“Starting Over”
By: Moneypenny



Prologue

  Dawson waited inside impatiently for Joey. Where the hell is she, he
thought. She was over a twenty minutes late for movie night. He decided
to go downstairs and call her to see what’s up. He left his room and
promptly barreled into his mother.
 “Sorry, Mom,” he murmured, continuing to walk past her.
“Wait, Dawson,” Mrs. Leery grabbed his arm. “We need to talk.”
 “Okay, but can it wait? I need to call Joey. She is really late for
movie night, and I want to make sure nothing happened to her.”
 “Dawson, I called Joey a little while ago and told her not to comeover.”
 Dawson’s mouth dropped open. “Why the heck did you do that?”
“I told you, we need to talk. I’m sorry I canceled your plans, but I’m
calling a family meeting.”
 This sounds serious, Dawson thought. “Okay, I understand, but shouldn’t
we wait for Dad to come back first?”
 “Actually, I already discussed this with your father. We both agreed I
should talk to you.” She led Dawson back to his room and they both sat
on his bed. “Mom,” Dawson swallowed. “You and Dad aren’t getting…”
 “No,” Mrs. Leery hastened to reassure him. “Nothing like that at all.
But we still need to discuss this with you. Don’t worry, it’s nothingbad.”
 “Okay, shoot.”
 “I really don’t know where to begin. Do you still talk to your step
cousin Jessica a lot?”
 “Right of now, I haven’t heard from her in months. Not since thetrial.”
 “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Jessica’s been having a
hard time, even though the trial was over awhile ago.”
 “I’m not surprised,” Dawson shook his head. “I still can’t believe what
happened. She and her family must be going through hell.”
 “You two always got along well, right?’
 “Mom,” he laughed. “I haven’t seen her for like, two years.” He looked
at her curiously. “Why do you ask?”
 “Okay, I’ll come to the point. Jessie is having problems, especially
with her mother. Her father called a month ago. After talking it over
with your father, I suggested that Jessica might try staying here for a
few months. Just temporarily. But,” she paused, trying to gauge Dawson’s
reaction; “it all depends on you. So, what do you say?”
 Dawson was silent for a few minutes. Finally he said,” What are we
waiting for? Of course she can stay with us.”
“Thank you,” Mrs. Leery cried, hugging him. “This will mean so much toher.”
 “No problem. I’m looking forward to having her stay with us myself.”
 Mrs. Leery stood up. “I’ll call them right now.” She left, but came
back a moment later. “Dawson,” she said seriously. “Please remember not
to tell anyone, not even Joey, exactly why Jessica is here. She is
trying to get away from all of that.” “Jeez, Mom. I would never do that.”
~One Week Later~
 “So, tell me about this mysterious cousin.” Pacey ordered. Dawson, Joey
and Pacey were sitting at Dawson’s kitchen table.
 “Actually, she’s a step cousin. Her grandfather married my grandmother
seven years ago. Her name is Jessica Brooks, she’s 16, a sophomore, and
a Pisces, I think.”
“Okay, that’s nice and all, but give me some real information. Is she
cute? Is she my type?”
 Dawson laughed. “Cute? She’s my cousin, Pacey. That’s incestuous.”
 “Step cousin,” Pacey corrected. “And you still haven’t answered myquestion.”
 “Yeah, I guess she is.” Dawson said reflectively. He didn’t notice
Joey’s tense expression.  “Mom,” he called to the other room. “Do we
have a picture of Jessica?”
Mrs. Leery walked in with a photo album and began flipping through the
pages. “Here it is.”
 Dawson saw the picture and started to laugh. “Do we have a more recent
picture?” He showed his friends a snapshot of ten year old Jessica in a
white gymnastics leotard.
 “I’ll look for it, but I doubt it. Maybe there are some in the other
albums in the living room,” she said thoughtfully, leaving them.
 “Actually, Dawson, she is pretty cute,” Pacey remarked.
 “Pervert. I can’t believe you’re getting off on a ten year old.” Joey
said disgustedly. It was the first thing she had said during the whole
conversation. “Why hello to you too, Joey. For awhile there, I thought you had
forgotten how to speak.” Pacey shot back sarcastically.
 “Enough, you guys.” Dawson said tiredly. “She started it.” Pacey complained.
 “Why is she staying with you, anyway?”  Joey asked suddenly.
 “Well,” Dawson stalled, remembering his promise to his mother; “She is
having problems at home. That’s all.”
 Pacey looked at the kitchen clock. “Shoot, I have to go. My shift is
starting in a few minutes. Catch you later.”
“Bye Pace,” Dawson called, watching his friend leave through the front
door. Then he turned his attention back to Joey. “Jo, what’s wrong?
You’ve barely said a thing all afternoon.”
 “Nothing… So, is she going to stay until the end of the school year?”
 “Yes,” he frowned. “Joey, are you cool about this Jessica thing?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” “I don’t know, you’ve been really quiet.”
 “Listen it’s nothing,” she reassured him. “I need to go. Bessie is
expecting me.” He walked her out and kissed her goodbye.
 “Wait,” Dawson called. Joey turned around. “Do you want to come to the
airport with us tomorrow afternoon?”
 “Sorry, I can’t. Work. But we can all get together the day after.”
 “All right then.”~At the Airport~
 “Mom, I don’t see her anywhere.” Dawson clutched the photo of ten year
old Jessica. “We should have asked for a more recent photograph.”
 Mr. Leery jogged over. “Any sign of her?”
 “Nothing? Did you find out anything?’ Mrs. Leery asked.
 “Well, the plane from Los Angeles definitely landed here over an hour
ago. But that’s it.”
 “Gail! Dawson! Mitch! Over here!” Someone called from the opposite end
of the baggage carousel. The Leeries turned around and saw Jessica run
over, lugging two heavy suitcases and a duffel bag. She dropped her
stuff when she reached them.  They all stared unbelievably at each other
for a second, then Mrs. Leery broke the spell and bent down to hug
Jessica. “My, have you grown up,” she murmured as she hugged her stepniece.
 Mr. Leery hugged her next. “You’re as beautiful as your mother.”
“Thanks, Mitch.” Jessica turned to Dawson. She looked fresh and
surprisingly wholesome. A familiar grin broke out on her face. “Well,
are you going to hug me, or not?”
 He laughed and gave her a huge bear hug. When he pulled away, Dawson
said teasingly, “I think you’re wrong, Mom. It doesn’t look like Jessica
has grown at all.” The top of her head barely reached his shoulder. “How
tall are you anyway?”
 She gave him a fake scowl. “Tall enough to beat you up.” Then she
added. “5’2 and a half. You?”“6 even, thank you very much.”
“Well, aren’t you a tall drink of water.” She rolled her eyes at him.
Dawson laughed again. “Don’t ever change, Jess.”
 “Why should I change? Haven’t I always been perfect?”~Back at Dawson’s House~
 “So, what do you want to do now that you’ve called your parents?”
Dawson asked Jessica. “Do you want to rest after your flight?”
“No, I don’t need to. You only get jet lag on the way back, right?” She
shrugged.  She sat down on the couch and patted the place by her with
her hand. “Come on. Let’s catch up. Reminisce about our lost youth.”
He sat down beside her. “Lost youth? I’m 15, you just turned 16. We’re
not that old.”
“I know, but don’t you sometimes long for the carefree innocence of the
past? The days when all you worried about is getting home from school in
time to see Muppet Babies? Do you? Or am I just weird?” She looked at
him, a little worried.
“Hey, you’re talking to the guy who devotes his whole life to E.T..
Actually, according to my friends, my days of ‘carefree innocence’ are
far from over.”
“Yeah, I know. But sometimes I feel everyone is getting older and I’m
the one staying the same. I mean, did you ever look at your father and
realize his hair isn’t just thinning on top anymore, it is now a huge
bald spot he tries to cover with a bad comb-over? And then you realize
your dad isn’t pushing forty anymore, he’s only a year or two from
fifty. And according to statistics, he’ll be dead in like fifteen
years.” She stopped suddenly, and leaned back, defeated. “God, am Idepressing.”
Dawson cleared his throat. He didn’t quite know how to take what she
said. His father’s hairline had been receding for as long as he
remembered. “Why don’t we watch some TV?” He suggested, reaching for the
remote. He didn’t know what to expect in the next months, but one thing
was for sure; Jessica was going to be one interesting houseguest.
Things warmed up after watching a Beverly Hills 90210 rerun. Jessica had
relaxed, and Dawson was more used to what came out of her mouth. They
were nostalgically flipping through an old photo album.
“Look, there we are at Grandma and Grandpa’s wedding. Don’t I look cute
as a flower girl?” Jessica pointed to a picture.
“Yes…I always thought you looked lovely in…What’s that color?”
“Salmon.” She made a face.
“Yeah, fish looks good on you.” Dawson teased. She punched him in thearm.
“Remember what happened after the reception?”“When?”
“When our parents left us alone in the hotel room.”
“Oh yeah.” He smirked. “And they only left your little sister tochaperone us.”
“Big mistake. But I did get my first kiss.” She smiled mischievously.
“Mine too.” He turned the page.“Dawson, do you remember what I said to you?”
“How could I forget? You told me to kiss you or I would have to take off
all my clothes and throw them out the window.”
She laughed. “I can’t believe I said that. I was only eight at thetime.”
“I know, but you know what they say about girls from LA.” His voice
trailed off suggestively.
Jessica punched him in the arm again. “Now, what exactly do they say?”
Lucky for Dawson, the doorbell rang at that exact moment. “Excuse me,”
he said, jumping up to answer it.
It was Joey. “Hey,” Dawson greeted. “I was wondering when you were going
to show. Jess is in the living room.”
I can hardly wait, Joey thought as she followed Dawson into the living
room. I wonder if this is going to be like Jen all over again.
“Hi, I’m Jessica” Jessica extended her right hand.
“Joey Potter” She shook it. “It’s nice to meet you. Well, not under
these circumstances, that is.”
Jessica threw a sharp glance at Dawson. “Circumstances?”
“I told Joey you were having some trouble at home, that’s all.” Dawson
intervened.She relaxed. “Joey, you’re Dawson’s girlfriend, right?”
Joey looked hesitantly at Dawson. “Yeah, I guess,” she said awkwardly.
At the same moment, Dawson said, “Not really. It’s complicated.” Joey
looked at him, little pissed. He looked embarrassed.
Noticing the exchange, Jessica knew not to probe for any further
details. “Isn’t it all,” she said diplomatically.
“Why don’t we all see a movie tonight? I’ll call and see what’s
playing.” Dawson suggested. Not waiting for an answer, he escaped to thekitchen.
“So…” Jessica started.“So what?” Joey answered back.
“Dawson’s told me a lot about you.”
Joey looked at her skeptically. “Oh really? I just love it when he tells
complete strangers my life story.”
Jessica stared at her for a moment, trying to figure her out. She
started to feel stupid, trying to talk to someone who wasn’t even
looking in her direction. “Excuse me,” she said politely as she left the
room. What a head case, she thought as she climbed the stairs. She
flopped onto her bed and decided to write a letter to a friend in
California. Dawson joined her a few minutes later.
“Whatcha doing?” He asked, sitting down next to her.
“Just writing a letter to my friend Kate.”
“Do you want to see Saving Private Ryan with us?”
Jessica rolled over onto her back. “Are you serious?”
Not understanding, Dawson said defensively, “Hey, it’s Spielberg, and it
got good reviews.”
“Yeah, whatever.” She rolled her eyes. The boy was oblivious. “Dawson,
did I ever tell you how much I admire your courage in the face ofdanger?”
“Uhh, no.”She patted him on the knee in a friendly way. “Have fun without me.”
He stood up. “Are you sure?”
Jessica nodded, then stretched, feigning a yawn. “Positive. I’m kinda
tired from my flight, actually.”“Okay. See ya later tonight.”“Right.”
~Downstairs~“So is she coming?” Joey asked while Dawson put on his jacket.
“No, she said she was tired. Ready to go?” He offered her his hand.
Joey smiled and took it. She was secretly relieved that Jessica had
decided not to come. Maybe this won’t be another Jen episode. Jessica
seems to be into her own thing. Maybe I can actually be friends withher. Maybe.
~Back Upstairs~
Jessica regretted not going to the movies. Being alone in an unfamiliar
house was unnerving, to say the least. Her aunt and uncle were at this
couple’s therapy session; they wouldn’t be back until nine.  Dawson
definitely wasn’t going to be back for awhile. The doorbell interrupted
her thoughts. She silently crept downstairs and peeked through the
window. It was a blond girl around her age. She didn’t look particularly
dangerous, so Jessica decided to open the door.“Hi.”
The blond girl looked startled to see her there. Then her expression
cleared. “Oh! You must be Dawson’s cousin, Jessica.”
“Yep, that’s me. And you are…”
“I’m Jen Lindley. I live next door.” Jen bit her lip. “Um, is Dawsonaround?”
“You just missed him. He went to the movies with Joey a little whileago.”
Jen’s face fell. “Oh. It was nice meeting you.” She turned to leave.
Jessica noticed her disappointment. Dawson had told her quite a bit
about Jen over the phone. She couldn't help but feel sorry for her.“Hey, Jen.”
Jen looked at her expectantly.
“Would you like to wait here and hang out with me until Dawson comesback?”
Jen smiled, and said “Sure.”~In Jessica’s Room~
“Sorry if it’s a mess. I haven’t finished unpacking,” Jessicaapologized.
“No problem. I moved here last fall, and my room is still a mess.”
“From New York, right?”“Yep. You’re from California, right?”
“Yeah” An awkward silence. Jessica breaks the silence, “ So do you know
Joey Potter?”“ Do I ever.” Jen looked like she might say more, but broke off,
embarrassed.
“Listen,” Jessica began. “Dawson already told me about the little love
triangle last year. And I met Joey already. She kind of gave me the cold
shoulder.”
“Oh, don’t let her bother you. Joey’s always hard on new people. Believe
me, I know from experience.” Jen changed the subject, “ Hey, when did
your plane get in?”“ A few hours ago. Why?”
“ Then I guess you haven’t had an official tour of Capeside yet, haveyou?”
“Nope, Dawson ditched me after he found out that I don’t likeSpielberg.”
 “ What, you’re not a Spielberg fan?” Jen said in a mock amazement.
“ Hell no!” The two laughed.“So how about that tour?”~On Capeside Mainstreet~
“There’s the movie theater, and there’s the Ice House,” Jen said,
pointing to a building across the street.
“Jen! Hey Jen!” A football player called from across the street.
Jen turned around. “Hi, Cliff.” She motioned him over.
He jogged across the street. “How’s it going?”
“It’s going, I guess. I like you to meet Jessica Brooks. She’s Dawson
Leery’s cousin.”
Seeing a chance to suck up not so subtly to Jen, Cliff said in a bright
voice, “I’m Cliff. It’s so nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too.” Jessica smiled slightly at Jen. Jen rolled her
eyes back in return.~At the Video Store~
Pacey was bored to death. He was manning the store by himself, and not a
single customer had come in for over an hour. It’s just my luck to be
stuck working on a Saturday night. He didn’t normally work Saturday
nights; he usually hung out with Dawson and Joey if they weren’t busy.
But ever since they had started jumping each other’s bones, Pacey had
felt out of the loop. Three was now a crowd.
He glanced idly out of the window. Across the street he saw Jen talking
with Cliff. A girl Pacey didn’t recognize was hanging out with them. She
was tiny, shorter even than Jen, with dark brown hair. Not exactly his
type, but cute nonetheless. He decided to lock up the store and get Jen
to introduce him. It was against store policy, but hey, Pacey was in
need of some girl action in his life.
He locked the door and started to cross the street.
“Witter!” Pacey turned and groaned. The assistant manager, John had just
returned from his break. “Where the hell are you going? You’re still on
for three more hours.”
“I’m going on an early break,” Pacey informed him. He continued to walk
across the street.Jen and the girl were gone.
“Damn,” he muttered. Defeated, he returned to the video store.
~Back at Dawson’s House, in Jessica’s Room~
“Oh my God. That was sooo funny,” Jessica giggled. “Does Cliff always
slobber over you like that?”
“Almost always,” Jen confided. “Even though I told him awhile ago that
it wouldn’t work. He still persists, though.” She sighed heavily.
“Oh, don’t give me that,” Jessica rolled her eyes. “Like you don’t know
the effect you have over guys.”“Hey, I take offense to that-”
“Now, now don’t get angry,” Jessica smiled. “You’re too nice for me to
hate you on your gorgeousness alone.”“Gee, thanks.”
“No, seriously. You’re blond, got a nice smile and a va-voom body. If
you were from California, I’d say you were a classic California dream
girl.” She saw Jen frown. “Now, don’t look at me like that. I’m not
saying a guy won’t appreciate you for your personality or sense of
humor. Just appreciate what you’ve got, girl. And let the rest of us
wish we were as blessed.”“Jess, you sound like you envy me.”
“Well, maybe I do.” She stood in front on the mirror above her dresser.
“After all, I am only a girl. I am prone to bouts of insecurity like
everyone else.”
Jen touched her shoulder. “Believe me, you don’t have anything to worry
about,” she said sincerely.
“I’m too short, and look at my arms. They’re getting a little twiggy.
And my body looks like a twelve year old’s. If it wasn’t for the size of
my chest, people will be asking me what junior high I went to.”
“You’ve got pretty blue eyes, a great smile, and I love your hair.
Besides,” Jen said in a teasing tone, “Who care if you don’t have a butt
or any hips? You’ll be glad of that in the next ten years.”
~Outsisde of Dawson’s House~
Dawson had forgotten his key, and the front door was locked. Not wanting
to disturb his cousin, he climbed the ladder to enter the house. He
heard voices in the room next to his, and stiffened, not recognizing
them at first. Then he relaxed, identifying them as Jessica’s and Jen’s.
He slipped through the adjoining bathroom, and stood outside of her
door. They were talking about their bodies. Dawson stayed outside,
quietly listening in.
Jessica looked in the mirror again, and saw Dawson’s reflection in the
mirror. She screamed and whirled around.“Dawson!” she yelled.
“Dawson!” Jen yelled.“Sorry,” he mumbled, and tried to slink away.
“No, come back,” Jessica commanded, grabbing his wrist and dragging him
back into her room. “I need your opinion.”
“What about?” Dawson asked, interested.
“Do you think more guys prefer my body type or Jen’s?”
“Body type?” Dawson squeaked.
“Oh, honestly, Dawson!” Jessica sighed. “If we’re going to be living
together, you are going to be a brother-like figure. So, get used to
these questions. Do guys like curvy bodies like Jen’s, or anorexic
bodies like mine?”
“C’mon, you don’t look anorexic, Jessica.” Jen interrupted. “You really
should work on that self image.”
“Just let him answer the question,” Jessica said, winking at Jen.
“Well,” Dawson began self-importantly. “Body preferences differ from guy
to guy. A lot of guys would like Jen’s type of figure. She’s very, err
well proportioned. But nothing’s wrong with your figure either. Your
body is very, um compact from all the running you do. I’d say your
figure is very Sarah Michelle Gellar-ish.”
“Excellent,” Jessica smirked. “I can kick ass and never worry about
having a bad hair day, then.”“Now, don’t misunderstand me.” Dawson protested.
“Okay, okay. I just thought of what the three of us can do. We can have
a Jaws marathon.” She turned to Jen. “Dawson’s got all four movies.”
“Why am I not surprised?”
“Hey, I resent that. You may not share my obsession, but you couldaccept it.”
“I’d like to join in the fun, kiddies, but I promised Grams I would be
home by ten, and hey, look it’s ten now.”
“Okay, I’ll walk you to the door,” Jessica followed Jen out. Then she
went up and joined Dawson in his room.
“Ready to be afraid of ever going into the water again?” Dawson asked,
setting up the VCR.~Hours Later~
“You know, if you’re tired, we don’t have to see Jaws’ Revenge.” Dawson
sleepily told her.“What time is it?”“It’s six o’clock in the morning.”
“No, I’ll survive. It’s only another two hours.” In minutes, she was
asleep. Dawson joined her a few minutes later.~ 9 A.M.~
Joey climbed up her ladder to Dawson’s bedroom. She pried open the
window and stuck one leg in. she glanced over to Dawson’s bed and
realized he wasn’t the only occupant. What the hell… She tried to pull
her other leg in, but lost her balance and crashed to the floor. Both
Dawson and Jessica sat up simultaneously.
“Sorry about that, guys,” Joey whispered. She went back through thewindow.
Dawson and Jessica looked at each other, confused, and went back tosleep.
~10 A.M.~Pacey climbed up the ladder and slipped through Dawson’s window. He saw
Joey sleeping by him, on her stomach, her head buried under a pillow.
“Jo,” he whispered loudly. “Sleeping Beauty, wake up.”No response.
“Joey, come on.” He shook her shoulder and pulled the pillow off her
head. She still didn’t move, so he shook her harder. She finally rolled
over onto her back and opened her eyes.It wasn’t Joey.
The girl screamed and jumped off the bed. It was the girl from last
night. Pacey was so surprised he didn’t see the punch coming.
It was slightly off center, and not particularly powerful. Pacey was hit
square in the cheek and he went down for the count.
The girl stood above him, ready to kick him in the groin. “Don’t you
dare move, mother f***er.” She grabbed Dawson’s E.T. doll and waved it
as if to smash it on his head.
“Jess, what are you doing?” Dawson asked. He had just woken up to all
the commotion.
“Dawson, quick, get a baseball bat or something. We’ve got an intruder.”
The girl ordered.
“Jessica, that’s my best friend Pacey. You can let him go now.” He stood
up and helped Pacey up. “Are you okay?”“Yeah… Who the hell is that?”
“Oh, that’s my cousin Jessica.” Dawson informed him.
“Wait, you know this guy?” Jessica asked.
“Yeah, I already told you that. This is Pacey.”
“Why the hell doesn’t anyone use the door in this freaking town?”
Jessica screeched. She stomped out of his room, to the bathroom.
“What side of the family is she from?” Pacey wondered.
Dawson just shook his head. “Lets get some breakfast,” he suggested.
Pacey followed him down to the kitchen.~In the Kitchen~
“Fruit Loops okay?” Dawson asked. Pacey nodded and sat down while Dawson
got out the milk.
This is great, Pacey thought. I finally meet a girl I’m interested in,
and she beats the crap out of me before I can even say ‘hello’. Not to
mention that’s she is Dawson’s cousin. We all know how protective Dawson
is over ‘his’ women. She is definitely off limits. Life sucks.
Jessica joined them ten minutes later. Her hair was still wet from the
shower and she looked a lot calmer.
“How’s your face?” she asked, very embarrassed.
“Bruised.” Now that Jessica was here, he had to face the humiliation of
being beat up by a girl.
“I’m really sorry about that.” She opened the freezer and got an ice
pack. She handed it to him. “Here, put this on your face.”
He pushed her hand away. “I don’t need it.”
Jessica persisted anyway, putting it against his cheek herself. It was
freezing cold. “Damn, just leave me alone!” he shouted.
“Pacey, there’s no need.” Dawson said quietly. To Jessica he said,
“Don’t pay any attention to him.”
Jessica put the pack down angrily. “You’re right, Dawson. I won’t pay
any attention to him.” She ran upstairs.
Pacey felt terrible. He stirred his Fruit Loops restlessly. Dawson
stared at him like a specimen.“Fine, I’ll apologize.” He stood up.
“Don’t do anything you don’t want to,” Dawson told him matter-of-factly.
“Okay, okay, I want to. I know I acted like an ass.” He headed upstairs.
Pacey knocked on her door.“Who’s there?’“It’s me, Pacey. Can I come in?”
“I guess.” Pacey was surprised. He expected her to yell at him or hit
him again. He opened the door.
“I’m sorry for yelling at you. It wasn’t your fault.”
“I’m sorry for hitting you. I’m not used to people coming throughwindows yet.”
“Why don’t we start over?”
“Okay.” She stood up. “My name is Jessica Brooks. I’m Dawson’s cousin.”
She offered her hand.
He shook it. “My name is Pacey Witter. I’m Dawson’s best friend.”
“Nice to meet you, Pacey.”“Pleasure’s mine, Jessica.” They smiled at each other.
~Monday, Capeside High School~
“So, how’s it going?” Pacey asked Jessica when he finally met up with
her at lunch. It was the first time he saw her all day.
“It’s going good.” She saw Cliff pass by her with some of his friends.
“Hey, Cliff.”“Hi, Jessica. I want you to meet some friends of mine, Grant and
Warren.”“What’s up, Jessica?” Grant said.
“Have you been using Windex, Jessica?” Warren asked.
Jessica gave him a funny look. “No. Why?”
“Because for some reason I can see myself in your pants. Get it?”
 She just stared at him. Pacey groaned loudly.
Warren scowled at him. “Got a problem, loser?” To Jessica, “So, do you
want to get together some time?”
“Warren, have you been using Windex? Because for some reason, I can see
myself saying no.” She grabbed Pacey’s arm and dragged him to the
cafeteria. She saw Dawson flagging them over, and they joined him.
“Hey, Jen, hey Joey,” she said perkily.
“Hi Jess. Saw ya talking to Cliff,” Jen raised an eyebrow questioningly.
“Don’t worry, I won’t make a move on your man,” she teased. “But Warren,
that’s a real man.” She smiled at Pacey.
“What, you don’t mean Warren the football player, do you?” Joey asked.
“Because you should stay away from him.”
“I don’t think Jessica will have a problem with that.” Pacey told them
what happened. “But our Jess is good, she’s real good. She didn’t even
act the least bit embarrassed. I don’t think Warren realized she blewhim off.”
“Please, let’s change the subject,” Jessica groaned. She pulled her
schedule out of her pocket. “Does anyone know who Coach Kelmer is?”
Pacey choked on his soda. “Coach Kelmer?” Everyone exchanged a knowing
look. The day in detention came back in a flash.“Yeah, he’s the track coach.”
“You’re a jock?” Joey said in disbelief. “I thought you were more of the
cheerleader type.”
“Jess, don’t take offense to that,” Dawson told her. “Jessica’s cross
country team won state last year,” he informed the general company.
“Wow, that’s awesome,” Jen said. “I had no idea you were so talented.”
“Well, we had a really good team last year. And everyone had a perfect
race. No problems or injuries whatsoever.” She smiled nostalgically.
“How’s the team at this school?”
Everyone shook his or her heads. “I wouldn’t know. I’m not into sports,”
Jen confessed.“You’re kidding. None of you guys play on any of the teams?”
“Sorry, we’re not that multi-talented. Besides, we all agree the special
treatment jocks get is unfair and undeserved,” Joey remarked.
“You’re right,” Jessica answered blandly.~After School at the Video Store~
“So, is there anything you recommend?” Jessica asked, looking at rows of
new releases.
“Please, just because I work at the store doesn’t mean I know anything,”
Pacey picked up a pile of videos to put back on the shelf.
“Do you have a girlfriend, Pacey?”
Pacey nearly dropped the videos. “No. Are you volunteering?” He gave her
his most charming smile.
“No, just asking. It’s a pretty normal, get- to- know -you question.”
“Do you have one?”“No, I go for guys.”
“You know what I mean. Do you have a boyfriend?”
“No.” She saw his look of surprise. “Should I take your surprise as a
good thing?”
“Yeah, you should.” He watched her read the back of a video case. “Were
you surprised that I didn’t have a girlfriend? Be honest.”
“Sure I was. You’re funny, smart, and cute,” she said with impersonal
accuracy, still reading the case. “And you seem like the type to go
after what you want.”“Do you like that type?”
She looked up, thoughtful. “I guess so. It’s definitely better than the
type that drags his ass, trying to make a decision.”
“You mean the kind of bull**** Dawson is famous for.”
Her face broke out in a smile.  “Exactly. But enough about me. How do
you feel about lesbians?”“Excuse me?”
“I want to rent Chasing Amy.” He looked at her blankly. “What, you never
heard of the movie? Why do you work here?”
“Is that an invitation for me to join you?”
“You do catch on fast.” They walked to the front, and he checked out the
movie for her.
As they left the store, Pacey said, “You know, I kinda like the idea of
girl on girl…”“Sorry, Pacey, but it’s not that type of movie. We can’t watch
pornography with Dawson around. Jen might be okay though. What aboutJoey?”
~At Dawson’s House~
“Honey, we’re home,” Jessica called as soon as she and Pacey entered the
house. “We’re here to give you an education.”
“What did you get?” Dawson asked from the top of the stairs.
“Can’t tell you, it’s a surprise. Why don’t you call up Joey and invite
her over?”“She’s working tonight.” The disappointment was evident in his voice.
“Well, I’m calling up Jen, so I don’t feel outnumbered.”~Ten Minutes Later~
“Popcorn’s ready,” Jessica lugged a huge bowl. “Jen, will you get the
sodas? And I call the last real Coke.”
“Not so fast,” Dawson grabbed the Coke from Jen. “I want the last Coke.”
Jessica set the bowl down on the counter. “But I called it.”
“Well, I have it now.”
“Not for long.” Jessica charged at Dawson. He ran to the other side of
the kitchen table, so she started chasing him.
After watching them go around three times, Jen remarked to Pacey, “You
know, this could go on all night.”
“I don’t think so. Jess is the track star, she’ll eventually catch him,”
Pacey pointed out.
“But Dawson’s running for his life, so he’ll be the one to get away.”
“Someone has to stop them.” Pacey stepped in front of Jessica when she
came around again and caught her in his arms.
“Hey, what are you doing?” She yelled, laughing.
“I had to stop you guys.” He smiled down at her. “I liked that. Can we
do it again?”“Thanks, Pace.” Dawson barely caught his breath.
“Honestly, Dawson. You’re like a foot taller and fifty pounds heavier
than Jessica is. Why didn’t you just hold it above her head?” Jen asked.
“Let’s start the movie. Dawson can have the soda.” Jessica grabbed the
bowl of popcorn and ran upstairs. They followed her.~In Dawson’s Bedroom~
Jessica was already lying down on the bed with all of Dawson’s pillows
under her. She smiled sweetly at Dawson.
Dawson flopped down beside her. “That is so not funny.” Jen grabbed the
chair and Pacey sat down on the bed, on the other side of Jessica, and
started the movie.
“I need a pillow,” Dawson complained. Jessica ignored him and offered
one to Pacey. He accepted.
“Fine. I know what I can use.” He shifted his position and laid his head
down on her stomach. “What a comfortable spot.”
“Bastard,” she muttered. “Take a pillow and leave me alone.”
“If I give Dawson my pillow, can I use you instead?” Pacey asked.
“No, I only let guys use me for sex,” Jessica quipped.
“Nothing’s wrong with that, either,” he began, but Jessica had already
slipped off the bed, onto the floor. She was completely engrossed in the
movie. Pacey sighed and turned his attention to the television.~An Hour Later~
Holden had just confessed his love to Alyssa. She sat there stunned,
listening to him to explain his feelings. Then Alyssa ran off, and
Holden followed her. He asked her what she thought, and she told him to
leave her alone.Jessica stopped the movie suddenly. “Well, guys whatcha think?”
“Kevin Smith isn’t quite Spielberg, but he has a lot of potential,”
Dawson answered.She giggled. “No, about the movie.”
“I think it’s one of my favorite movies now,” Jen said.
“Hey, mine to.” She and Jessica high-fived.
“But what idiot would fall for a lesbian?” Dawson asked.
“Yeah, I know,” Jen added. “Holden shouldn’t have told Alyssa. There was
nothing she could do about his feelings.”
“Guys do that all the time though,” Jessica remarked.
“What, fall for lesbians?” Jen smiled.
“No fall for girls who are not available. Or fall for girls who don’t
want to get involved.”
“I think Holden was right in telling Alyssa. He had to get it off his
chest. And since she was his friend, she should expect him to be honest
with her,” Pacey argued.
“I know if someone confessed his ‘love’ for me right now, I would be
pissed. Especially if the person was a friend who knew I didn’t want a
boyfriend. Or,” Jessica continued, “In Alyssa’s case, if the person knew
that I didn’t go for his type.”“You don’t want a boyfriend?” Jen asked.
“Not here, not now. I think I’ll just enjoy my boyfriend free existence
for now. So what do you say, should we finish the movie?” asked Jessica.

~To Be Continued~