"Hey, Joey can I ask you something?" he asked. Looking at her as they walked.
"Sure." she said smiling. She had no reason to lie to him. He seemed to be open to her. Why shouldn't she return the favor?
"This guy, Dawson." he said pausing. "What exactly is your relationship? If you don't mind me asking. I was just wondering
since you too seem to be so close. It was like yesterday when you guys were going to say something, the other all of a sudden
said the same thing."
"Oh, well..." she was a little unsure how to answer this one. She had always thought it was because they were meant to be. "We
are just really good friends. We have known each other since we were seven years old."
"Oh...that's cool." he said smiling. "Its rare to find a friend you don't really have to say stuff to. I mean like you two. It's like
you know what the others thinking just be a look."
"Yeah, it is like that with us." she said.
They walked the rest of the way toward the town in silence. Except for a few silent glances to each other every now and then.
Dawson was in his room. His thoughts were on what had happened over the last two weeks. He had kissed Joey twice. Once on
a Dare, and that kiss was really intense. He didn't know how, but when he kissed Joey all thoughts had escaped him of Jen. He
had lost track of the time, and he felt like he was alone with Joey. Then he was kissed by Joey, a drunken Joey yes, but
nevertheless...it was Joey. And that was what set Dawson's mind to think. He had realized that night in Providence how much
he loved her. And he wanted to tell her, but he could never get up the nerve. He jumped out of bed and walked over to the
radio. He turned it on, and found himself lost in his thoughts.
He sat down behind his computer, and switched it on. He needed to write down his thoughts. His emotions. Maybe that way he
could decipher them better. He opened the program for school reports and began typing:
Dear Computer: I have felt like my whole world has been turned upside down. Everything I have known, and thought to be
true, has been turned into nothing more than fairy tales, and lies. The one thing to remain constant in my world is my
friendship with Joey. She is my best friend, and no one will ever know me the way she does. No matter what happens in our
lives, our bond just keeps getting stronger and stronger. The more I think about my feelings for her, the more I am sure I love
her. I love her more than words can ever say. I never thought I would believe that a kiss like I got from Jen that fateful night
could ever be beaten. It was the first kiss I ever had, and yet it was beaten. By my best friend!! I know it was just a dare, and
that it might not of meant anything to Joey at the time. But I pushed it aside. I didn't think about it. I miss her. We had a fight,
sort of, the other night. She said it was fine, that she understood, but I saw the hurt in her eyes. She likes to handle everything
on her own. But now I wonder if I made the right move or not. By letting her go, before I had a chance to be with her. I have
been with her all my life practically. And I know I will never lose her. But the feeling is still there. Have I lost her to some other
guy? Have I lost my one true love to some stranger? And if I have, will I be able to get her back? Or is it too late for me and
Joey?
Dawson saved the file under a password, and encrypted it. If anyone was to read what he wrote he wouldn't know how to
explain it. He turned his computer off, got up, grabbed his coat, and left the room. He needed some fresh air, and he had to go
out for awhile. He hoped that maybe destiny would change his and Joey's paths to reunite tonight. If not tonight, sometime
soon.
Pacey had gone to the movies and had accidentally chose the seat next to Abby Morgan. The theater was filled and there was no
way he could move anywhere. He didn't say a word. She was too engrossed in her conversation with her friend to notice him.
He looked around, and spotted an unlikely couple a couple rows ahead of him on his right. He watched as they laughed at each
other.
It was Joey, and the new kid...Eric, he was pretty sure it was Eric. He had to smile. Either Joey wastes no time with the guys
now, or that guy is making his move to take her away from Dawson, Pacey thought. If Dawson knew that they were at a movie
together he'd flip.
"Oh, no. Not you." Abby had realized he was next to her. Pacey just turned to look at her.
"Yes, it's me Abby." He said with one of his wry grins. "But trust me this isn't the best of places I wanted to be seated."
"Then why don't you move, Pacey?" she asked sarcastically.
"Oh, I would love to, but there are no more seats." he said, leaning in closer to her face.
"We are stuck together, Abby. Its fate trying to tell us something."
"As if, Pacey." she turns away, just as the lights go dim.
It was a romantic comedy of sorts. This girl was trying to get away from the perfect guy, so she can get back to the guy she was
planned to marry. But no matter where she went there was that perfect guy. Only she didn't know he was doing it on purpose.
That guy wasn't going to let her slip away without a fight. And that was the funny part. Eric had bought them one large
popcorn and two medium drinks. He was laughing at the same parts as she did, and they made comments at the same moments
too. It was uncanny, the only other person that she did that with was.....Dawson. She actually did it more with Dawson. Joey
wanted to hit herself. She had gone all day without thinking about Dawson, but there he went. Popping into her head. He must
be close by, she thought. She always picked up on Dawson when he was close by, and she knew when he was there. Casually she
looked behind her, and sure enough Dawson was in the back of the theater, catching the last seat in the very back.
Eric was looking at her, and he smiled. She smiled back. The moment was priceless. It was almost like when she kissed
Anderson in the moonlight. Eric leaned over and kissed her. She found herself kissing him back, but she was thinking about
Dawson, and yet Eric's kiss was so gentle and soft. Yet, not as soft as Dawson's kiss was. They pulled away, and he took her
hand. They got up, and left the movie. Walking right by Dawson. She didn't know if he saw her or not. They sort of bolted out
of the theater.
Dawson had sat down no more than five minutes, when he swore he saw a girl that looked like Joey, running out of the theater
with Eric. Dawson liked the guy. And he knew that Joey had been spending most her time with him. Ever since they had their
fight. She still came over for their movie night, and to watch some movies, but she had not come over as much as she used to.
He wanted to see if it was Joey or not, so he got up, and went out the door after them. Them had just gone through the doors
to the Movie Theater, and he ran out the doors. They were walking now. Slowly. Holding hands. She was laughing, and he felt
his fists tighten into two tight fists. He started walking after them. But he caught himself. He had no reason to hurt Eric? What was
he going to do beat him because they were holding hands? He couldn't do that. The only way he would be able to hurt him and
get away with it in his consciousness is if he hurt her. He shook his fists to get them loose, and blood flowing again. He walked
in their direction, but kept his distance. Making sure he wasn't seen, or wasn't suspected of following her.
"I had fun tonight, Eric." Joey said, smiling at him. But she let go of his hand.
"So did I." he said. "What's wrong?" he asked, noticing that she took her hand away.
"I can't see you like this anymore. I want to remain friends, and all...But I can't see you like this anymore." she said turning
her back to him.
"Why?" he asked. He walked up to her, close behind her back.
"I still have feelings for Dawson. They are much more than friendship. I am sorry I told you they weren't." she said. She gazed
out over the water. They were standing at the very spot where Joey watched as Dawson danced with Jen.
"Look, I wasn't expecting you to get over him like that." he said snapping his fingers. "I understand."
"How?" she said turning around. "How did you know I like him?"
"When I first got to town. I walked by the school, and I heard all this cool music. I walk inside, and saw you dancing with him
on stage. Dirty Dancing style...well, I knew then that you were the girl of all my dreams. I saw your face, your smile," he said,
placing his right hand on her cheek. "The sparkle in your eyes when you were laughing. Everything." he said, smiling. She
smiled back. "I never met anyone like you before, Joey. I never knew I could like someone so much that I could be open with
them from the minute we met. You are my first true friend, Joey. And the first girl I can say I am falling madly in love with
from each minute I see you. I talk to you." he placed his left hand on her other cheek. "I know you don't need me to say this,
but you are a beautiful, unique in every way girl. You can take care of yourself, and you don't like everyone watching over you.
But I am gonna say one thing to you....Dawson was a fool to ever let you go for a sec. He went for the blond, instead of the
beauty right before his eyes."
Joey placed her hands on his hands, and she felt like she was going to cry. No one had said those things to her before. Not even
Dawson. She wanted to hear someone say those things to her for a long time. She just wished it would have been from Dawson.
He leaned down and kissed her. This time, Joey was kissing Eric.....not her thoughts of Dawson.
Dawson had seen the whole scene, but had not heard anything that was said. Whatever he said it had done the trick. She was
back in his arms. And he felt like he lost the one thing in his life that was always there. He realized that they were in the exact
spot where he had danced with Jen. He wondered if Joey had seen him dancing with Jen, the way he was watching them.
Dawson stood up against the light post and watched them walk to his Harley. Had he lost her for good? Is this how Joey felt
whenever he kissed Jen? He walked home...with more questions in his mind than anything.
Joey was now more confused on her feelings for Eric than she ever was for Dawson. Maybe because her feelings for Dawson are
true, and her feelings will never change for him. She just wished she knew what he felt. She was just so sick and tired of all this
confusion in her life!! She fell on her bed in disgust. She had a fun night with Eric, but she wasn't ready for him to be so
understanding and so open to her last night. Did he mean all that he said to her, or was he just trying to win her heart for
himself? She got up and walked to her window. Joey was now thinking of what Dawson was doing? If he had known she had
kissed Eric, would it have mattered? She sat down and starred at the stars, and the moon. Joey lost her thoughts in the heavens
above. And she still had fantasies about her and Dawson.....
Dawson was sitting at his window, staring at the sky. He wanted to go to Joey and tell her that he wanted her back as more than
just a friend, but he didn't know how to approach the subject. He stood up and walked over to his bed, and laid back on his
bed.
"Why is my life such a mess!!" he said aloud.
"Because you made it that way, Dawson."
"Who is there?" Dawson said sitting up.
"It's me,..." Pacey said, coming in through the window.
"Oh, sorry, man." Dawson said, running his hands through his hair, and sitting down on his bed. "I have got a lot on my
mind."
"I've noticed." he said moving over to the other side of his bed. "And it has to do with Joey, and that new guy....Eric."
"Yeah, I don't know what's wrong with me Pacey!!" Dawson said with a laugh. "I mean I give Joey the brush off and tell that I
think it's best we just stay friends, and look where it gets me!! I am miserable, and I know where I stand now with Jen more
than ever...I don't and never really did love her!! I have always loved Joey, and now I see her kissing another guy, and seeing
movies, spending time with another guy! I don't know what to do, I have messed things up with me and Joey majorly!"
"You know man, it takes two to ruin anything." Pacey said with a smile.
"What do you mean?" Dawson said.
"You know....to end a relationship successfully, without looking back, and having doubts...both parties have to NOT want the
other. You still, obviously, want Joey...and just because she is seeing this guy, Eric, doesn't mean she doesn't still want you. She
is probably just testing you, or something. You know?" Pacey said convincingly.
"Maybe, Pacey. But what if she's not." Dawson asked, smiling.
"Maybe,....but the only way you'll find that out is if you talk to her." Pacey said.
"Yeah, but how do I start the conversation....."
"By opening your mouth, Dawson. It's that simple."
Joey walked to the Icehouse the next day. It had been one whole day since Eric kissed her. He said he had to run into town for
something and wouldn't be back till tomorrow. She had asked him what he was up to, but he refused to tell her. They laughed
about it, and she tried all the same stunts on him as she would have on Dawson...nothing seemed to work. But everything she
ever has done, has reminded her of him. She laughed at herself as she arrived at the Icehouse. It was a slow day, but she needed
to work to get her mind off her...problems.
"Hey, Bodie. How are you today?" she said grabbing her smock from behind the counter.
"Okay...you?" he asked, from behind the counter.
"Alright, I suppose." she said. In a low voice.
"Look,...."Bodie said coming out from behind the grill. "I know there has been a lot on your mind lately. And I know it has to
do with guys." he said sitting in front of the counter, staring at her.
"Bodie..." Joey was trying to think of some way to get out of this.
"No, I know it has to do with Dawson, and that new guy....But I just think you should know one thing...which may help you in
this case. And in all cases that have to do with the heart." he said smiling.
"And what's that Bodie?" she asked with a sarcastic grin.
"It's simple. Just go with your heart, and don't even bother listening to your mind. Your heart will lead you in the path that is
right for you. Your mind just makes you go crazy with confusion."
"Okay, I'll remember that, Bodie." she said, smiling genuinely at him.
"Okay." he said walking away.
God, she thought sitting down, running her fingers through her hair. If I am that easy to read, then what must Eric, and
Dawson be picking up? Do either of them know how confused I am?
Dawson saw Joey waiting at a bus stop when he took his walk toward the Icehouse. But instead of going to the Icehouse, he
walked right by it and headed toward the end of town. He found her standing at the pole. She was dressed in a blue tank top,
and short denim shorts. Her hair was down, and it blew with the wind. So soft, and so elegant. She looked like a statue out of
the Greek days. Well, maybe one of the goddesses standing for it to be made. She was beautiful. All he wanted to do was stand
there and stare at her, but he knew he couldn't afford to waste any more time. He wanted to know if there was still a chance to
be with her. He needed to know where they stood. He took a deep breath, and walked over to her.
"Joey?" Dawson said walking up to her.
"Dawson? Hi..." she said turning quickly around. She placed her right hand on the poll, her left hand went behind her back.
"What are you doing all this way out of town?"
"I was just taking a walk." he said smiling.
Joey's hair had moved into her face, and she took her left hand and moved it, with a light but gentle stroke of her hand,
moving it behind her head, and brushed the hair along the side of her face behind her ear.
"Look we have to talk, Joey." Dawson said, trying to focus on the issue he walked up to her to talk to her about.
"About what?" Joey asked, smiling.
"About....us." he said.
"What about us? I mean Dawson your my best friend, and I am yours, and that's all there is to us, am I right?" she said.
"No...your not." before he could say anything else, the bus pulled up. And when the doors opened out stepped Eric.
"Hey, Joey. Dawson." he said waving to the driver its ok to go on. The bus pulled away as he set the bag down on the bus
seat. "Did I arrive at the wrong time here?"
"No, " Joey said....
"Yes," Dawson said. They both looked at each other.
"I guess I did." Eric said smiling. "Look if you want I can stroll down to the corner and come back. Give you two time to
talk..."
"Yes...thanks, Eric." Dawson said not taking his eyes off Joey
"Alright then." Eric kissed Joey on the cheek, and started walking.
"Why do we need to talk, Dawson?" Joey said standing straight up, and arms crossed over her chest.
"We do, because I need to know if there is a chance for us, Jo. I mean is there something going on between you and Eric that I
should know of so I don't wait for you to come back to me? I mean, are we over before we just began? Or should I forget even
the slight chance for us?" Dawson said, almost yelling but not yet. He was controlling his anger, and fear pretty well.
"No Dawson there isn't anything going on between me and Eric that should concern you, but I don't see why would you even
care. Because you said that you were still confused about your feelings for Jen, and that's why you could even open your
mouth to tell her and Pacey at lunch that one day that we were a couple. I mean what is it with you? You find a reason for
everything....is it that the concept of you and me as a couple scares you, but instead of just stating that you lie, and say its
because of your feelings for Jen? Or is it that I brought a new guy to our group, and you thought that there was something
there? Tell me Dawson, because I am confused about what happened. It all went down from there, the day that I brought Eric
the new kid in school to our group to feel welcomed. But you barely said a word to me at lunch that day, and I felt hurt,
Dawson. And not just from anyone...from you! My best friend. Just tell me the truth Dawson...or is that a hard concept for
you?!" Joey had barely taken a breath in that speech she gave him. She was serious, and there was a lot of hurt in her voice.
But she didn't show it.
"Joey, come on!!" Dawson said walking up a little closer to her. "What do you want from me, Joey? For me to admit my
deepest fears about us...? Okay...I will. I am afraid yes, of us being a couple. I mean the concept of that with Jen was an easy
thought to grasp, it didn't drive me insane. But with you. Jo, I have know you my whole life practically. And I am just afraid of
our being together like that would ruin it for our friendship. I can't lose your friendship Joey...I just can't. I admit I live in a
dream world, and the main characters of this story is you, me, and Pacey, and now Jen. But I am stuck on where I want me
and you to do next. I need your help Joey." He wasn't yelling, he was more in a sympathetic tone. He wanted her to forgive
him, and take him back. But she was looking at him with that glare she usually used on Pacey, and it wasn't good.
"Dawson, I just am confused on where we are now. We told each other that we love each other, and it was a dream come true
for me to hear that from you. But I just don't know what we are suppose to do now." she turned her back to him. She fighting
back tears and she didn't want him to see her fall apart. "I felt the same way as you Dawson, and I still do. But I was willing to
try, and you came up with a lame, LAME excuse to tell me you didn't feel the same. Why did you even bother to tell me you
loved me to just break up with me the next night!?" she asked as she turned to face him. "And another thing...you know all
couples do really is spend time together. And we have been doing that all our life, Dawson! I have had guys and girls of all the
grades in our high school ask if me and you were a serious couple, and to my great disappointment I have to tell them, 'No we
are only friends.' In everyone's opinion we are already a couple, cause we spend all our free time together."
"Joey, I love you. What more do you want from me?" he said placing his hands on her shoulder.
"I want you, and that's all I have ever wanted. But we can't if all your gonna do is hold all your feelings inside, and not share
them so we can work them out. We are both new to this, Dawson. Well, fairly new. Its the secrets and lies that kill a
relationship. But the thing that lasts longest, and holds them together the longest is love, trust, honesty, and most of
all.....friendship. And I know we have those."
"I know too..." he said, placing his right hand on her cheek, and gently wiping it.
"I love you, Dawson. Always will. No matter what happens." she said, smiling. She placed her hands on his sides.
"I love you, and I think my love for you will never be broken. Never." Dawson said. He placed his left hand on the other side of
her face, and slowly leaned over, and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and he wrapped her up in his arms.
Eric had turned around, in time to see them 'kiss and make-up'. He had picked up the bag after he kissed Joey on the cheek,
and he walked over to the corner. What he expected to see was Joey telling him to get lost, or something. But she hadn't, and
unknowingly to himself, he clumped up his fists. He didn't realize that he had until he felt slight drops of blood drip down from
his palms. He opened them and starred at them for a brief moment. Then he looked back up, and saw them walking away.
"I will not lose this easily, Joey. I will fight for you. And no matter what I have to do...you will be mine. And I mean one
way....or another." he said out loud. "I never lose without a fight, and no matter what the fight...I always win." a smile crossed
over his face, an evil smile.
"And I know just the person to help me with this little task, of breaking up the couple....."
The smile got even wider, as he slowly started walking toward his home.