Scene: Joey's.

Bessie: I'm way too pregnant to be digging under your bed.

Joey: Then stay out of my room.

Cut to:
Scene: Dawson's

Bodie: Which do you object to most, Mrs. Ryan? The fact that I'm black and she's white, or that we're unmarried and about to have a child in sin?

Grams: That child will be identified as different.

Bessie: Part black, part white - it doesn't matter, Mrs. Ryan! This child will be 100% loved.

Cut to:
Scene: Tamara's.

Tamara: You know we're going to have to end this, it's getting too dangerous.

******
Scene: Dawson's room.
He's lying on the bad, Joey is sitting next to him. A black and white film is just ending, and Joey stands up.

Joey: Alright. Great movie. Thanks a lot, I've gotta go.

Dawson: Come on, Joey, slow down, what's the rush?

Joey: Hate to cut the festivities short, but Bessie's due next week, and she needs extra help around the house.

Dawson: Come on, Jo, Bodie can take care of eveything Bessie needs. Plus, you can't leave now, we've only watched one movie. We never watch just one movie on Movie Night.

Joey: Well, first time for everything.

Cut to the chair beside the bed - for the first time, we see Jen is in the room, too.

Jen: Well, looks like a night of firsts all round.

Joey: What are you talking about?

Jen: I'm talking about the obvious, which I know we've all tried our best to ignore, but it's easy to see that I've intruded on a very personal ritual here and clearly it's making you uncomfortable. So, I'll tell you what, Joey, you stay and watch another movie and *I'll* go.

Dawson: You don't have to do that!

Jen: No, it's okay - I mean, you and I have decided to slow things down, so I'm sure that a few hours apart won't kill us! Besides, Grams has kinda been on the warpath, meaning that if she see's Joey leave there's no way she's gonna trust you and I alone, so I'll go.

Joey: Don't leave on my account, I mean, I'm not interested in ruining anyone's evening.

Jen: No, it's not you at all, don't take it personally.

Dawson: Great! Settled! Next issue - what to watch… uh…

Jen: This is no solution, Joey. If we both stay we're gonna be in the same awkward situation we've been in all night.

Dawson: (sighs) Alright, so let me get this straight. Movie Night has been reduced to the following - (he points at Jen) You can't stay if she leaves because your Grandmother wouldn't permit it. And you can't stay if she stays because it's uncomfortable.

Jen: Yeah.

Dawson: (points to Joey) And you can't stay if she leaves because you feel like you've drivien her away, and you can't stay if she stays because it ruins Movie Night for you.

Joey: Well put.

Dawson: Well, since this is my house and we assume that *I* can't go anywhere, according to my calculations that only leaves one option.

Joey / Jen: Goodnight, Dawson.

Dawson: Wait a minute!

Joey: (exiting through the window) I'll see you tomorrow.

Jen: (exiting through the door) Don't stay up too late.

Dawson: (slumps back on the bed) Movie Night. Way too complicated.

********OPENING CREDITS********
Scene: Joey's, inside.

Bodie: Good morning, sweetheart. (He kisses Bessie on the forehead) And how are we feeling this morning?

Bessie: Well, if it's nauseus and swollen and irritable, then I'd say we're feeling exactly the same way.

Bodie: Look on the bright side - your due date's on the 22nd, so in less than a week this will all be over.

Bessie: I don't think I can *last* another week, it's inhumane. I don't sleep any more, my legs are fat, my back is killing me, I feel like retching 23 hours a day… Do you know the average gestation for a fruit bat is about 2 months? Two months - that's fair, that's reasonable - why can't I give birth to a fruit bat?

Joey: (entering) Because we're about *80* percent sure you're human.

Bessie: Do you still live here?

Joey: Unfortunately. (to Bodie) When's your interview?

Bodie: Today after work, that new French restaurant over in Hianus.

Bessie: You know, if you don't like it here, Joey, no-one's stopping you from moving out. Infact, in most states you'd be considered an adult.

Joey: That's funny. 'Cause you wouldn't.

Bessie: (pathetically) Bodie…

Bodie: Come on, Joey, your sister isn't feeling very well today, how about taking it easy on her, okay? (quietly) Look, I know that matriarch's been a bit of a handful lately. But she's due next week, and once the baby comes I *promise* she'll be back to her old self.

Joey: That's what I'm afraid of. (Bodie throws the dish cloth over her)

******
Scene: Jen's bedroom.
Grams is picking up dirty clothes, and sees Jen's calendar.

Grams: What in Heaven's name is this?

Jen: It's a *calendar* Grams.

Grams: It's a *filthy* calendar.

Jen: No, it's an *art* calendar. And before you get all perplectic on me, these photographs happen to be hanging in some of the world's finest art galleries.

Grams: Well, I don't care who's hanging them, in my house we don't ogle naked men.

Jen: No, we pray to 'em, right?!

Grams: Don't you dare compare the two! My Lord, Jennifer! What has happened to you? To the little girl I used to take to Sunday school when she would come visit me each summer, and who once had respect for the church and it's teachings?

Jen: She's carefully considered all posibilities detailling a God-like source, and she's found them unconvincing. And while she respects those who choose to believe in a higher being, she, herself, does not. Simply put, Grams, she grew up.

Grams: Perhaps. Perhaps she just *thinks* she does.

******
Scene: Outside school.
Tamara and Pacey are standing beside Tamara's car.

Pacey: I think we should go out this weekend.

Tamara: We usually do, Pacey.

Pacey: No, we stay *in*. We first invent some school-related reason why I need to come over to your place on a Friday night, and then we lock the doors and close the blinds so that none of the townsfolk could *possibly* see us together. I know you're having trouble acknowledging that we have a relationship, but you have to admit, there is *something* going on.

Tamara: (smiling) Yes, there is *something*.

Pacey: Right, so you know what? I think we should start acting like it. Going out, in public, together. It'll be great, just like a real couple.

Tamara: Pacey, that's sweet, but it's hardly practical!

Pacey: It doesn't have to be in Capeside, we can go down to Province, okay? We'll have dinner, catch a movie - no-one knows us down there. We'll be like all the other dysfunctional couples out for a good time on a Saturday night. What do you say? (He looks around and smiles) Will you go out with me, Ms. Jacobs? (Tamara smiles at him)

******
Scene: Boy's locker room.

Dawson: So she actually said she'd go to Province with you?

Pacey: Well, she didn't say "yes", but she didn't say "no", either. She gave me the "I really want to, Pacey, but I just can't" look. The way I've got this figured, once I get my permit license, this woman's gonna cave completely. (He starts checking the cubicles to see if they're occupied)

Dawson: What are you doing?

Pacey: Well, y'know, you really can't be too careful with this information.

Dawson: Y'know, I really feel for you, Pacey - spending all of your time trying to get Ms. Jacobs *out* of the bedroom.

Pacey: Listen, this relationship isn't all about sex, okay? I mean, luckily for me *some* of it is.

(The bell rings)

Dawson: I'd better get going, I don't want your girlfriend thinking I'm standing her up. (They start to leave) Hey, you've got to be careful, too.

Pacey: Don't worry.

(Cut to inside of a cubicle)

Smoker: Oh, Man!

******
Scene: Outside the school.
(Cut to outside of school. Dawson walks up to Jen.) Dawson: Ok, It wasn't easy, but I think I may have finally found an upside to my parents marital woes. Mitch and Gail are off to a couples therapy this weekend and they have left Leery manner in my sole possession. Jen: ok. Thats nice and everything but... Dawson: Ok. That's nice but I was hoping for something a little more illicit (Illegal) than that. Jen: Ok, Listen. There is this really weird Pacey rumor going around school. Have you heard about this? Dawson: No. What? That he finally handed in a homework assignment in on time? Jen: Not exactly, And its not just about Pacey. It also involves Ms. Jacobs. Dawson: What about them? Jen: Well let's just say that for a student and teacher, They have an exceptionally close relationship. So close, Its considered illegal in about 35 states. Dawson: Um...Maybe we can still nip this in the bud. Who told you? Jen: The question should be who didn't tell me, Dawson. Its out there. Its prevelent. Dawson: We gotta go find Pacey. Jen: Wait, Dawson. Is it true?... Dawson? Dawson: I can never lie to you. I told you that before. Just do me a favor. Pretend you never asked me that question. ( Cut to school hallway ... Dawson is looking for Pacey.... Joey walks up to them and says...) Joey: You guys aren't going to believe what I just heard. Dawson: Somehow, I think I will. (You see Pacey walking down the hall.) Dawson: Hey! (Pacey is stopped by a girl, she whispers something in his ear. He looks at Dawson in shock.) (Cut to a school stock room with Dawson and Pacey) Dawson: Ok. Joey said she heard that Kenny Leaverton was smoking in one of the stalls. Overheard everything. Pacey: Ah well, that figures, ya know my life's been going a little to well something had to go and balance it out. Dawson: What, Pacey. It's not that bad. Pacey: Ya know I really appreciate that effort Dawson but it really is that bad. Ya know what lets be honest it's worse. This is cataclysmic. This is one of those rare mile stone events that separate the first half of your life from everything that follows. Ah, My only consolation is the faint hope that this doesn't reach Tamara. So,ya know , If you would just allow me a moment here for me to symbolically drop my chin into my chest, and let me feel really really sorry for myself. It would be much appreciated. Dawson: Ok, Pacey. Granted, This doesn't look good but this is in your hands, you could control this now. Pacey: Its the wrong time for the Obe-wan moment Dawson. Dawson: No, listen to me. As far as your concerned, the only thing worse than a rumor is a substantiated rumor. If you walk out that dorr hanging you head, doing the whole, whoa is me thing. Its as good as admitting thats its all true. But if you go through thse halls, Like you couldn't care less, Like this is the most rediculous thing you've ever heard. Then, there is a chance that this thing could be dead and buried by 6th period. Pacey: I... I can do that. I can be cool. Casual. A smile, a little wink, and easy stride through the Home Ec. wing, Ya know, like, like nothing happened. Like I got not a care in the world. Dawson: Yeah. Pacey: Absolutely. (Pacey walks out of the room smiling and nodding to all those looking at him. Dawson leans up against the wall and watches Pacey as he walks down the hallway. With a major "concerned for his friend" look on his face. Pacey keeps walking and turns at a corner. He is alone now. He leans up against a bulletin board and rubs his forehead in frustration.) (Cut to Tamara's English class) Tamara: Romeo and Juliet offers, perhaps, the most noteable exploration of the forbidden fruit theme that we will examine this year. Boy#1(Twitchel) Not anymore. (Pacey walks in late to class, the class is laughing) Tamara: Mr. Witter, you're late. Boy#2: He's probably resting up from last night. (The class is laughing again) Boy#1(Twitchel): Ok man settle a bet. Real or silcone? Tamara: Keep the running commentay Mr. Twitchel. And I'll see you after class. Boy#1(Twitchel): You promise? (the class laughs again) Tamara: All right. Settle down. Now, where were we? Boy#2: Ahem....... Forbidden fruit. (Cut to pier after school.... Pacey is sitting on a bench by himself. Joey walks up.) Joey: Hey, Jail bait. Pacey: Feel free to keep on walking. I won't think your rude. Joey: Look, dispite first impressions, I'm not here to bust on you. (Pacey exhales deeply) Joey: I don't know if the rumors are true or exaggerated. Or if this is one of your bizarre attempts to appear more attractive to the senior girls. But I just wanted to say I know what you must be going through, and... (Pacey laughs) Pacey: No. I really doubt you know what I'm going through. Joey: Well let me see. People stare at you when you walk down the hall, we've seen that. They whipser behind your back. You suddenly overhear your name in a conversation of strangers. And pretty soon a justifyable paranioa sets in and wether they are are or not , you are convinced that everyone is talking about you. Imagine if you had done something even worse. Pacey: Like what? Joey: Like sharing a house with your pregnant unwed sister and her black boyfriend, while your father serves time on a drug conviction. Imagine that, Pacey. We actually have something in common.... Providing gossip for the small-minded townsfolk. And unfortunately for you. You're ,you're tonights top story. (Pacey sighs) Pacey: Great. So, what do I do now? Joey: Same thing I did....You pray like hell for a better story to come along. (Cut to Jen and Dawson walking home from school.) Jen: Grams' way of dealing with my point of view. Is to pretending that it doesn't exist. Which, of course, infuriates me. Its causes me to speak emotionally rather than rationally, and I become rude and defensive, and I...I give her even more of a reason to dismiss my viewpoints. Its like were locked in this awful viscious cycle. Dawson: Well, I don't know. You gotta do something. You just can't ignore her for three years until you go away to college. Jen: I can't. Oh, There goes plan A. Hmm. There she is, right on schedule. Keeping an ever viligant-eye over my wanton lifestyle. Ok, I'll see you tonight. All right. Dawson: All right. Grams: Dinners at 6:00. I'd like you washed up and at the table then. Please. Jen: Sure. (Cut to outside Potter house, Bessie is in her truck, which is stuck in a ditch. Here come Joey home from school.) Joey: Bessie?......Bessie? Bessie: Joey.....I'm so glad your here. Joey: Well, what happened? Are you ok? Bessie: Oh. Its nothing really. I was on my way to the clinic. I guess I had a little mishap. Joey: The clinic....I didn't know you had an appointment today. Bessie: Oh, no I don't. In fact, my next appointment isn't until my due date on the 22nd. But my huch is i'll have to reschedule. Joey: Why? Bessie: Because I'm fairly certain, I'm in labor. Joey: Oh my god. We have to move the truck or...... Bessie: Joey, It's under control. But I need to call an ambulance. And since our telephone isn't exactly in working order at this very moment. Joey: It's not? Bessie: No............Which means the nearest phone around here belongs to your friend Dawson and I need you to get me there ASAP. Joey: Well, Dawson's house may be the closest but it's not exactly the most convient. I mean..... there's really only..... one way to get there from here. (Cut to the creek..... Joey is rowing Bessie and her across to Dawson's house) Joey: Don't worry Bessie. I'll get us there. Bessie: At the rate your going Joey, The two of us is going to be the three of us. Come on. give me those. god ... your rowing like a girl. Ya know , I'm going to start calling you Josephine. ( Bessie starts breathing hard.) Bessie: I thought you were supposed to be some expert oarsman. Joey: Yeah and I thought you were supposed to give birth next week in a hospital.....Oh my god, Bessie the boats leaking. Bessie: Thats not the boat, Joey. Joey: Then, what is it? (Bessie is breathing heavy.) Dawson: All right. He's not. Ok, well then can you have Pacey call me when he gets back. Joey: Dawson? Dawson: Thank you. Joey.....Hey I'm kinda worried about Pacey. I can't seem to find him. Joey: No time to talk Dawson. My sister is having her baby. Dawson: Cool.... Congratulations. Joey: On your lawn. Dawson: What?! (cut to Leery living room... Dawson is on the phone.) Dawson: Ok...Yeah sure but I... I understand. Yeah. Please. I'll hold. Bessie: What are they saying? Dawson: Well the good news is the ambulance is on its way. The bad news is its stopping in Duxsbury first. Bessie: Duxsbury. Thats an hour away. Dawson: Traffic accident. Major Pile-up. Childbirth is not a high priority today. But they are getting me an ETA in a second. Bessie: One hospital. With one ambulance and no doctor within 30 miles. Another of the hidden joys of living in the middle of no where. Dawson: Yes. I'm still here. How long? Bessie: Did you reach, Bodie? Where's Bodie? Joey: No, I called the Ice House and they said me caught the bus for Hyannis already. Dawson: Ok, They're going to get the ambulance here as soon as they can. But they just can't make an guarantees, thats all. (Bessie grabs the phone.) Bessie: Listen, you sorry ass civil servant. This is the mother-to-be talking. Maybe I'm not in the tax bracket that guaratees a prompt response to medical distress, but I have a shoe full of amniotic fluid, my pelvis is beating like a rumba band, and I'm in real danger of having my first born child delivered by two high school students. So, why don't you stop making excuses, get off your oversized backside and get us an ambulance before my fetus enters college..(Click... Bessie hangs up) Oh...(mad like) Joey: Terrific. I'm sure they will be right on their way.