Dawson: This is the Jen moment, this is my future we're watching. Me and Jen. Jen and I.

Joey: Mmm, black and white future. How retro.

Dawson: No, I'm talking about the romantic hypotheosis. My first kiss with Jen is going to be just like that.

Joey: Wow, wait a minute, we're back to that? You mean you haven't even kissed that girl?

Dawson: It's not about the kiss, Joey, it's about the journey. It's about... creating a sustaining magic.

Joey: Does Jen fall for this warped movie logic?

Dawson: It's not warped, it's romance.

Joey: It's *old* Dawson, just kiss her, will you? Take the elevator to the next floor and get off it. It's time.

Dawson: It's not that simple, Joey, it's about... creating the perfect moment. It has to be planned, with the right music, lighting and dialogue.

Joey: You can't storyboard a kiss!

Dawson: Sure you can!

Joey: It's not reality, Dawson! These movies that you're watching, they're false images that don't exist outside the city limits of Hollywood.

Dawson: Not true. They're images ground in the reality of imagination.

Joey: (cynically) Did you just pull that one out of your butt or what?

Dawson: Everybody thinks that movies are just fantasy, but they don't have to be. "From Here to Eternity", you could have that, you just have to create it. That moment on the beach could be yours, you could *be* Deborah Carr.

Joey: Mmm, sand in my crotch. Heaven.

Dawson: Y'know, it's attitudes like yours that prevent storybook romances from happening. You're way too cynical.

Joey: (rolling her eyes) Right.

Dawson: Far too jaded for this conversation.

Joey: I'm sorry, Dawson. But romance doesn't come with a John Williams score.

Dawson: It's called a stereo!

Joey: And it doesn't come with a star-lit summer night, either. And I'm personally offended by this... "movie mentality" that would have us believe that Brad Pitt and Sandra Bullock are going to magically drop from the sky and sweep us off our feet.

Dawson: I didn't know you had a thing for Brad Pitt!

Joey: I *don't*, it's an analogy.

Dawson: Sandra Bullock?!

Joey: Dawson..! These movies aren't real! They're not kissing with their tongues - it's take 22, the girl's bored, the guy's gay - it's celluloid propaganda.

Dawson: Joey, Joey, Joey... you bitter, cynical jaded... *thing*!

Joey: (suspiciously) You used to be bitter and cynical too. You were far more interesting! (she turns away)

Dawson: (smiling) But now I choose magic.

Joey: (shaking her head) You know this Peter Pan fantasy film land you're living in? It *will* be your downfall.

Dawson: One day you'll understand, Joey. You'll know what it's like to long for someone, to desire them and wanna kiss them. And then you'll come to me and say, "Dawson - you were right." See, Joey? All you have to do is believe.

Joey: (going out the window) Clap hard, Dawson. You may be Tinkerbell's last hope.

******** OPENING CREDITS ********
Scene: Mr. Gold's film class.

Dawson is sitting up at the back of the room in silence, listening to the suggestions for "Helmet's of Glory" - which are getting more ridiculous by the minute.

Mr. Gold: All right, kids - so, let's hear some ideas.

Student 1: What about a big production number at the victory dance? Right at the end of the second Act.

Nellie: Could someone *please* tell Tommy Toon back there that this discussion is limited to non-asenine ideas?

Mr. Gold: Let's try to keep the story meaning a little more upbeat and politically correct, Nellie?

Student 2: Hey, I got it - the coach has a heart attacj and drops, right before the game.

Cliff: No, it's the coach, nobody cares. I mean, it has to be something bigger.

Student 3: We start shooting tonight, I mean, shouldn't the script be locked?

(Dawson puts a "what a great idea, why didn't I think of that?!" look on his face in a really sarcastic way - I can't describe it, but it's great!)

Cliff: Yes, but we need to solve the ending. I mean, there's something missing at the top of the Act.

Student 1: What if we give the 'split end' some kind of problem - like drugs, drinking, his girlfriend got knocked up...

Nellie: Kill someone! An unexpected death always works!!

(Dawson can't take it any longer.)

Dawson: (interrupting) Guys, guys, we need to create some dramatic tension. There's a formula to it, that's all! Did nobody ever see "Rocky" or "The Karate Kid"? I mean, this film needs to be about the underdog, not the golden boy. (Cliff is nodding - Nellie is shaking her head slowly) He needs to overcome some kind of internal conflict within himself, and we, the audience, need to know why this game is so important to him. What's he gonna prove to himself if he wins it - we need to care about him.

(There is silence. Cliff seems to be agreeing with him. Suddenly, Nellie starts to laugh, and others join in.)

Nellie: Mr Gold, as producer I'm going to *have* to insist you shut him up!

(Cut between Mr. Gold and Dawson)

********
Scene: Corridor -> Tamara's classroom.

Pacey enters the class room - Tamara is sitting at her desk.

Pacey: I notice you didn't hand me back my test, does that mean you need to see me after class?!

Tamara: It means you wrapped up another prime number on the quiz.

Pacey: 'Prime' like quality steak is prime...?

Tamara: Prime like 23 is prime. (She hands Pacey his sheet)

Pacey: Hmm.

Tamara: Do you know *anything* about Ethan Frome?!

Pacey: I know he has a farm! (Tamara sighs) ...and on that farm he has a...

Tamara: Stop, Pacey. This is serious! I heard the other teachers talking about your work - or lack of it! This is across the board. You're failing!

Pacey: Do you know how difficult it is to fail? Okay, this has taken a considerable amount of work and energy.

Tamara: (disbelieving) This is deliberate.

Pacey: Of course! This is a premeditated effort! You see, it was my hope that a certain teacher was going to bail me out with some private tutorial encounters...

Tamara: This isn't a question of your intellegence, Pacey. (Stadning up at the chalk board)

Pacey: Of *course* it's not. (He joins her) You see, my problem is I have a focus issue. I need a slave driver. Somebody with a whip, maybe....!

Tamara: (turning quickly) Pacey...! We can't interact like this!

Pacey: Oh no, 'course not, this is deadly wrong, taboo. Hoever, you *can* tutor me. That's completely acceptable within our student / teacher relationship.

(Tamara sigs. There is a pause)

Tamara: I have a teacher's meeting after class. But I'll be working late, meet me here later. Six-ish?

(Pacey nods. He has a big grin on his face. He leaves, and shuts the door.)

******** Cut to:
Scene: Outside the cafe.

Dawson is on his bicycle, going into the cafe. He dismounts outside, as we cut to:

Scene: Inside the cafe.

Bessie: It feels like this baby is is tangled in my rib cage.

Joey: God, you're huge!

Bodie: Never tell a pregnant woman she's fat.

Joey: Sorry, you're not fat, Bessie, you're just.... monumentally gigantuous.

Bodie: Your sister reminds me of a... a beached whale.

(Bessie is going mad.)

Bessie: You're joking, right? That was a joke.

Cut to Dawson and Pacey at a table outside.

Dawson: This is my big break. Gold's gonna let me in the class officially, providing I prove myself this weekend.

Pacey: How?

Dawson: I'm on the crew for "Helmets of Glory". I'm a PA for Nellie. It's a test.

Pacey: Yeah, of pure humilliation.

Dawson: See, that's the point, but if I can take her abuse with a winning attitude, I'm in.

(Joey comes to take their order.)

Pacey: Our serving wench is here! (Joey smirks, and sits with them)

Dawson: Of course, this completely ruins my romantic plans with Jen this weekend.

Joey: (sighs) Forget wonder-girl for a moment - don't you have to work on your own movie? What's up with that?

Dawson: Originally I was gonna do both. That was the plan. I was gonna bridge fantasy with reality and prove that yes, romance *can* be created.

Joey: Pick off of that!

Pacey: What are you talking about, man?

Dawson: Last scene in the movie, right>? The monster's dead, it's the beauty that killed the beast, etcetera. Penelope, our heroine, says her final goodbyes to the beast. I was gonna do it up at the ruins.

Joey: Uh, that's tresspassing. Don't get caught.

Dawson: (smiling) But it's the perfect place to seduce the young and beautiful actress playing Penelope. (Her turns to Joey, and back to Dawson) You *dog*, you *are* sly!

Dawson: (smiling) You make it sound so cheap.

Joey: Do you want anything or have you just come to infect the place?

Dawson: Uh, I'm picking up a 'to go' order - 10 fish and chips, 5 family fries and a dozen shrimp burgers.

Joey: (to Pacey) And what do you want?

Pacey: Actually, something a little sexy would be good. (to Dawson) I got a maybe-kinda-sorta date this evening!

Joey: Who's the lucky farm animal tonight?

Pacey: Uh - what is it that makes women horny?

Joey: Your polar opposite?

Dawson: (smiling) You mean oysters.

Pacey: Right, a dozen oysters. Joey, pack 'em up. (Joey grins and turns to go. She sees a guy and locks eyes with him. They smile at each other.) ...and you could pack 'em up now, Joey. Hello, Joey? He-llo, anybody home?!

Dawson: (obviously a little jealous) Who was that guy?

Joey: (turning back) Who's who?

Pacey: Uh, the guy who was breaking your neck.

Dawson: You know him?

Joey: (shrugging) I've never seen him before. (laughing) He's probably some rich kid who just stepped off his mummy and daddy's yacht somewhere.

Pacey: (incredulous) Could it be? - Joey is finally noticing the opposite sex?!

Joey: Shut up!

Pacey: (Shouting over Joey's head) Uh, excuse me young man, this woman here things you're very... (Joey is mortified. She pushes Pacey with her hand and glares at him) Forget it, Joey, guys who step off yachts don't go for waitresses. (Joey meets the guy's eyes again, and they smile) Huh?

Joey: (smirking) I'm gonna kill you. One night in your sleep - a slit throat, maybe, or a screwdriver to your temple. Be ready. (She leaves)

********
Scene: Locker rooms (I think!)

Dawson is sitting putting sticker-things onto a helmet. There are sesveral sitting already. Jen enters behind him.

Jen: Hey, Dawson!

Dawson: Hey, what are you doing here?

Jen: Hm, just living a fantasy.

Dawson: No, seriously.

Jen: Cliff gave me a part.

Dawson: It's not a part which involves a couch, is it?

Jen: No, Cliff's a very nice guy. And I've got two lines to say, "Way to go" and "those wailers sure do look big!".

Dawson: But, Jen, you're supposed to be in *my* movie, not this... homage to headgear!

(Cliff comes over)

Cliff: (to Jen) Glad you could make it. We're just about to start.

Nellie (OS): Rehearsals up!

(Cliff puts his hand on Jen's shoulder, and leads her away. He returns for the helmet Dawson is fixing.)

Cliff: Thanks, David.

Jen: (turning) It's Dawson.

(Fade on Dawson's watery smile.)

********
Scene: Tamara's classroom again.

Pacey is sitting at a desk reading a book.

Tamara: Has Ethan made it to the county fair yet?

Pacey: Uh... yeah, yeah he has.

Tamara: Amazing. (She looks at Pacey) There was no county fair when *I* read it.

Pacey just smiles. There is a long pause.

Pacey: What were you in high school?

Tamara: What do you mean?

Pacey: Jock, a brain, a cheerleader...?

Tamara: Why?!

Pacey: Just curious.

Tamara: Well, I was captain of the dance team, and class treasurer. And I studied *a lot*.

Pacey: Boyfriend?

Tamara: Yes...!

Pacey: A jock.

Tamara: Centre-fielder, why are you asking?

Pacey: (Pause) Would you have dated me?

Tamara: Pacey! We're in school, we're not alone, there are people in this building.

Pacey: It was just a question. If we had gone to high school together and were the same age, would you have dated me?

Tamara: (pause) Probably not. (Pacey smiles weakly) But that was a long time ago. I've learned a lot. I'm smarter now. (She looks at Pacey) Or at least I was until a few weeks ago.

She stands and gives Pacey a piece of paper.

Pacey: What's this?

Tamara: Summary questions for the first two chapters. I'll tell you what - you answer all of them, and... perhaps I'll give you some positive reinforcement.

Pacey: Yeah?!

Tamara: Yeah.

********
Scene: Docks.

Joey is putting rubbish out outside the restaurant. She hears a violin playing, and turns to see who it is. She walks to a boat, and sees the same guy as earlier playing the violin. She stands and watches, and takes off her apron. He stops playing.

Anderson: No applause. Just send money. (Joey turns away in disgust) No, wait - don't go. (smiling) Y'know, you were spying on me.

Joey: It's a public dock.

Anderson: No, I mean, it's okay. My name's Anderson. Anderson Crawford.

Joey: Congratulations.

Anderson: So, do you come with a name, or just an attitude?

Joey: (smiling) Just an attitude.

Anderson: ...and people find this charming?

Joey: I haven't asked.

Anderson: (pause) So, um... what brings you to Capeside? (Joey shrugs) Tough question? Yeah, I know - you get back to me.

Joey: What brings *you* to Capeside?

Anderson: My parents, they're antique hounds - on the lookout for some chair. Apoparently Paul Revere once bought it.

Joey: Well, that explains your parents, what about you?

Anderson: I'm crew. Beats going to boarding school - you can only stand the all-male environment for so long. (Joey grins) But, y'know, I'm doing all the sharing here. Tell me something about you.

Joey: Well, I'm a pisces, I'm into Harley's, body piercing and men with tatoos.

Anderson: And your parents? Are you guys on a boat?

(Pause. Joey doesn't say anything, then...)

Joey: Actually, we brought the chauffeur. Mother hates to sail, she doesn't like the sun, she burns easy.

Anderson: What about you?

Joey: I wear lotion!

Anderson: No, I mean do you like to sail?

Joey: Why do you ask?

Anderson: (shrugs) I'm taking a survey. Beacuse, I want you to come sailing with me. Tomorrow.

Joey: I can't.

Anderson: Come on! I'll show you my tatoo...

Joey: You have a tatoo?!

Anderson: If you come sailing, you'll find out.

Joey: (pause) Okay. Maybe.

Anderson: I can live with maybe, if you at least tell me your name...

(Joey thinks. There is silence...)

Joey: Deborah Carr...son. Deborah Carson.

********
Scene: Tamara's class again.

Pacey puts down the book.

Pacey: Done. Quiz me.

Tamara: Okay... let's start easy. What was the name of Ethan's wife?

Pacey: Who is Zeena.

Tamara: Correct.

Pacey: So, what do I win?

Tamara: (laughs) Not so fast, there's more. What was the name of the town in which they lived?

Pacey: (sighing) What is Starkfield.

Tamara: Very good.

Pacey: Right... I'm ready... (he stands)

Tamara: One more! (She sits) Why do you think Ethan has such a strong sense of duty?

Pacey: Uh...

Tamara: You must site some examples from the text when constructing your response.

Pacey sighs.

********
Scene: The filming of "Helmets of Glory".

Dawson is gathering camera cable and making sarcastic comments about the script.

Cliff: That's why we've gotta give it 110%.

Dawson: Eight days a week.

Cliff: Remember how hard we worked this summer? Now is when it pays off.

Dawson: With communal showers!

Cliff: Let's do it for the coach!

Dawson: He likes to watch.

Cliff: Let's go out there and show them what we're made of.

Dawson: Your cliche here...

Cliff: Let's lay it on the line.

Dawson: May I have another?! (Nellie appears)

Nellie: Well, well, well. Does someone need to have a talk with Mr. Gold about someone's attitude?

Cliff: CUT! Cut, cut.

Dawson: Go for it, Nellie.

Nellie: Oh, I will, believe me. As producer, I will tell him how you disrupted filming and delayed the *entire* production.

Everyone is watching.

Dawson: When did you start to hate me? I missed it, what did I do?

Nellie: It's what you *didn't* do. You haven't earned your place here, Dawson. I worked *all summer* on the script, and I don't appreciate you walking in here and trashing it. I don't hate you, Dawson, but this is buisness. Strictly professional. You *need* to show a bit of gratitude. Now shape up, or you're gonna be shipped out. Understand?

Cliff: Let's go again. (There is various film things shouted)

********
Scene: Tamara's clss, later.

Pacey: ...which explains her motivation, or desire, to keep Ethan from seeing beyond the limited scope of life with her on the farm. Huh?

Tamara: (Impressed) Well! Well, well, well.

Pacey: And my reward is...?

Tamara: You got me, Pacey, I never expected you to get *this* far!

Pacey: So Ms. Jacobs was bluffing?!

Tamara: (laughs) Your reward is your education.

Pacey: No, no, no, no, no, no...

Tamara: I'll tell you what, I'll owe ya?

Pacey: It's okay, Tamara. (He tries to pull her blouse)

Tamara: No it's not! Pacey! Not here, not now, this is my place of employment.

Pacey: It's late. There's no janitor, no film crew. Everyone's gone home for the night, it's just you and me. (He tries to put his arms around her waist, but she pushes him off)

Tamara: Pacey...

Pacey: What? What's the matter?

Tamara: (Pause) Y'know, you're right. (She walks to the blinds and closes them) Let's do it. (Pacey is unsure if she is serious) But where should we do it? I know - on my desk. Our first time *should* be on my desk. (She starts to clear it) Strip. (Pacey decides she is serious, and starts to slowly unbutton his shirt) Come on. We don't have that much time...

(Pacey reluctantly starts)

Tamara: (smiling) What, is this your first time, Pacey?

(There is a long pause. Her smile fades)

Pacey: (quietly) You know that it is.

(Tamara becomes serious)

Tamara: Go home, Pacey. You need to find a girl your own age. (Re-does her blouse) Not some... insane, middle aged woman!

Pacey: No, I...

Tamara: No buts, please - loos, this can't go one second further, it's beyond wrong. I hope you understand that!

Pacey: (pulls her arm) You keep saying how it's wrong, and maybe tonight it is. But just to set the record straight - I'm a firm believer that sometimes it's right to do the wrong thing. (Tamara sighs. Pacey walks to the door) Goodnight. Tammy.

(Pacey closes the door)

********
Scene: The docks.

Joey walks over to Anderson's boat.

Anderson: Deborah. Deborah Carson.

Joey: Anderson. Anderson Crawford.

Anderson: Wow. You look amazing.

Joey: (Pause) Yeah?

Anderson: Yeah. You wanna come on board? (He helps her) My parents knew some Carson's in Winter at Palm Beach. Any relation?

Joey: Uh, no, we're pretty much Manhattan bound.

Anderson: Where do you go to school?

Joey: ____________ (does anyone know this???)

Anderson: It's a drag, isn't it?

Joey: What?

Anderson: Boarding school.

Joey: I kinda like it.

Anderson: What is there to like about it?!

Joey: Well, it's a priveliged existance! I mean, think of the options. You could be stuck in a small town like this where nothing *ever* happens.

Anderson: Well, it's not the education I;m talking about, more the boarding part. Taken away when you're twelve, separated from your family - it doesn'#t seem natural.

Joey: Yeah. I keep thinking I'll get used to it, but I never do.

Anderson: (pause) I didn't know you sailed.

Joey: I'm a woman of many talents.

(Cut to boat on water - Joey and Anderson are doing various things)

*********
Scene: Beach.

Joey and Anderson are playing frisbee.

Anderson: My dad's in the investments, primarily. He doesn't really work. He just earns money. What about yours?

Joey: He's a CEO of a huge conglomerate.

Anderson: Really? Which one?

Joey: One of the nations best selling tampons.

Anderson: Oh. (pause) So, what's your boyfriend like?

Joey: (grinning) Is this your backwards way of asking if I have one?

Anderson: Well, I just presumed that you did.

Joey: And what makes you think that?

Anderson: The way you carry yourself. You're strictly "hands-off". It's like a clear radio signal, y'know? I guess if I was with somebody I'd want them to give off the same vibe.

Joey: And how would you feel if she saied off to some deserted beach with some "mystery man"?

Anderson: Well, as long as she didn't keep it a secret, y'know, lie about it. The truth can't hurt you - it's the lies that kill. Honesty is still the primary quality I'm looking for in a girl.

(Close up on Joey's face)

********
Scene: Outside the school

Cliff: Alright, everybody, we can do this! And.... action!

Actor 1: John, don't think of it as a football team, think of it as a family! (The camera view is terrible)

Actor 2: How so, Tim?

Actor 1: Well if we play like a family we might be able to beat Bruster (?!)

Actor 2: Now you're talking! That's what I call _____pride!

Cliff: CUT! (sighs all round at the terrible picture)

Nellie: Ugh!

Cameraman: *You* try it. You run backwards with a hand-held and see if you can do it any better!

Dawson: Actually, there's a technique, if you brace your arm...

Nellie: Did you say something?

Dawson: (Sighs. Indicating the screen - ) Looking good.

Nellie: We need more tape from the film lab. Go fetch, Doggie-Dawson.

********
Scene: Dawson entering the school.

Jen is coming the opposite way.

Jen: Hey!

Dawson: Hey!

Jen: How's it going back there, are they ready for the all-important cheerleaders yet?

Dawson: Hardly, they haven't even got a reasonable take of the first scene. Lets just say that as a director? Your friend Cliff makes a great quarterback.

Jen: Well, we can't all be prodigies.

Dawson: "Helmet's of Glory". Can you even say it with a straight face?!

Jen: Barely.

Dawson: Why are you here? I don't get it. Except to watch me get humilliated.

Jen: Because I knew *you'd* be here, hello!

Dawson: Hey, if we finish early you wanna help me get that magic-hour shot?

Jen: Absolutely, I'd love the chance to work with a real director.

Dawson: Later. If we ever get out of here!

Jen: You got it.

********
Scene: The beach.

Anderson is showing Joey something - models of sand.

Anderson: Here's the _______ here, and here's the ______. Now, Oswald...

Joey: You really believe that theory?

Anderson: Are you saying everyone on the Garrison Commission lied?

Joey: I'm just saying Kevin Costner was pretty convincing in JFK. I mean, I can't believe you've actually read the report, iusn't it like a million pages?

Anderson: (shrugging) I was curious.

Joey: There's curious, and then there's sand models of Dallas. (pause) Have I told you about my UFO theories?

Anderson: What?!

Joey: My UFO theories. How they swoop down sometimes, destroying entire cities....? (She looks at the frisbee. Anderson catches on.)

Anderson: No you don't.

(Joey moves for the frisbee. Anderson chases after her - they fall.)

Joey: It's just Dallas! Home of the cowboys. No-one's going to miss it!

(Anderson moves on top of Joey. There is a pause, and he leans down to kiss her. She turns her head and looks at his watch.)

Joey: Uh, look at the time, I gotta go, my parents are expecting me.

Anderson: Is that the truth, or are you just trying to wiggle out of a romantic situation?

Joey: Sorry.

Anderson: (stands up) Let's get Cinderella home then. (He pulls her up)

Joey throws the frisbee and it knocks down one of the sand buildings.

Joey: Today was a lot of fun, Anderson, but... you don't know the truth.

Anderson: And that would be...?

Joey: (pause) I'm not Cinderella. Not even close.

********
Scene: The outside filming again.

Cliff: Cliff: Alright, everybody, this is it, this is the shot, I can feel it. (Dawson rolls his eyes) And... Action!

Actor 1: John, don't think of it as a football team, you have to think of it as a family.

Actor 2: Well, how so, Tim? (The picture is awful)

Cliff: Cut! I'm sorry, let's go again.

Pacey approaches in a wheelchair

Pacey: The magic of filmmaking.

Dawson: Pace...

Nellie: What is loser-friend doing here?

Dawson: Get out of that thing. (Pacey gets out of the wheelchair)

Pacey: I was just keeping it warm!

Nellie: Cliff, sweetie, it's not working. I know you want this moving-tracking-thing, but can't we just use the tripod for this one?

Dawson: Guys - just let me do it.

Nellie: (annoyed) Look, Dawson, I've had it with you!

Cliff: Just a second. (to Dawson) You've got an idea, let's hear it. I'm open.

Cut to later

Cliff: And... Action!

(Dawson has the camera, and is being pulled backwards in the wheelchair by Pacey. Of course, the shot is perfect)

Actor 1: John, don't think of it as a football team, think of it as a family!

Actor 2: Now you're talking! That's what I call ____-man pride!

Actor 1: Let's go get 'em, brother!

Both: Yeah!

Cliff: Cut! Cut - great! Perfect! Perfect!

(Dawson turns round, and everyone cheers)