06x01 - The Kids Are Alright

[destinyros2005]

601 - The Kids Are Alright

In this episode: Dawson returns to Boston after working as an assistant director in Los Angeles over the summer and reunites with Joey who has spent a relatively angst-free summer in Capeside. Their reunion leads to an evening of truth and intimacy. Meanwhile, Pacey and Audrey return from their summer in L.A. with a surprise passenger, Audrey's childhood friend Jack Osborne.

Original Airdate: October 2, 2002

[Scene: The opening sh*t opens with the final scene of the season finale, where Joey is trying to decide if she should get a refund for her ticket to Paris]

Joey: Fully refundable, right?

Clerk: You bet. It's a shame you can't use this. Paris is supposed to be amazing in the spring.

Joey: Yeah, that's what I hear.

[The scene cuts from her getting a refund to her sitting on a chair out side the Potter Bed and Breakfast, writing in her journal. There are several montages of how she spent her summer]

Joey: So I didn't go to Paris. But I totally could've. I mean, what Dawson said that night definitely rang true. Come on, rain man. Your life awaits. Yours, too, you know. He was right. My life was waiting for me out there. But that doesn't mean I had to max out my one and only credit card and fly halfway across the world to find it. Screw that. Instead, I embraced the simple, relatively angst-free pleasures of a summer in Capeside. I read a lot of books, listened to a lot of CDs, waited a lot of tables at the yacht club. Oh...and I met a boy. He was very cute and very nice, and things were going very well right up until the moment he said... I think I'm in love with you. I know. Poor Joey potter. Cute boy falls in love with her. How tragic. But it was a completely inappropriate display of affection.

[She picks up a postcard from LA, and we cut to a scene with Audrey and Pacey riding in a convertible car abound the scenes of LA]

Joey: Now, Pacey and Audrey, on the other hand, they were smart. They were keeping it simple. They were all about the fun. They came, they saw, they pretty much kicked L.A.'S ass.

[Cut to Jack sitting in front of a computer with an email scrolling across the screen]

Joey: [Radio plays] Back in beantown, Eric the closeted frat boy came barreling out of the closet, and the two of them had a grand old summer doing all the things that young people in love are wont to do. But then jack succumbed to a fate typically reserved for heterosexual women-- he was dumped for someone far younger and prettier than himself... by e-mail, no less. He was depressed. This much is true. But he got up, dusted himself off, and got right back in the game.

[We see a scene of Jack sneaking a boy out of his bedroom after Grams leaves the area.]

[Cut to Scene of a high class neighborhood, and then her sitting on a couch in front of her parents]

Joey: [Pretending to make stretching grunts] Meanwhile, 3,000 miles away in the Tony Hamptons, miss Jennifer Lindley was the recipient of some very alarming news. Mr. And Mrs. Theodore Lindley sat their only child down and informed her that they were getting a divorce. She was happy... really, truly happy. She thought it was the most functional thing her parents had ever done.

[Cut to Joey in her dorm looking at a picture of Dawson, and she goes and hangs it on her wall.]

Joey: And oddly enough, what followed was perhaps the truth is, we didn't talk this summer. Not a word. Which is weird, I guess, but at the same time, not. I...I kept meaning to call him. I did. But one week turned into a month, and before you know it... here we are, back at school. What Dawson said that night definitely rang true-- my life is waiting for me out there. I know it. And what's really cool is that I have absolutely no idea what to expect. But whatever it is... I'm ready for it. I'm excited. Bring it on.

[Opening Credits]

[Commercial Break]

[Scene: Joey running through the campus of school carrying her book bag, and looking frantically down at her wrist watch cause she is late for something. She turns a corner and runs into a guy knocking him down]

Man: Whoa! Wow. You hit pretty hard for a girl.

Joey: I'm so sorry. I'm late for something.

Man: Ever heard of an alarm clock?

Joey: [Sullenly] I said I'm sorry.

[Joey leaves]

Man: Yeah, well, sorry's not gonna unbruise my ass, now, is it?

[Scene: Joey gets to the office of the professor she is supposed to meet up with. She runs into the secretary who is leaving his office]

Joey: Hi. Um...Joey potter for professor Heston. I'M...really sorry I'm late.

Secretary: Oh, no worries, dear. He's running a bit late himself.

[Joey goes into the office, and turns when a man walks into the office. She turns to see that it is the guy she knocked down on campus, just a minute ago.]

Joey: Fudge. [Sighs]

[Scene: Outside the School Dorms. Audrey and Pacey pull up in his mustang and Get out of the car, and look at one another over the roof of the car.]

Audrey: [Sighs] We should probably wake him up.

Pacey: Do we have to?

Audrey: Listen, I know you weren't that keen on giving him a ride out here, but what was I supposed to do, Pacey? I grew up next to the kid. His mom and dad want him to go to Worthington. Come on. He's not that bad, is he?

Pacey: Well...apart from shoving his somewhat dubious musical taste down my throat, he did take every opportunity to tell me how many times he's seen you naked.

Audrey: He's never seen me naked.

Pacey: Really! He knows about the tattoo.

[Audrey looks into the back seat and screams. Jack Osborne pops up out of the back seat of the car.]

Audrey: Wake up, you little perv!

Jack: What the [Bleep]?!

Audrey: What's this about you seeing me naked?

Jack: What the [Bleep] Did you tell her?

Pacey: Just what you told me, chief.

Jack: Thanks a lot. Thanks a [Bleep] Lot. I confide in you, and this is what I get?

Audrey: I'm listening, jack.

Jack: Do you remember the telescope in my bedroom? Well, I didn't really do much stargazing.

Audrey: I'm so telling your father on you.

Jack: Go ahead. He had a peek, too.

Audrey: Oh!

Jack: But don't worry, he said really good things.

Audrey: Ok. Well, then, I'm telling your mother, and she's gonna kick your ass, jack.

Jack: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Whatever. Let me out. I gotta take a [Bleep] Piss.

[Jack gets out of the car and leaves them alone.]

Pacey: Ohhh! Gahh. Mmm! Mmm. Mmm... mmm! What the hell was that for?

Audrey: Mmm. The end is nigh, my dear.

Pacey: What are you talkin' about, woman?

Audrey: Don't you get it, Pacey? None of the great couples ever make it in the real world-- Sid and Nancy, bonnie and Clyde, Dawson and Joey. How the hell do you ever expect us to have a fighting chance?

Pacey: Ok, Stella Adler, what's up with you?

Audrey: [Sighs] The summer is over, Pacey. The return to dull normalcy begins now. I mean, look at all of these... civilians going about their business... marching off to class, buying their little books. It's enough to make a girl wanna blow chunks.

Pacey: Speaking of, why aren't you marchin' off with 'em?

Audrey: Because nothing ever happens on the first day of class. It's a total waste.

Pacey: Naturally.

Audrey: Did you have a nice summer, Pacey?

Pacey: I had a fantastic summer. Thank you so much for showing me your L.A. And thank you for introducing me to your father, without whom I wouldn't have a single job prospect at the moment.

Audrey: Yeah, you want to know something? You weren't supposed to actually impress my father, Pacey.

Pacey: What was I suppose to do, creep the guy out?

Audrey: Yes. But that's not the point.

Pacey: Really? What's the point?

Audrey: The point is that I don't want you to turn into some lame 9-to-5er on me, Pacey.

Pacey: Well, I'll...try, miss Liddell, but I do actually need a job, and it would be nice to have just a little bit of disposable cash for a change.

Audrey: We live in a city with, like, 8 million restaurants. Take your pick.

Pacey: Or maybe I want something better for myself. Perhaps Pacey actually wants his very own sh*t at greatness. Besides, the party can't go on forever, baby.

Audrey: Blah blah, blah blah, blah blah. Will you bring my bags in?

Pacey: Yes. Ok.

[Scene: Heston's Office. Professor Heston is going through a folder at his desk, as Joey is sitting in a chair on the opposite side of the desk.]

Heston: [Chuckles]

Joey: What?

Heston: I--I can't believe that you said fudge.

Joey: Oh. It just... kind of came out.

Heston: I mean, it's so silly. Even Doris, my secretary, would probably go for the more hard-core version of my favorite expletive.

Joey: Well, Doris is clearly a tough broad.

Heston: Uh-huh. Hey, tomorrow's your birthday.

Joey: That's right.

Heston: Any big plans?

Joey: Uh, no.

Heston: Oh, it's just as well. You don't have much to celebrate. It says here that, uh, your scholarship barely covers your tuition. Do you have a job?

Joey: Uh, no.

Heston: Are you looking for one?

Joey: Yes.

Heston: There's an opening in the English department. Research assistant. You interested?

Joey: Sure, maybe.

Heston: "Sure, maybe." This is a job, Joey, that students s*ab each other in the back for. Think about it. Let me know. Oh, now, this-- this is a problem.

Joey: What?

Heston: It says here you're signed up for my lit class.

Joey: Oh, yeah, I... thought it looked interesting.

Heston: It's also a little advanced for a sophomore.

Joey: Obviously you don't know me, professor Heston, because, if you did, you would realize that my sophomore status, it's a total non-issue. Um, besides, I've read most of the books on the reading list.

Heston: How about last exit to Brooklyn? Did you read that book?

Joey: Last exit to Brooklyn. Um... [nods head no]

Heston: I'll make you a deal. You finish it before the first class and I'll try and forget the fact that you're just a lowly sophomore. Ok?

Joey: Ok. Wait--before the first class? The first class is today.

Heston: That's right.

Joey: At 3:00.

Heston: Yeah. What's your point?

Joey: Nothing. Forget it.

[Scene: Gram's House. Grams is making some lunches, when Jen comes down into the kitchen with a huge smile on her face.]

Jen: Good morning, grandmother.

Grams: Good morning, granddaughter.

Jen: Grams—

Grams: I have something to—

Jen: Have I ever told you that you are my hero? That you're everything that I've ever wanted to be?

Grams: Well, that's lovely, dear.

Jen: Grams, do you notice anything different about me this morning?

Grams: No.

Jen: Well, as it just so happens, I'm happy. Today's the first day of my sophomore year and, really, I couldn't be more pleased. I don't know if you've noticed this, but I'm generally a dour sort.

Grams: No. Really? I wasn't aware of that.

Jen: Yes, and while I'm still somewhat disgusted with life, I find myself suddenly happy to be here.

Grams: Well, that's-- that's nice, dear.

Jen: You know what I think it is? I think that the disillusion of the Lindley marriage has actually restored my faith in humanity. I mean, if those 2 loons can take steps to improve the quality of their lives and--and the lives of those around them, then anything is possible. [Grams turns and looks at her] What?

Grams: What's happened to my granddaughter? If you've eaten her I want you to spit her out this instant.

[Telephone rings]

Grams: Hello? Oh, hello, Mr. Smalls. No, I don't have any plans. I'd love to accompany you to tea at the Boston museum of art. Oh, my. Oh, my. That would just be lovely.

[Jen leaves the kitchen and runs into Jack coming down the stairs with a guy, and stops them, then looks into the kitchen and waits until Grams is out of view, then waves them on]

[Scene: Joey's Dorm room. Pacey is lying down on Audrey's bed, rubbing his eyes, when Joey comes into the room. Audrey is in the bathroom with the door closed. Pacey jumps up and goes over to Joey]

Joey: Hey, you.

Pacey: Oh, Joey. Thank god. Look, there's no time right now, but, no matter what happens in the next 30 seconds, or what I do, you do not want me to crash here with you guys. Got it? Just—

[Audrey comes out of the bathroom]

Pacey: Hi.

Audrey: Joey potter, as I live and breathe.

Joey: My nemesis. Welcome back.

Audrey: Thank you. Hey, can, um, Pacey stay with us for a couple days?

Joey: Um... uh, you know what? Now is not really the best time. Uh... I've got a lot of studying to do, and, well, I mean, you know Pacey. I mean, he's kind of like a child. If he doesn't get enough attention, he starts to act out, and then there's the burping, the farting, the chronic hal-- it's disgusting, really.

Audrey: Don't I know it.

Pacey: Hey, I'm standing right here.

Joey: I'm sorry, I can't be a party to it.

Audrey: I understand. All right, well, it looks like you're shacking up with grams, amigo.

Pacey: Well, that's just great. You know, after all we've been through together, Joey, I really thought you'd be cooler about this. I'm actually a little hurt.

Joey: Well, when you put it that way—

Pacey: Oh, no. No, no, no. Don't you try to weasel out of this now. The damage is done. Let's go, Liddell.

Audrey: Oh, hey! What are we doing tonight?

Joey: Well, I don't know.

Audrey: We could go out and celebrate.

Joey: Ah, you want to celebrate my return to Worthington?

Audrey: That is so sweet, Joey. Right, 'cause that's the only thing we could potentially celebrate.

Joey: Obviously.

Audrey: All right, well, later, bunny.

[They leave and Joey sits on her bed and begins reading]

[Telephone rings and the answering machine picks up, and Joey just listens to the message.]

Dawson: Joey. Hey, it's me, Dawson. Long time, no talk, huh? Heh. Uh, listen, I'm in town, actually, for the weekend. Um, I was wondering if you wanted to get together, maybe for, uh, some coffee or something.

British guy: Get off the bloody phone, leery! I'm not paying you to chat up some bird!

Dawson: Hold on. One second, Todd. Uh, Joey, if you get this, meet me at 2:00 at, um, this coffee shop. Paleo sun. It's on the corner of front and princess. Ok? I gotta go. Bye.

British guy: Leery!

[Commercial Break]

[Scene: Grams' house. Jack is sitting on the couch playing some video games on the TV, when Pacey comes downstairs in a suit, uncomfortably trying to put on a tie.]

Pacey: What do you think?

Jack: Yeah. Yeah, that's, uh, pretty slick, dude. Nice fit. Looks better on you, actually, than it does on me.

Pacey: You don't think it's too flashy, do you?

Jack: Uh...what's the job again?

Pacey: Well, I'm selling stocks.

Jack: What do you know about selling stocks?

Pacey: Not a damn thing, but Audrey's father seems to think I'd be good at it. He told me I'm a natural born hustler and I should take advantage of it while I can.

Jack: Well, you got to admit, pace, you do possess the appropriate degree of obnoxiousness for that particular vocation.

Pacey: Thanks, pal.

Jack: Mm-hmm.

Pacey: [Sighs] So, this is life at gram's house, huh?

Jack: Yeah. Pretty much.

Pacey: It's kind of...

Jack: lame?

Pacey: I was gonna say quaint, but, yeah, lame pretty much sums it up.

Jack: Yeah. Plus, it's getting increasingly difficult to have a life, if you know what I mean.

Pacey: Oh, yeah. I know what you mean. No, I don't. What do you mean?

Jack: Come on, you know. You meet somebody, you like them, you want to take them someplace a bit more intimate—

Pacey: Oh. Mmm.

Jack: You probably don't want to hear the rest, so—

Pacey: well, don't censor yourself on my account. I mean, Pacey Witter is nothing if not a card-carrying friend of the gay.

Jack: Yeah.

Pacey: You ever think about getting a place of your own?

Jack: Yeah. All the time. Just can't afford it.

Pacey: Right, and neither can I, but... what if you and I were to get a place together?

Jack: You and me, roommates?

Pacey: Sure. Why not?

Jack: I can think of about a million reasons why not.

Pacey: Name one.

Jack: Well... can I get back to you on that?

Pacey: Ok, I'm finding us a place to live.

[Scene: School Lecture hall. Jen goes into the class, which is already full, and finds a seat next to the aisle and sits down, and tries to get situated]

Jen: Is this art history?

[She turns to see Grams sitting in the seat next to her.]

Jen: Ohh! What are you doing here?

Grams: Same thing you are, dear.

Jen: What, you're in my class?

Grams: Mm-hmm.

Jen: Oh, this is so uncool.

Grams: I tried to tell you this morning, but you were just prattling and I could barely get a word in edgewise.

Jen: How did this happen?

Grams: Well, I attended one of Clifton's summer school classes and it was such a delight. I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed the classroom, so I decided right there and then to go back to school.

Jen: Great. So not only are you going to embarrass me into an early grave, but you're also doing this for a man?

Grams: Jennifer, give an old woman some credit. I am doing this for myself.

Jen: Ok, fine, but why did it have to be art history? Why can't you take a nice little math class? You know, from what I hear using that part of the brain helps the elderly stave off the early onset of Alzheimer's.

[A teacher stops nest to them while walking down the aisle]

Teacher: Ladies, am I gonna have to separate you two?

[Scene: An Apartment. Pacey comes walking up the a door where the sounds of someone playing the drums comes from. He is carrying a paper in his hands, and stops at the door.]

[Drums playing]

[Knocks]

[the drumming stops and a woman opens the door]

Emma: Hi.

Pacey: Hey.

Emma: Emma.

Pacey: Pacey.

Emma: Come on in then, Pacey.

Pacey: Thanks. Wow. Emma, this place is fantastic.

Emma: Yeah, it is. Expensive, too.

[Pacey begins tapping drums]

Pacey: these yours?

Emma: Uh, no, they're my boyfriend's. 'Cause, you know, it's so f-ing impossible to believe that a girl could play a musical instrument that they must be someone else's, right?

Pacey: That's not what I-- I got a bit of foot-in-mouth disease. But if it's any consolation, you sounded great.

Emma: Like I said, the place is expensive. Are you a student?

Pacey: No, no. You?

Emma: Yeah. Berklee school of music.

Pacey: The drums.

Emma: Yeah.

Pacey: Right.

Emma: You have a job?

Pacey: Uh, actually, no, not really—

Emma: well, it was lovely to meet you, Pacey.

Pacey: Oh, no, no, no. I have this huge job interview tomorrow. If that counts for anything. Does it? Ok. Emma, you have a fantastic place here. And if you gave me a chance I'm pretty sure I could swing it 'cause I also have another friend who's looking—

Emma: another guy?

Pacey: Yeah, a great guy.

Emma: No, living with guys is a terrible idea. It always ends in disaster. I have a lesbian couple coming over to look at the place again tomorrow, and both Debbie and Donna are gainfully employed.

Pacey: But do you think they could help you with the drum kit down the stairs every time you have a gig?

Emma: From the look of them, yeah, they could. And they look better than you, in fact.

Pacey: Ok, I can take that. If you need to emasculate me that's fine, but give me a chance. Let me bring jack by, introduce you.

Emma: Look, I'm sure this jack is a world-class charmer, but it's really not necessary.

Pacey: I'm not really understanding what it is that you're so fearful of here. Is it the sexual tension thing? 'Cause I know that could be awkward, two guys and a girl living together, but I can pretty much guarantee you that there is absolutely no possibility of either Jack or myself falling in love with you because it-- because-- that didn't come out right. But there's a good reason. Let me try again.

Emma: Look, it won't be necessary.

Pacey: No, what I'm saying is that neither—

Emma: Bugger off, chum.

Pacey: Because he's ga….

[She closes the door in his face]

[Scene: Class room. Jack and Jen are sitting next to each other getting ready for class to start]

Jack: What are you doing?

Jen: I'm trying to make sure that grams isn't in this class, too.

Jack: Come on. Give the old girl a break. Besides, I don't think the history of pop culture is exactly her speed.

Jen: Who knows? The woman's crazy. Like a fox.

[The sound of a door closing, and jack sees a rather handsome man walk into the classroom]

Jack: Ok, ok. I-- whoa.

Jen: What?

Jack: [Clears throat]

[Jen sees the guy as he walks up to the podium and puts his bag down]]

Jen: [Whispers] Oh, he's beautiful.

Jack: Yeah. What you said.

Professor: Welcome, friends and neighbors, to what I hope will be an enjoyable semester. I'm betting you guys think it's gonna be an easy ride. And when you look at some of the things we're going to be studying-- things like the films of Keanu Reeves, the rise of the WB, and why reality TV shows are bad for the soul--

Jen: [Whispers] Do you think he's gay?

Jack: You're asking me? Come on, I got the worst gaydar going.

Jen: I think he's gay. How much you wanna bet?

Jack: How about $1 million? [Imitating Austin Powers]

Jen: Done.

Professor: All right. I'm available to answer any questions at any time. Truth be told, I'm pretty much just like you guys. A pop culture junkie. My wife thinks I watch too much TV, and she's probably right, but I have a built-in excuse. It's my job.

[Jack mouths the word WIFE]

Jen: How do you want it?

Jack: Hundreds. I'm all about the Benjamins, baby.

[Scene: Joey sitting at a table outside the Coffee house. She is reading a book while waiting for Dawson. She starts to get antsy, looking at her watch and back to the book. She continues to do this for a while then grabs her bad, and rushes off. Cut to Professor Heston's class. The class has already started, and Joey tries to sneak in quietly]

Heston: Last exit to Brooklyn is considered a classic of post-w*r American writing. There are in my—

[Heston notices her trying to sneak in ]

Heston: hello. How are you?

Joey: Good.

Heston: Have a seat, please. Can we get you anything? Make sure that seat's ok 'cause there seem to be some available over there. This is fine. Where was I? Oh. Right. Last exit to Brooklyn is considered a classic of post-w*r American writing. There are--

[Cell phone ringing]

[Everyone begins looking at their phones, and Joey notices t is her phone that is in her bag, and shyly pulls it out]

Heston: If you can't make it stop, will you just answer it already?

Joey: I don't want to be rude.

Heston: Fine. You don't want to answer it, I will. [He takes the phone and answers it] Hello? Who's this? Audrey. No, this is professor Greg Heston. No, Joey can't come to the phone right now. But is there any message you'd like for me to relay? Sure. Yeah. No, ok. I got it. Yeah, right back at you.

[He hangs up the phone and gives it back to her. Several of the class mates are giggling]

Heston: So, where were we? [Clears throat] You know what? Before I forget, Joey, turns out Dawson couldn't make it. He was a little crazed, but he wants to meet you and the g*ng at Hell's Kitchen at, like, 8:30. Ok?

Joey: Thanks.

Heston: My pleasure. So, where were we? Right, ok. Last exit to Brooklyn. Any thoughts? Joey?

Joey: Uh... honestly the truth is I only had a chance to read one of the vignettes.

Heston: Joey... it's the first day of class and already you've broken a promise.

Joey: I'm sorry, but—

Heston: Action, Joey. Not excuses. So, uh... what did you think of what you did manage to read?

Joey: I thought that it was heartbreaking. Um... I mean, the people, they're...doomed. It's like a world where the sun never shines.

[Man scoffs]

Heston: You. What's your name? Hello? [The guy who scoffed, points to himself. Eddie is played by Oliver Hudson] Right, yeah.

Eddie: Eddie. My name's Eddie.

Heston: Eddie. Hi, Eddie. What's your beef, Eddie?

Eddie: I got no beef.

Heston: Oh, no, that's crap. I sense an opposing viewpoint.

Eddie: No, no, I just, uh-- just, uh...

Heston: well, come on. Out with it.

Eddie: I don't know, I just feel like it's a little condescending to feel sorry for these people. I mean, who says there can't be beauty in a world where the sun doesn't shine?

Heston: You've read the whole book, haven't you, Eddie?

Eddie: Yeah. Years ago. It's awesome.

Heston: Well, you've got one up on Ms. Potter, anyway. So, moving on. –

[Eddie winks at her, then fade to black]

[Commercial Break]

[Scene: Hell's Kitchen. Pacey and Audrey are playing pool. Pacey takes a sh*t and sends the cue ball flying off the table, and Emma, who is working in the bar, catches the ball and puts it back on the table]

Pacey: Ooh! I'm so sorry. Hi.

Emma: You again.

Pacey: Well, this has got to be some kind of sign, don't you think?

Emma: I think it's more like an omen of bad things to come.

Audrey: Who's this?

Pacey: This, my dear, is ms. Emma Jones. The one who has that fantastic apartment I was telling you about.

Audrey: Oh, right.

Pacey: And this, ms. Emma Jones, is my sweetheart of a girlfriend Audrey. Key word being "girlfriend."

Emma: What are you going on about, exactly?

Pacey: That I have a girlfriend. Right here. A beautiful, wonderful girlfriend.

Emma: Good for you, mate.

Pacey: But I have a girlfriend. So you have nothing to worry about. You know what I mean?

Emma: Not really, no.

Pacey: Ok, you tell her.

Audrey: Tell her what?

Pacey: Tell her what a good guy I am. What a great roommate I would make.

Audrey: I'm not telling her anything. She's hot.

Emma: Well, thank you.

Audrey: You're welcome. I don't want you living with a hot girl. You two seem to get along.

Pacey: That's great. Changing gears for a second, I'd like to introduce you to my friend Jack. Jack, this is Emma.

[Jack is trying to eat, when Pacey turns to him. Jack has just taken a big bite of food]

Jack: Hmm?

Pacey: Say hi, jack.

Jack: Oh. Hi.

Pacey: Jack's gay.

Emma: He doesn't look very gay.

Pacey: Jack?

Jack: Hmm?

Pacey: You? Gay.

Jack: Oh, yeah.

Pacey: See?

Emma: Well, good for jack, then.

Pacey: So, are we any closer to getting the apartment?

Emma: No.

Pacey: I didn't think so.

[Scene: Outside Hell's Kitchen. Joey looks through the window and sees Audrey, Pacey, Jen and Jack all sitting at a table, and smiles and goes inside. We cut to a little bit later, and Joey is standing at the juke box with a scowl on her face, when Pacey comes up to join her.]

Joey: This is so unfair. When are they gonna play my song?

Pacey: Well, maybe the jukebox rejected it on the grounds there's been plenty enough whiny chick-rock for one night, thank you very much.

Joey: Bite me.

Pacey: Rowr. [Pacey bites her arm]

Joey: Pacey. Gross. So. Now would you like to explain yourself?

Pacey: Why would I want to do that, exactly?

Joey: Earlier today. A certain frantic desire not to be confined to a certain dorm room with a certain bosomy blonde with whom you spent the entire summer.

Pacey: Oh, that.

Joey: Yes, that.

Pacey: [Snap, clap] Do you remember our particular summer together?

Joey: Rings a bell or 2.

Pacey: Ok, good. You remember how when we came back we were all lovey-dovey and we didn't really want the summer to end, as such?

Joey: Speak for yourself, but... I do recall something to that effect.

Pacey: Let's say for the sake of argument that I am not at all unhappy that this summer is ending. Which is not to say that I didn't have a good time, because I did, absolutely. It's just that a different Hollywood party with different Hollywood friends every night and "Hollywood Audrey" is a little...

Joey: Exhausting.

Pacey: In a word, yes.

Joey: Look, I've got a conflict here, because... see, the part of me that happens to be your close friend and erstwhile paramour says, hey, life's too short. You gotta do what makes you happy, right? But then the other part of me, the part that happens to be Audrey's close friend and college roommate says, you know what? You break her heart, I break your face. Got it?

Pacey: I got it.

Joey: Come on.

[They go over to join Audrey, Jen and Jack at the table]

Joey: So, where is he?

Audrey: "Godot" leery, you mean? I don't know. This is what it was like all summer long. He was out the door before we got up and he was never home any earlier than midnight. Todd kept him really busy, I guess.

Joey: Who's Todd?

Audrey: Do you remember the director that fired him last summer? Well, he hired him as his assistant this summer. That's Hollywood for you.

Joey: What about Oliver?

Audrey: [Audrey laughs] He flipped out, hated L.A., Kept saying that he could literally see his soul leaving his body. He left this note on Dawson's pillow that said, "I'll see you in hell, Leery." Dramatic to the end, that one. Didn't you talk to him at all?

Joey: Oliver?

Audrey: Dawson.

Joey: Oh. Um... no. I kept meaning to call, but...

Audrey: Interesting.

Joey: I'm gonna go check on my song.

[Joey heads to the Jukebox, where Emma is walking by when a man begins to b*at on the machine]

Man: I'm telling you, this thing ate my dollar.

Emma: Well, it's a jukebox, not a vending machine. You were expecting it to spit out a candy bar, were you?

Man: Are you getting smart with me?

Emma: I'm afraid that's unavoidable.

[Joey joins them]

Man: What are you lookin' at?

Joey: A drunk guy with his fly open. What are you looking at?

[The guy leaves]

Emma: [Laughs] That was pretty good.

Joey: It was nothing. You were doing pretty well yourself.

Emma: Yeah, working in a place like this definitely sharpens your tongue.

Joey: Tell me about it. I spent my high school years waiting tables at a place like this. Turned me into a surly wench.

Emma: You wouldn't happen to be looking for a job, would you? 'Cause we could definitely use a surly wench who can handle herself.

Joey: Um... I don't know. Maybe.

Emma: Um, what's your name?

Joey: I'm Joey. Joey potter.

Emma: I'm Emma Jones. Well, think about it, Joey.

Joey: I will.

Emma: And I know the jukebox is all backed up. I'm still waiting to hear "White Wedding," myself.

[cut back to the table.]

Pacey: All right, well, look, it's been a barrel of monkeys, but I'm going home.

Audrey: What?! You amateur!

Pacey: I gotta get some rest, sweetheart.

Audrey: I don't know, Pacey. If I were in a hiring position, I'd wanna see somebody come in with suitcases under their eyes and reeking of booze and sex.

Pacey: Ok, well, I will take that under consideration, but I'm still gonna go.

Audrey: I don't like this new Pacey. Not one bit. What happened to the Pacey of yore?

Pacey: The Pacey of yore is exhausted. The Pacey of yore just drove 3,000 miles in 3 days. Aren't you tired? And don't you have classes tomorrow?

Audrey: Well, yes. But I also have my priorities.

Pacey: Ok, demanda. I'm going home. Brothers, sisters.

[He leaves, and goes outside, where Audrey comes racing up to him]

Audrey: Hey, Witter! Wait up.

Pacey: Aw, come on, Audrey. How many times do I have to tell you? I need some rest.

Audrey: Please don't be annoyed with me, Pacey. Trust me. In, like, 2 minutes you're gonna be sorry that you were so annoyed with me and you're gonna feel like a jerk, and I want to save you that pain.

Pacey: What are you talking about?

[She takes out a keycard for a hotel and hands it to him]

Pacey: What's that?

Audrey: It is a key to a room in the most ridiculously swanky hotel in all of Boston. I thought that we should spend the last night of our summer vacation together in style. I mean, with all the motel 6s and whatnot, I thought it might be a nice change of pace, pace. And I promise I will let you rest. No sexual misconduct. Nothing. Just total hardcore REM sleep.

Pacey: You're right. I feel like a jerk.

Audrey: See? I told you that was gonna happen.

Pacey: Did you, now? Look, I'm sorry. I just-- I really want to make a good impression tomorrow. Your father was kind enough to go out on a limb for me, and I don't want to let him down because that would kind of be like letting you down, and that would suck.

Audrey: Pacey...

Pacey: Yes.

Audrey: You're getting all serious on me. Come on. Let's go rest.

Pacey: I don't know how strict we have to be about that whole "rest" thing.

[Scene: Inside Hell's Kitchen. Joey is sitting at the table and talking with Jack and Jen about job prospects]

Joey: So I can either work for this cranky professor and advance my academic career or I can work here, be hit on by drunken louts and make excellent tips. What's a girl to do?

Jack: I don't even think it's a choice for you, Jo.

Jen: Yeah, me neither.

Joey: What do you mean?

Jen: Come on, given a choice, Joey Potter will always venture down the sensible path, and the sensible path in this case would be to work for professor cranky pants.

Jack: Nicely put.

Jen: Thank you.

Joey: I'm shocked and appalled. That's what you think of me?

Jack: Jo, it's not a bad thing. It's just, you know, it's who you are. And we love you for it.

Jen: [Yawns] All right. I gotta go home. Our lady of continuing education wants to hit the bookstores bright and early, so I need to get some beauty rest. You coming, Jackers?

Jack: You talked me into it. Jo, you coming?

Joey: Um, no, I think I'm gonna stick around here a little while longer. What?

Jen: Nothing. It's cute.

Joey: [Sighs] Go. Go on. Get out of here.

[They leave and we see a montage of scenes of the night while Joey sits and waits. She continually keeps looking back at the door from time to time She is there for a long time before she finally gives up decides to leave. She exits Hell's Kitchen and crosses the street as a Cab pulls up to the bar.]

Dawson: Joey!

Joey: Mmm.

[She turns and smiles]

[Commercial Break]

[Scene: Inside Hell's Kitchen. Joey and Dawson are sitting at the bar, talking to one another. You can see that they are very happy to finally be spending some time together]

Dawson: All right, so guess what?

Joey: What?

Dawson: Take a guess.

Joey: You're gay.

Dawson: That and... I was on the phone with Steven Spielberg the other day.

Joey: Really?

Dawson: Sort of.

Joey: What do you mean "sort of"?

Dawson: He called for Todd, and I said, "hold on a second, please," and I put Todd on.

Joey: That's it?

Dawson: My hands were shaking.

Joey: "Hold on a second, please"? That's the best you could do for your childhood hero?

Dawson: I thought for sure I was gonna miss you again.

Joey: You almost did. Everyone left. I was next.

Dawson: But you couldn't bring yourself to leave, could you? You had to see me.

Joey: Get over yourself. I'll have you know that I stuck a dollar in that jukebox over 3 hours ago. I was not gonna leave until I heard my song.

Dawson: Ok. All right. My mistake.

Joey: So tell me about this movie you're making.

Dawson: Um, it's a horror movie... no matter what Todd says. He likes to tell people that it's a Hitchcockian thriller, but that's kind of like saying Happy Gilmore is an homage to Woody Allen. You look great, by the way.

Joey: Thank you.

Dawson: I don't say things like that nearly enough. The second I saw you I thought to myself, "god, she looks great," but I didn't say anything, so... I'm saying it now.

Joey: Is this some player routine you work shopped in L.A. Over the summer?

Dawson: Can a guy not tell a girl that she looks great without there being some sort of manipulation involved?

Joey: Generally, no.

Dawson: Ok, good point. But this is you and me. General rules do not apply to you and me. They never have.

Joey: Can I ask you a question?

Dawson: Ok.

Joey: We didn't talk this summer. At all. Why is that?

Dawson: Quick and easy answer would be that I was really, really busy and there just wasn't any time. Which is true, but... it's not really it, because I thought about you all the time, and about what you said about how everything would just kind of work itself out between us and it just... made me feel so good about us. I just...well, I guess I didn't want to ruin that feeling. Does that make any sense?

Joey: It makes a lot of sense, actually. You know what this means.

Dawson: What?

Joey: Dare I say we might be growing up?

Dawson: Oh, god.

Joey: What?

Dawson: That sounds so boring.

Joey: True. Sad but true. But I mean... case in point. You seem...different.

Dawson: Different how?

Joey: Just different. A good different... like living your dream agrees with you.

Dawson: I don't know that fetching lattes and having Todd's Porsche detailed qualifies as living the dream, but...

Joey: you know what I mean.

Dawson: Yeah, I do. So what about you?

Joey: What about me?

Dawson: Did you do anything special this summer? Did you meet anyone special?

Joey: Mmm, no one worth mentioning. And you?

[Suddenly Joey finally hears her song play on the jukebox.]

Joey: Ah! Finally!

Dawson: I know this song. This is a great song.

Joey: Yeah, it is.

Dawson: What?

Joey: Nothing. It just reminds me of something. The summer between seventh and eighth grade, and clueless.

Dawson: Was it on the soundtrack or something?

Joey: No. At least, I don't think so. Um... we went to see it at the rialto, remember? And when we got out it was pouring rain, your mom came to pick us up, but the car was, like, way across the street so you grabbed my hand and we ran for it. And it was probably only about 10 seconds or so, but when we got in the car, all I could think about was the fact that... you had held my hand.

Dawson: So what does it have to do with the song?

Joey: It was playing on the radio in your mom's car.

Dawson: Oh.

[Dawson gets up, and reaches his hand out for Joey to join him]

Joey: What are you doing?

Dawson: I was gonna ask you to dance.

Joey: Are you crazy?

Dawson: Yeah, but the offer still stands.

[They dance to the song]

[Scene: Joey's Dorm Room. Dawson has just walked Joey back to the room, and they go inside and Joey puts down her bag and coat.]

Joey: Thank you for walking me home.

Dawson: No thanks necessary. It's what I do. All right, I should probably go.

Joey: You don't have to, you know.

Dawson: I don't?

Joey: Audrey's with Pacey tonight.

Dawson: Oh, cool.

Joey: So you can take her bed if you want.

Dawson: I could very easily get a cab back to the hotel.

Joey: Of course not. I don't want you walking around out there this late.

Dawson: Thanks.

Joey: No thanks necessary.

Dawson: It's what I do. Make yourself at home.

[Joey goes into the bathroom, and gets ready for bed. Joey comes out of the bathroom and Dawson is asleep on Audrey's bed. She goes over to her bed and climbs in with a semi-disappointed look on her face]

Dawson: Jo, you awake?

Joey: Yeah.

Dawson: I'm sorry. I fell asleep.

Joey: You must be exhausted. Get some sleep. We can talk in the morning.

Dawson: What time is it?

Joey: 5 of 12:00.

Dawson: Damn.

Joey: What's wrong?

[Dawson walks over to the clock above Joey's bed and moves it from 11:55 to 12:05]

Joey: What are you doing?

Dawson: Cheating. I can't wait anymore. [He reaches into his bag, and pulls out a gift bag and hands it to Joey ] Happy birthday, Jo.

Joey: You're the only one who remembered.

Dawson: Yeah, I'm good like that.

Joey: Thank you, Dawson.

[She opens it and pulls out a snow globe of Hollywood]

Dawson: It's cheesy. I know.

Joey: No, it's not cheesy at all. It's perfect.

Dawson: You know what you were saying before, about how living my dream agrees with me? I've been thinking about that and I want you to know that I probably would not be living any dream at all if it weren't for you. I mean, more and more I keep on finding myself in these incredibly surreal situations and every time... I always kind of, in the back of my head just think, "what would Joey think if she could see me right now?" You know, I guess everyone has someone who challenges them and makes them sh**t for something just beyond their reach. You're that person for me. So, yeah, maybe we didn't talk this summer, and who knows, maybe we'll find ourselves talking less and less as time goes on and life gets more and more in the way, but... I gotta say, Jo, I don't feel it. 'Cause you're with me everywhere I go. Happy birthday.

Joey: Thank you.

[They hug for a long time, and Joey slowly feels Dawson's hands rubbing her back, and suddenly doesn't know what to think. She slowly pulls back, and they look deeply into one another's eyes. After another long moment they begin to lean into each, at first pressing their lips together and then more passionately kissing one another. The kisses lead into heavy petting and then Dawson slowly lowers Joey onto the bed, and they continue making out, and the camera fades to black]