Part four
EXT – Capeside Highschool Carpark – Night.
It is later that night. Joey and Dawson are walking through the school grounds towards the carpark, talking. As they walk along, Dawson slips his hand around hers, and Joey does not pull away.
DAWSON
I let you down.
JOEY
(puzzled)
What?
DAWSON
I haven't been a good friend to you, Joey. I mean, even after everything that happened our junior year, I was still supposed to be your friend.
JOEY
It was a long time ago, Dawson. It's all in the past.
DAWSON
No, I should have been there for you. I never should have treated you the way I did on your wedding day.
JOEY
Dawson–
DAWSON
(stopping and turning to face her)
No, I have to say this. I'm sorry I acted like such a jerk when you told me you were pregnant. I was shocked to say the least but that's no excuse. I am truly sorry.
JOEY
It's okay, Dawson, really.
DAWSON
The truth is that even after everything that had happened between you and Pacey…
JOEY
…deep down you never thought we'd end up together.
DAWSON
(ashamed)
I guess I never let you go. Even with Gretchen and going away to college… Deep down I always hoped that things would turn out differently for us. And when you told me… it was like having my heart ripped out all over again.
I shouldn't have left the way I did. But I just wasn't ready to say goodbye to you then.
JOEY
(contemplative)
I know.
DAWSON
You hated me for that, didn't you?
JOEY
(frowning)
Hated you? Dawson, I could never hate you!
Dawson cannot believe her.
JOEY
I mean, I admit you weren't my favorite person for a while there, but that was only because I wanted you to be happy for me. For us.
DAWSON
I'm sorry I let you down, Joey.
JOEY
(quietly)
I'm sorry I disappointed you.
DAWSON
Joey, you–
JOEY
(insistently)
I disappointed you, Dawson. I know that. I saw your expression at the reunion when you found out I never got my Masters.
Dawson doesn't quite know what to say. Joey smiles grimly and begins walking towards the school again, not having let go of his hand.
JOEY
I guess it's funny how differently things turned out in the end.
DISSOLVE TO FLASHBACK
INT – Witter residence, Washington DC – Day.
Rain falls heavily outside. In the living room of a comfortable apartment Joey stands folding some laundry. Her hair is tied back and her clothes appear a little dishevelled. She hums quietly to herself as she finishes folding the last of the clothes and exits the living area with the basket. While she is in another room the doorbell sounds. She re-enters and crosses quickly to the door before the bell can chime again.
She opens the door and is taken aback when she sees who is there. It's Dawson in a dripping wet overcoat. Joey freezes in surprise.
DAWSON
Hi.
JOEY
(stunned)
Hi.
(beat)
Dawson, what are you doing here?
DAWSON
Um, I had a stop over on my way back to LA. I was just in New York for a few days…
(realising this is not the answer she's looking for)
I got your letter.
He holds up a folded piece of paper in his wet hand. Joey's expression softens and she opens the door wider so he can enter. With a small smile he does so, shrugging a satchel from his shoulder and leaving it by the door.
JOEY
Give me your coat, you're soaking wet.
She takes it from him and hangs it by the door.
DAWSON
Nice weather you have in this town.
JOEY
Well, it makes a change from Capeside, that's for sure.
DAWSON
LA's spoiled me, I guess.
Joey smiles awkwardly, realizing the ridiculousness of their small talk. Dawson looks around the room.
DAWSON
This is a great apartment.
JOEY
(smiling)
We like it.
DAWSON
Is Pacey here?
JOEY
He's at work. He won't be home before six.
DAWSON
My connecting flight leaves at four... I can't stay long.
JOEY
But you came.
DAWSON
(nodding)
I got your letter.
JOEY
So you said.
DAWSON
(sincerely)
Thank you for sending it.
JOEY
I wasn't sure I should. I wasn't sure you'd want to know.
DAWSON
I did… I'm glad you told me.
Joey looks relieved and motions for him to sit down.
JOEY
Do you want coffee? I can put some on.
DAWSON
No thanks, I'm fine. I have to get back to the airport soon.
(beat)
I just wanted to stop by and see you.
JOEY
I'm glad you did.
They share a smile. Joey begins to say something but is interrupted by a noise from another room. It is the sound of a baby crying. Dawson holds her gaze for a moment before Joey looks away.
JOEY
I guess an introduction is in order. Your timing's perfect.
DAWSON
(quietly)
I always thought it was pretty lousy.
JOEY
(unsure how to take the remark)
I'll be back in a minute.
She exits the room quickly, leaving Dawson alone with his thoughts. He looks around the room, any hint of envy well concealed, and nervously awaits her return. Soon she is back with a small bundle in her arms.
Dawson stands up expectantly and Joey, smiling, crosses over to him.
JOEY
Dawson Leery, I'd like you to meet Liam Patrick Witter.
An involuntary smile erupts on Dawson's face as he peers into the blankets to see the baby who has fallen asleep once more. He stares in awe.
DAWSON
(whispering)
Joey, he's beautiful!
JOEY
(proudly)
We think so.
DAWSON
(still mesmerized)
He's so small.
JOEY
He's only three weeks old, Dawson, what did you expect? He was plenty big when he was born, trust me.
Dawson hasn't taken his eyes off the baby, and Joey smiles.
JOEY
Do you want to hold him?
DAWSON
I'd love to.
Dawson sits down on the sofa and Joey places Liam gently in his arms. She sits down next to them, making sure Dawson is holding the baby properly. After a few moments she checks herself and her over-cautious new mother behaviour and sits back to watch them.
Dawson continues to smile as he holds Liam.
DAWSON
Look what you did, Joey.
JOEY
(eyes shining)
I know. It's hard to believe sometimes.
DAWSON
He looks so much like you… It's incredible.
Joey smiles to herself and catches Dawson looking at her. They grin at each other.
DAWSON
Congratulations.
JOEY
Thank you.
DAWSON
Joey, I owe you an apology. The way I left your wedding…
JOEY
(dismissively)
Dawson, don't. It's okay.
DAWSON
No it's not. I didn't even say goodbye.
JOEY
Pacey was pretty upset about it. But eventually he understood why you did it, just like I did.
DAWSON
I don't think you know the real reason…
JOEY
(quickly, cutting him off)
Dawson, let's not do this. Not now. Your friendship has meant so much to me, and Pacey. Please let's not say anything that's going to ruin this.
She lowers her eyes and Dawson looks back down at the sleeping baby.
JOEY
I wrote you that letter after Liam was born because I wanted you to meet my son.
(beat)
And it means so much to me that you came.
Dawson smiles sadly at her but respects her request. Liam stirs in his sleep, catching Dawson's attention, and he chuckles quietly. He looks again at the miracle in his arms and can only be happy for Joey.
Joey sees the expression on Dawson's face.. Her face floods with happiness that Dawson is there holding her son.
Liam stirs again.
JOEY
I'd better put him back down. He's going to wake up hungry soon.
Dawson hands Liam back to her and Joey takes him into the other room. While she is gone, Dawson stands up and puts his coat on slowly. Joey returns to the living room.
JOEY
(seeing him by the door)
You're not thinking of sneaking away again, are you?
DAWSON
(with a small smile)
No, but I do have to get back to the airport.
JOEY
(disappointed)
So soon? You just got here.
DAWSON
I'm afraid so. But I can't leave without giving you this.
Dawson pulls out a small teddy bear from his satchel and hands it to Joey. She smiles and fingers the velvet ribbon around its neck.
DAWSON
I was going to send it and then I thought… it was something I should do in person.
JOEY
I'm sure Liam will love it. Thank you.
DAWSON
Congratulations, Joey.
He hugs her tightly and is surprised when Joey doesn't let go.
DAWSON
I'm really happy for you, Jo. For you and Pacey.
Still hugging him, Joey smiles and her eyes fill with tears.
JOEY
(whispering)
Thank you.
Dawson pulls away from her, tears also welling in his eyes. With an embarrassed laugh they both wipe their eyes. Dawson picks up his bag.
DAWSON
I have to go… Say hello to Pacey for me.
JOEY
I will.
DAWSON
I'm glad I got to say goodbye properly this time.
Joey smiles but it fades when she realizes what Dawson is saying. The word holds a strange sense of finality that she was not anticipating. She looks at Dawson expectantly in the hopes that he will say otherwise, but he just holds her gaze. Joey knows for sure just what kind of goodbye this is. She chews at her bottom lip to prevent herself from crying.
DAWSON
Take care, Joey.
JOEY
(nodding as it is difficult for her to speak)
I will.
(she swallows hard)
You behave yourself out there in California.
DAWSON
(appreciating her light words)
I will.
He opens the door and steps out into the hallway.
JOEY
Goodbye, Dawson.
DAWSON
Bye, Jo.
He pauses as if he wants to say something more, but then thinks the better of it. He gives her a small smile and walks away.
Joey watches him go, and remains standing at the door long after he has disappeared down the stairs at the end of the hallway.
END FLASHBACK
EXT – Capeside Highschool Gymnasium – Night.
Dawson and Joey walk back through the school grounds. They stop by the entrance, and notice that the reunion has ended and the gymnasium's lights have been turned off. The school seems abandoned.
DAWSON
Guess we missed the last of the party.
JOEY
No great loss.
DAWSON
(smiling at her faintly)
You look tired.
JOEY
(joking)
What? You mean the attractive black bags under my eyes? They're a permanent feature, I'm afraid.
DAWSON
You want to get back to the B&B?
JOEY
(her jovial mood immediately gone)
Honestly? No. Can't we just stay here a little longer?
There is a need to her tone that makes Dawson frown out of concern for her. He looks down at their entwined fingers and then into her dark, saddened eyes.
DAWSON
(murmuring)
Sure.
Joey smiles and leans in to hug him. Dawson is surprised at first and then wraps his arms around her.
EXT – Capeside – Night. Two hours later.
Dawson and Joey walk hand in hand along the boardwalk. Dawson is doing most of the talking to help Joey keep her mind off Liam.
DAWSON
(mid-conversation)
So we ended up shooting the entire thing in just over six hours, edited in two and had the rough cut on air that same night.
Dawson glances at Joey and sees she is not really listening to what he's saying.
DAWSON
(with a wry smile)
I know, my life is fascinating, isn't it?
JOEY
(with a start)
Huh?
DAWSON
(amused)
You haven't been listening to a word I've said.
JOEY
I'm sorry, Dawson, I was miles away. What were you saying?
DAWSON
Nothing very interesting, I promise.
JOEY
I'm sure it was. At least your job is more exciting that processing insurance claims. I think I just lose interest when people start talking about work because my own is so mind-numbingly boring.
DAWSON
So why don't you quit and do something you enjoy?
JOEY
(with an incredulous smile)
Twenty-eight years old and still as naïve as the boy I grew up with! In the real world, Dawson, there are bills to pay and a family to support.
Dawson looks guilty and Joey sighs, not meaning to admonish him. She knows he didn't offer the suggestion flippantly.
JOEY
(trying to make up for her previous comment)
Enough about work anyway.
(she links her arm though his)
I would like to know why you came to this reunion alone, Dawson Leery. What's going on?
DAWSON
(with a laugh)
Oh, I don't think we want to go there.
JOEY
I think we do. Come on, give me all the sordid details.
DAWSON
There's nothing to tell.
JOEY
Why do I not believe you? I see that look on your face. You can't fool me.
DAWSON
(giving in)
Well, I'm technically seeing someone but things are a little complicated right now.
JOEY
Why?
DAWSON
I've been seeing this journalist for about a year, she writes for a local magazine. She's extremely… passionate about art and has been very keen for me to start making documentaries full time. She's helped me out with production and distribution and has plans for Oscar nominations and jury prizes from Sundance.
JOEY
That doesn't sound so bad.
DAWSON
It's not. But sometimes I get the feeling that she is pushing so hard for me to be a success because she's ashamed of where I am now. I mean, I would love to be able to make the kinds of features I want and be a huge success… I just think I need to do it in my own time… when it's right.
JOEY
And she's not that patient?
DAWSON
No. We were supposed to be moving in together next month but a couple of days ago she told me she wanted to take a break. She's not sure she's ready to commit to someone who's not committed to himself.
JOEY
Ouch…
DAWSON
(sighing)
I don't know what to do. Do you have any advice?
JOEY
I'm afraid not.
DAWSON
(ribbing her)
Come on, you’re the old married lady. You've got to have some idea…
Dawson stops when Joey pulls away abruptly from him and walks down to the end of the dock. She looks out over the water, her back to him.
DAWSON
Joey?
He catches up with her and sees she is
close to tears. He is annoyed at his own stupidity.
DAWSON
Joey, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you… I didn't think.
JOEY
(shaking her head and wiping her eyes)
It’s not your fault.
DAWSON
I was just joking…
JOEY
It's okay, really.
DAWSON
No, it's not okay. Something is obviously wrong.
(he turns her around to face him)
Do you want to talk about it?
JOEY
No.
DAWSON
Are you sure?
JOEY
(defeated)
No.
Dawson pulls her towards him and rests her head against his shoulder as he comforts her. She feels safe in his arms and tries to forget everything in her life that got screwed up along the way.
DAWSON
(murmuring)
You don't have to tell me if you don't want to.
JOEY
I don't have anyone I can talk to anymore. Bessie's here in Capeside and I don't really know anyone in Miami. And Pacey… Pacey's the last one I can talk to.
DAWSON
What happened?
Dawson gently releases her from his embrace and lets her talk about it in her own time.
JOEY
(dully)
When things started to get difficult with Liam and we didn't know what was wrong, we were each other's comfort. When he was diagnosed we thought we would adapt and learn how to handle things but Liam just kept getting worse. Every day was completely unpredictable and we were both so tired… Things started to change then and instead of supporting each other we just fell into this vicious cycle of arguing. Arguing over money, treatments, medications, doctors…
For a while we thought maybe having another baby would help but the doctors told us there was a high likelihood we'd have another child with PDD. We couldn't risk that, not with Liam the way he was. So that was it. Pacey took it the hardest, I think he wanted to have a least a couple more. But I said no.
(Joey sighs deeply)
The worst year was when Liam was four… that's when everything fell apart. Pacey had quit his job so I just buried myself in my work. I justified it to myself because someone had to pay the bills… Liam's doctors' bills alone cost…
(beat)
Anyway, I worked long hours, and Pacey stayed home with him. Pacey went to the classes and the support groups. He had the other parents to talk to about Liam. And it's always been difficult for me to deal with it so…after a while we didn't speak about anything at all. It's like we're strangers living in the same house.
Sometimes I think he resents me because I can't deal with Liam's autism the way he can. Sometimes I think he blames me that this happened…
She looks up at Dawson and shakes her head sadly. Fresh tears form in her eyes.
JOEY
I don't think he loves me anymore.
DAWSON
I'm sure that isn't true.
JOEY
(whispering)
You don't know...
DAWSON
Joey…
JOEY
All we ever do is fight. He hasn't touched me in…
(she stops, regretting she brought it up)
I don't know what to do.
DAWSON
Have you tried seeing a counsellor?
JOEY
We tried it once, but neither of us wanted to go back.
(she chokes up momentarily)
I don't think anything's going to help.
DAWSON
What are you going to do?
JOEY
(laughing bitterly)
What can I do? I can't leave him on his own with Liam, and I certainly can't take Liam away with me. I'm trapped.
Dawson wants to refute this but after contemplating her words he realizes she's speaking the truth. He cannot see a solution either. Joey sees this in his eyes and breaks down, crying quietly as she covers her face with her hands. Dawson immediately hugs her again, letting her weep. He holds her for a long time.
Eventually Joey stops crying but does not let Dawson go. She clutches him tighter.
DAWSON
(murmuring into her hair)
I'm sorry, Joey. I'm so sorry…
Joey says nothing as Dawson kisses her forehead and swollen eyelids. She shivers from his touch but does not pull away. Hypnotically Dawson cradles her face in his hands and presses his forehead to hers.
Joey breathes deeply, her eyelids still warm from Dawson's lips. Slowly she raises her face towards his and tentatively kisses him. Expecting him to pull away, he instead kisses her back, more deeply this time. Joey melts into his arms.
After a few endless moments, Dawson comes to his senses and pulls away from her. In her eyes he catches a glimpse of desire but before he can start to comprehend what it might mean they hear someone clearing their throat.
Both Dawson and Joey freeze for a split second before turning to see Pacey standing at the end of the dock. His face is expressionless.
PACEY
(calmly addressing Joey)
You didn't come back to the B&B. I thought I'd come get you in case you were upset.
Neither Dawson nor Joey know how to respond. Joey looks stricken.
PACEY
(with a hint of bitterness)
But I can see you don't need any comforting from me, so I'll just go home to our son.
He turns and walks away abruptly. Joey calls after him but he does not stop. Dawson, unsure what to do, places an arm around Joey. She stiffens but does not go after Pacey. Joey does not move at all.