Were really under the gun.
Grams: (off camera) Jennifer!
Jen looks up and goes to a window, near the one with Joey. She leans out and sees her Grams waiting for her, as Dawson looks on. Joey presses against the ladder so Jen won't see her.
Jen: I better go…I don't want her to erupt.
Dawson: I'll see you at school.
Jen: (leaving) Bye.
Dawson: Bye.
Cut to Joey's face as she waits for Jen to leave, then slowly pulls herself through the window.
Dawson: (noticing) Joey! Hey where you been? Come on, sit down. Watch this.
She picks something off his desk and plops down on his bed, playing with it. Dawson turns on a video of mom's newscast.
Mrs. Leery: (on-screen) 772-5982. Back to you, Bob.
Dawson: Do you think my mom's sleeping with her co-anchor?
Joey: (puzzled) Where did that come from?
Dawson: Watch.
He rewinds the tape and plays it again.
Dawson: Something about her B's. They're too soft. (pointing with the remote) Back to you…Bob.
Joey: Your reaching. I mean why would your mom be sleeping with her co- anchor. Your dad's the perfect male specimen.
Dawson: I don't know, but I think they are.
Joey: Your just looking for conflict. Everything's a potential script to you. Accept your perfect life Dawson. It's reality.
Close up on Dawson's face as he rewinds it and plays it again, three times.
~~~~~~~~~~Part Two~~~~~~~~~~
Jen's Grandparent's house. Jen walks into her grandfather's room where he's sleeping. She looks both ways in the hall before sitting down.
Jen: Good morning Granddad.
She looks at his scar, visible under his pajamas. She touches it lightly.
Grams: (walking in) What are you doing?
Jen: Oh, Oh I was just saying good morning.
Grams: Your breakfast is ready.
Jen: Oh (pause) I'm glad to be here Grams.
Grams: Don't wanna be late your first day.
She walks out of the room leaving Jen holding her Grandfather's hand.
Close up on a pan of scrambled eggs being stirred. Pull back to reveal Jen at the breakfast table.
Jen: You know I don't usually eat in the morning Grams. I mean I appreciate the thought and all but my eyes are barely propped open by noon. Just a coffee fix and I'm set.
She pours herself a cup.
Grams: (setting a plate in front of her) Well I'll remember that in the future.
Jen: (holding the mug) So tell me about this Dawson guy next door. He looks so different. He used to be kinda short and compact.
Grams: You stay away, that boy is trouble.
Jen: Aren't they all? (pauses) Well, what about the girl who lives down the creek…Joey I think her name is?
Grams: (sitting down) That girl from down the creek has been crawling into the window of that boy next door for the past ten years. Neither goes to church, I believe they're what you call the wrong element.
Jen: (sipping her coffee) Right.
Grams lowers her head to say prayers. Jen sets her coffee down and lays her napkin in her lap. Grams looks at her out of the corner of her eye.
Grams: Say grace dear.
Jen: That's okay, you do it.
Grams: It would be nice if you did it.
Jen: I don't think so Grams. Thanks for the offer.
Grams: Is their some reason you don't want to thank our Lord this morning?
Jen: You know Grams, I really didn't want to get into this, you know. Kinda causes a headache but um, (pauses) I don't really do well with church and the Bible and this prayer stuff.
Grams: Beg your pardon?
Jen: I don't covet a religious God, Grams. I'm an Atheist.
Camera lingers on Grams shocked expression. "Tubthumping" by Chumbawumba plays.
Flash scenes of Capeside High School. Kids getting off their bus, tossing footballs and Frisbees. Cut to school hall. Pan down to Jen, at her locker, putting things in her backpack. She holds her schedule in her teeth while trying to fit things in. Nellie walks up.
Nellie: (smiling) Hi, I'm Nellie Olsen.
Jen: (removing schedule from her mouth) Nellie as in Little House…
Nellie: I know, I know. Little House on the Prairie, it was like my mom and dad's favorite show. But no preconceptions okay? I'm not like her at all.
Jen: Uh, I'm Jen.
Nellie: From New York. I know. How's your grandfather? He has us all worried. He's still on the prayer list at church, you party?
Jen: Excuse me?
Nellie: Par-ty?
Jen: Uh, party as in do I like to have a good time, or party as in drink and use drugs?
Nellie: It's objective.
Jen: I like to have a good time. Substance free.
Nellie: Maybe we should call you Nellie. (shrugs) See ya!
She walks away. Jen turns, a little dazed, back to her locker.
Dawson: (walking up) Hey! How's it going?
Jen: I could really use a cigarette.
Dawson: (surprised) You smoke?
Jen: Uh, I quit.
Dawson: (smiling) Well you're hiding it well.
Jen: I have a great denial system.
Dawson: Yeah, it's the first day, we're all a little tense. It'll get easier.
Jen: Good.
Dawson: How's your schedule? They screwed up mine.
Jen brings her schedule out and they look it over.
Dawson: Who do you have first period?
Jen: Um…Briston. Biology.
Dawson: I was just heading that way.
Jen: (Smiling) Were you?
She closes her locker and they walk off down the hall. "Tubthumping" plays.
Cut to Pacey in a classroom. He balances a book on his head as other student enter, talking and take their seats. The door opens and Tamara enters. Pacey turns in time to see her, surprised. He grabs the book from off his head.
Pacey: Tamara.
Tamara: (smiling) Hello Pacey. Tell you what, why don't you call me Ms. Jacobs during school hours?
Pacey: Right of course.
He takes his seat, staring at her as she puts her things on her desk.
"Tubthumping" plays.
Cut to Jen walking into biology. She looks around and spots Joey. Joey also notices and shrugs down in her seat, trying to be invisible. Jen walks over.
Jen: (taking the seat next to her) Hey, I was hoping we'd have a class together.
Joey: (smiling fakely, she taps her fingers on the table) Here we are.
Cut to Dawson opening the door of a classroom. A TV set plays Psycho. Dawson watches as he walks up to the teacher at the front of the room.
Dawson: Psycho.
The teacher, startled, turns around.
Mr. Gold: (pushing pause on the remote) You know the film?
Dawson: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Universal, 1960. Little known fact: Did you know that Hitchcock surprised Janet Leigh with freezing cold water in order to get her to scream so effectively?
Mr. Gold: Who are you?
Dawson: Dawson Leery.
Mr. Gold: Then I take it you'll be in my fifth period film lab.
Dawson: Actually that's why I'm here. (he pulls his schedule out from backpack) There seems to have been some confusion with my schedule. I was denied admittance to your film class.
Mr. Gold: Then you must be a sophomore.
Dawson: (pausing) And that's not a good thing?
Mr. Gold: It's a very popular class Dawson. Seating is limited. Theirs a waiting list, priority goes to upperclassmen.
Dawson: Well that's stupid.
Mr. Gold: Excuse me?
Dawson: Who made that rule?
Mr. Gold: I did.
Dawson: Oh.
Mr. Gold: Why are you so adamant?
Dawson: (smiling) Passion, Mr. Gold. Pure, mad-driven passion. Movies are my life.
Mr. Gold: (getting up to sit at desk) Oh I see.
Dawson: I'm sorry. I'm not coming across well at all here. The point is I'm going to be a filmmaker. It's my life's ambition. It always has been. How many students do you have in this class that can say that?
Cut to Mr. Gold's face.
Dawson: (continuing) This is a small town Mr. Gold. There's not a lot of opportunity for me. You have the power. You could easily override this bizarre rule that denies students their education.
Mr. Gold: Your very convincing Dawson Leery. But I'm afraid the class is maxed out. I wish I could make case by case exceptions but that would be unfair and problematic. I'm sorry to say that no is my definitive answer.
Dawson: But…
Mr. Gold: No, Period. It's a complete sentence.
Cut to Dawson's face. A bell rings. Joey and Jen walk out of Biology into the already crowded hall.
Jen: Hey Joey. Um, can I ask you something kinda up front?
Joey: Sure.
Jen: Are you and Dawson (laughs nervously) a thing?
Joey: (shrugging it off) No, were just friends.
Jen: Like were going to be, I hope. (pause) You know, my Grams warned me about you. She said you're severely troubled.
Joey: Well, no offense but your Gram's is cracked.
Jen: Why does she rag on you?
Joey: Pick a topic. There's my dad, the imprisoned convict or my sister impregnated by her black boyfriend.
Jen: Your father's in prison?
Joey: (kinda proudly) Conspiracy to traffic marijuana in excess of ten thousand pounds.
Jen: Wow, so then um where's your mother?
Joey: (looking away) Oh, she had this cancer thing. It got her.
Jen: So then you live with your sister?
Joey: And the black boyfriend. (pause) He likes you, you know.
Jen: (confused) Who the black boyfriend?
Joey: (interrupting) Dawson. Don't abuse his feelings.
Joey walks away. Jen stares after her and sighs.