Cut to Tamara eating lunch at her desk. Pacey walks in with his backpack.

Pacey: Tamara…(correcting himself) I mean, Ms. Jacobs. How was The Graduate?

Tamara: Just as I remembered.

Pacey: Are you looking for romance tonight?

Tamara: (smiling) Why, you got any suggestions?

Pacey: Uh, have you ever seen The Summer of '42?

Tamara: (leaning back in her chair) Refresh my memory.

Pacey: Well, it's about a beautiful woman who seduces a young boy on the verge of manhood.

Tamara: It's a favorite.

Pacey: I, uh, could reserve it for you if you like?

Tamara: Actually, tonight I'm going to see that new film playing at The Realto.

Students start to enter and take their seats. Pacey looks disappointed.

Pacey: Yeah.

Tamara: It's getting great reviews.

Pacey: (brightening) Uh yeah. I guess I'll maybe check it out then.

He walks backwards into a student.

Boy: Hey, watch it!

Pacey waves goodbye and heads out. Tamara watches him, thoughtful. A bell rings.

Pacey and Dawson walk down a hall. Pacey puts his arm around Dawson's shoulder.

Pacey: Hey man. Video woman is my new English teacher. Okay, you, me, the movies tonight. We are stalking a faculty member.

Dawson: Dude, negative.

Pacey: What?! I actually have the possibility of losing my virginity in a high level fantasy fashion.

Dawson: (stopping at a water fountain) Pacey, go home. Walk your dog. It's not going to happen.

Pacey: Not tonight! That's not the plan, man. I just want to familiarize her with the gaze, the smile, the charming features, you know.

Dawson: Don't do this to yourself!

Pacey: Look, it is a fact that a large percentage of older women are attracted to young boys on the verge of manhood. It keeps them feeling young. I read that in Cosmopolitan.

Dawson: What are you doing reading Cosmopolitan?

Pacey: Look, I have three menstrually diverse sisters, Cosmo is my savior.

Dawson: (laughing) What do you need me for?

Pacey: Moral support. Okay, It'll be cool. You can invite Ms. Teen New York.

He looks down the hall as he talks and sees Jen conversing with a boy in a letterman's jacket. Dawson notices also.

Jen: (talking to the boy) That sounds good.

Pacey: Unless somebody's beaten you to it. C'mon man, get in there. Be assertive. Talk to her alright? You should be the one reading Cosmo. It'll build your female esteem. (pushes him) Go on…

Dawson punches him jokingly and walks down the hall towards Jen. He looks back as he passes the boy and reached Jen.

Jen: Dawson, hey, how's it going?

Dawson: Pretty good. I see you've met Roger Fullford.

They begin to walk.

Jen: Yeah, nice guy.

Dawson: Yeah (pause) Jock quarterback by day, schizophrenic transvestite by night.

Jen: (laughing) Oh really.

Dawson: Has what you call a Tori Spelling complex. He's partial to Victoria's Secret.

Jen: But can he run in pumps?

They snicker.

Dawson: Hey, uh Pacey and his crew's directing a trip to the movies tonight, nothing big, just a few of us. Would you like to come?

Jen smiles as the camera pans over them.

Cut to Joey waking home along the boardwalk. Dawson rides up on his bike, a backwards cap on.

Dawson: Hey Joey! I need a favor.

He gets off his bike and walks it besides her.

Joey:(smiling) Uh, oh.

Dawson: I have a semi-quasi date with Jen tonight, were going to the movies with Pacey and I need you come with us.

Joey: (dead panning) I'd rather go down in a plane crash.

Dawson: C'mon it's going to really, really weird with just two guys and Jen. It'll even it out.

Joey: So, would it be like a double date?

Dawson: Sorta, but not really. Pacey's on this hormonal mission…

Joey: (interrupting) Are you having an aneurysm? No way!

Dawson: It's not like a date-date. It's just so that Jen won't feel uncomfortable.

Joey: We wouldn't want that.

Dawson: C'mon, Joey please? Please, please, please, please, please! (he stops and grabs her arm) C'mon, Joey please?!

Joey: (giving in) Whatever.

Dawson: Thank you! You're the best, I mean it. I know your worried about our relationship and everything but I told you. Nothing has to change. I can tell you anything.

He rides off leaving Joey to continue walking by herself, downhearted.

~~~~~~~~~~Part Three~~~~~~~~~~
Jen's grandparent's house.

Grams: (off camera) Where exactly are you going?

Jen: (walking into kitchen) Well Dawson has a gun, I thought we'd go knock off a liquor store, then go get tattoos.

Grams: Why do you talk like that?

Jen: I'm simply trying to establish a rapport with you that's based on humor. I'm completely harmless. You'll see.

Grams: Well be back by ten.

Jen: (surprised) I can do that. Thanks for being so cool about this. I thought you were going to chain me up to a chair or something.

Grams: Not at all, you want to go to the movies, go. Have fun, just as long as you come to church with me on Sunday.

Jen: I knew there was going to be catch. Grams, I'm sorry but I'm afraid you're going to have to give up on this one.

Grams: I'm afraid I insist.

Jen: I'm firm about my beliefs. Please respect them.

Grams: I know what happened in New York. Church will do you good.

Jen: Let me determine that. Church isn't the answer, not for me. But I promise to you that I'll keep an open mind and honor and respect your beliefs for as long as I'm here.

Grams: The decision has been made. You will do what I say, you are under my guard.

Jen: (hands on hips) Ah, you know I am trying really hard to keep my rebellious nature in check. (pauses to think) I'll tell you what Grams. I'll go to church when you say the word penis.

Grams: (startled) You stop that talk!

Jen: It's just a word Grams. Clinical and technical. Penis.

Pause on Grams flustered expression. Jen goes over to her and gives her a hug.

Jen: Grams, I really love you, but you have to lighten up. (kisses her on the cheek) I'll see you later.

Dawson's house. Mr. Leery sits on the couch, watching the news as he works. Dawson hops down the stairs.

Dawson: (running hands through hair) Alright Dad, I'm outta here.

Mr. Leery: What do you think (he holds up miniature plastic doll) I thought all the waitresses could wear scuba gear.

Dawson: (massages neck) Completely impractical. Dad, this whole aquatic- themed restaurant idea gets worse on a daily basis.

Mr. Leery: Shift, your mom's on.

Dawson moves.

Mr. Leery: Watching her work is the *best* foreplay.

Dawson: I'm outta here.

Mr. Leery: (staring at the TV) Have fun. Play safe.

Dawson: (pointing) The condom chat is premature.

Mr. Leery: It's never too early.

Dawson: What is up with the sex?! That's all anybody thinks of anymore. Sex, sex, sex!! I mean, what is the big deal?

Mr. Leery: Sex is a very big part of who we are as human beings.

Dawson: Does that mean we have to go hump the coffee table? (pauses) If sex is so important then how come Spielberg never has had a sex scene in one of his movies, hmm? He keeps it in it's proper place in film as should we in life.

Doorbell rings.

Dawson: I'll be home early.

Close up on TV.

Mrs. Leery: Back to you…Bob.

Joey's house. Bodie sits on the couch reading Bon Appetiet magazine while Bess paints a birdhouse. Joey comes out the door and Bess grabs her.

Joey: Hey, I'm in a hurry!

Bess: (takes her face in her hands) Your attitude has got to go.

She uncaps a lipstick with her teeth and starts to apply it on her. Joey tries to pull away then gives in. Bodie watches and smiles.

Bess: (demonstrating) Now blot 'em together like this.

Joey does so.

Bess: You hold onto this and every half hour to an hour you excuse yourself to go touch up. Got it?

She hands her the lipstick. Joey turns to leave, then twists back around and smiles. She runs down to the dock. Cut to a fading sunset, then the foursome walking along a sidewalk to the movies.

Dawson: So do you plan on staying the whole school year?

Jen: Well, that depends on my Grams really, and my mom and dad.

Jen: (turning) Hey Joey, I love your lipstick. What shade is that?

Joey: Wicked Red, uh I love your hair color, what number is that?

Dawson: (giving her a look) You'll have to excuse Joey, she was born in a barn.

Jen: That's okay, uh Joey I just do highlights.

Joey: (nods) So, uh Jen are you a virgin?

Dawson: That's mature!

Joey: Well cause Dawson's a virgin and two virgins really make for a clumsy first experience don't you think?

Dawson: (moving next to her) You're going to die.

Joey: I just thought I'd help, you know (looking at Jen) cut to the chase.

Jen: No it's okay Dawson. Yes I am a virgin. How about you Joey, are you a virgin?

Joey: Please, years ago. (smiling knowingly) Trucker named Bubba.

Dawson grabs her arms and pulls her away.

Dawson: What is up with you?

Joey just looks at him. They get in line to buy tickets.

Cut to the inside of The Rialto. Pacey and Joey sit down in their seats, but Dawson let's Jen go first, causing him not to sit next to Joey. Joey notices and slouched down in her seat. Pacey sees Tamara take a seat a few rows ahead of them and goes to make his move.

Pacey: Back in a bit.

The lights dim and the movie begins. Joey slouches even deeper into her seat, her head in one hand. Close up on both Dawson's and Jen's faces as they watch the movie. Pan to Dawson's hand. It starts to reach for Jen's then pulls back. Joey becomes aware of his motions. Dawson taps his hand against his leg then goes for her hand again. It lightly brushes against Jen's, who takes notice. He finally makes him move, and takes her hand in his.

Joey: (sitting up) So, Jen are you a size queen?

Jen: Excuse me?

Joey: Well how important is the size to you?

Dawson: Joey!

She lifts her eyebrows at him and listens to Jen.

Jen: Well being a virgin, I guess I haven't really given it that much though, how about yourself Jo?

Joey: (debating) I'm torn…

Dawson: (grabbing her and pulling her out of her seat) You and me, outside now. I'm going to kill you. I'm going to kill you!

Joey: What do you think Dawson? (to Jen) Notice the long fingers?

Pan over to Pacey sitting down next to Tamara.

Pacey: Hey Tamara.

She turns smiling, until she realizes it's Pacey.

Tamara: Hi…Pacey what are you doing here?

Pacey: Just checking out the movie. I came with some friends.

Tamara: (looking back to where he's pointing.) Oh good, I'm glad.

Pacey: But I can sit here with you, you know. Wanna Milk Dud?

Tamara: No.

Pacey: By the way, The Summer of '42 is officially reserved in your name.

Tamara: Oh Pacey, look, I don't think you understand…

Pacey: No, no, no. It was nothing. I could even come over. We could watch it together.

A man with popcorn approaches the two and goes to sit down, only to find Pacey in his seat.

Tamara: Hi, uh Pacey are you sure you don't wanna go sit with your friends?

Pacey: (arrogant) Whose this guy?

Tamara: A friend.

Guy sitting behind them: Hey, quiet!

Tamara: Sorry.

Mr. Gold: Tammy, is this kid bothering you?

Tamara: No Benji.

Pacey: (snickering) Benji? Ms. Jacobs invited me herself.

Tamara: Not exactly. Look Pacey you have got to understand, I was only renting a movie.

Pacey looks confused.

Mr. Gold: Look, why don't I help you find your seat.

Pacey gets up quickly and pushes Benji. The popcorn spills all over the guy behind them, who punches Pacey in the face.

Cut to the lobby of the movie theater.

Dawson: Are you twiggy? What is your problem?

Joey: My problem is that from the moment Little Miss Highlights showed up you haven't said one word to me!

Dawson: Crap! That is pure crap and you know it!

Joey: All I know is that all your blood is rushing down and you can't even acknowledge another human being's even present.

Dawson: I like her okay! Sue me, I thought you were my friend. Where is a little understanding?

Joey: I understand. I'm tired of understanding. All I do is understand!

She goes to leave.

Dawson: Joey!

She turns back.

Joey: Nothing penetrates with you Dawson Your so far removed from reality you can't even see what's right in front of you.

Dawson: What are you talking about?

Joey: Your life. It's a freaking fairy tale and you don't even know it. (she approaches him) You just want *conflict* for that script of yours. (pause) Stop living in the movies. (pauses again) Grow up.

She leaves. Close up on Dawson's upset face.

~~~~~~~~~~Part Four~~~~~~~~~~
Dawson and Jen walking through Jen's yard.

Dawson: I'll walk you to your door.

Jen: Not with Grams waiting to pounce.

Dawson: Oh, that's right.

Jen: yeah.

They reach the fence.

Dawson: So…

Jen: So…

Dawson: It was a really repulsive evening.

Jen laughs. Dawson moves in to kiss her. Jen pauses, then pulls back.

Jen: Uh, you know what? This is all my fault. I mean, I know I don't posses much power in the universe but I feel completely responsible for tonight Dawson.

Dawson: (interrupting) No, uh… I pulled the pin, I tossed the grenade. I got a big old L right (makes a loser sign on his forehead)…

Jen: No, your not a loser Dawson. Your very sweet. Smart, you got a great sense of humor. Your cool with out being really obnoxious about it. Your very, very talented. (pause) You got clear skin, big plus.

They laugh.

Dawson: (smiling) Thank you.

Jen: No. Thank you Dawson. Things weren't so great for me in New York and their kinda scary right now so…thank you.

Grams shows up at the door.

Jen: Oh, um…I should go. But thanks for everything Dawson.

Dawson: but…

Jen walks up her steps and turns around.

Jen: I'm just going to pretend we kissed okay?

Dawson laughs and watches her go up to the house. He stares after her, with a smile, thinking.

Cut to Pacey walking along the boardwalk with a swollen eye. He spots Tamara, and stops, shaking his head.

Pacey: (to himself) What are the chances?

He walks up to her.

Tamara: (noticing him) Pacey, are you okay?

Pacey: I'll live.

Tamara: Wait, talk to me a second.

She tries to touch his face, but he pushes her away.

Pacey: About what, The Graduate or The Summer of '42, which would you rather discuss?

Tamara: I'd like to clear up this misunderstanding.

Pacey: I understand you perfectly well *Ms.* Jacobs.

Tamara: I'm so sorry.

Pacey: Well you should be because you're a liar. How can you say you were just renting a movie?

Tamara: Because it's the truth.

Pacey: It's a crock. The truth is you're a well put together, knock out of a woman who's feeling a little insecure about hitting forty. So when a young, virile boy, such as myself flirts with you, you enjoy it. You entice it. You fantasize about what it would be like to be with that young boy on the verge of manhood. Cause it helps you stay feeling attractive. Makes the aging process a little more bearable. Well, let me tell you something. You blew it lady, because I'm the best sex you'll never have.

She stares at him, almost in awe.

Tamara: Your wrong about one thing Pacey. Your not a boy.

She wraps her arms around him and they kiss passionately. The kiss goes on, until she finally pulls away, shocked at what had happened.

Tamara: I'm sorry. Oh God.

She runs away as Pacey looks on.

Pacey: (amused) I'll see you in school, Ms. Jacobs.

Cut to Dawson's house. Dawson enters his room and switches the TV on. He grabs some stuff off his bed and opens the closet door to be startled by Joey, who sits there.

Dawson: Oh, what are you doing in there?

Joey: (softly) Hanging with the clothes.

She gets up and flops on the bed, a stuffed ET doll in hand.

Dawson: What happened tonight Joey?

Joey: I wigged out.

Dawson: What is going on between us?

Joey: I have no idea.

Dawson: I know I have this incredibly perfect life and I completely under- appreciate it.

Joey: (looking up) Yeah, you do.

Dawson: I'm sorry I was such an insensitive male. I thought I was above it. (pause) I don't wanna lose you Joey. What we have is the *only* thing that makes sense to me.

He sits in chair.

Dawson: When I saw you in the movie theater with that lipstick on, I remember thinking how pretty you looked. (Joey looks at him) I mean, I ignored it. But I thought it.

Joey: (smiling disbelievingly) Yeah?

Dawson: But that was it Jo. (her smile fades) It didn't go any further than that.

Joey: (sitting up) When I saw you going for Jen's hand…It's not like I wanted to be the one holding your hand. (Dawson nods) I just didn't want her holding it.

Dawson: So where does that leave us?

Joey just sighs.

Dawson: (exasperated) It's all so complicated!

Joey: Were growing up Dawson, that's all. I mean even Spielberg outgrew his Peter Pan syndrome. (she stands up)

Dawson: (notices her leaving) Where are you going?

Joey: I can't sleep over anymore. And we can't talk to each other like we used to, there's just some things we *can't* say.

Dawson: No that's just not true, Joey I can you tell you anything.

Joey: Yeah? How often do you walk your dog, huh?

Dawson: What?!

Joey: You know what I mean. What time of day, how many times a week?

Dawson looks away, uncomfortable. Joey watches as his embarrassment grows. Her face falls.

Dawson: (softly) Goodnight.

Joey pauses then turns for the window. She looks back once.

Joey: See ya Dawson.

Dawson: (almost to himself) See ya Joey.

She leaves. Dawson, angry at himself, gets up and sighs in frustration. Joey hurries down the ladder. Dawson runs his hands through his hair, distraught. Cut to Joey walking fast, arms crossed, tears beginning to flow. Dawson bangs his head against his closet. Cut to Joey running, the tears flowing faster, to the dock. Dawson sits in his chair, looking at his picture of Steven Spielberg, thinking. Joey unties the boat as quickly as she can. The camera closes in on her face.

Dawson: (off camera) Joey!

She looks up, her face streaked with tears.

Dawson: (at window) Usually in the morning with Katie Couric.

Cut to Joey's confused face. She stares at him, mystified. Suddenly she realizes and breaks out in a grin. Laughing she pulls the boat away. Cut back and forth between the two, smiling and laughing. Joey rows away, happy. A car door slams. She looks and sees Mrs. Leery leaning into her co-anchor Bob's car and kissing him. Joey stares in shock. She glances up at Dawson's window to see if he noticed. The window's empty. The camera fades on Joey's stunned expression.

THE END