Not Left Behind #501

Author: Kate
Rating: PG
Category: pj
Author's Notes: Since we were cheated out of a lot of PJ scenes this season, I thought I'd write in my own for each episode. They aren't romantic, more of friendship, but I hope you like them! Feedback is appreciated :)

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I could fall in love with this town. In the past year I've seen some of the most beautiful cities, beaches, and skylines in the world. But this town that I'm currently residing in … I think it's one of the best. The feel of a new season in the air, the constant bustle of people, and the water that surrounds the city is enough to keep me here for the rest of my life.

I walk out of the coffee shop that Jen quickly got my addicted to and make my way through the historic city. I realize it probably isn't the best idea to be out so much. Afterall, I am hiding from three of my closest friends. But after living in a boat all summer, there's only so much sitting around one guy can do.

I dodge a group of frat guys throwing a football and I have to think about Jack. Jen's told me he's doing well in the big city. I'm happy for him. Thinking back to who he was sophomore year and to who he is now is almost unbelievable. Same with Jen. Who would have thought the harlot from New York would turn into the small town beauty that everyone loves?

And Dawson … he's doing what he's wanted to do since he was six. Even after all we've been though, I've never been happier for him or admired him more. It's nice to know you can always rely on some things.

It surprises me that I'm not jealous he's spending a few days with Joey. I guess I'm just finally happy with the way she and I ended things. All I want is for her to be happy. She deserves that. Every time I walk through this town I can't help but think of how much she probably loves it here. This is why she waded through the creek searching for snails with me. This is why she busted her ass for four years. This has always been her dream.

I throw my cup away in the trash bin that leads to where I'm docked. As I make my way to boat I've been living in, something catches my eye. My heart jumps in my chest and then plummets to the bottom of my stomach.

It's her.

I freeze. I don't know what to do. Should I turn around and walk the other way, or go to the boat like I hadn't even seen her? This isn't how the talk was supposed to happen. Not this soon, not when she doesn’t even know I'm here.

I watch as she turns around to stand. I watch as she gently dusts off her backside. I watch as her eyes look me over, not sure if it's me or someone who just looks like me.

She slowly walks over to me. "Hey." She says, shocked.

"Hi." I say.

"How long have you been here?"

"Uh… a few minutes." I don't think I'm quite ready to tell her I've been here almost as long as she has.

"No, I mean how long have you been in Boston?"

"A little while. A few weeks, maybe." I answer quickly.

"Oh." She pauses and I can tell she's trying to think of what to say. It's been a long few months apart. "So you had fun?"

"Oh yeah, had the time of my life." I answer honestly.

"Good." She says genuinely.

"What about you?" I ask. "How was your summer?"

"A little lonely. Still not used to summers without you or Dawson around. But Jen and Jack were good substitutes." She assures me.

"Good, I'm glad." And I am. "So how is everyone?" I conveniently leave out the fact that I already know.

"Everyone's doing really well actually. Jen and Jack are … Jen and Jack." She says with a small shrug and smile.

"And Dawson?"

I watch as she falters. I guess he'll always be a sore subject with us. "He's doing well. He just come over here for a visit. Left a few hours ago."

I nod my head. "And you? How's school? The roommate?"

She sighs and rolls her eyes. I laugh at the familiar movements. It's good to see her. "I sorta signed up for too many classes and now I'm paying for it. And it doesn't help when you come home to find a sock around your door knob. I think half the fraternities have spent more time in my room than I have."

I laugh as she pouts. I'm glad it's so easy to fall back into old habits … most of them anyway. "Is that why you were out here? You were exiled from your room?"

"Nah, I always go to the library then. I just like to come out here sometimes. It's easier to remember simpler times near the water."

I smile at her, trying to decide whether she's referring to out summer at sea or the creek. "I know what you mean."

"Well, I should go. My roommate's probably broken up with the boy toy of the day by now."

"It was nice seeing you Joey." I say as sincerely as I can.

"You too, Pace." She nods.

"And maybe I'll see you again soon?"

"Only if you're lucky." She grins.

I laugh as I watch her make her way through town.

Looks like this year wouldn't be so bad.

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