***The dock at the yacht club***
Pacey walked out onto the dock and spotted a figure sitting at the end of the dock. When he walked up further he realized it was Joey. Although he did want to be alone he figured some banter with Joey might cheer him up.
“Hey Jo, what’s up, Prince charming a little preoccupied tonight?” asked Pacey.
As soon as Joey heard Pacey she discreetly wiped away her tears and immediately readied her sarcasm and wit in order to cover up her true feelings.
“Prince Charming? If you’re referring to Dawson, he’s not only distracted, but instead of turning into a frog like in the fairy tale he’s been turned into a slobbering idiot.”
“Too bad for you he didn’t turn into a frog,” said Pacey with a sly smile.
“Why’s that Pacey?” asked Joey casually, trying not to lead on that she was really curious to hear Pacey’s explanation.
“I’m disappointed in you Joey, don’t you know the story? The Prince turns into a frog and then someone, preferably you, has to kiss him to turn him back into Prince Charming.” Pacey said this smugly knowing that although Joey would probably deny this claim and no doubt come back with a very witty remark, he knew the truth.
He could see though her tough facade and he had long since realized that she had wanted more then a “friendship” with Dawson Leery. He actually felt a little pride from the fact that he had comprehended this concept long before his life analyzing, but oblivious friend Dawson, and in a way he felt Dawson didn’t deserve Joey, because of this ignorance. His thoughts abruptly came to a stop when he heard Joey respond to his frog explanation.
Joey said defensively, “I don’t know where you come up with these twisted ideas that I want Dawson, because we’re just Friends, Pacey.” She started to get more upset, “Can you understand that? Well just to make sure you get it this time, I’ll dumb it down for you. I DON’T LIKE DAWSON.”
Pacey was hurt and surprised by Joey’s angered reply. He failed to deliver a quick comeback and just stared at her. There was a silent awkward moment between the two. Joey filled with regret as she realized she had hurt Pacey’s feelings.
Sincerely sorry Joey said, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that.”
Tired of hiding her real feelings she turns away from Pacey and looks down towards the water and half smiles, “You’re not dumb, you’re actually pretty intelligent. You figured out how I felt before I found out myself. You have been right all along,” her voice begins to waver, “Ironic, the class clown who I thought had no ability what so ever to comprehend serious feelings has been the only one to figure how I truly feel. On the other hand though the person I thought would be first to see through my act hasn’t even got a clue.”
“Apology accepted, and I know people see me as the class clown or even the town joke, but I’m seriously honored that you felt that you could share that with me.”
“Pacey, as much as I lead on, I don’t hate you. I actually enjoy our heated, shall we call them confrontations. You’ve come through for me as a true friend and I appreciate it.”
“Thanks, that’s what I’m here for, Jo,” said Pacey smiling. He felt proud of himself, which doesn’t often happen. “But enough about me, what are you going to do about the Dawson situation?”
“Ugh, I don’t even want to think about that,” said Joey as she laid back on the dock and put her hands over her face.
Looking down at Joey, Pacey said, “Well I hate to break it to you Jo, but you’re going to have to deal with these feelings sooner or later.”
“That’s the problem I am dealing with them, I’m dealing with them every single day of my life. Whenever I see him I have to face those feelings. I can’t handle it anymore. I can’t stand how this one thing has completely taken over my life and I can’t control it. When I talk to him I have to fight with myself to keep from kissing him right then and there. Whenever he is in the same room with me I am aware of ever single thing he does. I see him with Jen and it feels like a stake has just been plunged into my heart.”
“Well from my analysis of the situation you don’t just have a small crush on Dawson you are head over heels in love with him,” stated Pacey.
“Thanks for that revelation, Pacey, however although it took me a while, I finally came to that conclusion on my own,” said Joey as she sits up. “And that’s the hardest part about the whole thing because I am constantly fighting with myself. For some unforeseen reason he’s infatuated with Jen, of course it could be that Barbie doll look she has going for her. Despite my contentment in seeing him happy even if it’s with Jen, I thoroughly hate the idea at the same time; I would much rather Dawson and me being content together.”
“Personally, Joey, I think you are being way too mature about this. I mean all’s fair in love in war. If you want Dawson tell him. Obviously he’s not going to figure it out on is own anytime soon.”
“I figure if it’s meant to happen it will,” Joey said hopefully.
“Well I wouldn’t wait for fate, because from what I’ve seen you have to make your own destiny. In spite of the fact that Dawson is a so called Prince Charming doesn’t necessarily mean everyone is magically going to live happily ever after.”
Exhausted from this emotionally straining conversation she says, “Well as enlightening as our conversation has been, I think I’ll go back inside. No doubt the fates will continue to torture me with the grotesque site of Barbie and Ken dancing together.” Joey gets up and begins to walk away.
“Jo.”
“Yeah,” Joey said as turned back to face Pacey.
“If it was up to me I’d pick you over Barbie any day,” said Pacey as he smiled at Joey.
“Thanks,” Joey said as she slightly blushed, “Thanks for everything, Pacey.” Joey turned and went back to the party, while Pacey was left on the dock to contemplate the events of the evening.
~ Inside the Yacht Club ~
Joey entered the party from hell once again and as she had suspected Dawson and Jen were still dancing together and having a good time. Remembering what Pacey had said, Joey decides to take a bolder step towards revealing her feelings for Dawson, and decides to ask Dawson to dance. Just as Joey was about to reach Dawson, the lights were dimmed and Jen’s birthday cake was brought out. It was illuminated with sixteen burning candles. The cake was rolled over to the middle of the dance floor, where Jen and Dawson where standing. Everyone sang Happy Birthday to her. At the end of the song, Jen blew out all of the candles and made a very special wish.
“So, what did you wish for?” Dawson asked Jen.
Smiling Jen said, “If I tell you it won’t come true, now will it? Let’s go for a walk and maybe I’ll tell you.”
“Sure, I’d love to Jen,” said Dawson as he started to hold Jen’s hand. Joey, as always is totally aware of Dawson and Jen holding hands and turns to walk away, when she hears her name. Dawson and Jen make their way towards her.
“Hey, Jo, where have you been?” asked Dawson.
“I just stepped out to get some fresh air … ” She looks down at their intertwined hands, “… I was feeling a bit nauseated.”
“Well, I hope you’re feeling better now,” said Jen sincerely.
Smiling sarcastically Joey replied, “Much, thanks for your concern.” Feeling the tension between the two, Dawson pulls Joey aside and says a little annoyed, “Joey, I know you two have never gotten along and I don’t pretend to know why, but it’s her birthday, so I’d appreciate it if you tried to be civil to her tonight.”
“Fine,” says Joey as she breaks from Dawson’s grip.
Trying to be genuine Joey says to Jen, “I hope you’re having a good time.”
“I am having a really good time, thanks for asking. Dawson has really made this a very memorable night for me.
Actually we were just about to go for a short walk.” Hearing about what a wonderful, memorable time her and
Dawson had had thus far, just set Joey off. She regressed back to her Jen bashing self and said, “Don’t be gone too
long, we don’t want you to be missed, but I’m sure what you have in mind won’t take long. I mean you’ve had so
much practice, I’m sure it won’t take long at all, but of course Dawson isn’t how shall I put it? As experienced as
you , so we have to take that into consideration when deciding on how long you’ll be gone. Hmm … all things
considered I’d say you two will back in…” Joey doesn’t have time to finish before Jen’s heard enough and runs
out of the Yacht Club. Dawson gives Joey a dirty look as he runs after Jen trying to catch up with her. Joey sees
the hurt and contempt on Dawson’s face and realizes what a mistake she has made. Guilt overcomes her for
treating Jen so terribly. She feels horrible that Dawson is upset with her now and she doesn’t blame him. She
proceeds to the food table to feel sorry for herself and drown her sorrows in a piece of chocolate cake.