Part three
INT – Potter's Bed & Breakfast – Night.
Pacey shuts the door to Liam's room quietly. The B&B is silent as he walks quietly downstairs to the kitchen where he finds Bessie sitting morosely at the counter.
PACEY
I thought you'd gone to bed.
BESSIE
Joey's not back yet. Anyway, I couldn't sleep.
Pacey can see she is still upset. He walks over to her and, with an arm around her shoulder, plants a kiss on the top of her head.
PACEY
He's okay, Bess. I'm sorry you had to go through that.
BESSIE
I had no idea it could get that bad, Pacey. I never fully realized what you and Joey have been through.
PACEY
(lying)
We're okay, really. We're used to it.
BESSIE
I don't know how you can be so brave about it all. I'd be a mess if it were me.
PACEY
(smiling)
No you wouldn't. You'd be as brave as you'd have to be, just like us.
Bessie stand up and hugs Pacey.
PACEY
All right, it's time you went to bed. Remember I'm the guy who swooped in and seduced your little sister.
BESSIE
(appreciating his attempt at humor)
I've had ten years to get used to the idea. I might actually come to like you in another ten.
PACEY
Aw, go to bed. You know you love me.
Bessie smiles and kisses his cheek lightly before pushing him away. She starts to walk to the stairs.
BESSIE
You going to wait up for her?
(Pacey nods and Bessie's expression softens further)
Good night, Pace.
PACEY
(quietly)
Good night.
Pacey watches her leave and then looks around the empty kitchen. His joking mood disappears immediately - he doesn't know what to do with himself. Eventually he goes out the backdoor and onto the porch. He looks out for their car but does not see Joey returning. Pacey sits down heavily in one of the wicker chairs and looks out tiredly at the creek. The moonlight is glittering on the water but he cannot appreciate its beauty. He stares unseeing at the water, lost in thought.
DISSOLVE TO FLASHBACK
EXT – Potter's Bed & Breakfast – Day.
People are working in the yard at the B&B, getting ready for a party. It’s the Fourth of July weekend. Lights are being hung, the barbecue stocked with firewood, table and chairs are being assembled. Bessie is orchestrating the preparations, pointing and yelling instructions. Bodie ducks into the house so she doesn't see him, escaping to the kitchen.
INT – Potter's Bed & Breakfast kitchen – Day.
BODIE
(entering)
Your sister is out of control with this one.
Joey and Pacey are preparing food, and they smile at Bodie's comment.
JOEY
She can't help herself.
BODIE
Tell me about it.
(he looks over their shoulders at the salads they are assembling and nods his approval)
Not bad.
JOEY
Generous praise indeed. I suppose we should be grateful you let us into the inner sanctum in the first place.
BODIE
(taking a knife out of her hand)
Well, your luck's run out, sister, because I have to start cooking and you two have to go outside and be ordered around.
JOEY
(to Pacey)
Do you think it's too late to make a run for it?
PACEY
I don't think our lives would be worth living if we did. Come on…
Pacey slings his arm around Joey's shoulder and Bodie waves them away with a grin on his face.
EXT – Potter's Bed & Breakfast – Day.
Pacey and Joey exit onto the porch and look over Bessie's preparations. The tables have been placed in full view of the water to take in the fireworks later that night. Joey smiles at the set up. Pacey sees the look on her face and kisses her temple. They share an intimate smile and lean in for a kiss before they are interrupted by Bessie.
BESSIE
(yelling)
Hey you two! This party isn't going to organize itself!
PACEY
Damn, we've been spotted.
JOEY
(tugging at his arm around her shoulder)
Come on, there's no use putting off the inevitable.
They start to walk down the stairs but stop when a car pulls up to the house. Pacey and Joey smile when the see who is inside.
Jen, Jack and Dawson exit the vehicle, shouting hello. They greet their friends with hugs. They have not seen each other in a long time.
JOEY
You made it!
JACK
Just barely, Jen insisted on driving the whole way from New York.
JEN
Hey, that squirrel came out of nowhere. It's not my fault it's now roadkill.
JOEY
Bring your bags in, we have the rooms all set up.
They begin unloading bags from the trunk of the car.
JEN
You know, we could have stayed with Grams if Bessie needs the extra room.
JOEY
It’s fine, we want you to stay here… Although when I say 'rooms' I should probably have said 'room'. I hope you guys don't mind sharing.
DAWSON
We survived a road trip with Jen, I suppose we could manage one night in the same room.
JEN
Ingrate. Listen, you could have taken the bus, you didn't have to drive with us.
DAWSON
(putting his arm around her shoulder)
I wouldn't have missed that awesome display of road rage if you'd paid me.
JEN
You could learn a lot from me, you know.
JACK
(to Joey)
I heard from Andie. She said to say she's sorry she's not here this weekend. She really wants to catch up with everyone.
PACEY
Is she ever planning to leave Italy?
JACK
Hard to tell. She's just started seeing this lawyer, so I doubt she'll come home any time soon.
JOEY
I never thought she'd blow off Harvard like that. She must love it over there.
JACK
Yeah well, I wouldn't know, I'm just her brother.
JEN
(joining the conversation)
Poor baby.
(to the others)
He's just jealous because he wants to do his own European Odyssey.
DAWSON
There's plenty of time for that. We've got out whole lives ahead of us.
JOEY
(suddenly nervous)
Okay, why don't we get you settled in? Bessie will have us working in no time and we can catch up later.
Everyone walks towards the house.
EXT – Potter's Bed & Breakfast porch – Day.
Joey and Pacey are waiting on the porch, unspeaking. Dawson exits the B&B, and stops when he sees them there.
DAWSON
(smiling)
Hey. Aren't we supposed to be hard at work?
JOEY
Bessie's given us a temporary reprieve. We wanted to talk to you all before the party.
DAWSON
(small frown)
Okay.
He sits down, puzzled. Joey is uncomfortable and leaps up to check where Jack and Jen are. She disappears inside the house, leaving Dawson and Pacey alone. While their conversation is devoid of animosity, they find they have nothing to say to each other.
DAWSON
(making small talk)
So, how's work?
PACEY
Good. School?
DAWSON
Fine.
PACEY
(nodding)
How do you like LA?
DAWSON
It's a far cry from Capeside, that's for sure.
PACEY
I bet.
They both run out of things to say and unconsciously begin watching the door for Joey's return. A few moments later she returns with Jack and Jen in tow.
JEN
(grumbling)
Just a quick shower? I promise I'll be five minutes, max.
JOEY
In a minute, we need to talk to you all first.
Joey sits down beside Pacey again, and waits as Jack and Jen find chairs as well. After everyone is seated, they look expectantly at Joey, who is suddenly lost for words. She looks to Pacey for support.
JEN
(a revelation dawning)
Oh my God, you two got engaged, didn't you? I knew it! Come on, Jack, you owe me ten bucks!
Dawson and Jack looked surprised as Pacey and Joey try to stammer an answer.
PACEY/JOEY
(simultaneously)
Yes/No.
JOEY
(quickly)
I mean, yes and no.
DAWSON
Yes and no. What kind of answer is that?
PACEY
(trying to explain)
Well, yes that we've decided to get married…
JOEY
(finishing)
…But no to the engagement part.
JACK
Is anyone else confused?
JEN
(with a grin)
I don't care, you still owe me ten bucks.
JOEY
(starting again)
Okay, the thing is, we are getting married…
PACEY
Yes, definitely getting married…
(beat)
Um, today.
DAWSON/JACK/JEN
(simultaneously)
What?!
JOEY
(smiling)
Tonight, actually. At the party.
JEN
So this Fourth of July bash was just a ruse to get us to come to Capeside?
PACEY
Ah, no…
JOEY
The truth is we made the decision after Bessie invited us all here for the Fourth.
DAWSON
(quietly)
So why now?
JOEY
We figured now was a good a time as any. We've barely seen you in four years.
PACEY
(smiling)
We wanted you all to be here.
JEN
Are you guys seriously going to do this?
Joey and Pacey nod.
JACK
(getting up)
Well, I guess it's time we said congratulations!
Jack and Jen embrace Pacey and Joey, who are relieved at their reaction. Dawson gets up slowly and repeats the congratulatory remarks, but they are more subdued. Only Joey seems to notice his reaction.
JEN
Okay, Joey, I know you were never the Little Princess type, but I never would have pegged you for a barefoot on the beach kind of wedding. There's no white taffeta in sight!
JOEY
(grinning)
Maybe not, but I am planning to wear shoes.
JACK
Why didn't you tell us sooner? We haven't got gifts or anything.
PACEY
That's exactly why we didn't tell you… the whole point of this weekend was to be with our family and friends, that's it.
JOEY
No caterers or bands or nervous breakdowns. Just something simple.
PACEY
(spying Bessie coming towards them)
Well, as simple as my future sister-in-law is going to let it be.
Bessie approaches the group with a tangled mess of outdoor lights.
BESSIE
I take it you've broken the news?
JOEY
(smiling)
Yes.
BESSIE
(dumping the lights in Dawson's arms)
Good, because this wedding slash Fourth of July barbecue is not going to organise itself, so…
PACEY
(with a mock salute)
We're ready and at your command.
BESSIE
Good. Dawson, you start with those. The rest of you, come with me.
Everyone except Dawson follows Bessie into the yard, leaving him to contemplate the bombshell of the wedding announcement.
EXT – Potter's Bed & Breakfast yard – Day. Later in the afternoon.
Dawson is sitting on a old stump under a nearby tree, still untangling outdoor lights. Everyone else is working at various tasks in and outside the B&B. Joey exits the house with a glass of lemonade and makes her way over to him.
JOEY
(handing him the glass)
Here. I thought you might be thirsty.
DAWSON
(taking it from her)
Thanks.
Joey contemplates going back inside, but then lets out a small sigh and sits down another stump next to him.
JOEY
(lightly)
So… I guess you're pretty surprised by all this.
DAWSON
(after drinking deeply)
I guess so.
JOEY
I hope you'll be happy for us.
DAWSON
(beat)
I won't say anything to the contrary, I promise.
Joey drops her gaze, her shoulders slump slightly.
JOEY
(quietly)
But you'll think it.
DAWSON
I'm sorry, Joey. I can't pretend to feel something I don't.
JOEY
Why do you have to pretend?
DAWSON
Why? Because I think you're making a mistake, that's why.
JOEY
(angry)
Why is it a mistake, Dawson? Because it's Pacey? Because it's not you?
DAWSON
Of course not. Maybe because you're too young, and you should be thinking about your career now. Or maybe because you've spent the last four years earning a degree while Pacey has been working a series of dead end jobs.
JOEY
(shaking her head)
When did you become such a snob, Dawson? Who do you think supported me during those four years? How do you think I was able to stay in school and have a token part time job that was about experience rather than money?
DAWSON
So what, you owe him now? Is that why you're doing this?
JOEY
No!
DAWSON
Then explain it to me, Joey, because this isn't like you. You always talked about establishing a career and being independent. Why would you throw all of that away to get married now?
JOEY
I may have felt that way in highschool, Dawson, but that was four years ago. People change.
DAWSON
And not for the better, in some cases. Don't tell me you're swept up by the romantic ideal of marriage? Because you know that isn't true…
JOEY
(annoyed)
Thank you, Dawson, I don't need a lesson in maturity from you.
DAWSON
What's that supposed to mean?
JOEY
I mean if anyone's naïve here, it's you, Dawson. You've never had a long-term relationship. You couldn't possibly understand the commitment we're making.
DAWSON
Commitment's one thing, Joey, stupidity's another. I mean, do you actually see a future for you and Pacey? The rest of your lives, do you actually think you have enough in common for that to happen?
JOEY
(lowering her voice)
Yes, I do.
DAWSON
Then, please, let me in on it, would you? Because from where I'm standing…
JOEY
(cutting him off)
I'm pregnant, Dawson.
Dawson is shocked, and shuts his mouth quickly. Joey doesn’t look at him. At first he feels anger and it is obvious in his expression, but as he stares at Joey it fades, replaced by sadness. She raises her eyes to him and they are shining with tears.
JOEY
Things may not have turned out the way I planned them, but that doesn't mean I'm not happy. I love Pacey and I want this baby. Everything's going to be okay.
Dawson looks away, unsure what to say. Joey resigns herself to the fact that he can't be glad for her, and stands up with a sigh.
JOEY
(looking towards the house)
We haven't told Jack or Jen. So do me a favor and keep this to yourself?
DAWSON
(dully)
Sure.
Joey chews at her bottom lip and won't let him upset her. She starts back towards the house.
DAWSON
(calling after her)
Joey?
(unconvincingly, after a beat)
Congratulations.
Joey narrows her eyes slightly, knowing he doesn't mean it. But true to his word, Dawson will say it even if he doesn't think it. She decides this is better than nothing and walks slowly back the house.
MONTAGE
EXT – Potter's Bed & Breakfast yard – Night.
1. Guests arrive for the Fourth of July party and wedding. Joey and Pacey greet them happily. The mood is joyous. Bessie begins taking photographs of everyone.
2. Jack and Jen laugh as they talk to Grams. Dawson tries to join in but despite his best efforts he looks miserable.
3. Later. Joey shyly descends the back stairs of the B&B on Bodie's arm. She is wearing a simple pale blue summer dress. Pacey is waiting for her with the celebrant as the guests stand and watch on.
4. Joey and Pacey exchange their vows solemnly as Dawson looks on from his position next to Jack and Jen. Pacey and Joey exchange gold wedding bands and then Pacey kisses the bride as the guests start clapping.
5. Jack and Jen congratulate the married couple and are genuinely happy for them. Dawson offers the same congratulations and is able to convince Pacey they are sincere. But Joey knows the truth and her eyes are sad as Dawson kisses her cheek.
6. The party gets underway and everyone sits and eats at the tables that Bessie has set up and decorated. Doug makes the first speech.
7. Later in the evening the guests watch the fireworks explode over the creek. The sight is breathtaking. Pacey stands behind Joey with his arms wrapped around her. They are the picture of contentment. Pacey kisses her shoulder tenderly.
8. In the background as the fireworks continue, Dawson slips out of the house with his bag and heads towards a taxi that has pulled up outside the B&B. He watches the party for a moment, spying Joey and Pacey in the crowd. They are unaware he is leaving, as are Jen and Jack. Before anyone can spot him, Dawson lowers his eyes sadly, gets into the cab, and drives away.
END FLASHBACK