Joey was getting to the point where all she thought about was Dawson. She continuously thought about the kiss in the library that day in detention. All her thoughts were of him, and she had the feeling Bodie and Bessie were noticing. They had been looking at her in the strangest way all day long while she picked up, and dropped off orders to be filled. She was suppose to get off in an hour, but was considering telling Bessie she'd work longer if she wanted her to. She knew all she would think about if she went home was what was Dawson doing? What was he thinking about? Joey didn't want that to happen. She had to much free time on her hands as it was. She decided to tell Bessie she would work until closing, no if ands or buts about it. She got up from the stool she was sitting at and started toward the back of the store. But before she got to the double doors, a hand grabbed her right shoulder and turned her around.
* * * * *
Dawson was lying on his bed, starring at the ceiling lost in thought. All day he thought about the time Joey, Pacey, and him spent on the beach yesterday. But more on his time with Joey. They had chased each other, tackled each other, laughed with each other, and they both gained up on Pacey a few times. He smiled to himself thinking of all the fun they had. At the end of the day, when he walked Joey home, all he wanted to do was kiss her goodnight. But he didn't, and now he wondered why? Was it because of the fact he had no clear idea if she liked him like he liked her, or what? Or was it because of Jen? He had feelings for her yes, but he wasn't sure anymore if those feelings were love, or just infatuation. His life seemed to be turned upside down the last couple of months, and the only thing that stayed firm was his friendship with Joey. Even when he was made at her for not telling him about his mother's affair, he couldn't stay mad at her. Their friendship had been put through a test, was this another one? Could their friendship stand it if they broke up as a couple? Of course it could, he thought. They knew each other like no one else could. They know what each other's different moods are, and what triggers them. But all he knew for sure, was that even Spielberg himself couldn't help him with this problem.
* * * * *
Anderson Crawford stood behind Joey wearing a huge smile. She was shocked to see him, but grateful for the distraction he brought her. She smiled back at him as she walked to a near by stole, Anderson following right behind her.
"When did you get into town?" Joey said, it was the first thing that came to mind.
"Just now...how have you been?" he asked.
"Alright. I am kinda busy right now though. Could we talk later?" she asked, hoping he would agree. A part of her wanted to spend time with him. Even if was just to get her mind of Dawson Leery.
"Sure, no problem. I think you know where you can find me." he said standing up.
"Yeah, at your boat right?" she said standing up with him.
"Yeah. Bye." he said kissing her on her cheek, and then he walked away.
Joey walked into the back to find Joey. But she wasn't anywhere to be found back there. She did find Bodie though, and walked up to him, and told her she was leaving now. There should be someone coming in soon. He said alright, and taking off her apron, walked out the double doors to see Pacey staring at her with a smile.
Great, she thought. I don't have a clean getaway. What could he possible want?
* * * * *
Dawson got up from bed and decided to go find Pacey. If anyone might be able to help it would be him. Not that he wasn't gonna love hearing how Dawson feels about Joey, he was gonna jump up and down yelling he was right all along. But he needed a friend that could help him sort this out, and Jen was a definite no in that category. Her ex-boyfriend wanting love advice for him and his best friend....that would never happen. He grabbed his leather brown jacket, and walked out his bedroom door. He heard some slow music, and saw over the railing his parents slow dancing in the living room. It reminded him of the dance he shared with Joey. He had forgotten all about Jen while he was with Joey that night. He decided not to disrupt them, and decided to leave through his window. He would find Pacey either at the beach or the Icehouse. It was late, maybe seven, maybe Joey would be there at the Icehouse too. What would he do then??
* * * * *
Pacey walked up to Joey, and she walked up to him arms crossed over her chest. She wanted to give him the expression she didn't want to talk to him, but it didn't work.
"What do you want Pacey?" she said.
"Oh, nothing much. Just thought I'd pay a visit to my love-lorned friend. How are you tonight Joey?" Pacey said, leaning up against the counter.
"I'm fine. Now if you don't mind I have to be somewhere. Where you aren't invited." she pushed past him and left the restaurant with Pacey behind her. Hopefully that's where he'd stay.
Joey walked down the pier to the boats. There was Anderson's boat, and instead of playing the violin, he was just standing at the bow, looking at the sunset. She walked up to the boat, and made a small sound to get his attention. He turned and smiled at her. He walked up to her, and held out his hand to help her onto the boat.
"So, why you here this time Anderson?" she asked as she walked with him to the bow of the ship.
" I thought I'd help my parents find a place out here." he said with a serious tone.
"What?" she asked, not sure if she heard him right.
"Yeah, my parents liked it here so much when we came out here last time they want to live up here permanently." he said turning to look at her.
"That's great. I think you'll like it her. Everyone is friendly, and you'll get to know my friends." she said turning to look at him too.
" I think I'll like it here too. But not for the friendly community." he said.
Joey had no idea how to react to that. And she knew what he wanted to do, but did she?
* * * * *
Dawson spotted Pacey at a table overlooking the pier. He walked up to him, and pulled up a chair. Pacey's attention was someplace else, until Dawson said his name. Pacey turned to and saw Dawson staring at him.
"Hey, Dawson. What's up?" Pacey asked. Turning to face Dawson.
"I need to tell you something, and I need your advice." he said, not really comfortable with doing this, but if he didn't he wouldn't get anywhere on his own.
"Sure, what's the problem?" Pacey said, looking serious. "I am always ready to help a friend."
"It's about Joey, and....me." he said reluctantly.
"Oh, really." he said, wry smile already to appear on his face.
"Yeah,...I need to know what you think. And you have to be honest." Dawson said.
"Okay, my opinion." he said, looking at Dawson, Pacey sat back in his chair.
"Yeah, do you think there is the slightest possibility that...." his attention was distracted by a boat at the pier. There was a girl on a boat that looked a lot like Joey.
"Pace, is that Joey on the boat with some guy?" he asked pointing to the boat.
Pacey turned and saw Joey with Anderson. "Yep, that's Anderson. Remember? He was here not long ago."
"Oh, yeah. I remember." Dawson said, lying through his teeth. He had purposely forgotten about him, but the reason why escaped him...until now. Dawson forgot what he came to tell Pacey, all he could do was stare at Joey, and Anderson on the bow of the guys boat. And what happened next shocked him greatly. He watched as Anderson moved in closer to Joey, and kissed her. His hands on her face holding it like a delicate cup. He felt jealousy rise within him, and he wanted to jump up from his chair and run down there. But when she pulled away, and turned to leave a part of him was glad. Maybe she does like me, and that's why she can't kiss him? He thought. He continued to watch the dramatic scene continue, when he came up from behind her, turned her around, and they began to talk. But the end result was her leaving, and Anderson left alone on the boat. Joey was walking toward her house, and Dawson jumped up, and started after her. Pacey left unaware of why he was leaving, and with no idea of what Dawson had just seen.
* * * * *
Joey was confused about what had just happened between her and Anderson. She had wanted to kiss him, didn't she? No, she thought. She thought that if she kissed Anderson she'd forget her feelings for Dawson, and she could just be friends with him. But it didn't work, and she hoped Anderson understood that it wasn't him personally. He was a great guy, sweet, and somewhat handsome. But no one could compare with Dawson. And she's have to confront him with her feelings sooner or later. But she hoped it would be later...much later. She found herself wanting to cry. Cry for all the pain inside her. Growing because of the love she felt for Dawson. Her best friend. Crying because of Dawson her whole life is turned upside down. She couldn't date anyone else, and she didn't want to. But she had no idea of how to get over these feelings, and she knew that in her heart she didn't want to either. And that hurt her the most. Loving someone that didn't return the feelings wasn't anything she would wish on anyone. Not even Jen.
* * * * *
Dawson didn't catch up to her till she was at her front porch. He heard her crying when he walked up from behind her, and turned her around to face him. She wouldn't look up at him, and he took his finger and lifted her chin up so that her eyes met his, and she tried to smile, but instead started to cry even harder. She fell into his arms, and cried on his shoulder, his arms went around her waist, as he felt hers going around his. He just held her, not knowing what else to do. He reached out with one hand and opened the front door to the house. Dawson led the way with Joey still under his arms, into the house. Dawson kicked the door shut as he walked her into the living room. He sat her down, and sat next to her on the couch. She was wiping the tears from her eyes, and the tear stains on her cheeks. She didn't know what to say, neither did Dawson. But she was in a bad spot right now, she was crying because of her feelings for him, and she couldn't tell him that. SO, she had to think of something.
"Are you upset because of what happened on Anderson's boat?" Dawson asked, just out right.
"Huh?" she asked, she didn't know he saw that.
"I saw you on the boat, and I saw everything. I was sitting with Pacey. If that guy did something to upset you...." he said standing up.
"No...no, Dawson." she said touching his arm, and he sat back down. "I am not crying because of him. There is nothing going on between me and Anderson. Trust me." she said smiling.
"That wasn't what it looked like to me, Jo." Dawson saw the kiss, and he wanted to tell her how much it bothered him. But what if she thought he was silly, and that she didn't love him too. He couldn't take that.
"The kiss?? Is that what you're talking about?" she asked him.
"Yeah..." he said handing her a tissue.
"He started that, and I finished it." she said wiping her nose. "I didn't want to, and I think he understands that."
"Look, I'm sorry for budding my nose in your social life. But you're my best friend Jo. I don't want to see you get hurt." he said smiling at her.
"Thanks, I hope I never do." she said, smiling back at him.
They both laid back against the couch, and starred out in space. Not knowing what to say next.
* * * * *
Dawson had fallen asleep, and Joey didn't have the heart to wake him. She got up, and helped him lay down on the couch. She placed the blanket over him, and walked into the kitchen. She didn't know what Bessie and Bodie would think. But she didn't really care either. The only thing she knew for sure was that she knew nothing had happened, and that was fine with her. She found out that Dawson cared about her, and that made her feel happy inside. She always knew he did, but it felt good to hear him say it. Joey grabbed a soda from the fridge, and walked to her room.
* * * * *
Dawson dreamed of the modern version of Romeo & Juliet. The scene where Romeo came back to the palace to his Juliet. He found himself in Leonardo's role, but he didn't know who would be Juliet. Jen or Joey? It was Joey, and she was much fairer than Jen ever could have been in this role. The whole scene took place as in the movie. It was almost like a sign of some kind. The other night it was of Dirty Dancing, he later remembered once he woke up, and now this. IN each case a couple that was meant to be. And found someway to be together. In the case of Romeo and Juliet though, he didn't want that type of ending to happen to him and Joey. The thought of that happening to Joey startled him awake. He found himself lying on Joey's couch.
How did he get here?, he thought. Then he remembered that he had followed Joey home, found her crying, and they ended up on the couch not saying a word after awhile. He must have fallen asleep. But where did Joey go? He kicked off the blanket, and walked through the house. He found Joey on her bed, asleep, with the TV on. He walked over to the TV and switched it off. But not before noticing what was on it. Dirty Dancing. He laughed...coincidence maybe? He ejected the tape, and walked over to the side of the bed where Joey was facing. He couldn't believe how much he cared for her, and seeing her like this made those feelings even stronger.
"Sleep well, my fair Juliet." he said moving her hair behind her ear.
"Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I'll say goodnight till it be morrow." he kissed her, lightly on the lips, and hurried out of the room. He left the house, and hurried home.
* * * * *
There was a knock on the door, and Jen jumped up from the couch to answer it. It was late, and her grandmother had retired for the night. It actually was only nine o'clock. She walked over to the door, and opened it shocked to see who she saw.
"Hey, gorgeous. Can I come in?" Pacey asked.
"Yeah,...sure." Jen said, moving so he could walk by. "What are you doing here, Pacey?" she asked as she shut the door behind him.
"Well, I know this a sore spot for you probably...." he said walking to the couch in the living room.
"What?" she asked, curious.
"You and I have to arrange a little romantic setting for Dawson and Joey. I mean, if you are okay with it?" he said. He hoped she would help him. Without her help it would be very hard.
"No, no Pacey." she said shaking her head. "I'll help you. I know there is no possible future for me and Dawson, and I know that in his heart he loves Joey, not me." she walked up to him.
"Great....so, lets put our heads together, and see what we can come up with for them, shall we?" Pacey said, smiling his Cheshire cat smile.
"Let's." Jen said smiling.
* * * * *
Joey woke up wanting to go swimming. She had no idea why. Joey got out of bed, and took out her swim suit. She had this strange feeling that Dawson would be at the beach this morning. Not sure how she knew but she wanted to see if her feelings were true. She got in her bikini as fast as she could, and without waking her nephew. She saw her bedroom clock, it read 12:34 p.m. It was afternoon, and she was sure no one would be there this early. No one ever is. She picked up her CD player and a few CD's t listen to. Joey picked up her duffel bag, placed the CD player, her CD's and suntan lotion inside the bag. On her way out of the house, she grabbed a towel from the bathroom closet, and headed out the door. She walked out the house, leaving no note as to where she was going for Bessie and Bodie. Joey wasn't concerned if they knew where she was, or what she was doing. All she knew is she didn't want to work this Saturday. She started for the beach. A part of her was hoping her feelings about Dawson were false.
* * * * *
Dawson was sitting at the beach, starring at the ocean, and all the seagulls flying over the ocean. He went swimming for a little while, and had taken off his shirt before diving him. He had just gotten out a little while ago, he laid back on the sand, knowing that his back, and hair will be covered with sand when he got up. He had gone swimming on the last minute, he was only on the beach for a walk this morning, and had decided to take a swim. The currents got strong out a little ways, so he came back in before they grabbed him. He was lost in thought. He thought about his dreams, he thought about Joey, and how beautiful she looked last night when he kissed her. She was his best friend and what he was worried about most of all was the fact that he didn't want their relationship to change. He wanted them, if anything, to remain friends if they got together...and if they didn't work out. He didn't want to think about it. He heard Paula Abdul's "Opposites Attract" coming from a little ways on the beach on his right, he sat up a little ways, and saw a girl. She looked familiar to him, but he couldn't see her face very well. He got up, and started walking toward her. The closer he got the more he could make out what she was doing. She was setting up a blanket, then placed a duffel bag next to it. She turned around and starred at the ocean, taking off her shorts as she did. She looked fabulous in her bikini. She took off into the water, yelling a happy laugh ad the water touched her feet. It was cold he knew that, and he hoped she was a good swimmer. For she was heading out to the place where the currents were very strong. The answer to that question came to an answer when he saw her struggling to stay above water. He ran without thinking twice to save her. He did it on pure adrenaline rush. He ignored the coldness of the water, and just started swimming toward her. She was about out of strength, and was started to disappear under water. He reached just as he started to float above the water. He wrapped his arm around her neck and began swimming back to the beach, after making sure her head was above water. He didn't take the time to see who it was, all he was concerned about was getting her safely to shore. He reached shore, and laid her on her back, her brown hair covered her face. He moved her hair out of the way, and was taken back by who it was.
" Joey!" he said, terrified he began to do CPR quickly to save his best friend....the woman he loved more than life it self.
The CPR worked, after the second time she started to cough up water, and he lifted her up. Slowly he helped her up and walked her to her beach towel she had laying on the sand. She hadn't recognized him yet. He sat down on the sand next to the towel, she was holding her hand over her chest, as she turned to see who saved her.
"Dawson?" she said, confused.
"Are you alright Joey?" he asked, his voice full of concern.
"Yeah, thanks for saving me,...I didn't know the currents were so strong out there." she said trying to laugh at her stupidness.
"Anytime, next time wait and make sure you aren't alone....the way most heroines die is they are alone, or look before they leap. If you know what I mean?" he said smiling.
"Yeah, I do." she said, smiling back at him. Her CD player began playing "State Of Attraction" by Paula Abdul.
" Such a mess, such a funny feeling
I must confess, I never felt like this before
Runnin' hot, runnin' my emotions
Your lovin' shock, goes through me like an open door
Ooh my heart's an animation
You got me beating in double time."
Dawson moved her hair away from her lips, and she felt herself catch a breath. She knew this wasn't a dream, and so did he. SO what was he doing? Was he going to kiss her? She had a strong feeling that she wanted him too.
"This is strange, this is all a new thing
What a change, I know that real life ain't like this
Goin' mad, going' past the love zone
Got it bad, got it so I can't resist
I'm in a deep suspension
A limbo void of time...."
Dawson and Joey sat there starring at each other. Dawson wanted to kiss her, but what if she would pull away? That was the thought that kept plaguing him. That kept him from just doing it. She was shaking and he pulled her into his arms, hoping it would warm her a little bit. He brushed her head with his cheek, and kept his arms wrapped around her, his right hand touching the back of her head.
"State of attraction
Somehow you make my body come alive
My arms wanna hold ya
My lips wanna kiss
Ya make me want to want you
Pick and roll me off the wall"
Joey felt safe in Dawson's arms when he pulled her close to try and keep her warm. She was in heaven, at least this was the closest she has been to it any ways. She didn't want to let him go, she wanted to stay like this forever. But she knew it wouldn't happen. Especially when he let her go.
"I'm gonna go get my shirt over there, and you can slip that on, at least it would be a little warmer than your wet beach towel," he said as he got up and started jogging over to when he had left his shirt. She watched him as he also grabbed his jacket.
"Here," Dawson said handing her his shirt. He watched as she pulled it over her head. Then he handed her his jacket, and she put it on.
Dawson started to pack her stuff up, when she stopped him by touching his arm.
" What are you doing, Dawson? I am not going home yet. Its only.." she looked at his watch. "Its only 2:30 p.m."
"But after what happened.." Dawson said trying to come up with a good reason.
"I can still watch the ocean, and all the beautiful scenery here. Right?" she said, smiling her convincing smile.
" Yeah, you're right." he sat down next to her and watched the scenery with her.
* * * * *
Joey watched from the beach a boat that looked familiar to her sail by. It was Anderson. He was going home. And she was glad, either his parents weren't with him, or they changed their minds. In any case she was glad. There could have been no way she could have let him in her heart. The only one that could do that was Dawson, because he already in her heart. And no one could ever replace him. He had gone home a while ago, but first they chased each other across the beach, and they had both fallen into the water. She wasn't afraid of the water, like most people get after a crisis like what happened to her. Probably cause she was with someone who showed he wouldn't let nothing happen to her. She lost herself on daydreams, and fantasies of her and Dawson until the sun almost touched the top of the ocean. She got up, gathered her stuff, and walked home.
* * * * *
Dawson had stopped off at a flower store, he hand picked about six roses, and six white roses. And signed a card saying from secret admirer. The lady behind the counter asked if they were for someone he loved, or just picking them for someone else. He said it was for the only woman in his life that has ever mattered, and she smiled and gave him his change back. He left and walked to Joey's as quickly as he could. He found the front door was left slightly ajar by Bessie and Bodie when they left. They must have figured Joey forgot her house key, and left it open to where she could get in. Thinking he got a brilliant idea. He left a red rose on one pillow in her room, and a white one on the other pillow. He left a white and red rose on her window sill, and made a trail from the front door to her room with the rest of them. He left the card on the front door as he left.
* * * * *
Pacey was walking home after seeing Jen. They had made some great plans, and he was sure one of them would work. He saw Joey walking to her house from the beach, he ran up to her to talk to her.
"Hey, Joe. What's new?" he asked, he saw she was wet, and she had all her beach supplies. Including her CD player. "Went to the beach, huh?"
"Yea, Pacey. What's it to you?" Joey asked, she knew she snapped at him but she was in the middle of a daydream, and it was a really nice one with Dawson.
"Hey, nice kitty." he said, holding up his hands in defense.
"Sorry, Pacey. What do you want though?" she asked, as they reached her place.
Before Pacey responded he saw the note on the door, and looked at Joey. She was busy looking for the house key. There was actually two notes on the door. One from Bessie and Bodie, the other was like a small card with Joey written on it neatly.
"Joey...Look at the door.." Pace said.
"Oh,..." Joey said as she took the note from Bessie first. It read:
Joe,
You left your key in your room. I left the door ajar for you to get in. See you later.
Love,
Bessie
Joey, took the other note off the door, and looked at Pacey, then back at the note. She flipped opened the envelope, and read:
To Joey Potter
From: A secret admirer
Joey, opened the door, and found a trail of white and red roses leading to her room. Her and Pacey picked them up. They found eight leading to her room, and found four more in her room. Two on her pillows, and two on her window sill. Joey turned to look at Pacey, wondering if he knew who had done this. All he did was shrug his shoulders, he was as confused as she was. Pacey would have thought of Dawson, but this was out of character for him. Was it?